Dom-Annet Design Consult

22/09/2023

Lord lead me to the paths of Righteousness
When someone asks me how to decide what is right and wrong, I always tell them that if they are trying to justify their behavior to themselves then it probably is wrong. I cannot claim that anyone has sinned, just as no one can claim that I have sinned; only God can do this. What I can do is examine my own motivation when deciding if what I want to do is the right thing or not. Throughout the Old Testament, God let the Israelites know that sacrifices without justice were not acceptable to him. They just couldn't see that neglecting the poor and cheating them was so against God's will, that their sacrifices were just window dressing to their true lack of fidelity. We know that pride is one of the deadliest of sins. It leads to so many other sins because pride can make us think that we are better than most and therefor deserve more. Some whose problem is pride can also think that they are above the law and act accordingly. The last of the proverbs in this passage tells us what we know; that hard work will eventually give us what we need but that when we try to rush, we usually make mistakes. This can happen in our work and it can happen in relationships. When we take our time, we are less apt to make mistakes. I have been known to try and put something together without looking at the directions, so I know what I'm talking about. And also with people, a rush to judgment can lead us to either place our trust in the wrong person, or cause us to bypass one who might become a good friend. Let's give this passage another look.

30/08/2023

*We Can All Be A Stumbling Blocks*
Today, Peter is trying to prevent Jesus from doing anything that will bring about his suffering and death. Peter is putting up a roadblock. We can all be guilty of that at times, and at times we can listen to others who put up roadblocks for us. What do I mean? Doing the right thing can be unpopular. Sometimes it means going beyond our comfort zone, reaching out in order that others might have the same advantages we take for granted. Sometimes it means preventing someone we care about from doing what is dangerous or illegal. There are times when we have to choose to support others, even when it might mean they are putting themselves in harm's way. My sister volunteered at a literacy center while she was in college even though it meant working in a neighborhood that was known for its violence. People volunteer today to travel to the poorest parts of the world in order that people learn how to stay healthy, have an education, shelter and clean food and water. Most of us are not called to missionary work in other countries, or even in the poorer areas of our own country. But all of us are called to support those who are in whatever ways we can, and we are expected to be witnesses to the love of God. That could mean something as simple as not choosing sports over church, treating others in the workplace or school with kindness, choosing to get to know the new worker, new neighbor, family. As we gear up for the new school year, the end to vacations, etc., let us make a New Year's resolution to not be a roadblock in the lives of others, but a beacon that shows the way to Christ.
*R e a d:*
Matthew 16:21-23

26/08/2023

Be careful with people who always condemn your ideas/plans. the fact is that such people don't value you. And you can not progress when you share your ideas with such people. It is better to do things alone than sharing ideas with them.

23/08/2023

*A Disciplined Life *

“We hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies … we command and exhort … to work peacefully and eat their own bread … brothers and sisters, do not grow weary of doing good.”—2 Thessalonians 3:11–13 NASB

The supernatural was a central part of Paul’s ministry; he frequently taught about God’s power and demonstrated miracle-working power. But he was also concerned about practical matters.

For example, in writing to Christians in Thessalonica, he stressed the importance of living a disciplined life. He heard that some believers were “undisciplined.” The Greek word here has its roots in the military, referring to the response of soldiers to a commander.

As believers, we are to be like soldiers who obey their commander. We are to recognize that we have been given assignments and resources. God looks to see how we respond and whether we are faithful and good stewards of our time, energies, and resources.

Paul knew some believers did not have this discipline, “doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies.” Paul instructed these people to put the gifts God had given them into practice and be good examples for others.

Being a Christian was not an excuse for laziness. Even those who are born again still should put their gifts and talents into practice. All of us should “work peacefully and eat [our] own bread.”

Paul knew subjects like discipline can seem unspiritual. His instruction: We must not “grow weary of doing good.” We need to stay faithful and be good stewards of the resources God has given us, living disciplined lives, pleasing God with our choices, and being good examples for others.

Reflection Question: 1.How are you stewarding the resources God’s given you?

2. Are we faithful and good stewards of our time, energy and resources God has given us?

Prayer
Father, I commit my time, talents, and treasures to You. Help me to be faithful and disciplined. May my li

23/08/2023

*GIVE GLORY TO GOD ALL YOUR DAYS*
What has any one of us done for God, or given to God that he should have sent his Son, Jesus, to save us? We have done nothing to deserve salvation. We have done nothing to deserve any of the blessings we have been given. It is only through the unconditional love of God that any of this has been done. True, we can look around and see that others may be better looking or smarter, or healthier or wealthier than others. There will be those who seem to have more and we might feel cheated. But just as they did nothing to deserve what they have, we have done nothing to deserve what we have. God's gifts are not based on whether or not we deserve what we have but the gifts we have been given fit into his plan for our benefit and the benefit of others. Many years ago there was a movie called "It's A Wonderful Life." In the movie the main character feels like he is a failure and that it would have been better if he had never been born. In the course of the movie, he learns about how his life has touched others in both major and minor ways. But each person he touched also influenced the lives of others. We don't always see the effect our lives have on others, but God does. If we never existed, someone's life would have been less for our not being there. The most important thing we have received is the gift of eternal life and none of us have done anything to deserve that. And so we pray as Paul did:
*ROMANS 11:34-36*
GOOD MORNING

21/08/2023

21/08/2023

MAY YOUR SPIRIT BE IN US.
The promise – Israel will be restored! Can you imagine how the exiles must have rejoiced at the promise? They will come out of the grave of the exile and come alive in their own lands. God will put his Spirit within them so that they may live renewed, obedient to the Law of Moses. One of the most profound writings that supports their renewed Spirit comes when Ezra the Scribe reads from the Book of the Law before all the men, women and children old enough to understand listen for hours and actually cry when they hear it. The Israelites feel dead. They have lost so much more than their homes; they have lost their friends, their livelihood; some have lost parents and children; and they have lost their personal freedom as well as their freedom to practice their religion. I hope that none of you, who are reading this, have experienced any of these issues, but realistically, I know that some of you may have suffered some or all of these problems. There are so many parts of the world where people are threatened every day with loss of freedom to live as they should be able to live. Many people exile themselves and look for sanctuary – a place where they have freedom to practice their faith; freedom from fear; freedom to raise their children with proper water, food and medical care. Just as those who were exiled in Babylon, it must seem as though God had abandoned them, for those who live in fear, it must seem that God has abandoned them as well. I wish there were a prophet today who could bring hope that things will change, but we do know and hang on to the conviction that God will never abandon us even if freedom comes after we have lived this life.
EZEKIEL 37 : 12 - 14

20/08/2023

Scripture tells us that obeying God and gaining wisdom will grant us a life of peace and happiness. We know that living a sinful lifestyle leads to misery. When we lie or steal, people stop trusting us. When we participate in other sinful activities, our friends begin to separate themselves from us. God focuses on the importance of gaining wisdom to help us make good choices and live in a way that leads us to the light. We must consistently fill our hearts and minds with wisdom provided by scripture.

19/08/2023

Verse 26
Proverbs 19:26

The young man who wastes his father's substance, or makes his aged mother destitute, is hateful, and will come to disgrace.

19/08/2023

Lord, Root Out Jealousy and Envy.
I have to admit that I love this gospel! I am so reminded of people who want to balance everything so it's fair. I do something for you, so you have to do something for me that is equal to what I did for you. You know what I mean. I called you the last time, so I'm not going to call until you call me. She's making the same amount of money as I am and she started working three weeks ago and I've been here three years! Maybe she has more experience or a better degree, which of course I don't know, but I still feel cheated. Parents complain that their child doesn't get to play the game as many minutes as the next child. Why is it that we think fair means equal? I have a feeling that Jesus is talking about more than just wages for workers; there's more to this than that. He is speaking to the chosen people, the Jews. Soon, they will understand that salvation is not just for them, but also for the Gentiles. Although the Gentiles come last to know the Good News, they will be the first to welcome it in so many ways. The Jewish converts wanted the Gentiles to follow the Jewish laws first – to make it fair! Those who have been Christian since their childhood will not get into heaven any faster than those who come later. I once had two men come to me who wanted to be baptized. One was eighty and the other eighty-two. They had each witnessed the faith of their wives throughout the many years of their marriage and finally decided to be baptized. One of these men died shortly after his baptism. I have no doubt that I will meet him again in heaven – as long as I continue to witness God's love. First or last, our reward is eternal life.

Read Matthew 20 : 1 - 16

17/08/2023

Why is silence the best revenge?

Imagine.. someone hurts you or does somethingn mean, and you feel really upset about it.

Now, instead of reacting right away and getting back at them, sometimes it's better to take a step back and stay quiet. That's what we mean by "silence is the best revenge."

When you choose to be silent, you're not giving the person the reaction they want. They might expect you to get angry or upset, but instead, you stay calm and composed. It can make them realize that their actions didn't affect you as much as they thought.

Silence can also protect you from getting caught up in drama or saying things you might regret later. It gives you time to process your emotions and decide how you want to handle the situation without getting into unnecessary arguments or conflicts.

Remember, being silent doesn't mean you're weak or powerless. It's actually a sign of strength and self-control. It shows that you're choosing not to engage in negativity and that you value your peace of mind more than getting back at someone.

Sometimes, silence can speak louder than words, and it might make the other person reflect on their actions. It's a way of taking the higher road and focusing on your own well-being instead of getting caught up in revenge or negativity.

Of course, everyone's situation is different, and sometimes speaking up and addressing the issue directly can also be important. But in some cases, when the best revenge is to protect your own peace and happiness, silence can be a powerful choice…

17/08/2023

WHAT IS LIFE ABOUT?
We are so engrossed in the hectic life of this fast-paced world that we often fail to realize the true essence of life. Life Isn’t Fair. No matter what life throws your way, no matter how unfair it may seem, refuse to play the victim. Refuse to be ruled by fear, pessimism, and negativity. Refuse to quit. Be a warrior and work through whatever life throws your way with courage, love, and positivity. And continually push forward. Because you are a survivor of the unfairness of life. You are stronger than you think. And you are capable of achieving far more than you believe.

When life sinks in the darkness, just set yourself into the arms of mother nature and it will show you the new rays of life.

You are given birth by your mother (Biological Mother).

When you die, you go back in the womb of another mother (The Mother Earth).

After that you take a new form of life again.

And the cycle continues….

So, be good to people for no reason. Because, there is always, always something to be grateful for.