'Charity Suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. - 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7 (Holy Bible - KJV)
Praise Jesus Christ!
In order to effectively walk and prosper in the Christian lifestyle, we must not only possess an innate love for God, but for his creation as well. Jesus declares that, "by this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another" (St. John 13:35 - KJV Holy Bible). Many people have their own definition of what love is. Some see love as an infactuation or feeling. Some see love as performing obligatory things to 'prove' their concern for a particular person. But what Does the Word of God declare love is?
In the above Scripture, we see that according to Jesus, Godly love is patient and kind. If someone says to you that they love you and are not bearing the fruit of what God declares love is, their 'claims' of loving you may in fact be without merit. However, some may not know the Wisdom of God's Word where true love is concerned, and may only be doing their best to love a particular person the only way they know.
Love is something inwhich Christ wants all of us to partake. The world (those who live wordly rather than Godly) hates God and his children. This should not be that much of a shock because the Bible explains that Satan is considered the 'god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4)'. He hates God and all He stands for. Jesus says that the devil savours the things of men, and not of God (St. Matthew 16:23). This simply means that the devil puts a preeminence of accomplishing his desires rather than fulfilling the desires and dictates of the Majesty on High. Is it no wonder then, that much of society does not latch on to the Love and Knowledge of Jesus Christ! For Jesus Himself confessed in the Garden of Gethsemene before His Crucifixion , "...not my will, but thine be done (St. Luke 22:42)". Satan wanted Jesus to act on his manly attributes in terms of doing what felt good to the flesh. He didn't want our Lord and Master to act on His Divinity, doing and acting upon the things of God. We know that the Apostle Paul declares in the Bible that our flesh lusteth against the Spirit, in order that we may not do the things that we want, but be pleasing to God (Galatians 5:17)! Satan wanted Jesus to do what felt good to His Flesh, but thanks be to God that Jesus was obedient to His Father to the end, giving us the true design and model of Love which we now seek to possess.
As with Our Precious Lord and Savior in His time of trial, perfect love requires submission. Although all Christ-like submission is essentially that towards God, it involves mankind as well. For example, the Bible not only declares that wives are to submit themselves to their own husbands, it also declares that we are to submit ourselves one to another in the fear of the Lord (Ephesians 5:21-22). When we submit ourselves, we are loving God, ourselves, and His creation as well. Submission is a form of sacrifice. True love involves sacrifice. Here's another example:
If I have just received a check for $1,000,000. The first thing I would say is thank you JESUS!!! Now, we know that Jesus said the if we love Him, we will keep His Commandments, and His commandents are not Grievous (John 14:15, 1 John 5:3). One of His commands is that we pay our tithes to Him ( the first 10% of our income - Leviticus 27:30). Now tithes of a $100 check would seem to fail in comparison to giving 10% of $1,000,000. However, the principle of love, obedience, and submission should remain the same. In other words, love is shown by actions rather than mere words or suggestioms. For even God Himself gave His Son (John 3:16). He didn't just confess His Love unto us, He backed His love up by His Work (James 2:20). And that is exactly what He's been doing even before the foundation of the world, for God is Love (1 John 4:8).
This is Part 1 of a 5 part series. Next Time we will delve deeper into what true Biblical Love entails. Remember it is 2012! Now is our Salvation nearer than when we first believed (Romans 13:11). Let us who name the Name of Christ truly depart from iniquity (2 Timothy 2:9). The world needs to see what true love is! The world needs to see Jesus through His children. Tell everyone you come in contact with today about Jesus! The Bible says in Malachi 3:16 that God writes a book about those who speak on His Name! He also declares in Isaiah those who make mention of the Lord, keep not silence, and give Him no rest till He makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth (Isaiah 62:6).
Love starts by obeying God! When we obey God, no matter what adverse circumstances seem to manifest themselves, we are showing Him and the world that we trust and appreciate Him. For without love, there can be no real appreciation. Please think on these things, and join us next week for Part 2 of our discussion on Love. I love you my 'Finish What You Start!' family, and I am praying for you daily! GOD Bless!
NEXT WEEK: Love Matters - Part II
(c) 2012 Writings With the Finger of GOD
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Friday, February 10, 2012
Friday, December 9, 2011
Finding Strength in The Word of God
'Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. '- Ephesians 6:10 ( Holy Bible - KJV)
Praise Jesus Christ!
Greetings my beloved 'Finish What You Start!' family! It's great to continue our fellowship together. I pray you had a Blessed 'Thanksgiving', and I feel constrained to remind you that every day is a time of Thanksgiving and praise to God for all He has done and continues to do on our behalf. Remember, if He doesn't do another thing for us, His dying for our sins is more than sufficient for us to offer up the sacrifice of praise to Him on a continuous basis. After all, is this praise really a sacrifice, considering the great measure He went to in order to ensure our Salvation?
Well, as we get closer to the day we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, it is imperative that we understand that Jesus came not only to deliver us from our sins, but to give us the Power and Strength necessary to live a life pleasing and beneficial to God and to ourselves. With this fact in mind the reality of this Resurrection Power of Christ gives us ample ammunition to overcome every adverse circumstance, by placing our trust not solely in our own abilities, but in the Word of God and in the ability of the Saving Power of His shed Blood on that brutal and rugged Cross.
With all that encompasses our daily walks with the Lord, it sometimes becomes difficult to garner enough strength to successfully navigate the sometimes rocky terrain we call life. Let's face it, life has its ups and downs. For the unbeliever, there is no adequate remedy for all the stress and adversities that come our way with the dawn of each new day. Thankfully, you and I are saved by the finished Work of our Master Jesus Christ on Calvary's Cross. If I may, let me just interject here for a moment.
If you are reading this and you do not have a relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ, today is the day of your Salvation! It is not difficult to put your trust in Christ! All you have to do is simply confess your sins, repent (meaning 'to turn away' from your old sinful lifestyle), and believe that God the Father, came to earth in the form of a man (His Son Jesus), and died on a cross to pay the penalty of our fore-parents Adam and Eve's disobedience in the Garden of Eden (as well as the penalty for our willful disobedience to God and His Righteous Laws ), and that God's Spirit (The Holy Ghost Spirit) raised up Jesus from the dead after three days and three nights! Simply, by faith believe that there exists no other manner, way, or Name given under heaven whereby we must (or can) be saved ( Acts 4:12 ).
Once you have, by faith, placed your trust in Christ, an entire new realm (The Kingdom of God also called the Kingdom of Heaven) becomes available to you, making you one of its beloved citizens, never again to be in bondage to the fear of death or any other fear for that matter ( Hebrews 2:15, 2 Timothy 1:7 ). With a right relationship with God, we now have the ability to tap into the Strength that only Jesus can provide for the attaining of every God-given goal, dream, or desire.
Without proper navigation of life's ups and downs we can become stagnant in the process of 'finishing what we start'. As Christians, our adversary Satan attempts to steal the joy necessary to be profitable citizens of the Kingdom of God. After all, the Bible declares that the Joy of The LORD is our Strength ( Nehemiah 8:10). Without joy, we have no strength. However, with the Joy of the LORD we have all the ability necessary for any undertaking. Now the question must be, 'how do we receive or attain this strength?'.
Well, the main source of our strength is found in God and His Word - The Holy Bible. The Bible is filled with a plethora of wonderful Promises in its Holy Pages. These promises, if believed upon, are more than ample to strengthen our faith and resolve. The world handles stress in their own way (i.e. - alcohol abuse, drug abuse, etc.). We as Christians handle the rough patches of life by simply depending on Jesus.
All of us undergo some form of turbulence in our lives. At times, the child of God suffers more adversities than the unbeliever, simply because we are no longer a part of the devil's army. Because we have been transferred from death unto life, Satan and his angel's will attempt to hinder us, making our testimonies in Christ of none effect. That is why we will not and cannot live a victorious life, pleasing unto God, unless we learn, believe, meditate on, practice, speak, and Trust His Word.
Trusting in the Word of God is essential to establishing a Christ-like character and demeanor. Without faith in the Word of God, we become vessels of dishonour (2 Timothy 2:20-21) unfit for the Master's Use. However, with an unwavering faith and commitment to God's Commands, Laws, and Instructions we, by The Grace of His Son Jesus, become ample vessels of Christ, displaying His Glory to all whom we come in contact with or connect. Now let's further discuss what trusting in God's Word entails, and how we are to go about garnering this faith-filled trust!
Well, I believe the easiest method of learning to trust and rely on God and His Word is to simply put it to the test. When I say 'put it to the test', I am in no way declaring that we are to tempt or try God as if He is unworthy of our total trust! What I am saying is that if Christ tells us to do something, we are to do it without any doubtful questions or assumptions.
One example of putting Jesus to the test would be believing God's Word which declares that He is Faithful and Just to forgive us our sins, if we confess them unto Him (1 John 1:9), thus turning from darkness unto His Marvelous Light Which is Jesus Christ. Many of us say we believe the fact that we are forgiven, only to let Satan penetrate our thoughts with condemnation. Once we have confessed to God our iniquities and turned from them, they ARE forgiven. This is taking God at His Word no matter what we think or how we feel. If we believe we are forgiven, we will, by His Grace, walk in newness of life, beholding the Strength and Power bestowed upon us by our Savior, simply because of His Love and our faith. Knowing that we are forgiven of our sinful past is an act of faith that shows God that we wholeheartedly believe and trust in Him and His Word! We ourselves, as well as various onlookers, will not be able to deny the proven fact that we have been changed into a new creature by faith in the Glorious Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ ( 2 Corinthians 5:17 ). But remember, we must first believe God before we patiently witness His Promises come to pass in our lives ( Hebrews 10:36).
Jesus, as The LORD, even declares in the Old Testament book of Malachi, that we can Prove Him in being sufficient to take care of all our desires by simply trusting Him in our giving of our Tithes and Offerings ( Malachi 3:10-12 ). When we wholeheartedly believe in Jesus and His Word, without doubt or dissimulation, we WILL see all His Promises come to pass in our lives. Remember, God is Trustworthy! If He says it in His Word, He CANNOT lie! When God says that He Swears by Himself ( Isaiah 45:23 ), that literally means that He is obligated to back up His Word. However, He is not obligated to the one who continues to willfully sin and disobey Him, living a faithless lifestyle, expecting to reap all the benefits a faithful follower of Christ can expect in his or her life. Remember God is about Covenant. Jesus established His Covenant of the New Testament in the shedding of His own Blood ( St Matthew 26:27-28 ). He has done His part. Our part is to believe on Him and His Sacrifice, confess His Name, and believe through the Faith that He has given unto us that God (as the Father), has raised Him (Jesus - as God the Son) by His Holy Ghost Spirit from the grave ( Romans 10:9 ). This is the faith that moves mountains ( St. Mark 11:22-24 ). For if we believe ( and know of a surety) that Jesus died, and rose from the grave for our redemption, sanctification, and justification, we have all the faith necessary to live a courageous and bold life that honors our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.
Today's Scripture admonishes us to be strong in the LORD. Realistically, that is the only way we can be strong. There is no other way for us as Christians to 'fight the good fight of faith' ( 1 Timothy 6:12), and succeed at any battle unless the Lord Jesus is our Stay. The world continues to advertise the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life ( 1 John 2:16 ). This is evident in much of the media programming we face on a consistent basis today. These destructive inundations are strategically geared by our adversary the devil, to continue to contaminate all that is Godly in our society with satanic ideals and ideologies that attempt to hinder the work of Salvation Jesus wants to accomplish in this life. However, God's plan of redemption CANNOT be thwarted. God will give us the strength necessary to preach and proclaim His Gospel to a lost and desperate world. We as Christians need to find the strength of God to take back the media, and all forms of entertainment, for the Kingdom and Glory of God and His Christ!
When we are truly strong in The LORD, we have all we need to overcome anything or anyone that will attempt to hinder our walks with Christ! In sickness, we find God's Strength to be made whole. In good health, we find God's strength to go into all the world to evangelize the lost ( St. Mark 16:15 ). In confusion, we find God's Strength to bring clarity to all stressful situations. His Strength is more than sufficient to grant unto us the Power necessary to accomplish all He has placed before us. Remember, it takes the Strength of Christ Almighty to truly 'Finish what we have Started'! When we read, meditate, and study God's Word daily, we will be established in His Faith, by the measure of Faith granted unto us by His Son Jesus Christ ( Romans 12:3 )!
You are much stronger than you ever thought you were! You have all that it takes to be an effective agent in the Kingdom of our LORD! Trust that God has already given you all you need to succeed! You HAVE the 'Mind of Christ', the 'Love of Christ', and the 'Strength of Christ'! Never let the devil make you feel weak! For in Christ, even when you are weak, you are strong ( 2 Corinthians 12:10 )! Abide in Jesus and His Strength, and His Spirit, Blessing, and Strength will continue to abide in you! ( Read St. John - Chapter 15) Be Blessed!
(c) 2011 Writings With the Finger of God
Next Week: Love Matters
Praise Jesus Christ!
Greetings my beloved 'Finish What You Start!' family! It's great to continue our fellowship together. I pray you had a Blessed 'Thanksgiving', and I feel constrained to remind you that every day is a time of Thanksgiving and praise to God for all He has done and continues to do on our behalf. Remember, if He doesn't do another thing for us, His dying for our sins is more than sufficient for us to offer up the sacrifice of praise to Him on a continuous basis. After all, is this praise really a sacrifice, considering the great measure He went to in order to ensure our Salvation?
Well, as we get closer to the day we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, it is imperative that we understand that Jesus came not only to deliver us from our sins, but to give us the Power and Strength necessary to live a life pleasing and beneficial to God and to ourselves. With this fact in mind the reality of this Resurrection Power of Christ gives us ample ammunition to overcome every adverse circumstance, by placing our trust not solely in our own abilities, but in the Word of God and in the ability of the Saving Power of His shed Blood on that brutal and rugged Cross.
With all that encompasses our daily walks with the Lord, it sometimes becomes difficult to garner enough strength to successfully navigate the sometimes rocky terrain we call life. Let's face it, life has its ups and downs. For the unbeliever, there is no adequate remedy for all the stress and adversities that come our way with the dawn of each new day. Thankfully, you and I are saved by the finished Work of our Master Jesus Christ on Calvary's Cross. If I may, let me just interject here for a moment.
If you are reading this and you do not have a relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ, today is the day of your Salvation! It is not difficult to put your trust in Christ! All you have to do is simply confess your sins, repent (meaning 'to turn away' from your old sinful lifestyle), and believe that God the Father, came to earth in the form of a man (His Son Jesus), and died on a cross to pay the penalty of our fore-parents Adam and Eve's disobedience in the Garden of Eden (as well as the penalty for our willful disobedience to God and His Righteous Laws ), and that God's Spirit (The Holy Ghost Spirit) raised up Jesus from the dead after three days and three nights! Simply, by faith believe that there exists no other manner, way, or Name given under heaven whereby we must (or can) be saved ( Acts 4:12 ).
Once you have, by faith, placed your trust in Christ, an entire new realm (The Kingdom of God also called the Kingdom of Heaven) becomes available to you, making you one of its beloved citizens, never again to be in bondage to the fear of death or any other fear for that matter ( Hebrews 2:15, 2 Timothy 1:7 ). With a right relationship with God, we now have the ability to tap into the Strength that only Jesus can provide for the attaining of every God-given goal, dream, or desire.
Without proper navigation of life's ups and downs we can become stagnant in the process of 'finishing what we start'. As Christians, our adversary Satan attempts to steal the joy necessary to be profitable citizens of the Kingdom of God. After all, the Bible declares that the Joy of The LORD is our Strength ( Nehemiah 8:10). Without joy, we have no strength. However, with the Joy of the LORD we have all the ability necessary for any undertaking. Now the question must be, 'how do we receive or attain this strength?'.
Well, the main source of our strength is found in God and His Word - The Holy Bible. The Bible is filled with a plethora of wonderful Promises in its Holy Pages. These promises, if believed upon, are more than ample to strengthen our faith and resolve. The world handles stress in their own way (i.e. - alcohol abuse, drug abuse, etc.). We as Christians handle the rough patches of life by simply depending on Jesus.
All of us undergo some form of turbulence in our lives. At times, the child of God suffers more adversities than the unbeliever, simply because we are no longer a part of the devil's army. Because we have been transferred from death unto life, Satan and his angel's will attempt to hinder us, making our testimonies in Christ of none effect. That is why we will not and cannot live a victorious life, pleasing unto God, unless we learn, believe, meditate on, practice, speak, and Trust His Word.
Trusting in the Word of God is essential to establishing a Christ-like character and demeanor. Without faith in the Word of God, we become vessels of dishonour (2 Timothy 2:20-21) unfit for the Master's Use. However, with an unwavering faith and commitment to God's Commands, Laws, and Instructions we, by The Grace of His Son Jesus, become ample vessels of Christ, displaying His Glory to all whom we come in contact with or connect. Now let's further discuss what trusting in God's Word entails, and how we are to go about garnering this faith-filled trust!
Well, I believe the easiest method of learning to trust and rely on God and His Word is to simply put it to the test. When I say 'put it to the test', I am in no way declaring that we are to tempt or try God as if He is unworthy of our total trust! What I am saying is that if Christ tells us to do something, we are to do it without any doubtful questions or assumptions.
One example of putting Jesus to the test would be believing God's Word which declares that He is Faithful and Just to forgive us our sins, if we confess them unto Him (1 John 1:9), thus turning from darkness unto His Marvelous Light Which is Jesus Christ. Many of us say we believe the fact that we are forgiven, only to let Satan penetrate our thoughts with condemnation. Once we have confessed to God our iniquities and turned from them, they ARE forgiven. This is taking God at His Word no matter what we think or how we feel. If we believe we are forgiven, we will, by His Grace, walk in newness of life, beholding the Strength and Power bestowed upon us by our Savior, simply because of His Love and our faith. Knowing that we are forgiven of our sinful past is an act of faith that shows God that we wholeheartedly believe and trust in Him and His Word! We ourselves, as well as various onlookers, will not be able to deny the proven fact that we have been changed into a new creature by faith in the Glorious Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ ( 2 Corinthians 5:17 ). But remember, we must first believe God before we patiently witness His Promises come to pass in our lives ( Hebrews 10:36).
Jesus, as The LORD, even declares in the Old Testament book of Malachi, that we can Prove Him in being sufficient to take care of all our desires by simply trusting Him in our giving of our Tithes and Offerings ( Malachi 3:10-12 ). When we wholeheartedly believe in Jesus and His Word, without doubt or dissimulation, we WILL see all His Promises come to pass in our lives. Remember, God is Trustworthy! If He says it in His Word, He CANNOT lie! When God says that He Swears by Himself ( Isaiah 45:23 ), that literally means that He is obligated to back up His Word. However, He is not obligated to the one who continues to willfully sin and disobey Him, living a faithless lifestyle, expecting to reap all the benefits a faithful follower of Christ can expect in his or her life. Remember God is about Covenant. Jesus established His Covenant of the New Testament in the shedding of His own Blood ( St Matthew 26:27-28 ). He has done His part. Our part is to believe on Him and His Sacrifice, confess His Name, and believe through the Faith that He has given unto us that God (as the Father), has raised Him (Jesus - as God the Son) by His Holy Ghost Spirit from the grave ( Romans 10:9 ). This is the faith that moves mountains ( St. Mark 11:22-24 ). For if we believe ( and know of a surety) that Jesus died, and rose from the grave for our redemption, sanctification, and justification, we have all the faith necessary to live a courageous and bold life that honors our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.
Today's Scripture admonishes us to be strong in the LORD. Realistically, that is the only way we can be strong. There is no other way for us as Christians to 'fight the good fight of faith' ( 1 Timothy 6:12), and succeed at any battle unless the Lord Jesus is our Stay. The world continues to advertise the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life ( 1 John 2:16 ). This is evident in much of the media programming we face on a consistent basis today. These destructive inundations are strategically geared by our adversary the devil, to continue to contaminate all that is Godly in our society with satanic ideals and ideologies that attempt to hinder the work of Salvation Jesus wants to accomplish in this life. However, God's plan of redemption CANNOT be thwarted. God will give us the strength necessary to preach and proclaim His Gospel to a lost and desperate world. We as Christians need to find the strength of God to take back the media, and all forms of entertainment, for the Kingdom and Glory of God and His Christ!
When we are truly strong in The LORD, we have all we need to overcome anything or anyone that will attempt to hinder our walks with Christ! In sickness, we find God's Strength to be made whole. In good health, we find God's strength to go into all the world to evangelize the lost ( St. Mark 16:15 ). In confusion, we find God's Strength to bring clarity to all stressful situations. His Strength is more than sufficient to grant unto us the Power necessary to accomplish all He has placed before us. Remember, it takes the Strength of Christ Almighty to truly 'Finish what we have Started'! When we read, meditate, and study God's Word daily, we will be established in His Faith, by the measure of Faith granted unto us by His Son Jesus Christ ( Romans 12:3 )!
You are much stronger than you ever thought you were! You have all that it takes to be an effective agent in the Kingdom of our LORD! Trust that God has already given you all you need to succeed! You HAVE the 'Mind of Christ', the 'Love of Christ', and the 'Strength of Christ'! Never let the devil make you feel weak! For in Christ, even when you are weak, you are strong ( 2 Corinthians 12:10 )! Abide in Jesus and His Strength, and His Spirit, Blessing, and Strength will continue to abide in you! ( Read St. John - Chapter 15) Be Blessed!
(c) 2011 Writings With the Finger of God
Next Week: Love Matters
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Need of Patience
For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. - Hebrews 10:36
Praise Jesus Christ!
Along the journey to our destination of accomplishing our goals, various roadblocks and detours may manifest themselves. Our desires may seem to take longer than we previously envisioned. These times of despair or setbacks have a tendency to lead us to discouragement. However, during these times, what we must remember is that these obstructions are temporary. They are sent to 'test our metal' or placed in Biblical terms 'try our faith'.
Yes, our faith must be tried. God wants us to come forth and shine as pure gold. He wants us to not only reach our destination safely, but also to remember the manner in which He bought us through every obstacle or adversarial force. He wants us to remember His faithfulness, allowing us to encourage others in their quest to pursue and accomplish all their God-given goals, desires, and dreams.
The above Bible Scripture exclaims that we have 'need of patience'. Think about what God is saying here. We normally perceive a 'need' as shelter, food, or clothing. All these things in fact are needs that we may have, but God also declares that having 'patience' is also a need. He says that after we have done the will of God, we will inherit the promise if we have patience. Essentially we need patience, because without it, we will not become all that God has envisioned us to be.
Accumulating patience is not always an easy task. If it was something that could be garnered without much effort, all of us would exude patience. We simply have to learn patience. Once this virtue is attained, nothing will be able to keep us from our destinies in Christ Jesus. With patience, we become the loving vessels that God can utilize to accomplish His Will in His earth realm. Without patience, many sins are accomplished, and we become unfruitful and unproductive in our daily walks as Christians. Simply put, patience is the key ingredient in the recipe of becoming the charitable Christian that seasons the earth with the Word of God, and lights the world with the Testimony of Jesus Christ!
Now with this being said, the pertinent question becomes 'How do we receive the patience necessary to glorify our Savior?' Well, the first thing we must do is read, study, meditate, and rely on the Bible - The Word of God. We must learn the ways of our LORD and seek out His methods of doing things. It is not enough to just say, "I need patience". We must study God's Word diligently to understand all that having the patience that pleases God entails.
For example, Jesus tells us to love our enemies (Matthew 5:44). Loving our enemies definitely takes patience. The only way to realize this 'patience' is to rely on the Holy Ghost to Help us. Jesus says the Holy Ghost will remind us of all that He has taught us (John 14:26). When we read the Holy Bible, we are literally instructed by Jesus Christ Himself. For Jesus is the WORD OF GOD! When we see that to obey the Lord's Commandments takes faith and patience, we will continually seek Him by reading and studying His Word on a daily basis.
Another way of obtaining patience is briefly mentioned in an above paragraph. We simply must have our faith in Christ 'tried' or tested. God is in the business of perfecting us. This perfection involves cleansing away all the impurities of our sinful past, ultimately conforming us into the image of Christ. Although the Bible states that we are made in the image of God, because of our sin in the Garden of Eden, we lost our identity. Only Jesus Christ, by His shed blood and resurrection power, can revive us, creating in us a new heart and renewing our minds to right fellowship with the Father through faith in Him. In a sense, our faith is proven (made sufficient and pleasing to Christ) when we go through difficulties and do not lose our 'patience' with God and with the trials He allows to come our way.
Let's face it, we have a demonic enemy to all that we hold dear. This enemy is the fallen Angel Satan. He does all he can to steal our faith from us. He knows that with the faith and patience of Christ, we can overcome and do miraculous exploits in God's earth, proclaiming the Glory of God our Savior. He knows that He is fallen, and he delights in having us fall to tarnish, not necessarily our image, but God's image as well. He delights in seeing Christians lose their cool in a tumultuous situation. He wants to steal, kill, and destroy not only us, but also our testimonies. But remember my friend, the devil is already defeated. Whatever was given to him in Adam's fall, was snatched from his grasp with the glorious Sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and granted over unto God's children triumphantly at Christ's Resurrection. As Christ stated before He gave up the Ghost on His cross, 'It Is Finished'. In simpler terms, Christ paid for our redemption by His Own Blood, and we are no longer in bondage to the devil and his wiles. By the faith and patience of Christ, we are more than conquerors, well able to walk a gait pleasing to God, exuding the necessary 'patience' that our loving God supplies.
One final thing to remember is that with the patience of Christ, we can accomplish and overcome any adversity. Years ago when I managed a secular Hip Hop group, I needed to retrieve a copy of the group's music CD in order that they have it for an upcoming show. I traveled to the recording studio early one morning in hopes that I would meet the engineer, and receive a copy of the CD from him. Unfortunately, on this particular occasion, he didn't come in to work until late that evening. I may have sat there for 10 or more hours. When the engineer arrived, one of the other employees said to me 'You're one of the most patient people I have ever met'. I simply said, 'I had to get the music or there would be no show'. In other words, I 'had' to be patient. I had no other choice. It was either wait and receive the promise of the CD and a successful show, or leave early and destroy the hopes of having a successful endeavor.
Remember, God is going to perfect our faith. He says we have need of patience. He is going to do everything in His Power to ensure our realization of this patience. Knowing this, as I learned, makes it easier to go through a particular trial. If we have to wait for God's timing, let us wait joyfully. For it would be unprofitable for us to stomp our feet as spoiled children. When we wait patiently, it displays our maturity and level of spiritual growth. God WILL see us triumphantly to our destination. All we have to do is seek Him and delight ourselves in Him! He is sure to grant us the desires of our hearts. Every desire of our hearts begins with faith and is realized through patience. God is patient with us! Let's reciprocate that patience by joyfully enduring every hardship and trial that is presented unto us. Amen? Amen!
(c) 2011 Writings With The Finger of God
Next Week: Finding Strength in The Word of God
Praise Jesus Christ!
Along the journey to our destination of accomplishing our goals, various roadblocks and detours may manifest themselves. Our desires may seem to take longer than we previously envisioned. These times of despair or setbacks have a tendency to lead us to discouragement. However, during these times, what we must remember is that these obstructions are temporary. They are sent to 'test our metal' or placed in Biblical terms 'try our faith'.
Yes, our faith must be tried. God wants us to come forth and shine as pure gold. He wants us to not only reach our destination safely, but also to remember the manner in which He bought us through every obstacle or adversarial force. He wants us to remember His faithfulness, allowing us to encourage others in their quest to pursue and accomplish all their God-given goals, desires, and dreams.
The above Bible Scripture exclaims that we have 'need of patience'. Think about what God is saying here. We normally perceive a 'need' as shelter, food, or clothing. All these things in fact are needs that we may have, but God also declares that having 'patience' is also a need. He says that after we have done the will of God, we will inherit the promise if we have patience. Essentially we need patience, because without it, we will not become all that God has envisioned us to be.
Accumulating patience is not always an easy task. If it was something that could be garnered without much effort, all of us would exude patience. We simply have to learn patience. Once this virtue is attained, nothing will be able to keep us from our destinies in Christ Jesus. With patience, we become the loving vessels that God can utilize to accomplish His Will in His earth realm. Without patience, many sins are accomplished, and we become unfruitful and unproductive in our daily walks as Christians. Simply put, patience is the key ingredient in the recipe of becoming the charitable Christian that seasons the earth with the Word of God, and lights the world with the Testimony of Jesus Christ!
Now with this being said, the pertinent question becomes 'How do we receive the patience necessary to glorify our Savior?' Well, the first thing we must do is read, study, meditate, and rely on the Bible - The Word of God. We must learn the ways of our LORD and seek out His methods of doing things. It is not enough to just say, "I need patience". We must study God's Word diligently to understand all that having the patience that pleases God entails.
For example, Jesus tells us to love our enemies (Matthew 5:44). Loving our enemies definitely takes patience. The only way to realize this 'patience' is to rely on the Holy Ghost to Help us. Jesus says the Holy Ghost will remind us of all that He has taught us (John 14:26). When we read the Holy Bible, we are literally instructed by Jesus Christ Himself. For Jesus is the WORD OF GOD! When we see that to obey the Lord's Commandments takes faith and patience, we will continually seek Him by reading and studying His Word on a daily basis.
Another way of obtaining patience is briefly mentioned in an above paragraph. We simply must have our faith in Christ 'tried' or tested. God is in the business of perfecting us. This perfection involves cleansing away all the impurities of our sinful past, ultimately conforming us into the image of Christ. Although the Bible states that we are made in the image of God, because of our sin in the Garden of Eden, we lost our identity. Only Jesus Christ, by His shed blood and resurrection power, can revive us, creating in us a new heart and renewing our minds to right fellowship with the Father through faith in Him. In a sense, our faith is proven (made sufficient and pleasing to Christ) when we go through difficulties and do not lose our 'patience' with God and with the trials He allows to come our way.
Let's face it, we have a demonic enemy to all that we hold dear. This enemy is the fallen Angel Satan. He does all he can to steal our faith from us. He knows that with the faith and patience of Christ, we can overcome and do miraculous exploits in God's earth, proclaiming the Glory of God our Savior. He knows that He is fallen, and he delights in having us fall to tarnish, not necessarily our image, but God's image as well. He delights in seeing Christians lose their cool in a tumultuous situation. He wants to steal, kill, and destroy not only us, but also our testimonies. But remember my friend, the devil is already defeated. Whatever was given to him in Adam's fall, was snatched from his grasp with the glorious Sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and granted over unto God's children triumphantly at Christ's Resurrection. As Christ stated before He gave up the Ghost on His cross, 'It Is Finished'. In simpler terms, Christ paid for our redemption by His Own Blood, and we are no longer in bondage to the devil and his wiles. By the faith and patience of Christ, we are more than conquerors, well able to walk a gait pleasing to God, exuding the necessary 'patience' that our loving God supplies.
One final thing to remember is that with the patience of Christ, we can accomplish and overcome any adversity. Years ago when I managed a secular Hip Hop group, I needed to retrieve a copy of the group's music CD in order that they have it for an upcoming show. I traveled to the recording studio early one morning in hopes that I would meet the engineer, and receive a copy of the CD from him. Unfortunately, on this particular occasion, he didn't come in to work until late that evening. I may have sat there for 10 or more hours. When the engineer arrived, one of the other employees said to me 'You're one of the most patient people I have ever met'. I simply said, 'I had to get the music or there would be no show'. In other words, I 'had' to be patient. I had no other choice. It was either wait and receive the promise of the CD and a successful show, or leave early and destroy the hopes of having a successful endeavor.
Remember, God is going to perfect our faith. He says we have need of patience. He is going to do everything in His Power to ensure our realization of this patience. Knowing this, as I learned, makes it easier to go through a particular trial. If we have to wait for God's timing, let us wait joyfully. For it would be unprofitable for us to stomp our feet as spoiled children. When we wait patiently, it displays our maturity and level of spiritual growth. God WILL see us triumphantly to our destination. All we have to do is seek Him and delight ourselves in Him! He is sure to grant us the desires of our hearts. Every desire of our hearts begins with faith and is realized through patience. God is patient with us! Let's reciprocate that patience by joyfully enduring every hardship and trial that is presented unto us. Amen? Amen!
(c) 2011 Writings With The Finger of God
Next Week: Finding Strength in The Word of God
Sunday, November 6, 2011
You're Almost There
Praise Jesus Christ!
So often during our journey to finishing what we start, we begin to lose sight and focus of the attainment of our dreams. The road to fulfillment can seem tedious and wearisome, especially in the realization of accomplishing a huge goal. However, there is always light at the end of the tunnel with Christ Jesus!
You have come a long way since you began putting your faith in Christ to accomplish your desires! You may not have attained to the perfection of the completion of your goals, but you are not where you were when you started.
Yes, the road to success can be a difficult one to tread. But the rewards and benefits available at the end of the tunnel far outweigh any adversity encountered along the way. It is imperative that we come to the realization that when things seem to be the most difficult, our destination is closer than when we first believed.
The key is to not give up no matter how long it takes in the attainment of a dream. Your faith in God will see you through. Batten down the hatches, and dig your heels in deep and as our Savior Jesus says, 'strive for perfection'. God is right with you, giving you the power and ability necessary to fulfill your desire, goal, or dream.
When you began the journey of 'Finishing what you started' by planning your life and setting goals, your zeal flourished! Your excitement and anticipation of becoming a vessel fit for the Master's use soared to a high plateau. During your travels toward achieving your goals, some days were easier than others. Some days you accomplished what you set out to achieve, other days you did the proverbial dragging of your feet through the mud. But let's face it, you've accomplished more in a few months than you have in a few years. You know that God is with you in all your endeavors! You know that God is pleased with you and you are accepting of your position in His Kingdom at this time, while all the while striving to become all that Jesus has envisioned for you and your family.
So take heart if you're not achieving all your dreams at the pace in which you expected. Remember, God is still - and always will be - in control. He has not forgotten about you, your dreams, or desires. He is the one Who placed them inside of you! You will reach your destination! Remember, the Word of God states that you will reap the fruit of what you have sown if you faint not.
In closing, I want to remind you of a story I read about a lady that attempted to swim 26 miles to a desired haven. Although in impeccable shape, naturally she became weary towards the end of her race. During this particular endeavor the fog enveloped the canvas of her vision making it increasingly difficult to see her position in regards to the distance from her destination. Because of weariness, the daunting task of navigating the ominous fog that hindered her vision, and simply a feeling of it being too difficult to continue (notice I said 'a feeling'), she decided to summon the boats alongside her to scoop her from the waters, believing that this goal was not to be attained on that particular day.
However, once she gathered herself while resting on the boat, the fog began to dissipate. What she saw next was hard for her to believe. She realized that if she had kept going, her destination was only a mile away. Because she lost her vision, feeling she could no longer endure, she didn't achieve a task, though monumental, was well in her peripheral of attaining.
So what am I saying here? Essentially I'm saying that although doubt, fear, anxiety, or another form of adversity may attempt to hinder your attainment of your desires, keep pressing ahead! Don't let what you see or are unable to perceive keep you from what God has placed within your heart! You may feel as if you're not making satisfactory progress toward your desire. But don't lose heart! You're closer than you think! Trust that God will add to your attempts for success more than 100-fold! I like to ask God to add to my efforts a JESUS-FOLD Blessing! YOU ARE ALMOST THERE! If you give up now, what have you accomplished? Giving up after all you've put in means that not only have you wasted your time, but the giving-up in itself would be a waste of time! God is able to do any and everything but Fail! Trust Him! He Will see you through!
(c) 2011 Writings With The Finger Of God
Next Week: Patience Is The Key
So often during our journey to finishing what we start, we begin to lose sight and focus of the attainment of our dreams. The road to fulfillment can seem tedious and wearisome, especially in the realization of accomplishing a huge goal. However, there is always light at the end of the tunnel with Christ Jesus!
You have come a long way since you began putting your faith in Christ to accomplish your desires! You may not have attained to the perfection of the completion of your goals, but you are not where you were when you started.
Yes, the road to success can be a difficult one to tread. But the rewards and benefits available at the end of the tunnel far outweigh any adversity encountered along the way. It is imperative that we come to the realization that when things seem to be the most difficult, our destination is closer than when we first believed.
The key is to not give up no matter how long it takes in the attainment of a dream. Your faith in God will see you through. Batten down the hatches, and dig your heels in deep and as our Savior Jesus says, 'strive for perfection'. God is right with you, giving you the power and ability necessary to fulfill your desire, goal, or dream.
When you began the journey of 'Finishing what you started' by planning your life and setting goals, your zeal flourished! Your excitement and anticipation of becoming a vessel fit for the Master's use soared to a high plateau. During your travels toward achieving your goals, some days were easier than others. Some days you accomplished what you set out to achieve, other days you did the proverbial dragging of your feet through the mud. But let's face it, you've accomplished more in a few months than you have in a few years. You know that God is with you in all your endeavors! You know that God is pleased with you and you are accepting of your position in His Kingdom at this time, while all the while striving to become all that Jesus has envisioned for you and your family.
So take heart if you're not achieving all your dreams at the pace in which you expected. Remember, God is still - and always will be - in control. He has not forgotten about you, your dreams, or desires. He is the one Who placed them inside of you! You will reach your destination! Remember, the Word of God states that you will reap the fruit of what you have sown if you faint not.
In closing, I want to remind you of a story I read about a lady that attempted to swim 26 miles to a desired haven. Although in impeccable shape, naturally she became weary towards the end of her race. During this particular endeavor the fog enveloped the canvas of her vision making it increasingly difficult to see her position in regards to the distance from her destination. Because of weariness, the daunting task of navigating the ominous fog that hindered her vision, and simply a feeling of it being too difficult to continue (notice I said 'a feeling'), she decided to summon the boats alongside her to scoop her from the waters, believing that this goal was not to be attained on that particular day.
However, once she gathered herself while resting on the boat, the fog began to dissipate. What she saw next was hard for her to believe. She realized that if she had kept going, her destination was only a mile away. Because she lost her vision, feeling she could no longer endure, she didn't achieve a task, though monumental, was well in her peripheral of attaining.
So what am I saying here? Essentially I'm saying that although doubt, fear, anxiety, or another form of adversity may attempt to hinder your attainment of your desires, keep pressing ahead! Don't let what you see or are unable to perceive keep you from what God has placed within your heart! You may feel as if you're not making satisfactory progress toward your desire. But don't lose heart! You're closer than you think! Trust that God will add to your attempts for success more than 100-fold! I like to ask God to add to my efforts a JESUS-FOLD Blessing! YOU ARE ALMOST THERE! If you give up now, what have you accomplished? Giving up after all you've put in means that not only have you wasted your time, but the giving-up in itself would be a waste of time! God is able to do any and everything but Fail! Trust Him! He Will see you through!
(c) 2011 Writings With The Finger Of God
Next Week: Patience Is The Key
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Remember God
Praise Jesus Christ!
Greetings my 'Finish What You Start' family! How have you been since we last spoke? Well, I've been doing GREAT by the Abundant Mercy and Grace of Jesus and I trust you are doing the same! Today I'd like to discuss the topic of the importance of remembering our God.
Life can be a hectic environment for many of us. With the information age and all the tablet technology available to us today, we have seemingly unlimited methods and means of communication. Of course we are to thank God for all the inventions and technology HE has given us to make life easier and more enjoyable, but there is also a danger of getting so caught up in our every day mundane tasks, that we forget or deny the very God that brought us to this prosperous destination.
Remembering God is not a difficult endeavor. Simply put, we normally remember what or who is important to us. When we think about our loved ones, most of the time beautiful memories envelop our consciousness' enabling our countenance to become one of extreme joy! An example would be as follows: When I see my beautiful wife Angela smile, just knowing that see is experiencing a form of joy at a particular moment makes my eyes light up, and I thank God for her happiness and well-being. I'm sure when you think about your children becoming all and more than you envisioned them to be by the Grace of God, it puts a smile on your face. God has given us all these things and more, and He desires that we remember Him, as well as His Goodness. After all, by us realizing the gifts and blessings He has bestowed upon us, isn't He actually remembering us?
The main way we remember God begins with reading, studying, meditating, and remembering His Word, The Holy Bible. When we read His Holy Text, we see not only the promises our Heavenly Father has made to us, but we also perceive His character and intentions for all His wonderful creation. We see the heart of a loving Creator whose innate desire is to see His children blessed. The greatest Blessing He has given unto us is the sacrifice and shed blood of His Son Jesus. If Satan clogs our minds up with the potential stress and worry of this life, certainly we have the capability of at least remembering the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! The Bible even states that we are to partake in Holy Communion as a remembrance of what Jesus has done for us on the cross ( Luke 22:19 KJV). This let's us know that God desires mankind to remember Him in all things.
Remembering God is also a source of power for the believer. When we are enduring a trial or test involving matters of faith (i.e. - an illness, loss of a job, loss of a loved one), the main way we overcome and continue our walk of faith is to remember what our God has done for us in the past. All of us can remember at least one thing God has done for us in previous times. As the psalmist David proclaims, 'they are more than man can count'. After all, God woke you up this morning. Thank Him for that! God gave you eyes to read this. Thank Him for that! God gave you a computer to log onto this blog. Thank Him for that! God gave you food, shelter, and clothing. Thank Him for that! I am sure you, as I, can go on and on, proclaiming the wonderful things Jesus has done for us. If we stay meditating and remembering what He has already done for us, we will live each day victoriously proclaiming to others the Goodness of our LORD, thus pleasing the Soul of our Creator, and being a testimony to unbelievers of what the only True and Living God can, will, and wants to do for those who seek Him for and in all things, and are obedient to His commands.
Remembering God is not only a commandment, it is also an obligation or duty. No matter what we are going through at this present time, it can be worse. I woke up today walking with a walker. But I'm rejoicing for the fact that I know God has already healed me, and I will walk one day better than I've ever walked! I also rejoice because, someone who most likely would love to get around with a walker, is relegated to a wheelchair for his or her daily living. Now if you are the person relegated to a wheelchair right now, please don't despair! No matter what your spinal cord, brain, or body is doing at this moment, with Christ, things are destined to change. The medical doctor doesn't have the final say. If you have the faith to believe Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever, then you have the faith necessary to realize your total healing. The manifestation of your total well-being begins with the remembrance of God! Remember how Jesus healed the blind, mute, and deaf. Remember how Jesus healed the lame, the hunched, and the withered. Remember how Jesus brought the dead (and seemingly dead situations) back to life. This is remembering what God can do. His Word states that 'By his stripes we are healed', and it states in a future chapter that by His stripes we were healed ( 2 Peter 2:24 ). Remember God is the Healer! If He accomplished something 2000 or 4 years ago, He certainly has the same abundant Power to do it today!
Be encouraged my friend, and remember God in everything! When you make it through a trying day, say Thank you Jesus! When you receive that much needed job promotion, say Thank you Jesus! When you leave a comment saying how God utilized this article to edify and encourage you in your walk with Him, believe me, I will shout 'Thank You Jesus'! It's all a matter of perspective. You can remember God, or remember your pain! I choose to remember the God who relieved me from a life of pain and struggle, and enabled me to see His Goodness in the land of the living, and in the world to come. You remember this, with God all things are possible, and most importantly, thank Jesus for remembering you! IT IS FINISHED!
(c) 2011 Writings With The Finger of God
Next: You're almost there
Greetings my 'Finish What You Start' family! How have you been since we last spoke? Well, I've been doing GREAT by the Abundant Mercy and Grace of Jesus and I trust you are doing the same! Today I'd like to discuss the topic of the importance of remembering our God.
Life can be a hectic environment for many of us. With the information age and all the tablet technology available to us today, we have seemingly unlimited methods and means of communication. Of course we are to thank God for all the inventions and technology HE has given us to make life easier and more enjoyable, but there is also a danger of getting so caught up in our every day mundane tasks, that we forget or deny the very God that brought us to this prosperous destination.
Remembering God is not a difficult endeavor. Simply put, we normally remember what or who is important to us. When we think about our loved ones, most of the time beautiful memories envelop our consciousness' enabling our countenance to become one of extreme joy! An example would be as follows: When I see my beautiful wife Angela smile, just knowing that see is experiencing a form of joy at a particular moment makes my eyes light up, and I thank God for her happiness and well-being. I'm sure when you think about your children becoming all and more than you envisioned them to be by the Grace of God, it puts a smile on your face. God has given us all these things and more, and He desires that we remember Him, as well as His Goodness. After all, by us realizing the gifts and blessings He has bestowed upon us, isn't He actually remembering us?
The main way we remember God begins with reading, studying, meditating, and remembering His Word, The Holy Bible. When we read His Holy Text, we see not only the promises our Heavenly Father has made to us, but we also perceive His character and intentions for all His wonderful creation. We see the heart of a loving Creator whose innate desire is to see His children blessed. The greatest Blessing He has given unto us is the sacrifice and shed blood of His Son Jesus. If Satan clogs our minds up with the potential stress and worry of this life, certainly we have the capability of at least remembering the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! The Bible even states that we are to partake in Holy Communion as a remembrance of what Jesus has done for us on the cross ( Luke 22:19 KJV). This let's us know that God desires mankind to remember Him in all things.
Remembering God is also a source of power for the believer. When we are enduring a trial or test involving matters of faith (i.e. - an illness, loss of a job, loss of a loved one), the main way we overcome and continue our walk of faith is to remember what our God has done for us in the past. All of us can remember at least one thing God has done for us in previous times. As the psalmist David proclaims, 'they are more than man can count'. After all, God woke you up this morning. Thank Him for that! God gave you eyes to read this. Thank Him for that! God gave you a computer to log onto this blog. Thank Him for that! God gave you food, shelter, and clothing. Thank Him for that! I am sure you, as I, can go on and on, proclaiming the wonderful things Jesus has done for us. If we stay meditating and remembering what He has already done for us, we will live each day victoriously proclaiming to others the Goodness of our LORD, thus pleasing the Soul of our Creator, and being a testimony to unbelievers of what the only True and Living God can, will, and wants to do for those who seek Him for and in all things, and are obedient to His commands.
Remembering God is not only a commandment, it is also an obligation or duty. No matter what we are going through at this present time, it can be worse. I woke up today walking with a walker. But I'm rejoicing for the fact that I know God has already healed me, and I will walk one day better than I've ever walked! I also rejoice because, someone who most likely would love to get around with a walker, is relegated to a wheelchair for his or her daily living. Now if you are the person relegated to a wheelchair right now, please don't despair! No matter what your spinal cord, brain, or body is doing at this moment, with Christ, things are destined to change. The medical doctor doesn't have the final say. If you have the faith to believe Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever, then you have the faith necessary to realize your total healing. The manifestation of your total well-being begins with the remembrance of God! Remember how Jesus healed the blind, mute, and deaf. Remember how Jesus healed the lame, the hunched, and the withered. Remember how Jesus brought the dead (and seemingly dead situations) back to life. This is remembering what God can do. His Word states that 'By his stripes we are healed', and it states in a future chapter that by His stripes we were healed ( 2 Peter 2:24 ). Remember God is the Healer! If He accomplished something 2000 or 4 years ago, He certainly has the same abundant Power to do it today!
Be encouraged my friend, and remember God in everything! When you make it through a trying day, say Thank you Jesus! When you receive that much needed job promotion, say Thank you Jesus! When you leave a comment saying how God utilized this article to edify and encourage you in your walk with Him, believe me, I will shout 'Thank You Jesus'! It's all a matter of perspective. You can remember God, or remember your pain! I choose to remember the God who relieved me from a life of pain and struggle, and enabled me to see His Goodness in the land of the living, and in the world to come. You remember this, with God all things are possible, and most importantly, thank Jesus for remembering you! IT IS FINISHED!
(c) 2011 Writings With The Finger of God
Next: You're almost there
Friday, September 9, 2011
Do what you know is right
Praise Jesus Christ!
I stopped smoking today!
Greetings, my beloved Christian family. Today God Blessed me to take a major step in my quest to 'Finish what I start'! This step will enable me to not only become more healthier physically, but Spiritually as well. After years of trying, I made a firm, conscience decision to quit smoking cigars today! We must all do what we know is right and pleasing to God, and I know and believe that Jesus has been tugging at my heart for quite some time to put the lighter and tobacco down, and to focus entirely on Him for all I need Spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically. I've tried and failed in the past, but I know that this is 'my time'! This is a new day, and with God's Help, I can definitely do ALL things through Christ Which strengtheneth me (Philippians 4:13)! I ask that you would continue to keep me in your prayers!
Now what does it mean to do what we know is right? Basically, this statement means that no matter what your friends, family members, associates, people in the world, or even other Christians say about what is right and pleasing to God, or what is wrong and grievous to the Spirit of God, we have to do what we believe God is telling us. For example, it is not a sin to drink wine as some would have us believe. The Bible clearly states that wine cheers the heart of God and man. The Bible declares it is a sin to be drunken with wine, and commands us to do all things in moderation. However, if during your Christian walk, you know that consumption of alcoholic beverages has led you to a sinful mindset in the past, and you understand that it is prudent for your walk with Christ to stray from the fruit of the vine, then by all means abstain from the consumption of wine. But if you are celebrating the goodness of God, for example, Who has enabled you and your spouse to make it to another anniversary and you two spend a night alone with wine and a candlelight dinner, there is no sin in doing this. After all, the Bible declares that He giveth us all things richly to enjoy! That is why it is imperative that we stay in the Word, and read the Bible for ourselves, even as the Bereans in the Book of Acts read the Scriptures after hearing the Declarations of the Apostle Paul, to find out if the things which he spoke were true. A lot of times, we live under condemnation for things that Satan makes us think are illegal in the courtroom of Salvation, rather than enjoying the benefits of wisely utilizing all God has bestowed upon us in His wonderful creation.
Now, doing what we know is right doesn't always necessitate doing Spiritual things, but most of the time they will involve Spiritual things. An example of this is not doing what we know we should do in regards to our health. We as Christians know and realize that there is no wisdom against God. In other words, doctor's don't always know what they are talking about in regards to natural things, including our physical capacities. However, I believe God has placed doctor's on this earth to help us, and has given them Wisdom and Knowledge to enable us to live long, prosperous lives doing what we know is right by adhering to what they admonish unto us. However, even though they may not have the final say over our physical, mental, and emotional well beings, I believe they have some say. For example, if God has given them the Knowledge to understand the importance of eating healthily, then we should by all means do our best to eat healthy, well-balanced meals. This is what I mean by saying they have some say, for even God commands us to do all things in moderation. But doctor's don't have the final say when they declare a patient suffering from a form of cancer has a certain amount of time to live. Only God knows and decides when we leave this earth, and this is evidenced by countless testimonies that prove God is STILL the Healer, and that there is nothing too hard for Him to accomplish. Doctor's are going by what they have learned in school, technology, and statistics. If they are not followers of Jesus, they are normally followers of science. That is one reason I encourage and applaud Christians like my mother who delve into the medical field. They know what the world says about science, but they also possess the upper hand in knowing what Jehovah God says about wholeness, wellness, healing, and all health matters in general.
As stated at the beginning of the above paragraph, it is also imperative that we realize that doing what is right concerning our health can also involve Spiritual matters. After all, God says our bodies are His temple. The main reason I quit smoking today is because of this Bible verse. Science says that smoking can cause a number of health issues. God has not let that fact be proven wrong. If it was proven that smoking was beneficial to the health of the body, and no harm ensued upon the health of those engaging in this habit, certainly we would see it as a blessing from God. But we know from countless medical reports the danger smoking can produce to not only the smoker, but the non-smoker as well through the relentlessness of second hand smoke. By denying ourselves what may feel good at the time, but is inherently wrong and sinful, and running our race with the patience Christ has given us, we have obtained the basic formula for doing what we know is right and pleasing to our Father in Heaven.
So remember, when people come against you, and your flesh is crying out, wanting you to fight back verbally, or physically, let it know that the battle is not yours. In reality, you are fighting back when you allow God to fight your battles for you. Believe me, He can do a much better job than you'd ever be able to accomplish. Realize we are in a Spiritual war. Our weapons are not carnal (fleshly or earthly - Ephesians Chapter 6). Sometimes the greatest tactic when someone is enticing you to sink to their level of depravity is to simply walk away. Oh, how I wish many of our young children, especially African-Americans knew this tactic of God-Given prudence. Countless lives could have been saved from the onslaught of gang violence. It is better to love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for those who despitefully use you and persecute you, just as Jesus said (Matthew 5:44), than to attempt to fight a Spiritual battle with a physical weapon. Realize that every step you take of doing what you know to be right, God is well pleased. After all, isn't that what we really want, to hear Him say 'well done my good and faithful servant. Enter thou into the joy of the LORD'? Well, as long as we strive to do what is right in God's eyes, we will enter into His joy in this life, and definitely in the world to come! Amen? Amen!
(c) 2011 Writings with the Finger God
Next: Remember God
I stopped smoking today!
Greetings, my beloved Christian family. Today God Blessed me to take a major step in my quest to 'Finish what I start'! This step will enable me to not only become more healthier physically, but Spiritually as well. After years of trying, I made a firm, conscience decision to quit smoking cigars today! We must all do what we know is right and pleasing to God, and I know and believe that Jesus has been tugging at my heart for quite some time to put the lighter and tobacco down, and to focus entirely on Him for all I need Spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically. I've tried and failed in the past, but I know that this is 'my time'! This is a new day, and with God's Help, I can definitely do ALL things through Christ Which strengtheneth me (Philippians 4:13)! I ask that you would continue to keep me in your prayers!
Now what does it mean to do what we know is right? Basically, this statement means that no matter what your friends, family members, associates, people in the world, or even other Christians say about what is right and pleasing to God, or what is wrong and grievous to the Spirit of God, we have to do what we believe God is telling us. For example, it is not a sin to drink wine as some would have us believe. The Bible clearly states that wine cheers the heart of God and man. The Bible declares it is a sin to be drunken with wine, and commands us to do all things in moderation. However, if during your Christian walk, you know that consumption of alcoholic beverages has led you to a sinful mindset in the past, and you understand that it is prudent for your walk with Christ to stray from the fruit of the vine, then by all means abstain from the consumption of wine. But if you are celebrating the goodness of God, for example, Who has enabled you and your spouse to make it to another anniversary and you two spend a night alone with wine and a candlelight dinner, there is no sin in doing this. After all, the Bible declares that He giveth us all things richly to enjoy! That is why it is imperative that we stay in the Word, and read the Bible for ourselves, even as the Bereans in the Book of Acts read the Scriptures after hearing the Declarations of the Apostle Paul, to find out if the things which he spoke were true. A lot of times, we live under condemnation for things that Satan makes us think are illegal in the courtroom of Salvation, rather than enjoying the benefits of wisely utilizing all God has bestowed upon us in His wonderful creation.
Now, doing what we know is right doesn't always necessitate doing Spiritual things, but most of the time they will involve Spiritual things. An example of this is not doing what we know we should do in regards to our health. We as Christians know and realize that there is no wisdom against God. In other words, doctor's don't always know what they are talking about in regards to natural things, including our physical capacities. However, I believe God has placed doctor's on this earth to help us, and has given them Wisdom and Knowledge to enable us to live long, prosperous lives doing what we know is right by adhering to what they admonish unto us. However, even though they may not have the final say over our physical, mental, and emotional well beings, I believe they have some say. For example, if God has given them the Knowledge to understand the importance of eating healthily, then we should by all means do our best to eat healthy, well-balanced meals. This is what I mean by saying they have some say, for even God commands us to do all things in moderation. But doctor's don't have the final say when they declare a patient suffering from a form of cancer has a certain amount of time to live. Only God knows and decides when we leave this earth, and this is evidenced by countless testimonies that prove God is STILL the Healer, and that there is nothing too hard for Him to accomplish. Doctor's are going by what they have learned in school, technology, and statistics. If they are not followers of Jesus, they are normally followers of science. That is one reason I encourage and applaud Christians like my mother who delve into the medical field. They know what the world says about science, but they also possess the upper hand in knowing what Jehovah God says about wholeness, wellness, healing, and all health matters in general.
As stated at the beginning of the above paragraph, it is also imperative that we realize that doing what is right concerning our health can also involve Spiritual matters. After all, God says our bodies are His temple. The main reason I quit smoking today is because of this Bible verse. Science says that smoking can cause a number of health issues. God has not let that fact be proven wrong. If it was proven that smoking was beneficial to the health of the body, and no harm ensued upon the health of those engaging in this habit, certainly we would see it as a blessing from God. But we know from countless medical reports the danger smoking can produce to not only the smoker, but the non-smoker as well through the relentlessness of second hand smoke. By denying ourselves what may feel good at the time, but is inherently wrong and sinful, and running our race with the patience Christ has given us, we have obtained the basic formula for doing what we know is right and pleasing to our Father in Heaven.
So remember, when people come against you, and your flesh is crying out, wanting you to fight back verbally, or physically, let it know that the battle is not yours. In reality, you are fighting back when you allow God to fight your battles for you. Believe me, He can do a much better job than you'd ever be able to accomplish. Realize we are in a Spiritual war. Our weapons are not carnal (fleshly or earthly - Ephesians Chapter 6). Sometimes the greatest tactic when someone is enticing you to sink to their level of depravity is to simply walk away. Oh, how I wish many of our young children, especially African-Americans knew this tactic of God-Given prudence. Countless lives could have been saved from the onslaught of gang violence. It is better to love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for those who despitefully use you and persecute you, just as Jesus said (Matthew 5:44), than to attempt to fight a Spiritual battle with a physical weapon. Realize that every step you take of doing what you know to be right, God is well pleased. After all, isn't that what we really want, to hear Him say 'well done my good and faithful servant. Enter thou into the joy of the LORD'? Well, as long as we strive to do what is right in God's eyes, we will enter into His joy in this life, and definitely in the world to come! Amen? Amen!
(c) 2011 Writings with the Finger God
Next: Remember God
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Finish What You Start
Praise Jesus Christ!
Greetings my beloved family and friends! Thank you for returning once again to our blog, 'Finish What You Start'! We have come a long way together since the inception of these writings, and I trust your life is better off because of the God-Given Wisdom of these articles. Today we kind of want to go back to our roots by analyzing the term and title of this blog 'Finish What You Start'.
To finish what you start, you must obviously begin something. Every destination has a beginning and an ending. The key is to start the journey strong, and to finish even stronger. It is imperative that we not let complacency get in the way of completing a task. Yes, every journey has peaks and valleys, I am not denying this. But when we walk balanced on level ground, the journey is much easier, and not as strenuous. To reach this balance, we must give ample attention to the daily tasks we are bombarded with. Just as there is a portion of seasoning we put into a delicious meal, we must give a certain amount of 'mental seasoning' to everything we do, in order to not focus all our attention on a particular task, leaving little if any energy or focus for other important desires that need to be accomplished.
It's really not that difficult to finish what you start. All it takes is a vision, and the decision to see that vision come to fruition no matter how long it takes or what obstacles arise. Remember, you may not get to your destination at the exact time you planned, but if you're persistent and don't give up, you will get there.
So pray about where you are right now and where you want to be in the next month, year, or five years from now. Ask God to give you Wisdom and Guidance in order that you develop a goal-oriented plan that you can accomplish in a timely manner. Write down the steps to accomplishing each of your goals. Take one day at a time. Flee from all discouragement, by focusing on Christ and on what you've already accomplished. And finish each day better than you started it! May God be with you, and may He give you the desires of your heart! Be Blessed!
(c) 2011 Writings With The Finger of God
Next: Do What You Know Is Right
Greetings my beloved family and friends! Thank you for returning once again to our blog, 'Finish What You Start'! We have come a long way together since the inception of these writings, and I trust your life is better off because of the God-Given Wisdom of these articles. Today we kind of want to go back to our roots by analyzing the term and title of this blog 'Finish What You Start'.
To finish what you start, you must obviously begin something. Every destination has a beginning and an ending. The key is to start the journey strong, and to finish even stronger. It is imperative that we not let complacency get in the way of completing a task. Yes, every journey has peaks and valleys, I am not denying this. But when we walk balanced on level ground, the journey is much easier, and not as strenuous. To reach this balance, we must give ample attention to the daily tasks we are bombarded with. Just as there is a portion of seasoning we put into a delicious meal, we must give a certain amount of 'mental seasoning' to everything we do, in order to not focus all our attention on a particular task, leaving little if any energy or focus for other important desires that need to be accomplished.
It's really not that difficult to finish what you start. All it takes is a vision, and the decision to see that vision come to fruition no matter how long it takes or what obstacles arise. Remember, you may not get to your destination at the exact time you planned, but if you're persistent and don't give up, you will get there.
So pray about where you are right now and where you want to be in the next month, year, or five years from now. Ask God to give you Wisdom and Guidance in order that you develop a goal-oriented plan that you can accomplish in a timely manner. Write down the steps to accomplishing each of your goals. Take one day at a time. Flee from all discouragement, by focusing on Christ and on what you've already accomplished. And finish each day better than you started it! May God be with you, and may He give you the desires of your heart! Be Blessed!
(c) 2011 Writings With The Finger of God
Next: Do What You Know Is Right
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