Lived Moment by Moment.

 “If Christ does not reign over the mundane events in our lives, He does not reign at all.” Dr. Paul Tripp

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control]. 2 Timothy 1:7 Amplified Bible

The Christian faith is meant to be lived moment by moment. It isn’t some broad, general outline–it’s a long walk with a real Person. Details count: passing thoughts, small sacrifices, a few encouraging words, little acts of kindness, brief victories over nagging sins. Joni Eareckson Tada

Every morning during morning prayers I ask Jehovah to guide my thoughts, words and actions to bring praise and glory to His beautiful name and to guide the lost to Him.

When in moments of impatience (like in a check out line in the store when someone is taking too much time) I silently ask Jehovah for patience when I want to blow up and scream will you just hurry up (I believe that comes from our hurry up world and instant gratification) and a feeling of peace comes over me and begin talking with someone in the check out line and relieve their stress as well.

When I see someone covered with tattoo’s and body piercing that in my opinion makes them look like freaks in a side show I pray that Jehovah reminds me that He loves everyone and sometimes talk with them and sometimes discover they are nice folks.

When I see elderly needing help with their groceries in the parking lot I gladly help them as an act of civility and silent glory unto Jehovah.

Sometimes I encounter someone who is obviously having a bad day and make a stupid joke to get them laughing and start talking to help relieve their stress and maybe through our conversations I can share resources with them that will help them (like a support group). I also ask them their name and if I can pray for them. The look of shock and gratitude on their faces is priceless.

What ways do you live the Christian life moment by moment every day?

The Christian life is not one to be lived on Sunday in church by in every waking moment of our daily lives. Joseph- Anthony: Green

Prayer: Thank you Jehovah Immanuel (God is with us) for blessing me with Your daily fellowship and guidance so as to bring glory to Your Holy name and to guide the lost unto You. I humbly give thanks for this blessing and pray for it through the name of He who walks with me through Your beautiful garden (nature). Amen.

May the sunshine of Jesus’ sweet love bless you today and every day.

Tell It and Then Walk Away

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” Matthew 7:24-27 New International Version.

The interesting thing about this story is that Jesus told a simple and easy to understand parable so everybody could understand what He was saying. At the end of it He just got up and walked away. I believe He did this to give the people time to digest what He was saying.

Now that was not the end of it though.

After His resurrection when His disciples came sharing His story the people were more receptive to accepting it.

So too it is with us

When we share the story with people of Jesus why not make it as simple as possible for them to understand the message and then just leave them alone to think about it?

Do not try to get them to accept Jesus right then and there. That is a huge mistake too many Christians make. Do not use pressure tactics. Jesus never did, why should you?

If they are receptive, the Holy Spirit will guide them to where they can learn more. Maybe it will be you, maybe someone else.

If they are not receptive to Jesus’ story they will not listen anyway and it is a waste of both your time and usually ends up with nothing but frustration on both parties’ behalf.

I have met too many people that just at the mention of Jesus’ name it is an instant turn off because of the pressure tactics that was tried on them previously.

Not only that but maybe they are not ready to accept Jesus just then.

Prayer: Please Jesus Pryyand (Jesus my friend) guide me on how to share you with others and the best time to just walk away. I sincerely ask this in Your loving name. Amen

May the sweet sunshine of Jesus’ precious love bless you today and every day.

How Respectful Are You?

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God Philippians 4:6 New King James Version                                                                              

I know many people who never say please and thank you. They believe it is below them to use their proper manners. They either demand what they want (you owe me) or they try to lie, connive, deceive and manipulate to get what they want. These people are very arrogant, rude, selfish and self centered.

No matter how many times I have tried to patiently teach them to use their manners; they just look at me with a look of contempt.

As a consequence I inform them that if they want something from me they will be respectful or shut their mouths because I do not waste my time with low life’s like them.

They are furious and leave me alone.

That is good because they are nothing but trouble anyway.

The only time they want anything to do with me is when they want something from me. They do not say please or thank you, do not appreciate the help and give nothing in return.                                                

I always make it a point to say please and thank you no matter how big the grace that is given to me. I have done it so often it has become second nature to me.                                                                                                               

As a consequence many times people go out of their way to help me because the positive affirmation makes them feel good and makes me feel good. It is a win, win situation.                                                                    

Using your manners (saying please and thank) you is a visible sign of respect and maturity. Joseph- Anthony: Green                                               

Now think of this: how often do you say please and thank you to our Beloved Father in Heaven for all the gifts, great and small, He blesses you with every day? How often do you say it through out the day and not just in morning or evening prayers? The more you grateful you are the more you see His wonderful love gifts to you through out the day. This brings us ever closer together which is the greatest blessing of all.

“Life without thankfulness is devoid of love and passion.”  John Henry Jowett

Prayer: Thank you Jehovah Chanan (God is gracious) for blessing me to emulate You in my heart, words and actions towards You first and others second. The gift You bless me with in return in a heart filled with gratitude, joy and peace. I exalt You in the name of he who constantly praised You during His earthly ministry Jesus Christ. Amen

May the sunshine of Jesus’ sweet love bless you today and every day

That I May Not Cause Pain!

“That Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!” So God granted him what he requested. 1 Chronicles 4:10 New King James Version                                                      

Think of a loving father that guides his child in how to have mature respectful relationships. That is a good father.

 

How much more supreme is Jehovah our Heavenly Father?

When we submit to His divine wisdom He guides our thoughts away from evil and towards love and good.

 

When someone does us wrong our first instinct is revenge. This is a never ending circle of destruction of I get you back, then you get me back even worse. Each time it escalates.

 

When, instead we pray to our loving Father to take our hand and guide us in the righteous way to handle the matter not only does it prevent a lot of hardship and trouble but it also glorifies Him.

Then there is the unknown.

Perhaps someone did us wrong unintentionally but we take it personally and want revenge. An innocent individual gets hurt. As well, we as ambassadors of Christ blacken His holy name.

 

This has happened to me on a few occasions and I felt like a fool towards the one I offended and all those present. As well I was deeply ashamed towards my loving Father in Heaven. When the truth came to light I humbly approached them and deeply, sincerely apologized.

We are ambassadors for Christ unto the world. Let our words and actions be done accordingly to bring Him glory not shame. Joseph- Anthony: Green

If we pray for Jehovahs hand to guide us through the situation and are obedient unto His guidance we not only prevent unnecessary harm but bring glory unto Him. Because of this we may be the catalyst to brining lost souls into Jehovahs holy family by our actions.

When we pray for revenge Jehovah is silent. When we pray for wisdom to deal with the situation righteously He abundantly blesses us with holy wisdom. Joseph- Anthony: Green

Prayer: Please Jehovah-‘Immeku (The Lord Is With You) daily take my hand and guide me words and actions that they bring praise and glory unto You and bring the little lost sheep unto You. I humbly request this in the name of he who led His disciples into becoming wise, meek, humble and gracious unto all Jesus Christ. Amen.

May the sunshine of Jesus’ sweet love bless you today and every day.

Do Not Give It Back.

To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. Luke 6:29 New King James Version                                                                                                                    

When Jesus commands us to turn the other cheek he is referring to an eastern custom.      

                                                                                                                                

In the east a slap on the face was considered an insult as it is today in that part of the world.         

                                                                                                                             

So what Jesus is referring to is that when someone insults you do not go into their level and insult them back.                                                                                                 

Never lower yourself to an idiots level. They are stupid and stubborn, no matter what you do or say, they always refuse to listen to you. It is like talking to a brick wall. They will beat you every time because of their mass experience and make you look like an idiot. Let it be like water off a ducks back.                                                                                                                                          

If you insult them back, from my experience it only leads to a yelling match and harsh words are said that you will regret later.                                                                              

As well there are the wolves that delight in using insults to bait you into a useless stupid argument to get under your skin and then stand there and laugh at you when you get upset. These people are very immature and insecure. They abuse you to make themselves feel important and feel good about themselves instead of facing much more serious problems in their lives than the ones they are being judgmental towards you about.                                                                                          

Prayer: Please Jehovah Chanan (God who is gracious) please bless me that my words will be filled with Your wonderful grace. When encountering jackasses please give me the wisdom to politely smile and walk always knowing it is the righteous thing to do. I humbly ask this in the name of He who was filled with grace when encountering the jackasses in scribes clothing Jesus Christ. Amen.                                                    

May the sunshine of Jesus’ sweet love bless you today and every day.  

My Double Blessing.

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 New International Version

 

Every day I pray that Jesus molds me to be more like Him.

 

One day I wanted to go to the library to work on my writing. (it is very hot and the library has air-conditioning. As well they are doing construction where I live and it is very noisy).

 

There was a strong feeling to go grocery shopping instead.

 

When at the supermarket there was a one day sale where many of the items needed were half price.

 

While waiting in line an elderly Chinese female tried to queue jump in front of me.

 

I firmly but politely informed her to go to the back of the line as I stretched out my arm to prevent her from jumping in front of me.

 

Chinese are very stubborn and rude so the arm was put out because they just ignore you and do as they want anyway.

 

She tried to ignore me and push in front. I gently but firmly pushed her back and told her in a stronger voice to get to the back of the line.

 

She understood she was not going to get away with her rudeness and the cashier informed her she would not accept her groceries until she got to the back of the line so she angrily went to the back of the line.

 

The other Chinese females were happily impressed. Upon reflecting upon it later I realized that is exactly what Jesus would have done.

 

Please do not be politically correct and say the old female should have been allowed to get away with her arrogant rudeness. Jesus did not accept abhorrent behavior from anyone regardless of age or status and neither should a Christian.

 

Prayer: Thank you Jehovah Rabbi (God our teacher) for blessing me in the proper manner in how to deal with arrogant and rude men and women.

 

I give thanks for this gift in the name of he who did not tolerate rudeness Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

May the sunshine of Jesus’ sweet love bless you today and every day.

The Canadian Way with God.

But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield. Psalm 5:10-12 New International Version

 

Canadians, for the most part, are very laid back and relaxed in our relationships.

I was reflecting on how I present my prayer requests to Jehovah Abba.

It is in a very relaxed and casual way.

Now that also means being respectful of course.

When He blesses me with my request again, I casually, but respectfully thank Him.

 

Think of it like this: you have a loving dad or mom.

You need a bike to go to school or work.

Do you try to con them with many words and fake humility or do you ask them with confidence they will help you out?

When they lovingly grant our request and if possible, get us the best bike there is, do we fall down and kiss their feet or do we give them a huge hug and kiss and say thank you from the deepest part of our heart?

 

Which do you think is more pleasing to God?

Then should it not be much more so with our beloved Father in Heaven than with our earthly parents?

How is your prayer life?

Is it rigid and as loving as a plank board?

The Lord says:” These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is based on merely human rules they have been taught. Isaiah 29:13 New International Version

Or, is it as casual, yet respectful as a loving son or daughter?

Prayer: Thank you Jehovah ElHeehu (the Lord our God) that even though there is no even equal to You much less surpass You, You are still so easily accessible and easy to have a fantastic loving relationship with. In deep appreciation I praise You form the bottle of my joy filled heart. I give humble thanks in the name of He who was so laid back and easy going with His disciples when He walked amongst them Jesus Christ. Amen.

May the sunshine of Jesus’ sweet love bless you today and every day.

They Did It to Him To.

So Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” Luke 17:17-18 New King James Version

 

Just think of the amazing blessing Jesus preformed in healing the lepers. They were ostracized from society yet with their cure they could go back to their family and friends.

Yet how many showed Him gratitude for His awesome blessings?

Only one.

So when you do something good for someone, do not be surprised if the majority do not thank you, they did it to Jesus as well.

Just be comforted in knowing that Jehovah knows what you did and you will be rewarded in Heaven for your graciousness.  It will be a jewel that is placed in your crown that Jesus will place upon your head in Heaven.

 

As well, give thanks for the opportunity to show kindness to others as Christ did for you with His sacrifice.

 

I personally just quietly praise the Lord for an opportunity to show His divine love through me, His humble servant. Then, there is no room for anger if I am slighted for the act of kindness I show others.

 

Prayer: Please Jehovah Chanan (God is gracious) remind me to thank you every day for the abundant blessings You graciously shower upon me. Please remind me my love that the ultimate purpose for sharing with others as You have shared with me is to bring You glory and heal the injury inflicted by the calloused ones that take the gifts for granted. I humbly beseech You in the name of He whose innumerous gifts were taken for granted when He walked amongst us Jesus Christ. Amen.                                                                                                          

May the sunshine of Jesus’ sweet love bless you today and every day

They are not Christlike.

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. 1Peter 3:15 New King James Version

These Christians that go to funerals at homosexuals at military burials and scream that they are going to burn in hell, they are not Christlike.

They are not behaving in a gentle nor respectful manner.

 

They are dishonouring Christ and the Christian family.  Indeed, I believe they will be judged more harshly than the sinners they are condemning.

I have met many who are quick to condemn others while hiding worse filth in their own closets, even experiencing a taste of their venom directed my way. Perhaps they need to remember that as you have judges others so too will you be judged.

It is the same thing with abortion.

As Christians we are to be graceful which means being polite and kind.

When you are a loud mouth and condemning of others you set a bad representation of Christ and drive others away from Him not to Him.

If when you share your witness of Christ others are loud mouthed and condemning do not go down to their level.

 

Your duty is to give the message. If others reject it, politely end the conversation and walk away. Your job is not to judge, that is Christs. Your job is to share the message.

Prayer: Please Jehovah Chanan (God is gracious) instill in me a gracious attitude and language that is full of grace so as to bring You honour and to bring the lost ones into Your holy family. I humbly request this blessing in the name of the most graceful one to walk amongst us Jesus Christ. Amen.

May the sunshine of Jesus’ sweet love bless you today and every day