Doing something for you, bringing something to you— that’s not what you’re after. Being religious, acting pious— that’s not what you’re asking for. You’ve opened my ears so I can listen.
Psalm 40:6 The Message
Have you ever been in a conversation with someone when all of a sudden, you realize you have no idea what they're saying? Their voice didn't change. They're speaking the same language. They're following the line of their story, but somewhere along the line, you stopped listening. It's all in how you hear. Yes, there IS a difference. Jesus said so. Look...
Turn to Luke 8, starting in verse 11.
The seed is God’s word.
12 The seeds that fell on the footpath represent those who hear the message, only to have the devil come and take it away from their hearts and prevent them from believing and being saved.
13 The seeds on the rocky soil represent those who hear the message and receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they believe for a while, then they fall away when they face temptation.
14 The seeds that fell among the thorns represent those who hear the message, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life. And so they never grow into maturity.
15 And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest.
How you hear is SO important. Jesus went on to say in verse 18, So pay attention to how you hear. To those who listen to My teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what they think they understand will be taken away from them.
Can you hear Him now? Are you listening?
Prayer:
Father,
I tremble at the thought of the consequences of a hardened heart that refuses to hear You. Forgive us for those times we have ignored Your voice and gone our own way. Father, by Your mercy and Your unfailing Grace, please give us a listening ear and a servant's heart to hear and obey Your voice. Teach us, Father, we pray. In Jesus' Name. Amen
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Tuesday, February 27, 2018
The Big Squeeze
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us—they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady.
Romans 5:3-4 The Living Bible
There is a renewed call to prayer from the Holy Spirit. Do you feel it, too? Ringing over and over in my heart is the Scripture passage from Mark 12:30-31 NLT, "And you must love the Lord your God with ALL your heart, ALL your soul, ALL your mind, and ALL your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” The written emphasis is mine, but the emphatic inflection is God's. ALL my heart, ALL my soul, ALL my mind, and ALL my strength. I had to be honest with myself and ask, When was the last time I did anything with ALL that I am or ALL that I have... ?
Romans 5:3-4 The Living Bible
There is a renewed call to prayer from the Holy Spirit. Do you feel it, too? Ringing over and over in my heart is the Scripture passage from Mark 12:30-31 NLT, "And you must love the Lord your God with ALL your heart, ALL your soul, ALL your mind, and ALL your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” The written emphasis is mine, but the emphatic inflection is God's. ALL my heart, ALL my soul, ALL my mind, and ALL my strength. I had to be honest with myself and ask, When was the last time I did anything with ALL that I am or ALL that I have... ?
So often, we fill up every waking moment with I have to do this or I have to do that and this must be done or that must be, and Suzie has to be at practice and Johnny has to, too, and we'll grab something at the drive-thru because we don't have time to cook and sit at the table... And at night, when we fall into bed exhausted, we're too tired to pray, let alone worship, and we don't have all of anything left... Bob Sorge states, "This present world system is strategically designed to squeeze out your time and energy for the secret place." The secret place is our time with the Lord. It's where our strength is renewed. MAKE the time. Make it a priority once again.
So with renewed vigor, by the grace of God, I am getting back into shape spiritually - eagerly anticipating the next part of God's plan. Not just for me, but for ALL of us. Revelation 22:17 NKJV, And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely. In my corner of the world, I see and hear people responding to the Spirit say, "Come!" and I pray it is the same for you.
Prayer:
Father,
Forgive us for all the times we've given You less than all. Therefore, since we are receiving Your Kingdom that cannot be shaken, grant us Your grace, by which we can serve You acceptably with reverence and Godly fear. For You, O Lord, are a consuming fire! Thank You for trials and tribulations that teach us patience and develop our character. Teach us how to give You Your heart's desire. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Saturday, February 24, 2018
Computer not working
This is Andrea's sister, Michelle. Foundation issues left over from Harvey are now causing electrical issues because the foundation has shifted with all the rain they've had in the last few weeks. It's also caused plumbing issues which they've been dealing with for 2 days due to broken pipes. When the electric blew tonight it fried the breaker that runs the power in the computer room, that part of the house. Please pray for guidance, wisdom and provision to get all things repaired.
Friday, February 23, 2018
The Price
Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ. My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life you see me living is not "mine," but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I am not going to go back on that.
Galatians 2:20 The Message
What price value do we put on things? What things are considered "worth the price"? What will you give up? Which creature comforts will you NOT give up? As crazy as it sounds, I won't give up Half-n-Half as my coffee creamer. I like a certain brand and even though I only drink 2 half cups a day, I want them the way I like them to taste. I'll cut my own hair to pay for it, if I have to. In the big scheme of things, it seems like a good haircut would be much more important than a great cup of coffee. But as an adult, only I can decide that. You can't decide it for me. You may think that's crazy. But I'll tell you something even crazier...
Jesus Christ paid the price for my sin...and for yours. What value do we put on that? Is it worth giving up our pet sin? You know the one I mean...the one that we convince ourselves is not as bad as what so-and-so does, so we keep doing it... Or the thing we do that makes people laugh and like us, even though we get a check in our spirit whenever we do or say it...
Come Judgment Day, will it be worth the price?
Prayer:
Father,
We pray the prayer of David, Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Oh, give me back my joy again; you have broken me—now let me rejoice. Don’t keep looking at my sins. Remove the stain of my guilt. Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Thursday, February 22, 2018
Qualifying
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJV
What you're about to read, you may have seen before. I have, which probably means I've shared at least parts of it with you. However, I think it serves as a great reminder that God does not call the qualified; He qualifies the called, and we're in the qualifying round.
Will you run the race - or not even try because you think you've done something that disqualifies you from the running? Before you answer, think about these previous winning runners...
Noah got drunk after they got off the Ark
Abraham was too old to be a father
Isaac was a daydreamer
Jacob was a liar
Leah was ugly
Joseph was abused
Moses had a stuttering problem
Gideon was afraid
Rahab was a prostitute
Jeremiah and Timothy were considered too young
David had an affair and then had the woman's husband killed
Elijah was suicidal
Isaiah preached naked
Jonah ran from God
The disciples fell asleep while praying for Jesus
Peter denied Christ (3 times!)
Martha worried about everything
Mary Magdalene was promiscuous
The Samaritan woman was divorced - a bunch of times
Zaccheus was too small and was a tax collector. People hated him.
Paul was too religious, and he persecuted Christians and had them killed
Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJV
What you're about to read, you may have seen before. I have, which probably means I've shared at least parts of it with you. However, I think it serves as a great reminder that God does not call the qualified; He qualifies the called, and we're in the qualifying round.
Will you run the race - or not even try because you think you've done something that disqualifies you from the running? Before you answer, think about these previous winning runners...
Noah got drunk after they got off the Ark
Abraham was too old to be a father
Isaac was a daydreamer
Jacob was a liar
Leah was ugly
Joseph was abused
Moses had a stuttering problem
Gideon was afraid
Rahab was a prostitute
Jeremiah and Timothy were considered too young
David had an affair and then had the woman's husband killed
Elijah was suicidal
Isaiah preached naked
Jonah ran from God
The disciples fell asleep while praying for Jesus
Peter denied Christ (3 times!)
Martha worried about everything
Mary Magdalene was promiscuous
The Samaritan woman was divorced - a bunch of times
Zaccheus was too small and was a tax collector. People hated him.
Paul was too religious, and he persecuted Christians and had them killed
Timothy had an ulcer... AND
Lazarus was dead!!
So... NOW will you run after Jesus? All who do will qualify...
Prayer:
Father,
Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Lazarus was dead!!
So... NOW will you run after Jesus? All who do will qualify...
Prayer:
Father,
Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Wednesday, February 21, 2018
Changing of the Guard
His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’
Matthew 25:23 NKJV
I'm sure you've heard or read - Reverend Billy Graham went Home today. I believe those are the words he heard, along with an exuberant "Welcome Home!"
I've read many of the reports from the news agencies. Even though all have had to acknowledge his faithfulness to the call God placed on his life - preaching Jesus and Him crucified for the salvation of our souls - some seem to wish they could find dirt to write. To those I have to ask, "Can you imagine living 99 years on this earth and more than 70 of those years in the public eye and hundreds (if not thousands) of news agencies around the world can only find two things on which to try to cast aspersions?"
Thousands of people have tweeted and messaged and posted and Googled (and whatever else they do) about Mr. Graham, but they have all expressed respect. Although USA Today wrote, "Graham was, however, drawn to power. Eventually, he met, prayed with, comforted and joked with 12 U.S. presidents." But then they also did say, "He found a fine balance that allowed him to become America's pastor, Democrat or Republican. North or South." If they had any understanding of Scripture, they would realize that the only power Billy Graham was "drawn to" was the power of the shed blood of Jesus Christ to change the hearts of men. Billy was simply a living illustration of Proverbs 18:15 NKJV, A man’s gift makes room for him, And brings him before great men. What a legacy God has given him that even non-believers have to acknowledge his faithfulness to the salvation message!
This morning in my quiet time, before I had heard of his going home, my focus had been on faithfulness to purpose, and my prayer was that according to God's Word and by His grace I would live my life in such a way that it would have an eternal Godly effect on my generations after me - to follow the example of faith that went before them - like I followed my mother's faith, and she followed her dad's.
Matthew 25:23 NKJV
I'm sure you've heard or read - Reverend Billy Graham went Home today. I believe those are the words he heard, along with an exuberant "Welcome Home!"
I've read many of the reports from the news agencies. Even though all have had to acknowledge his faithfulness to the call God placed on his life - preaching Jesus and Him crucified for the salvation of our souls - some seem to wish they could find dirt to write. To those I have to ask, "Can you imagine living 99 years on this earth and more than 70 of those years in the public eye and hundreds (if not thousands) of news agencies around the world can only find two things on which to try to cast aspersions?"
Thousands of people have tweeted and messaged and posted and Googled (and whatever else they do) about Mr. Graham, but they have all expressed respect. Although USA Today wrote, "Graham was, however, drawn to power. Eventually, he met, prayed with, comforted and joked with 12 U.S. presidents." But then they also did say, "He found a fine balance that allowed him to become America's pastor, Democrat or Republican. North or South." If they had any understanding of Scripture, they would realize that the only power Billy Graham was "drawn to" was the power of the shed blood of Jesus Christ to change the hearts of men. Billy was simply a living illustration of Proverbs 18:15 NKJV, A man’s gift makes room for him, And brings him before great men. What a legacy God has given him that even non-believers have to acknowledge his faithfulness to the salvation message!
It is a changing of the guard. Like Paul wrote to Timothy, we know that Billy Graham fought the good fight, he finished his race, and he kept the faith. And now there is a crown of righteousness in store for him.
This morning in my quiet time, before I had heard of his going home, my focus had been on faithfulness to purpose, and my prayer was that according to God's Word and by His grace I would live my life in such a way that it would have an eternal Godly effect on my generations after me - to follow the example of faith that went before them - like I followed my mother's faith, and she followed her dad's.
I know that Billy Graham prayed for people around the world. I know that he lived and breathed 2nd Peter 3:9, ...not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. I know that he prayed for countries around this globe! As we move into these end times, who will now stand in the gap and pick up the mantle? Will you?
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for the life of Reverend Billy Graham. Thank You for anointing and equipping him to fulfill Your purpose for his life. Abba, we ask You for a fresh anointing to fulfill Your purpose in our lives. We want to walk with You and live for You in such a way that others will look at our journey and it will lead them to You. We love You, Father. We want to love You more. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Tuesday, February 20, 2018
How'm I Doing? - by Request
Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.
James 3:19 NKJV
You know, I really, REALLY don't like it when my actions become an illustrated sermon of how NOT to act. I have a sign at my desk - I think I told you about it before - It reads, "Lord, keep Your arm around my shoulder...and Your hand over my mouth." Unfortunately, there are days it's just a decoration hanging on the wall; not a prayer, nor an act of submission to God's greater good. I lost track of how many times in the last day and a half I muttered, "Idiot" under my breath...and I am terribly convicted by it.
But there is a Promise for it - it's found in 1st John 1:9, If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Sometimes, God has to use an illustration to get our attention to make us see His Word... well, at least that's how it works in my life. I'm a hands-on, visual learner. Thankfully, He loves us enough to reprimand us when we need it, and then provides grace and mercy, along with His forgiveness.
The other point He drove home for me is that, if the prayer or the Word is just a decoration, just something sitting around and not actively in use, it doesn't do us or those around us any good. We are here to follow in Christ's footsteps, to do as He did (in fact, He said greater things shall we do). So, according to Acts 10:38a-b, ...you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good...
So, what am I doing? How'm I doing?
So, what am I doing? How'm I doing?
Ask me in the morning... His mercies are new every morning.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for loving us enough to correct us. Even though we may not like the correction at the time, thanks so much for caring enough about us to make the correction. By Your grace, and with Your provision, we strive to do better. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Monday, February 19, 2018
Watering Seeds
Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
Psalm 126:5-6 NKJV
I've read this Scripture countless times. I've sung the songs related to it ♪♫ Bringing in the sheaves! ♫ Bringing in the sheaves!♪♫ I've held on to the promise of reaping in joy so many times... But for some reason, I thought the tears were what was being sown. I never made the connection that the tears were watering the seed I was sowing while I was weeping.
Even so, I guarantee you that without a doubt, I have come rejoicing again and again, bringing in the sheaves! It may have been sheaves of paper in the place of wheat, but God has never let me return empty-handed. He has always provided the harvest.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for tears to wash my eyes so that I could see Your goodness and the plan You have for me. Thank You for getting the most use out of everything that touches our lives, including the tears that water the seed. Provide the harvest, Father, we pray in Jesus' Name. Amen
Sunday, February 18, 2018
Serious Business
But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.
Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
2nd Peter 1:5-11 NKJV
Do we truly know what it means to be diligent? Scripture has much to say about it, so it's best if we do our due diligence in finding out. Pun intended.
Google defines diligent as 'having or showing care and conscientiousness in one's work or duties'.
Merriam-Webster currently defines diligent as 'characterized by steady, earnest, and energetic effort: painstaking'.
Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
2nd Peter 1:5-11 NKJV
Do we truly know what it means to be diligent? Scripture has much to say about it, so it's best if we do our due diligence in finding out. Pun intended.
Google defines diligent as 'having or showing care and conscientiousness in one's work or duties'.
Merriam-Webster currently defines diligent as 'characterized by steady, earnest, and energetic effort: painstaking'.
We all know that definitions tend to change somewhat over the years. The actual oldest dictionary I could put my hands on tonight was Webster's dictionary published by G.&C. Merriam & Co. in 1884. It defined diligent as 'interestedly and perseveringly attentive; steady in application to business; prosecuted with care and constant effort'.
In 1927, Merriam-Webster defined diligent as 'constant in effort to accomplish something, pursued with persevering attention, painstaking'.
I have a republished, facsimile edition of Noah Webster's First Edition of an American Dictionary of the English Language, In this 1828 edition, I find it interesting to note that Mr. Webster often used Scripture references to illustrate the use of a word. For instance, for diligence, he used Proverbs 4:23 and 2nd Peter 1:10. The application of diligent to people was 'not idle or negligent', and the Scripture reference was Proverbs 22:29 KJV reads, Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings... No matter the translation, it's either diligent or skillful or some form of excellence in execution; and painstaking - defined as 'done with or employing great care and thoroughness'.
In the Strong's Exhaustive Concordance, the Greek for both diligent and diligence have to do with the speed of which it is done, 'by implication eagerness, earnestness'.
In 1927, Merriam-Webster defined diligent as 'constant in effort to accomplish something, pursued with persevering attention, painstaking'.
In 1949, Merriam-Webster again defined diligent as 'perseveringly attentive; prosecuted with careful attention; painstaking'.
I have a republished, facsimile edition of Noah Webster's First Edition of an American Dictionary of the English Language, In this 1828 edition, I find it interesting to note that Mr. Webster often used Scripture references to illustrate the use of a word. For instance, for diligence, he used Proverbs 4:23 and 2nd Peter 1:10. The application of diligent to people was 'not idle or negligent', and the Scripture reference was Proverbs 22:29 KJV reads, Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings... No matter the translation, it's either diligent or skillful or some form of excellence in execution; and painstaking - defined as 'done with or employing great care and thoroughness'.
In the Strong's Exhaustive Concordance, the Greek for both diligent and diligence have to do with the speed of which it is done, 'by implication eagerness, earnestness'.
I think it's safe to say to be diligent is to eagerly and with great interest employ great care and thoroughness with excellence to the task at hand.
So in our Promise for Today, we are to [be even more eager to and with great interest employ great care and thoroughness with excellence to] add to our faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.
Serious business being diligent.
Serious business being diligent.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for Your written Word. Thank You for providing the instruction we need to walk out Your purpose for our lives. According to Your Word, help us to be even more diligent in our quest of You. Whatever our hands find to do, grant us Your grace to do it with all our might as unto You and not to men. We want to remain steadfast under trial so that we will receive the crown of life that You have promised to those who love You. Father, let us not grow weary of doing good, knowing that in due season we will reap if we don't give up. We want to be diligent to be found by You without spot or blemish, and at peace. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Saturday, February 17, 2018
Self
To have
such lawsuits at all is a real defeat for you as Christians. Why not just
accept mistreatment and leave it at that? It would be far more honoring to the
Lord to let yourselves be cheated.
1st
Corinthians 6:7 Living Bible
The
Message reads this way, And here you are taking each other to court before
people who don’t even believe in God! How can they render justice if they don’t
believe in the God of justice?
It’s not
always about our so-called rights. Yours, mine or otherwise. It’s supposed to be more
about preferring one another in love. Laying down our lives for each other. Easy to say, but completely different when trying to walk it out in faith.
Father,
Help me to be able to lay down my
“self” and selfish, so-called rights. Help me to see others as those who are
trying their best, but who still make mistakes. Keep me focused on the truth
that if there was never going to be a need for forgiveness, we wouldn’t have
received it or the commandment to forgive. Help me to remember that I am
usually first in line to need it. I want to love others as You love us. In
Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen
Friday, February 16, 2018
Getting In Position
There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always. About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God coming in and saying to him, “Cornelius!”
And when he observed him, he was afraid, and said, “What is it, lord?”
So he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God. Now send men to Joppa, and send for Simon whose surname is Peter. He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea. He will tell you what you must do.” And when the angel who spoke to him had departed, Cornelius called two of his household servants and a devout soldier from among those who waited on him continually. So when he had explained all these things to them, he sent them to Joppa.
And when he observed him, he was afraid, and said, “What is it, lord?”
So he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God. Now send men to Joppa, and send for Simon whose surname is Peter. He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea. He will tell you what you must do.” And when the angel who spoke to him had departed, Cornelius called two of his household servants and a devout soldier from among those who waited on him continually. So when he had explained all these things to them, he sent them to Joppa.
Acts 10:1-8 NKJV
Cornelius was Italian, not Jewish. The Good News of the gospel had not yet been shared with any Gentile (non-Jew). Yet, there he was - a God-fearing man who prayed and fasted and gave alms to those in need. And the angel of the Lord came to speak to him and set him up to meet with Peter. The first of the non-Jews to receive the Gospel of Jesus Christ, essentially opening it up to the whole world.
One person's individual choices and follow-through actions put him in position to be a blessing to those in his region. What if he had been God-fearing, but didn't pray? Or didn't give alms? Or didn't fast. He'd have been like a two- or three-legged table - not stable - and definitely not able to be in position with room enough to receive when the time came.
Prayer:
Father,
Move on our hearts and minds and souls and spirits to fully embrace You and Your Word. We want to be positioned properly to receive everything You want to give us so that we may be able to help others who need to hear Your Gospel. Help us to know and recognize what is needful to be in position to receive from You in order to light the way for others. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Thursday, February 15, 2018
The Good Old Days
Don’t always be asking, “Where are the good old days?” Wise folks don’t ask questions like that.
Ecclesiastes 7:10 The Message
Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it?
Isaiah 43:18-19a NKJV
Invariably, when a group of friends get together, someone will begin to reminisce.
"I remember when..."
"Do you recall the time...?"
"In the good ol' days, we..."
When those friends are Christians, redeemed by the Blood of the Lamb, it's more a remembrance - a testimony - of what and where God has brought them from rather than a tale to glorify the old escapades.
Let's think about that for a moment. It IS good to remember what God brought us out of; it's not good to think that those things we needed to be saved from were the good old days. Don't be deceived. If they were that good, would we have needed to be redeemed? Would we have sought God in our desperate effort to be saved? Let's learn the lesson from the Israelites who longed for Egypt as the good old days... Really? (Exodus 16)
What's good about the past is what God used in it to help form and grow us for the purpose and plan He has for us now. The Word tells us we are to press (move forward) toward the prize. I concur with Philippians 3:13-14 in The Message, Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.
Our good days are ahead. The latter will be greater...
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for saving us from our sin and ourselves. Keep us focused on the goal where You are beckoning us onward to Jesus. If we look back, let it only be in praise and wonder and to glorify Your Name for where You've brought us from. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Ecclesiastes 7:10 The Message
Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it?
Isaiah 43:18-19a NKJV
"I remember when..."
"Do you recall the time...?"
"In the good ol' days, we..."
When those friends are Christians, redeemed by the Blood of the Lamb, it's more a remembrance - a testimony - of what and where God has brought them from rather than a tale to glorify the old escapades.
Let's think about that for a moment. It IS good to remember what God brought us out of; it's not good to think that those things we needed to be saved from were the good old days. Don't be deceived. If they were that good, would we have needed to be redeemed? Would we have sought God in our desperate effort to be saved? Let's learn the lesson from the Israelites who longed for Egypt as the good old days... Really? (Exodus 16)
What's good about the past is what God used in it to help form and grow us for the purpose and plan He has for us now. The Word tells us we are to press (move forward) toward the prize. I concur with Philippians 3:13-14 in The Message, Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.
Our good days are ahead. The latter will be greater...
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for saving us from our sin and ourselves. Keep us focused on the goal where You are beckoning us onward to Jesus. If we look back, let it only be in praise and wonder and to glorify Your Name for where You've brought us from. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Wednesday, February 14, 2018
Out of Tune
And I will give them singleness of heart and put a new spirit within them. I will take away their stony, stubborn heart and give them a tender, responsive heart, so they will obey my decrees and regulations. Then they will truly be my people, and I will be their God.
Ezekiel 11:19-20 NLT
I have an old upright piano that was in need of tuning, so I called someone who advertised well and had a median price and had him come to the house. A family member met with him because I was at work. Throughout the day, I thought about the joy of having a piano that was in tune. I could hardly wait to get home!
Finally, I arrived. I sat down to play "How Great Thou Art" - it's one of my favorites and... I was so disappointed! I thought perhaps he must have had a cold and his ears were stuffed up. Honestly, I don't know what he used to tune the instrument, but it certainly wasn't anything with true pitch. The sound is awful.
And no, I haven't called him... yet. It's Valentine's Day and he might have been taking his wife to dinner, or he might have had church tonight. And I'm not sure I would have been gracious. So, I thought I would give myself some time to see what the Lord would teach me in this. And here's what I got from it so far.
As Christians, we want to be in tune with the Father. We want to hear the beauty of His Words, His melodies, His peace in our hearts and minds. We have an expectation of how He will sound. However, we don't always utilize the right tools. Sometimes, we hear about the latest, greatest book with a message and decide we need to read it. And sometimes, we've only allotted so much time during our day to read, so we read that book in place of our Bible, instead of reading it along with our Bible. And before you know it, we're out of tune. We're out of tune with the Spirit. We're out of tune with each other. And that truly is awful!
Nothing can take the place of God's Word. That's not to say that other books are not good; they can be and often are! But NOTHING should take the place of God's Word in our lives. Being out of tune with Him is the worst...
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for working all things for our good. Reveal Your wisdom to us and grant us revelation and understanding according to Your Word. And heal the ears of the man who tried to tune my piano today. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Ezekiel 11:19-20 NLT
I have an old upright piano that was in need of tuning, so I called someone who advertised well and had a median price and had him come to the house. A family member met with him because I was at work. Throughout the day, I thought about the joy of having a piano that was in tune. I could hardly wait to get home!
Finally, I arrived. I sat down to play "How Great Thou Art" - it's one of my favorites and... I was so disappointed! I thought perhaps he must have had a cold and his ears were stuffed up. Honestly, I don't know what he used to tune the instrument, but it certainly wasn't anything with true pitch. The sound is awful.
And no, I haven't called him... yet. It's Valentine's Day and he might have been taking his wife to dinner, or he might have had church tonight. And I'm not sure I would have been gracious. So, I thought I would give myself some time to see what the Lord would teach me in this. And here's what I got from it so far.
As Christians, we want to be in tune with the Father. We want to hear the beauty of His Words, His melodies, His peace in our hearts and minds. We have an expectation of how He will sound. However, we don't always utilize the right tools. Sometimes, we hear about the latest, greatest book with a message and decide we need to read it. And sometimes, we've only allotted so much time during our day to read, so we read that book in place of our Bible, instead of reading it along with our Bible. And before you know it, we're out of tune. We're out of tune with the Spirit. We're out of tune with each other. And that truly is awful!
Nothing can take the place of God's Word. That's not to say that other books are not good; they can be and often are! But NOTHING should take the place of God's Word in our lives. Being out of tune with Him is the worst...
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for working all things for our good. Reveal Your wisdom to us and grant us revelation and understanding according to Your Word. And heal the ears of the man who tried to tune my piano today. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Tuesday, February 13, 2018
*This is My Story - Used to Be
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
2nd Corinthians 5:17 NKJV
You've heard it before. My testimony. However, the apostle Paul told his story everywhere he went. I'm telling part of mine again.
People frequently ask me where I get the ideas for the Promise. I think God brings every day of our lives into His keeping. Therefore, everyday situations are not something that happen apart from our Christianity, but rather an opportunity to grow and mature - and to recognize the presence of God in every moment. Now with all that seemingly serious profundity, I'll tell you that today's Promise came from thinking about cleaning the coils on my refrigerator.
I'll spare you the gory details... Used to be, when I worked construction, I actually started as a painter. As an apprentice, you don't get to roll right away, you have to cut in and do baseboards and trim. Crawl around for most of the day, up and down the ladder. Great cardio, but boring. I was thinking about all that, and about how we used to knock out 2 to 3 apartments a day (determined by how many bedrooms)...all that crawling and all that up and down. Used to be, I could do that without even giving it a thought. However, cleaning coils on the refrigerator took an engineering epiphany just to get TO the floor; never mind, getting back up.
Used to be, I played competition volleyball. Used to be, I could carry 2 five-gallon buckets of paint up 3 flights of stairs and not even be winded. Used to be, I could lift 100-pound sacks of flour without batting an eye. Now there are days I'd better grab the 5-pound bag just right, or I will drop it.
As I was writing my own Book of Lamentations in my mind, while trying to get UP off the floor after cleaning the coils on my refrigerator, the Lord reminded me about how it used to be. Used to be when I worked construction, I was drunk by 6 o'clock on Friday night and stayed drunk until Sunday night and spent 3 days recovering, so I could start the whole process again the next weekend. Now, I get high on worshipping the Lord.
Used to be when I was lifting 100-pound sacks of flour, I was quietly going out of my mind because of the pain in my soul and the torment in my mind. Now, I battle the powers of hell and live in peace because my mind is stayed on Him.
Used to be...oh, really! Why go there?
Used to be doesn't live here anymore... and I thank God for that every day. Praise His Holy Name!
Prayer:
Father,
You overwhelm me with Your love and Your care. I have never done anything worthy to be called Your child and yet, You chose me to be Yours. O for a thousand tongues to sing praises to You! Help me to always see You in every moment of my life. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
2nd Corinthians 5:17 NKJV
You've heard it before. My testimony. However, the apostle Paul told his story everywhere he went. I'm telling part of mine again.
People frequently ask me where I get the ideas for the Promise. I think God brings every day of our lives into His keeping. Therefore, everyday situations are not something that happen apart from our Christianity, but rather an opportunity to grow and mature - and to recognize the presence of God in every moment. Now with all that seemingly serious profundity, I'll tell you that today's Promise came from thinking about cleaning the coils on my refrigerator.
I'll spare you the gory details... Used to be, when I worked construction, I actually started as a painter. As an apprentice, you don't get to roll right away, you have to cut in and do baseboards and trim. Crawl around for most of the day, up and down the ladder. Great cardio, but boring. I was thinking about all that, and about how we used to knock out 2 to 3 apartments a day (determined by how many bedrooms)...all that crawling and all that up and down. Used to be, I could do that without even giving it a thought. However, cleaning coils on the refrigerator took an engineering epiphany just to get TO the floor; never mind, getting back up.
Used to be, I played competition volleyball. Used to be, I could carry 2 five-gallon buckets of paint up 3 flights of stairs and not even be winded. Used to be, I could lift 100-pound sacks of flour without batting an eye. Now there are days I'd better grab the 5-pound bag just right, or I will drop it.
As I was writing my own Book of Lamentations in my mind, while trying to get UP off the floor after cleaning the coils on my refrigerator, the Lord reminded me about how it used to be. Used to be when I worked construction, I was drunk by 6 o'clock on Friday night and stayed drunk until Sunday night and spent 3 days recovering, so I could start the whole process again the next weekend. Now, I get high on worshipping the Lord.
Used to be when I was lifting 100-pound sacks of flour, I was quietly going out of my mind because of the pain in my soul and the torment in my mind. Now, I battle the powers of hell and live in peace because my mind is stayed on Him.
Used to be...oh, really! Why go there?
Used to be doesn't live here anymore... and I thank God for that every day. Praise His Holy Name!
Prayer:
Father,
You overwhelm me with Your love and Your care. I have never done anything worthy to be called Your child and yet, You chose me to be Yours. O for a thousand tongues to sing praises to You! Help me to always see You in every moment of my life. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Monday, February 12, 2018
Want to Hear?
To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.
Matthew 13:12 NLT
I want to hear the Lord. I want to know what He is saying, and more specifically, what He is saying to me. I think every Christian who is trying to do the will of God also wants to hear what God has to say. Amen?
Have you ever tried to have a conversation with someone, but you're in a busy place, there are people milling around having conversations or laughing, the TV or radio might be on, even your own thoughts may distract you to the point of having to ask the person to repeat what they just said. How much of that conversation do you actually hear - or do you just nod and smile, pretending you heard? We've all experienced that, at one point or another.
Aren't conversations much better when you are able to look the person in the eye and your surroundings are quiet and prepared? How much more so when the King of all kings would like your attention? Have we prepared our hearts and minds? In Hosea 10:12 NKJV, the Lord tells us to, Sow for yourselves righteousness; Reap in mercy; Break up your fallow ground, For it is time to seek the Lord, Till He comes and rains righteousness on you.
Hosea 10:12 NKJV
The dictionary defines 'fallow' as:
1. (of land) plowed and left unseeded for a season or more
2. not in use, inactive
Does fallow describe your heart? It has described mine in the past. Let us break up our fallow ground so that we can get the seed sown and it will produce the harvest needed to feed the lost. It is very important and NEEDFUL to listen intentionally, with purpose. Why? Oh, you may remember - faith comes by hearing...
Prayer:
Father,
Help us to prepare our hearts to receive Your Word. Give us ears to hear, eyes to see , and faith that truly hears and obeys Your voice. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Matthew 13:12 NLT
I want to hear the Lord. I want to know what He is saying, and more specifically, what He is saying to me. I think every Christian who is trying to do the will of God also wants to hear what God has to say. Amen?
Have you ever tried to have a conversation with someone, but you're in a busy place, there are people milling around having conversations or laughing, the TV or radio might be on, even your own thoughts may distract you to the point of having to ask the person to repeat what they just said. How much of that conversation do you actually hear - or do you just nod and smile, pretending you heard? We've all experienced that, at one point or another.
Aren't conversations much better when you are able to look the person in the eye and your surroundings are quiet and prepared? How much more so when the King of all kings would like your attention? Have we prepared our hearts and minds? In Hosea 10:12 NKJV, the Lord tells us to, Sow for yourselves righteousness; Reap in mercy; Break up your fallow ground, For it is time to seek the Lord, Till He comes and rains righteousness on you.
Hosea 10:12 NKJV
The dictionary defines 'fallow' as:
1. (of land) plowed and left unseeded for a season or more
2. not in use, inactive
Does fallow describe your heart? It has described mine in the past. Let us break up our fallow ground so that we can get the seed sown and it will produce the harvest needed to feed the lost. It is very important and NEEDFUL to listen intentionally, with purpose. Why? Oh, you may remember - faith comes by hearing...
Prayer:
Father,
Help us to prepare our hearts to receive Your Word. Give us ears to hear, eyes to see , and faith that truly hears and obeys Your voice. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Sunday, February 11, 2018
Psalm 34 - NLT
I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. I will boast only in the Lord;
let all who are helpless take heart. Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together.
let all who are helpless take heart. Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together.
Psalm 37:1-3
4 I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me.
He freed me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy;
no shadow of shame will darken their faces.
6 In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened;
he saved me from all my troubles.
7 For the angel of the Lord is a guard;
he surrounds and defends all who fear him.
8 Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!
9 Fear the Lord, you his godly people,
for those who fear him will have all they need.
10 Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry,
but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing.
11 Come, my children, and listen to me,
and I will teach you to fear the Lord.
12 Does anyone want to live a life
that is long and prosperous?
13 Then keep your tongue from speaking evil
and your lips from telling lies!
14 Turn away from evil and do good.
Search for peace, and work to maintain it.
15 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right;
his ears are open to their cries for help.
16 But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil;
he will erase their memory from the earth.
17 The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help.
He rescues them from all their troubles.
18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted;
he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
19 The righteous person faces many troubles,
but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.
20 For the Lord protects the bones of the righteous;
not one of them is broken!
21 Calamity will surely destroy the wicked,
and those who hate the righteous will be punished.
22 But the Lord will redeem those who serve him.
No one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.
4 I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me.
He freed me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy;
no shadow of shame will darken their faces.
6 In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened;
he saved me from all my troubles.
7 For the angel of the Lord is a guard;
he surrounds and defends all who fear him.
8 Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!
9 Fear the Lord, you his godly people,
for those who fear him will have all they need.
10 Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry,
but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing.
11 Come, my children, and listen to me,
and I will teach you to fear the Lord.
12 Does anyone want to live a life
that is long and prosperous?
13 Then keep your tongue from speaking evil
and your lips from telling lies!
14 Turn away from evil and do good.
Search for peace, and work to maintain it.
15 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right;
his ears are open to their cries for help.
16 But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil;
he will erase their memory from the earth.
17 The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help.
He rescues them from all their troubles.
18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted;
he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
19 The righteous person faces many troubles,
but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.
20 For the Lord protects the bones of the righteous;
not one of them is broken!
21 Calamity will surely destroy the wicked,
and those who hate the righteous will be punished.
22 But the Lord will redeem those who serve him.
No one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for Your Word - alive and powerful and always ready with an answer to whatever comes our way. Let it go deep into our hearts and produce righteous fruit. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Friday, February 9, 2018
Meeting the Need
The people of Beth-shemesh were harvesting wheat in the valley, and when they saw the Ark, they were overjoyed! The cart came into the field of a man named Joshua and stopped beside a large rock. So the people broke up the wood of the cart for a fire and killed the cows and sacrificed them to the Lord as a burnt offering.1st Samuel 6:13-14 NLT
I find stories of people going the extra mile for someone else to be captivating. Stories that involve elements such as knowing someone likes a certain something, but it’s not readily accessible or convenient, but expending the time and effort to make it happen – even when it’s not a birthday or special occasion. What a reflection of Christ-like character – whether intentional or not. And there are those who anticipate the needs of others and provide for those needs before they actually happen, so that when they do arise, the provision is already there. I love those kinds of things. I think they so typically portray God’s nature. God who has the plan and makes provision to ensure its success. Always meeting the need.
I find stories of people going the extra mile for someone else to be captivating. Stories that involve elements such as knowing someone likes a certain something, but it’s not readily accessible or convenient, but expending the time and effort to make it happen – even when it’s not a birthday or special occasion. What a reflection of Christ-like character – whether intentional or not. And there are those who anticipate the needs of others and provide for those needs before they actually happen, so that when they do arise, the provision is already there. I love those kinds of things. I think they so typically portray God’s nature. God who has the plan and makes provision to ensure its success. Always meeting the need.
In this story, Israel had lost the Ark of the Covenant, and it was not good. God made it so that the Philistines HAD to return the Ark of the Covenant, but here He went the extra mile. I didn’t see it coming. As part of the Philistines returning the Ark, they built a cart and sent it with untried livestock; in doing so, included the wood and animals for the burnt offering. The cows stopped by a large stone, which was also convenient and necessary for the preparation. God had the plan and made provision to ensure its success. God more than met the need that day.
In Genesis 22, it did not look good at the time prior to the provision, but Abraham believed God no matter what and was obedient. God provided the ram in the thicket for the sacrifice necessary before proclaiming the Abrahamic blessing. According to Scripture, obedience is better than sacrifice. God had the plan and made provision to ensure its success.
In Matthew 26 and Mark 14, in the Garden of Gethsemane, it didn’t look good. In front of Caiaphas and the High Council, on into Pilate’s and Herod’s courts and finally at Golgotha, it didn’t look good. But God was in the process of providing just what we needed.
Christ was obedient unto death and becameThe Perfect, once and for all Sacrifice who - according to Hebrews 9:12 - With his own blood—not the blood of goats and calves—he entered the Most Holy Place once for all time and secured our redemption forever.
Verses 13-15 continue, Under the old system, the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a young cow could cleanse people’s bodies from ceremonial impurity. Just think how much more the blood of Christ will purify our consciences from sinful deeds so that we can worship the living God. For by the power of the eternal Spirit, Christ offered himself to God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins. That is why he is the one who mediates a new covenant between God and people, so that all who are called can receive the eternal inheritance God has promised them. God's idea. God's plan. God's Son. That's what I call meeting the need.
Prayer:
Father,
The more I get to know You, the more I am humbled by Your immeasurable love for us. You see us through the perfecting Blood of Christ. There is no other option but to offer ourselves in return. Let us not insult You or denigrate the provision You have made for us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Thursday, February 8, 2018
Conflicted
So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other...
Galatians 5:16-17b NIV
When we haven't made up our minds about certain issues, we are often in conflict within ourselves. When we don't make a conscious choice, we have - in effect - chosen to walk without direction. Indecision sets us up as targets for the enemy of our souls.
Consider this. Depending on how well a human being is hydrated, one can live anywhere from 3-12 days without water, and 3-6 weeks without food...although obviously neither scenario is suggested. And yet, wars have been won or lost based on food supplies that were or were not readily available.
Battle-weary soldiers who have not eaten in days and who have no water supply will voluntarily surrender to the enemy for the promise of food and water. Why? Because we don't want to die. And as desperate as some may be, not all things wet or chewable are good for consumption. Many will cause death if we ingest them.
For instance, if we're dehydrated, we need something wet, liquid of some kind, but obviously we're not going to drink gasoline or coal oil or bleach. Yes, they are all liquids, but they are deadly contaminants. It would definitely put your body in severe conflict and it would be self-inflicted. Anyone in their right mind would not drink these liquids. We want to live and hear me now - what we feed and water will live.
The same is true in our walk with the Lord. We are in a battle. The war between our flesh and spirit wages every day. And quite simply, what we feed and water will live. If we feed our sinful nature the things it craves, our sinful nature will thrive and survive... but we CAN starve it to death. Jesus is the Bread of Life. He is the Word - the Living Water. Our text for today tells us the Spirit and the sinful nature are in conflict with each other...the question is, how much of it is self-inflicted?
Victorious overcomer (Spirit) or self-inflicted conflict (sinful nature)? WE choose which one will thrive and survive.
Prayer:
Father,
You are the Master Nutritionist. Sustain us on Your Word, O Bread of Life and Living Water. Help us to hide it in our hearts so we will flourish in Your will for us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Galatians 5:16-17b NIV
When we haven't made up our minds about certain issues, we are often in conflict within ourselves. When we don't make a conscious choice, we have - in effect - chosen to walk without direction. Indecision sets us up as targets for the enemy of our souls.
Consider this. Depending on how well a human being is hydrated, one can live anywhere from 3-12 days without water, and 3-6 weeks without food...although obviously neither scenario is suggested. And yet, wars have been won or lost based on food supplies that were or were not readily available.
Battle-weary soldiers who have not eaten in days and who have no water supply will voluntarily surrender to the enemy for the promise of food and water. Why? Because we don't want to die. And as desperate as some may be, not all things wet or chewable are good for consumption. Many will cause death if we ingest them.
For instance, if we're dehydrated, we need something wet, liquid of some kind, but obviously we're not going to drink gasoline or coal oil or bleach. Yes, they are all liquids, but they are deadly contaminants. It would definitely put your body in severe conflict and it would be self-inflicted. Anyone in their right mind would not drink these liquids. We want to live and hear me now - what we feed and water will live.
The same is true in our walk with the Lord. We are in a battle. The war between our flesh and spirit wages every day. And quite simply, what we feed and water will live. If we feed our sinful nature the things it craves, our sinful nature will thrive and survive... but we CAN starve it to death. Jesus is the Bread of Life. He is the Word - the Living Water. Our text for today tells us the Spirit and the sinful nature are in conflict with each other...the question is, how much of it is self-inflicted?
Victorious overcomer (Spirit) or self-inflicted conflict (sinful nature)? WE choose which one will thrive and survive.
Prayer:
Father,
You are the Master Nutritionist. Sustain us on Your Word, O Bread of Life and Living Water. Help us to hide it in our hearts so we will flourish in Your will for us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Wednesday, February 7, 2018
Who's Doing What
It’s not the one who plants or the one who waters who is at the center of this process but God, who makes things grow. Planting and watering are menial servant jobs at minimum wages. What makes them worth doing is the God we are serving.
1st Corinthians 3:8-9a The Message
When you are first introduced to someone, usually the first question asked after learning their name is, "What do you do?" It's strange how we tend to think that's the most important thing - as if human doings were much more important than human beings, pun intended.
The Corinthians were doing that. Oh, Paul was this, so I follow Paul, while their neighbor contended that Apollos was "more that" so they followed Apollos. Paul took it down to its simplest form in a matter of seconds. It really doesn't matter who's doing what in the Kingdom of God. As long as we're doing it as unto the Lord, God will give the increase on it. He will make it grow. So, who's doing what?
Prayer:
Father,
Help us to know and understand that everything we do is subject to You. Only that done for You and for Your Kingdom will stand the test of fire. We want to build on Your sure foundation, Father, and only those things that will last. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
1st Corinthians 3:8-9a The Message
When you are first introduced to someone, usually the first question asked after learning their name is, "What do you do?" It's strange how we tend to think that's the most important thing - as if human doings were much more important than human beings, pun intended.
The Corinthians were doing that. Oh, Paul was this, so I follow Paul, while their neighbor contended that Apollos was "more that" so they followed Apollos. Paul took it down to its simplest form in a matter of seconds. It really doesn't matter who's doing what in the Kingdom of God. As long as we're doing it as unto the Lord, God will give the increase on it. He will make it grow. So, who's doing what?
Prayer:
Father,
Help us to know and understand that everything we do is subject to You. Only that done for You and for Your Kingdom will stand the test of fire. We want to build on Your sure foundation, Father, and only those things that will last. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Tuesday, February 6, 2018
Present Your Case (reprint by request)
“Present the case for your idols,” says the Lord. “Let them show what they can do,” says the King of Israel. “Let them try to tell us what happened long ago so that we may consider the evidence. Or let them tell us what the future holds, so we can know what’s going to happen. Yes, tell us what will occur in the days ahead. Then we will know you are gods. In fact, do anything—good or bad! Do something that will amaze and frighten us. But no! You are less than nothing and can do nothing at all. Those who choose you pollute themselves.
Isaiah 41: 21-24 NLT
I look at statues of foreign gods and I wonder, "How can anyone worship that - or think that's worthy of honor or praise?" (I might step on some toes here...but remember, Jesus is still our Healer and our Redeemer and He calls us to forgive one another...) And as I pondered how anyone could be so blinded or dense as to think something made of stone or wood - something with no life in it could be a god, the Lord served me up a big helping of humble pie...
For you see, I have worshiped at the throne of the Dairy Queen. I have built my own tower of CDs and DVDs. I have been a willing slave to untold hours at several jobs for the praise of humans. Are these things I could bring as acceptable offerings into God's Temple? I have a wild imagination and a fair amount of reasoning ability, but even I can't reconcile "Whiskey River take my mind..." as speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; (Ephesians 5:19).
Here is what God has to say about Himself.
"I'm first, I'm last, and everything in between. I'm the only God there is. Who compares with me? Speak up. See if you measure up. From the beginning, who else has always announced what's coming? So what is coming next? Anybody want to venture a try? Don't be afraid, and don't worry: Haven't I always kept you informed, told you what was going on? You're my eyewitnesses: Have you ever come across a God, a real God, other than me? There's no Rock like me that I know of."
Isaiah 44: 6b-8 The Message
He goes on to explain about idols...
All those who make no-god idols don't amount to a thing, and what they work so hard at making is nothing. Their little puppet-gods see nothing and know nothing—they're total embarrassments! Who would bother making gods that can't do anything, that can't "god"? Watch all the no-god worshipers hide their faces in shame. Watch the no-god makers slink off humiliated when their idols fail them. Get them out here in the open. Make them face God-reality. The blacksmith makes his no-god, works it over in his forge, hammering it on his anvil—such hard work! He works away, fatigued with hunger and thirst.
The woodworker draws up plans for his no-god, traces it on a block of wood. He shapes it with chisels and planes into human shape—a beautiful woman, a handsome man, ready to be placed in a chapel. He first cuts down a cedar, or maybe picks out a pine or oak, and lets it grow strong in the forest, nourished by the rain. Then it can serve a double purpose: Part he uses as firewood for keeping warm and baking bread; from the other part he makes a god that he worships—carves it into a god shape and prays before it. With half he makes a fire to warm himself and barbecue his supper. He eats his fill and sits back satisfied with his stomach full and his feet warmed by the fire: "Ah, this is the life." And he still has half left for a god, made to his personal design—a handy, convenient no-god to worship whenever so inclined. Whenever the need strikes him he prays to it, "Save me. You're my god."
Pretty stupid, wouldn't you say? Don't they have eyes in their heads? Are their brains working at all? Doesn't it occur to them to say, "Half of this tree I used for firewood: I baked bread, roasted meat, and enjoyed a good meal. And now I've used the rest to make an abominable no-god. Here I am praying to a stick of wood!" This lover of emptiness, of nothing, is so out of touch with reality, so far gone, that he can't even look at what he's doing, can't even look at the no-god stick of wood in his hand and say, "This is crazy..."
Isaiah 44:9-20 The Message
Here is what God, our Redeemer, declares to those who acknowledge and repent (verse 22): "I've wiped the slate of all your wrongdoings. There's nothing left of your sins. Come back to me, come back. I've redeemed you."
I never met a no-god or idol that could do any of that. And with the mistakes I make, I need a God who can...and will. And because of His love and mercy and His plan of salvation - bought and paid for by the precious Blood of Jesus - my case has been presented on the Cross.
Prayer;
Father,
Let us never lose sight of that which is holy and righteous and good. Let us never forget that our lives have been bought with the price You paid for them. May our hearts and our allegiance be only to You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Isaiah 41: 21-24 NLT
I look at statues of foreign gods and I wonder, "How can anyone worship that - or think that's worthy of honor or praise?" (I might step on some toes here...but remember, Jesus is still our Healer and our Redeemer and He calls us to forgive one another...) And as I pondered how anyone could be so blinded or dense as to think something made of stone or wood - something with no life in it could be a god, the Lord served me up a big helping of humble pie...
For you see, I have worshiped at the throne of the Dairy Queen. I have built my own tower of CDs and DVDs. I have been a willing slave to untold hours at several jobs for the praise of humans. Are these things I could bring as acceptable offerings into God's Temple? I have a wild imagination and a fair amount of reasoning ability, but even I can't reconcile "Whiskey River take my mind..." as speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; (Ephesians 5:19).
Here is what God has to say about Himself.
"I'm first, I'm last, and everything in between. I'm the only God there is. Who compares with me? Speak up. See if you measure up. From the beginning, who else has always announced what's coming? So what is coming next? Anybody want to venture a try? Don't be afraid, and don't worry: Haven't I always kept you informed, told you what was going on? You're my eyewitnesses: Have you ever come across a God, a real God, other than me? There's no Rock like me that I know of."
Isaiah 44: 6b-8 The Message
He goes on to explain about idols...
All those who make no-god idols don't amount to a thing, and what they work so hard at making is nothing. Their little puppet-gods see nothing and know nothing—they're total embarrassments! Who would bother making gods that can't do anything, that can't "god"? Watch all the no-god worshipers hide their faces in shame. Watch the no-god makers slink off humiliated when their idols fail them. Get them out here in the open. Make them face God-reality. The blacksmith makes his no-god, works it over in his forge, hammering it on his anvil—such hard work! He works away, fatigued with hunger and thirst.
The woodworker draws up plans for his no-god, traces it on a block of wood. He shapes it with chisels and planes into human shape—a beautiful woman, a handsome man, ready to be placed in a chapel. He first cuts down a cedar, or maybe picks out a pine or oak, and lets it grow strong in the forest, nourished by the rain. Then it can serve a double purpose: Part he uses as firewood for keeping warm and baking bread; from the other part he makes a god that he worships—carves it into a god shape and prays before it. With half he makes a fire to warm himself and barbecue his supper. He eats his fill and sits back satisfied with his stomach full and his feet warmed by the fire: "Ah, this is the life." And he still has half left for a god, made to his personal design—a handy, convenient no-god to worship whenever so inclined. Whenever the need strikes him he prays to it, "Save me. You're my god."
Pretty stupid, wouldn't you say? Don't they have eyes in their heads? Are their brains working at all? Doesn't it occur to them to say, "Half of this tree I used for firewood: I baked bread, roasted meat, and enjoyed a good meal. And now I've used the rest to make an abominable no-god. Here I am praying to a stick of wood!" This lover of emptiness, of nothing, is so out of touch with reality, so far gone, that he can't even look at what he's doing, can't even look at the no-god stick of wood in his hand and say, "This is crazy..."
Isaiah 44:9-20 The Message
Here is what God, our Redeemer, declares to those who acknowledge and repent (verse 22): "I've wiped the slate of all your wrongdoings. There's nothing left of your sins. Come back to me, come back. I've redeemed you."
I never met a no-god or idol that could do any of that. And with the mistakes I make, I need a God who can...and will. And because of His love and mercy and His plan of salvation - bought and paid for by the precious Blood of Jesus - my case has been presented on the Cross.
Prayer;
Father,
Let us never lose sight of that which is holy and righteous and good. Let us never forget that our lives have been bought with the price You paid for them. May our hearts and our allegiance be only to You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Monday, February 5, 2018
Which Part?
I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
Ephesians 3:16-19 NLT
The love of Christ - too great to understand. 1st Corinthians 13 tells us that now we only know in part, not fully. Which part? Which part do you know? I know - in part - His grace that forgives me and cleanses me from all unrighteousness. I know - in part - His mercy - that in spite of me, He pours out His blessing and provision.
Perhaps that's the beginning of understanding it - the Truth that God's love for us has NOTHING to do with who WE are or what we do, but is absolutely ONLY contingent on who God is and what only HE could have - and has - done for us! After all, if the Father's love was predicated on my actions, based on my moods or how I feel, it surely would not last. But His love NEVER lets go. Do we know that part?
Prayer:
Father,
We believe and we declare Your Word that we will be anxious for nothing! But in everything, by prayer and supplication with Thanksgiving, we will make our requests known to You. Then Your peace which surpasses all understanding will guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Then perhaps we can begin to grasp how wide, how long, how high, and how deep Your love is. We want to be found complete IN YOU - not in part, but the whole. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Ephesians 3:16-19 NLT
The love of Christ - too great to understand. 1st Corinthians 13 tells us that now we only know in part, not fully. Which part? Which part do you know? I know - in part - His grace that forgives me and cleanses me from all unrighteousness. I know - in part - His mercy - that in spite of me, He pours out His blessing and provision.
Perhaps that's the beginning of understanding it - the Truth that God's love for us has NOTHING to do with who WE are or what we do, but is absolutely ONLY contingent on who God is and what only HE could have - and has - done for us! After all, if the Father's love was predicated on my actions, based on my moods or how I feel, it surely would not last. But His love NEVER lets go. Do we know that part?
Prayer:
Father,
We believe and we declare Your Word that we will be anxious for nothing! But in everything, by prayer and supplication with Thanksgiving, we will make our requests known to You. Then Your peace which surpasses all understanding will guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Then perhaps we can begin to grasp how wide, how long, how high, and how deep Your love is. We want to be found complete IN YOU - not in part, but the whole. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Sunday, February 4, 2018
* In the Shadow
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
Psalm 91:1 NKJV
Jesus is the greatest example of dwelling in the secret place of the Most High. He set the pattern for getting alone with God, for teaching us to say only what He heard the Father say. In Matthew 6:6, Jesus taught us how to get to the secret place, "But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly."
In order for Someone or something to cast a shadow on us, we MUST be in close proximity. So it stands to reason that if we dwell in the secret place, we are in His presence, and we will abide under His Shadow.
If you think about being close enough to Him to actually be in His shadow, it can rock your world! Make your secret place the priority. Wouldn't you rather be in His shadow than in the spotlight of the world?
Prayer:
Father,
Reveal to us the reality of pray without ceasing. Please remove those distractions that keep us from intimacy with You. Please meet with us where we have established a place for Your presence. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Psalm 91:1 NKJV
Jesus is the greatest example of dwelling in the secret place of the Most High. He set the pattern for getting alone with God, for teaching us to say only what He heard the Father say. In Matthew 6:6, Jesus taught us how to get to the secret place, "But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly."
In order for Someone or something to cast a shadow on us, we MUST be in close proximity. So it stands to reason that if we dwell in the secret place, we are in His presence, and we will abide under His Shadow.
If you think about being close enough to Him to actually be in His shadow, it can rock your world! Make your secret place the priority. Wouldn't you rather be in His shadow than in the spotlight of the world?
Prayer:
Father,
Reveal to us the reality of pray without ceasing. Please remove those distractions that keep us from intimacy with You. Please meet with us where we have established a place for Your presence. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Saturday, February 3, 2018
What Time is It?
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 NIV
Whenever I read this passage, I hear it as the song, Turn Turn Turn recorded by The Byrds back in the 1960s. The music was composed by Pete Seeger. How far we've come in the lyrics of popular music!
However, first written by Solomon, there is great wisdom in these verses. It is vitally important to know what to do. It's just as important, (if not more so) to know WHEN to do it. There truly is a time for everything, but it's not always clear what time it is. How do we know what it's time for?
Jesus told us in John 16:13, that the Holy Spirit will tell us - But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.
How can we hear the voice of the Lord, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, or even comprehend His Word if we don't make the time to spend with Him so we can hear?
Prayer:
Father,
We know the time is fast approaching for Your return. Help us to know when we should hold our peace and when we should fight. Give us the wisdom to know when and how to love, and for every activity under the sun, Holy Spirit, guide us into the Truth. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 NIV
Whenever I read this passage, I hear it as the song, Turn Turn Turn recorded by The Byrds back in the 1960s. The music was composed by Pete Seeger. How far we've come in the lyrics of popular music!
However, first written by Solomon, there is great wisdom in these verses. It is vitally important to know what to do. It's just as important, (if not more so) to know WHEN to do it. There truly is a time for everything, but it's not always clear what time it is. How do we know what it's time for?
Jesus told us in John 16:13, that the Holy Spirit will tell us - But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.
How can we hear the voice of the Lord, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, or even comprehend His Word if we don't make the time to spend with Him so we can hear?
Prayer:
Father,
We know the time is fast approaching for Your return. Help us to know when we should hold our peace and when we should fight. Give us the wisdom to know when and how to love, and for every activity under the sun, Holy Spirit, guide us into the Truth. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Friday, February 2, 2018
Seeking Truth
But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Matthew 19:26 NKJV
Matthew 19:26 NKJV
As a society, we have lost our taste for pure, unadulterated Truth. Oh, we like a little taste of it - like adding a flavor packet to a bottle of water - let's water it down enough to make it palatable. That's just what satan does to us. Waters down the truth. Lies to us about us, about God and about others, but leaves just enough truth to make it believable... palatable. There's no such thing as "just enough" Truth. What does Scripture have to say about that?
John 4:23-24 NLT reads, But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth. The Message Bible verse 24 reads like this, It's who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth.
Somewhere along the line, we seem to have formed a "Bless Me" Club. What's that about? Where did we get the idea that it's all about the blessing? It's supposed to be all about worshiping the Father, accepting and receiving the Son. In John 16:33, Jesus said, I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. The Truth is - as Jesus said, Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. AND the Truth is also as Jesus said, I have overcome the world.
If you're going through a hard time, a great trial, some tribulation, the Truth is you can have hope. Scripture is explicit in promising that God will never leave us alone to face life. Think about this Truth - we have no life except in Him. Hebrews 6:18-19 tells us, Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.
Remember this - It's who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth.
Prayer:
Father,
We pray, according to Your Word in Psalm 51, For I was born a sinner—yes, from the moment my mother conceived me. But you desire honesty from the womb, teaching me wisdom even there. Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Father, we desire - as You desire - Truth in our inward parts. Help us succeed in our pursuit of Truth. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
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