http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/sport/Battle-of-the-colleges_77771
It is good to be back posting in my blog again. My journey took me away for a while, but God has brought me back to my base.
I spent a long time complaining about life to God, but then I realized how blessed I am. Are you often complaining about every detail in your life? Well guess what, you are more than blessed to be able to read this right now. You are alive, think about that, let it soak in. God has given you favor today.
God has allowed you another day to hug your family and friends. he has given you another moment to make someone feel special. He has given you the opportunity to give Him thanks.
Never take for granted this moment you have right now.
God loves you more than you could ever imagine.
I will not weep,
for the things I do not control,
I will not spend days in sorrow,
or allow pain to define my walk
I will stand with God,
and not worry about man,
and I will not allow others to steal my joy,
Today I will choose to be happy,
no matter what state I find myself,
I am blessed by the Most High,
today I have life,
today I have a breath,
today I can eat,
today I can smile,
today I have a chance to tell someone I love them..
for the things I do not control,
I will not spend days in sorrow,
or allow pain to define my walk
I will stand with God,
and not worry about man,
and I will not allow others to steal my joy,
Today I will choose to be happy,
no matter what state I find myself,
I am blessed by the Most High,
today I have life,
today I have a breath,
today I can eat,
today I can smile,
today I have a chance to tell someone I love them..
There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven-- Ecclesiastes 3:1Ecclesiastes 3 reminds us that time plays a significant role in our lives. It seems that until we understand that our lives are affected by this important element it will be hard to live a happy life.
Every phase of our life is affected by time. There are times when we are a sad, but guess what at some point in time we will be happy. We must therefore understand that everything is for a period. If we focus on that fact, then we know that God will change our present disposition to one that is favorable for us. However, oftentimes we think that we control time and as such we never allow God to do things in His time.
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time. 1 Peter 5:6For us to reach this level of spiritual understanding we must first be willing to humble ourselves to God. Let me say that may not be so easy, but with God all things are possible. If we trust His Word and live by his commands it makes that time when we are troubled seem like a flash in the sky.
Like everyone in this life I have had my many episodes with pain and with sorrow. I have also had many times of happiness and joy. The hard times I faced have helped me to be a stronger person. When I am afflicted with issues at times I wonder if it is temptation from the devil or a test from God. I have come to appreciate that the things that are nonspiritual are always from the devil, as the writer in James reminds me that God does not do evil. Therefore when you have dark thoughts or have the tendency to sin that is of the devil. We can make whatever excuse we want, but God never tells us to commit sin. However, we go through many tests of our faith. If we give up then the devil is ready to prey and tempt us to do his will.
Each day our time in this life gets shorter and that must also prick us to change our stance. We all need to look in the mirror and ask ourselves, are we with God? Does God hear my prayers? Do I do God's will? Am I serving man instead of God? Do I live each day ensuring that I follow his commandments? Do I share His gospel with others? Do I read/study His Word with an open mind?
Our answers to those questions will determine if our time is spent with God. It is my mission to focus more on the image in the mirror and to let God be my guide. There is no time to waste focusing on what others are doing. It is even worse if my life is not an example for others in ALL things. At the end of the day friends, none of us can hide from God.
A time to weep and a time to laugh; A time to mourn and a time to dance. Ecclesiastes 3:4
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Sometimes in this life we spend our days complaining about how hard our lives are. Maybe we should look at what God has done for us before we utter those negatives words.
Today I was reading a testimony on Facebook about a woman whose 7 year old son had to undergone a very evasive spinal surgery. She mentioned in every word the name of God, thanking Him for taking her son through the surgery and the healing that is taking place daily. Before I read this article I was not feeling so well myself, but at that moment I realized that my own pain was negligible compared to this child. How can I complain?
In this life we all have burdens to bear and some are greater than others. So why do we spend so much time complaining about our issues? Have we given up on God's Word?
No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is
faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are
able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so
that you will be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13
When we are tempted God is there for us too, He never leaves us to bear our burdens alone. There are times when we feel like we are all alone in this life, but we are not. If we believe in God, then He is always with us. Just look at the small to the large components of our lives and see if you can recognize God in our daily walk.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
You see friends we have a comforter that cares for us more than any human could ever do. Do not put your faith in man, put your faith in God first and allow Him to direct your path. The problem always starts when we think that man can solve our problems. It also starts when we focus on earthly things, thinking that joy rests in these things. All earthly things are temporary, but heaven is eternal. Lift your eyes to heaven.
Today and always, let us count everything a blessing from God and stop complaining about what we do or do not have. Blessings and love my brothers and sisters..
"The storms of life make you stronger."
DCA Originals
Looking out in the storm,
watching the storm of life approach,
regretting the moves of the past,
but humbled by God's grace,
The dark clouds approach,
but in the midst,
the sun peeks out,
watching the storm,
preparing for cover,
Watching the storm,
remembering the battering of the past,
making preparations for a better day,
what else can one do?
learning from the past,
Watching the storm,
telling the lost the truth of what's to come,
making them not follow my footsteps,
Watching the storm,
not worrying anymore,
life has prepared me,
a better person,
There is hope after the storm,
God is with me,
no fear,
no sorrows,
the bright horizon beckons...
Dayne-Christopher Anderson
And be you kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ sake has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32
Over the last 30 years I have had the opportunity to meet a few people I call my friends. The bible says that true love is when someone is willing to lay down his life for another. That for me friends is who a true friend is, someone you are willing to lay down your life for. Over the years I have been in that position about twice, when I was willing to lay down my life for others. You don't think about it, you are just of the mindset. Jesus Christ was a true friend, greater than any other person before. He freely came to earth and suffered and died for the freedom we have as Christians. How else could we have the hope of salvation?
Over time I have also learnt that there are different types of friends you will meet along this road. There are those like sheep in wolves clothing, whose aim is to deceive and destroy. Those I do not classify as friends, but person with the objective of abuse. They seem genuine and real, but deep down their motives are evil. In my short time on this earth, I have had to encounter these persons several times. To meet people like those brings heartache and pain. Oftentimes it is people you have grown up with from birth who bring the most pain. Even in my Christian walk, I have encountered the same. People who should know better, leave you in distress like a man lost in the desert.
It seems that I had set my expectations too high. Which friend when faced with the reality of death would really want to die for me? Which friend is truly committed to loving me with all my flaws and scars? Which friend is willing to accept the pitfalls of friendship? Not many. You see we fail to understand that we must lead by example in all things. We cannot expect everyone to have our same principles and goals in this life. 1 Peter 2:2-24 tells us, "for you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed." Jesus Christ laid the foundation as to what we should be. He gave us the best example of the people we ought to be. Even when he was oppressed he did not threaten or use harsh words. He was committed to doing the will of God. This is the example that I must follow and you too my friends.
When people walk on us, we must watch our tongue, we must be always representing God in all things. Too many times I have been quick to just speak without considering what God expects of me. I am supposed to be a representative of God. Oftentimes we hear the saying, "what would Jesus Christ do?". That is so true, when we utter words that are unrighteous, is that of God? Certainly not, God does not act out of anger, but out of love.
You see, we are always going to have all types of 'friends' in this life. Not everyone is going to follow our beliefs or even accept them, but our duty always is to teach them about God, by our example in righteousness. Yesterday, my brother brought a sermon on faith, there was a mention of the fact that how can anyone expect a non-christian to follow us if we say one thing and do another. How can we expect non-Christians to have any interest in God when we do not behave like a Christian? Our friends often look up to us, but what do they see?? Are we examples of Christ? Or do we just say we follow Christ?
Many friends have come to me asking about my faith. I remember one day I went to play dominoes and my friends were just bombarding me with questions. They all believed in God, but they questioned the behavior of people who said they followed God. They said that what they have seen is that people set up 'churches' [the buildings] to make money. They use the name of God to profit themselves. But isn't that true, many people use the name of God to profit, to live high lifestyles from the collections of the poor. And said to them, true Christianity is not like that. True Christianity is about pleasing God. It is about looking at the sacrifice of our savior, Jesus Christ who was willing to lay down His life for all, just as a true friend would. A lot of our friends are searching for God, but what are we doing? I am not doing enough in my own corner. I recognize that there are things to fix about my example as a Christian.
If we all are to reach heaven we have to be friends like Jesus, to love unconditionally, not just by our words but by our actions. Also we have to be willing to follow God's commands, it is by His Word that we learn about love and righteousness. Today I choose to be more of a friend.
This is a message from Bro. Roy Graneau, South Edmonton Church of Christ.
Is the name of the church important?
1. The church belongs to Christ
Mt 16:13-19
18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
2. God has placed all things spiritual in one name, not names: the name of Jesus
Acts 4:10-12
12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Eph 5:23-25
3. The church is married to Christ, not man
22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. 24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. 25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it
Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. Colossians 3:5-7
Over the last three (3) years I have been recovering from a situation where I lost a lot of money in a Ponzi Scheme. In the beginning, the intention was to invest some money and make a good return to plan my future. In my mind though I had some doubts, I was curious by this particular investment as it promised at least 10% per month. I was blown away, my mind racing, thinking about all the good things I could do and the opportunity to make my life better. This is the trap that is laid by greed. It tempts you into thinking that life is not fair and that there is an easy way, than working hard to reach your goals. It tells you that you don't need to work hard, you can do things that will make you rich in a short time. Things which are not necessarily those you would normally do. In other words, you will be moving away from the norm, and into a realm that you think is a blessing.
Greed (covetousness) is a deadly sin, which is bundled with such things as fornication, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence. We covet because we want to be better than others. But God demands a different standard for us. It is truly by hard work that we achieve wealth and peace of mind with God. The bibles teaches us in Genesis 3:19, "In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return." God was speaking to Adam after his disobedience. He had lost paradise, and was now being punished for his disobedience.
You see we may have good intentions, but the devil is always working to entice us to sin. Christians are the main target of the devil. We belong to God, but the devil wants us to be his children. Greed is just another method he uses to reach this objective. During the time of the Ponzi schemes, so many lives were affected. Even preachers lost their way and got trapped into the web of greed. To this day, many are still suffering from the effects of greed.
Ephesians 5:3 explains that, "but immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints;". The children of God should never be caught in the pit of greed. We must rid ourselves of any connection with greed, and be satisfied with what God has given us.
We must learn from our mistakes today. I have learnt so much over the last three (3) years, and I keep praying to God daily to shield me from the temptation of sin like these. God has given me food, clothes and shelter, those are the basic physiological things that we need. Praise God..
"When God is in the mix, no fear should exist."
DCA Originals
Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.
For over a year, we were clued to our television sets, watching the campaign and debates between President Obama and Mitt Romney. There were a war of words and sweet promises from each lip. At the end of the day, God decided which person would sit in the chair at the White House.
It was quite amusing to hear the many discussions. All the experts seem to emerge from the cobwebs, providing us with the drama that led to the end of the US election. On the Republican side, they are stating that their whole belief is founded on Christian standards. While the Democrats, had a please all mentality. Many Christians lambasted President Obama on his stance towards homosexual marriage and abortion, citing that he had moved far from his own belief of four years ago. He was also taken to task for failing to make good on promises of a 5.4%or lower unemployment rates. Added to that, he was scrutinized about his so-called 'Obamacare'. With all that in mind, God chose to put him back in power.
Some Christians may question God in this regard. Wondering to themselves why God would put such a man in power? It is not for Christians to question God's supreme power, or to pretend that we are any different at times when we fall short and God lifts us up. God has purpose in everything that He does, and we may not see it now, but one day it will be revealed.
If we measure this election in the US against what happened in the Jamaica election, some wonder why did God not allow the JLP to retain their seat for another four years? But again, God made the decision to put the PNP in power. Under the PNP things may be much harder, but God is in the mix.
We have to admit also, that not everyone who calls themselves Christian is with God. We are warned in Matthew 7:22-23 "Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' "And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.' You see friends, many are taking God's name and making a mockery of it. They use God to justify their wrong actions, and when it suits them, they quote from His Word.
In the US election, many people were looking at polls and making predictions, but there was hardly any acknowledgement of God in any of these proceedings. Not even in their speeches did they see it fit to acknowledge God. But at the end of the day, no one expected President Obama to win so easily. That's the power of God. He can change anything and anyone in a twitch of an eye. God is not like us, who are tossed like waves in a storm. He does not do things to please, He does things out of love for all.
What we have seen in this election is that the United States of America is a symbol for other nations. It is a nation that has grown beyond expectation, allowing a man of color to be President This President is the ruler of the free world. Could that be God's purpose? It is an example for other nations who continue to trample the rights of others, to learn and grow. The US has set the standard for others to follow. With God leading the charge, who can doubt that they will achieve all their goals in the short term. He has lifted them for over 200 years, and there is no doubt He has spoken again in this election.
"When you forgive others when they wrong you, you keep God fixed on your life."
DCA Originals
As we journey through this life, we are faced with many challenges. One of those challenges is dealing with people, especially when they hurt you in a way you never expected. When the hurt sinks in, you become disheartened and a feeling of not forgiving that person comes to the fore. Is this the right approach? It feels good in the beginning to malice that person, to place them in a box. You may even go further, talking all types of grave things about them, just to add a little spice to the situation. However, are we pleasing God with such behavior? In fact, who suffers in such a situation? All the fingers are pointed at us, we have given power to the devil."For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you." Matthew 6:14
If we are Christians, God expects a higher standard from us. Even if we are not Christians, we are expected to conduct our lives in a way that avoids conflicts.
There are usually three things that cause us to have conflicts with friends, families and strangers. Money, land and relationships often come between us and others. This has been the case from the beginning of time.
Matthew 6:14, reinforces the point that if do not forgive others then God will not forgive us. You see friends, hate and animosity eats away at us like a cancer, daily draining every inch of your soul, to the point where you are bitter. God slowly leaves us,and we are susceptible to the devil and his ways.
God teaches us that we should love others as we would love ourselves. There is no hate in love. Love is unconditional, meaning we cannot compromise our position based on silly disagreements.
Jesus Christ took on flesh and came into this reprobate world. It is not because of anything that we did that caused Him to do that. He chose to come so that our sins could be forgiven. Who are we not to forgive others? We are souls just passing through this life, everyday nearer to the grave. If we choose not to forgive each other, we are killing ourselves. God will never be pleased with us, and we will be far from Him.
In my own life, this act of forgiveness has been a challenge, but God's truth has changed my thinking. It does not matter what people have done to me, I am commanded to forgive them. It may hurt friends, but the ease you feel when you surrender to God's wishes, is better than anything in this earthly life.
Now, when you forgive others, they may not accept your forgiveness right away, or they may never. But one thing you know, God will be working on them, so leave it his His hands. They will have a choice to make, you are free to live your life to the fullest. Enjoy forgiveness today friends, your smile with extend to others.
For we can do nothing against the truth, but only for the truth. 2 Corinthians 13:8There are many people out there professing that they know the truth. Many characters in a plot pretending to be followers of God. Recently I was reading some feeds on Facebook about the attack on alleged homosexuals at the University of Technology. Some were contending that the brutality handed out to one of the men was justified based on the bible. I have never heard such rubbish in my life.
Let me tell you what the truth says about such things. Mark 12:28- teaches this, "One of the scribes came and heard them arguing, and recognizing that He had answered them well, asked Him, "What commandment is the foremost of all?" Jesus answered, "The foremost is, 'HEAR, O ISRAEL! THE LORD OUR GOD IS ONE LORD; AND YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH.' "The second is this, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.' There is no other commandment greater than these." God's Word says we must Love each other. Love does not teach us to harm our friends and enemies. So how could a barbaric attack of a life be justified. Certainly not by God, maybe by man's weak mind. We cannot do anything against the truth.
The Spirit guides us into all truth. The Spirit guided the apostles into ALL truth. In John 16:13, "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come." Without the Holy Spirit there would be no truth. Don't be fooled friends, man cannot lead you to the Promised land, only God can do that. When you hear the sweet words from the lips of deceitful men, be very weary, lean not unto man's empty words, but trust in the truth.
When I was growing up, my parents were very religious, teaching me about God. However, the truth came to me many years after. When I finally was able to be put away man's words and to read the truth for myself, my eyes were opened. You see, it is not until we put aside the traditions of our parents and friends that we see the truth. The fact is, when we are growing up, we are guided by our parents and peers. That is not to say that they are wrong, however, when it comes to learning the truth, for some of us, we have to clear all we have be told and read the truth for ourselves. When something does not sound right from persons on the pulpit, we need to be objective and check it for ourselves. If we fail to follow the truth, where are we headed??
If our brother and sisters stumble, James 5:19 reminds us that we must bring them back. But how will have known that they have fallen if we don't know the truth. That will be impossible.
For me, sometimes accepting the truth is hard. God demands perfection from us all, yet daily we act as if we can just do what we want to do. For me, each day is a new day with God. Sin is always around the corner trying to entice me and pull me into darkness. In those low times, our focus must be on God and not self. In my own journey I know I must kill self and embrace the arms of God. God never fails us, His truth is our guide. If you enter darkness without a light you are destined to be lost forever. When the light of the truth is flowing from our spirits, we have the brightness that destroys darkness.
"Don't expect anyone to love you when you hate yourself."
DCA Originals
"And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:3
Since the birth of my son, the Word of God has been reinforced in my mind. It is very interesting to sit and watch a child in action. They fall many times and cry, and yet they pick themselves back up. They are punished for doing something wrong, yet they never hold a malice. They are not caught up in the things of this life, but smile with each day.
We as adults we worry so much about tomorrow. We make grant plans for the future, thinking that we will have the gift of life. Our minds are corrupted and our thoughts are constantly trapped in our desires. In all things I speak for myself first, and this is often how I feel. My thoughts are often like a cesspool, stagnant and reeking in disgust.
God commands us all to be like little children, if we do not attain that level we will never see heaven. These are a few questions I ask myself daily:
1) Is my heart truly pure?
2) Do I fill my heart with pure thoughts?
3) Am I am complainer?
4) How often do I give thanks for the little that I have?
5) Am I constantly being negative about things?
6) How often does a positive thought come from my lips?
There are so many more thoughts that I wrestle with daily. You see a child's heart is pure and not yet corrupted by those around them. As adults if we are ever to break the cycle of unrighteousness and impure thoughts, we have to lead by example. I am learning daily with my son, that I must be a new person and truly delve into God's Word for guidance, praying constantly for wisdom. For me to ever come close to God totally, I must be like a child. This may sound weird to some, but just sit for a day and examine yourself. Clear your thoughts and really examine each moment of your life, and truly see where you are going wrong with God. Pray about it some more and truly accept what comes, do not pretend.
This journey will be a great challenge, but we can all do it. We were able to give up the world when we decided to follow God. But truly have we really done that? I know that for me it is a daily journey and one that I must win. My goal is not to satisfy the world, but to please God every moment I have life.
Let us all surrender ourselves to being like little children, this world is not our home.
"Not everyone that speaks of God follows the Word of God ."
DCA
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