The Connected Man

Cast Your Worry on God

2010-08-10T11:22:00.003-05:00

My wife told me a story the other day that I think is very appropriate for today. “I remember when my dad was teaching me to fish and I would cast out the line. I would wait maybe a minute and then jerk on the line and reel it in looking for a fish. I kept this up (of course until daddy took my pole away from me). At that time I hadn't developed the patience required for fishing.” That's the same with worry. Throw it out there and wait for God. The only thing We'll pull back in is the victory.

You Decide

2009-11-17T12:41:00.002-06:00

As we walk through life, we make decisions every day like what are we going to wear; What will we have for lunch; what do we have to get done today; or who will we see today. These decisions determine the course of our day and many time determine the success or failure of that day. If we decide to start our day with prayer and reading the Word of God, we will have a better start on the day. We will make better decisions and, as the day progresses we won’t let the circumstances of the day cause us stress, anxiety, or sadness. It is all up to you, so you decide!

Luke 8

Victors or Victims?

2009-11-16T07:38:00.002-06:00

After watching the day’s NFL games I saw a lot of winners and a lot of losers. By losers here I mean teams that lost, got beat or beat themselves. For the most part they took the fault of the loss as a team instead of blaming someone else. They were not victors this week. But they were not victims either. Victims try to blame others for the defeats. “It was his fault!” “It was her fault!” you will hear them say. Victims in life blame a bad childhood, or environment for their current situations and circumstances instead of forgetting the past and seeing how they can improve their situation through determination, hard work and, of course prayer. The enemy is always looking for victims. In the animal kingdom the predators go after the strays that are away from the herd or team. These are the ones who die. And then we have the vultures. The vultures pick at what has been killed or is dying to inflict even more damage. There are predators and vultures in the human world too and they attack just like they do in the animal world. The enemy goes after those who are not in daily fellowship with God and other Christians, who have “strayed from the herd”. The human vultures pick at the wounded or dying as if to say, “See God does not love you and can’t help you. Don’t be a victim. Stay charged up. God and His Word do not change. You can and will be victorious today if you trust in God and follow His Word

Numbers 23:18-20
Proverbs 3:4-6
1 Corinthians 15:54-56

Composure

2009-11-12T17:09:00.002-06:00

As we go through lives many things don’t go as we planned, and at the moment we wonder what happened or ask, “How could this happen? I and a Christian, I read the Word, I pray, I faithfully attend church?” The answer is simple. Life happens. The Bible does not guarantee a life free of trouble. Even peter had a thorn in the flesh. God does however give us the strength to get through the problem, if we trust in Him and His Word. But if as soon as a problem comes up we start wondering what to do, we lose the victory in that circumstance. If we keep our composure and Fully Rely On God (F.R.O.G.) we will be victorious

Isaiah 54:13
Psalms 5:11

A Vision of Heaven & Hell

2009-11-10T11:34:00.005-06:00

I can't take credit for this Blog as it was sent to me but it was definitely worth sharing so here it is:

A Holy man was having a conversation with the Lord one day and said, 'Lord, I would like to know what Heaven and Hell are like.'

The Lord led the holy man to two doors.

He opened one of the doors and the holy man looked in.

In the middle of the room was a large round table. In the middle of the table was a large pot of stew, which smelled delicious and made the holy man's mouth water. The people sitting around the table were thin and sickly. They appeared to be famished. They were holding spoons with very long handles that were strapped to their arms and each found it possible to reach into the pot of stew and take a spoonful. But because the handle was longer than their arms, they could not get the spoons back into their mouths. The holy man shuddered at the sight of their misery and suffering.

The Lord said, 'You have seen Hell.'

They went to the next room and opened the door. It was exactly the same as the first one. There was the large round table with the large pot of stew which made the holy man's mouth water. The people were equipped with the same long-handled spoons, but here the people were well nourished and plump, laughing and talking.

The holy man said, 'I don't understand.

'It is simple,' said the Lord. 'It requires but one skill. You see, they have learned to feed each other. The greedy think only of themselves.'

When Jesus died on the cross, he was thinking of you.

Remember that I will always share my spoon with you.

John 3 :16

Walking Through

2009-11-04T09:24:00.002-06:00

Many people relax or get needed exercise by simply taking a walk. A thing to remember when you are walking is that as long as you are walking, you are moving. If you stop, you are no longer moving. Sounds simple, but this is also valuable knowledge for our Christian lives. As we are walking from day to day in God, we need to stay moving and not get stuck in the things of this world. As we walk we get stronger in our faith and in our bodies so we can be closer to god to be able to resist the attacks of the enemy. Keep on Walking Through!

Psalms 84:6-7
Job 27:21

The Right Ingredients

2009-11-03T14:20:00.003-06:00

If you have ever prepared a food item and accidentally left out an ingredient, you know how 1 small omission can ruin the whole dish or desert. It is the same with our spiritual lives. We can leave God out of our lives, but that will not end well. We can leave prayer out of our lives but we will not be victorious. We can leave the Word out of our lives, but we will not have God's direction. We can leave time alone with God out of lives but we will never have peace. We need all these ingredients to have a happy, prosperous, successful and victorious life in Him

2 Timothy 2:14-16
Psalm 39:11-13

Ready for the attack

2009-11-02T16:00:00.003-06:00

OK, you have just stood in faith for a period of time and just received a blessing from God. The going was hard at times, but you stood and you now have the victory, by manifestation of your blessing. Now what? Hey let’s just relax a bit, this faith stuff is hard work! Wrong! What do you mean? I got what I believed for, and now I just want to relax in the blessing! No, No, No. Its OK, in fact required, that you enjoy the blessing and favor of God and it is even better and more satisfying that you stood in faith for it. But! The enemy will always try to steal your joy or your harvest to kill or destroy your faith. Don’t let him! While you are enjoying your harvest, be constantly on guard with you shield of Faith, Sword of the Spirit and the rest of your armor on so the devil can’t take what you believed for and also so he can’t delay or discourage you from believing for your next harvest

1 Peter 5:7-9
Ephesians 6:13-18

Flawless

2009-10-31T10:27:00.004-05:00

I am sure everyone will agree that a diamond is a beautiful piece of jewelry. It is flawless. But it does not start like that. It has to be precisely cut and shaped by a master craftsman. It has to be polished. Finally it has to be set in its setting to bring out its full beauty. The Word of God is flawless like that. We can use the Word of God to cut and shape us to get rid of the impurities. God’s word polishes us and then He places us in a setting where our full beauty can be seen as we minister with the gifts God has given us and the Word He has placed in us

Job 28:9-11
Malachi 3:16-18

React or Respond?

2009-10-30T09:11:00.003-05:00

When trouble or a problem comes our way, what are we are connected men and women of God supposed to do. Do we react and say. “Oh no! What am I going to due?” Or do we respond and say, “This is just another opportunity to prove the Word of God is true and active in my life!” If you chose the latter, it is easy to see you have experience being a conqueror in Christ Jesus. By using God’s Word in faith God says that we are more than conquerors

Romans 8:36-38
2 Corinthians 4:17-18

Reflection

2009-10-29T08:00:00.005-05:00

When we look in the mirror or in a clear pond we see our reflection. But in a man, it is his heart that is a reflection of what he really is. What is in your heart is really what you are. You can cover this up with flowery words or actions but the truth will come out. Do we want to be a reflection on Jesus, showing a bad or improper reflection on Him? Or do we want to be a reflection of Jesus, letting his love and light show through us?

James 1:23-25
Proverbs 27:18-20

The Garment

2009-10-28T13:24:00.001-05:00

All the woman with the issue of blood had to do was to reach out and touch the hem of the garment of Jesus. She believed if she touched that garment she would be healed of her twelve years of torment. When she touched Him, Jesus felt the anointing flow out of Him and into her. There are many people just looking for that garment to touch. We can be that garment, that point of contact for people to reach out for. All we need to do is ready ourselves each day in prayer and be ready for when god puts someone in our path for us to touch or minister to. They then can reach out and touch and receive what they desire from God through faith.

Luke 8:43-45

Are You Expecting?

2009-10-27T11:44:00.001-05:00

When you go to God in prayer, when you open the Bible to read God’s Word, when you walk into church, do you go in expecting? Or do you just go through the motions. We should always have an expecting heart to the things of God. We should expect God to talk to us! When you go to a restaurant, you order a meal and you expect to get what you ordered. Right? We need to be the same with the things of God. Whether it is from the pastor, from the Word of God itself, or from that still small voice inside of each and every one of us. If we are not expecting, we for sure will not be receiving.

Psalm 27:13-14
Mark 11:23-25

"But" Prints in the Sand?

2009-10-26T20:31:00.006-05:00

A connected man is a man of action, not a man of excuses. There will be problems and failures in life. If these setbacks are followed by excuses: but he, but she, but they, but we, but it, but this, but that, are all forms of excuses. Instead of excuses, you need to dust yourself off and try again. Thomas Edison once said, "I have not failed 1,000 times. I have successfully discovered 1,000 ways to NOT make a light bulb." There is only one "but" that works well in every circumstance. When you read Ephesians 2:4 the first 2 words are "But God". Now even though the verse goes on to say much more, lets just focus on those 2 words "But God". Yes I fell, But God. . . Yes I failed, But God. . . How great is that? God is the answer! His name is above all things, all circumstances, all problems. just remember when you look back on your life you want to see footprints in the sand not "but" prints.

Ephesians 2:3-5

Philippians 4:12-14

It Is Finished

2009-10-24T07:48:00.003-05:00

When Christ died on the cross, His last words were, “It is Finished!” that meant he had done all that God His father had instructed him to do. He paid for our sins sickness and distress, he bore our iniquities, He gave us peace. The devil thought he had won when Jesus died, but then he found out he had lost everything. So now today we need to walk in the assurance that it is finished. We don’t have to carry the weight of this world on our shoulders. We don’t have to be sick or in debt or in conflict. He paid it all, so we would not have to. Learn to walk in that freedom everyday. Don’t let the lies of the enemy prevent you from experiencing the life freeing truth of the word today. It Is Finished!

John 19:29-31 (KJV)
Colossians 2:13-15 (AMP)
Isaiah 53:4-6 (AMP)

It Is In Your Hands

2009-10-23T16:55:00.004-05:00

I saw this story on LinkedIn and thought I would share it.

Once upon a time there was a wise old man who lived in a small, remote village. Like most wise old men, he had some not so wise folks that wanted to prove him wrong. In fact, there was a young man who devised a scheme to publicly put the wise old man to shame. He captured a small bird from a nearby tree and quickly approached the old man. Holding the bird behind his back he challenged the old man by saying "Tell me wise old man; is the bird alive or is it dead?" His plan was flawless because if the old man said alive, he would crush it and if he said dead he would release the bird. Both scenarios would surely prove the old man a fool. The old man confidently pondered the situation and then calmly said "The answer lies in your hands"

So often the answer is in our hands. something God has asked us to do in the word, during our prayer time or with His still small voice. Once we do that something, we show our obedience to God and open up the access to all of God's Blessings that He so lovingly wants to give to us.

Deuteronomy 30:19-20
Zechariah 8:8-10

It's Turnaround Time!

2009-10-18T20:50:00.005-05:00

If you have listened to newscasts and the so-called financial “experts” predicting the financial turnaround for this country, they are all saying it is a long ways in the future if at all. We hear about the new swine flu outbreak and how serious and dangerous it is we hear about all the threats of more war and disaster around the world. That is all pretty grim news to hear. But we don’t have to listen to those reports. The word says everything will have to bow to the name of Jesus and that it is under our feet. Debt, destruction, swine flu are all under our feet. It is time we turnaround and make our stand for the word of GOD. God’s word is true concerning us and what we speak will turn around our circumstances. We will go from lack to more than enough, from sickness to divine health, from defeat to total victory!

Isaiah 53:1-3

Deuteronomy 30:7-9

Job Interview

2009-10-17T04:47:00.002-05:00

When you apply for a job you hope you get to the interview stage so you can tell the hiring manager your qualifications, experience and knowledge as it applies to the specific position. Basically you are saying, "Pick Me! Pick Me!" Once you have done the best you can in the interview, you have to wait until the hiring manager makes a decision. You are at their mercy until then. God does not look at you ability, but instead your availability. If you yield to God He will give you all the skills, knowledge and talent you require to do what He has for you to do. And his benefits package is better than any company on Earth

Philippians 2:3-5
Psalm 103:1-3

Ever Watchful

2009-10-16T09:01:00.002-05:00

Anyone who has watched a hockey game has focused in on the Goalie. He stands in the net set and ready for the attack. The shots come at him from all over the rink and it is his job to block them anyway he can; with his stick, with his pads, or even with his body. Yes, his teammates help greatly but at the end of the game the points scored are points allowed by the Goalie. The best praise a goalie can achieve is a shutout where he stops all shots and the opponent does not score That is how we have to be; always set and ready for the attack. The enemy will try shots from all over trying to get one past your defenses. But if you stand firm in the face of these shots you too can score a shutout on the devil.

1 Peter 5:7-9
Proverbs 3:4-6
Ecclesiastes 3:16-18

Through a Child’s Eyes

2009-10-15T17:04:00.004-05:00

Have you ever watched small children playing? They don’t take time to see if their play pals are white, black, red, yellow or purple. They don’t look to see if they are fat, skinny, tall or short. They don’t look at handicaps or advantages. They don’t look at their background or what kind of home they come from. They just want to play! That is how God looks at us. He does not look at color, size or anything else adults tend to look at. That is something we learn as we mature. If we are to be “Christ-like” we need to put all that aside and love people simply as God does. We will see a much better world if we do

1 Samuel 16:6-8
Psalm 145:19-21

Going Beyond Offense

2009-10-12T10:23:00.003-05:00

It is so easy to get offended these days. Someone at work not doing what you think they should do. Someone that says something to you that is misunderstood. Being overwhelmed in your own tasks and seeing someone who is all caught up (you assume) not offering to help. Assumptions, misunderstandings and perceptions lead to most offenses today. All come from the enemy and all are set up to rob us of our blessings. We need to rise above offense and when we feel that spirit trying to rise up in us we need to tell ourselves no, no, this is not important enough to make me lose out on the blessings God has for me. The more opportunities you have to get offended, the harder the enemy is attacking, the closer you are to you blessings. So don’t let offense spoil the great things God has for you today!

Matthew 13:20-22
Matthew 11:5-7

Don't Look to Man

2009-10-09T14:16:00.002-05:00

In this country we have gotten into the bad habit of looking to man to supply our needs instead of God. We vote in Presidents, Congressmen, Senators and the like based on their promises. History has shown us by all the fallen empires that man is not where we should put our faith. We need to trust God in all things. He is the alpha and omega, the beginning and the end. One man or one political party cannot correct all the problems in this world, but they can create more problems. God is the problem solver. Remember he created this world so he know exactly what is needed to fix it. We need to pray so that God can again work in this world to restore it to its former greatness

2 Chronicles 7:13-15
Revelation 1:7-9
Matthew 6:32-34

Have I Told You Lately?

2009-10-08T09:37:00.005-05:00

Love is a word that is often misused in the English language. the word used to express how you feel about someone special in your life is the same word you use to say, " I love hamburgers"! As often as it is misused, it is not used nearly enough for the right reasons. Saying I love you can mean so much if it is said thoughtfully and with a right heart . Here is where tone and inflection are so important. You want to be sincere when you use the word love, not just toss it out as a throw away word. It needs to have a purpose. We need to think about that when we talk about our love for God also. When God says I love you in the Bible, He means it! We need to declare our love for God and His Son Jesus Christ every day! He died for us! He took on the sins, sickness and problems of the world for us so that we could be free. He loved (and still loves) us!

John 15:12-14
John 3:15-17

Power Play

2009-10-05T03:01:00.004-05:00

In hockey, when a penalty is committed, the other team is given an advantage as the offending player sits in the penalty box for 1 or 2 minutes, depending on violation severity. This advantage is called a power play and it is the goal of the team with the advantage to try and score during this time as they in effect have 1 extra player. As Christians, the enemy is always trying to get us into a “Power Play” situation by taking advantage of our weaknesses. We need to remember, however that we have God on our side. Another advantage for us is that when the devil was cast out of heaven, he took one third of the angels with him. That means there are two thirds that stayed loyal to God! That also means that for every demon the devil throws at us to defeat us, we have two angels that are working on our behalf. That means we are in a perpetual “Power Play”. We win! We have the victory! The devil is a liar and he is defeated!

1 Peter 5:7-9
Psalm 98:1-3
1 Corinthians 15:53-56

Let Go!

2009-10-04T17:29:00.005-05:00

Another story came to mind about the man walking along a cliff side. He slipped on some loose gravel and found himself falling. He grabbed onto a vine that was growing out of the hill side and hung on for dear life. He yelled, “Is anyone up there. I need help!” At that moment he heard the voice of God saying, “Don’t worry I have you, just let go of the vine”. He thought a minute and then said, “Is anybody else up there?” How often we say we trust in God, but do we really? Do we trust Him an all areas of our life or only the ones we know he can handle. (a little clue here, He can and He will handle them all). If we are really to trust God with our salvation, we need to trust him with everything else too, nothing held back.

Proverbs 3:4-6
Micah 3:10-12

Keep Your Hands Off The Clay

2009-10-03T03:46:00.001-05:00

The Word of God says God is the Master Potter and we are the clay. God wants to mold us and form us into the vessel he wants us to be just like the potter does with a lump of clay on his potter’s wheel. But what if the clay spoke back to the potter and said “Don’t touch me there, it hurts”. Or, if the clay jumped down off the wheel. If you can picture that in your mind, you can see how we are with God. We are to cast all our burdens at his feet but then we take a few pieces of the clay back with us to hold on to for safety sake. Or we don’t let God work on a certain area of our lives. We have to “Let Go and Let God” as the old saying says so that God can perfect the work he has to do on these lumps of clay

Jeremiah 18:3-5
Romans 9:20-22
Romans 6:15-17

The Cross Room

2009-10-02T06:42:00.004-05:00

I am reminded of a story once told to me. A man had a dream. He was walking through life bearing his cross. It became quite heavy and he told God, " Lord, this is too much for me to bear!" God told him to come with him. Instantly they stood at the door of a room. The door was labeled "The Cross Room". Upon entering the large room, the man saw a huge array of crosses. God told him to put down his cross and choose another. The man walked around the room and saw large crosses, small crosses, stone crosses, wood crosses. He saw crosses in all colors; red, white, yellow, black and brown. He saw plain crosses and very ornately decorated crosses. As he spanned his eyes across the room. He saw a very small cross leaning in the corner. "I will take that one, Lord!" God told the man, "That is the one you came in with." Sometimes we think we have too much to bear in this life. But God said he won't give us more that we can bear. We need to be mindful that there are people out there bearing a much heavier burden than we are, even if we think ours is much to hard to bear.

Matthew 16:23-25
1 Corinthians 10:12-14

God Is Our Source

2009-09-29T12:12:00.004-05:00

God is our source! Not man, Not our job, not anything else but God! We need to realize this and trust God that He will supply all our needs according to his riches and Glory in Christ Jesus. He is a good God. He is a rich God, he has cattle on a thousand hills. He is our refuge and fortress. We need to rely on him just as the branches rely on the vine. We cannot depend on Man or on our job to supply, for they could be gone in an instant. The more we learn to trust and rely on God, the more at peace we can be. Trust in the author and finisher of your faith now and just see what amazing things He will do for you

Fire Alarm

2009-09-28T09:51:00.005-05:00

We all know about fire alarms in schools and other buildings and I am sure we have all been in at least one "Fire Drill" in our lives. But what are these alarms and drills for? They are to sound a warning of impending doom or disaster so that no one gets harmed. We as Christians, connected to God need to be that alarm to the world to alert them and keep them from falling into the fires of Hell. We don't need to be like a blaring siren like the fire alarms are. Sometimes a gentle word or a smile is enough. People read our lives and that will bring us opportunities to share. We need to preach the Good New of the salvation and saving grace of Jesus Christ and of his soon coming again when we get the opportunity to do so. It could be on a bus, in a store, or walking down the street, that an opportunity comes for you to share. You just need to be ready at all times and not pass up the opportunity to sound the alarm in a loving way to the people you come in contact with.

Zephaniah 1:15-17

Joel 2:1-3

Mercy Rule

2009-09-27T21:10:00.004-05:00

Some football leagues around the country have what is called a

"Mercy Rule". This rule states that when a football team gets ahead of its opponent by a certain number of points, the game is called. This is the mercy to keep the losing team from being embarrassed. God also has a "Mercy Rule". it is not dependent on points, teams or situations. It is always in effect and is available to all. God's mercy was there before it was needed. God showed His mercy when sent his son to die for our sins before we were ever born. Trust in God's mercy and love. Depend on God for He loves you more that you know and His mercy endures forever!

No Man Left Behind

2009-09-26T20:33:00.003-05:00

The military has a motto, "No Man Left Behind", which means they always would go back out for their dead and wounded. God has that same Motto for us. His word says he will never leave us forsake us. He is always there caring for us and protecting us. Even though we cannot see him, we feel his presence.That is important, especially in the world we live in today. so be comforted at this very hour that GOD IS WITH US!

Deuteronomy 31:6-9

Hebrews 13:4-6

Luke 15:3-5

Taking Ownership

2009-09-25T17:22:00.007-05:00

This is a little story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody.
There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it.
Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it.
Somebody got angry about that because it was Everybody's job.
Everybody thought that Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn't do it.
It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done (source: www.corsinet.com)

Don't let this be you. God rewards those who are diligent. Even if it is "not your job" make it your job. Just like NIKE says, "Just do it". Too often I have seen this happen to the dismay of managers and workers alike. Whether we are talking about work or church or home, it is the same issue. Be eager to live and to do what needs to be done!

Hebrews 11:5-7

Proverbs 12:23-25

Proverbs 11:26-28

Re-Joy Yourselves

2009-09-24T10:15:00.005-05:00

The Word Rejoice can be translated to "RE-JOY" or to add to your joy. If you have no joy due to the circumstances you are facing, you can build that up by rejoicing and praising God. We don’t praise God for the circumstances, but instead the praise him in and despite of the circumstances. We know by His Word we are already victorious. God is always there watching over us and if we trust in Him we can overcome any of life's circumstances. The key is to be joyful or full of joy which you can only get by making sure you "RE-JOY" yourselves by rejoicing on a regular basis

Psalm 118:23-25
Nehemiah 8:9-11
Ezra 3:11-13
Psalm 5:10-12
Psalm 35:26-28

Farm Town

2009-09-23T09:06:00.003-05:00

I play a game on FaceBook called Farm Town. It is a fun little application where you sow seeds and build up your farm. I had not really thought too much about it, but then realized there are spiritual lessons to be learned even while playing this computer game. In this game you are given land. You choose how you want to set up your fields and what you want to plant. Different seeds have different costs and growth times before harvest. In our walk with God we have land on which we walk and we are commanded to take back what the enemy has stolen from us. We plant seeds, whether they are financial, helps, time, prayer or confession, and have to wait till they fully mature and harvest time comes. One benefit the game has that life doesn't is that you can go into the game and see what percentage your crops are at. We can't do that in life. We just have to obey God and stand on the word and on our confession. Farm Town may be a fun game but in life we need to plant our good seeds and stay in faith for the harvest to come.

Luke 8:10-12
Romans 10:9-11

The Favor of God

2009-09-22T13:45:00.002-05:00

The favor of God is what all Christians should strive to live in. It is not all that hard to achieve for God loves those that seek him and obey His Word. Samuel had favor with both God and man. Why? Because he sought the Lord continually.Jesus also had favor with both God and man. He was obedient even to his Death on the cross and resurrection. We don't have to die a physical
death just to find favor with God. We do however need to put to death those things that do not please God and adapt a lifestyle of pleasing God. If our lives show forth the fruits of the spirit instead of the works of the flesh, we will have God's favor in our lives.

Galatians 5:21-23

Psalm 30:5-7

Rise Up

2009-09-21T11:31:00.005-05:00

As I arose this morning to face another day, it is really not what my body had in mind. It wanted to sleep more, but I forced it to rise up. There are many Christians and for that matter churches that are asleep. Many probably don’t even know it. You have heard the expression, “asleep at the wheel”. That’s what happens to many Christians. It is easy to go into a glide routine as a Christian. Nobody bothers you because you are not shining a light on their sin. But God wants to use us in a might way and He said He is always with us and will give us the strength we need if we only ask him for it. The presence of the Holy Spirit is always with us even though we cannot see it, we can feel its effect. As we walk with God, we can see God's direction in our lives and as we take that step of faith to minister to people, He has promised he always be with us

Isaiah 60:1-3
John 3:8
Psalm 46:1-3

Be A Fan of God

2009-09-20T19:18:00.006-05:00

With all the hoopla for this season it is easy to see that there are a lot of football fans out there. While I do like to watch the games, I don't think I am as voracious as some fans are. I do have teams I cheer for and cheer against. We need to be that way for God. God has done much more for us than any sports team cold ever do. When is the last time one of your sports heroes died for you? Or healed you? Or delivered you? I am not putting down sports because as I said I do watch and enjoy them and they do have a place. But God is so much more. On Monday morning everyone who watches the games over the weekend is talking about the big plays or great performances from their teams. they are dwelling on the good things they saw during the games as they look forward to next weeks contests. We need to dwell on the good things God has done for us and look expectantly to what more he has in store for us in this current season and the next.

John 16:32-33
Judges 5:2-3
Psalm 71:18-20
Psalm 126:1-3

It is Good to Win!

2009-09-19T16:33:00.007-05:00

In life, it is good to win. To win in Football, you have to master the basic skills of blocking, running tackling catching and throwing. You have to play hard on Defense and Offense. You have to score more points than your opponent.

Each Play or down is a mini battle that you win or lose. The more of these battles you win, the better the outcome. In our spiritual lives, we face similar challenges. We need to master the basics skill of our Christian life by reading God's Word, praying Daily, being obedient to God's commands and fellowship with God continually. We succeed on Offense by taking back the ground the enemy has stolen from us. We succeed on defense by defending our ground against the enemy's devices. Every day we face battles and the more we win the more we mature and remain victorious over the enemy. And remember we have already won the game through Jesus Christ. It is just these daily battle we need to secure. So lay the game hard and WIN!!

1 Corinthians 15:57

1 John 5:3-5

Awakenings

2009-09-18T15:03:00.004-05:00

The evangelical movement of the 1740s played a key role in the development of democratic concepts in the period of the American Revolution. The enlightenment to the Word of God brought on the truths that became the Declaration of Independence and other great documents in history. We need to enlighten ourselves and awaken ourselves to the Word of God also so we can make the changes the country needs. It will not matter who we vote in or support, if this country does not repent from the way it is going and turn back to God it cannot recover from the problems it is now facing. As god’s people, we need to be praying for revival in this country such has not been seen in a long, long time.

2 Chronicles 7:13-15
Proverbs 4:14-16
2 Timothy 3:4-6

Stop, Look and Listen

2009-09-17T11:08:00.006-05:00

Driving home from Church last night, we came upon a stop sign. The message on that sign was very clear, or at least should be. You gotta STOP! I remember learning about signs in Driver's Education. A Stop sign means Stop, Look and Listen. Sometimes in our lives here on earth we need to stop. Stop all the moving around, stop all the noise, stop all the distractions and just listen to God. The word Selah is seen many times in the Book of Psalms. It means, “'to measure carefully the meaning of what has been said”. We need to Look. We need to take the time to measure carefully what God is telling us in his Word. We need to listen. So we can hear what God is speaking to us and then be obedient to what we hear.

Psalm 19:13-14
Psalm 138:3-5
Psalm 143:5-7

I Shall Not Be Moved

2009-09-16T14:20:00.003-05:00

We need to develop a never quit attitude when it comes to our faith. No matter what comes against us to test our faith, we need to stand firm. No matter how long it takes, we need to stand firm. No matter how bad it looks, we need to stand firm. The old Chorus: “I shall not be moved.” Just about says it all. We need to not be moved by the circumstances, nwhen they come our way but instead need to be strengthened by the Word and in God’s Power through the Holy Spirit.

Psalm 62:1-3
Colossians 1:10-12
Ephesians 3:15-
Ephesians 6:12-14

Are you Moldable?

2009-09-15T16:05:00.006-05:00

Just as the potter molds the clay into fine works of art or useful bowls and utensils, God, the Master Potter, wants to mold us, the clay, into what he has planned for us. But if the clay is to hard it can't be molded correctly. The potter knows just how much water to use to keep the clay pliable. We need to be pliable, moldable and flexible to words and actions of God in order to become what he wants us to be. If we resist the direction of the Holy Spirit in our lives, we can become hardened

and not able to respond to the Master Potter's gentle hand.

Isaiah 64:8

Proverbs 29:1

Get Out of the Boat!

2009-09-14T09:23:00.003-05:00

The story of Peter walking on water has been told many different ways to teach many different lessons. But one thing is a key, Peter had to get out of the boat! if he just stayed there and talked about it or thought about it, he would have never experienced the power of God in extending his faith. When he stepped out of the boat and has his eyes on Jesus, he walked on the water. It was only when he took his eyes off the Lord that he began to sink. We have all been called to step out as believers to minister to those around us. God will give us the tools we need when we need them. If we step out of our proverbial boats and keep our eyes on Him we will be able to walk, just as Peter did, where no one has been able to walk before

Matthew 14:29-31

Acts 4:29-31

1 Peter 2:8-10

DE-FENCE!

2009-09-12T15:54:00.005-05:00

With Football season starting, you hear the cry for Defense! Defense! But most coaches will tell you the best defense is a good offense. no matter what the enemy throws at us, fear, lack, sickness or death , we can use the Word of God to defend for our faith. We may be troubled but the Word will help us rise above our troubles. We may not know exactly what to do in a situation but the word will give us guidance. We may feel alone but the Holy Spirit is our comfort and help us to be victorious in our life.

2 Corinthians 4:8-10

Psalm 35:22-24

Take the Lead

2009-09-11T10:57:00.006-05:00

Whether you are a manager of a huge company, a stay at home mom, or somewhere in between, you are a leader. You lead the people you come in contact with, whether that is a VP, your child, or someone seeking information from you. Leadership is something that God puts inside us. But we have to recognize that it is there and then develop it. David was not a leader, but God's anointing made him the greatest king of Israel. Moses did not want to be a leader but God chose him to lead God's people out of Bondage. Be a leader at whatever you do each day and you will develop that gift you have been given.

Isaiah 55:3-5
Psalm 25:4-6
Proverbs 6:20-23

Be Ye Not Dismayed

2009-09-10T14:18:00.001-05:00

Dismay is defined as: to cause to lose courage or resolution (as because of alarm or fear). When we are standing in faith, we are setting ourselves up against the worldly current. Whether it is for healing, finances, family, job or deliverance, the enemy will always try to oppose you or delay your answer. He delayed Daniel’s answer when he prayed, but the answer was still there. It is the same with us. God answers us but the enemy tries to delay the answer so we will lose hope, get frustrated or give up entirely. When we make our stand, we have to determine in our spirits they we will not get dismayed, we will not quit and we will get our answer and be victorious over the enemy.

Deuteronomy 31:7-9
Joshua 1:8-10
Isaiah 41:9-11
Daniel 10:12-14

UNDO UNDO!

2009-09-08T11:29:00.004-05:00

The undo button on most computer programs and games. what would we do without it. We can go back and fix an error or redo a move. Unfortunately life does not have an UNDO button. Many times in my life I have, and you probably have too, wished for an UNDO button for life. It could have been that unkind word, that mistaken purchase or that bad or even missed business deal, or whatever. You cannot UNDO Life. God does not require perfection, just the effort required to continue to get better, the perfecting of the saints. We do this by studying and learning the word and acting on it, in faith. Then we can go through life making fewer mistakes and allowing less need for the UNDO Button.

2 Corinthians 7:1-3

Ephesians 4:11-13

Yesterday Today and Forever

2009-09-07T10:16:00.003-05:00

“Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever” is a verse most people have heard at least once in their lives. Yet how many people really know what it means and really believe it? If Jesus never changes, then God never changes. Whatever He did way back in history he can and is doing today. God provided for the Israelites in the desert. Have you ever tried to feed 3 million or so people at one time? Not an easy task. Providing for us should be (and is) easy for God. Jesus healed the sick. Jesus gave us the command to heal the sick in His Name. If we know, really know, the Healer, then healing will come to us and to those we minister to. God will only give you the tools you need. If you lay hands on people to minister, he will give you what you need by the power of His word, which never changes

Numbers 23:18-20
Luke 10:8-10
Hebrews 13:7-9

A Step Forward

2009-09-06T19:07:00.003-05:00

I saw a rather amusing sign at a local restaurant, “Even a kick in the pants is a step forward!” I pondered that later and had to agree. Sometimes we need a swift kick in the pants to get moving in the direction God has for us. There have been at least 2 times, and I am sure there were more where God had the right person at the right time to administer that convincing kick to my back side to get me going in the right direct forward. Once when I was out of college yet planning my first career of Sports Medicine, the person I worked for asked me if I wanted to stay in that field or work retail the rest of my life. There is nothing wrong with retail, but I wanted to be an Athletic Trainer and I told him that. He told me, “Then get back in school” I did and reached my career goal in less that 3 years. Later when I was working in Business, I was debating whether to go back to school at night for 2 years for my MBA. I actually had 2 people give me that ever important kick. My pastor asked, “How old will you be in 2 years if you don’t go to school? How old will you be if you do? The answer, of course was the same except with the latter I would have the MBA. My Boss at the time also added, “If you got laid off, would you rather be on the street with an MBA or without one?” The answer, of course was obvious, and I went to get my MBA in about a year and a half. Although my examples were about education, we sometimes need a good kick regarding life, relationships, our careers and even our walk with Christ. Don’t be ashamed if you have needed or think you might need a good kick. Be thankful to the one doing the kicking for they are probably God sent!

Psalm 85:12-13
Proverbs 4:11-13

Let Your light So Shine

2009-09-05T21:17:00.004-05:00

We are to be as lights in the darkness, shedding the light of Jesus to a darkened world. The world may not always accept us, but when they need light, they need to know where to find it. In trying to witness to a neighbor, years ago, I found he would not receive what I was telling him. It was not because he did not believe me, but because of previous hurt applied to him in churches he had attended. But yet later, when he wanted prayer for a family member, he came to me. He knew I was for real in my beliefs for I had been that light to him. Our speech, actions and lifestyle are a light. A smile or nod or thoughtful word may be all that is needed to show your light. Show your light in the darkness today!

Proverbs 4:18
2 Corinthians 4:5-7
Philippians 2:14-16

When All Else Fails

2009-09-04T14:34:00.004-05:00

OK, nothing has gone as planned, you are at your wits end, and do not know where to turn. What do you do? Praise Him! God inhabits the praises of his people. He is there with you and will help you overcome the problems, no matter how hopeless the situation looks. By Praising God, not for the situation, but in the situation, we empower the Holy Spirit to work in our stead as God's active hand here on Earth. By Praise we will overcome every time!

Nobody Knows Me Like You

2009-09-03T21:26:00.003-05:00

Nobody knows us like God knows us. He has seen us at our best and, unfortunately, at our worst. He has seen us boldly standing in faith and helplessly running in fear. But yet, He still loves us. No matter what we do, God Loves us! I know that is hard for us to understand at times but God's love has no limits, just as He has no limits. the universe fits between his thumb and forefinger. He is always watching us and watching over us, to pick us up when we fall, to comfort us in sadness and even to rejoice with us when we are happy. He is a good God, He is the Best. Make Him yours today.

Psalm 121:1-3
Psalm 70:4
Jeremiah 1:12

Keep the Fire Burning

2009-09-02T12:21:00.002-05:00

God wants us to be on fire for him. You have to be in or out. God wants us to rely on him totally. He wants us to act in faith, not fear. We have plenty of opportunities to practice our faith each and every day. When things don’t quite go as planned, don’t panic! Look to God he is mindful of things that concern you. If we lay our cares at God’s feet (and don’t pick them back up again) we begin to dwell in the peace and rest god has for us. If you feel led to talk to someone, do it! God will give you the words to say. We are to be blessings to all and be like a fountain pouring out that blessing to all who might receive.

Revelation 3:15-16
Hebrews 2:5-7
Psalm 8:3-5

Don't Hesitate

2009-09-01T17:26:00.005-05:00

Everyone has heard the old saying, "He who hesitates is lost". The meaning behind the saying is even more descriptive: The person who waits too long loses the opportunity; or, more seriously, delay or indecision may have disastrous result.
Waiting too long to talk to a loved one may cause you to miss talking to them altogether if they depart this world or your area unexpectantly. Take advantage of the opportunities you have today, even right now, to talk to or make contact with that person or persons that God has put on your heart.
Psalm 119:59-61
Psalm 85:6-8

Family Bonds

2009-08-31T21:13:00.004-05:00

Visiting family in a time of sadness can be good for the soul. when there is a tragic loss, the companionship, camaraderie, compassion and closeness that family members can bring to you can be a big help in dealing with the grief process. Reminiscing about happy and sometimes funny events can bring joy and comfort in these time of sorrow and sadness. Of course we need not and should not wait until there is a loss to celebrate and strengthen these family times. We need to make the effort frequently and consistently to stay in contact, whether that is in person, via phone or E-mail or by internet. we need to bring comfort and peace in good times and bad to a world where that is many times sorely lacking.

Ephesians 3:14-16
Jude 1:19-21

Be a Blessing

2009-08-27T13:05:00.010-05:00

Deuteronomy 28 speaks of us being blessed in the city and Blessed in the field. Blessed coming in and blessed going out. But why are we to be Blessed? So that we can be a blessing to everyone we come in contact. God will pour so much blessing into us that it will pour out of us. We don't need to reservoirs, to store and hold the blessings, but rivers instead to flow the blessing out to bless all. Be a blessing to those you come in contact with today!

Deuteronomy 28:1-15

Never Give Up!

2009-08-26T09:28:00.003-05:00

Stand Firm. Never Give Up! What gives us the strength to carry on in the midst of trial? What gives us that dogged determination to hold on no matter what? God Does! He give us his word to encourage us and His Holy Spirit to empower us. We can only do so much on our own, then we have to look to God, the author and finisher of our faith to intervene on our behalf. We do have to be determined to follow God in his Word so that we can reap the rewards as a good soldier in army of God

Apples of gold in settings of silver

2009-08-25T09:08:00.007-05:00

A word fitly spoken. Let's contemplate on that. What does that mean? Words as we know can build up or tear down they can bless or curse. So it really does matter what we say. We need to think first, well actually we need to listen first. What is the person saying? Do they need help? Do they just need to vent? Men especially are good at fixing things, sometimes that do not need fixing. if someone just needs to air out their feelings we need to listen, without judgement to them. We can then offer help or good words if needed. Or not. Notice how that was 2 sentences. sometimes help is not needed. Sometimes it is best just to pray. if we have the opportunity to offer words fitly spoken they will bless the hearer and the speaker at the same time. Be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit to be that setting of silver offering your apples of Gold

Proverbs 25:10-12
Proverbs 18:21
Proverbs 15:22-24
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
Ecclesiastes 3:6-8

His Grace Amazes Me

2009-08-24T09:45:00.003-05:00

Gods Grace. Ever wondered why God shows his grace to us. I do. after all, He is God and we are merely human. But he loves us! Yes no matter what we do, He loves us and helps us to live in this world of ours. His precepts are direct and to the point. Be willing and obedient. But if we step out of line we don't get struck immediately by lightning. His grace is sufficient for us. Now that does not mean we can go on sinning or living in disobedience. God instructs us by his Word on how we must live. A coach I used to work with had a saying he would have the football team quote every day, "Every day, in every way, we get a little better. Hey!" God does not demand perfection the word is to be used for the perfecting of the saints. it is a daily journey to get closer to God as we live in this world

2 Corinthians 12:8-10
Isaiah 1:18-20
Ephesians 4:11-13

Power in Praise

2009-08-23T21:48:00.003-05:00

There is power in praise. Merlin Carothers wrote a powerful book on that subject. the power comes from praising God in the midst of the circumstances. this is not to be confused with praising God for the circumstances. He did not bring them. Circumstances are brought on by the enemy and also many times by decisions we make without God's leading and guidance. But God will give us the power and plan to overcome and be victorious in them. Praise also prepares our hearts to receive the word. Praise gives us comfort and relieves stress. Praise is a useful tool that is often overlooked by many Christians. Try using praise today, and everyday and you will receive strength and power from on High!

Psalm 18:2-4

Psalm 27:5-7

Psalm 150:5-6

Recharge!

2009-08-22T21:35:00.004-05:00

The weekends are to recharge. We take a lot of wear and tear during the week in our jobs, families and by life in general. we need time to recharge and restore our Body's batteries so to speak. Whether that means relaxing. visiting friends or relatives or planning that special day or evening, it is important that we take that time to recharge. without rest our bodies break down and are more susceptible to sickness, fatigue, anger and aggression. Even God Rested on the 7th day! Work will be there on Monday and so will life so take time to restore, relax, recreate and recharge today.

Genesis 2:2-4

Psalm 23:2-4

Hebrews 4:9-11

That's all I can stands I can't stands no more

2009-08-21T14:34:00.002-05:00

Been there? I think we all have at one point in our lives, or is it something that happens weekly? Are the circumstances in your life hiding or covering up the good things and blessings from God? you know God does not bring tests upon us, the enemy does. God does give us the strength to get through the tests if we trust and rely on Him. The Word say he will never give us more than we can bear. By drawing closed to God in our prayer time and study time we draw power from God for the day to be able to rise above the circumstances and be victorious in Him

James 4:6-8

1 Corinthians 10:12-14

Hopeless?

2009-08-20T12:20:00.009-05:00

There may some times in your connected walk with God that you feel hopeless. Maybe things are not going just the way we planned or something got in our way. We cannot lose hope. Hope is the essence of our faith Hebrews 11:1 says “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen”. We need hope to build our faith. We cannot just sit around “a Hopin and a prayin” either. We need to look and see what the scriptures says about what we are standing for. We need to find scriptures that back up God’s will for our lives. We need to stand on those scriptures, knowing that God has already done it in our lives and believe we receive. You hope will grow, your faith will grow, and God’s will shall come to pass in your life

Our Beautiful Lord

2009-08-19T12:30:00.008-05:00

Ever stop to look and see how wonderful God is? This world he made for us has so many beautiful and fantastic views and panoramas. And God made just for us to enjoy. Sometimes we forget how good God really is to us. God is a big God and he wants to be involved in our lives, to bring us joy and peace and beauty as well as salvation, healing, deliverance and prosperity. Trust God to give you whatever you want need and desire today

Psalm 16:1-3
Psalm 25:12-14
Psalm 139:13-15

Gone Too Soon

2009-08-18T21:32:00.005-05:00

When a brother goes to be with the Lord in his 50's. It is way too soon. It is a shock to all who knew him of knew of Him. You think of all the anecdotes you remember of his life and you smile, as if but a break from the sadness you really feel. You miss them, but know they are in Heaven, but you still miss them. You want them to be back with you, not gone too soon. You think of all the things left undone. The woulda coulda shoulda. Take advantage of the time you have with those who are still with us and make the most of the time you have. Enjoy the moments now.

Hebrews 4:9-11

Ephesians 3:14-16

Be A Receiver!

2009-08-17T12:45:00.004-05:00

With Football season now looming, we hear talk of great receivers catching awesome fingertip catches. Why do they make these catches? Because that is their job. They are receivers! As Christians, We need to be receivers, not just in the football sense, but to receive all the gifts of God for us. If you were at a birthday party you we think it quite odd if the honored guest saw all the presents. No I am not worthy of all these gifts, I cannot open them. As Christians that is often what we do unless we know and believe that the Word is true. Gifts of divine health and healing, divine provision and Abundance and God's peace are often turned away by humble (not) Christians. We need to search the scriptures to see all that the Word says we have so we can receive all that God has for us to receive.

Proverbs 4:9-11
Matthew 7:7-9
Matthew 11:4-6
Matthew 19:28-30

Make A Stand

2009-08-16T22:01:00.006-05:00

What do you really believe in? There is a quote out there that says, "If you were put on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?" If we don't make a stand on the word of God, we are nothing. It is all up to what we believe. Do we believe all the Word or only parts of it? If you can believe for your salvation, but not for healing, how can that be? We can not select what we believe and don't believe. It is all or none with God as it should be. Check your heart and the scriptures to make sure they line up. Then your actions will fall into place.

A God of Surprises

2009-08-15T20:15:00.004-05:00

Just watched a great Jerry Savelle video called the "God of Surprises" that taught me a lot. God clearly tells us in his word the he will take care of all our needs want and desires. But sometimes we can interrupt what God has for us by trying to figure out how God will do what he has promised. We don't have to know how a jet flies through the air to get to our destination, we just get on the plane and go. So why do we have to know how God will do what the word says he will do. We know what the Word says and as we study each day we learn even more. It just becomes a faith and trust thing for us to apply to our lives and daily walk with Him. He is faithful to do as He Promised.
Don't worry about the HOW or the WHEN, just Know that He WILL
Ephesians 2:6-8
Ephesians 3:19-21

Reflections

2009-08-14T12:16:00.003-05:00

As you look back on the week, you can easily see your successes and failures. We think of the words we wish we had not said, or the things we wish we had not done. Hindsight is 20-20 they say. It is true, but if we are quick to repent when we fall out of the will of God. Then God is quick to forgive and forget our sin. God knows we are not perfect. Our goal is the daily perfecting of the saints not perfection of the saints, for only God is perfect. Just remember God loves you and He sees you through His eyes, not yours.

Micah 7:18-19

Ephesians 4:11-13

Psalm 34:14-16

Don't Chicken Out!

2009-08-13T19:57:00.003-05:00

Remember in Joshua 1:8,9 it says be strong and courageous? Why? Because daily we are faced with situations that we need to handle and many times that takes a little courage. taking time to talk or pray with someone in need, witnessing to the neighbor you have known for years, standing in faith for something the word of God has promised. These all take a little courage and are things God wants us to do willingly. Ahhh, now there's a catch. we have to willing and obedient? yep, Gods Word says so! So don't chicken out, be willing and obedient today!

Joshua 1:6-8

Isaiah 1:18-20

2 Chronicles 32:6-8

It's A Beautiful Day!

2009-08-12T15:00:00.003-05:00

Having trouble saying that today. try it! It's A Beautiful Day! though it may be hard to do sometimes, it is our outlook on life that often determines our outcome. if you go into the day knowing it is going to be a dull or bad or hard day, it will be. But, if you go in to the day asking God to help you see the good things in the day, it will be a better day. All God asks is that we be obedient to His Word and we will be blessed. that right there should put a smile on your face. and if you look at all the blessings God has sent you in the past, that should keep you smiling. Try your new put look on life today. you will like it!

Deuteronomy 28:1-3
Proverbs 15:13

Standing Firm

2009-08-11T10:00:00.003-05:00

Life can be interesting and unpredictable, but a lot depends on what kind of foundation you have. If you have little or no support, it becomes a matter of precarious balancing to keep from falling. If however, you have a good foundation in the Word, spend time in prayer each day and refresh yourself throughout the day with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, you have strength in time of calamity and peace in the eye of the storm. it is a matter of proper preparation and determination to stand and keep standing no matter what!

Matthew 7:24-27
Ephesians 5:18-20
Colossians 3:15-17

Mondays

2009-08-10T16:22:00.004-05:00

Mondays have a bad rap. You have just finished a hopefully restful restorative weekend. you are supposed to be recharged and ready for a new week. but then that alarm clock goes off and you say, "Argghh, it is Monday morning again!" Why not get up saying, "Good morning Lord, its gonna be a great week and a great day in you. What great things do you have in store for me today?" Can you see how this will change your outlook on Mondays? Now you may have to start out saying this in faith. you may not feel like saying this at first. but if you make it part of you daily routine, it will work wonders. the more positive word you interject into your life the better. So have a great Monday! And Tuesday! And Wednesday! And Thursday! And Friday! and Saturday! and, of Course, Sunday!

Proverbs 13:2-4

Proverbs 6:1-3

Isaiah 28:12-14

Ready, Set, Go!

2009-08-09T20:46:00.005-05:00

To be Successful in sports you have train hard to prepare your body, mind and senses for the event. When the starting gun goes off, you don't want to be standing in the blocks, you want

to go, go, go. It is the same way in our spiritual lives. We have to train our spirits and our minds and emotions to be ready when circumstances come our way. God told Joshua to "not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." But then he told Him to be strong and courageous. Why because the circumstances of life were coming his way. we get ready by filling our hearts with the Word and spending time with God In Prayer. We get set by confessing the scriptures over our lives to build up our courage and strength. Then when life comes at us, as it always does we are ready to run into victory and be prosperous and successful
Joshua 1:8-9
1 Corinthians 9:23-25
Hebrews 12:1-3

God takes care of us

2009-08-08T16:28:00.003-05:00

The bible says God knew us before we were formed in our mother's womb. It also say the He will preserve those who love Him. the connected man is safe because of Gods protection. This does not mean he will never have any problems. It does mean he will have the strength and direction to overcome the problems. we will overcome because we are born of God. so no matter how small you feel in this big universe remember God created it and if he can tend to the universe He can surely take care of us!

Jerimiah 1:5
Psalms 145:20

1 John 5:4

Watch Your Tongue

2009-08-07T10:56:00.005-05:00

Ever said something and wish you could retrieve it before anyone else hears it? Scientists have found excerpts from TV shows from the 1950's still floating out in space. one you utter a word a sentence it is out there. So be careful of your tongue. It can get you in trouble with people, with your life and with your faith. If you negate the Word by what you say with your mouth, you get no where fast. We need to make sure the Word, our speech and actions all line up so that we don't defeat or delay the good things God has for us.

Proverbs 21:23

James 1:26

James 3:5

Watch your But. . .

2009-08-06T22:30:00.004-05:00

But I . . ., your right ,but . . . i know i should do that, but . . .

We have all used these phrases and we need to start watching the "but". when you see that in a sentence or hear it used in daily speech. you can safely disreagard everything that is before the "but" no matter how much truth, faith or sincerity is in it. you can just pay attention to what comes after it, for that is where the truth lies. If someone says I believe what you say but that won't work for me, it won't. if the says i am rich but your know how today's economy is, they won't be rich. We need to start speaking the word over our lives and start now to eliminate the "buts".
Start watching your But today.

Mark 11:22-24
Proverbs 6:2

Keep Looking Up!

2009-08-05T14:39:00.003-05:00

Keep looking up! No matter what you are facing. Keep your eyes on God and His Word. it is so easy to look at the circunmstances. we all do it at times and it does us no good. Of course, you have to use your physical senses to see where you are going. But when you focus on the circumstances you can go no higher than those circumstances. You can rise above them if you keep focusing on them. It does not matter how big the circumstances seem. they are small in God's perspective and if we view them through God's eyes they will be small to us also. Even if you don't see immediate resolution. the answer is clear in God. Daniel did not see an immediate answer to his prayers but he had the answer in God. Faith opens the door to the manifestation of what we are believing for.
Daniel 10:12-14

Philippians 3:13-15

Be Transformed

2009-08-04T09:38:00.004-05:00

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual[a] act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
3For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.

God tell us in his word not to be conformed to the world but to be transformed by renewing of your mind. how do we renew our mind? by feed the word to it on a daily basis. you could take a pot full on sludge and by mearly running tap water into it, the pot will get clean. Yes there may be some spots that need a little scrubbing, but eventually it will shine clean as new. That is what the Word will do in our lives if we let it. We can be like a fresh running stream that can irrigate and refresh everything it touches. As we clean ourselves by the washing of the Word, our faith grows from the same Word so that we are equipped to touched others.

Romans 12:1-3

Eph 5:26

Grab a Hold of Life

2009-08-03T22:37:00.004-05:00

Grab a hold of your life. Don't let circumstances rule you. You need to rule and not be ruled. be on the offensive not the defensive. Put the Word of God in your heart on a consistent basis. that means daily. Don't let anything get in the way. the enemy will put circumstances in your way to block the input of the word into your heart. you cannot go through life alone. You need God daily to build you up. Spend time in prayer, in the Word and in mediation of the Word. It is a day by day journey that can take you from the lowest low to the highest high. the connected man or woman needs to stay connected to stay blessed. It is so easy to get away from the truth by not planting the seed in you daily and spending time with God. after all that is really all God wanted when he created Adam, someone to talk to and spendtime with each day. Start spending time (or more time) with God today

Luke 21:34
Acts 2:42
Romans 12:12

Chill Out

2009-08-01T16:25:00.005-05:00

Chill Out!
Ok the weekend is here and it's time to relax. Forget about all the things that happened this week, reflect on the good things that you have. Count your blessings. Don't hang on to the stress of work and life in general. Rise above it and just relax this weekend. The Word says take no thought of tomorrow for tomorrow will handle itself. Enjoy the weekend the new week will be here soon enough

Matthew 6:25-34

How do you see yourself?

2009-08-01T16:03:00.006-05:00

Do you see yourself as a triumphant warrior or as a frightened Kitten. It is all up to you. the Word says God always leads us in triumphal procession. That means we win. Read revelation those who are in christ win. that does not mean the enemy will quit fighting. There are so many Christians out there the enemy can still decieve. i don't plan on being one of them, no Christian should. thye only way to avoid deception is to know what the word says. When Christ was tempted by the enemy he was aleto answer back to the devils deception by the Word of God. the truth will always overcome the deception, if you know the truth, yu can stand against the enemy and win. Start Winning today!

2 Corinthians 2:12

Up Against It?

2009-07-30T18:32:00.005-05:00

Feeling like you can take no more? That you are really up against it? We all get to that point at times in our lives. God says in his Word he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. The enemy wants us to fail. he keeps the pressure on us and as we mature in the faith by staying connected to God, he presses harder. His goal is to make us give up. The devil tries to make us feel isolated, like we are the only one facing this challenge. But really the devil has a limited number of tricks to throw at us. they are common to all mankind. Whether it be finances, health, relationships, employment or family; they have all been seen before. How did Paul feel when he was in prison, or Stephen when we was about to be stoned? Yet they looked to God and praised Him. notice they did not praise God for the circumstances, they praised Him through the circumstances. They were victorious. Praise is the key, no matter what is the circumstances. if the circumstances affect your praise, your praise will not be able to overcome the circumstances. what ever you need to do. Listening to the word or good praise music or just getting away from the situation briefly can help you focus on what God has said in his Word so you can claim victory over the circumstances. Your faith will grow and the enemy will flee for a time just like when he left Jesus in the garden after Jesus resisted his temptations. You need to always be on your guard and be spiritually ready, for the enemy will try again to snare you, but in Jesus name you will be victorious

1 Corinthians 10:13

2 Corinthians 4: 8-10

Waiting

2009-07-29T13:47:00.003-05:00

This age of fast food, self service and instant messaging has proven that nobody likes to wait, but we all have to. We wait in line we wait for a movie we wait for food in restaurant, but if it takes longer that we expect we wonder why. Everyone is on a different clock, so what is slow to you is very fast to someone else. We don't take into account what it takes to perform a service for us. Take renting a DVD, seems simple, right? You go in, pick out a DVD and pay at the counter. No problem, right? Well what about the process for making sure your DVD got to the shelf (or back to the shelf)? What about the process of accepting your payment or checking DVD back in so you don't get charged for it? Those items escape us but all take time. What I am saying here is to stop and smell the roses or coffee or whatever will make you slow down, even for just a moment. An actor in a movie once said, "Life moves pretty fast, if you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it". It is the same with people. We are all moving along in this life at different stages of physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual maturity. These four areas may or may not be aligned or related to each other. A person with high intellect may be a basket case emotionally. The bumper sticker "Be patient, God is not finished with me yet!" is a motto we all need to embrace. So the next time you feel the angst rising up in you, take time to reflect where you are today compared to where you were. The old hymn can also serve to remind us to reflect, “Count your many blessings, Name them one by one, Count your many blessings, and See what God has done
Isaiah 40:31
Proverbs 14:29

Don't Worry

2009-07-27T20:06:00.001-05:00

Don't Worry
Why do we worry? Because we can that's why! I was once told worry is like a rocking chair, it is something to do but it does not get you anywhere! How true that is! A lot of action going on with no forward progress. Sometimes, well all the time, we need to watch our mouths and not speak out our worry, but give it to God instead. He has everything well in hand.

If God can take care of providing food for all the birds or the world, why should we worry about we are to eat? If God can clothe all the flowers of the world. why should we worry about what we will wear. If we can trust God for our salvation, why not for everything else too?

God can be trusted, He is not a man that he should lie. We need to believe in Him for all our needs and desires and dreams. God is a good God who wants to bless his children. When Worry or concern comes your way Consider the Lilies and the Birds and remember that God Love you more and will take of you even to the smallest detail

Matthew 6:25-34
Numbers 23:19
Phillipians 4:19

2009-07-27T14:50:00.002-05:00

This is my first entry for the connected man blog. I am a man connected to God through my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This Blog is not just for men, so feel fee to share the address with anyone you know. If this blog is a blessing to you please let me know.

So many of us go through life not realizing the power we have once we connect to God through Jesus Christ. In John 14:6, Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me”. How do you get connected?

If you are separated from God you need to know that you were created with value and worth! And God loves you.
God loves you and
Sin separates from God so we cannot know Him personally or experience His love.
Know that Jesus Christ died in our place.
He rose from the dead.
Your Decision to Connect with GOD. We must believe in and receive Christ.
We receive Christ by faith.
Receiving Christ (getting connected) involves:
-Recognizing our need for Christ.
-Turning to Christ and away from self (repentance).
-Trusting Christ to come into our lives, forgive our sins, and make us what He wants us to be.

Once we are connected to God, we have life and with life we have the power to be free, healthy and prosperous in our lives here on earth. If we are obedient to the word of God, all these promises are ours. So many Christians don’t realize this. They allow the world to put them down, or keep them down. They don’t see themselves as God sees them for God looks at the heart. He does not see our frailties and weaknesses, he sees our potential. The chorus to an old song explains it perfectly:

“Through His eyes of love;
See yourself the way He does;
Through His eyes of love;
You’re perfect in His eyes of love”

The enemy doesn’t want you to see this. He wants you to feel like a failure and feel like everyone is talking about you. The truth is if you really knew how little people are thinking of us, and I don’t mean that in a bad way, we would not worry about what other people are thinking, only what God is thinking. That is what having the Mind of Christ is all about. The more word we put into our spirits, the more time we spend with God in daily prayer and devotions, the more we will see how God sees us.