Soul's Harbor Food for Thought

Candy Cane Tradition

2010-12-08T06:14:00.002-05:00

In the late 1800's a candy maker in Indiana wanted to express the meaning of Christmas through a symbol made of candy. He came up with the idea of bending one of his white candy sticks into the shape of a Candy Cane. He incorporated several symbols of Christ's love and sacrifice through the Candy Cane. First, he used a plain white peppermint stick. The color white symbolizes the purity and sinless nature of Jesus. Next, he added three small stripes to symbolize the pain inflicted upon Jesus before His death on the cross. There are three of them to represent the Holy Trinity. He added a bold stripe to represent the blood Jesus shed for mankind. When looked at with the crook on top, it looks like a shepherd's staff because Jesus is the shepherd of man. If you turn it upside down, it becomes the letter J symbolizing the first letter in Jesus' name. The candy maker made these candy canes for Christmas, so everyone would remember what Christmas is all about.

When giving candy canes to your children this Christmas, use the moment to explain to them what it represents. As they eat it, remind them of how much God loves them.

The use of Holly to Decorate for Christmas

2010-12-08T06:06:00.003-05:00

Holly had been an integral part of early English folklore. It easily made the transition with its sharply pointed leaves symbolizing the crown-of-thorns and the red berries symbolizing the drops of Christ's blood. The tradition of hanging a holly wreath on the door at Christmas began during the 17th Century and signified a home that celebrated the birth of Christ.

As you see holly this holiday see, please remember that it not only signifies Christmas and the joy of the birth of Christ, but also reminds us of the gift of the shedding of his blood. Every drop of his blood that was shed had purpose. Recognize its value and receive his precious gift available to you this Christmas.

Why Poinsettias at Christmas

2010-12-08T06:00:00.003-05:00

Poinsettias are native to Mexico. They were named after America's first ambassador to Mexico, Joel Poinsett. He brought the plants to America in 1828. The Mexicans in the eighteenth century thought the plants were symbolic of the Star of Bethlehem. Thus the Poinsettia became associated with the Christmas season. The actual flower of the poinsettia is small and yellow. But surrounding the flower are large, bright red leaves, often mistaken for petals.

As you see poinsettias decorating our homes and businesses this year, remember that they stand for the birth of Christ and the message of salvation. The most precious gift.

Origins -Christmas Traditions

2010-12-08T05:46:00.003-05:00

CHRISTMAS TREE TRADITION

The Christmas Tree originated in Germany in the 16th century. It was common for the Germanic people to decorate fir trees, both inside and out, with roses, apples were hung to represent the Tree of Life from the Garden of Eden. By the 17th Century Christmas markets were held to sell not only the trees but also decorations. Originally limited to either white or red decorations to symbolize Innocence and Knowledge. It is believed that Martin Luther, the Protestant reformer, was the first to light a Christmas tree with candles. While coming home one dark winter's night near Christmas, he was struck with the beauty of the starlight shining through the branches of a small fir tree outside his home. He duplicated the starlight by using candles attached to the branches of his indoor Christmas tree. The Christmas tree was not widely used in Britain until the 19th century. It was brought to America by the Pennsylvania Germans in the 1820's.

As we explore the origins of our Christmas traditions, let us remember that Christ is the center of all of them. The literal meaning of Christmas is to celebrate Christ. Let us remember to truly celebrate him, this holiday season.

Measuring Spiritual Growth

2010-06-08T07:24:00.007-04:00

The Lord challenged me recently to measure my spiritual growth. He asked me,"Do you trust me?". My answer was certainly Lord. He said "then why are you not at peace?." (Ouch!). Then he said, "Are you thankful?" I replied of course I am Lord, you have done so much for me. He answered, "Then why are you not filled with joy?" (Ouch, ouch!). Then he asked, "Do you love me?" I answered you know I love you Lord. He replied, "Are you obeying me in ALL things?" (Ouch again!).

It is a good thing to periodically take a spiritual inventory. You might be surprised at what you find. But don't stop there. When you recognize areas that you are struggling in, ask God to help you overcome. The best tool that you have to strengthen you during your struggles is the Word of God. With the help of the Holy Spirit, the Word will teach you, guide you, give you reassurance, remind you of things God has already done for you, and strengthen you to resist temptation.

Just a bit of Food For Thought

Waiting on God

2010-05-25T07:23:00.005-04:00

12 Steps to Waiting on God

Waiting on God is not a passive waste of time where you do nothing. As the farmer waits for his crop to mature, he still has a lot of work that he is doing in preparation for the coming harvest.

The same is true for those who successfully wait on God.

1. Seek God's Wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:18-25)

2. Spend time in the Word - This renews your strength (Isaiah 40:31)

3. Keep you Joy (Nehemiah 8:10) - make it a point to enjoy your life while you are waiting.

4. Stay expectant: Something Good is going to happen to me today! (John 10:10)

5. Believe- Do not doubt (James 1:6-8)

6. Use promises in the Word to keep your faith strong (2 Corinthians 1:18-22)

7. Do not give up - stay persistent (James 1:1-4)

8. Continue to dilgently seek God (Hebrews 11:6)

9. Look to grow (James 1:4 and Hebrews 6:1-3)

10. Stay focused on Jesus (Hebrews 2:2)

11. Give thanks - for what God has already done for you-- and give thanks in faith for what He is about to do. (Hebrews 12:28)

12. Be prepared and willing to get out of the boat (Matthew 14:22-33)

Just a bit of Food for Thought

Thankfulness

2010-05-20T15:24:00.003-04:00

Many of us are aware that we should be thankful for all God has done for us. But how many of us truly practice a thankful lifestyle or work to cultivate a thankful heart. Thankfulness does not come naturally. Our flesh is naturally self centered, selfish and concerned about what it does not have.

Take this test. Tonight, before going to sleep, review your day and write down every time that you complained, worried, or spoke negatively today. Each time you did this you were being ungrateful for what God has already done in your life. Think about it. Many of us have made a lifestyle of complaining, worrying and being negative. Make an effort to change this in your life starting today. Each time you realize you are complaining, worrying or saying something negative, search your mind for a positive thought instead.
Just a bit of Food for Thought

Logos & Rhema - Listing in John

2010-05-19T14:57:00.002-04:00

The following is a listing of the usage of the Greek words Logos and Rhema in the written text of the bible in the book of John.

LOGOS – LISTING

(3056 – Strong’s Concordance)

JOHN

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Logos

John 1:1 and the Logos was with God

John 1:1 and the Logos was God

John 1:14 the Logos was made flesh and dwelt among us

John 2:22 and the Logos which Jesus had said

John 4:41 believed because of his own Logos

John 4:50 man believed the Logos that Jesus had

John 5:24 He that heareth my Logos

John 5:38 ye have not his Logos ibiding in you

John 8:31 If ye continue in my Logos

John 8:37 my logos hath no place in you

John 8:43 because ye cannot hear my Logos

John 10:35 unto whom the Logos of God came

John 12:48 the Logos I have spoken the same

John 14:24 The Logos which ye hear is not mine

John 15:3 the Logos which I have spoken unto you

John 15:20 Remember the logos that I said

John 15:25 That the Logos might be fulfilled

John 17:6 Me and they have kept thy Logos

John 17:14 I give them thy Logos and

John 17:17 Through thy truth thy Logos is

John 17:20 Believe on me through their logos

Words (plural)

John 14:23 Man Love me, he will keep my Logos

RHEMA – LISTING

(4487 Strong’s Concordance)

Words (plural)

JOHN

John 3:34 Hath sent speaketh the Rhema of God

John 5:47 How shall ye believeth my Rhema

John 6:63 the rhema that I speak unto you

John 6:68 Go?, thou has the rhema of eternal life

John 7:9 he has said these rhema unto them

John 8:20 Rhema spake Jesus in the treasury

John 8:30 as he spake these Rhema, many believed

John 8:47 that is of God, heareth God’s rhema

John 9:22 these rhema spake his parents because

John 9:40 these were with him, heard these rhema

John 10:21 the Rhema of him that have a devil

John 12:47 And if any man hear my rhema and

John 12:48 And receiveth not my rhema hath

John 14:10 Rhema that I speak unto you, I speak

John 15:7 My rhema abide in you, ye shall ask

John 17:1 These rhema spake Jesus and lifted up

John 17:8 Them the rhema which gavest me

John 18:1 When Jesus had spoken these rhema, he

Just a bit of Food for Thought

Logos and Rhema Listing -Luke

2010-05-09T10:06:00.008-04:00

Continued listing: this is the book of Luke listing the uses of the Greek words Logos and Rhema.

LOGOS – LISTING
(3056 – Strong’s Concordance)

LUKE - Word
Lk 1:2 and ministers of the Logos
Lk 4:32 For his Logos was with power
Lk 4:36 saying what a Logos is this, for with
Lk 5:1 upon him to hear the Logos of God
Lk 7:7 but say in a Logos and my servant
Lk 8:11 is this: The seed is the Logos of God
Lk 8:12 away the Logos out of their hearts
Lk: 8:13 they hear, receive the Logos with joy
Lk 8:15 heart, having heard the Logos, keep it
Lk 8:21 these which hear the Logos of God
Lk 10:39 Sat at Jesus feet and heard his Logos
Lk 11:28 hear the Logos of God, and keep it
Lk 12:10 speak a Logos against the Son of Man
Lk 22:61 remember the Logos of the Lord
Lk 24:19 mighty in deed and Logos before God

LUKE- Words (Plural)
Lk 1:20 Because thou believest not my Logos
Lk 3:4 in the book of the Logos of Esaias
Lk 4:22 wondered at the gracious Logos which
Lk 9:26 be ashamed of me and my Logos
Lk 20:20 they might take hold of his Logos
Lk 21:33 but my Logos shall not pass away
Lk 23:9 questioned with him in many Logos
Lk 24:44 These are the Logos which I spake

RHEMA – LISTING
(4487 Strong’s Concordance)

LUKE - Word
Lk 1:38 be it unto me according to thy Rhema
Lk 2:29 in peace according to thy Rhema
Lk 3:2 the Rhema of God came unto John
Lk 4:4 alone, but by every Rhema of God
Lk 5:5 at thy Rhema, I will let down the net

LUKE- Words (plural)
Lk 20:26 they could not take hold of his Rhema
Lk 24: 8 And they remembered his Rhema
Lk 24:11 their Rhema seemed to them as idle

Just a bit of Food for Thought

Logos and Rhema List in Mark

2010-05-09T09:59:00.003-04:00

Both Greek words Logos and Rhema are translated in English as "word or words". Actual definitions differ slightly.

Definitions:Logos- usually described as the “written” word of God. Is actually defined in Greek as “the expression of thought, word, account communication or doctrine. It is also the title of the Son of God, a personal manifestation of the deity of Christ.

Rhema is defined in Greek as – “that which is spoken, what is uttered in speech, writing or saying. Rhema specifically refers to a revelation or insight from God, received through the Holy Spirit. Also referred to as the Living Message – alive by the Spirit of God.

LOGOS – LISTING
(3056 – Strong’s Concordance)

MARK

Mark 2:2 He preaches the Logos unto them
Mark 4:14 The sower soweth the Logos
Mark 4:15 way side, where the Logos is sown
Mark 4:15 take away the Logos that was sown
Mark 4:16 When they have heard the Logos
Mark 4:18 Thorns: such as hear the Logos
Mark 4:19 Choke the Logos, and it becometh
Mark 4:20 such as here the Logos, and receive it
Mark 4:33 Parables spake he the Logos unto them
Mark 5:36 Jesus heard the Logos that was spoken
Mark 7:13 Making the Logos of of God none
Mark 16:20 And confirming the Logos with signs

( Words)
Mark 10:24 disciples were astonished at his Logos
Mark 12:13 Herodians, to catch him in his Logos
Mark 13:31 but my Logos shall not pass away
Mark 14:39 prayed and spoke the same Logo

RHEMA – LISTING
(4487 Strong’s Concordance)

Mark 14:72 The Rhema that Jesus said unto him.

Just a bit of Food for Thought

God Is Speaking - Are You Listening?

2010-04-27T08:09:00.006-04:00

GOD GAVE US TWO EARS AND ONLY ONE MOUTH.

LEARN TO LISTEN TWICE AS MUCH AS YOU SPEAK.

God is speaking all the time. The question is have you learned to listen. Many of us only try to hear from God when we are in a desperate situation. God however, wants to speak to you daily. There are many ways that he accomplishes this goal. The problem is, that we do not expect to hear from him throughout our normal daily activities of life. Some people think that God doesn't speak to anyone anymore, that this was only for bible times. Others think that God would not speak to them personally and that only very spiritual people hear from God, not the everyday person. Still many others have become so religious that even though they believe God can speak to them, they think he can only do so in church, or while they are reading the bible or doing something very spiritual.

Well I have a news flash, God wants to speak to you personally, if you are a born again Christian, you are his child. The bible says, "My sheep hear my voice"(John 10:27). God is speaking to you today. I have found the best way to listen for God is to spend a few minutes in quiet praise to him. This often open's the flood gates of dialogue to begin. However, keeping my mind just focused on him throughout the day, by meditating on scripture or thinking a praise song as I work, allows for him to interrupt my day whenever he pleases. It is exciting when God interrupts a song you are listening to so that he can say something. Or speaks to your heart while your typing at your computer. I have had him speak to me while washing dishes or even while scrubbing a floor. The thing that you have to do is believe that he is speaking to you throughout your day and learn to open your ears to listen for him.

Just a bit of Food For Thought

LOGOS & RHEMA

2010-04-26T07:27:00.002-04:00

We have been doing a series of studies on Hearing from God. We are seeking deeper understanding of God's Word and how he speaks to us. In this weeks teaching we have been discussing the use of the Greek words Logos and Rhema. These two words are both translated in English as "word" or "words". However, they have a slightly different meaning.

Logos- usually described as the “written” word of God. Is actually defined in Greek as “the expression of thought, word, account communication or doctrine. It is also the title of the Son of God, a personal manifestation of the deity of Christ.

Rhema is defined in Greek as – “that which is spoken, what is uttered in speech, writing or saying. Rhema specifically refers to a revelation or insight from God, received through the Holy Spirit. Also referred to as the Living Message – alive by the Spirit of God.

I will be posting scripture lists each week for our congregation, differentiating the actual Greek reference using Logos and Rhema. For more information on this topic, please visit our website at www.soulsharborministries.com and go to Sermons - Hearing from God.

LOGOS – LISTING
(3056 – Strong’s Concordance)

(word)
Matthew 8:8 But speaketh the Logos only, and my
Matthew 8:16 He cast out the spirits with his Logos
Matthew 12:32 Speaketh a Logos against the son
Matthew 13:19 One heareth the Logos of the Kingdom
Matthew 13:20 The same is he that hereth the Logos
Matthew 13:21 Ariseth because of the Logos
Matthew 13:22 Choke the Logos, and he becometh
Matthew 13:23 Ground is he that heareth the Logos
Matthew 15:23 But he answered her not a Logos
Matthew 22:46 Was able to answer him a Logos

Words (plural)
Matthew 10:14 Nor hear your Logos, when ye depart
Matthew 12:37 But by thy Logos thou shalt be justified
Matthew 12:37 thy Logos thou shalt be condemned
Matthew 24: 35 But my Logos shall not pass away
Matthew 26:44 third time, saying the same Logos

RHEMA – LISTING
(4487 Strong’s Concordance)

Word In Matthew

Matthew 4:4 By every Rhema that proceedeth out of
Matthew 12:36 Every idle Rhema that men shall speak
Matthew 18:16 Every Rhema may be established
Matthew 26:75 Remember the Rhema of JesusMatthew 27:14 He answered him to never
a Rhema

Just a bit of Food for Thought

Two Commandments

2010-04-23T15:17:00.003-04:00

Jesus gave us only two commandments:

1. Love God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind

2. Love your neighbor as yourself.

Have you done something today to make someone-else’s life better?
Is someone going to spend eternity in heaven because you took time to care?

Just a bit of Food for Thought

We Do Not Need Wishbone

2010-04-22T08:02:00.003-04:00

I wish I had more money.
I wish I had more faith.
I wish I could control my temper.

We don't need wishbone.
We need backbone.

Receiving the promises of God do not come by wishing. It takes effort on your part. Put some effort into seeking God and watch what God can do. So many people are wishing their circumstances in life were different, however, that is all they are doing is wishing. Many people are not taking the time to "diligently seek God". In Hebrews 11, we are told that God rewards those who diligently seek Him. Many of you will say, but I just don't have time. I would ask you. Do you have time to watch TV? Do you have time to pursue a hobby? Do you have time to follow sports or even the news, reading the newspaper, or chatting on the internet? If you answer yes to any of these, then you do have more time to spend with God, you just are not seeking it. I challenge you today to ask God to help you to order your priorities according to His will. I am not saying that any of the former things are bad. Or that we should walk around constantly reading and quoting our bibles. What I am saying, however, is, if you are not reading your bible and spending prayer time with God, you have your priorities mixed up and you need to re-evaluate things.

Some of you may say, that you are already seeking God, but circumstances still are not as you would like them to be. My answer to that is - seek God even more. Sometimes as we go through our spiritual walk, God is trying to move us into a higher plain of understanding and a point of higher revelation. This requires a higher commitment of our time. He will constantly be growing you to new levels.

Just a bit of Food for Thought

PROPERTY OF JESUS

2010-03-30T14:40:00.004-04:00

Satan cannot take my life. He cannot take my health. He cannot take anything from me because I am the Property Of Jesus. All that I am. All that I have. All that I do was bought by Jesus by the prices of His blood. God is all powerful and nothing can be taken from Him. In Romans 8:38-39 we see -- "For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Therefore rest assured. If you are saved and have given your life to Christ, then satan has no power in your life. Speak it and believe it.

Just a bit of Food for Thought

SAVING THE LOST

2010-03-29T16:19:00.002-04:00

We are God's Search and Rescue Team for those who are lost. Do not be afraid to share the good news of the gospel with those you come in contact with daily. Many people do not share the good news because they do not know how to adequately defend their faith. Questions commonly asked regarding salvation are answered in a bible study on our website under our discipleship program ministry page. Go to www.soulsharborministries.com, click on our ministries, discipleship ministry and samples. Lesson 1 is entitlted salvation. Some of the questions addressed, are "What does it mean to be saved?". "How can I be saved?". "I am a good person, isn't that enough". "Don't all religions lead to God?". This study was written to help you become more comfortable with answering some of these tough questions and therefore, help you to become more confident and effective in sharing your faith.

Just a bit of Food for Thought

Confess You are Blessed

2010-03-26T15:58:00.004-04:00

CONFESS THAT YOU ARE BLESSED
Deuteronomy 28:13 - I am the head and not the tail above and not beneath!
Deuteronomy 8:18 – God has given me the ability to produce wealth and to establish His covenant on the earth!
Deuteronomy 1:11 – I thank God for increasing me a thousand times and blessing me as He promised!
Psalm 5:12 – I have received the righteousness of Christ! The favor of God surrounds me like a shield!
Psalm 112:3 – Wealth and riches are in my house!
Matthew 6:33 – I seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all the things I need and desire shall be added unto me.
Phillipians 4:19 – God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Galatians 6:7 - I am not deceived because I know that God is not mocked – whatsoever a man sows, that will he also reap.
3 John 1:2 – I will prosper in all things and be in health, just as my soul – which is my mind, will, and emotions, - prospers.

Speaking the promises of God over your life in faith will bring forth manifestation of those promises in your life. Remember God created the world by speaking. He also created you as a believer to be a speaking spirit. You must however, believe what you are speaking.

Just a bit of Food for Thought

New In Christ

2010-03-25T08:30:00.004-04:00

2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV states:
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new

Your past does not need to dictate your future. Start new today. God will help you.

Just a bit of Food for Thought

Confess You Are Healed

2010-03-24T06:48:00.002-04:00

CONFESS THAT YOU ARE HEALED
Isaiah 53:5 – Jesus was wounded for my transgressions and bruised for my sin and by His stripes I am healed!
Jeremiah 30:17 – God restores health to my body and heals all my wounds.
Psalm 103:3 – God forgives all my iniquities and heals all my diseases.
Psalm 41:3 – The Lord strengthens me in times of illness – He sustains me when I am on my sickbed.
Proverbs 16:24 – I will speak pleasant words because they are like a honeycomb – sweetness to my soul and health to my bones!
Hebrews 13:8 – Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever – He heals today just as He healed in Bible times.

No matter what is wrong nothing is to big of a problem for God to heal. Speaking the Word of God out loud and personalizing it is very powerful. Try it and you will see, the Word is alive and has healing powers. Learn to use the Word of God over your life.

Just a bit of Food for Thought

Jesus gave two commandments

2010-03-23T07:32:00.006-04:00

Jesus gave us only two commandments.
1. Love God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.
2. Love your neighbor as yourself.

Have you done something today to make someone-else’s life better?

Is someone going to spend eternity in heaven because you took time to care?

Showing love to your neighbor means that you will have to take risks. You will have to risk rejection, ungratefullness, and even critism. But the feeling you get inside when you have been able to make someone's life better is fabulous. If you lead even one person to Christ, the reward is so great that it is worth all the other rejections you may have received.

Just a bit of Food for Thought

If you work the word, it works.

2010-03-21T14:00:00.003-04:00

If you work the Word ---- It works.

It is up to you to take the word of God and work it in your personal life. God has a part and you have a part. You cannot do God's part, and He will not do your part. He never meant for us to sit around waiting for blessings to fall on us. To work the Word, you need to first know the word, then you need to apply it in your every day life. If you follow His instructions, You will be blessed.

Just a bit of Food for Thought

86,400

2010-03-19T06:31:00.003-04:00

There are 86,400 seconds in each day --86,400 wonderful moments. That's a treasure! What shall we do with it? Spend the treasure wisely! Live each day like it will be your last and you will not have regrets. Fill your day full of joy. Fill it full of love. Fill it full of wonderful experiences.
Jesus came that we might have abundant life to the full until it overflows. He paid an enormous price that you might have this abundant life. Accept the gift and make the most of it. When it's gone, we'll never get it back - so lighten up! Enjoy life.

Just a bit of Food For Thought

Christian Essentials

2010-03-18T13:59:00.006-04:00

I recently read an article on the internet regarding a worldview survey that was conducted by "The Barna Group" that was listed on Christianpost.com - posted March 13, 2009. This survery addressed several astonishing answers from "born again Christians". Each of the questions surveyed were actually faith issues. I know that many are surprised to hear these numbers as I was, and I began asking God what can I do about it. I believe His answer was to point "born again Christians" back to the bible. Therefore this article is written to those of you who are "born again Christians" to try to clarify some of these issues for you.

The first question asked was "Does absolute moral truth exist"? Only 46 percent of born again Christian adults answered yes (according to the Barns survey). Additionally another study showed that in 1991 52% of born again church kids believed there was no absolute truth, in 1994 the average was 62%, in 1999 it was 78% and in 2002 it was 91%.

This is completely against the bible. For specific scripture reference please go to Psalm 119:142-144 and Psalm 119: 150-152 - here the psalmist referring to God states "your law is true, your statutes are forever right". Time does not change real truth. Moral truth is not a fad and should not be dictated by what "secular society" says is acceptible. Just because society believes something is ok, does not make it ok with God. The psalm goes on to say in vs 150-152 "God's commandments are true and are established forever. Wicked people are far from God's commandments, and go their own way" If you choose to disregard God's absolute truth you are considered wicked in the eyes of God. This should therefore not be acceptable to anyone who considers themselves a born again Christian.

Satan does not want you to believe there is absolute moral truth because he can then tell you all kinds of lies and you will accept them as true and he can therefore manipulate you and keep you from God's promises for you.

I have addressed this particular question in more detail with additional scriptures in a bible study workbook- entitled " I Found Jesus, Now What?" a discipleship program. For more information and details regarding this topic visit our website at www.soulsharborministries.com and go to the Ministry link, then look for discipleship ministry. There are additional studies available there to help you answer such questions.

Just a bit of Food for Thought

Love Walk

2010-03-09T06:43:00.006-05:00

Jesus gave us 2 new commandments. Love God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength. And the second love your neighbor as yourself. This sums up all the law. So if we break this down, our love walk consists basically of three things. First we need to love God completely. But do we? God's word says, "if you love me you will obey me". Statistics show that only 3 percent of those that attend Christian church regularly tithe. The bible clearly states that tithing not a suggestion. (Ouch). God also tells us to forgive those who have hurt us, but do we? (Ouch again). These are just a few examples of disobedience. The real problem is that most Christians have not yet learned how to truly trust God. Until we learn how to trust and obey God, we cannot move on to the next step of loving others as we love ourselves.

Next we are to love ourselves. Many people do not. How many of you, if asked publicly could confidently stand up and say, " I love myself". Many of us could not without feeling uncomfortable in some way. This is because we have not been taught how to love ourselves. We are not to be selfish, and although we may not like all of our own behavior, we are still supposed to love ourselves. Separating who you are from what you do, is a big challenge, but one that must be overcome. You cannot give away what you do not have. There is no way for you to successfully love others until you have first learned to love yourself. Remember, you are priceless to God. According to Him you are worth the sacrifice of His one and only son, Jesus.

Finally, the act of loving others is the third step. Learning to sacrifice for the good of other people, to do for others without any expectation of payback or reward, simply because we love God. Loving others is the hardest of the three and takes a lifetime to master. However, we will never be successful at loving others until we first learn to love God and then ourselves.

Just a bit of Food for Thought

God's Grace is New Every Day

2010-03-02T06:48:00.008-05:00

God's grace is new every day. It does not matter how bad yesterday was. It does not matter how many sins you committed in the past. God is faithful and just to forgive ALL of our sins. There is no limit to the number. And each day is a new day. We can come to God and ask for forgiveness and He completely forgives each and every sin and remembers them no more. The Word says He casts them as far as the east is from the west. So beloved, remember, God loves you. Confess your sins, turn from them and know, that you know, you are forgiven, and that there is no sin that is so great that it can keep you from being close to God. The Word also says, God makes all things work for good for those that love Him and are called according to His purpose. This includes our mistakes. He loves you so much, He will even turn your own mistakes around to work for good if you give it to Him and trust Him. Therefore beloved, instead of running from God when you sin, Run To Him. Confess your sins to God, ask for His help to turn from your sins and believe you are forgiven.

Just a bit of Food for Thought

Reading Puzzle

2010-02-26T06:25:00.003-05:00

See if you can read this.

fi yuo cna raed tihs, yuo hvae a sgtrane mnid, too! Cna yuo raed tihs? Olny 55 of 100 plepoe can. Inn mjch thh sjme wiy miny pesple reod thj bjble amd cin meke no srnse of it. It tkes thi pewer of thj Holy Spirit liviing insde of yeu to meke thj bible mke sjnse to yuu. If yuu heve nht alreedy dtne so, ask hjm to cuome and liive insjde of yuu tiday. Witth Jesus as yuur savior, thh Holy Spirit wlll thn becme yuur taacher, and yuu cen expect revilation knjwlidge frm God as yuu reed yuur bible.

Just a bit of Food for Thought

40 Years or 11 days- You choose

2010-02-25T14:38:00.003-05:00

It took Israel 40 years in the wilderness to take an 11-day journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. The reason for this was their disobedience and disbelief.

Are you wondering in the wilderness?

Start listening to God today and move into the Promised Land that God has waiting for you.

Just a bit of Food for Thought.

Pitiful or Powerful

2010-02-25T14:18:00.003-05:00

YOU CAN BE PITIFUL
OR
YOU CAN BE POWERFUL
BUT YOU CANNOT BE BOTH

God will give you beauty for ashes
But you have to give up the ashes to receive the beauty.

Just a bit of Food for Thought.

Measuring Spiritual Growth

2010-02-25T09:17:00.004-05:00

SPIRITUAL INFANCY = Being Fed

SPIRITUAL ADOLESCENCE = Feeding Yourself

SPIRITUAL ADULTHOOD = Feeding Others

Where are you in your walk? If you have been a christian for some time, and are still only being fed by others, it is time to take action and look for tools to help you to grow. Look for help in learning to read and discern the bible for yourself. For assistance view our website for a free discipleship program that you can use to help yourself or to start a small group and begin helping others in your community.

Just a bit of Food for Thought.

2010-02-24T16:10:00.006-05:00

Seed time and Harvest time.

Your current situation in life is your harvest. If you don’t like your harvest change your seed. A farmer does not plant grass and expect corn to grow. If he wants to receive a harvest of corn, he has to put corn seed in the ground. Why are you expecting blessing when you have not planted any? What do you need? Do you need healing? Pray for someone else to be healed. Do you need financial help? Help someone else financially. Do you need encouragement? Find someone to encourage today. Are you sad? Purposely do something to bring joy into someone else's life.

What seeds are you sowing?

Just a bit of Food for Thought.