You are the church

Every church in America has a sign welcoming people to their church. But how welcoming is the church? We become so complacent in our sanctuary that we assume people will automatically come in. The Bible references the church as a body of people not a building. The church is at its best when people take Jesus’ message outside the building and serve those they meet (1Tim 5). People will only come to your church based on the light you shine.

Life can be as simple as making pickles

 Ever wonder how pickles get in the jar? To many surprise you don’t add water first, The process starts with an empty jar. Add spices, cucumbers, apple cider vinegar and water. Life can be as simple as making pickles. But we often make it hard for God. Constantly perplexed and crushed from every side (2 Cor 4:7-9). God can’t pour into a full vessel. We are most effective to others out of the fullness of God. Without God’s fullness, the continuous pouring of the Holy Spirit, we are empty vessels. As God pours into you, share the blessings with others. Remember God cannot pour more if you are full. 

God has smiled on you

Through storms of dismay

God is still smiling on you

Through heartache,

disappointments and pain

God is still smiling on you

We know not the hour of pain’s relief

But through #prayer #faith and your belief

He will comfort you through your pain

#God is still #smiling on you

Be genuinely hospitable

Two of God’s greatest commandments is to love him and love others. Being genuinely hospitable is a form of showing love to others. The Shunammite woman in 2 Kings 4:8-17, demonstrates trusting God and her willingness to be kind. Not only did she welcome the prophet Elisha in her home, she remodeled and added a room to her house. There are various levels of kindness just as there are various levels of faith. As God’s vessels, we should always be empty so that God can pour into us. Based on our relationship and faith in God, he will show us when to act in kindness. Be it saying a word of encouragement or adding a room to your house for a stranger, always love each other deeply.  Love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling (1Peter 4:8-9).

acts of kindness can create blessings

It don’t cost a thing to be kind to people, even strangers. Acts of kindness often create blessings. Don’t be afraid to act upon the opportunity to bless or be blessed by someone. On a recent road trip, I experienced an act of kindness from a stranger in a crowded airport. A kind gentleman and his wife offered me a seat at their table. They could have very easily dismissed my need to sit. They could have said “it’s not my duty to offer a stranger a sit.” I could have easily declined the offer too, but I didn’t. Seize the opportunity to always be Christ like. Scripture reminds us when we invite strangers in we are doing it unto God (Matt 25:25-40). The short time of breaking bread and conversing with the stranger turned out to be a blessing for me and it’s safe to say for the couple too. It turns out the man was a retired pastor from Cleburne, Texas. Learn to listen and follow your inner spirit voice. Small acts of kindness can become blessings for others and for you too!

You are a leader!

At many junctures in life we are close enough to a situation to relate but far enough ahead to motivate or take charge as a leader. Ironically, most remain silent. Justifying reasons why not to lead. You may not be in charge of an organization or church committee however there are situations where you can step up and take the lead. “Great leaders are those who are willing to give up something to help the little person.” A leader is close enough to a situation to relate and mentally ahead to motivate. A great leader must have faith. Without faith it is impossible to please GodHebrews 11:6. Paul was a prisoner on board a ship. Though he was a prisoner, he took charge and told the guards that their voyage was going to be disastrous. Through out the tedious journey Paul continuously empowered himself as a leader by the guidance of an angel of GodActs27:25-26.  True leadership is about bettering the lives of the people around you. Be encouraged! Stand up today and be the leader that you were called to be!

Deeply-rooted problems can be removed

 We all have experienced deeply-rooted problems we’ve thought were impossible to resolve. We questioned our abilities and doubted God. The disciples were no different they too encountered situations where their faith wavered. Matthew 17:14-20, displays the disciples lack of faith to cast out a demon (v.16). Faith can be a struggle. When we wallow in unbelief it blinds us from comprehending how God says our mustard seed faith can move a mulberry tree (Luke 17:5-6). To uproot a mulberry tree is impossible. Yet God says your mustard seed faith is enough to solve any hardship. When facing what appears to be the impossible and your faith is wavering, recite this three-word prayer the disciples used when they faced the impossible, “increase our faith!” As You continue to pray and walk in faith, the potential to overcome great obstacles in life increases. Have faith. Trust in the Lord. 

It’s ok to question God

In your Peter moment of faith, it’s ok to question God but don’t doubt God. In the middle of the storm, when Peter and the disciples saw Jesus walking on water, they became fearful (Matt. 14:25-26). When chaos strikes we cry out to God but we become doubtful of the outcome. It’s easier to be fearful opposed to taking courage like Jesus suggest (v. 27-28). God is waiting for you to step out in your faith and trust him. It was only when Peter stopped looking at Jesus that he started to sink. No matter how dark, dismal, and chaotic the storm, always keep your eyes on Christ.

Knowing how to pray

Most Christians don’t know how to pray. Many believe in long charismatic prayers, while others are filled with self gratification. Jesus told the disciples to pray in private. Don’t babble. There is no need for many words. Your prayer can be as simple as The Lord’s Prayer (Matt. 6:5-14).

·   Prayer is communication with God

·   Prayer is an action – praying without ceasingThes. 5:17.

·   Prayer is supplication – Phil. 4:6

·   Prayer is NOTvain repetition Mat 6:7

When you begin praying, your petitions should be directed to God. Opposed to egotistical prayers of your desires, start by giving thanks for everything – life, health, home, joband family. Pray for the sick, shut-in, friends andstrangers. Most important, seek God’s will and welcomed the Holy Spirit into my life.

Father God, help me to become more conscious of giving you thanks, praise and less selfish desires. Help me to grow spiritually and conform to your will. This I pray in your son Jesus Christ name – Amen.