Thursday, December 31, 2009

"Unchanging"

I would like to wish you all a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year. May God bless you abundantly. Love and blessings, Lorraine

"For I am the Lord, I change not..." Malachi 3:6a

It's hard to believe that the door is closing on another year and about to open on a new one. With the beginning of the new year I am sure there are questions and concerns about what it might bring and what the future holds in store. Of course, none of us knows what lies ahead. The Lord knows what's ahead, though, and while things may change in our lives individually, in our families, in our nation or in the world, there is one thing for sure that we can rest assured in... He does not and will not change.

The Lord does not change- He is as solid as a "Rock". He is a firm foundation. He will be as faithful in the coming year as He has always been. His power, His ability, His wisdom, His promises, His strength, His grace, His mercy, His delivering, healing, saving power will still be the same, He will still be the provider. He has always been and will always be. There is NOTHING about the Lord that will change. What He is, is what He has always been... and will always be.

Take comfort this year, if the winds of change beat upon your life, in knowing that God does not change, and nothing changes Him.

Have a great day. You can place your trust throughout the new year that lies ahead in the Lord who does not change.

For further reading:
Exodus 3:14
Hebrews 13:5,8
1 Corinthians 10:4
Isaiah 43:2
Matthew 28:20

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

"Seeing Grace"

"Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord." Acts 11:23

Grace is like the wind, you can't see it but you can feel its effects. Or perhaps you can "see" it. Personally, when I look in the mirror each morning, I "see" God's grace. I can see the grace of God in my life from the beginning of the day until the end. I see His unmerited favor on my life. I can see that He has given me something, and so much, that I don't deserve.

It was God's grace that woke me up this morning. It was His grace that gave me life and breath again today. His grace puts health in my body. It was His grace that protected and kept me safe through the night. God's grace put a roof over my head, clothes on my back, shoes on my feet, food on my table. It's God's grace that allows me to sit here and share these devotionals with you.

God's grace gives me strength in weakness, comfort in sorrow, peace during times of confusion, wisdom to make the right decisions, help in time of trouble. His grace gives me joy and gladness. The Apostle Paul put it this way, "I am what I am but by the grace of God"... and may I add, "I have what I have but by the grace of God".

The greatest gift of grace that I see upon my life was given to me when Jesus went to Calvary. He provided salvation for me because I could have never obtained it any other way. I couldn't earn it, I couldn't work hard enough to receive it, I could never be good enough. Salvation came to me through His grace and when I received what He did as the payment for my sins grace was imparted to my life.

I rejoice this morning because I can see God's grace upon my life each and everyday and I know that when I stand before Him one day as the Judge of the universe, grace will still be standing with me and I will hear those words- "enter thou into the joy of thy lord".

Have a great day. Take time today to see and acknowledge the grace of God that has been bestowed upon your life.

For further reading:
Romans 4:16
Romans 5:15
Romans 11:6
Ephesians 2:5,8
1 Corinthians 15:10

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

"God's Promises"

"For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us." 2 Corinthians 1:20

When a person makes us a promise, we expect him to keep it. Usually, we have no doubt that they won't. So, I ask you, "Why do we act differently concerning the promises of God?". If we can believe a person who has no control over circumstances that might hinder him from keeping his promise to do what he says he'll do, why do we find it so hard to believe that God- who does have control and can remove obstacles and hindrances- will keep the promises He has made to us?

"God also bound himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that he would never change his mind. So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us." (Hebrews 6:17,18- NLT) The difference in man's promises and God's promises is:
1) Man doesn't always have the means, or resources, to fulfill his promise; God does.
2) Man has no control over factors that might hinder him from fulfilling it; God is in total control.
3) Man is limited in his ability; God is unlimited.
4) Man isn't always faithful; God is always faithful.
5) Man has good intentions but not always able to fulfill them; God's intentions always come to pass.
6) Man can lie; God cannot.
7) God holds Himself accountable to do what He has promised; man will often excuse himself from his obligation to fulfill his promise.
8) Men makes promises to appease, knowing they can't fulfill them; God never appeases anyone.
9) Man sometimes forgets that he made a promise; God never forgets!
So why do we find it easier to believe people than we do to believe God?

It's because of WHO God is that we can trust Him to do exactly what He said He would do and keep His promises to us. He is NOT a man, and He is NOT like man. He is God who is able, who is trustworthy, who is faithful, who cannot lie, who will uphold His word even above His own name. If we can trust people to keep their word to us, how much more should we be trusting God to keep His.

Have a great day. God is a promise keeper... so why aren't we trusting Him to keep His promises?

For further reading:
Psalm 119:89
Psalm 105:42
Psalm 138:2
2 Peter 1:4

Monday, December 28, 2009

"Trusting"

"O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee." Psalm 84:12

A couple of months ago my sister had neck surgery. She has gone back to work and is driving. Occasionally, she still has soreness in her neck from the surgery and doesn't have full range of motion. One day I had something I needed to give her. We both were in town so we decided to just meet somewhere. She was coming from the bank and I was driving by so we pulled into parking spots to meet. I got out and went to her vehicle to give her what I had for her. This happened to be one of the days she was having some pain when she turned her neck. When we had finished our meeting and as she started to back out of the parking spot, she asked me if anything was coming and was it clear for her to back out. I directed her to back out when the coast was clear and stood there in the street motioning for her to go backwards. She never looked back, she never tried to turn around, she just took my word for it that nothing was coming and backed out into the street.

My sister never once hesitated to back into the street without looking when I directed her to because she trusted me. She knew that I was not going to direct her into a situation that would hurt her. She knew that I would not steer her wrong. She knows I love her and would not let her do something that would put her in harm's way. She knew that if I said the street was safe for her to backup, she could backup with no fear of something happening to her. She trusted me totally.

How trusting are we of God? Do we trust the fact of His love for us? Do we trust that He won't "steer us wrong"? Do we trust His word when He speaks to us? Do we trust that what He does in our lives is something that will not harm us? Do we trust that He has our best interest at heart, always? Do we trust that He knows what He is doing in our lives even when we can't see it for ourselves? Are we totally dependent upon His word to navigate us through places because we can't do it for ourselves? Do we trust that all He desires for us is good and that He is working all things together for our good?

If we can trust a person because we know that person loves us, cares about us and will not do us harm, how much more should we trust our Heavenly Father when He says something to us because He loves us more than we can even fathom.

Have a great day. Do you trust God to lead you in the right way, even when you can't see that way for yourself?

For further reading:
Psalm 118:8
Proverbs 3:5
Psalm 73:28
Psalm 115:11
Isaiah 26:3

Thursday, December 24, 2009

"The Next Time"

"Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost." Matthew 1:18

"Was on this wise"- in other words, Jesus' birth took place this way. Jesus' first coming took place in a certain way. He came as a helpless baby wrapped in the likeness of sinful flesh. He was born into this world through a virgin. He came as a sacrificial lamb to take away our sins.

The prophets told us in God's word that Jesus would come. They told us where He would be born. They told us how He would be born. They told us all about it. And it happened- every last detail- the way it was said. The prophets and Jesus Himself told us that He will come again a second time. And this time it won't happen in the same way as it did at His first coming.

When He comes the second time He will come openly so that every eye shall see Him. He will be riding on a white horse. He will be coming in full majesty, as the victorious King of kings and Lord of lords. He won't come as the Lamb that takes away sins, but as the One who will judge sin and sinners.

Jesus came the first time just like God said He would, therefore, He will come again a second time like God says He will. He came the first time so that we could be prepared for when He comes the second time. Are you ready for His return? To be ready you must go to the manger first. You have to meet Him as a babe and a Lamb before you can meet Him as your King.

Have a great day... and a blessed Christmas. He came the first time as the Lamb that takes away sins, so that we could be prepared for when He comes the next time as the King.

For further reading:
John 1:29
Revelation 1:7
John 3:16,17
Acts 16:31
1 John 5:13
Luke 21:27

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

"Dwell With Us"

"Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." Matthew 1:23

"Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." It has always been God's desire to be with His people. From the very beginning in the Garden of Eden, God would come down in the cool of the day to be with them. When Israel wandered in the wilderness, the Ark of the Covenant- representing the presence and dwelling place of God- was to be placed in the center of the camp. When the nation went out to battle against the enemy, they were assured that the Lord would be with them. And throughout the entire Bible we see God's desire to be with us.

But there were two places where God desired to be with us that was not possible. First He didn't just desire to dwell among us, He desired to dwell within us. He desired to make our lives His tabernacle/dwelling place. The second was to dwell with Him throughout all eternity in His house. But as we said, neither one of these were possible. Our sins had separated us from God.

Because God does not change, and neither does His desire, He sent His Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to dwell among us and at the appointed time give His life upon the cross so that it would be possible. Through Jesus' death we were reconciled back to the Father, placed back in right relationship with Him, now our bodies can become the dwelling place of His Spirit and we can live in the place that He has gone to prepare for us in His house.

He has provided a way for us so that we can dwell with Him, but we have to provide a place so that He can dwell with us. Although this is His desire and although He has provided the way so that we can now dwell with Him, He will not allow us to dwell with Him throughout eternity if we don't allow Him to dwell with us while we are here on earth. Have you provided that place for Him? Have you opened the door of your life so that He could come in and dwell with you?

Have a great day. This great and glorious God desired so much to dwell with us and have us dwell with Him that He did not spare His only Son to make that possible.

For further reading:
Exodus 25:8
Psalm 68:18
John 14:2
2 Cor. 5:19
Rev. 7:15; 21:3

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

"No Ordinary Baby"

"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." John 1:14

The baby that was born in a manger that first Christmas morning was no ordinary baby. He was the Word that was there in the beginning. He was the Word that brought the whole universe and this earth into existence when He said, "Let there be". He was the Creator who came down from heaven and clothed Himself with the same "garment" that He clothed us His creation with.

This was no an ordinary baby. There was nothing about Him that was ordinary. There was nothing about His birth that was ordinary. There was nothing about His whole life that was ordinary. And He did not come for an ordinary purpose. He was on a mission that no one but He could accomplish-- to redeem His creation from their sins.

When you look at the baby in the manger, you are not looking at just another baby. This baby was the Word that was there in the beginning; this baby was the One who spoke everything into existence; this baby existed before the earth did; this baby saw satan fall from heaven as lightening; this baby formed man out of the dust of the earth then breathed the breath of life into him and he became a living soul; this baby has always been and always will be; this baby is the one to whom every knee shall bow and tongue confess that He is Lord; this baby is the soon coming King of kings and Lord of lords; this baby is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the Author and the Finisher, the first and the last; this baby is the victorious Savior of the world; this baby will one day be the Judge of the world and all will stand before Him. Although, He may have looked like any other baby, He was not.

This Christmas don't treat Him as ordinary. Don't treat this time of celebration as ordinary. Don't treat it like just another holiday that you would celebrate. Don't give more attention to everything but the baby that was born that first Christmas morn. That baby was also a gift that was given for you. (John 3;16). Don't treat the gift as ordinary.

Have a great day. "For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:11) --- No ordinary baby.

For further reading:
John 1:1-3
Genesis 1:1-3, 26,27
Isaiah 9:6
Luke 1:26-31

Monday, December 21, 2009

"Priorities"

"They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them." Matthew 25:3

There has been much teaching as to why the five foolish virgins had no oil in their lamps. I want us to consider another reason this morning- that reason being that they had misplaced priorities. These virgins did not make sure that they had plenty of oil with them before they fell asleep.

Many today are so preoccupied with other things- careers, entertainment, relationships, pleasure, cares of this life, etc.- that they are neglecting the things that are most important. They have misplaced priorities. Our first priority as Christians comes from Matthew 6:33- "But seek ye first the kingdom of God."

I see two reasons why our priorities can be misplaced- 1) we either don't think it is that important or 2) we think we have enough to get by. Both reasons will get you into trouble. Both reasons can put you in the same position the five foolish virgins were in.

You have to make spiritual matters a priority. You have to make your relationship with the Lord Jesus a priority- your first priority. You have to change your priorities if they are misplaced. You have to change them if your priorities are centered around "earthly, worldly" things in order to be ready when He comes. We don't know when the bridegroom might come. We don't know if it will be today, tomorrow, months or years from now, if He might tarry, if He might come at midnight. But if being ready is our number one priority, it won't matter when He comes, we won't be caught off guard and out of oil.

Have a great day. Where are your priorities?

For further reading:
Matthew 25:1-13
Matthew 6:33
Exodus 20:3
Matthew 13:32-33

Friday, December 18, 2009

"Bring It Forth"

"And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn." Luke 2:7

"She brought forth". Mary brought forth the Son of God that was placed inside her womb by the Holy Spirit. God never intended for her to carry the baby inside of her for the rest of her life. God's intention was for her to bring it into the world. When God places something inside of us, He never intends for us to keep it "locked up" inside of us either. He intends for us to "bring it forth".

When God places His salvation in our lives, we are to share it with others. He never intended for us to "keep it to ourselves". We are to witness to others about the glorious goodness of God in transforming our lives and giving us forgiveness and eternal life. When He places His Holy Spirit within us, we are to "bring it forth" by releasing the Spirit to do His work through us. When He places His joy within us, we aren't to keep it to ourselves, we are to share that joy with others so that they can taste and see how truly wonderful He is. It's this way with any blessing that God sends our way. It's this way with any gift He bestows upon us. He intends for us to "bring it forth" to reach the world for His glory.

The baby that was placed in Mary's womb wasn't for her only-- He was for the world, He was carried by her but given for others. These wonderful gifts that God has given us are "carried" by us, but for the purpose of reaching others and touching their lives for Christ. Are you keeping the grace that God has bestowed upon you to yourself or are you sharing it with others? Is it "locked up" inside of you so that no one can be touched by it? If so, it's time for you to "bring it forth".

Have a great day. God intends for you to bring forth the gifts that He has given you and share them with others.

For further reading:
Luke 2:17
Isaiah 43:10
Matthew 10:8
Luke 4:18

Thursday, December 17, 2009

"Taxing"

"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed." Luke 2:1

Have you ever wondered if Mary and Joseph complained about this taxing? Do you think they made comments to each other like: why did it have to come at this time, why do we have to travel so far, why couldn't it have come at another time, why couldn't it have happened after the baby was born? I wondered because this is what we usually do. When things come up in our lives that seem like bad timing or put extra pressure on us, we tend to start complaining about it.

The things we complain about are often the very things that God is using to accomplish His plan in/through us. Even a natural course of events is sometimes God's way of getting us in position- spiritually and physically- for what He is about to do. This was the case in Mary and Joseph's life. This taxing was the avenue that would get them to Bethlehem, to the stable, to the manger where the Savior of the world would be born. His birth could not have occurred anywhere else. God had already said through the prophets where it would be- God doesn't deviate from His word.

This decree caused them to get in the right position for the miracle birth. Sometimes it takes these "decrees" to move us into position, because we don't always listen and do what He says. So when we are tempted to complain over events- even natural ones- that seem to "tax" us by adding more burdens on us, by getting us out of our comfort zone, by causing us to have to make a move, by inconveniencing us, by messing up our schedules, by changing our plans, by apparently bad timing, perhaps we need to remember this story about the birth of our Savior.

Have a great day. God can us natural events, and events imposed by man, as an avenue to get us into position so that He can accomplish His plan and purpose.

For further reading:
Romans 8:28
1 Corinthians 1:27
Genesis 12:10
Ruth 1:1

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

"The Lord Is Good"

"For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations." Psalm 100:5

We aren't good. We don't always act good. We don't always do what is good. But you can't say that about the Lord. He is good and He is good all the time. Jesus Himself said that God is the ONLY one who is good. When Moses requested to see God's glory, the Lord's response to him was, "I will make my goodness pass before you." (Exodus 33:19)

As I woke up this morning a song was on my heart- it came from this verse above. I believe the Lord is using the song to remind me that no matter what may happen, no matter what I may encounter, no matter how I am treated, no matter what I face, He is good and I can trust and rest in His goodness to me even in the midst of bad things that come my way.

I believe that this devotional this morning is a reminder to you of the same thing. Bad things happen to us in this life. Bad things happen to even the righteous. We aren't exempt from bad things. But always remember, those "bad" things that come our way aren't from God- He's a good God and He can turn the bad into good.

Have a great day. The Lord is good... period!

For further reading:
Romans 8:28
Psalm 27:13
Psalm 33:5
Mark 10:18
Psalm 73:1

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

"Today Not Tomorrow"

"This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

"This is the day that the Lord has made"--- today. He has not made tomorrow yet- tomorrow isn't here. Therefore, we are not to take thought for tomorrow. We are not to borrow trouble from tomorrow. We are not to worry about tomorrow. We are not to wonder about tomorrow. We are not to be fearful, anxious or upset about what may happen tomorrow because tomorrow doesn't exist yet. When you think about it, tomorrow never comes because when it gets here--- it will be TODAY!

Are you worrying about tomorrow? Are you concerned about what it may hold? If so, then you are allowing today to be stolen from you. Live today; enjoy today; make the most of today; be productive today; work on doing what you can do today while you have it because none of us are promised tomorrow.

Rejoice and be glad today. Put your trust and confidence in God today. Commit today to Him. Look to Him today. Cast your cares upon Him today. Remember tomorrow doesn't exist yet so leave it in the future. And remember also that when/if tomorrow does come that God will be as faithful then as He is today.

Have a great day. God has not made tomorrow yet, but He has given you today... so rejoice and be glad in it.

For further reading:
Matthew 6:25-31
1 Peter 5:7
Matthew 6:33

Monday, December 14, 2009

"From Glory To Glory"

"But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." 2 Corinthians 3:18

In order for something to be transformed from one thing to another, there is a process that must take place. The process isn't always an easy one, neither is it always pleasant either. Before a lump of coal can become a diamond it has to be put under pressure. Before batter can become a cake it has to bake in the oven. Before sand can become glass it has to go through the fire. Before clay can become a vessel it has to be shaped through pounding and spinning and then placed in an oven.

The same principle applies spiritually. If there is going to be a change in us- a change into the image of Christ our Lord- we are going to have to go through a process as well. It doesn't just automatically happen. It happens as we are put under pressure. It happens as we fellowship with Christ's suffering. It happens as our faith is tried by fire. It happens through times of difficulty and weakness. It happens through the battles we face. It happens through times of persecution and trouble (2 Corinthians 4:8-10).

There is no "magic formula" and there is no easy road or short cut to being changed into His image. We like to hear about the "from glory to glory" part, but we don't like to hear that this glory part comes through "crucifixion"-- it did for Jesus. (John 17:1)

If you are going through something- the fire, trials, suffering for righteousness' sake, pressure, etc.- don't be discouraged. Remember this- all things are working together for your good. The good in this, though you may not feel like it or see it, is that it is part of the transformation process and once it is complete, it will have helped to change you so that you look a little more like Jesus.

Have a great day. Change always involves a process, and that process is not always easy, pain free or pleasant, but it is well worth it in the end.

For further reading:
James 1:2-4
Psalm 105:17-19
Job 23:10
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Philippians 3:10
Romans 8:28

Friday, December 11, 2009

"Savior Or Example"

"For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved." John 3:17

In skimming over an article that I want to read, a sentence grabbed my attention. It said that through our teaching and preaching we have minimized Jesus to just a "good example" instead of the "Savior". True, He left us an example to follow- how to have victory over sin, how to commune with the Father, how to live in obedience, how to live by faith in this world. But just being our example was not His plan or the purpose for which He can. He came to redeem mankind from their sins. He came to die so that we might live. He came to be the Door to salvation. He told Pilate as he stood before him awaiting crucifixion that what He was about to face was the whole reason why He came.

We are getting ready to celebrate Christmas-- the birth of our "SAVIOR", not our example. If we forget that He is the Savior then we have no reason to celebrate- Christmas becomes to us the same thing that it is to the world... just a holiday. If we forget that He is the Savior, we have no reason to follow His example of good deeds and good works because without salvation the example means nothing. Following His good deeds doesn't save you. Accepting Him as Savior because you are a sinner and can't save yourself does save you. After He becomes Savior then you strive to follow the example that He left by walking in His footsteps.

If this babe that was born in a manger, if this Jesus who died on the cross is just an example to you of how you should live but He is not your Savior, then you are still lost in sin and are making Him just another religious avenue in hopes of saving yourself. Making Him your example won't save you... making Him your Savior will... then make Him your example to follow.

Have a great day. Jesus did not come just to be an example, He came to be our Savior.

For further reading:
John 18:37
1 Peter 2:21-25
Matthew 1:20,21
John 3:16
Acts 16:31
Revelation 1:5,6

Thursday, December 10, 2009

"It's Just A Thing"

"For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me." Job 3:25

Have you ever heard the saying, "It's just a thing"? What that means is it's just a thing- something that really isn't that important, something that won't always last, something that doesn't have more power than we do.

It's amazing how many "things" we let defeat us, upset us, frustrate us and steal our joy and peace. Most of these things are so small and insignificant yet we give them a lot of "authority" in our lives by letting them dictate the way we feel, the way we respond, the way we act and react.

I knew that we were going to talk about this subject this morning and as I sat down to start typing the devotional, I had an encounter with one of those "things". I tried to pull up my new messages and it kept timing out and would not connect to my server. I was able to go online and open my messages there but not in my inbox. I tried several different things to make it work and finally- thank the Lord- it did. As I was "working" on it I kept reminding myself- "it's just a thing". Therefore, I was not going to let it bother me; I was not going to let it make me anxious; I was not going to let it steal my peace; I was going to give it to God and do whatever I needed to do to get it working and if it still didn't work, I wasn't going to let it upset me. (As you can see it's working.)

When those "things" come up, and they do and will, we have to make a choice about what we are going to do. Are we going to allow them to cause us to get in the "flesh"? Or are we going to overcome them before they overcome us? We do not have to be overcome by things- by situations- that arise. We have the peace of God that establishes our hearts and minds, we can do all things through Christ's empowerment, we are more than conquerors in all things.

So when these "things" come against you-- whether they come in the form of computer problems, rebellious teenagers, obnoxious co-workers, the loss of a job, an appliance that quits working, a vehicle accident, a bad report-- remember that it is "just a thing". A thing that is not greater than God. A thing that is not more powerful than His word. A thing that is temporary and not eternal. "It's just a thing".

Have a great day. Don't let "things" defeat you, because that's all they are... things.

For further reading:
Romans 8:37
2 Corinthians 4:18
1 John 4:4
Philippians 4:6,7

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

"Go Get A Drink"

"And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb." Revelation 22:1

(This morning's devotional is one I sent out in July, but I feel the Lord wanted me to resend it this morning.)

What do you do when you are thirsty? You go get a drink of water. How refreshing water is- it's a thirst quencher. What do you do when you are feeling spiritually thirsty? You do the same thing. You go get a drink of water.

Are you feeling spiritually thirsty and dry? Then you need to go get a drink of living water. Where do you get it? At the throne of God. This morning come boldly before His throne of grace, you have been given access, and drink from those waters that are flowing from Him. Don't just get a small cup full either. Drink until you're full. Drink until your thirst is quenched. Drink until you can't hold another drop. It's a river that is flowing, not a stream, not a trickle, not a drip. There is plenty.

If you have been trying to satisfy your thirst through various sources- relationships, your career, finances, fame, even religious/church sources- it will still leave you dry and thirsty. There is only one true source that will quench and satisfy your thirst-- the river of life that proceeds from the throne of God. Take time to go get a drink today- it's freely flowing and is available to all who will come.

Have a great day. There is a river of life that proceeds from God which has the power to quench even the deepest thirst.... drink from it today.

For further reading:
Isaiah 55:1
Psalm 143:6
Psalm 42:2
Psalm 63:1
John 4:13,14
John 7:37
Revelation 7:15-17

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

"My Tower"

"The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower." Psalm 18:2

"My high tower". Could I just give you some definitions for "tower" this morning? 1) a structure used as or intended for a stronghold, fortress, prison, etc. 2) a tall, movable structure used in ancient and medieval warfare in storming a fortified place. 3) a person who can be relied on for support, aid, or comfort, esp. in times of difficulty.

The Psalmist defined the Lord as a tower- a strong place, a fortified place, a place where we are in a high position and can see the enemy coming from afar, a place where we are not only protected from the enemy but have the ability to advance and come against his attacks to defeat him.

The devotion this morning is going to be "short and to the point": The Lord doesn't just provide a tower for us, HE is that tower Himself. If the enemy is coming against you this morning, run to the Lord. Make Him- not a person, not another source, not anything else- your tower of refuge because He is the only place that is truly able to protect you from the enemy.

Have a great day. The Lord is your tower of protection and safety, run to Him often.

For further reading:
Psalm 61:3
Psalm 144:2
Proverbs 18:10

Monday, December 7, 2009

"Full"

"I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth." Psalm 34:1

"At all times, and continually"... doesn't leave much room for anything else does it? If our mouth is filled with blessing the Lord at all times, and our mouth is continually filled with His praise, then it leaves out any opportunity for anything else to come from our mouths. It leaves no room for murmuring, complaining, bitter words, lies, anger, unkindness, gossip, fear, unbelief, etc.

When something is full, it is full. That means it can't hold anything else. If a glass is full of water all the way up to the brim, it isn't able to hold even one more drop. This is the way, no only our mouths should be, but our lives also.... full of the Lord. Full of His praises. Full of faith. Full of joy. Full of peace.. and so on. When they are, we won't have room for anything else. And that is the way it is suppose to be.

When the devil came to tempt Jesus, he found no room in Him- no place to tempt Him- because Jesus was full of the Spirit. Being full of the Lord stops the enemy before he even has a chance because there is no room or place for him to get in-- the "house" is already full. The men that tried to destroy Daniel could not find any area to accuse him in because he was full of God- His praise, His commandments, His will.

This morning, test your level of "fullness". Are you full of the Lord? Are you full of His praise? Are you partially full? Are you full of something other than the Lord? Are you at a "half and half" full place- half God, half something else?

Have a great day. When you are full of God, His Spirit, praise for Him, there is no room left for anything else.

For further reading:
Daniel 6:4
John 14:30
Matthew 12:43-45
Ephesians 5:18
Luke 4:1
Acts 11:22-24

Friday, December 4, 2009

"Unlimited Access"

"For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father" Ephesians 2:18

In today's competitive market, most providers of phones, cell phones and internet service offer "unlimited access". Having this privilege is wonderful especially when the alternative means you are limited in using them and have to pay additional fees. Some take advantage and talk on their cell phones almost endlessly. People like me are on the internet for hours each day. But then you have those who have the ability to use these forms of communication any time they wanted to, but don't. They don't use of the resources that are available to them. For example, I know people who only use ten or twenty minutes of their cell phone minutes in a whole month.

Did you know that we have been given "unlimited access" to come before the presence of God? It's all right if you decide to limit your use of your internet or phone access, but what are you doing with the unlimited access you have into God's presence? Are you taking advantage of it? Is it something that you just do on occasion- perhaps only when you have a need or are in an uncomfortable situation or face something that you don't think you can handle? Are your "minutes" with Him hardly noticeable? Do you frequent it often or rarely?

Jesus died on the cross to give us access to the Father. It is a wonderful privilege that should never be taken lightly or for granted. We can come before Him at any time- day or night. There is always an open line to reach Him. We never face "down times" when we are ready to talk with Him. He is always there and always available. He doesn't sleep, He is always awake. And He is always accessible.

Have a great day. Are you taking advantage of the "unlimited access" you have into God's presence?

For further reading:
Ephesians 3:12
John 10:9
Hebrews 4:16
Psalm 121:4
James 4:8

Thursday, December 3, 2009

"Benefit And Condition"

"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31

We are always wanting the blessings and benefits of the Lord but when they are made available to us we often overlook them because they don't come in the way we want them to. They usually come with conditions. Like in our verse above.

What wonderful benefits- renewed strength, mounting up, running and not being weary, walking and not fainting. I don't know about you, but these sound like wonderful blessings to me. Daily I need my strength to be renewed. I need to be able to mount up and sore above the circumstances of life in general. How wonderful to be able to run and not get weary, and to walk and not faint. Who wouldn't want these blessings. Yet they do come at a price. The price? Waiting on the Lord.

There is an old saying, "We want our cake and eat it too". Usually, we want the cake, we want to eat it, we want the whole thing, we want to enjoy it, but we don't want to have to wait for it to bake, we don't want to take the time to mix the ingredients together, we don't want to do what is necessary in order to have the cake. This is how we are with the blessings of the Lord. In this case, not willing to wait upon the Lord.

If you want the blessings you must do/meet the conditions. There are no short cuts. Renewed strength comes from waiting on the Lord. The ability to run and walk and not grow faint or weary comes from waiting on the Lord. If you aren't receiving the benefits you desire, and they have been promised to you in God's word, then you may need to look at yourself and see if you are doing your part- the conditions.

Have a great day. Wonderful blessings have been promised to us, but so have the conditions to receiving those blessings.

For further reading:
1 Peter 2:3-8
Isaiah 1:19
Galatians 6:7-9
Ecclesiastes 12:13

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

"The Keeper"

"The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand." Psalm 121:5

The Lord is many things to us- our Savior, our Redeemer, our Deliverer, our Healer, etc.- and He is also our Keeper. He is the One who watches over us, who protects us, who guards us and who preserves us--- our Keeper. He keeps watch over us as a shepherd watches over his sheep, as a gardener his garden, as a watchman over a city and as a man watches over his home.

He is the keeper who keeps us from falling. "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." (Jude 1:24)

He is the keeper of what I commit to Him- my life, my family, whatever and anything. "For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day." (2 Timothy 1:12)

He is the keeper of my physical well being. "He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken." (Psalm 34:20)

He is the keeper of Israel. "Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep." (Psalm 121:4)

He is the covenant keeper. "And said, I beseech thee, O Lord God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments." (Nehemiah 1:5)

He is a promise keeper. "For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us." (2 Corinthians 1:20)

He is my Keeper who never takes His eyes off of me- He never stops watching over or stops keeping me. "He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber." (Psalm 121:3)

Have a great day. The Lord is your Keeper- keeping you in all your ways and in every area that affects you.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

"The Right Garment"

"And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless." Matthew 22:12

When I get dressed to go somewhere, I pick out what I want to wear. "I" pick it out. I choose what I want to wear to wherever it is I am going. If I want to wear a dress, tennis shoes, long sleeves or pants then that's what I wear.

One day there is going to be a wedding and the guests will not have the option of picking and choosing what they want to wear to attend. As a matter of fact, they won't be allowed in if they don't have on the garment that has been chosen by the King who is giving it. There will be only one garment that is acceptable. You will have to be clothed in the righteousness of Christ- no other garment will do. You won't be able to show up in your garments of good works and deeds, or your garments of religion, or the garments of intellect, or the garments of self-righteousness.

Our righteousness (any thing we do to try to be good enough) is described as "filthy rags". Who would wear "rags" to a wedding feast? Yet many on that day are going to try to get into the wedding feast wearing such.

When I plan on going somewhere, I don't wait until I get there to then decide what to wear, I choose it ahead of time and I show up at the event with it already on. The King (the Lord God) has already chosen for us the proper attire and it has already been provided ahead of time. (It was provided through Calvary.) Do you already have that garment for when the time comes? You can't go out then and get it- like the foolish virgins who thought they could go get more oil after the wedding had already started. It must be received ahead of time.

We have received an invitation to this wedding, we just don't know what time it is scheduled, so make sure you already have this garment that was provided for you so that you will be properly attired when the time comes.

Have a great day. You can't wear the garment of your own choosing to the wedding feast of the King of kings, you can only wear what He chooses.

For further reading:
Philippians 3:9
Revelation 19:8
Matthew 25:1-12
Isaiah 64:6
Matthew 22:8-12

Monday, November 30, 2009

"Black Friday"

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6:33

A friend was sharing with me about her "Black Friday" experience. (Black Friday is the Friday after Thanksgiving when the stores have big sales in order to bring in lots of buyers. The sales usually start around 4:00 am and last until around noon.)

I quit going to the Black Friday sales years ago because the crowds are so large, you have to park blocks away from the stores, you have to stand in long lines and you have to get up very early in order to get there before the sale items are gone. My friend was telling me that this is exactly what she went through. She said she got up at 2:30 a.m. that morning to go and shopped until 7:00 p.m. that evening.

As I was listening to her, my mind immediately wondered, "Would we be willing to go through all this for Jesus?" When was the last time we woke up so early just to spend time with Him? When was the last time we went through any sort of inconvenience to get into His presence? Isn't it amazing that we will make room for and make sacrifices for the things we really want to do, but when it comes to Him it is more than we are willing to do. Most aren't willing to make even the slightest effort to study their Bible, pray or commune with Him. (What is wrong with this picture?)

Which describes you? One who makes room, makes sacrifices, goes the second mile, puts forth the effort and gets out of your comfort zone for Jesus or for everything else but Him? If you are one who will do it for the latter and not for Jesus, then there is something terribly out of order in your life and it needs to be corrected.

Have a great day. Is Jesus on your list of priorities? Is He on your list of things that you are willing to make adjustments and sacrifices for? Is He at the top of that list?

For Further Reading:
Psalm 96:4
Isaiah 29:13
Psalm 73:28
Amos 5:4

Monday, November 23, 2009

"Enter When You Desire"

"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name." Psalm 100:4

While this verse is specific in the fact that it tells us "how" to enter into the gates and courts of the Lord (His presence), it isn't specific as to "when" to do this. The reason is because the choice is up to us. Jesus broke down the middle wall of separation that kept us out of the presence of God. The veil was rent in two. Nothing stands in the way any longer. We have been granted access to freely come through the door (Jesus) which is never closed to us.

This means that we can enter into His presence whenever we desire. We can come to Him whether it's morning, noon, night, Sunday or any other day of the week. We have been given access to come to Him as often as we like- once an hour, twice a day, once a week, once a month, etc. We have also been given access to come into His presence during good times, bad times, trying times, peaceful times, abundant times, lean times- it makes no difference.

How often and when do you enter into His presence? Are you taking advantage of the privilege that has been granted to you by the Father through the Lord Jesus Christ? It cost Him everything to be able to open up the way of access for you and keep it open. So don't take it for granted.

Have a great day. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and praise, any time you'd like!!

For further reading:
Ephesians 2:14, 18
Hebrews 4:16
Matthew 27:50,51
Psalm 95:2
Psalm 100

Friday, November 20, 2009

"Study For The Test"

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15

I woke up with this scripture on my heart this morning, and a thought accompanied it. The thought was this-- too many Christians depend on someone else to do their studying of the scriptures for them. They depend on the television preachers, their pastor, some sermon series, etc. We should be thankful for these and there is nothing wrong with learning from them. But God never intended that they take the place of personal study and responsibility.

Would you let someone else do your studying for you when it comes to taking a test? What they know does not do you much good if you don't know it. The Bible says that God's people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Is there a lack of knowledge, or a lack of studying to gain the knowledge?

There is a danger in taking everyone else's word for it especially when it deals with life and death issues, as do the scriptures. We will all take one big final test one day- the one where we stand before God and give a personal account of our lives. If you haven't studied to find out for yourself what answers are acceptable and which aren't, you might fail.

Have a great day. When we stand before the Lord one day, we will take a test- an "open book" test. Will we know the answers?

For further reading:
Hosea 4:6
John 5:39
Psalm 119:11
Revelation 20:12

Thursday, November 19, 2009

"Afterwards"

"By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went." Hebrews 11:8

Abraham was "called" to go out not knowing where he was going. Yes, God will "call" us, "lead" us, "direct" us to do something and we will not always understand the why or what. He will not always show us the whole picture or explain the reason behind it. He will not always give us all the details either. He didn't to Abraham.

It was "afterwards"- after his obedience, after he made a step of faith, after he left his father's house, after he trusted the voice of God- that he received the place he was called out to as an inheritance. It was not before. Our problem is that we always want the "afterwards" before we will do the "before". We want to receive the end result first. We want to receive the blessing before we meet the condition. It doesn't work that way. We have to do what the Lord tells us to do then "afterwards" we will receive.

The bottom line is this: God will direct us but not always tell us why or what His plan is. We just have to step out in faith and obey like Abraham did. And after we do, then we will receive.

Have a great day. Just obey the voice of the Lord whether you understand why He told you to do it or not. If you obey then afterwards you will receive.

For further reading:
Proverbs 3:4,5
Matthew 7:7
Matthew 6:33
Isaiah 1:19

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

"Unchanging God"

"...for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Hebrews 13:5b

There is a song entitled, "God of the Mountain". The words of the chorus are as follows: "For the God on the mountain is still God in the valley. When things go wrong, He’ll make them right. And the God of the good times, is still God of the bad times. And the God of the day is still God of the night."

I want to encourage you this morning that your situation doesn't change God. It doesn't matter what you are going through, He is still God. It doesn't matter if it is a big problem, an impossible situation or a tremendous burden, God is still all powerful, all wise, all knowing. He is still the same whether you are on a mountain top or in a valley.

He didn't change in power, strength or ability when the three Hebrews faced the fiery furnace, when David faced the lion, the bear or the giant. He was the same powerful God for the Israelites at the Red Sea as He was when they were in Egypt.

He was with Joseph when he was in the pit, in Potiphar's house and in the palace. It's amazing to me that we tend to think that God was only with Joseph when he was in the palace. We think, or act like, God is only there when things are going well, when the blessings are flowing, when the money is coming in, when there are no conflicts and our health is good. This isn't true, He is with us wherever it is. Don't let your situation shroud the knowledge that God is there with you- on the mountain and in the valley.

Have a great day. God is with you no matter where you are and He is just as powerful in every situation and every place.

For further reading:
Genesis 28:15
Isaiah 41:10
Deut. 26:8
Isaiah 43:2
Malachi 3:6
Hebrews 13:8

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

"Rejoicing Today"

"This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

Why is it that we spend most of our days worrying about the cares and affairs of this life? Why do we spend them anxious about things we have no control over? Why do we spend them complaining about what we don't have? Why do we spend many of them sad, depressed, upset, frustrated, aggravated and agitated?

Why don't we spend them rejoicing instead? Why don't we spend them rejoicing in the fact that our names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life and that our sins are forgiven and we have a home that is being prepared for us in heaven? Why don't we spend our days rejoicing over the faithfulness of God to meet our need, to never leave us nor forsake us, to go before us, to guide and direct us, to give us wisdom, strength, joy and peace? Why aren't we rejoicing each day because of the grace that has been given to us? Why aren't we rejoicing that we are victorious through Jesus Christ and no weapon formed against us shall prosper? Why aren't we rejoicing because we are more than conquerors through Him, we have been given power over all the powers of the enemy and that the greater One lives in us?

Why is it that we can find so much to murmur and complain about yet nothing to rejoice about, especially when we have been given all things that pertain to life and godliness; especially when we have been blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ Jesus; especially when we have been given great and exceeding precious promises from a God who cannot lie but who keeps those promises? How can we do anything besides rejoice when we remember how much God loves us?

Think about it today, what are your days filled with? Are they filled with rejoicing or murmuring? Thanksgiving or complaining? Do you talk about your problems constantly or the faithfulness of God who your problem solver, way maker, provider and constant companion?

Have a great day. Why don't we spend our days rejoicing? Especially when we have so much to rejoice about.

For further reading:
Philippians 4:4
Isaiah 61:10
Habakkuk 3:17-19
1 Thessalonians 5:16

Monday, November 16, 2009

"Obey His Way"

"And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean." 2
Kings 5:10

Naaman almost missed his miracle because he didn't want to do what the prophet told him to do. Many of us are like Naaman. We want a "word" from the Lord concerning our situation but often that "word" will require something on our part. This is where we will "miss it" if we aren't careful. We want the word, we want the miracle, we want the need met, we want God to do something, but when He tells us what we are to do, we don't want to obey it because it involves doing something that we don't want to do. We want Him to do His part, but we don't want to do our part. Or we want to do something else besides what He tells us to do.

Is this where you are this morning? Are you struggling with doing something the Lord has told you to do? Do you want the miracle/answer to come in another form or through another way? God's ways aren't our ways. If we could do it our way we wouldn't need God. And if we aren't willing to do what He tells us to do in order to receive the answer, why do we even bother to go to Him?

The key to receiving is obedience and obedience often involves sacrifice. But we have to do the "sacrifice" when that is the condition that the Lord has placed on the receiving, if we want to receive-- we learned this from Naaman's experience also. He could have washed in another river, he could have washed only one or two times in the Jordan, he could have washed five or six times, but he still would not have received his healing, because it still would have been disobedience because he would have been trying to do it his own way instead of God's way.

Have a great day. Our answer often comes through God requiring us to do something, and the "something" may not always be what we want to do. But do it, if you want to receive.

For further reading:
2 Kings 5:1-5
1 Samuel 15:22
Isaiah 55:9
Proverbs 4:4

Friday, November 13, 2009

"It Will Change You"

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Romans 12:2

Yesterday I passed by a church and the sign on the marquee said, "You won't change His message, but His message will change you." So many people try to "change" God's word and make it say what they want it to say. They try to twist it to where it will condone what they do. They try to make it fit their situation. They try to make it line up with what they desire. Try as you may, God's word is unchanging. You may try to make it mean one thing, but God will always judge you through His word by what He means and says.

The reason some try to do this is because they think that if they can "change" it, then it won't change them- because basically they don't want to change and line up with it. You can't read the word or hear the word- the true, uncompromised, un-waterd down, kept in context word- and it not bring about change in your life. The word will convict, it will reprove, it will instruct, it will correct, it will guide and it will provoke you to righteousness. When you read or hear the word you will either have to conform to it or rebel against it.

As you conform your live to the teachings, statues and commands of God's word a change will come, a transformation will take place in you. Your actions, your attitude, your speech, your way of thinking will all begin to change. You won't be the same person you once were- which is the goal. The word is intended to bring such a transformation in you as you allow it to do it's work in you through heeding and applying it to your life that you will no longer look like you, but like its Author- Jesus.

In conclusion I want to ask a question- are you trying to change God's word to make it say, fit and line up with what you want, or are you allowing it to do a change in you; a transforming change?

Have a great day. God's word is eternal and forever established, it will not change, but if you will let it, it will change you.

For further reading:
Psalm 119:89, 93
2 Timothy 3:16,17
James 1:23-25
Matthew 7:24
2 Peter 1:1-8

Thursday, November 12, 2009

"The Enemy Knows"

"And she said unto the men, I know that the Lord hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you." Joshua 2:9

Rahab had never met these Israeli spies yet she knew some things about them. She knew that the Lord had given them the land, she knew that the whole city was in terror because of them, and she knew that all the inhabitants of the land- the whole country- was faint because of them. I want to ask you this morning, what does the enemy know about you?

We talked yesterday about how times of trials, testing and problems help define us and reveal to us what is on the inside in our hearts. They also let your enemy know what's in you. When a trial comes your way, how do you react? With faith or fear? When tempted in a certain area, do you give in or stand strong in resistance? What comes out of your mouth when you are going through a hardship? Worry, doubt, unbelief, praise? These times reveal your strengths and weaknesses, and in doing so lets the enemy know where you are and aren't vulnerable to his attacks to destroy you.

When temptations came to Jesus in the wilderness, He stood unwavering against them. Therefore, the enemy could find nothing in Him to attack Him with. Remember Daniel when his enemies plotted against him, they could not find any area to accuse him in. Look at Peter, his reaction in the garden- pulling out the sword to kill those coming after them- let the enemy know that he was afraid to die. So where was he attacked? He denied Christ three times so as to not suffer death with Him that night.

The way you handle the situations you face lets you know, others know and the enemy know what's inside of you. So what does your enemy know about you from your reactions, from your attitude, from your words, from your daily activities. Does he know that you know you are victorious over him? Or does he know that you can be easily defeated?

Have a great day. What does your enemy know about you? Does it need to change?

For further reading:
Daniel 6:4
Matthew 26:35
Mark 14:31
1 Peter 5:8,9

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

"Defining Moments"

"Moreover he kissed all his brethren, and wept upon them: and after that his brethren talked with him." Genesis 45:15

In all our lives there are moments that "define" us- they define who we are and our character. This was one of those moments for Joseph when his brothers stood before him, the same brothers who had hated him, who wanted to kill him, plotted against him, had no mercy on him, sold him into slavery. At that moment he didn't just stand before them as their "little brother", he stood before them as the second most powerful person in all of Egypt; he stood before them as the "ruler of the world"; he stood before them having the authority to either imprison them, make them slaves or kill them.

At that moment Joseph could have taken revenge, he could have made them suffer, he could have persecuted them, he could have done to them what they had done to him. The moment defined who Joseph was. It revealed what type of heart he had. It revealed his character.

We have those moments too. Sometimes they come to us the way they did Joseph through what I call "big opportunities". Sometimes they come on a day to day basis through the "mundane" duties of life. For school children they may come by being tempted to cheat on a test. For an employee they may come when confronted by your boss about an issue and your tempted to lie to make yourself look good. They come in many ways, through many avenues, through many forms and through many people. Regardless of how they come, the point is they come and when they do they will define you- you will see and others will see just who you really are.

When we talk about how "all things work together for the good", we don't usually think about it in the area we have talked about this morning. But when you are faced with a situation, when you are going through a trial, when things are happening in your life, if you can't "see" some tangible thing that looks good coming from it, remember this- if it reveals who you are and your character, what's inside of you, what's in your heart, then it has worked a "good work" because it revealed something to you about yourself. Did it reveal Christ's nature in you or did it reveal flesh? If it revealed something other than "Christ", then rejoice because that was a good thing, because now you know what's in your heart and you can work with the Holy Spirit to bring a change in you- a change that will ultimately cause Christ to be formed in you.

Have a great day. The things we go through define us, they let us know who we are and what's inside of us. How are your trials defining you?

For further reading:
Jeremiah 17:9
Mark 7:21,22
Psalm 139:23,24
Romans 8:28
Isaiah 6:5
Genesis 45:4-15

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

"That's Just Me"

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17

Have you ever heard anyone say, "That's just the way I am."? Perhaps you have said it yourself. When God designed us, He placed certain abilities, talents and personality in each of us to make us uniquely individual according to the plan and purpose He has for each of our lives. We are what we are but by the grace of God- it was He who made us and not we ourselves.

But if the "way you are" is contrary to the way He is, if you are behaving contrary to the scriptures concerning your conduct, then you can't just excuse your actions by saying that's just the way you are or who you are. When we come to Christ, there is a change that takes place in us- we become a new creature. From there we have to daily continue in a transformation process. This process includes renewing our minds, changing our attitudes, modifying our behavior, being transformed into the image of Christ.

Being "who you are" is part of God's design for you. But "who you are" needs to be transformed. The "rough edges" in your personality need to be smoothed. Certain behavior needs to change and line up with His requirements. For example, I have heard some say, "I am a worrier, that's just the way I am." This example is what I am talking about that needs to change. He did not make you a worrier. Jesus is not a worrier. Worrying is a sin because it shows lack of trust in God. Change in us needs to take place when "who we are" does not look like or act like "who He is".

Have a great day. Is "just the way you are" like the "way He is"?

For further reading:
Psalm 100:3
Ephesians 4:13
Romans 12:1-3
Psalm 138:8

Monday, November 9, 2009

"Lip Love"

"And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment." Mark 12:30

When Jesus answered the question about which commandment was the greatest, He did not include loving God with all your mouth- it was your heart, soul, mind and strength. So many people want to love Him with their mouth only. They talk about loving Jesus, they profess they love Him with their words, but that's the only "evidence" that you see in their lives- their words.

Lip service was not in the definition of true love toward God. Any one can "say" they love God, but words are often cheap, empty and hollow. God's desire is that we love Him with our heart, not our words. Our words are backed up by action. If our words of love for God are words only, you'll know it by the actions because the actions will be contrary to what the definition of true love is. If our words of love for God are true words of love that come from our heart, they will be followed up by deeds and actions that honor and glorify God. Let me give you an example of what I am talking about that fits both- true love from the heart and mere words of love. Jesus said that if we love Him we will keep His commands. If you say you love God and are keeping His commandments, then it is love from the heart because your actions have backed up your profession. If you say you love God but don't keep His commandments then it is "love from the lips" only- which is not love at all.

If you are merely talking about loving God or loving Jesus but aren't backing it up with your actions and don't mean it from your heart, then you have already broken the first and greatest commandment. So right up front and at the beginning you have proved that all you have is a love from the lips and not from the heart. And love from the lips is not true love for God at all.

Have a great day. He didn't say to love Him with your lips but with your heart. Just because you "say it" doesn't mean that you really love Him. But if you mean it, you will say it and your actions will prove it.

For further reading:
Isaiah 29:13
Deuteronomy 6:5
Matthew 22:37
Luke 10:27
Matthew 15:7-9
John 14:23,24; 15:10
1 John 2:3-5

Friday, November 6, 2009

"Why Not?- Part 2"

"Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." Matthew 28:20b

Yesterday we talked about the fact that many Christians live with the belief that they are exempt from having bad things happen to them. We discovered from the scriptures that this just isn't so. As a matter of fact, we also learned through God's word that sometimes He leads us into, allows or even orchestrates some of these "bad" things. This was the case with Joseph when he wound up in the pit, Potaphar's house and the prison. This was the case with Jesus in the wilderness, it was the Spirit that led Him there. This was the case with Job, God pointed Job out to satan.

This morning I am not going to attempt to answer the questions about why God does what He does. What I do want to do is give you this note of encouragement if you are going through one of those "bad" times. If you are in a pit situation, Potaphar's house, a prison, a time of catastrophe, fiery trials, terrible testing, you are not alone. Like the saying goes, "If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it". And as He brings you through it, you will not be alone in it, He will be there with you. He promises to never leave you nor forsake you. He was with Joseph the entire time. He was with Jesus. He was with Job. He was with the Israelites in the wilderness, while they were in Egypt, each time they were in captivity. He was with David when he faced the lion, the bear and the giant. He was with the three Hebrews in the fiery furnace. He was with Daniel in the lion's den.

I don't always understand the ways of God- never will, they are past finding out. I can't answer all the questions as to why He allows some things to happen, why He doesn't stop others. But this I do know, that when things come our way, He is right there with us. He never takes His eyes off of us. He is watching the entire time. He doesn't take a break and leave us. So take heart this morning, you're not alone. He is with you and will stay with you from the beginning to the end and beyond.

Have a great day. Things happen in all our lives, but God promises to be with us every step of the way. He does not leave nor abandon us.

For further reading:
Genesis 45:6-8
Hebrews 13:5
Matthew 4:1
Psalm 34:15
Proverbs 15:3

Thursday, November 5, 2009

"Why Not?"

"Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all." Psalm 34:19

Yesterday we talked about the fact that when something happens in our lives we tend to start asking "why?". The real question though should be "how?". We may never know the "why" but we should always desire the "how"- how can God get glory out of this situation? One of my email friends wrote back and said that she asks, "Why not?" Her reply prompts me to write on this subject this morning.

I think she made a very good point- "Why not, me?" Why don't I think that bad things won't happen to me? Why do I think that just because I am a Christian I am exempt? So many Christians believe and are taught that nothing bad- no trials, no pain, no grief, no heartache, no problems- is ever suppose to happen to them. The scriptures don't back up that way of thinking. Jesus Himself told us that we would have tribulation while we live in this world. The Bible tells us that it "rains" on the just and the unjust.

Just because you are a Christian doesn't mean that you are "exempt". There are consequences to our actions and choices. If we make the right choice we will not suffer the consequences that are attached to them. So in that way, we become "exempt" from facing many additional problems. But there are times when God will allow or even bring to you certain situations that will try you, but each one is planned to work together for your good. Just ask Job- he was a righteous man, yet he suffered. Joseph had a call upon his life, yet he went through a pit, slavery and a prison. Jesus Himself was led by the Spirit into the wilderness for a time of testing.

We are also told in the scriptures not to think that it is strange when some trial comes upon us- it serves a purpose. Therefore, if your question has been, "Why me, how could this happen to me I am a Christian?", you need to change your way of thinking and "step up to the plate" in faith and remind yourself- "why not me?". When you do, it will better equip you to then ask the question "how" and put you in a better position to be able to glorify God, bless others, and let it accomplish its perfect work in you.

Have a great day. The Lord never said that we would be exempt from problems, but when they come they serve a purpose in our lives that will work together for our good and His glory.

For further reading:
James 1:12
Psalms 105:17-19
John 16:33
Matthew 5:45
Job 23:10
James 1:2-4

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

"Not Why, How"

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

For those of you who don't know, I was involved in an accident yesterday. I was heading to the nursing home and was in the turn lane when a truck pulled into my lane on me. He did not see me coming until it was too late. When I saw him, it was too late. I am fine, no one was injured, the vehicles are going to need some repair but we were both able to drive them away from the scene.

When things happen to us, we tend to start asking the question- WHY?? I would like to clarify something this morning, the question is not "why" but "how". There are some things that happen that we will never know why they happened. So for the Christian we need to focus on the "how"- how can God get glory from this, how can I use this as a testimony to give Him praise, how can I witness to others about God through this.

In my case yesterday, I want to turn this situation around for God's glory this morning. His faithfulness, grace and mercy were there. No one was hurt, the vehicles were drivable, the impact was not hard. I thank God that my grandbaby was not with me because he hit me on the side she rides on. It could have been worse. The policeman told us that there was another wreck a week or so ago in that same area and it was really bad. Something exciting about the whole situation was that the man who hit me was so nice, the policeman was so nice, I had just an overwhelming feeling of grace surrounding me, wasn't the least bit upset or nervous- that was God. The really exciting part was that the three of us talked about the Lord. The man who hit me, turns out, goes to church with my sister and she said that he just got saved about a year ago and has a wonderful testimony that he never minds sharing. The policeman when calling in my tag number spelled it out then said it- it is personalized and reads "are you forgiven". He told me that he did that intentionally so that everyone who was on the radios would hear it and perhaps it would touch some lives. I was thrilled! All things truly do work together for good to those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose. This whole situation has, is and will glorify God, that's one of the reasons I am sharing it this morning, that He might get glory through this testimony of His loving-kindness, great grace, tender mercies, protection and provision.

When bad things happen to us, and they do and will, the Bible tells us that, we need to change our way of thinking as "kingdom people" and stop thinking and dwelling on the "why" and start dwelling on "how"- how can I give God praise and glory through this, how can He be exalted through the situation? In doing so the enemy is defeated in this area because it cuts him off leaving him with nothing to use against you. In doing so others will be encouraged and blessed and perhaps their faith will be renewed. In doing so our Father is honored because it is a reflection on who He is and He will be glorified.

Have a great day. Stop always asking "why" because you may never get the answer. Instead, start asking "how".- how can I glorify God through this? Once you do, it will lift you above the situation and you will see God's grace and glory.

For further reading:
Matthew 5:45
John 9:2,3
2 Timothy 1:12
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
John 11: 20- 40

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

"Not A Captive"

"We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof. For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion." Psalm 137:2,3

I went through a period of time years ago when I felt like I had lost my joy, my song, my victory and my fight. The verse above was my "theme song"- I had hung my harp upon a willow tree. Each time I thought I could take it off and pick it back up, I was "hit" again with the same discouragement that kept me in defeat.

One day a friend shared something that the Lord had shown her from the verses above. She said that the enemy would taunt Israel while they were in captivity to sing them the songs of their homeland knowing they would not because of their physical condition/location. Then she related what was happening to them on a spiritual level. The enemy tries to make us feel like captives then he taunts and mocks us to sing a "song"- to rejoice, to testify, to sing praises- but we allow the situation to make us feel like captives so we don't. She went on to say that we are not captives; we have been set free. Jesus set us free. He destroyed the works of the enemy that he uses against us. We are not in bondage, the chains have been broken, the prison door opened, we have no reason to hang our harps, our heads or our hands down. We are free.

Once she said that my eyes were opened, I received the truth of God's word and regained my "fight", my song, my joy and my victory! And anytime the enemy has come to attack and try to make me lay my harp down and take away my joy, he can't do it. My situation may not be the best. Conditions around me may look like captivity. It may look like defeat and not victory. It may not look like I am winning, but I am a winner. I am more than a conqueror. I am victorious and not a captive because Jesus already got the victory on my behalf. He broke the bonds of prison for me. I am not defeated, the devil is!

Don't listen to the lies of the enemy. He tries to make you think that you are a captive, that you are defeated, that you have lost, that you will never win, that you have no reason to sing, but it's all lies. Jesus defeated him and his works and he can no longer take us captive. He who the Son sets free is free indeed. Jesus didn't give us a partial freedom, He didn't give us temporary freedom, He didn't open the prison door a little, He didn't destroy a portion of the enemy's power-- He did it all and when He did it... it was finished!!! So pick up your harp and start singing and rejoicing, you are not a captive!!!

Have a great day. You have no reason to hang your harp on a willow tree or lay it down, you are not a prisoner... Jesus freed you!

For Further Reading:
John 8:36
Romans 8:37-39
Colossians 2:15,16
Psalm 98:1
1 John 3:8

Monday, November 2, 2009

"More Time On Who?"

"And it came to pass at the end of twenty years, when Solomon had built the two houses, the house of the Lord, and the king's house." 1 Kings 9:10

King David wasn't allowed to build the temple of the Lord, but his son Solomon built it. Solomon also built himself a house. It took him seven years to build the house of the Lord and thirteen years to built his own house. If you look at this on a "spiritual" level, what's wrong with this picture? It took him over twice as long to build something for himself than it did to build something for the Lord.

Are we the same way? There is no doubt that we may be spending on the Lord, working for the Lord, giving to the Lord, but are we doing more or less for the Lord than we are doing for ourselves? Is my life being "spent" on me- my plans, my dreams, my agenda, my wants and desires- or on the Lord's will and plan?

Sure there are responsibilities that we have to take care of and we should not neglect them. But is the emphasis in our lives placed more on self or on God? Is it about what pleases Him or pleases self? There is a kingdom principle given to us in the scriptures- "Seek ye first, the kingdom of God, then all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33) I believe that this verse has a two-fold meaning- one, it's a condition to blessings, and two, it's a command.

Are you following this principle? Are you seeking Him first or self first? Are you seeking His will or your own? Are you putting His plans above your own plans? Are you spending your life on those things that please you or Him? Again, it's not a bad thing to tend to the affairs of this life, but your affairs should never take priority over His affairs.

Have a great day. Are you spending more time on your "house" than on His "house"?

For further reading:
2 Chronicles 26:5
Jereniah 29:11
John 5:30; 6:38
Mark 14:36

Friday, October 30, 2009

"The Weekend"

"Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." Matthew 26:41

A thought came to me a few minutes ago- today is Friday, so the weekend is here, most people love to "take the weekend off". They take if off from work. They take it off from the usual routine. They take if off and like to get away and enjoy some sort of relaxation or entertainment. The weekend for most is unlike the rest of their week.

The thought that came to me was this- some people also think you can take the weekend off from being a Christian. They look at the weekend as "their time". They have worked hard all week and deserve to just "kick back" and do what they want to do. This kind of thinking where your spiritual life is concerned is deadly.

Christianity is about who we are, not what we do. What we do is a reflection of who we are. I am a wife, can I just "take off" from being a wife today? I am a mother, can I "take off" there? I am a female, is that something that I can "take off" from being for a day or two? Neither is my relationship with the Lord something that I can "take off" from either.

My walk with the Lord has to be incorporated in all I do and every where I go. If I can't take it into the places I plan to go, then I should not go. If I do something that tries to detach me from it, I shouldn't do that. My relationship with the Lord is more important than "rest and relaxation". It's more important than fulfilling my desires. And regardless of which day of the week it is, my thoughts first and foremost needs to consider whether what I do and where I go is something that will put my spiritual life in jeopardy... and if it does, then I need to rethink my plans.

Have a great day. You can't take a day or weekend off from being a Christian.

For further reading:
Psalm 31:23
Mark 12:30
Proverbs 8:34
Acts 2:46; 5:42
1 Corinthians 10:13
2 Timothy 2:22

Thursday, October 29, 2009

"Offline"

"And she said, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he wist not that the Lord was departed from him." Judges 16:20

Yesterday, I was unable to send out the devotional because there was a problem with my server. I tried and tried and tried to connect to the Internet and my server but never could. But even though I did not get to send yesterday's devotional, something good came out of it any way- today's word.

The thought kept coming to me-- many people are trying to do something for God without being "connected" to Him. If the connection is broken you can't do it; try as you will, but it just won't work. You can't witness effectively, you can't have the boldness that you need, you can't shine brightly, you aren't salty, your testimony doesn't have much influence.

Yesterday, there was an outage on the server that caused me not to be able to do what I needed to do to get the word out. But for us, the disconnection comes through many avenues. It comes through disobedience. When we are living in disobedience it will hinder the connection, and without the connection we are powerless, as was the case with Samson. He had the call of God, but he didn't have the power because he disobeyed. Also, being negligent to do the things we need to do to stay connected will cause a problem. Such things as reading the Bible, having communion with the Lord in prayer, going to His house, spending time in worship. This all are factors.

When the problem continued and I was unable to connect to the Internet, I finally decided to call my Internet provider. They confirmed the problem was an outage but that it was over and I should have been able to reconnect. They gave me the solution-- reboot my modem. I did and I was "back on line".

Are you "offline" this morning- spiritually speaking- trying to "do" without being connected to "The Source"? Then it is time for you to "reboot"! Get back to where you left off. Go back to the place where you stopped being obedient, where you stopped giving attention to the things that kept you connected, repent and start doing it now. Once Samson's hair grew back- symbolic of restoration- he then accomplished the work of the Lord, and did an even greater work then he had before-- "So the dead which he slew at his death were more than they which he slew in his life." (Judges 16:30)

Have a great day. If you are "offline" and trying to accomplish something in your own strength, you can't do it. It's time to "reboot" and get reconnected to the Lord.

For further reading:
Zechariah 4:6
John 14:12
Isaiah 1:19
Judges 16

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

"Secret Service"

"...lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." Matthew 28:20b

I just woke up from the oddest dream. I dreamed that my mother in law, my husband, myself and it seems like there was someone else there also, were all together and we were on a trip- but most of where we were was local. The odd part of the dream was that there was also two secret service people assigned to be with us. They were there to watch over us, keep us safe and make sure we had everything that we needed. We didn't make a move that they weren't there. We didn't feel like we were their "prisoners", instead they were very attentive to us. They were very nice and polite and it was nice having them with us. But throughout the dream I kept wondering how we rated having them with us. What did we do that made us so special as to have them stick so close to us?

I have pondered the dream wondering if there was a spiritual significance to it- because many of my dreams are messages to me from the Lord. I felt I wanted to share it because whether this is the meaning or not, it did remind me that for the children of God we are never alone.

There is always the unseen presence of the Lord watching over us, walking with us, meeting our needs, guiding and directing our steps. While I couldn't figure out in the dream why we were so important as to have this special treatment, I can figure out why the Lord is with us and never leaves us. He told us in His word why. It's because of His love. He loves us with an everlasting love. It's because we are special, elect and precious to Him. It's because we love His Son and have made Him the Savior and Lord of our lives. It's because we are God's delight and joy. It's because He has placed a great value on us and then paid the highest price possible to have us for His own dearly, beloved children.

I may never be so important or special as to have people assigned to me to watch over my care, but there is one thing that I know for sure, I have the Lord watching over me and He cares for me more than any one else could ever possibly care for me. And He is always there even when no one else is and even when I don't see Him. The same applies to you also if you are His child.

Have a great day. The Lord is watching over you all the time and has promised to be with you-- not because you are so great, but because He loves you so much.

For further reading:
Hebrews 13:5
Joshua 1:5
Psalm 91:15
Isaiah 43:2

Monday, October 26, 2009

"What Flows?"

"He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." John 7:38

What is flowing out of you? What flows from your life? Does a river of life? Does peace, joy, love, kindness? Or does bitterness, anger, criticism, pride, haughtiness, unforgiveness?

A flowing river touches the banks and its waters cause life to come to the vegetation that is beside it. Whatever is flowing from our lives touches other people's lives. It either touches their lives in a good and positive way and they are edified, or it touches their lives a bad and negative way and tears them down. If it's a river of life that is flowing from us it causes others to be blessed and helps produce life in them. If it's a river that is polluted with bad attitudes, selfishness and malice then it brings discouragement and can be destructive.

Each day we must examine the "water" that is flowing from our lives and make sure that it is the clean pure water of the Holy Spirit. If it isn't, we must go to God and ask for a cleansing to take place within us until that which produces life is flowing freely from us.

Have a great day. There is something that "flows" from all our lives, the question is, "What is it?".

For further reading:
Psalm 51:10
Matthew 12:34
James 3:9-11
Galatians 5:19-24

Friday, October 23, 2009

"Double Armor"

"Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." Ephesians 6:11

We need to daily put on the full armor that the Lord has provided for us. It has a two-fold purpose that brings victory every time. First, it helps us to "stand". It gives us the ability to "dig in our heels" and not move so that we don't give up the ground that we have already taken from the enemy. Also, it gives us the ability to go forward and be victorious in taking "new ground".

When the Israelites crossed the Jordan River to begin to take the promised land for their inheritance, the Lord gave them what they needed to take each city. They would capture one city, then move on to the next one to capture it. They were involved in a two-fold conquering process. Capturing the cities and holding on to what they had already captured so that the enemy could not reclaim it.

This is the same thing that we are doing in a spiritual sense. We too are going forward conquering through the weapons that God has placed in our hands and also holding on to what we have already conquered. So, remember today that these weapons will help you to advance forward to win more battles and conquer more enemies, and they will help you to guard, protect and hold on to what you have already gained.

Have a great day. You have been given powerful weapons that will help you advance and conquer new areas, and enable you to hold on to what you already have victoriously received.

For further reading:
Ephesians 6:11-19
2 Corinthians 10:4
Galatians 5:1
Romans 8:37

Thursday, October 22, 2009

"The Clock"

"Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." Philippines 2:12

I recently bought a new alarm clock- it is one of the ones you have to wind up so that it will run. It has been years since I had one like it so I forgot that you have to wind it up everyday or it will stop keeping time. Our Christian life is like that clock- it has to be "wound up" everyday.

I have to wind that clock up everyday, if I don't it winds down. I can't wind it once a week or every three or four days and expect it to keep time- it won't, it will stop. Many Christians are trying to live this way. They think that going to church once a week is enough. That think they can read their Bibles occasionally and still live a victorious life. They don't have daily communion and fellowship with the Lord.

If you are going to maintain a healthy Christian life, you are going to have to stay "wound up". You have to work our your salvation with fear and trembling. You can't neglect it. You can't work on it only when you think about it. You can't skip a day and you can't go days without feeding your spirit man. If you ignore it, it will starve. If you neglect it, it won't grow. If you take it for granted, you will be weak.

If this small mechanical clock needs to be rewound everyday in order to work properly, why do we think we can neglect those things that keep us functioning spiritually and we will be all right? The truth is that we can't live like that. If that clock is affected by neglect to the point where it quits running, what makes us think that we won't be affected as well if we neglect to do certain things daily. We will be affected, only for us the consequences will be a lot worse.

Have a great day. How often are you "winding" up yourself spiritually... daily, once a week, once a month, once a year?

For further reading:
Psalm 61:8
Psalm 86:3
Proverbs 8:34
Ezekiel 46:13
Acts 2:46
Acts 17:11

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

"Stars"

"The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy endureth for ever." Psalm 136:9

As I was standing outside hoping to get a glimpse of the meteor shower, I was amazed at how beautiful the stars were. They were everywhere- the sky was full- and they were brilliant. The sky looked like a blanket of small, medium and large diamonds scattered among numerous constellations each making a shape that spread out for all to see.

My next thoughts were captivated by the awesomeness of God who covered the night sky with such beauty. How precious and wonderful He is to us by placing stars in the sky. Each star serving a two-fold purpose (perhaps more that I am not aware of). One, as I have already said, is that of beauty. How wonderful to look up in the sky and see them twinkling high above us. How awful to have just a vast blanket of blackness over us with no light at all. The second, He placed them there to show us the way in darkness. How would ships navigate the seas at night with no stars acting like compasses to guide them?

Just as God placed stars in the night sky to help guide ships at sea so that they don't get lost and stay on course, He has also placed other signs to help us navigate safely through life. His word is like a light that helps us find our way and keeps our feet upon a straight and narrow path. There are beautiful pictures that are painted for us in it depicting a loving God who cares deeply for His creation. It reveals a love that is greater than the size of the universe. It shows us how truly great He is and how limitless His knowledge and power are. Don't neglect His word, it is full of wonders yet to be discovered and contains the keys to eternal life.

Have a great day. Going day after day without reading God's word is like standing under a night sky and not seeing the stars.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

"The Lion's Mouth"

"David said moreover, The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the Lord be with thee." 1 Samuel 17:37

The Old Testament is full of "types and shadows" which are examples that point to and reveal Christ to us. The story above is one. David told King Saul about the time when he was watching the flock of sheep and a lion came and attacked a lamb. "And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock: And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him." (vvs. 34,35) David went after the lion and rescued the lamb out of its mouth.

David represents Jesus, we are the lambs and the devil is the lion who is seeking to devour us. David delivered the lamb from the mouth of the lion, so has Jesus delivered us out of the "mouth" of satan. Satan goes about seeking to steal, kill and destroy us. Sin also had a grip on us, it was ready to gnash down on us until we died. But Jesus came to our rescue. He fought against sin and won. We no longer have to be devoured by sin, by the devil, by demonic forces.... Jesus delivered us. Jesus saved us.

Do you feel like a lamb in the lion's mouth this morning? Take hope and be encouraged, Jesus-like David- went after the enemy in order to deliver you... and He succeeded! He destroyed the power of sin, He destroyed the power of the devil, He destroyed the power of death that had you in its clutches. David defeated the lion and the bear that was trying to destroy his flock. Jesus has defeated everything that tries to destroy His flock and He set us free from it.

Have a great day. Jesus came to your rescue and delivered you out of the mouth of the devil and sin.

For further reading:
1 Samuel 17
Colossians 2:15
1 Cor. 15:55
Psalm 35:17
Matthew 28:18

Monday, October 19, 2009

"Keep His Ways"

"For I have kept the ways of the Lord, and have not wickedly departed from my God. " Psalm 18:21

Is this your testimony? Can you say that you have kept the commandments of the Lord? Do you keep them? Are they the governing factor of your life? Are they where you look in times of trouble? Do you keep them when things are going good? Do you keep them when things are not going so well? Do you allow the situation to cause you to overlook them? Do you act and react according to the word of God?

God's commands are our "code of conduct". They are to be kept at all times- not just when it's convenient for us. They aren't like a "buffet" either that we can "pick and choose" which ones we want to apply to our lives and practice and which ones we don't.

Keeping His ways, doing His commandments, obeying His word shows our love for the Lord. It is our expression of faith. It keeps us at peace. It empowers us in times of trials. We must purpose each day that we are going to set His laws before us and conduct our lives according to them. Then, like He told Joshua, we will make our way prosperous.

Have a great day. There are always benefits for keeping the commands of the Lord, for not departing from them and for applying them to our lives.

For further reading:
Psalm 119:165
Joshua 1:7
Proverbs 3:1
Proverbs 4:4
Proverbs 7:2
John 14:15
John 15:10