LET THERE BE PEACE

In today’s society the notion of peace on any level appears to be a hard fought principal and emotion to attain. With so many different situations that occur on a daily basis it appears as if true peace has become a foreign concept. Countries, families, spouses and even co-workers seem to be at war with each other. Fighting for what you want in the physical has become the normal process in which to handle situations, and the thought of resolving things in a peaceable manner seems to have become obsolete.
People are living in an overwrought manner, distressed about the complexities and issues of life that they cannot control. Worried about how to make ends meet, worried over the direction of their family lives; so much so that they cannot have any joy, peace or hope. Consumed with the what ifs, what now and what’s next of life. However, as children of God this should never be our case. We should never be consumed or taken aback by the harsh aspects of life. We should be prepared “to count it all joy when we fall into various trials.” (James 1:2) But we cannot count it all joy when we don't know and trust that Christ has already overcome the various trials that await us.
John 16:33 says “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (NKJV) We don't have to wonder or look for peace when trials hit our lives, nor do we have to be fearful or be overcome by them no matter how powerful they appear; instead we must know that in Jesus Christ alone lies the peace we need; knowing that true peace does not come in the absence of hardship, but in the presence of Christ in our lives despite the hardship. When circumstances press you and peace seems far and you need help focusing on the peace of Christ just:
P - Pray for strength
E - Endure the trial
A - Acknowledge where you are
C - Confess your need for Christ's presence
E - Earnestly wait for Him
And Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. (Colossians 3:15 NIV)

DON'T FEAR THE VALLEY!!

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4 (NKJV)

We are reaching the halfway point of 2014 and things have not turned out the way some of us expected. For some the road to reaching our goals have been smooth, productive and led to great opportunities. Yet for others things appear to be falling apart. Things that were once fruitful seem to have dried up, relationships that were once healthy are now dysfunctional. It seems as if while you were walking on the path to the road of a fulfilled, productive & happy life the path just changed without notice and you were left standing in the middle of a barren land with no direction and waning faith.

What do you do when your standing in unknown territory surrounded by frustrating and almost debilitating circumstances? You trust that God knows exactly where you are, what your facing and what you stand in need of.

This scripture provides such a wealth of assurance on how to handle the dryness of these valley experiences.

First, we must remember that no matter how harsh, painful, or near death the valley appears; it has no real power to destroy you. The scripture says Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. We must know that shadows only give off appearance of what it surrounds. Though things may feel like they are falling to pieces with no hope of restoration all around you, this valley doesn't have any power to destroy you.

Second your time in the valley is temporary. Yea, though I walk through. We are encouraged from the onset that this season is not a lifetime experience. But a temporary walk through. No matter how long the season last it's only a season.

Lastly we can take courage because the greatest Power that has ever existed is with you, leading and guiding you through. You don't have to rest on your emotions or intellect to get you through nor do you have to wonder or be fearful of what lies ahead. Know that as God leads you through He is protecting you. It doesn't mean you won't get bruised or hurt following Him, but rest assured knowing He is there to comfort you when you do.

Do You Really Trust Him?

“Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.” Matthew 8:25-26 (NKJV)

In Matthew chapter eight we find Jesus descending from the mountain after delivering the "Sermon on the Mount" where He delivered many life giving messages to the people. After delivering these messages Jesus descends the mountain, with disciples in tow and began ministering various miracles and healings. While Jesus was ministering, the disciples were watching how great and powerful their Messiah was. One would think that while they watched their faith would be increasing, their trust would be building and their fear would be dissipating. However we find that's not the case.

When Jesus and His disciples entered a boat, soon after a great storm came. The storm was so fierce that the bible says the waves covered the boat. It would appear as though this storm was so bad that the boat seemed like it would capsize. The disciples become so fearful that they ran to Jesus asking Him to save them. Sounds familiar? There are times in our lives that circumstances occur seemingly sudden and fierce, overwhelming us beyond compare and we run to God crying out save me, save me. Now that might seem like a natural response but as children of God, should it be? For those that have been walking and communing with God, should our first response be that of despair? Absolutely not! While it is a natural response in our flesh to run for safety, as Believers who have seen God work miracles in our lives and the lives of others it is not the kind of faith response God desires, nor does it build our witness or edify others.

Contrary to how things seem we must always believe that God knew about the storm before we got into it and that He has the power to control the storm once we are in it. The truth of the matter is we cannot proclaim faith in God yet respond in fear when our circumstances bear down on us.

Remember the God you serve has the power to control and quiet both, you and your storm.

Be Blessed

KNOW WHO YOU SERVE

And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:23, 24 NKJV)

Day in and day out many of us face the challenges of serving others in various capacities we fulfill. Whether it be in a relationship, a job or even in ministry, we often struggle with the capacity and attitude we serve others with; especially when their attitude towards us is poor. The truth of the matter is that no matter where, how or who we serve we have the potential of facing someone with a cantankerous attitude or demeanor; despite our best effort of serving them in a loving manner.
So what do you do when you are giving your all, giving your best, serving in love and excellence; but are smacked with an uncaring, disparaging & unkind attitude? You simply keep giving your all, your best, and serve in love & excellence!! Why you ask? Because you are not serving them in reality you are serving God, and they happen to just be the benefactor of your service to God. They are receiving the blessing of your service to God but they are not the object of your service.
Too often we look to each other for accolades, approval, acceptance or reward but the truth is no one can ever pay you for the service you render to God but God! Now this doesn't mean that when someone serves us that we shouldn't be kind and honor them for what they've done, but what it does mean is that their response to our serving is Not driving us. Further Philippians 2:14 Do all things without complaining and disputing, (NKJV)
You see your actions or service isn't predicated upon how they respond to you,but how you pre-determine to serve. You must realize that when you accepted the various roles that God has assigned in your life, you automatically accept the responsibility of now being a good & faithful steward over those things. So the next time your boss acts out of character, your children run buck-wild or if your spouse pushes your buttons; don't be moved by them but remember that God is desiring & expecting you to serve them, knowing your really serving Him through them.

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR RECOMMENDED

There are time in our lives that life seems to take us by surprise. We get up and go about our daily business or chores expecting things to play out the same every time. We know exactly how much time needs to be spent, we know exactly how every scenario should play out and we rarely ever leave room for the unexpected. While it's understandable to have certain expectations it is completely unreasonable to rule out the unexpected; especially if you are a child of God. Life is full of twists and turns that we don't foresee, but should be prepared for.
James 1:2 tells us My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, (NKJV). So why is it that when these unexpected circumstances occur, we seemingly fall apart at the seams? Why do we as children of God lose hope when things happen to us we were not expecting? Part of the problem is due to the fact that as a society we have allowed worldly mindsets to infect the church. We allow those who don't possess biblical wisdom to taint the word of God by infusing man made or man accepted practices into Christianity. As believers we cannot allow or thought or understanding of God's word to be infected by what the world deems as a reasonable "exchange". What is a reasonable exchange? Reasonable exchange states that if I give or do a particular thing for you, that I should expect a particular thing back from you. How do we try to enact "reasonable exchange" with God? Well we say things like: " God I am faithful & I tithe so why I am struggling so hard?"
As hard as it is to deal with lives unexpected & hard issues we must understand that being faithful, living righteous, and remaining obedient does not exempt you from hardships. Job is the perfect example for this truth. The bible says Job was an upright & righteous man yet God recommended him for hardship. As believers we should never be taken by surprised or get angry with God when they happen. Instead we should begin rejoicing because we realize God has recommended us and know that if he recommended us He will keep us. So what do we do when unexpected hardships com? Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; (Proverbs 3:5 NKJV)



Be Blessed

GOD WILL STILL DO IT

As children our parents do their best to encourage us to set goals for our lives. They ask us what our passions are and do their best to help cultivate them. As we grow up and attend school our teachers join the team trying to guide us on the right path for our lives. As we come to know God in our own personal relationships our Christian leaders come aboard to further encourage us to become who God has designed us to be. While the majority of people experience this healthy system of guidance, the truth is that not everyone does. Leaving many to fight and fend for themselves merely tumbling through life trying to find their niche. Many know within themselves what God has spoken to them, but because of the lack of guidance in the natural they fail to see the possibility of it manifesting.

Those without proper guidance do find their way but usually after many hardships and failures. Because they’ve suffered along the way their mindset usually places them in a state of distrust and hesitance in letting others in. While their hesitance is understandable their tendency to equate these feelings to God is not.

What must understand is that no matter what we experience with others on our journey to fulfilling our life’s plan, we should never hold God hostage with our emotions because of other sinful fallen men. First off, “God is not a man that He should lie.” (Numbers 23:19, NASB) No matter how long ago God made a promise to you, HE Will complete it in you until it is accomplished!

Just like He promised the children of Israel in Genesis 28:15 “Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” (NASB)We must know without a shadow of a doubt that God is always with and for us, even when we stray. The children of Israel strayed in the sight of God, yet He fulfilled His promise to them, albeit with latter generations, but He never went back on His promise.

Know that even if you stray of course but you repent and determine to get back on track, God is still with you and guiding you. Just like God kept His promise to them, He will do the same for you!


BE BLESSED

REJOICE IN HIM

And Hannah prayed and said: “My heart rejoices in the Lord; my horn is exalted in the Lord. I smile at my enemies, because I rejoice in your salvation. “No one is holy like the Lord, for there is none besides you, nor is there any rock like our God. 1 Samuel 2:1-2 (NKJV)

There are times in life where rejoicing seems like an unattainable task. We go through various trials and circumstances that seem to try and drown out our hope, peace and happiness. We get so sidetracked by what we are dealing with that our perspective and emotions become clouded with what we feel. We get so bombarded by the words and actions of others towards us, that we allow them to suck the life out of us by giving them a place in our lives.

Sometimes we go through seasons of lack where what we need or desire is not. We walk around depressed, frustrated and angry with God that our situations haven't changed, and that our enemies haven't let up. But like Hannah we have the ability to keep our mind, hearts and lives focused on God and His attributes while we wait on Him.

In today's scripture we find Hannah rejoicing in God after He has answered her prayer. She is rejoicing in who he is and what He has done. But this wasn't always the case for her. In 1 Samuel we can read that Hannah who is the wife of Elkanah couldn’t conceive children. She desired more than anything to give Elkanah a son, an heir from her womb and the fact that she couldn't caused her great distress. Compounding her issue was Elkanah's other wife Peninnah who was able to bear children and rubbed it into Hannah's face. Now while all of these things weighed on Hannah and caused her great emotional distress, she still kept her faith. Although what she wanted hadn't happened yet, she continued to trust God’s ability to move in her life. Eventually God answered her prayer and she conceived a son. She had a grateful heart and rejoiced in Him because she recognized who He was, how He showed up and that there was no one like Him.

So, keep the faith and keep trusting God and while you wait rejoice in Him!


BE BLESSED