How are you Growing?

I spent half of my life trying to push, pull, scare, scream, prod, shame people into living right. It never worked. The harder I was the more difficult "my" life was. People will only change when they want to change. It (change) starts from inside a person and radiates to the live others see. Lots of folks under my ministry acted as I wanted them to act. The problem was; they were just acting, no real change had occurred, no inner renewal, just paint and powder for my sake. God called me to plant seed, gospel seed. How you grow is up to you.

10-7-2014      Mark 4:26-29

S.       26 And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; 27 And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.29 But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.

O.      Spiritual seed is like natural seed, it must be planted before it will grow and produce fruit.

A.      I will plant and I will harvest. I will leave the growth patterns and development to the course of nature.

P.       Father; as the farmer does not tell the seed how to grow I must do the same. Help me to trust your work in the lives that I have planted seed in and just stay ready to harvest. Help me to be a farmer instead of a policeman. Amen.

Friends

What will this week hold for you and me? Will me be closer to each other or will we drift apart? I can't seem to stay in touch with people any more. I use this social media every day and seldom hear a line back. Speak up friends and let me know how you are. I love you!

10-6-2014      Mark 4:24-25

S.       24 And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.25 For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.

O.      The principal of sowing and reaping is explained here.

A.      I will plant much and therefore I will reap a plenteous harvest. Because I develop my faith I will receive more faith and as I receive more faith I will plant even greater amounts of seed. To God be the glory.

P.       Father; build up my faith and as I deploy my faith lead that deployment by your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Shine on

10-5-2014      Mark 4:21-23

S.       21 And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?22 For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.23 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.

O.      There is no reason to hide the light……the truths of God.

A.      I must not be ashamed to proclaim my faith to others. I will speak up and “let my light shine” for Jesus. Light is stronger than darkness.

P.       Father; shine through me; shine your love, mercy, grace and peace. Love through me and be my light. Amen. 

Fake Christians

Pushing myself today to get started. This is my pattern more and more. The bones are tired from all the stress and labor. Some would say; Get more exercise, eat the right foods and you will feel better. It's not my body that is slow to get started, it's my heart (soul). With all this murder and war, lazy president, stupid politicians and Christians that don't have a clue.......I am wearing out. I pray, I visit, I pray, I preach and teach, I pray, I wright, I pray. Wake up Christians......If you are sinning you are NOT GOD'S CHILD! You must ACT like your farther. If you are ACTING like satan (I never capitalize that wicked name) then he must be your father.

"You ARE what you DO, you DO what you ARE"!

10-4-2014      Mark 4:13-20

S.       13 And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?14 The sower soweth the word.15 And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.16 And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;17 And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended.18 And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,19 And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.20 And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.

O.      Jesus gives three examples of how people receive the word of God.

A.      I will prepare myself to receive the word and be a fruitful servant. I will keep my heart and mind fixed in the word of God; I will share the truth with as many others as I can. I will confess my sin and seek to change any aspect of my life, that I will be obedient to my Lord.

P.       Father; I am weak and feeble and I need your help. Direct my path and speak your will into my heart. Amen. 

Outside-inside or Inside-outside?

Working out is so hard for me. I want my efforts to produce instant results. Long term, slow progress is not my thing. This is what I see in many Christians when it comes to spiritual efforts. Christians today want instant gratification. You do not get into an obese condition instantly nor do you become anemic over night. This is also true of our spirit. Keep praying, studying and attending Gods house.....in the long run you will be healthier. 

10-3-2014      Mark 4:10-

S.       10 And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.11 And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:12 That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them

O.      Jesus sets a clear distinction between those on the inside and those on the outside of faith. Conversion is the key to understanding.

A.      I must move closer to God, learn his ways and serve his will. I must be changed! I surrender my pride, arrogance, anger, greed and selfishness.

P.       Father; re-make me like unto your son, Jesus. Create in me a pure heart, mind and soul as I willingly surrender my whole being to you. Amen.  

Slow down

Why is it so hard to stay "focused"? Probably because you are trying to do too much. Look at your life: 18 to 20 hours of non-stop duties, every day. This will lead to health problems, relational problems and a sick soul. Learn how to say "NO" and cut away all the social nonsense. Do the things that really matter. Play with your children, listen to your spouse and spend time with God! I don't get as much done these days as I did in the past........but I enjoy my life much more.

10-2-2014      Mark 4:3-9

S.       3 Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:4 And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.5 And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:6 But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.8 And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.9 And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

O.      The parable of the sower gives two very clear messages. The seed is the word of God and how it grows and produces.

A.      I must sow the word of God. How it is developed by the various listeners is out of my control. My own development is clearly my decision. I want to be good ground and bring much fruit into the throne room.

P.       Father; I am prepared to receive, I have my heart open and I want to be productive in your service. Please use me today. Amen. 

Going to Hell?

When will the leaders in America wake up to the depth or religious commitment in the hearts of man. These Islamic fanatics that are covering the globe with their hate and evil are not swayed by fear or deterred by  political maneuvering. The souls of these people are filled with evil. They are the tools of hate, vengeance and destruction to be used on anyone that is not "just like them".
Christians arise! Every one of these poor souls is headed to their own destruction in HELL! Pray for their lost souls. Ask God to send conviction into their hearts. Fight the war that can change their eternity.

10-1-2014      Mark 4:1-2

S.       1 And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.2 And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,

O.      Jesus spends time teaching his new doctrine.

A.      Teaching is important for all believers. I must constantly learn that I may teach others and keep the faith active and alive in our lives.

P.       Father; send your Spirit to instruct my learning. Reveal the truth to me that I teach no other doctrines. Teach me to be humble and useful. Amen.