Good morning,
Endure - To last; to abide; to suffer or sustain without yielding; to bear with patience or without opposition.
Endurance - A continuing or bearing up under pain or distress without yielding.
As I watched the final 40 laps of the Indy 500, the winner was exhausted, but he endured. To see the look of joy on his face, to watch the family pray for his completion of the race it made me think of how we must press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Phillipians 3:14.
These drivers were enduring in that vehicle, enduring the heat, the constant roar of the engine, the will to keep alert, the G-forces that keep their heads pinned, and the speed that was being generated to win that prize shows us how we must endure under similar conditions. Physical pain, stress, financial setbacks, bad relationships, job loss, even the loss of a loved one can wear us down. In our every day battle against the enemy life is filled with all kinds of hurt and we need to look to the Lord where we get ALL our strength.
It was said that, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart I have overcome the world". Jesus conquered death so that WE may live.
2 Timothy 2:3 - Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 6:4 - Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way; in great troubles, hardships and distresses.
HANG ON IN THERE, BABY. WE ALREADY HAVE THE VICTORY!!!
James
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Thoughts
I read this today and wanted to share this as some thoughts as you go throughout your day.
Be Encouraged. You may have gone to bed last night weary and wondering how, when and why? But thank God you woke up this morning and placed your feet on the floor. And when you did, I'm sure the enemy said... "DARN, she (he) is up again!" That's right. You are up again. You may still be discouraged, but you are not defeated! You are up again. Your head is up! Your gratitude is up! Your faith is up! You are standing up on your faith. You are cheering up and looking up. You are speaking up and thinking up. You are hooking up with the right people. You are growing up and maturing in your self-esteem, self-worth and self-control. You are up and ready to make it through and up out of your temporary circumstances. To get better sleep, reduce the news watching and distance yourself from the negative people. Prayer is better than prozac. There is no cost... just a lot of reward. Make sure you pray, and pray believing God will answer. May today be all you need it to be. May the peace of God and the freshness of the Holy Spirit rest and abide in your thoughts, rule in your dreams tonight, and conquer all your fears. May God manifest Himself today in ways you have never experienced. May your joys be fulfilled, your dreams be closer, and your prayers be answered. I pray that faith enters a new height for you; I pray that your territory is enlarged. I pray for peace, healing, health, happiness, prosperity, joy, true and undying love for God. Someone once said, "Aging puts wrinkles on the body. Quitting puts wrinkles on the soul." May God bless you mentally, physically spiritually and financially for 2009.
May God bless you,
James
Be Encouraged. You may have gone to bed last night weary and wondering how, when and why? But thank God you woke up this morning and placed your feet on the floor. And when you did, I'm sure the enemy said... "DARN, she (he) is up again!" That's right. You are up again. You may still be discouraged, but you are not defeated! You are up again. Your head is up! Your gratitude is up! Your faith is up! You are standing up on your faith. You are cheering up and looking up. You are speaking up and thinking up. You are hooking up with the right people. You are growing up and maturing in your self-esteem, self-worth and self-control. You are up and ready to make it through and up out of your temporary circumstances. To get better sleep, reduce the news watching and distance yourself from the negative people. Prayer is better than prozac. There is no cost... just a lot of reward. Make sure you pray, and pray believing God will answer. May today be all you need it to be. May the peace of God and the freshness of the Holy Spirit rest and abide in your thoughts, rule in your dreams tonight, and conquer all your fears. May God manifest Himself today in ways you have never experienced. May your joys be fulfilled, your dreams be closer, and your prayers be answered. I pray that faith enters a new height for you; I pray that your territory is enlarged. I pray for peace, healing, health, happiness, prosperity, joy, true and undying love for God. Someone once said, "Aging puts wrinkles on the body. Quitting puts wrinkles on the soul." May God bless you mentally, physically spiritually and financially for 2009.
May God bless you,
James
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Hope for a sinful world
Good morning,
I read this scripture and it brought some thoughts to mind.
The Lord is my strength and my shield: my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him.
Psalm 28:7
1. We realize that the Lord is our strength and shield. No matter what goes on mminute by minute, hour by hour, day by day or month to month. He'll give us sufficient strength and His presence will surround us as a shield.
2. Our hearts CAN fully trust Him. We can rest, relax and lean on Him, because we know He can do ALL He promised.
3. We recognize who He is and and trust Him. We are helped. We may not know what lies ahead, but there's no need to panic. The past, present and future are His.
4. Our hearts can rejoice. Today is a day of praise and glad attitudes, because we didn't get what we REALLY deserve!!!
James
I read this scripture and it brought some thoughts to mind.
The Lord is my strength and my shield: my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him.
Psalm 28:7
1. We realize that the Lord is our strength and shield. No matter what goes on mminute by minute, hour by hour, day by day or month to month. He'll give us sufficient strength and His presence will surround us as a shield.
2. Our hearts CAN fully trust Him. We can rest, relax and lean on Him, because we know He can do ALL He promised.
3. We recognize who He is and and trust Him. We are helped. We may not know what lies ahead, but there's no need to panic. The past, present and future are His.
4. Our hearts can rejoice. Today is a day of praise and glad attitudes, because we didn't get what we REALLY deserve!!!
James
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
CHANGE
Good morning, Reflecting on these last few days made me think about how lives DO change when we get to know Jesus for ourselves. I look back at the Old Testament and see US as being a disobedient, hard headed and hard hearted people, but yet in still, God still loved US. Because He tried to communicate to US with kings, prophets and even destruction why is it so difficult for US as His chosen people to give of ourselves not only in service to Him, but to others. Jesus came not only as our Savior, but He was sent as a Living message of what it means to serve and love others, no matter what. Yes, I know it's difficult to love someone who's wronged US, BUT TAKE A LOOK AT WHO YOU'VE WRONGED and yet you are still loved. We need to be models of Christ, not models of SELF!!!
He was persecuted for YOU.
He was beaten for YOU.
He was chastised for YOU.
He was hung upon the cross for YOU.
His BLOOD was shed for YOU.
He gave of Himself for YOU.
How much has your life changed since you came to know Jesus for yourself?
Has someone else's life changed since you introduced them to Jesus?
Keep investing your life on God and others and see how YOU'LL change.
James
He was persecuted for YOU.
He was beaten for YOU.
He was chastised for YOU.
He was hung upon the cross for YOU.
His BLOOD was shed for YOU.
He gave of Himself for YOU.
How much has your life changed since you came to know Jesus for yourself?
Has someone else's life changed since you introduced them to Jesus?
Keep investing your life on God and others and see how YOU'LL change.
James
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Thoughts in HD
Good morning,
It's good to be home again to connect with my brothers and sisters in Christ. I had been doing my studies while away and I came across a life changing thought. We all know that television and how we "see" it is changing ever so constantly and by June 2009 all homes should have an upgraded television so we will be able to see colors and images which are more "defined" because there are more pixels than on an analog TV. But how do we see our Christian life? Is it still in analog or is it in HD? Can you see clearly how God is working in our lives? Do we really know how much He loves us? Yes, things are changing all around us every day, but the Word of God is unchanging and we have been called to share the Gospel with the means that God gives us.
2 Timothy 2:15 - "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth". What he's saying is to bring the word of God to the world with clarity, sincerity, honesty and truth. Be careful of false teachers.
Jeremiah 5:13 (The Message) - "The prophets are all windbags. They speak nothing but nonsense". They were misleading people and perverting the Word to fit their own selfish desires. My brothers and sisters, let us continue to encourage others and bring the Word of God to the world with "HDBT" (High Definition Bible Teaching) so the world can "see" God in us clearly and more sharply in "HD".
James
It's good to be home again to connect with my brothers and sisters in Christ. I had been doing my studies while away and I came across a life changing thought. We all know that television and how we "see" it is changing ever so constantly and by June 2009 all homes should have an upgraded television so we will be able to see colors and images which are more "defined" because there are more pixels than on an analog TV. But how do we see our Christian life? Is it still in analog or is it in HD? Can you see clearly how God is working in our lives? Do we really know how much He loves us? Yes, things are changing all around us every day, but the Word of God is unchanging and we have been called to share the Gospel with the means that God gives us.
2 Timothy 2:15 - "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth". What he's saying is to bring the word of God to the world with clarity, sincerity, honesty and truth. Be careful of false teachers.
Jeremiah 5:13 (The Message) - "The prophets are all windbags. They speak nothing but nonsense". They were misleading people and perverting the Word to fit their own selfish desires. My brothers and sisters, let us continue to encourage others and bring the Word of God to the world with "HDBT" (High Definition Bible Teaching) so the world can "see" God in us clearly and more sharply in "HD".
James
Thursday, January 22, 2009
FUTURE COMMITMENT
Are we commited?
I'm asking this question because history was made this week and it shows that we as a people can come together regardless of the color of our skin. Dr. King said it best that we should be looked at for the content of our character. Our character has shown that we can come together for change.
But are we commited to change? Can we roll up our sleeves to help a neighbor? Do we still possess that same attitude of "I got mine, get yours?". Are we our brothers keeper? Will we pitch in?
Our new president can't do it alone, but we can help embrace what is right!!!!
I'm asking this question because history was made this week and it shows that we as a people can come together regardless of the color of our skin. Dr. King said it best that we should be looked at for the content of our character. Our character has shown that we can come together for change.
But are we commited to change? Can we roll up our sleeves to help a neighbor? Do we still possess that same attitude of "I got mine, get yours?". Are we our brothers keeper? Will we pitch in?
Our new president can't do it alone, but we can help embrace what is right!!!!
Friday, January 9, 2009
REFLECTIONS
Reflections
Hi,
Why is God's word so important to you?
What do you think it means to you?
Is it like an emotional antacid? You read it only when your life has your stomach tied up in knots.
Is it a sleeping pill? When you can't go to sleep it's a sure cure for insomnia.
Or is it like an insurance policy? You didn't read the fine print, but because you own it you're covered in the event of death or better yet is it like "eternal fire" insurance.
The reason I'm asking is because reading God's Word shows that in the event of any type of struggle we can depend on Him to reveal Himself and it's the only "real" authority we have. It opens up our human nature. It exposes who we are in TRUTH. But it also gives us life, peace, our salvation and redemption through Jesus Christ, and the promises of eternal glory with Him.
2 Timothy 3:16
All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right.
Billy Graham wrote:
"Our faith is not dependent upon human knowledge and scientific advance, but upon the unmistakable message of the Word of God. Are you eager for more of Him?
Jeremiah 29:13-14
"If you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me. I will be found by you," says the Lord. He will meet you where you are.....
Peace to you,
James
Why is God's word so important to you?
What do you think it means to you?
Is it like an emotional antacid? You read it only when your life has your stomach tied up in knots.
Is it a sleeping pill? When you can't go to sleep it's a sure cure for insomnia.
Or is it like an insurance policy? You didn't read the fine print, but because you own it you're covered in the event of death or better yet is it like "eternal fire" insurance.
The reason I'm asking is because reading God's Word shows that in the event of any type of struggle we can depend on Him to reveal Himself and it's the only "real" authority we have. It opens up our human nature. It exposes who we are in TRUTH. But it also gives us life, peace, our salvation and redemption through Jesus Christ, and the promises of eternal glory with Him.
2 Timothy 3:16
All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right.
Billy Graham wrote:
"Our faith is not dependent upon human knowledge and scientific advance, but upon the unmistakable message of the Word of God. Are you eager for more of Him?
Jeremiah 29:13-14
"If you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me. I will be found by you," says the Lord. He will meet you where you are.....
Peace to you,
James
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