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.

When God seems far away

I better understand how a person can question their faith and choose to give up on God. That point when God appears far away. You’ve done all the right things, yet chaos and heartache is relentless. One car issue after another. Sickness knocks you down you haven’t worked in weeks. Bills pile up and you have no money. Turmoil awaits at every corner. Life is in shambles. God where are you? Why Lord do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?  (Psalms 10:1) David, the chosen one, experienced the same thing. Despite his many accomplishments we find him asking God had he forsaken him in Psalms 22:1 when Saul was in hot pursuit for his life (1 Sam. 21:1-23:29). When David operated in the flesh, by his own understanding, he stayed frustrated and always running trying to figure it out. When he slowed down, prayed, and sought God, slowly things begin to change. Life will continue to throw situations at us. It’s when we learn to stay in continuous prayer, thanking God in all circumstances, and trusting God’s word no matter the outcome God works in his greatness! Learn to trust his word; don’t be afraid or terrified because the Lord your God goes with you, never leaving or forsaking you (Deut. 31:6).

Letting go of your pain

We all have scars that have memories. They remind us just how we got the scars. Though the pain is gone the scars are reminders of our past. We all have been hurt by family and friends. Most people hold on to the pains of their past never letting go, or never allowing time to heal the pain. Like a sore that tries to heal we constantly pick the past (scab) by talking about it years later, never letting it heal. We keep decade old conflicts fresh. It continuously festers in your spirit causing more pain. Your scars show the healing power of God. Not just natural healing process but it also demonstrates through healing we can and should forgive. The scars should be a reminder for us not to repeat the situation. Old scars should draw us closer to God. Whatever you are holding onto from your past let it heal. Let it go and forgive. Let it be just a scar of your past! 

Encourage yourself even when it hurts

This morning is hard to face. Your mind is flooded with the horrors of past due Bills broke down car, under paid and overworked. You feel abandoned by God from unanswered Prayers. Your thoughts pull you into the abyss of #depression. As hard as it may be, during these dark Moments of pain, we have to find the strength to #encourage self. We get encouragement from time to time from family and friends, but what happens when no one is around? How do you encourage and jump-start self? When I find myself faced with despair Here are a few things I do for self #motivation. 

#Pray – ask God to pull you from this pit

Praise – find a song to sing unto his name

#Gratitude – count blessings one by one

The past – think of where God had brought you from

Find inspiration in what other people have done. What they succeeded (or failed) is a great way to get your feet off the ground again.

Do something that makes you happy; that brings you joy; that you love; that centers you. 

Finally, Take on a spirit like David and celebrate. Dance like David Danced. Find ways to encourage and recapture the joy in your life again!

..

.

#encourageyourself #faith #trustgod #faith #letgo #dailyquotes #dailymotivation #dailyinspiration #quotestoliveby #thesoulsremedy #sermonnotes 

You cannot hide from God

         Read:  Psalm 139

there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:13

 

Good Morning!

All things are seen by God. He knows when we sleep and when we are awake. The Lord knows what is on our tongue before we even speak it (Psalm 139:4). If God is capable of doing all these things, shouldn't it prevent man from sinning?

 For some inexplicable reason, we delude ourselves into thinking we can deceive God. "Where can I go from Your Spirit, and where can I flee from Your presence?" asks David.  

 We justify our actions based on the fact that no one saw us. Don't you realize that God sees and knows everything? Everything about us is known by God. He is aware of our personalities, secret fantasies, and concealed motivations.

 God’s words are more than just letters on a page; they come alive. Its sharpness surpasses that of any double-edged sword, and it can even penetrate down to the deepest depths of the soul and spirit.

 If God marked all our iniquities, we would not still be standing. How good and sweet it would be if everyone were free of sin. But we know that is not true. God does witness every word, action, and deed, but there is forgiveness for those who repent and fear the Lord.  Let us think before we act in all things. Seek God in all things and repent.

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. 

God’s earthly heart

We are God’s earthly heartbeats. As followers of Christ, it’s our duty to love the loveless, encourage the hopeless, and inspire the doubtful. Unfortunately, many of us have flat-lined. We are dead not only to others but towards God. If God did open heart surgery what would he find? Uncaring, selfish, and unlovable people. Many don’t love others let alone themselves. We are agents for Christ. We are evangelist. Evangelism is spreading the gospel by personal and public witness. It’s our duty to testify and speak life in the disheartened. Go be the ‘who’ for God (Isaiah 6:8) with those who are in need of a heart transplant. tell others about God’s goodness (Mark 16:15). We are not the only people deserving of God’s word and goodness. We are commissioned to go to others proclaiming the gospel. Change your heart. Don’t be afraid to share with others who have given up on life, what God has done for you. Let your light shine so they can see the God in you! 

Ask how you can help

Has someone ever told you what they needed? In return you gave them what you thought they needed or dismissed them all together? So often, we stand accused with friends, family, and strangers. We assume we know the needs of others without ever asking. I asked a homeless man what he wanted to eat. Opposed to asking, I assumed I knew his demands. When Jesus encountered the five thousand (Matt.14:15), the begging Canaanite woman (Matt15:23), and Blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:47-48), the disciples assumed the best thing for all situations was to send them away opposed to asking or listening to their request. What we often think a person want Its not what they need. In the future, Do as Jesus did. Before responding, he didn’t say a word. Allow the Holy Spirit to speak and direct you as to what you need to do. Just like my homeless man encounter I assumed wrong. Instead of food he replied, "I'd rather have some soap to wash me and my clothes." Stay in-tuned with the Holy Spirit. It will direct your path. 

Waiting on God can be hard

Waiting on God is hard. Many take matters into their own hands or do busy work trying to find an end to no means. 

Sarah couldn’t wait on God’s Promise for a child for Abraham, (Gen. 18:1-15) she took matters into her own hands by telling Abraham to sleep with Hagar (Gen.16:1-16). The hardest part of trusting God is for us to have enough faith to BE STILL and wait on God! When those doubting moments arise, recite: “Father God I trust you.... even though I don't see the end in sight I trust you!” Know that He is God.  Everything will fall in place in due season. 

Be persistent, wait on God

Much can be learned from the homeless. Despite our options of behavior or lifestyle, one cannot dismiss the fact they are persistent. The smoothed chocolate skinned man reeked. As he walked the aisle of the train begging, his smile and gentle voice overshadowed the pungent smell. The homeless man asked every person for a quarter. For every 20 no’s one kind-hearted person spared a dollar. The widow in Luke 18:1-8 was persistent. She pleaded for justice from a king who didn’t fear God or care what the people thought. In this parable, Jesus reminds the disciples to always pray and not give up (v.1). The lesson from both examples, regardless of your situation always pray and never give up. We may ignore the homeless just as the King ignored the widow, but in due season, a caring God will respond to the need of his children. 

Wait on God. 

The key to God’s blessings

In grand scheme of life, we need so little on earth. It’s the things we want which keeps us in trouble. There’s a common message throughout the Bible of God providing land, food, and shelter for his children. He also provides a path to salvation by following his commandments. God’s Divine Power has given us everything we need for a godly life (2Peter 1:3-10). We lose power and effectiveness when we seek desires with disgruntled and entitled hearts. Despite all God’s provisions for 40 years in the wilderness, The children grumbled!  They were never satisfied. The disconnect for many is their Love of money. God said, “keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, ‘I will Never leave you or forsake you’”(Heb. 13:5). One of the keys to God’s blessings is, In all things be anxious for nothing but remember also to always seek the kingdom of God FIRST. By putting God first he can and will give the desires unto you (Matt6:19-34).  Let us be reminded, The Lord is our shepherd we shall lack for nothing (Psalms 23), The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing (Psalms 34:10).

God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Remember to seek him and continuously thank him for everything you have been blessed with! 

what is love?

In the eyes of many you see no love. A distant gaze of pain and sorrow. There are others with eyes blazed like fire. Singed with Anger and ready to attack others. Selfishness, pride, and ego has taken Love’s place in the heart. It has Edged God Out. Paul speaks of Love and how the church [we the people] should practice love. It is patient, kind, enduring and not boastful (1 Cor. 13:4-7). Contrary to the bible’s blueprint, society is angry, mean, selfish and self-centered. It’s about me, myself and I. Why are we afraid to share love? Hard to Love your neighbor as yourself. “Love is so far away. Love is in need of love today.” When love is expressed by its true meaning it bears belief, hope, and endures all things. Love never fails. It conquers all – literally. 

To become more like Christ, practice the “Love Traits.”

• Love: is kind
• Love: does not envy
• Love: is not puffed up
• Love: is not rude
• Love: does not seek its own
• Love: does not rejoice in iniquity

Let’s not just love with vain words. Love with action and truth because love is still so far away.

Team marriage

We are all members of some type of team – work, organizations, or church. A team is “a number of persons associated in some joint action.” The downside for most teams, everyone are not full participants but they want the fringe benefits of winning. Marriage is a team. Being married is more than wearing the Team Jersey. It's teamwork. To have a chance to win, you need a coach. Jesus.  Being on a team requires practice and being fully committed. That’s supporting one another’s dreams, encouraging, uplifting, and motivation when you, or the team is loosing. It's Working (training) through the pains of life, it's Exercising (faith) during the hard times and talking (praying) to coach Jesus. So what team are you on? Are you just a half-hearted team member showing up when things are great? Or you practicing to improve the team? Regardless of the team you are on, Continue training, don’t give up, grow tired, or weary otherwise you will stumble and fall. Don’t just wear the jersey be a team player! 

Faith in action

Whenever talked about, Samson is mostly known for his Superman strength (Jud.14:6), his locked hair, and his infamous relationship with Delilah (Jud.16). Very rarely do you hear of Samson’s faith. Despite the fact Samson was dedicated to God before birth (Jud. 13:5-7), he was a flawed and sinful man. His actions led him to do the opposite of what God wanted. He was spiritually disobedient, yet the Spirit of God stayed with him until his hair was cut. Samson’s hair symbolizes his connection with God. Once severed, it was lost (Jud.16:20-21). Many of us are like Samson. You are a dedication to God. He has a purpose for your life. Despite your sins, God still has love for you just as he did for Samson. The new growth for Samson signifies new relationship rebuilding of faith in God. No matter where you are in life you can go back to God. Faith led Samson to pray. Through faith Samson did his greatest deed for God (Jud. 16:28-30). 

You are the light of the world

There once was a light that burned bright. That light came from God. Its glow raged with fury in man’s soul. It produced  Peace, Love, & Hope. Today, the light is faint. Chaos covers the world. Violence, Hate, & Hopelessness, has smothered this internal light. God’s word described the light as The Holy Spirit. Jesus reminded his followers of the importance of Salt and Light (Matt.5:13-16). He proclaimed we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Many of us have lost our savor and our light has diminished. Making it hard for others to see God’s goodness in us.  

Reignite the Light of God in you! 

• Repent from sins
• Humbly ask forgiveness
• Reestablish relationship with God
• Seek God’s guidance
• Ask to refresh the Holy Spirit in you

This is the spark to rekindle the eternal flame within. It will bring back hope to the hopeless, joy to the joyless and comfort to the sorrowful. Walk in the light, the beautiful light so that man can see God’s light which burns bright within.

Be Kind to others

It don’t cost a thing to be genuinely kind to others. In fact, it’s easier and takes less energy to be kind than to hate or be mean. Kindness can be as simple as speaking words of encouragement, helping others, or giving kudos for a job well done! I believe God created us to be kind. It’s learned behaviors which cause people to hate or lack empathy. We should be kind in all things that we do. 

In Luke 6:27-36, Jesus said love your enemies. Do to others as you would have them do to you. In other words, be kind. By doing this, Jesus said we are children of The Most High. God is kind to the ungrateful. Be merciful just as God is merciful. Your kind gesture may be the only kind thing a person heard or received all day! 

The Gospel is like a bar of soap

The Gospel is like a bar of soap. We all know what it is. As long as it stays closed, nothing happens. By opening and applying, one cleans the body and the other can clean the mind and spirit. 

The bible is the tool which is needed to develop new ways of thinking and living for Christ. The Gospel, Like soap can wash off yesterday’s past, dirt, pains, guilt, anger, and start you fresh! And just like soap, the Gospel has to be used daily otherwise life will eventually stink. 

Verbal abuse is still abuse

During my impressionable years in Catholic School I heard negative prophesying from nuns and other adults stating, I was bad and wouldn’t amount to nothing. Despite my parents motivating and encouraging efforts, sticks and stone didn’t break my bones but the words differently effected me! When negative words are ingested, the mind can visualize, accept, and ultimately squeeze life out of you. Be careful what you say to children. Though you boast of never being an abusive parent, you failed to realize your words can hurt more than a fist or belt. Death and life are in the #power of the tongue (Prov. 18:21). When disciplining, choose words wisely. A heart filled with anger will produce harsh #negative words. Express your disappointment, but speak words that build up, #encourages, and express Your #love. In all things seek God and pray. God’s love and written word can resolve all problems. #God can restore life!