God’s Guidance
By Tanya James
This week's topic: God's Guidance
So often when crisis occur or when we find ourselves at a crossroad and need to make a decision about something – we begin trying to reach out to people for advice. We call our spouses, our friends, our siblings...sometimes we may even talk to our co-workers. We do all of this in hopes of discovering the correct path to take in a given situation.
So we get the advice, and things take a turn for the worst, and then we sometimes even get a little upset with the one we received advice from – as if it their fault things worked out the way they did.
I have news for you; it’s time to seek the “Master Guider” of our lives. Who better to seek counsel and guidance from than our Creator? No longer do you need to call and email everyone in your address book when you have a problem. No longer do you have to dump your burdens on your loved ones to find relief.
“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord...” Psalm 37:23a
“Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you...” Psalm 55:22a
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105
“Direct my steps by your word, and let no iniquity have dominion over me.” Psalm 119:133
God wants you to trust Him with your whole heart. You shouldn’t feel the need to pick and chose what you take to Him. There is no issue too big or too small.
One of the best parts of going to God for me is how He is always available. I can remember times when I was going through certain things and it seemed like I couldn’t reach anyone by phone, text or email. It was at those times, that I began to depend on God for the guidance I needed. And in time, I didn’t go to Him as the last resort but instead He is the first place I turn. To the point now when crisis has come and gone and people find out about it – I often hear, “I had no idea that was going on” or “You should have called me.”
We have to learn to look up, when things look down …you can NOT go wrong when you receive your guidance from the Lord.
Scripture Of The Day: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and he shall direct your paths.” - Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)
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 http://www.armedanddangerous.biz or http://www.themasterplan.biz
Saturday, June 5, 2010
I Am The Good Shepherd
I Am The Good Shepherd
By Bishop Keith Butler
This week's topic: God's Guidance
The day is coming when you're going to either follow the Shepherd or go your own way. But I'm here to tell you, your way will lead you to trouble. As sheep, our goal should be to follow the shepherd.
There is only one Shepherd, and his name is Jesus. The Bible says He is the good Shepherd. The word 'good' is a descriptive word. That tells us then that there can be bad shepherds, right? Well the good Shepherd has certain attributes: He gives His life for the sheep, He knows His sheep, and His sheep know Him.
The word 'shepherd' means one who tends to or one who looks after. Now the word 'pastor' is translated the same word 'shepherd' throughout the Scripture; however, Jesus is the Chief Pastor.
In Jeremiah 3:15, God said, "And I will give you pas tors according to my heart which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding and it shall come to pass when you be multiplied and increased in the land..." In other words, you will multiply and increased because of knowledge and understanding coming from your Chief Shepherd/Pastor.
A good Shepherd also provides knowledge and understanding. He provides the sheep with information. That is what's available to us when we spend time with Him.
Now, in order for the sheep to have the protection and receive the knowledge and understanding of a Shepherd, he must follow the Shepherd---that is the key ingredient.
Jesus is the door of the sheep; the sheepfold is the population of the earth. Well, He breaks down the sheepfold into those who follow him. The Shepherd is coming back to take over all things and to set up His kingdom. There is only going to be one sheepfold and one Shepherd.
And I'm telling you today that there is only one Shepherd who is comi ng back for His sheepfold; it's not going to be Buddha, Rev. Sun Young Moon, Hare Hare Krishna or anyone else. It is going to be Jesus. So make a choice to follow Him.
For He is the Shepherd of your soul (mind, will, and emotions). He does the rewarding, and He will lead and guide you to still waters and green pastures. For he declares of Himself, " I am the good Shepherd."
Scripture Of The Day: "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep." - John 10:11 (NKJV)
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. For more information about Bishop Butler, visit http://www.woficc.com.
By Bishop Keith Butler
This week's topic: God's Guidance
The day is coming when you're going to either follow the Shepherd or go your own way. But I'm here to tell you, your way will lead you to trouble. As sheep, our goal should be to follow the shepherd.
There is only one Shepherd, and his name is Jesus. The Bible says He is the good Shepherd. The word 'good' is a descriptive word. That tells us then that there can be bad shepherds, right? Well the good Shepherd has certain attributes: He gives His life for the sheep, He knows His sheep, and His sheep know Him.
The word 'shepherd' means one who tends to or one who looks after. Now the word 'pastor' is translated the same word 'shepherd' throughout the Scripture; however, Jesus is the Chief Pastor.
In Jeremiah 3:15, God said, "And I will give you pas tors according to my heart which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding and it shall come to pass when you be multiplied and increased in the land..." In other words, you will multiply and increased because of knowledge and understanding coming from your Chief Shepherd/Pastor.
A good Shepherd also provides knowledge and understanding. He provides the sheep with information. That is what's available to us when we spend time with Him.
Now, in order for the sheep to have the protection and receive the knowledge and understanding of a Shepherd, he must follow the Shepherd---that is the key ingredient.
Jesus is the door of the sheep; the sheepfold is the population of the earth. Well, He breaks down the sheepfold into those who follow him. The Shepherd is coming back to take over all things and to set up His kingdom. There is only going to be one sheepfold and one Shepherd.
And I'm telling you today that there is only one Shepherd who is comi ng back for His sheepfold; it's not going to be Buddha, Rev. Sun Young Moon, Hare Hare Krishna or anyone else. It is going to be Jesus. So make a choice to follow Him.
For He is the Shepherd of your soul (mind, will, and emotions). He does the rewarding, and He will lead and guide you to still waters and green pastures. For he declares of Himself, " I am the good Shepherd."
Scripture Of The Day: "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep." - John 10:11 (NKJV)
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. For more information about Bishop Butler, visit http://www.woficc.com.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
A Lesson From Judas
A Lesson From Judas
By Cindy Beall
This week's topic: God's Guidance
In Acts 1:18, we discovered what happened to the wicked ex-disciple who bought a field with the money he made from handing over the son of God. Although an incredible story, that's really not what I want to talk about today. Scoot on down with me to the end of the chapter to verse 23.
More from:
Cindy Beall
Follow and Trust Your Heart?
God. Is. Good.
I Have A File
Jesus has ascended to the Father and the disciples are meeting in Jerusalem. All eleven of them were "joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary, the mother of Jesus and with his brothers." (v. 14) Peter begins addressing the other ten disciples about the replacement they needed to choose in order to fulfill the Psalms that said the "betrayer would be replaced." And apparently, they've chosen two men: Joseph (called Barsabbas) and Matthias.
"Then they prayed, 'Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.' Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles." (Acts 1:24-26)
Seems simple enough, right?
The eleven disciples made their decision and they chose Matthias. Joseph did not get chosen. He was left out. Put out to pasture, if you will. I can only assume this because the next chapter goes on to talk about Pentecost. There is no "and the disciples comforted and encouraged Joseph to continue to pursue the things of Christ" speech, which probably would have been nice, right?
Now, remember, I am no Biblical scholar, but as I read that passage, I couldn't help but identify with Joseph. How he must have felt. While I'm pleased that God showed them that Matthias was their man, what did He show them about Joseph? Suppose I'll save this question for Heaven.
Rejection isn't fun. It doesn't matter if you know to the very core of your being that what you were rejected for isn't God's best for you. It still hurts. It causes you to doubt who you are, what you're doing and even at times, how you look to others.
I have so been there. SO been there. At the place where you truly believe God is leading you and guiding you and prompting you to say this or that or move in this direction and then BAM! The wall comes up and you are standing dizzy from the proverbial slam against something you didn't see coming. Oh the pain.
Then I get a gentle nudge from the Holy Spirit reminding me of this: "I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for." (Jeremiah 29:11, MSG)
So I take a deep breath.
Calm down.
Say a prayer of surrender again.
And then, I try to remember that I don't want to be on someone else's path regardless of how alluring or attractive it may appear.
The Creator of the universe has plans for me. And I don't want to miss it.
Scripture Of The Day: "I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for." - Jeremiah 29:11 (MSG)
Cindy Beall is a Christ follower who uses her gift of exhortation by writing and mentoring women. She uses her past experiences, including the near death of her marriage, to encourage people that God truly does redeem. For more information about Cindy, log onto http://www.cindybeall.com
By Cindy Beall
This week's topic: God's Guidance
In Acts 1:18, we discovered what happened to the wicked ex-disciple who bought a field with the money he made from handing over the son of God. Although an incredible story, that's really not what I want to talk about today. Scoot on down with me to the end of the chapter to verse 23.
More from:
Cindy Beall
Follow and Trust Your Heart?
God. Is. Good.
I Have A File
Jesus has ascended to the Father and the disciples are meeting in Jerusalem. All eleven of them were "joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary, the mother of Jesus and with his brothers." (v. 14) Peter begins addressing the other ten disciples about the replacement they needed to choose in order to fulfill the Psalms that said the "betrayer would be replaced." And apparently, they've chosen two men: Joseph (called Barsabbas) and Matthias.
"Then they prayed, 'Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.' Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles." (Acts 1:24-26)
Seems simple enough, right?
The eleven disciples made their decision and they chose Matthias. Joseph did not get chosen. He was left out. Put out to pasture, if you will. I can only assume this because the next chapter goes on to talk about Pentecost. There is no "and the disciples comforted and encouraged Joseph to continue to pursue the things of Christ" speech, which probably would have been nice, right?
Now, remember, I am no Biblical scholar, but as I read that passage, I couldn't help but identify with Joseph. How he must have felt. While I'm pleased that God showed them that Matthias was their man, what did He show them about Joseph? Suppose I'll save this question for Heaven.
Rejection isn't fun. It doesn't matter if you know to the very core of your being that what you were rejected for isn't God's best for you. It still hurts. It causes you to doubt who you are, what you're doing and even at times, how you look to others.
I have so been there. SO been there. At the place where you truly believe God is leading you and guiding you and prompting you to say this or that or move in this direction and then BAM! The wall comes up and you are standing dizzy from the proverbial slam against something you didn't see coming. Oh the pain.
Then I get a gentle nudge from the Holy Spirit reminding me of this: "I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for." (Jeremiah 29:11, MSG)
So I take a deep breath.
Calm down.
Say a prayer of surrender again.
And then, I try to remember that I don't want to be on someone else's path regardless of how alluring or attractive it may appear.
The Creator of the universe has plans for me. And I don't want to miss it.
Scripture Of The Day: "I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for." - Jeremiah 29:11 (MSG)
Cindy Beall is a Christ follower who uses her gift of exhortation by writing and mentoring women. She uses her past experiences, including the near death of her marriage, to encourage people that God truly does redeem. For more information about Cindy, log onto http://www.cindybeall.com
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Direction, Not Intention
Direction, Not Intention
By Milan Ford
This week's topic: God's Guidance
I'll never forget a trip my family and I took to Washington D.C. to attend the high school graduation of my wife's little brother. As the parents of two daughters (then ages 4 and 2), and a 6 month old baby boy, I'm sure you can imagine just how difficult that road trip was for us.
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Embracing Fear
If it wasn't for our children's godmother (who came along with us), we would have certainly had to check into a psychiatric ward once we got back.
During this trip, I learned a few things about myself that I hope (after reading this) will help radically reshape the way you and I have long perceived the direction and path God may be leading us to follow.
My wife and I go absolutely nowhere without our GPS system. From locating the nearest restaurants and gas stations, to discovering what roads and highways serve as the best shortcuts, our GPS has been like a distant cousin to us both. So much so we gave it a name: Anne.
Although we had been to D.C. a few times before, navigating in and around the city has always been a daunting task. Not only are the multiple Beltway interstates (I-95, I-295, I-395 & I-66) a never ending maze, the number of two-way streets that turn into one-way roads will make your head spin. So needless to say, having Anne around with us on this trip was extremely vital.
On the morning we were set to return, I had the bright idea of stopping through downtown to take some pics of the family in front of a few monuments; been a big fan of them ever since I was a kid.
We packed up the car, fastened all the kids in their seats, and then took our favorite person in the whole wide world (Anne) out of the glove compartment. I turned her on, overwhelmed with joy to begin entering in the addresses for the monuments we wanted to visit before leaving town. But suddenly, my joy quickly turned into shock as Anne uttered these four very frightening words:
Unable To Locate Satellite.
This message from Anne was something (I'll admit) I had seen once or twice before. It happens every time I would forget to charge her up over night. Without a full battery, Anne became useless. So being the revolutionary man that I am, I decided to take matters in my own hands, and tried to drive downtown without Anne's assistance. (In my mind) I didn't have the time to wait on Anne to charge back up; I wanted to get there by myself.
I'm sure you can just imagine where this story is heading now, right?
It never ceases to amaze me how we as believers find it difficult to wait on the guidance and direction of God concerning our lives. Despite the fact that He has proven time after time that He will never lead us astray, many of us still seek to take the wheel of our lives in our own hands and navigate along certain paths that He may (in many circumstances) never intended for us to take.
I learned a very valuable lesson nearly two years ago from a message by Pastor Andy Stanley. It serves as the underlining message of his brand new book, The Principle of The Path.
Here it is: Direction, Not Intention, Determines Destination.
No matter how much you and I intend on doing the right things in life, we need to assure that it is God who is directing and guiding our decisions, and not our individual pursuits and desires. More often than not, the paths many of us find ourselves on are driven by how we feel, and what we see, rather than the paths God may have for us, which are never bound or dependent on our senses.
Is there anything wrong with wanting a better job? Absolutely not. Is there anything wrong with wanting a bigger home, or nicer car? Again, not at all. And yes, I realize the timetable you set for getting married has come and passed, but before you try to grab the wheel and make something happen, allow these words to redirect you as they did for me this weekend:
Direction, Not Intention, Determines Destination.
If you're heading down the wrong direction, it doesn't matter what destination you intend on reaching, you will never get there (no matter how hard you try or how hard you pray). God's laws of guidance do not bend towards us. We bend towards them.
Funny thing happened once we finally got downtown to visit one of the monuments (a 45 minute trip that on any other day would have taken less than 10). As soon as I parked the car, Anne (our GPS device) found the satellite and prompted us to enter in our directions.
God is quite the comedian, isn't He? Gotta love Him.
Scripture Of The Day: "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;I will guide you with My eye." - Psalms 32:8
Milan Ford has been a leader (and survivor) of ministry within the local church for most of his life. The author of the brand new book, 83 Things I Wish The Black Church Would Stop Doing, you can find Milan rambling and writing at http://www.thepewview.com.…
By Milan Ford
This week's topic: God's Guidance
I'll never forget a trip my family and I took to Washington D.C. to attend the high school graduation of my wife's little brother. As the parents of two daughters (then ages 4 and 2), and a 6 month old baby boy, I'm sure you can imagine just how difficult that road trip was for us.
More from:
Milan Ford
Classic Conditioning
Embracing Fear
If it wasn't for our children's godmother (who came along with us), we would have certainly had to check into a psychiatric ward once we got back.
During this trip, I learned a few things about myself that I hope (after reading this) will help radically reshape the way you and I have long perceived the direction and path God may be leading us to follow.
My wife and I go absolutely nowhere without our GPS system. From locating the nearest restaurants and gas stations, to discovering what roads and highways serve as the best shortcuts, our GPS has been like a distant cousin to us both. So much so we gave it a name: Anne.
Although we had been to D.C. a few times before, navigating in and around the city has always been a daunting task. Not only are the multiple Beltway interstates (I-95, I-295, I-395 & I-66) a never ending maze, the number of two-way streets that turn into one-way roads will make your head spin. So needless to say, having Anne around with us on this trip was extremely vital.
On the morning we were set to return, I had the bright idea of stopping through downtown to take some pics of the family in front of a few monuments; been a big fan of them ever since I was a kid.
We packed up the car, fastened all the kids in their seats, and then took our favorite person in the whole wide world (Anne) out of the glove compartment. I turned her on, overwhelmed with joy to begin entering in the addresses for the monuments we wanted to visit before leaving town. But suddenly, my joy quickly turned into shock as Anne uttered these four very frightening words:
Unable To Locate Satellite.
This message from Anne was something (I'll admit) I had seen once or twice before. It happens every time I would forget to charge her up over night. Without a full battery, Anne became useless. So being the revolutionary man that I am, I decided to take matters in my own hands, and tried to drive downtown without Anne's assistance. (In my mind) I didn't have the time to wait on Anne to charge back up; I wanted to get there by myself.
I'm sure you can just imagine where this story is heading now, right?
It never ceases to amaze me how we as believers find it difficult to wait on the guidance and direction of God concerning our lives. Despite the fact that He has proven time after time that He will never lead us astray, many of us still seek to take the wheel of our lives in our own hands and navigate along certain paths that He may (in many circumstances) never intended for us to take.
I learned a very valuable lesson nearly two years ago from a message by Pastor Andy Stanley. It serves as the underlining message of his brand new book, The Principle of The Path.
Here it is: Direction, Not Intention, Determines Destination.
No matter how much you and I intend on doing the right things in life, we need to assure that it is God who is directing and guiding our decisions, and not our individual pursuits and desires. More often than not, the paths many of us find ourselves on are driven by how we feel, and what we see, rather than the paths God may have for us, which are never bound or dependent on our senses.
Is there anything wrong with wanting a better job? Absolutely not. Is there anything wrong with wanting a bigger home, or nicer car? Again, not at all. And yes, I realize the timetable you set for getting married has come and passed, but before you try to grab the wheel and make something happen, allow these words to redirect you as they did for me this weekend:
Direction, Not Intention, Determines Destination.
If you're heading down the wrong direction, it doesn't matter what destination you intend on reaching, you will never get there (no matter how hard you try or how hard you pray). God's laws of guidance do not bend towards us. We bend towards them.
Funny thing happened once we finally got downtown to visit one of the monuments (a 45 minute trip that on any other day would have taken less than 10). As soon as I parked the car, Anne (our GPS device) found the satellite and prompted us to enter in our directions.
God is quite the comedian, isn't He? Gotta love Him.
Scripture Of The Day: "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;I will guide you with My eye." - Psalms 32:8
Milan Ford has been a leader (and survivor) of ministry within the local church for most of his life. The author of the brand new book, 83 Things I Wish The Black Church Would Stop Doing, you can find Milan rambling and writing at http://www.thepewview.com.…
Monday, May 31, 2010
Letting God Guide
Letting God Guide
By Pastor Marvin Moss
This week's topic: God's Guidance
I’ve preached a series of sermons recently about God’s grace for leading us through the storms in our lives.. about stepping out on faith and living through the Not Yet. The comments and feedback confirm that many of us are in a time of transition. The economic recession has led to a depression, and we struggle not just with the big tasks like keeping our mortgages, cars and careers, but keeping a smile on our faces when it seems as though all Hell is erupting around us. As we enter in a new season, let this be a new a new opportunity to let our faith spring forth by really allowing God to guide our footsteps.
Do you remember your best friend? Many of us have had friends since childhood. There’s nothing like having someone you can talk to about anything without regard to being judged or misunderstood. We find ourselves seeking advice from friends on issues involving our personal finances to family matters. There have been famous songs and favorite films about friendships and they are valuable. But as Christians we must remember to lean on the Friend who is like no other:
"But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus." - Galatians 1:15-17
In the text Paul did not seek the counsel of other Christians. No, he put his trust entirely in the Lord. As we face the tough decisions in our lives, we must have the same faith as Paul and trust God to Guide our footsteps. Friends may give good advice, but the words of God are pure and His promises are true.
So what happens when we put our trust in God and not man? What happens when we let God guide our thoughts and our actions? God begins to open doors that may have been dead bolted. He shows us His divine power by giving us peace through whatever challenge we are facing. He shows us He is the best and only true friend we will ever need. How many times have you reached to pick up the phone to call your friend when you’re worried about the follow-up visit to the doctor, or when you’re confused about the next step to take in your personal or professional walk?
Put down the phone and pick up the Word. Rest on the promises of God knowing He alone is the one friend in whom you need to depend.
Remember, We too have the gift of the Spirit and it’s in these difficult economic, personal, political and spiritual times that we must trust in God alone to guide us, and then walk in that faith. The promises of man will not do. We must remember God’s promises are Yea and Amen!
Scripture Of The Day: "And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You." - Psalm 9:10
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. For more information about Pastor Moss, log onto http://www.cascadeumc.org.
By Pastor Marvin Moss
This week's topic: God's Guidance
I’ve preached a series of sermons recently about God’s grace for leading us through the storms in our lives.. about stepping out on faith and living through the Not Yet. The comments and feedback confirm that many of us are in a time of transition. The economic recession has led to a depression, and we struggle not just with the big tasks like keeping our mortgages, cars and careers, but keeping a smile on our faces when it seems as though all Hell is erupting around us. As we enter in a new season, let this be a new a new opportunity to let our faith spring forth by really allowing God to guide our footsteps.
Do you remember your best friend? Many of us have had friends since childhood. There’s nothing like having someone you can talk to about anything without regard to being judged or misunderstood. We find ourselves seeking advice from friends on issues involving our personal finances to family matters. There have been famous songs and favorite films about friendships and they are valuable. But as Christians we must remember to lean on the Friend who is like no other:
"But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus." - Galatians 1:15-17
In the text Paul did not seek the counsel of other Christians. No, he put his trust entirely in the Lord. As we face the tough decisions in our lives, we must have the same faith as Paul and trust God to Guide our footsteps. Friends may give good advice, but the words of God are pure and His promises are true.
So what happens when we put our trust in God and not man? What happens when we let God guide our thoughts and our actions? God begins to open doors that may have been dead bolted. He shows us His divine power by giving us peace through whatever challenge we are facing. He shows us He is the best and only true friend we will ever need. How many times have you reached to pick up the phone to call your friend when you’re worried about the follow-up visit to the doctor, or when you’re confused about the next step to take in your personal or professional walk?
Put down the phone and pick up the Word. Rest on the promises of God knowing He alone is the one friend in whom you need to depend.
Remember, We too have the gift of the Spirit and it’s in these difficult economic, personal, political and spiritual times that we must trust in God alone to guide us, and then walk in that faith. The promises of man will not do. We must remember God’s promises are Yea and Amen!
Scripture Of The Day: "And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You." - Psalm 9:10
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. For more information about Pastor Moss, log onto http://www.cascadeumc.org.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Whats Your Source Of Guidance?
What’s Your Source of Guidance?
By Ben Komanapalli, Jr.
This week's topic: God's Guidance
As human beings we all want answers. We want to know what is ahead. We want to know how things are going to turn out and would really like to know if we are making the right decisions. Having a desire to know has never been and will never be wrong.
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When it comes to living our lives with God's purpose in mind, we cannot do it without the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Unfortunately, it looks like there are far too many Christians who depend on and look toward the wrong sources when it comes to being guided. With the increase of "New-age" thinking in the western world, more people are depending on the wrong things for guidance. Some people do it out of ignorance, but the fact remains that they are still getting involved in things that God is absolutely against.
Astrology, necromancy and fortune telling are just a few examples of the wrong sources that people are getting involved in. There are Fortune 500 companies in America that are hiring Hindu fortune tellers from India hoping they will predict the future for the companies and help them make the right decisions in a volatile market.
For the Christian, the Bible makes it very clear that the God we serve is a very jealous God. He does not like sharing His glory with anyone or any thing!
Isaiah 42:8 (NIV) says "I am the LORD; that is my name! I will not give my glory to another or my praise to idols."
We see God's attitude towards depending on other things for guidance in the life of King Saul. 1 Chronicles 10:13-14 (NIV) says, "Saul died because he was unfaithful to the LORD; he did not keep the word of the LORD and even consulted a medium for guidance, and did not inquire of the LORD. So the LORD put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse."
King David on the other hand was someone who always "inquired of the Lord".
1 Chronicles 14:10-17, 1 Samuel 30:1-9, 1 Samuel 23:1-13 are a few examples where David inquired or sought guidance from God before he did anything. Even when people around him wanted to respond emotionally during certain situations, David made sure He was guided by God before he took the next step.
We need to realize that as Christians we are children of the most high God! He is our Father who loves us and wants to guide us. If we do our part by seeking Him, He is more than faithful with guiding us in our lives.
Psalm 32:8 (NKJV) says "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye."
He longs to communicate with us. So why not make a decision today? Make a decision today that you will no longer look to God as just another source for direction and guidance in your life but The Source for direction and guidance in your life. So the next time you are not sure about something in your life and need more clarity or guidance, make sure you run to God before you do anything else.
Scripture Of The Day: "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye." - Psalm 32:8 (NKJV)
Ben Komanapalli Jr. was born and raised in Hyderabad, India where he worked in ministry most of his life. Residing in the United States since 2002, Ben is currently serving as Director of High School Ministry at Calvary Revival Church in Norfolk, VA, where Bishop B. Courtney McBath is Senior Pastor. You can find Ben blogging at http://benkomanapalli.blogspot.com.…
By Ben Komanapalli, Jr.
This week's topic: God's Guidance
As human beings we all want answers. We want to know what is ahead. We want to know how things are going to turn out and would really like to know if we are making the right decisions. Having a desire to know has never been and will never be wrong.
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When it comes to living our lives with God's purpose in mind, we cannot do it without the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Unfortunately, it looks like there are far too many Christians who depend on and look toward the wrong sources when it comes to being guided. With the increase of "New-age" thinking in the western world, more people are depending on the wrong things for guidance. Some people do it out of ignorance, but the fact remains that they are still getting involved in things that God is absolutely against.
Astrology, necromancy and fortune telling are just a few examples of the wrong sources that people are getting involved in. There are Fortune 500 companies in America that are hiring Hindu fortune tellers from India hoping they will predict the future for the companies and help them make the right decisions in a volatile market.
For the Christian, the Bible makes it very clear that the God we serve is a very jealous God. He does not like sharing His glory with anyone or any thing!
Isaiah 42:8 (NIV) says "I am the LORD; that is my name! I will not give my glory to another or my praise to idols."
We see God's attitude towards depending on other things for guidance in the life of King Saul. 1 Chronicles 10:13-14 (NIV) says, "Saul died because he was unfaithful to the LORD; he did not keep the word of the LORD and even consulted a medium for guidance, and did not inquire of the LORD. So the LORD put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse."
King David on the other hand was someone who always "inquired of the Lord".
1 Chronicles 14:10-17, 1 Samuel 30:1-9, 1 Samuel 23:1-13 are a few examples where David inquired or sought guidance from God before he did anything. Even when people around him wanted to respond emotionally during certain situations, David made sure He was guided by God before he took the next step.
We need to realize that as Christians we are children of the most high God! He is our Father who loves us and wants to guide us. If we do our part by seeking Him, He is more than faithful with guiding us in our lives.
Psalm 32:8 (NKJV) says "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye."
He longs to communicate with us. So why not make a decision today? Make a decision today that you will no longer look to God as just another source for direction and guidance in your life but The Source for direction and guidance in your life. So the next time you are not sure about something in your life and need more clarity or guidance, make sure you run to God before you do anything else.
Scripture Of The Day: "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye." - Psalm 32:8 (NKJV)
Ben Komanapalli Jr. was born and raised in Hyderabad, India where he worked in ministry most of his life. Residing in the United States since 2002, Ben is currently serving as Director of High School Ministry at Calvary Revival Church in Norfolk, VA, where Bishop B. Courtney McBath is Senior Pastor. You can find Ben blogging at http://benkomanapalli.blogspot.com.…
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