Saturday, January 30, 2010 Print Article
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Today's Battles, Tomorrow's Strength
Steven Furtick
One of my favorite Southern Baptist preachers, Johnny Hunt, once said that the only time he ever gets headaches is when he finds himself trying to fight today's battles with tomorrow's strength.
I think Pastor Johnny was quoting another pastor when he said it. Come to think of it, the idea originated with Jesus:
"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34
God supplies all the strength we need to do all that He's called us to do. But He rations this strength much in the same way He rationed manna to the children of Israel.
He provides sufficient strength each day for the challenges of that day...and that day only. This strength doesn't carry over from one day to the next. You either use it, or lose it.
And He will not give you enough strength today for the confrontations, obligations, and challenges of next week, next month, or next year. That strength will be deposited in your account precisely when you need it, and not a moment before.
If you're stressed and overwhelmed today, check your strength supply. I'll bet you have enough to get you through this day.
And that's all you need for now.
Steven Furtick is Pastor of Elevation Church, located in Charlotte, North Carolina. Under his passionate leadership, Elevation Church was named one of the 10 fastest growing churches in America. A devoted husband and father of two, you can find Steven blogging at www.stevenfurtick.com
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Hope as an Anchor
Friday, January 28, 2010 Print Article
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Hope as an Anchor
Bishop Vashti McKenzie
"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul." Hebrews 6:19 (NIV)
The anchor of a ship is much smaller than the ship itself. It is usually a weighted object at he end of a rope or chain thrown into he water. The anchor keeps the ship from wandering from one location to the next or it keeps it safely in place especially in a storm.
The anchor for our soul is our hope in Jesus Christ. This hope seems like a little thing compared to the problems we may experience. Yet hope can keep you from wandering towards self-destructive activities. It can keep you in safe harbors and stable in chaotic conditions.
The winds may be a gale force and the waves 10 feet high but the anchor keeps you steady in rough seas. You may not be able to see the anchor below the waves. Hope will tell you what your physical eyes cannot see.
But trust me...It's there!
Hope. This four-letter word is a paradox. You can't take hope to pay a bill but it will help you to hold on until help arrives. It won't get you a job but will keep you until employment arrives.
Hope will not put dinner on the table but it will keep you steady until food arrives.
In the book of Proverbs, the writer declares that hope deferred will make the heart sick. The psalmist sings that he puts his hope in God. It is where his hope comes from. This temple singer also encourages the people to put their hope in the unfailing love of the Lord. Paul tells the church at Corinth that hope is the third member of a trinity that includes faith and love.
The hope that is an anchor will keep our sols from being tossed to and fro by the turbulence of our times that competes with our pursuit of wholeness. It allows us to respond to the demands of the moment with resilience. God speaks to that hidden par of us so we can rise and fall with the tide without being destroyed.
We are a trinity of being- mind, body and soul. The soul is the deposit of the Eternal anchored by this Hope in the vicissitudes of challenge and change. Bishop Vinton R. Anderson writes in "My Soul Shouts" that the soul has no power to act but is the receiving entity that waits on God. The body and mind eventually fail.
The heart can be aggravated but the soul exists beyond the moment that our ashes are returned to ashes and our dust return to dust. Only God can find feed and touch the soul. Our sovereign Lord anchors our soul. It looks like a litter thing compared to the problems we face but this is the hope we have, the immutable ability of our divine Lord to hold that imperishable part of us, our soul.
"Slow your roll" today. Claim the hope of your faith. Sit quietly in the presence of God centering your thoughts on a power beyond yourself. You do not have to answer every ringing cell phone or knock at the door. Read Hebrews 6:19, "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul."
Hope is like an overlooked twenty-dollar bill in the pocket of a garment. You didn't know it was there and was not able to use it when you were hungry, broke or tired. Hope found will give you the confidence to continue against great odds. What looked like impossible becomes possible.
Hope will sustain you. Be convinced today that the condition in which you live will change because God has the power to hold you steady and will give you a new vision about the way things can be.
As presiding bishop of the 13th Episcopal District of the AME, Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie is a guiding example for women and church leaders throughout the country. Her messages can be heard online daily at www.thisisyourwakeupcallonline.com. For more information about Bishop Vashti McKenzie, log onto www.13thame.com
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Hope as an Anchor
Bishop Vashti McKenzie
"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul." Hebrews 6:19 (NIV)
The anchor of a ship is much smaller than the ship itself. It is usually a weighted object at he end of a rope or chain thrown into he water. The anchor keeps the ship from wandering from one location to the next or it keeps it safely in place especially in a storm.
The anchor for our soul is our hope in Jesus Christ. This hope seems like a little thing compared to the problems we may experience. Yet hope can keep you from wandering towards self-destructive activities. It can keep you in safe harbors and stable in chaotic conditions.
The winds may be a gale force and the waves 10 feet high but the anchor keeps you steady in rough seas. You may not be able to see the anchor below the waves. Hope will tell you what your physical eyes cannot see.
But trust me...It's there!
Hope. This four-letter word is a paradox. You can't take hope to pay a bill but it will help you to hold on until help arrives. It won't get you a job but will keep you until employment arrives.
Hope will not put dinner on the table but it will keep you steady until food arrives.
In the book of Proverbs, the writer declares that hope deferred will make the heart sick. The psalmist sings that he puts his hope in God. It is where his hope comes from. This temple singer also encourages the people to put their hope in the unfailing love of the Lord. Paul tells the church at Corinth that hope is the third member of a trinity that includes faith and love.
The hope that is an anchor will keep our sols from being tossed to and fro by the turbulence of our times that competes with our pursuit of wholeness. It allows us to respond to the demands of the moment with resilience. God speaks to that hidden par of us so we can rise and fall with the tide without being destroyed.
We are a trinity of being- mind, body and soul. The soul is the deposit of the Eternal anchored by this Hope in the vicissitudes of challenge and change. Bishop Vinton R. Anderson writes in "My Soul Shouts" that the soul has no power to act but is the receiving entity that waits on God. The body and mind eventually fail.
The heart can be aggravated but the soul exists beyond the moment that our ashes are returned to ashes and our dust return to dust. Only God can find feed and touch the soul. Our sovereign Lord anchors our soul. It looks like a litter thing compared to the problems we face but this is the hope we have, the immutable ability of our divine Lord to hold that imperishable part of us, our soul.
"Slow your roll" today. Claim the hope of your faith. Sit quietly in the presence of God centering your thoughts on a power beyond yourself. You do not have to answer every ringing cell phone or knock at the door. Read Hebrews 6:19, "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul."
Hope is like an overlooked twenty-dollar bill in the pocket of a garment. You didn't know it was there and was not able to use it when you were hungry, broke or tired. Hope found will give you the confidence to continue against great odds. What looked like impossible becomes possible.
Hope will sustain you. Be convinced today that the condition in which you live will change because God has the power to hold you steady and will give you a new vision about the way things can be.
As presiding bishop of the 13th Episcopal District of the AME, Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie is a guiding example for women and church leaders throughout the country. Her messages can be heard online daily at www.thisisyourwakeupcallonline.com. For more information about Bishop Vashti McKenzie, log onto www.13thame.com
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Faith Is an Action Word
Wednesday, January 27, 2010 Print Article
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Faith Is An Action Word
Tanya James
For as long as I can remember, I have been able to quote scriptures on faith. Over the years there have been plenty of occasions for me to share those same scriptures with those around me experiencing rough patches in their lives. Matter of fact, I can honestly say it has become second nature to speak life into anybody's situation no matter how bleak things may look.
Even in my personal life, I've faced my share of difficult and trying times. Using those same scriptures or reflecting on how God has always brought me through, I have effectively ministered to myself.
Then it happened - a test of my faith that I was not prepared for.
On Sept 9th, 2009, I gave birth to our second child - a beautiful baby boy name Kyle Ethan. Two weeks later, we learned that he had sickle cell anemia.
When the phone call came through, fear tried to replace every ounce of faith that I had. All of the statistics about babies and young children dying filled my head. Guilt overwhelmed me. The unknown outcome consumed my thoughts day in and day out. Everything seemed to trigger a river of tears and a range of emotions that I never knew were possible.
At that moment, I couldn't remember one scripture on faith. At that moment; I forgot that God was a healer. At that moment I allowed fear to cause a complete interruption and breakdown in my spirit.
I tried to pray but it seemed like I couldn't get any words out without breaking down in tears again. I tried to be strong and pull it together but it was just a front for those around me.
But God.
I remembered that I didn't have to do this alone. I remember that God had never failed me before nor was He going to start now. All I needed was to have faith the size of a mustard seed.
"...if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you." - Matthew 17:20
Do you know how small a mustard seed is? Surely (I thought to myself) I had that much faith. During this time, I heard a minister say both faith and fear require you to believe something you can't see. It was then I made the decision to choose faith - to really choose faith and not just the talk as though I had.
Immediately, I felt the comfort of God's hands on my life and my family's life. I had felt alone and abandoned by God but the truth of the matter is I was never alone. God was just waiting for me to turn and trust Him. This is when scriptures became real to me. For every emotion I had experienced the last two months, God reminded me what His word said, and once I began to mediate on those scriptures and allow the Word to be made flesh in my life, healing began.
Did the healing and wholeness happen overnight? Not for me. Does fear still try to rear its ugly head? Most definitely. But now I am standing on the Word of God and in spite of what is going on in the flesh, I can boldly say:
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28
This devotional is for you and is dedicated to my beautiful baby boy. "For I know the thoughts I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11
Founder and president of The Master Plan, Tanya James is the author of From Promiscuity to Proverbs 31: Getting Off the Fence of Sexual Immorality. For more information about Tanya, log onto www.armedanddangerous.biz.
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Faith Is An Action Word
Tanya James
For as long as I can remember, I have been able to quote scriptures on faith. Over the years there have been plenty of occasions for me to share those same scriptures with those around me experiencing rough patches in their lives. Matter of fact, I can honestly say it has become second nature to speak life into anybody's situation no matter how bleak things may look.
Even in my personal life, I've faced my share of difficult and trying times. Using those same scriptures or reflecting on how God has always brought me through, I have effectively ministered to myself.
Then it happened - a test of my faith that I was not prepared for.
On Sept 9th, 2009, I gave birth to our second child - a beautiful baby boy name Kyle Ethan. Two weeks later, we learned that he had sickle cell anemia.
When the phone call came through, fear tried to replace every ounce of faith that I had. All of the statistics about babies and young children dying filled my head. Guilt overwhelmed me. The unknown outcome consumed my thoughts day in and day out. Everything seemed to trigger a river of tears and a range of emotions that I never knew were possible.
At that moment, I couldn't remember one scripture on faith. At that moment; I forgot that God was a healer. At that moment I allowed fear to cause a complete interruption and breakdown in my spirit.
I tried to pray but it seemed like I couldn't get any words out without breaking down in tears again. I tried to be strong and pull it together but it was just a front for those around me.
But God.
I remembered that I didn't have to do this alone. I remember that God had never failed me before nor was He going to start now. All I needed was to have faith the size of a mustard seed.
"...if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you." - Matthew 17:20
Do you know how small a mustard seed is? Surely (I thought to myself) I had that much faith. During this time, I heard a minister say both faith and fear require you to believe something you can't see. It was then I made the decision to choose faith - to really choose faith and not just the talk as though I had.
Immediately, I felt the comfort of God's hands on my life and my family's life. I had felt alone and abandoned by God but the truth of the matter is I was never alone. God was just waiting for me to turn and trust Him. This is when scriptures became real to me. For every emotion I had experienced the last two months, God reminded me what His word said, and once I began to mediate on those scriptures and allow the Word to be made flesh in my life, healing began.
Did the healing and wholeness happen overnight? Not for me. Does fear still try to rear its ugly head? Most definitely. But now I am standing on the Word of God and in spite of what is going on in the flesh, I can boldly say:
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28
This devotional is for you and is dedicated to my beautiful baby boy. "For I know the thoughts I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11
Founder and president of The Master Plan, Tanya James is the author of From Promiscuity to Proverbs 31: Getting Off the Fence of Sexual Immorality. For more information about Tanya, log onto www.armedanddangerous.biz.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
From Faith to Faith
Tuesday, January 26, 2010 Print Article
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From Faith to Faith
Bishop Keith Butler
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. Hebrews 2:1(KJV)
One way to grow in your walk with God is to never allow the things you've learned in the Word of God to get away from you. When you are introduced to more truth from the Bible, take it and add it to what you're now walking in. What you already know is a foundation on which to build. Therefore, don't throw away or forget the old. New truth does not negate the old. It is but another brick to add to the strong foundation of your spiritual house.
To walk in the blessings of God you must have faith. Therefore, it is important that we hold on to our faith and not let it slip away from us. Let's read the text from the Amplified Bible: "Since all this is true, we ought to pay much closer attention than ever to the truths t hat we have heard, lest in any way we drift past [them] and slip away."
Now notice what Paul says here (I believe that Paul is the writer of Hebrews). He says we ought to give more earnest heed to the truths we have already heard. He said we ought to pay more attention to what we already know.
In other words, what we know, we don't throw away. We don't have to get a new revelation. I've heard people say, "I don't need all that faith stuff anymore. I don't need all that confession stuff anymore. I'm past that; I'm into a deeper revelation."
But you're always going to need faith. And you're always going to have to deal with the ramifications of the words of your mouth whether you know it or not. And let me tell you, when you let these things slip away - when you let them get away from you - you pay the price.
In fact, Paul said in our text that we ought to pay even more attention to these things.
So often people learn something, they move on to something else and forget about what they've already learned. You should always be adding to the house, so to speak. This way, when the trials of life come they won't even be able to shake you. You'll stand strong in the Word of God.
Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 Corinthians 3:10; Matthew 7:24-25
Bishop Keith A. Butler is the founder and pastor of Word of Faith International Christian Center in Southfield, MI, and Word of Faith Christian Center in San Antonio, TX. Bishop Butler ministers extensively in churches, conferences, and seminars throughout the U.S. and abroad with an emphasis on instruction and no-nonsense, practical application of God's Word. Click here to browse and purchase MP3 sermons by Bishop Keith Butler!
© Bishop Keith A. Butler all rights reserved.
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From Faith to Faith
Bishop Keith Butler
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. Hebrews 2:1(KJV)
One way to grow in your walk with God is to never allow the things you've learned in the Word of God to get away from you. When you are introduced to more truth from the Bible, take it and add it to what you're now walking in. What you already know is a foundation on which to build. Therefore, don't throw away or forget the old. New truth does not negate the old. It is but another brick to add to the strong foundation of your spiritual house.
To walk in the blessings of God you must have faith. Therefore, it is important that we hold on to our faith and not let it slip away from us. Let's read the text from the Amplified Bible: "Since all this is true, we ought to pay much closer attention than ever to the truths t hat we have heard, lest in any way we drift past [them] and slip away."
Now notice what Paul says here (I believe that Paul is the writer of Hebrews). He says we ought to give more earnest heed to the truths we have already heard. He said we ought to pay more attention to what we already know.
In other words, what we know, we don't throw away. We don't have to get a new revelation. I've heard people say, "I don't need all that faith stuff anymore. I don't need all that confession stuff anymore. I'm past that; I'm into a deeper revelation."
But you're always going to need faith. And you're always going to have to deal with the ramifications of the words of your mouth whether you know it or not. And let me tell you, when you let these things slip away - when you let them get away from you - you pay the price.
In fact, Paul said in our text that we ought to pay even more attention to these things.
So often people learn something, they move on to something else and forget about what they've already learned. You should always be adding to the house, so to speak. This way, when the trials of life come they won't even be able to shake you. You'll stand strong in the Word of God.
Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 Corinthians 3:10; Matthew 7:24-25
Bishop Keith A. Butler is the founder and pastor of Word of Faith International Christian Center in Southfield, MI, and Word of Faith Christian Center in San Antonio, TX. Bishop Butler ministers extensively in churches, conferences, and seminars throughout the U.S. and abroad with an emphasis on instruction and no-nonsense, practical application of God's Word. Click here to browse and purchase MP3 sermons by Bishop Keith Butler!
© Bishop Keith A. Butler all rights reserved.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Living A Surrendered Life
Monday, January 25, 2010 Print Article
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Living A Surrendered Life
Sonique Sailsman
As a child you did not have a care in the world. You knew that your parents/guardians would provide for you. You had food in your stomach and a roof over your head. You did not concern yourself with bills and transportation you just went with the flow. If you had to ride the bus with your parent you did so because that is all you knew. If you had to eat bread and butter for dinner you did so because that was what everyone else was eating.
As you grew, your cares changed and life began to get real for you. Middle and high school issues, who to take to prom, how to pay for college. You got to college and had college issues and the burden of loans! Now you are a full blown adult making grown folks decisions. Sometimes you wish you could just return to the days when it was all so simple.
Well actually you can, but it is a choice you have to make. You have to choose to live a surrendered life, a life in which you release all your cares to GOD. A life where you say if God can't do it then it can't be done. Now this is not an easy task by any stretch of the imagination. It takes time, some falling down and getting back up. It may take making some really big mistakes and transgressions.
Finally, it takes a decision to release all control. It is a decision to live a life that is not your own, but led by the Holy Spirit. The best part is the Holy Spirit is omnipresent and omniscient and goes before you and has the road map. I would much rather follow the lead of someone with a road map than someone who is just going on a whim.
Just imagine preparing for a road trip and your passenger states they know where they are going. As the journey proceeds the roads begin to look unfamiliar and street signs unclear. Your passenger finally decides to share that they actually do not know the way. As a believer you have confidence in knowing that the Holy Spirit will never give you false hope. The Holy Spirit knows the way no matter how unfamiliar or scary it may look. You can rest in the promise of God that he will never leave you nor forsake you.
I encourage you to make a decision to live a truly surrendered life. This is the life of faith. Faith is not knowing what tomorrow will bring but, trusting that God wants everything good for you. To walk in faith and letting God have His way in every affair of your life is one of the best gifts you can give to yourself. It is not going to be easy but I guarantee you it will be worth it!
Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you - 1 Peter 5:7
A pediatric registered nurse, Sonique Sailsman teaches pediatric nursing both in the classroom and in a clinical environment. She has served in ministry since her time at the University of Miami. She enjoys writing short devotionals for friends and family just to encourage and edify. Sonique Sailsman can be reached at ssailsma@hotmail.com
© Sonique Sailsman all rights reserved.
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Living A Surrendered Life
Sonique Sailsman
As a child you did not have a care in the world. You knew that your parents/guardians would provide for you. You had food in your stomach and a roof over your head. You did not concern yourself with bills and transportation you just went with the flow. If you had to ride the bus with your parent you did so because that is all you knew. If you had to eat bread and butter for dinner you did so because that was what everyone else was eating.
As you grew, your cares changed and life began to get real for you. Middle and high school issues, who to take to prom, how to pay for college. You got to college and had college issues and the burden of loans! Now you are a full blown adult making grown folks decisions. Sometimes you wish you could just return to the days when it was all so simple.
Well actually you can, but it is a choice you have to make. You have to choose to live a surrendered life, a life in which you release all your cares to GOD. A life where you say if God can't do it then it can't be done. Now this is not an easy task by any stretch of the imagination. It takes time, some falling down and getting back up. It may take making some really big mistakes and transgressions.
Finally, it takes a decision to release all control. It is a decision to live a life that is not your own, but led by the Holy Spirit. The best part is the Holy Spirit is omnipresent and omniscient and goes before you and has the road map. I would much rather follow the lead of someone with a road map than someone who is just going on a whim.
Just imagine preparing for a road trip and your passenger states they know where they are going. As the journey proceeds the roads begin to look unfamiliar and street signs unclear. Your passenger finally decides to share that they actually do not know the way. As a believer you have confidence in knowing that the Holy Spirit will never give you false hope. The Holy Spirit knows the way no matter how unfamiliar or scary it may look. You can rest in the promise of God that he will never leave you nor forsake you.
I encourage you to make a decision to live a truly surrendered life. This is the life of faith. Faith is not knowing what tomorrow will bring but, trusting that God wants everything good for you. To walk in faith and letting God have His way in every affair of your life is one of the best gifts you can give to yourself. It is not going to be easy but I guarantee you it will be worth it!
Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you - 1 Peter 5:7
A pediatric registered nurse, Sonique Sailsman teaches pediatric nursing both in the classroom and in a clinical environment. She has served in ministry since her time at the University of Miami. She enjoys writing short devotionals for friends and family just to encourage and edify. Sonique Sailsman can be reached at ssailsma@hotmail.com
© Sonique Sailsman all rights reserved.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Walking By Faith
Sunday, January 24, 2010 Print Article
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Walking By Faith
Pastor Marvin Moss
"For we walk by faith, not by sight." (II Corinthians 5:7)
For some the wait is endless. Whatever you're waiting on doesn't really matter. The human condition lends itself to our growing more impatient as time passes.
That impatience causes us to go before God, get in the way of God, or even miss God. Mistakes are made, promises are broken, and dreams dashed. You find yourself fighting to find the faith while living through the Not Yet. Living through the Not Yet gives us the opportunity to grow closer to God, and provides us a powerful testimony to share with others who may be going through a similar faith struggle.
In John 6:24-33, after Jesus had taken the two loaves and five fish and fed the 5,000; after He walked on water and calmed the stormy sea He still faced a crowd of non-believers. Although Jesus had just performed miracles, they still wanted more before they would believe.
How relevant is that passage of scripture for us today! So many times in our life's journey we ignore the everyday blessings God provides us and question if and when God will bring us through. Then we want a "sign" to know for sure. Be honest-- how many times have you prayed, "If this is you Lord then make this or that happen," or "Lord, I want to believe, but please show me a sign." What we fail to realize, is God shows us daily miracles! He continuously brings us out of situations: you have a car problem-- He sends a mechanic who happens to be driving by. You have a bill due- You get an unexpected check in the mail. Friends, it's not happenstance. It's God!
Second-guessing God's promises for your life has no place in your life. Step out of your comfort zone- step into your Faith and don't give in to the tricks of the enemy. Remember our trials come to make us strong! So praise Him in advance while He's bringing you through a tough situation. Remember, what we learn in the Not Yet is that the promise of God holds true regardless of the time that the promise takes to come to pass.
So what else do you need before you believe? John 6:29 tells us we are to Believe in Him. It's that simple. We must have Faith, and remember that faith without works is dead. Believe in the God of the Miracle until your miracle comes. How do you do that? Spend quality time--not just five minutes before you fall asleep, but real quality time studying God's word, praying and listening to praise & worship music.
You will notice a change in your spirit. You will recognize that while you are living through your Not Yet your faith is growing along with your spiritual maturity. And when your prayer is answered; when your test becomes your testimony-- recognize it, thank God for it, and share it!
When you look back over your life you will see how far you were able to walk by faith.
Pastor Marvin Moss is senior pastor of Cascade United Methodist Church, located in Atlanta, Georgia. Pastor Moss is extremely active within the Atlanta community, and serves on the Board of Trustees at Gammon Theological Seminary. In April of 2009, Pastor Moss became one of 58 highly selective inductees into the Martin Luther King Jr. Board of Preachers of Morehouse College. For more information about Pastor Moss, log onto www.cascadeumc.org.
© Pastor Marvin Moss all rights reserved.
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Walking By Faith
Pastor Marvin Moss
"For we walk by faith, not by sight." (II Corinthians 5:7)
For some the wait is endless. Whatever you're waiting on doesn't really matter. The human condition lends itself to our growing more impatient as time passes.
That impatience causes us to go before God, get in the way of God, or even miss God. Mistakes are made, promises are broken, and dreams dashed. You find yourself fighting to find the faith while living through the Not Yet. Living through the Not Yet gives us the opportunity to grow closer to God, and provides us a powerful testimony to share with others who may be going through a similar faith struggle.
In John 6:24-33, after Jesus had taken the two loaves and five fish and fed the 5,000; after He walked on water and calmed the stormy sea He still faced a crowd of non-believers. Although Jesus had just performed miracles, they still wanted more before they would believe.
How relevant is that passage of scripture for us today! So many times in our life's journey we ignore the everyday blessings God provides us and question if and when God will bring us through. Then we want a "sign" to know for sure. Be honest-- how many times have you prayed, "If this is you Lord then make this or that happen," or "Lord, I want to believe, but please show me a sign." What we fail to realize, is God shows us daily miracles! He continuously brings us out of situations: you have a car problem-- He sends a mechanic who happens to be driving by. You have a bill due- You get an unexpected check in the mail. Friends, it's not happenstance. It's God!
Second-guessing God's promises for your life has no place in your life. Step out of your comfort zone- step into your Faith and don't give in to the tricks of the enemy. Remember our trials come to make us strong! So praise Him in advance while He's bringing you through a tough situation. Remember, what we learn in the Not Yet is that the promise of God holds true regardless of the time that the promise takes to come to pass.
So what else do you need before you believe? John 6:29 tells us we are to Believe in Him. It's that simple. We must have Faith, and remember that faith without works is dead. Believe in the God of the Miracle until your miracle comes. How do you do that? Spend quality time--not just five minutes before you fall asleep, but real quality time studying God's word, praying and listening to praise & worship music.
You will notice a change in your spirit. You will recognize that while you are living through your Not Yet your faith is growing along with your spiritual maturity. And when your prayer is answered; when your test becomes your testimony-- recognize it, thank God for it, and share it!
When you look back over your life you will see how far you were able to walk by faith.
Pastor Marvin Moss is senior pastor of Cascade United Methodist Church, located in Atlanta, Georgia. Pastor Moss is extremely active within the Atlanta community, and serves on the Board of Trustees at Gammon Theological Seminary. In April of 2009, Pastor Moss became one of 58 highly selective inductees into the Martin Luther King Jr. Board of Preachers of Morehouse College. For more information about Pastor Moss, log onto www.cascadeumc.org.
© Pastor Marvin Moss all rights reserved.
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