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Blessed Are They That Endure

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James 1:1-15

[1] James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.
[2] My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
[3] Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
[4] But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
[5] If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
[6] But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
[7] For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
[8] A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
[9] Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:
[10] But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.
[11] For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.
[12] Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
[13] Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
[14] But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
[15] Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.We need to learn to count it a privilege when we have a chance to be as tried, and not always either in-between or never making it through the trials of life.

Hebrews 13:5-6

[5] Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
[6] So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

How that we need to be content with such as we have! If we cannot ever say that we are thankful for what God has done or is doing, we will never get into the place where we can faithfully say “such as I have, I give unto thee”. It is that living substance that goes SO FAR BEYOND any possession that we find of worth.

1 Corinthians 10:12-13

[12] Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
[13] There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

The reality of it all is that there will be things items and issues that come up in your life. There is no safe zone! However I am happy to say that God will always provide the means for you to be able to make it through with gladness.

Hebrews 2:1-4

[1] Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.
[2] For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;
[3] How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;
[4] God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?

Unless we abide in the presence of the most High we may lose the very thing that will keep us in our love and works: faith! As the spirit will continue in our hearts, it will help us in not only keeping our salvation sweet and cherished but our mind to a peaceful place of rest.

What’s Up With Prayer?

Here are some great scriptures that over time have came together and are all coinciding with prayer:

Who wants me to?

1 Corinthians 1:9

[9] God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

God desires your fellowship, just as you desire the fellowship and company of other people around you!

Revelation 3:20

[20] Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

God’s presence as it knocks on your heart wants to be ever-so involved in your life!

What does it do?

Jude 20-25

[20] But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
[21] Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
[22] And of some have compassion, making a difference:
[23] And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
[24] Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
[25] To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

It gives you strength, which in turn allows you to be of strength for others!

Luke 22:46

[46] And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.

It allows us to avoid temptation no matter what we would face! It is my honest belief that we can avoid more than what we face if we would simply pray more before we acted. To me, it is just a pretty good indicator that we use prayer for just “blessings” and not for “guidance”.

Ezekiel 22:29-31

[29] The people of the land have used oppression, and exercised robbery, and have vexed the poor and needy: yea, they have oppressed the stranger wrongfully.
[30] And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.
[31] Therefore have I poured out mine indignation upon them; I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath: their own way have I recompensed upon their heads, saith the Lord GOD.

God is looking for a people who are hungry and willing to stand in the gap for those in need! There are so many that are in great desperation that we must remember to set ourselves aside and pray for every day.

John 16:23-24

[23] And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.
[24] Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

In order to grow in God, we must not only believe but ask also. The church as a whole must strive to continue to keep prayer in their lives each and every moment they possibly can. And if you would like to take that a step further, I would go as far to say that prayer will make a difference no matter where you take it!

Mark 11:22-26

22] And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
[23] For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
[24] Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
[25] And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
[26] But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.

We must break down, be humble and surrender our lives and sins to God to grow and have salvation! For if we do not learn to break down and acknowledge when we are in need, pride will eventually lead you into a slow and painful spiritual death and force you to endure heavy suffering of trials that were meant to be so light! I believe that with all my heart!

Learning From God’s Tests

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Luke 22:31-32

[31] And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
[32] But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

Jesus always tested Peter in unique ways. However, Peter was not the last person to be tested with the pressures of knowing Jesus. What was Jesus preparing him for by doing this?

John 21:14-17

[14] This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.
[15] So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
[16] He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
[17] He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

Lambs are young sheep. If you love him you will be obedient. You will sing, you will shout, you will feed the sheep! He accepted Christ 3 times here, and was tested in denying him 3 times in another reference. Peter was definitely being prepared, as we all are each and every day!

2 Peter 1:5-15

[5] And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
[6] And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
[7] And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
[8] For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
[9] But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
[10] Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
[11] For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
[12] Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.
[13] Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance;
[14] Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me.
[15] Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.

One of my favorite passages to read!

Some key terms to bear in mind:

  • Diligence – attention or care expected of a person
  • Faith – substance of things hoped for and evidence of things not seen
  • Virtue – courage or strength
  • Knowledge – gained understanding from learning or experience
  • Temperance – self-control, moderation in action
  • Patience – endurance and steadfast continuity in faithful service
  • Godliness – the quality of honoring ones duties to God
  • Brotherly kindness – the kind of love we share to one another
    • Charity – the highest kind of love, more inclusive than brotherly kindness, it is the kind of love God has for us

As long as we are here, put into remembrance that when we are gone that we leave behind something for people to keep that will save them! We do not need to live near-sighted in God, not being able to see the greater vision. We also need to learn to get out of being barren and unfruitful.

Matthew 14:24-33

[24] But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.
[25] And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
[26] And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
[27] But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
[28] And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.
[29] And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
[30] But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
[31] And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
[32] And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.
[33] Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

How many of us today are saying what Peter did? Lord if it be you, bid me to come! They did not recognize him on the waters in the storm, and that is how it is sometimes in our lives. What can we do to save ourselves? Come!

When Patience Wears Thin, Remember Who Wins

THE WORD

2 Peter 1:5-8 – And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

I am writing about something today that was one of my biggest hurdles I had to overcome: getting and keeping patience. I am tested with my patience on a daily basis and demonstrating God’s love is one of the greatest ways I let my witness shine to others. I have found that the only time my patience is ever tested is in areas where it begins to induce stress (where else would it be?!?). As we go on through our own lives there will always be new people and situations that we must face that we are not always prepared for. I could not tell you how many times I have wanted to speak my mind or to do what I thought was justified but the Holy Ghost would quicken me to stop; for when I look back on it now I know the person that works patience walks in the spirit of God’s love.

I have had to literally walk away frustrated and take a deep breath and pray before I could move on. There were moments where I had to let a few tears run down my face from the words and looks of people without saying a word in return. There have been times when I wonder if people truly loved me like they said they did! When it gets the worst, however, I remember who the victor is over it all! That is God almighty through us! So if we allow God to fight our spiritual battles, we will succeed in our carnality. We alone would never prevail. Allowing God to lead us proves the outcome that God intends! Seek him for a patience-filled heart and a peaceful mind! Hold on to the promises of God!

PUT INTO PRACTICE

When a disagreement occurs between you and another person: smile, tell them you love them, and walk away. God through your prayers can definitely take care of the rest!

Stay Focused

Today’s encouraging word is to remind you on staying focused on who you are in the Lord Jesus Christ. It’s easy for everyone to know who they are in general, but for us to continually remember and remind ourselves will bring encouragement where there might not be any.

I know I am a free, delivered, saved singer and minister of the word of God! I should not be afraid or ashamed, and should remind myself that there are many wonderful things that have came from it, and WILL come if I pursue it actively. God loves an active vessel!

Don’t let the little foxes spoil the vines!

Equipped With Assurance

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In today’s message I wish to talk about being Equipped With Assurance

So many things in life bear many uncertainties, but there are many things that we obtain by having God being the all-in-all in our lives

First of all, we have Forgiveness from God

1 John 2:1-2

1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

Often times when we face rough things we can cling to God’s Peace

Romans 14:17

17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

One part that we often take for granted so often is our Freedom

Romans 8:2-3

2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:

Even when we have strength, we never use the God given Power and authority

Ephesians 4:21-25

21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:

22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

One of my personal favorite emotions would of course be Hope. For without it, we are a people without faith.

1 Peter 1:3-5

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Always remember when you are going through your every day, to equip yourselves with these things that God gifted us to be able to live life with. God Bless You!