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
Showing posts with label Inspirational. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Inspirational. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
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
Friday, July 15, 2011
A Time For Rest!
Praise Jesus Christ!
Greetings my friends. How are you this glorious day of The LORD? I pray you are doing magnificently, and accomplishing every goal and endeavor The LORD has place in your heart! However, if you aren't feeling up to par today, believe me, I understand.
You see, I have been having trouble with my mobility for nearly 9 years. In the Spring of 2003 I lost feeling in my lower extremities, and I lost my ability to walk. After being misdiagnosed for nearly 4 years, it was discovered that there was a bony-mass pressing against my spinal column, interfering with the flow of my spinal fluid. After two successful surgeries (I thought I would only need one), I am regaining control of my extremities, and gaining a greater mobility everyday.
About a week ago, I rededicated my efforts to an intense daily workout that has pushed my body to it's limits! Upon completion of my latest physical therapy endeavor, my therapist gave me instructions on my workout regime. This re-dedication is far and beyond what my therapist recommended. However, I am determined to push myself beyond what I thought possible. After all doesn't Jesus say in His Word - The Holy Bible - He will do 'more than we ask or think'?
Well, suffice it to say, today I didn't really feel like getting out of bed. I felt worn out and weary. Normally, I would come downstairs and begin my walking, but today I decided instead to rest a bit. My wife wanted to go to the park with our kids, so I was all for it. Whether or not it was the heat from the blistering sunlight, the repercussions of daily strenuous exercise, or God Himself nudging me on my shoulder to take a breather, upon returning home, I felt like doing nothing. Then I realized, I NEEDED A MUCH-DESERVED BREAK!
Now this break doesn't mean that I have quit, or that I won't accomplish my goals. It simply means that my entire body, mind, and spirit, needed a time of refreshing. Even God Himself Who only gets weary with our sins, rested from His Works the seventh day. He commanded us to rest the Sabbath (Some say this is Saturday, others Sunday - I believe the first day is Sunday and the seventh is Saturday, but I am not writing this to debate that), and I believe this is an ordained time for regeneration. If you for some reason cannot rest during the weekend, possibly because of employment constraints, I suggest resting at least one day of the week.
Take the time to enjoy your family, or if you're not married, to enjoy yourself and your God. Life will be there when your rest or vacation has come to a conclusion. We all need a time to relax, refresh, and reflect. This time of relaxation will revive or minds and spirits, and enable us to return to a greater state of productivity in every area of our lives.
So if you're reading this post at the beginning of a new day, or at the end of a long strenuous day, keep this in mind. In order to finish all that we start, we must have the strength and endurance to accomplish every task and goal. Simply put, this endurance only comes from the Loving God that always ordains in Himself, 'A Time to Rest'! Be Blessed!
(c) 2011 Writings With The Finger of God
Tomorrow: Continue On The Journey!
Greetings my friends. How are you this glorious day of The LORD? I pray you are doing magnificently, and accomplishing every goal and endeavor The LORD has place in your heart! However, if you aren't feeling up to par today, believe me, I understand.
You see, I have been having trouble with my mobility for nearly 9 years. In the Spring of 2003 I lost feeling in my lower extremities, and I lost my ability to walk. After being misdiagnosed for nearly 4 years, it was discovered that there was a bony-mass pressing against my spinal column, interfering with the flow of my spinal fluid. After two successful surgeries (I thought I would only need one), I am regaining control of my extremities, and gaining a greater mobility everyday.
About a week ago, I rededicated my efforts to an intense daily workout that has pushed my body to it's limits! Upon completion of my latest physical therapy endeavor, my therapist gave me instructions on my workout regime. This re-dedication is far and beyond what my therapist recommended. However, I am determined to push myself beyond what I thought possible. After all doesn't Jesus say in His Word - The Holy Bible - He will do 'more than we ask or think'?
Well, suffice it to say, today I didn't really feel like getting out of bed. I felt worn out and weary. Normally, I would come downstairs and begin my walking, but today I decided instead to rest a bit. My wife wanted to go to the park with our kids, so I was all for it. Whether or not it was the heat from the blistering sunlight, the repercussions of daily strenuous exercise, or God Himself nudging me on my shoulder to take a breather, upon returning home, I felt like doing nothing. Then I realized, I NEEDED A MUCH-DESERVED BREAK!
Now this break doesn't mean that I have quit, or that I won't accomplish my goals. It simply means that my entire body, mind, and spirit, needed a time of refreshing. Even God Himself Who only gets weary with our sins, rested from His Works the seventh day. He commanded us to rest the Sabbath (Some say this is Saturday, others Sunday - I believe the first day is Sunday and the seventh is Saturday, but I am not writing this to debate that), and I believe this is an ordained time for regeneration. If you for some reason cannot rest during the weekend, possibly because of employment constraints, I suggest resting at least one day of the week.
Take the time to enjoy your family, or if you're not married, to enjoy yourself and your God. Life will be there when your rest or vacation has come to a conclusion. We all need a time to relax, refresh, and reflect. This time of relaxation will revive or minds and spirits, and enable us to return to a greater state of productivity in every area of our lives.
So if you're reading this post at the beginning of a new day, or at the end of a long strenuous day, keep this in mind. In order to finish all that we start, we must have the strength and endurance to accomplish every task and goal. Simply put, this endurance only comes from the Loving God that always ordains in Himself, 'A Time to Rest'! Be Blessed!
(c) 2011 Writings With The Finger of God
Tomorrow: Continue On The Journey!
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