Be a Blessing

Be a Blessing

There are so many selfish acts that we witness daily. People do harm to others over money or jealousy and it has become the norm to read or see on the news.  As Christians we are expected to be givers. We know that it is better to give than receive. If you want to feel good than do good. One of the best things you can do is give and assists someone in need.  I challenge you to be a blessing to someone today.   The bible says in Deuteronomy 16:17 every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD your God which He has given you. Simply put if you can come to someone’s aid do so. Advice and encouragement is great but if you can be the direct blessing and solution then make the person in needs life easier. We as a people are too worried about ourselves and other people getting ahead. What is meant to be for you will be. The Lord already has your life set before you. You never know if the person you meet is an Angel or not. That person that is broke down along the road. Or maybe that person asking for changing really does need it. What about that person you know that needs a job but you do not want to get them on where you are for fear of their advancement? This is not how God wants us to be.  James 2: 15-16 says  Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food.16 If one of you says to them, "Go in peace; keep warm and well fed, but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? As Christians it is good to know the word but it is GREAT to apply it.  Be someones blessing today and when you do so keep it between you that person and God. Some of us look for too much recognition. Humility comes before honor. A lot of people already are ashamed to ask for help the help that they really need for fear of being exposed or mocked. There is no place for self-glorification in Gods army. If he wants you to be raised and honored there isn’t a man on earth that can keep that from happening.  Matthew  6:3-4 says But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Be a blessing today and watch blessings over flow in your life.

In these times:Faith

In These Times: Faith

2 Timothy 3

New International Version (NIV)

3 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. ² People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, ³ without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, ⁴ treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— ⁵ having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

We are definitely in these times now. This is a time of strengthening your Faith. It is a time of prayer and working together as brothers/sisters in Christ. We are in the World but not of the World. The bible spoke of these times. I agree it is sad when graduate students are taking money they receive for education to purchase firearms to kill innocent people. (And yes I do not his name but why give more attention to evil deeds). CEOs with  strong Christian beliefs are ridiculed because of their stance on same sex marriage. In this life some people will like you. Some will love you. Some will dislike you and yes others might hate you. What is important is keeping your mind on God and looking to please him. In the end he is the only one that can decide whether you are in Heaven or Hell.

I was reading a post online and after the news post there were comments. Of course with the news you have all kinds of different opinions reflecting on the story but the one that stood out to me was a one sentence response that read. “Some people still believe in God?” This bothered me and to an extent angered me.  My first thought was why it would change. God is the same today as he was yesterday, and will be the same tomorrow. God does not change, unfortunately people do and sometimes not for the best.  I understand that the constant bad news can be depressing at times or bothersome but we walk by faith not by sight. We cannot get caught up in that. Faith is not like a coupon. It does not expire. There is no particular conditions that will cause your Faith in God to no longer be valid.God is still a provider, protector and healer. We believe in his miracles in the past. Why not believe that he will see you through now? Everything that is being experienced has been spoken of in the bible.  Thessalonians tells us that we belong to the day. and to be awake when the Lord comes back. The bible says he will come back like a thief in the night.  Even in these times: Faith.

1 Thessalonians 5

New International Version (NIV)

The Day of the Lord

5 Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, ² for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. ³ While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

⁴ But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. ⁵ You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. ⁶ So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. ⁷ For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. ⁸ But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. ⁹ For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. ¹⁰ He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. ¹¹ Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Time Well Spent