Author: Staff

HOW INSPIRING Matthew 13:31-32

HOW ARE YOU GROWING YOUR FAITH?

Matthew 13:31-32
He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.”

When I was about 6 years old I wanted to surprise my mother with a good deed, so I pulled the weeds in her garden. My anticipation of her joy turned into a cry of “oh no, you pulled out all my mums!”  Uh-oh …I felt terrible. I didn’t realize the “weeds” would grow and bloom into flowers because I didn’t see any buds. My mom explained that she had planted the mums from seedlings, knowing that with proper care she would have an abundance of flowers in their season.

This reflection made me wonder … how are we preparing our spiritual garden? Are we planting enough seeds of faith to choke out the weeds of sin? Are we nurturing our garden with the sunshine of God’s love, and watering it by quenching our thirst for the Lord?

May we continue our walk with God by preparing our hearts with prayer, and planting seeds of faith. May we maintain the right spiritual conditions for the Holy Spirit to grow within us so we may have a plentiful harvest and fertile soil for the next generation to flourish. May we always have a deep-rooted faith and produce abundantly so that we continuously reflect the beauty of God.

Are You Ready To Bridge the Gap?

Ezekiel 22:30
“I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none.”

There was no gap between God and His plans for His creation, earth, until Adam and Eve’s sin caused the separation. Since then, God has been interceding to bridge the gap and keep us from falling into Satan’s abyss.

Just as God chose Moses to stand in the gap between His people and Pharaoh; He also chose Esther and Daniel to pray for God’s protection of His people … and ultimately sent His son, Jesus, to bridge the gap by dying for our sins.

We, as well, have the power to intercede, or bridge the gap, for the Lord by being prayerful friends, parents and grandparents in order to protect future generations from falling into the gap of sin.

God is calling us to intercede; to help Him restore unity within our families, churches, schools and work places … to build up the wall and stand in the gap. Are you ready to be that person?

DO YOU KNOW WHO YOUR ENEMY IS?

Ephesians 6:11-12

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms”.

As July 4th approached, the media issued warnings to be on high alert for enemy attacks. I began to wonder why we don’t put the same emphasis on spiritual attacks.

Just as guns are used as weapons against a physical adversary, God’s full armor is our weapon in spiritual battle … the girdle of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit. The closer we get to God, the devil will try to discourage and deceive us with obstacles and adversaries. As Paul tells us in this passage, we must be strong in the Lord and stand firm.

May we remember daily to be on high alert by putting on God’s full armor and joining His army of obedience … do not be afraid when we are in tribulation, because Jesus has already overcome the world (John 16:33).

“This is my command – be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

The words in Joshua 1:9 ‘strong’ and ‘courageous’ remind me of what a father is thought to be … as well as the protector, so we need ‘not be afraid or discouraged’.

In light of Father’s Day, I’d like honor and thank God, our Father, for the strength and courage He has instilled in me; as well as protecting me when I’m fearful or discouraged.

When I look at the above photo, I feel it is exactly how our Father wants us to walk with Him … under His fearless protection, paving the way for our growth and safety.

This Father’s Day, I thank our Heavenly Father for all His blessings. I thank those dads that have passed before us, for all they did or tried to do; and I pray that all earthly fathers allow the Holy Spirit to guide them so they may be a reflection of God.