Preacher1257

Church attendance always increases around the holy days of the year. During those times, people are led to the House of God for different reasons. Some go out of tradition, while others seek to model a new outfit purchased for the occasion. Sadly, for most, their reasons for attending are connected to a worship of self and not to God. Genuine worship is centered on the Lord. Everyone must examine themselves and honestly answer the question of "Is your worship genuine?"

The Book of Ecclesiastes informs us that there is a time and a season for everything. Certain things can put a smile on our faces. But we are admonished to be careful that we are not rejoicing over the wrong things!

There are only so many hours in a day. Time is precious and we have to determine if we will waste it on things and conversations that don't matter, or if we will use it to further the agenda of the Kingdom!

Becoming a Christian doesn't absolve us from commitments we made in the past. In fact, they become even more relevant if we are to represent Christ and maintain our Christian witness. It's not always easy, but it's always possible!

The Lord told His disciples that He was going away to prepare a place for them. But the best part of His conversation came when He said "If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself..." You can not find a more certain promise than the return of the Lord!

When God gives an assignment, one of the most common reactions is fear due to feelings of inadequacy or unworthiness. The Lord calms us down by simply telling us that He will be with us. No promises of sunny skies or lack of confrontation but the assurance of His presence!

There are so many things in this life that tear us down and drain our energy. Sometimes you may wonder if you have the strength to continue. But take comfort in knowing that God is able to restore and build you up again.

Evil has been an issue for people in every generation. Dealing with the impact of evil can take its toll on an individual and often lead us to lose our perspective. But the promises of God remind us that evil and those associated with it will be dealt with!

The scriptures tell us that the promises of God are yes and amen. Abraham discovered that the he could build his life around the promise he received from the Lord. We can as well.

In this life, pain is inevitable. But the question is ...what do we do with our pain? So many of us waste it on complaining and feeling sorry for ourselves. But why go through a difficult situation and not use it to strengthen your faith or the faith or someone else?

We are fortunate in that we can read our bibles when we want and pray in the open to our God. But there are brothers and sisters around the world who are suffering for the name of Christ. We have an obligation to them. If their adversity has not caused them to falter, how can we in this country do any less when we deal with our "light and momentary troubles."

We tend to ask God many questions during the stressful times in our lives. But the Lord only has one underlying question for us. Do we trust Him?

During the restoration of the temple under the reign of King Josiah, the High Priest found the book of the Law. This discovery of a lost portion of Israel's history led to a restoration of the people after they read it. As we begin a new year, rediscover the Word of God and allow it revive you once again!

The Holiness of God is something that needs to be respected by those who know Him and those who don't. If you are in church and don't understand this, you may learn the lesson the hard way!

There will always be someone who wants to offer an unsolicited opinion about the way you choose to live your life. If your a grown up, you should let them know that God has given you the freedom to live your life as you choose. Concern yourself only with pleasing the One who paid the penalty for your sin!

The scripture makes it clear that we are not as different as we like to think that we are. We were all at odds with God, but the wall of hostility was eradicated when the Lord died on the cross of Calvary. Now we can have peace with God and one another!

Deposits are required as a way of guaranteeing that someone who has rented a piece of equipment will return it. God has also given us a deposit as His way of guaranteeing the inheritance that we will receive!

Having the opportunity to bless others with your gift can be an awesome experience. But we must always be careful that we don't allow the accolades that come from people to turn into a type of worship that can hinder our effectiveness for the Lord.

Trust is a heavy word that is not meant to be taken lightly especially when it comes to the character of God. When you use the word, make sure your definition matches God's definition.

A healthy dose of skepticism can save you a lot of pain and grief in this life. But there are certain times when being a skeptic is not a good look. When the Lord gives you a word don't ask for confirming signs, just celebrate the news!

We don' t have the ability to see everything that awaits us down the road, but it is comforting to know that nothing sneaks up on God. He always knows and always has a plan for how he will work it out.

The mark of a true disciple is not measured by the sermon that is preached, the song that is rendered, the amount of scriptures quoted or membership in a local assembly of believers. The Lord has told us how the world will know if we are a disciple or not.

When your back is against the wall and you have enemies that are out to get you, sometimes it's easy to forget just how powerful the Lord is. An Assyrian King named Sennnacherib found out that the old saying is true..."If you don't know, you better ask somebody."

Sometimes we live beneath our privilege simply because there are things we have no knowledge of. God has given us many things to help us live and glorify Him. Make sure you are aware of everything that is at your disposal.

The people in your life often try to set the agenda for your life. But when you are in the will of God, sometimes you have to lovingly tell them..."Don't get it twisted."