Stepping Stone Seasons

We don’t like the difficult seasons in life.
We don’t jump up and down for joy when everything goes wrong.

We struggle when the heavens seem silent.
We get uncomfortable when God doesn’t fulfill His promise in our timeframe.
We freak out when the job is lost, the family fights and our health dwindles.
We can’t stand staying in the dead end job longer than a day.
We hate chasing a dream, pursuing God’s call on our lives only to watch it all fall apart.
We find it unfair to do the right thing, flee from temptation, and pay the consequences of someone else’s sin.

We want every season to be a season of blessing.

We want to always feel God with us.
We desire to see our prayers answered right away.
We strive after the well-paying job, the new house and fancy car.
We pray for God’s favor to be poured out on our lives.
We want the family to be healthy, the job satisfying and the bank account overflowing.

We fully embrace the seasons of blessing.
And do all we can to avoid the seasons of hardship.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28

Seasons of hardship aren’t meant to be avoided. Seasons where it feels as if God has turned his back and forgotten about us aren’t meant to be despised. The lack and frustration and heartache shouldn’t be wished over.


God works every season in our lives for our good.

Noah spent years building an ark and over a year in the ark in order to be saved from the flood.
Abraham cried out 50 years for a son, only to see his prayers fall flat.
Moses endured 40 years of obscurity in the desert before standing before Pharaoh.
Joseph was thrown in a pit, sold into slavery, accused of rape and put in jail for a crime he didn’t commit to prepare him to be second in command.
David endured the pain of his mentor trying to kill him in order to become king.
Ester was ripped from her home, spent a year being scrubbed and cleansed all to spend one night with the king.

Every season where it felt as if God turned His back is just a stepping stone in His plan for our lives.

You don’t become king without sacrifice.
You don’t save a nation from famine without betrayal.
You don’t lead people out of bondage without time in the wilderness.
You can’t stand before rulers and authorities without brokenness.

You can’t expect to accomplish great things for God without seasons of hardship.
They go hand in hand.

God allows every season in our lives for a purpose.
Our job is to embrace whatever season we are in, and use it as a stepping stone in His plan for our lives.

Prejudice

And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their pre-appointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings. Acts 17:26.


Prejudice is a serious problem in our world today. Prejudice can be based on race, on the color of one’s skin, one’s culture, on one’s social standing, on one’s financial status, talent or treasures of others, on education, on religious belief and any of a number of other things that sets one person apart from another. God’s Word has made it clear that prejudice of any kind is not acceptable. Prejudice grows out of pride and causes people to look down on others they consider inferior to themselves.

In the verse above we are reminded that all men and women today are created equal in God’s sight since all came from one man --- Adam.


Jesus came to make all believers one in Christ, because we are all joint heirs in Christ. No one is more privileged than anyone else nor is anyone better than anyone else.

We live a life of faith when we are a child of God. Prejudice and faith cannot coexist in the life of a believer. Prejudice destroys faith and faith destroys prejudice. In James 2:1-6 he writes that there must be no partiality, no prejudice in a believer’s life. If a person is prejudiced against another person for any reason he or she is not a true follower of Jesus. As believers we are to love one another.

We cause real sorrow to others when we dishonor and debase others through prejudice or bigotry. Every human being is created in the image of God and worthy of honor. When by our own prejudice we demean someone we will wound another human being at the deepest level. We are all of the same family, the family of God. God expects us, as His children, to be treasured and cherished by one another. He desires us to show respect to all people because everyone was created by God in His very image.

The sad fact about prejudice is that it is usually passed from parent to child. Children learn from their parents. As believers, parents have the responsibility to make sure they do not have prejudice against others. If they do they can be sure their children will pick up on it.

Lord, Continue to remind me daily that all of Your creations are rare treasures but none compares to one man’s worth to You. Thank You for creating me in Your image and help me to always show respect and honor to all of my fellow man.

AGAPE love

AGAPE is true and genuine love. AGAPE love is not sexual love as between a man and a woman. Love is the very nature of God. The ultimate expression of AGAPE LOVE is God giving His only son to die on the cross for our sins. This kind of love comes to us by God through His Son Jesus Christ. We have AGAPE love in our hearts as a result of knowing that God loves us with no strings attached and that His love for us never changes. We show our love for God by the commitment of our heart, soul and mind to our Lord. This is TRUE AND GENUINE LOVE!

How many times in life do we find ourselves in a position of just needing someone to love us? This is when we need AGAPE love because we need the caring and comforting love that only the Lord can give. Remember, He gave His life for you. What greater love is there then this?

AGAPE love means that God first loved us and we are to love God first and then to love others. It is the love from Christ that compels us to act, on Christ’s behalf to share Christ’s love to someone (II Corinthians 5:14). It is a love that never fails (I Corinthians 13:8). It is a love that made Jesus say to His disciples in John 21:7, “If you love me, feed my sheep.” In Romans 12:9-10 (above verse), Paul defines AGAPE love as being sincere and being devoted to one another in brotherly love. Sincere love is not selfish. When we have AGAPE love we will honor others above ourselves.

This AGAPE love can only be felt by one that has a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. If you want to experience AGAPE love then make that decision today.

“Whoever does not love does not know God, because GOD IS LOVE. This is how God showed His love among us; He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” I John 4:8-10.

Jesus said: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment” Matthew 22: 37-38

Love must be sincere --- be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:9-10.

Serving those around you

When Jesus left His home in heaven, He didn't come to earth to be a superstar. He came to serve. As His disciples, we've been left here on earth to follow His example and serve a lost and hurting world. The story of Zacchaeus shows us some Christlike qualities that we need to develop in order to serve as the Lord did.

Awareness: Although surrounded by a crowd, Jesus stopped and took notice of one particular man perched in a tree. Zacchaeus was hated and rejected because he was a tax collector. Although he was rich, there was something missing in his life, and Christ recognized his need. There are people all around us "hanging in trees"--needy, empty, and searching for hope. But too often, we're preoccupied with our activities and don't even notice them.

Availability: Jesus was heading to Jerusalem to carry out the most important act in human history: our redemption. Yet He stopped to have a meal with a spiritually needy man. What could be so important that it keeps you too busy to give others what they need most--your time?

Acceptance: Although Zacchaeus was a notorious sinner, Jesus didn't say, "Clean up your act, and then I'll come to your house." We're called, not to fix people but to share the transforming gospel of Christ.

How are you doing at serving those around you? Maybe it's time to slow down and open your spiritual eyes to see all the needy people. God places opportunities all around us, but if we're not attentive, we'll miss them. Sometimes you just have to look up to see who’s in the tree.

For His Glory

Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.

— Ephesians 4:1


Are you living your life well? That is an important question, because you never know when your life will end.

In a broad sense, life for the Christian will never end. There is an afterlife. There is a heaven. And ultimately, there will be a new earth where we will rule and reign. But according to Scripture, what we will do then is connected to how we live now. So we want to think about our lives and how we are living them today.

We all assume we will live a long life. Maybe you are a young person just getting started. Maybe you have lived many, many years. Maybe you are middle-aged. Whatever age you may be, you don't really know where you are in life's journey. And that is the thing we all have to think about.

We live our life as a story that is being told, and, for some of us, we may be further along in that story than we realize. So we have to ask ourselves questions like, "What purpose does God have in mind for me now that I have committed my life to Jesus Christ?" And, "What will the legacy of my life be? How will I be remembered?"

We are here to bring glory to God—nothing more, nothing less. So the objective is not to be the most successful or to have the biggest this or that. It is to be faithful to what God has set before each of us.

It is not for us to look at another person's success and say, "Why not me?" Nor is it for us to look at our own suffering and say, "Why me?" Instead, it is for us to simply say, "Lord, how can I best glorify You with my life?"

Dying to Be a Servant: A Parable

Once upon a time there were two grains of wheat lying on the floor of a warm and cozy barn. But one day, the farmer came in and told them, "I want to take you out of this comfortable barn and plant you in the earth. I'm going to place you in the cold ground and cover you with soil. It will be dark, and you will die. But I promise that you will multiply and become very fruitful."

The first grain of wheat turned down the suggestion. "No way!" he said. "Count me out. I like my comfort, and I don't want to die." But the second one, after carefully considering the pain and discomfort of dying, decided the promise of a future harvest was worth the sacrifice. So the farmer took him outside and planted him in the ground, while allowing the first grain of wheat to remain inside the barn.

A few days later, a small green sprout appeared over where the seed had been planted. Then it grew and became a tall stalk of wheat that produced one hundred more grains. For the next forty years, the farmer planted all the seeds that had originated from that first grain of wheat, and year after year, the harvest multiplied. However, the grain of wheat that stayed in the barn remained there by itself, never multiplying--but he was very comfortable.

Which grain of wheat are you? Are you playing it safe, or have you let Christ plant you in the world? The only way you'll ever become useful and fruitful in God's kingdom is to abandon your own selfish desires, get out of your comfort zone, and serve the Lord by serving others.

The Bible is not about you.

A powerful, potent, timely reminder of what the Bible is basically about — Jesus Christ. From beginning to end.

Let’s never forget that, because if we do then we’ve missed the point, misunderstood the message, hidden the glory.

Practical Ways to Bear Burdens

There are hurting people everywhere, but at times we just don't know what to say or do to ease their pain. Here are six practical ways to bear someone else's burden.

1. Be there. At times the best "method" of helping is simply to be present. During our darkest hours, we don't need someone who tries in vain to fix everything; we just need a friend.
2. Listen. Don't attempt to give answers or tell people what to do next. Injured souls frequently want simply a listening ear so they can express what's on their mind.
3. Share. Never parade yourself as someone who has all the answers. Instead, allow your own pain and failures to help others.
4. Pray. There is power in speaking people's names before the Lord. When they hear someone talk to Jesus on their behalf, healing often starts taking place.
5. Give. Sometimes helping others involves more than a handshake or warm hug. Maybe they need something financial or material. One of the best measures of sincerity is how much we're willing to give to others.
6. Substitute.You may know an individual who bears the burden of caring for someone else. If you step in and take his or her place for a while, you are emulating your Savior--He, too, was a substitute.

Because we were unable to do it ourselves, Jesus bore all of our sin and sorrow, even unto death. As a result, we can live happily and eternally in communion with our Father. If Christ did that for us, how can we ever say, "I'm too busy to bear someone else's burden"?

1 Thessalonians 5:14  Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.

 

Avoid Negativity

Avoid people who are negative.

If you want a simpler and happier life, choose your friends with care. Avoid whinners and complainers. Sometimes this goes for family too. Spend your time with friends and family that encourage you. Invest your time with people who maintain a good attitude and have a positive outlook on life.

Sometimes you have to let go of friends and family who bring you down. They may not be bad people, just bad for you.

Just because you are a believer, doesn't mean you have to accept abuse. Scripture says, "Look, I'm sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as serpents and as harmless as doves." (Matthew 10:16) I am confident God means we should know how our enemy operates and be alert to his attacks (like verbal abuse). Then stand your ground and speak up. The trick is to remain as calm and as gentle as a dove even if the enemy starts screaming in your face. Keep standing your ground without fear and steadfast in faith that God keeps His promises. Only speak what comes from Him and don't let the enemy win the floor. Make him flee. Scripture says, "So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7)

Look for the good (and God) in every situation...

Spiritual-Wellness

Spiritual-wellness is the result of being at peace with God. To be at peace with God and experience spiritual-wellness, you must first believe that He exists, “--- without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6 NASB).

Why is faith necessary to please God? Because we cannot serve Him unless we are convinced that He exists and that His plans for us are “good and acceptable and perfect” (Rom: 12:2). It is necessary if we are to trust in Him with all our heart (Prov. 3:5)

God has a plan for our lives whether we believe He exists or not. He gives us the freedom and power to make choices. During our lifetime we have the opportunity to make literally thousands of choices. Some are significant, some are not but all have consequences. The single most important choice that we have to make is what our relationship with God will be. The consequences of that decision are eternal.

God is omniscient. He knows every thought that we have or will have. He knows every deed that we have ever done. He knows our sinful nature. Yet He loves us deeply and stands ready to accept us as we are. All we have to do is believe his word and accept His grace to have spiritual-wellness. He paid a heavy price for you and me as individuals, which is the ultimate testimony of His love for us.

We cannot approach the Father God except through the Son, Jesus Christ. “For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Tim. 2:5).

When the apostle Paul writes there is one God, he is referring back to Israel’s statement of faith (Deut. 6: 4-9). This foundational belief is not replaced – it is deepened. Jesus is not another deity, but God Himself, who has also become our Mediator. A mediator is like a priest who brings two parties together in peace. As our High Priest, we can “draw near with confidence to the throne of grace” (Heb. 4:16) because we know He will faithfully represent and lead us in His way (Heb. 2:1-18).

In Jesus we are set free from the bondage of the law and the penalty of death required by the law. Therefore, when we die we will be in the presence of the Lord and will enter into his kingdom. Think on this and give praise and thanks to God for His love for each of us.

In the natural world, the more that you know someone the easier it is to believe their words. It is the same with God. When you read and meditate on His Word, you will begin to realize how deeply He loves you and you will begin to trust Him in every area of your life. You will be at peace with God and have spiritual-wellness. In the words of the hymn “all is well with my soul.”