Open Hands Ministries's Blog

Waiting on the Lord

7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. 8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; do not fret—it only causes harm. Psalm 37:7-8

Ever notice how some teenagers will ask a question but then rush out the door before you can respond? We act the same way toward God when we don't wait on Him. We need several things in order to develop a lifestyle of waiting on… Continue

Added by Open Hands Ministries on December 31, 2009 at 6:57pm — No Comments

God's Voice Today

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness 2 Timothy 3:16

In biblical times, God spoke in many dramatic ways. Although He still speaks today, His methods have changed. Therefore, we can’t expect Him to speak in an audible voice or send an angelic messenger every time He has something to say. We must learn how to perceive His voice today.

Today our Father… Continue

Added by Open Hands Ministries on December 30, 2009 at 7:19pm — No Comments

Focus on the Promises - Not the Obstacles!

And they returned from spying out the land after forty days. 26 Now they departed and came back to Moses and Aaron and all the congregation of the children of Israel in the Wilderness of Paran, at Kadesh; they brought back word to them and to all the congregation, and showed them the fruit of the land. 27 Then they told him, and said: “We went to the land where you sent us. It truly flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit. 28 Nevertheless the people who dwell in the land are… Continue

Added by Open Hands Ministries on December 29, 2009 at 6:06pm — 1 Comment

The Light of the World

You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.Matthew 5:14-16

Jesus said, “I am the Light of the world,” (John 8:12). He also said of His followers—which includes modern believers—“You are the light of… Continue

Added by Open Hands Ministries on December 27, 2009 at 5:59pm — No Comments

The Wonder of Christmas

But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Luke 2:19

Merry Christmas! Today is most likely a busy day for you. There are meals to cook, guests to welcome, places to go, people to see, gifts to unwrap, and possibly, even a few gifts to be wrapped! This holy day can certainly be hectic for all of us.

Maybe your Christmas is just getting started. Or perhaps, the holiday is drawing to a close. Whatever the case, this is a moment of… Continue

Added by Open Hands Ministries on December 24, 2009 at 7:55pm — No Comments

The True Meaning of Christmas

Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14

When Jesus was born, only a few people realized He was more than a typical infant. The same is true today. Many people attend Christmas Eve services and observe holiday traditions but fail to consider three important questions:

Was Jesus really God?

Why did He come to earth?

What does this have to do… Continue

Added by Open Hands Ministries on December 23, 2009 at 6:48pm — No Comments

The Burden of Intercession

Then the king said to me, “What do you request?” So I prayed to the God of heaven.

And I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, I ask that you send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers’ tombs, that I may rebuild it.”

Then the king said to me (the queen also sitting beside him), “How long will your journey be? And when will you return?” So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time. Nehemiah… Continue

Added by Open Hands Ministries on December 21, 2009 at 8:46pm — 1 Comment

Be The Salt

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.Galatians 5:22-23

In Matthew 5:13, Jesus calls His followers to be the "salt of the earth." What qualities does salt possess that we can exhibit in our spiritual lives?

First, salt adds flavor. Salt doesn't bring change to itself; it seasons that which needs improved taste. In the same way, we are… Continue

Added by Open Hands Ministries on December 19, 2009 at 4:25am — No Comments

The Storms - God's Purpose

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Romans 8:28-29

Believers have a choice about how they will respond to life’s tempests. Either they can cast blame while becoming resentful and bitter, or they can turn to the Lord and ask,“What is Your… Continue

Added by Open Hands Ministries on December 17, 2009 at 7:37am — No Comments

Building Healthy Relationships

Now when he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. 2 Saul took him that day, and would not let him go home to his father’s house anymore. 3 Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. 4 And Jonathan took off the robe that was on him and gave it to David, with his armor, even to his sword and his bow and his belt. I Samuel 18:1-4

Genuine friends… Continue

Added by Open Hands Ministries on December 15, 2009 at 7:38pm — No Comments

Through Dark Valleys

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

At the age of 17, Joseph lost almost everything. His family, his position as the favored son, his home, and his freedom were abruptly taken from him. How stunned he must have been by… Continue

Added by Open Hands Ministries on December 14, 2009 at 6:17pm — No Comments

Generosity That Pleases God

Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: 2 that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. 3 For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, 4 imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. 5 And not only as we had hoped, but… Continue

Added by Open Hands Ministries on December 13, 2009 at 10:53am — No Comments

Becoming More Like Jesus

..but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. II Peter 3:18

God has a plan for every life, and salvation is just the first step. He wants His adopted children to develop a close “family resemblance.” The Holy Spirit is in charge of transforming us into the likeness of Jesus.

The moment that we trust Christ as our personal Savior, we are, in a spiritual sense, newborn babies,… Continue

Added by Open Hands Ministries on December 10, 2009 at 4:22am — No Comments

Brokenness - Part II

Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. I Thessalonians 5:21-23

Humans are born “bent away” from the Lord. Our natural inclination is to please and serve self, which is the opposite of a lifestyle honoring God. When we become believers, our Father begins to bend… Continue

Added by Open Hands Ministries on December 7, 2009 at 11:44am — No Comments

The Blessing of Brokenness

Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. John 12:24

In the above verse, Jesus tells us that only by falling and breaking can a single grain produce a rich crop. If it remains isolated and protected, it will never produce anything.

That’s how the Lord works to mature His children. He breaks us in order to bring spiritual growth and supernatural… Continue

Added by Open Hands Ministries on December 6, 2009 at 5:57am — 1 Comment

Daily Warfare

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all,… Continue

Added by Open Hands Ministries on December 3, 2009 at 7:09pm — No Comments

The Freedom to Enjoy God

Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.

Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:3-4

The gospel writers spoke about children coming to Jesus, giving the impression that the young were very comfortable around Him (Matthew 18:2-3). Some probably climbed onto His lap, while others perhaps sat at His feet. We can picture them asking Him lots of questions,… Continue

Added by Open Hands Ministries on December 3, 2009 at 3:06am — No Comments

The Canopy of God's Love

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

When we're in pain, we may question whether God cares or even knows what we're going through. Our difficult circumstances can give us a wrong view of Him. Scripture teaches that our three-in-one God is omniscient and omnipresent. In other words, He knows all things and is everywhere. No actions or persons are hidden from His sight. The past, present, and future are all laid… Continue

Added by Open Hands Ministries on December 2, 2009 at 4:23am — 1 Comment

Knowing God's Will - Break Down the Barriers!

How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You. Psalm 119:9-11

God is always pleased to reveal His will to us. But at times, we cannot receive the message. Something in our life is creating a barrier to hearing Him.

Obstacles to the believer include: Self-will.… Continue

Added by Open Hands Ministries on November 30, 2009 at 7:20pm — No Comments

Rising Above Your Circumstances

I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. Philippians 4:12

The apostle Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians during a long and unjust imprisonment. But, even though Paul is suffering, this short epistle is full of rejoicing. Paul never complains or blames other for his situation because he learned to live above his… Continue

Added by Open Hands Ministries on November 29, 2009 at 5:26am — No Comments

Open Hands Ministries's Blog (49)