Keep On Keeping On

Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.
Matthew 7:7 NLT

There is nothing about our Scripture reference today that indicates our Christian walk is a one-time pass-through event. There's no "I tried it once, it didn't work." There's nothing that indicates we'll get it right the first time or even the second. What does "keep on" mean to you?

Back in the 1960's "Keep on keeping on" was a popular phrase. A lot of people thought it originated with the Curtis Mayfield song, but in fact, Mayfield had taken the phrase from a Martin Luther King speech made in 1964. Given Mr. King's vocation, it is safe to assume it is a paraphrase of Scripture, more likely Philippians 3:14 where Paul talks about pressing on toward the prize. 

The point being, we don't try once and quit. We keep on asking. We keep on seeking. We keep on knocking. In the words of the old song, "It will be worth it all when we see Jesus. Life's trials will seem so small when we see Christ. One glimpse of His dear face, all sorrows will erase. So bravely run the race till we see Christ." 

Let's keep on keeping on.

Prayer:

Father,

           Help us to be overcomers by the Blood of Jesus and the word of our testimonies. Be our Waymaker and our Strength. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Friends' Favorites - Update: No Change

For Jesus doesn’t change—yesterday, today, tomorrow, he’s always totally himself.  Hebrews 13:7-8 The Message

Change. 
Our perception of it largely depends on the circumstances. Some things desperately need to change. Some qualify more under the old adage, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" - in other words, don't change something just for the sake of change. There are those who are great proponents for change. Others hate it. Sometimes, sadly, we get comfortable in a situation that DOES qualify as broken and needs to be fixed, but we're content [read complacent] enough to stay in it. Again, it all depends on the circumstances.

What about the circumstances of our lives that may not change? What about those times when no matter what we do, say, pay, or pray, nothing changes? What about when we cry out as David cried, "How long, O Lord?" Do we trust God when nothing changes? Does God seem less than God to us when the night seasons of life are prolonged? 

Circumstances of this life don't change God. Like our Promise for Today reads, ...yesterday, today, tomorrow, He's always totally himself. God doesn't change. 

However, KNOW THIS - while God Himself does not change, that does NOT mean He's not doing anything. Like the song says, "Even when I don't see it, You're working! Even when I don't feel it, You're working!" He's always BEING God - our Father, the Lord, our Provider, our Healer, our Banner, our Redeemer, our Peace. God our Shepherd, our Righteousness, our Sanctifier, the Most High, the Waymaker... shall I go on?

So your update for today? Your circumstances WILL change because of the God who NEVER changes.

Prayer:

Father,
        We choose to be thankful in all circumstances, for this is Your will for us who belong to Christ Jesus. We know our circumstances will change, and we are so grateful that You do not. Keep us ever mindful of this great Truth. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Friends' Favorites - Whose Is That?

Well, satan has tried to stop this writing project - putting me behind my intended schedule - but God is faithful, HIS timing is perfect and His provision never ceases to amaze me! I have been gifted with a brand new computer, and I believe we will be able to retrieve my files from the old computer. That hasn't happened yet, but God always makes a way where there is no way.
I was overwhelmed to see your faithful readership even two weeks after the computer crashed. Thank you for your prayer cover and for sticking around. I love how God has orchestrated our paths to cross!
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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 this world is not perfect, but You are. Without You, we have and we are nothing. Keep us ever mindful to give You all that we have and all that we are.  In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen