Monday, December 26, 2011

DELVE INTO GOD'S WORD IN 2012

In just a few short days we will say goodbye to 2011. For many, it's bittersweet. They reflect on this year and smile because there have been more ups than downs. They're looking forward to what God has in store for 2012. Others, well, 2012 can't come fast enough. Like it or not, unless Jesus returns before 01.01.12, a new year is on its way.

This is the time when New Year's resolutions are set. Have you thought about yours? With no doubt, I'm expecting greater for my life in 2012. I don't have a list of resolutions, but there's one thing I must do and I'm so excited about it.

I will delve into God's Word in 2012. I want to seek Him out, research, and study His Word like I never have before. The Lord has so much to say and I want to hear it. I want to read it. A greater relationship, knowledge, understanding, and wisdom are the results of studying His Word.

"Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding." Proverbs 4:7

"And ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:13

Be blessed.

Sunday, December 25, 2011

THE REAL REASON FOR THE SEASON

"18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. 20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.”  Matthew 1:18-21

Today we celebrate the birth of Jesus. We celebrate the One who was born to save us from sin. No day should pass by without giving Jesus thanks for paying the ultimate sacrifice for us. Let us not confuse the Christmas holiday for only a day to exchange gifts. There is more to this season. Jesus is the real reason for this season.

Jesus has provided us with the best gift ever. He has offered us the gift of eternal life. Now, what material or worldly gift can beat Jesus' gift to mankind? So in your celebration today, remember it is about more than gifts, Christmas trees, lights, decorations, and candy canes. Let us reflect on the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Be blessed.

Saturday, December 24, 2011

EXPECT MIRACLES


"1 Then He went out from there and came to His own country, and His disciples followed Him. 2 And when the Sabbath had come, He began to teach in the synagogue. And many hearing Him were astonished, saying, “Where did this Man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands! 3Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?” So they were offended at Him.4 But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house.” 5 Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them." Mark 6:1-5

After reading the scripture, most people will criticize those who doubted Jesus. But how many doubt Him now? How many people are walking around with unbelief in their hearts? Sadly, too many to count. In the scripture above, Jesus had the power to work miracles, but because of their unbelief, He did not perform many miracles for them.

Imagine your missed opportunities to witness miracles. Just think of all the miracles Jesus wants to perform in your life... right now. Most have faith in some areas of their life, but have unbelief in other areas. In fact, some of you believe Jesus will do mighty works for others, but for one reason or another, you do not think He will do them for you. This way of thinking does not move Jesus to work miracles on your behalf.

We are required to walk in faith. To receive miracles you will need to have faith and no doubt in your heart. How does a person have faith? How does one have belief? The answer is to develop a relationship with the Lord. A deep and close relationship with Jesus will build your faith in Him. In this close and personal relationship, you will experience His love. You will come to understand just how much Jesus loves you and that nothing is impossible with Him.

Expect to see miracles to happen to others. Expect to receive your miracle. Expect miracles everyday. 

Be blessed.

Sunday, December 18, 2011

MOUNTAIN MOVING FAITH


For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Mark 11:23
                                                                                                                                               
God has given us a powerful force called faith. God's Word tells us with faith, we can speak to mountains and tell them to move and they will do it. That's right. We have the authority to speak to the obstacles we face. With faith, our prayers are answered. With faith, we can witness the impossible be made possible. Isn't that awesome? All we have to do is have faith and don't doubt and we can move the mountains we face and see our prayers answered. Even with using mustard seed size faith (Matthew 17:20), amazing things will happen. 

The question is why aren't believers moving their mountains? Why do so many prayers go unanswered? Could it be they have lost focus? Maybe they believe there is something they must do first before they possess mountain moving faith. God has given each of us a measure of faith (Romans 12:3). Some believers choose to focus on their circumstances instead of Jesus, who is the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). When we turn to Jesus and trust Him to work out our circumstances, our faith grows.

Use the mountain moving faith given to you. Speak to your mountains and expect them to be removed from your life. Using your mountain moving faith, pray and expect to receive answers to your prayers. With your mountain moving faith, expect to see miraculous things happen in your life.

Be blessed.