The master of deception

The trickery of Satan will have you on a guilt trip. Focusing on past mistakes and sins. Forgetting God’s promise, when we confess our sins he will forgive and cleanse the unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Though committed, our mistakes and sins have purpose. Sins can become testimonies to help others. God can take all events, good & bad and use for his purpose. Your sin that was intended to destroy can be transformed to good. All things God works for the good For those who love the Lord (Rom. 8:28). Stop letting Satan trick you. 

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.

Starting a faith journey

The reason so many people have trouble accepting or understanding the Bible, they are trying to logically figure it out. God clearly told us his ways and thoughts are not like ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). You start trusting God when you draw near to him (Heb. 11:6). By trusting in His word, you begin the journey walking in faith just as Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses 

(Heb. 11:8-19). When God’s actions don’t make sense continue to trust His word. Regardless of how small their faith was, the children of Israel crossed the Red Sea by faith. Remove your thoughts, trust God’s word because without faith it is impossible to please him. In all things diligently seek God. It only takes one step to start the journey of faith. 

Words are like fire

Harsh words hurt. When sowed in the spirit, they can harvest hatred and anger.  “You are just like your father”, you are dumb, a failure, no good, an idiot.” Words reverberate in the spirit like an echo. The bible tells us the tongue is fire; it is evil and can corrupt the whole body (Jas 3:1-6). Be mindful of the words you speak. Your words can ruin a person for life! In anger, people say damaging expressions. Once spoken the words echo in the recipient’s mind planting seeds of doubt and disbelief. Watch the words that you say. They can be a matter of life or death. 

Mustard Seed Faith

Jesus emphasized the importance of faith. Jesus responded to a person’s level of faith. 

A few times faith was transferable from one person to heal another. The four men and a paralyzed friend (Lk 5:17-26), 

The Faith of the Centurion (Lk 7:1-10). 

Jesus saw their faith and healed! Peter’s faith enabled him to walk on water as long as he didn’t doubt. 

We, with little faith must remember God is greater than whatever we are facing. Exercise your mustard seed faith until it grows. 

Do not judge

How quick we judge others based on our beliefs.

We condemn and criticize, before we love or forgive the ‘convicted.’ 

We conveniently forget we are not to judge others, or we will be judged with the same measure used (Matt. 7:1-2). 

We live our lives no different than the Pharisees. We see the ‘speck’ in others eyes but miss the ‘log’ in our own.

The story of the sinful woman (Lk. 7:36-50), depicts how we often become judge, jury, and deity over others and neglect the fact there is something we have done that has fallen short of Pleasing God.

We should show more love to others because through Jesus we have been forgiven! He who has been forgiven little loves little. 

What is your character

The Good Samaritan in Jesus’ parable was a trusted man with good character traits(Lk 10:25-37). 

His willingness to stay over night and care for an injured man exemplifies this (Lk 10:35). His ability to leave funds with innkeeper also signifies his honest reputation preceded him. Either he has done this before or the innkeeper knows his character.  The Samaritan could be trusted. (Lk 10:36). 

What are your character traits? Who do people people see? A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches. 

Jesus was a man with impeccable character. He asked for us to imitate him. In all your doings be a Good Samaritan. Be Christ Like. 

Imitating Christ’s Humility

 

As Christians we strive to be Christ like. Yet, when the opportunity arises, most times we ignore. 

Paul said we should imitate Jesus’ humility. Do nothing out of selfish ambition. We should “Value others above ourselves” (Philippians 2:1-8). Whatever we do for others, do it without grumbling. 

During this Lenten season, instead of giving up something, do something. My Pastor, Rev. Vandy Simmons suggested we should be more like the Good Samaritan (Lk 10:25-37). Show genuine concern for others. If we are truly striving to be Christ Like we cannot look out for our own interests. We have to learn to put others first,albeit friends or strangers. 

So, what can you do? Cook a meal for someone? Take to the doctor? Visit? Pray? Whatever it is, imitate Christ’s humility.