“If a good person punished me, that would be kind. If he corrected me, that would be like perfumed oil on my head.” Psalm 141:5
The person who talks loud may not realize they have a hearing problem. The person who stands too close when conversing with others may not realize they are making people feel uncomfortable. We may not even realize we have broccoli in our teeth after lunch unless a friend points it out to us. At times, there will be things about us we don’t realize are amiss, counterproductive, and even destructive. Thankfully, God wants us to succeed, as He reveals these issues to us. Listen to Him when He rebukes, because He wants us to reach our full potential. In His Love, Do All You Can, While You Can, As Long As You Can, To All You Can….Have a Beautifully Blessed Day! “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.” Psalm 56:3 KJV
God has promised to protect us and He intends to do just that. In a world filled with dangers and temptation, God is the ultimate armor. In a world filled with misleading messages, God’s Word is the ultimate truth. In a world filled with more frustrations than we can count, God’s Son offers the ultimate peace. When you accept His peace and wear His armor, you can live courageously, knowing that you possess the ultimate protection, God’s unfailing love for you. “O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirst for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.” Psalm 61:1
During the rainy season, a cactus stores water inside its limbs to use in times of drought. Many birds and animals are drawn to the safety of a cactus, and there are several types of birds which sit directly on the cactus and drink the water stored there. Jesus described Himself as the Living Water. He said that if we drink from Him, we would never thirst again. Coming to the well during the desert times will refresh us and give us strength to refresh others. Let’s water ourselves daily, spending time in God’s presence, and find springs of abundance overflowing into all areas of our life. Letting this abundance flow over into the lives of others. In His Love, Do All You Can, While You Can, As Long As You Can, To All You Can….Have a Beautifully Blessed Day! “I praise you, because of the wonderful way you created me. Everything you do is marvelous. Of this I have no doubt.” Psalm 139:14
When we look in the mirror, do we see an imperfect facial feature which needs adjustment? Society generally puts a lot of emphasis on outward appearance, there is so much more to attractiveness than mere looks. There is character and all of the attributes which God builds in us, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, and self-control. God didn’t make any mistakes or use any unworthy materials when He put us together. He skillfully created us with our own unique beauty and potential. Whenever we are at the mirror, remember we are God’s work of art, and He’s completely delighted with us. In His Love, Do All You Can, While You Can, As Long As You Can, To All You Can….Have a Beautifully Blessed Day! “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 HCSB
As Christians we have every reason to live joyously and courageously. After all, Christ has already fought and won our battle for us. But despite His sacrifice, and despite His promises, we may become confused or disoriented by the endless complications and countless distractions of our daily lives. If you’re unsure of your next step, lean upon God’s promises and lift your prayers to Him. Remember that God is your protector. Open yourself to His heart, and trust Him to guide you. He will direct your steps, and you will receive His blessings each day and throughout eternity. “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” Hebrews 13:2
What do we do to welcome new neighbors into our neighborhood or apartment complex? How warmly do we personally welcome visitors at our church or in our Bible study group? When was the last time we invited someone new in our congregation over for dinner or included them in a gathering of your Christian friends? While some have the gift of hospitality, all of us need to be warm and open to folks we don't know that join us for Christian worship and fellowship. Why not make a commitment to meet and welcome one new person at church each week. In a cold impersonal world, we can make a huge difference in the lives of those seeking the shelter and grace of Jesus and His people. In His Love, Do All You Can, While You Can, As Long As You Can, To All You Can….Have a Beautifully Blessed Day! “I always do my best to have a clear conscience toward God and man.” Acts 24:16
When we’re about to do something we know is wrong, a little voice inside our head has a way of speaking up. That voice is our conscience, an early warning system designed to keep us out of trouble. If you listen to it, we’ll be okay; if we ignore it, we’re asking for headaches, or heartbreaks, or both. Whenever we’re about to make an important decision, we should listen carefully to the quiet voice inside. Sometimes it’s tempting to do otherwise. Instead of ignoring that quiet little voice, pay careful attention to it. If we do, our conscience will lead us in the right direction! In His Love, Do All You Can, While You Can, As Long As You Can, To All You Can….Have a Beautifully Blessed Day! “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” Proverbs 16:9 NLT
If you are facing a difficult decision, a troubling circumstance, or a powerful temptation, it’s time to step back, stop focusing on the world, and instead, on the will of your Father in heaven. The world will often lead you astray, but God will not. His counsel leads you to Himself, which is the path He has always intended for you to take. Everyday living is an exercise in decision making. Every day you must make choices; choices about what you will do, what you will worship, and how you will think. When in doubt, make choices that you really believe will bring you to a closer relationship with God. And if you’re uncertain of your next step, pray about it. When you do, answers will come. “This is how we are sure that we have come to know Him: by keeping His commands.” 1 John 2:3
When we seek righteousness in our own lives, and when we seek the companionship of those who do likewise, we reap the spiritual rewards which God intends for us to enjoy. When we behave ourselves as godly people, we honor God! When we live righteously and according to God’s commandments, He blesses us in ways which we cannot fully understand! As we fulfill our responsibilities today, hold fast to that which is good, and let’s associate ourselves with believers who behave themselves in like fashion. When we do, our good works will serve as a powerful example for others and as a worthy offering to our Heavenly Father! In His Love, Do All You Can, While You Can, As Long As You Can, To All You Can….Have a Beautifully Blessed Day! "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9
Do we sometimes look at the mess our world is in and wonder why Jesus Christ doesn't just come back and end the horrific things? Why doesn't He put a stop to senseless wars, child abuse, murders and all the other things which make life so dangerous? He could. He could come at any moment. He's not slow in returning as some might think. God, in His incredible love and patience, doesn't want anyone to miss out on salvation. All people have the freedom to choose Him or not. He's hoping all will say yes to His will and yes to His ways. But they can't say yes if they haven't heard. We are to share the story of salvation every chance we get. Tell the story so others may come into the arc of safety and know that Jesus Christ is Lord! In His Love, Do All You Can, While You Can, As Long As You Can, To All You Can….Have a Beautifully Blessed Day! |
Pastor Derrick RichardsonPastor of Community Abundant Life Church Archives
November 2024
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