Archive for January, 2010
January 15th, 2010 - Joy Is A Choice
Do you realize that joy is a choice? You can have joy, no matter what is going on in your life.
The apostle Paul wrote, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4) And the Psalmist wrote, “This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)
The believer in Jesus Christ does, indeed, have the ability to CHOOSE to rejoice – even when things aren’t going so well. You see, the Spirit of God lives in the heart of the believer in Jesus, and Galatians 5:22 tells us that one of the demonstrations of the fruit of the Spirit in our lives is joy.
Nehemiah 8:10 tells us that the joy of the Lord is our strength! So, even if you don’t feel at all like rejoicing today, make a decision that, with the help of God’s Spirit within you, you WILL rejoice – no matter what. After all, this is another day God has given to you to live in His Presence!
January 14th, 2010 - There Is Hope
I don’t know what you are going through today. Perhaps your life seems to be falling apart. Perhaps a greater sadness than any you have ever known is engulfing your very being. Perhaps you are lonely, depressed, or in pain.
Whatever your situation may be, I want you to know that there is hope today. The same Jesus that calmed the storm on the Sea of Galilee 2000 years ago can calm the storm in your life today.
I want to give you this message of hope: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (romans 8:38-39) God’s love is with you, even if you are questioning that love because of the pain in your life. Reach out and accept that love by faith today, and You WILL experience His comfort and His hope.
January 13th, 2010 - Life Is Short
I received word yesterday evening that one of our students – a young man with whom I worked during the fall – was killed in an automobile accident on his way back to school yesterday morning. My heart truly goes out to his family.
One of the first thoughts to come to my mind was, “Did he know Jesus?” And the answer is that I don’t know.
Life is so short and so uncertain. None of us knows the day of our death. As James wrote in his epistle, “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” (James 4:14)
Reader, I must ask you the same question that I wish I could now ask that young man. DO YOU KNOW JESUS? Have you come to a place in your life where you know you just aren’t good enough and you know that you will never be good enough to earn God’s favor? Have you come to acknowledge that the only way you can get into God’s presence in this life and for eternity is through the blood of Jesus?
Jesus Christ shed His precious and perfect blood on Calvary’s cross so that you and I could enjoy eternity with Him in heaven and so that we can enjoy His presence in our lives here on earth. My friend, accept by faith the fact that His blood paid the price for you to have eternal life. It’s simple; just say from your heart, “God, I believe Jesus paid the price for me to have eternal life. I accept the salvation He died to give me right now.”
If you say that small prayer from the heart, reader, you will be assured of eternal life. If you have questions about this or need help to grow spiritually, please email me at okb@sio.midco.net.
January 1st, 2010 - 2010 Is Here!!!
I don’t know about you, but I am excited about 2010!! Though the year may be full of challenges and difficulties, I believe the Lord has special things in store for those who follow Jesus Christ!
I choose to begin this year with Joshua 1:3-4 in mind. These verses read, “When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests, who are Levites, carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before.”
We have never been this way before; 2010 is a brand new year! But God is faithful, and He will guide all who are willing to step out and follow where He leads!
I pray that each of you has a blessed 2010. If I can minister to you in any way, or if I can meet your motivational speaking or assistive tech training needs, please email me at okb@sio.midco.net.