Saturday, March 31, 2012

Inspiration for Today - 31 Mar 12

What is Easter about? Bunnies, easter eggs, chocolate, and a trip to Sunday church, right? Is this another Easter "story"? Is this another message saying that easter eggs and bunnies don't mix? What story would you like to read?

The story I share this evening is simple. Approximately 2012 years ago, a man was born perfect. Yes, you guess it. His name is Jesus. Throughout His 33 years of life, He lived a perfect life. He never lied, never stole, basically He never broke any of the 10 Commandments. He was tempted like everyone else, yet never gave in.

At 33 years old, instead of thinking about a family or a career, He was betrayed by one of His loyal friends and later accused of blasphemy. Later, He was beaten, spit on, wore a crown of thorns, whipped, mocked, and finally led through the streets and physically nailed (with railroad-like spikes) to a wooden beam we call the Cross.

There, He bled and eventually died. Does the story sound familiar? Sometimes we don't get this part so think of it in this way. Imagine you are accused of murder. As you are being sentenced, a man steps up and offers to serve the sentence for you. Though much debating goes on, the judge finally agrees. You are now set free. Someone else will serve your death sentence. Are you thankful? Would you be grateful, whether you were guilty or innocent?

The rest of the story is this. Jesus died and carried the entire world's sins away. That's right. All of the world's sins, even the sins of today, are all wiped away. 3 days after His death, He arose. It was on a Sunday, Easter Sunday, which He rose from His grave. This proved that He was God's Son. He had the miraculous power to resurrect Himself, however, His body was a new body. In this way, when you accept Jesus as your Savior, you are a new creature and you will receive a new body when we get to heaven.

Easter is much more than candy and eggs. Easter is a celebration of Jesus' resurrection. It is a celebration that Jesus took our sins and buried them deep in the earth. It is a celebration that annually reminds us, though we are reminded daily, that we will be joined in heaven, given new bodies, and experience something so unbelievably amazing that our minds cannot even begin to dream.

I encourage you to go to a nearby Christian church and experience an Easter celebration like never before.

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Inspiration for Today 29 Mar 12

Recently, I posted about a great loss that my family endured. The massive amount of emotions filled the room and our souls. The service was great and it was equally a great time to visit with family I haven't seen for years. Though it paled in comparison to the man who joined God in glory.

Sadness swept through me along with a solemn emotion that still tugs at me to this moment. However, the Holy Spirit has been reminding me that he is a far greater place than this world.

This I convey to you, dear friend. It is never too late to accept Jesus as your Savior. You can try to argue that you are that bad of a person. You can argue that you are not worthy. You can argue many things, but this one important fact and truth. Jesus died for ALL of the world! He died for every single person on this earth, no matter how bad. God's grace is that great!

The biggest question you can possibly ask yourself honestly at this moment in your life is this, "where will I be when I die?" If you do not know, if you are not 100% positive where you will spend life after this, then it is time to commit yourself to an assured truth.

Dearest friend, I am talking to you. My dearest friends, who I love and cherish to this day, I do not want to live in heaven without you. We are not guaranteed our next breath. There is not always tomorrow. Please give yourself the greatest and most treasured gift of all, eternal life in heaven.

How? It is truthfully easy. First, admit that you are a sinner. No one in this world is perfect. We have all broken a law. Second, believe in Jesus. Believe that He is the true Son of God. Believe that He came to this earth and died for your sins and buried them in hell. Third, ask Jesus into your heart. Ask Him to place the Holy Spirit in your soul.

Yes, it is that easy. No money is needed. No good deed is required to accept Jesus into your life.

I am serious when I share my inspirational messages. I am more serious that I do want to see you, my dear friends, in heaven.

To my family, rest assured, as I said previously, that we will see our loved ones soon and what an awesome day that will be!

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Extended Inspiration

Last night, my family lost one of our own. My family is dealing with a multitude of emotions, mostly sadness.

The comfort I want to pass along is this; we can rest happily in the fact that he is in heaven enjoying his new home. He is without pain and is very content.

As Believers, we know that this is our temporary home and all the negative emotions we deal with here will be no more in heaven. I leave my family with this favorite hymn: Blessed Assurance

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine;
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.

This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.

Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels descending, bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.

Perfect submission, all is at rest,
I in my Savior am happy and blest;
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.

This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Inspiration for Today - 22 Mar 12

Ephesians 6:10-11 (NIV), "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes."

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Inspiration for Today - 21 Mar 12

How many blessings can you count?

Did you eat today? How many meals? How many snacks? How many coffees, drinks, etc? Did you have a variety of food and drinks?

Did you rest/sleep today? How long? Was it in a bed or couch? Did you have covers?

Did you get to relax? Was it with your friends or family? Was it with a TV? Was it with a book? Was it with a Wii, xbox, playstation, iPod/iPad, PC, etc? Did you relax with sports?

Did you get to come home? Was it comfortable? Was the frig stocked? Did the plumbing work? How about the electricity?

Do you have a job? Does it pay for both your needs and amenities in life?

Keep counting, you may never be able to fully count the blessings that God provides but we can certainly thank Him for all that He provides.

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Inspiration for Today - 20 Mar 12

A great reminder for everyone.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall have eternal life. - John 3:16

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Inspiration for Today - 17 Mar 12

Tomorrow is never guaranteed. The next hour is never guaranteed. What would happen if you knew what your future was. What would happen if you knew if you would have a long life or a short one? Would anything change about your life or lifestyle?

How alert are you? Do you drive carelessly and aggressively, looking at your phone, or blasting your radio? Do you drive cautiously, ever vigilant and on the defense? How about your home? Do you leave it unlocked, during the night, with the windows wide open with your child sleeping next to the window? Do you secure your home by locking all of the doors and windows, again during the night, perhaps moving your child's bed to the middle or far side of the room?

Jesus said in Luke 12:39-40 (NKJV), "But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect."

The truth is that no one knows what will happen. Some believe they have time. Others, however, have learned very quickly that no one is guaranteed their next breath.

Have you been curious about where you will be after you have died? Some believe that once you are dead, that's it; there is no afterlife. Others are absolutely positive that they will be living in hell. Others, yet, have no clue what will happen to them. Some believe that they will come back as ghosts and haunt people. Still others believe that they will be reincarnated into plants, animals, or even other people.

The absolute truth is that there are only 2 places you will go to when your earthly, human life is over: Heaven or Hell.

Hell is full of fiery torment. You will be tormented by the most extreme and unimaginable ways and scorched with fire as well, yet it will not end.

Heaven, on the other hand, will be the perfect place. You will live with no pain. You will not have any sorrow (no more tears). Streets are paved with purest of pure gold. Water will be crystal clear - clearer than any tropical water you've ever seen. And, you will receive a mansion of your own. Yes, a mansion!

What is your choice? As you read this, are you thinking of how you can change your life and be able to know where you will be after this human life has expired? Good! How do you get this access? All that is required is first admitting that you are a sinner. We have all sinned (lied, lusted, been angry, stolen, used God's name in vain, have idols, etc). Second, believe with all of your heart that Jesus is the Son of God who came to save you of your sin. He took the place of your sin so you could go to heaven. Third, ask Jesus to send the Holy Spirit into your life.

It's that easy!

Friday, March 16, 2012

Inspiration for Today - 16 Mar 12

As I have recently relocated to Maryland, I have taken notice that many people drive around with at least 1 brake light burned out. Perhaps I notice it more because the population is greater here being between Baltimore and Washington DC than at other assignments.

Today, I drove behind a maroon minivan that had 2 brake lights burned out and only the top, third brake light, was functional. I must admit that I was a bit aggravated because how could someone have 2 tail lights burned out and not know or have not been caught, or worse, been struck because of this.

I drove behind this individual for probably 10 miles, nearly all of which were bumper to bumper traffic. After I made my break, the Holy Spirit filled me with my own light check. How many times do we, as Christians, drive through our lives without checking our equipment? Did we read/study God's Word before leaving for work or starting our day? Did we check in with God and thank Him for giving us another day? During that same prayer, did we ask God to guide us through the day? Did we praise Him for the night of sleep, waking up to another day, thanking Him for one more meal that He's provided us with? Have we put on God's shield of righteousness and armed ourselves with the sword of Jesus? Have we asked for forgiveness and confessed any sins before going on our way?

It's incredible how God speaks to us and provides us with a life lesson, even from simple pet peeves.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Inspiration for Today - 15 Mar 12

Do you question your value in this life? Does your wealth define your value? Do the amount of possessions define your value? Does your career define your value? Is it the amount of friends that defines your value?

Jesus said in Luke 12:6-7 (NKJV), "Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows."

God says, through His Son Jesus, that you are more valuable than birds. Jesus states in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 6:25-30 (NKJV), "Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?

So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?"

Jesus says again that you are more valuable than birds of the air. You are more valuable than the lilies of the field.

You consider yourself a lost sheep or black sheep. You're too far gone to be of any worth to anyone. Not to Jesus. It does not matter where you are in your life. It does not matter if you are richer than Bill Gates or homeless. It doesn't matter if you've murdered and raped hundreds of people. It doesn't matter if you were a porn star, homosexual, alcoholic, drug addict, lost your entire family, been a foster child, been suicidal, or have been idling through life for 80 years. None of that matters...to Jesus.

You are valuable! God has an open invitation for you to join Him and be a part of His Kingdom.

How do you achieve this? Remember, you are never too awful to become a part of the Kingdom of God. All that is required is first admitting that you are a sinner. We have all sinned (lied, lusted, been angry, stolen, used God's name in vain, have idols, etc). Second, believe with all of your heart that Jesus is the Son of God who came to save you of your sin. He took the place of your sin so you could go to heaven. Third, ask Jesus to send the Holy Spirit into your life.

Yes...it is that simple. Many people think it's difficult, but it really isn't at all. Jesus said in John 14:6 (NKJV), "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'" It's only through Jesus that we can talk with our Heavenly Father. It is only through Jesus' death on the cross and His resurrection that we can live free from the chains of sin.

After we become Christians, we become ministers of Jesus who share the good news through our testimony. That is our value. You are of great value. God says you are valuable! Jesus says that you are valuable!

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Inspiration for Today - 13 Mar 12

How to you take or respond to change? Do you take it well? Do you complain? Do you cheer it on?

Many times throughout my life, I have been endured change. Who hasn't? There have also been many instances that I have endured the familiar line, "I hate change." These words have been uttered from my mouth, but also from many others.

How many times throughout our lives have we seen something running incorrectly (business, our jobs, TV shows, board games, church, etc) and when change is introduced it seems as if we are smacked by a brick wall? When we think back, however, was the change bad or did it actually improve?

Think about it in this way. How well did the world work and operate before Jesus walked and witnessed to everyone, including the religious leaders? Jesus shook everything up. He preached about love and sharing the love of Christ with others, no matter where they were in life.

How about the change in you? Where were you before you accepted Jesus in your life? Were you dealing with a divorce? CHANGE Were you stuck with an addiction? CHANGE Were you homeless and unemployed? CHANGE Were you in prison? CHANGE Where were you?

Then, you accepted Jesus into your life. CHANGE Big change! This change is a life change. One that keeps changing you, for the better.

Monday, March 12, 2012

Inspiration for Today

All to Jesus I surrender. Have you surrendered all to Jesus? A very compelling question when Jesus surrendered all for you.

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Inspiration for Today - 10 Mar 12

1 Peter 3:15 (NIV), “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,”

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Inspiration for Today - 8 Mar 12

Be inspired by God's wonders!

Be inspired by what God has done for you!

Be inspired by what God has provided for you!

Be inspired by how God keeps you safe!

Be inspired by how God keeps you going!

Be inspired by who God is!

Be inspired by who God has put into your life!

Be inspired by where God has placed you!

Be inspired by where God has you employed!

Be inspired by where God is in your life!

Are you inspired?

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Inspiration for Today - 6 Mar 12

How far out do you plan for things? Do you plan for a day, week, month, year, 5 years, etc.? God plans for things well, emphasis on the word well, in advance.

Isaiah 25:1 (NLT), "O LORD, I will honor and praise your name, for you are my God. You do such wonderful things! You planned them long ago, and now you have accomplished them."

Isaiah 49:1 (NLT), "Listen to me, all you in distant lands! Pay attention, you who are far away! The LORD called me before my birth; from within the womb he called me by name."

Pretty cool how much God thinks of you, me, and every little facet within this world.

Monday, March 5, 2012

Inspiration for Today - 5 Mar 12

How dusty and stale is your Bible?

Is it delightfully situated on a bookshelf alongside other Bible versions and books throughout the week?

Does it rest comfortably in the coat closet until Easter or Christmas?

Is it symmetrically centered on the hallway desk illuminating all those who come into your home, yet is seldom removed from its real estate?

Does it reside in the drawer of your nightstand where the cloak of darkness shelters it from any light?

When was the last time God's Word was opened willfully, honestly, and intentionally by you?

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Inspiration for Today - 3 Mar 12

Bible vs Cell Phone

Ever wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phone?

What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?

What if we flipped through it several times a day?

What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?

What if we used it to receive messages from the text?

What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?

What if we gave it to Kids as gifts?

What if we used it when we traveled?

What if we used it in case of emergency?
This is something to make you go....hmm...where is my Bible?
Oh, and one more thing.

Unlike our cell phone, we don't have to worry about our Bible being
Disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill.
Makes you stop and think 'where are my priorities I? And no dropped calls!
When Jesus died on the cross, He was thinking of you!

Friday, March 2, 2012

Inspiration for Today - 2 Mar 12

All, right now a good portion of our nation is being pummeled by tornadoes, flash floods, and crippled lives because of it.

We need to be praying for God to intervene in these lives. Second, we need to stand behind the mission churches and support groups. Third, the support we provide must include the love of God.

Sometimes storms in our lives, whether these storms are mental, life, or actual storms, are ways for God to reach out to show His mercy, His love, and bring people to Him.

Let's pray and do the work of God!