“But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who send Me. John 15:21

 

In one of my monthly publications I receive, “The Voice of Martyrs”, I read about Christians who’ve surrendered their life to share the gospel with those outside the faith. Many of these people are severely persecuted for their faith and kicked out of their families, often mistreated and some have even died for their faith. The average person reading these stories are probably thinking they would not have the courage to go into uncharted territories to share the gospel. Some would simply ask why risk life.

 

Just like in battle, soldiers can’t just surrender, they must forge on, even though the ones alongside them die in the fight to advance the mission. These brave missionaries know the cost to share the good news of Jesus Christ. Unless someone is willing to give their all, how will those outside the faith know God the Father through Jesus Christ?

 

Your little world might not be as dramatic, but you are no less important than those on the front lines, risking their all to give the unknowing, hope of salvation. Every day you walk through life, touching the lives of those around you. Do they know God the Father and the loving sacrifice of Jesus? You should be quick to share the good news of Him who saved you! They won’t know unless you tell them through words and your actions. Share the good news today, they need to know the truth! God bless!

 

 Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance. Matthew 3:8

 

When I was a teenager growing up on the farm, I would often help other farmers remove the weeds and volunteer corn that grew in soybean fields. Left to grow, those weeds would consume the soil’s nutrients and provide less for the intended crop. Once the weeds and volunteer corn were removed, there was a beautiful looking field and improved yield of soybeans.

 

As a child of God, you should always be weeding out the sinfulness from your life. Plucking out the sin should provide a better yield of God’s blessings. God doesn’t approve of sin, nor will he occupy parts of your life blanketed in sinful behavior. He simply cannot be in its presence due to His holiness.

 

If you want God’s blessings in all areas of your life, you must ask for God’s forgiveness and seek His help when changing your behavior to a more reverent and God honoring one. God will bless you for your desire to grow the fruits of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

 

What sinful patterns of behavior seem to grow uncontrolled in your life? Ask God to help you weed those out and never go back to the old way of living. God has the right tools to produce a bountiful harvest of blessings and spiritual fruit in your life. Let Him have His way in your life today! God bless!

 

 And they began to accuse Him, saying, “We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to pay taxes to Caesar, saying that He Himself is Christ, a King.” Luke 23:2

 

Ever feel like everyone is against you? As a child of God, you are a foreigner in this world (1 Peter 2:11) You are a stand out from popular beliefs and culture.  And that’s ok. As a result of your Christian beliefs and lifestyle, you can expect to be ridiculed, even face persecution for your faith (John 16:33). 

 

Today’s passage is just one of the humiliating things Jesus Christ faced as He was sent to the cross. Just days before people followed Him, worshiped Him and found security in His presence. Yet, a turn of events brought out the evilness of mankind, which in reality was the sole purpose for Jesus brief visit to earth; to save mankind from his sins.

 

Accusations and trials this world throws at you might seem unjust and without reason, but hold you heard up high, as victory comes through Jesus Christ. The benefits of His eternal reward for your loyalty far exceeds the momentary pain you might encounter while living out your faith. Pray, asking God to help sustain your faith, even when you are the only one standing for what is right. God will bless and reward your faithfulness! God bless!

 

 

 But Jesus answered him, saying “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” Luke 4:4

 

Following the baptism of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit led him into the wilderness for 40 days, and He ate nothing. After the 40 days, satan tempted Him by challenging Him to turn a stone into bread. Jesus passed this test, as noted in today’s scripture above. 40 days without food is a miracle in itself. I’m starving after a few hours of not eating. But Jesus resisted the temptation to fulfill his desire for a momentary pleasure.

 

As humans, we have desires, some are good and some are not good for us. That is why you should always seek after God’s wisdom before pursuing anything of your liking, whether that is a relationship, significant purchase, decision about a new job or relocating to another area. The warning in your desires is satan’s temptations. He attacks at your weakest moment. When the hunger for that desire is at its peak, that is when he encourages you to pursue.

 

If the desire is outside God’s will, it will usually be followed by regret, chaos in life and shame. Who wants to carry those burdens around?? Seek after Godly wisdom first before pursing your passions and desires. God wants to give you His best, but He knows the capacity of your blessings, so don’t exceed what’s outside His plan for your life! God bless!

 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angles, but have not love, I have become a sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 1 Corinthians 13:1

 

These days, people’s personal opinions have more avenues to be shared. Social media is one way to share your views, which opens the door to debates, oftentimes extreme debates on both sides of the issue. After reading a few, I can literally feel the hate in people’s words and you’ve got to ask, where’s the love for mankind?

 

Today’s passage is a good reminder for Christians, it’s ok to share your opinions and thoughts, but do so out of love, not hate. God is love (1 John 4:7) and He expects His children to follow suit, to love others unconditionally. People can be quick to judge others because of their differing beliefs, but Jesus says to leave judgement up to Him (Romans 12:19). You are to reflect the character of Jesus Christ, and that primary reflection is a heart of love that reaches even the vilest person.

 

He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 1 John 4:8

 

If you find people’s differing opinions generate hate and anger, then maybe you need to go back and rethink your relationship with Jesus Christ. There is no room for hate in Heaven, and Jesus holds His children accountable for hating someone. As a matter of fact, He compares hate to murder (1 John 3:15).

 

Your opinion matters, and so does everyone elses. Don’t let the difference spoil the freedom of speech by hating someone. Love others and let that love bring unity to everyone. The world needs more lovers! God bless!

 

 

 But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good in order to bring it about as it is this day to save many people alive. Genesis 50:20

 

 

Just the other day I saw someone’s post whose heart was “tore to pieces” because the love of her life had left her. Just two days prior she had posted how much she loved this man and their life together was perfect. Unfortunately, her hopes and dreams with this fella vanished as he walked out the door.

 

No doubt, people will disappoint and fail you. It happens often. Today’s passage comes from the story of Joseph, whose brothers were jealous of him and sold him into slavery. Joseph went for years, treated as a slave, falsely accused and thrown into a prison for a crime he never committed. Yet in the end, he came out victorious as he became a ruler of the land, only second to King Pharoah. God had plans to prosper Joseph, but he had to go through a period of difficulty and trust God in the process.

 

Maybe you have been the victim of unjust accusation or maybe you’ve been left in shambles, trying to put together the pieces of your heart. Just know that God has already seen and planned for your crises and He will carry you through this difficulty and bring you on the other side with blessings and great rewards for your faithfulness to Him. God bless!  

 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. Revelations 3:20

 

Over the past few days my sister and her friend have been here visiting from Illinois. During this time, we’ve been able to get together with my kids. Unfortunately not all at the same time, but in groups, we’ve been able to fellowship and enjoy each other’s company. One of the highlights is gathering around the dinner table (restaurant) and eat, laugh and recall old memories of our lives together. It’s been an awesome and fun past few days and one I will treasure for a long time.

 

One of the beautiful things about Jesus Christ is He stands ready to come to us and enjoy a feast of blessings and to make special memories in our walk with Him. All you have to do is take the first step to open the door to your heart and allow Him to come in and share life with you. I can’t tell you how much He has impacted my life. He has been there in the good times and bad, helping me through difficult times and carrying me to the highest points of my life.

 

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10

 

This opportunity is open to you as well! Ask Him to come into your life and feast on the rich and bountiful blessings He has in store, just for you! He created every part of your being, so why not allow Him to lead you through life, lean on His wisdom, strength and encouragement. Life is a feast and with Him you won’t leave this world without wonderful memories and a life impactful to your earthly family! God bless!