Serago's Pump Ups
  • Home
  • Pump Ups
  • About
  • Ask Gary a Bible Question
  • JOIN
  • Home
  • Pump Ups
  • About
  • Ask Gary a Bible Question
  • JOIN

Do This One Thing And You Will Acquire Happiness

1/25/2017

0 Comments

 
​Matt 12:11-12 - And He said to them, "What man is there among you who has a sheep, and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will he not take hold of it and lift it out?  12 "How much more valuable then is a man than a sheep! So then, it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath."  NASU 
  • Do Good 
The lesson I have derived from Jesus' encounter with the Pharisees is simply this, "Do Good" to others. It doesn't even really have to be a person. You can show kindness to one of your animals or even someone else's animal.
 
The most important thing for us to remember is to "do good."
 
Jesus asks the Pharisees a question "What man is there among you who has a sheep, and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will he not take hold of it and lift it out?"
 
What Jesus is really saying is this: "You know if one of your sheep falls into a pit you are going to help it get out of there. You will not allow it to become a meal for wolves or coyotes and you will even do this on the Sabbath." 
  • I Always Felt Better After Doing This 
When I was living in Maryland and was in the ministry there were days when the weight of the job really pushed down on me. There were many deadlines I had to meet and obligations I had to fulfill. There were some days when I lost my joy for the ministry. I wasn't happy to be where I was.
 
It was on days like that when I felt like I was drowning in work that I would ask my secretary, "Is there anyone in the hospital or did any visitors attend this past Sunday?"
 
I knew instinctively I had to go and visit someone in the hospital or someone who was looking for a congregation to join.
 
You don't know how many times I walked out of a hospital with a rejuvenated spirit. Why was I feeling better? I had allowed God to use me to "do good" for someone else.
 
As I walked out of the hospital, I remember thinking to myself, "There isn't anyone in here who wouldn't want to trade places with you."
 
You may not like your situation in life right now, but I can tell you I know people who would trade places with you in a New York second. 
  • What About You? 
If you are not happy today, then let me suggest you find someone you can help. When you find some good you can do for others you will find happiness in abundance.
 
Maybe you can volunteer at a hospital or animal rescue center or you have an elderly neighbor that you can help.
 
If you want to be happy, then try this one thing: "do good" to others.
 
Jesus even promoted doing good on the Sabbath day.
 
There is a lesson for us here: it doesn't matter which day of the week you want to do good. You can do good on Sunday or the Sabbath or any day in between.

Doing good isn't restricted to any one day of the week.
 
Think On These:
 
People seldom get dizzy spells from doing good turns.
 
People who do good today never have to apologize for their actions tomorrow. 

Stay Pumped,

Gary A. Serago

Minister of God's Word

Share this Pump Up with others by Sharing on Your Facebook Page, Twitter or Forwarding to a friend.
0 Comments

This Is How Jesus Strengthened His Disciples Faith

1/18/2017

0 Comments

 
John 6:5-6 - Therefore Jesus, lifting up His eyes and seeing that a large crowd was coming to Him, said to Philip, "Where are we to buy bread, so that these may eat?"  
This He was saying to test him, for He Himself knew what He was intending to do. NASU 
  • Ask Them Questions About Impossible Situations 
The impossible situation the disciples were facing was the feeding of the 5,000. Jesus asks Philip, "Where are we to buy bread, so that these may eat?"
 
Jesus was testing Philip and all the disciples who were there. Philip does a quick head count and tabulation and his answer is "200 denarii worth of bread is not sufficient…"
 
I find that Andrew gives the most amusing answer when he says, "There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are these for so many people."  
 
If the other disciples have any suggestions they are not recorded for us. There is a lot to be said for not opening your mouth. One thing for sure you can't stick your foot in your mouth if you don't open it. 
  • What Was The Purpose Of Jesus' Questions? 
Jesus knew He was going to work a miracle. Jesus was going to show His disciples that when you have impossible situations before you, that is when you must trust in God for help.
 
Why is it so hard for us to trust in God?
 
I have been associated with college wrestlers for 29 years. Here is my observation: the wrestlers depend on their training partners and their coaches. If some of the toughest guys on earth display for us how to trust others then why won't we display trust in God.
 
Jesus trusted God and that is the example we are to follow today. Trust God. It is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of faith and intelligence.
 
Jesus' question about how to feed the 5,000 was to strengthen the disciple's faith. 
  • What Is Your Impossible Situation? 
From time to time we find ourselves in some very difficult situations. Maybe you have said, "Why is God letting this happen to me?"  My answer would be, "How else can He show you that He is helping you?"
 
You find yourself in an impossible situation and the next thing you know, you're out of it.
 
It then dawns on you: God was involved in your situation.
 
I saw a saying online that goes like this:
I asked God, "Why are you taking me through rough waters?
He replied, "Because your enemies can't swim." 

Trust God even when it doesn't make sense.
  • Barb's Friend 
Barb had lunch with one of her good friends the other day. When she came home she told me about one of their conversations.

The friend's son and daughter-in-law were trying to have a baby for a couple of years. I will not go into all of the details but there were lots of obstacles in their way.

Finally, the son said to his wife, "We will turn it over to God and accept His will."
 
She is now pregnant and due any day.
 
What is your situation? Here is a solution: "Turn it over to God, and then wait patiently."
 
Think On This:
 
It is not the load that breaks you down, it's the way you carry it.

Stay Pumped,

Gary A. Serago

Minister of God's Word

Share this Pump Up with others by Sharing on Your Facebook Page, Twitter or Forwarding to a friend.
​
0 Comments

Did You Know Guardian Angels Do This?

1/11/2017

2 Comments

 
Matt. 18:10 - "See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven continually see the face of My Father who is in heaven." NASU 
  • Who Are The "Little Ones?" 
The first thing you want to do when reading the Bible is keep each passage of scripture in its proper context. When we read the above passage some natural questions arise:
 
First, who is the "you" Jesus is referring to? The "you" is a reference to His 12 disciples (see vs.1).
 
The disciples were discussing with themselves "who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." They present this question to Jesus and here is how He answers it.
 
Jesus calls a child to His side and informs His disciples that if they don't become like this child they will not be entering into the kingdom of heaven (vs.2-6).
 
Second, who is the "little ones" Jesus is referring to in verse 10? When He says, "See that you do not despise one of these little ones…"?
 
The "little ones" is a reference to "little children" mentioned in verse 2 and 3 and to "young or new believers" in Jesus mentioned in verse 6.
 
We are told not to despise or "think down upon" these little ones.
 
Matt.18:1-14 uses the phrase "one of these little ones" three times (verses 6, 10 and 14).
 
Matt. 18:6 - "…whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble,…"
Matt. 18:14 - "So it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones perish."  
  • What Do Their Angels Do? 
The angels continually see the face of God. They inform God about what is happening with all little children and new believers in Christ.
 
The disciples were discussing who was the greatest in the kingdom of God. You can be sure at the top of their list would not have been a little child nor a new believer in Christ.
 
Yet, Jesus says, "…their (the little children and new believers) angels in heaven continually see the face of My Father who is in heaven."
 
We never want to forget this: God is interested in children and new believers in Christ. In fact, He is interested in them so much that He has assigned an angel to them and the angels have immediate access to Him to inform Him of what is happening in their lives.
 
So what do Guardian Angels do? They report to God what is happening in the lives of the "little ones." 
  • Do Christians Have Angels Helping Us? 
Yes, Christians have angels helping us. Jesus was being compared to an angel in Heb. 1:13-14 - "But to which of the angels has He ever said,
 
"SIT AT MY RIGHT HAND,
UNTIL I MAKE YOUR ENEMIES
A FOOTSTOOL FOR YOUR FEET"? 
 
Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation? NASU
 
Angels are ministering spirits sent out by God to render service to those who will inherit salvation or Christians.
 
Yes, Christians have angels helping them during their life. In fact Jesus even told this story about what happened to a man named Lazarus after he died: Lk 16:22 - "Now the poor man (Lazarus) died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham's bosom;…"
 
The angels carried him away after he died.
 
I believe you and I have angels helping us. We might not be able to see them, but that doesn't mean they are not there. Ps 91:11 - "For He will give His angels charge concerning you, To guard you in all your ways."
 
Now would probably be a great time to say, "Thanks" to the Lord for the angel who ministers to you.
 
Think On This:
 
When you believe in angels, you have friends in High Places.

Stay Pumped,

Gary A. Serago

Minister of God's Word

Share this Pump Up with others by Sharing on Your Facebook Page, Twitter or Forwarding to a friend.
​
2 Comments

How To Benefit From Your Failures

1/4/2017

0 Comments

 
 Luke 5:3-6 - And He got into one of the boats, which was Simon's,… And He sat down and began teaching the people from the boat. 4 When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, "Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch."  5 Simon answered and said, "Master, we worked hard all night and caught nothing, but I will do as You say and let down the nets." 6 When they had done this, they enclosed a great quantity of fish, and their nets began to break;…" NASU 
  • Peter's Way Equals Failure 
Peter had fished all night and caught nothing. In other words their fishing trip was a failure. It was a bust. Peter had done it his way. He followed the normal protocol of fishing in that area. He came up empty handed or in his words, "Master, we worked hard all night and caught nothing..." 
  • The Lord's Way Equals Success 
If there is one thing I know about the Lord and our failures they go hand in hand. When we do it our way we have a full head of steam. We are filled with assurance that we are going to accomplish the task. You might even say we are filled with pride and for some maybe even arrogance.
 
Then failure comes crashing through our life and we are bewildered. We are perplexed and we sit in unbelief that this has happened to us.
 
"How could this happen to me? I was prepared. I had all the answers."
 
I like what R. C. Foster said: "Their fruitless toil, through the night, gave Jesus His opportunity."
 
Did you hear that? Their failure gave Jesus His opportunity. Your failures will give Jesus an opportunity to work with you like never before. It is always easier to work with some one who believes he needs help.
 
At first, Peter didn't believe he needed any help. After all he was the fisherman. Jesus was a carpenter.
 
After Jesus performs the miracle, and their boats are loaded with fish, Jesus goes from being "Master" which also could be interpreted "teacher" to LORD (vs.8).
 
When we do things the Lord's way like Peter and his crew did there will be success. 
  • Your Way Equals What? 
If in life you are trying to be successful, you are doing everything your way and don't really seem to be making the great accomplishments you thought you would, why not try doing it the Lord's Way? 
  • What Exactly Is The Lord's Way
The Lord's way is where you invite Jesus to walk with you everyday. You talk to Him like you would a friend on the phone or at a restaurant (some people call this praying). Seriously, just talk to Him. He is looking for people to be real with Him. Be yourself. Be authentic.
 
I remember when I was first converted to Jesus and thought I had to speak to Him with King James English. I was so relieved when I was informed, "speak to Him in my own language." Of course, I left out the cuss words.
 
You read His Word, and in so doing you are searching for answers to your life.
 
You ask for His blessing on your endeavors.
 
You ask Him to keep you from all evil and to protect you.
 
You have to understand that sometimes He may even protect you from yourself by not allowing you to accomplish some things that would bring great harm to your life.
 
When Jesus sees that you are able to handle the successes that can come in life. He will give them to you. 
  • Conclusion 
So let me ask this question: Have you benefited from your failures?
 
Think On These:
 
Most failures are experts at making excuses.
 
Failure is a better teacher than success, but seldom finds an apple on her desk.
 
Failures are divided into those who thought and never did, and those who did and never thought.
 
Happy 2017 To You All 

Stay Pumped,

Gary A. Serago

Minister of God's Word

Share this Pump Up with others by Sharing on Your Facebook Page, Twitter or Forwarding to a friend.
0 Comments

    Archives

    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014

    Author

    Gary A Serago.

    Categories

    All
    Angels
    Bad Decisions
    Christian Lifestyle
    Confession
    Encouragement
    End Times
    Endurance
    Evangelism
    Facts About Jesus
    Faith
    Fear
    Finances
    Forgiveness
    Friendship
    Fulfillment Of Scripture
    God's Will
    Grace
    Heaven
    Hope
    Humility
    Job Stress
    Leadership
    Mercy
    Positive Attitude
    Praise
    Prayer
    Restoring Your Passion
    Stubbornness
    Success
    Suffering
    Temptations
    Thankfulness
    Trust
    Truthfulness
    Wisdom
    Worship

    RSS Feed

Ask Gary a Bible Question
© COPYRIGHT 2022. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.