Category Archives: Five Minute Friday

Setting goals and achieving them definitely build confidence and self-esteem. I have a long list of achievements from learning to ride a back, writing, educational goals to making lifelong friends and instilling a love for God in my family.

But when your heart-felt attempts are rejected and your achievements scorned that’s when you plant your feet on the solid rock of Jesus Christ. The actions I take for the kingdom of God have eternal value, which is a life-long lesson.

I have set my own goals at times above God’s purposes. Of course, I didn’t always see the truth in the moment, just plowed ahead. Yet, God made me the way I am and knew I would need to plow.

God blesses our achievements to show us that we are wonderfully made. Therefore, the glory is His.

I had nothing to write about this morning, feeling down–amazing how God can comfort your heart with a simple thought once you meditate on it.

It is time to be what you have been becoming and step into the fullness of your possibilities. We all go through becoming as God prepares us for things He intends to accomplish through us. We grow and mature in our relationship with the Lord.

We are to step into our possibilities, looking at the Father and not at ourselves. When Peter took his eyes off Jesus and looked at the storm around him, he sank. He sank again at the cock’s crow. He looked at the threatening crowd around him.

Peter stepped into all his possibilities when he committed to loving Jesus and to keeping his sheep. To love sheep and tend them is to keep your eyes on them- the lost sheep of this world. Don’t worry or focus on the dangers lurking, the storms will come, the threats will come but Peter was prepared, his resolve and commitment to Jesus were firm.

When the time comes, you will be able to slay a bear, a predator, with the sword of God’s word. He will take care of the rest. In Ps 139, you are enclosed all around and secure in His hands.
God has prepared you for such a time as this-for you to step into all your possibilities. Claim your readiness.

Ecc 9:1, 17 For I have taken all this to my heart and explain it that righteous men, wise men, and their deeds are in the hand of God. The words of the wise heard in quietness are better than the shouting of a ruler among fools.

Ecc. 4, 10, If the ruler’s temper rises against you, do not abandon your position, because composure allays great offenses. If the ax is dull and he does not sharpen its edge, then he must exert more strength. Wisdom has the advantage of giving success. (Know God’s word, sharpen your wit by it).

Last two verses of Ecclesiastes: Fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. For God will bring every act to judgment (Light), everything which is hidden whether it is good or evil.

Determine in your heart which way you will go. Be not distracted by loud voices that name call, bully and try to deceive. The church’s purpose is the salvation of the lost, it is an eternal matter.

To remain faithful in following after Jesus will require determination and intentionality. It will not happen by accident or casually. (Joanne Viola)
Determine to be faithful no matter the situation you are in. (Daniel/Spacious Living)
Do not mourn the loss of day not spent with God, enjoy each day as you spend with Him. (Andrew)
Don't get hung up in priorties, planning, preparing, missing what is important. (Best laid plans). 

In Chapter one of Zechariah, the Jews are returning from Babylon to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. God reminds them of the importance of repentance by saying don’t be like the previous generation that ignored the prophets when they could have stopped the temple from being destroyed. Learn from your fathers, learn from what your fathers did wrong. 

Charles L Feinberg wrote in his book, God Remembers, A Study of Zechariah: “The fulfillments of the threatenings were so patent that Israel had to admit after consideration that God’s Word was true, even though it was to their discomfiture. Proof that the fathers recognized the Lord’s hand and their judgment.” 

Times are so disruptive today that the importance of knowing the season we are in is imperative. If we must repent, repent. If we don’t understand the signs of our time, study God’s Word. Measure truth by His Word. Don’t be deceived by lying spirits. God’s Word is living and active. 

Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” … If we are lacking in knowledge of God’s Word, we will struggle to fight against the enemy.

Ecc 9:1, 17 For I have taken all this to my heart and explain it that righteous men, wise men, and their deeds are in the hand of God. The words of the wise heard in quietness are better than the shouting of a ruler among fools.

Ecc. 4, 10, If the ruler’s temper rises against you, do not abandon your position, because composure allays great offenses. If the ax is dull and he does not sharpen its edge, then he must exert more strength. Wisdom has the advantage of giving success. (Know God’s word, sharpen your wit by it).

Last two verses of Ecclesiastes: Fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. For God will bring every act to judgment (Light), everything which is hidden whether it is good or evil.

The Jews waited for their Messiah to come.
Some believed, and some did not.
Some could see the beauty of his arrival
and used scriptures to attest and authenticate.
We are waiting today for his return.
Some believe He is coming, and some do not.

We see the convergence of scriptures- Israel exists today. Words from the prophets of old come to life with current events. Mysteries once hidden are revealed. Scriptures are used to authenticate and test God’s promises. Sadly, only for those who have eyes to see and ears to hear.

The rapture ends the church age and ushers in the next set of events-foretold. Some will believe, and some will not. But they have the scriptures to test and authenticate Truth.

Just like the first sliver of light on the horizon brings the bird’s morning song, so Jesus sings for the world to hear. His song shatters the mournful tones of despair and dispels the cloak of darkness.

Echoes of joy ring
The songless world yearns to hear.
The troubadour’s song.

The morning light sings.
Hope shines through hate and despair.
The reframe repeats. 

His coming was announced

His return for the church anticipated

The Second coming foretold. Some will accept Him and some will not.

High hopes, youthful dreams, and expectations come true with planning and hard work. Dreams without feet are balloons that float away or pop. Youthful dreams need honing, just like our thinking needs honing.

Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so does one man sharpen another. God calls us to train each generation.

WE NEED strong leaders in our church. We need men to be the spiritual leaders at home, at the church, in the community, and in our government. OMGosh, I think of our Founding Fathers who formed our Constitution on biblical principles. These men weren’t alone. Women took a stand, too. They argued, worked, and honed this document as a construct for all people to live. America was the country that ended slavery and the country that was the catalyst for ending it worldwide.

Perfection may be a goal usually unattainable, but a goal to work towards.

I heard a true story once about the African Elephant. Men hunted for the big bull elephant, which had a devastating effect on the herd. The young bulls went wild, attacking the herd, villages, etc., and had to be put down. The big bulls were gone to train them. Today, I see young bulls (young men and women) running around without purpose or direction. Some find causes to fight for, others fight self-serving avenues, but most get into trouble. God designed the family with a man and a woman to train their children. Remember, the family was established as the basic societal unit from which the community grows.

The Jews waited for their Messiah to come.
Some believed and some did not.
Some could see the beauty of his arrival,
scriptures to attest and authenticate.
We wait today for his return.
Some believe, and some do not.
Our hope is in Jesus.

I remember this song from my childhood. The ant doesn’t work alone. Hard work and determination lead to success. Train up children, and they will find their way through life’s problems. I believe God’s Word is true.

Just what makes that little old ant
Think he'll move that rubber tree plant
Anyone knows an ant, can't
Move a rubber tree plant

But he's got high hopes, he's got high hopes
He's got high apple pie, in the sky hopes

So any time your gettin' low
'Stead of lettin' go
Just remember that ant
Oops there goes another rubber tree plant

When troubles call, and your back's to the wall
There a lot to be learned, that wall could fall

All problems just a toy balloon
They'll be bursted soon
They're just bound to go pop
Oops there goes another problem kerplop