Proverbs 24:16 For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.
Everyone falls and everyone fails... But the true test of courage, trust, faith and honor is whether or not they get back up. Our country has seen many ups and downs in it's 235 years of existence. Some of those 'downs' were major falls, bone crushing moments that seemingly should have left a nation in rubble. Yet here we are, still America, still living, still brave and still free. These tests of the nation will continue to occur, the nation cannot grow stronger if these storms do not try the structural foundation and it's fortitude.
It is no different in business, family and friends... Life in general operates around the same global arena of trials; Trying it's foundation and fortitude. Storms arise and people fall... Storms arise and companies fall... Storms arise and families fall... Storms arise and friends fall. The difference is when they fall, the just get back up. They may fall seven times, but they will rise again and take on the day, the task at hand and the responsibilities handed down from Heaven to finish the course that is set before them.
Today you may fall, but remember, you do not have to stay down, you do not have to throw in the towel. Arise again and move forward in the life the Lord Jesus Christ has given you this day. This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.Psalm 118:24
Monday, August 1, 2011
Sunday, May 16, 2010
weekly Words Of Encouragment Vol 2, Issue 10
Good Morning All,
Thankfully, we are now "back in the saddle again" with the 'weekly words', the email issue is solved at home; therefore Lord willing all we will be well. For archived 'Weekly Words': http://weeklywordsofencouragement.blogspot.com/
This week’s thoughts were actually inspired by a coach who assists with my 9-10 year old baseball team. All season he has used a phrase as he corrects the pitchers and admonishes them to improve their pitching. The phrase is one that I believe each and every one of can live by; it is something that can be applied in our lives on a daily basis. From church to business to home, this simple quote is a statement, which if thought on regularly, will assist and encourage us to improve things in our life.
From the dugout, the coach exclaims:
"If you do not make any changes, you will get the same results!"
Some will say: "well that is simple"...sure it is, but the application of this 'simple' statement is not easy (remember, simplicity does not equate ease). The Apostle Paul tells us that "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (II Corinthians 5.17). The last time I checked, all means all and that’s all all means. If all things are become new, that would mean that a change has occurred...Once a soul has Jesus Christ in their heart, they are become a new creature...
Unfortunately, the old man does not just 'run away', he is always there lurking and waiting to rear his ugly head and ruin the life the Lord has now given us. So where does that leave us? Paul also said in Romans 13.14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof. Meaning this: We must make a change...otherwise we will continue have the same results. Change does not mean running away, most of the time when people run (i.e. change locations, jobs, churches etc.) they continue the same path as before; assuming things will be better at a new place. Typically they will only find that because they failed to make the needed changes in their life, the same results occurred.
Maybe today you are struggling in a certain area of your life...or maybe you have become complacent or seemingly reached a plateau. Are you continuing to do the same things? If so, you cannot expect different results.
In the home and in marriage, you may be someone who does not express gratitude, appreciation or even affection toward your wife or husband. That does not mean you do not possess those feelings for them, but your make up may not be one that can easily expresses these emotions. On the other side, your spouse may be one that needs or desires this expression from the one they love so dearly. If that be the case, should they just learn to live without? Of course not. That is not fair nor is that the right thing to do. If we do not make any change, we cannot expect a different result. So the best thing to do is change…begin to express those feelings so that your spouse receives what they need and frankly deserve.
The same is true in all aspects of your life; in business, if the same model does not produce a growing and thriving business, then changes must occur…why? Because, ‘if you do not make any changes, you will get the same results’. In personal vices, again the same principle applies, ‘if you do not make any changes, you will get the same results’. Our Christian life is the greatest area that requires change…we now can ‘put on the Lord Jesus Christ’ and our entire world will change, when life is seen and decisions are made through His eyes changes occur…
In closing, what has given me comfort and confidence, is in the fact that no matter who or what we are, the Lord Jesus Christ has given us a door so that we can make the needed changes in our life to have a better result…Think on these things this week, when things are not heading in the direction that they need to, make a change to avoid the same results and improve the situation bringing glory and honor to the risen Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Have a great and wonderful day.
Til the Shout,
Dr. B.J. Stagner Jr.
Pastor
New Testament Baptist Church
www.ntbctn.com
Thankfully, we are now "back in the saddle again" with the 'weekly words', the email issue is solved at home; therefore Lord willing all we will be well. For archived 'Weekly Words': http://weeklywordsofencouragement.blogspot.com/
This week’s thoughts were actually inspired by a coach who assists with my 9-10 year old baseball team. All season he has used a phrase as he corrects the pitchers and admonishes them to improve their pitching. The phrase is one that I believe each and every one of can live by; it is something that can be applied in our lives on a daily basis. From church to business to home, this simple quote is a statement, which if thought on regularly, will assist and encourage us to improve things in our life.
From the dugout, the coach exclaims:
"If you do not make any changes, you will get the same results!"
Some will say: "well that is simple"...sure it is, but the application of this 'simple' statement is not easy (remember, simplicity does not equate ease). The Apostle Paul tells us that "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (II Corinthians 5.17). The last time I checked, all means all and that’s all all means. If all things are become new, that would mean that a change has occurred...Once a soul has Jesus Christ in their heart, they are become a new creature...
Unfortunately, the old man does not just 'run away', he is always there lurking and waiting to rear his ugly head and ruin the life the Lord has now given us. So where does that leave us? Paul also said in Romans 13.14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof. Meaning this: We must make a change...otherwise we will continue have the same results. Change does not mean running away, most of the time when people run (i.e. change locations, jobs, churches etc.) they continue the same path as before; assuming things will be better at a new place. Typically they will only find that because they failed to make the needed changes in their life, the same results occurred.
Maybe today you are struggling in a certain area of your life...or maybe you have become complacent or seemingly reached a plateau. Are you continuing to do the same things? If so, you cannot expect different results.
In the home and in marriage, you may be someone who does not express gratitude, appreciation or even affection toward your wife or husband. That does not mean you do not possess those feelings for them, but your make up may not be one that can easily expresses these emotions. On the other side, your spouse may be one that needs or desires this expression from the one they love so dearly. If that be the case, should they just learn to live without? Of course not. That is not fair nor is that the right thing to do. If we do not make any change, we cannot expect a different result. So the best thing to do is change…begin to express those feelings so that your spouse receives what they need and frankly deserve.
The same is true in all aspects of your life; in business, if the same model does not produce a growing and thriving business, then changes must occur…why? Because, ‘if you do not make any changes, you will get the same results’. In personal vices, again the same principle applies, ‘if you do not make any changes, you will get the same results’. Our Christian life is the greatest area that requires change…we now can ‘put on the Lord Jesus Christ’ and our entire world will change, when life is seen and decisions are made through His eyes changes occur…
In closing, what has given me comfort and confidence, is in the fact that no matter who or what we are, the Lord Jesus Christ has given us a door so that we can make the needed changes in our life to have a better result…Think on these things this week, when things are not heading in the direction that they need to, make a change to avoid the same results and improve the situation bringing glory and honor to the risen Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Have a great and wonderful day.
Til the Shout,
Dr. B.J. Stagner Jr.
Pastor
New Testament Baptist Church
www.ntbctn.com
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Weekly Words of Encouragement Vol 2, Issue 9
Good Day All,
Forgive my absence, but I have been attempting to retrieve the group’s email addresses; hopefully after next week I will be back the normal schedule using soon repaired Outlook email. As always, if you would like to be removed, please simply reply with “REMOVE” in the subject heading.
Nevertheless, we must press on. My thoughts today (and have been for the past two weeks or so) come from Isaiah 59:1 "Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:"
No matter the situation that occurs in our life or how far into trouble, temptation or tribulation we find ourselves, the Lord's hand is not shortened that He cannot save...nor His ear that He cannot hear.
What an encouraging thought as we see so many things go on around us... Our country is facing economic woes; people, families and churches are split by political party lines. Families are hurting today (as a unit) worse than ever before...yet the truth still remains, that Lord's hand can still reach us and His ear will still hears us. How many end of days have you faced where you came home and just buried your head in a pillow to 'sleep away the days' events or how many nights have you laid awake as you calculated the next day's business? Remember, it is in those deep dark moments, when you feel as you are in the outer edges of life's seas, that we must remind ourselves...The Lord's hand can (and will) still reach us and His ear still hears our prayers.
No matter how faint... no matter how silent…no matter how weak… The Lord still hears our cries for His hand to reach out and save us.
I hope and pray that you all have a wonderful day!
Til the Shout,
Dr. B.J. Stagner Jr.
Pastor
New Testament Baptist Church
www.ntbctn.com
Forgive my absence, but I have been attempting to retrieve the group’s email addresses; hopefully after next week I will be back the normal schedule using soon repaired Outlook email. As always, if you would like to be removed, please simply reply with “REMOVE” in the subject heading.
Nevertheless, we must press on. My thoughts today (and have been for the past two weeks or so) come from Isaiah 59:1 "Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:"
No matter the situation that occurs in our life or how far into trouble, temptation or tribulation we find ourselves, the Lord's hand is not shortened that He cannot save...nor His ear that He cannot hear.
What an encouraging thought as we see so many things go on around us... Our country is facing economic woes; people, families and churches are split by political party lines. Families are hurting today (as a unit) worse than ever before...yet the truth still remains, that Lord's hand can still reach us and His ear will still hears us. How many end of days have you faced where you came home and just buried your head in a pillow to 'sleep away the days' events or how many nights have you laid awake as you calculated the next day's business? Remember, it is in those deep dark moments, when you feel as you are in the outer edges of life's seas, that we must remind ourselves...The Lord's hand can (and will) still reach us and His ear still hears our prayers.
No matter how faint... no matter how silent…no matter how weak… The Lord still hears our cries for His hand to reach out and save us.
I hope and pray that you all have a wonderful day!
Til the Shout,
Dr. B.J. Stagner Jr.
Pastor
New Testament Baptist Church
www.ntbctn.com
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Weekly Words of Encouragement Vol 2, Issue 8
Good Morning all,
I hope and trust that everyone has had a good week thus far. Today's thought comes from what has been noted as the love chapter of the Bible, I Corinthians 13. The Apostle Paul opens the chapter by saying: "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal." I Corinthians 13:1. Basically he is telling us that even if he spoke the greatest words ever heard on the face of the planet, but had not 'charity', his speaking is but noise and clamor.
How can these words encourage us? What can be taken from Paul's admonition that will better serve our life and fellow mankind? The simple answer is actually found in the meaning of the word charity. It is true that it means ‘love’, but more than the common definition of the word. We all ‘love’ things and people, I love coffee, but that’s not going to benefit those around me (except Starbucks and McCafe).
Charity is the act of love exercised without expecting anything in return. It is agape love, a sacrificial love. We can exercise this on a daily basis, even in times when it is the hardest. We live in a world with an entitlement mentality where everyone feels as if they are owed something. But when is the last time we actually pondered how much we owe others. The words we use throughout the day, the way we speak one to another, even the way we drive to and from the office. Each one of these steps can be taken in a manner of charity by placing the feelings and benefits of others before our own. Paul understood this, after writing unto the Corinthians, several years later he wrote to the Christians in Rome saying: "I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise." Romans 1:14.
Maybe you are asking "how does this encourage me?” When we place the needs of others at the forefront of our lives, we find that we begin to encourage those around us, once you experience encourage someone else that in of itself will encourage us.
Today may be the day, that charity exhibited in your life changes the direction in the one you expect it least. “And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” I Corinthians 13:13
I hope you have a wonderful day.
I hope and trust that everyone has had a good week thus far. Today's thought comes from what has been noted as the love chapter of the Bible, I Corinthians 13. The Apostle Paul opens the chapter by saying: "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal." I Corinthians 13:1. Basically he is telling us that even if he spoke the greatest words ever heard on the face of the planet, but had not 'charity', his speaking is but noise and clamor.
How can these words encourage us? What can be taken from Paul's admonition that will better serve our life and fellow mankind? The simple answer is actually found in the meaning of the word charity. It is true that it means ‘love’, but more than the common definition of the word. We all ‘love’ things and people, I love coffee, but that’s not going to benefit those around me (except Starbucks and McCafe).
Charity is the act of love exercised without expecting anything in return. It is agape love, a sacrificial love. We can exercise this on a daily basis, even in times when it is the hardest. We live in a world with an entitlement mentality where everyone feels as if they are owed something. But when is the last time we actually pondered how much we owe others. The words we use throughout the day, the way we speak one to another, even the way we drive to and from the office. Each one of these steps can be taken in a manner of charity by placing the feelings and benefits of others before our own. Paul understood this, after writing unto the Corinthians, several years later he wrote to the Christians in Rome saying: "I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise." Romans 1:14.
Maybe you are asking "how does this encourage me?” When we place the needs of others at the forefront of our lives, we find that we begin to encourage those around us, once you experience encourage someone else that in of itself will encourage us.
Today may be the day, that charity exhibited in your life changes the direction in the one you expect it least. “And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” I Corinthians 13:13
I hope you have a wonderful day.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Weekly Words of Encouragement Vol 2, Issue 7
Good morning all,
I hope you bear with me until I can fix the outlook (I downloaded the beta version and now look at me)...Nevertheless we shall move on.
In my daily reading I Corinthians 10 was one of the chapters included. Verse 31, the latter part, spoke to my heart and reminded me how we should function in church, home and society (from the work place to relaxation). The Apostle Paul says mid-way through: "...whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." That word 'ye', is plural, much like us southerners when we say "ya'll", we are meaning 'you all' as speaking to a group. In other words, Paul is relating this verse to ALL of us and in ALL we do.
This verse it written in my heart and my mind, along with its sister verse Colossians 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Throughout the day, this verse will ring in my heart, when tempted to react in way that is pleasing only to self or to 'fire back' at someone acting foolish, I think on these verses.
Here is the thought for today...this weekend...the month... and the year. Every task at hand that you must perform, think on whom you are truly doing it for. If we work, teach or live solely for the glory of man then our boundaries and limitations are set by man. Meaning, when man reacts in the manner as man is inclined, we will justify doing the same (i.e. "i was forced to this!"). This is what happened in the Garden of Eden; the Lord ask Adam if he had eaten of the tree he was commanded not to eat; the first thing he did was blame Eve...She blamed the serpent. The reality of it all was that Adam was blaming God! (Look at the verse in Genesis 3.12...Adam says "The woman that THOU gavest me")
How often do we do this? We have been given a job, by the Lord (all things come from above), yet when we get in a bind mankind bends the rules. We have been given a family, by the Lord, yet when things get tough or tight, mankind will bend the rules (financial, forgetfulness or forsaken). We have been given a church the Lord has given us (Ephesians 5), yet when mankind gets tired or 'too busy' they forsake the church. Why is this? Simply put, mankind is working (operating/functioning) for the glory of man and not God. That does not mean we are not to respect others and especially our superiors, as a matter of fact in the same chapter Paul says: Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth. I Corinthians 10:24 We are to thrive to help one another, to see that those around us are benefited, thus pleasing and binging glory to the Lord.
Look at the other side, quickly, if we do all that we do to glory of God; we will do the right thing no matter what... Even if it means less money, less gain, less personal time or less play time. When we operate to the glory of God, our own mind and heart begins to conform to His mind and heart. That way we lean on His understanding and not our own (Proverbs 3.5-6).
How do we put this application today? When you are placed into a situation where you must decide what or how to do a task; ask or search out what would be pleasing to the Lord. The answer is not as hard as it may seem...
I hope and pray you all have a wonderful day.
Til the Shout,
Dr. B.J. Stagner Jr.
Pastor
New Testament Baptist Church
www.ntbctn.com
I hope you bear with me until I can fix the outlook (I downloaded the beta version and now look at me)...Nevertheless we shall move on.
In my daily reading I Corinthians 10 was one of the chapters included. Verse 31, the latter part, spoke to my heart and reminded me how we should function in church, home and society (from the work place to relaxation). The Apostle Paul says mid-way through: "...whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." That word 'ye', is plural, much like us southerners when we say "ya'll", we are meaning 'you all' as speaking to a group. In other words, Paul is relating this verse to ALL of us and in ALL we do.
This verse it written in my heart and my mind, along with its sister verse Colossians 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Throughout the day, this verse will ring in my heart, when tempted to react in way that is pleasing only to self or to 'fire back' at someone acting foolish, I think on these verses.
Here is the thought for today...this weekend...the month... and the year. Every task at hand that you must perform, think on whom you are truly doing it for. If we work, teach or live solely for the glory of man then our boundaries and limitations are set by man. Meaning, when man reacts in the manner as man is inclined, we will justify doing the same (i.e. "i was forced to this!"). This is what happened in the Garden of Eden; the Lord ask Adam if he had eaten of the tree he was commanded not to eat; the first thing he did was blame Eve...She blamed the serpent. The reality of it all was that Adam was blaming God! (Look at the verse in Genesis 3.12...Adam says "The woman that THOU gavest me")
How often do we do this? We have been given a job, by the Lord (all things come from above), yet when we get in a bind mankind bends the rules. We have been given a family, by the Lord, yet when things get tough or tight, mankind will bend the rules (financial, forgetfulness or forsaken). We have been given a church the Lord has given us (Ephesians 5), yet when mankind gets tired or 'too busy' they forsake the church. Why is this? Simply put, mankind is working (operating/functioning) for the glory of man and not God. That does not mean we are not to respect others and especially our superiors, as a matter of fact in the same chapter Paul says: Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth. I Corinthians 10:24 We are to thrive to help one another, to see that those around us are benefited, thus pleasing and binging glory to the Lord.
Look at the other side, quickly, if we do all that we do to glory of God; we will do the right thing no matter what... Even if it means less money, less gain, less personal time or less play time. When we operate to the glory of God, our own mind and heart begins to conform to His mind and heart. That way we lean on His understanding and not our own (Proverbs 3.5-6).
How do we put this application today? When you are placed into a situation where you must decide what or how to do a task; ask or search out what would be pleasing to the Lord. The answer is not as hard as it may seem...
I hope and pray you all have a wonderful day.
Til the Shout,
Dr. B.J. Stagner Jr.
Pastor
New Testament Baptist Church
www.ntbctn.com
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Weekly Words of Encouragement Vol 2, Issue 6
Good Morning All,
Again, please excuse the use of the yahoo email, until the outlook runs its protocol it looks like I am stuck doing so.
I hope everyone has had a wonderful week thus far. Almost building upon last weeks 'words', I want to spark this question: What does a day hold? We spoke last week concerning kindness toward other people...It weeks past we heard about pressing or passing opportunities. Last week a friend of mine gave a speech to his business market centralizing the theme around 'kindness'. In his exact words, "this year we are going 'shower' everybody that walks through the door with kindness." It not only has made me think, but more importantly it was made me 'do'.
James said: "...he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed." James 1:25
We hear all sorts of things in our life, especially from the word of God. In the realm of business we can apply what is taught in the Scripture, to do business God's way. The same principle applies in the home; we can have a home built after God. Guess what it is going to require? Two things, Kindness and Doing! If we only take in what should be performed and doeth it not, then we have become a forgetful hearer, one that just absorbs and never gives back. If we refuse to take in, then we wither away, having neither strength nor substance to give. It this case, kindness is the simplest attribute we can utilize (by the way I did not say easy, simple and easy do not always hail from the same corner). I have noticed this week alone, the responses from people when a 'little extra kindness' is thrown their way...guess what? They throw a little back!
So in other words, exercising kindness (which is the doing of what you have heard) is in a great way, benefiting yourselves as much as it is benefiting those we are being kind to. After all, we did have the greatest example to follow "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." Ephesians 4:32
Just think of the effect you can have on at least one person today, by showing just a little extra kindness to them. Again, looking back to past 'words', it may be the deciding factor of a major event in that person's life. Furthermore, kindness can carry with it a long standing effect, because what kindness ultimately does is comfort the receiving soul. And remember, it will come back your way, the wisest man in human history wrote: “Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.” Ecclesiastes 11:1
It will come back...but you have to cast it first... I hope and pray that each and every one reading this today has a wonderful day!
Till the Shout,
Dr. B.J. Stagner Jr.
Pastor
New Testament Baptist Church
www.ntbctn.com
Again, please excuse the use of the yahoo email, until the outlook runs its protocol it looks like I am stuck doing so.
I hope everyone has had a wonderful week thus far. Almost building upon last weeks 'words', I want to spark this question: What does a day hold? We spoke last week concerning kindness toward other people...It weeks past we heard about pressing or passing opportunities. Last week a friend of mine gave a speech to his business market centralizing the theme around 'kindness'. In his exact words, "this year we are going 'shower' everybody that walks through the door with kindness." It not only has made me think, but more importantly it was made me 'do'.
James said: "...he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed." James 1:25
We hear all sorts of things in our life, especially from the word of God. In the realm of business we can apply what is taught in the Scripture, to do business God's way. The same principle applies in the home; we can have a home built after God. Guess what it is going to require? Two things, Kindness and Doing! If we only take in what should be performed and doeth it not, then we have become a forgetful hearer, one that just absorbs and never gives back. If we refuse to take in, then we wither away, having neither strength nor substance to give. It this case, kindness is the simplest attribute we can utilize (by the way I did not say easy, simple and easy do not always hail from the same corner). I have noticed this week alone, the responses from people when a 'little extra kindness' is thrown their way...guess what? They throw a little back!
So in other words, exercising kindness (which is the doing of what you have heard) is in a great way, benefiting yourselves as much as it is benefiting those we are being kind to. After all, we did have the greatest example to follow "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." Ephesians 4:32
Just think of the effect you can have on at least one person today, by showing just a little extra kindness to them. Again, looking back to past 'words', it may be the deciding factor of a major event in that person's life. Furthermore, kindness can carry with it a long standing effect, because what kindness ultimately does is comfort the receiving soul. And remember, it will come back your way, the wisest man in human history wrote: “Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.” Ecclesiastes 11:1
It will come back...but you have to cast it first... I hope and pray that each and every one reading this today has a wonderful day!
Till the Shout,
Dr. B.J. Stagner Jr.
Pastor
New Testament Baptist Church
www.ntbctn.com
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Weekly Words of Encouragement Vol 2, Issue 4
Good Morning All,
I have spent great time thinking about answered prayers over the last few weeks, especially those in our life with ailments and personal struggles. It never ceases to amaze me how the Lord, no matter what the situation, He takes care of things. It may be in the final hours (humanly speaking), but He has always come through. It reminds me of the story of Lazarus, (John 11) who being a friend of Jesus', died. When Mary and Martha (The sisters of Lazarus) came to Jesus made said: “Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.”
The fact of the matter Jesus waited two days to depart from His location after finding out that Lazarus was even sick. When He went into Bethany, Lazarus had been in the grave four days. One would look at this with human eyes and think “wow, he wasn’t in a hurry, he must not have cared for the man”. Yet, nothing could be further from the truth. Jesus loved Lazarus and his sisters (for that matter we know that Jesus loved the world, for He died for it), so why did He wait?
Friends, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, has never been late He is always on time, but never in a hurry. So often we equate the proper reaction with that of rush, swiftness and rapidity. We pray, asking the Lord for the answer and expect it to be in front of us when we open our eyes. Grant it, every prayer is answered and sometimes the answer is just ‘no’, but the Lord knows what is best for each and every one of us. It is in His due time that our prayers will be answered according to His will. It may not be exactly what we ‘want’, but it will be what we need.
When you pray today, tonight and tomorrow remember these two facts: The Lord will answer the prayer according to His will and do so in His time; so whatever befalls is sure to bring Him glory. But also, look back today and search out the already apparent answered prayers. Some were your prayers and some were others, but the answer came and a blessing was received. Many of our blessings are right before us on a daily basis (i.e. a safe ride to and from work, employment, good health, meals etc.). We take these things for granted when all the while it is the Lord, simply answering a prayer that may have gone up to His throne twenty years ago. Our lives can be changed in one second or less; sickness can strike any one of us in the blink of an eye. All that we knew the moment before is placed on hold until we re-learn to live in a new state of functionality. These are the things I think about daily, how the Lord has opted to allow me one more day, to function easier than the alternative. He has given me the opportunity for this very day to be blessing to others, to answer those prayers that are laid at His feet…Just one more day to operate in this life, the Lord has allowed me to ‘continue as is’.
May we give thanks today, for what we have – the answered prayers of our life here and now. After thanksgiving, then move forward with other requests… now wait, “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31
He is always there, He is always on time and He will always answer. Have a wonderful day.
Til the Shout,
Dr. B.J. Stagner Jr.
Pastor
New Testament Baptist Church
I have spent great time thinking about answered prayers over the last few weeks, especially those in our life with ailments and personal struggles. It never ceases to amaze me how the Lord, no matter what the situation, He takes care of things. It may be in the final hours (humanly speaking), but He has always come through. It reminds me of the story of Lazarus, (John 11) who being a friend of Jesus', died. When Mary and Martha (The sisters of Lazarus) came to Jesus made said: “Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.”
The fact of the matter Jesus waited two days to depart from His location after finding out that Lazarus was even sick. When He went into Bethany, Lazarus had been in the grave four days. One would look at this with human eyes and think “wow, he wasn’t in a hurry, he must not have cared for the man”. Yet, nothing could be further from the truth. Jesus loved Lazarus and his sisters (for that matter we know that Jesus loved the world, for He died for it), so why did He wait?
Friends, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, has never been late He is always on time, but never in a hurry. So often we equate the proper reaction with that of rush, swiftness and rapidity. We pray, asking the Lord for the answer and expect it to be in front of us when we open our eyes. Grant it, every prayer is answered and sometimes the answer is just ‘no’, but the Lord knows what is best for each and every one of us. It is in His due time that our prayers will be answered according to His will. It may not be exactly what we ‘want’, but it will be what we need.
When you pray today, tonight and tomorrow remember these two facts: The Lord will answer the prayer according to His will and do so in His time; so whatever befalls is sure to bring Him glory. But also, look back today and search out the already apparent answered prayers. Some were your prayers and some were others, but the answer came and a blessing was received. Many of our blessings are right before us on a daily basis (i.e. a safe ride to and from work, employment, good health, meals etc.). We take these things for granted when all the while it is the Lord, simply answering a prayer that may have gone up to His throne twenty years ago. Our lives can be changed in one second or less; sickness can strike any one of us in the blink of an eye. All that we knew the moment before is placed on hold until we re-learn to live in a new state of functionality. These are the things I think about daily, how the Lord has opted to allow me one more day, to function easier than the alternative. He has given me the opportunity for this very day to be blessing to others, to answer those prayers that are laid at His feet…Just one more day to operate in this life, the Lord has allowed me to ‘continue as is’.
May we give thanks today, for what we have – the answered prayers of our life here and now. After thanksgiving, then move forward with other requests… now wait, “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31
He is always there, He is always on time and He will always answer. Have a wonderful day.
Til the Shout,
Dr. B.J. Stagner Jr.
Pastor
New Testament Baptist Church
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)