GOD LED

   Most times in life, we miss great treasures as we go about our daily lives… One of such is found in the book of Joshua 2:1b. Having read this passage so many times, I missed so great a treasure contained in this verse but discovered it recently:

"…And they went and came to the house of a harlot named Rahab. And they stayed there."

Seeing it again and by the help of the Holy Spirit, I began to ask the right questions for the first time. "WHY DID THEY ENTER THE HOUSE OF RAHAB?" I want to believe that her house is not the only house on that wall, and she probably not the only harlot there, how did they end up in the house of the someone who 'believes'?

The story of the spies (humanly speaking) could have been different (though I know God could have made a way of escape for them) if they had entered the house of someone who could have given them away…but the truth is that they found themselves WHERE GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THEM…

Looking at this from my perspective, I once again see how unlimited and amazing the love of God works in my daily life. A friend would always say that 'the same way God order our steps, He also order our stops…'. HE LEAVES NOTHING ABOUT US TO CHANCE, NO HE DOES NOT. He says can a mother forget her sulking child? Even if they can, He will not forget us.

Further, He says if the sparrows are well taken care of, how much more we who more precious than sparrows (Paraphrase) Matt 10:29-31. 

In our present world with all its intricacies, it is good to know that God will always lead us to the place(s), person(s) and opportunities He has prepared for us.

Praise the Lord.

Not now

“Do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward”
(Hebrews 10:35)

Have you been praying and believing for something that seems like it’s taking a lot longer than you anticipated? Many times, people can miss God’s best simply because they give up before they see their “due season” come. Don’t let that be you! Be encouraged today; your answer is closer than you think! If it seems like things are getting more difficult, remember, when the intensity heats up, that means you are closer to your victory. It always seems darkest just before the dawn arrives.

Remember, you serve a faithful God, and He’s working behind the scenes on your behalf. Don’t cast away your confidence today because your reward is coming. Just like a new mother forgets about her labor pain when she is finally holding her newborn, you’ll forget about your struggle when you are holding on to your promise.

While you are waiting, keep an attitude of faith and expectancy. Wake up every morning and say out loud, “I’ve come too far to give up now. My due season is coming. I will reap my harvest.” Stay in faith and look for His hand of blessing because He has promised you victory, and your reward is coming!

Forgiveness

If I were to ask you to name something that Christians struggle with, what would your response be?

If someone were to ask me that question, my response would have to be forgiveness.

Forgiveness is not something that comes naturally to people.

Much of this comes the conditioning the world administers to us even at an early age.

We are taught not to let others take advantage of us.

We are taught to stand up for ourselves and our rights.

We are taught these and other similar things time and time again.

Sometimes people we know either do something or say something to which we take exception.

Often times the other person does not even realize that we have been wounded by their words or actions.

So why should people, especially Christians, be more forgiving.

First, because we are told to forgive by none other than Jesus Himself.

Peter asked Jesus how many times he should forgive a brother who sins against him and offered seven times as an answer,

Matthew 18:22 (NET) - Jesus said to him, "Not seven times, I tell you, but seventy-seven times!"

Jesus used the figure seventy-seven times to illustrate the importance of forgiveness.

In other words, we are to forgive our brother who sins against us every time no matter how many times that happens to be.

Second, we should remember that we are not always on the receiving end of sin.

Whether we realize it or not, sometimes we are the ones that hurt others.

Jesus reminds us of this and the need to forgive in the Lord’s Prayer.

Luke 11:4 (NET) - "... and forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation."

When it comes to forgiveness and its importance, there are numerous examples I could give and passages I could recite.

Yet Jesus gave us the finest example of all during His crucifixion.

Luke 23:34 (NET) - But Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing." Then they threw dice to divide His clothes.

That really puts things into perspective.

If Jesus is willing to forgive so much...

... shouldn’t I be willing to forgive my brother of so little by comparison.

One more thing about forgiveness.

With forgiveness comes freedom.

When we feel wronged and are unwilling to forgive, we cannot help but dwell upon it.

As we dwell upon the wrong done to us, our life is like a ship held firmly in place by an anchor.

When we forgive...

truly forgive...

we don’t just pull up that anchor...

we cut it loose completely...

and free ourselves from our burden...

and thus free ourselves to move forward with life again.

Some things may seem harder to forgive than others.

No matter the circumstance... we don’t have to do it alone.

We can ask God for help.

With God, all things are possible.


Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/

- Fear -

We all battled with the fear at different times - this is a feeling that can paralyze our journey. Doubt, insecurity and fear, in any way, prevent us from walking in the plans God has for us.

Many times we are afraid to acknowledge our capabilities , we fear 'cause don't see beyond the whats happening or even by lack of faith. Different from what the world thinks, you can confess your fears, and when this is done the way wise, produces fruits of daring, because the Lord has pleased us incase of force.


The enemy sends fear to torment us. He wants to stop us doing everything God wants us to do and deprive us of receive all he wants that we have. We can exchange our fear by faith if we choose to believe in God. In Isaiah 41: 10, God encourages his people saying: fear not [there is nothing to fear], because I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you in difficulties, Yes, I will help you ... When we realize that God is with us and that we are able to do all that he asks of us, we will overcome the fear.


We feel fear when we must confront certain circumstances in our life is perfectly normal-it is not wrong to feel fear. Is what we do, despite our fear, that makes the difference! The word of God says that He will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13: 5). When we know that he is with us, not prenderemos to fear - no matter what the circumstances.


Maybe you're dealing with the fear of going back to school, start a new job or even a new relationship. Deal with the changes in our lives can often cause we feel frightened and insecure. Some people live in fear of what can happen: "what if I get sick or someone I love die? And if I lose my job or the person I'm dating find another person? " The list is endless. Whatever the fear that you're facing, real or imaginary, God wants to replace it by Your faith and peace.


Remember: you are not alone, and with God on your side you can not fail!

Blessings, 

MaryGondim

www.verdadecongelada.blogspot.com

Broken

For over 10 years I have been attending or working at churches that participate in taking communion every Sunday. During that time in our worship service there is usually someone who shares a short devotion along with explaining what communion is.

Often I've heard the words, "this is my body broken for you." Broken? Is it possible that I've heard that line so many times that I'm losing sight of what it means?


Jesus' body was broken for us...

I know that He was beaten, flogged, spit on, laughed at, punched, and humiliated. Physically I know He was broken.  But there is something about the brokenness that Jesus endured that is beginning to really stand out to me. Jesus was willingly broken. It was a decision that He entered into for me and you.

Jesus' body was broken for me...

He willingly took the pain, the trauma, the abuse, the torture, the shame, and the death that I deserve. He chose to take on the full wrath of God. When I allow that truth to sink deep into my heart and mind, I cannot help but respond. But what is the appropriate response? Is it to casually eat a tiny cracker and drink a sip of juice? Should my response be to hurry through that moment and apathetically pass the emblems to my right?

Regardless of how often you take communion, aren't we all guilty of being casual with it? I think the best response that we can give is to allow ourselves to be broken. When's the last time you allowed the Holy Spirit to break you? To expose you? Have you ever felt broken and in need of your savior? The great lie of religion is that once you've found God you're no longer in need of help. But Jesus' sacrifice was in spite of religion. His death was a ransom to rescue each of us from the depths of Hell and the lies of religion.

What if the next time you hold that cracker and juice you pray a prayer of brokenness? Maybe then the words and the experience won't be so casual, instead it will be a powerful moment of vulnerability in which you encounter a risen Jesus who is able to break you and then restore you.


Jesus' body was broken for you... by choice.


How will you respond?

Tough Love

If you're a parent, you know that one of the most important lessons you can teach your children is the "law of consequences": if you choose to misbehave you're going to suffer the natural and ordained consequences of your acts. Learning what are the consequences of making certain choices, and acting accordingly, is fundamental to "growing up." Notwithstanding all the guidance provided by parents, teachers, and scripture, it's still largely a trial and error process--we end up learning  "the hard way"!

That process doesn't end the moment we become legal adults. Indeed, it's pretty clear when you think about it that the lion's share of misfortune we see around us results from bad choices made by "grownups," and that we ourselves are the authors of most of our own suffering. We succumb to temptation, abuse our minds and bodies, lie or cheat to serve selfish ends, bicker with or hurt others, and generally ignore or flout the Commandments God gave us as a pathway to safety and happiness in this life. And what usually results?  Broken relationships, ill health, legal and financial trouble, loneliness, disappointment, bitterness, despair. Often people in such circumstances disclaim any responsibility and blame or deny God--"It isn't fair!  I'm not that bad!"

What they fail to recognize is that natural consequences are God's wise way of making us appreciate our sins and of guiding us away from them.  In King James parlance, it's to "chasten": to correct by punishment or reproof; take to task; restrain or subdue; to rid of excess and refine or purify. Sinfulness makes us blind; God's correction opens our eyes and moves us to act in safer, better, more rewarding ways--ways that lead us, in due time, into His eternal company. The Lord's chastening, like any devoted parent's, is proof of His love: "My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth." (Proverbs 3:11,12)  In times of trouble we may be tempted to believe the lie that God would not allow us to suffer so if He really loved us. But does a good parent shelter his or her children from the consequences of their own acts, just so they won't be disturbed?  It's precisely because God loves us that He allows us to experience the trials that bring knowledge, improve our character, and draw us closer to Him.

Moreover, if we respond positively to the Lord's correction, he will not afflict us endlessly, but comfort and reassure: "For he maketh sore, and bindeth up; he woundeth, and his hands make whole." (Job 5:18; see also Lamentations 3:31-33)  The whole lesson is so aptly set forth in Paul's letter to the Hebrews:

My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? . . . Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.  (Hebrews 12:5-11)

Thus, the trials we endure as a result of our own choices are meant to make us better, holier people. Let us not rail against God, but admit our shortcomings and pray for strength to overcome them. We should reflect honestly on our conduct in times of trouble, seeking the lessons we need to learn to move on and upward. And we should always be thankful for that Tough Love we get from our loving Lord.

Tom Fleming

Songs of Praises

I will not sacrifice to the Lord offerings that cost me nothing

“Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name” (Hebrews 13:15)
Have you ever thought about what it means to continually offer up a sacrifice of praise? That word “sacrifice” means that it cost you something. It means doing something when you don’t feel like it. It’s when you say, “God, I’m hurting, but I give You praise.” “God, I’m lonely, but I give You praise.” “God, it wasn’t fair. They did me wrong, but I give You praise.”
But the king replied to Araunah, “No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” 2 Samuel 24:24
When you praise God beyond your feelings, that’s when praise becomes your faith at work. That’s when praise becomes a weapon. Nothing gets God’s attention any more than when you call on Him in your time of trouble. When most people would become negative and bitter, you have a song of praise. You’re thanking God for who He is and what He will do in your life. You’re not talking about how big your problems are; you’re talking about how big your God is!
Today, understand that praise activates God’s power. He commands us to praise because it opens the door to His victory and blessing. No matter what is happening around you, worship Him! Declare His goodness and see His restoration in every area of your life!

It pain...

  Romans 12:2, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,…”

Change can reflect our grandest hopes and dreams. It can reveal our greatest fears. On some level we all want change. But many times we are slow to embrace it, almost resistant. When it comes to making changes we are often very patient and understanding with ourselves. We give ourselves great latitude and room for failure. But when the change involves other people we are much more demanding, far less inclined to give them the benefit of grace. We want them changed yesterday (if not sooner). Oftentimes we require great change from them but we remain convinced that we really have no need for change. “You are the problem. If you would just change, this relationship would work. Everything would be so much better.” We might not say it but we all think it to one degree or another. In the realm of relationships we are quick to place the full weight of change on the other person.

The reality is that when God speaks of change He places the emphasis and need at our feet. The unchanging One reveals to us that so many times we are the breakdown in the process. We are the monkey wrench that has been tossed into the machinery of our own relationships. We are our own worst enemy. We are the problem. Most of us have learned the hard way that we are powerless to change the other person. Nagging won’t do it. Screaming and yelling only lead to greater difficulty. The wall of silence only provides the illusion of peace. Begging. Bribes. Punishment. Discipline. We try so many different things in an effort to get the other person to change. But it never works. We only grow frustrated and the relationship only gets worse. And the whole time we fail to look in the mirror. We refuse to recognize or admit our own culpability. I am not perfect. Far from it. But I forget that. If my relationships are going to change, then that change has to begin with me.

Change begins with the mind. When I begin to think differently then I will begin to act differently. This is far more than just rolling up my sleeves and determining to be different. I am broken. I am bankrupt. Apart from Christ I can do no good thing. Without Him I can no more change the way I think than I can change the color of my skin. That type of transformation in thinking comes only from one place. His Word. His Word transforms my thinking. His Word transforms me. His Word, in turn and in time, will transform my relationships. If I truly want change, then I must begin with His Word. If love is the missing element, I need to find, read, and memorize verses on love. Maybe the issue is hurt and bitterness. Search His Word for those passages that deal with healing and forgiveness. Trust? Peace? Intimacy? God’s Word has an answer for our every need. But if we want to experience lasting change it has to be built upon His unchanging Word.

The world says, “They are the problem,” always looking to cast blame at someone else’s feet. That doesn’t work. It just creates more alienation and separation. Stop casting blame and start taking responsibility. You can’t change the other person but through God’s Word you can bring change to yourself. That is the starting point…His Word. As His Word transforms my thinking I become a new person. As I become a new person God begins to work through me to impact those around me. A broken tool can fix nothing. Focus on the thing that needs to repaired. Look to yourself. And look to His Word. Change will be coming!

Trusting God

Matthew 19:14 (NET) - But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me and do not try to stop them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

God continually blesses me in unique ways.

Our church hosted Vacation Bible School this week and I always find this week to be very rewarding.

This year’s theme was about trusting God.

I had the privilege of teaching two of the adult classes.

One night I had to base the class on Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead.

I taught this class from the perspective of the Disciples, Martha, Mary  and those around them.

I explored their feelings as revealed in the Bible and showed their need to trust God.

My second night, the class revolved around the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.

I taught this class based on the fact that no one trusted God more completely than Jesus did as He followed the Father’s will completely. Doing so meant a painful and humiliating death by crucifixion.

The other evenings I got to be around children whose ages range from toddlers to those attending grade school.

They also were taught about trusting God in ways that were appropriate for their ages.

I love to see how our relationship with God grows deeper as we grow older.

I marvel at the energy and enthusiasm young people have and their willingness to engage themselves fully into the accounts from the Bible.

I enjoy working with the young people who are visiting with us for the first time.

At first they’re not sure if they want to trust this "old man" with the full beard.

By the end of the week, it’s as if they’ve known me for a long time.

Maybe it’s because this "old man" still has a bit of a child within him.

To tell the complete truth, I actually learn a little bit from them as well.

I know that everybody believes that their child or grandchild is special.

Rightly so.

Based on my study of Scripture, I know that each and every child is special to God.

As a result, each and every child is special to me.

I think children pick up on that somehow,

Why do I do this?

I was fortunate growing up because God provided me with many good role models.

Some are no longer living, but I still think of them fondly.

It is my sincere hope that I will be thought of in that way.

I have concluded that the time I spend this way is not time spent.

Rather, it is time invested.

There is no better investment of one’s time than helping a child develop a better relationship with God!

I may or may not get to see this investment pay dividends in my lifetime.

Whether I do, or not, really does not matter.

I simply must have faith that it will.

After all, isn’t that what trusting God means?


Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/

Life's Necessity

             On one occasion a Jew born in Bethlehem began preaching about the Kingdom of God and the select disciples for an important Ministry. Of course you know what I'm talking about Jesus. This man had grown up in a tough environment. Judea was living on the domain of a cruel and tyrannical Empire, the Roman Empire. The social condition was deplorable, aggravated even more by collecting taxes at exorbitant charged by the emperor. The environment was not the most quiet. The Jewish people listened just the "silence" of God. Four hundred years without any kind of prophetic Word. This was the wider context of Jesus ' life.

            Born in the fullness of time, as the Apostle Paul said to the Galatians (see 4.4). Jesus was ready for the beginning of a Ministry that would change the history of mankind. His first large sermon was proclaimed in a lot:

"Seeing Jesus, crowds surged to a bunch and settled. approached him his disciples, and he began to teach them, saying: Blessed are the humble in spirit (…) Happy those who mourn (…) Blessed are the meek (…) Happy those who hunger and thirst for Justice (…) Blessed are the merciful (…) Blessed are the pure in heart (…) Blessed are the peacemakers (…) Happy those who suffer persecution for righteousness ' sake (…) Happy ye (…) Rejoice and rejoice (…) " Mt 5.1-12

             I think some people when they heard this speech simply stood up, made some gesture of disapproval, turned their backs and went away. Others might not have had such education. "Nonsense!" Could have yelled at some more fanatic of the Pharisee crowd. "Crazy!" "Crazy!" Ah, sure many should have thinking. Jesus was in front of a crowd who dreamed and hoped for a Prophet for years. He was preaching to a community that no longer supported the burden of constant abuses and humiliations sponsored by Rome.

                You can understand this? Did you can see hatred and rancor that much of the Jewish population was feeling at that moment? Their children were being humiliated. Their women and daughters flouted and even raped. Whole families suffering serious financial needs. Their faith being corrupted and desecrated every day. Jesus did not preach a sermon expository or themed on a sunny Sunday morning for believers accustomed to your message. His first large sermon was an affront to the eyes of Jewish society fragile.

                The people was no longer accustomed to hear words like peace and passivity, gentleness and mercy, justice and stuff like that as a source for any kind of joy. This sounded like collusion to damn Caesar Empire. The environment was more conducive to riots, heated arguments and conflicts. Everyone was waiting for a speech challenging and haughty. Something that could inflame the hearts and arouse the wrath of the entire people the point of a war.

                In our current society, where many Christian values are known and disseminated, the sermon on the mount is still confusing to the heart of some people, including Christians. We live on the verge of a nervous breakdown. We are increasingly impatient with everything. We want to change things. We ask for Justice, peace and love. We seek to be happy, but we increasingly sad and lonely. It is less than in the contemporary world are finding increasingly depressed people or with some kind of change in mood.

How is your heart? He is prepared to take possession of joy offered by Lord?

                Happiness is not always found in the things that we think is the best. Maybe your happiness is to make someone else happy. Have you thought of this possibility? The Apostle Paul sums up this proposal of happiness produced by Jesus when he says: "I have shown you in everything, working well, it is necessary to provide assistance to the needy, and remember the words of the Lord Jesus: More blessed (greatest happiness) is giving to receive" (acts 20.35).

               You have sought happiness, doesn't? But what are the words that you have saved in the heart? Only in Jesus we can achieve the dreamed joy. He calls us to be truly happy.

Blessings,

MaryGondim, 

www.verdadecongelada.blogspot.com