James 1:5-6 “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts, is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.”
So many questions arise in times of trials and difficulties. We need to continually seek for God’s wisdom because he will give answers to each of the question that we ask Him, but we have to ask in faith and be ready to accept what He has in store for us without any suspicion for he who doubts is a double minded person who is unstable in his faith. Remember, God only wants what is best for us. Sometimes the answers are there laid right in front of our eyes but human as we are we tend to doubt and be tossed by the wind…to a point when we no longer clearly understand what God was trying to say.
God gave us the bible where His answers to our questions are written. The bible is the best guide to our daily living. We are encouraged to read the bible with delight day and night and to meditate on it so that we may be like a tree planted by the streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither (Psalm 1:2 – 3). A man whose delight is in the word of God and does the will of the Maker, prosper in everything he does (Psalm 1:3c).
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding (Proverbs 9:10)
Monday, January 31, 2011
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Walking through the Dark Valley
Psalm 23:4 “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for you are with me, your rod and your staff they comfort me.”
In order for us to reach the place where God is leading, we must go through trials or circumstances that may be likened to a valley of the shadow of death as David describes in Psalms.
If we think about it, we see ourselves traversing through the middle of two mountains on a dark, eerie night, not knowing what lies ahead. We might even stumble upon some rocks or holes or even bump into some bush. Hoping and praying for a way out yet having no idea when. We can either stop or continue walking until we get to see what is in store for us.
But do we really need to go through it?
Dr. Charles Stanley, In touch Devotionals, says that “it is in the valley where we discover God’s character, the truth of his promises and our own weaknesses. There are aspects of the Lord that we see only as we journey through the shadow of death.”
The verse for the day encourages us to continue walking and to be confident in God because His rod and His staff comfort us in times of sorrow and difficulties. You see, we are sheep following our Shepherd, Jesus Christ as he leads us along the way using His rod. He uses His staff to reach us when we have gone far away. He wants us to follow Him and to rely entirely upon Him.
The purpose of the valley of the shadow of death is to remove every selfish motive, worldly desire, erroneous habit, and greedy intentions so that we may learn how to fully trust in the Lord.
God promises security, healing, and safety even in the hardest circumstances that we face.
Continue trusting and waiting upon the Lord. Psalm 27:14 says “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord…”
In order for us to reach the place where God is leading, we must go through trials or circumstances that may be likened to a valley of the shadow of death as David describes in Psalms.
If we think about it, we see ourselves traversing through the middle of two mountains on a dark, eerie night, not knowing what lies ahead. We might even stumble upon some rocks or holes or even bump into some bush. Hoping and praying for a way out yet having no idea when. We can either stop or continue walking until we get to see what is in store for us.But do we really need to go through it?
Dr. Charles Stanley, In touch Devotionals, says that “it is in the valley where we discover God’s character, the truth of his promises and our own weaknesses. There are aspects of the Lord that we see only as we journey through the shadow of death.”
The verse for the day encourages us to continue walking and to be confident in God because His rod and His staff comfort us in times of sorrow and difficulties. You see, we are sheep following our Shepherd, Jesus Christ as he leads us along the way using His rod. He uses His staff to reach us when we have gone far away. He wants us to follow Him and to rely entirely upon Him.
The purpose of the valley of the shadow of death is to remove every selfish motive, worldly desire, erroneous habit, and greedy intentions so that we may learn how to fully trust in the Lord.
God promises security, healing, and safety even in the hardest circumstances that we face.
Continue trusting and waiting upon the Lord. Psalm 27:14 says “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord…”
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Dealing With Anxiety
1 Peter 5:7 ``Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.``(NIV)
Anxiety has become a major mental health problem and is reaching epidemic proportions worldwide. It is state of worry or apprehension that is considered to be a normal reaction to stress, but its intensity determines whether it is considered a normal or abnormal reaction. Excessive worrying may lead to anxiety disorder.
How do we deal with anxiety?
The Bible tells us in 1 Peter 5:7 to cast all our anxieties on God, because He cares for us. What are the things that we worry about? Personal cares such as clothing, physical appearance, family concerns, financial problems, cares from the past, and even concerns for the security of the future, maybe some causes of anxiety.
The apostle Peter saw these anxious cares as heavy burdens and gave an advice to cast all cares on God. These worries and anxieties are burdensome and often very sinful especially when they arise from unbelief and distrust. They torture and distract the mind and get you out of focus. They also hinder our delight in the service of God. Let us try to see what else the Bible say about worries:
Matthew 6:25 – Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?
Matthew 6:27 – Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
Matthew 6:34 – Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Sooner or later, maybe you haven’t tried it yet but there will come a time when you will be faced with circumstances in life that you may feel too heavy for you to carry. Always remember that we have a God and He is greater than anything else in the world. He created the heavens and the earth and we are just a speck compared with the whole universe, but God is interested to know our every concern. He wants us to cast them on Him.
God is greater than any problem we have and He already as a solution for everything. In 1 Peter 5:7, it says “He cares for you…” which means that God cares for you, for me, and for all humanity.
No matter what it is you are going through right now, God cares, and He is just waiting for you to call on Him. To cast everything to Him and to let Him do the work for you. Talk to God through Jesus Christ His only son and He will carry you through.
God bless!
Anxiety has become a major mental health problem and is reaching epidemic proportions worldwide. It is state of worry or apprehension that is considered to be a normal reaction to stress, but its intensity determines whether it is considered a normal or abnormal reaction. Excessive worrying may lead to anxiety disorder.
How do we deal with anxiety?
The Bible tells us in 1 Peter 5:7 to cast all our anxieties on God, because He cares for us. What are the things that we worry about? Personal cares such as clothing, physical appearance, family concerns, financial problems, cares from the past, and even concerns for the security of the future, maybe some causes of anxiety.
The apostle Peter saw these anxious cares as heavy burdens and gave an advice to cast all cares on God. These worries and anxieties are burdensome and often very sinful especially when they arise from unbelief and distrust. They torture and distract the mind and get you out of focus. They also hinder our delight in the service of God. Let us try to see what else the Bible say about worries:
Matthew 6:25 – Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?
Matthew 6:27 – Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
Matthew 6:34 – Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Sooner or later, maybe you haven’t tried it yet but there will come a time when you will be faced with circumstances in life that you may feel too heavy for you to carry. Always remember that we have a God and He is greater than anything else in the world. He created the heavens and the earth and we are just a speck compared with the whole universe, but God is interested to know our every concern. He wants us to cast them on Him.
God is greater than any problem we have and He already as a solution for everything. In 1 Peter 5:7, it says “He cares for you…” which means that God cares for you, for me, and for all humanity.
No matter what it is you are going through right now, God cares, and He is just waiting for you to call on Him. To cast everything to Him and to let Him do the work for you. Talk to God through Jesus Christ His only son and He will carry you through.
God bless!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Biblical Principles at Work
After years of being in the corporate world, I learned some principles that are helpful enough for a day's battle at work. Let me share them to you:
1. We are working for God and not for men.
Colossians 3:23-24 says that "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. This is in relation to Ephesians 6:6-8.
2. We must have high regard for our Superiors.
1 Peter 2:18 provides that "Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. Slaves in this context also means subordinates, rank-in-file, associates, or individual contributors.
Hebrews 13:17 says "Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you."
3. We must have the attitude of Obedience.
Colossians 3:22 states that "Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.
4. We must have a good working relationship with our co-workers.
1 Peter 4:9 encourages us to offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
Romans 12:16 says "live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Colossians 4:5-6 tells us to be wise in the way we act toward outsiders, to make the most of every opportunity and to let our conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that we may know how to answer everyone.
5. We must be people of Integrity.
Luke 16:10 warns us that whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much. And whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy with someone else's oroperty, who will give you property of your own?
6. We must be positive at all times.
Philippians 4:8 motivates us to think about positive things. "Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is praiseworthy - thing about such things.
7. We must not allow worry to eat us up.
Philippians 4:6 reminds us "Not to be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Finally, in everything we do, let us acknowledge God, and in so doing, He will make our paths straight (Prov.3:6).
There are so many promises in the Bible that would help us in our daily walk through life. I greatly encourage you to open the pages of the bible and allow God to speak to you through His words. True comfort and peace is found in Him alone.
To God be the glory!
1. We are working for God and not for men.
Colossians 3:23-24 says that "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. This is in relation to Ephesians 6:6-8.
2. We must have high regard for our Superiors.
1 Peter 2:18 provides that "Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. Slaves in this context also means subordinates, rank-in-file, associates, or individual contributors.
Hebrews 13:17 says "Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you."
3. We must have the attitude of Obedience.
Colossians 3:22 states that "Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.
4. We must have a good working relationship with our co-workers.
1 Peter 4:9 encourages us to offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
Romans 12:16 says "live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Colossians 4:5-6 tells us to be wise in the way we act toward outsiders, to make the most of every opportunity and to let our conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that we may know how to answer everyone.
5. We must be people of Integrity.
Luke 16:10 warns us that whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much. And whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy with someone else's oroperty, who will give you property of your own?
6. We must be positive at all times.
Philippians 4:8 motivates us to think about positive things. "Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is praiseworthy - thing about such things.
7. We must not allow worry to eat us up.
Philippians 4:6 reminds us "Not to be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Finally, in everything we do, let us acknowledge God, and in so doing, He will make our paths straight (Prov.3:6).
There are so many promises in the Bible that would help us in our daily walk through life. I greatly encourage you to open the pages of the bible and allow God to speak to you through His words. True comfort and peace is found in Him alone.
To God be the glory!
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