Promise for Today - Void of Power

Guest author, Christopher Glotzbach

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But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God — having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.
2 Timothy 3:1-5

I was heading over to our rentals to mow. I normally mow with our zero-turn, then hop off to weed eat. But our new tenants have been parking in a way where I have to weed eat a pretty large section. So this time I thought ahead and decided to bring along my push mower. Only problem — I hadn’t used it all year, and it’s battery-operated... And I couldn’t find the batteries. I looked and looked… and looked.
Nothing.

It’s frustrating when things are void of power - and more than frustrating, I would argue, worthless - useless. 

I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be useless. But the reality is, without the power of the Holy Spirit, we are. The Holy Spirit gives us power. Scripture reminds us in Acts 1:8: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Thankfully, I eventually found the batteries, and the mower fired right up. But you know what? Our tenants were gone, so I didn’t have to use it. So it came with a teachable moment and a reminder that to be useful in the Kingdom, I need to be tethered to the Holy Spirit.

In John 15:5, Jesus reminds us — apart from Him, we can do nothing.

What about you? Where are areas in your life where it might appear to be operating well, but it is void of the Power?

 
My prayer today:

God, 

         Thank You for the reminder that every good and perfect gift is from You. Forgive me when I walk in the thought that I can rely on my own strength, and help me rest in the peace that everything I need — You have. Help me rely not on my own strength, but in the strength that You give through the Holy Spirit. What a beautiful gift that is. Help me to continue to run after You — for You are worthy of it all.
Amen.

Something Different for May - Day 9 - Faith Brings Joy

Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.

Romans 5:1-11 NLT

Prayer: Day 9

Lord God, 

                We're awed by the fact that we can have peace with You through Jesus Christ. At just the right time, when we were powerless, Christ died for us. While we were still sinners, you died for us! We are eternally grateful. Amen.

Praying Through Romans - www.crosswalk.com

Friends' Favorites - * The Danger of Criticism

Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong.
Romans 14:1 NLT

Today’s Promise is taken directly from Romans 14:1-13 New Living Translation

For instance, one person believes it’s all right to eat anything. But another believer with a sensitive conscience will eat only vegetables. Those who feel free to eat anything must not look down on those who don’t. And those who don’t eat certain foods must not condemn those who do, for God has accepted them. Who are you to condemn someone else’s servants? They are responsible to the Lord, so let him judge whether they are right or wrong. And with the Lord’s help, they will do what is right and will receive his approval.

In the same way, some think one day is more holy than another day, while others think every day is alike. You should each be fully convinced that whichever day you choose is acceptable. Those who worship the Lord on a special day do it to honor him.

Those who eat any kind of food do so to honor the Lord, since they give thanks to God before eating. And those who refuse to eat certain foods also want to please the Lord and give thanks to God. For we don’t live for ourselves or die for ourselves.

If we live, it’s to honor the Lord. And if we die, it’s to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Christ died and rose again for this very purpose—to be Lord both of the living and of the dead.

So why do you condemn another believer? Why do you look down on another believer? Remember, we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. For the Scriptures say,

“‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bend to me, and every tongue will confess and give praise to God.’”

Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God. So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall.
Prayer:

Father,
            Help us to see and love each other as You love us. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen

* What to Wear

This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here.
Romans 13:11-12a NLT

Do you ever go through times when your perfectly good clothes no longer seem perfectly good? Especially when there's a special occasion involved. What was your favorite suit or shirt just last week is now totally unacceptable, but you can't seem to find another one that you like. And along that same line of thinking, isn't it funny how your whole attitude changes when you put on something you know looks good or feels good, depending on the occasion? Or the best case scenario - when it looks AND feels good? Ohhhh, that's the best! Especially if you DO have a special event you're planning to attend.

I love invitations that include instruction regarding the expected attire. Those are lifesavers. You know exactly what you should wear, even if you don't currently have it. And generally, those invitations arrive in plenty enough time to make provision for attending. Have you ever NOT gone to an event because you didn't have the right thing to wear? Oh, you could have gone, but you just didn't have the desire to invest the time or money it would take to get what you needed for it. Or you didn't remember until the last minute and then it was too late. Ever done that?

Well, this is your reminder. The biggest event of your life is looming large. The invitation has already been extended - and it's THE event of your lifetime! If you miss this, you miss it all! The only catch is that we don't know the exact day or hour, so you can't wait till the last minute to plan, because we don't know when the last minute is! You need to invest the time NOW to insure your attendance. You can only get in if you know the right person. And you can't just know OF Him, you really have to KNOW Him and He has to KNOW you. Have you RSVP'd? Do you have the right thing to wear? The instructions regarding attire are very clear. No exceptions. Isaiah 61:10 NLT, I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom in his wedding suit or a bride with her jewels.

How do we fit into the clothing He requires? Romans 13:12b-14 NLT, So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.

Are you ready? What are you wearing? Do you know what to wear? Have you taken the time to put on Christ? Are you dressed yet? Do you know how to get there?

Prayer;

Father,
           Our self-righteousness, our selfish choices, our ways are as filthy rags before You and won't get us into the wedding feast of Heaven. Cleanse us, Father, from all unrighteousness. Put Your robe of righteousness on us, Lord, so we don't miss it. We want to be ready when You sound the call. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

* Do What? When?!?

     One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him and knew he had been ill for a long time, he asked him, “Would you like to get well?”

     “I can’t, sir,” the sick man said, “for I have no one to put me into the pool when the water bubbles up. Someone else always gets there ahead of me.”

     Jesus told him, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!” Instantly, the man was healed! He rolled up his sleeping mat and began walking!

John 5:5b-9a NLT

     When my kids were little, they liked to watch Sesame Street, and one of their favorite things - besides Mr. Snuffleupagus - was the segment with the song where they would pull 4 things together and the kids chose which 3 things belonged together and which one didn't. Do you remember that? (Please, God, don't let that song stay in my head the rest of the day...) Well, let's think along those lines this morning. Let's look for the common thread in our text for today and the following three passages. See what you come up with... 

1. Matthew 4:18-22 NLT

     One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers—Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew—throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and followed him.

     A little farther up the shore he saw two other brothers, James and John, sitting in a boat with their father, Zebedee, repairing their nets. And he called them to come, too. They immediately followed him, leaving the boat and their father behind.

2. Luke 5:18-25 NLT

     Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a sleeping mat. They tried to take him inside to Jesus, but they couldn’t reach him because of the crowd. So they went up to the roof and took off some tiles. Then they lowered the sick man on his mat down into the crowd, right in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the man, “Young man, your sins are forgiven.” But the Pharisees and teachers of religious law said to themselves, “Who does he think he is? That’s blasphemy! Only God can forgive sins!”
     Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he asked them, “Why do you question this in your hearts? Is it easier to say ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up and walk’? So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!”
     And immediately, as everyone watched, the man jumped up, picked up his mat, and went home praising God. 

3. Luke 5:27-28 NLT

     Later, as Jesus left the town, he saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at his tax collector’s booth. “Follow me and be my disciple,” Jesus said to him. So Levi got up, left everything, and followed him.

There may be other things you see, but for me, it was first Jesus said and then... Instantly - at once - immediately...

In Matthew 4, when Jesus called James and John - the sons of thunder - they left the only job they'd ever done, their only source of income, their choice of vocation, their comfort zone (because it's what they knew) and they immediately followed Him, leaving the boat and their father behind. Matthew (Levi) himself did the same thing - left everything...

People will say, You can't do that. That's what they told the man who'd been lying by the pool of Bethesda for 38 years!  Continuing in our text for today,  John 5 - verse 9b through verse 11 - But this miracle happened on the Sabbath, so the Jewish leaders objected. They said to the man who was cured, “You can’t work on the Sabbath! The law doesn’t allow you to carry that sleeping mat!”  But he replied, “The man who healed me told me, ‘Pick up your mat and walk.’”  

Those were the leaders who objected to what he was doing. Those who were the ones who had been in charge of making the rules in his life... You can't do that! What would you do?

If Jesus says it... What do you do? You obey. You don't think about it. You don't question it. You don't over-analyze it. You don't come up with all the reasons why it won't work, why you can't do it, why it won't happen for you. You make like Nike and just do it. 

Jesus came to save souls - our souls are our mind, our will and our emotions. If the head (the mind) says yes, make the body get up and follow (the will). The heart will have to go along, too (the emotions). 

That's called faith. Do what? Whatever He says. When? Instantly - at once - immediately...

Prayer:

Father,

       Let all that I am praise You, Lord; You forgive all my sins and heal all my diseases. May I never forget the good things You do for me. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen

* What'd He Say?

[God speaking to Jacob while Jacob slept] What’s more, I am with you, and I will protect you wherever you go. One day I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have finished giving you everything I have promised you.

Genesis 28:15 NLT

God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through? Listen, I received a command to bless; God has blessed, and I cannot reverse it! That's from Numbers 23:19-20 - one of my favorite stories. It's where God uses a donkey to talk to a prophet...(that's how I KNOW He can use me to talk to someone.) 

Has God ever spoken something to your heart? Has it come to pass? Are you faithfully following Him while you wait for it to be completed? Do you command your heart to be full of faith concerning what God has said...even though time has gone by and you haven't yet seen  it? Or have you given up on it, no longer believing because you think too much time has passed for it to happen? Shall I remind you of Abraham and Sarah?

If we don't know His Word, we'd better remedy that, because God hastens to perform His Word. THAT's what He does! Do you know what His Word says? What'd He say?

Prayer:

Father,

          The cares and trials of this world are NOT greater than You or Your Word. Forgive us for living faithlessly in the face of them. Please provide us with a new view - one based on faith in Your Word. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

* Price Motivation

Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.

1st Corinthians 6:19-20 NLT

In most product lines - whether manufactured goods or edible or whatever - there are usually multiple choices, and some cost considerably more than their counterparts. However, some are worth the price. For instance, I like hazelnut-flavored coffee creamer and I've tried them all. There's only one brand that flavors my coffee the way I want it, and I am willing to pay the price for it, because my two half-cups of coffee are important to me, and I like them to taste right. 

I also wanted to buy a new pick up truck. There are several I like... in fact, I like 'em a lot! However, I don't like the sticker price and I don't like the cost it will take to run one, either. What I need is transportation and there's nothing wrong with what I drive now, so I'm not willing to pay the price.

We make choices about life based on the same principle. There are things I love to do with my grandkids, but some of the activities are harder on my body than others... However, there's no question - they are worth it. I'll take a few aches and pains. In fact, the love for my kids and my grandchildren motivates me to take better care of myself because they are SO worth it!! They're worth my going to the gym, so I can stay mobile. They're worth my making the choice to eat healthy over eating that chicken-fried steak with cream gravy and bread pudding for dessert from T-Bone Tom's in Kemah...well, most of the time... heheh...

Some choices you make for the long-term goal. Are you going back to work after the baby's born, or will you cut out all the extras? Is it worth not going out as often so you can stay home with your baby that first year? Only you can make that decision. And how about going back to school to get a degree when you're already working full-time and have a busy life? It's gonna be THAT much harder, with that much more to do, and study and tests, etc. But in the long run, it pays off. It is worth the price. Sometimes, it doesn't FEEL like it when you're in the middle of it all, but deep inside, you know it is.

When you choose to follow Jesus and the way He would have you to live, it'll cost you. The price is high. Sometimes, it costs us more than we figured in friends, job, lifestyle, and even family. In Luke 14, Jesus says,  And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple. But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you. They would say, ‘There’s the person who started that building and couldn't afford to finish it!’ Or what king would go to war against another king without first sitting down with his counselors to discuss whether his army of 10,000 could defeat the 20,000 soldiers marching against him? And if he can’t, he will send a delegation to discuss terms of peace while the enemy is still far away. So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own.

Everything. It's going to cost us everything to follow Christ. Are you willing to pay that price? Jesus was willing... and He paid it in full. His love for you was His motivation. And when He counted the cost, He figured you were worth it.

Prayer:

Father,

          May everything we say or do and every choice we make be made because You loved us first and paid the price for our sin. Let our love for You and for each other be a direct result of Your love for us. May our motivations be as pure as the Life that paid for ours. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

To See Clearly+

satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.

2nd Corinthians 4:4 NLT

All of us - at one time or another - have been blinded by the sun or a camera flash or have gotten something in our eyes that temporarily caused us to not be able to see. Soap or conditioner or suntan oil - something that made it so our eyes were not able to focus or clearly see what was in front of our face. Something that should NOT be there. 

We know it. There are warnings all over the containers - "Do not use near eyes" - and then they print what to do if we DO get it in our eyes. Why? For the reason that they know many of us will not use the necessary precaution, or we will become complacent and forget to use caution because we've done it hundreds of times before. The remedy is nearly always the same: "wash thoroughly with water; see a physician" or "cover eyes and seek proper attention."

I was reminded this week that satan's tricks are just like that. He'll appear as an angel of light (see 2nd Corinthians 11:14) and so try to dazzle us with things that appeal to our worldly desires, or the oil from his snake oil sales routine as he tries to sell us a false bill of goods will splash onto us and get in our eyes and we can be temporarily blinded. Why? Because we have ignored the warnings, or we have become complacent about using the proper precaution. However, the remedy is nearly always the same - wash thoroughly with water  - the water of the Word - (see Psalm 51:2) and see the Great Physician. Or cover our eyes - stop looking at the world and what it has to offer - and seek proper attention. And when we do, God allows us to recognize the wiles of the enemy for exactly what they are...once we see clearly.

Prayer:

Father,

         Thank You for washing our eyes so we can see...even if You have to use tears to do it. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Taking Into Consideration +

Therefore know this day, and consider it in your heart, that the LORD Himself is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other.

Deuteronomy 4:39 NKJV

How many times have we come through a tough time and at the end of it made the remark, "Well, all things considered, I think we came out ahead of the situation." Sometimes we're "ahead" just by being alive. But I have been wondering lately about all the things that we take into consideration and whether or not we take into consideration MORE than what needs to be considered.

Generally, people try to gather the facts regarding a situation before making a decision about it, no matter if it’s a simple purchase or a life-changing event. Just think about how many search engines you can name. However, as I’m fond of pointing out, facts and Truth are not the same and because of that principle, there is a HUGE difference between knowledge and wisdom. For those who may not have considered the difference, let me give you my spin on it. Knowledge would be equivalent to the facts of a situation. Wisdom is the Truth about it.  

I remember the story of Baby Ashley who was born in 2009. An ultrasound before Ashley’s birth confirmed that she had NO kidneys. The hospital prepared the family for the worst – and the compassionate ministry of Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep was called in to take special photographs for the family to have after she was gone. Those are the facts – the knowledge of the situation. 

When Ashley was born, she was immediately hooked up to life support, etc, to give the family a "little" time. But Joanne (the photographer) had the wisdom to call for prayer. The request went out world-wide through prayer chains. The hospital scheduled the day that they would disconnect life support…then one of the NICU nurses caring for Ashley, in the course of keeping the baby clean, noticed the diaper was wet. Well, basic anatomy will tell you that a baby can’t produce what will wet the diaper without a kidney. They did another ultrasound and found a kidney…

Instead of disconnecting life support for the end of Ashley’s life, it was disconnected so she could go home and grow up with her parents. All of our advanced medical and technical knowledge told them, “No, I'm sorry. Your baby will die.” Wisdom chose Truth. A God who is our Healer. God, our Creator. Maker of Heaven and Earth. Psalm 8: 3-4, When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained, What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him?

When you face seemingly impossible odds – when all the facts point to bad – what does Wisdom founded in Scripture tell you? I’m not talking about name it-claim it, confess it-possess it, blab it-grab it. I’m asking directly - What does Wisdom founded in Scripture dictate?  

1^st Samuel 24:12 reads, Only fear the LORD, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you.

Abraham had a promise of a son. But he understood the knowledge about being 100 years old – his wife was 90. And how that even in her so-called best years, she could not conceive… but Scripture tells us in Romans 4:19-21, And not being weak in faith, he [Abraham] did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.

Some things should not be taken into consideration. When all things are considered, what will you include?

Prayer:

Father,

According to Your Word, the wisdom of Your Truth that we find in Hebrews 10:23-25, Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for You who promised are faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as we see the Day approaching. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen

Wonderful Works*

They wandered in the wilderness in a desolate way; They found no city to dwell in. Hungry and thirsty, Their soul fainted in them. Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, And He delivered them out of their distresses. And He led them forth by the right way, That they might go to a city for a dwelling place. Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He satisfies the longing soul, And fills the hungry soul with goodness. 
Psalm 107:4-9 NKJV

My family and dear friends in the Midwest and on the East Coast are in the grip of winter and another 6"-12" of snow, depending where they live. It's so cold outside and the wind is whipping and there is ice and some sort of precipitation in all four directions, but there is much to be thankful for. We have homes. We are not exposed to the elements. I saw lots of photos showing blizzard buffets... so there is food that we are not digging out from underneath the ice.  We don't have to first milk the cow, to churn for butter to put on the popcorn...

Can you look for good in the midst of your "snow" day? Can you thank Him for the extra family time that you don't normally get? The extra time at home to get that project finished? The opportunity to sleep in a little? God can always be found. Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men! 

Prayer:

Father,
           Oh, that we would see Your hand in everything that touches our lives and give You praise for it. Help us to see You more clearly. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

* Worse Than Not Knowing

Baffled by what I hear, undone by what I see. Absolutely stunned, horror-stricken, I had hoped for a relaxed evening, but it has turned into a nightmare.

Isaiah 21:3b-4 The Message

Isaiah asked God to let him see what was going to happen. Isaiah thought that in knowing, he could prophesy to the people and give hope. But when God granted Isaiah's request, the prophet was overwhelmed. I have lived as a Christian long enough that when I read this Scripture, I found myself praising God that sometimes the answer is 'No."

Looking back over my life, I can truly give thanks and worship a Holy God who lovingly refused to show me some things ahead of time. I wouldn't have been able to stand it had I known some of it ahead of time. It would have caused me to run in the opposite direction, but when thrust in the midst of it, I turned to the only One I could trust. And having lived through it, bearing the fruit of what satan meant for evil, God turned for my good, I am able to see and praise God for His guiding hand on me during those times. Would I have chosen it? No. Absolutely not, but on this side of it, I am eternally grateful for the lessons learned, the wisdom gained, and for the capacity to love to be enlarged.

Now, when I think back on all the times I begged God to show me what He was doing; what was going to happen, and He would not,  I'm so thankful He's God and I'm not, and He chose not to. What a loving Father, a protective, caring, loving Father. You see, there are things worse than not knowing. I don't have to know it all as long as I know the One does.

Prayer:

Father,

          Thank You for revealing those things that need to be revealed. Thank You, Father, for every heads-up You provide.  And we pray, Father, as the psalmist prayed, 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. Lord, keep us on a need-to-know basis as defined by You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

* Uncomfortably Complacent

I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary.  Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.
Revelation 2:2-4 NKJV

According to Scripture, God has loved us since before the foundations of the Earth. I have not loved Him that long. I loved Him when I was a child, but when I got old enough to think I could make my own decisions, I chose (at that time) to walk after the ways of the world. For over a decade, I was on a one-way street with no speed limits, heading straight for hell. "Do not pass Go. Do not collect two-hundred dollars."

It was when I was at my personal worst that God stepped into my path and offered me a way out...my Prince had come to save me and I couldn't get enough of Him! I was at church every time the doors were open and sometimes, even when they weren't. I just wanted to be there. I took notes every service and studied them and studied them and studied them some more because I wanted to know all I could about this God of the universe, Creator of Heaven and Earth, who loved ME enough to die for me - to pay the price for MY sins - to spare me the punishment for the evil choices I made.

That was a long time ago. Lately, it's almost been like some of the old married couples you've seen. They're comfortable in their relationship, but they're not "crazy in love" like they were when they were kids. She no longer hangs on his every word. He's not her "first love" anymore. Nowadays, he gets put on the back burner if one of the grandchildren or one of the ladies in her group needs something. She takes for granted that he's always going to be there.

There is a huge difference between comfortable and complacent. I've grown comfortable in my relationship with the Lord. I actually believe beyond the shadow of a doubt that He loves me - and that's good - but the truth is in the last few months, I had grown complacent in my relationship with Him. Oh, I wasn't out running around or getting drunk or doing stuff like that - but neither was I running to be with Him or drinking from the water of Life or listening for His voice. And I could feel the nudges... You don't spend time with Me. Come talk to Me. Don't push Me away. Don't ignore Me. I tried to make myself believe it was all okay because I wasn't running around or doing all those other things and I was at church and paid my tithes, and gave offerings, etc... but I forgot one VERY important thing.

This relationship has NEVER been about what I'VE done for Him.

Prayer:

Father,
           Thank You for loving me more than enough to confront me and make me uncomfortable in my complacency. Forgive me, Lover of my soul, for putting anything alive or electronic ahead of You in my life. It is ONLY in You that I live and move and have my being. Let my only comfort be in You. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen

Notification for Change of Address +

Don't let this throw you. You trust God, don't you? Trust me. There is plenty of room for you in my Father's home. If that weren't so, would I have told you that I'm on my way to get a room ready for you? And if I'm on my way to get your room ready, I'll come back and get you so you can live where I live.

John 14:1-3 The Message

The American Dream. Own a home you can call your own...well, you and the bank... Then go to the post office and file the Change of Address form.

Although there are questions to ask yourself before the purchase. Do you know the answers to these questions?

1. Can you trust the land developer?

Answer: Sow for yourselves righteousness; Reap in mercy; Break up your fallow ground, For it is time to seek the LORD, Till He comes and rains righteousness on you. Hosea 10:12 or Deuteronomy 11:12 A land which the LORD thy God careth for: the eyes of the LORD thy God are always upon it, from the beginning of the year even unto the end of the year.

2. Is it built on solid ground or will there be a sink hole?

Answer: Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. Matthew 7:24-25

3. Do you know who built it?

Answer: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Hebrews 11:10  or Ephesians 2:20-21, ...having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord,

4. Who's going to be the caretaker?

Answer: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 1st Peter 5:7

5. Who is going to manage the upkeep and supply what you need?

Answer: And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Phillipians 4:19

6. Once you're in, what if something breaks?

Answer: Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

7. Do you have insurance?

Answer: Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

8. Do you have a security system?

Answers:  No weapon formed against you shall prosper...

9. How long will I live there?

I do not plan to have my permanent residence where moth and rust corrupt and destroy what I have. I look to Jesus - the Author and Finisher of our faith.

I'm just letting you know, when Jesus comes to take me, I'm going. This is your official notification for change of address. Do you need to file one, too?

Prayer:

Father,

        We know the Day is soon approaching and we can hardly wait! Open the eyes and hearts of those who have yet to receive You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

* A Letter

Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
2nd Corinthians 3:5-6 NKJV

I have a hard time reading contracts. All the legalese drives me to distraction. To me, it's a perfect illustration of our text for today regarding the letter kills. I'm sure glad I don't do it on a full-time basis. I'm not saying contracts aren't important - they are for many reasons - but sometimes contracts or more precisely, contract disputes kill a "guaranteed" project. The client has the work they need done, and you are qualified and trained to do that work, and they want you to do the work, and you want to do their work. Sounds like a perfect solution, right? Unless you can't agree on the contract terms - all the what-ifs and contingencies, etc.

The legal eagles on both sides will argue the letter of the law, the literal letter - an S or not an S - sometimes to the death. But once in a while, there's a champion who can come in and breathe life back into the contract, based on the compatibility of needs with the ability to meet those needs - the spirit of it, if you will - and the champion convinces the two parts to drop the letter of the law (or at least provide a little grace for it.)

What's in one letter that would make that much difference? Well, I'll show you just a few sample pairings.

Change - Chance;   Aspiring - Aspirin:   Wise - Vise;  

And if you leave a letter out, it can be devastating.

Life - Lie;

And satan is banking on it; his lies are subtle. he knows the Word well enough to mess with it. Do you know it well enough to counter his lies with the life that's in the Word? Here, take a letter.

Prayer:

Father,
          Teach us to walk in Your Spirit so that we don't fulfill the lusts of the flesh. Help us to know when to fight to the death of something and when to pray for life to be breathed back in it. But Father, may it always be Your breath that brings it to life, and not our own. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

The Power of One +

Ephesians 4:1-6 Paul speaking...

New Living Translation

Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all.

New International Version

 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

New King James Version

 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

The Message Bible

 In light of all this, here's what I want you to do. While I'm locked up here, a prisoner for the Master, I want you to get out there and walk—better yet, run!—on the road God called you to travel. I don't want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don't want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere. And mark that you do this with humility and discipline—not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences.

You were all called to travel on the same road and in the same direction, so stay together, both outwardly and inwardly. You have one Master, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who rules over all, works through all, and is present in all. Everything you are and think and do is permeated with Oneness.

Okay, so this Promise is a little different. I don't normally put 4 versions of the same text, but I believe this bears repeating. Paul is speaking to Christian believers in Ephesus. He is not talking to the unchurched or non-believers. He is talking to the Body of Christ - those who have asked Jesus into their hearts to change their lives. 

Do we get it?

One body
One Spirit
One hope
One Lord
One faith
One baptism
One God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all.

Let's face it - the ONLY way we could all come together is through the Power of One.

Prayer:

Father,
            Let us embrace Your call to be patient with each other, to make every effort to keep ourselves united in Your Spirit and to bind ourselves together with Your peace. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen 

* Rest Area

Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled me with the faith and love that come from Christ Jesus. This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.

1st Timothy 1:14-16 NLT

Have you ever been on a long road trip and so determined to get to where you are going that you didn't want to stop for a break? You know the trip is long, and it will be hard, and you've counted the cost, and know that you're gonna have to fight your way through to the end. You might pass every rest area in 3 different states before you decide that it's okay to stop for a quick moment. And then after you take the break, you feel so much better and wonder why you didn't stop before...

So often in our walk of faith, we're just like that. We're on this eternal trip - trying to make Heaven. And we become so focused on trying not to sin so we can get there that we wind up being hypnotized by the road. And after a while, the trip is so long and so hard that we dare not, care not to look where we're going or where we've been. We become so consumed with where we are and how to put one foot in front of the other, and yet we still want to minister to others about Christ and who and what He is and who and what they can be IN Him, and we forget this one incredible, awe-inspiring, all-consuming Truth - that God the Father sent His only begotten Son to pay the ransom for our sins.

He paid the price IN FULL and bought us back - lock, stock and barrel. There's nothing left owing. No one can come and repossess us for lack of payment or unfulfilled promise of payment or even for back taxes. We have been bought with a great price. Inflation, recession, market crashes, poor decisions by us or by those who we have no control over - nothing can affect or change that Truth. Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners...and He did exactly what He came to do.

Selah...

I don't know about you, but sometimes I think we just need to stop. Stop asking, stop begging, stop whining. Just stop. Stop long enough to reflect on the magnitude of what has ALREADY been done for us...and praise Him for it. Take a 10-minute break with me and just praise Him for what He's already done. This is a rest area...

Prayer:

Father,

         We come to You with praise and thanksgiving for all that You've already done for us. Your Son's life for ours is beyond our comprehension of love, but teach us to walk in it fully and to express it unconditionally toward those You have placed in our lives. Give us the opportunity to share Your Good News. Make the music of the salvation You purchased for us come alive in our hearts and souls. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

* Whose is That? (Tax Time)

Later the leaders sent some Pharisees and supporters of Herod to trap Jesus into saying something for which he could be arrested. “Teacher,” they said, “we know how honest you are. You are impartial and don’t play favorites. You teach the way of God truthfully. Now tell us—is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay them, or shouldn't we?” Jesus saw through their hypocrisy and said, “Why are you trying to trap me? Show me a Roman coin, and I’ll tell you.” When they handed it to him, he asked, “Whose picture and title are stamped on it?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. “Well, then,” Jesus said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.” His reply completely amazed them.
Mark 12:13-17 NLT

Every year around this time, the debate begins about whether or not it is "scriptural" to pay taxes. (I sometimes wonder if they've ever read the book of Mark.) They often use Matthew 17:26 as their basis for the no tax platform. Although, if you read it in context, verses 24-27, Jesus notes that taxes are not supposed to be for "free" citizens; however, read what He does.

On their arrival in Capernaum, the collectors of the Temple tax came to Peter and asked him, “ Doesn't your teacher pay the Temple tax?” “Yes, he does,” Peter replied. Then he went into the house. But before he had a chance to speak, Jesus asked him, “What do you think, Peter? Do kings tax their own people or the people they have conquered?” “They tax the people they have conquered,” Peter replied. “Well, then,” Jesus said, “the citizens are free! However, we don’t want to offend them, so go down to the lake and throw in a line. Open the mouth of the first fish you catch, and you will find a large silver coin. Take it and pay the tax for both of us.”

Jesus always makes His point and makes a way where there is no way. He is our Waymaker. That's what happens when you give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God. So by all means, pay your taxes, AND don't forget to give to God what belongs to God.

Prayer:

Father,
           Thank You that I still live in a country where we enjoy more freedoms than restraints. We know it is not perfect, but You are. Keep us ever mindful to give You all that we have and all that we are. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Take A Stand +

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

Romans 12:2 NLT

People have discussed and argued politics for years, but I haven't heard the despair and hopelessness like I hear now. I understand the angst and concerns. I really do understand…and it’s easy to get caught up in it. But you can’t jaw it to death unless you’re Samson (Judges 15). And for those looking for answers to these problems in a man or a government or a leader other than God, forget it.

It's happened before. Read the history books. And now more than ever, Edmund Burke's famous quote rings true - All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing. There has to be some action.

We should start with the sword - the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God (Ephesians 6). 2nd Chronicles 7:14, If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. I mentioned that the other day and someone who professed Christianity responded with, "Yeah, fat chance. You'll never get this nation to pray." Hmmm. That's why we're supposed to READ it. It doesn't say get the nation or all the heathen on their knees to pray. It says, If MY people who are called by MY name... If we call ourselves Christians… 

Putting on the whole armor for a battle is not just so you can stand there with some protection. It's so you can fight - it is so you are prepared to engage in the battle. The weapons of our warfare are not of this world, according to 2nd Corinthians 10:4, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds… 

2nd Corinthians 4:16-18 The Message reads, So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, [heaven] the lavish celebration prepared for us. There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever.

In the meantime, let’s live our lives and fight our battles with the plan God has laid out before us. Ephesians 6:10-13 KJV reads, Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Prayer:

Father,

          Keep us ever mindful of Your Word in John 3, that You loved us so much, You gave Your Son so no one should perish or be destroyed; and that by believing in Him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. You didn't go to all the trouble of sending Your Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was and is. He came to help, to put the world right again. And anyone working and living in truth and reality welcomes God-light so the work can be seen for the God-work it is. Let us be ever aware that darkness is always overcome by the Light. Renew our minds. Change our lives. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen

* For Those Days

I want them to be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God’s mysterious plan, which is Christ himself. In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Colossians 2:2-3 NLT

There are those days when there aren't words to fully express the depth and magnitude of what we are feeling inside. And on some of those days, it's probably a good thing that we can't, amen?  But those aren't the days I'm talking about. It's those days when we learn of the grave illness or death of a loved one or our children going off to war or some other great, overwhelming tragedy...

And on those days that don't happen to us, but happen to someone we love, what words can we possibly use? What is it that we - in our finite-ness - could possibly say that would make a difference?

We want to express what we feel. We need to express what we feel, but all we have are tears. The good news is that God in His great love and mercy gave us those tears and they are a language that He alone completely understands, so it's to Him we should give them. With tears, you don't have to worry about which words to use to adequately or properly convey all that's in your heart.

On those days, encourage yourself in God's Word. Take comfort from the One who promises us - and delivers - the peace that passes understanding. Usually, I use the New Living or New King James Bible when writing the Promise; but oftentimes, when we need comfort, we go to what is the most familiar. For me, that's the old King James. Today, that's what I want to give you.

Psalm 121

 ¹I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
 ²My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.
 ³He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
 ⁴Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
 ⁵The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.
 ⁶The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.
 ⁷The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.
 ⁸The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

For those days. From this time forth, and even for evermore.

Prayer:

Father,
         We love Your Word. We love the song You gave the songwriter, I will lift my eyes to the Maker of the mountains I can't climb. I will lift my eyes to the Calmer of the oceans raging wild. I will lift my eyes to the Healer of the hurt I hold inside. God, my God, I cry out, Your beloved needs You now. Help us to release everything into Your care, knowing You care for us. Thank You, Father, for Your peace in the midst of the storm. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen