Godly Random Thoughts, Tips and Snippets. 2.

Godly Random Thoughts, Tips and Snippets 2.

It costs no more to be tactful and gracious than it does to be critical and caustic. In reaching out to others, be gentle and humble as you guide them to and along the correct path.

Life's not as simple as; I'm right and you're wrong. It's more like; I see it this way and you see it that way. Before you go to war, ask yourself; is it better to correct or connect?

In your car, you have both AM and FM frequencies. You can only listen to one or the other, even though you have both options. When we ask anything of God, we need to ask in faith and not doubt. We have both options but can only choose one. A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways. He cannot expect to receive anything from the Lord.

How do you believe in God when all hell breaks loose? I dare not believe.

Perception's not a window, it's a mirror; what you believe will look back at you. Have you considered the possibility of changing your perception?

If you notice, beautiful people, I'm talking character not looks. Your perception of yourself is usually in alignment with what’s reflected back at you from the mirror. If all you see is hateful people, perhaps you might consider what you believe about yourself. If all you see is hatred for yourself, perhaps this is a time and place to change your perception. Work on what you can control and let God work on what you can’t.

How you perceive God works in just the same manner. A negative perception of God could also be a result of your upbringing. Don't you owe it to yourself to look deeply into the matter and not just accept the status quo, or your parent's view, or that of those you hang around?

Luke, the Greek from Antioch. A cultured man, well versed in history, who wrote over one quarter of the new testament. A doctor and a gentile.

Paper wasn't invented in Luke's day. Writing was done on papyrus; small sheets 10 inches by 12. Papyrus was expensive. Luke had to be thoughtful and selective about what he would put in and what he would leave out of his written work.

Luke gave stories which affected him the most; 13 more stories than what was written in the other gospels. (I give stories that affect me the most also.)

Luke wrote about having concern for others. He wrote of value and character, giving strength to what matters. Before you embark on a matter, count the cost; to follow Christ means you will have war, even with just sin and self.

Recognise yourself as a sinner, imperfect and impure before God. Uselessness invites disaster, bearing no fruit, taking all, giving nothing. Meditate and wait patiently until you hear from God, until God gives you direction. Then you shall bear good fruit.

The Christian life is one of servanthood, humility and love. Seek and search for the love of God. When one deliberately chooses to be 'lost' whether through someone else's fault or their own, we must seek and find and bring that one into the fold, just as Christ did.

Do you love men as God loves men? Will you seek the lost as He sought them?

Kingship is expressed, not in glory but in sacrifice.

David was chased for many months. Every time David prayed God answered. David strengthened himself in the Lord and when we're knocked down, we are to strengthen ourselves.

It only needs to be a small crack in the armour for the enemy to enter. God builds His people, often through adversity. Turn, look up and worship in times of difficulty.

Turn to Him, not away from Him. Not doubting, but knowing in our heart that He will stand with us and bring us through the trial.

If the devil cannot destroy you, he will try to wear you out. Be sure to look after yourself, for it's when we're tired that we're vulnerable.

And remember; sin is a blockage to hearing from God.

Courage doesn't always roar. It often whispers in the quiet; “I will stand again tomorrow.” Like Elijah beneath the broom tree or Esther in the silence before her plea, true courage sometimes moves in stillness, anchored not in noise but in resolve.

Look for anticipation and excitement in your relationship to the Trinity. Prepare yourself to meet the Trinity each day with a fervent heart, not a rushed one.

Jesus got up early to pray. if He needed to do it, how much more us?

Be willing when He tells you to do something.

In your quiet times don't allow distraction. Turn off all devices.

There's more evidence that Jesus existed than that of Caesar.

The King of the Jews was actually crowned by the Romans, even though they meant it in jest. That crowning was the greatest moment in the history of the earth.

To be part of the kingdom movement we need to deny self, take up our cross and follow Him.

What does it mean; to take up our cross and follow Him? In His time, the cross wasn’t a metaphor but a brutal reality. When Jesus spoke the words, “Take up your cross and follow Me,” it was a summons into radical discipleship, inviting His followers into self-denial, sacrificial love and total surrender. It’s a laying down of personal ambitions, comforts and even reputation, to live in obedience to Christ.

You can do His will and still have a hard heart.

God dispenses justice. If there is no judgement there would have been no need of a saviour.

The words “thank you” have the power to transform health, bring happiness and aid in success. Gratitude improves heart rhythm, reduces stress and helps our thinking process. It uplifts and energises. Remember to give thanks.

The lame man from the pool of Bethsaida couldn’t save himself. He also had no one to help him into the pool. It’s not always lameness. It might be addiction, depression, illness, poverty, loneliness, shame, guilt. Just like the lame man, in your dwindling hope and faith, you cannot save yourself. Only the Great Healer – Jesus - can do that. Ask Jesus to heal you and set you free.

Comfort and success can draw you away from God. When this happens; confess and repent.

You can’t just jump across a border. When God sets boundaries it’s up to you to stay within them. You choose spiritual death by turning aside from God. When you die spiritually you also begin to die physically. You feel empty. Marriage’s fall apart, you bear no fruit, you become ill.

Look at the true believer. They may have their own problems but they don’t turn aside from God. They don’t cross any borders. They stay within the boundaries and limits God sets. They believe God is good, even in a bad situation. They will, in time, bear fruit. They can’t not. Like Ruth and Naomi; the harvest will come if you follow the right pathways. Naomi returned and her emptiness was filled.

Chosen people bring others out of darkness and into the light. The promises of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob are also our promises. If you hold these promises you will be blessed and the people around you will be blessed. God’s choice in us, secures our hope. If you think you’re weak, remember; God chooses the weak to confound the wise and He does it through Christ.

Christ, the true Jacob. Christ, the true heir of the promise. Christ; despised, rejected, crucified. Christ, humility, holiness and hope. Christ; chosen for us to be a blessing and for us to be blessed. Christ, God’s sovereign purpose. Our job is to declare the excellencies of God through Christ.