When Trouble Multiplies, Grace Magnifies.

When Trouble Multiplies, Grace Magnifies. When we give God all we have in facing our troubles, we'll learn where our strength ends and His begin.  We may have weaknesses, but God has strength. We may have sin, but God has grace. We may fail, but God remains faithful! We may have been unworthy, unfaithful, unmerciful, unteachable, unwilling, & unwise. But the cross shows us we’ve never been unloved. Through Christ we are offered grace, a free gift. If it seem like your troubles are multiplying, know that God's Grace abounds. We often hear the cliche "when it rains it pours" it appear that everything around us is falling apart all at once. The Moment you're ready to quit is usually the Moment right before the Miracle happens. Don't give up. God's whisper of comfort quiets the noise of our trials.  When we know that God’s hand is in everything, we can leave everything in God’s hand. " My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in your weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9.

When We Continually Complain

The soul that complains cannot find comfort in anything.  When we continually complain we give Satan a playing field in our mind, we allow him to walk in and out of the door of our lives. The soul that gives thanks can find comfort in everything in every situation.  The Bible is GOD'S guidebook to show us how to distinguish right and wrong. When we open our hearts to His perfect love, we are touched by the Master's hand, and we are transformed.  There are areas in our lives that need changing. Let God do the changing. Follow His Word.  Lord God, nothing is going to work for me, unless You are in the plan. Help me!  Father just as You have lifted me up, let me be a blessing lifting others in a spirit of encouragement and optimism and hope.  The Word is truth and will forever be the ultimate truth. Father, let me worship You every day of my life!  Praise Him, tell of His excellent greatness!  When we worship God faithfully and fervently we will be blessed way more then we could ever think.  In the sanctuary we discover love, joy, contentment and relief in His presence.  Nothing is more important than the time you spend with your Savior.  Dear Father, please help us to be still before You letting nothing come between You and I.  Keep me mindful that You are always with me and I can sense Your presence today and everyday as long as I am Yours. God wants us to serve Him with a willing spirit that would choose no other way but His.  If you are in covenant with Jesus then He is responsible for covering your weaknesses with His strength.  Quiet your mind so that you can sense God's will, love and His Son. In those moments when you open your heart to Jesus Christ you will receive direction, wisdom and courage... just take the 1st step!   As Christians, we have been refashioned and saved by Jesus Christ; salvation came not because of our own good works but God's grace.  Dear Father, as I trust in You and in Your master plan, help me not to complain but to be thankful and open to Your plan for me. Amen

Seasons of Your Life, Today You May Be Going Through A Winter

Today, you may be going through a "winter" in your life.  You may not see the fruit that you desire.  Seasons are an integral part of God's creation. There may be times when we don't immediately experience the blessings we seek from God.  We may wonder if He hears us, and it may seem like our prayers aren't being answered.  During these moments, we can feel that nothing will ever change.  In God's design, things take place according to His calendar, according to His eternal timetable, in the fullness of time, at the right moment, and in the right season.  Seeing life through the perspective of seasons can help us understand our experiences better.  We will go through seasons of the year. The word in Genesis translated "seasons" means "appointed places or times."  Seasons are God's appointed times and places when special things happen. God wants you to know that you will go through seasons during your life- seasons for planting, seasons for waiting patiently for the Seeds to mature, seasons for Reaping, times of change, times for growth and struggle, and many other kinds of experiences.  These are His appointed times for you.  Yes, you might experience moments of difficulty, challenges when things don't make sense, and days when you have questions.  But through every experience, remember that you are only going through a season. God also has appointed times of blessings just for you.  Everything in our lives can play an important role in leading to the Harvest God has prepared for us.  Don't be discouraged.  Never give up or lose faith.  If you are faithful, God will bring you through your difficult seasons, bless you with an abundant Harvest, and show you that there is  " a time for every purpose under heaven" in your life.

The Urgency of the Hour. Do No Be Distracted.

The urgency of the hour.  Today, there are too many ways in which people are being distracted and falling asleep spiritually. Paul wrote about night and darkness, which symbolizes sin, the world, and the reign of ungodly people and forces.  In the light of the urgency of the hour, Paul challenged Believers to purge darkness from their lives and "put on the armor of light." Romans 13: 11-12.  Their greatest defense was to live and act in the light, which represented the purity of the Gospel and the penetrating presence and convicting power of the Holy Spirit. Today, we also live in critical times, Bible prophecies are being fulfilled.  We, too, must not fall asleep spiritually, become lulled into complacency or let down our guard.  We must be alert and ready, refusing to be distracted. We are truly living in the urgency of the hour. Father help us to realize the urgency of the hour. Help us to live in the light and be a pure vessel. Reveal secret sins and anything that displeases You. Help us to be ready. In Jesus' name.  Amen

There Are Dangerously Strong Winds Blowing These Days!

There are dangerously strong winds blowing these days! Winds that threaten our economic stability; Winds of war, Winds predicting epidemic diseases, Winds of rising unemployment, extreme debt, and runaway federal spending. But we don’t ever have to be swept off course by any contrary wind as long as we maintain a fixed setting, anchored in God’s Word.  If we go through life unanchored, those powerful winds will push us far off course until shipwreck looks unavoidable.  Peace doesn't come from finding a lake with no storms. It comes from having Jesus in the boat. If you are steering through life unanchored in the midst of a storm you will surely drift away. Only when the Word is anchored in their hearts will God’s people develop the capacity to receive His blessings. Along this line, Proverbs 4:20-24 tells each of us what we must do. The Apostle Paul tells us that the Word should steer each of us as we navigate our course through life: 2 Timothy 3:16.

A Lesson In Praise: Where, Why, How and Who Should Praise

Psalm 150 is not only a beautiful expression of praise, it's also a lesson in praising the Lord.  It tells us where to praise, why we're to praise, how we're to praise, and who should offer praise.   

Where do we praise?  In God's "sanctuary" and mighty firmament" (v.1).  Where we are in the world is a proper place to praise the One who created all things. 

Why do we praise?  First because of what Goes does.  He performs "mighty acts."  Second, because of who God is.  The psalmist praised Him for "His excellent greatness".  The all powerful Creator of the universe.

How should we praise?  Loudly.  Softly.  Soothingly, Enthusiastically.  Rhythmically.  Boldly.  Unexpectedly.  Fearlessly.  In other words, we can praise God in many ways and on many occasions.   

Who should praise ? Everything that has breath" (v.6.)  Young and old.  Rich and poor.  Weak and strong.  Every living creature.  God's will is for everyone to whom He gave the breath of life to use that breath to acknowledge His power and greatness.  Praise is our enthusiastic expression of gratitude to God for reigning in glory forever.  Praise is the overflow of a joyful heart.