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THE KATINAS TREE
KATINAS GREEN
Apr 15th, 2009 24 Comments

Looking

looking

Today’s constant uncertainty and economic chaos has found many of us in a plight we’ve never experienced before. Questions are being asked but very few answers are given. People are wondering where to turn, what to do and how to make it through. What about you? Does your conduct agree with your creed? In moments like these, where are you looking? Do you feel like ol’ Waylon when he sang?

Looking for love in all the wrong places,
Looking for love in too many faces,
Searching your eyes, trying to find traces….and so on, and so on.

For the next 3 weeks, I want to encourage you on where to be “looking” so that you don’t get distracted from reaching your destiny. It’s easy to start focusing on the problem and not the answer. Don’t get caught “rubbernecking”! You’ll start a traffic jam and maybe even another accident. Get your eyes on the prize!

1. LOOK UP!

Psalm 121:1-2
I lift my eyes to the mountains where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

Luke warned us that these days would come. Luke 21:28 encourages us to “LOOK UP” for our redemption is coming. He tells us to stand up with your our heads high. Help is on the way! There is light at the end of the tunnel. We’re getting closer and closer to our destination. I’m not suggesting that we all pack our bags, move to the hills and get ready to leave. No! God has so much for us to do here. There are lives to be changed and nations to be reached with the Gospel of Jesus. If you are reading this, God has plenty for you to do. However, it is so important that you keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith. Keep your mind stayed on Him, and He will keep you in perfect peace! The stock market has definitely seen better days. Job security as we once knew it no longer exists. Our great country seems more polarized than ever before. However, our God still reigns! He is the same yesterday, today and forever! He is Shalom, our peace! El Shaddai, God Almighty! Jehovah Rafa, our healer! Jehovah Jireh, our provider! He still comforts the hurting. He promises to make the weak, strong. He will never leave you. He is here with me and there with you simultaneously. Time cannot hold Him. Death couldn’t keep him.

Until next week,

Keep looking up!

joe

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  • Dawn-from little NJ

    Bless you, Brother Joe! Thank you so much for your wonderful message. As I was reading it, I said to myself “This sounds like Joe”. You have been very gifted and I am so blessed to see God’s hand upon you. May He always continue to use you and magnify your gifts that He has bestowed upon you. You are always in my prayers.
    I thank our brother James because, I had for some reason, received this overwhelming feeling of sadness and as I was siting there I received a message he had posted to let us all know the devotion was up. It came just in time.
    Tears filled my eyes as I read it. God is so great. How amazing is His love for us. It humbles me to see his perfect love reaching out in amazing ways. I will always “lift my eyes toward the hills from where cometh my help”. To God be the glory!

    Dear Jesus,
    Thank you for my brothers and for using them to reach the loneliest, the poorest, the most unwanted people. I am in awe at your wonderful mercy and grace. Please continue to use them and help us to follow in example. Help us to share your love and remind others that there is nothing to hard for you. Sorrow may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning. I give you the glory always. In Jesus name, Amen.

    Bless you brothers. You are always in my prayers and I truly mean that from the bottom of my heart :)

    Your sister in Christ Jesus,
    Dawn

  • http://Facebook Seka

    I want to thank you. I was really struggling today and challenging God because I really don’t like the situation that I’m in. I received a message on my Facebook from your fanpage and it sent me here. Reading this has calmed me down considerably

  • James

    Hey Seka, I’m glad that you took the time to click on to the site. My this word be your portion for today. Be encouraged and don’t give up.

  • helen83

    What an awesome reminder that all we do need is him. I am guilty of looking in the wrong places, but haven’t been in awhile.
    I will continue to “Look Up” to my one and only…our awesome Lord and Savior!

  • Joy

    Thanks, BroJoe!
    As I read throught that devotion, I was thinking about all of the different songs that mention…
    Not only the Waylon song…lol, but:
    Look up, look up, for the Lord, he is coming…
    Stand up, stand up for Jesus, ye saviors of the cross…
    Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in his wonderful face…..
    He Still Reigns…
    El Shaddai…
    All very encouraging songs…
    Rubbernecking is never good!
    Welcome, Seka!
    xo
    Joy

    :

  • Nefu

    Thanks brotha! Continuing to Look UP…He is alive and well today and will be forever alive in our hearts because He who the son sets free is FREE INDEED!! It was an honor and privilege to serve alongside all of you this past weekend. No words can describe what God continues to do in our lives. He is so faithful and forever worthy to be praised and worshipped! ….Definitely a LIFESTYLE!! Always praying for all of you and lookin’ forward to seeing you all again next month…

    As we journey together……..much love from Osyde!

    Sam and Nefu…lea alofa aku Sam! :-)

  • Nefu

    Seka- Hello..

    GOD and His Word seems to have perfect timing! He knew it was what you needed for Today!! That always, always happens to me!! That’s just how faithful HE IS!! Be encouraged Seka….we are all goin through something, whether we’re frustrated or upset, but we have a Saviour that empowers us, nothing is too hard for God. I leave you with this passage,

    1st Cor 10:13: “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to man, but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make THE WAY of exscape, that you may be ABLE to BEAR IT” You just did that! What an encouragement that is to me! God Bless

  • LaDetra (Faith)

    God is truly the only one worthy of our trust.Sometimes its tough to remember that.Especially for us as Americans who seem to have so much prosperity compared to the rest of the world.It’s becomes easy to get caught up in our jobs, or possessions.

    Thanks Joe for the reminder of who we really need to be looking to.

  • Nikki

    Thank you for this AWESOME message. With all the struggles/pain I am going through right now, feeling like I was just getting my feet planted and then the ground giving way again, and feeling lost, and alone. I have honestly just felt like giving up and throwing in the towel, but I can’t and I won’t. I am going to LOOK UP to my God who gives me the strength to perservere, and who says I am always with you, I will never leave you or forsake you. Thank you Joe for this encouraging message.

  • Elizabeth

    Great message..

    Some of us might be struggling more then others right now but remember that God loves you and no matter what happens in your life you are still a daughter or son in the Kingdom.It is so important to have a heart for God and know that no matter what we go through that day God is still going to love us at the end of the day.

    “Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe.”

    Gail Devers quotes

    God Bless,,
    Elizabeth

  • Dawn-from little NJ

    Praise Jesus my brothers and sisters. Just wanted to give you all a shout-out. Nikki, keep pressing your way, Your right…He will never leave you nor forsake you. We all get lonely sometimes, but He never lose site of us. I will pray for your strength.

    LaDetra– I agree with you. We take for granted all the possibilities available, the resources, and most importantly our freedom. We have different churches on every corner so when we are not happy we just leave things behind and easily move on to something better. I am a big advocate for the persecuted church who face so many trials and have less freedom than we do here.They are suffering for just mentioning the name of our Jesus…yet they press on..God bless them and may we turn from our selfish ways…..

    Seka, it looks like we were in the same boat today. Thanks to James for getting the word out. I needed this message today to….I think we all did. Keep pressing on, I know its hard but the Lord said if we only have the faith the size of a mustard seed, we can move mountains. I pray that your mountains be removed and that the Lord Jesus will open up the windows of heaven and pour out unmeasurable blessings to you, your family and all you come in contact with…let it spread like a wild fire. Thank you, Jesus, for nothing is impossible for you! P.S. Seka, I am on facebook to and of course a Katina fan…if you want an extra friend you can look me up :) (Dawn Martinez)…I am not one of those that try to collect as many friends as they can, so my friends are truly my friends :)

    Elizabeth…my sister, God bless you–You are always such a great encourager. Thank you! It is always easy to get so involved in our own problems that we forget what others around are going through. May Jesus continue to mold us to be more like Him.

    Okay…As you see I am on my way to writing a book so I will say God bless and remind you that I am praying for all my brothers and sisters…I may not know what you are going through but He does and that is what matters. I love and appreciate you..You are a great blessing to me.

    Your sister in Christ Jesus,
    Dawn

  • Nikki

    Elizabeth thank you for what you wrote it is very encouraging. Dawn you are too kind, thank you so very much. Your thoughts and prayers are very much appreciated, and I too will pray for you as well. Its great to have a site where people are real, and encouraging and up-lifting. Thank you all!!!

    God Bless

  • Elizabeth

    Your welcome. I have been through my own struggles but every time I go through one I remember that God is on my side and that makes my life better and stronger. I also take different lessons that I have learned from my church with me so I can live God well.

    I also struggled for the longest time in how I was going to serve God and what He called me to do.. some day the door opened and I got my gift of encouraging people to know God better.

    Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. — Proverbs 3:5-6

    The measure of a Christian is not in the height of his grasp but in the depth of his love. — Clarence Jordan

    One last thought no matter what we all go through there is a bigger picture and that is our God. Have the heart to serve Him. Be in your church so you can grow stronger on your path.

    God Bless,,
    Elizabeth

  • joe

    Family,

    It’s great to see some new “kuzins” have joined us. Welcome! Nefu it was a blessing to serve with you, Sam, Reese, Perry and Mark all day last Sunday. What a day! Thanks so much for blessing our families. Thanks everyone for the encouragement and for sharing your faith with the rest of us.

    Please keep the Tuli’au Family in your prayers. Our dear brother and friend Jeremiah, suddenly passed away earlier this week. Although we celebrate that he is with the Lord, he leaves behind a beautiful and young family. May the peace of God bring comfort during this most difficult time.

    Love your family today!

  • Dawn-from little NJ

    Praise Jesus Katina family! Brother Joe, I will definitely keep the Tuli’au family in my prayers. May you all be comforted and blessed with the loving arms of our Jesus.

    God bless, you and keep you,

    Dawn

  • LaDetra (Faith)

    The Tuli’au family will definitely be in my prayers (along with the rest of you).I can only imagine how tough that it is to lose a husband and a father.

  • Sista RJ

    Thank you Brother Joe, for the encouragement and Truth of Gods Word which lasts forever! Praise the Lord, our God indeed reigns and he is never late, never early always on time and his timing is perfect.”All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives.
    It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is Gods way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do.” 2nd Timothy 3:16-17. I’m looking up to Him who is able, who is the author & finisher of my faith. Who at this moment in my walk I’m realizing and living what it means to TRUST in the Lord with all your heart. His love and Word is enough is that enough I ask myself no better time than now to take God at his word, tho none go with me, tho none understand am I willing to just obey, & trust God for what he has spoken to me for my life? Thank you Jesus that you have shown me with your death on the Cross, even while I was a sinner you indeed love me and nobody has nothing but good for my life better than you and you are able to bring it to pass. Jesus, you are more than worthy of my utmost obedience & love even and especially when I don’t understand, and have to go it alone. Thank you Jesus for the reminder I’m not now and never will be alone again! You are in me and will be with me till the end of the age.Not even death will separate me or any who call upon you Jesus from your love.
    Please Lord comfort and be with The Tuli’au Family as well as the Solaita Family who are mourning loss of a beloved family member. We pray continued grace, peace and your perfect love upon all of them as well as our brethren who may be in need and all the unspoken prayers represented up in here. Jesus your the one whom we look up to, you are our glory, you are our shield and the lifter of our heads. In your name Jesus we humbly pray, praise and give you thanks…Amen

  • Elizabeth

    “Prayer is the key to Heaven, but faith unlocks the door.”

    I just thought I would post an encouragement for everyone. No matter what happens in our lives keep God in the center of your heart because that means the fire and passion for God will be burning deeper for Him..always have a mind set of knowing that you are the hands and feet to serve God.

    Yes some of us might be struggling more then others but at the end of the day it comes down to loving God and being in His Kingdom.

    Always look up and be positive in what you do because God loves you with a passion!!

    God Bless,,
    Elizabeth

  • Elizabeth

    Joe I am praying for your family!

  • joe

    When God’s people pray, He answers. Thanks so much family for responding in prayer. Rutes, good to have you back this week.

    We’re in Nebraska today. Leading worship for 5000 men before they go to the University of Nebraska spring game. They love their football up here. But they love God too.

    Have a great weekend!

    Keep looking up!

  • Kevin

    Love the live CD! Just got it in the mail, it has been on for the past several hours. Favorite part, the kids, followed by Zander’s testimony. You guys are a blessing. Is it January yet?

  • Elizabeth

    I saw Darlene Zachech at my church tonight. It was an amazing night. Darlene has a heart for God.

    Let’s make sure we are always praising God in everything we do. When we think of our God we should have a true passion for Him. He should be our strength in everything we do. When we praise God lets make sure our praises are strong for Him and lets believe in everything He has for us. I heard something great tonight.. the Earth shakes of so many issues but our God stands strong and doesn’t ever let go of us. Have the faith to do what God has blessed you to do.

    Live God with everything that you have. When you do that He will bless you!!

    He is our God and we need to have a love for Him that is above all else. When you draw close to Him,,He will draw closer to you.. When you truly seek Him,,He will seek you even more. He is our dad in Heaven,, we get to be apart of His Kingdom. That should mean everything to you. Lift God up in everything you do. Lets not worship God for the worship but instead lets make sure we truly have hearts for God.

    At the end of the day He is still our God in Heaven! Praise Him always!!!!

    Blessings,,
    Elizabeth

  • Janice

    Thank you Jesus for the Katinas and all the devotions they take time to put up. Joe, you always encourage me when you speak! Especially when you do it in person like when you took the time to talk to me and my family on Easter Sunday. Yeah times are very hard for us with Bob being out of a job and living w/his mother who has alzheimers/demensia. But we always look to Jesus for peace and comfort. There are times when it’s more of a challenge and we’re at each others throats. One of us aways brings the word of the Lord in and speaks loud and clear that we need to call on Jesus!
    May God continue to bless you and your brothers!
    By the way I left a comment on the blog below about the CD/DVD.
    Kuzin Janice

  • Sista RJ

    Talofa, Aloha, Shalom, Greetins Kuzins: Brother Joe good to be back! Thanks-Choo-Hoo! “the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies are new every morning” Yes indeed what a way to begin our day! Thank you Jesus, this is a new day and we can always rejoice in You! So Kuzins and all who are able to visit up in here..”You are Loved by King Jesus, no matter what and he so longs for you to know this, to experience in your very life this perfect love get to know him personally, if you don’t yet? He’s waiting for you to ask him, as long as your breathing you have the Blessing of calling upon Jesus by name! Jesus knows, and is the one who made you to WIN, “Jeremiah 29:11-12″. Keep looking up and in His Word that is eternal, Jesus said “I am the way, the truth & the life” God bless all of you as only He can do!