Spa-llelujah! Blog

Why I Enjoy Valentine’s Day

spallelujah — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 23:22:34 +0000

Over the past few days, I’ve heard several women – married, single and dating, single and not dating – lament over the the fact that Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and they’re getting anxious about the whole thing. I’ve always enjoyed Valentine’s Day and I expect that I will this year as well. Here are three reasons why:

I confess that I am a chocoholic and any excuse to eat some will do for me. I recall sharing with a few ladies a week ago that you could cover broccoli with chocolate and that would be just fine with me. I pretty much like all things chocolate. I took a trip to Brussels, Belgium several years ago and have since developed a love of Belgian chocolate. But, I’m not picky because Brach’s chocolate-covered almonds and Cadbury’s candy bars are my favorites too. So, this Thursday, I’ll pay a visit to one of our local Godiva stores and pick up a few truffles to celebrate.
The first Valentine’s Day after my divorce I started a tradition. Each year I make a donation to a charity which supports women and/or girls. This is just a reminder that “it’s not all about me.” This year I’ll also be helping out at the young adult ministry’s Valentine’s Day Ball at my church. That’s another way to give something back and have a little fun at the same time too.
John 3:16. What a wonderful time to take a few minutes to marvel at the greatest love of all. It’s not just about chocolate and flowers. I can enjoy Valentine’s Day and every day before and after, because I know that I am loved beyond measure, unconditionally and forever. It’s just one more reason to celebrate Jesus - Valentine’s Day and every day!

Choices

spallelujah — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 19:58:26 +0000

I recently had a conversation with a young woman who found herself in a very dangerous situation. She had previously divorced her husband because of physical abuse and ran straight into the arms of a new man who was also a physical and verbal abuser. As we talked about her legal options, she said, “God brought this man into my life so that I could get to this point.”

As I listened to the young woman’s statement, a little battle raged in my mind: should I say something or should I just let her words pass? The Holy Spirit wouldn’t let me be quiet. I had to ask her if she really believed that it was God’s will that she was living with a man she wasn’t married to who also happened to beat her up any time he felt like it? Her response was that when I put it like that, she couldn’t very well say that the life she’s currently living is the Lord’s will for her life. It was her choice and not His.

How many times have you heard someone say that a certain set of circumstances was the result of the Lord’s doing? I know I’ve been guilty of saying the same thing a time or two myself. However, there are times that my bad choices are the cause of the challenges that I have to face.

As I explained to the young woman, God gives us free will. When we don’t pray, read scripture and seek His will for our lives, we won’t make the best choices. We need godly wisdom and James 1:5 says that if we only ask God, He’ll give it to us. That’s a reminder for all of us to stop and ask the Lord what He wants us to do before we take action.

My young friend agreed that the first thing she needed to do was to get out of current living situation, get into some counseling and seek the Lord’s best for her life. That’s pretty good advice for all of us.

One Day at a Time

spallelujah — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 03:27:03 +0000

Abraham Lincoln once said that the best thing about the future is that it only comes one day at a time. Are you worrying about what your future holds? There’s nothing wrong with planning for the future or dreaming about what it will look like. However, something is very wrong when you can’t move forward because you’re stuck in worry.

As Believers, we’re commanded to place our faith in the Lord and not worry. In Matthew 6:34, Jesus says:

. . .Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Take one day at a time, trusting in the Lord to see you through. Cast your cares on Him and release your worries to the One who is capable of carrying them.

Supernatural by Definition!

spallelujah — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 03:20:16 +0000

Many of us have said that 2008 is going to be better and/or different from 2007. If you believe that God is going to do great things in your life this year and you need a word of encouragement, here’s a post written by my brother, Ken, that I believe will bless you.

Without Me you can do nothing. -John 15:5

When God places a call or vision in your life, by definition it is
supernatural! You cannot ever accomplish it with just your strength,
resources, or abilities. You will need God to pull it off, so why even
play the game of saying, “God, I cannot do it”? Of course you cannot!
DUH! Why would God ask you to do something that you could do in your own strength? You would not need His provision His wisdom, or His power. In other words, it then would be a work of the flesh. Trust me, God does not work that way!

God is looking for people who have mountain-moving faith! Do you
qualify? Then let Him speak big things to you!

“Big Things Poppin in 2008″!

Be blessed!

Let Today be the Day

spallelujah — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 00:14:13 +0000

Some day is not the eighth day of the week. H.G. Bohn once said, “One of these days is none of these days.” Are you giving yourself permission not to do the very thing you want to do? If you’ve been telling yourself that you’re going to start some day or one of these days, that’s just what you’re doing.

We only have seven days to complete any task we’ve chosen for ourselves. When projects, hopes and dreams are left waiting for some day, that’s like saying none of these days. It’ll never get done unless you take action today.

What has God laid on your heart to do and you’ve been telling yourself that you will begin, do or complete some day? Don’t wait any longer; let today be the day. Get started right now.

5 Big Messages of the Nativity

spallelujah — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 02:25:27 +0000

Jesus’ Birth is all About the Miraculous by JoHannah Reardon

From the prophesies recorded thousands of years before He came, to the incredible things that occurred when He arrived, Jesus’ birth was surrounded by the astonishing. God used these amazing events to communicate that Jesus Christ was the promised Messiah who would be the Savior of the world.

God Promised Christ’s Arrival Throughout History – The promise of the coming Savior appears like a thread running through the Old Testament, starting with a hint after the first recorded sin, when God promised the serpent (Satan) that Eve’s offspring would crush him (Genesis 3:15). The next promise came to Abraham when God said He would bless all people through his line (Genesis 12:3). Abraham’s great grandson, Judah, was promised that an eternal scepter would come from his lineage (Genesis 49:10). Thousands of years later, David, the son of Jesse, came from that line to rule Israel. Isaiah prophesied that from Him would come the ultimate king (Isaiah 11:1-5). Isaiah also foretold that a virgin would bear Jesus (Isaiah 7:14) and of the miraculous works He would do (Isaiah 35:5-6). The prophet Micah said Jesus would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). Zechariah accurately described His humble circumstances and betrayal (Zechariah 9:6; 11:12-13). Isaiah vividly foretold the torturous death Jesus would die and why (Isaiah 53), and David told of Jesus’ resurrection (Psalm 16:10).
God Became a Man – The most astounding message of the Nativity is that God became man. John tells us God became flesh and lived with us (John 1:14). Eugene Peterson in The Message puts it, “he moved into the neighborhood.” Paul says, “God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him” (Colossians 1:19). Rather than simply tell us what He was like, God came to us personally.
Angels Testified to Christ’s Coming- The angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, not only to prepare her, a virgin, for bearing the Son of God, but to give her specific instructions concerning Him. Gabriel told her to name the baby Jesus (meaning “God saves”), that Jesus would be the Son of the Most High, that God would give Him David’s throne, and that His kingdom would never end. an angel told Joseph that Jesus would be called Immanuel, which means “God with us.” The angel who appeared to the shepherds told them of joyous news that was for all people, that a Savior had been born – Christ the Lord.
Witnesses Proclaimed Christ the Messiah – After Jesus was born, Mary and Joseph took Him to the temple. Simeon, who had been promised he wouldn’t die before seeing the Lord’s Christ, said, “My eyes have seen your salvation. . .a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel” (Luke 2:30-32). A prophetess, Anna, told everyone that Jesus was the child they had been looking for to redeem Jerusalem (Luke 2:38). Later the Magi followed a star, which they knew to mean that a king had been born. When they found Jesus, they worshiped Him. Their gifts of gold, incense, and myrrh were fit for a king (Matthew 2).
Christ Came for Our Salvation- Jesus came to fulfill thousands of years of prophecy. He would be the one who not only represented God, but was God (John 1:1). When Adam and Eve sinned, all of mankind was doomed to follow, so God knew we needed a Savior (Romans 5:15). He sent Christ to die in our place, forgive our sins, and conquer death once for all by coming alive again (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). After Christ’s resurrection, His Holy Spirit came to dwell within anyone who would put their trust in Christ to forgive their sins and give them new life (2 Corinthians 5:17). The Nativity is for you. All you have to do is receive the best of all gifts.

JoHannah Reardon is associate editor of ChristianBibleStudies.com.

Saying Goodbye to 2007

spallelujah — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 17:30:56 +0000

I’m not one to wish away my life, but quite frankly I’m looking forward to 2007 coming to an end. While trying to stay focused on the Lord’s goodness and all of His blessings, my mind still wanders from time to time to the challenges I’ve faced this year – business challenges, financial challenges, family deaths, disappointments and broken promises. And so, it is with great anticipation that I look forward to 2008, resolving to change those things which I can and trusting God to walk with me (or carry me) through those that I have absolutely no control over. I am so thankful that no matter what is going on in my life, I’m never truly alone.

Knowing that my Heavenly Father is always with me gives me hope for a brighter tomorrow. He is my Jehovah Shammah, the Lord who is present. Psalm 46:1 says that “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” What a blessing to think that the Creator of the universe is always with us, no matter what we’re going through. King David truly understood this concept. He says in Psalm 139:7-8,

Where can I go from Your spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.

If you find yourself in a similar place, just remember that no matter how low you may sink or how bad things may look, God can still bless you. You are not alone – you serve a God who is always there.

Open Home, Open Heart

spallelujah — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 02:29:26 +0000

Martha pursed her lips and clenched her jaw as she watched Mary, her sister, follow the men to sit at Jesus’ feet. Martha loved having Jesus in her home. He and his disciples were always welcome. Their visits were one of the joys of her life. But there was a lot to do, cooking and providing for so many men. It made her angry that Mary sneaked off when things were busiest.

Martha was secure in Jesus’ love for her. She told him exactly what she thought. Some say he rebuked her, but perhaps it is better called instruction: “‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her’.” (Luke 10:41-42) At that important moment, Mary was seeking the eternal; Martha was not. Martha learned something that day.

We are often reluctant to share our deepest feelings with the Lord. Irrationally, we believe if we don’t say it, he won’t know it. The Lord wants us to be totally honest and open with him. He can surely handle our strongest emotions. As we confess our struggles, we lay down our pride and learn from his counsel, like Martha did.

Excerpt from the Women of Faith Study Bible, NIV

Holiday Survival Tips

spallelujah — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 23:56:04 +0000

The holiday season can be a stressful time for many people. If you’re one of them, here are some tips to help you survive and thrive during this very busy time.

Remember the real reason for the holiday – whether Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year’s, there’s a reason for celebrating and it all begins with being thankful for your blessings and the gift of Jesus Christ.
Ask for help – don’t try to do everything by yourself; Wonder Woman is only a television show.
Forget perfect – try not to stress yourself out with finding the perfect gift, planning the perfect day, buying the perfect dress, etc.
It’s all about them – the holiday season is a great time to focus on and enjoy spending time with family and friends.
Allow Jesus to fill your empty places – don’t allow food, alcohol or gifts be your means of filling any empty spaces you might have in your life. Jesus is the only one who can fill your heart hunger.
Write your vision – have a clear vision of what and how you want your holiday season to be; write it down and share it with the people you’ll be spending this time with.
Have an attitude of gratitude – take a few minutes each day, starting right now, to write out everything you’re grateful for.
Move more – exercise is the one of the best ways to have less stress. Another benefit is that it can help you not gain those five extra pounds that many people gain between Thanksgiving and New Year’s.

Please feel free to share your favorite survival tip.

Have a blessed and happy Thanksgiving!

The Warrior’s Prayer

spallelujah — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 23:27:32 +0000

Heavenly Father,

Your warrior prepares for battle. Today, I claim victory over Satan by putting on the whole armor of God!

I put on the girdle of truth. May I stand firm in the truth of Your word so I will not be a victim of Satan’s lies.

I put on the breastplate of righteousness. May it guard my heart from evil so I will remain pure and holy, protected under the blood of Jesus Christ.

I put on the shoes of peace. May I stand firm in the good news of the gospel so your peace will shine through me and be a light to all I encounter.

I take the shield of faith. May I be ready for Satan’s fiery darts of doubt, denial and deceit so that I’ll not be vulnerable to spiritual defeat.

I put on the helmet of salvation. May I keep my mind focused on you so Satan will not have a stronghold on my thougts.

I take the sword of the spirit. May the two-edged sword of Your word be ready in my hand so I can expose the tempting words of Satan.

By faith, Your warrior has put on the whole armor of God. I am prepared to live this day in spiritual victory!

In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Excerpt from Turning Point Radio Broadcast with Dr. David Jeremiah