Category: Belief

Posted on

The Master of the Seas

Jesus is the master of the seas; the calm and the choppy ones.  “He is the star of the sea; and though there be sorrow upon the sea, when Jesus is on it there is joy too.  May our hearts make Jesus their anchor, their rudder, their lighthouse, their lifeboat, and their harbor.  His church is the Admiral’s flagship, let us attend her movements, and cheer her officers with our presence.” Spurgeon

Henry Blackaby once said, “God’s command are designed to guide you to life’s very best.  You will not obey Him, if you do not believe Him and trust Him. You cannot believe Him if you do not love Him. You cannot love Him unless you know Him.”

Today, let us resolve to get to know better the Master of the Seas; hear His voice amid the storms of life, and then follow His bright star into the safe harbor.  The seas may be rocky; toss and billow, but the Master of the Seas can say “peace, be still” and all will be well.  Amen.

Posted on

Scribe and Student

The parables of Matthew 13 illustrate a single, fundamental truth drawn from daily life.  It says that the Kingdom of God has come among humans in the form of our Lord and Savior.  As I read the chapter this morning, one particular verse struck me.  In the New King James Version, verse 52 reads, ” Then He (Jesus) said to them (disciples), “Therefore every scribe instructed concerning the Kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure things new and old.”

This is the message I received from this passage; that every student well-trained in the kingdom will bring forth exactly what is needed out of God’s storehouse at just the right time; for just the right person and situation; and out of this training the scribe and student will manifest blessings, power, and the light, and love of Christ.  At the moment my spirit accepted this new revelation this blog took on new meaning and purpose as well as my studies.  I am a vessel, as you are dear friends, a householder of truth; of the gospel message and of the power and presence of God.  “Study to show thyself approved, a workmen who needed not to be ashamed:; bringing forth out of God’s household treasures beyond measure.  Hold up the standard of God upon the roof of your house showing all and sharing with all that the Kingdom of God has come.   Christ said, “Behold, I make all things new…”  We are new creations; householders containing the gospel message.

Isaiah 30:21 says, “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Walk in the knowledge that as scribes and students there is written upon our hearts keys to the Kingdom in the person of Jesus Christ.   John MacArthur once said, “In many ways, the attitude of obedience is much more vital than the act, because if the attitude is right, the act will naturally follow.”

May your attitude be right and in accordance with the will of God.  May your actions reflect the attitude of obedience with this divine truth.  Write and study as a holy, blessed and beloved scribes, and students who share the keys to the Kingdom with all who need them.   Blessings to you.

Posted on

The Prayer of Jabez

I shared this meditation backed in 2011 with a group of fellow believers.   I came across it, and thought it was a good word to share again.

The following comments were taken from www.AllAboutPrayer.org .  I hope you will be encouraged by this word today.  Have a faith filled weekend.
Peace and blessings,
Denise

Prayer of Jabez: What is it?
The Prayer of Jabez comes from the Bible. In 1 Chronicles 4:10, we read: “And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that Thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that Thine hand might be with me, and that Thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.” The prayer is composed of four parts. First, Jabez asks God to bless him. Second, he asks God to enlarge his territory or increase his responsibility. Third, he prays that God will be with him and stay close. Lastly, Jabez asks that God keep him from harm so that he will be free from pain.
Prayer of Jabez: Why is it important?
The Prayer of Jabez reveals that Jabez understands what many people do not — there is only one God and He should be the center of our work God wants to bless every life. But, we must first make the choice to invite God into our life and ask for His blessings. Jabez wants to succeed and increase his sphere of influence for God. The specific sphere of influence is not important. What is important is that when we want to reach for goals and accomplishments that we have God on our side. Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.” It is critical to understand and practice this in a close relationship with God. Further, it is equally important to stay close to God and rely on His continued support and guidance throughout life. Jabez clearly knows and prays specifically to the One who can protect him from evil and pain — God. At the end of the verse it is clear that God approved of this faithful prayer by granting it. It is also important to see that Jabez was passionate in his plea to God: “He cried out to the God of Israel.” God wants to hear that we need Him through passionate prayer.
Prayer of Jabez: What does it mean to you?
The Prayer of Jabez reminds us that everybody struggles with choosing to rely on himself or God. Whether you are a focused Christian
or just searching to find out more about God, life is a growing process. However, it is very clear in reviewing the Prayer of Jabez, as well as the rest of the Bible, that God is faithful in caring for those who seek Him. Jabez sets a great example of how God wants everyone to come to Him through constant and passionate prayer. If you are looking to start a relationship with God or improve your existing relationship with Him, start with prayer. God answers prayers when you trust Him (1 Chronicles 5:20). Prayers to God also please Him (Proverbs 15:8). We can all learn from Jabez and faithfully pray to God always in everything that we do.

Posted on

A Promise

Blessings to you.

My scripture today comes from Isaiah 58:9-14 New King James Version (NKJV)

9 Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer;
You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’
“If you take away the yoke from your midst,
The pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness,
10 If you extend your soul to the hungry
And satisfy the afflicted soul,
Then your light shall dawn in the darkness,
And your darkness shall be as the noonday.
11 The Lord will guide you continually,
And satisfy your soul in drought,
And strengthen your bones;
You shall be like a watered garden,
And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.
12 Those from among you shall build the old waste places;
You shall raise up the foundations of many generations;
And you shall be called the Repairer of the Breach,
The Restorer of Streets to Dwell In.
13 “If you turn away your foot from the Sabbath,
From doing your pleasure on My holy day,
And call the Sabbath a delight,
The holy day of the Lord honorable,
And shall honor Him, not doing your own ways,
Nor finding your own pleasure,
Nor speaking your own words,
14 Then you shall delight yourself in the Lord;
And I will cause you to ride on the high hills of the earth,
And feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father.
The mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

What an amazing promise for us who are grafted into the Holy Branch.  Honored ones move into the fullness of this divine promise, and become the restorers and repairers of the breach. Let your light shine, draw men unto the Lord, compel all to seek the Lord. Remember: This is a promise from the one who was and who is, and who is to come. (Asher hayah V’hoveh v’yavo)

Posted on

Elul

On August 6, according to the Jewish calendar the month of Elul began. This month is significant because it is in preparation for Rosh Hashanah which begin at sunset Wednesday, September 4, 2013 and ends at nightfall Friday, September 6, 2013. It is a time of repentance, reflection, and forgiveness.  It calls us to clear our minds, souls and bodies of the things which separate us from God.   As I’ve been studying this significance of this month, I’ve learned special prayers will be offered for past sins committed not only by the individual, but also for the entire family. I am reminded of Nehemiah, who upon his return to Jerusalem, asked God to forgive him, and Israel their past sins. It is a beautiful prayer.  It recounts everything Israel did in the past, and include the sins of those present at the time of the dedication of the temple. No one was exempt.

As this month continues, Jews will offer special prayers, recite the 27th Psalm, and be awaken by the shofar[ram’s horn].   The major focus is, however on repentance.  On turning away from the sins that so easily beset us, and going before a Holy God and seeking forgiveness with a sincere heart.  And as we do, our souls are restored, and “He will lead us beside still waters, and anoint our heads with His oil.” Then “goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our lives where we shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

I’ve taken to heart the significance of this month, and asked the Lord to forgive me, and my family for our sins.  This is a holy time, and because of it,  I will be taking more time to reflect on His word.  So dear readers, my posts will not come as often as before. (You probably noticed)  I encourage you to do the same. Don’t miss this special time. Cover yourself in His word. Spend time only with Him. Turn off some stuff. Get quiet and listen for Him.  Repent. Reflect. Forgive those who wronged you.   Prepare for the coming season with joy, love, appreciation, and anticipation. It is Elul.

Posted on

He entered and walked through

Luke 19:1-10 accounts the story of Jesus and the tax collector Zacchaeus. The story begins with these words, “Then Jesus entered and walked through Jericho” (v1).

Struck by those seven words in verse one, it occurred to me this was the same area where in the OT Joshua and his army defeated the inhabitants of Jericho, and the walls came tumbling down.  The same Jericho, now years later that the Master entered and walked through.  The same vicinity where healing of blind eyes would take place.  The same vicinity wherein grace and restoration would be experienced.

Our Lord entered in and offered an invitation to grace to a tax collector.   As with Zacchaeus, there are walls and rubble all around us [ the sins of our past] waiting for the Master to enter in and walk through.  Just by Him entering in and walking through our walls (vicinity) of pain, suffering, agony, guilt and shame, they are transformed by the Holy of Holies.  When Our Lord Jesus walks through, He offers us the invitation to experience His restorative love and grace, just as He did with Zacchaeus.

Let Jesus enter and walk through the Jerichos of your life.

Posted on

The Return

This post was written by Michael A. White, my beloved husband. 

Morning Meditation – The Return

August 5, 2013 at 6:03am

Father, I think today about the simple things in life, and look forward to casting our cares, our worries, our concerns, and our anxieties on You (our all, our everything).  Life itself oh Lord, bears many complications, of which we are not exempt [excused, released, relieved, freed], from.  There might be a sniffle [whimper, cry, weep], as we suffer in our uneasiness [discomfort], or disquieted (lack of calm, peace, ease; anxiety, uneasiness), in our spirits. We can deprive [rob, deny, rid, strip], ourselves of the rights to calmness, composure, tranquility, serenity, the rights to peace, due to our on “failures-to-launch”, or stated differently, not receiving Your calling, to release our cares, our worries, concerns, anxieties upon You.

The vexations [displeasures, upsets, irritations], within our spirits, distractions [disruptions, disturbances, interferences], in our lives, or hindrances [obstacles, barriers, sabotages], can come directly from us sometimes, as we carry life challenges, nor knowing, nor realizing, or forgetting, opportunities to cast [throw, hurl, fling, chuck, pitch, toss], cares [worries, concerns, troubles, problems], about our pasts, presents, futures, cares about ourselves, family, friends, on You (“oh, what a relief it is”). Just thinking about it, begins to bring about a shifting, a lifting, a lightening.

PRAYER

Oh Lord, to be upset, distracted, hindered, are not the roads you’ve paved for us. Lead us our Father, to roads of quiet rest, serenity unmatched, and a peace defying all logic (surpassing understanding). Let our restorations [renovations, renewals, repairs, rebuilding], be strong, firm, and steadfast, because You love and truly care for us. Amen.

The original form of the adopted Serenity Prayer, attributed to Reinhold Niebuhr:

God, give me grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed, Courage to change the things which should be changed, and the Wisdom to distinguish the one from the other. Living one day at a time, Enjoying one moment at a time, Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace, Taking, as Jesus did, This sinful world as it is, Not as I would have it, Trusting that You will make all things right, If I surrender to Your will, So that I may be reasonably happy in this life, And supremely happy with You forever in the next. Amen.

 

Posted on

Diligence

“Giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge…2 Peter 1: 5,6

I awoke this morning rather tired after a full week of ministering and hosting saints at our annual convention.  I truly had to press through on all levels, as I and the amazing team of volunteers attempted to demonstrate (exhibit) and embody the theme of the convention; “A Spirit of Excellence.”   Diligence is the persevering application, according to Merriman-Webster Collegiate Dictionary to an assignment.   It is the hard work, and the belief that work is good in itself.  This was a good work; the intersection of gratefulness and desire to please God.  The unity and love which guided our determined conviction opened the door for exuberant praises, and manifestations of healings, and revived spirits.  I am thankful that God in His infinite grace kept us on course through every minute details, every tasks, every crisis and every celebration.  As He does in so often throughout our lives, God demonstrates his diligence in taking care of his children.

Posted on

Sacred versus Secular

Prophet, priest, preacher, pastor, nun, clergy, deacon, missionary, minister, reverend…all titles when spoken or read brings to mind roles devoted to the “sacred“.  Work or activities thought to be set apart from everything else.  The doctor, lawyer, corporate executive, dishwasher, cook, mechanic, receptionist, or teacher is involved in “secular” pursuits. These are relegated to the “other” realm.  One group is sacred, holy, the highest of all endeavors.  The “other” is lower, common, valued but certainly not on the same level as those involved in God’s work.   “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth”…,and God said “it was good”.   Our creator, the maker of all there is and every will be, engaged in work and called it good.   He used, of course we don’t know how, his eternal glorious matter to “create”, to bring into existence that which did not exist previously.  When we are engaged in “work”, we are also creating that which is good, and had not existed before, or at least not at same level, nor in same way.   One is holy, and one is not.  One is for God, and the other is for man.  To quote Eugene Peterson, “Separating life into distinct categories of “sacred” and “secular” damages, sometimes irreparably, any attempt to live a whole and satisfying life, a coherent life with meaning and purpose, a life lived to the glory of God”.   Work is not just what we do from Monday to Friday with an hour or half hour lunch break, or whatever the schedule may be. Work is about the “sacred creative process” of using everything, our very “eternal matter” and bringing into existence the “good”.   Our engagement into the seamless activity of vocational sacredness links our divine gifts into a symphony of harmony unto God.  There is no fragmentation, or “great divide”.  There is wholeness which combines our minds, bodies and souls to Him.   We received from him, and through our work, we give back to Him.

Be reminded, it does not matter your occupation, rank, profession, career, or job, for as God made us for Himself, our work life is a consecrated extension of our entire life.

God, thank you for allowing us the privilege of using our work life to bring honor and glory to you. Amen.

Posted on

Seed time

Seed Time

Luke 8: 9 “And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be? 10 And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. 11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. 12 Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. 13 They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. 14 And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. 15 But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.”

There is a season to every purpose under heaven, the Bible says. The first official day of summer is just around the corner. It is one of those signals that ushers in the whirlwind of life events such as graduations, weddings, picnics, birthdays, and the like. It is a time for fun, and laughter and coming together to enjoy the goodness of life. Seed time involves gathering and sowing the seed. We were given the knowledge to receive, to plant, and to nurture the seed. Opportunities to do so comes in many different and unexpected ways. The important thing is to remember is the seed and its impact on the lost and hurting, even during times of celebration.
I encourage you to bring the seed to those celebrations. Share its transforming light and love at every gathering.  You will be amazed at the fruit it will produce, despite all the traps and snares of the enemy.

Remember, you are the good ground, and know how it [the seed] has worked on you, removing the years of sin and suffering.  This priceless seed has brought forth life within you.

Yes, there is a season for every purpose. Seed time is your time to plant fruit. It may be a small harvest this year, but if you continue to nourish it [the word of God], eventually you will produce a harvest of 30, 60 and hundredfold. Amen!