Monday, April 16, 2012

You Are Not an Afterthought - You Are Significant!

Read: Jeremiah 1:5, Luke 12:7, Romans 5:8, Romans 8:28-30, Ephesians 2:8-10


The older I get the more I am convinced that I do not want my life to be the consequence of afterthought nor do I want people to think of me or treat me like I'm an afterthought as God does not think of me that way. 

I want to live with a purpose and be purposeful with pretty much everything I can be...and I do not want to come to the end of this journey and be filled with regret.

There are so many passages that teach that you are not a mistake and you are not insignificant!

Here are a few thoughts and passages to build you up in His name:

-He knew you by name before you were born! (Jeremiah 1:5)

-He knows and cares about even the littlest things about you! (Luke 12:7)

-Even when you were in sin, He still chose to die for you! (Romans 5:8)

-He called you according to a specific purpose - His purpose and He Justified you! (Romans 8:28-30) 

-You have been saved by Him and you are His workmanship and He's prepared something specific for you to do! (Ephesians 2:8-10)

None of these passages say anything about God operating without a specific purpose and He specifically has you in mind. :-)
  
As I mentioned before, I want to be living "on purpose" and with a purpose! Why? Because, for example, even though my earthly father has forsaken me in life I have come to know that I am a son of my Father in Heaven! I am the King's kid! There is nothing random with God and I'm no longer to think of myself as a mistake or worthless!...and that applies to you as well if you're thinking these thoughts!

It ends today in Jesus' name!


How about you? Are you living on purpose and with a purpose?!

Have you assessed your life lately? If not, take time to do so today as it's very important.  


There is so much more I could share on this as the Bible is full of these truths but let me leave you with the following thoughts to chew on:


If you hear anything through this post today, please remember that you are not an afterthought as a child of God!  Live your life with a purpose and be complete in Him!

As you awake each morning plant your feet firmly on His foundation and walk in true confidence because you belong to Him and He has and is equipping you each day according to His purpose, will and plan. 


Blessings,


rlk

Friday, April 13, 2012

Rise Up!

Here's a little Bible and Praise Pick-Me-Up for your Friday!

The Word:

Isaiah 40:28-31 (NASB)

28 Do you not know? Have you not heard?
The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth
Does not become weary or tired.
His understanding is inscrutable.
29
He gives strength to the weary,
And to him who lacks might He increases power.
30 Though youths grow weary and tired,
And vigorous young men stumble badly,
31 Yet those who wait for the LORD
Will gain new strength;
They will mount up with wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not become weary.

Praise:
Lincoln Brewster - "Strength Will Rise" - http://youtu.be/jP2nz6PG8KM

Chris Tomlin - "I Will Rise" - http://youtu.be/k_2JpQNpSUA

Matt Maher - "Rise Up" -
http://youtu.be/1kV9DG8qtjk
Have a great weekend!

In Christ Alone,

rlk

Monday, April 02, 2012

The Holy Spirit


As a believer you need to be in The Word and you also need to grow in your knowledge of God The Father, God The Son and God The Holy Spirit as you continue your walk with The Lord.

For instance, let's consider the Holy Spirit. The Bible has answers regarding Who The Holy Spirit it? What His role is in our lives? When do we receive The Holy Spirit?...and more.

I heard a Pastor say recently that you don't receive the Holy Spirit until after you are baptized but I have to ask, is that what God's word says? Let me clearly say, no, that's not what the Bible teaches. Baptism is an important step of obedience however, physical Baptism has nothing to do with receiving The Holy Spirit.

We need to be Like "The Bereans" (See Acts 17) and take in what we hear and then pick up The Bible and then compare it to what God's Word says.

For further studies about The Holy Spirit here's some resources you might check out in addition to your Bible. :-)

Here's a useful article about receiving The Holy Spirit: 

Then head here:http://www.gty.org/FOF
And Read and listen to Study #7 regarding The Person and Ministry of the Holy Spirit. I actually highly recommend the entire study (Foundations of the Faith) as important topics of your faith in Christ are covered in this study.
Be strong, Study God's Word and continually take everything you hear and read back to God's Word.
In Christ,
rlk