By Rick Warren
“For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.” (Matthew 5:18 NIV)
You may have heard someone say, “I trust Jesus, but not the other guys who wrote the Bible.” There’s a problem with that logic.
Jesus trusted the Bible — every word of it! He taught that the Bible was a unique book, above all the others. Jesus said in Matthew 5:18, “For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished” (NIV).
Jesus says the Bible will last until the end of time. It will accomplish what God wants to accomplish in this world. In John 10:35 Jesus said, “We know that Scripture is always true” (NIRV). Jesus proclaimed the truth of the Bible. And when Jesus talks about the truthfulness of the Bible, we need to listen.
When Jesus talked about the Bible with people, he would often base his argument about the truth of the Bible on a single sentence or even a single word from the Bible. He believed every single sentence, every single word of Scripture. So if I trust Jesus, why wouldn’t I trust the Bible?
When Jesus talks about the Bible, he doesn’t just talk about it as poetry and history, either. He saw the Bible as something that changes lives. In Luke 11:28 Jesus said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it” (NIV). Jesus didn’t just want us to read the Bible. That’s what you do with poetry and history. Jesus wanted us to obey the Bible. That’s what you do with anything the Creator of the universe writes.
When Jesus talked about the Bible, he talked about it as if the people and events in it were real. He talked about all the prophets being real. He talked about Daniel being real. Jesus believed in Noah and everything that happened with the flood. He believed in Adam and Eve. Jesus believed in the tragedy of Sodom and Gomorrah. He believed in Jonah and him being swallowed by a large fish.
Jesus believed in some of the most disputed stories in the Bible, particularly Noah, Adam and Eve, Sodom and Gomorrah, and Jonah. People who think that the Bible is mostly good stories that didn’t really happen always point to those four stories.
If Jesus really believed in Jonah, then I should, too. I don’t know how God created a fish who could swallow a guy, but he did.
I trust in the Bible because Jesus trusted in it.
Showing posts with label FROM THE DESK OF GOD. Show all posts
Showing posts with label FROM THE DESK OF GOD. Show all posts
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Is Japan Disaster Another Apocalyptic Sign?
Thursday, 17 March 2011 10:01 AM EDT Jennifer LeClaire News - Featured News
The crisis in Japan is worsening. At the same time, the situation in the Middle East is volatile. And let’s not forget last month’s seismic shock in New Zealand, Sumatra 9.1, Katrina, Rita, massive flooding in Australia, birds and fish dying around the world, and bees disappearing.
Even the secular media is using phrases like “of biblical proportions” to describe current events. Believers who recognize the signs of the times aren’t surprised, and high-profile evangelists are proclaiming that the end is near.
Jesus issued an ominous warning more than 2,000 year ago: “There shall be signs, and great earthquakes in various places...the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them for fear and for the expectation of those things that are coming upon the earth” (see Luke 21:11,25,26).
Does such an idea reflect merely the hardhearted ravings of religious fanatics bent on making a buck from humanity’s misery, or is it possible that planet earth is indeed approaching the biblical “end of days”?
Charisma magazine sat down with Steve Wohlberg, director of White Horse Media and author of 25 books, including Surviving Toxic Terrorism and End Time Delusions, to talk about why things will grow worse before they get better—and the eminent return of Jesus.
Charisma: What’s going on, Steve? Nobody knows the day or the hour of Jesus’ return, but the signs of the times appear evident.
Wohlberg: When you look at the trend of natural disasters—and many other types of disasters and other things that are happening in the world—it seems pretty clear to me that we are seeing an escalation of large-scale problems on the planet. To me, these are indicators that we are getting closer to the return of Jesus Christ. As you mentioned, nobody knows the day or the hour so I’m very careful not to set any kind of dates.
Charisma: Are tsunamis mentioned in the Bible as part of the end times?
Wohlberg: I used to consider the end of Luke 21:25—“the sea and the waves roaring”—as the sea of humanity being full of turmoil. But then when the big tsunami rolled across the ocean after the Sumatra earthquake, I relooked at this verse and I think it certainly applies to a big wave rolling across the ocean. When the Japanese earthquake hit, it actually moved the whole island of eight feet, and then the tsunami occurred right away.
Charisma: The sweeping fear in the hearts of men is also telling. Japan’s emperor is deeply concerned and praying.
Wohlberg: In Luke 21:26, Jesus said, “Men’s hearts will be failing them for fear and for looking after those things which are coming upon the earth, for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.” That sure sounds like what’s happening now. People are afraid. They are concerned. In the next verse, verse 27, Jesus says, “Then shall they see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up and lift up your heads for your redemption is drawing near.”
Jesus talks about earthquakes, pestilences, famines, fearful sights from heaven, all kinds of different things. When you look at what’s happening on earth right now, it sure seems to me that things are lining up with what Jesus predicted. So I believe that we are getting closer to the return of the Lord.
Charisma: I’ve never seen anything like this in my life—the convergence of events. Between Christian persecution, terrorism threats, the earthquakes and tsunamis, the revolution in the Middle East, and a number of other events over the past few years…
Wohlberg: On Friday when the earthquake hit Japan and the tsunami was rolling across the ocean, I was watching Shepard Smith on Fox News. He was covering the quake, covering the tsunami, then he bounced over to Khadafy and what’s going on in Libya, and then he bounced over to Saudi Arabia and the “Day of Rage.”
Smith interviewed somebody that said that if Saudi Arabia is wracked with civil war like Egypt and like Libya it has the potential to bring down the economy of America because we are totally dependent upon oil. Saudi is the main place where we get our oil. Smith made a comment right on the air. He said, “I’ve been covering the news for a long time and this is a new day in news. We’ve never seen all of these things of such magnitude happening at the same time.” When I heard him say that, I just had this apocalyptic sense that this is what’s going on.
Charisma: So what’s the bottom line?
Wohlberg: It’s going to get worse before it gets better. But the good news is that when it’s all over, it’s going to get really good. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. The Bible says that Jesus is going to come and He is going to get rid of sin. Satan is not going to have the upper hand like he does right now. God is going to put down evil.
Revelation Chapter 21 says that eventually there will be a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and first earth will pass away. There will be no more death, neither sorrow nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain for the former things have passed away.
I’m not a doom-and-gloomer. I certainly don’t consider myself to be a far-right religious fanatic that’s raising the sign saying, “The end is near.” I have a wife. I have two little kids. I’m a student of prophecy. The indicators are all flashing right now that we are getting closer to the coming of Jesus. When things really get bad, the difference will be apparent between those that are genuine Christians that are trusting in Jesus and the rest of the world.
Charisma: In what ways do you expect it to grow worse?
Wohlberg: In Revelation 16, we have the seven last plagues described. Those are going to devastate the planet. That’s right before the Second Coming of Christ. Those plagues haven’t started yet but they are coming at some point. And in Revelation Chapter 16, verses 18 and 19, it describes a “great earthquake such as was not since men where upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake and so great.” And as a result of that quake, it says that the cities of the nations fell. That’s the final spasm right before the Second Coming.
The Haiti quake, the Japan quake, the Pakistan quake, and other things like this, are indicators of a much larger catastrophe that is coming. I wish it wasn’t the case but that’s what I see. All of this is the tragic outworking of sin. When Adam and Eve chose to follow Satan that brought sin into the world. The sin is here. The planet is suffering. People are suffering. And a loving God is allowing these catastrophes and the demonstration of the consequences of human sin so that when He finally intervenes and ends it that He can end it permanently and it will be over forever. That’s why He’s allowing this.
Thursday, 17 March 2011 10:01 AM EDT Jennifer LeClaire News - Featured News
The crisis in Japan is worsening. At the same time, the situation in the Middle East is volatile. And let’s not forget last month’s seismic shock in New Zealand, Sumatra 9.1, Katrina, Rita, massive flooding in Australia, birds and fish dying around the world, and bees disappearing.
Even the secular media is using phrases like “of biblical proportions” to describe current events. Believers who recognize the signs of the times aren’t surprised, and high-profile evangelists are proclaiming that the end is near.
Jesus issued an ominous warning more than 2,000 year ago: “There shall be signs, and great earthquakes in various places...the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them for fear and for the expectation of those things that are coming upon the earth” (see Luke 21:11,25,26).
Does such an idea reflect merely the hardhearted ravings of religious fanatics bent on making a buck from humanity’s misery, or is it possible that planet earth is indeed approaching the biblical “end of days”?
Charisma magazine sat down with Steve Wohlberg, director of White Horse Media and author of 25 books, including Surviving Toxic Terrorism and End Time Delusions, to talk about why things will grow worse before they get better—and the eminent return of Jesus.
Charisma: What’s going on, Steve? Nobody knows the day or the hour of Jesus’ return, but the signs of the times appear evident.
Wohlberg: When you look at the trend of natural disasters—and many other types of disasters and other things that are happening in the world—it seems pretty clear to me that we are seeing an escalation of large-scale problems on the planet. To me, these are indicators that we are getting closer to the return of Jesus Christ. As you mentioned, nobody knows the day or the hour so I’m very careful not to set any kind of dates.
Charisma: Are tsunamis mentioned in the Bible as part of the end times?
Wohlberg: I used to consider the end of Luke 21:25—“the sea and the waves roaring”—as the sea of humanity being full of turmoil. But then when the big tsunami rolled across the ocean after the Sumatra earthquake, I relooked at this verse and I think it certainly applies to a big wave rolling across the ocean. When the Japanese earthquake hit, it actually moved the whole island of eight feet, and then the tsunami occurred right away.
Charisma: The sweeping fear in the hearts of men is also telling. Japan’s emperor is deeply concerned and praying.
Wohlberg: In Luke 21:26, Jesus said, “Men’s hearts will be failing them for fear and for looking after those things which are coming upon the earth, for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.” That sure sounds like what’s happening now. People are afraid. They are concerned. In the next verse, verse 27, Jesus says, “Then shall they see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up and lift up your heads for your redemption is drawing near.”
Jesus talks about earthquakes, pestilences, famines, fearful sights from heaven, all kinds of different things. When you look at what’s happening on earth right now, it sure seems to me that things are lining up with what Jesus predicted. So I believe that we are getting closer to the return of the Lord.
Charisma: I’ve never seen anything like this in my life—the convergence of events. Between Christian persecution, terrorism threats, the earthquakes and tsunamis, the revolution in the Middle East, and a number of other events over the past few years…
Wohlberg: On Friday when the earthquake hit Japan and the tsunami was rolling across the ocean, I was watching Shepard Smith on Fox News. He was covering the quake, covering the tsunami, then he bounced over to Khadafy and what’s going on in Libya, and then he bounced over to Saudi Arabia and the “Day of Rage.”
Smith interviewed somebody that said that if Saudi Arabia is wracked with civil war like Egypt and like Libya it has the potential to bring down the economy of America because we are totally dependent upon oil. Saudi is the main place where we get our oil. Smith made a comment right on the air. He said, “I’ve been covering the news for a long time and this is a new day in news. We’ve never seen all of these things of such magnitude happening at the same time.” When I heard him say that, I just had this apocalyptic sense that this is what’s going on.
Charisma: So what’s the bottom line?
Wohlberg: It’s going to get worse before it gets better. But the good news is that when it’s all over, it’s going to get really good. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. The Bible says that Jesus is going to come and He is going to get rid of sin. Satan is not going to have the upper hand like he does right now. God is going to put down evil.
Revelation Chapter 21 says that eventually there will be a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and first earth will pass away. There will be no more death, neither sorrow nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain for the former things have passed away.
I’m not a doom-and-gloomer. I certainly don’t consider myself to be a far-right religious fanatic that’s raising the sign saying, “The end is near.” I have a wife. I have two little kids. I’m a student of prophecy. The indicators are all flashing right now that we are getting closer to the coming of Jesus. When things really get bad, the difference will be apparent between those that are genuine Christians that are trusting in Jesus and the rest of the world.
Charisma: In what ways do you expect it to grow worse?
Wohlberg: In Revelation 16, we have the seven last plagues described. Those are going to devastate the planet. That’s right before the Second Coming of Christ. Those plagues haven’t started yet but they are coming at some point. And in Revelation Chapter 16, verses 18 and 19, it describes a “great earthquake such as was not since men where upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake and so great.” And as a result of that quake, it says that the cities of the nations fell. That’s the final spasm right before the Second Coming.
The Haiti quake, the Japan quake, the Pakistan quake, and other things like this, are indicators of a much larger catastrophe that is coming. I wish it wasn’t the case but that’s what I see. All of this is the tragic outworking of sin. When Adam and Eve chose to follow Satan that brought sin into the world. The sin is here. The planet is suffering. People are suffering. And a loving God is allowing these catastrophes and the demonstration of the consequences of human sin so that when He finally intervenes and ends it that He can end it permanently and it will be over forever. That’s why He’s allowing this.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
THE ISOLATION CHAMBER
by Os Hillman
"Be still and know that I am God...." Psalm 46:10
There is a time and place in our walk with God in which He sets us in a place of waiting. It is a place in which all past experiences are of no value. It is a time of such stillness that it can disturb the most faithful if we do not understand that He is the one who has brought us to this place for only a season. It is as if God has placed a wall around us. No new opportunities--simply inactivity.
During these times, God is calling us aside to fashion something new in us. It is an isolation chamber designed to call us to deeper roots of prayer and faith. It is not a comfortable place, especially for a task-driven workplace believer. Our nature cries out, "You must do something," while God is saying, "Be still and know that I am God." You know the signs that you have been brought into this chamber when He has removed many things from your life and you can't seem to change anything. Perhaps you are unemployed. Perhaps you are laid up with an illness.
Most religious people live a very planned and orchestrated life where they know almost everything that will happen. But for people in whom God is performing a deeper work, He brings them into a time of quietness that seems almost eerie. They cannot say what God is doing. They just know that He is doing a work that cannot be explained to themselves or to others.
Has God brought you to a place of being still? Be still and know that He really is God. When this happens, the chamber will open soon after.
"Be still and know that I am God...." Psalm 46:10
There is a time and place in our walk with God in which He sets us in a place of waiting. It is a place in which all past experiences are of no value. It is a time of such stillness that it can disturb the most faithful if we do not understand that He is the one who has brought us to this place for only a season. It is as if God has placed a wall around us. No new opportunities--simply inactivity.
During these times, God is calling us aside to fashion something new in us. It is an isolation chamber designed to call us to deeper roots of prayer and faith. It is not a comfortable place, especially for a task-driven workplace believer. Our nature cries out, "You must do something," while God is saying, "Be still and know that I am God." You know the signs that you have been brought into this chamber when He has removed many things from your life and you can't seem to change anything. Perhaps you are unemployed. Perhaps you are laid up with an illness.
Most religious people live a very planned and orchestrated life where they know almost everything that will happen. But for people in whom God is performing a deeper work, He brings them into a time of quietness that seems almost eerie. They cannot say what God is doing. They just know that He is doing a work that cannot be explained to themselves or to others.
Has God brought you to a place of being still? Be still and know that He really is God. When this happens, the chamber will open soon after.
Friday, August 20, 2010
GOOD CHOSE YOU LONG BEFORE YOU CHOSE HIM
by Rick Warren
"Dear friends, God the Father chose you long ago and knew you would become His children." 1 Peter 1:2 (LB)
God says your salvation is no accident. He chose you long before you chose Him. He took the initiative. The Good News translation puts it this way: "You were chosen according to the purpose of God."
Why would God choose you, or me, to be a part of his family? Because he is a God of love. He is a God of grace. The more you understand grace, the more you're going to be amazed by it. God chose you. Did you deserve it? Not a chance. Do you deserve to go to Heaven? No way! Are you good enough to be in God's family? No. He just chose you. And that's good news.
On what basis did He chose you? First Peter 1:3 says, "For it is His boundless mercy that has given us the privilege of being born again so that now we are members of God's own family." God chose you based on his mercy, not your performance. You'll never earn it. You'll never deserve it. You couldn't work hard enough for it. You couldn't be perfect enough. It's only because of God's grace and mercy that the Creator of the universe says, "I want you in my family." If that doesn't encourage you, you'd better check your pulse.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
HE IS THE GREAT I AM
He Is the Great I Am
When God spoke to Moses in the burning bush on Mount Sinai, He told the newly appointed leader to tell the people who ask who sent him that "I Am" sent him. God's love is limitless, and He cannot be defined by titles, denominational affiliation or other man-made descriptions. But we can rejoice that the Great I Am will be whatever we need Him to be in our time of trouble. To learn more about this spiritual truth, click on the link below and watch the video.
Monday, November 30, 2009
TELL PETER
Bishop Vashti McKenzie
Everyone likes a little personal attention. It's not that we're that selfish, self-centered, peculiar or particular (or maybe we are), but we all like a little personal attention every now and then.
That's why we patronize businesses that cater to their customers and their needs - that little personal attention that keeps you coming back for more: the sales associate who is understanding; the service station attendant who is patient; the clerk who answers all of your questions no matter how many times you ask them and get the same answer; and the manager who remembers you and what you purchased the last time.
Businesses have grown all because they knew the value of customer service. Other businesses have failed because they did not pay some personal attention to their customer base.
We like to belong to groups where there is some personal attention. We like to go to churches where people give you some personal attention, people are glad to see you come, and they miss you when you're gone. We love churches where someone may remember it's your birthday, or where you want to share your latest excitement because you know they will be glad for you. We love churches where the usher remembers where you sat the last time you were in church, and where the officer who remembers your name.
We love churches where someone may remember that your spouse is still in the hospital or that your family member is in town; the baby has finally graduated or that things are getting better where you live. We love a church home where there maybe a hug or a handshake- all of us like a little extra personal attention. Even if you're in a place where no one can remember your name, at least they will smile at you and make you feel at home.
In 16th chapter of Mark's gospel, the women came to the tomb early. There they pressed their way to complete the embalming process without knowing if the stone was rolled away or if the soldiers would give them a hard time. When they arrived, they found out God had already taken care of both problems. They had an angel experience. Jesus is not dead. He said, "Go and tell my disciples, and Peter."
Now here is the personal attention, and Peter. What about the other disciples? Why not ask about John or Luke, Andrew or Nathaniel. Why give such attention to Peter?
The mention of Peter is unique to Mark. The other gospels do not specifically mention his name. Now we must ask the question why?
Remember that Peter denied Jesus three times after pledging his faith. He was prepared to defend Jesus in the garden, but denied him before the cock's morning crow. Peter denied Jesus not once but three times.
Here is an indication that Peter's mistake was not final. He messed up, but he could finish well.
Peter was the leader who led the followers of Jesus into hiding. He made strategic mistakes, displayed poor judgment and exhibited improper behavior. Have you ever done that or been here?
Yet by calling his name at the tomb, was Jesus letting Peter know that his mistakes did not cost him his leadership position or his relationship with the Savior? Was this an indication that his mistakes were not final?
David made a mistake with Bathsheba and continued to be king of Israel. He finished well. The woman at the well made mistakes in serial monogamous relationships. She finished well. Saul persecuted the church, but after his Damascus Road experiences, as Paul, he finished well. Thank God for a Personal touch so we too can finish well!!
All of our sins were nailed to the cross and buried in a tomb. If we confess, God is faithful to forgive. All humanity was released from the bondage of sin so we could finish well.
Our mistakes are not final. (This is where you begin to praise God throughout the day!)
Sunday, November 1, 2009
GOD REMEMBERS YOUR VOWS
When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. —Ecclesiastes 5:4
Jacob made a vow to God: "If God will be with me ... and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear ... of all that you give me I will give you a tenth" (Gen. 28:20-22). Twenty years later, God turned up and said, "I am the God of Bethel. That was the spot where you made a vow to Me." The interesting thing is that when Jacob made a vow to tithe, he didn't have anything. But we read in Genesis 30:43 that he "grew exceedingly prosperous and came to own large flocks, and maidservants and menservants, and camels and donkeys." And now the Lord said, "I will remember your vow."
Jacob could have said, "Oh, I didn't think You took notice of that!" But I think as soon as Jacob heard the words, "I am the God of Bethel," he knew exactly what that meant.
Maybe, at this moment, God is taking your mind back to a vow you made to Him. Maybe you took a vow to pray, and He took care of you. But God remembers your vision. He is saying to you, "Come back to Me! Renew that vow!"
That is something God shouldn't have to do, because when you break a vow, that is a serious thing, and in so doing, you effectively release God from having to do anything for you. But God is so gracious, and He is saying to you, "Here I am again. Life is not over yet. There's still time, and if you will turn your life over to Me, I will restore the years the locusts have eaten. I will forgive all that has happened, all the mistakes you have made and the sins you have committed. And not only that, if you will begin now, I will cause everything that you have done in the past, everything that haunts you, that leaves you terrified, to work together for good."
I guarantee that if you return to Him, you will find out that there was a purpose in everything that happened. God has not deserted you. There was a reason He let certain things happen. God meant it for good.
Jacob made a vow to God: "If God will be with me ... and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear ... of all that you give me I will give you a tenth" (Gen. 28:20-22). Twenty years later, God turned up and said, "I am the God of Bethel. That was the spot where you made a vow to Me." The interesting thing is that when Jacob made a vow to tithe, he didn't have anything. But we read in Genesis 30:43 that he "grew exceedingly prosperous and came to own large flocks, and maidservants and menservants, and camels and donkeys." And now the Lord said, "I will remember your vow."
Jacob could have said, "Oh, I didn't think You took notice of that!" But I think as soon as Jacob heard the words, "I am the God of Bethel," he knew exactly what that meant.
Maybe, at this moment, God is taking your mind back to a vow you made to Him. Maybe you took a vow to pray, and He took care of you. But God remembers your vision. He is saying to you, "Come back to Me! Renew that vow!"
That is something God shouldn't have to do, because when you break a vow, that is a serious thing, and in so doing, you effectively release God from having to do anything for you. But God is so gracious, and He is saying to you, "Here I am again. Life is not over yet. There's still time, and if you will turn your life over to Me, I will restore the years the locusts have eaten. I will forgive all that has happened, all the mistakes you have made and the sins you have committed. And not only that, if you will begin now, I will cause everything that you have done in the past, everything that haunts you, that leaves you terrified, to work together for good."
I guarantee that if you return to Him, you will find out that there was a purpose in everything that happened. God has not deserted you. There was a reason He let certain things happen. God meant it for good.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
GET IT TO GIVE
Sunday, September 13, 2009
By: Pastor Andre Butler
"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work" --2 Corinthians 9:8
There is no more important time to line up with God's financial system than now. In this time of financial crisis, many are in fear. They are concerned about how the struggling U.S. economy is affecting them. The thing about fear, though, is that it is selfish. It only thinks about me and mine.
Fear is the opposite of faith, and it is motivated by selfishness which is the opposite of love. Yet, God's Word teaches us that we receive from him by faith and that our faith works by love.
God's financial system works for you when you focus on the needs of others rather than your own. Matthew 6:33 teaches us to 'seek first the kingdom of God' and then 'all these things will be added to you.' Philippians 4:19 has a promise from God to meet all of our needs regardless of what's going on in the economy.
God's ultimate goal for your financial life isn't that you just receive abundantly but that you give abundantly. God's plan for your life is that you be a generous giver-- someone who is so abundantly blessed that you are able to give abundantly for God's purposes. Jesus said in Acts 20:35 that it is better to give than to receive.
God wants you going through life experiencing the superior joy that comes from giving and that is one of the reasons why He wants to get abundance to you. Even more importantly, He's thinking of those who are without in this life, especially those without Him, who will benefit from your generosity.
God understands that for you to be able to give abundantly, you must receive abundantly. You must Get it to Give it! One of my desires is to get to a place financially where I can GIVE $1 million a year for God's purposes. My goal is to give abundantly, not just receive abundantly for my purposes. And when (not if) the time comes that I am receiving from Him on that level, it will be vitally important that I remember the purpose for it coming into my life.
Whatever God has given you, some of it is in your hands simply for you to give to His purposes. Remembering the purpose for the money God has given you is an important step in lining up with God's system. It's when God knows that you truly understand this principle that He will trust you with more.
In this time of recession stop focusing on your financial needs and look around for someone that you can help with whatever God has placed in your hands now. Doing just that will position you to GET even more so you can GIVE more in the days to come!
By: Pastor Andre Butler
"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work" --2 Corinthians 9:8
There is no more important time to line up with God's financial system than now. In this time of financial crisis, many are in fear. They are concerned about how the struggling U.S. economy is affecting them. The thing about fear, though, is that it is selfish. It only thinks about me and mine.
Fear is the opposite of faith, and it is motivated by selfishness which is the opposite of love. Yet, God's Word teaches us that we receive from him by faith and that our faith works by love.
God's financial system works for you when you focus on the needs of others rather than your own. Matthew 6:33 teaches us to 'seek first the kingdom of God' and then 'all these things will be added to you.' Philippians 4:19 has a promise from God to meet all of our needs regardless of what's going on in the economy.
God's ultimate goal for your financial life isn't that you just receive abundantly but that you give abundantly. God's plan for your life is that you be a generous giver-- someone who is so abundantly blessed that you are able to give abundantly for God's purposes. Jesus said in Acts 20:35 that it is better to give than to receive.
God wants you going through life experiencing the superior joy that comes from giving and that is one of the reasons why He wants to get abundance to you. Even more importantly, He's thinking of those who are without in this life, especially those without Him, who will benefit from your generosity.
God understands that for you to be able to give abundantly, you must receive abundantly. You must Get it to Give it! One of my desires is to get to a place financially where I can GIVE $1 million a year for God's purposes. My goal is to give abundantly, not just receive abundantly for my purposes. And when (not if) the time comes that I am receiving from Him on that level, it will be vitally important that I remember the purpose for it coming into my life.
Whatever God has given you, some of it is in your hands simply for you to give to His purposes. Remembering the purpose for the money God has given you is an important step in lining up with God's system. It's when God knows that you truly understand this principle that He will trust you with more.
In this time of recession stop focusing on your financial needs and look around for someone that you can help with whatever God has placed in your hands now. Doing just that will position you to GET even more so you can GIVE more in the days to come!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Dear children,
My child, I love you.
I love you good or bad with no strings attached.
I love you like this because I know all about you,
I have known you ever since you were a child.
I know what I can do for you and
I know what I want to do for you.
My Child, I accept you.
I accept you just as you are.
You don't need to change yourself,
I'll do the changing when you are ready.
I love you just as you are.
Believe this, for I assure you it is true.
My child, I care about you.
I care about every big and little thing which happens to you.
I care enough to do something about it.
Remember this,
I will help you when you need me
ASK ME!
I love you, I accept you, I care about you.
My child, I forgive you.
I forgive you and my forgiveness is complete.
It is not like that of humans who forgive but cannnot forget.
I love you and my arms are open with love that asks
Please come here! Come here to me!
I forgive you.
Do not carry your guilt another moment,
I carried it all for you on the Cross.
Believe this. It is true!
Love,
God
I love you good or bad with no strings attached.
I love you like this because I know all about you,
I have known you ever since you were a child.
I know what I can do for you and
I know what I want to do for you.
My Child, I accept you.
I accept you just as you are.
You don't need to change yourself,
I'll do the changing when you are ready.
I love you just as you are.
Believe this, for I assure you it is true.
My child, I care about you.
I care about every big and little thing which happens to you.
I care enough to do something about it.
Remember this,
I will help you when you need me
ASK ME!
I love you, I accept you, I care about you.
My child, I forgive you.
I forgive you and my forgiveness is complete.
It is not like that of humans who forgive but cannnot forget.
I love you and my arms are open with love that asks
Please come here! Come here to me!
I forgive you.
Do not carry your guilt another moment,
I carried it all for you on the Cross.
Believe this. It is true!
Love,
God
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Meet Me In The Stairwell
You say you will never forget where you were when you heard the news on September 11, 2001. Neither will I.
I was on the 110th floor in a smoke filled room with a man who called his wife to say 'Good-Bye.' I held his fingers steady as he dialed. I gave him the peace to say, 'Honey, I am not going to make it, but it is OK..I am ready to go.' I was with his wife when he called as she fed breakfast to their children. I held her up as she tried to understand his words and as she realized he wasn't coming home that night.
I was in the stairwell of the 23rd floor when a woman cried out to Me for help.
'I have been knocking on the door of your heart for 50 years!' I said. 'Of course I will show you the way home - only believe in Me now.'
I was at the base of the building with the Priest ministering to the injured and devastated souls. I took him home to tend to his Flock in Heaven. He heard my voice and answered.
I was on all four of those planes, in every seat, with every prayer. I was with the crew as they were overtaken. I was in the very hearts of the believers there, comforting and assuring them that their faith has saved them.
I was in Texas , Virginia , California , Michigan , Afghanistan .. I was standing next to you when you heard the terrible news. Did you sense Me? I want you to know that I saw every face. I knew every name - though not all know Me. Some met Me for the first time on the 86th floor. Some sought Me with their last breath. Some couldn't hear Me calling to them through the smoke and flames; 'Come to Me... this way... take my hand.' Some chose, for the final time, to ignore Me. But, I was there.
I did not place you in the Tower that day. You may not know why, but I do.
However, if you were there in that explosive moment in time, would you have reached for Me?
Sept. 11, 2001, was not the end of the journey for you. But someday your journey will end. And I will be there for you as well. Seek Me now while I may be found. Then, at any moment, you know you are 'ready to go.'
I will be in the stairwell of your final moments.
God
I was on the 110th floor in a smoke filled room with a man who called his wife to say 'Good-Bye.' I held his fingers steady as he dialed. I gave him the peace to say, 'Honey, I am not going to make it, but it is OK..I am ready to go.' I was with his wife when he called as she fed breakfast to their children. I held her up as she tried to understand his words and as she realized he wasn't coming home that night.
I was in the stairwell of the 23rd floor when a woman cried out to Me for help.
'I have been knocking on the door of your heart for 50 years!' I said. 'Of course I will show you the way home - only believe in Me now.'
I was at the base of the building with the Priest ministering to the injured and devastated souls. I took him home to tend to his Flock in Heaven. He heard my voice and answered.
I was on all four of those planes, in every seat, with every prayer. I was with the crew as they were overtaken. I was in the very hearts of the believers there, comforting and assuring them that their faith has saved them.
I was in Texas , Virginia , California , Michigan , Afghanistan .. I was standing next to you when you heard the terrible news. Did you sense Me? I want you to know that I saw every face. I knew every name - though not all know Me. Some met Me for the first time on the 86th floor. Some sought Me with their last breath. Some couldn't hear Me calling to them through the smoke and flames; 'Come to Me... this way... take my hand.' Some chose, for the final time, to ignore Me. But, I was there.
I did not place you in the Tower that day. You may not know why, but I do.
However, if you were there in that explosive moment in time, would you have reached for Me?
Sept. 11, 2001, was not the end of the journey for you. But someday your journey will end. And I will be there for you as well. Seek Me now while I may be found. Then, at any moment, you know you are 'ready to go.'
I will be in the stairwell of your final moments.
God
Monday, August 11, 2008
DAILY RULES
1. Wake Up!! Decide to have a good day. "Today is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalms 118:24
2. Dress Up!! The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance; but the Lord looks at the heart." I Samuel 16:7
3. Shut Up!! Say nice things and learn to listen. God gave us two ears and one mouth, so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking. "He who guards his lips guards his soul." Proverbs 13:34 .
4. Stand Up!!... For what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything.. "Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good..."Galatians 6:9-10
5. Look Up!!... To the Lord."I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me." Phillippians 4:136. Reach Up!!... For something higher. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, And He will direct your path." Proverbs 3:5-6
7. Lift Up!!... Your Prayers."Do not worry about anything; instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING."Philippians 4:6Send this to the people you care about.I thought this was mighty special, just like you.
Pass this on and brighten someone's day, and remember: God answers Knee-Mail.
2. Dress Up!! The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance; but the Lord looks at the heart." I Samuel 16:7
3. Shut Up!! Say nice things and learn to listen. God gave us two ears and one mouth, so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking. "He who guards his lips guards his soul." Proverbs 13:34 .
4. Stand Up!!... For what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything.. "Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good..."Galatians 6:9-10
5. Look Up!!... To the Lord."I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me." Phillippians 4:136. Reach Up!!... For something higher. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, And He will direct your path." Proverbs 3:5-6
7. Lift Up!!... Your Prayers."Do not worry about anything; instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING."Philippians 4:6Send this to the people you care about.I thought this was mighty special, just like you.
Pass this on and brighten someone's day, and remember: God answers Knee-Mail.
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