GOD ALWAYS TAKES NOTICE!

One day Jesus was in the synagogue, while He was there He saw a woman who was there also. This woman had a spirit of infirmity upon her that had lasted eighteen years. This was a crippling disorder that had been caused by an evil spirit. The bones of this woman's spine were rigidly fused together, this left her bent double, and unable to look up. In all this woman's pain and suffering while knowing she was in the presence of God, she still did not ask Him for help. We don't know why she didn't ask, but what we do know is God came to her. He seen her, His child that was in pain and He so graciously and mercifully called out to her. Luke 13:12 "And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity." Loosed meaning the spirit had been cast out, and the woman was free and no longer bound by Satan or from her affliction. Jesus then laid His hands upon her and IMMEDIATELYshe stood straight and praised Him!
Notice the woman was not murmuring and complaining about her illness. She wasn't at home, she was in the house of the Lord(church). This is another good example why we should come to church through our adversities. This will help sustain us in our times of trouble. It just so happened the church was where God, our deliver came to her and healed her. Much like the crippled woman many of us have been afflicted at one time or another. Whether it be disease or sickness, betrayal, broken hearted, etc. My point is this, life does not always go as we plan. Things happen in life that sometimes slow us down or even bring us to an incredible halt! There are times when we feel our burdens have us so weighed down that we too find it hard to look up or even face others around us! But my question is this....How can we defeat Satan and be loosed from His bondage if we can't center ourselves in the presence of God? God never said this walk would be easy, He does however promise to never leave us nor forsake us! He is our help and our strength, through Him we can do all things! God takes notice of His children! God came to that crippled woman because she was His child, He loved her and wanted to help her. We are also His children and He loves us the same, and receives the same fulfillment of joy when healing one of us! He notices everything about us, we are covered by His mercy and grace. God desires for us to come to Him and ask Him for deliverance from our afflictions. By doing this we are placing our faith in Him and acknowledging that we need Him. Some of us have been so wounded and hurt that we can't even bring ourselves to ask for help. The spirit of discouragement alone makes it difficult at times to pray. We need to go to Him when we need Him. I have to wonder how often we suffer through an affliction longer than we have to, because we chose to wait rather than ask! How quickly would God fix our problems if we came to Him immediately? Remember the woman who was afflicted was healed immediately! This is an act of faith and obedience. James 4:2 tells us "ye have not because ye ask not." Matthew 17:20 "And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you."

THE WORD OF TRUTH!

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15
Life is a course that contains many important lessons. Hopefully, through this course set before us we will become wiser than we were when we first began our journey. Proverbs 1:7 tells us,"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." The way of life directed by man will lead to destruction, see (Proverbs 14:12). Seeking truth in the word along with obedience will bring much stability and peace in our lives. (Proverbs 3:1-2) "My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee." This book of knowledge is just full of great Biblical principles that will only enhance our lives, but secure our eternity. The same miracles and wonderful works that were done by Jesus throughout the old testament are being done still today. God is the same yesterday, today and forever, we can be sure that God never changes nor does His word! Nothing in life is a sure guarantee. In fact the only sure and solid trust we can place our hope and faith in is Jesus Christ. He promises He will never leave us or forsake us and promises His word is unfallable! Even during our worst times, God never leaves us. Many things we endure on earth such as death, sickness, pain, and sorrow are very hard for us to understand. Why must at times we endure so much? No one has all the answers, only God can give us those answers and there will come a day when we will meet Him face to face and be able to talk to the Lord. (Psa 118:4-8 NIV) Let those who fear the LORD say: "His love endures forever." {5} In my anguish I cried to the LORD, and he answered by setting me free. {6} The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? {7} The LORD is with me; he is my helper. I will look in triumph on my enemies. {8} It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. There is a saying that God will never bring you to anything that we won't bring you through! Even through life's obstacles we can be certain God loves endures all! He is there for us and is anticipating every moment we spend talking with Him. He is right by our side giving us strength and encouragement to endure until the end. Psalms 147:3 "He heals the broken heartened, binding up their wounds." God speaks to us through His word!

LOVE ONE ANOTHER!

Jesus told His disciples before he died on the cross, "Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another" John 13:34. If Christ is dwelling within us, how is it possible to show anything other than love to those around us? Paul said in Romans 12:10, "Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love." Peter says, "Be all of one mind, having compassion one of another; love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous." Again, "Above all things have fervent love among yourselves." 1 Peter 3:8, and 4:8. John says, "This is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another." 1 John 3:11. The same is taught in many other places.
Now that we have established that God certainly commands us to be loving and kind toward one another, He also wants us to love with sincerity. After all if it's not sincere than it's not real love, right! The definition of sincere- being without hypocrisy or pretense; true: a sincere friend. John said in 1 John 3:18, "My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue, but in deed and in truth." Now this can at times feel nearly impossible, God never said serving loving the person next to you, whole heartily would be easy. It takes constant renewing of the Spirit, and often times failing a few times before getting it right. Everyone has had someone at some point in their life hurt them, or even attack them! It's hard to get past the pain when someone hurts you or your family, especially when it's from someone in the church. Truth is we hold other Christians at a higher standard than a lost sinner who is not living according to the word. The Bible tells us we all fall short of the glory of God! My pastor tells us if we mess up, we should fess up. You can hold a person at a higher regard or respect if they level with you sincerely and truly show the compassion toward you the way God would find pleasing. Truth is we have to except that man will fail us every time, but the trust we put in God will never fail us. "Jesus is the same yesterday, and today and forever."Hebrews 13:8. He will never fail us, His love is endless. I have learned through my years serving the Lord that forgiveness is not always just for the person you feel has wronged you. Forgiveness sets your soul free from the bondage of Satan. Yes, even people who love the Lord can be bound by a spiritual stronghold. We must totally give the pain and hurt feelings we harbor to God, by doing so, we are no longer weighed down or discouraged by the problem but renewed with hope, strength and peace that passes all understand. 1 Peter 5:7 "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."
Now in conclusion, I realize you can't always reason with an unreasonable person. Some are bound with determination to hate you and rage against you no matter what you say or do. Again our forgiveness toward them is what we will be judge on, not their forgiveness toward us. We are all given choices in life, we are judged based on the choices we make. We have a choice to serve God or to not serve Him, to hate or love, to forgive or resent. We are blessed according to our obedience to the word. But remember, they hated Christ without cause also, John 15:25 "But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause." Luke 6:22 "Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake." Psalm 5:5 "The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity." Psalm 41:7 "All that hate me whisper together against me: against me do they devise my hurt." Psalm 44:7 "But thou hast saved us from our enemies, and hast put them to shame that hated us."
Proverbs 4:15 "Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away."
Romans 16:17 "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them."
Fervent forgiveness, is necessary and required to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. Love is a commandment that we must all follow,"Let brotherly love continue."Heb.13:1

JOURNEY OF WISDOM AND STRENGTH!

God knew the journey He set before us would be hard. In Luke, Jesus sent seventy-two followers out before him. Sending them by two's into every town and place where He was about to go. "Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves"(Luke 10:3). They were afraid of what lay ahead, yet they were obedient and faithful, putting their trust in He who had sent them! They were secure knowing they had the peace of God with them. Luke 10:16-18 "He who listens to you listens to me; he who rejects you rejects me; but he who rejects me rejects him who sent me." The seventy-two returned with joy and said, "Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name." He replied, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven."
Even today, we are sent out on a journey that contains the same message. A journey set before us by the Lord. Situations and circumstances sometimes bombard us and threaten to still every ounce of our peace. Through Christ these circumstances will strengthen us and empower us to continue our journey. Then the seventy-two returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name" (Luke 10:17). Luke 10:20 "However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."
What ever demon or situation we are faced with, we can overcome through the wisdom, faith and peace we have in Jesus. James 4:7 "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." Nothing we encounter here on earth is wiser than God, our job is to trust and obey Him. He is in control and in command of everything! We must keep our minds and hearts on the message God has planted within us. We have a Christian duty to spread the gospel to all who will hear! Sure we expect Satan to triumph against us, but he is powerless against us while God is within us! "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God." Isaiah 43:2-3

Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."
2 Corinthians 9:8 "And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:"
"For I will give you words of wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. Luke 21:15

LIVING WORD

God's word is used to teach us the difference between right and wrong! God's word is all powerful and alive, it is there for us to go to when in need of strength, encouragement and answers. Life brings multiple challenges and problems in our lives, but we can see our way through these obstacles if we go to the word of God!
Anxiety
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
Brokenhearted
The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34:18
Confusion
For God is not the author of confusion but of peace ...
1 Corinthians 14:33
Defeat
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair ...
2 Corinthians 4:8 (NIV)
Disappointment
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
Romans 8:28
Doubt
I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.
Matthew 17:20
Failure
The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again.
Proverbs 24:16ew 17:20
Fear
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7
Grief
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.
Psalm 23:4
Hunger
Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.
Matthew 4:4
Impatience
Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
Psalm 27:14
Impossibilities
Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God."
Luke 18:27
Inability
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
2 Corinthians 9:8
Inadequadequecy
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13
Lacking Direction
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Lacking Intelligence
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
James 1:5
Lacking Wisdom
It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.
1 Corinthians 1:30
Loneliness
... the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.
Deuteronomy 31:6
Mourning
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Matthew 5:4
Poverty
And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19
Rejection
No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:39
Sorrow
I will turn their mourning into joy and will comfort them and give them joy for their sorrow.
Jeremiah 31:13
Temptation
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
1 Corinthians 10:13
Tiredness
... but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31
Unforgiveness
So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:1
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9
Unloved
See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are!
1 John 3:1
Weakness
My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.
2 Corinthians 12:9
Weariness
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Matthew 11:28-30
Worry
Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
1 Peter 5:7

BOLDNESS IN PRAYER!

"In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him." (Ephesians 3:12)

"Have mercy on me, Lord, son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon" (Matthew 15:21). A Canaanite woman who seen Jesus and had heard that He was the Messiah asked Him to deliver her daughter who was possessed. The woman shouted BOLDLY and was crying to Jesus asking Him to heal her daughter. Jesus did not answer her immediately. She continued to follow Him and again boldly called out unto Him for help. She knew she needed God and His help! This woman was not a follower of God, she lived a life of a heathen. But even the heathen knows at what time to cry out to God. The disciples that were walking along with Him begged Him to send her away. The Bible tells us in Matthew 15:24-28, "He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." 25But she came and knelt before him, saying, "Lord, help me." 26And he answered, "It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs." 27She said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table." 28Then Jesus answered her, "O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire." And her daughter was healed instantly."
So often today we are hindered when going to God boldly in prayer! Why is that so hard to do? If the Canaanite woman had not been so bold in asking for God's help, her daughter may have never been healed! How different would our lives be if we boldly went to God in prayer with our problems. Believing with confidence that God would boldly and even instantly answer in return for boldness and faith in prayer. The Greek word for boldness is confidence. 1 John 5:14-15 "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him." If we boldly cry out to Him, pouring our heart out to Christ, talking to Him and seeking Him for answers, we will see great things happen in our lives. We WILL develop a closer walk with God, gaining strength and understanding along the way. Her boldness did not make her a weak woman in His eyes. God viewed the woman as a woman of great faith because she wasn't afraid of what others would think of her for boldly protesting her need for God. She was desperate and needed God's help and wouldn't let anything stop her from talking to Him. We should not be ashamed to go to God about anything, He knows all and sees all. Let's boldly seek Him and praise Him in advance for our blessings to come! We are children of God who should be seen and heard!

SING UNTO THE LORD!

And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD. Psalm 27:6

The Bible tells us to sing unto the Lord a new song! Doesn't serving the Lord make you feel like singing. It's the joy of His presence that gives us a song in our hearts. When we think of His grace and goodness it makes us want to lift up our heads and sing praises to Him. Psalm 27:6 "And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD." The Bible also tells us to acknowledge Him in all our ways! What a great way to acknowledge the Lord throughout our day! We must not forget we are children of the most high, the king of kings! We are a blessed people because of who we serve. He is our deliverer, strength, joy, and peace. He is our heavenly Father who we love with all our heart, soul and mind. As much as we love Him, His love for us is far greater than any other love we've ever known. He loves us in spite of our imperfections, His love is endless and unfailing. Praise and bless the Lord with a song, giving thanks for all He has saved you from and brought you through. Praise Him for His mercy and praise Him in advance for what blessings are to come!

"In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:6

"My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed." Psalm 71:23

"Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day." Psalm 96:2

"O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory." Psalm 98:1

"Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise."
Psalm 98:4

"Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness." Psalm 30:4

"To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever." Psalm 30:12