Sunday, July 28, 2013

The Thorn in My Flesh by Darryl Harris


In 2007 when I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis I wrote this story as part of my book, When God Says Wait!  Six years later I can say my relationship with Christ has grown stronger, despite the daily struggles I encounter.  Each day is an adventure, but one I look forward to, because it's another opportunity to encourage someone else!

As the great Lou Gehrig once said, "I consider myself the most "blessed"man on the face of the earth!

Whatever, you are going through today, whatever your personal thorn in the flesh may be, remember... God is in control, and His plan for your life is perfect!  He will never leave you or fail you!  But, He wants you to trust Him on this journey called life!  May these words encourage you to take that next step one day at a time in faith!

The Thorn in My Flesh
Can take my legs, but can’t take my legacy!

Can take my feet, but can’t take my desire to take the gospel to lost people!

Can take my hearing, but can’t take away my ability to hear
from God!

Can touch my body, but can’t touch my spirit!

Can cloud my eyes, but can’t cloud the vision given me by God!

Can steal my happiness, but it can’t steal my joy!

Can make me walk with a cane, but can’t stop me from walking
with Christ!

Can cause indescribable pain, but can’t prevent indescribable peace that comes from prayer!

Can change the altitude I fly, but can’t change the attitude
I choose!

 
Can surround me with fear, but can’t stop me from responding
in faith!

Can make life uncomfortable, but it can’t make life unrewarding!

Can change how I preach, but can’t change my desire to pastor and teach!

Can change my ability to play, but can’t change my ability to enjoy others playing!

Can cause me to move like an older man, but can’t take away status as a child of God!

Can make life difficult, but can’t change my ability to make a difference!

Can cause friends to stay away, but it can’t take away the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit!


So I take… one day at a time.

And I walk…one step at a time.

By the grace of God…


I will live my life with Excitement!

I will run my race with Endurance!

I will live for Christ with Enthusiasm!

I will love others with Empathy!

I will minister to others with Encouragement!


My goal is to be among the one in ten who finish strong.

So I run and I praise God who will carry me to the finish line!

God is Always Up to Something Good by Hart Ramsey





Wayman Tisdale - It's Alright

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

7 Keys for Men to Have a Happy Father's Day

Men, we are ambassadors for Christ, our name is Christian, and we represent Jesus Christ!  I believe that if we fail to represent someone who has done so much for us, we need to either change our behavior or change our name!

Let me appeal to the men today as we approach Father's Day.  Instead of changing your name, let’s believe His Word, and go out and change the world!  Men do you believe we can do it?  Here are the daily steps you must take to walk closely with Christ as a real man of God:

1. DAILY DIE TO SELF!``
1 Cor. 15:31
I die every day--I mean that, brothers--just as surely as I glory over you in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Yield complete control of your life to Jesus Christ every day.

2. DAILY OBEDIENCE TO CHRIST!
Luke 9:23
Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
Every day, commit yourself to obeying God and His Word

3. DAILY BIBLE READING!
Acts 17:11
…they…examined the Scriptures every day to see if these things were so…
Spend time reading God’s Word everyday

4. DAILY PRAYER!
Matthew 6:11
…give us today our daily bread.
Devote time every day talking to God in prayer.

5. DAILY FELLOWSHIP!
Hebrews 3:13
“…encourage one another daily…”.
Seek regular fellowship with other Christians.

6. DAILY SHARING!
Acts 5:42
“Day after day…they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ”.
Tell others about Jesus every day in words and actions.

7. DAILY PRAISE!
Psalm 119:164
Praise God every day for who He is and what He has done.
Start by praising Him with your family tomorrow and really have a Happy Father's Day!

Short Message to Men by Eric Mason!

Thursday, June 6, 2013

15 Things to Remember During Adversity

I believe the Lord's whisper during adversity, is louder than His shout during victory!  The key is... are you listening! The following is difficult medicine, but it will bring spiritual healing during your time of adversity! Listen to see if He is whispering these to you:

  1. Accept It! ...It happened to you, but believe in me, and trust in me! John 16:33
  2. Don't Try to Understand It! ...Don't lean on your understanding!  Proverbs 3:5-6
  3. Rejoice in It! ...You heard me right! "Consider it pure joy, when you face many trials" James1:2
  4. Use It! ...Let it glorify me!  Psalm 69:30
  5. Don't Explain It! ...It's between you and me!  2 Corinthians 1:4
  6. Grow From It! ...The Lord wants to make you stronger!  Romans 5:3
  7. Stand on my Promises Through It! ..."be strong and very courageous..." Joshua 1:9
  8. Don't Fear It! ...I'm in control!  Isaiah 46:10
  9. Rest in my Arms During It! ...I got you!  Matthew 11:28
  10. Look for the Blessing from It! ...Ultimately, it's all good! Romans 8:28
  11. Bless Others Despite It! ...It's tough, but be a blessing to others! Acts 20:19
  12. Embrace each Moment in It! ...Patiently endure and trust!  Romans 12:12
  13. Don't Lose Hope Because of It! ...Live vertically during it!  Psalm 71:14
  14. Pray in the Midst of It! ...Not for it, but in it!  Philippians 4:6
  15. Look Ahead to It! ...He's coming soon!  1Thessalonians 4:17
 Finally, always remember what Jesus went through for you...Think About It!  Romans 5:8

Take time to reflect on Jesus with Kirk Franklin..."You Are"

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

"Rescue in Cleveland - Never give up hope" by Ron Hutchcraft

As I've watched this powerful story unfold, it's reminded me of some things I can't afford to forget. Through people at the heart of this story.

Like people who refuse to give up on the loved one they've lost. Like Amanda Berry's mom, who refused to believe it was hopeless. She just kept her daughter's picture and story in front of people...and prayed relentlessly. Amanda's mom didn't live to see her prayers answered - but we all did.


A lot of us have an "Amanda." Someone who, for one reason or another, seems hopelessly gone. Emotionally. Spiritually. Physically.

But the celebration in Cleveland shouts, "Never stop fighting for that person you love." Reach out to them. Love them when they give you no reason. Pray for God to do what only He can do. Keep the porchlight on.

I love that story where Jesus comes upon the funeral procession of a young man. The Bible says He saw the grieving mother and "His heart went out to her." Then He did what only He could do. He brought her son back to life. And here's the best part: "Jesus gave him back to his mother" (Luke 7:15 ).

He's still doing things like that. Restoring lost loved ones to the people who care for them. That's the hope that keeps us fighting for them. As long as there's breath, there's hope.

Of course, a key player in freeing the Cleveland captives is that neighbor. Who, disregarding the risks, jumps in to help someone in trouble.

Somewhere on our "street," we all know someone like that. Behind a façade that looks fine, they may be living a nightmare. Desperately needing someone who will care about them. And listen. Someone who will look for the needs behind their needs. Who will be the voice and face of Jesus for them.

And then there's that prisoner who's desperate to be free. Whose only hope is a rescuer. That's where I show up in the picture. That was me. And lots of folks like me.  In a very dark place, unable to get out by myself. Until Somebody heard the cry of my heart. I didn't have to stay there one day longer.

Jesus came all the way from heaven to rescue a world of people held captive. By the darkness inside them. "Sin" the Bible calls it. Our deadly addiction to defying God and doing life "my way" instead of His way. And we can't seem to stop. "Everyone who sins is a slave to sin," Jesus said (John 8:34 ).

I can't argue. The selfishness, the anger, the dark desires, the wounding words, the endless lies - nobody wants to be that way. But we are. We're prisoners in a dark place.

Until the Rescuer shows up at our door. Jesus. Who "gave Himself for our sins to rescue us" (Galatians 1:3 ). And "if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed" (John 8:36 ). He didn't just come to the door. He died on a cross.

So here's my story: "I've been missing. I'm free now." And I'm home.

Never Give Up by Yolanda Adams

Friday, April 26, 2013

7 Steps to Overcoming Worry

WORRY IS A CHOICE…SO I CHOOSE NOT TO WORRY BUT TRUST! 


1.  I WILL NOT WORRY… ABOUT NEEDS  BECAUSE  GOD WILL PROVIDE!
Matthew 6:25 (NIV) 
    "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.  Is not life more important than food and the body more important than clothes?



2.  I WILL NOT WORRY… ABOUT WHAT COULD HAPPEN TOMORROW!
Matthew 6:34 (NIV) 
    "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own.”


TODAY IS THE TOMORROW YOU WORRIED ABOUT YESTERDAY”


3.   I WILL NOT WORRY... ABOUT OTHERS SINS BEFORE CHECKING MYSELF! 
Matthew 7:3 (NIV) 
“Why do you look (worry) at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?"



4.  I WILL NOT WORRY... ABOUT BEING FALSELY ACCUSED!
Matthew 10:19 (NIV) 
    “But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say”




5.  I WILL NOT WORRY… ABOUT THE  CARES OF LIFE AND NEGLECT THE GOSPEL!
Matthew 13:22 (NIV)
    “The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful.”



6.  I WILL NOT WORRY… ABOUT SUFFERING AS A CHRISTIAN!
1 Peter 3:14 (NIV) 
    But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don't be afraid and don't worry



7.  I WILL NOT WORRY… ABOUT DEATH!
Matthew 6:27 (NLT) 
    “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”
 

Hebrews 2:14-15 (NIV)
“Since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity sot that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death..that is the devil. 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.”

 
 
What Jesus is saying is that:
  • even though the storms come…
  • even though the winds blow…
  • even though the rains fall…
You can have peace!


"Ain't No Need to Worry" by the Winans with Anita Baker

Monday, April 22, 2013

When God Says..."YO"!

I believe being a "hardhead" is a chronic illness in America today.  Unfortunately, this is especially true even among Christians!  In fact, I'm pressed to believe that if the Lord Himself, was standing in front of us, giving specific instructions on living the Christian life, many of us still would not listen!

We live in a world where "knowing it all" is worn as a badge of honor!  We will stand for anything, and fall for everything, simply because of a hard head!  When we make a mistake, instead of admitting it and moving in a new direction, many times we hold on to our beliefs and opinions simply for the sake of being right!  What a shame!

But God in His grace and mercy has given us 66 books, called the Bible, where His clearly understood Word can be read, and applied to our lives.  However, the pressure to be right or listen to other voices can sometimes be an  overwhelming obstacle! Because of this "chronic illness", God sometimes has to send trials of adversity into our lives simply to get our attention... and scream... "Yo ___" from heaven!  I want you to do things my way!

What we need to realize is that God's way is :
  • Always Right! 
  • Always Best! and 
  • Always Right on Time!

Has God been trying to get your attention on an important situation in your life?  Has God sent a trial of adversity that seems to have no purpose at all?  Have you refused to pick up His Word on a regular basis and find out for yourself what He has to say about that puzzling situation you are facing!  Are you simply being a "hardhead", and is God screaming "Yo ____" as loud as He can, right in your ear!

  • Remember He loves You!  John 3:15-18  
  • Remember He cares! 1 Peter 5:7
  • Remember He has a plan! Jeremiah 29:11

So do yourself a favor, and put down your pride, and pick up His Word!  If you don't know where to turn, check the table of contents in the front, or the subject index in the back!  As you do that, you will be surprised that over time the screaming will cease, and your understanding will increase from spending time with the Lord, your God!

Then always remember these words of admonition from my grandma as you do so... "a hard head, makes for a soft behind"!  God bless you as you turn His Yo ____, into... Yes Lord, I'm now listening!

Speak to My Hear by Donnie McClurkin


God's is up to Something Great by Tony Evans

Sunday, January 27, 2013

4 Things You Need to Know About Your Success

There is a lot of talk about success theses days, but not enough from a Christian perspective!  Not that Christians aren't writing about it, and talking about it, but we've primarily adopted the world's definition so completely, that there is no noticeable difference! 

The Bible does have a few things you need to recognize so you have the proper perspective on success God's way!


Success doesn't come because you have a good Heart!  
  • Most people think they are good at heart!  I'm not saying you don't mean well. but only God truly knows your heart!  Interesting, look what He says about it... “The heart is deceitful above all things,And desperately wicked; Who can know it? Jer. 17:12  God can!  Most of the time, God chooses to use us despite our diseased heart condition!
Success in fact, doesn't come because you are Good!  
  •  So many of us think that we are successful because we are so good!  Yes, you may do good things, at work and in the home, but God knows that apart from your relationship with Jesus Christ, you really aren't "good"!  Look at what He says in Romans 3:12 "...There is none who does good, no, not one." Success as a Christian stems from a relationship, not a reputation!
Success did not come because you were the Smartest!  
  • This verse says it all...
    "Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy[a] when God called you. 27 Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful." 1Cor. 1:26-27
  •  God doesn't need your wisdom to bring you success... What He's looking for is faithfulness!
Success in God's eyes comes from OBEDIENCE!   
  • Obedience is the key that unlocks the door to success in God's eyes!  Look at what He says in 1 Samuel 15:22...    
  • “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices
        as much as in obeying the Lord?
    To obey is better than sacrifice,
        and to heed is better than the fat of rams.

    When we obey God's Word, and strive to work with all of our heart in anything we do... we are already a success in God's eyes no matter what the ultimate outcome may be!  Our goal in life should be to obey God no matter what!

    Col.3:23-24
    23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 

    By recognizing these 4 keys, you will be on God's path to success in life, while most others are solely relying on their own talents and ability!  They may succeed in the world's eyes... just ask Steve Jobs and Bill Gates... but the question you should ask is... were they a success in God's eyes?

SO THE CHALLENGE IS ... DARE TO BE A JOSHUA!
"Have Heart, Take Courage... and SOAR"!

Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:6-9

 Kirk Franklin "Before I Die" - How to Experience True Success in life!