Author Archives: God's Word Delivered

02.03.13
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Fall in Love

Photograph by: A. Lelo

Are you… Falling in Love? or Falling in Religion?

Why do we do the things we do? Why do we devote our time, money and effort towards the things we enjoy? There is a difference between the things we want to do and things we have to do? The difference is LOVE!

Falling in Religion
Falling into Religion is being “tied down” to a set of rules, practices, sacrifices, deeds or commitments. That no matter how much you try, it will never produce true love. These set of rules or traditions may be followed out of fear. Fearing rejection from ones loved ones or peers. Others by doing so set at ease their conscience here on earth regarding eternal things. Relationships are a great example of falling in love or falling into religion.

I, (name), take you (name), to be my (wife/husband), to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part.

Following vows of marriage or commitment to another person cannot be free of burden, if we don’t have true love. Any vow without love becomes a law that cannot be followed faithfully. This is to big of a burden to carry and even follow through without Jesus. The good news is that God did away with all our burdens and placed His law in our hearts, through Jesus Christ. So that we all can willingly and whole heatedly follow through.

Falling in Love
Love practices no constraints. It has no boundaries or limits. It goes beyond what we see, it always hopes & breaks down the rules that bind us all. God’s love sets us free! When we are in love it’s not hard to be faithful, stay committed, be honest, hope, trust, sacrifice, apologize, be patient… etc.

When love is absent any relationship becomes burdensome & those things we so easily did when we were in love are difficult to follow through.

Remember the next time you say, “I you love!” Are you willing to love them the way Christ loved you… and above all things?

  • How is your relationship with God and others?
  • Do you serve Him and others out of religion or out of love?
  • Do you want to fall in love?

Jason Gray – More Like Falling In Love
Shawn McDonald – All I Need…JESUS>RELIGION… I DO…

“Stay encouraged & Stay in the word!” -Eunice Green

01.04.13
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Sacrifice + Service

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” -Romans 12:1 (KJV)

Read or listen to 1 Samuel 3:1-10: v1. “The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli. In those days the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions.” -1 Samuel 3:1-10

  • Ask yourself! Am I anywhere near serving the Lord? What does that look like? Where do I begin?
  • Now think about those things we have asked God to change in your life. Is that thing, emotion or habit, anywhere near being committed to the service of the Lord.

In the old testament all the sacrifices were brought to the temple and offered to God. From possessions, to animals/food and even people. In 1 Samuel 1:11 the mother of Samuel made one of the biggest sacrifices any mother could ever make. She sacrificed, offered and kept her word. What is yours? Samuel’s mother dedicated her only son to the Lord and the temple is exactly where she made Samuel’s dwelling place. She knew God would honor her sacrifice and He did. God’s desire is that we sacrifice from the heart and with a broken spirit. What are you willing to sacrifice? Are you willing to put your sacrifice up for service? You just have to be willing to surrender and God will take care of the rest. When God began to call Samuel he did not know him yet or at personal level. God want us to be ready for His service! His desire is to reveal Himself to each and every one of us. We just have to take those steps of faith so when he calls we can confidently say, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”

How does service look like?

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to

  1. offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, …
  2. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world,
  3. Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought,
  4. 9 Love must be sincere.
  5. Hate what is evil; …
  6. cling to what is good.
  7. 10 Be devoted to one another in love.
  8. Honor one another above yourselves.
  9. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, …
  10. 12 Be joyful in hope, …
  11. patient in affliction, …
  12. faithful in prayer.
  13. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need.
  14. Practice hospitality.
  15. 14 Bless those who persecute you; …
  16. bless and do not curse.
  17. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; …
  18. mourn with those who mourn.
  19. 16 Live in harmony with one another.
  20. Do not be proud, …
  21. Do not be conceited.
  22. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil.
  23. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.
  24. … live at peace with everyone.
  25. 19 Do not take revenge, …
  26. “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; …
  27. if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
  28. 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” –Romans 12 (NIV)

Are you willing to serve and fight the good fight of faith? All He needs is YOU!

Who You Are – Unspoken

“Stay encouraged & Stay in the word!” -Eunice Green

12.07.12
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Trash digging?

“Therefore, since we have these promises,

dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and

spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.” -2 Corinthians 7:1

http://kkcb.com/5-tips-to-keep-people-from-digging-in-your-trash/

What is trash? A thing that is considered worthless, meaningless or useless.

How much trash do we have lying around in our lives? Cleaning up trash is easier said than done, but when you get rid of it, it’s gone! First we have to realize that there is trash that needs to be disposed of. Some clean as they go, others may wait till it piles up, others may not care to live with it and then there are trash diggers. Which are you?

I know that I’m getting sick and tired of trash just hanging around my life. Trash meaning sin! All things useless & meaningless things that delay me from getting closer to having a personal relationship with God. God’s word clearly says to get rid of everything that contaminates us, body & spirit. Unfortunately, we are very good at appearing like we have it all together on the outside. Nice clothes, descent car or job, many friends… but our spiritual life STINKS!! Who are we trying to fool, God?

“Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit.” -Galatians 6:7,8

Something’s gotta give! We cannot hold on to those things that separate us from God and expect to have a close relationship with Him. We cannot do both. This is why every person is made aware of the trash we carry around by the Holy Spirit, but we ignore it.

The decision is yours… hold on to it or get rid of it!

  • Recognize you have TRASH in your life!! Call it what it is, “worthless and meaningless”.
  • Ask God to forgive you for holding on to it this long & ignoring Him. Say, “Lord I am ready to allow you to help me live a clean life free of this trash. I need you and I want to change. In Jesus name. Amen”.
  • Now, just get rid of it!! This step will be a continual step from here on out as you come across more trash in your life. Your human nature might not allow you to forget about it, but LETS NOT BE TRASH DIGGERS!! God will give you the strength to stay clean if you want it!
  • Build & strengthen your safety net! Read the bible daily, find a church & GO, join a bible study group & STUDY, pray every day, memorize verses, listen to Christian music, have like-minded friends, just say “NO”, speak & think positive thoughts and remember what you are now… CLEAN!! So fight hard to staying that way!!!
  • DON’T GIVE UP!! “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” -Galatians 6:9 

Beautiful Beautiful – Francesca Battistelli

“Stay encouraged. Stay in the word.” -Eunice Green

11.02.12
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Every step I take!

“In their hearts humans plan their course,

but the Lord establishes their steps.” -Proverbs 16:9

Photograph by: A. Lelo

Its easy to say, “I’m trusting Him with the rest”.
Let’s take thought for a minute here – “… with the rest”. We have a way of first exhausting our own human efforts and strengths. And we come find that our efforts fail us and only take us so far. Today I challenge you to trust Him from the beginning. From the thought process, to every step there after. No matter if we succeed or fail! No matter what problem or decision, big or small. He wants to walk every step of the way with us. We do not have to do it alone. He will encourage us every step of the way. How you ask?… by reading His word and His Spirit in us will remind us that we are not alone.

“This is what the Lord says to his anointed, to (insert your name), whose right hand I take hold of to subdue nations before him and to strip kings of their armor, to open doors before him so that gates will not be shut: I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name. (Isaiah 45:1-3 NIV)

Wow this is amazing! What a great feeling to know that our God is mighty and He goes before us. Wouldn’t you want the one who makes the impossible, possible with you every step of the way? With every move, every step and thought we make… let’s start in Him & with Him!! Get into His word and seek Him daily with your whole heart and you will see how things begin to change!!

Take My Hand – Shawn McDonald

“Stay encouraged. Stay in the word.” -Eunice Green

10.16.12
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The Tent of Meeting

“For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.” -Psalm 84:10

Photograph by: A. Lelo

Exodus 33:7-11… 7 Moses used to take a tent and set it up a long way outside the camp; he called it the “Meeting Tent.” Anyone who wanted to ask the Lord about something would go to the Meeting Tent outside the camp.8 Whenever Moses went out to the Tent, all the people would rise and stand at the entrances of their tents, watching him until he entered the Meeting Tent.9 When Moses went into the Tent, the pillar of cloud would always come down and stay at the entrance of the Tent while the Lord spoke with Moses.10 Whenever the people saw the pillar of cloud at the entrance of the Tent, they stood and worshiped, each person at the entrance of his own tent.11 The Lord spoke to Moses face to face as a man speaks with his friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but Moses’ young helper, Joshua son of Nun, did not leave the Tent.

  • v.7: There is a place just like in the Old Testament where we all go to meet and gather. Where “anyone” who wants to ask the Lord something can come and pitch his tent. This place is known as the church (& other activities within the church). Church is a place we go to seek God and not for the purpose of others.
  • Note: It is clear that this place of meeting was separate from the camp. Away from the comfort zones, usual surroundings, all the busy noise and stress. A special place where everyone seeking God came together. Where is your meeting tent?
    • I have heard many say, “I don’t need to go to church to hear from God”, “I can do church from home”, “I don’t need anyone to teach me”, “I read the bible on my own”… etc.
    • The bible encourages us not to forget to meet or come together. If you are able to go to church then GO!
  • v.8: It is awesome that everyone who went to the meeting tent recognized Moses as chosen from God to speak to His people. They knew God was with Moses; they respected him and followed his good example. Same goes with our Pastors, church/youth leaders, bible study and Sunday school teachers. Paul in the New Testament encourages others to follow his good example, because his example was Christ.
  • v.9-10: What happens when we get together? Not only can we find encouragement & love, but it is an opportunity to learn from other mature Christians, learn about false teachings and prepares us for His return. Most importantly… the presence of God is there with us!!! Where the presence of God is there is joy, peace and we are free to worship & praise Him.
  • v.11: The more we seek God the more He is able to prepare us to get back to our daily routines, tasks, duties and responsibilities. He also gives us strength to share and show others with our lives the difference there is when we truly seek God.

When we give God our time and seek His presence things begin to change. Are you ready for that change?

In Your Presence – Jeremy Camp

“Stay Encouraged. Stay in the Word” -Eunice Green

09.11.12
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What is your request?

“If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?” -Matthew 7:11

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” -Psalm 46:1

Sometimes we may not feel worthy of asking God for help or to draw near to Him when we are in need. As believers we must remember our POSITION and not our CONDITION. As children of God we have entered into relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

Read Esther 5:1-3: Esther had an urgent matter to discuss with the King. She had learned that an order had been signed to have all the Jews destroyed. Up until this moment Queen Esther’s nationality had remained a secret from everyone. However, her need was so urgent that she was willing to risk her life.

“On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace, in front of the king’s hall.” It was against the law for her to appear before the king and punishable unto death.

  • Mankind could not enter the presence of God without the grace given to us through His son Jesus Christ. We have been made ready by His blood to enter in His presence.
  • We can now stand in the inner courts of God’s presence with confidence.
  • Being able to escape the wrath and penalty of our sins.

“The king was sitting on his royal throne in the hall, facing the entrance. 2 When he saw Queen Esther standing in the court, he was pleased with her and held out to her the gold scepter that was in his hand. So Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter.”

  • God like the King is sitting on His throne and ready to judge all.
  • The King was pleased with her once he saw her. Why? Because they had a relationship. The only way we can have a relationship with God is by faith in Jesus Christ.
  • Wow!! God in the same way extends His love and grace to us. All we have to do is accept and believe it is ours for the taking.

“3 Then the king asked, “What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given you.””

  • God’s desire is that we draw near to him. He is ready and willing to meet our needs.

We must always remember that we need to maintain our relationship with God. Let’s not just come to Him when we need something, but daily draw near to Him. His word teaches us to get rid of those things that distance us from Him. His word is word with promise…

“O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!” –Deuteronomy 5:29

Dreamer – Bethany Dillon

“Stay Encouraged. Stay in the Word” -Eunice Green

08.12.12
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Comfortable Sin

“The thought of running from my sin is painful.

I am continually running from what I desire the most.

Near it I find no true satisfaction, but I am continually drawn to it.

Running is not my instinct.

I remain captivated,

… entertaining every thought,

… contemplating from afar and

… plotting ways to get closer without compromising.

Before I know it… I am deceived by my thoughts,

… caught up by my emotions and

… captivated with every action thereafter.”

-Eunice Green

Romans 7:14-25 – “Struggling with Sin”

WERE WE CREATED & SET UP FOR FAILURE?

God created us for a purpose, but because of sin we lost sight of that purpose. When we come to know God, He opens our eyes to the truth and we are able to freely choose Christ. The freedom to love and serve willingly. His desire is for us to choose Him. The bible says that along with our temptation he gives us a way out. He never says it is a sin to be tempted, but wants us to be aware that when we are, that find the way out. We are not set up for failure. We demonstrate His great power within us when we over come our temptations!

WHERE DOES TEMPTATION COME FROM?

  • Sin entered this world through one man… Romans 5:12-21
  • Temptations come from our own lust and desires. Our own desires draw & attract us to do all sorts of things. God wants us not to give in to our desires, but to have self control.

HOW CAN WE KEEP FROM BEING TEMPTED?

We cannot! Gods word teaches us to be alert and be on the look out that we may not fall into temptation. Being tempted is not a sin. It is when we give into temptation we sin and therein lies the consequence of death.

God knows us better than we know ourselves. He knows the sins we have committed, the ones we are struggling with now and the temptations that will come. The bible is filled with ways to overcome every temptation, sin and escape eternal separation from Him. Here are just a few:

  • SET boundaries! Not physical ones, but spiritual ones. Build your borders that are impenetrable with God’s word daily by faith. His word allows us to remain aware of our weaknesses and how much we need Him.
  • READ the bible daily! Get to know God better by building your relationship. Let Him talk to you through His word daily by meditating in it. Knowing God better allows us to walk in confidence and from one victory to the next.
  • Just say NO! Recognize those things in your life that distance you from God and take the necessary steps to eliminate them from your life. Learn to just say, “NO!”… No to all those things that separate you from God. Then will then begin to see how He increases more & more in our lives.

Read Romans chapter 6 and learn how you have already been set free from sin! Lets start taking steps TODAY in the freedom we have in Christ Jesus!!

Worthy Is The Lamb – Darlene Zschech

“Stay Encouraged. Stay in the Word” -Eunice Green

07.15.12
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Kaleidoscope

Photograph by: A. Lelo

“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV)

“But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57 KJV)

A kaleidoscope is a circle of mirrors containing loose objects such as beads or pebbles and bits of glass. As the viewer looks into the one end, light entering the other end creates a colorful pattern, due to the reflection of the mirrors.

We Are the Loose Objects: We are all sinners. There is no one who is perfect & we all need a Savior.

  • Romans 3:21-23 – “Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

God Is the Viewer:

  • Genesis 1:1-2 – “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
  • Psalm 14:1-3 – “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.”

Jesus is the Light: it is because of Jesus that God is able to see a beautiful display of colorful patterns in the midst of darkness! God’s desire has always been for us to live in the light.

  • Genesis 1:3-4 – “And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.”
  • John 8:12 – “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”
  • Matthew 5:14-16 – “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

God not only calls us from darkness into light, but He calls us out for a purpose… TO SHINE!!

Reflection: “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” -2 Corinthians 3:18

The Spirit of God are the Mirrors: the Spirit of God is at work with in us to present us blameless to the throne of God. His desire is for us to reflect His glory!!

  • Ephesians 5:27 – “That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.”
  • 2 Corinthians 4:6-7 – “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.”

Among the Thirsty – I’d Need A Savior

“Stay Encouraged. Stay in the Word” -Eunice Green

06.21.12
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“Look, the Dreamer is coming! …”

Photograph by: A. Lelo

“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen” -1 Peter 5:6-11

When God gives you revelation, vision or a dream, do not be surprised to find no one care to hear about it. Don’t be surprised at the lack of support, encouragement or have some who rise up to extinguish it. Do not let this discourage you! It will not destroy what God has already started in you. It is important to realize that God has given it to you and He is preparing you for a greater purpose. Its purpose isn’t to receive praise recognition or praise by others. Sharing your dream to soon may stir up unnecessary trouble. People usually dismiss what they are not ready for or cannot comprehend.

The story of Joseph begins in Genesis chapter 37. A dreamer like most of us. He shares every detail with his brothers who despised him. (Read Genesis 37:1-11). Not only did his brothers hate him, but his own father also rebuked him! Joseph was not yet clear about what his dreams meant when he had already shared it with the others. What God has started in you is for you and he will work it out in you (Psalm 138:8). This is not for the glory of others, but for the glory of God.

We learn as we finish chapter one that Josephs brothers plotted against him. Although they planned to get rid of Joseph, God turned all their plans for his good. It wasn’t easy, but Joseph remained faithful to God and had his heart in the right place no matter his circumstances. God worked out his plan in Joseph’s life no matter how complicated things had become.

Throughout the story, it is clear that Joseph had a heart to do his fathers will and to do the right thing in the eyes of God. I love Genesis 37:13 – “And Israel said to Joseph, “Are not your brothers feeding the flock in Shechem? Come, I will send you to them.” So he said to him, “Here I am.” It takes a willing heart for God to work! Are you willing?

“Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:24

Hillsongs (Darlene Zschech) – The Potter’s Hand

In The Potter’s Hand

“Stay Encouraged. Stay in the Word” -Eunice Green

05.11.12
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Speak truth…

Photograph by: A. Lelo

Then & only “then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32)

Sometimes not being honest has nothing to do with speaking the truth or doing what is right, but everything to do with our selfish response of the “outcome” or the fear of “what if”. Speaking the truth not only sets you free, but by doing so you help set others free as well. Thank you Lord for setting me free today.

May we walk in courage daily and live victorious lives with every word spoken. Speaking truth and not deceit. Let us speak honestly with one another and watch how His word moves through us.

God bless you all!

Kevin LeVar – A Heart That Forgives

“Stay Encouraged. Stay in the Word” -Eunice Green