Just as a linen undergarment clings to the body, so I created the people of Israel and Judah to cling to me, declares the Lord, to be my people for my honor, praise, and grandeur.
Jeremiah 13:11 CEB
I think I mentioned that our church is doing a Bible reading plan called "Bible Recap". It has the Scripture readings listed in chronological order. Currently, we are in the book of Jeremiah.
It is challenging yet also eye-opening, and doesn't take much discernment to see that since the beginning of mankind, God has poured out His love and desire for a faithful relationship only to be rejected time and time again. God struck a covenant with His chosen people with the first commandment being Exodus 20:3, "You shall have no other gods before Me."
In the context of His Word, God is not referring only to statues and idols covered in silver and gold, but to ANYTHING that we would go to instead of to God for comfort and peace that only He can give. Think about that for a moment...
In the book of Jeremiah, God's people have repeatedly turned their backs on God, and He has had enough. He is ready to pour out His righteous judgment, and yet consistently throughout the first 13 chapters of this book, there are glimpses of His overwhelming love - if only they would repent and turn back to Him...
In verses 1-11 of the 13th chapter, I see the same false accusation against God since the beginning of time for anything bad that happens to mankind. "Why did God do this to me?" when in reality, we bring it on ourselves by our own disobedience. The Truth is we will always have to struggle with our own flesh to be in faithful submission to the Lord, but we can only do that by His grace and mercy.
Psalm 37:3 reads, "Trust the Lord and do good; live in the land, and farm faithfulness." We know that farming requires patience, as the farmer waits for the harvest following the hard work of tilling the ground, planting and watering the seed. Similarly, cultivating faithfulness requires perseverance and trust in God's timing, even when the results are not immediately visible. God is ALWAYS faithful.
Prayer:
Father,
Forgive us for every false idol we have ever placed before You. According to Your Word, "They are a delusion, a charade; at the appointed time they will vanish!" And so is anything and everything we choose over You and Your Word. Thank You, Father, that Your mercies are new every morning - that Your Words are eternal and everlasting! Give us the strength and wisdom to trust You and do good; to live in the land You have provided, and to farm faithfulness. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Sunday, August 10, 2025
Saturday, August 9, 2025
Promise for Today - Be Intentional
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT
There are things we do without even thinking about it. Things that are necessary to stay alive. We breathe, we eat (although that might take some thought). We hydrate. We practice good hygiene. We sleep (and that might take some absence of thought). Some things, by the Grace of God, our bodies do for us. Our heart pumps the blood through our veins; liver, lungs, kidneys do their job. We blink without thinking.
However, we don't live our lives by rote. We are intentional about going to work. We have to be intentional about our relationships. We have to be intentional about taking care of the business of our lives.
We have to be intentional about walking with the Lord. We have to be intentional about our relationship with Him - talking to Him, listening to Him, praising Him, spending time in His presence, reading His Word... Not just on the day(s) we go to church. We can't survive, thrive or stay fully alive on once or twice a week.
Reading the Word of God is not just about information; it's about transformation. It's to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work.
Let's do it intentionally.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for giving us Your Living Word so we can fulfill Your purpose for our lives - to do every good work. Teach us, O God. Open our minds to understand. Give us wisdom, Father, and birth in us a renewed desire for more of You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
There are things we do without even thinking about it. Things that are necessary to stay alive. We breathe, we eat (although that might take some thought). We hydrate. We practice good hygiene. We sleep (and that might take some absence of thought). Some things, by the Grace of God, our bodies do for us. Our heart pumps the blood through our veins; liver, lungs, kidneys do their job. We blink without thinking.
However, we don't live our lives by rote. We are intentional about going to work. We have to be intentional about our relationships. We have to be intentional about taking care of the business of our lives.
We have to be intentional about walking with the Lord. We have to be intentional about our relationship with Him - talking to Him, listening to Him, praising Him, spending time in His presence, reading His Word... Not just on the day(s) we go to church. We can't survive, thrive or stay fully alive on once or twice a week.
Reading the Word of God is not just about information; it's about transformation. It's to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work.
Let's do it intentionally.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for giving us Your Living Word so we can fulfill Your purpose for our lives - to do every good work. Teach us, O God. Open our minds to understand. Give us wisdom, Father, and birth in us a renewed desire for more of You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Friday, August 8, 2025
Promise for Today - When the Wind Stopped
“Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped.
Matthew 14:29-32 NLT
This has always been one of my favorite passages of Scripture. I don't care how many people point out Peter's fear and doubt, I don't see anyone else's name mentioned as going over the side of the boat IN THE STORM and walking on the water. It lends a whole new meaning to "getting your sea legs."
I thought I'd heard this story taught from every angle. I was wrong. My pastor taught on this last night, and I heard another pastor's sermon on YouTube this morning that seemed to be the extension of last night's teaching, and both were exactly what I needed to hear. I've lived long enough to know that when God repeats something, "verily verily," I'd better pay close attention.
Just to refresh - In this story of the storm and Peter, verse 24 tells us, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. The waves that Jesus was walking on. The same waves that Peter stepped into when he went over the side of the boat. The point being that the circumstances had not changed. Jesus was there, but the storm was still raging. Jesus bid Peter come and walk to Him, yet the storm raged on. The wind didn't stop when Jesus showed up. It didn't stop when Jesus reached down and pulled Peter out of the water. It didn't stop as they were climbing to get into the boat - which was no easy task... The wind stopped after they got back into the boat. After...
Sometimes the circumstances don't change, but I can guarantee you that Jesus is there because His Word promises He will never leave us nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:8, Hebrews 13:5). And we know that God works ALL things together for our good. Storms, dark nights, tears. Faith is never strengthened without being tested. When did the wind stop? AFTER the waves, after the dark, after the fear, after he was sinking, after he climbed back up into the boat. Where was Jesus? Right there. Always right there.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for the encouragement to grow our faith. Thank You for never leaving us. Thank You for Your presence at all times. Remind us to give thanks IN all things. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
This has always been one of my favorite passages of Scripture. I don't care how many people point out Peter's fear and doubt, I don't see anyone else's name mentioned as going over the side of the boat IN THE STORM and walking on the water. It lends a whole new meaning to "getting your sea legs."
I thought I'd heard this story taught from every angle. I was wrong. My pastor taught on this last night, and I heard another pastor's sermon on YouTube this morning that seemed to be the extension of last night's teaching, and both were exactly what I needed to hear. I've lived long enough to know that when God repeats something, "verily verily," I'd better pay close attention.
Just to refresh - In this story of the storm and Peter, verse 24 tells us, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. The waves that Jesus was walking on. The same waves that Peter stepped into when he went over the side of the boat. The point being that the circumstances had not changed. Jesus was there, but the storm was still raging. Jesus bid Peter come and walk to Him, yet the storm raged on. The wind didn't stop when Jesus showed up. It didn't stop when Jesus reached down and pulled Peter out of the water. It didn't stop as they were climbing to get into the boat - which was no easy task... The wind stopped after they got back into the boat. After...
Sometimes the circumstances don't change, but I can guarantee you that Jesus is there because His Word promises He will never leave us nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:8, Hebrews 13:5). And we know that God works ALL things together for our good. Storms, dark nights, tears. Faith is never strengthened without being tested. When did the wind stop? AFTER the waves, after the dark, after the fear, after he was sinking, after he climbed back up into the boat. Where was Jesus? Right there. Always right there.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for the encouragement to grow our faith. Thank You for never leaving us. Thank You for Your presence at all times. Remind us to give thanks IN all things. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Thursday, August 7, 2025
In Spirit and In Truth
The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.
1st Samuel 16:7b NLT
Have you ever wondered how different a potential relationship might have been if instead of judging you by your outward appearance, someone took the time to really know you - who you are on the inside? Here's your opportunity.
John 4:23 NLT tells us, "...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."
What does it mean to worship in spirit and in truth? As I understand it, Truth is the Word of God, so worshiping God for who He really is as defined in Scripture. That's Truth. What about in spirit? We say our spirit is who we really are inside this body, so to worship Him with everything that's within us? (Psalm 103:1b, "And all that is within me, bless his holy name.")
If we're standing in the sanctuary worshiping God (which by the way is NOT the only place or way to worship), but if we ARE standing there, it could become easy to go through the motions of worship while thinking of sleeping in, or going to lunch, or 'I don't like this song', or "somebody's off pitch..." Have you ever done that? And probably no one around you is any wiser... but God is. What IS within me? What am I worshiping Him with?
"People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." You know. The Heart. How often have we said something like,"My heart is with you" or "I wish you could hear my heart." Is it our whole heart or only the part that is not distracted by the rest of the world?
Prayer:
Father,
We want to worship You with our whole heart, not just parts. Create in us a right spirit. Give us clean hands and a pure heart so that we may worship You in Spirit and in Truth, no matter Who is looking or listening. In Jesus' Name we pray.
Have you ever wondered how different a potential relationship might have been if instead of judging you by your outward appearance, someone took the time to really know you - who you are on the inside? Here's your opportunity.
John 4:23 NLT tells us, "...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."
What does it mean to worship in spirit and in truth? As I understand it, Truth is the Word of God, so worshiping God for who He really is as defined in Scripture. That's Truth. What about in spirit? We say our spirit is who we really are inside this body, so to worship Him with everything that's within us? (Psalm 103:1b, "And all that is within me, bless his holy name.")
If we're standing in the sanctuary worshiping God (which by the way is NOT the only place or way to worship), but if we ARE standing there, it could become easy to go through the motions of worship while thinking of sleeping in, or going to lunch, or 'I don't like this song', or "somebody's off pitch..." Have you ever done that? And probably no one around you is any wiser... but God is. What IS within me? What am I worshiping Him with?
"People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." You know. The Heart. How often have we said something like,"My heart is with you" or "I wish you could hear my heart." Is it our whole heart or only the part that is not distracted by the rest of the world?
Prayer:
Father,
We want to worship You with our whole heart, not just parts. Create in us a right spirit. Give us clean hands and a pure heart so that we may worship You in Spirit and in Truth, no matter Who is looking or listening. In Jesus' Name we pray.
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Promise for Today - Finish This
"God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels. Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet."
Ephesians 6:10-13 The Message
I've lost count of the times I have heard this question - "Why can't we all just get along?" And while the truth would be, "Light can't abide with darkness", I also have to remember that we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Although my flesh wants to rip and tear, I am bound by the Word in Romans 12:17-18, "Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone."
John 3:17 declares that God sent His Son to save the world, not to condemn it. We must remember that we are not to fight people; we're fighting spiritual wickedness. Christ died for all mankind, no matter their political beliefs; no matter their spiritual beliefs or lack thereof. Christ died so ALL would have the opportunity to receive the salvation He so freely offered us. God doesn't love me more than the unsaved heathen who uses His Name in vain.
None of us would go to battle and die for something or someone we don't love or believe in. Jesus said in Luke 9, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me." Paul wrote, "I die daily..." Where did we ever get the idea that living a Christian life would be a walk in the park?
So, how do we fight enemies we do not see? Can we go charging after and be effective in routing an unseen adversary? No! We cannot go charging off on our own, under our own power, our own steam. If we're going to fight - and finish - the fight of good faith, we must follow the Leader. We have to follow the Lord. Just as our Promise for Today reads, "This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels. Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting, you'll still be on your feet."
What are the weapons? Continue on in Ephesians 6, "Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon."
In other words, don't show up to a sword fight without The Sword of the Lord.
"In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters in the Lord. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out."
Let's finish this thing. It's time to go Home.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for providing everything we need to do everything You have called us to do. You are the ultimate Leader. Father, we want to finish this fight with You. Continue to lead us and instruct us. Ramp up our training so we can be effective in winning souls and winning the battles. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
I've lost count of the times I have heard this question - "Why can't we all just get along?" And while the truth would be, "Light can't abide with darkness", I also have to remember that we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Although my flesh wants to rip and tear, I am bound by the Word in Romans 12:17-18, "Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone."
John 3:17 declares that God sent His Son to save the world, not to condemn it. We must remember that we are not to fight people; we're fighting spiritual wickedness. Christ died for all mankind, no matter their political beliefs; no matter their spiritual beliefs or lack thereof. Christ died so ALL would have the opportunity to receive the salvation He so freely offered us. God doesn't love me more than the unsaved heathen who uses His Name in vain.
None of us would go to battle and die for something or someone we don't love or believe in. Jesus said in Luke 9, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me." Paul wrote, "I die daily..." Where did we ever get the idea that living a Christian life would be a walk in the park?
So, how do we fight enemies we do not see? Can we go charging after and be effective in routing an unseen adversary? No! We cannot go charging off on our own, under our own power, our own steam. If we're going to fight - and finish - the fight of good faith, we must follow the Leader. We have to follow the Lord. Just as our Promise for Today reads, "This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels. Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting, you'll still be on your feet."
What are the weapons? Continue on in Ephesians 6, "Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon."
In other words, don't show up to a sword fight without The Sword of the Lord.
"In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters in the Lord. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out."
Let's finish this thing. It's time to go Home.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for providing everything we need to do everything You have called us to do. You are the ultimate Leader. Father, we want to finish this fight with You. Continue to lead us and instruct us. Ramp up our training so we can be effective in winning souls and winning the battles. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Tuesday, August 5, 2025
No Known Cure
A woman in the crowd had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding. She had suffered a great deal from many doctors, and over the years she had spent everything she had to pay them, but she had gotten no better. In fact, she had gotten worse.
Mark 5:25-26 NLT
Maybe you were diagnosed. Maybe someone you love. You see the doctor's mouth moving; you know she's speaking, but you haven't heard a single word after "...no known cure..." It may not be terminal, but the condition for which you sought help is not curable. There's no known treatment that will alleviate the pain, the symptoms, or remove the cause. What do you do?
Generally, they will offer you options that "might help" to manage the pain, if you can financially afford a Tier 4 or Tier 5 pharmaceutical. Of course, that's if you can manage the side effects. Side effects that include the words, "In rare cases, less than 1%... may cause death." What if your medical history identifies you as one of the less than 1%? The kind of words the enemy of your soul loves. No known cure. Destined to be in pain for the rest of your natural life (or what's left of it).
Then it hit me - no known cure - what a lie!! Maybe not known in the field of medicine. Maybe not known in the scientific realm. But definitely and unequivocally KNOWN in the spirit realm. Isaiah 53:5 NLT prophesied about it before Christ was ever born on this earth. "...He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed." Peter tells us again in his New Testament letter, "who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed." 1st Peter 2:24 NLT
If we continue on a little further in today's text, we find verses 27-29, "She had heard about Jesus, so she came up behind him through the crowd and touched his robe. For she thought to herself, 'If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed.' Immediately the bleeding stopped, and she could feel in her body that she had been healed of her terrible condition."
There IS a Known Cure! Have you heard about it? His Name is Jesus. Jehovah Rapha - Our God who heals! The side effects are incredible - Life and it more abundantly - and eternally! And it's already been paid for...
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for all that You are, all that You've done, and all that You're going to do. Thank You for revealing Your Truth and dispelling the darkness of the facts of this world. Thank You for the provision You have made for our healing. Open our hearts to embrace Your Truth. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Maybe you were diagnosed. Maybe someone you love. You see the doctor's mouth moving; you know she's speaking, but you haven't heard a single word after "...no known cure..." It may not be terminal, but the condition for which you sought help is not curable. There's no known treatment that will alleviate the pain, the symptoms, or remove the cause. What do you do?
Generally, they will offer you options that "might help" to manage the pain, if you can financially afford a Tier 4 or Tier 5 pharmaceutical. Of course, that's if you can manage the side effects. Side effects that include the words, "In rare cases, less than 1%... may cause death." What if your medical history identifies you as one of the less than 1%? The kind of words the enemy of your soul loves. No known cure. Destined to be in pain for the rest of your natural life (or what's left of it).
Then it hit me - no known cure - what a lie!! Maybe not known in the field of medicine. Maybe not known in the scientific realm. But definitely and unequivocally KNOWN in the spirit realm. Isaiah 53:5 NLT prophesied about it before Christ was ever born on this earth. "...He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed." Peter tells us again in his New Testament letter, "who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed." 1st Peter 2:24 NLT
If we continue on a little further in today's text, we find verses 27-29, "She had heard about Jesus, so she came up behind him through the crowd and touched his robe. For she thought to herself, 'If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed.' Immediately the bleeding stopped, and she could feel in her body that she had been healed of her terrible condition."
There IS a Known Cure! Have you heard about it? His Name is Jesus. Jehovah Rapha - Our God who heals! The side effects are incredible - Life and it more abundantly - and eternally! And it's already been paid for...
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for all that You are, all that You've done, and all that You're going to do. Thank You for revealing Your Truth and dispelling the darkness of the facts of this world. Thank You for the provision You have made for our healing. Open our hearts to embrace Your Truth. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Monday, August 4, 2025
Not Willing
The sailors were awestruck by the Lord’s great power, and they offered him a sacrifice and vowed to serve him.
Jonah 1:16 NLT
Somehow, I have overlooked the significance of this one verse every time I've read this story of Jonah.
Most of us know about the story of Jonah. Have you ever wondered why a prophet of God could be so ticked off about being asked to go somewhere and proclaim God's message? How could a prophet be angry with God about the thought of repentance and salvation for an entire city? After all, isn't that his life's work? But Jonah was not willing.
However, before we become so quick to judge, think of the political blitzkrieg around us today. Let us think of the self-proclaimed cognoscenti we would most like to see silenced if we could make that happen. What would happen if God asked us to go witness to them? Would we be willing or would we wish them a special place in hell as we head in the opposite direction?
And let's also witness the extraordinary love of God in action! We know He especially prepared a large fish to accommodate and assist Jonah onto the road of repentance in his own rebellion against God. And in the process of creating the storm, He caused a boatload of sailors to first fear Him and then to turn from their false gods, and offer a sacrifice to our God while vowing to serve only Him... (even though at first they were not willing to throw Jonah overboard).
There was a lot of Not Willing going on, but the most important one is that God is Not Willing that ANY should perish, according to 2nd Peter 3:9, but that all - everyone - should come to repentance.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You that You cause all things to work together for good for those who love You and are called according to Your purpose for our lives. Please forgive our rebellion in wanting our own way. Give us the wisdom, power, and strength to see and to do what You have ordained for us to accomplish. Give us willing hearts. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
However, before we become so quick to judge, think of the political blitzkrieg around us today. Let us think of the self-proclaimed cognoscenti we would most like to see silenced if we could make that happen. What would happen if God asked us to go witness to them? Would we be willing or would we wish them a special place in hell as we head in the opposite direction?
And let's also witness the extraordinary love of God in action! We know He especially prepared a large fish to accommodate and assist Jonah onto the road of repentance in his own rebellion against God. And in the process of creating the storm, He caused a boatload of sailors to first fear Him and then to turn from their false gods, and offer a sacrifice to our God while vowing to serve only Him... (even though at first they were not willing to throw Jonah overboard).
There was a lot of Not Willing going on, but the most important one is that God is Not Willing that ANY should perish, according to 2nd Peter 3:9, but that all - everyone - should come to repentance.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You that You cause all things to work together for good for those who love You and are called according to Your purpose for our lives. Please forgive our rebellion in wanting our own way. Give us the wisdom, power, and strength to see and to do what You have ordained for us to accomplish. Give us willing hearts. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
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