Nothing Simple

May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.
2nd Thessalonians 1:2 NKJV

This seems so simplistic, almost insignificant as it's part of a greeting - the Apostle Paul requesting that God give us grace and peace. Don't be fooled. There's nothing simple about it. God's grace allows us to receive salvation. Without God's grace, we are forever separated from Him. Ephesians 1:7 tells us, In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace. 2nd Timothy 1:9 reads we are saved, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began.

Nothing is simple anymore. It has become a real challenge to accomplish the simplest of tasks in the last few months, things we have taken for granted... just like God's grace. The reality is, apart from His grace we can do nothing. God hasn't changed. His grace has always been sufficient. I encourage you to do a little study on God's grace and peace and find out for yourself.

In The Message Bible, 2nd Thessalonians 1:2 reads, Our God gives you everything you need, makes you everything you’re to be. Everything you need. Everything you're to be... It's talking about grace. There's nothing simple about it.

Prayer:

Father,
            Thank You for Your love. Thank You for the Cross. Thank You for Your grace and peace and mercy. Help us to daily pick up our cross and follow You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Do Something

Test yourselves to make sure you are solid in the faith. Don’t drift along taking everything for granted. Give yourselves regular checkups. You need firsthand evidence, not mere hearsay, that Jesus Christ is in you. Test it out. If you fail the test, do something about it. 
2nd Corinthians 13:5 The Message

So what should we do? What's the answer? No matter the question, God's Word is the answer.

If you want to know what God wants you to do, ask him, and he will gladly tell you, for he is always ready to give a bountiful supply of wisdom to all who ask him; he will not resent it. But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to tell you, for a doubtful mind will be as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind; and every decision you then make will be uncertain, as you turn first this way and then that. If you don’t ask with faith, don’t expect the Lord to give you any solid answer.

A Christian who doesn’t amount to much in this world should be glad, for he is great in the Lord’s sight. But a rich man should be glad that his riches mean nothing to the Lord, for he will soon be gone, like a flower that has lost its beauty and fades away, withered—killed by the scorching summer sun. So it is with rich men. They will soon die and leave behind all their busy activities.

Happy is the man who doesn’t give in and do wrong when he is tempted, for afterwards he will get as his reward the crown of life that God has promised those who love him. And remember, when someone wants to do wrong it is never God who is tempting him, for God never wants to do wrong and never tempts anyone else to do it. Temptation is the pull of man’s own evil thoughts and wishes. These evil thoughts lead to evil actions and afterwards to the death penalty from God. So don’t be misled...

But whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God, the Creator of all light, and he shines forever without change or shadow. And it was a happy day for him when he gave us our new lives through the truth of his Word, and we became, as it were, the first children in his new family.

...Don’t ever forget that it is best to listen much, speak little, and not become angry; for anger doesn’t make us good, as God demands that we must be.

So get rid of all that is wrong in your life, both inside and outside, and humbly be glad for the wonderful message we have received, for it is able to save our souls as it takes hold of our hearts.

And remember, it is a message to obey, not just to listen to. So don’t fool yourselves. For if a person just listens and doesn’t obey, he is like a man looking at his face in a mirror; as soon as he walks away, he can’t see himself anymore or remember what he looks like. But if anyone keeps looking steadily into God’s law for free men, he will not only remember it but he will do what it says, and God will greatly bless him in everything he does.

Anyone who says he is a Christian but doesn’t control his sharp tongue is just fooling himself, and his religion isn’t worth much. The Christian who is pure and without fault, from God the Father’s point of view, is the one who takes care of orphans and widows, and who remains true to the Lord... James 1:5-27

Prayer:

Father,

          We want to be and remain solid in our faith. We ask for wisdom to know Your Word that will keep us there. We ask for the leading and correction of the Holy Spirit so that we don't stray. Cause Your Word to be alive in us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Everyday Relationships

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Hebrews 13:8 NKJV

We were discussing relationships today and how they change and grow or diminish with the passage of time and the dedication of those in the relationship.  For instance, couples that have been married for a long time may start to settle in, get comfortable, and even take one another for granted. They go for years without adding anything new to the relationship or taking the time to really listen to what the other one may want or has to say. To keep a healthy relationship, each must offer their whole self and daily be intentional about contributing to the life and health of it.

Sadly, it happens in our Christian walk, too. We may get settled in, get comfortable, and then begin to take for granted all the blessings and benefits of walking with the Lord. We think God will just know we love Him after this much time has gone by and we don't need to tell Him. It doesn't work like that!

Jesus gave everything He had in order for us to have a right relationship with God. Psalm 68:19 tells us God daily loads us with benefits. He brings something to our relationship every day. He stands ready to lead and guide us, to walk with us, and to guard our hearts EVERY day. To speak words of wisdom, light, life, and love to our hearts daily. So, how IS our relationship with the Lord? If it's cooled off or less warm and passionate, I would say let's check ourselves. God hasn't moved from us. Jesus' love is the same yesterday, today, and forever... He brings it to us every day. What are we bringing to Him on a daily basis?

Prayer:
          
Father,
          Awaken our hearts to hear Yours. Open our ears to hear what You would say to us. Open our eyes to see Your fingerprints on everything in our lives. Oh, that we would daily worship You in Spirit and in Truth with all that we are for all that You are. Guide us, Holy Spirit. Help us, O Lord. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

A Psalm of Surrender

Psalm 139:1-18 NLT

O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me.  You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!

I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me.  I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night— but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to you.

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.

How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!

Prayer:

Father,
           We pray as David prayed, Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Psalm 111 - A Good Word

Psalm 111:1-10 NKJV
Praise the Lord!

I will praise the Lord with my whole heart,
In the assembly of the upright and in the congregation.

The works of the Lord are great,
Studied by all who have pleasure in them.
His work is honorable and glorious,
And His righteousness endures forever.
He has made His wonderful works to be remembered;
The Lord is gracious and full of compassion.
He has given food to those who fear Him;
He will ever be mindful of His covenant.
He has declared to His people the power of His works,
In giving them the heritage of the nations.

The works of His hands are verity and justice;
All His precepts are sure.
They stand fast forever and ever,
And are done in truth and uprightness.
He has sent redemption to His people;
He has commanded His covenant forever:
Holy and awesome is His name.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
A good understanding have all those who do His commandments.
His praise endures forever.

Prayer:

Father,

          Let Your living Word be alive in us and bring forth a tremendous harvest. Relight the fire of desire to not take one step unless You go with us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Take a Praise Break

Hallelujah! Praise the Lord! Praise God in his holy sanctuary!
Praise him in his stronghold in the sky!
Praise him for his miracles of might!
Praise him for his magnificent greatness!
Praise him with the trumpets blasting!
Praise him with piano and guitar!
Praise him with drums and dancing!
Praise him with the loud, resounding clash of cymbals!
Praise him with every instrument you can find!
Let everyone everywhere join in the crescendo of ecstatic praise to Yahweh!
Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!

Psalm 150 The Passion Translation

Prayer:

Father,

          We praise You for giving us life, for every breath, for salvation, for Your love and mercy and grace, for forgiveness and healing... We praise as King David did - And my tongue shall speak of Your righteousness And of Your praise all the day long. Give us grateful hearts, O God! In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Passing By

Later that night, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, because they all saw him and were terrified.
Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down.
Mark 6:47-51a NIV

I know I've read this passage many times, but tonight, it stuck out to me that Jesus was going to pass by them. The Message Bible reads, "He intended to go right by them." And it reminded me of the old hymn, Pass Me Not, written by Fanny Crosby. Part of the lyrics - Pass me not, O gentle Savior. Hear my humble cry. While on others Thou are calling, do not pass me by...

How often do we do that? We're going about life, doing what we think we know to do. And there are those times when life gets really hard, and we just keep trying to do life in our own strength... All the while wondering why God doesn't do something. Can't He see what we're up against? Doesn't He see us struggling and straining? Is He really going to ignore our plight?

Well, have we called on Him or are we still trying to do everything in our own strength? Have we acknowledged and confessed our need for Him or are we too busy indicting Him? Are we passing HIM by?

Prayer:

Father,
           Forgive us for thinking that we can do anything apart from You. Thank You for loving us enough to correct us and to turn our hearts. Thank You for Your protection and provision. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Isaiah 53 - To Be Reminded

Who needs this reminder of Jesus? It's good to be reminded. Isaiah 53 from the Passion Translation...

1  Who has truly believed our revelation?

    To whom will Yahweh reveal his mighty arm?[a]
2 He sprouted up like a tender plant before the Lord,[b]
    like a root[c] in parched soil.
    He possessed no distinguishing beauty
    or outward splendor to catch our attention—
    nothing special in his appearance to make us desire him.
3 He was despised and rejected by men,
    a man of deep sorrows
    who was no stranger to suffering and grief.[d]
    We hid our faces from him in disgust
    and considered him a nobody, not worthy of respect.

The Sin-Bearer Servant

4 Yet he was the one who carried our sicknesses[e]
    and endured the torment of our sufferings.
    We viewed him as one who was being punished[f]
    for something he himself had done,
    as one who was struck down by God and brought low.
5 But it was because of our rebellious deeds that he was pierced[g]
    and because of our sins that he was crushed.
    He endured the punishment that made us completely whole,[h]
    and in[i] his wounding[j] we found our healing.
6 Like wayward sheep, we have all wandered[k] astray.
    Each of us has turned from God’s paths and chosen our own way;
    even so, Yahweh laid[l] the guilt of our every sin upon him.[m]

The Surrendered Servant

7 He was oppressed and harshly mistreated;
    still he humbly submitted, refusing to defend himself.
    He was brought like a gentle lamb[n] to be slaughtered.
    Like a silent sheep before his shearers,
    he didn’t even open his mouth.[o]
8 By coercion and with a perversion of justice
    he was taken away.
    And who could have imagined his future?[p]
    He was cut down in the prime of life;[q]
    for the rebellion of his[r] own people,
    he was struck down in their place.
9 They gave him a grave among criminals,[s]
    but he ended up instead in a rich man’s tomb,[t]
    although he had done no violence nor spoken deceitfully.

The Servant’s Reward

10 Even though it pleased Yahweh
    to crush him with grief,[u]
    he will be restored to favor.[v]
    After his soul becomes a guilt-offering,[w]
    he will gaze upon his many offspring and prolong his days.[x]
    And through him, Yahweh’s deepest desires
    will be fully accomplished.[y]
11 After the great anguish of his soul,
    he will see light[z] and be fully satisfied.[aa]
    By knowing him,[ab] the righteous one,
    my servant will make many to be righteous,[ac]
    because he, their sin-bearer, carried away their sins[ad]
12 So I, Yahweh, will assign him a portion
    among a great multitude,
    and he will triumph
    and divide the spoils of victory with his mighty ones—[ae]
    all because he poured out his life-blood[af] to death.
    He was counted among the worst of sinners,
    yet he carried sin’s burden for many[ag]
    and intercedes for those who are rebels.[ah]

Prayer:

Father,

         Thank You for all You are to us and for sending Jesus to restore us back to You. Thank You, Jesus, for laying Your pure and precious life down to pay in full our debt for sins. Thank You, Holy Spirit, for reminding us and leading us into all Truth. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

For Our Good

But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.

Genesis 50:20 NKJV

When things aren't going our way. When life throws us some curve balls or hurdles we were not expecting. When people, places and or things do not line up the way we think they should in our lives - why is it we always ask - "Where is God?" Do we think He's not watching? Do we question His Word in Matthew 28:20, that He is with us always, even to the end of the age? When we truly come to the understanding that God is who He says He is, and WE are NOT Him, then it will help us to understand that God is not shocked by anything that happens in our lives.

If our desire is to live before God with clean hands and a pure heart; to live holy and acceptable to Him, then we are going to go through the Refiner's fire.

Remember, it is in the fire that silver is purified. Refining gold begins with melting it. And diamonds are formed in high temperatures and incredible pressures. 1st Peter 1:7 tells us, These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.

We must trust that God is working all things for our good. Even what was meant as evil against us! 

Prayer:

Father,

           We choose to trust that You are working all things for our good! We have seen the evidence of Your grace and mercy and we thank You for using all things for the perfecting of the saints, to bring about in us the character of Christ. Help us to keep our focus always on You and what You are teaching us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen 

What Happened?

As we pray to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1st Thessalonians 1:3 NLT

When we follow Jesus, our behaviors change. We turn away from those things that have no truth in them - we lay aside our idols. We turn away from serving only ourselves and reach out to serve God by serving others. And just as obvious, we live our lives with HOPE. The New Living Translation reads enduring hope. Hope that lasts...

So, what happened? What caused these changes? Verses 4 & 5 from The Message Bible read, It is clear to us, friends, that God not only loves you very much but also has put his hand on you for something special. When the Message we preached came to you, it wasn’t just words. Something happened in you. The Holy Spirit put steel in your convictions. 

The convictions that we embraced through hearing the Gospel are now undergirded with the steel of the Holy Spirit. God's Word tells us in Galatians 5:22-23 ...the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And in Romans 8:5, For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. That's what happened! It's why we've changed. Praise His Holy Name!

Prayer:

Father,

           Thank You for Your Word sent to convict us, for Your Spirit sent to guide us into all Truth, for Your love to give us life, and for hope - everlasting hope - that is found only in You. May we never lose sight of it all. May we never get over what happened. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

How Do You Spell...

Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:31-32 NLT

They sound the same. Know. No. Yet, we can all agree they are not the same. They aren't spelled the same. They don't mean the same, although, somehow, we have all been guilty at one time or another of No-ing God while thinking we were knowing Him.

Think about it for just a moment. Have you ever argued with God? I know I have. That's No-ing Him. Ever decided to do things in your own time, your own way without waiting on God? That's No-ing Him. Ever refused to forgive? Refused to be loving? Refused to show mercy or grace? Shall we have a combination spelling and vocabulary lesson? Is that K-N-O-W or N-O?

Prayer:

Father,

            Your Son declared to the descendants of Abraham that day that "Anyone who belongs to God listens gladly to the words of God. But you don’t listen because you don’t belong to God." We want to listen gladly and obey Your every Word. Teach us, Father. We want to KNOW You more. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Who Encourages You?

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
2nd Thessalonians 2:16-17 NIV

I have been very blessed that God has placed people in my life to encourage me. We all need it, especially in times like these. That's why these two verses jumped out at me. This happens to be from the NIV, but whether your Bible reads eternal comfort or everlasting consolation, it's still a show stopper!  Think about that - eternal encouragement. Everlasting. Forever.

ETERNAL encouragement!

And it just gets better! God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ will encourage our hearts and strengthen us! However, it is "in every good deed and word" that They will encourage our hearts and strengthen us. So, we have to be doing good deeds and sharing good words with others in order to be able to receive encouragement and strength.

That begs the question - If we find ourselves discouraged and weak, is it because we're not giving Them enough good words and deeds to work with? Something to think about...

Prayer:

Father,
         Thank You for eternal encouragement and good hope. You are the Lifter of our heads. Establish our hearts so that all of our deeds and words are good! In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Being Timothy

We sent him [Timothy] to strengthen you, to encourage you in your faith, and to keep you from being shaken by the troubles you were going through. But you know that we are destined for such troubles. Even while we were with you, we warned you that troubles would soon come—and they did, as you well know. That is why, when I could bear it no longer, I sent Timothy to find out whether your faith was still strong.
1st Thessalonians 3:2b-5a

If you're on the upside of the dirt, there will be trouble. How do we handle it? Do we choose to ask God's direction or just ask Him "Why?" After all, He knew it was going to happen. He's God, isn't He? Why didn't He stop it?

How do we handle that?

Do we endure?  Become one with it, take it on? Identify ourselves with it? What IS our identity? Really...do we want to be defined by our troubles?

Do we run? Escape? Avoid it at all costs? We miss the lesson if we move away from it.

Do we enlist it? Make it work for us? James 1:2 reads, Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. Gee, I don't think I've met anyone who has said at the onset, "Oh, I'm so excited! All these troubles are gonna bring me GREAT joy!"

We've been talking about faith and control. They have nothing to do with each other, by the way. Faith is a relinquishing of control, based on trusting God. Without faith, it's impossible to please God. Without relinquishing control of our lives TO Him, based on our trust IN Him, it's impossible to please God. Kinda lends a new meaning to, With God, all things are possible...

Is our trust linked to our perception of what He's done for us or will do? Do we trust Him just because He is who He is - God - and for no other reason? Do we know Him? It's one thing to say we know Him, it's another to see what our actions are when we don't get our own way, or if we need to sacrifice something we want.

You see, faith is an action word. Here comes trouble - what action will you take?

Prayer:

Father,
         Forgive us for thinking of You only as our benevolent overseer. Help us to see You for who You are and what You are, no matter the circumstances. We place our trust in You. Help us to be a Timothy to those around us who may need to be encouraged. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Yes or No - by request

She considers a [new] field before she buys or accepts it [expanding prudently and not courting neglect of her present duties by assuming other duties]; with her savings [of time and strength] she plants fruitful vines in her vineyard.
Proverbs 31:16 AMPC

Most translations and versions say she considers the field, evaluates it or looks at it, but the meaning of consider and all it entails is often lost. What does she consider or evaluate? The price? The soil? What it will take to develop it?

I love how the Amplified (classic) lends a full explanation. She considers it from all angles, including "not courting neglect of her present duties by assuming other duties". It's a much-needed lesson for today's world.

So often we say 'yes' to a task because of who asked us and/or because of what someone might think about us if we say 'no'. We don't consider the toll on family time - spouse or children or proper rest for ourselves. We don't consider the cost to our time and strength with an already full schedule.  We don't wait to see what God has to say about it. What will we sacrifice? From where or what will we cut time to allow for the new task? 

Let's be wise. Let's not court neglect of our present duties by assuming other duties. Let's consider - really consider - and perhaps just say No. 

Prayer:

Father,

           Open our hearts to hear Your clear direction. Open our eyes to see where You would have us go. According to Your Word, for You are our rock and our fortress; for Your name's sake lead us and guide us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0nDUpXmdig 

Through the Fire

[God speaking] “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
Isaiah 43:1b-3a

Would we ask to be burned, boiled or pressed beyond our endurance? No! Yet, it is in the fire that steel is forged. It is in the fire that impurities are burned out. It is in the heat of the rolling boil that the water becomes purified. It is in the intense, sustained pressure that the simple, ugly lump of coal becomes a diamond. 

Do we want to be strong? Do we desire to have the garbage burned out of our lives? Do we want to be purified? Do we want to be one of the jewels He comes to gather? Yes, yes, yes, and yes!  

Prayer:

Father,
            You never said we could or would be able to do it alone. You promise to walk with us every step of the way. We cannot do it without You. Stick closer than a brother, according to Your Word. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

The Consequences

Dear Ones,
                   I moved two days ago and my internet service was supposed to move with me, but AT&T ran into a few technical and scheduling difficulties. I spoke with them again today and they don't think they can get here before Monday. Please pray that they can get here sooner than later. I'm working from my phone.
*****************
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior;
1 Timothy 2:1-3 KJV

Obedience. Hmmmm.

As children, we are expected to obey or there are consequences. When we enter school, we are expected to obey the rules that have been set or there are consequences. As adults, we are expected to follow company rules or there are consequences.

We, in turn, expect our children to obey or there will be consequences. We expect our pets to obey or they are kenneled. We expect our citizens to obey or they are judged...depending on where you live, of course, and how good - or crooked - their lawyers are.

So where do we get the idea that we only have to obey the parts of God's instructions that we like? Or that if we don't like the person for which the rule would be applicable, we don't have to do it. I don't like so-and-so, therefore I don't have to pray for him or her. I don't have to help them. They deserve whatever is happening, etc, etc, and so on and so forth...

We are His children. We ARE expected to obey His Word... or there will be consequences.

Prayer:

Father,
         Change our hearts, O God!  Forgive us our rebellion. Make us very aware of any passive rebellion operating in our lives. Forgive us for thinking that we are beyond Your realm of authority. Please continue to correct us so that we may walk perfectly in the way You have set before us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.

Going Home - by request

For we know that when this tent we live in now is taken down—when we die and leave these bodies—we will have wonderful new bodies in heaven, homes that will be ours forevermore, made for us by God himself and not by human hands.
This is what God has prepared for us, and as a guarantee he has given us his Holy Spirit.
2nd Corinthians 5:1,5 TLB

I like to visit, but I gotta tell you, I love to be home. I'd rather be home than anywhere. And that's here in Texas... which in my humble opinion is as close to Heaven as it gets anywhere here on Earth.

However, thinking about Heaven as our eternal home... Wonderful new bodies - that'll be heavenly! (Pun intended.) Homes that will be ours forevermore - I'd like that, too. No more packing / moving / unpacking... Designed by God Himself. Not even Chip and Joanna can compare. This is not a Fixer Upper - it's brand new! Move over, Ty, the only Extreme Makeover that's happening is what the Holy Spirit is doing on the inside of us! Galatians 5:22-23, The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Prerequisites to Heaven.

It is a serious transformation - from the inside out - but it's all part of the process of getting to go home. Verses 6-8 of our Promise today read, So we are always confident, even though we know that as long as we live in these bodies we are not at home with the Lord. For we live by believing and not by seeing. Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord.

The last few months have seen the passing of multiple friends' loved ones. These are not easy times. Thankfully, all died with the confidence of life eternal with Jesus; their death the preamble to going home. Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus.

Prayer:

Father,
Comfort as only You can in times like these. Thank You for the hope and confidence of eternal life with You. Be our Strength and our Light in these dark times. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

What You Don't Know

O Lord, what great works you do! And how deep are your thoughts. Only a simpleton would not know, and only a fool would not understand this: Though the wicked sprout like weeds and evildoers flourish, they will be destroyed forever.
Psalm 92:5-7 NLT

According to the Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs, the oldest written version of the saying “What you don’t know can’t hurt you” comes from 1576, in Petit Palace by G. Pettie. “So long as I know it not, it hurteth mee not.” Mr. Pettie might have thought he could be happy not knowing, but there is much that CAN harm you if you DON'T know.

For instance, in the 1500s when Mr. Pettie lived, those who were wealthy used pewter serving dishes. Pewter contains a high lead base. We all learned in history class that when food was prepared which contained highly acidic ingredients, such as tomatoes, the acid would cause the lead in the pewter to leech into the food, resulting in lead poisoning and death. So tomatoes were thought to be a poisonous fruit. Was that the truth about tomatoes? No, it wasn't, but they didn't know about lead poisoning and so it appeared to be true because their life (or death) experience seemed to teach them that. What they didn't know was, in fact, killing them.

Oftentimes, we look at the circumstances of our lives and choose to believe the result of them over the Truth of God's Word. We believe we can't trust anyone because we've been hurt too many times. Therefore, trusting is not good. But that's not Truth. It may appear to be true because that's what our life (or death) experience seems to teach us. But if that's the lie we believe, then how do we trust God? And if we don't trust God to do and be what His Word says He will do and be, we won't read His Word or spend time in it. And in that case, what we don't know IS definitely hurting us.

Scripture tells us in Hebrews 4:8-13 (The Message) And so this is still a live promise. It wasn't canceled at the time of Joshua; otherwise, God wouldn't keep renewing the appointment for "today." The promise of "arrival" and "rest" is still there for God's people. God himself is at rest. And at the end of the journey we'll surely rest with God. So let's keep at it and eventually arrive at the place of rest, not drop out through some sort of disobedience. God means what he says. What he says goes. His powerful Word is sharp as a surgeon's scalpel, cutting through everything, whether doubt or defense, laying us open to listen and obey. Nothing and no one is impervious to God's Word. We can't get away from it—no matter what.

So, what we don't know will definitely hurt us.

Prayer:

Father,
          Renew a right spirit within us. Blow on the cinders of the hearts that have lost their fire. Drive the Truth of Your Word deep into the very fiber of our being. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen