Posted on 2009 under Inspirational |
4
Aug
Are you in a storm today? Then read these words: “the boat was in the middle of the sea; and He was alone on the land. Then He saw them straining at rowing, for the wind was against them. Now about the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea, and would have passed them by. And when they saw Him walking on the sea, they supposed it was a ghost, and cried out… But immediately He talked with them and said to them… ‘It is I; do not be afraid.’ Then He went up into the boat to them, and the wind ceased” (Mark 6:47-51 ). There are four lessons here for us:
1) It’s when we feel most separated from God, that He’s teaching us the most. Dave Dravecky said, “Looking back… I have learned that the wilderness is part of the landscape of faith, and every bit as essential as the mountaintop. On the mountaintop we are overwhelmed by God’s presence. In the wilderness we are overwhelmed by His absence. Both places should bring us to our knees; the one, in utter awe; the other, in utter dependence.”
2) God doesn’t show up early. Usually He comes in the worst part of the storm when you think you can’t take any more – but He will always be on time. 3) God takes us through different storms, revealing more of Himself to us in each one. Otherwise there are aspects of His character, and divine strategies we’d never understand. 4) God’s presence alone should be enough for us in any storm. The moment He shows up and says, ‘It is I,’ our every fear should be calmed.
Words of Hope from The Vine Newsletter
Posted on 2009 under Inspirational |
18
Jul
Let nothing be done through strife…Philippians 2:3
Strife is defined as ‘conflict… struggle… rivalry,’ and God’s Word says to avoid it at all cost: ‘Let nothing be done through strife… but in lowliness of mind let each esteem [the] other better than themselves.’ Strife is custom-designed to play havoc in marriages, churches, businesses and relationships. It stems from our self-centered ego and leads to comparing, competing and condemning. The Word of God says: ‘Where envying and strife is, there is… every evil work’ (James 3:16).
Keeping strife out of your life means recognising and uprooting it before it grows; ‘See… no root of bitterness springing up, causes trouble, and… many be defiled’ (Hebrews 12:15 ). And Paul adds, ‘… Complete my joy by living in harmony… being of the same mind… having the same love… ‘ (Philippians 2:2 ). Enjoying God’s blessings requires doing all we can to live in harmony with one another. Is that easy to do? No, but the sooner you learn it, the better things will be.
When David saw Goliath he didn’t stop to consider the odds or listen to the opinions of others. Instead, he ‘… ran quickly toward the battle… to meet him’ (1Samuel 17:48 ). Rapid response is required here. When God prompts you to turn the other cheek or take the short end of the stick, draw on His grace and do it. In fact, when you do it on your timetable you end up doing it in your own strength.
So: a) forgive those who hurt you b) pray for them c) bless them by speaking well of them and wanting only good things for them. Your commitment to walk each day in love and forgiveness (yes, it’s a daily commitment!) will open the door to God’s blessing in your life.
From The Vine Newsletter
Posted on 2009 under Inspirational |
30
Jun
One of the reason’s why i survived most of the difficulties and trials i went through in the past is that i always trust God, and then to move on i make my stumbling blocks as my stepping stones to start a new life.
So when life knocks you down don’t stay down, bounce back! Everybody stumbles or gets knocked off their feet from time to time, the winners are just the ones who keep getting back up! That’s what the Bible says, ‘In all these things we are more than conquerors.’ If you pray and look hard enough, you’ll find the seed of good in every adversity (Genesis 50:20).