If You Focus

It is a well known fact. That what you focus on, you will magnify. If you focus on your problems or what you don’t have and how it will never work out, all your doing is making it bigger then it really is. Stop saying, I will never get out of debit, I will never overcome this sickness. You are magnifying the wrong thing.

That is why David said,”Magnify the Lord with me.” He was saying if you want to make something bigger, then do not make your problems, the medical reports or the opposition bigger. Learn instead to “Lift your voice and make God bigger!

Rev Ran 🙂

Choked

Here is an interesting fact.

According to the Bureau of Standards in Washington D.C. a dense fog covering seven city blocks to a depth of 100 feet is composed of less that one glass of water. That amount of water is divided into about 60 billion tiny droplets. Yet when those minute particles settle over a city or the countryside, they can almost blot out everything from your sight.

Many Christians today live their lives in a fog. They allow a cupful of troubles to cloud their vision and dampen their spirit. Their lives are being “choked by the cares of this world” (Luke 8;14). But “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind (II Tim. 1:7).

Let’s not let the fog get us down! “Let’s live in the “Son”shine.”

Unexpected Things

Just before Karlene and I got married, my father in law gave us some great advice. He said, “It’s the unexpected things you can not plan for that will try to get you.”

In life, we all have to deal with the unexpected. Being a believer in Christ or a “good person,” will not make us exempt from trouble. The Bible says, “The rain falls on the just and the unjust.”

In times when something unexpected happens, or you find yourself facing a crisis, you don’t have to go into “panic mode” or fall apart emotionally. Remember, that crisis is no surprise to God. It may be unexpected to you, but God knows the end from the beginning. He has solutions to problems that you haven’t even had.

Today, focus on the fact that God is with you. That circumstance is no surprise to God, and He has the answer for you!
Rev Ran 🙂

God's Value System

Sitting at gate G8 in the Chicago O’Hare airport watching people make a big deal over some guy who was on the TV show the “Bachelor.” I’m sure he is a nice guy, but honestly, I wasn’t that impressed.

In this day and age, people are considered to be important for so many different reasons—titles, position, possessions, where you go, what you drive. But God’s value system is quite different from the value system of the world. God cherishes and values you simply because He made you.

Psalm 17:8 says “You are the apple of His eye.”….. the center of His world!

That means you are God’s number one priority. There’s nothing you can do to be more important or less important to Him. He values you and that will never change. Your life is significant. The things that concern you, concern God. He carefully watches over every detail of your life, and there is nothing too big or too small for His attention.

Rev Ran 🙂

You Are What You Eat

We have all heard the phrase – “You are what you eat.” I hate that phrase cause it’s so true!

A bad diet will open you up to heart conditions and physical problems God never intended you to have.

The same goes for your spirit man. The Apostle John prayed that we would prosper and be in health “as our souls prospers.”

God wants your inner man to be strong and healthy. If you are healthy in your spirit you will be healthy in your relationships, finances and every area. On the other hand, if your internal condition is negative, sour and defeated, then your life will reflect the same thing.

Remember, you are what you eat. Every day feed your spirit on Gods Word. As you follow what He says, you are giving strength and nourishment to your spirit. You are setting yourself up to prosper and be in health in every area of your life!

Rev Ran 🙂

Focus On These Blessings

This morning when you woke up, what was the first thing that went through your mind? For me, it was my wife Karlene, our kids and ministry responsibilities I have today. We all have deadlines, challenges in our jobs or relationships that seems to consume our thoughts.

Today, I want to encourage you; instead of focusing on what your circumstances have to offer, focus on what God has to offer you. He has peace that passes all understanding. Even when things don’t look peaceful. The Bible says he gives, “Joy unspeakable and full of His Glory.” Those are blessings! Psalms 68:19 says … daily God loads you with blessing!

Everyday, choose to set your focus on these blessings by saying, “I know God is directing my steps; it gives me Peace and Joy that He is in control. I believe something good is going to happen today!”

Rev Ran 🙂

Excited To Go Home

After several days of ministry on the road. I am always really excited to go home. Even if it means getting up and heading to the airport at 3:30 am to catch the first flight of the day.

There’s nothing like opening the door, seeing Karlene and the kids, all the familiar things, and that comfortable feeling of belonging.
The Apostle John was given a vision that included glimpses inside our future home, the new Jerusalem. You may be surprised to know that some familiar things from this world will be missing.

There were no church buildings in John’s vision, “for the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb are its temple” (Rev. 21:22). The sun or moon will not shine on the city “for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb” (v. 23). Imagine no need for electricity, flashlights, or candles.

The city gates will always be open. Since sin will not be a factor, locks will be unnecessary in our new heavenly home. Death and decay will also be absent and suffering will be a thing of the past. Family and friends that have gone on ahead will be waiting for you to walk through the front gates of Heaven.

Think about the comfortable feeling you have as you open the front door of your home. That’s just a hint of what we’ll feel some day on arriving at the place God has lovingly and personally prepared for us in heaven.

We will finally–and permanently–be “at home” in a way that defies description.

Rev Ran 🙂

Tug-O-War

I really like this scripture in Hebrews 10:23 “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised).”

“Hold fast” is not a phrase we often use. But in the original Greek, hold fast means to embrace with force as if someone is trying to take something from you. In other words, you’ve got to have a firm grip on your “FAITH” or your going to lose out.

I like to think of it like a “Tug-o-War.” You and your family are on one end and the enemy is on the other. You might need to dig your heels in and get a new grip, but don’t you dare let go! Keep speaking words of faith. Keep speaking words of hope. Keep declaring God’s Word and keep holding fast to the profession of your faith!

Wonderful Counselor

Just before bed, I turned on Fox news to catch up on the latest world events. It didn’t taken long to realize the word is in desperate need of wise council.

In Isaiah 9:6 the prophet foretells the birth of Jesus Christ, then gives us several names or descriptions of the messiah. One of those descriptions and names is counselor. However, Isaiah says He’s not just “any kind” of counselor, He’s the “Wonderful Counselor.” When something is wonderful, it means it is unusually good, marvelous or astonishing. Think about that for a moment. God is a marvelous, astonishing, unusually good counselor—the very best the world could know!

Today, no matter what you may be facing, no matter what kinds of decisions you have to make, consider bringing it to Jesus in prayer. Ask Him to direct your steps and confirm His perfect will for your life. Then quiet yourself and listen to his still small voice.

Remember, He is the “Wonderful Counselor.”

Prince of Peace

” For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”(Isaiah 9:6, NKJV

Prince of Peace. Aren’t you glad that Jesus is our Prince of Peace? That means He is the ruler of peace. He is the ultimate peace. The peace He gives to us can never be taken away from us!

That word “peace” literally means “to set at one again.” In other words, when we are one with the Father, when we are unified with Him in our thoughts, our words and our actions, we will experience His peace in our lives. Anytime you find that you don’t have peace on the inside of your heart about something, or if you have an uneasiness inside about a decision you have to make, that’s a sign that you should stop and pray and make sure you are choosing God’s plan for your life. Remember, His plans are for your good. He leads you in peace and fills you with His joy. When you choose His ways, you will live in His peace and experience His hand of blessing in every area of your life.

It's Easy To Say You Believe

C.S Lewis in his book, “A Grief Observed,” said, “You never know how much you really believe anything until its truth or falsehood becomes a matter of life and death. It is easy to say you believe a rope to be strong as long as you are merely using it to cord a box. But suppose you had to hang by that rope over a precipice. Wouldn’t you then first discover how much you really trusted it?”

Likewise, everyday we get “reports” from the news, our experiences even our own thoughts. Not to mention friends and family. However, we also get reports from the Word of God which oftentimes contradicts what everything else is saying. That’s when we have a choice: do we trust and believe what we hear in the natural, or do we trust and believe the written report of the Lord?

Whose Report Will You Believe?

Rev. Ran 🙂

Life Is So Short

Last week while waiting at DFW Airport a women had a heart attack at the gate. EMT’s had to use the electric paddle to bring her back. As I stood with the crowd you quickly realize how fragile life is.

I couldn’t help but think. What things are a vital necessity in life? I mean what things can’t you live without?
Most people might immediately think of food, water and shelter. Yes, you need those things to exist, but we can’t really live unless our minds and hearts are set on seeking the Lord. Sure, you can exist without Him, but what would be the point?

This life is so short. When you consider your relationship with Jesus as a vital necessity, and everyday set your self to go after him. That’s when you will truly live and enjoy the abundant life He has in store for you!

If you ever have an episode like the women at the airport. You can rest assured that no matter the outcome you have “LIFE ” with Jesus.

Learn To Forgive

On January 14,2017 Michael Daly a writer for The Daily Beast wrote an article titled “The Cop Who Forgave His Killer.”

He described how thousands attended the funeral of NYPD Detective Steven McDonald. As a young cop, McDonald approached a fifteen-year-old suspect in Central Park. The teen drew a gun and shot him, paralyzing him from the neck down. As McDonald began to realize the full extent of his injuries, he was filled with despair and anger. But then he prayed the famous prayer of St. Francis of Assisi: “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon….”

His attitude changed, and He became an advocate for forgiveness. When he passed away at age 59, his family prayed the Lord’s Prayer: …as we forgive those who trespass against us.

We can’t survive life’s traumas if we don’t learn to forgive. When we forgive, we are not excusing or condoning actions. We are choosing to release the bitterness that can poison our own lives. We are letting God’s compassion break through our heaviness so we can forgive as God has forgiven us.

My daughter Ashtyn graduated last Friday from Springfield Catholic High School. The Bishop of Cape Gerardo Springfield quoted St. Francis of Assisi in his commencement address.

” O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love.”
St. Francis of Assisi

We Win

In 1999 the TiVo Corp developed a digital recorder. You could record a football game and watch it when you got home.

Most times, you already know how the game ends before you get home. You’ve talked to friends or got updates on your phone.

While your watching, if you all ready know your team wins you don’t get discouraged if your team falls behind. You don’t get stressed if it’s halftime and you still haven’t scored. You’re totally at peace. Why? You already know the outcome. The further behind you fall, the more excited you get because that means a big comeback is on its way. You can’t wait to see what’s going to happen.

As Christians, because of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, God has given us victory. At times, it seems like you’re far behind. But you’ve got to remind yourself, “God holds my future in the palm of His hand. He already knows the outcome. Remember, He knows how it ends, and we WIN!

People Who Fear Nothing

The great English preacher John Wesley once said, “Give me a hundred men who fear nothing but sin and desire nothing but God, and I do not care if they be clergymen or laymen. Such men alone will shake the gates of hell and set up the kingdom of heaven on earth.” I don’t know if Wesley ever found such men. But I know that Jesus did.

Jesus called these men to be His disciples. In the Book of Acts, they were described as “these who have turned the world upside down” (Acts 17:6).

If there was ever a time in history when the world needed to be turned upside down or, should I say, right side up, the time is now. But if it is going to happen, then it will need to be through committed believers like the ones John Wesley was looking for: people who fear nothing but sin and desire nothing but God. No fair-weather followers need apply. God is looking for disciples.

Have a great day!

Randy

Prayer Is Your Greatest Weapon

Prayer is your greatest weapon — yet we so often fail to use it! The Bible says, “We wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities powers and rulers in dark places.” We are in a war, a battle, not a walk on the beach! Prayer is like a heat-seeking missile — it travels in an instant, suddenly, silently and never misses its target. Over the years as I have traveled all over the U.S A. I have learned my family my not be physically with me, but they cannot escape my prayers.

Philippians 4:6 tells us “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Learn how to use your greatest weapon!

This World Is Crazy

We all can agree that this world is crazy. However, In John 14: 16-18 just before Jesus ascended to heaven, He said,
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever .. “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you ….”

God never meant for you to live this life alone, depending upon yourself and others for guidance. He has sent the Holy Spirit in “HIS PLACE.” You need Him every step of the way, with each decision you make and every word you say. God waits for you, so come to Him in prayer and wait expectantly and patiently for Him to direct your path.

Choose Life

While reading the United Airlines in flight magazine. I read both the hummingbird and the vulture fly over our nation’s deserts. All the vultures see is rotting meat, because that is what they look for. But hummingbirds ignore the dead animals. Instead, they look for the colorful flowers of desert plants. The vultures live on what was. They live on the past. They fill themselves with what is dead and gone. The hummingbirds live on what is. They seek new life. They fill themselves with freshness and life. Each bird finds what they are looking for. The fact is, “We all do.”

Deuteronomy 30:19-20 ESV / 39 says; I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days …

Have a great day

Longing For Heaven

Discovery Channel was explaining the sophisticated built in homing instinct God has given to certain birds. The Manx Shearwater, nests off of the coast of Wales. Birds were tagged and released at different points around the globe to see if they could find their way back home. In just 12 days, all the birds made their way home. One bird made it all the way from Boston, traveling 250 miles a day from a place it had never been.

God has placed a homing instinct for heaven within you and I as well. He has put eternity in our hearts (see Ecclesiastes 3:11). Everyone longs for heaven. However, you can short circuit your HGPS (Heavenly Global Positioning System) with a virus called sin. The anti-virus is repentance and obedience to God’s word. Don’t miss getting home because of a virus.

Randy

What The World Sees

In 1884, a modest grieving couple decided to establish a memorial to their son. They met with Charles Eliot, president of Harvard University. They said, We would like to fund a memorial in our sons memory. Eliot impatiently said, “Perhaps you have in mind a scholarship.” “We were thinking of something more substantial than that… perhaps a building,” the woman replied.

In a patronizing tone, Eliot looked them over and brushed aside the idea as being too expensive and the couple departed. The next year, Eliot learned that this plain pair had gone West and established a $26 million dollar memorial named Leland Stanford Junior University, better known today as Stanford!

Friends, the world focuses on what people look like on the outside. God focuses on what people look like on the inside. See 1 Samuel 16:7

Randy