NCarolinian

Do you know what Moses, David and Samson have in common? They each missed out on a major, if not, THE major point of their lives. Moses was supposed to be the leader who led the Hebrews out of captivity and into the Promised Land. Moses did not see The Promised Land. Why? He did not follow instructions. God told Moses to speak to the rock and drinking-water would burst forth for all. What did Moses do? He got frustrated with the people to the point of anger and hit the rock twice with The Staff. God, graciously, still honored the action of Moses and saved face for Moses, but that moment, that decision cost him the crossing of The Jordan or The Finish Line . ( See Numbers 20:1-12 ) David was a good shepherd. David was a great musician, especially a harpist. David was a brave warrior and excellent fighter. David was even called a man after God's own heart.  However, for all David's marvelous accomplishments and for all David's military victories, David's  Finish Li...

There have been instances in my life when I requested the Lord's intervention for someone or a situation. I would pray something like - "Lord, would you reveal yourself to this person? Lord, would you speak to this person or into this situation? Lord, would you act promptly in this issue?" Recently, the Lord has re-emphasized to me - I am His answer in many of these petitions. God is All-Powerful, All-Knowing and Ever-present. One might entertain the notion - why does He need me? To me, it is not a matter of need, it is a matter of God's Preference and Plan. He has chosen the believer in Christ to be His physical representation extended to each person in each generation on this planet. Paul, in his second letter to the believers in Corinth, described our representative duties as those of an Ambassador. "We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God." - 2 Co...

I don't know that there is a better compliment you could receive than one that sites God in your life. For example, "Sister Suzy, I just wanted to let you know that your worship as you lead in singing is beautiful. I see God in you and all over you and your worship makes me want to worship Him. Praise God for you Suzy!" That is just a taste of the many different ways we could compliment each other. I feel we hold back too much for fear of the Big Head Disease catching. I believe that is a spirit which is holding us back from Encouraging and Loving on one another. Allow God to deal with the compliment afterwards. Trust God. I love the complementary and encouraging friends I have in my life. Praise God for these people. I don't know that there is a better gift than having an army of friends who will pray for you and your family. These friends are not just any-ole-friends, but ones that know about life, know The Author and Finisher of Our Faith, and know how to tug ...

It seems all of us have stuff (politically correct word) that we are dealing with at any given moment. My woes could probably remind you of a friend's problem, family member's issue or even resonate with your own life-difficulties. There is no test of life which we have felt overwhelmed by that is Not ordinary to us now-a-days. Plus, God is consistent in His Nature; He will not allow you to be tested beyond your means. However, when you are tested, God will provide - in His timing, in His manner, in His form - the answer - But First You Must Endure. (Pritchard Paraphrase of 1 Cor. 10:13) "No temptation [testing] has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted [tested]  beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted [tested] , he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." - 1 Corinthians 10:13 I'm not always understanding of my situation, but even if I am I still have to weather t...

Disappointment, it is going to come but how we all handle it will either develop us or keep us stuck at the same maturity level, if not regress a little.  Responding to disappointment in life is normal and fine, but what you choose to do and say in the given situation reflects a lot on where you have been and where you are going in life. In Mark 9:14-29 there is an event with plenty of disappointment to share. There is a father who has a demon-possessed son that he brings to the Disciples for healing. The Disciples cannot grant the boy's healing, disappointment settles in for BOTH the father and the Disciples and arguing ensues. When Jesus arrives on the scene the father explains the situation to Him. Now it is Christ's turn to get frustrated and disappointed - He said, “You unbelieving generation, how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.” When Jesus receives the boy He asks, "How long has he been like this?" T...

There are so many self-help books and programs out there that the amount will make your head spin. If you are looking to improve your life and identity, why would you not take your leading from Christ Jesus? For the tight circle of followers of Jesus who had been witnessing His power and sharing His life, the time finally came to ask them the all-important questions.  "When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, 'Who do people say the Son of Man is?' They replied, 'Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.' 'But what about you?' he asked. 'Who do you say I am?' Simon Peter answered, 'You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.' " (Matthew 16:13-16) Proximity to Christ is paramount to knowing who Jesus is and the power He has for our lives. Other people had to speculate about who the Son of Man is (John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah), bu...

I have been told that this blog and many of my posts have been very encouraging, good and just what needed to be read at the time. I praise God for directing my thoughts and fingers to make such an impact. However, all of us could give the best instruction and words of encouragement to each other until we are blue in the face and many outcomes would still be in dire need of help. What we need more of and help with is application. For example, we all have heard and read teachings/sermons on how "there is no law against - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control" (Gal. 5:22-23) . But, how do we get ourselves, seasoned Christians and the next generation of believers to APPLY these Christian principles and more to their lives?  I believe the answer to this question is three-fold: Teach a Biblical example of what needs to be applied. Plus, showcase an individual in the church, to the Glory of God, that is a real life example ...