Peevish Discontented Minds

  The whole congregation of the Israelites [grew discontented and] murmured and rebelled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness,and the Israelites said to them, Would that we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the pots of meat and ate bread until we were full; for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this entire assembly with hunger.” (To understand Israel’s rebellious behavior, it is important to grasp the contrast between life in Egypt and nomadic life in the wilderness. Despite the hardships of slavery survival was not an issue in Egypt, where they were guaranteed food and other necessities. But the desert wilderness was hostile and unforgiving, and survival was an art. Desert nomads needed to understand the wilderness in order to stay alive; they had to learn, among other things, how to protect themselves from the weather, where to find water and pasture, and how to find and prepare scarce food, or live primarily from what their livestock could provide them. So the Israelites viewed every new problem they faced as life-threatening. Instead of looking back and taking comfort from God’s earlier miracles, they doubted God’s ability and willingness to help them. Their fears and doubts subsequently came to be expressed as irrational anger toward Moses. ) Exodus 16:2-3 Holy Bible Amplified Version

How many of us ask Jehovah for something but are never satisfied?

We ask for a job but when we get one we do not like the work because it is too hard or it is too boring.

We ask for a place to live but it is too far from the bus stop or grocery store or park.

We ask for direction in life but it is not where we want to go.

We desire good Christian friends but can always find fault with them.

I think the real reason we are discontented is because of greed. We want the best and nothing less is good enough for us.

Jehovah blesses with what we need not always with what we want. Joseph son of Jehovah

That is the ultimate insult of ungratefulness and a huge slap in the face to our loving generous Father in Heaven. More so for those of us that have walked with Christ for any length of time and so can reflect back at His previous provisions for us. Peevish discontented minds will find fault with that which has no fault in it but that it is too good for them.

Those that might be very happy often make themselves very miserable by their discontents. Matthew Henry

Prayer: Please Jehovah Heseh (God is love) bless me to always have a grateful heart towards you and those around me for all the wonderful blessings You and those around me share with me every day. I ask this in the name of the greatest blessing of which I am eternally grateful for Jesus Christ. Amen.

May the gentle assurance of Jesus’ sweet love encompass you today and every day.

Cheers Him Up.

 “An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up. “ Proverbs 12:25 Holy Bible Amplified Version

Anxiousness is described as feeling or showing uncomfortable feelings of uncertainty .

We have all encountered those around us that are suffering. How many have reached out and touched them with healing kindness ?

How can we help them ?

The best thing to do is to show you care by listening to their problems ( Jehovah takes the time to listen to our problems should we not emulate Him by doing the same for those that are suffering around us ? ) .

We are not just talking about the homeless .

We are talking about those that are suffering a disease . Yes , for many , going into a hospital is an uncomfortable experience but how comfortable do you think it is for them. Why not go in and reminisce with them about the good ol days . Why not go in with some photo’s of happy times . Speaking from experience you will be amazed at the amount of good you accomplish.

We are talking about those who are having difficulty in their studies or at work. Those of us who are older can relate and provide encouraging words to strengthen , guide them and encourage them. What about those that are experiencing relationship problems like with marriage or children? Again , those of us who are older have walked that walk and can provide positive affirmation to them by our experiences which will guide them , strengthen them and reassure them .

There are so many other opportunities available unto you Christian. All you have to do is be available , pray and be obedient unto Jehovahs guidance where your help is needed.

Prayer: Please Jehovah-Machsi – Lord my Refuge bless me with the opportunity to be a refuge unto those enduring trials and tribulations , sorrows and snares just as You are for me. Bless me with Your divine wisdom , grace , meekness and humbleness to help them as You have aboundingly done for me . I humbly request this in the name of He who was a refuge to the poor , the sick and the weak when He walked amongst us Jesus Christ. Amen.

May the gentle assurance of Jesus’ sweet love encompass you today and every day.

Are you his sword?

 

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17 New Living Translation

Whether it is with a Christian or non Christian, when you are being pompously judgmental with others what opinion will others have of Christ when you claim to be a Christian?

Is Satan laughing while your words pierce the hearts of others?

Could this attitude drive people away from Christ rather than too Him?

Are you being a sword of Satan and driving through the receptive hearts of others?

When I was a teacher I would encourage students to come to church with me. Every Sunday it was the same filth of Satans followers pretending to be Christians with their arrogant self righteous behavior that would spew forth their poison (and most of them were elders in the congregation) . When my students saw this they refused to ever go to church again. Many refused to even discuss Jesus. They would say: “Jesus is supposed to be love, teacher that was anything but love.”

Whether you want to accept it or not, your words and deeds reflect Jesus when you claim to be one of His servants.

Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. Galatians 5:26 New Living Translation

Prayer: Please Jehovah KalEl (voice of God) guide my words to be encouraging and healing so that they will bring praise and glory to Your loving name. In the name of the greatest orator Jesus Christ I humbly ask. Amen.

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

They are Hard but Necessary

 

Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. 2 Corinthians 7:10 Holy Bible, New International Version

They are three of the hardest words for us to say :”I am sorry.”

How many marriages and friendships have been destroyed because the offender refused to apologize?

You know why they refuse to apologize?

PRIDE!

When on the other hand you apologize, many times, you end up feeling better than the person who was offended.

They are hard but necessary steps you must take.

If on the other hand you are proud and arrogant and refuse to apologize what right do you have to expect God to forgive you or to give you any blessings?

If you refuse to forgive others why do you expect Jehovah to forgive you? Joseph- Anthony: Green

Prayer: Please Jehovah Elohim (God our creator) create in me a humble heart that is sincerely willing to repent to any and all who I offend, including You. I implore You in the name of He who taught true repentance best Jesus Christ. Amen.

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

I will Declare.

Come and hear, all you who fear God, And I will declare what He has done for my soul. Psalm 66:16 New King James Version

The greatest witness we can perform to helping others understand the Christian walk is to share our personal testimony of what Jehovah has done in our lives and through our lives. Joseph- Anthony: Green

Remember when you first came to Christ and you could not and would not shut up about Him?

Do you still do that?

Now do not be a pain in the butt and shove Jesus down others throats because that will just cause them to walk away from Christ. I know it certainly did me for many years.

Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you to the proper place, time and audience to share what Christ has done in your life and through your life.

Going my own way leads to disaster, depending upon and being obedient to the Holy Spirits guidance leads to success. Joseph- Anthony: Green

To be sure most will laugh at your testimony but when you speak at the Holy Spirits guidance there is always one that will listen. Then they will be open to listening more and be more open to learning of Christ. When I was a teacher in Asia there were fifty five students in my class. Out of the class five would come to Christ.

Do not expect to save everyone in the world. That is not your duty. Our duty is to share what Jesus has done in our lives and through our lives. It is the Holy Spirit’s job to move any recipients to accepting the call.  Now be fair warned. Once someone has become interested and desires to hear more you now have the commitment to be their mentor. This is very challenging and sometimes lasts for years.

On the flip side of the coin, when you see a brother or sister experiencing a trial or tribulation that you went through it is your duty (duty is an act of love) to come up along side of them and share how Jehovah guided you through those trials and tribulation, sorrows and snares. It is your duty to help strengthen them and encourage them. This also takes commitment and can be very challenging.

But, in both instances it is well worth the effort knowing that you have blessed another through your witness.

Prayer: Please Jehovah-Jireh  (God is our Provider) bless me with the wisdom, grace, meekfulness and humbleness to share all of the amazing things you have done in my life and through my life. May my testimony guide others to you and be a help to others who are in Your wonderful family. I exalt You and humbly request this in the name of He who revealed You for generations to come Jesus Christ. Amen.

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

The Best Advice can be Found

David conferred with each of his officers, the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds. 1 Chronicles 13:1 New King James Version                                                                                     

When you need advice where should you go?                                          

Go where the best advice can be found.                                                    

It has been said that an alcoholic will listen to the advice of a recovered alcoholic more than someone who has a piece of paper hanging on the wall.  

 Why do you think that is?                                                                          

Could it be because they will listen to someone who has gone through what they are going through so they understand them?                                  

So too it is with all aspects of life.

 

If you want good advice why not seek it out in Godly Christian councilors that have gone through what you are experiencing now?

This is why it is a sin for Christians to sit on the sideline when they see others suffering what they have gone through and do nothing to help them. Yes we are to help others as we have been helped. If no one helped you through your difficult times think of how much you would have appreciated some help. Then do something about it when you see someone else going through their trials and tribulations, sorrows and snares.                                                                                                           

On the flip side there is a prevailing belief amongst the younger generation that the older generation is useless and holds no wisdom that can help them. That is why they suffer in silence so much. 

             

If you are young and need help do not be arrogant and too proud to seek the advice of the older generation. Do not just whine to them but listen to their advice and obey it. 

                                                                                                                      

Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing and benefits those who see the sun. Ecclesiastes 7:11 New International Version 

There is an old saying:”The more things change the more things are the same.” 

That means that okay maybe your grandma or grandpa does not know how to use a computer but events that occur in your life are the same as that which has occurred it theirs.                                                           

 “God does not comfort us to make us comfortable, but to make us comforters.” J. H. Jowett                                                            

Listening to wise council has helped me tremendously to deal with some very serious issues in my life. If it were not for their Godly advice I do not think I would have made it through those extremely difficult experiences.                                                                                                 

Prayer: Thank you Jehovah-Jireh  (God is our Provider) for blessing me with many wonderful Godly wise mentors which have guided me through numerous difficult times. I humbly ask my Love that you open my eyes to the opportunity to emulate them when I see other brothers and sisters in need of Godly wisdom, compassion and encouragement. I sincerely request this in the name of the best mentor ever Jesus Christ. Amen.

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

Does Not Prosper.

Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy. Proverbs 28:23 New International Version

In my decades on this earth one thing I have noticed is the numerous times there are people who attempt at a business or other ventures and constantly fall flat on their faces.

Then there are the ones that succeed for a while but then everything comes crashing down on them.

 

One thing they all have in common are they are snakes in the grass I would not trust them with a nickel. They are liars, cheats, schemers, thieves connivers, deceivers and smooth talkers.

The other types are the ones who mess up and swallow their pride and repent, many times publicly, and they get back on their feet. They may not be a success in the worlds eyes but they are in the Christians because they have peace and contentment in their lives that can only come from Jehovahs forgiving grace. They usually are not materially wealthy but are the type who have integrity and peace in their lives.

They may still have to pay for their deeds like broken relationships or doing time for committing a crime but they have peace and contentment from repentance.

I once met a fellow who was an assassin for the Irish Republican Army who repented in prison and became a fiery preacher. He oozed of peace and contentment that was only possible from repenting of his ways but he still lived every day with what he did when he was the assassin. He could never return to his country and will never see his family again.

I have personally found that when I messed up but got my back up and refused to repent there was nothing but trouble in my life. When I repented the peace, love, joy and contentment that comes from Jehovahs grace seeped back into my daily life.

Prayer: Thank you YAHWEH-Ropheka (The Lord Who Heals) for blessing me with Your awesome grace and mercy to wash away the pungent infection that sin brings into my life when I humbly and sincerely repent unto You and those I have committed offense unto. I appreciate this both physical and spiritual kindness and thank you in the name of He whose precious blood made it possible Jesus Christ. Amen.

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

Who Gives it Willingly.

 

Speak to the children of Israel, that they bring Me an offering. From everyone who gives it willingly with his heart you shall take My offering. Exodus 25:1 New King James Version                                                

Do you notice the important phrase here?                                                                

It is “who gives it willingly”.                                                                                  

You are not to coerce or shame Christians into giving. And if you try that with non-Christians you will not only drive them away from Christ but think of the bad report they will give to their family and friends who are unbelievers as well.                                

When I was a boy we belonged to a church that would print out how much every member gave. Many people looked down on my family for giving little. This despite the fact that they knew we were poor. It is attitudes like this that drive people away from churches and Christianity. I have seen churches pass around the collection plate and the pastor gives you the evil eye as does the usher that says you better give or else. This is unchristian and if you belong o a church like that get out.                   

When you give you give from your heart because you love Jehovah not because you are using it as a bargaining chip (i.e. I will give x amount of money Lord if You give me a job or I get a raise or I get the loan for a house. The thing I have noticed is that when Jehovah gives them what they ask for most times they do not hold up their end of the bargain anyways.).

 If you break your vow, look out. You will be punished.        

If a man makes a vow to the Lord, or swears an oath to bind himself by some agreement, he shall not break his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth. Numbers 30:2 New King James Version

Jehovah takes your vows seriously so you had better as well.

Those who do not take their vows unto Jehovah and believe they are getting away with it are living a fools dream. Joseph- Anthony: Green 

Prayer: Thank you Jehovah-Jireh (God our Provider) for blessing me with daily provisions. Please guide me to where I can give generously back to You my love, if not financially them with me time and the skills You have blessed me with. I sincerely request this in the name of He who gave His precious blood for me Jesus Christ. Amen.

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

Are You a Christmas Tree Light?

 

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16 New International Version

When does a Christmas tree light shine its most beautiful?                            

When it is lit up in the dark night?                                                                            

Are you a Christmas tree light?                                                                        

When you go out into the darkness of the world does your light shine? Notice that it takes many different colours of light to make the tree beautiful.                                                                                                                

Do you welcome those of different nationalities, colours or any other difference into your group?

                                                                                     

Notice that the lights always start at the bottom and work their way up.

Are you willing to be a bottom Light?                                                             

Does your lifestyle point upwards to a Heavenly King?                                     

 Do not tell me you are a Christian, show me you are. Joseph- Anthony: Green

Prayer: Please Jehovah-Bara  (The Lord Creator) create in my daily life lights that shine brightly Your divine love, peace, joy and salvation in the dark world I daily walk in. I humbly ask this in the name of the light of the world Jesus Christ. Amen.

May the sunshine of Jesus’ sweet 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