Thursday, October 31, 2013

Thirsty Thursdays: Joy of the Redeemed


To restore the honor, worth, or reputation of; to save from a state of sinfulness and its consequences, to set free, rescue, to recover ownership of by paying a specific sum; all of these are ways to define the word redeem.  Isaiah 35 is titled Joy of the Redeemed. As children of God we have been redeemed. We were born into sin and our gracious God gave his son up to die for us, the ultimate sacrifice. He saved us from a state of sinfulness and its consequences, he set us free, he rescued us. This is one of the many reasons we should be joyful and rejoice.

Be hopeful and trust in the sovereignty of the Lord. If one of life’s doors closes on you praise God in the hallway until he opens the next. “2…See the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God. 3 Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; 4 say to those with fearful hearts, be strong, do not fear; your God will come he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.” Throughout our lives he saves us, he spares us, grants us favor, grace and mercy. In the midst of our struggles he is there to see us through. So continue to praise him. Give him the worship and honor he deserves at all times. “10 and those the Lord has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them and sorrow and sighing will flee away.” 


Stay Thirsty My Friends

Thirsty Thursdays

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Warrior Wednesdays: Loving God’s Law


 

In our society many people resent laws that have been set in place. We use phrases such as “rules were meant to be broken” to justify not following rules. We break laws constantly from rules set in our house such as a curfew when we are teenagers to driving over the speed limit (I have broken both of those rules). Many times we feel as though laws were meant to hold us back and do not realize that the rules are set in place to protect us. God has set rules over our lives which we must obey the Ten Commandments are an example of those rules.  Yet many of us have broken at least one of the Ten Commandments or find it hard to keep these commandments. The author of Psalms 119 describes loving the laws of God.

The author talks about keeping the laws and yet walking at liberty. “So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever. And I will walk at liberty.” The idea that following God’s law will give us freedom is contrary to many beliefs. Many believe that laws keep us bound but as the psalmist declares following God’s laws gives us freedom. This freedom allows us to be who God has called us to be.

When I was a teenager I would often break the curfew that was set in my house. I thought my 12:00am curfew was too strict since most of my friends had later curfews or no curfews at all however, I realized that the biggest reason my mom set the curfew at the time was for my protection. According to Forbes and my mother the highest numbers of automobile fatalities occur between midnight and 4am.  Therefore, it was in my best interest to be home by midnight.

Similarly, to my curfew God has created laws to protect us. For many people these laws seem strict and unfair perhaps because they go against our social norms. Society tells us it is acceptable even celebrates actions that go directly against laws that God has set in place. For example, fornication, in our society is promoted, encouraged, and celebrated. Sex before marriage, can be seen in every form of media and is portrayed as the only way to live one’s life. God, however commands that we do not fornicate which is for our own good. If we stopped for a moment to think about all of the problems that could be avoided if this commandment was followed. The spread of sexually transmitted diseases would not be so great if people had sex with one person their entire life as God commands. God’s laws were not made to limit us, but to protect us and give us a limitless future. Like the author of Psalms 119 learn to love God’s laws.  

Stay Blessed and Continue Warring for Christ!

Warrior Wednesday: Brittney

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

TRANSFORMING TUESDAY: Appreciating the Power of Prayer



No one really understands the power of prayer until God moves on your behalf. No one understands the importance of prayer until you're faced with one of the hardest battles you have to endure. No one understands the meaning behind prayer until you are delivered. Why is that? Why do we have to wait for bad or great things to happen in order to fully accept that God is real? Why can't we just look around us and realize that humans aren't man-made? Why can't we look at our healthy children and realize they are a product of God's grace and mercy? Why can't we turn around and look at our pasts and embrace the fact that God has had his favor upon us? Why? Why? Why? Why not?

Today was probably one of the hardest weeks of my life to date and it's only Tuesday. I have been battling doubt, lack of understanding, anger, and I feel like I am borderline on the brink of feeling helpless. I have just been going through the go-through so to speak. I just feel trapped in my thoughts and because of that I've been feeling trapped in fear and uncertainty. I can't even remember the last time I've felt like this, or even if I've ever felt like this before...Nothing good has come from this. However, God has had a way of using this blog, my fellow bloggers, and anyone in my path to remind me of who I am and what I have to do. Thank you Jesus!


2 Thessalonians 3 spoke to me today!!! God is too good. It spoke about the POWER OF PRAYER!!! Now this isn't to say that I haven't been praying but this is to say that for me personally I have not been appreciative of the POWER OF PRAYER. When you think about it, every single religion you can think of has some notion of prayer involved. Why is that? Prayer has a way of drawing us nearer to God. When we pray to God we are drawn in his presence. We are filled with who he is. We are directly connected to what and who he is. We are drowned with his power, drowned with his loved, drowned with his hopefulness. I can go on for a lifetime of things that I have prayed for that God has answered. These things stem from not getting into trouble my parents, to paper cuts, to even getting into school. Yes!!! The POWER OF PRAYER is soooo real!

I think today I am more appreciative of the importance of The POWER OF PRAYER than I have ever been. Yes, it's great to have God answer prayers but it's far more greater knowing that even when God is NOT answering my prayers, that he is still listening to me!!! My prayer requests do not fall on deaf ears---NO NO NO God is still listening to me and as I cry out to him during my weakness, he has already began building my escape door. God is that good!!! So even in the midst of your uncertainty as to whether or not God is going to answer your prayers, I urge all of us to be certain that he's still listening. 

God hears my cries as I cry out to him at night. God hears my cries as I have to excuse myself in class. God hears my cries when I'm on the way home from school and have to find ways to keep myself together. God hears my cries when I just have to release all of my emotions in the bathroom. God hears my cries!!! I understand the POWER OF PRAYER and more than anything, I am APPRECIATIVE OF THE POWER OF PRAYER. Why? Because even when I don't feel God moving quick enough, I know that he HEARS MY CRIES.


I ask that everyone who is reading this blog says a special prayer for me and my family. That God will keep our spirits high, that God will answer our prayers, that he will continue to bind us closer together. Pray that he will give us the strength and the sound mind to keep our faith and continue to keep him first. Pray that he will ease our hearts and that this storm will soon be over in the best way possible.

It's Never Too Late To Transform Your Tuesdays :)
TRANSFORMING TUESDAY: JAMERA

Monday, October 28, 2013

Merciful Monday: His Mercy Endures Forever


Psalm 118 repeatedly tells us to give thanks to God because “his mercy endures forever.” Since it is Merciful Monday, you can imagine that I am very happy to write about God’s mercy! J And this message is so timely because it is closely related to a topic that we have been discussing in church.

MERCY is defined as “compassion or forbearance shown especially to an offender or to one subject to one's power; lenient or compassionate treatment of those in distress; a blessing that is an act of divine favor or compassion.”  Similarly, GRACE is defined asunmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification; a virtue coming from God; disposition to or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency.” When I think of mercy, I always think of grace, and vice versa. The two really do go hand in hand.

If you murdered 10 children, most would deem the appropriate consequence to be at least, life in prison without parole. So if a judge decided to just give you just probation, or even grant you a reprieve, there would be uproar because the general consensus would be that the decision was unfair or unjust.

 Similarly, when we sin against God, our actions have appropriate consequences. The Bible says that “the wages of sin is death,” meaning that the consequence to committing a sin of any kind is death—not death as we understand it, but spiritual death (which could also have physical, mental, and emotional repercussions) and damnation to Hell. Luckily, God is the ultimate judge and HE IS MERCIFUL. So when we commit sins that should have horrible consequences, God often treats us far more leniently than we deserve. He does chastise us, but not as harshly as he should. Instead, he uses these mistakes as opportunities to show us that we need Him and draw us closer to Him. He is like that judge, granting probation when we deserve life imprisonment.

Not only is he merciful, but HIS MERCY ENDURES FOREVER. It withstands the test of time because God never dies, sleeps or slumbers. And once he grants you a reprieve for your sin, he does not bring it up later and try to punish you for it. Hebrews 8:12 says, “For I will be merciful to their iniquities, And their sins will I remember no more.”

This is a concept that can be hard to wrap your head around because as humans, we are so obsessed with punishing people as WE see fit. When your boyfriend forgets your birthday, you scream at him and then punish him by doing the same thing on his birthday 5 months later. When your friend yells at you for doing something stupid (as a friend sometimes should), you punish them by not talking them for two weeks. When a crazy person beats up your cousin, you show up at their house with 5 others to beat them up.

Was there ever a time when you thought to show mercy towards someone but did not? Why not?

I think that we punish people thinking that “justice” will empower us, take away the hurt from being wronged, and bring us peace, but in the end it does not. God’s model of enduring mercy shows me that mercy can even be the best option. The weapons of our warfare are not carnal so why should we come back at people in the manner that they come at us? Sometimes, like God, you just have to dole out a little bit of mercy and trust that the Lord will handle the situation, and that whoever wronged you one day see what they did wrong. Luke 6:38 says, “Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full--pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” The amount of mercy that you give will determine the amount that you get back, so don’t always feel like you have to have the last punishing word in the argument or penalize people that do you wrong. And when you show mercy to others, this shows your acknowledgement and thankfulness to God. Furthermore, it makes room in your heart for God’s love and more of His virtues, which are far better than your own.


Merciful Mondays: Jael
For the Lord your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon you or destroy you or forget the solemn covenant he made with your ancestors.” Deuteronomy 4:31

Sunday, October 27, 2013

GUEST BLOGGER FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER: Taking The Leap of Faith



If someone told me four years ago where I would be today, I would shake my head in disbelief. I always had an international interest although I had never been overseas – so when I told people I wanted to attend university in Europe there were two reactions, intrigue or skepticism.

At a certain point, I realized I needed to tune out what people were  telling me and turn up the voice of the Lord in my life! Remember, when the spirit pulls you – don't be afraid to follow. Regardless of finances, understanding, or rationality, as a child of God you have a calling, a purpose, and a hand over you that not enemy can surpass!


There are times when the Lord pushes you in a direction that you may not understand and for me, that direction was Hong Kong in January. As a full-time student in Rome, Italy, “Why are you going there if you are already abroad? And “You are doing too much” were common statements, but don't let the limits of others define who you are.

But in your life when an opportunity presents itself, do not let fear, misunderstanding, or doubt scare you out of your destiny! Ask God for guidance and enlightenment over situations with clarity and vision: Don't be afraid to share your feelings and speak with Him: and the most important thing is to cultivate your relationship with the Lord. 

Living overseas may seem like a glamorous experience (and indeed some of it is) but what most don't see are the sleepless nights working, frustrating cultural clashes, personal struggles, and isolation that life abroad brings.

If I didn’t have His hand guiding along the way, there is no way I would have made it where I am today. There have been times where I had to stop in my tracks and recite verses for a sense of peace. As I lead an international life closer with Christ, My experiences become more unimaginable.

A FEW OF MY LIFE TIPS

1.     Step outside your comfort zone.
2.     Think Smarter, not harder.
3.     You are compilation of your 5 closest friends.
4.     Don’t be afraid of doing something because of what people will think.
5.     What you habitually think largely determines who you will ultimately become. (Bruce Lee)

Scriptures on Direction

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Isaiah 11:2

And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.



GUEST BLOGGER FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER: ALEXANDRIA
Alexandria is currently a Senior at John Cabot University in Rome, Italy obtaining her BA in International Affairs. This summer she interned at the United Nations Foundation and is currently interning with the European Union. She is the Founder and President of JCU's Women's Leadership Initiative and plans to pursue postgraduate studies in foreign service.

Salvation Sunday: Greater is COMING!!!!

We know that we have to face trials and tribulations. We know that there are times where we have to walk in the valley of the shadow of death. But there's nothing to fear because God is with us. And we have to go through these trials, so we can grow and become more like Christ. 

In Isaiah 24, we see that the nation of God's people were having some rough times. But, it goes on to say that there is a new wine. When you're going through your struggles, you have to understand that there is something new coming your way. But the only way to receive that is to be shaken and to go through rough times. When you're in these rough times, 1 Thessalonians 5 tells us some things to do. We gotta pray without ceasing. Can't stop praying because it gets rough. Ya gotta keep rejoicing. Rejoice as if you're already healed and freed. Rejoice as if you've already received the greater that God has for you!! Keep seeking God because when you continue to trust God, He WILL pull you through it. Remember that your greater is coming. You may have to experience a beating or feel a shaking. But through this, you will see the greater that is coming to your life. 




Stay blessed!!
Salvation Sunday: Steven Gable


2 Chronicles 6:41 "Now therefore arise, O LORD God, into thy resting place, thou, and the ark of thy strength: let thy priests, O LORD God, be clothed with salvation, and let thy saints rejoice in goodness."

Saturday, October 26, 2013

Saturday Sacrifice: #1 GOD


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.

Sober means



2.

not given to excessive indulgence in drink or any other activity

 

So in addition to not getting drunk, God doesn’t want us to get “drunk” on the things in this temporary life.

 

He wants us to keep him first.

 

How do we do that??

 

By having faith and love in our hearts and our mind focused on the hope of salvation. (putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet)

 Having all of these transforms our mindsets to the point where we realize who we are in Jesus Christ.

We realize that we don’t have to struggle through life, be depressed, hopeless, sick, or destined to hell.

We realize that we are more than conquerors through Jesus Christ,

We realize that the joy of the Lord is my strength,

We realize that by his stripes I am healed,

We realize that we are a royal priesthood,

We realize that we are able to live in heaven with our Lord for eternity.

So, I encourage you to keep your eyes on Jesus. In other words keep him the center of your heart and mind. When you do this I promise you won’t sink into the problems of life. You will walk above them just like Peter walking on top of the water. If you find yourself sinking, don’t worry Jesus is right next to you to lift you up.

Stay in God’s Perfect Peace, not in pieces=)

Saturday Sacrifice: Hannah

Friday, October 25, 2013

Friday Fellowship: God Has Been Good To Us


God has been Good to Us
Psalms 115
12 The Lord hath been mindful of us: he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron.

When I look around at the young adults in my church, I notice a people that are blessed. When conversing with Jamera the leader of the blog, I notice her faith in pursuit of becoming the Judge Jamera Sirmans. Despite the strenuous road ahead her faith, confidence and enthusiasm in her goals is noticeable. Steven spoke in our young adult service; his resilient and persistent praise to God in difficult situations is inspiring.  It is also inspiring because Steven’s praise in uncertainty surely was seen by God, as God blessed him allowing him to attend his final semester at Rider for free.  One Sunday morning, having breakfast with Jael, I learned the benefits of her job and was impressed. Then seeing the beautiful apartment she resides in, God has been good to her. Ron and Brittney are getting married, such a blessed event. This world has eroded marriage as divorce is nearly 50% and a new culture has arrived where living as a married couple is sufficient. Their faith is on display in this endeavor; eventually we shall learn that God has blessed this couple allowing them to obtain their hearts desires for their wedding. My little sister Hannah, watching her perseverance in regards to her job was encouraging. Tremendous growth of faith, I’ve seen in my sister as she praises and trusts God through it all. Her testimony of a new job shall be soon. Just looking around our church the Jordan family, Chrissy, Dr.G, Grace, Joel, Kevin, Ja, Jeff, Vanessa, Devin and many others it is clear to see God is awesome in our lives!

The separation with us from the world is that we have God whom gives us a resilient hope in all situations. In situations of impossibility, as Chrissy song states “God can make a way out of no way” and we trust that. When our finance is burdening us, does God not lift our burdens?  Do we not find peace in distress; does God not speak to us a word that comforts our hearts, does God not do a specific thing just to let us know he cares for us and to show he’s still in control? We don’t have to search for avenues of comfort, which can be harmful or addictive depending on the avenue. God is our avenue, God is our  comfort and problem solver; he makes sense of situations which confuse us. God has everlasting mercy on us which we see, as he blesses us when we fail him. Causing us to repent and love God the more. His grace is abundant carrying us, when we feel like quitting by reminding us that our life has been enhanced since we became his. God moves things and adjusts things for our peace, joy and benefit.
God has been Good to Us
Psalms 40:5
 O Lord my God, you have performed many wonders for us.
    Your plans for us are too numerous to list.
    You have no equal.
If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds,
    I would never come to the end of them.

2 Peter 2:9
So you see, the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials, even while keeping the wicked under punishment until the day of final judgment.


Thursday, October 24, 2013

Thirsty Thursdays: Its a Marathon not a sprint...


Ever run a marathon? Yea me neither (for those who have God bless you). A marathon is a long distance running event, 26.2 miles to be exact. Unlike a sprint which is a short distance run and takes seconds to complete, a marathon takes anywhere between 2 hours (if you are the worlds best) to 4,5,6+ hours to finish. It is a brutal race, which pushes your body to its limits. Training leading up to the official race generally consists of running multiple miles 4-5 days a week. In the beginning you’ll start off “small” doing a few miles and increase the mileage as the days go on. You will test yourself by running maybe 2 or 3 miles. As you complete that you’ll increase it to about 5-6, then 10, then 15 and so on and so forth all the while preparing your body for the 26.2 mile race. The training will not be easy. As if just running is not hard enough, you will come across bumps in the road such as schedule conflicts, fatigue, soreness, injuries etc. But each time you overcome an obstacle you are building yourself up, becoming that much more prepared, that much stronger, that much better.

In many ways our walk of faith is like a marathon. For one it is not a short race that is over quickly. It is a long distance race that continues throughout our lifetime.  It is not something that is easy, so do not get discouraged when trials come your way because there will be many obstacles, temptations and trials along the way. But with the grace of God, his love, mercy and spirit within us, we can over come each obstacle. And as we overcome each obstacle we grow that much stronger in the Lord, we are that much more prepared for whatever trial may come next. We have an increase in confidence knowing that we overcame the last obstacle and we can overcome the next. As you endure and overcome your situation not only do you help yourself but you also provide motivation and encouragement for the fellow believer who may be going through a situation of their own. Together we can strengthen and encourage each other in our faith. Helping one another not to be troubled by the trials we face. “2 We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, 3 so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. For you know quite well that we are destined for them.” 1 Thessalonians 3:2-4

Our walk of faith is not a sprint it is a marathon. It will not always be easy or stress free, there will be challenges along the way. But we are more than conquerors through Jesus Christ, and as we overcome each obstacle it is preparing us for what is to come. After doing something over and over people like to say it gets easier. It doesn't get easier, you just get better. As you overcome your situation, you get stronger, you get wiser, and you gain confidence. So continue to fight the good fight, if you get knocked down get back up, walk in righteousness preparing for that day. “13 May he strengthen our hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.” 1 Thessalonians 3:13




Stay Thirsty My  Friends

Thirsty Thursdays

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Warrior Wednesday: Praise Ye the Lord!

In this journey called life we will all go through tough times. During these difficult experiences we must remember to praise God.  The author of Psalms 113 reminds us how we should praise the Lord. This passage amazes me because it reminds me that no matter what circumstances I go through God has a plan. He will make even the lowest of people princes! God is always working on your behalf no matter how your current situation appears. Read Psalms 113 below and be encouraged J


Praise ye the LORD, Praise, O ye servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD.

Blessed be the name of the LORD, from this time forth and for evermore.

From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD’s name is to be praised.

The LORD is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens.

Who is like unto the LORD our God, who dwelleth on high,

Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in earth!

He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill;

That he may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people.

He maketh the barren woman to keep home, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD.
Stay Blessed and Continue Warring for Christ!
Warrior Wednesday: Brittney

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

TRANSFORMING TUESDAY: The Generation of the Righteous

I remember growing up and my mom would tell me that I should fear no one but God. I never really understood why she would always tell me that, because I feared her when I got in trouble lol. But when I look around today I don't see a generation who takes accountability of their actions. I don't see a generation who fears God (I could be wrong, but this is MY opinion). I just see a generation of recklessness--a generation of loneliness--a generation of lost souls digging themselves deeper into their own graves. It's sad and unfortunately it cannot be sugar-coated. There are babies having babies, too many fatherless children, too many senseless killings, and too many unnecessary causalities. 

Psalms 112 tells us that "Blessed are those who fear the Lord and find great delight in his commands." What does this mean? This means that when you fear (an emotion induced by a perceived threat) by God, you are blessed (made holy). As Brittney stated in one of the Warrior Wednesday posts, it's clear that through their actions people know that God exists but people refuse to acknowledge or commit to him. That will be something that I will never understand. You wake up in the morning, you survive near death experiences, you get promotions you don't deserve, you pay your bills even when your living expenses exceed your earnings, yet you refuse to give your life to God. I want people to realize that all of their blessings are not their own doings but instead a reflection of God's grace and mercy that he pours out over our lives.

There are benefits for living for Christ. Although many of the youth in America may seem reckless, there are some of us who are members of a generation of the righteous. If you choose to give your life to God, you too can experience the blessings of the righteous. For example, I recently joined thegym after using a free 7-day pass for about a month (I felt like I had to get a feel for the gym before I could commit to a monthly payment lol). Once I joined I received all of this free stuff and if you know me, then you know I find such delight in free things. Welp my commitment/my membership to the generation of the righteous is far greater than what the gym or any other membership could provide. 


So what are these benefits?
  • Their children will be mighty in land
    • God has promised the generation of the righteous that their children and their children's children will be taken care of.
  • The generation of the upright will be blessed
    • The generation of the righteous will be blessed and whatever they touch will be blessed.
  • Wealth and riches are in their houses
    • The generation of the righteous will be rich. This richness doesn't always have to be in the form of money. Money comes and goes, but if you are rich in spirit and wealthy in love, then you will always have more than even the richest person in the world.
  • Even in darkness light dawns for the upright
    • The generation of the righteous will never walk in darkness because God walks with them and he is the light of the world. 
  • Good will come to those who are generous 
    • The generation of the righteous are generous because they want or need for nothing because God always supplies their every need.
  • The righteous will never be shaken
    • No matter what comes their way, the generation of the righteous will remain unmoved because they understand where their help comes from.
  • They will be remembered forever
    • The generation of the righteous has no desire to acquire fame or live that lifestyle. However, they will leave their mark on everyone they meet because whenever they encounter someone, that other person will also encounter the spirit of God.
  • They will have no fear of bad news
    • The generation of the righteous has zero cares in the world. There is no such thing as a bad day for them because they understand that God is in control.
  • Their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord
    • The generation of the righteous understands that God's plan is the best plan. They also understand that God has the final say so. Nothing is too hard for God because God is the creator of all things.
  • In the end they will look in triumph on their foes
    • The generation of the righteous will always come out on top because when God is on your side, there is no way you can lose.
  • They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor
    • The generation of the righteous have hearts of gold and understand that is more blessed to give than it is to receive.
AND WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE WICKED AND/OR THE ENEMIES OF THE GENERATION OF THE RIGHTEOUS???

The wicked and/or enemies will be be angry, they will be mad, they will be jealous, BUT they can do nothing. God will not allow them to come near the generation of the righteous.  Their evil and wicked ways will be pointless and will come to nothing. 

I remember I had this "friend" (it was a group of us) who would do all of these crazy things. This friend would constantly come up with all of these plans and ideas and as soon as they unfolded it became a trend that this friend was putting everyone's life in danger. Time after time I tried to make excuses for my friend because although they weren't a good friend, I was still a good friend. As I got older and we drifted apart and other things unfolded, I had to face the fact that this friend wasn't a friend---they were an enemy in disguise. Regardless of all of the things that transpired in the so-called friendship, God continued to keep his hand over my life and the evil and wicked ways came to nothing. The friendship ended before anything could happen. Why??? Because my membership to the generation of the righteous was active. My membership is still active!

My question today, is just like you sign up for anything else (Facebook, twitter, Instagram  the gym, school) will you activate your membership for the generation of the righteous and commit to Christ? Just remember that the benefits are incomparable to any other membership out there. 

IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO TRANSFORM YOUR TUESDAY :)
TRANSFORMING TUESDAY: JAMERA

Monday, October 21, 2013

Merciful Monday: Alpha & Omega


Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” And He said to me, “It is done![c] I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. He who overcomes shall inherit all things,[d] and I will be his God and he shall be My son. But the cowardly, unbelieving,[e] abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”
-Revelation 21: 5-8

12 “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last14 Blessed are those who do His commandments,[v] that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. 15 But[w] outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.
-Revelation 22:12-15

There are so many varying interpretations of the Book of Revelation. Some believe that it was written by John the Baptist, others John the Apostle of Jesus, and even others another John—John of Patmos. Some believe that the events listed within the book depict broad historical events, others believe it mirrors the fall of the Roman empire, some say it depicts future events, and even others say that it does not describe any particular event(s), just the constant spiritual struggle between good and evil.

Despite these varying interpretations, there is one fact within Revelation that is blatantly obvious upon finishing the book (as we did today), and that fact relates to the phrase “Alpha and Omega.” This phrase is mentioned multiple times within the book. You may recall the following scriptures: Revelation 1:8, 1:11 (not in all translations), 21:6 & 22:13.The same exact phrase is mentioned in each instance, so I think it is safe to say that there was a purpose for the repetition. What was this purpose? What does it mean?


The word Alpha comes from the ancient Greek for “first” or “one,” while Omega in ancient Greek means “last” or “end.” Alpha is the first letter of the Greek alphabet and Omega is the last, and this phrase is mentioned only at the beginning (chapter 1) and end (chapters 21 & 22) of Revelation. God not only started all things, but he will finish all things. That is like saying that God is everything from A to Z. He is:

  • Alpha
  • The Beginning
  • The Cornerstone of the church
  • Our Deliverer
  • The Ending
  • The First
  • The Giver of salvation
  • Our Healer
  • Infinite
  • Jesus
  • The King of all nations
  • The Last
  • The Manuscript for life
  • Not Dead
  • Omega; Omnipotent (all-powerful), omnipresent (all-present), & omniscient (all-knowing)
  • Perfect
  • Our Salvation
  • Truth
  • Unhindered
  • Victorious & Valiant
  • Worthy of praise
  • eXpolsive
  • Zealous

God is all of these things and more! “To him belongs eternal praise” (Psalm 111:10). If we trust on him and fully believe that he is EVERYTHING we will not only see his glory revealed here on earth, but we will “inherit all things,” drink freely “of the fountain of the water of life,” “have the right to the tree of life,” and “enter through the gates into the city (Heaven).”

Merciful Mondays: Jael
For the Lord your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon you or destroy you or forget the solemn covenant he made with your ancestors.” Deuteronomy 4:31