Pick a Side

 

It is interesting that choices have to be made daily. Once a decision is made, there are usually not too many options to take afterwards. When we come to Christ, we have made the ultimate decision to leave the world and its ungodly influences. However, many act as if they are caught in the valley of indecision.

It would look strange to watch a basketball game if a team keeps making baskets for its opponent. Yet, many Christians fight to for the world and its practices, while wearing the uniform of a Christian.

He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad. Matt 12:30 (KJV)

            Jesus   stated   that   no   man  could  serve  twomasters. Many are trying to challenge His statements by trying to blend Christ with the world in their lifestyles. Today, be open and honest within yourself. Does your life reflect the faith of the Son of God? Or does it reflect a lifestyle of I can do what I want, when I want, and God should take that!

Understand that God is loving, merciful, and gracious, but let us not try to use that as an excuse not to serve Him in sincerity and in truth. Which side are you on today – do you defend the faith or the desires of your flesh? Pick A Side!

Prayer of the Week:

“Lord, help me to remain faithful to you even when others challenge your existence. I thank you and I reaffirm my decision to serve you. Amen.”

Time to Get Back on Track

Let’s get to it. Many Christians today are off track. They started out pursuing Christ, His plan, and His purpose. Now, many are sitting on the sidelines bound by regret, depression, fear, and doubt. However, it is time for the Christian to arise and take his rightful place in Christ.

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Phil 1:6 (KJV)

It is not the will of God for anyone to stay off course. Forgive yourself, forgive others, and trust God’s faithfulness. He will complete the work that He started in you if you are willing for Him to do it.

Be encouraged on this day. Know that you can get back on track and receive all that God has for you in this life. If He was faithful to His servants of old, He will be faithful to you to ensure your success.  Only trust Him to finish His work through you.

Prayer of the Week:

“Lord, I thank you for forgiveness and grace to get back on track. I thank you that I will move forward in my walk with you. Amen”

The Rich Blessing

 

Everyone loves a blessing. We understand that a blessing is grace, gift, pronouncement of favor, or an endowment granted to an individual through God’s goodness. Yet, there are many things that people call a blessing, which is not a blessing.

Nothing that you end up crying about, complaining about, and wishing you never had, was the blessing of the Lord. How can I say that? Well…

The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it. Prov 10:22 (KJV)

We should never settle for a temporary fix, but for eternal satisfaction. God only gives a rich blessing. Whatever He brings into your life will enhance you and that which concerns you. If God does it, no sorrow will be joined to it.

Consider your life today and the things you once called a blessing. Are they a curse to you now? Well… there is hope. You can trust God that He will bring people, places, and things into your life that will add to you greatly. Stand in faith today and ask God for a blessing that will enhance and satisfy.

Prayer of the Week:

“God, give me grace to recognize things in my life that did not come with your blessing. Help me to desire what you have for me. Amen.”

When Fear Produces a Blessing

 

        The story of Jacob wrestling with the angel is familiar. It has become a part of our religious talk to say, “I am wrestling for a blessing” or we tell people to “wrestle for their blessing.” However, we have to be careful that our uses of the scriptures are in line with what the scriptures are actually saying. Jacob’s wrestling with the angel was not born out of wanting more of God or His presence or the like; it was born out of fear. He was getting ready to go and meet Esau and was terrified that he and his family would be killed. It was this fear that caused him to wrestle with the angel, but God (in His goodness) released a blessing to Jacob.

And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob. And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. Gen 32:26-28 (KJV)

Many Christians today stand in fear of what will happen to them in this life. However, do not let your fear drive you away from God, but into His presence. Sometimes God will allow circumstances so that you will stand before His presence and receive ALL that He has for you. Jacob wanted his life spared, but God wanted to change his name. He got more than what he was looking for. So, on today, bring your fears, concerns, and worries to God; for at the end of them, there is a blessing. You will know and understand the sentiment, “When fear produces a blessing.”

Prayer of the Week:

“I thank you for your promises God. I trust that you are with me and will bless me as you did Jacob. I thank you now. Amen”