GOD WANTS YOUR HEART

GOD WANTS YOUR HEART

           

1 Kings 3:5-14

At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, "Ask for whatever you want me to give you."

Solomon answered, "You have shown great kindness to your servant, my father David, because he was faithful to you and righteous and upright in heart. You have continued this great kindness to him and have given him a son to sit on his throne this very day.

"Now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?"

The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. So God said to him, "Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for "both riches and honor" so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. And if you walk in my ways and obey my statutes and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life."

Look carefully at the verses above. Solomon was King David’s son. At this time when he was crowned king, he was 17 years old. David, a mighty man and king and man of God was dead and Solomon was left to lead millions of people. Some of you feel like Solomon with a million problems before you. God asked Him, what do you want? He said ask for whatever you want. What would you have asked for if God asked this question of you? Look at Solomon’s reply.

Solomon asked for a discerning heart in order to be a good king and rule fairly. Would you have asked for this? Would you say to God; give me a heart to treat people as You would like me to? What was Solomon thinking? Why would He waste an ultimate wish from God on this? Solomon was not as nave as he appears.

Solomon had grown up not only in a palace as the prince, but had heard all the great stories of this Almighty and wonderful God who had preserved Israel and performed mighty miracles on their behalf. He had learned from his father, David, what is meant to be a man after Gods own heart and the blessings that came from following Him. He has undoubtedly seen firsthand Gods provision and answers to the prayers of the people. In short, he knew God.

He knew God was faithful and loving and gave many promises. He knew nothing was impossible to those who trust in the Lord. He knew God said he would eat the fruit of his labor and blessings and prosperity was his. He knew God answered prayer. He knew God saved. He knew God blessed. He knew God gave to the poor and needy, to the widow and orphans. He knew God comforts the broken hearted and crushed in sprit. He knew God had compassion and grace and mercy. He knew God gave men courage and good advice and direction. He knew God gives discernment, encouragement and faith. He knew God was able to prosper and give freedom, give him a future and hope. God was a friend and was a giving God. God was a healer, helper, holy, honest and without evil. He knew joy came from God. Life came from God, love also. He knew God was patient as he tried to be obedient. God was a God of peace, perseverance and praiseworthy. God answered prayer and protected and provided. God had a purpose for him and rewarded hid faithfulness. God was righteous and gave him His word as a guide. God gave self-control and worth and value. God made men strong and gave them victory. His God was God!

Solomon KNEW these things. He knew God! So as long as he was in Gods will, all he needed was Gods continued direction and a heart and mind like Gods. As you can see, God was impressed with his reply. He gave him the discerning heart he asked for, but also wisdom, riches and honor. Solomon became known for his wisdom worldwide and even today is estimated as the riches kings to ever live.

Do you know this God? He knows you. He became a man just so He could die for your sins, so you can be saved. You have one thing Solomon didn’t have; Jesus IN you. The Spirit of God dwells in your body. He is changing you and transforming you even as you read this. This God ask you the same question: what do you want? God is waiting to reward your hearts desires, but does your heart desire God? Are you willing to seek Him to know His as Solomon knew Him? Learn the key to success from Solomon: Stop asking what you can get from God and start asking what can I do for you God? I believe because you are willing to ask this question, God will give you what you have not asked for. Try it and see.

Matthew 6:24-34

"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.

Do Not Worry

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat? or What shall we drink? or What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

LORD God:

Forgive me of my sins and help me not to sin. I thank you for saving me and being my Father. Please help me to know You and what Your will is for my life. I pray that You will reveal it to me and help me to follow it. I come to you and put aside all my own desires because I trust that like Solomon, when I discover my purpose in life, You will provide for me there. I wait on You Father and look with excitement for what You have prepared for me. I receive it in the Name of Jesus.

Amen

God Bless,

http://waitonboaz.com

GET UP AND GO ON!

GET UP and GO ON!

Have you ever been crushed by the circumstances of life? I have, many times. Sometimes it can feel like the whole world and God Himself is against you. You feel abandoned and forgotten and punished. Inevitably, Satan whispers in your ear that; God doesn’t love you or He is mad at you; you’re not worthy of His help or blessings; that you deserve everything that is coming your way; that there is no hope is sight.

It doesn’t help that we have numerous faith preachers instructing Christians that to be poor, unhealthy or suffer misfortune is a result of a lack of faith, sin or a negative confessions. Either we believe this and condemn ourselves or others believe it and condemn us themselves. Either way, we remain isolated and alone. Where do we turn?

If I have learned anything in life, I have learned that God is Faithful, Loving and Truthful. I turn to God in spite of my feelings inside. 1 John 4:1 states, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. “

Many see this verse as a warning against false prophets because they are specifically mentioned and/or demonic spirits naturally, but overlook the obvious. WE are body, soul and SPIRIT. WE also fall into this category. WE must test our OWN spirit against the Word of God.

I believe in the power and work of the Holy Spirit and believe God still manifest His presence to us in many ways, but even the most charismatic Christian should not disregard this command to test the spirits. Our feelings are no indicator of Gods truth! Jeremiah 17:9 states, “the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked; who can know it?” Therefore if you think you truly know and can trust your heart, the Holy Spirit says you are deceiving yourself.

With all that said; where does one go then for understanding and help in overwhelming circumstances? First we must know and understand Gods Character:

1. He Won’t Fail or Forsake You (Josh 1:5) 2.He Provides (Gen 22:14) 3. He Heals (Ex 15:26) 4. He Protects (Ex 17:15) 5. Sanctifies (Ex 31:13) 6. He Sends Peace (Judges 6:24) 7. He Gives Strength (1 Sam 1:3) 8. He Shepherds (Ps 23:1) 9. Redeems (Isa 44:24) 10. Is Righteous (Jer 23:6) Always There (Ezek 48:35) Almighty and All Sufficient (Gen 17:1)

God is “I Am That I Am”. God is ALL that we need Him to be: Present, Comfort, Peace, Help, Guidance, Shelter, Security, Deliverance, Answerer of Prayer, Teacher, Discipliner, Judge, Merciful, Gracious, Loving, Prosperity, Wisdom, Savior, Goodness, Forgiver, Blessing, Rewarder and Giver of Eternal Life.

Knowing these attributes and many more, including His titles and names will help us keep perspective when testing our spirit and circumstances. We need to bear this in mind and THEN look into the Scriptures for a clearer understanding of what may be going on at any given moment.

Scripture is Gods Supreme Authority over ANY feeling, preacher, teacher, prophet, bishop, apostle, book, tradition or ANYTHING ELSE you seek counsel from. 2 Timothy 3:16 states All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. Over 70 times in the New Testament alone the phrase “It is written” appears. God Word is the authority and we must filter ALL information through His word like the people of Berea who searched the scriptures DAILY to see if what they were hearing were true or not. (Acts 17:10-12)

So what does scripture say about bad circumstances?

1. In this world you WILL (not might) have trouble (Jn 16:33). 2. Temptations are common (1 Cor 10:13) 3. Bad circumstances teaches patience (James 1:2) 3. God disciplines those He loves (Heb 12:6, 10) 4. DO NOT BE surprised at trials (1 Pet 4:12) 5. We are to partake in Christ sufferings (1 Pet 4:13, 5:1)

So contrary to the Word of God, suffering and troubles are NOT always what some have been taught. It ‘can’ be a result of sin that we have done, but often just because we live in a fallen world and are not exempt from trouble. It can be Gods discipline or God helping us grow. It is definitely a mark of the Christian identifying with the suffering of Christ.

So what do we do? Put it all into perspective. God is Good and He Loves you. If you suffer because of sin, confess in and ask for forgiveness. He is slow to anger, abounding in love (Joel 2:13, Jonah 4:2) If it’s not because of sin, know that it’s just a part of the natural things of life or discipline for Christian growth. Ask God for strength and patience.

Read the accounts of Job and Paul in 2 Cor 12:7 and 11:24-26) These men were exemplary examples of faith and righteousness and yet they suffer more than most for their faithfulness to God. How much more will we face sufferings if the very Master Himself also suffered? Jesus said A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. (Matt 10:24) EXPECT IT!

These are the times to turn to God, not away from Him. This is where your metal is tested and tried in the furnace to see what you are made of. Stay in prayer and draw closer to God. Learn about your own weaknesses and grow. This is the path of the Master.

GET UP and GO ON! Don’t stay down. Keep the course! Remember, this life is not the end goal. We live for Christ and are an example to all who watch us. We must never give up for God is on our side and He has overcome the world! (Jn 16:33)

Proverbs 24:16

The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again. But one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked.

God Bless

http://waitonboaz.com

NEVERTHELESS

NEVERTHELESS…

After the long day at work in his cubicle, the young man simply wanted to go home, relax, and prepare for his next day at work. As he made his way toward the elevator, he heard screaming and saw black smoke and flames billowing out of the hallway. Panic gripped him as a succession of thoughts flew through his mind, Im on the sixth floor. Ill never make it down. Im going to die! What he considered to be his only escape the hallway was engulfed in flames and impossible to navigate. As his mind continued to race, he heard fire engines and remembered that the office was lined with tall windows all across his floor.

He coughed and staggered to the windows in hope of a swift rescue. Instead, when he looked down he could see nothings but a curtain of smoke covering the area. Through the smoke and flames, he realized that a crowd had gathered and along with the firemen everyone was yelling, Jump! Jump! The young man felt a cloud of fear envelop him. Over a loud speaker he heard the voice of what he assumed to be a fireman, The only way youll survive is if you jump. Weve spread out a safety net. Youll be perfectly safe. As the crowd continued to yell, the young man realized he didnt have the courage to make the leap without being able to see the net. His feet were cemented to the floor. Then, over the loud speaker came the voice of his dad, Its okay, son, you can jump. As the familiar voice reached the young man, he felt the grip of fear lift. The trust and love that had been established between dad and son gave him the courage to jump safely down into the net.

Without faith is impossible to please God. Why is so faith so important to God? Let me ask you; why is God so important to your faith? You might reply: because if I pray, only God can answer Beloved, God feels the same way. Why pretend to place your trust in Him when you really trust in self? In reality, you think God is not trustworthy. Oh, No! you say, you believe He is trustworthy..but?

Do you see what I am getting it? Either we trust God because He is trustworthy or we don’t because He is untrustworthy. If He is trustworthy, then everything He has revealed about Himself is true. Every word of His book, the Bible is true. Every promise that He has made is true. His declarations of love, assurance, blessings, compassion, guidance, forgiveness, provision and peace are also all true. If He is trustworthy, we can place our faith securely in Him. Faith is trusting in the unseen hand of God, even when we don’t see; even when things look like the opposite of what we expect. Our faith must be a perfect trust we can hold on to that will make us stand firm through anything we face.

The enemy of faith is doubt. Doubt cast a huge unbelieving shadow on God and His word. Doubt moves you from pleasing God to despising what God has said. The original author of doubt was Satan. Satan knows if he can get you to question God, you are defenseless, useless and out of Gods will and on the road to disobedience. The first question in the entire Bible was posed by Satan to Eve tempting her to eat the forbidden fruit in the garden:

Let me take a moment to point out a few things about this transaction. First, Satan twists Gods word, which He is infamous for. God had warned Adam and eve not to eat of two particular trees, not every tree, as Satan suggest. The devil LOVES to blow things out of proportion. Secondly, the devil is a tempter. Out of the most magnificent garden ever beheld by human eyes, he points Eves attention to what God has forbidden. This whole line of questioning is to get Eve to doubt Gods words, what He meant and why He didn’t want them to partake of this fruit. He runs the same old game on us today!

Thirdly, when He gets Eve doubting God in her mind, Satan, flat out accuses God of lying to them by saying if they eat, nothing will happen but the receiving the good things that God is afraid of sharing with them. See the web doubt weaves? We follow Eves footsteps. We learn God’s Word; then we feel fear and doubt creep in and says Has God indeed said? We panic and try to do things our way, not Gods. Often, we doubt so much, we don’t even consider God nor even try to trust in what He says when its brought to our attention. We are swept away in the strong current of the sea of doubt.

Jesus told Peter, an experienced fisherman to let down his nets once more after they had been fishing all night and caught nothing. Peter probably thought Jesus was out of His expertise here; Rabbi: Yes, Fisherman: No. Leave the fishing to me, but Peter faithfully said, NEVERTHELESS at YOUR Word.

Notice what faith looks like in action: nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net. Simon, (who was later called Peter) was an expert fisherman by trade. He knew how to fish and where to catch them. He and his companions had been out all night. He knew there was nothing to be caught that day. Nevertheless: He stepped out of the ordinary into the extra-ordinary; from the earthly to the spiritual, and experienced the miraculous!

How long will you stand there and mumble that doesn’t make sense to me or why can’t I do it this way? Start being like Simon and say nevertheless Lord, and jump! This is faith that pleases God and yields results. You have to be willing to trust God even when it doesn’t make much sense to you. Many of you are still stuck in your present situation, cemented in life because you are afraid to trust God with everything and step out in faith for things.

God’s love and faithfulness is unfailing! You can trust God! You can walk out in faith! Proverbs 3:5 says: Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; It is our own understanding that is often the barrier to our faith. Our faith is in a supernatural God, but we see situations with the natural eye. It can be hard to believe that God will ever lift me out of poverty when everything all around me screams that I can’t make it! Sweetheart, you must look at life with eyes of faith. Nothing is impossible with God. Look at life with unlimited possibilities.

Why do we pray as if we were at a casino throwing dice? We throw up prayers to God hoping that some will fall on the correct number and color and: Jackpot! God is not a slot machine and He doesnt want you pray just hoping you will get lucky. You must learn to pray with expectancy. Pray like you expect God to do something, why? Because you trust Him. Don’t be doubtful. Look for and expect results. If you pray for a job, look for one and keep your eyes open for leads. If you ask God to show you His will, start to listen to what comes your way. We can’t just pray and get up and walk away and forget about it. Prayer is to your Father who loves you. This is quality time. You tell Him of your needs and ask for help, expecting your Daddy to help you. Be open and honest. If you are struggling with If you are struggling trusting Him, ask Him to increase your faith in Him.

One of my favorite Christian movies is “Facing The Giants”. The failing football coach has been praying and searching for a miraculous breakthrough to end his losing seasons. God not only begins to turn his team into winners, he blesses the coach and the players on and off the field. Finally the state championship is just victory away and the coach begins to get scared; “What if we don’t win?” he says. His wife replies, “Looks like your fear is gonna clobber your faith”.

Don’t let fear clobber ‘your’ faith! Sure, there are things in life when it’s scary and certainly the unknown takes fear to new levels, but think back to Peter and say, ‘NEVERTHELESS’. So much wrapped up into one word! “God, I’m afraid and I don’t know what’s gonna happen….BUT….Nevertheless…………

You finish the rest!

God Bless,

http://waitonboaz.com

GET OFF THE FENCE AND ASK

GET OFF THE FENCE AND ASK

               

Where there is no vision, the people perish. -- Proverbs 29:18

Ever been alone in the dark? Surrounded by darkness, you can't see what is in front of you. You grope and stumble and try to move forward without hurting yourself. This is what God speaks of when He talks about His people perishing. They have no vision, they cannot see their future. By their own blindness, they hinder the plan of God in their lives and are immobilized. God also says:

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge. -- Hosea 4:6

Seems blindness and ignorance are close cousins. People have no vision because they are ignorant of God's word, which is the beginning of all wisdom. God wants to bless your life and help you succeed. You cannot run of blindly looking for this great future prepared for you. You must get wisdom, obtain knowledge. You must start to learn. This is crucial for living successfully as a child of God.

God's promises work hand in hand with your knowledge and obedience of them.

You have troubles?

Give your burdens to the Lord, and He will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall. --Psalm 55:22

Need protection and help?

The Lord says, "I will rescue those who love Me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on Me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will satisfy them with long life and give them My salvation." --Psalm 91:14-16

Feel alone, want to quit?

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. -- Hebrews 12:1

Need speedy answers to prayer?

If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. --2 Chronicles 7:14

Need Money?

And you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day. --Deuteronomy 8:18

God has so much He desires to give you as His child. You cannot get what you do not ask for. You cannot ask for what you do not know. And you cannot know if you do not learn and learn what the qualifications for His promises are.

Many Christians have learned and applied God's promises and they have experienced and abundant life; spiritually, mentally, emotionally, physically and materially. God is no respecter of persons. This means that what God will do for one, He will do for all. Everything you need has ALREADY been given to you the moment you accepted Christ as Lord and Savior. It is yours as an inheritance. You must begin to learn what you can and cannot have and walk in these realities. Here are just some of the things God promises YOU:

Salvation, Accomplishment, Answered Prayer, Assurance, Belief, Blessings, Charity, Help with Children, Comfort, Compassion, Confidence, Contentment, Courage, Decisions, Discernment, Discipleship, Encouragement, Eternal Life, Faith, Faithfulness, Finances, Forgiveness, Freedom, Friendship, Future, Giving, Goals, Goodness, Grace, Guidance, Healing, Heaven, Help, Holiness, Honesty, hope, Humility, Identity, Integrity, Joy, Life, Love, Love for Others, Love for God, Maturity, Meditation, Obedience, Parents, Patience, Peace, Perseverance, Power, Praise, Prayer, Presence of God, Priorities, Provision, Purpose, Quietness, Redemption, Repentance, Rest, reward, Righteousness, Scripture, Security, Seeking God, Self-Control, Self-Worth, Singleness, Speech, Stability, Strength, Thankfulness, Thoughts, Trust, Truth, Victory, Will of God, Wisdom, Witnessing and Work.

WOW! There are just a few of God promises He speaks on in His word! There are yet much, much more! You have access to them all! Re-read the list; if you could shop in God's grocery store for all that you want, what would you pick? How would it affect your present life? May I suggest you get your Bible and start reading and learning how they can be given to you? God is waiting for you to come to Him with a heart for change and improvement. He wants to give freely. He wants to help. He wants to bless you. If your motives are pure and not asked simply out of greed and selfishness, God is willing.

The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him. --2 Chronicles 16:9

The Lord is looking for those who truly love Him and are committed to His purposes so He can strengthen them. We want to be among those who say,

"Here am I. Send me." -- Isaiah 6:8

Will This Be You? Get Off The Fence And Ask!

God Bless

http://waitonboaz.com

DIRECTIONS

DIRECTIONS

Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me. Psalm 119:133

We have accepted the Lord and found forgiveness and salvation. We have been washed in the blood of Christ and made new. We have become the Temple of the Holy Spirit. God the Father call us His children. Jesus our Lord upholds us by His power. We have the Word of God that instructs us on every aspect of life. We have access to the Father by prayer in the Name of Jesus, the Son. We have churches to learn and grow and fellow believers for support. We have great and mighty promises from God for victorious living. We have been set free from the chains of sin. We have every conceivable provision for a mighty walk with God and a life defined by victories and blessings. So what’s wrong?

We fail continuously to follow instructions. Maybe we doubt that God can be trusted at His word. Maybe we wonder if we are good enough. Maybe we are afraid to try and fail and look foolish or be disappointed, so its better to not try at all. Maybe we somewhere deep inside have just gotten used to the sad lives we live. Maybe;  just maybe, we need to stop all the excuses.

Then the LORD said to Moses, "How long will you refuse to keep my commands and my instructions? (Exodus 16:28)

Seems we are not alone. When it comes to what we know, we will settle for the known rather than the unknown, even if the known is what we long to be free of. Anyone know a woman who is being abused but afraid to leave because she fears more of what may happen to her on her own? How about the severely ill person who is afraid to seek a doctors care for fear of what it might be? How about those who hate their jobs or things they do in their lives, but are afraid of losing a sense of security they have? You are not alone.

The Hebrews were enslaved by the Egyptians for and cried out to God to be delivered. God heard their cry and not only came to rescue then, but to show them and the entire world that He is God. He struck the heart of Egypt and the very gods they worshipped. He turned the Nile and all the water into blood. He covered the land with frogs, gnats and flies. He caused the animals to become diseased and the people to be grow boils on their bodies. He sent thunder and hail and covered the land with locust and darkness. Finally, He killed the firstborn of all Egypt; from the firstborn of Pharaoh, to the firstborn of his servants. Exodus 6-12

God led the children of Israel out of Egypt and when Pharaoh decided to take revenge and kill the Hebrews, God parted the Red Sea and allowed the Hebrews to cross, but drowned the Egyptian army. God provided direction for His people in pillar of fire by night and a pillar of cloud by day. He fed them and gave them water to drink. He began to guide them to the land that He had promised their fathers. What was the gratitude of the people?

There was no water there for the community, so they ganged up on Moses and Aaron. They attacked Moses: "We wish we'd died when the rest of our brothers died before GOD. Why did you haul this congregation of GOD out here into this wilderness to die, people and cattle alike? And why did you take us out of Egypt in the first place, dragging us into this miserable country? No grain, no figs, no grapevines, no pomegranates, and now not even any water!" (Numbers 20:2-5)

Are we not like these people? We stubbornly refuse to obey God and do things His way and at the first thought of hardship, we want to run back to our own Egypt. Many of us are so afraid, we never left or are really trying to leave. Like children who wish to swim, but wont jump in the water. In John 14:16, Jesus said, I am the way, the truth and the life. God knows the way, not us. God has the truth, not us. God gives life, not us. Follow God, not yourself.

A man's steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand his own way? (Proverbs 20:24)

Your own ears will hear Him. Right behind you a voice will say, This is the way you should go, whether to the right or to the left. (Isaiah 30:21)

The book of Proverbs is a wonderful book in the Bible. It is full of Gods wisdom for daily living. I would encourage each of you to read these often. They are short phrases with huge potential and meaning. Here are just a few:

A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel. (Proverbs 1:5)

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

Proverbs 16:25

There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. Proverbs 16:25

God is trying to lead you out of your slavery and bondage to the life you once new. He has given you His fire by night-His word, and His cloud by day-His Spirit; follow them. All your current situation is going to offer you is what you are getting right now, nothing more. You are waiting for a miracle and blessing, but God has already given you the miracle of life and sacrificing His Son for you and blessed you with forgiveness, salvation and awesome promises. Re-position yourself to make these promises and blessing work in your life. Follow the instructions of your God. Do not let fear of the unknown hold you back. You have a God who can be trusted and is able to do exceedingly well above and beyond what you can think or imagine!

Be assured that from the first day we heard of you, we haven't stopped praying for you, asking God to give you wise minds and spirits attuned to his will, and so acquire a thorough understanding of the ways in which God works. I pray that you'll live well for the Master, making Him proud of you as you work hard in his orchard. As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do your work. We pray that you'll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul. Not the grim strength of gritting your teeth, but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us. (Colossians 1:9-14)

God rescued us from dead-end alleys and dark dungeons. He's set us up in the kingdom of the Son he loves so much, the Son who got us out of the pit we were in, got rid of the sins we were doomed to keep repeating.

This is your time! Decide whether you will lie down and die in the wilderness of life or follow God to your promised land! Despite all the circumstances you may find yourself in at the present time, you still have the ability to try to the best of your ability to follow God. Make up your mind today! Every day you wait, your life is being denied its blessings.

Accept instruction from his mouth and lay up his words in your heart. (Job 22:22)

Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.

God Bless

http://waitonboaz.com

PUSH YOURSELF

PUSH YOURSELF

Have you ever heard the phrase, out with the old and in with the new? I expect us to really be blessed and prosper, spiritually, emotionally, mentally and financially. Its time to set goals to be achieved. Its time to change and push yourself in a new direction. It is said that it is insanity to continue doing the same old thing, again and again, expecting a different result. Many of you are stuck in that mindset. You have come to rely on everything else to cure all your financial and other problems, but have found it lacking in its promises. It is time to change lanes and head in a different direction.

You have been saved and forgiven, bought with the blood of Jesus Christ. You have changed addresses from Hell to Heaven. You have the Holy Spirit of God dwelling in your body. You have the power of the Godhead at your disposal: Father, Son and Holy Spirit; but you continue to rely on the same old things that didnt work before and will continue to not work! You are a new creation in Christ. Walk as if you new. God is bust changing and transforming you. You are holding on to the old way of thinking instead of learning what God has for you through His Holy Spirit.

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is"his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2)

How do you renew your mind? Read Gods word! The Holy Spirit is the teacher, but how can He teach if you never show up to learn? This is where perseverance comes in. You must push yourself! The successful people of the world have unlocked this secret. Success does not just happen; it is a product of hard work. Scripture says you reap what you sow. In practical application; if you sow seed, you reap a harvest. If you sow exercise and eating right, you reap good health. If you sow hard work, study and investment you may reap promotions, wisdom, financial increase or better opportunities. If you so a life of laziness, quitting and sin, you will reap such things as poverty, despair and hardship.

Do not mistake me to say that all poverty and hardship is the result of laziness or quitting. I am simply saying, if you want to improve your life and move ahead, you cannot be lazy and quit and engage in sin. God has a plan and purpose for your life, but you must perform your end of the bargain.

2 Corinthians 9:6

Remember this; "a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop.”

What seed are you sowing in your life? Are you planting little or much? With any crop, there are three stages: 1.Planting. 2. Watering 3.Harvesting. Bare in mind that the watering phase of any crop is care and nurturing and TIME. This is the area where many give up and quit. This area is the push phase. You must endure and keep watering if you expect a harvest.

Are you relying and waiting on God? Or are you determined to do it your way and face exhaustion and repeated defeat? Examine your life as it currently stands. Do you like what you see? If you are dissatisfied, now you see clearly what doesn’t work; Time to try a new way; Gods way.

Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. (Proverbs 16:3)

1. Change what you are doing in your life. Again, examine yourself! You know what is destructive or counter-productive in your life (habits, people, sin). Begin to distance yourself from these things. Look for alternatives that God will bless and increase you in. Replace the old with the new.

2. Don’t trust in your own efforts and old way of thinking. Proverbs 3:5:

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Seek God in His Word, the Bible and in prayer to find out what direction you should walk. Remember, the Holy Spirit is in you to teach and guide you. Listen to Him.

3. Everyday, practice doing the things that God is revealing to you. These could be; praying, Bible reading, giving, sharing, loving, helping or just moments of quite time with your Heavenly Father.

4. Rethink, Reposition, Operate. Rethink your life in all aspects. Determine what needs to go, stay and be added. Think about where you would like to be next year. Be realistic and ask God for guidance. Reposition yourself and prepare to walk towards this goal. If its saving money, learn how to create a budget. If it is a career change, look into what things you can do to prepare yourself for it, etc. Operate in the shadow of what you pray to become a reality. If you want to teach one, teach for free. If you want to run a business, work cheaply of for free for a successful person to get experience and contacts. Walk and operate in the shadow long enough and God will open an opportunity for the real thing soon enough. This will be your harvest.

5. Manage your life. Get serious. Eliminate distractions and things that matter little to your success. Train yourself in Gods Word and build up your relationship with Him. Know Him deeply and intimately1 seek hard after Him! Build up a godly character. God wants you to represent Him well wherever He blesses you. Train and practice in anticipation of your promotion.

Save and manage money. Cut out frivolous spending, i.e. new hairstyles, clothes, jewelry, etc. Sacrifice and cut your cost to bare minimum. Save whatever you would have spent on these things. You will be amazed how fast it can add up.

Look for new and better opportunities towards your goal. Don’t wait for it to just happen, go out and make things happen! Make the most of your time. Put forth great efforts to keep focused on your goals. Don’t get sidetracked by television, radio, people or sleep!

Give your time and talents away. This is a great way to practice and learn, but also get recognized and have opportunities find you.

6. PUSH yourself! You must think of this pursuit as life or death. No one around you is going to push you. In fact, most may try to deter you. People often feel threatened or insecure when they see someone on their level trying to better themselves. They instinctively try to push you down do they do not appear as below you. Your willingness convicts them of things they ‘want’ to do, but are afraid to do.

Attitude does make a difference to the outcomes of our lives. "Don’t give up on life, kick on

God Bless

http://waitonboaz.com

LIKE A CHILD

LIKE A CHILD

Matthew 18:2-4

Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them. Then he said, I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.

There once was a young girl of 16 who dreamed of traveling to a far off country. She had never been anywhere too far from the state where she lived, never mind outside the country. Still she dreamed. One day she received a letter in the mail about a program that gave kids an opportunity to travel abroad as Student Ambassadors. All excited, she ran to her parents and said, I have a chance to go to Australia and I want to go.

Her parents immediately objected, noting that it was September to raise $7000.00 by May was next to impossible, especially in the current economy. The girl gave a determined look and said, You told me to trust in God and He would help, that’s what I’m going to do. Her parents reluctantly agreed, not wanting to quench her faith in the God they taught her about. They warned her, God is not a genie in a bottle; you have to do your part and let God do His. The girl agreed and from that day on, dreamed of Koala Bears, Boomerangs and words like mate in Australia.

At 16, she was working on the weekend serving cookies at a little cookie shop at the mall. She still had to keep her grades up in school and keep her commitments to after school activities. She also kept her commitment to Australia and God. She worked and saved, fund raised and asked for donations. There were times when her parents doubted it could happen, but she was determined. I WILL get to Australia and God will help me!

Her friends and coworkers told her she was wasting her time. She was reaching to big and believing in a God who was a crutch for weak people. She worked and saved; trimming down her Christmas list, skipping birthdays and evenings out, wearing a second hand $5.00 dress and riding in her moms mini van to her junior prom. While her girlfriends shopped in the mall, she worked, watching them have fun. While they chased boyfriends, she prayed to God to help her make it to Australia.

The savings grew and donations came in from the most unlikely sources. A friend of a friend who heard she was going gave big amounts. People who just admired her faith gave. Some who knew her gave to make her feel better; others said it was put on their heart to give. When may rolled around, she made the last payment on the trip. She had done it! She had worked and prayed and God had answered and worked! She raised almost half just by working weekends.

June 28, 2009, the young girl got off a plane and walked the streets of Australia. 17 days of touring Sydney, Melbourne and Cairns. She will visit the Olympic stadium, sail across Sydney, rock climb, and explore gold mines, rain-forest, animal reserves, coral reefs and so much more. This young girl is my daughter and today is about to graduate from the largest Christian University in the country, Liberty University.

I watched a young 16yr old girl grow into a young lady. I've seen her faith be tested, grow and rewarded by God. I saw as she worked tirelessly to make her dream happen and depend on God for His part. I also watched as God provided in often surprising ways. She mustered up her faith and worked like she knew God would come through for her, and He did. I believe this is what Jesus means when He tells us to humble ourselves like children to be great in the kingdom of God.

Anyone who knows children know they have almost a built in faith. They believe almost anything that is presented to them and dare not question. They believe in their parents; they believe in the government and school teachers; they believe in fairy tales and happy endings. They have not yet fully been exposed to the hardships of life’s realities, so they believe. They look to adults with trusting eyes, even if that adult tells them wrong. When they look to god, they trust. They know of no other way to relate to Him.

God wants us to be this way also. Trust in Him as though we were children. Trust and dont doubt. Do and don’t hesitate. Step out in faith and don’t hold back out of fear. Faith believes on things unseen. 

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)

This was the key to her blessing. She put her faith in God because God is faithful. She believed with everything in her that God will do what He promised He would do. She did not doubt or act in fear; even in the face of negative doubts by others. She held her ground and help on to her God. God rewards those who earnestly seek Him. She not only believed; she acted. She did her part also. This was the second key.

Faith and Deeds

What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds”.  Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith ‘by’ what I do. (James 2:14-18)

God does not expect you to believe only, but act on that belief. If you are a child of God, act like it. If you pray for a breakthrough, act like it will happen. If you believe Gods promises, act on them. Faith is belief in action. Its putting your money where your mouth is. Many of you have believed, but fail to act on that belief and wonder why you haven’t started to see any changes. Even I teach, you its useless if it is not learned and applied. God will only do as much as you really want Him to do. When you are really serious about what you want and expect from God, it will show by your actions.

If a 16yr old child can believe God just for help to go to Australia, how much more can you believe for things you really need in life? If God will do for her based on her desire, imagine what He wants to do in your life. God has plans for each of you and wants to help you achieve them. He is waiting for your faith to grow and for you to start acting upon what you believe. Start where you are at in life. Start acting on the little things and watch your faith grow into bigger things. Practice what you learn and read. You will never run with God until you learn to walk right before Him. Some will always remain babies, crawling along waiting for others to feed them. Don’t let this be you. It’s a new day and a new you. Faith and Acts is how you move forward in Gods game. Be humble, never forgetting its WHO you are placing your faith in, but practice it daily!

God Bless You All-

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