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