I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord. 1 Cor 7:35 NIV
All I want is for you to be able to develop a way of life in which you can spend plenty of time together with the Master without a lot of distractions. The Message
Today I was running to grab lunch for the volunteers who are working on the ZAC Project; but first I had to stop and cash my check. As I was waiting to get my money my cell phone rang (it was one of the volunteers) and I began talking...I heard the teller say "thank you" and I mindlessly said "thank you" and drove away.
I fought lunch hour traffic and pulled up to the drive-thru and frantically asked myself, "Oh my goodness!!! Did I get my money?!!!" So I'm looking desperately for the little white envelope...and to my HORROR what do I see....The tube container with the little white envelope still locked away inside! OH DEAR!!! I've stolen the bank thingie!!! My face immediately turned red and I started laughing at myself...
I quickly returned to the bank, rehearsing what I will say when I drive up...(My First Lady suggested dark glasses and a hat) I pull up and all the Tellers point and just die out laughing....The humiliation of it all!!! She came across the speaker and said, "do you have something that belongs to us?" I smiled and said, "please tell me this happens all the time!" They all laughed and said, "THANK YOU we needed to laugh today...I hung my head and sighed, "Glad I could help!"
I drove away laughing--and I really began to think about how absent minded and distracted I really have become...I felt the Holy Spirit whisper to me, "Do you notice Me?" "Do you really see or are you running through life?" I realized, I'm divided and distracted--I'm so busy that probably more often than not I walk past Jesus Christ in need--
I began to pray, "God help me! I make myself so busy sometimes that I'm not even paying attention" "Help me to slow down" "Help me to see....
You know we are called to reach the world, but if we're running through life we can't even see the people. It's a little crazy, but just last week the DAILYQUOtE that I sent out was "If the devil can't make you bad his next trick is to make you busy"...I guess I was in too big of a hurry to really hear that---
Pastor Brandiilyne
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Monday, July 25, 2011
Desperately Searching
You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.-Psalm 63:1 NIV
When you were a child did you ever bury things and draw a "treasure map" so that you search for a hidden treasure? Well I did, it was a very detailed map, I always drew the trees and any other object that could help me find my way to this priceless treasure! In my childish imagination, I had created a great adventure complete with pirates and other enemies who wanted my treasure almost as much as I.
I remember studying the map, then I would discuss it with my invisible friend. My friend always gave me good advise and he warned me of impending danger that was lurking in the shadows. I remember spending hours a day, searching, and fighting the enemies; with one goal on my little mind-TREASURE!
This adventure was exciting, and intriguing! There were times that I would sit very still and quiet so that I could be hidden from my enemies. There were times that I had to stand up and with my deadly imaginary sword to face the pirates who were trying to steal everything that I had gained!! Then, finally I made it!! i found what belonged to me, the treasure that was hidden deep within the wilderness...AT LAST it was mine!!
Now I'm all grown up, but somehow I feel as if I'm on the same adventure--I am chasing after a Treasure that is hidden deep within a wilderness... I am desperate to get my hands on this Treasure, and as I go my Helper (Holy Spirit) is guiding me...He warns me of dangers, and gives me strength in my moments of weakness. When things get really crazy I run and take refuge in a quiet and still place.
I am studying my Map and listening to my Friend as He shows me the Way. This adventure is exhilarating, and at times exhausting! BUT I'm DESPERATE to find it!!
The deeper I go into this desert/wilderness the more desperate I become, I feel as if my life depends on finding My Treasure! I will stand and fight any enemy who tries to stand in my way! I feel like a child again, this Priceless Treasure intrigues me and nothing is going to stop me from getting there! I have within me a childlike excitement that is indescribable-The journey is breathtaking & exhilarating-THE DISCOVERY-- EUPHORIC!!!
Just Bb
People brought babies to Jesus, hoping he might touch them. When the disciples saw it, they shooed them off. Jesus called them back. "Let these children alone. Don't get between them and me. These children are the kingdom's pride and joy. Mark this: Unless you accept God's kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you'll never get in." Luke 18:15-17 The Message
When you were a child did you ever bury things and draw a "treasure map" so that you search for a hidden treasure? Well I did, it was a very detailed map, I always drew the trees and any other object that could help me find my way to this priceless treasure! In my childish imagination, I had created a great adventure complete with pirates and other enemies who wanted my treasure almost as much as I.
I remember studying the map, then I would discuss it with my invisible friend. My friend always gave me good advise and he warned me of impending danger that was lurking in the shadows. I remember spending hours a day, searching, and fighting the enemies; with one goal on my little mind-TREASURE!
This adventure was exciting, and intriguing! There were times that I would sit very still and quiet so that I could be hidden from my enemies. There were times that I had to stand up and with my deadly imaginary sword to face the pirates who were trying to steal everything that I had gained!! Then, finally I made it!! i found what belonged to me, the treasure that was hidden deep within the wilderness...AT LAST it was mine!!
Now I'm all grown up, but somehow I feel as if I'm on the same adventure--I am chasing after a Treasure that is hidden deep within a wilderness... I am desperate to get my hands on this Treasure, and as I go my Helper (Holy Spirit) is guiding me...He warns me of dangers, and gives me strength in my moments of weakness. When things get really crazy I run and take refuge in a quiet and still place.
I am studying my Map and listening to my Friend as He shows me the Way. This adventure is exhilarating, and at times exhausting! BUT I'm DESPERATE to find it!!
The deeper I go into this desert/wilderness the more desperate I become, I feel as if my life depends on finding My Treasure! I will stand and fight any enemy who tries to stand in my way! I feel like a child again, this Priceless Treasure intrigues me and nothing is going to stop me from getting there! I have within me a childlike excitement that is indescribable-The journey is breathtaking & exhilarating-THE DISCOVERY-- EUPHORIC!!!
Just Bb
People brought babies to Jesus, hoping he might touch them. When the disciples saw it, they shooed them off. Jesus called them back. "Let these children alone. Don't get between them and me. These children are the kingdom's pride and joy. Mark this: Unless you accept God's kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you'll never get in." Luke 18:15-17 The Message
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Examine the seeds
As I have observed, those who plow evil and those who sow trouble reap it.
Job 4:8 NIV
It is the same with my word.I send it out, and it always produces fruit.
It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.
Isa 55:11 NLT
Seeds...there's good seed and bad seed and both produce fruit. Our Words, actions, and even our attitudes are the seeds that we sow every single day of our lives. It's amazing how something so simple can produce something magnificent or something destructive. - Examine your seeds
Not only are we sowing seeds but those around us are as well...what are they sowing into our lives? Seeds of encouragement, or seeds of dismay? Seeds of joy, or seeds of heaviness? Seeds of love, or seeds of hate? - Examine their seeds
What is your life producing - joy, peace and happiness or anger, jealousy, and depression? EXAMINE THE SEEDS!! What is being sown into your life and by whom is it being sown? Has your spirit become heavy?...EXAMINE THE SEEDS!!!
The enemy came to kill steal and destroy and he will use whomever he can to sow his seeds of destruction into your life. Remember he disguises himself (Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 2 Cor 11:14)
Examine the seeds... Are they spiritually healthy, or do they feed your carnality? Are they building you and those around you, or are they slowly destroying you? EXAMINE THE SEEDS....
Jesus Christ came so that you may have life in abundance; a harvest overflowing with love, joy, peace and prosperity. He sends people to sow into us the Word... Anything else is from the enemy!
Pastor Brandiilyne
Job 4:8 NIV
It is the same with my word.I send it out, and it always produces fruit.
It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.
Isa 55:11 NLT
Seeds...there's good seed and bad seed and both produce fruit. Our Words, actions, and even our attitudes are the seeds that we sow every single day of our lives. It's amazing how something so simple can produce something magnificent or something destructive. - Examine your seeds
Not only are we sowing seeds but those around us are as well...what are they sowing into our lives? Seeds of encouragement, or seeds of dismay? Seeds of joy, or seeds of heaviness? Seeds of love, or seeds of hate? - Examine their seeds
What is your life producing - joy, peace and happiness or anger, jealousy, and depression? EXAMINE THE SEEDS!! What is being sown into your life and by whom is it being sown? Has your spirit become heavy?...EXAMINE THE SEEDS!!!
The enemy came to kill steal and destroy and he will use whomever he can to sow his seeds of destruction into your life. Remember he disguises himself (Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 2 Cor 11:14)
Examine the seeds... Are they spiritually healthy, or do they feed your carnality? Are they building you and those around you, or are they slowly destroying you? EXAMINE THE SEEDS....
Jesus Christ came so that you may have life in abundance; a harvest overflowing with love, joy, peace and prosperity. He sends people to sow into us the Word... Anything else is from the enemy!
Pastor Brandiilyne
You see dry bones...He sees an army
The hand of the LORD was on me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the LORD and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry. He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones live?”...
I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the LORD.’”...
So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet—a vast army. Ez 37:1-3, 6, 10 NIV
Dying to Live is made up of drug addicts and alcoholics; people who have lived a hard life. They often time walk through the doors thin and appearing lifeless. It's easy to look at these people and discount them as drained and stagnant. It's easy to overlook them as idle and unusable. But God...
I have watched God breathe into these dry bones and I have witnessed a massive army rise up! God has raised up from the ashes of addiction an army that is going forth to set the captive free! The world saw dry bones...But God saw an ARMY!!
Rise up DRY BONES and live!!!!!
Pastor Brandiilyne
I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the LORD.’”...
So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet—a vast army. Ez 37:1-3, 6, 10 NIV
Dying to Live is made up of drug addicts and alcoholics; people who have lived a hard life. They often time walk through the doors thin and appearing lifeless. It's easy to look at these people and discount them as drained and stagnant. It's easy to overlook them as idle and unusable. But God...
I have watched God breathe into these dry bones and I have witnessed a massive army rise up! God has raised up from the ashes of addiction an army that is going forth to set the captive free! The world saw dry bones...But God saw an ARMY!!
Rise up DRY BONES and live!!!!!
Pastor Brandiilyne
Compared to what?
The thief comes only in order to steal kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows). John 10:10 AMP
Today I shouted, "Life is just so hard!!" and I heard the Lord whisper to my spirit, "Compared to what?" A humbling response to my emotional outburst, and a thought provoking question. As I pondered this I realized that, no matter how difficult, life is a precious gift that doesn't last forever. I also know that ALL things, whether easy or hard, work for my good.
So what was I comparing life to?...Maybe for a brief moment I was comparing mine to someone else's and foolishly thinking their's was easier than mine...or maybe, I was comparing it to the fantasy lives that the media tries to feed us as reality...or maybe I was just frustrated and said what I was feeling without putting much thought into it.
Regardless of the reason, I'm grateful for the response.
Pastor Brandiilyne
For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from the forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a Lamb without blemish or defect-- 1 Peter 1:18-19
Today I shouted, "Life is just so hard!!" and I heard the Lord whisper to my spirit, "Compared to what?" A humbling response to my emotional outburst, and a thought provoking question. As I pondered this I realized that, no matter how difficult, life is a precious gift that doesn't last forever. I also know that ALL things, whether easy or hard, work for my good.
So what was I comparing life to?...Maybe for a brief moment I was comparing mine to someone else's and foolishly thinking their's was easier than mine...or maybe, I was comparing it to the fantasy lives that the media tries to feed us as reality...or maybe I was just frustrated and said what I was feeling without putting much thought into it.
Regardless of the reason, I'm grateful for the response.
Pastor Brandiilyne
For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from the forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a Lamb without blemish or defect-- 1 Peter 1:18-19
Sharing your faith
"Two are better than one, because they have good return for their work: if one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Ecc 4:8-9 NIV
When you hear the term "sharing your faith" you immediately think about witnessing to the lost; sharing the Gospel. We as Christians are called to share our faith, in the words of Jesus Christ Himself... "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation." (Mark 16:15) I know without a doubt that "sharing your faith" is telling the world about Jesus, and I also know that not only am I called to "share my faith" with unbelievers but sometimes my brothers and sisters in Christ need some of my faith too.
I often get phone calls from believers who are going through a trial and their faith has dwindled down to LESS than a mustard seed; so gladly I sow in them some of mine. I speak the Word to them and pray with them, and give them some of my very own faith because theirs is nowhere to be found.
I realized that sharing my faith extended to more that just the lost when I found myself needing. It's so easy to give your faith to others in the middle of their crisis, and so hard to find your own in the middle of yours. Sometimes I can't even find my voice to speak to the mountain before me until I hear a Word of encouragement from behind! I'm so grateful to be surrounded by people of strong faith.
I will continue to share my faith with unbelievers and believers alike. If I sow faith...that shall I also reap.
Pastor Brandiilyne
When you hear the term "sharing your faith" you immediately think about witnessing to the lost; sharing the Gospel. We as Christians are called to share our faith, in the words of Jesus Christ Himself... "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation." (Mark 16:15) I know without a doubt that "sharing your faith" is telling the world about Jesus, and I also know that not only am I called to "share my faith" with unbelievers but sometimes my brothers and sisters in Christ need some of my faith too.
I often get phone calls from believers who are going through a trial and their faith has dwindled down to LESS than a mustard seed; so gladly I sow in them some of mine. I speak the Word to them and pray with them, and give them some of my very own faith because theirs is nowhere to be found.
I realized that sharing my faith extended to more that just the lost when I found myself needing. It's so easy to give your faith to others in the middle of their crisis, and so hard to find your own in the middle of yours. Sometimes I can't even find my voice to speak to the mountain before me until I hear a Word of encouragement from behind! I'm so grateful to be surrounded by people of strong faith.
I will continue to share my faith with unbelievers and believers alike. If I sow faith...that shall I also reap.
Pastor Brandiilyne
Through the eyes of a child--"spiritual eyes"
And He said, "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven," Matt 18:3-4 NIV
"Become like little children" This inspires me beyond words. Something magical happens in the hearts and minds of children - to them, there is beauty and potential in everything they see. They can enjoy themselves in the most dire of circumstances. Poverty can't even suppress their imagination. As a matter of fact, I think the poorest of children become the greatest entrepreneurs-launching unbelievable ventures in whatever quest lies before them!
An adult can never "see" the things a child sees. For instance, when an adult comes across a stick and rock, they see obstacles that are just in the way, but a child will have their own little world series! A child's vision is supernatural- they can be all alone leading a symphony while the trees dance to the music!
Somehow children find the beauty in all things; unfortunately, we adults become conditioned and hardened to the greatness around us. God has surrounded us with magnificence and all we can see is the mundane. God places people in our lives that we sometimes perceive as obstacles when they are just what we need to fulfill it.
Children are never in a hurry...they dance through life...we run...children sing when there's no music...we can't even hear the music for all the noise of life. Where's the magic of childhood - the beauty - the innocence - the vision!
I believe this is what Jesus meant when He said, "become like little children"- humble, innocent visionaries who live, laugh, and above all else love unconditionally. The heart of a child is the pattern by which we are to live. The eyes of a child are examples of how we are to see.
Just Bb
"Become like little children" This inspires me beyond words. Something magical happens in the hearts and minds of children - to them, there is beauty and potential in everything they see. They can enjoy themselves in the most dire of circumstances. Poverty can't even suppress their imagination. As a matter of fact, I think the poorest of children become the greatest entrepreneurs-launching unbelievable ventures in whatever quest lies before them!
An adult can never "see" the things a child sees. For instance, when an adult comes across a stick and rock, they see obstacles that are just in the way, but a child will have their own little world series! A child's vision is supernatural- they can be all alone leading a symphony while the trees dance to the music!
Somehow children find the beauty in all things; unfortunately, we adults become conditioned and hardened to the greatness around us. God has surrounded us with magnificence and all we can see is the mundane. God places people in our lives that we sometimes perceive as obstacles when they are just what we need to fulfill it.
Children are never in a hurry...they dance through life...we run...children sing when there's no music...we can't even hear the music for all the noise of life. Where's the magic of childhood - the beauty - the innocence - the vision!
I believe this is what Jesus meant when He said, "become like little children"- humble, innocent visionaries who live, laugh, and above all else love unconditionally. The heart of a child is the pattern by which we are to live. The eyes of a child are examples of how we are to see.
Just Bb
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