A Call To Change

I believe I'm very much in the midst of a one foot in one foot out generation. The amount of us who are completely sold out for Christ has dwindled down. We are kind of in and kind of out. We can try and blame this lukewarm behavior on the fact that being a Christian isn't easy.  You will go through trial and tribulations of numerous kinds, but we were warned. John 16:33 says; “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."  I also have gone through a period of wavering back and forth between the world and my walk with Jesus. I am far from perfect, but I do serve a perfect God.

With the beginning of a new year and the end of 2014 approaching quickly I want to strive to be sold out for Christ like never before. Taking the initiative to put my relationship with God first and keep it first. What would it look like to be completely sold out for Christ? What new levels will God take you too when you devote time and effort into pursuing a relationship with him? How much stronger will you be by the end of 2015 if you turn to God and don’t look back? I want to challenge all my readers to look at their list of goals and aspirations for 2015 and put God first. Not just for a moment but for the whole year. There are two reasons I can think of that might stop people from changing in 2015. 

1. They are fearful of change. But God didn’t give us a spirit of fear.

2 Timothy 1:7 says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” Don’t be fearful God has a great plan for you. Jeremiah 29:11 confirms it by saying, “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” He has a specific blessing to give to you, but will you do what it takes to receive it?

2. They are too comfortable.

People can be so comfortable in their current circumstance that they stop   trying and better themselves. There is a story in Matthew 14: 22-33 about Peter who was the only disciple who stepped out of the boat (out of his comfort zone) to walk on water towards Jesus. Everyone in the boat watched Peter take a life-changing step of faith. In 2015, DO NOT be the person who is watching people change their lives. Do not be the person inside of the boat, but be the person walking on water. Step out of your comfort zone and trust in God to take you to new levels in your relationships, in your job, and in your life. Lets look back on 2015 this time next year and say I took that step of faith and it changed my life for the better. People in the boat will try to keep you in the boat. But you have been called to do so much more!

 God Bless You All!

Direct Deposit

I am sure everyone knows what a direct deposit is but just in case....
A direct deposit is when your money goes straight from your work place into your account. You don’t have to make the transfer it automatically goes in there, it is dependable and convenient. You can withdraw it when you need to because it is already in there. 

Sometimes we need to make direct deposits into our spirit. This is when we take the word of God and directly deposit it into our spirits. So when we have to make a withdrawal we have what it takes to cover the cost. These cost include trials and tribulations but not just your own trials but also other people’s trials. People may come to you seeking advice on a situation and if you have not deposited anything into your spirit then do not be surprised when the advice you give is insufficient. You don’t have enough of the word of God in you to give Godly advice. You don’t have enough of the word of God in you to cover that trial your going through. Your coming up short and you don’t know what to do. Every time you give out advice that does not line up with the word of God your account is in the negative. Every time you tell someone something that goes against Gods word you have sinned against God. The only way to avoid this happening is by knowing what the word of God says and live by it. Psalms 119:10 says it best “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you”. Have Gods word stored up in your heart so when you need to withdraw a scripture to pass a test or to help someone else pass a test you give him or her the truth.  John 8:31 says, “So Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “if you abide in my word you are truly my disciples.”” We have to know the word of God to be disciples.  

With all the shootings and killings of innocent people is this not a time to band together as a Christian community and say look I know the world is a pretty messed up place, but let me introduce you to a man who can take the pain away. Let me point you to a God who loves you no matter what. Let me point you to the scriptures where God says his grace is sufficient. You are loved, you are beautiful, you are unique, you are a child of the most high, isn’t it time we start acting like it. How many more shootings will it take for people to realize this world is corrupt and the only true protection we have is that in Jesus Christ? Given our current circumstance we don’t need to just do a direct deposit once a month, we need to directly deposit the word of God into our spirits every day.

Lets pray,

God I pray for my sisters and brothers who are reading this. I pray that they know that you love them and care for them more then they will ever be able to understand. I pray they know that your grace is sufficient. I pray that they will be encouraged to read your word and have it stored in their hearts. I pray that you will strengthen those who are going through trials and tribulations. Let them know Father that they are not alone. It says in your word Lord that we should not be afraid or discouraged because you are with us and you will never leave us nor forsake us (Deuteronomy31:8). Bless them to hold onto you God and to be unashamed to proclaim your name. I pray these things in Jesus name.

Amen