No Charge

He fell to his knees, shouting, “Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!” And with that, he died.
Acts 7:60 NLT

Stephen was one of the original seven deacons chosen to take care of the 1st Century church. Almost every Scripture translation defines him as a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit (Acts 6:5) who, by the power of the Holy Spirit, performed amazing miracles and signs among the people. A Godly man. A righteous man who lived his life above reproach.

However, one day, he got into a debate with some men and because they could not stand up against his wisdom and knowledge, they conspired with others to lie about Stephen and charge him with blasphemy. Liars all and yet it was their voices that were heard and believed, in spite of the Truth spoken by Stephen.

How many of us would have been angry at the lies? Filled with disbelief that his accusers actually won their court case through deceitfulness? How many of us would be angry at God because we had been doing His work and been falsely accused, but were charged as though we were guilty?

How many of us, in the middle of being stoned to death, would have cried out as our last words, “Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!”?

I'll just tell you straight up that I would want to be exonerated. I would want to know what good this could possibly serve. In my mind, if there is great suffering, it should be the cost for some greater good that will come of it. But the Truth of the matter is, we don't always see it or live long enough to know about it. It's not our right to know everything. The hard truth is, it's not our business. We are not God. Our business is to be about HIS business, in spite of what anyone else thinks or does and despite the consequences. And His business is forgiveness in perfect love.

Prayer:

Father,
            We want to be full of faith and the Holy Spirit. We want to be like Jesus and like Stephen. We want to walk in such love that we cry, "No charge!" when someone sins against us, in Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Faithless

Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children. But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars - they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” 

Revelation 21:7-8 NIV

Have you ever been afraid? If so, this Scripture could strike fear into your heart and mind. Pun intended. Whoever thought that being cowardly and unbelieving would be listed with the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars? 

In the KJV and several others, cowardly is translated as fearful; it is the Greek word 'deilos' which, according to the Strong's concordance means 'timid, fearful, and by implication, faithless'. Remember, without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6).

Interestingly, this particular Greek word is only used three times in the New Testament, and two of those times were when Christ was asleep in the boat and the disciples woke Him asking if He cared that they were going to drown (Matthew 8:26, Mark 4:40). The third is in our Promise for Today.  Its full implication is more about believers who because of fear give way under persecutions and renounce their beliefs.

As Christians, we have been taught that Faith is the opposite of fear - and that's true - but there is more. Peace and confidence are also opposites of fear. Jesus promises us His peace, not the world's version (John 14:27), and provides us with the confidence that whatever we ask according to His will, He hears us (1st John 5:14). Additionally, trust, boldness and security are opposites of fear (Psalm 91:1-2).  When we follow God wholeheartedly, He is our strength. The joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10). If you've been a Christian for any length of time, you have heard that, and also that in our weakness, He is strength (2nd Corinthians 12:9). Not that we are to be weak, but that when we are, we go to God for strength, which also is the opposite of fear. 

As you can clearly see, all these things in their truest form are found only in Christ. So how do we go about striking fear FROM our lives? 

1st John 5:5 provides the perfect response,  Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

Prayer:

Father, 
           Forgive us for being feckless and fearful. We believe that Jesus is Your Son. Help us to see clearly all that is ours through the redemptive power of Christ. Grow us up to be the sons and daughters You created us to be, according to Your plan. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Measure an Increase

For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.
Romans 12:3 NKJV

...each one a measure of faith... Does that mean that God has given the same measure to everyone or to each a measure of faith according to God's purpose in his or her life?

Today, I thought about this with regard to the parable of the talents in Matthew 25. In that story, one servant was given 5 talents, one was given 2, and the last received 1, but ALL were expected to increase what they were given...

It is my opinion that similarly, we are to increase our faith. Hebrews 11:6 reads, But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. How do we do that? According to Romans 10:17, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

We know that trials and tribulation will test our faith, but it starts very simply. We must spend time in His Word. Spending time, building the relationship. We can't trust or have faith in Someone we don't know.

Prayer:

Father,
            We humbly ask for a fresh anointing to read and understand You and Your Word. Increase our faith so that we may please You and You alone. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Good or Evil

Love from the center of who you are; don't fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good.

Romans 12:9 The Message

In all of life, we pit good against bad in one form or another. Good versus evil. Good guys - bad guys. We may root for an underdog, but if we do, it's because underneath, he's really the good guy! We never want the bad guy to win.

I can't seem to get away from Chapter 12 in the book of Romans. But then...it's all about being the good guy in life. Read on from our text:

Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.

Don't burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don't quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality.

Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they're happy; share tears when they're down. Get along with each other; don't be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don't be the great somebody.

Don't hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you've got it in you, get along with everybody. Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do. "I'll do the judging," says God. "I'll take care of it."

Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he's thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness.

Don't let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good. Romans 12:10-21 The Message.

Prayer:

Father,

          We wanna be the good guys! We want to win, too! Keep our hearts and minds close to You, so that we can win in You! Cause us to overcome evil by Your Goodness alive in us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Get the L Out

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Romans 12:2 NLT 

Today, there have been several conversations and much discussion about the world situation with regard to CoVID-19. Yes, quarantine. No quarantine. Yes, mask. No mask. Yes, vaccine. No vaccine. Yes, social distancing. No. Pick a side  - any side - and you will find any disparate, even desperate discourse to "support" your choice. 

What grieves me is when people come together to pray, but preface their prayers with rumors and the ensuing fear that follows the rumors. I'm not an expert by any stretch of the imagination, and I'm not sure who would be a good source for reliable information because the story has changed too many times as we supposedly "learn more." So, in times like these, I can only go to the One that does not change, even though the world is trying to keep us from Him. With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. However, I find no matter the question, no matter the doubt, Jesus not only has the answer, He IS the answer. 

We know the worLd's version of current events. Let's seek the Word's version of it. John 14:27 NKJV reads, Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.  WorLd. Word. 

When it comes to finding the Truth and peace, let's get the L out.

Prayer:

Father, 

           You are our God and we will ever praise You. You are the Truth we seek in every situation. Nothing has caused You to fall off Your throne in despair. Your Word says You are the same yesterday, today and forever, and You have promised to never leave us or forsake us. We choose Your Word over the world's words, Father. It's what we know to be always true. Help us to walk in it. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Made Up Minds

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said.
2nd Chronicles 32:7-8 NIV

Hezekiah had made up his mind that because of the Lord God, he and his people were going to win against the Assyrian king. Then he spoke it to his people in such a way that they heard and believed and gained confidence!! They made up THEIR minds that what Hezekiah said was Truth and would not waver from it.

Even when the enemy came and bragged about all their great conquests. Even when the enemy ridiculed everything about them and their leader and their God! Even when the enemy browbeat them with all the terrible things they planned to do to them. Hezekiah's people - God's people! - chose to believe the Truth of God over the facts before them.

Daily, we're in a battle of some kind. How are we going to be victorious? Who are we listening to? Are we listening to the "Woe is me" crowd spouting that the odds are stacked against us? That it's bigger than we are? That we can't escape, fight or win? Or do we have our minds made up even then...

Prayer:

Father,
           Help us to guard our hearts and minds to hear and heed only You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

The Safe Path

Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.
Proverbs 4:23 NLT

Listening to some old John Denver tunes, I was reminded of how easy it is to get distracted. Was I sinning? No. And I think it was great that God reminded me of just how easy it is to allow things into our spirit without any effort at all, and how much more effort it takes to get rid of it. We're bombarded from all sides all day long. How much defense do we have on hand? Are we prepared? Are we guarding our hearts against the everyday drivel, angst and frustration?

Verses 24-27 conclude the chapter of our text today - with these instructions:

Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech.  [emphasis mine]
Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you.
Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path.
Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.

It's easy... way too easy to get sidetracked. If we're going to expend energy, let's make it worth our while. Let's make the effort to put in the good stuff - God's Word, His praise. Sound teaching. Make the effort to guard your heart. It's much easier than having to do a transplant...

Prayer:

Father,
          Make us ever mindful of You and Your ways and Your will for us. Keep us focused so that we stay on the safe path - the one You have walked before us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.

Fire-Fighting

Be angry without sinning. Don’t go to bed angry. Don’t give the devil any opportunity to work.

Ephesians 4:26-27 GWT

Do you ever get angry about stuff? Just stuff. Stuff that you can't physically do anything to change?

Back in the 70s, Eddie Chiles, former owner of the Texas Rangers, was an outspoken advocate for a smaller and less intrusive federal government. He was angry about what he perceived to be wrong about the US government.  His radio commentaries were legendary and there was even an ad campaign complete with bumper stickers that proclaimed, "I'm mad, too, Eddie!"  Have you ever noticed how easily you can fall into that anger and frustration when goaded by an inflammatory radio host or Facebook? All that energy wasted because the truth is that very few people do more than gripe and grouse to each other. 

Did you know that Proverbs 22:24-25 warns us? Don’t befriend angry people or associate with hot-tempered people, or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul. If you think about it, you know that's the absolute Truth and you can get there in less than 6 seconds, depending on the subject at hand. And then there are those who retort, Well, you fight fire with fire!  I remember a good answer I saw for that. The statement read, When tempted to fight fire with fire, remember that the Fire Department usually uses water. And as Christians, we should also use water to put out fires.

And Jesus proclaimed Himself the Living Water. He gave Himself for us to put out the fires of hell that would consume us. Don’t give the devil any opportunity to work. 

Prayer:

Father,

         Deliver us from the fiery darts of the wicked. Let the fullness of our joy in You be found in Your presence. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Confusion

Pr Alan Neel wrote this devotion today. It is clear direction in today's confusing times.
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“Gentlemen, you know that our wealth comes from this business. But as you have seen and heard, this man Paul has persuaded many people that handmade gods aren’t really gods at all. And he’s done this not only here in Ephesus but throughout the entire province! Of course, I’m not just talking about the loss of public respect for our business. I’m also concerned that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will lose its influence and that Artemis—this magnificent goddess worshiped throughout the province of Asia and all around the world—will be robbed of her great prestige!”

At this their anger boiled, and they began shouting, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” SOON THE WHOLE CITY WAS FILLED WITH CONFUSION. Everyone rushed to the amphitheater, dragging along Gaius and Aristarchus, who were Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia. Paul wanted to go in, too, but the believers wouldn’t let him. Some of the officials of the province, friends of Paul, also sent a message to him, begging him not to risk his life by entering the amphitheater. INSIDE, THE PEOPLE WERE ALL SHOUTING, SOME ONE THING AND SOME ANOTHER. EVERYTHING WAS IN CONFUSION. IN FACT, MOST OF THEM DIDN’T EVEN KNOW WHY THEY WERE THERE.
Acts 19: 25-32

It's amazing how some things never change! At the root of most world issues, you will find a quest for influence and money. Power and Greed. This day in Ephesus was much like today, the power brokers and money grabbers throwing everyone into confusion by stating their offense, “The great god Artemis is being robbed of prestige!” It had nothing to do with offense, and everything to do with greed. The one thing that can be said of our current day politicians and media is they for sure stir up confusion, changing direction as often as the wind. In the midst of the confusion, a lot of good people are lost, scared, and eventually despondent.

As believers, we always need to keep in mind that God is not the author of confusion, it’s just not in His nature. So we have to be careful not to get carried away by the mob, who are often just moving because everyone else is moving. Remember, while we adhere to the law of the land and respect our leaders, we don’t have to buy into the confusion. We move with peace as the Good Shepherd calmly leads us through the valley of the shadow of death! Today, allow the Good Shepherd to lead your life, leave the confusion to the rest of the mob. NOT BUYING INTO THE CHAOS!

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Prayer:

Father,

           As we look to You - the Author and Finisher of our faith - for clear answers in today's chaos, let our minds stay fixed on You for wisdom, clarity and intentional direction. We set our affection and attention on You, Lord. Help us to walk in the light, as You are in the light, so that we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ Your Son cleanses us from all sin. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Taking a Turn

That is why the Lord says, “Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead.”
Return to the Lord your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish. Who knows? Perhaps he will give you a reprieve, sending you a blessing instead of this curse.
Joel 2:12-14a NLT

This leaps off the page to me - Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead. Anyone can accomplish an outward sign. The real question is, Where's your heart?

These are tough times. We seem to all want an end to them, but are we willing to do what is necessary to make the change happen? Will we come to God with fasting, weeping and mourning? Will we render our hardened hearts before God or will we just put on a sad face and say, post or tweet the "right" thing? Are we going through the motions or will we lay our devotions at the feet of Jesus in a desperate prayer for change?

We're not going to find the answers in the headlines. Romans 12:2 tells us, Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Only God can change our hearts and minds... and only when we return to Him.

Prayer:

Father,
           Forgive us for every act of superficiality - every outward action we've ever taken as a show to someone other than You. Change our hearts, O God! Make us a new creation, according to Your Word. Let our hearts be broken and poured out as we return to You and Your will for our lives as a people, as a nation, and as a world of believers. Let us not withhold anything from You, Father. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

In All Things

What a wonderful God we have—he is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the source of every mercy, and the one who so wonderfully comforts and strengthens us in our hardships and trials. And why does he do this? So that when others are troubled, needing our sympathy and encouragement, we can pass on to them this same help and comfort God has given us.
2nd Corinthians 1:4 The Living Bible

I remember the first time my daughter stubbed her toe. I was holding her and her dad was trying to attend to her toe - It was bleeding profusely and she was crying and did not want anyone to touch it! She was just sure her toe was going to fall off. I told her, "Punkin, I did the same thing when I was a little girl. Your toe is not going to fall off. Now, let Daddy clean it up and put a band-aid on it so it can start to get better."  Later that evening, of course, her toe was throbbing. However, she thought if there was a band-aid on it, there shouldn't be any pain. So, we had to explain the "getting better" process to her. Then she asked, "When you were little, and you did this, how many days till it got better?"

That incident set the pattern for almost all hurts and questions from that point on. "When you were little, did you have this...?" And having experienced it before she did - and lived through it - I was able to allay her fears and offer comfort. In fact, to this day, we still have the occasional exchange along those lines, "Mom, did you ever...?" and then she'll giggle and say, "When you were little..."

If you ever wonder how you can be expected to give thanks IN all things, especially when there are LOTS of things happening and none seem good, remember that God is trustworthy, and He so wonderfully comforts and strengthens us in our hardships and trials, so that we might comfort others. Thank Him for the opportunity to grow in compassion so you will be able to comfort those in your future who will need you to testify of God's faithfulness, to allay their fears and offer comfort, and to know how many days till it gets better. 

Prayer:

Father,
           Thank You for all Your comfort and strength through the years. Thank You for all You have taught us through the trials and hardships of life. Cause us to be aware of those who might need from us what You have given so freely. Help us always to remain teachable and to remain grateful for the lessons learned. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

No Quitting

Everyone has to die once, then face the consequences. Christ’s death was also a one-time event, but it was a sacrifice that took care of sins forever. And so, when he next appears, the outcome for those eager to greet him is, precisely, salvation.
Hebrews 9:27-28 The Message

So let’s do it—full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.

If we give up and turn our backs on all we’ve learned, all we’ve been given, all the truth we now know, we repudiate Christ’s sacrifice and are left on our own to face the Judgment—and a mighty fierce judgment it will be! If the penalty for breaking the law of Moses is physical death, what do you think will happen if you turn on God’s Son, spit on the sacrifice that made you whole, and insult this most gracious Spirit? This is no light matter. God has warned us that he’ll hold us to account and make us pay. He was quite explicit: “Vengeance is mine, and I won’t overlook a thing” and “God will judge his people.” Nobody’s getting by with anything, believe me.

Remember those early days after you first saw the light? Those were the hard times! Kicked around in public, targets of every kind of abuse—some days it was you, other days your friends. If some friends went to prison, you stuck by them. If some enemies broke in and seized your goods, you let them go with a smile, knowing they couldn’t touch your real treasure. Nothing they did bothered you, nothing set you back. So don’t throw it all away now. You were sure of yourselves then. It’s still a sure thing! But you need to stick it out, staying with God’s plan so you’ll be there for the promised completion.

It won’t be long now, he’s on the way;
    he’ll show up most any minute.
But anyone who is right with me thrives on loyal trust;
    if he cuts and runs, I won’t be very happy.

But we’re not quitters who lose out. Oh, no! We’ll stay with it and survive, trusting all the way.  Hebrews 10:22-39 The Message

Prayer:

Father,

Help us to stay focused on the goal - to finish the race - to not give up - to continue to trust You, no matter what! In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Current Events

When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes.
Matthew 24:37-39

I’m not sure my friend and I will have any more discussions on the world situation or world peace. I explained that I, too, am a student of Government, but unlike my friend, I have total faith in the Head of my Government. I even went so far as to clarify exactly what else was going to happen, and I cited a few excerpts for him from the Book I’ve read and mentioned what the Head of my Government had to say about the current events. 

Isaiah 9:6-7b, For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity.

I suggested that perhaps my friend is so upset because he has no idea where all this will end. He didn't understand how I could have peace. I was able to explain that I already know what’s going to happen because the Head of my Government told me.

Isaiah 54:10 For the mountains shall depart And the hills be removed, But My kindness shall not depart from you, Nor shall My covenant of peace be removed,” Says the LORD, who has mercy on you.

Matthew 24: 6-13 And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come. Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers. And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

So meanwhile, as the world continues hurtling headlong to the point in time when it is truly the end, we can be in a covenant relationship with the Head of Government – the only Government that could ever supply all we need. And He promised peace - on His terms. John 14:27, I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.

Will we accept those terms from the One of whose government and peace there will be no end?

Prayer:

Father,
            Thank You for Your covenant of peace. We praise You for providing our safe shelter ahead of the bad times. Help us to continue sowing seeds of peace, and offering Your Good News to whosoever will… Prepare ours to be ready to gently and respectfully explain to anyone who asks why our hope is in You.  Prepare their hearts and minds to listen and receive. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen

Who's with Who?

...as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee...

Joshua 1:5b KJV

When I was growing up, my mother kept a little container full of Bible verses on the kitchen table, and every day, we'd all pick one. The Promise for Today is one of the first Scripture pieces I committed to memory. I've mentioned it before – I had fallen through the glass door of my mother's china closet, yet God protected me. When it was all said and done, I picked a verse from the box and Joshua 1:5b was the text. It went immediately into my memory and has stayed there all these years.

It's one of those verses I hear when I need to be reminded that God is with me. He promised. Until recent years, I'd never really done a study on Moses' life, so I don't think I fully understood the commitment God was making to Joshua at the time. Nor did I grasp the depth and wealth of that promise.

Today, maybe you’re facing a challenge in your life. This is a sweet and loving reminder of a lifelong promise God made - not only to Joshua - but to you and me, as well. He finishes that verse with, I will never fail thee, nor forsake thee.

And just like Moses refused to go one step if God wasn't going with him, I don't want to, either. Do you? So, based on His Word - His promise - it's not a matter of us asking God, Are You with me? He's already promised that He will never leave us, nor forsake us. It's more a question of God asking us, "Are you with Me?"

What's your answer? 

Prayer:

Father,

           Thank You for the seeds of Truth You plant all through our lives, whether we are actively following You, or You are actively pursuing us to follow You.  Thank You that those truths are alive and bring forth good fruit in us. Help us to be moved only by You, Father. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen 

I Just Have to Say

God’s Message came to me: “Son of man, speak to your people. Tell them, ‘If I bring war on this land and the people take one of their citizens and make him their watchman, and if the watchman sees war coming and blows the trumpet, warning the people, then if anyone hears the sound of the trumpet and ignores it and war comes and takes him off, it’s his own fault. He heard the alarm, he ignored it—it’s his own fault. If he had listened, he would have saved his life. But if the watchman sees war coming and doesn’t blow the trumpet, warning the people, and war comes and takes anyone off, I’ll hold the watchman responsible for the bloodshed of any unwarned sinner."
“You, son of man, are the watchman. I’ve made you a watchman for Israel. The minute you hear a message from me, warn them. If I say to the wicked, ‘Wicked man, wicked woman, you’re on the fast track to death!’ and you don’t speak up and warn the wicked to change their ways, the wicked will die unwarned in their sins and I’ll hold you responsible for their bloodshed."

Ezekiel 33:1-8 The Message

These are tough times. Seems like an understatement, doesn't it? Think about the events of life over the last six months. And yes, the last few years. It's unbelievable. I cannot count how many times I've heard someone say, "If you had told me 20 years ago that this would happen, I'd have said you were crazy!" or at least something very similar to that statement. I've voiced it myself... 

And yet these things are happening. We've become very adept at rationalizing. We endeavor to explain away the unexplainable or dismiss with disdain those events that don't directly affect "our four and no more". In our attempt to steel ourselves (in our own power) against the onslaught of the day-to-day fires of life, our hearts begin to harden. We no longer see the big picture. Yet, I'm starting to see a repeat pattern of those who don't hear, just as Christ described in Mark 4. 

So, as Paul warned in Ephesians 5, I just have to say, “Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light. So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

I am sounding the alarm - Repent! We must change our evil ways!

Prayer:

Father,
          Open our ears to hear You! Open our eyes of understanding to see what You are doing! Open our hearts to change the ways that seem right to us, but are not Your ways. Give us holy boldness to open our mouths to speak a warning that may save souls from an eternity without You. In Jesus' Name we pray.  

Obedience

But Samuel replied, “What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams. Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols." 

1st Samuel 15:22-23a NLT

Right here (in this passage) is where King Saul was deposed. God told him to destroy everything of the Amalekite nation, but Saul didn't follow through. Oh, he did most of it, but not all of it. When confronted with the livestock that he kept, Saul replied they were going to use it to sacrifice to the Lord. It sounded logical. Seemed reasonable to Saul. However, there was a problem. Disobedience.

NOT doing what God said to do is disobedience. Wanting to do it your own way instead of His is being stubborn. Doing your own thing - or picking and choosing what part of it you want to do instead of what He said to do is rebellion... as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols...

Simple obedience... Is it an oxymoron? Sometimes it seems very difficult to fully obey, but anything less than fully obedient is disobedience and will get you deposed.

Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Never a question of whether or not it will be done, or how much of it. There is no "close enough" in the kingdom of Heaven. It's simple, really. Thy will be done... Immediately, completely and without hesitation.

Simple Obedience.

Prayer:

Father,
            Open our eyes to see our disobedience. Change our hearts to rid us of our stubborn and rebellious natures. Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Trading the Truth

They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen.
Romans 1:25

I get angry when people take truths and principles from the Word of God, then pull them out and twist them and turn them and pervert them until they're hardly recognizable - and then want to claim them as The Secret or the latest, greatest discovery of THEIR OWN. How to do this and how to do that and how to live positively and on and on it goes, and none of it gives honor to Whom honor is due. None of them credit God as the Author and Creator. The credo of mankind today - worldwide - "It's all about me! It's all about what I want!" It's all about greed and greed, my friend, equals lust. In the King James Bible, it reads, lust of the flesh, lust of the eye, and the pride of life... 

1st John 2:15-17 The Message reads, Don't love the world's ways. Don't love the world's goods. Love of the world squeezes out love for the Father. Practically everything that goes on in the world—wanting your own way, wanting everything for yourself, wanting to appear important—has nothing to do with the Father. It just isolates you from him. The world and all its wanting, wanting, wanting is on the way out—but whoever does what God wants is set for eternity. 

Mark 8:36 warns us, For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

You need something? Go to God. You want to know something you've never known? Go to God. You want to live positively? You want true peace? Contentment? All that you truly NEED? GO TO GOD! Go to Him as your Father, the Creator, Almighty God. El Shaddai, El Elyonah, Adonai. 

Who are we that He is mindful of us? Let's get it in the proper perspective. He is God and we are NOT! Don't trade the Truth for anyone or anything. 

Prayer:

Father,
         You alone are God. You alone are the Creator! You are righteous and You are holy and merciful and full of grace!  You alone are worthy to be praised! Our lives and our only hope is in You alone! Break the scales off our eyes and the chains from our hearts! Help us to show those living in this lost and dying world who You are and that it's You they're really looking for. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Enough Light

The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.

Isaiah 9:2 NLT

I'm sure you know the number one excuse for not reading the Word of God is that it's hard to understand. I have to admit, I used to use the same excuse. Today's promise contains the words of Isaiah, prophesying of Jesus being born into the world. The Messiah, the Light of the World. The book of Isaiah can be very difficult to read. It's not easily understood and for those of us with focus challenges, it can be really tough. I probably would never have known our text for today was a prophecy regarding the life of Christ had someone not shed some light on it.

Have you ever noticed that the more we need to see detail or the more we require a better view, the more light we need? Operating rooms, doctors and dentists and almost the entire medical field require intense light to perform. Our Father, the Great Physician, has given us the Light of the world for all to see. You might be thinking, That's a little over the top. I don't have anything that urgent... No?  Have you ever said... Turn on the light, I can't see...Come here under the light, so I can see what I'm doing...I need more light than what I have here...?

In truth, the vast majority of us never think about light, in and of itself, but rather as a tool, an aid for seeing. However, light is vital to our lives in more ways than we ever think about - for sustaining the life cycle itself, if you think about the whole ecological realm. Here's something on a smaller scale that I was thinking about, but I hope it may make as big an impact.

How many times in our lives have we gotten up in the middle of the night and stubbed our toe because we didn't turn on the light? In familiar territory, where we know the lay of the land. Of course, something might have been out of place - that happens at times - but more often than not, we smack it on something that's been in the same place for a long time. (Can I get an Amen or perhaps a commiserative Ouch!) If we'd turned on the light, or had a nightlight, or used a flashlight, our chance of walking into something because we didn't see it would be virtually non-existent.

There are so many obstacles in our path as we wend our way through life. If it's silly (and hazardous) for us to walk around in the dark in our own homes, why then, do we try to walk through life without any Light? How many obstacles trip us up and cause us to fall because we didn't see them? Psalm 119:105 NLT, a very familiar text, reads, Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. Wouldn't we like to see where we're going? And if we know where we're going, wouldn't it be best to be sure the way is lighted? We could avoid a lot of pitfalls and problems with the proper Light.

John 1:1-5a NKJV, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness...

Spend time in His Word, the Light of the world - a lamp to guide our feet and a light for our path. The Light to see where we're going AND to make sure we get there.

Prayer:

Father,
          Thank You for providing everything and the Only thing we'll ever need to see our way clear to You. Give us understanding. Open our spiritual eyes so that we may see. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

The Dress Code

So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.

Colossians 3:12-14 The Message Bible

I remember when schools in our area first switched to a new standard dress code of solid colored shirts with collars and they had to be tucked in to khakis which had to have a belt. Oh, how parents and students alike were up in arms over it! All kinds of excuses and grumblings - from unconstitutional to too much money - none of which were factual. Those who couldn't afford it were helped out by those who were willing to help, and once the parents and students realized we weren't kidding, they settled into it. 

The results were amazing. Behavior improved, consideration for others increased, grades went up. Children walked with a new level of confidence. It was almost unbelievable what a new Dress Code could accomplish.

We get the same kind of results when we dress in the wardrobe that God has picked out for us. Oh, we may be up in arms to start with - Discipline? What's wrong with the way I do things? Humility? Second place? Where's me? Where's mine? Me me me... I can't do that. I can't wear that! I can't afford that! None of which are factual... The Truth is God has provided the wardrobe. He has given it to us to wear as He wears it. He paid for it. Dearly... 

And once we realize He's not kidding, and we put on our new things - our behavior improves, consideration for others increases, and we wait to hear "Good job! Well done!" We walk with a new level of confidence because we're walking with Him and following in His footsteps. Our path is sure. The dress code is clear. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.

Prayer:

Father,

          Help us to wear with a sincere commitment to excellence these precious garments that Your Son bought and paid for with His own blood. Help us to do so with such grace and mercy and love that the world will know who we belong to by what we wear. Help us to forgive as quickly as You forgive us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Not Me

Who has ascended into heaven, or descended? Who has gathered the wind in His fists? Who has bound the waters in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name, and what is His Son’s name, If you know? Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.

Proverbs 30:4-5 NKJV

Have you ever noticed how many people when asked a question that begins with "Who did…" will respond with, "It wasn't me."  Often, it’s not even about anyone being in trouble or catching the blame. It’s just a simple quest for information - Who did whatever. Well, I got a new perspective on that today.

Have you ever had one of those days when nothing seems to go well? By mid-day, you’re asking yourself why you are where you are, doing what you’re doing because you don’t see how any of what you’re doing is working for anyone’s good. And doing this mundane, inane task can’t possibly have any eternal effect, etc…  That was the day I was having. And just when I was ready to be less than gracious about it – at just that precise moment, I received an e-mail anecdote about a woman who lost a contact lens.

The story's been around for years. You’ve probably read it before. The gist of the story was a lady, climbing a mountain, lost her contact lens, and couldn’t find it on her clothes or on the ledge where she was. She felt scared because she was halfway up the mountain and her vision was then blurry, so she prayed for God to help her find it. She did not find it where she dropped it, but she made it to the top anyway and came all the way back down the mountain without the lens. The rest of the story goes that at the base of the mountain, a climber in a different group jokingly asked if anyone had lost a contact lens because they’d found a contact lens being carried by an ant. The tale continues with the statement that her father was a cartoonist. When she told him the incredible story of the ant, the prayer, and the contact lens, he drew a picture of an ant lugging that contact lens with the caption, “Lord, I don't know why You want me to carry this thing. I can't eat it, and it's awfully heavy. But if this is what You want me to do, I'll carry it for You.”

Now, to my knowledge, no one has proven that particular story to be true, but most of us could tell something similar in principle that HAS happened in our own life. And that’s where I got the new perspective… When we come face to face with the wonder-working, amazing faithfulness of God, we have to say, “It wasn’t me…”

Do you know who Agur is? Do you know his father, Jakeh? Me, either. Stick with me, I’m going somewhere with this. You’ll remember that names were given because of their meaning back in the Old Testament – well, Jakeh means 'pious – devout, moral, dutiful'. The ONLY mention of this devout, moral, dutiful man is that he was the father of Agur, and that is all that is known of him.

Agur means 'gatherer; or the collector' – I have no idea what he gathered or collected, and neither does anyone else because nothing is known of him beyond what is recorded in Proverbs, chapter 30. However, Agur and Jakeh are not just mentioned in that chapter; Agur wrote Proverbs, chapter 30. The chapter is subtitled, "The sayings of Agur", so maybe he just collected sayings and his form of riddles about things for which he didn’t know the answer.

I don’t want you to think he was having a tough day or questioning why he was where he was, doing what he was doing because he didn’t see how any of what he was doing was worth anything, but he wrote in verse 2, Surely I am more stupid than any man, and do not have the understanding of a man.

I'm sure he felt like that, but here’s the wonder-working, amazing faithfulness of God. Agur and his devout father, Jakeh, have a place in the book of Proverbs which is generally understood to be the book of wisdom to live by, contained in the living Word of God.

Who has ascended into heaven, or descended? Who has gathered the wind in His fists? Who has bound the waters in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name, and what is His Son’s name? It wasn’t me…

So today, when I was asking myself why, I realized, it wasn’t me…  Thank God.

Prayer:

Father,

            Lots of times, I don't know why. I may not be able to see any good in it – I can’t eat it and it's awfully heavy. But, if You want me to, I will. Because when You looked for the perfect sacrifice to atone for my sin, it wasn’t me. And when the veil that separated us from You was stripped away, it wasn’t me who did it. But it was (and is) me who desperately needed a way to be cleansed from my sin. And it was (and is) me who was SO not worthy of Your mercy and Your grace. Father, if there is anything that can be done with these human hands to accomplish Your will, let it be me. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen

Take the Time

“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”

Matthew 6:31-33 NLT

I heard a discussion about how to deal with worry. One suggestion “from the experts” (not sure the background of the experts) was to set aside a specific time to worry. Basically, make an appointment with yourself to only worry during the allotted time frame. I can’t even begin to tell you how diametrically opposed that is to the Word of God!

One question was, “Why is it wrong to worry? I just can’t help it.”  Baloney… Paul instructs us in 2nd Corinthians to bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. And in our Promise for Today, Jesus speaking, So don’t worry about these things… [emphasis mine]. Hebrews 11:6 tells us without faith it is impossible to please God. We cannot pick and choose which Scriptures we like – which ones we will obey.  2^nd Timothy 3:16-17 tells us, All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. How can we be prepared to do EVERY good work if we are worried?

Choosing to worry instead of submitting it all to the Lord is an accusation against God. Worry says, ‘I don’t trust You, God.’ (That’s ugly, isn’t it?)

Let’s check history. 

Since the beginning of time, has God ever abdicated His throne?

Has there ever been an earth-shattering event that has knocked HIM for a loop? 

Any war that did that? Recession? Inflation? Unemployment rate? Hurricane? Tsunami?  Earthquake? Epidemic? Pandemic? Anything? 

Has there been anything ever that has shaken who HE is? 

Anything that has changed HIM and/or HIS ability to be Father God? 

Anything that caused God Himself to throw out any part of His Word as no longer relative?

Absolutely, unequivocally, indisputably, a resounding NO!

So if you want to set aside a time, let me suggest that it be a time to stop and consider the wonderful miracles of God. A time to seek His Kingdom above all else. A time to thank Him for all He has done for you thus far. Take the time to NOT worry…

Prayer:

Father,

          Forgive us for doubting You and Your love and Your ability to care for us and the things that concern us. Father, according to Your Word in 1^st Peter 5, today we choose to take the time to cast all our cares on You because You care for us. Help our unbelief, Father. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen

Conditional Provision

If you carefully obey all the commands I am giving you today, and if you love the Lord your God and serve him with all your heart and soul, then he will send the rains in their proper seasons—the early and late rains—so you can bring in your harvests of grain, new wine, and olive oil. He will give you lush pastureland for your livestock, and you yourselves will have all you want to eat.

Deuteronomy 11:13-15 NLT

Even though we're not all farmers or ranchers, we understand the promise of provision made by God in our text for today. It's a vision, isn't it? Can you see yourself with every need met? What are you willing to do for it? More importantly - What are you willing to STOP doing for it? Yes, it IS a promise, but it is conditional. 

Verses 16 and 17, “But be careful. Don’t let your heart be deceived so that you turn away from the Lord and serve and worship other gods. If you do, the Lord’s anger will burn against you. He will shut up the sky and hold back the rain, and the ground will fail to produce its harvests. Then you will quickly die in that good land the Lord is giving you."

Yes, God LOVES us unconditionally, but a covenant relationship requires commitment and action on both sides, and I'm not talking about the casual commitment of today's society. Covenant is not to be entered into lightly. God wants all of us - every bit of us. And in return, He will give us every bit of Himself. What a promise of provision THAT is!

Prayer:

Father,

          We give it all to You, holding nothing back, because You held nothing back from us at Calvary. Help us to walk worthy of Your covenant and commitment. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

By Request - A Reprint - Do You Feel What I Feel?

Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.
Proverbs 4:23 NLT

We live in a day and age where what we see or feel is easily confused as being the truth for our lives because it's broadcast on Facebook or trending on the web or tweeted for all the world to see. We buy into others' opinions like they're gospel.

Heart check! They are not gospel. There's only one, true gospel - the gospel of Jesus Christ.

There is a great difference between getting bogged down in feelings and having compassion. I'm not saying feelings are bad, I'm just pointing out that they should not control our lives, our actions. Don't get sucked into being angry and outraged. Don't get dragged down into a victim mentality over things from the past - your past or anyone else's. 

Sometimes, life is very difficult. We don't always understand why things happen the way they do, or why someone does (or doesn't do) a particular something. But there are things that we can KNOW in spite of circumstances. For instance, God reassures us in Isaiah 43:2 NIV, When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. We're going THROUGH, not under! 

Sometimes, in the midst of the trial we're hard-pressed to see beyond what we feel... but that's exactly the choice we must make. Nowhere in the Bible does it tell us to go with what we feel. No, we are instructed to stand and believe, and having done all to stand! You may not feel like it; do it anyway. Let's talk faith, not feelings.

Prayer:

Father,

           Thank You for Your Word. It is always Truth and when applied to our lives will surely guard our hearts and steer us in a true course to complete Your plan and purpose. Help us to override our feelings with the measure of faith You have provided to us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

C'mon Over!

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
Revelation 3:20-21 NKJV

You may be going through the trial of your life... a desert season of life that seems as scorched and dry as an Indian summer in West Texas. A night so long you almost despair of ever seeing the SON rise with healing in His wings. I don't know what you're facing, or why you're facing it, but I do know that Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life. I also know that we ARE able to OVERCOME by the Blood of the Lamb (His part - already done!) and the Word of OUR Testimony.

And let's be clear about one thing - it's NOT over until the Father says it's over!

Just a few reminders. You've probably seen or heard them before...

If you never went through the fire, how would you become pure?

If I (God) never corrected you, how would you know that I (God) love you?

If you never made a mistake, how would you know that I (God) am a Forgiver - your Redeemer?

If you never had trials to overcome, how could you call yourself an overcomer?

To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. I can't wait for Jesus to say, "C'mon over!"

Prayer:

Father,
           We thank You for the provision You have made for every possible scenario of our lives. How merciful and full of grace You are! I know the peace in the midst of the storm comes from knowing that nothing is a surprise to You, and You have already made provision for us to BE overcomers in everything that does come our way. We humbly ask that You keep us ever mindful of this. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Beauty for Ashes

Moses led them out from the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. All of Mount Sinai was covered with smoke because the Lord had descended on it in the form of fire. The smoke billowed into the sky like smoke from a brick kiln, and the whole mountain shook violently. As the blast of the ram’s horn grew louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God thundered his reply. The Lord came down on the top of Mount Sinai and called Moses to the top of the mountain.

Exodus 19:17-20a NLT

Americans love to celebrate July 4th - our nation's Independence Day. 

Fireworks are the epitome of Ohhhhhh, shiny! and my family loves them! People the world over are fascinated by bright lights, big noise and smoke screens, but it has to be truly dark for the fireworks to be effective. The bigger - the better! The more - the merrier... but what a mess! Have you ever had to clean up after a fireworks event? Once the sizzle and pizzazz is over, and the smoke clears, all that's left is debris and lots of trash.

That's just one more thing I love about the Lord! When the darkness of this world is at its worst, our God is an all-consuming fire! When He comes down with Holy Ghost fire, He consumes all the debris, all the mess, and leaves that which has life in Him... Beauty for ashes.  In Him, there is the brightest Light, and big noise and smoke, but when His smoke clears, we have new life - made pure by His fire. Yes, beauty for ashes. Illuminated forever by His light.

Prayer:

Father,

        Thank You for Your death-defying, sin-destroying, life-liberating fire in our lives. Consume us, O God, with Your fire. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Fast Living

Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.
Luke 1:78-79 NLT

I am reminded of this Scripture every time I see the sun piercing through the cloud cover as though it were an incredible spotlight behind a curtain with holes and rips and tears. I observe in awe the transformation in appearance of literally anything that the light touches as though it was set free to be alive. And I think it should be the same way with us. The Light of the World transforms our lives and we become like Him and we should shine enough light to transform the lives around us.

Matthew 5, beginning verse 13 in The Message reads, Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.
Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives.

Okay, so we go to church and we pay our tithes and offerings and we’re not out purposefully sinning every day and we pray. Aren’t we doing enough?

Well, the question then is, how are we instructed to be generous with our lives? Let’s read in Isaiah 58, beginning with verse 2 (The Message). They're busy, busy, busy at worship, and love studying all about me. To all appearances they're a nation of right-living people— law-abiding, God-honoring. They ask me, 'What's the right thing to do?' and love having me on their side. But they also complain, ‘Why do we fast and you don't look our way? Why do we humble ourselves and you don't even notice?'

Well, here's why: "The bottom line on your 'fast days' is profit. You drive your employees much too hard. You fast, but at the same time you bicker and fight. You fast, but you swing a mean fist. The kind of fasting you do won't get your prayers off the ground. Do you think this is the kind of fast day I'm after: a day to show off humility? To put on a pious long face and parade around solemnly in black? Do you call that fasting, a fast day that I, God, would like?

"This is the kind of fast day I'm after: to break the chains of injustice, get rid of exploitation in the workplace, free the oppressed, cancel debts. What I'm interested in seeing you do is: sharing your food with the hungry, inviting the homeless poor into your homes, putting clothes on the shivering ill-clad, being available to your own families. Do this and the lights will turn on, and your lives will turn around at once. Your righteousness will pave your way. The God of glory will secure your passage. Then when you pray, God will answer. You'll call out for help and I'll say, 'Here I am.'

"If you get rid of unfair practices, quit blaming victims, quit gossiping about other people's sins, If you are generous with the hungry and start giving yourselves to the down-and-out, Your lives will begin to glow in the darkness, your shadowed lives will be bathed in sunlight. I will always show you where to go. I'll give you a full life in the emptiest of places— firm muscles, strong bones. You'll be like a well-watered garden, a gurgling spring that never runs dry. You'll use the old rubble of past lives to build anew, rebuild the foundations from out of your past. You'll be known as those who can fix anything, restore old ruins, rebuild and renovate, make the community livable again.”

Now THAT is ‘Fast’ Living! Shine the light!

Prayer:

Father,
           Shine Your light through us. Let us bring glory to Your Name. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen