Promise for Today Favorite - Still Not Done

Late in the afternoon his disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go to the nearby farms and villages and buy something to eat.”

But Jesus said, “You feed them.”
“With what?” they asked. “We’d have to work for months to earn enough money to buy food for all these people!”
“How much bread do you have?” he asked. “Go and find out.”
They came back and reported, “We have five loaves of bread and two fish.” Then Jesus told the disciples to have the people sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups of fifty or a hundred. Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them.
Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he kept giving the bread to the disciples so they could distribute it to the people. He also divided the fish for everyone to share. They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftover bread and fish. A total of 5,000 men and their families were fed from those loaves!
Mark 6:35-41 NLT

Has God ever done the impossible in your life? Has He done the proverbial Made a Way Where There was No Way? Has He ever used you to do or say something that you know - beyond the shadow of a doubt - that it was all God because it was beyond your ability or even your comprehension? It defies all logic. Well, He's not done yet.

Mark 6 is an amazing chapter. At the beginning of it, Jesus heads to His hometown, begins teaching in the synagogue in such a way that the people exclaim, Where did he get all this wisdom and the power to perform such miracles? And only moments later, they reject Him because they can't see or believe through eyes of faith... but He wasn't done. He took it to village after village, teaching, healing.

He launched His disciples, sending them out on purpose without provision, and yet their needs were met and they accomplished what He sent them to do. When they returned, they were stoked! But He wasn't done.

Also in this chapter, we learn of John the Baptist's beheading - a tragic, horrible murder. It had already happened; Jesus knew about it, but it didn't stop Him because He wasn't done. Jesus wanted to take the boys and get away for a little while, but the crowds wouldn't stop, and because He had/has such great compassion, He stopped for them.

Then we come to our Promise text for today. The disciples - those He hand-picked - presume to tell Christ how to best care for the people. They present their most logical, well thought-out plan, but obviously, Jesus wasn't done yet.

You feed them, but the best they could come up with was logic.
We’d have to work for months to earn enough money to buy food for all these people!

Jesus doesn't fly by the seat of His pants. He doesn't get by by the skin of His teeth. He's not a fly-by-night operation. When will we realize that God has the plan? He's had it from the beginning. Even when there doesn't seem to be any way at all - the odds are too much against us. We can't feed them! What do you think the disciples were thinking? "There's over 5,000 men here, plus their families..." "Sure, I'll see if anyone brought anything..." "Here, 5 loaves and a couple of fish. What are You gonna do with that?" "There's no way to feed all these people - that's not enough for just us, let alone all of them." "I don't know what You're thinking..."

He took it, blessed it and broke it. And with those little bits of broken pieces, He fed the multitudes until everyone had as much as they wanted. It was the first All-You-Can-Eat buffet... But He wasn't done. Scripture tells us, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftover bread and fish.

Recap: He told them to feed the people. They replied logically, 'We can't'. He showed them how it's done. And when He was done, they picked up 12 baskets of leftover bread and fish. 

Hmmm... how many disciples were there?

You get the picture...

I was gonna end there, but I hear the ones making the statement about Judas Iscariot... He didn't hang around too much longer after this, so, I guess that leaves one basket. Any takers? We're not done...

Prayer:

Father,            

           Thank You for the ability to think and reason. Forgive us when we use it to try to explain away Your sovereignty and majesty. Help us to realize and KNOW that whatever You've called us to do, wherever You've called us to be, You've made the provision. Let the measure of faith You have given us always override what we can see so that we can DO what You've told us to do. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen 

Promise for Today Favorite - You Did This?

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. 

 Psalm 139:13 NIV

A little of this, a LOT of that, and some of this, a little more of the other, throw in a breath and voila! There you are. God made you. He designed who you would look like. He laid the groundwork for your personality. He formed you - gave you all the parts you would need - lined up your days and set it all in motion. Verse 16 says all my days were ordained before one of them even came to be. There are days that thought is a cause for tremendous celebration. There are other days when it's not exactly a warm fuzzy.

Keeping in mind that God's ways are NOT our ways and His thoughts are NOT our thoughts, perhaps we should try to shed a little light on some things. Let's see if it will give us a new way of thinking and an opportunity to give God praise in everything.
For instance -

"That child is so strong-willed!" Very trying for the one trying to raise the child - but if properly trained, a great leader!

"You have the audacity to speak like that?" Properly trained, raised in Christ - able to speak before kings and leaders.

"Why are you crying over that...?" A tender heart, full of compassion.

"You are SO bull-headed!!" Properly trained - it's the ability to focus on a goal and get it done!

Does that make sense? Look for the good in how God has made you. Look for the strength and ability in it instead of what could be conceived as the downside to your attributes.

Ephesians 4:15-16 tells us, "Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love."

It is beyond our finite minds to intelligently question an infinite God. You did this? Oh, yes! I see You did! Thank you so much!

Prayer:

Father,
           Truly we are fearfully and wonderfully made. Help us to see it and to give You praise because You did this. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today Favorite - Pleasing

And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.

Colossians 3:23-24 NKJV

It's in our nature to want to be recognized for doing well. That being said, there are all sorts of awards and recognitions and raises that go along with doing well as adults. We just need to be very careful about whom we're trying to please. And I think we have to be more careful about what motivates us to do well or to be pleasing. Jesus warns us in Matthew 6:1 to not grandstand with our good deeds.

I remember well the days of,

Mom, look!
Mom, watch me!
Mom, did you see me?
Mom, how's this?

Children love to impress their parents. So, what is our motivation? Is it,

Father, look!
Father, watch me!
Father, did You see me?
Father, how's this?

I'm waiting for The Day - I just want to hear my Father say, Well done!

Prayer:

Father,
           Oftentimes, we work so hard to do life well. Day after day, trying to go the extra mile, many times for those who don't even understand or appreciate the extra time or effort. Father, give us a heart check-up. Shine Your Light of Truth on any area that is motivated by anything other than wanting to please You. Lord, when the time comes, we want to hear You say, Well done! Come on in! In Jesus' Name we pray.

Promise for Today Favorite - Doing It the Hard Way

This is what the Almighty Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: 

You can be saved by returning to me. You can have rest. You can be strong by being quiet and by trusting me. But you don’t want that.

Isaiah 30:15 GWT

I hear people all the time saying, "I'm tired of fighting for everything. I just want to rest a while." Why is it that we cannot believe we are able to obtain that rest by returning to God? Why is it we struggle so with being quiet and trusting Him? Why is it we choose to do things the hard way? Why do we insist on making life harder than what it is or needs to be? 

We don't want to give up our "rights."  We want to do what we want to do - when, where, how, and with whom we want to do it. We yell loud and long that we want to be free, but the only way to be truly free is through Christ. 

We must realize that none of this Good News - God's salvation plan with its grace and mercy - none of it is because of anything we have done or ever could do! True confidence and hope are only in Christ and what He did for us at Calvary, not in or because of anything we've done ...even though we so desperately WANT to do something to earn it.

A little further in the same chapter, verse 18 reads, The Lord is waiting to be kind to you. He rises to have compassion on you.  The Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all those who wait for him.

Can we believe that He is waiting to be kind to us or will we continue in our own way - you know, the hard way?

Prayer:

Father, 

            Please forgive us for always trying to do things in our own strength. Give us wisdom and understanding to be able to grasp the Truth of grace, mercy, and Your forgiveness. We want to rest - in You. We want to be strong by being quiet and trusting You. Teach us how, Father. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today Favorite - Whole Lotta Shaking

[Jesus speaking] There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken.

Luke 21:25-26 NIV

There's unshakeable, there's shaken together and there's shaking with fear - all with different consequences. A vast majority is shaken with fear by the frenetic pace of changes taking place - in the world views and values, the political scene, and in the way history is being rewritten.

However, there is One who can never be shaken. Hebrews 12:26-28 tells us, "When God spoke from Mount Sinai his voice shook the earth, but now he makes another promise: 'Once again I will shake not only the earth but the heavens also.' This means that all of creation will be shaken and removed, so that only unshakeable things will remain. Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakeable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe."

The Word of God tells us over and over, it's going to happen. The earth and heavens will be shaken. Only unshakeable things will remain. Jesus said it, too. The writer of Hebrews warns in 12:25, "Be careful that you do not refuse to listen to the One who is speaking. For if the people of Israel did not escape when they refused to listen to Moses, the earthly messenger, we will certainly not escape if we reject the One who speaks to us from heaven!"

Jesus continued speaking, in Luke 12:27-28, "At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."

So what will you choose to be - unshakeable or shaking in your boots? "Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." (1st Corinthians 15:58).

Prayer:

Father,
Thank You for Your Word that clearly shows us how to become and how to remain unshakeable in our faith and trust in You. Give us Your strength and Your grace to be unswerving in our daily choices to follow in Your footsteps. You tell us in Mark 13:31, "Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away." Help us to live by Your unshakeable Word. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today Favorite - Dry & Thirsty

What do you make of this? A farmer planted seed. As he scattered the seed, some of it fell on the road, and birds ate it. Some fell in the gravel; it sprouted quickly but didn't put down roots, so when the sun came up it withered just as quickly. Some fell in the weeds; as it came up, it was strangled by the weeds.

Matthew 13:3-7

We've talked before about bad seed and weeds and how they'll grow anywhere; no preparation is needed. However, to grow the good seeds, there is much to be done. And everyone who has ever tried to plant and grow anything said, "Amen".

Everything is affected when there's no rain. Have you ever stood on a soccer field or baseball diamond in the middle of a drought? The earth is so parched for water that there are splits in the ground - splits wide enough to cause the players to be in danger by losing their footing, spraining or breaking an ankle.

Drought is costly in ways that some don't even recognize. There are all the obvious ways - crop failure causing produce prices to increase and the quality to decrease. And unless you're willing to have scrub brush and weed as your landscaping efforts, you have to water, so the utility bill increases. When the drought is so bad, the authorities issue a ban on watering non-essentials, then flowers and flower beds die and sometimes even the grass dies. Those who live in perpetually dry areas circumvent the lack of water by landscaping with rock.

And then there are the wildfires...

How dry and thirsty are we? Are we being replenished and held together by the water of the Word? Are we actively seeking God so that He will rain down His righteousness on us and quench the thirsting of souls? Or are we poster children for the drought? Are the blossoms of love and forgiveness in our lives being choked out by the weeds of bitterness we've allowed to take root? Do we think we can hide the gaping tears in our hearts by covering them with stones, giving the facade of being well-kept and attractive, when there's no life in them? We can't walk safely on rocks, let alone run the race to which we've been called.

Are the fires in our lives fires from God or from the LACK of Him? How do we know the difference? You might wonder what difference it makes - fire burns! However, there is a HUGE difference. Left unchecked, fires destroy completely... unless of course, you are surrounded by water...Living Water (John 4). Godly fire burns away the chaff - the dross in our lives - WITHOUT destroying what is good.

How dry and thirsty are you? I know where the Living Water can be found.

Prayer:

Father,
Your Son declared His Truth to us - “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." As we immerse ourselves in Your Word, Lord, cause our hearts and minds to be flooded with Your Truths. Make us to be the trees planted by Your water and not moved by the spiritual and physical drought conditions around us. Let us produce Your fruit in our lives to feed those around us, drawing from Your well of living waters. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today Favorite - We Forget

Who are you, a mere human being, to argue with God? Should the thing that was created say to the one who created it, “Why have you made me like this?” When a potter makes jars out of clay, doesn’t he have a right to use the same lump of clay to make one jar for decoration and another to throw garbage into?

Romans 9:20-21

We forget the part about being mere humans. Do we even truly comprehend Creator of the Universe - the most High God - even though throughout Scripture we are taught and reminded that God is God and we are not? Just as a refresher, have you read lately chapters 38-41 of the book of Job? God is not required to answer the whys and the wherefores.

Ephesians 1:4-5 reads, "God chose us in Christ to be holy and blameless in God’s presence before the creation of the world. God destined us to be His adopted children through Jesus Christ because of His love. This was according to His goodwill and plan..." There's the Truth. God has had the plan since before the world was created. It is one of great love.

We don't always understand it because again, He tells us in His Word, "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts."

We don't understand it when loved ones die - when life goes completely opposite to what we had planned. When there seems to be no wrongdoing, and yet bad things still happen. Well, think about this. Abel had done no wrong, but Cain still murdered him. John had done no wrong, but he was still beheaded. Jesus never sinned, yet He was still crucified.

Billy Graham once wrote:
"Don’t question God because you think He must be wrong; He isn’t. Instead, ask Him to help you to trust Him, even when you don’t understand. God loves you–if He didn’t, He wouldn’t have sent His Son into the world to die for you. But He did, and that makes all the difference."

Prayer:

Father,
           Help us to trust Your love, Your Sovereignty, Your plan even when we don't understand. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today Favorite - No One

For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
John 1:17 NKJV

For a couple of days now, I've been "chewing on" something I read. It's rich. It's deep. It's more than we could ask or think... sometimes more than we can grasp; however, absolutely profound, if we could but understand it. I'm talking about the grace of God. So every time I find a written expression of it that opens my understanding in a new way, I'm going to share it. The following excerpts come from the book, Grace >> More Than We Deserve | Greater Than We Imagine.

Have you been changed by grace? Shaped by grace? Snatched by the nape of your neck and shaken to your senses by grace? ... Grace is the voice that calls us to change and then gives us the power to pull it off.

When grace happens, we receive not a nice compliment from God but a new heart... "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you" (Ezekiel 36:26).

The author then goes on to tell the heart-wrenching story of a young teenage girl who died in a skiing accident. The parents decided to donate her organs and another young girl received the heart, giving the second child a new chance at life. The first mother had one request - to hear the "still-beating heart" of her daughter.

"...grace and truth came through Jesus Christ." His death on the Cross. His burial. His resurrection. All to give us a new chance at life. The author goes on to ask,

And when God hears your heart, does He not hear the still-beating heart of His Son? As Paul said, "It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me" (Galatians 2:20).

Romans 8:33-34 New Century Version (NCV), "Who can accuse the people God has chosen? No one, because God is the One who makes them right. Who can say God’s people are guilty? No one, because Christ Jesus died, but he was also raised from the dead, and now he is on God’s right side, appealing to God for us."

Who can undo what Christ has done for us through His death, burial and resurrection? 

No one.

Prayer:

Father,
           Cause Your Word to come alive in us. Open our eyes of understanding to know Your Truth and change our hearts to be able to receive this precious gift of Grace, so that according to Your Word, we can come near to You with a sincere heart and a sure faith, because we have been made free from a guilty conscience. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today Favorite - No Buts About It

…if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
2nd Chronicles 7:14

How many times has someone called you looking for an answer and when you provide the answer, they reply, “I know, but…”?

I know, but it’s too hard.
I know, but I don’t wanna…
I know, but I’m too tired.
I know, but so-and-so is [or isn’t] doing__________.

OR have you ever actually heard the Truth of the matter? I know, but I’d rather whine and complain or make excuses than actually make the effort to or for change - especially if the change has to do with changing ME.

Have you ever purchased a book or the “Latest-Greatest-New-and-Improved” something or other system in an attempt to fix an issue, get ahead, make money, or lose weight? How many of those times did we make the purchase and never utilize the purchase? We don’t know whether or not it works based on our own personal experience because we haven’t tried it. It hasn’t been put to the test. We may very well have purchased the answer to whatever challenge we’re facing, but it’s not going to help if it’s still in the box or sitting on the bookshelf. No buts about it...

Here's something to think about - It’s the same with the Word of God. In it are the answers to every situation in our lives, but if we don’t read it or USE it, we'll never know the answers."Yeah, I know, but..."

The question then to those who profess Christianity is, “Have you prayed about the situation?” No ifs, ands or buts. The Bible instructs us in 1st Timothy 2:1-4 NLT, "I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth." Yeah, I know, but...

But nothing… No, we’re not called to issue judgment and sentencing, but we are supposed to be fruit inspectors (Matthew 7:20). Prayer is the most effective action to change! It keeps us in the proper perspective and attitude (God is our Creator, our Lord and Master, the Author and Finisher of our faith). Prayer acknowledges His Lordship over us.

P.U.S.H. Pray until something happens. Move the but…

Prayer:

Father,
           Thank You for loving us enough to provide answers to every situation we face. Such love and provision are overwhelming. Reveal Your Truths and Master Plan to us as we delve into Your Word. Give us the strength and courage to act in righteousness for those situations that burden our souls. May You find us faithful in prayer and in service to You. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today Favorite - What's More Important

That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. The whole town gathered at the door, and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was. Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
Mark 1:32-35 NIV

Jesus was always doing something. He was very hands-on. You know He was busy during the day, and yet here He is in this passage at evening time, after sunset. After the normal day's work. And the people brought Him ALL the sick and demon-possessed. And look! It says the whole town gathered at the door. Now, if you've ever been to a healing service where they called for everyone, you KNOW it goes on for hours. The whole town, and it was already after supper time! So we can just guess that it was very late when He lay down to rest.

And yet, "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up..." He didn't have 8 hours of sleep. He didn't get a cup of coffee. He didn't grab the morning edition of the Jerusalem Journal to catch up on the news. There was no TV. No radio. It doesn't say He crawled back into bed to catch a few more minutes of sleep because He was so tired. No, He left the house and went off to pray... someplace where He could be alone with God the Father.

Jesus knew the Scriptures because He read from the scrolls of Isaiah (Luke 4), so I believe He knew Isaiah 40:31, "But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. Jesus knew He had to wait on the Lord. What's more important than time spent with the Lord?

Prayer:

Father,
           Help us to be more in tune with who You are than who we are. Drive home the Truth that to renew our strength, we must wait on You. Let us do so with joy and anticipation of what we will hear when we are alone with You and hear You speak to us. In Jesus' Name. Amen

Promise for Today Favorite - In His Presence

Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 5:18b-20 NIV

It's been said that he who sings, prays twice. Some might disagree, but all I know is the Word says, "Come before His presence with singing" (Psalm 100:2 NKJV), and when I praise Him in song - "singing and making music from my heart to the Lord" - I get there. And when I do, my focus is totally on Him and as the old song says, ♪♫ "and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace"♪♫

You might be like me; sometimes my praise pump needs a little priming. You can't just listen your way into His presence. You have to be an active participant. So, I go to YouTube and pick a song I like and sing along. Old songs. New songs. Harmony. Unison. It's all there and God loves all of it. And it just takes off from there.

All the cares and stresses of the day and of life lose their grip on my soul. Pain is eclipsed by the warmth of God's love. I am rejuvenated because in His presence is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11), and His Word reaffirms that the joy of the Lord is my strength (Nehemiah 8:10).

What do you need? Whatever it is, you will find it in His presence. Get there! Go now. What are you waiting for? He will meet you there. He's waiting for you.

Prayer:

Father,
          We will enter Your gates with thanksgiving and Your courts with praise; we will give thanks to You and praise Your Name. For You, Lord, are good and Your love endures forever; Your faithfulness continues through all generations. Father, show us the path of life. We want to be at Your right hand forevermore. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today Favorite - More Than > Less Than

Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

Romans 8:37 NKJV

What is your perception of yourself as a human being - Is your focus on strengths first or weaknesses? What is the first word to come to your mind when you make a mistake or forget something?

I have noticed that generally, the first word out of someone's mouth when they make a mistake or forget something is one of three in their self-talk: Dummy. Stupid. Idiot. On top of that, self-perception usually focuses on inadequacies, flaws, weaknesses. Bottom line. We're human. We have all of those and often it makes us feel 'less than'.

Although if we're purposefully following Christ, our identity should be in Him. However, I can count on one hand the number of people I know who can look in a mirror and see the 'fearfully and wonderfully made' person in their reflection. (King David, Psalm 139:14)

It's perfectly okay to be honest with ourselves about our weaknesses, as long as we recognize and walk in the grace of God and His love, which enable us to overcome. But in being that honest about weaknesses, let's not buy into the subtleties of the enemy of our soul whose goal it is to keep our focus on our 'less thans'. Remember, he wants to kill, steal and destroy our lives and purpose.

The point I want to make is this - let's be sure when we experience those weaknesses that we remember (or seek out) the Truths that are written in His Word. For starters - in our weakness, God is strength (see 2nd Corinthians 12). (If you want/need more examples, Google "We say God says".)

If God is in it, we will win it! He makes us more than our less thans... because He is.

Prayer:

Father,
          Thank You for making provision for our every need - spiritual, physical, and financial. Your love is overwhelming and overwhelmingly good. Teach us to trust You in ALL things and help us to get our Truths only from Your Word. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today Favorite - The Whole

In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.
Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them.
Romans 12:6-9a NLT

Think about your circle of friends. Your core values - what makes you you - are probably very similar. You might even joke about them being your brothers from other mothers or sisters from different misters because you're a lot alike. However, more than likely, you have different occupations. Your gifts and talents are different but may very well complement each other.

Are you ever envious of a friend's gifting or talent? You needn't be. God has given you your own. Leaders are not the same as teachers. Singers are usually not servers. Prophets are generally not great candidates for counseling or encouraging. They CAN be, but not usually.

Don't be jealous, be thankful. What you may lack, your friend either has or can do. God gives us different gifts and models relationship so we'll know how it's done. It's together that we are the whole body of Christ. What do you bring to it? What is your part of the whole? Do you know?

Prayer:

Father,
          Open our eyes to see and recognize Your gifts and talents within our friends and within ourselves. Help us, O God, to use them to the best of You in us in order to further Your kingdom. THY kingdom come! THY will be done on Earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today Favorite - Eating Light

O taste and see that the LORD is good...
Psalm 34:8a

I love summertime foods! Ice-cold watermelon, straight-from-the-garden fruits and vegetables, Yum!! It's a season of just naturally eating lighter fare. Summer seems to be so much healthier for our physical bodies!

However, summer is also the time when people tend to slack off spiritually. They're out of town more on the weekends and they tend to not go to church when they're not at home. Oftentimes, they don't pack their Bible (and somehow forget that it's available on their phone via Google or an app).

Here's the thing - we eat every day to sustain our physical life, right? How often do we eat to sustain and grow our spiritual life? Are you a little hungry or are you starving? 

Cry out for nourishment - 1st Peter 2:2-3 NLT reads, "Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness."

Psalm 119:103 declares, "How sweet Your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey."

And a few chapters later, Jesus Himself declares He is the Light of the world. So eating Light spiritually also sounds like good eating to me. It's summertime - Help yourself to more!

Prayer:

Father,
          Jeremiah said, "When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear Your name, Lord God Almighty." Help us, Father, to remember that our best nourishment comes only from You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today Favorite - Why Is It Always "The Bible Says..."?

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.
Revelation 21:4 NLT

What if the last words you spoke or wrote could be the last words a person would ever hear or read? My opinions are not answers to life's challenges. I don't always understand the why or the wherefore of things. You ask me why is it always "the Bible says..."? Because the Bible is Truth. It's Light in the darkness. It's the Way out and up. When you speak the Word of God - you speak LIFE! That's why!

For those facing overwhelming issues, I PROMISE YOU, God is still God and He is still on the Throne.

Psalm 61:1-4
"Hear my cry, O God; Attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a shelter for me, A strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings. Selah"

Psalm 23:1-4
"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me."

Romans 5:18-21 The Message
"Here it is in a nutshell: Just as one person did it wrong and got us in all this trouble with sin and death, another person [Jesus] did it right and got us out of it. But more than just getting us out of trouble, he got us into life! One man said no to God and put many people in the wrong; one man said yes to God and put many in the right. All that passing laws against sin did was produce more lawbreakers. But sin didn't, and doesn't, have a chance in competition with the aggressive forgiveness we call grace. When it's sin versus grace, grace wins hands down. All sin can do is threaten us with death, and that's the end of it. Grace, because God is putting everything together again through the Messiah, invites us into life - a life that goes on and on and on, world without end."

Prayer:

Father,
         I personally haven't the right words to say or pray tonight or any night, but I am so grateful for Your Words and I thank You for them and for the opportunity to share them with one more person. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen

Promise for Today Favorite - Setting the Example

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.
Ephesians 5:15-16 NLT

I have several friends who use similar quotes in the signature line of their e-mail replies. One is "Choose carefully how you spend your time today because you are spending a day of your life for it." Another refers to it as "trading a day." When was the last time you gave conscious thought to how you spend each of your days or the moments in them?

And in the spending and trading of our days, how many of us truly think about what kind of example we set for those around us every day? The truth is each day of our lives, we set a GREAT example... Either it's a great example of how we should live or it's a great example of how we should NOT live. What kind of example are we setting?

What kind of example do we want to set? The choice is ours.

Prayer:

Father,
          We know the time is short. Remind us daily to make the moments count. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today Favorite - No Matter

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life. 

Proverbs 13:12 NLT

Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. 

Hebrews 11:1 NLT

Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him:

Job 13:15

A wish is an unfulfilled longing; it is not hope. Hope is an expectation, but it is not faith. Faith is believing, but it's empty without the ability to trust. Trust is when you know that you know that you know - no matter what the circumstances - God is there.

Unfulfilled longing: I wish things could be better.

Expectation: I hope things get better.

Believing: I have faith that things will get better.

Trusting - according to His Word - no matter what!

Psalm 46:1-3, "God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though its waters roar and be troubled..."

Psalm 61:1-4, "Hear my cry, O God; Attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a shelter for me, A strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings."

Psalm 62:6-7, "He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God."

I have believed a lot of things in my life that turned out not to be trustworthy. But I have come to know that I know that I KNOW God IS trustworthy, no matter what I see. No matter what I hear. No matter what I feel. No matter what anyone else feels or says or does. His Word is true. "Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him..." no matter what.

Prayer:

Father,
          Life isn't always easy, but You tell us in Your Word that Your yoke is. We choose to yoke up with You, Lord. We choose to trust You no matter what. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today Favorite - He Started It

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
Philippians 1:6

Bill Watterson wrote, "God put me on this earth to accomplish a certain number of things. Right now, I am so far behind that I will never die." Somehow, I don't think God's promise to us of eternal life is based on us not finishing what we started. Can I get an Amen?

Have you gotten sidetracked by life's complications? Do you believe that you're so far off track that you can never recover God's original purpose for your life? Do you still believe His promise to you? Do you ever doubt that God will be able to finish what He started in you? Do you think you're too old now - no way to recover? That there's not enough left of your life for God to be able to work with?

Then I've just got two words to say.

1. Abraham
2. Sarah

If you don't know their story, it's a good one. (Genesis chapter 15:1 - 18:15, chapter 21:1-6). He's one hundred years old, literally. She's 90. There's NO way either one has anything to offer in the way of making babies. Sarah NEVER did and yet... "God, who began the good work within you..."  And Isaac was born.

He started it. And I am certain He'll continue it until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

Prayer:

Father,

         You, Lord, are all we have, and You give us all we need; our future is in Your hands. How wonderful are Your gifts to us; how good they are! And so we are thankful and glad. You will show us the path that leads to life; Your presence fills us with joy and brings us pleasure forever. You are our God. Help us, O God, when we struggle to believe You will complete Your work in us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today Favorite - Get a Grip

NOTE: It's been a hectic few days - no A/C, no electric, staying at a hotel. Not been real fun. I'm back home now, but have decided to take a little break from being actively involved on Facebook and this blog. I love staying in touch with Family and dear friends spread far and wide across the globe and I truly LOVE keeping up with everybody but the truth is, I'm old... and I can't keep up with everybody. For the next couple of weeks, I will post "reruns" of some of my favorites for the Promise for Today, but that's pretty much it. I'll be back and hope you'll still be around. 💕

*****************************************************************

But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness.
Hebrews 12:10b NLT

According to the dictionary, 'discipline' is both a noun and a verb, defined as: 'the practice of training people or to train someone to obey rules or a code of behavior' and 'the controlled behavior resulting from such training.'

Discipline is tiresome. It's difficult to endure. It is not fun. Discipline can wear you out - literally. (Actually, that is a common colloquialism in the southern US. If a mother promises to "wear you out," someone's going to get a spanking.) The Word of God confirms that as we read on in verse 11, "No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way."

When I read vvs. 12 & 13, I just keep thinking, 'Get a grip...' "So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong." In other words, embrace the training, endure the discipline, the end result will be worth it.

Prayer:

Father,
           Thank You for loving us enough to correct us so that we might share in Your holiness. Help us to endure the discipline and learn from it. We are looking forward to the 'peaceful harvest of right living'. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

The Truth About Being Stubborn

The LORD said to Moses, How long will these people treat me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe in me, in spite of all the signs I have performed among them?
Numbers 14:11

We think we have all the time in the world. We think that because God is a loving God, He won't really mind if we keep putting Him off - pushing Him to the back burner. You know - being stubborn. After all, we're going to get to Him eventually, right? It's not really rebellion... or is it?

Let's think about that for a moment. Last time I checked, not doing what you were asked to do - expected to do - was a definition of rebellion. 1 Samuel 15:22-23a NLT reads this way:

"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."

Let's read that line again. "Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols." What does God do to idol worshipers? Does that change our stubbornness thinking at all?

Prayer:

Father,
          King David proclaimed of You, "The sacrifice You desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God." Forgive us for sinning against You. Forgive us for our rebellious ways. We submit our stubborn hearts to You. Deliver us from them. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - In Pursuit of Truth

But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Matthew 19:26 NKJV

As a society, we have lost our taste for pure, unadulterated Truth. Oh, we like a little taste of it - like adding a flavor packet to a bottle of water - let's water it down enough to make it palatable. That's just what satan does to us. Waters down the truth. Lies to us about us, about God and about others, but leaves just enough truth to make it believable... palatable. There's no such thing as "just enough" Truth. What does Scripture have to say about that?

John 4:23-24 NLT reads, "But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth. The Message Bible verse 24 reads like this, It's who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth."

Somewhere along the line, we seem to have formed a "Bless Me" Club. What's that about? Where did we get the idea that it's all about the blessing? It's supposed to be all about worshiping the Father, accepting and receiving the Son. In John 16:33, Jesus said, "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."

The Truth is, as Jesus said, "Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows." AND the Truth is also as Jesus said, "I have overcome the world."

If you're going through a hard time, a great trial, some tribulation, the Truth is you can have hope. Scripture is explicit in promising that God will never leave us alone to face life. Think about this Truth - we have no life except in Him. Hebrews 6:18-19 tells us, "Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary."

Remember this - "It's who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth."

Prayer:

Father,
           We pray, according to Your Word in Psalm 51, "For I was born a sinner—yes, from the moment my mother conceived me. But you desire honesty from the womb, teaching me wisdom even there. Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow." Father, we desire - as You desire - Truth in our inward parts. Help us succeed in our pursuit of Truth. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Go In Knowing

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist...

Ephesians 6:13-14a NIV

Some people LOVE to dress up. They have to get just the right outfit to wear for whatever event or party they're going to next. And the question is usually, "What are you wearing?" Sometimes, even if it's for a meeting! (Actually, that one I can relate to.) The thing is, I'm not a "Big Event" kind of person. Business casual is more my style, at work and at home.

Believe it or not, thinking about it today, made me think about the armor of God and how it is the perfect example of being dressed appropriately. Putting it on should be a daily event in our lives because of the challenges we face every day. Battles decide who is victorious and who is enslaved. You don't go into battle against the enemy of your soul in business casual!

There's nothing casual about the schemes of satan to enslave and destroy our lives, so we must be suitably dressed. If you think about it, it is quite marvelous that God provides us with every weapon suitable to rise to every occasion, but please note - He starts with the belt of Truth. You see, if we go in knowing the Truth, we will not become enslaved to any of satan's lies! So, what are you wearing to this big event?

Prayer:

Father,
           Thank You for providing the perfect things to wear for every occasion. As it reads in the Message, Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. They are the armor by which we win. Cause us to be ever mindful of what we should be wearing. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - Whatever

Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping—believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, “That’s how many descendants you will have!” And Abraham’s faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead—and so was Sarah’s womb. Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. And because of Abraham’s faith, God counted him as righteous. And when God counted him as righteous, it wasn’t just for Abraham’s benefit. It was recorded for our benefit, too, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous if we believe in him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God.

Romans 4:18-25 NLT

In the 21st Century, 'whatever' has taken on a very negative connotation. A one-word response of 'Whatever' in the course of a conversation is the equivalent of "I'm not even going to discuss this with you any further because it's pointless to argue with anyone who is that (arrogant, opinionated, stupid, etc)." In the same way, it can also mean, "I don't believe a word you're saying, and I'm not wasting any more energy talking to you."

No matter its use, 'whatever' is a one-word phrase that speaks volumes. And it always has, or at least as far back as my dictionaries go. My oldest one is dated 1884. It's defined as emphatic. "Why, whatever do you mean?" In at least one point, it encompasses anything and everything. "Whatever gave you that idea? Whatever did we do before cars, air-conditioners... etc." But to bring it back to the Promise - These days, more often than not, if you expound on certain beliefs, society has become increasingly swift to respond with "Believe whatever you want..." And many, when asked point-blank what they believe, will respond with an airy, "Whatever..."

Can you imagine what Abraham would (NOT) have received if he'd chosen to believe whatever in today's vernacular? Instead, he chose the full promise of it. Everything. Our Promise text tells us Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this, he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do everything, whatever He promises.

Anything and everything. We can believe whatever He promises.

Prayer:

Father,
          We believe You will also count us as righteous if we believe in You, the One who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. Jesus was handed over to die because of our sins, and He was raised to life to make us right with You. And we choose to believe that whatever You promised Your children, You are able to do and will do for us. Help us to walk in faith, believing. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - To Boldly Go

God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.             Ephesians 3:20 The Message Bible

When we know that we are in right-standing with God, doing our best to follow Him and His path for our lives, we have no problem getting our message across, do we? The Truth about doing something with boldness is to know that you are absolutely in the right. I think one of the boldest people in Scripture is Paul.

Paul writes in Ephesians 3,

The mystery is that people who have never heard of God and those who have heard of him all their lives (what I've been calling outsiders and insiders) stand on the same ground before God. They get the same offer, same help, same promises in Christ Jesus.

The Message is accessible and welcoming to everyone, across the board. This is my life work: helping people understand and respond to this Message. It came as a sheer gift to me, a real surprise, God handling all the details. When it came to presenting the Message to people who had no background in God's way, I was the least qualified of any of the available Christians. God saw to it that I was equipped, but you can be sure that it had nothing to do with my natural abilities.

And so here I am, preaching and writing about things that are way over my head, the inexhaustible riches and generosity of Christ. My task is to bring out in the open and make plain what God, who created all this in the first place, has been doing in secret and behind the scenes all along. Through followers of Jesus like yourselves gathered in churches, this extraordinary plan of God is becoming known and talked about even among the angels!

All this is proceeding along lines planned all along by God and then executed in Christ Jesus. When we trust in Him, we're free to say whatever needs to be said, bold to go wherever we need to go.

Peter comes in a very close second for being one of the boldest. I tend to love Peter just a little more because I can SO identify with his ability to mess up… but can you in your wildest dreams imagine walking outside in the middle of a city-wide event and preaching the Message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and 3,000 people get saved?!? That's what it's like to boldly go...

Prayer:

Father,
          In Paul’s words, my response is to get down on my knees before You, the magnificent Father who parcels out all heaven and earth. I ask You to strengthen us by Your Spirit—not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength—that Christ will live in us as we open the door and invite Him in. And I ask You that with both feet planted firmly on love, we’ll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ's love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, in Your fullness, O God. So we can boldly go wherever we need to go to say whatever needs to be said. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen

This is a Repeat Reminder about Tears - Yes, Again

I know I posted this in February as a reminder, but this last month has been very difficult - not only for me but for people I love and care about, and I just want you to understand that tears are NOT a sign of weakness. They show great love and compassion, and trust in the God Who gives us this precious gift. I hope you'll read it to the last 'Amen'.

***********************************************************************

You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.

Psalm 56:8b

Have you ever thanked God for tears? No, I'm not crazy. Tears are a gift from God. Yes, a GIFT. First – tears allow us to express and release what’s in our hearts when we haven’t the words to do so. They are a language that God understands. God wastes nothing, so if we didn’t need them, He wouldn’t have given them to us – readily available on any given day – often without bidding… God designed our bodies to produce tears for our well-being.

Do you know that there are different kinds of tears – with different chemical properties? The two most common are reflex tears and psychic (or emotional) tears. Reflex tears come when you get something in your eye or chop onions, peppers, etc. They are designed for and function specifically to wash out irritants. Emotional tears actually contain several protein-based hormones; one of which is a natural pain-killing endorphin – leucine-enkephalin – which is why ‘having a good cry’ often makes us feel better. And not only emotionally, but physiologically, as well.

In his article, ‘Tear Toxins,’ printed in Omni, December 1982, Tom Kovach wrote the following:

"At the St Paul Ramsey Medical Center in Minnesota, tears caused by simple irritants were compared to those brought on by emotion. Researcher William Frey found that stress-induced tears actually remove toxic ‘substances’ from the body. Volunteers were led to cry first from watching sad movies, and then from freshly cut onions. The researchers found that the tears from the movies, called emotional tears, contained far more toxic biological byproducts. Weeping, they concluded, is an excretory process which removes toxic substances that normally build up during emotional stress."

Who but a loving God could or would create that?

Prayer:

Father,
          Thank You for the gift of tears to help us while we live here on this earth. Thank You even more for the promise of Heaven, where there will no longer be a need for tears according to Your Word in Revelation 21. Father, we can hardly wait until the day You wipe every tear from our eyes because there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things will have passed away. We long for the day. Until then, let us ever be in an attitude of gratitude for all Your precious gifts to us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - Not Without Effect

But by the [remarkable] grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not without effect.
1st Corinthians 15:10a AMP

Sometimes, life can be so great! Weddings and birthdays and celebrations of milestones in life are all wonderful, joyous events. Stressful, now and then, but still wonderful. However, sometimes the perceived demands of life can be overwhelming. The stresses of responsibilities, our jobs, and what's going on in the world itself. All of these things affect us one way or another.

As mere humans, when it's a negative effect, we lean toward buckling down, pulling ourselves up by the bootstraps, mustering up enough strength, trying to muscle our way through. Often, trying in our own strength, we find we are not very successful.

As Christians, we should turn to the only Truth we have - God's Word - where we are promised that His grace is sufficient for all we face (2nd Corinthians 12:9). And we are assured in Hebrews 5:15-16, that Jesus, "This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most."

John 1:16 tells us, "Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given." His never-ending grace, an endless supply, grace upon grace so that we are able to love and forgive, to persevere, to serve, to be victorious overcomers... not in our own strength, but only by His grace.

Prayer:

Father,
          It is Your amazing, remarkable Grace that saves us from the wrecked and wretched ways of the world! We are so grateful for the efficacy of Your Grace to us and through us to overcome sin. Thank You, Father, that it is not without effect. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - A Lesson on Pearls

Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it!

Matthew 13:45-46 NLT

I have always loved pearls. I think they are exquisite. I was in my twenties when my Aunt Amelia told me pearls were associated with sorrow and tears, and she was saddened to think pearls were my jewels of choice. Actually, that just made me love them more. I think the sorrow and tears thing has much to do with the way pearls are formed; something irritating to the oyster. We know the irritant in the life of the oyster is wrapped in layers of nacre, creating the pearl.

It's been a long time since I gave serious consideration to pearls and gems, so I thought I'd better check my facts. According to Pearl International,

"These layers [of nacre] are translucent, and reflect light in such a way that a real pearl appears to have an inner glow that is almost impossible to recreate with artificial methods.
If they are perfectly uniform without any differences or imperfections, it’s very likely that they were manufactured. Real pearls are born in the sea, so they grow up getting rolled around by wind and waves, and as a result, they are never, never perfect.
In nature, the longer a pearl remains within an oyster’s shell, the more likely it is to develop imperfections like dents and divots. As a result, pearls of a very large size can be extremely valuable."

It just reminds me of my walk with Christ in so many ways. First and foremost, HE is the pearl of great price to me. Everything else is worthless compared to Christ. And yet, HE gave everything HE had for me. How can you not love a God who considers you priceless?

Philippians 3:7-9 The Message says it all, "Yes, all the things I once thought were so important are gone from my life. Compared to the high privilege of knowing Christ Jesus as my Master, firsthand, everything I once thought I had going for me is insignificant—dog dung. I’ve dumped it all in the trash so that I could embrace Christ and be embraced by him. I didn’t want some petty, inferior brand of righteousness that comes from keeping a list of rules when I could get the robust kind that comes from trusting Christ—God’s righteousness."

And He's a God who wraps us in layer upon layer of His protection so we might reflect His light in such a way that we have an inner glow. Not shiny and brassy, but glowing.

We're not perfect. We're not perfectly uniform. We're not all the same. However, we are beautiful in His sight and we are extremely valuable to Him.

Prayer:

Father,
          We are overwhelmed by You! Your love. Your mercy. Your grace. Your faithfulness. How could we possibly thank You enough for all You have done and all You are doing even now? In our finite way, we love You, Father. We want to love You more. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

What If We Did?

Guest author and my friend, Ralinda Fenton. 
***********************************************************

This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.
John 15:12-14 NKJV

This is part of my devotion this morning. It reminded me how I need to love regardless of the response. I want to give love, whether it’s deserved or not. After all, look what Christ did for me - a broken mistake-making woman.

But what if we made it our mission? Instead of getting even, we could commit our hearts to forgiveness and offering a true clean slate to another? What if, when we feel slighted or excluded from a situation, we do not hold tight to bitterness or fear and still offer our love freely?

What if it stopped being about everything we receive and became about what we can give - regardless of the response, the rejection, the lack of reciprocation, or reassurance? It would confuse others and lead them right to this thought: “Why do they give love that I have not deserved?” Herein lies the perfect opportunity for our hearts to exclaim, “Jesus!” His eternal hope is the reason we can love so freely in return, knowing that He will work as He sees fit.

Wouldn’t that be incredible? To not be scared to be the people who love more, forgive freely, give grace abundantly, and walk in a confidence that stems from the ever-flowing love of Jesus? That would be the Gospel.

Our hearts are fragile. We take things personally. We are scared to let in others once we’ve been wronged. We have been taught by the world to only give what we receive—they must be worthy.

But Jesus calls us to love others out of a heart that is fully and recklessly loved by Him. This does not mean our emotions become absent and our pain won’t be felt; it just means that when those things do happen, we can remind ourselves we’re already accepted and abundantly loved by our Creator. It is in this truth that we no longer crave and depend on the reassurance of this world, and we begin to look like people of hope.

Promise for Today - Endurance

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

James 1:2-4 NLT

You know it's easy to serve the Lord when everything is going well. It's easy to be kind. It's easy to be loving. It's easy to be patient in the good times. It's really easy to have great joy when everything's good. Would you agree?

We've talked about it before - there are times I still struggle with considering troubles as opportunities for great joy. I can lose sight of the joy when the mountains of obstacles overwhelm me on every side. That is the test of our faith - the opportunity for our endurance to grow. (Some translations read "patience for endurance".) So, how important is that, anyway, to let our endurance grow?

In Matthew 24:13, Jesus tells us just how important: "But the one who endures to the end will be saved." I don't want to have made it this far only to give up when we're so close to the end, do you? As the writer of Hebrews exhorts us in 12:1, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us."

So let's join with James, and Jesus, and the great cloud of witnesses, and do as Peter says, "So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while." (1st Peter 1:6 NLT)

Prayer:

Father,
            Thank You for the opportunities for great joy! Thank You for the faith-building endurance training. Thank You for strengthening us to to be able to endure to the end, just as You have said, so that we will be saved. Let us be found faithful to the end. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Lest I Forget How Much

We love each other because he loved us first.
1st John 4:19 NLT

I have come to the conclusion that left to my own devices, I would be THE most selfish… because I know how selfish I can be now, and that’s with me trying to follow Christ. However, I have GREAT hope!

You see, since following Christ, there are things I won’t do now because I know the selfish act would hurt someone. But I sure used to and didn’t think twice about it… There are things I say now that pierce my heart as soon as they’re out of my mouth, but they’re fewer and farther between, thank God! And even at that, I’m encouraged because they DO pierce my heart whereas before I would have heedlessly used them to slice and dice. Because of Christ, I’m quicker to apologize and seek forgiveness.

Before Christ, I used to pride myself on how fiercely I loved those I considered mine. Now I know I didn’t have a clue. The only way I can love others – the ONLY way they can love me – is because He loved us first.

In our sin… In our selfishness… In the absence of all things holy… When we were unlovable by any standard, He loved us.

You’ve seen it lots of times in e-mails. Let me share it again.
I asked Jesus, "How much do You love me?"
"This much!" He replied.
Then He stretched out His arms and died… because He loved us.

Prayer:

Father,
           Lest I forget Gethsemane; Lest I forget Thine agony; Lest I forget Thy love for me – lead me to Calvary! In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen

Learning Who to Rely On - A Reminder

Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.

1st Timothy 4:7 NIV

In The Message, it reads this way, "Stay clear of silly stories that get dressed up as religion."

I hope you will read to the end. I'm about to jump all over two statements that some people believe are from Scripture. I've even been asked where they are in the Bible. Remember, my goal is that the Truth will set you free. 

1. God helps those who help themselves.

2. God won't give you (or put on you) more than you can bear.

I grew up hearing those two fallacies preached at me like they were gospel - straight from the Word of God. They are NOT!

I think the first one might remotely hint at 2nd Thessalonians 3:10, "For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat." I guess if you really reach, you might be able to loosely define those who work so they can eat as helping themselves, but that's a real stretch...

And for the second one, people tout 1st Corinthians 10:13, "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it." This Scripture passage in context (read verses 6-12) is actually about people being tempted to sin and God in His grace providing the way of escape from the temptation. It has nothing to do with bearing a load.

The DANGER in believing those two statements are Scriptural is when life really IS more than we can bear in (and of) our own strength. When we fail because it's not within OUR strength, we blame God because we tried to help ourselves, so why didn't He help us? And believing (the fallacy) that He won't put more on us than we can bear, we get angry and hurt and disappointed and feel betrayed by God because it WAS more than we could bear... on our own. Paul tells us the Truth when he addresses the church in Corinth from his own experience.

In 2nd Corinthians 1:8-9a NLT, Paul writes, "We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die..."
Yes, he said, "We think you ought to know..."

Now here's the treasure! The Truth that will set you free! Continuing in verse 9b - 10, "But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us."

It's always been about us learning to rely on God.

Prayer:

Father,
           Thank You for opening our eyes to the Truth of Your Word. Cause the roots of it to go deep into our hearts. Forgive us for believing silly stories dressed up as religion. Give us the opportunity to spread the Light of Your Truth to all who will listen. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.

Reminder - Everything I've Got

Hallelujah! I give thanks to God with everything I've got—
Psalm 111:1a&b The Message Bible

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to complain? There is a real propensity to only see the down side of things. We are bombarded by today's media with so-called reality shows - sensationalizing the ugly side of people... not ugly opposite of good-looking. Ugly as in mean and hateful. And then there are the other shows and news programs that prey on people's fears. If we're not careful, we get tunnel vision and all we see is bad. And all we talk about is bad. We can easily become blinded to the good in our lives.

Recently, I touched base with someone I've only visited with a few times in the last couple of decades. At one time, we were in each other's daily lives. And, as we are wont to do, we tend to remember people as they were when we last saw them. We don't allow for the change brought about by a decade or two of time and choices. 

But here's the great news—at least it was for me - In responding to her questions, I realized just how much God has done in my life in the last 20+ years! How He's caused me to grow in my relationship with Him and with others. How He is the Lifter of my head! How He has patiently - lovingly - taught me how to cast all my burden on Him because He cares for me! I love the way The Message Bible reads in Philippians 4:12-13, "Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am." And because of the opportunity to reflect, to stop and look back - that selah moment - I have been enjoying a praise party! They're the best!

I keep thinking of the verse in that great old hymn, How Great Thou Art. "And when I think that God His Son not sparing sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in... That on the Cross - my burden gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sin!"

Hallelujah! I give thanks to God with everything I've got—

Prayer:

Father,
           Forgive us when we whine and complain and take our eyes off of You and all that You've done to redeem us from sin and save us from ourselves. When I think about all of that and MORE, then sings my soul, my Saviour God to Thee... How great Thou art! How great Thou art! Father, help us to stay focused to think on these good things, according to Your Word in Philippians 4. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - Weight Loss Done Right

I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.
Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.
John 15:1-5 NLT

If you've ever struggled with a weight issue, you know there are more quick-fix, empty promise, flat-out lying so-called plans and programs than you can shake a fork at.

However, God made the original eating plan. In Genesis 1:29, God said, “Look! I have given you every seed-bearing plant throughout the earth and all the fruit trees for your food." And nutritionists will tell you, fruit is obviously healthy for you - Eat more fruit.

Christ also told us that it's not what goes into the man that defiles him, but what comes out of him, for it is out of the abundance of the heart that our mouths speak. And that's a totally different kind of fruit. Some of it just stinks - Some of it is rotting.

Galatians 5:22-23a NLT tells us, "But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." So, if we follow God's plan for our lives then the fruit of the Holy Spirit will be evident in our lives, and we'll be healthier because of it. For instance, we will lose the weight of bitterness and unforgiveness and past hurts, just to name a few.

Would you like some more fruit?

Prayer:

Father,
          Thank You for the provision of nutrition for our minds, souls, and bodies. Help us to clear our temple so that You feel welcome in our hearts and there is plenty of room for You. In Jesus' Name we pray.

Promise for Today - What Is Happening

Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Isaiah 55:6-9 ESV

Have you ever prayed and waited... and waited... and waited... and waited some more without being able to see if God is doing anything? Abraham waited 25 years for Isaac. The nation of Israel waited several centuries to make their promised exodus. Yet, in all that time their faith was being strengthened by the many tests and trials they endured.

Taking into consideration that half the time, we can't even understand our own mind, who can understand the mind of God? God is always working His plan for our lives. Always - even if we can't see it.

The next time we want to question God about what's happening, perhaps we should thank Him instead for another opportunity to grow in faith... because THAT's what is happening.

Prayer:

Father,
           We thank You for opportunities to grow, and for Your overwhelming love represented by those opportunities. Give us hearts to trust You, minds that do not lean to our own understanding, and hands that are quick to serve others for You. Let us remain steadfast in following You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - Doing Nothing

I, Adonai, search the heart; I test inner motivations; in order to give to everyone what his actions and conduct deserve.
Jeremiah 17:10 CJB

This Scripture puts me in mind of the Parable of the Talents found in Matthew 25:14-30. I've heard all kinds of perspectives on that particular parable - from putting the fear of God in you to the extravagant mercy of God for taking into account what a person is capable of. From the literal translation of talent as a certain measure of wealth to talents (or giftings) most acknowledge today; i.e. singer, musician, artist, speaker, et cetera (NOT to exclude those rarely mentioned, such as faithful, merciful, peacemaker, givers, and so on). From those questioning why they didn't receive certain talents to those who are grateful to have received anything at all. The combinations are almost as varied and numerous as the world's population.

However, despite the innumerable differences, the one thing that must be understood is that the person with the one bag of gold was not punished because he didn't double his gift. He was punished because he did nothing with what he was given.

NO one can say they haven't received at least one thing from God. There is one commonality in all peoples - past and present. We each have been given life. What are we doing with it?

Prayer:

Father,
           Forgive us for not acknowledging You in all things. Help us to see this life as the incredible gift that it is! We pray as Paul prayed,* For this reason we kneel before You, Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. We pray that out of Your glorious riches You will strengthen us with power through Your Spirit in our inner being, so that Christ will dwell in our hearts through faith. And we pray that being rooted and established in love, we may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that we may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of You. We know You are able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to Your power that is at work within us, to You be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
*Ephesians 3:14-21

Promise for Today - From His Heart

O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.
Psalm 62:8 NLT

Have you ever gotten into a rough patch of your life and not quite known which way to turn? You know who God is. It's not that you're walking away from Him, but it feels as though you are a million miles away. That dry place. The desert. Barren. Where it seems no matter what you do, it's not coming out right. It's hard to pray. It's hard to praise. It's hard to breathe...

King David knew how that felt - he wrote about it in Psalm 63..."My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water."  David had such a unique way of stating facts, but then he always followed it with Truth. He goes on to write, "I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory. Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you! I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy."

In other words, this is how I feel - but what I feel does not affect who God is. No matter what I think or see or feel, no matter the feelings of isolation, no matter the pain level - these temporal circumstances DO not change - absolutely CANNOT change - the righteousness, the holiness, the character, the very nature of God. And just when you think you cannot stand one more minute, someone calls with a 'Hi, I was thinking about you!' Or you receive a text or email, 'hey, love u - just wanted u 2 know!'

And the friend prays for you and/or with you, and speaks Truth - God's Truth - born out of His love for us. Proverbs 27:9 in the Amplified, reads, "Oil and perfume rejoice the heart; so does the sweetness of a friend's counsel that comes from the heart." And God in His infinite mercy and grace does not become exasperated with us, He sends someone to be His hand extended, to touch us with His great love - the love that lifts us up, up, out of the quagmire of our souls.

I never cease to be amazed at the faithfulness and goodness of God's love. It comes from His heart...

Prayer:

Father,
           We pray as King David prayed, Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in You. You alone are my Rock and my Salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. My victory and honor come from You, God, alone. You are my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you! I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen