Contentment

So many grumbling, complaining, longing, blaming. God wants us to be at peace and content. Philippians 4:7, "And the peace of God which passes all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." 

Philippians 4:8 tells us to think on good and pure things. Fill your minds with thoughts of gratitude for all that Christ does for you. Count your blessings. 

Romans 8:6, "To be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." John 16:33, "These things I have spoken unto you that in me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." Be truthful with yourself and God and if you are not content, ask God to forgive you and change you.

Hear What the Spirit is Saying

Hear what the Spirit says, church. God has so much to tell us. 

"Be not distracted with the things of this world but fix your thoughts on Me." "Break out of your worries, fretting, selfishness, complacency and dullness and worldly pleasures. Don't miss what I have for you. I have plans that I want to speak to you about. There is an urgency. Do not waste time. I want you to be in my perfect will and timing so come into My presence and quiet your heart and hear; really hear."

A Word of Encouragement

Be encouraged today, for God is with you.

2 Chronicles 20:15, the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel and he spoke to King Jehoshaphat. King Jehoshaphat had a big problem of a huge army planned on coming against them. These are the words that were spoken to this king and today you can be encouraged also. God said, “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army for the battle is not yours, but God’s; 16 march down against them. 17 You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow and the Lord will be with you.” 18 Jehoshaphat bowed with his face to the ground and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem fell down in worship before the Lord. 21,22 The battle was fought and won when people were appointed to the head of the army to sing and praise God. 

Whatever your concern is today know that God loves you and is all powerful to bring victory. Keep thanking and praising Him.

Power in the Voice

The voice of God created this world. Read Psalm 29 about the voice of God. 

Jesus spoke to the raging waves and they were stilled, Matthew 8:26. 

Jesus spoke to Lazarus in the tomb and said to come forth, John 11:43.

We are told in God's word to speak to a mountain (a problem) and see results, Matthew 17:20. 

Ezekiel spoke to the bones and they rose up Ezekiel 37:1-5.

Joshua marched around the walls of Jericho and gave a shout and the walls came down.

Isaiah 50:4, “The Lord God has given me the tongue of the learned that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary.” 

Hebrews 4:12 says that the Word of God is powerful. Use your voice to praise God. Use your voice to pray and know that those words go across the miles bringing change to hearts and lives. When you speak forth Scripture, know those words spoken bring results. The Holy Spirit can speak through you, setting captives free.

Being a Follower of Christ

Followers of Jesus Christ know that we are called the children of God in Matthew 5:9. In Deuteronomy 7:6 we are called Chosen Ones. In Matthew 5:13 we are the salt and in Matthew 5:14 we are light in this world of darkness and wickeness. God is holy and He has called us to be holy. We belong to the Kingdom of God not the kingdom of this world.

Romans 12:2 tells us not to conform to the standards of this world. We are to follow the teachings of Christ in the Bible. The ways of God are contrary to the ways of this world. We are to think like Christ and speak like Him. Our attitude and actions are to be like Him. Psalm 1:1 (NKJ) Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. Let us search our hearts today and repent of any thought or attitude that is not pleasing to God. A pure heart is a peaceful heart.

Being Holy

Followers of Jesus Christ know that we are called the children of God in Matthew 5:9. In Deuteronomy 7:6 we are called Chosen Ones. In Matthew 5:13 we are the salt and in Matthew 5:14 we are light in this world of darkness and wickedness. God is holy and He has called us to be holy. We belong to the Kingdom of God not the kingdom of this world.

Romans 12:2 tells us not to conform to the standards of this world. We are to follow the teachings of Christ in the Bible. The ways of God are contrary to the ways of this world. We are to think like Christ and speak like Him. Our attitude and actions are to be like Him. Psalm 1:1 (NKJ) Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. Let us search our hearts today and repent of any thought or attitude that is not pleasing to God. A pure heart is a peaceful heart.

Trust

In ll Kings 4:1-7 we read about a woman who had 2 sons and her husband died. She was faced with a big problem. The creditors were planning on taking her sons because of the debt. All she had was a vessel of oil. Elisha told her to borrow jars from neighbors and God miraculously filled many jars and the debt was paid when she sold them.  If you have a problem in your life, believe what it says in Phil 4:19 that God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory. Ephesians 3:20, 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. 

Psalm 31:19 says that God's goodness is laid up for them that fear God and trust in Him. Do not be anxious or worry, but trust in the Lord for any concerns in your life. Proverbs 3:5, 6 tells us to trust in the Lord with all your heart and don't lean on your own understanding but in all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths.

The Walk

The Walk of Love:  Ephesians 5:2, And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us.

The Walk of Wisdom:  See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise.

Walking in the Light: 1 John 1:7, But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all sin. 

Walk like Jesus:  1 John 2:6, He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

Walk in the Spirit: Galatians 5:16, This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

How is your walk today? Are you walking in love? Are you receiving God's wisdom for every day situations? Is your walk pleasing to the Lord? 

God is holy and He wants His people to walk in the light and be people of integrity with high morals and standards. In Romans 12:1-2, we read that we are not to be conformed to this world. As followers of Jesus Christ we live according to the teaching of Jesus in the holy Bible. There are many ungodly laws passed today that are against the Bible. 

In Matthew 3:2 and Matthew 4:17, John the Baptist and Jesus preached repentance. Turn from sin. Spend time in prayer and the Bible. You will experience new change and become more like Jesus in word, attitude, thought and action.

Holy Spirit

Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to comfort and guide us. John 14:17 says, "The Spirit of Truth whom the world cannot receive because it sees him not neither knows him, but you know him for he dwells with you and shall be in you." 1 John 4:13 tells us that we dwell in him and he in us because he has given us of his Spirit. Romans 8:9 says that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ are none of his. 1 Corinthians 3:16 says that we are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in us. The Holy Spirit will convict and warn against sin.  We can choose to live a life of integrity with His help.  John 14:26 says that the Holy Spirit is our Comforter, which is a great encouragement to believers.  Ephesians 4:30 tells us not to grieve the Holy Spirit by our selfish actions.  Also, we are told in 1 Thessalonians 5:19 not to quench or hinder the Spirit.  There are people and forces in this world that would want to intimidate and control, but be controlled by the Holy Spirit. Yield to Him and He will guide you into all truth.

Simple Repentance

Matthew 4:17,  From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, "Repent; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Jesus preached repent and that is  the same message for today. In Matthew 3:2, John the Baptist also preached repentance. In Revelations chapters 2-4, John  warned the churches to repent. He said they were lukewarm, and God hates complacency. They had lost their love and passion for Christ.

Many people have a false sense of security. They depend on their government to take care of them or they worship the work of their own hands without giving God thanks. We need to repent of pride and selfishness and greed. God is holy and hates sin. He wants us to love righteousness and be people of integrity.  In Ephesians 4:24-30, we are told to stop lying, stealing and hating. We are to be careful how we speak. God is listening and knows everything about us. Let us purpose in our hearts to have a good attitude. Isaiah 4:20, Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil. The Bible is God's holy word and we are to follow God's teaching. Deuteronomy 10:12, tells us that God wants us to fear the Lord and walk in His ways and love him and serve Him with all our heart.

We need to honor and respect God and want to live a life pleasing unto Him. Jesus is merciful, but we also read in 2 Timothy 4:1, that He is Judge. In 2 Timothy we read that these last days will get more wicked, and that is why God is warning people to turn to God and repent.

Peace

This world needs peace. Individuals need peace in their own hearts. Colossians 3:15, and let the peace of God rule in your hearts for you are called in one body and be thankful. 

We can get greater peace by daily studying the Bible. Colossians 3:16, Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching, admonishing one another in Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 

John 16:33, These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me you might have peace, but in the world you shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.  Isaiah 26:3, God will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Him and trusts in the Lord. Isaiah 9:6, Jesus is called the Prince of Peace. Psalm 23:2, He leads me beside still waters and restores my soul. 

2 Timothy 2:22, follow righteousness, faith, love and peace with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 24, Don't strive but be gentle and teach with patience. Jesus Christ is alive. He died on the cross but rose again. We can have peace when we ask Him to forgive us of our sins.  

Throughout the day thank God for His goodness and many blessings. Philippians 4:8, tells us to think on things that are good, honest, just, pure. Don't dwell on your problems and allow fear and worry to fill your mind. Christ promises us abundant life and that includes abundant peace. 

The Greatest is Love

There is so much war and hatred around the world. As followers in Jesus Christ we are to demonstrate Christ's love to others. 

John 13:35, By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. 1 Thessalonians 3:12 And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you. John 15:12, This is my commandment that ye love one another, as I have loved you. 1 Peter 1:22, Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently. Today purpose in your heart with the help of the Holy Spirit to show love to those you come in contact with. Christ tells us to be tenderhearted, kind, compassionate, gentle, patient with one another.

You can make a difference in your family, workplace and community. This world needs Christ's love demonstrated through His followers. 

Blessing

Throughout each day think on God's goodness. Psalm 23:6 says that goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life. We sing this little chorus at times, "When I think of the goodness of Jesus and all that He has done for me."  Psalm 86:5 says that the Lord is good and ready to forgive and plenteous in mercy unto all that call upon Him.

Don't dwell on your problems but have a thankful heart. Romans 2:4 says that the goodness of God brings one to repentance. Before Moses was given the ten commandments, God spoke to Moses in Exodus 33:19 and said that He would make His goodness pass before him and show him mercy. Read about God's goodness in the whole chapter of  Psalm 145.  Christ showed His great goodness and love by going to the cross and rising again. When we accepted Him into our hearts and ask Him to forgive us He will. 

Today and every day, thank Him. Don't grumble and complain, just count your blessings.  

Praying for One Another

In John chapter 17:6-26, Jesus prayed for His disciples. When you read these verses you can feel Jesus' compassion for His followers. 

Read Romans 1:8, 9b, 12, and 1 Thessalonians 1:2, 3, and Colossians 1:3, 9, 10, 11, and Philippians 1:3, 4-6, 9, 10, and 1 Corinthians 1:4, 5, 10. In these verses, Jesus thanked God for their work of faith and labor of love. He prayed that they would be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding and that they may walk worthy of the Lord fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. Also He prayed that they would be strengthened with all might according to His glorious power with patience and with joy. 

Today we can daily thank God for other believers and pray similar prayers. We can all benefit from praying for one another as we labor together for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

Contentment and Peace

Gage Canadian Dictionary defines peace as freedom from war or strife of any kind; quiet, order, security, calm, still, in a state of quietness, peaceful, free of turmoil or commotion or conflict, quiet, calm serene; a state of deep inner quiet, release or freedom from everything that disturbs, contentment, peacefulness and calmness that is above all disturbance, serene.

In Philippians 4:12, Paul said he learned to be content. We can even practice speaking gently, and through the Holy Spirit, controlling our emotions.


Philippians 4:8 tells us to think on things that are good and right and pure and lovely. Be careful what you put into your mind. Don't dwell in past regrets and offence. Read the Bible and dwell on Scripture that gives encouragement. Do not listen to or watch programs that are not pleasing to God. Isaiah 26:3 God will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Him because he trusts in Him.

Romans 14:17, For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink but righteousness peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. 

Galatians 5:22 the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith. 2 Timothy 2:24 and the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient. 

John 16:33, these things I have spoken unto you that in Me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

Vessels of Honor

2 Timothy 2:20, But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver but also of wood and of earth and some to honor and some to dishonor. 21, If a man, therefore, purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work. 22, Flee also youthful lusts; but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 24, And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient.

Your body and mind must be honored and respected. Your thoughts and words and actions must bring honor to God. Be a person of integrity with high morals and standards. 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20, says that our bodies are the temple or vessel in which the Holy Spirit lives, so we are not our own but we were bought with a price, the blood of Jesus Christ; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit which are God's.

Working Together

We read in Nehemiah 4:6, 17 and 6:3 about how much these men accomplished by working in unity together. God wants us to appreciate one another and value the gifts and talents in each other. Where dissension and arguing is, not much can be accomplished.  

We are not to let offence and bitterness rule our lives. When we read in Genesis 32:24 about Jacob and Esau we learn that when Jacob had rid himself of all anger toward his brother, then peace and unity came about between them. 

In Luke 5:17-28 we read about a sick man's friends that helped him receive healing from Jesus. Without their help this man may not have been healed. 

We are to help the lonely and discouraged. Judges 7:16-22 tells us that Gideon had 300 men working with him and they defeated the enemy. When we pray together in unity for our families they can come to know Christ and walk in victory. 

Joshua 6:5, 16 Joshua marched around the city of Jericho with others 7 times and the walls came down.  Walls that divide people can be broken down as we pray in faith and unity together. 

Today let us purpose in our hearts to work together in unity for this is pleasing to the Lord.

Heaven is Real

Heaven is real, magnificent, no pain or sorrow or regret. All is perfect and beautiful. It is the heavenly home for believers in Jesus Christ.

Luke 10:20 Rejoice because your names are written in heaven. Stephen looked up into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing on the right hand of God Acts 7:55.

Luke 23:43 Jesus said to the thief hanging on the cross who believed in Him; today you will see Me in heaven. When we take our last breath we immediately go to heaven. 2 Corinthians 5:1 for we know that if our earthly house--body--dies, we have a new body not made with earthly hands but eternal in the heavens. 

Revelation 5:11 and John beheld  and heard the voice of many angels round about the throne. Revelation 21:4 and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes and there shall be no more death, sorrow, crying or pain. 6, There is a fountain of water of life in heaven. 21:11 heaven will have the glory of God. 21:21, and the twelve gates were of pearl and the streets of the city were as pure gold like transparent glass. The glory of God lit up the city all the time. 

My Poems About Healing Words

Piercing words Oh so sharp, 

like cruel arrows in the dark, 

cold stares that penetrate so deep, 

torment one awake or sleep, 

kind and gentle words help more, 

they bring healing to the very core, 

words can cheer or they can crush, 

don't be critical with your words and rush, 

be an uplifter and encourager each day, 

for people are helped by what you say, 

they will remember your words of hope 

that will bring strength and help them cope, 

the Lord will say my child I care, 

I will mend a broken heart of tare, 

I see each tear drop that falls, 

reach out to Me I will hear you call, 

Bible words will give you strength 

and help you go the extra length.

composed by Marlene Wilkinson

The Voice of God

John 12:29, The people that stood by and heard it said that it thundered. 

God's voice is powerful for God is all powerful. His voice awakens, convicts, stirs, calls and warns. Isaiah 30:30 through the powerful majestic voice of the Lord the Assyrians were defeated. John 11:43 Lazarus came forth out of the tomb when Jesus' voice was heard.

In Genesis 1:3 God said, let there be light. His voice created the earth, skies and mankind.  Psalm 29:4 The voice of the Lord is powerful and full of majesty. 5, The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars. 7, The voice of the Lord divides the flames of fire. 8, The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness.

There are many voices in this world. Some are deceptive and tormenting. God's voice speaks truth and comfort. When we read the Bible the Holy Spirit can give direction and wisdom. God's voice speaks through Scripture telling us to believe in Him. Christ is the one who died on the cross and rose again. There is power in His shed blood for the forgiveness of our sins.  He is the true Shepherd of our souls. 

John 10:27, My sheep hear my voice and I know them and they follow me. Follow Christ and allow His Spirit to direct your paths. Let His voice speak through you telling others about Him.