For the thing I greatly feared has come upon me...
Job 3:25a NKJV
God is very clear about Fear Not... it is one thing He kept repeating. Don't fear, don't be afraid, let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid... over and over. Why do we ignore Him?
A friend of mine planned to retire, but because of the economic downturn, he lost a lot of money in his investments and didn't have the money to retire. It was what he feared the most. Often times, I have heard people say, "I was afraid this would happen" or "that would happen." I've said it myself and you probably have, too.
No doubt about it, people fear a lot of things - and the media makes their living from it. Terrorism, financial ruin, virulent viruses, cancer, heart disease. But in Truth, there is only one thing we are to fear - and that with holy reverence - the Lord our God.
Deuteronomy 6:1-2, reads, Now this is the commandment, and these are the statutes and judgments which the LORD your God has commanded to teach you, that you may observe them in the land which you are crossing over to possess, that you may fear the LORD your God, to keep all His statutes and His commandments which I command you, you and your son and your grandson, all the days of your life, and that your days may be prolonged.
Jesus said in John 14:1-3, Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.
What if the only thing we feared was the Lord our God? Then it would be with joy and great celebration that we would utter the words, For the thing I greatly feared has come upon me... Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
Prayer:
Father,
Forgive us for fearing anything other than You. Forgive us for not recognizing, acknowledging and accepting Your promises to be with us and to guide us and to protect us. Keep us from all unrighteousness, Father. We need Your mercy and Your grace and the courage to walk out our convictions. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Wednesday, September 30, 2020
Tuesday, September 29, 2020
Keeping Track
You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.
Psalm 56:8 NLT
Sometimes, it seems like the hard seasons of life are so much longer than the good times. It is in times like these I am SO glad we have the Word of God to stand on, to lean on, to wield as a weapon to ward off the onslaught of the enemy of our souls. Even though it may feel like all of hell has waged war against us, the battle is the Lord's! God has a weapon prepared to answer every attack. It's in the manual (the Bible). 2nd Corinthians 10:4 tells us, We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments.
Sometimes, it seems like the hard seasons of life are so much longer than the good times. It is in times like these I am SO glad we have the Word of God to stand on, to lean on, to wield as a weapon to ward off the onslaught of the enemy of our souls. Even though it may feel like all of hell has waged war against us, the battle is the Lord's! God has a weapon prepared to answer every attack. It's in the manual (the Bible). 2nd Corinthians 10:4 tells us, We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments.
Sometimes our battles are fought through tear stains. I've said it before - tears are a gift from God. They are a language that God understands. I've lost track of the number of times I have stood with tears streaming down my face, declaring the Truth of God's Word over the facts I faced, wielding the sword of the Lord to knock down the lies of satan. I may have lost track, but God has never lost track. His Word tells us so.
It's why we can stand and declare the victory that we may only see with our spiritual eye, and then pray it till it comes alive in us. If we continue reading from our Promise for Today, Psalm 56, verses 9b-11, we find the courage to fight through our tears. This I know: God is on my side! I praise God for what he has promised; yes, I praise the Lord for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?
Prayer:
Father,
You keep track of all our sorrows. You have collected all our tears in Your bottle. You have recorded each one in Your book. Help us to see them as a vital part of our arsenal in the battle of life. Thank You for weaponry that will take down strongholds and destroy lies. Birth in us a fresh desire to read and embrace Your Word. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Monday, September 28, 2020
Read the Map
And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.
Titus 2:12-14 NLT
Let's say I am heading west when I finally realize that the destination I desire is actually east. However, this road I'm on, heading west, is a wide road and has no tolls and I can travel at 75 miles an hour. No hindrances. No roadwork. No detours. No problem...smooth sailing, except I'm going in the wrong direction. Oh, it has lots of exits - opportunities to turn around - but if all I do is exit and fill up and get right back on the same road, I'm not going to make my desired destination. I can say where I want to go and actually make up my mind to go there, but unless I turn around and head in the right direction, I'm not ever going to arrive.
The same is true on our Christian journey. We all want to make it to Heaven, but we don't all want to take the road that gets us there. We're told to repent, but we don't want to make the U-turn. In order to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures, we cannot keep going in the same direction.
What keeps us from turning around? Is it that the road heading east is a narrow road? Is it because there's a price to pay? Is it because at times we're going to have to be still instead of being able to keep moving? Or is it because there are only rest areas instead of exits with all the goodies that go with the exits?
To turn from godless living and sinful pleasures, we cannot keep going in the same direction. Have you read the map?
Prayer:
Father,
Your Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Go before us and make the crooked way straight, Father, as You have promised. Make the path plain so we can find our way to You. Keep us between the lines, O God. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Titus 2:12-14 NLT
Let's say I am heading west when I finally realize that the destination I desire is actually east. However, this road I'm on, heading west, is a wide road and has no tolls and I can travel at 75 miles an hour. No hindrances. No roadwork. No detours. No problem...smooth sailing, except I'm going in the wrong direction. Oh, it has lots of exits - opportunities to turn around - but if all I do is exit and fill up and get right back on the same road, I'm not going to make my desired destination. I can say where I want to go and actually make up my mind to go there, but unless I turn around and head in the right direction, I'm not ever going to arrive.
The same is true on our Christian journey. We all want to make it to Heaven, but we don't all want to take the road that gets us there. We're told to repent, but we don't want to make the U-turn. In order to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures, we cannot keep going in the same direction.
What keeps us from turning around? Is it that the road heading east is a narrow road? Is it because there's a price to pay? Is it because at times we're going to have to be still instead of being able to keep moving? Or is it because there are only rest areas instead of exits with all the goodies that go with the exits?
To turn from godless living and sinful pleasures, we cannot keep going in the same direction. Have you read the map?
Prayer:
Father,
Your Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Go before us and make the crooked way straight, Father, as You have promised. Make the path plain so we can find our way to You. Keep us between the lines, O God. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Sunday, September 27, 2020
Take Me Back
Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.
Colossians 3:14-16 NLT
First day back to work after how long...? Grateful or groaning? It's all in how we look at it. It's a heart condition, actually. It's easy to grumble. What does our text read today? ...you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
Will we lament and grumble because we had to go back to work or will we give thanks that we have a position with a boss we respect, and people we like, one that affords us a flexible schedule, and provides a good wage? Will we choose to be hardly thankful or heartily thankful? Let's choose the path that leads us always back to the Lord our God.
Prayer:
Father,
We pray Your Word. It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and sing praises to Your name, O Most High. It is good to tell of Your loving-kindness in the morning, and of how faithful You are at night, with harps, and with music of praise. For You have made us glad by what You have done, O Lord. We will sing for joy at the works of Your hands. Give us opportunity to tell of Your excellent greatness, O God. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.
Colossians 3:14-16 NLT
First day back to work after how long...? Grateful or groaning? It's all in how we look at it. It's a heart condition, actually. It's easy to grumble. What does our text read today? ...you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
Will we lament and grumble because we had to go back to work or will we give thanks that we have a position with a boss we respect, and people we like, one that affords us a flexible schedule, and provides a good wage? Will we choose to be hardly thankful or heartily thankful? Let's choose the path that leads us always back to the Lord our God.
Prayer:
Father,
We pray Your Word. It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and sing praises to Your name, O Most High. It is good to tell of Your loving-kindness in the morning, and of how faithful You are at night, with harps, and with music of praise. For You have made us glad by what You have done, O Lord. We will sing for joy at the works of Your hands. Give us opportunity to tell of Your excellent greatness, O God. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Saturday, September 26, 2020
Psalm 143
Hear my prayer, O Lord,
Give ear to my supplications!
In Your faithfulness answer me,
And in Your righteousness.
2 Do not enter into judgment with Your servant,
For in Your sight no one living is righteous.
3 For the enemy has persecuted my soul;
He has crushed my life to the ground;
He has made me dwell in [a]darkness,
Like those who have long been dead.
4 Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed within me;
My heart within me is distressed.
5 I remember the days of old;
I meditate on all Your works;
I [b]muse on the work of Your hands.
6 I spread out my hands to You;
My soul longs for You like a thirsty land. Selah
7 Answer me speedily, O Lord;
My spirit fails!
Do not hide Your face from me,
Lest I [c]be like those who [d]go down into the pit.
8 Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning,
For in You do I trust;
Cause me to know the way in which I should walk,
For I lift up my soul to You.
9 Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies;
[e]In You I take shelter.
10 Teach me to do Your will,
For You are my God;
Your Spirit is good.
Lead me in the land of uprightness.
11 Revive me, O Lord, for Your name’s sake!
For Your righteousness’ sake bring my soul out of trouble.
12 In Your mercy cut[f] off my enemies,
And destroy all those who afflict my soul;
For I am Your servant.
Give ear to my supplications!
In Your faithfulness answer me,
And in Your righteousness.
2 Do not enter into judgment with Your servant,
For in Your sight no one living is righteous.
3 For the enemy has persecuted my soul;
He has crushed my life to the ground;
He has made me dwell in [a]darkness,
Like those who have long been dead.
4 Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed within me;
My heart within me is distressed.
5 I remember the days of old;
I meditate on all Your works;
I [b]muse on the work of Your hands.
6 I spread out my hands to You;
My soul longs for You like a thirsty land. Selah
7 Answer me speedily, O Lord;
My spirit fails!
Do not hide Your face from me,
Lest I [c]be like those who [d]go down into the pit.
8 Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning,
For in You do I trust;
Cause me to know the way in which I should walk,
For I lift up my soul to You.
9 Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies;
[e]In You I take shelter.
10 Teach me to do Your will,
For You are my God;
Your Spirit is good.
Lead me in the land of uprightness.
11 Revive me, O Lord, for Your name’s sake!
For Your righteousness’ sake bring my soul out of trouble.
12 In Your mercy cut[f] off my enemies,
And destroy all those who afflict my soul;
For I am Your servant.
Prayer:
Father,
We pray as David prayed, Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies; In You I take shelter. Teach me to do Your will, For You are my God; Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness.
Revive me, O Lord, in Jesus' Name we pray, Amen
Thursday, September 24, 2020
Who Knows?
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.
Psalm 139:16 NLT
In the words of King David, 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. Let me fulfill the purpose You have planned for my life... for such a time as this. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen
Psalm 139:16 NLT
Let's talk about Esther. Orphaned at an early age, taken in by an older cousin,
and offered up in the B.C. version of Queen for a Day - but
only if you qualify. (This would not be my first choice, nor my second, not
even my thirtieth...). However, think about this. If she hadn't been orphaned,
if her older cousin hadn't taken her in and then offered her up for the king's
wife lottery, where would she be when the time came to fulfill her purpose in
life?
An entire culture had been sentenced to die. Mordecai expected Esther to fix
it. Period. No excuses, because she was in the right place at the right time.
He asked her, "If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance
and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your
relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a
time as this?”
She was scared witless. She could die merely by taking the first step into the
ruler's presence without his expressed permission. I am positive the words kept
ringing in her spirit, 'For such a time as this!' 'For such a time as this!'
It rings throughout my day, 'For such a time as this!' 'For such a
time as this!' and echoes as Ephesians 2:10 repeats itself in my heart, "For
we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do
the good things he planned for us long ago."
God knows all our days. He planned them... long ago. As scary
as this world can be on its worst days, we are here for such a time as
this. God ordained that we would be here... in the right place at the right
time... to do the things HE planned for us.
What will WE do?
Prayer:
In the words of King David, 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. Let me fulfill the purpose You have planned for my life... for such a time as this. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen
Wednesday, September 23, 2020
Separatism
There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.
1st Corinthians 12:4-11 NKJV
We don't want to lose our lives by lauding it over everyone. Lord, may we remember and focus on the Truth that we were created to do things for others - things that You ordained for us to do long ago. Help us to recognize Your handiwork and cause us to hasten to do all that You have in Your Heart and Mind for us to do. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen
1st Corinthians 12:4-11 NKJV
God loves you and wants the very best for your life. My pastor declares this
all the time. He's not a "name it, claim it", "blab it, grab
it" kind of guy. He is steeped in the Word of God and proclaims Truth
every time he speaks.
God really DOES love you and He TRULY wants the best for your life! So, because
He loves us so much, He made each of us uniquely ourselves. Think about the
billions of people and no two fingerprints alike. Mind-boggling! He didn't make
us unique in order to be in the spotlight. He didn't make us unique so that we
could laud it over anyone who doesn't have the same giftings we might have. He
made us unique because we each bring something of value to the table to
accomplish His purpose - His goals in our lives and the lives of those around
us. Something that is uniquely our own, yet a vital part of the whole picture.
The world calls for us to celebrate diversity and to make it our focus. The
world encourages us to find the thing that's different and exploit it; to focus
on what separates us and divide into groups accordingly. God never called us to
division. He called us into relationship with Himself and the Body of Christ -
which is you and me.
How do you make a friend? You either get thrust into a forced connection or you
first notice that there is some kind of common ground on which you can connect,
right?
That is EXACTLY what God is calling us to do in our Scripture text for today.
Yes, we're all different, but we are to celebrate the SAME! The same Spirit
(the one that raised Christ Jesus from the dead). The same God who works
all in all. We are not called to separatism.
Prayer:
We don't want to lose our lives by lauding it over everyone. Lord, may we remember and focus on the Truth that we were created to do things for others - things that You ordained for us to do long ago. Help us to recognize Your handiwork and cause us to hasten to do all that You have in Your Heart and Mind for us to do. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen
Tuesday, September 22, 2020
None There
And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God’s Son does not have life. I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life.
1st John 5:11-13 NLT
1st John 5:11-13 NLT
Several of my family and close friends are grieving the loss of multiple family members this year and my heart aches for them. Grieving is so difficult. One can get lost in the wilderness of it all. I don't know how people who don't have a relationship with the Lord can find their way through the valley of the shadow of death. I'll just tell you straight up, I could not. Not without God. Not without His promises.
As Christians, we lean heavily upon His Word with regard to eternal life with Christ. Paul writes in Thessalonians that we don't grieve as the world grieves (without hope), but we still grieve. There's sorrow in the loss we feel this side of heaven, but Psalm 119:50 tells us, Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles. Today, as I was thinking about a friend who placed a bench in the cemetery near the loved one's gravesite, I rejoiced with the great good news that there are NO GRAVES IN HEAVEN. None. This whole grieving process will be left behind when Jesus comes to get us...
Revelation 21:4 promises that He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever. There will be none there. Thank You, Lord!
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for the promise of eternal life. Thank You for giving us Your Word so we can remind ourselves when we forget. Thank You for the comfort that only You can provide and Your precious peace that passes understanding. Father, I pray for those who are sorrowing. Please let them feel Your presence all around them, loving and comforting. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Monday, September 21, 2020
Before the World Began
It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. God chose Him as your ransom long before the world began, but now in these last days He has been revealed for your sake.
1st Peter 1:19-20 NLT
1st Peter 1:19-20 NLT
There are those who think that when the world was going to hell in a handbasket that it was then God decided He needed to provide a sinless Savior as the sacrificial redemption for our sins. However, that would imply that God threw the world into existence without fully thinking about it. It would also imply that God messed up and had to fix His mistake... In our Promise for Today, we can see very clearly that God did NOT make a mistake. Have you ever stopped to think about just how well God planned for our eternity?
He chose our Saviour before the world began...
BEFORE the world began...
LONG before the world began...
God knew WE would mess up and would need a Savior. Not only did He lay the plan for your life before you were born, but He made provision for your eternity with Him before the earth was formed. Can we even fathom that kind of love?
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for loving us forever. Thank You for all the ways You have provided for us. Open our eyes to see all of them. Open our hearts to receive Your love and help us to love You in return with all our heart, with all our soul, and with all our strength. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Sunday, September 20, 2020
Thinking of You
Hear my prayer, O Lord. Listen when I ask for help. Answer me because You are faithful and right. Do not find Your servant guilty, for no man living is right and good in Your eyes. For the one who hates me has made it hard for my soul. He has crushed my life to the ground. He has made me live in dark places, like those who have been dead for a long time. So my spirit grows weak within me. My heart within me is afraid.
Psalm 143:1-4
I remember the days long ago. I think about all You have done. I think about the work of Your hands. I put out my hands to You. My soul is thirsty for You like a dry land.
Hurry to answer me, O Lord! My spirit is becoming weak! Do not hide Your face from me, or I will become like those who go down to the grave. Let me hear Your loving-kindness in the morning, for I trust in You. Teach me the way I should go for I lift up my soul to You. O Lord, take me away from those who hate me. I run to You to be safe.
Psalm 143:5-9
Prayer:
Father,
10 Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. Let Your good Spirit lead me on a straight path. 11 Give me new life, O Lord, because of Your name. Bring me out of trouble because You are right and good. In Jesus' Name I pray Your Word. Amen
I remember the days long ago. I think about all You have done. I think about the work of Your hands. I put out my hands to You. My soul is thirsty for You like a dry land.
Hurry to answer me, O Lord! My spirit is becoming weak! Do not hide Your face from me, or I will become like those who go down to the grave. Let me hear Your loving-kindness in the morning, for I trust in You. Teach me the way I should go for I lift up my soul to You. O Lord, take me away from those who hate me. I run to You to be safe.
Psalm 143:5-9
Prayer:
Father,
10 Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. Let Your good Spirit lead me on a straight path. 11 Give me new life, O Lord, because of Your name. Bring me out of trouble because You are right and good. In Jesus' Name I pray Your Word. Amen
Saturday, September 19, 2020
Join the Party
vs 6, When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’
vs 9-10, And when she finds it, she will call in her friends and neighbors and say, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost coin.’ In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.
vs 32, We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!
vs 9-10, And when she finds it, she will call in her friends and neighbors and say, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost coin.’ In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.
vs 32, We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!
Luke 15:6, 9-10, 32 NLT
There IS a special joy that comes from finding something that has been lost - no matter what it is or how it might have been lost. One of my favorite sayings of all time is, "Those who keep an organized desk will never know the joy of finding something they thought they had lost forever."
As joyful as it is to find something, it's even more so when it's someone who is found. I like major milestones in life, such as high school reunions. Especially, if you’ve been out of school for longer than you care to admit. I’ve noticed the longer we’re out, the more people want to also meet the night before. They want to get the party going once they're all in the same place. The closer it gets to the date of the reunion, the more focused everyone becomes and the more energy there is in trying to find "lost" classmates. In the email thread leading up to the event, you can almost hear the excited response when you read that over 50 new addresses were added in the last week.
In thinking about that and feeling the excitement of it all, I got to thinking about heaven. Verse 10 of our text for today reads, ...there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents. If we will find the ones who are lost and dead in their sin and help them find new life, then we can all be together when our Father calls us home, and we can get this party going.
Prayer:
Father,
The time is drawing near. Help us to be more focused and expend more energy in showing the way home for all those who are lost to You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
There IS a special joy that comes from finding something that has been lost - no matter what it is or how it might have been lost. One of my favorite sayings of all time is, "Those who keep an organized desk will never know the joy of finding something they thought they had lost forever."
As joyful as it is to find something, it's even more so when it's someone who is found. I like major milestones in life, such as high school reunions. Especially, if you’ve been out of school for longer than you care to admit. I’ve noticed the longer we’re out, the more people want to also meet the night before. They want to get the party going once they're all in the same place. The closer it gets to the date of the reunion, the more focused everyone becomes and the more energy there is in trying to find "lost" classmates. In the email thread leading up to the event, you can almost hear the excited response when you read that over 50 new addresses were added in the last week.
In thinking about that and feeling the excitement of it all, I got to thinking about heaven. Verse 10 of our text for today reads, ...there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents. If we will find the ones who are lost and dead in their sin and help them find new life, then we can all be together when our Father calls us home, and we can get this party going.
Prayer:
Father,
The time is drawing near. Help us to be more focused and expend more energy in showing the way home for all those who are lost to You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Friday, September 18, 2020
What?
Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven. Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.
James 5:14-16 NLT
Semantics, according to the Oxford dictionary, is the study of how meaning in language is created by the use and interrelationships of words, phrases, and sentences. For instance, do 'Say a prayer' and 'Pray a prayer' imply the same thing to you? Do you want someone to respond to your request with 'I'll say a prayer for you' or 'I'll pray for you'? Does one imply more fervor than the other? It may all be a matter of semantics - the implication of your words. Some people don't break it down to the letter of the language, while others do.
I'm not trying to provoke an argument over say vs. pray, but I am trying to provoke you to check your heart. Are we paying lip service - speaking Christianese - or do we believe the Word of God? Matthew 21:22 reads, And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. So - say vs. pray to receive and believe? It may be a matter of semantics, but what's your heart telling you?
Prayer:
Father,
We choose to pray in faith - the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not yet seen - nothing waivering. We choose to stand on Your Word, believing that when we pray believing we shall have whatsoever we ask in Your Name. We know Your Word is true and Truth over what we see, no matter what it is. Cause our faith to grow, Father. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
James 5:14-16 NLT
Semantics, according to the Oxford dictionary, is the study of how meaning in language is created by the use and interrelationships of words, phrases, and sentences. For instance, do 'Say a prayer' and 'Pray a prayer' imply the same thing to you? Do you want someone to respond to your request with 'I'll say a prayer for you' or 'I'll pray for you'? Does one imply more fervor than the other? It may all be a matter of semantics - the implication of your words. Some people don't break it down to the letter of the language, while others do.
I'm not trying to provoke an argument over say vs. pray, but I am trying to provoke you to check your heart. Are we paying lip service - speaking Christianese - or do we believe the Word of God? Matthew 21:22 reads, And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. So - say vs. pray to receive and believe? It may be a matter of semantics, but what's your heart telling you?
Prayer:
Father,
We choose to pray in faith - the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not yet seen - nothing waivering. We choose to stand on Your Word, believing that when we pray believing we shall have whatsoever we ask in Your Name. We know Your Word is true and Truth over what we see, no matter what it is. Cause our faith to grow, Father. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Thursday, September 17, 2020
Only God
Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault. All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Jude 1:24-25a NLT
Have you heard it? The voice in your head running the litany of past sins and trying very hard to convince you that you would slip. You would trip up. You would fall away. After all, "so-and-so did and they were a better Christian" than me... It was the old slip, trip and fall routine.
Can you imagine such a thing? Oh, when I heard it, I looked around a little bit, saw and recognized the memory lane markers and messes of my life, but I wasn't buying it. Not paying any more tolls on that road. My life has been bought with a price. It was paid in full at Calvary. In my heart sprang forth the music, ♪♫ In my hurt, at my worst, when my world falls down - ♪♫ Not for a moment, will You forsake me...♪♫ We are redeemed.
Then I turned to His Word and found this Truth - His Truth that negates the facts of our lives. The facts being who and what I was; however, His Truth is who I am - who WE are - through Christ. Our Promise for Today - Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you [me] from falling away and will bring you [me] with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault. All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Able to keep me from falling away? Can you even fathom being without a single fault?!? Only God can do such a thing...
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for the Truth of Your Word. Thank You for salvation and redemption. Thank You for loving us enough to send Your Son to reconcile us to You while we were yet sinners. It's overwhelming - this love You have for us. Help us to help others find Your Truth. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Jude 1:24-25a NLT
Have you heard it? The voice in your head running the litany of past sins and trying very hard to convince you that you would slip. You would trip up. You would fall away. After all, "so-and-so did and they were a better Christian" than me... It was the old slip, trip and fall routine.
Can you imagine such a thing? Oh, when I heard it, I looked around a little bit, saw and recognized the memory lane markers and messes of my life, but I wasn't buying it. Not paying any more tolls on that road. My life has been bought with a price. It was paid in full at Calvary. In my heart sprang forth the music, ♪♫ In my hurt, at my worst, when my world falls down - ♪♫ Not for a moment, will You forsake me...♪♫ We are redeemed.
Then I turned to His Word and found this Truth - His Truth that negates the facts of our lives. The facts being who and what I was; however, His Truth is who I am - who WE are - through Christ. Our Promise for Today - Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you [me] from falling away and will bring you [me] with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault. All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Able to keep me from falling away? Can you even fathom being without a single fault?!? Only God can do such a thing...
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for the Truth of Your Word. Thank You for salvation and redemption. Thank You for loving us enough to send Your Son to reconcile us to You while we were yet sinners. It's overwhelming - this love You have for us. Help us to help others find Your Truth. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Tuesday, September 15, 2020
Gold In the Rule
Here is a simple, rule-of-thumb guide for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them.
Matthew 7:12 The Message
Matthew 7:12 The Message
"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" is
probably much more familiar to you as The Golden Rule. JFK paraphrased it for
Americans in his famous quote, "Ask not what your country can do for you.
Ask what you can do for your country." And a few decades ago, some smart
aleck re-wrote it saying, "Do unto others before they do unto you."
Unfortunately, it was and is a sign of the times.
So many times, I hear good people whining, "When is it my turn?" "Who is gonna take care of me?" If we stop navel-gazing, demanding that our needs be met, and look to see what we can do to help someone else, then we stop the vicious cycle of me, me, me! It's amazing how it works.
We've talked lots about paying it forward and random acts of kindness. Will some people take advantage of your generosity? Yes, unequivocally yes. They will, but they are not why we do it. We do it because it's the right thing to do - imitating our Father who pours rain on the just and the unjust. While there may be a handful who are greedy with it, there will be so many more who will appreciate what you've done, so you're planting good seed. And the truth of the matter is that they're not taking advantage if you're offering it up anyway.
It's a rule-of-thumb guide for all our behavior. What would you like to reap in your life? You don't plant cotton and expect to harvest corn, do you? Are you planting the seeds that will produce the harvest you desire? There's the real Gold IN the Rule.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for the gifts You put in our lives. May we always remember how much You love us and then act accordingly. Help us to live each day by Your every Word, imitating You in both Word and deed. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
So many times, I hear good people whining, "When is it my turn?" "Who is gonna take care of me?" If we stop navel-gazing, demanding that our needs be met, and look to see what we can do to help someone else, then we stop the vicious cycle of me, me, me! It's amazing how it works.
We've talked lots about paying it forward and random acts of kindness. Will some people take advantage of your generosity? Yes, unequivocally yes. They will, but they are not why we do it. We do it because it's the right thing to do - imitating our Father who pours rain on the just and the unjust. While there may be a handful who are greedy with it, there will be so many more who will appreciate what you've done, so you're planting good seed. And the truth of the matter is that they're not taking advantage if you're offering it up anyway.
It's a rule-of-thumb guide for all our behavior. What would you like to reap in your life? You don't plant cotton and expect to harvest corn, do you? Are you planting the seeds that will produce the harvest you desire? There's the real Gold IN the Rule.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for the gifts You put in our lives. May we always remember how much You love us and then act accordingly. Help us to live each day by Your every Word, imitating You in both Word and deed. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Monday, September 14, 2020
Conscious or Mindless
Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get
wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.
If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will
give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him,
be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with
divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed
by the wind.
James 1:5-6 NLT
We make many decisions in a day. Some are considered
'no-brainers' - things we don't have to decide daily because at some previous
pivotal point, we decided we would do it regularly. Other
decisions require conscious effort, deep thought and reasoning, and just
when we think we've made the hard decision, we think about it some more.
Some decisions are made for us - such as what the boss
wants done and when s/he wants it. Some are seemingly without thought
because they 'go with the territory' – for instance, if you deliver
pizzas, you’ll need a driver's license and the state-required insurance, and a
vehicle of some sort.
The bottom line is this: we make our decisions and our
decisions make us. More than that, decisions we make affect the
lives of those around us. To choose to live righteously, to choose to have
an attitude of gratitude. To choose to reach out to others... or not. It
affects everyone within our sphere of influence. If we don't make conscious
decisions, it will be our mindless decisions that will adversely affect our lives and
those around us.
So, knowing that - how are you at making decisions? Do
you have all the wisdom you need in order to make them?
Prayer:
Father,
We
come before You today and ask for Your inspired wisdom to make the right
decisions to follow Your purpose for our lives. Lord, Your Word says You will
give it to us and not rebuke us for asking. Our faith is in You alone, Father -
we do not want to waiver. We need Your wisdom. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Sunday, September 13, 2020
Put a Lid On It
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Ephesians 4:29-32 NIV
I think it's safe to say that we have all said something that we regret having said at one point or another. In the heat of a moment, it might have felt good - it might even have felt justified - but when "the look" comes over the face of the recipient... ouch! You know "the look" I'm talking about, right? It makes me feel bad just thinking about it.
We often make excuses or try to justify our action or what we said. "I was right there in the middle of it and I just couldn't take any more!" "You weren't there - you don't know what it was like!" Jesus was in the middle of it, too. His reaction was, "Forgive them, Father, for they know not what they do..."
When we lash out at others, do we ever stop to think that our 'unwholesome talk' can offend the Holy Spirit of God? I know lots of people have no problem thinking that God is mad at them for one sin or another, but does it ever enter our minds that we can hurt His feelings by our thoughtless words or deeds?
Part of our text for today reads, "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." The Greek word for grieve translates to 'make sorrowful' - 'affect with sadness, cause grief' - 'offend, to grieve'. This verse also says we were sealed with Him for the day of redemption. In essence, God "put a lid" on us and our unwanted behavior - He sealed it for us, so shouldn't we do something with the rest of it?
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you... Yes - we should definitely put a lid on it!
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for sealing us with Your Holy Spirit for the Day of Redemption! Help us to get rid of everything in our lives that is not of You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Ephesians 4:29-32 NIV
I think it's safe to say that we have all said something that we regret having said at one point or another. In the heat of a moment, it might have felt good - it might even have felt justified - but when "the look" comes over the face of the recipient... ouch! You know "the look" I'm talking about, right? It makes me feel bad just thinking about it.
We often make excuses or try to justify our action or what we said. "I was right there in the middle of it and I just couldn't take any more!" "You weren't there - you don't know what it was like!" Jesus was in the middle of it, too. His reaction was, "Forgive them, Father, for they know not what they do..."
When we lash out at others, do we ever stop to think that our 'unwholesome talk' can offend the Holy Spirit of God? I know lots of people have no problem thinking that God is mad at them for one sin or another, but does it ever enter our minds that we can hurt His feelings by our thoughtless words or deeds?
Part of our text for today reads, "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." The Greek word for grieve translates to 'make sorrowful' - 'affect with sadness, cause grief' - 'offend, to grieve'. This verse also says we were sealed with Him for the day of redemption. In essence, God "put a lid" on us and our unwanted behavior - He sealed it for us, so shouldn't we do something with the rest of it?
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you... Yes - we should definitely put a lid on it!
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for sealing us with Your Holy Spirit for the Day of Redemption! Help us to get rid of everything in our lives that is not of You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Saturday, September 12, 2020
Starting Position - One of my favorites
Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God, and keep the
vows you made to the Most High. Then call on me when you are in trouble, and I
will rescue you, and you will give me glory.
Psalm 50:14-15 NLT
I've talked many times before about giving thanks in the
midst of life's trials. You may have heard my story about Does your
eyebrow hurt, Mom? Then can we give thanks that your eyebrow doesn't
hurt? Well, we often do the same thing when we're struggling with
repeated mistakes in our lives. We listen to the lies of satan. I must
not be saved. I always do that. I can't be a Christian and still struggle with
that. I'll never get victory over it. I might as well give up... Any
of that sound familiar?
How did we learn to walk when we were children? Did we
just decide one day that it was time to walk and then up we got and walked our
little selves all over the place? No, it was Get up. Fall. Get up, step,
fall. Step, step, fall. Get up, fall. Get up, fall. Fall. Fall. Cry. Resolve.
Get up... Even if you've never had children, more than likely, you have watched
a little one's first steps or attempts at walking.
As children, the first thing we learned was to pull
ourselves up on something sturdy to see if our legs would hold
us. Then we fought to get balance...and we struggled to keep our
balance. Sometimes, we no sooner got that first foot up off the floor, then we
found ourselves back on the floor in the starting position. The good news is we
eventually learned how to walk, right? You may not remember the process, but
your life is the proof.
It's the same principle with our Christian walk. Get up.
Fall. Get up, step, fall. Step, step, fall. Get up, fall. Get up, fall. Fall.
Fall. Cry. Resolve. Get up... Proverbs 24:16a NLT reads, The godly may
trip seven times, but they will get up again.
So often, we find ourselves focusing on our
mistakes rather than giving thanks for what
God has made new in us. I would like to point out that the starting position is
not getting up. The starting point is while you're on your
knees or face down on the floor... Don't beat yourself up over it. Jesus was already beaten up for it. Use His
Cross as the one sturdy thing that you can utilize to pull yourself up. Okay,
everyone! Starting positions...
Prayer:
Father,
Your goodness and mercy and grace overwhelm us. Your Word is a continual
lamp for our feet and light for the path You have chosen for us. Help us to walk in it. In Jesus' Name
we pray. Amen
Life or Death
"Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring
your descendants from the east, And gather you from the west; I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ And to the south, ‘Do not keep them back!’ Bring My sons from afar, And My daughters from the ends of the earth— Everyone who is called by My name,
Prayer:
Whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him.”
Isaiah 43:5-7 NKJV
Are you close to giving up? Do you sometimes wonder if
the prayers you have prayed in earnest for your loved ones have been for
naught? You haven't seen any change and you know time is getting short. I know
that battle. Is that you?
Stop right here and ask yourself these life or death
questions.
Is God's Word true?
Do you believe His promises in spite of
what you see or do not see?
Do you choose to walk by faith in Him and not by sight -
no matter what?
What is your answer?
Do not let doubt and fear rob you of your faith in
Almighty God.
ALL mighty God.
ALL mighty God.
2nd Peter 3:8-9 tells us, But, beloved, do not
forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a
thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise,
as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any
should perish but that all should come to repentance.
Acts 16:31 tells us the answer and provides the Promise
for our children and grandchildren for what we and they must do to be
saved...“Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with
everyone in your household.”
Is God's Word true? (Yes, it is!)
Do you believe His promises in spite of
what you see or do not see? (Yes, I do!)
Do you choose to walk by faith in Him and not by sight -
no matter what? (Yes, no matter what!)
Be encouraged! Continue to walk in faith, trusting God
for the salvation of your loved ones. Don't give up!
Prayer:
Father,
We
pray according to Your Word! I will praise You in Your sanctuary; Praise You in
Your mighty firmament! I will praise You for Your mighty acts; and I will
praise You according to Your excellent greatness! Let everything that has
breath praise the Lord. In
Jesus' Name I pray. Amen
Thursday, September 10, 2020
Louder
Then they reached Jericho,
and as Jesus and his disciples left town, a large crowd followed him. A blind
beggar named Bartimaeus (son of Timaeus) was sitting beside the road. When Bartimaeus
heard that Jesus of Nazareth was nearby, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of
David, have mercy on me!”
“Be quiet!” many of the people yelled at him.
But he only shouted louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
“Be quiet!” many of the people yelled at him.
But he only shouted louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
When Jesus heard him, he
stopped and said, “Tell him to come here.”
So they called the blind
man. “Cheer up,” they said. “Come on, he’s calling you!”
Bartimaeus threw aside his
coat, jumped up, and came to Jesus.
"What do you want me to do
for you?” Jesus asked.
Mark 10:46-51 NLT
This is one of my favorite
stories in the Bible. I love the audacity of Bartimaeus. He shouts for
Jesus, and when the crowd tries to stop him, he shouts louder,
"JESUS!" Then he throws off his coat - his beggar rags - and comes to
Jesus. He went from blind beggar to Bodacious Bartimaeus! Mercy AND healing!!
Don't you love that?!?
It's symbolic of our own
experience. We walk around blind to the goodness and holiness of God, then we
call out to Jesus - and we have our first choice. When the world tries to shout
us down, do we give up or go on? If we shout all the louder and get His
attention, will we leave our rags behind - everything we've ever known - to get
up and go on with Him? And if we get up, do we have an answer for His question
- “What do you want me to do for you?”
How bodacious are you?
Prayer:
Father,
We want to see! Open our eyes to see what You have planned and purposed
for our lives. Open our hearts to embrace all that You have planned. Cause us
to be bodacious!! We want to see You, Father. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Wednesday, September 9, 2020
Undistracted
My dear friends, this is now the second time I've written to you, both letters reminders to hold your minds in a state of undistracted attention. Keep in mind what the holy prophets said, and the command of our Master and Savior that was passed on by your apostles.
2nd Peter 3:1-2 The Message
Hold your minds in a state of undistracted attention…
First off, you need to know that in the last days, mockers are going to have a heyday. Reducing everything to the level of their puny feelings, they'll mock, "So what's happened to the promise of His Coming? Our ancestors are dead and buried, and everything's going on just as it has from the first day of creation. Nothing's changed."
They conveniently forget that long ago all the galaxies and this very planet were brought into existence out of watery chaos by God's Word. Then God's Word brought the chaos back in a flood that destroyed the world. The current galaxies and earth are fuel for the final fire. God is poised, ready to speak His word again, ready to give the signal for the judgment and destruction of the desecrating skeptics.
Don't overlook the obvious here, friends. With God, one day is as good as a thousand years, a thousand years as a day. God isn't late with His promise as some measure lateness. He is restraining Himself on account of you, holding back the End because He doesn't want anyone lost. He's giving everyone space and time to change.
But when the Day of God's Judgment does come, it will be unannounced, like a thief. The sky will collapse with a thunderous bang, everything disintegrating in a huge conflagration, earth and all its works exposed to the scrutiny of Judgment.
Since everything here today might well be gone tomorrow, do you see how essential it is to live a holy life? Daily expect the Day of God, eager for its arrival. The galaxies will burn up and the elements melt down that day—but we'll hardly notice. We'll be looking the other way, ready for the promised new heavens and the promised new earth, all landscaped with righteousness.
So, my dear friends, since this is what you have to look forward to, do your very best to be found living at your best, in purity and peace. Interpret our Master's patient restraint for what it is: salvation…
2nd Peter 3:3-16 The Message
Hold your minds in a state of undistracted attention…
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for Your Word to instruct us. Help us to be on guard lest we lose our footing and get swept off our feet by lawless and loose-talking teachers. Help us to grow in grace and understanding of our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ. Glory to You, O God, now and forever! In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen
2nd Peter 3:1-2 The Message
Hold your minds in a state of undistracted attention…
First off, you need to know that in the last days, mockers are going to have a heyday. Reducing everything to the level of their puny feelings, they'll mock, "So what's happened to the promise of His Coming? Our ancestors are dead and buried, and everything's going on just as it has from the first day of creation. Nothing's changed."
They conveniently forget that long ago all the galaxies and this very planet were brought into existence out of watery chaos by God's Word. Then God's Word brought the chaos back in a flood that destroyed the world. The current galaxies and earth are fuel for the final fire. God is poised, ready to speak His word again, ready to give the signal for the judgment and destruction of the desecrating skeptics.
Don't overlook the obvious here, friends. With God, one day is as good as a thousand years, a thousand years as a day. God isn't late with His promise as some measure lateness. He is restraining Himself on account of you, holding back the End because He doesn't want anyone lost. He's giving everyone space and time to change.
But when the Day of God's Judgment does come, it will be unannounced, like a thief. The sky will collapse with a thunderous bang, everything disintegrating in a huge conflagration, earth and all its works exposed to the scrutiny of Judgment.
Since everything here today might well be gone tomorrow, do you see how essential it is to live a holy life? Daily expect the Day of God, eager for its arrival. The galaxies will burn up and the elements melt down that day—but we'll hardly notice. We'll be looking the other way, ready for the promised new heavens and the promised new earth, all landscaped with righteousness.
So, my dear friends, since this is what you have to look forward to, do your very best to be found living at your best, in purity and peace. Interpret our Master's patient restraint for what it is: salvation…
2nd Peter 3:3-16 The Message
Hold your minds in a state of undistracted attention…
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for Your Word to instruct us. Help us to be on guard lest we lose our footing and get swept off our feet by lawless and loose-talking teachers. Help us to grow in grace and understanding of our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ. Glory to You, O God, now and forever! In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen
Tuesday, September 8, 2020
No End in Sight
I have been young, and now am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his descendants begging bread. He is ever merciful, and lends; And his descendants are blessed.
Psalm 37:25-26 NKJV
When you make the choice to become a Christ-follower, you enable the generations after you to walk in the blessing(s) God has bestowed on you. When God blesses YOU, it doesn't end with you. The blessing is on you, and your children and your grandchildren and great-grandchildren and so on and so forth.
God's Word is without end. Your descendants will not be beggars. They will not go hungry. Your descendants will be blessed - it doesn't matter how many generations come afterward. There's no end date on that promise!
Prayer:
Father,
We pray Your Word, confessing what we believe - Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God! And we thank You for it, in Jesus' Name. Amen
Monday, September 7, 2020
Believe It or Not
"The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, Because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.”
Isaiah 61:1-3 NKJV
God the Father has spoken Truth since Day One. He speaks nothing else. He doesn't say we have to believe. He gives us the either or and we're free to choose from that point. We can choose to believe or choose not to - we always have a choice.
Isaiah prophesied of the coming Messiah. They knew He was coming. They watched for Him. It was written down in Scripture for them to know because that day in the Temple, Jesus stood to take His turn at reading from what Isaiah had written. Luke tells it this way: And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written: “The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD.” Then He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him. And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”
And that's all it took. It was on from there. He'd no sooner closed the book and the debate began, "Isn't this Joseph's son?" Immediately, the world and its' junk began crowding in. Then they had a choice - believe it or not.
We all have moments when we have to choose what we believe. Oh, we've all heard people say, "I had no choice." We've even said it ourselves but the truth is, there's always a choice.
Will we, by faith, choose God's Truth over what we see with our eyes? Faith tells us one thing, but we are tempted to believe what we see and hear in the natural. It's at that point that many times we struggle to believe it or not. I don't say that to point fingers. We're in good company - John the Baptist did the same thing. John - the same John Isaiah wrote about, the voice of one crying in the wilderness, prepare ye the way of the Lord. And yet when John was in prison, awaiting his fate, he sent some of his own disciples to Jesus. Luke 7:20-22 NKJV reads, When the men had come to Him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to You, saying, ‘Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?’” And that very hour He cured many of infirmities, afflictions, and evil spirits; and to many blind He gave sight. Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard: that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them." Jesus did not say to John, "Yeah, it's Me. I'm the One. It's all good."
Jesus gave John the Truth. The Truth of His Word - Scripture fulfilled - and it was John's choice to believe it or not.
We've all experienced moments when we question, but when we seek Truth, it is not a fearful thing. Believe it.
Prayer:
Father,
You are not a man that You would lie. All Your ways are just and true. Help us to know Your Truths - write them on our hearts and in our minds, O God. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.
Isaiah 61:1-3 NKJV
God the Father has spoken Truth since Day One. He speaks nothing else. He doesn't say we have to believe. He gives us the either or and we're free to choose from that point. We can choose to believe or choose not to - we always have a choice.
Isaiah prophesied of the coming Messiah. They knew He was coming. They watched for Him. It was written down in Scripture for them to know because that day in the Temple, Jesus stood to take His turn at reading from what Isaiah had written. Luke tells it this way: And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written: “The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD.” Then He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him. And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”
And that's all it took. It was on from there. He'd no sooner closed the book and the debate began, "Isn't this Joseph's son?" Immediately, the world and its' junk began crowding in. Then they had a choice - believe it or not.
We all have moments when we have to choose what we believe. Oh, we've all heard people say, "I had no choice." We've even said it ourselves but the truth is, there's always a choice.
Will we, by faith, choose God's Truth over what we see with our eyes? Faith tells us one thing, but we are tempted to believe what we see and hear in the natural. It's at that point that many times we struggle to believe it or not. I don't say that to point fingers. We're in good company - John the Baptist did the same thing. John - the same John Isaiah wrote about, the voice of one crying in the wilderness, prepare ye the way of the Lord. And yet when John was in prison, awaiting his fate, he sent some of his own disciples to Jesus. Luke 7:20-22 NKJV reads, When the men had come to Him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to You, saying, ‘Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?’” And that very hour He cured many of infirmities, afflictions, and evil spirits; and to many blind He gave sight. Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard: that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them." Jesus did not say to John, "Yeah, it's Me. I'm the One. It's all good."
Jesus gave John the Truth. The Truth of His Word - Scripture fulfilled - and it was John's choice to believe it or not.
We've all experienced moments when we question, but when we seek Truth, it is not a fearful thing. Believe it.
Prayer:
Father,
You are not a man that You would lie. All Your ways are just and true. Help us to know Your Truths - write them on our hearts and in our minds, O God. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.
Sunday, September 6, 2020
True Faith
Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I be sure this will happen? I’m an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years.”
Luke 1:18 NLT
Luke 1:18 NLT
Zechariah was a priest. He had served in the temple a long time. Verse 7 tells us that both he and Elizabeth were very old. He had years of life experiences that he had allowed to shape his thinking and his beliefs. Somewhere along the line, what he believed based on those life experiences had redefined his faith.
We've all done it. Think about your prayer life. Do we pray BELIEVING or do we pray hoping or do we just throw some words up in God's general direction, wishing He would, but figuring He probably won't... based on our life experiences?
The struggle we tend to have with true faith is when what we've experienced in life is different than what the Word of God says about us. Are we able to set our face like a flint (Isaiah 50) in spite of the trials and tribulations and words that come against us? Do we choose to take God at His Word? His Word tells us that without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6).
Whether we're new in the Lord or have been serving Him for years, is our faith in God's Word and what HE says about the situation? Or is it in the situation and how we figure it will probably end up based on our own experiences? Have we let our faith become watered down with tears of disappointment? Lost loved ones? Chronic illness? Let's do a heart check. Do we need to repent and realign our hearts with His?
Prayer:
Father,
Forgive us for any and every time we have chosen to believe circumstances over the Truth of Your Word. Clear our minds, O God. Give us clean hands and pure hearts as we earnestly follow You. Help us to see with spiritual eyes Your plan and purpose for everything in our lives. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Saturday, September 5, 2020
Snuggling
I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.
Mark 10:15 NLT
Most children by nature are snugglers. I love it! It's always sad to me when they reach the stage when they no longer want to.
What would we be like if we wanted to spend every moment of our lives right up close to our Heavenly Father? Not just our waking moments, but our resting ones, too? Right next to the Father all the time. Always aware of His presence. Always wanting Him to be a part of everything we do. Expressing our needs, our desires and FULLY trusting that He will provide. Matthew 18:3 tells us, unless you are converted and become as little children...
No, He's not a doting grandparent. He's a loving Father, who sent His only Son so that we could be redeemed into right relationship with Him. Remember, He came as a child... He knows what it takes. Just think about it.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for always loving us and for always teaching us. Help us to become as children walking in complete faith and trust in You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Mark 10:15 NLT
Most children by nature are snugglers. I love it! It's always sad to me when they reach the stage when they no longer want to.
What would we be like if we wanted to spend every moment of our lives right up close to our Heavenly Father? Not just our waking moments, but our resting ones, too? Right next to the Father all the time. Always aware of His presence. Always wanting Him to be a part of everything we do. Expressing our needs, our desires and FULLY trusting that He will provide. Matthew 18:3 tells us, unless you are converted and become as little children...
No, He's not a doting grandparent. He's a loving Father, who sent His only Son so that we could be redeemed into right relationship with Him. Remember, He came as a child... He knows what it takes. Just think about it.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for always loving us and for always teaching us. Help us to become as children walking in complete faith and trust in You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Friday, September 4, 2020
Details
Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting,
God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along.
If we don’t know how or what to pray,
it doesn’t matter.
He does our praying in and for us,
making prayer out of our wordless sighs,
our aching groans.
He knows us far better than we know ourselves,
knows our pregnant condition,
and keeps us present before God.
That’s why we can be so sure
that every detail in our lives of love for God
is worked into something good.
Romans 8:26-28 The Message Bible
That, my friends, is everything I have to say tonight.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for music. Thank You for words. Thank You for Your Word that is Light and Life to us. Keep us ever mindful of this Truth. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along.
If we don’t know how or what to pray,
it doesn’t matter.
He does our praying in and for us,
making prayer out of our wordless sighs,
our aching groans.
He knows us far better than we know ourselves,
knows our pregnant condition,
and keeps us present before God.
That’s why we can be so sure
that every detail in our lives of love for God
is worked into something good.
Romans 8:26-28 The Message Bible
That, my friends, is everything I have to say tonight.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for music. Thank You for words. Thank You for Your Word that is Light and Life to us. Keep us ever mindful of this Truth. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Thursday, September 3, 2020
Eternally
Therefore He is able also to save to the uttermost (completely, perfectly, finally, and for all time and eternity) those who come to God through Him, since He is always living to make petition to God and intercede with Him and intervene for them.
Hebrews 7:25 The Amplified Bible
One of the most frustrating things in life to me is to start a long-term process in great detail with one person and then, before it’s completed, have to pick up the process with someone new because the first person left. Details get lost in the process of bringing someone else up to speed. After the 2nd or 3rd time, one tends to take the short road, no matter how bumpy. You have all the history, you may even take all the files, but you don’t know if the new person will take the time to read all of that or if they'll even want to. Sometimes, it’s a project that has taken several years to define, only to be put on hold because of a change in management or leadership...
Sometimes, our lives are like that. If you've ever changed jobs or moved to a new town or did a combination of the two, it can feel a little crazy – okay, a LOT crazy – because it takes us out of our comfort zone, and we feel as though we have to start over finding those comfortable spots again. New mechanic, hairdresser, doctor, etc. However, our Scripture for today gives me hope. You see, as NOT perfect as I am at this point in my life, trust me when I tell you that through the Grace of God, there has been MUCH progress made overall. And no matter where His will takes me, no matter how many new people or systems come into my life, no matter how many are 'left behind' - the One Constant in my life is Him.
He is eternal. He knew me before I was formed in my mother’s womb. All of my days were numbered before I drew my first breath. There isn’t anything about me, good, bad or otherwise, that He doesn’t already know and has taken into account. I don’t have to worry about what He may find out that may color His opinion of me, He knows it all and loves me in spite of it. There isn’t anything in my present or my future that He doesn’t already know about and He has already made the way for me.
He might get angry with me, but with great mercies will He gather me unto Himself. (Isaiah 54:8)
He will never leave me, nor forsake me. (Hebrews 13:5)
His banner over me is love. (Song of Solomon 2:4)
He rejoices over me with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17)
I am safe in Him for all time. (Psalm 144:2)
Jesus is able to save me to the uttermost (completely, perfectly, finally, and for all time and eternity) because He is alive forever. He has risen indeed – Hallelujah!
Prayer:
Father,
Lift our eyes to see the eternal, so that we don’t get stuck in the muck. You are our God, our Deliverer, Redeemer, Restorer, Refiner… Keep working in us, O Lord, so we come through the fire as pure gold; Fit to do Your will. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen
Hebrews 7:25 The Amplified Bible
One of the most frustrating things in life to me is to start a long-term process in great detail with one person and then, before it’s completed, have to pick up the process with someone new because the first person left. Details get lost in the process of bringing someone else up to speed. After the 2nd or 3rd time, one tends to take the short road, no matter how bumpy. You have all the history, you may even take all the files, but you don’t know if the new person will take the time to read all of that or if they'll even want to. Sometimes, it’s a project that has taken several years to define, only to be put on hold because of a change in management or leadership...
Sometimes, our lives are like that. If you've ever changed jobs or moved to a new town or did a combination of the two, it can feel a little crazy – okay, a LOT crazy – because it takes us out of our comfort zone, and we feel as though we have to start over finding those comfortable spots again. New mechanic, hairdresser, doctor, etc. However, our Scripture for today gives me hope. You see, as NOT perfect as I am at this point in my life, trust me when I tell you that through the Grace of God, there has been MUCH progress made overall. And no matter where His will takes me, no matter how many new people or systems come into my life, no matter how many are 'left behind' - the One Constant in my life is Him.
He is eternal. He knew me before I was formed in my mother’s womb. All of my days were numbered before I drew my first breath. There isn’t anything about me, good, bad or otherwise, that He doesn’t already know and has taken into account. I don’t have to worry about what He may find out that may color His opinion of me, He knows it all and loves me in spite of it. There isn’t anything in my present or my future that He doesn’t already know about and He has already made the way for me.
He might get angry with me, but with great mercies will He gather me unto Himself. (Isaiah 54:8)
He will never leave me, nor forsake me. (Hebrews 13:5)
His banner over me is love. (Song of Solomon 2:4)
He rejoices over me with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17)
I am safe in Him for all time. (Psalm 144:2)
Jesus is able to save me to the uttermost (completely, perfectly, finally, and for all time and eternity) because He is alive forever. He has risen indeed – Hallelujah!
Prayer:
Father,
Lift our eyes to see the eternal, so that we don’t get stuck in the muck. You are our God, our Deliverer, Redeemer, Restorer, Refiner… Keep working in us, O Lord, so we come through the fire as pure gold; Fit to do Your will. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen
Wednesday, September 2, 2020
I Needed the Reminder...
A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.
2nd Timothy 2:24-26 NLT
The older I get, the more I forget things - and sometimes very important things! I don't do it on purpose, it just happens. But now and then, I find something that is a great reminder because maybe I'd forgotten it in the middle of the circumstance. Today's Promise is just that - a great reminder...
Did you ever notice in Scripture how the apostles addressed and defined themselves?
Paul, a servant of the Lord;
Peter, a slave to Christ;
His servant John;
James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.
All in submission - all in service to God and Christ Jesus.
What is it servants do? Whatever the Master instructs them to do. Not IF they feel like it. Not WHEN they feel like it. Not only if the other servants do or don't do it. Not only when someone's looking...
A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people.
He had to include that one, right? The be patient with difficult people phrase? I noticed there's not a qualifying statement attached to that sentence, either; such as, except for Mondays or be patient with difficult people once or twice, but smack 'em the 3rd time...
Can it really be that big of a deal? Is it that important for us to be patient with difficult people? The Word says, Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap.
Their eternity could be determined by whether or not we CHOOSE to be kind and patient to them. It's time for a change. Let it begin with me.
Prayer:
Father,
Change MY heart so that I can be kind and not quarrelsome. Patient and not peeved. Let my life reflect Your love. May I never again get down to that last nerve. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen
The older I get, the more I forget things - and sometimes very important things! I don't do it on purpose, it just happens. But now and then, I find something that is a great reminder because maybe I'd forgotten it in the middle of the circumstance. Today's Promise is just that - a great reminder...
Did you ever notice in Scripture how the apostles addressed and defined themselves?
Paul, a servant of the Lord;
Peter, a slave to Christ;
His servant John;
James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.
All in submission - all in service to God and Christ Jesus.
What is it servants do? Whatever the Master instructs them to do. Not IF they feel like it. Not WHEN they feel like it. Not only if the other servants do or don't do it. Not only when someone's looking...
A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people.
He had to include that one, right? The be patient with difficult people phrase? I noticed there's not a qualifying statement attached to that sentence, either; such as, except for Mondays or be patient with difficult people once or twice, but smack 'em the 3rd time...
Can it really be that big of a deal? Is it that important for us to be patient with difficult people? The Word says, Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap.
Their eternity could be determined by whether or not we CHOOSE to be kind and patient to them. It's time for a change. Let it begin with me.
Prayer:
Father,
Change MY heart so that I can be kind and not quarrelsome. Patient and not peeved. Let my life reflect Your love. May I never again get down to that last nerve. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen
Tuesday, September 1, 2020
Giving Thanks in a Perfect Storm
But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:57 NKJV
It's been a week! We voluntarily evacuated in the path of Hurricane Laura. After Harvey happened three years ago, we made a decision as an extended family that anything above a category 2, we would leave town. So we did. Our family is giving thanks that we personally did not have any damage from Laura, and we are praying for those who did.
We came home on Thursday and got a call from my niece asking us to please come. My brother was admitted to the hospital and very ill. So we repacked the suitcase and Friday morning headed out again, this time to north Texas. The prayers of the saints went before us, and just like in the song, The Blessing, His presence was before us and behind us and beside us and around us. The transformation of my brother's countenance from Saturday to Sunday was nothing short of miraculous! We are trusting God for strength to fight and win and once again, our family is giving thanks to our God who gives us the victory through Christ.
We got home yesterday and when I tried to log in to my desktop, it would not come up. Then the monitor completely died. I was like a fish out of the water. I have my laptop from work but am unable to access anything other than the company network with it. So here I was a week without being able to share with you or to let you know why, nor was I able to access any of the other documents I work in. Tonight, I decided I was going to write the Promise for Today on my phone rather than go one more day without. During the second paragraph, my daughter offered to try to hook up an alternate monitor and she was successful! So, here we are. And I am giving more thanks to God for making provision and giving us victory.
When the enemy comes in like a flood, God will lift up a standard against him according to His Word. When the winds blow and the waters rise and the earth shakes - in the midst of a perfect storm, we serve a more perfect God and Saviour, who speaks, "Peace, be still" and it is so.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for Your faithfulness! Thank You for Your love! Thank You for giving us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! Help us to walk in Your Light and follow in Your footsteps where we will find the strength and the will to keep going. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
1 Corinthians 15:57 NKJV
It's been a week! We voluntarily evacuated in the path of Hurricane Laura. After Harvey happened three years ago, we made a decision as an extended family that anything above a category 2, we would leave town. So we did. Our family is giving thanks that we personally did not have any damage from Laura, and we are praying for those who did.
We came home on Thursday and got a call from my niece asking us to please come. My brother was admitted to the hospital and very ill. So we repacked the suitcase and Friday morning headed out again, this time to north Texas. The prayers of the saints went before us, and just like in the song, The Blessing, His presence was before us and behind us and beside us and around us. The transformation of my brother's countenance from Saturday to Sunday was nothing short of miraculous! We are trusting God for strength to fight and win and once again, our family is giving thanks to our God who gives us the victory through Christ.
We got home yesterday and when I tried to log in to my desktop, it would not come up. Then the monitor completely died. I was like a fish out of the water. I have my laptop from work but am unable to access anything other than the company network with it. So here I was a week without being able to share with you or to let you know why, nor was I able to access any of the other documents I work in. Tonight, I decided I was going to write the Promise for Today on my phone rather than go one more day without. During the second paragraph, my daughter offered to try to hook up an alternate monitor and she was successful! So, here we are. And I am giving more thanks to God for making provision and giving us victory.
When the enemy comes in like a flood, God will lift up a standard against him according to His Word. When the winds blow and the waters rise and the earth shakes - in the midst of a perfect storm, we serve a more perfect God and Saviour, who speaks, "Peace, be still" and it is so.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for Your faithfulness! Thank You for Your love! Thank You for giving us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! Help us to walk in Your Light and follow in Your footsteps where we will find the strength and the will to keep going. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
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