Harvest!

My wife and I really enjoyed this song yesterday at church as the older brother, with a style reminiscent of gospel singers of the past, lead the song. A good song like this makes me think and apply it to myself. Where is my faith? Do I have that kind of faith?

But let's just look at the words in the chorus of the song written by Minister John P Kee.

Oh lord I've come to receive my blessing,
Patiently awaiting for the harvest is nigh.
I got that Hebrews 11:1,
faith to know my blessing shall come; 
it's mine, all mine, 
it's harvest time.

Now, let's look at a very familiar verse Hebrews 11:1 (King James)
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Now let's look at the Message version:

The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living.

We know all our blessings come from the Lord, which He bestows upon us on a daily basis. No matter what your situation, do you have that Hebrews 11:1 faith to know that God, not you, can handle it? Patiently wait for harvest time! 

It's Yours!

He Rose!

Easter Sunday evokes memories of baskets filled with different candies and colored eggs that my parents and I put together on the Saturday before.  I couldn't wait to get at it. All those jelly beans, except the black, licorice ones that Dad got by default, were my favorite to eat.  New clothes to wear to a family member's house for a day of fun and Easter dinner.  Easter was annual and we did the same things, the same way each year.

Easter was about the bunny and egg hunts for me, and I 'm sure millions of other children. It was fun, and we like fun.  Wow, what memories.

Memories are about remembering, so let's remember what Easter really means.  Jesus, after fulfilling the greatest, most selfless act in history by dying on the cross, rose from the grave with all power.  He had been crucified for no reason other than to save us and allow humanity to live.  He was the offering God received for the redemption of a stained people!

So before the candies and eggs, make sure your children know what Easter really means.  Before that Easter ham with all the sides, remember what happened over two thousand years ago and give thanks to the One that made it all possible.

After the Storm

The storms of life are always raging.  Some are more obvious than others.  But there was no mistaking the storms (tornadoes and twisters) that raged through sections of Texas recently.  But I choose to remember all that  I've heard and seen after the storm.  So many volunteers, there is not enough for all of them to do.  I don't think I've ever heard this about any other state in the aftermath of devastation.  It makes me Godly proud to be a Texan.

Whether we were personally affected or not, we should all take to heart what has happened here, and our lives should never be the same again.  We must all emerge from the ashes a little more humble; a little wiser; a little more focused; a little more loving and kind, and a whole lot more grateful to the one and only true living God.

People suffered great loss, but praise be to God, no life was lost.  That in itself is a miracle!

Love is a Function, Not A Feeling (Let Your Actions Reflect This)

Don't just say you love me, but show me you love me.  Let your actions match your words at all times.

When a person ask another person how do you feel or what do you need, these are selfless questions of concern.  The questions from the other person are focused on you and your well being.

When a person ask another person what are you doing or where are you going, these can be selfish questions of control .  The questions from the other person are focused on them and their agenda.

What are we talking about here?  Compassion, consideration, unconditional love.  Doing things for the right reasons, not the wrong reasons.  The scripture says who the Son sets free is free indeed.  We need to stop trying to keep each other in bondage by creating emotional blackmail based on our statements and actions.

When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these.  Le me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom God.  But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  There is no law against these things!  Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to His cross and crucified them there.  Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives.  Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another. (Amen) (Galatians 5:19-26/NLT)

TRUTH

You can't just know the truth, you have to practice it!

I'm Glad I Know Jesus for Myself

When chaos comes, I'm glad I know that Jesus can and will bring order.

When my mind is not working right, I'm glad to know that Jesus is a mind regulator.

When all hope seems to be lost, I'm glad to know that my hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness.

When I am sick, I'm glad to know that Jesus is a healer.

When I am lost, I'm glad to know that Jesus will find me, and help me find myself and my way.

When I am in a spiritual or natural fight, I'm glad to know that all I have to do is get out of the way and let Jesus fight my battles for me.

When I have no insurance, I'm glad to know that I have Jesus' blessed assurance.

When my money is funny, and my change is strange, and my credit won't get it, I'm glad to know that Jesus is priceless.  That He paid the cost that counts the most.  That He will make a way out of no way.  That He will make the impossible possible.

I'm talking about JESUS, the name that is above all names.  Hallelujah! Thank You, Jesus!!

Charity is an Act of Love!

Charity is an act of love, which allows us to do something that is the total opposite of our basic and selfish natures. We did not progress or get to where we are in life without the assistance of others. At very young ages, we display selfish tendencies and attitudes. As children, we show a "that's mine mentality " when it comes to objects such as balls, toys, and candy. Parents and teachers are constantly trying to instruct us in the principle of sharing; however, we struggle with this and may even have tantrums, if someone takes or tries to take something from us. Again, we did not get here on our own. Parents, siblings, teachers and others have had an impact on the lives that we now live. The goals we have been able to reach have more authors than just us alone. Family members, friends and coaches have all imparted something into the make up of our lives. Once we come to this realization and allow our egos to deflate, we then have the opportunity to have our hearts softened and think about others, who are in need. We should challenge ourselves at every opportunity, for it is right to care about others and to do whatever we can for one another. Looking back on the roads that we've traveled throughout our lives should bring to our memories many, many people that were a part of the successes and failures we have experienced. Let's be thankful about these memories and be willing to do the same for others.