Knowing who belongs in your life
(borrowed)
Knowing Who Belongs in Your Life
‘…Those you allow to remain will become… thorns in your sides…’ Numbers 33:55
Earthquakes result from two tectonic plates on a fault line shifting against one another, then lurching in opposite directions. And that’s what happens when you bond with the wrong people. It’s why God instructed the Israelites concerning the hostile nations in the Promised Land, ‘Those you allow to remain will become… thorns in your sides.’ When a relationship is not working, when your efforts to rehabilitate it have failed, acknowledge it. Sometimes you just have to swallow your pride and admit that instead of lifting them up, they’re dragging you down. Releasing somebody doesn’t mean they’ll never improve, it just means God is better suited to the job. Be careful around those who are always trying to make you feel guilty for not ‘being there’. Only God can always be there! There’s a difference between helping somebody and carrying them. Your help may actually be a hindrance. Why should they even try, if you’re always there to do it for them? Your need to be needed could be getting in the way of their need to grow. Step back and let them walk on their own. Not everybody will be happy when you do that, but they’re not supposed to be. Jesus said, ‘Woe to you when all men speak well of you…’ (Luke 6:26 NKJV). Don’t let fear of criticism overwhelm your common sense. People don’t take confrontations well, but this is a matter of survival. Every relationship is for a reason, and a season. Discern those who belonged in your past, from those who belong in your life now.
Get Your House in Order
Get Your House in Order
Matthew 24:36
“But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.”
Although we don’t like to think about it, and most of us surely don’t live like it, we are living in the last days. The Bible tells us in Matthew 24:37-39, “but as the days of Noah were, so shall the coming of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall the coming of the Son of man be.”
This is so true. We seem to not take the teachings and prophecies of the Bible very seriously. We live as we want, and everything that is worldly encourages it. Television, movies, and music all promote violence, drinking, drugs, homosexuality, pornography, and anything else you can think of that is strictly prohibited and spoken against in God’s word. People tend to think that if someone “famous” endorses it by living that type of lifestyle, and are prosperous, then it’s okay. Well, it’s not okay, and on that last and final day, we will have to answer for all that we’ve done, all that we’ve said, all that we’ve thought.
The saying “get your house in order” is not referring to our physical dwelling place, but rather our spiritual lives. We, and that includes me, need to start thinking of the physical and eternal consequences of our actions. Do you want to be at that “meeting around the throne”, or do you want to be where the fire is not quenched (Mark 9:44), and where there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matt. 24:51)? What wrongs have you committed against someone that you need to right? What sins have you committed that you have not repented of? Are you still holding a grudge against someone that hurt you years ago? That’s one thing I’m guilty of. Sometimes it’s so hard to let go of that anger. Do you catch yourself wishing that something bad would happen to that person, or do you catch yourself trying to exact revenge on that person? Revenge is not ours to take. “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine, I will repay, saith the Lord.” (Romans 12:19) I don’t know about you, but I want to be counted among the faithful few that will be able to hear God say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
The time is now. Tomorrow is not promised to any of us. Don’t you think God is giving us, and has given us, many warnings? Look at all the things that are going on in this world today. These things can’t be taken lightly, nor can we “get religious” only when things like this happen, and drop it when everything seems to return to normal. It’s going to be in one of those normal times that something could happen to drastically change your life. Why don’t you join me in doing what 2 Peter 1:10 says, “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if you do these things, ye shall never fall.”
Try God
Try God
Ephesians 3:14-21
For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all fullness of God. Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto Him be glory in the church by Jesus Christ throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. (Eph. 3:14-21)
Are you at a point in your life where you feel as if you are overwhelmed by your burden of despair? Does it seem like your situation is getting worse rather than better? Do you feel as if you’re suffering more than others? Do you feel as if you’ve been deserted in your hour of need? Are you feeling weary, with no strength to go on? I’ve felt like this on many occasions, and I’ve found that there is only one thing that helps me through. GOD! Just as the psalmist wrote in Psalms 121:1, “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.” God is there for us in every situation, no matter what it is. He comforts us when we mourn. He is the Great Physician, able to heal us when man gives up hope. He’s our shelter in the storm. He guides us into all righteousness. He loves us so much, He created us in His image. He is the Great Counselor—He’s never lost a case. He’s our strength when we are weak. His word is a lamp unto our feet, and a light unto our path. (Psalms 119:105) He is our provider—giving us the things that we need, (Matt. 6:25-34) and sometimes even the things that we want. He never leaves us nor forsakes us. (Heb. 13:5) He is our deliverer, freeing us from the bondage of sin. He is our confidante. We can go to the Father in prayer about anything that troubles our hearts. Unlike man, who tends to be wishy-washy, He is the same—yesterday, today, and forevermore. He is our Savior. He loves us so much, He sent his Son to die on that cruel cross for us, wounded for our transgressions, and bruised for our iniquities. (Isaiah 53:5)
It is our human nature to try to solve our problems, and sometimes to even take on the problems of others. But, when you’ve done all that you know how to do, when all else fails, TRY GOD! Better yet, before you attempt to resolve anything on your own, TRY GOD! In Him, we cannot go wrong!
Enough to convict?
Enough to Convict?
Revelation 2:10; II Corinthians 6:4-5
“Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. (Rev. 2:10) “But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;” (II Cor. 6-4-5)
If you were arrested today for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you? Are you living your life in such a way that no one can doubt your Christianity? Or, is your Christianity a mockery, bringing shame and reproach upon the name of Jesus?
Imagine yourself on the witness stand, hearing the following questions. How would you answer?
- Guilty or innocent? – Are you living for God and being an imitator of God?
- Guilty or innocent? – Are you living in love, which means giving of ourselves sacrificially for the benefit of others, just as Christ has done for us?
- Guilty or innocent? – Are you forsaking filthy talk, flippant chatter, and unkind joking with communication rooted in thanksgiving to God and affirmation of others?
- Guilty or innocent? – Are you forsaking selfish pursuits?
- Guilty or innocent? – Are you bowing out from situations where evil is the agenda?
- Guilty or innocent? – Are you teaching others about Christ, either by verbal teaching, or simply by the way you live?
The answer to each question should be a resounding GUILTY! This is the one time you should be proud to plead guilty. And this time, there is no punishment for the plea of guilt. Instead, there is only a sweet reward, eternal life with Christ.
Again, I ask you, if you were arrested today for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?
Be a Blessing
Be a Blessing
Acts 20:35
“I have shewed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35)
Are you guilty of doing something nice for someone and expecting something in return? Unfortunately, I must say that I am guilty of that.
Can you remember the last time you did something nice for someone, just because? Or, do you tend to wait for someone to ask you for help and then you constantly remind them of it, especially if you ask them to do something for you? Again, unfortunately, I am guilty of that also, as I’m sure most of us are.
We seem to get some type of perverse pleasure out of reminding someone of something that we did for them, which in turn makes them feel guilty. That’s not the way it should be, though. What shape would we be in if God operated this way? What if His blessings were contingent upon what we do for Him? What if our basic needs, which are indeed blessings, weren’t provided because we do not worship God or follow His commandments as we have been instructed? If that were the case, we would all
“be up a creek without a paddle.”
It’s sad to say, but more often than not, we are guilty of always wanting someone to do something for us, instead of looking to see what we can do for others. I’m sure if you look around you, you can find someone you can do something for. You don’t even have to spend money to do it either. A simple word of encouragement. A listening ear. A note of appreciation. A hug. A prayer. The list could go on & on. There’s so much we can do that doesn’t cost a cent, but means more than the most expensive gift you can buy.
Today, and every day, I urge you to be a blessing to someone. Not only will you lift the spirits of someone, your spirits will be lifted, and most importantly, you will glorify God in doing so.
“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
Forgiving Yourself
Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.” “But the God of all grace, who hath called us into His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” (I Peter 5:7, 10)
Do you find it hard to forgive yourself for the mistakes you’ve made in your life? Are you constantly beating yourself over them and always wondering “what if?” Does dwelling on these mistakes hinder you from moving forward in your life? Do you find it easy to forgive others and to seek God’s forgiveness? Do you always wish you could go back in time and do things differently?
If your answer is yes to any of these questions, rest assured, you’re not alone. I personally struggle with this on a daily basis. Sometimes it’s just so hard to let go of the guilt that I carry. Everyone who knows me, and knows my situation, know that I constantly beat myself up over certain things that have happened over the course of my life. I’m always being told “let it go” and “get past it.” I know what they say is true, but sometimes, it’s easier said than done. Unless someone has walked a mile in our shoes, it’s hard for them to understand why we carry those burdens.
I don’t know why we beat ourselves up this way. God never intended for it to be this way. We seek His forgiveness, but yet we can’t seem to let it go. When He forgives us, He removes our sin from us as far as the east is from the west (Psalms 103:12). We need to do the same thing. What’s done is done, and no matter how much we want to, we can’t change the past. If you are given an opportunity to right some of your wrongs, take it! But if the opportunity doesn’t come, then forgive yourself, ask God to forgive you (if you haven’t already) and move forward with your life.
Whatever you do, don’t let your past hold you back from living a better life. Don’t wallow in self-pity. Don’t stay stuck in yesterday or yesteryear. Admit your mistakes, learn from them, and use them as stepping stones to a new life in Christ Jesus.
Always on Time
Always on Time
Isaiah 55:8; Galatians 4:10
In our fast-paced world, just like the Burger King slogan says, we want everything “our way, right away”. We want instant wealth, and instant solutions to our problems. Forget “good things come to those who wait”. We want everything in an instant. But, sometimes instant doesn’t always mean better.
With God, things are not always instant. He does things His way, and in His own time. There’s nothing we can do to rush Him, either. God is never late, though. He’s always on time. Let me take you back in time to several instances where God was right on time…
In Daniel 3:23-25, God delivered Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego from the fiery furnace. While in the midst of the fire, the king noticed them walking around, with nothing wrong with them, and with a being described as being in the form of the son of God.
SHADRACH, MESHACH, AND ABEDNEGO—DELIVERED, AND RIGHT ON TIME!
In Daniel 6:12-22, Daniel was cast into the den of lions for refusing to heed the king’s decree of not praying to any God for 30 days, except the king. Because of the stand he took, God protected Daniel by sending an angel to shut the mouths of the lions, and no harm befell Daniel.
DANIEL—DELIVERED, AND RIGHT ON TIME!
In John 11:43-44, after being dead four days, Jesus raised Daniel from the dead. Yes, Jesus could’ve been there to prevent Lazarus’ death, if He had so chosen. But, He decided to wait two days before He left for Judea, where Lazarus lived. Why, you ask? In order to glorify God, that’s why.
LAZARUS—DELIVERED AND RIGHT ON TIME!
There are many more instances in the Bible where God delivered, and right on time. His time, though, not our time. So, the next time you’re feeling discouraged about your situation, and feel as if God has abandoned you, just remember the deliverance stories mentioned in this newsletter, and others in the Bible. If He did it for them, I know He’ll do it for you.
Just like the Dottie People’s song says, “He may not come when you want Him, but He’s always right on time!”
Goodness AND Mercy by Aleysha Proctor
Goodness AND Mercy!
Psalms 23:6a “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life!”
I once heard a pastor say that God’s goodness will give you the blessings that you don’t deserve and His mercy will keep off of you the punishment that you do deserve!
God’s goodness is described as His bounty (prosperity, provisions and richness) to whomever He chooses to show His goodness to. In many scripture passages, we see God’s goodness AND His mercy showing up at the same time.
In 2 Samuel 11, King David has taken another man’s wife (Bathsheba) and she conceives a child by him while her husband is away on the battle field. David then brings her husband home and tries to get him to go home and spend some time with his wife. When Uriah, her husband, doesn’t do as David hopes he will, he then has him placed on the front line of the hottest battle to make certain that Bathsheba becomes a widow and then he can have her as his own wife.
When the prophet Nathan spoke to David about his sins in 2 Samuel 12, he spoke in a parable about a rich man with many flocks taking a poor man’s one little lamb for his own. King David becomes angry and says whoever has done this will surely die! And Nathan said, “King David, you are that man!” He then points out how God has been GOOD to him by saying in verse 7, “Thus says the LORD God of Israel: ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. 8 I gave you your master’s house and your master’s wives into your keeping, and gave you the house of Israel and Judah. And if that had been too little, I also would have given you much more!” Get that! God said if after all of the blessings I’ve already showered you with wasn’t enough, I would have given you MUCH MORE! That’s God’s Goodness giving David things that he didn’t deserve!
Then here comes God’s mercy towards David, in verse 13b it says, “And Nathan said to David, “The LORD also has put away your sin; you shall not die.” That’s God’s Mercy – keeping the punishment that he did deserve away from him!
It’s no wonder that King David said in Psalms 23, “SURELY, goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life!” Surely! As in being a done-deal. Imagine that! As we go about in our daily lives, God’s goodness AND mercy are following right behind us! God showing His goodness by giving us what we don’t deserve, and extending His mercy to us by keeping off of us what we do deserve.
As a Believer in Christ, it’s not either/or, it’s BOTH!
© Aleysha R. Proctor 2009
Life’s Stumbling Blocks
Life’s Stumbling Blocks
Matthew 11:29-30
“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
On my desk at work sits a card that is part of a collection called Recipes for the Soul. It’s entitled “Bumpy Road Ahead” and it reads, “In order to endure, you will need resilience and discipline.” It also includes a phrase from a man named Jack Penn that says, “One of the secrets of life is to make stepping stones out of stumbling blocks.”
That phrase is so true. It’s a given that at sometime in our life, we will come upon many stumbling blocks. They will come at us in the form of heartache, trials, tribulations, and many other forms. But, we shouldn’t let these stumbling blocks hinder us from moving forward in our lives, or from enjoying the many blessings God has bestowed upon us.
If you are in the midst of a time where it seems like there is nothing but stumbling blocks, I urge you to be strong and hold on to God’s unchanging hand. Things will get better. You will fall, but all you have to do is get right back up. God is there waiting for you with outstretched arms. He never intended for us to face the trials of life alone. He wants us to come to Him, lean on Him, and let Him take care of it all.
Let me leave you with some words from some of my favorite gospel songs. First, as James Bignon tells us, “There is a blessing on the other side of through and that what God has in store for you is better than what you are going through.” Secondly, Donnie McClurkin tells us, “When you’ve done all you can do, you just stand.”
Drinking from my saucer
I’ve never made a fortune, and it’s probably too late now.
But I don’t worry about that much, I’m happy anyhow
And as I go along life’s way,
I’m reaping better than I sowed.
I’m drinking from my saucer,
‘Cause my cup has overflowed.
Haven’t got a lot of riches,
and sometimes the going’s tough
But I’ve got loving ones all around me,
and that makes me rich enough.
I thank GOD for his blessings,
and the Mercies He’s bestowed.
I’m drinking from my saucer,
‘Cause my cup has overflowed.
I remember times when things went wrong,
My faith wore somewhat thin.
But all at once the dark clouds broke,
and the sun peeped through again.
So LORD, help me not to gripe,
about the tough rows I have hoed.
I’m drinking from my saucer,
‘Cause my cup has overflowed.
If GOD gives me strength and courage,
When the way grows steep and rough.
I’ll not ask for other blessings,
I’m already Blessed enough.
And may I never be too busy,
to help others bear their loads..
Then I’ll keep drinking from my saucer,
‘Cause my cup has overflowed.
When I think of how many people in this world have it worse
than I do, I realize just how BLESSED WE really are.
