sermon on the mount
The effect of the simple yet profound truth that God loves me is huge. Within the confidence of his love, there is no need for worry. I no longer need to impress anyone. There is no need for despair over my circumstances. If I am sure that God loves me, I am confident he will work and keep working on my behalf. I can pray with assurance, preach with confidence, smile with sincerity, obey without concern for my own welfare, follow faithfully in the presence of trial or darkness, and share generously. When I know God’s love, I can be strong against temptation, stand unmoving in the midst of persecution, and remain unafraid in the presence of danger. When I understand love, I’m free from the bondage of the past, the anxiety of the present, and fear of the future.
If you understand God’s love for you, really understand it, you will change the world.
*Harry Kraus M.D. (from The Cure)
♫ listen > HYMN ‘It Is Well With My Soul’
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http://www.midnight-madness.com/video/mmtv-presenter-sunshyne
And all of these, though they won divine approval by [means of] their faith, did not receive the fulfillment of what was promised, because God had us in mind and had something better and greater in view for us, so that they [these heroes and heroines of faith] should not come to perfection apart from us [before we could join them].” Hebrews 11v39-40
This chapter in Hebrews talks of the patriarchs of our faith, such as Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Moses. They where murderers, liars and thieves, but men who became righteous in God’s eyes because of their simple trust and confidence in Him. The last few verses touched my heart, as Paul tells us no matter how loved or great our ancestors became, God has held off coming back for them because He is giving us time to seek Him out, come into relationship with Him and claim the inheritance along with our beloved forefathers. So be encouraged! God is holding back the doors of heaven just so you can become part of His forever. For me, I do not want Him to wait in vain.
I Have My Eye On…?
“Instead, desire first and foremost God’s kingdom and God’s righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33.
It is difficult to not become consumed in the hustle and bustle of life. I know what I want to achieve in my career, within my family and in a relationship. These things are important to a certain degree, Christ does not want us to have foodless, homeless, loveless lives. We must give the founder, protecter and beneficiary of everything good credit for the gifts with which He wants to bless us.
However, “what good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul” (Matthew 16:26). If I succeed in obtaining everything I want on earth but in the pursuit I give up Christ and salvation, the loss could never be worth what I gained. By using every waking breath to achieve my earthly desires, I do an injustice to God. My actions tell God that His best preparations in heaven are comparable to earth’s, thereby creating an excuse to put them first.
Chasing after the best this world has to offer has a tragic irony, as regardless of all our achievements there will always be part of us that is never satisfied. Look at many of the rich with every perk, adoring fans and successful careers, who take a downward spiral into self harming, drugs, alcohol or committing suicide. We will always seek after more than what we have because there is a God shaped hole within us which, (you guessed it), can only be filled by God.
God does not require us to be monks or nuns, segregating ourselves from the world in which we live. He cares about the careers, families and relationships we care about - just like every good father. God simply asks us to put Him first by spending time talking to Him (prayer), finding out who He is and what He does and does not want (Bible study) and doing His likes and giving up His dislikes (obeying His will). All these things added together begin to equal eternal life, but He also promises to give us everything we desire on earth as a bonus. That is the best buy one get one free deal you will ever see!
It may take courage, and an undeniable leap of faith, but I am putting God to the test when He says - “start with Me”.
“When I say… “I am a Christian”
I’m not shouting “I’m clean livin’.”
I’m whispering “I was lost,
Now I’m found and forgiven.”When I say… “I am a Christian”
I don’t speak of this with pride.
I’m confessing that I stumble
and need Christ to be my guide.When I say… “I am a Christian”
I’m not trying to be strong.
I’m professing that I’m weak
And need His strength to carry on.When I say. “I am a Christian”
I’m not bragging of success.
I’m admitting I have failed
And need God to clean my mess.When I say… “I am a Christian”
I’m not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible
But, God believes I am worth it.When I say… “I am a Christian”
I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches
So I call upon His name.When I say… “I am a Christian”
I’m not holier than thou,
I’m just a simple sinner
Who received God’s good grace, somehow.”
Maya Angelou
“We know that God will work all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).
God is working behind the scenes in your life today. No matter what you may be facing, no matter what trial you may be going through, God has a plan to turn things around in your favor. Right now, He is working out a plan for your good. Right now, He is orchestrating the right people to come across your path. He is orchestrating the right opportunities to open up to you. You may not see it in the natural, but look with your eyes of faith today. Keep standing. Keep believing. Keep hoping. Keep following His Word. Focus on His goodness in your life, knowing that He rewards the people who seek after Him. As you meditate on the faithfulness of God and show your love for Him by following His Word, you will see His plan come to pass. You’ll experience His peace and joy, and you will live in victory all the days of your life!
(via exbeliebernowbeliever)
I walk alone, carrying a heavy load on my head. The weight travels down to my shoulders, it evens out, branches down further, until ever member is acquainted. Yet, I continue to walk.
The journey becomes longer and longer, and I realise I am just a child in this world. I do not know where I go. The path is not straightforward and I miss my Father’s guiding hand.
I put on a dress to hide the weight of my burdens. I hope people will admire the dainty, flowing movement of my clothes and let me pass. Surely I cannot trust anyone with the worries of my heart? However I need not have fretted, others ignore me, distracted with their own baggage.
I keep walking, knowing I have gone too far. My Father cannot find me. He has given up. I now become dismayed. Where I started is no longer in sight. I stand still, I need to rest. My load is so much heavier than when I first began.
Then my ears begin to tingle, as if suddenly opened. I hear the sound of a gentle stillness, a still small voice. It is my Father. I begin to smile, hopefully, longingly, as I hear His familiar tone. He looks on me lovingly, almost laughing and I hear Him say, “I was waiting for you to stand still and look up”.
And now He asks you -
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out…? Come to Me. Get away with Me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with Me and work with Me - watch how I do it…I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with Me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly”. (Matthew 11v28-30)
(Source: , via blackfashion)
This is the one identity no-one can ever take from me. It is only I who can relinquish the title.
I vow to remember my heritage every time my confidence is low, life overwhelms me or people try to obliterate my name and reputation.
A daughter of a King must also live according to her lineage. So I need to treat others as my Father tells and shows me. Not always the easiest job, but Abba Father is always on hand for an extra lesson.
(via exbeliebernowbeliever)
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