Footprints - Beginning Your Walk with Jesus

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Comment by Ps Rajendra Nhisutu on December 20, 2009 at 2:07am

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2010!

Comment by ALCEDES JONES on December 12, 2009 at 1:08pm

something i found that really touched my heart and i would like to share it
What is “power”? There are many definitions of power. It is the combination of strength and speed. It is the authority to act. It is the product of voltage and current. It is energy per time unit. It is influence or persuasiveness. It is the rate at which work is performed. It is the eleventh album by the rock band Kansas.

Do you know that believers have access to God’s power? Yes, the same God who created the universe. Yes, the same power He used to raise Jesus from the grave. The Bible tells us we do (Romans 8:11, Ephesians 3:20, 2 Timothy 1:7, 2 Peter 1:3). If we have access to so much holy power, then why do we so rarely utilize it?

God has given us all we need, not only for life, but for abundant life. There are usually two reasons we do not experience God’s eternal power regularly: 1) either we’re not properly “plugged in” to the power source, or 2) we’re plugged in, but there is a short in our wires somewhere. We have access to God’s power all the time, the problem is we neglect to access it.

The power God gives us is difficult to define, but I think it is simply the ability to become more like Christ. This is impossible in us alone. That is why it requires God’s power working in us. This power causes us to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:36-40). This power gives us the ability to serve others. It gives us the ability to overcome sin. It gives us the ability to have self-control. It gives us the ability to persevere.

God’s power displayed in mere humans is awesome. If we could experience it in fullness, I think we would want to experience it regularly. So how do we get there? Let’s use the word “POWER” as an acrostic to help us remember five disciplines or actions that are crucial to us experiencing God’s power: Pray, Obey, Worship, Expect, Remain. If you apply these five actions in increasing measure, you will see God’s power manifested in your life.

Pray

Famous evangelist Billy Sunday is quoted as saying, “If you are strangers to prayer you are strangers to power.” We cannot utilize the full power of God if we’re not praying. We cannot grow in Christ if we are not praying. If Jesus needed to pray (Mark 1:5, Mark 6:47, Luke 5:16, Luke 6:12), then how much more do you think we need to pray? E.M. Bounds, a great student of and writer on prayer, said, “Prayer is faith taking possession of its unlimited inheritance.”

Prayer is powerful (Romans 8:11, Mark, 11:24, Acts 1:14). Prayer doesn’t so much change God’s mind as it changes our mind toward God. Praying prepares us to see the power of God by getting us ready for God to act (11 Chronicles 20:1-30). Prayer admits our own limitations. This is when God reveals himself to us.

Prayer is commanded (Matthew 26:41, Luke 18:1, Ephesians 6:18, 1 Thessalonians 5:17). Prayer is commanded because it requires humility. Humility is key to God allowing us in his presence. Prayer is also relational, and if we’re going to have fellowship with God and others, we need this type of communication. Thus, prayer is a spiritual discipline that our obedience demands.

Prayer has conditions (John 15:7). We must be obedient. We cannot harbor secret sins. We must not be indifferent to the needs of others, but we must show mercy. Self-indulgence will cause failure in prayer. Failure is also caused by our stubbornness and disdain for God’s commands.

Prayer is answered (1 Kings 18:37-38, Acts 4:31). Prayer is not always answered the way we would like, but it is answered. You have probably heard the ways God answers prayers: “Yes,” “No,” or “Wait awhile.” The last answer is probably the hardest for us to take, because it requires patience and complete trust.

Obey

Obedience is how we show our love for God and Jesus (John 14:15-23, 1 John 5:3). This is contrary to the world’s way of thinking, but critical to the believer’s way. We love because he first loved us (1 John 4:19). Our attitude towards obedience should not be “I have to do this,” but rather “I get to do this.” Because we know God loves us, we know he only has our best interests at heart. What he commands is for our own good. It may not be the most fun or easiest way, but it is the best way.

Disobedience is one of the sins that prevent God from hearing our prayers. If our prayers are hindered, we cannot fully experience God’s power. Obedience is a choice. In the Old Testament, God gave the children of Israel a choice of blessings or curses. They usually chose curses and “reaped the whirlwind.” If we have a choice and we know that choice will benefit us greatly, why not choose it?

God will reward our obedience (Ephesians 6:8), though we may not immediately see the reward. In fact, we will not see many of the Bible’s promised rewards until eternity. But we will get rewarded, and these rewards are in addition to our salvation. Our hope in a future blessing should help motivate us to obedience.

We struggle with obedience because we have the wrong attitude about it. We obey more out of fear or obligation than out of love. The world and our flesh tell us that obedience is for the lowly, scared, and timid. They say obedience is for animals and is degrading for a human. However, if we change our thought process to understanding obedience is simply an expression of our love, then we will want to be obedient. And as we are more obedient, we will experience more of God’s power.

Worship

Worship comes from the word “worthship” which means that we worship that which is worthy (Revelation 4:11). God is the only one worthy of worship. Worship is not for us. We insult God when we act as if worship is to entertain or please us. God should always be the object of our worship and we are the subjects. We relinquish control of our lives and give ourselves to God as an offering. We worship Him because of who he is and what He does.

Worship is basically communion with God where we interact with Him and other believers. It is devotion focused on Him and shared with others. There should be elements of remembering (looking back), expecting (looking forward), and honoring (in the present looking up). Paul D. Adams says worship is the “free and spontaneous response that delights in glorious revelation of God ultimately shown to us in the crucified and risen Christ.”

Like prayer and obedience, worship is one of those spiritual disciplines that is not optional. In fact, it is essential. Dwight Bradley put it this way, “When a person worships God, it is as a thirsty land crying out for rain.” Worship is a hungry heart seeking love. It is a soul searching for its counterpart.

Worship starts with inward attitude that is often expressed outwardly through praising, singing, etc. (Colossians 3:16). True worship is a balance of the heart and the head (Romans 12:1-2). We worship in “spirit and truth” (John 4:21-24). John Ortberg tells us to “pursue worship that links well-ordered minds with overflowing hearts.”

Though worship regularly occurs in church where we come as God’s people to respond to him and go to reveal him, location does not really matter in worship. We should have a worshipful spirit all the time. Our service and ministry stem from our worship. Every task, every moment should be an opportunity to worship God. We should do nothing less than worship the source and foundation of our power.

Expect

According to Webster’s Dictionary, expect means “to look for as likely to occur or appear.” It implies a considerable degree of confidence that a particular event will happen. Words in the Bible that are synonymous with expect are faith and hope (Ephesians 6:16, Philippians 1:19-20, Hebrews 11:1).

Having an expectant attitude is a discipline that needs to be developed. Our attitude has such a profound affect on our lives that we need to work to develop a positive one. One of the ways we can do this is by being ever hopeful in all things, even more so in time of struggle or turmoil. James said “consider it joy when you encounter various trials, know that the testing of your faith produces endurance…” (James 1:2).

Satan cannot steal our salvation (heart), so he attacks the mind. His aim is to make us ineffective in our Christian walk. He wants to short-circuit our power outlet by planting seeds of doubt and causing us to become undisciplined. Cynicism, discouragement, bitterness, and anger are the attitudes he would like us to have. As difficult as it is, we must force negative thoughts out of our mind. Negative thinking leads to a sour spirit.

“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:5). Positive Christian thinking is critical (Philippians 4:8). What we think about is what we bring about in our lives. People will not be attracted to the gospel of Christ if it is brought by a bunch of grumpy, gripey people. Let’s keep expecting the Lord to do His work in us and keep looking for his eminent return. An expectant heart is a hopeful, happy, powerful heart.

Remain

Jesus is the source of all the good things we have through God, including His power. Jesus tells in John 15:4-11 that we have to remain in Him in order to be fruitful. Producing fruit is the evidence of remaining in Him. Jesus also gives us the consequences of not remaining in Him, which are in drastic opposition to remaining in Him (hint: removal, fire, burning).

The Greek word translated “remain” in the NIV is from the word meno. This word is also translated “abide,” “continue,” “stay,” and “dwell.” It implies some decision to stay or continue in. It is a choice we make to persevere in our walk with Christ. When we remain or abide in something, we are loyal to it even to death. We keep doing what needs to be done even when it is hard and requires great effort. We do not quit in the midst of the struggle.

Our Christianity is not just a “Sunday thing,” but an every day thing. It is not a one-time surrendering but more of an ongoing conversion to the image of Christ. If we are to become like Jesus and bear fruit for Him, we need to remain, stay, abide in Him. We need to “continue in” his word and in the things we have been taught (1 John 2:24, 2 Timothy 3:14). Remaining is a discipline we should choose to do daily if we want to see God’s power manifested in us.

It is crucial that we keep our dependence on Jesus and our communion with him. Our dependence on him needs to become habitual. Remaining in him is necessary for producing what is pleasing to God and profitable to us. When our pride tells us we can “go it alone” is when the branch starts to die. There will be no power for godly living if we do not regularly maintain the connection to our power source. Our branch must stay attached to the Vine.

As you review the five disciplines, you may have noticed that all are related. You may have noticed a common thread running through each. The common thread is relationship. A relationship is a connection. These disciplines require a connection to the source of our power. Our power was embodied in and exemplified by Jesus Christ. In Him was all the fullness of the Father, and in Him we come to know and have access to the Father. Maximum spiritual power comes from maximally maintaining our connection (relationship) with God through Christ. All we have to do is choose to do so. Choose POWER.

Comment by sandra v villamero on December 12, 2009 at 1:56am

PURITY
1Pet 2:11

Dear Friends I urge you as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.

Comment by sandra v villamero on November 26, 2009 at 10:17pm

HOPE
ROM 15:13

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Comment by ALCEDES JONES on November 22, 2009 at 12:25pm

GREAT NEWS TAKEN FROM EPHESIANS THE THIRD CHAPTER FROM THE AMPLIFIED VERSION, MAY IT ENLIGHTEN YOU AS IT HAS DONE ME, MAY GOD CONTINUE TO GIVE US HIS GRACE AND MERCY . 6[It is this:] that the Gentiles are now to be fellow heirs [with the Jews], members of the same body and joint partakers [sharing] in the same divine promise in Christ through [their acceptance of] the glad tidings (the Gospel).

7Of this [Gospel] I was made a minister according to the gift of God's free grace (undeserved favor) which was bestowed on me by the exercise (the working in all its effectiveness) of His power.

8To me, though I am the very least of all the saints (God's consecrated people), this grace (favor, privilege) was granted and graciously entrusted: to proclaim to the Gentiles the unending (boundless, fathomless, incalculable, and exhaustless) riches of Christ [wealth which no human being could have searched out],

9Also to enlighten all men and make plain to them what is the plan [regarding the Gentiles and providing for the salvation of all men] of the mystery kept hidden through the ages and concealed until now in [the mind of] God Who created all things by Christ Jesus.

10[The purpose is] that through the church the [c]complicated, many-sided wisdom of God in all its infinite variety and innumerable aspects might now be made known to the angelic rulers and authorities (principalities and powers) in the heavenly sphere.

11This is in accordance with the terms of the eternal and timeless purpose which He has realized and carried into effect in [the person of] Christ Jesus our Lord,

12In Whom, because of our faith in Him, we dare to have the boldness (courage and confidence) of free access (an unreserved approach to God with freedom and without fear).

13So I ask you not to lose heart [not to faint or become despondent through fear] at what I am suffering in your behalf. [Rather glory in it] for it is an honor to you.

14For this reason [[d]seeing the greatness of this plan by which you are built together in Christ], I bow my knees before the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

15For Whom every family in heaven and on earth is named [that Father from Whom all fatherhood takes its title and derives its name].

16May He grant you out of the rich treasury of His glory to be strengthened and reinforced with mighty power in the inner man by the [Holy] Spirit [Himself indwelling your innermost being and personality].

17May Christ through your faith [actually] dwell (settle down, abide, make His permanent home) in your hearts! May you be rooted deep in love and founded securely on love,

18That you may have the power and be strong to apprehend and grasp with all the saints [God's devoted people, the experience of that love] what is the breadth and length and height and depth [of it];

19[That you may really come] to know [practically, [e]through experience for yourselves] the love of Christ, which far surpasses [f]mere knowledge [without experience]; that you may be filled [through all your being] [g]unto all the fullness of God [may have the richest measure of the divine Presence, and [h]become a body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself]!

20Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]--

21To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen (so be it).

Comment by sandra v villamero on November 22, 2009 at 12:26am

Put CHRIST first
Phil 3:8

What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ.

Comment by ALCEDES JONES on November 13, 2009 at 4:13am

Joel
Today's Word with Joel and Victoria
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Walk by Faith

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"For we walk by faith, not by sight"
(II Corinthians 5:7, NKJV)

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Are you walking by faith or sight today? In other words, are you choosing to believe God no matter what your circumstances look like, or are you making decisions and focusing your mind on what you can see.

As believers, we have to remember that we aren't just subject to this natural realm–what we can see, hear, touch, and smell. No, we have access to the unseen, supernatural realm where all the promises and blessings of God are stored. When you choose to walk by faith, you are opening a door from the natural realm to the supernatural realm and drawing the blessings of God into your life.

Remember: with God seeing isn't believing; believing is seeing! Throughout the day, begin to declare, "Father, I want to thank You that my payday is coming. You said no good thing will You withhold because I walk uprightly. I believe even right now You're arranging things in my favor." As you walk and live by faith, you will live a life pleasing to God. You'll see His blessing and favor in abundance, and you'll fulfill the destiny He has in store for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Heavenly Father, today I choose to walk by faith. I choose to believe Your Word no matter what things look like in the natural. I know You are working behind the scenes, and You will open up doors of blessing and favor in every area of my life. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Comment by ALCEDES JONES on November 11, 2009 at 4:30am

Joel
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Payday Is On Its Way

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you!"
(Hebrews 10:35, NLT)

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

What are you believing God for today? Promotion? Healing? Stronger relationships? Freedom from addiction? God has promised all these things to you in His Word. He wants you to live in blessing and wholeness all the days of your life. But in order to experience His promises, we have to do our part. We have to keep believing and trusting in Him. That's what today's verse is saying: if we will stay in faith, if we will keep believing, keep hoping, keep doing the right thing, God promises there will be a reward. I like how one translation puts it, "Don't get discouraged. Payday is coming!"

When you're tempted to get down, when things aren't going your way just say to yourself, "This may be hard. It may be taking a long time. But I know God is a faithful God. I'm going to keep believing because my reward is coming." Friend, as you trust Him and stand in faith, as you boldly declare His promises, you are positioning yourself to receive His blessing. No matter what your circumstances look like, remember payday is on its way—and you will experience the blessing He's promised all the days of your life!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Father in heaven, thank You for Your good and precious promises. I choose to trust that my reward is coming. I choose to follow Your commands because they lead to blessing and life. Give me a heart that is fixed on You and fill me with Your peace. I patiently wait on You. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Comment by ALCEDES JONES on November 10, 2009 at 4:24am

Joel
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You Are Closer Than You Think

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don't give up, or quit"
(Galatians 6:9, the Message)

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

God has put dreams and desires in every person's heart. We all have goals we want to accomplish and situations we are believing will be turned around. Sometimes it seems to take longer than we thought. Sometimes things don't work out the way we planned, and it's easy to lose enthusiasm. Negative thoughts come to us that say, "It's never going to change." "You're never going to get well." "You're never going to get out of debt." If we're not careful, we'll get discouraged and end up just settling where we are. Many times, people miss out on God's best simply because they give up too soon. They don't realize how close they are to their victory.

Friend, don't let that be you today! Don't give up just because things seem hard. You are closer than you think! You've invested so much and you never know, just another few more days of believing, another few weeks of doing the right thing, another few months of staying in faith, and you could see that situation turn around. Remember, God is on your side! Keep standing and keep believing because you are closer than you think to fulfilling every desire He's placed inside of you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Father God, today I come to You again, believing that You are working behind the scenes on my behalf. Give me Your strength to keep moving forward into the place of victory You have for me. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Comment by ALCEDES JONES on November 9, 2009 at 3:04pm

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He Opens Doors

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"Keep on asking and it will be given you; keep on seeking and you will find; keep on knocking [reverently] and [the door] will be opened to you"
(Matthew 7:7, AMP)

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

What doors are you knocking on today? Are you looking for a door of opportunity to be opened? A door of escape? A door of shelter from the storms of life?

God loves persistence. He honors diligence. When you diligently do the will of God, obeying His Word and following His commands, it's like knocking on the door of His promises. He is faithful, and He will open that door! Maybe you're already doing all you know to do today—don't give up! Perseverance will carry you to the promise. Perseverance keeps on asking and keeps on knocking. Perseverance looks away from discouragement and distractions and keeps looking toward God. It has a voice that says things like, "No weapon formed against me shall prosper! I know God is for me! I am more than a conqueror through Jesus!"

Today, stay faithful to follow God's Word, and remember, every step of obedience is another knock on the door of His promises! He will hear you, and He will answer. He will open up doors that no man can shut and lead you into the life of victory He has prepared for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Father God, thank You for Your faithfulness in my life. Thank You for opening doors of opportunity before me and for leading me and guiding me. I trust that You are ordering my steps as I diligently follow Your commands. In Jesus’ Name. Amen."

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