"Praise ye the Lord. Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in his commandments." Psalm 112:1
There are blessings in every area of life for the person who fears the Lord and delights greatly in His commandments. You will have to read the rest of the chapter to discover what they are.
But to name a few:
His children and all the generations that follow shall be blessed.
Wealth and riches shall be in his house.
He will have light to guide him in times of darkness.
He won't be moved when trouble comes.
He will be remembered when he passes from this life.
He won't be afraid when he hears a bad or evil report because his heart is fixed in trust in the Lord.
He won't be afraid when his enemies rise against him. He knows the Lord will fight his battle for him.
His heart is changed to be more like the heart of God.
His character will be transformed to the degree that he is not greedy but compassionate, caring, giving, a lender, he shows favor to others, he is gracious and he is righteous in character and his affairs.
He shall be exalted with honor.
There are many blessings that we desire and strive to receive. But we can't be flippant about our relationship with the Lord and expect them to come. We have to heed the commandments, obey them and put them into practice in our lives. If we do, those blessings will automatically come and even chase us down.
Have a great day. The fear of the Lord and delighting in His commands bring multiple blessings.
Monday, July 31, 2017
Friday, July 28, 2017
"The Substance Of Faith"
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1
I think we tend to forget what faith is. I think we also tend to forget that as Christians, we live by faith. Faith is the substance of things hoped for. It is the evidence of things not seen. We tend to get upset, anxious, fearful and discouraged when we don't "see" things changing or taking place. Faith is not sight. Faith will become sight eventually. But until it does we have to live by faith-- believing without seeing.
Faith is not mere hope so. It is not make believe. It is not just a positive confession. It is not believing hard enough or long enough.
Faith is not only substance-- it is the foundation for what we believe-- is has substance. It has something backing it up. It has something solid upholding it. It has roots and grounding. What is the substance of faith? God's Word.
The source that gives faith power is God's Word. Just because we may "want" or desire something, doesn't mean we can just start believing for it if it has no substance to it. Our faith is not in our faith. It is in the immutable, unfailing, unchanging Word of God. Faith holds on to, trust in, is confident in, is rooted in the faithfulness of God to do what He says He will do.
We live by faith. Not by sight. Not by hope so. Not by mere desire. But our faith has to have substance and that substance is God's Word. We can believe what He says.
Have a great day. We live by faith. God's Word gives substance to faith.
I think we tend to forget what faith is. I think we also tend to forget that as Christians, we live by faith. Faith is the substance of things hoped for. It is the evidence of things not seen. We tend to get upset, anxious, fearful and discouraged when we don't "see" things changing or taking place. Faith is not sight. Faith will become sight eventually. But until it does we have to live by faith-- believing without seeing.
Faith is not mere hope so. It is not make believe. It is not just a positive confession. It is not believing hard enough or long enough.
Faith is not only substance-- it is the foundation for what we believe-- is has substance. It has something backing it up. It has something solid upholding it. It has roots and grounding. What is the substance of faith? God's Word.
The source that gives faith power is God's Word. Just because we may "want" or desire something, doesn't mean we can just start believing for it if it has no substance to it. Our faith is not in our faith. It is in the immutable, unfailing, unchanging Word of God. Faith holds on to, trust in, is confident in, is rooted in the faithfulness of God to do what He says He will do.
We live by faith. Not by sight. Not by hope so. Not by mere desire. But our faith has to have substance and that substance is God's Word. We can believe what He says.
Have a great day. We live by faith. God's Word gives substance to faith.
Thursday, July 27, 2017
"Can Do Strength Or Pride?"
"..... for without me ye can do nothing." John 15:5b
Children are famous for their "can do" attitude. You know what I mean, they have an independent attitude. They don't need your help, they can do it, they know what they are doing. (All along we know they can't.) You try to help them and they don't want your help. They insist they know what they are doing and can do it. So, what do you do? You let them. (At least you let them try.) Sooner or later they realize that they can't do it and don't know it all.
As children of the Lord, we tend to do the same thing with Him. We have a "can do" attitude. We act like we can do it ourselves. We act like we don't need His help. We act like we can manage on our own. We act like we have it all figured out. Then we later discover that we don't. But if we are insistent that we "can do it", just like us as parents, He will step aside and let us try it for ourselves.
While a "can do" attitude can be applauded in many areas, it isn't when it comes to dealing with the Lord. He doesn't call it a "can do" attitude or see it as a strength of character. He calls it "pride". He calls it arrogance and a haughty spirit. It is not a strength of character. It is independence from Him.
I said earlier that just like we step back and let children discover on their own that they can't do, or know, everything, the Lord will step back too. He does this because He loves you. This is a chastening method of the Lord. (Whom He loves He chastens.) In His stepping back, you will discover that you can't do it because you will fall and fail at your attempt. (Pride goes before destruction.) When He steps back and lets you do it on your own, pride will cause you to fall. Failure will cause you to repent and acknowledge your dependency on the Lord.
We can't do it/anything without Him. Are you trying to? Do you think you can? Do you really think you are wiser and stronger than He is? If so, you don't have a "can do" mentality, or strength of character, you have a "pride" problem. Repent and confess your dependency on Him.
Have a great day. If you think you can do it without the Lord, you have a pride problem.
Children are famous for their "can do" attitude. You know what I mean, they have an independent attitude. They don't need your help, they can do it, they know what they are doing. (All along we know they can't.) You try to help them and they don't want your help. They insist they know what they are doing and can do it. So, what do you do? You let them. (At least you let them try.) Sooner or later they realize that they can't do it and don't know it all.
As children of the Lord, we tend to do the same thing with Him. We have a "can do" attitude. We act like we can do it ourselves. We act like we don't need His help. We act like we can manage on our own. We act like we have it all figured out. Then we later discover that we don't. But if we are insistent that we "can do it", just like us as parents, He will step aside and let us try it for ourselves.
While a "can do" attitude can be applauded in many areas, it isn't when it comes to dealing with the Lord. He doesn't call it a "can do" attitude or see it as a strength of character. He calls it "pride". He calls it arrogance and a haughty spirit. It is not a strength of character. It is independence from Him.
I said earlier that just like we step back and let children discover on their own that they can't do, or know, everything, the Lord will step back too. He does this because He loves you. This is a chastening method of the Lord. (Whom He loves He chastens.) In His stepping back, you will discover that you can't do it because you will fall and fail at your attempt. (Pride goes before destruction.) When He steps back and lets you do it on your own, pride will cause you to fall. Failure will cause you to repent and acknowledge your dependency on the Lord.
We can't do it/anything without Him. Are you trying to? Do you think you can? Do you really think you are wiser and stronger than He is? If so, you don't have a "can do" mentality, or strength of character, you have a "pride" problem. Repent and confess your dependency on Him.
Have a great day. If you think you can do it without the Lord, you have a pride problem.
Wednesday, July 26, 2017
"Peace Defined"
" Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27
Most people define peace as-- the absence of problems. When all is going well in their lives, they have peace. But let a storm come, let conflict come, let problems come, let trials hit their lives and there goes their peace.
Peace is not the absence of problems. You can still have peace even when in a storm. You can still have peace when your heart is breaking. You can still have peace when your world is falling apart. Why? How? Because it is His/the Lord's peace that you have.
When the disciples were in the boat and the storm arose, they were fearful. They were afraid of drowning. They were toiling to try to remove the water from the boat. They were abandoning all hope. They were convinced they would perish. We see Jesus in the same boat and same storm with them. But we see a different reaction in Him than in the disciples. He was asleep. He was resting. He was at peace.
Was Jesus in the storm? Yes. But He was at peace in it. He was at peace because He knew the Father was with Him. He was at peace because He knew that He was in the will of God. He was at peace because He trusted the Father to take care of Him. The storm was raging-- it was very present-- but Jesus had peace in the midst of it. This is the true definition of peace.
If you are going through a storm, a trial, a problem, a situation this morning, I am not saying that it is not real. But you can still have peace of heart and mind during it. That is what real peace is.
Have a great day. Peace is not defined as the absence of a problem. It is defined as a state of rest while in the problem.
Most people define peace as-- the absence of problems. When all is going well in their lives, they have peace. But let a storm come, let conflict come, let problems come, let trials hit their lives and there goes their peace.
Peace is not the absence of problems. You can still have peace even when in a storm. You can still have peace when your heart is breaking. You can still have peace when your world is falling apart. Why? How? Because it is His/the Lord's peace that you have.
When the disciples were in the boat and the storm arose, they were fearful. They were afraid of drowning. They were toiling to try to remove the water from the boat. They were abandoning all hope. They were convinced they would perish. We see Jesus in the same boat and same storm with them. But we see a different reaction in Him than in the disciples. He was asleep. He was resting. He was at peace.
Was Jesus in the storm? Yes. But He was at peace in it. He was at peace because He knew the Father was with Him. He was at peace because He knew that He was in the will of God. He was at peace because He trusted the Father to take care of Him. The storm was raging-- it was very present-- but Jesus had peace in the midst of it. This is the true definition of peace.
If you are going through a storm, a trial, a problem, a situation this morning, I am not saying that it is not real. But you can still have peace of heart and mind during it. That is what real peace is.
Have a great day. Peace is not defined as the absence of a problem. It is defined as a state of rest while in the problem.
Tuesday, July 25, 2017
"What Must I Do?"
"And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" Acts 16:30
"And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" Luke 18:18
The age old question-- "What must I do to be saved?" It was asked by a Roman jailer. It was asked by a young Jewish ruler. They both asked, "What must I do?" The emphasis in the question was on "I". We think that there is something we can do to be saved, to have eternal life, to enter into heaven, to be right with God.
We think that there must be some "good work" or "religious deed" that we can do to be saved. We think that if we keep the commandments, if we attend church, if we are baptized, if we join a church, if we help the poor, if we read our Bibles, if we give offerings to the church, then we are "saved".
"I" can't do anything to save myself. I can't do enough good deeds to save myself. Adam and Eve tried to save themselves all the way back in the Garden of Eden by sewing fig leaves together to cover their sin. It wasn't possible then, it still isn't possible now.
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8) Salvation is a gift. It is something that is given, not something that is earned. There is only one thing that you can do to be saved-- receive the gift.
God loved the world so much that He gave. He gave the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ His Son. We don't earn the gift. We don't work for it. We don't purchase it. We believe that it is intended for us. Then we receive it by faith. That is the only "work" we can do. Have you? Or are you still trying to work for it? Are you still trying to be good enough to posses it? You and I never will be good enough or do enough to earn it. We just have to receive it.
Have a great day. There is nothing you can do to be saved, other than put your faith in Jesus Christ to save you.
"And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" Luke 18:18
The age old question-- "What must I do to be saved?" It was asked by a Roman jailer. It was asked by a young Jewish ruler. They both asked, "What must I do?" The emphasis in the question was on "I". We think that there is something we can do to be saved, to have eternal life, to enter into heaven, to be right with God.
We think that there must be some "good work" or "religious deed" that we can do to be saved. We think that if we keep the commandments, if we attend church, if we are baptized, if we join a church, if we help the poor, if we read our Bibles, if we give offerings to the church, then we are "saved".
"I" can't do anything to save myself. I can't do enough good deeds to save myself. Adam and Eve tried to save themselves all the way back in the Garden of Eden by sewing fig leaves together to cover their sin. It wasn't possible then, it still isn't possible now.
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8) Salvation is a gift. It is something that is given, not something that is earned. There is only one thing that you can do to be saved-- receive the gift.
God loved the world so much that He gave. He gave the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ His Son. We don't earn the gift. We don't work for it. We don't purchase it. We believe that it is intended for us. Then we receive it by faith. That is the only "work" we can do. Have you? Or are you still trying to work for it? Are you still trying to be good enough to posses it? You and I never will be good enough or do enough to earn it. We just have to receive it.
Have a great day. There is nothing you can do to be saved, other than put your faith in Jesus Christ to save you.
Monday, July 24, 2017
"Shut The Door"
"For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he..." Proverbs 23:7a
The Bible tells us to guard our hearts. Whatever gets into your heart, whether it is good or bad, does so by gaining access. Therefore, we must guard our hearts. How do we guard them? How do we stop what is bad from gaining access? The access point to your heart is a door. You stop access by putting a "guard" on the door to your heart. What is the door that leads to your heart? It is your mind. Your mind is the door to your heart.
When bad, evil, wicked, wrong, ungodly, negative, unkind, fearful, hateful thoughts come, you have to take them captive or else they will gain entrance into your heart. They will come right in through the door. You will be letting them in.
When these thoughts come, capture them and cast them down. Don't give place to them. Don't hold the door open to them. Close the door. Close it by renewing your mind. Counteract those thoughts with the Word of God. Use your "sword of the Spirit" against them. Post God's Word at the door. This is what Jesus did in the wilderness. The enemy was trying to gain access to His heart. He was trying to find an open door into His heart. He used thoughts that would promote pride and lust. (Matthew 4) But Jesus guarded His heart and shut the door each time to the enemy by capturing His thoughts and renewing His mind with God's Word-- "it is written". You and I have to do the same. This is how we protect and guard our hearts. We close the door. The mind is the door. We close it by renewing it with God's Word.
Have a great day. Close the door of your heart-- stop holding it open.
The Bible tells us to guard our hearts. Whatever gets into your heart, whether it is good or bad, does so by gaining access. Therefore, we must guard our hearts. How do we guard them? How do we stop what is bad from gaining access? The access point to your heart is a door. You stop access by putting a "guard" on the door to your heart. What is the door that leads to your heart? It is your mind. Your mind is the door to your heart.
When bad, evil, wicked, wrong, ungodly, negative, unkind, fearful, hateful thoughts come, you have to take them captive or else they will gain entrance into your heart. They will come right in through the door. You will be letting them in.
When these thoughts come, capture them and cast them down. Don't give place to them. Don't hold the door open to them. Close the door. Close it by renewing your mind. Counteract those thoughts with the Word of God. Use your "sword of the Spirit" against them. Post God's Word at the door. This is what Jesus did in the wilderness. The enemy was trying to gain access to His heart. He was trying to find an open door into His heart. He used thoughts that would promote pride and lust. (Matthew 4) But Jesus guarded His heart and shut the door each time to the enemy by capturing His thoughts and renewing His mind with God's Word-- "it is written". You and I have to do the same. This is how we protect and guard our hearts. We close the door. The mind is the door. We close it by renewing it with God's Word.
Have a great day. Close the door of your heart-- stop holding it open.
Friday, July 21, 2017
"Just Because"
"By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name." Hebrews 13:15
Have you ever received a "just because" gift? It was given to you by someone "just because". It wasn't your birthday. It wasn't an anniversary. It wasn't a special occasion. They gave it to you just because they love you. They gave it to you just because they were thinking about you. They gave it to you just because they knew you would like it. Who doesn't like a "just because" gift. They are special blessings.
When was the last time you gave the Lord a "just because" gift? When was the last time you spent time with Him just because you love Him-- you didn't spend the time asking for anything? When was the last time you went to Him for no reason at all other than to bring Him a gift of praise? When was the last time you just wanted to lavish your love on Him? When was the last time you just sang to Him, or gave Him thanksgiving, or told Him how wonderful He was? These are all gifts that we give to Him-- and He loves them. If it has been awhile, then maybe today you might want to think about giving Him a "just because" gift.
Have a great day. The Lord loves "just because" gifts too.
Thursday, July 20, 2017
"The Known God"
"For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, To The Unknown God. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you." Acts 17:23
To many people the Lord God is an unknown God. They either haven't met Him yet or they don't want to know Him. Some others think they know Him but they only know "facts and figures" about Him.
When Paul saw this altar to the unknown God, he begin to tell the people who He was. He began to make Him known. Why? Because it is God's will that we know Him. He doesn't want to remain "unknown". He wants to reveal Himself to you. He wants you to know Him. He wants you to know Him in a personal and intimate way. This is one of the reasons why He sent His Son Jesus into the world.
When Jesus came, He revealed Father/God to mankind-- when you have seen Me you have seen the Father. He made known His power to us-- He went about healing the sick, casting out devils, raising the dead. He made known His grace-- neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more. He made known His love-- by dying on the cross to save us from our sins. He made known His mercy-- I will have mercy on you. He made known His compassion to us-- when He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion. Jesus made known the Father's provision-- He fed the 5,000 with fish and bread. Everything we needed to know about Father/God Jesus revealed. He showed us everything from His great love to His tender mercies. And He let us know that it is God's will that we know Him.
Do you know Him? Is He still unknown to you? Do you want to know Him? You can. He wants you to know Him. He knows who you are and He desires that you not only know who He is, but know Him through a relationship. How do we come to that place of knowing Him? By calling out to Him and asking Him for that relationship. Accepting that it came through Jesus Christ and place your faith in Him as the way to come to know the Father.
Have a great day. The Lord wants you to know Him.
Wednesday, July 19, 2017
"Ball And Chain"
"For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." Matthew 6:14,15
I read something yesterday that said-- Forgiveness will not change the past, but it will enlarge the future.
Just because you forgive someone doesn't mean it will change the past. What happened, happened. It can't be changed. It can't be undone. But on the other hand, holding on to unforgiveness won't change the past either. Some people hold on to unforgiveness and bitterness toward someone for something that they did. Do they think that by not forgiving it will change what happened, or make it better, or make it go away? Nothing can change the past. But your forgiveness or unforgiveness will change and affect your present and future.
How will forgiveness "enlarge" your future? For one, you will have freedom to move on. You will have freedom to accomplish your life's mission. You will have freedom to pursue life. Holding on to unforgiveness is like carrying around a "ball and chain"-- it is there reminding you and stopping you from progressing any further in life. It entangles you. It oppresses you with its weight. It slows you down. It hinders you.
Forgiveness and unforgiveness are choices. You have to choose to forgive, but if you don't you are automatically choosing unforgiveness.
Do you want freedom in your life? Do you want peace? Joy? Do you want abundant life? Do you want to fulfill your destiny? Do you want your life to have purpose? Do you want to fulfill God's plan and mission for your life? Unforgiveness will stop that from happening. But forgiveness will make it possible.
Have a great day. Unforgiveness will weigh you down. Forgiveness will free you.
I read something yesterday that said-- Forgiveness will not change the past, but it will enlarge the future.
Just because you forgive someone doesn't mean it will change the past. What happened, happened. It can't be changed. It can't be undone. But on the other hand, holding on to unforgiveness won't change the past either. Some people hold on to unforgiveness and bitterness toward someone for something that they did. Do they think that by not forgiving it will change what happened, or make it better, or make it go away? Nothing can change the past. But your forgiveness or unforgiveness will change and affect your present and future.
How will forgiveness "enlarge" your future? For one, you will have freedom to move on. You will have freedom to accomplish your life's mission. You will have freedom to pursue life. Holding on to unforgiveness is like carrying around a "ball and chain"-- it is there reminding you and stopping you from progressing any further in life. It entangles you. It oppresses you with its weight. It slows you down. It hinders you.
Forgiveness and unforgiveness are choices. You have to choose to forgive, but if you don't you are automatically choosing unforgiveness.
Do you want freedom in your life? Do you want peace? Joy? Do you want abundant life? Do you want to fulfill your destiny? Do you want your life to have purpose? Do you want to fulfill God's plan and mission for your life? Unforgiveness will stop that from happening. But forgiveness will make it possible.
Have a great day. Unforgiveness will weigh you down. Forgiveness will free you.
Tuesday, July 18, 2017
"Captured Heart
"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." Proverbs 4:23
The word issues is also translated fountain. Our heart has a "fountain of life" in it. That fountain is Jesus-- the Way, the Truth and the Life. His life is suppose to be issuing (flowing) from our hearts so that others can taste and see that He is good. It should be flowing so that they will know that He quenches the thirst of our souls.
The Bible lets us know that our hearts have a "door" on them. Sin is always crouching at the door awaiting access. (Genesis 4:7) When we open the door to sin, sin will come in. Once it does, it starts taking over our hearts. It starts holding the life that is in us captive so that it can't freely flow from us.
For example, when bitterness comes in, it takes love captive. We are so taken over by bitterness that love can't flow from our hearts. When fear is allowed in, it takes faith captive-- faith can't flow from us. When we open the door to confusion, peace can no longer flow from our lives. That is the way it is with any of the characteristics of sin. It demands to rule the whole heart and takes captive anything that is there.
This is why we must guard our hearts from opening the door to anything that is connected, or related, to sin. We must be diligent and watchful because sin is crouching, that means it is in the "ready, set, go" position. It will move so fast to gain access that it is in the door before you know it. Keep on guard. Keep watchful. Keep attentive. Don't let down your guard. Keep your heart full of the life of Jesus. Keep your heart full of the Spirit. When you do, the door will stay shut to keep out sin. And when it is open to release the fountain of life in you, that fountain will be so strong that it will be like a "river" that will carry sin away from the door and down stream.
Have a great day. Guard your heart. Don't let sin in to hold it captive.
The word issues is also translated fountain. Our heart has a "fountain of life" in it. That fountain is Jesus-- the Way, the Truth and the Life. His life is suppose to be issuing (flowing) from our hearts so that others can taste and see that He is good. It should be flowing so that they will know that He quenches the thirst of our souls.
The Bible lets us know that our hearts have a "door" on them. Sin is always crouching at the door awaiting access. (Genesis 4:7) When we open the door to sin, sin will come in. Once it does, it starts taking over our hearts. It starts holding the life that is in us captive so that it can't freely flow from us.
For example, when bitterness comes in, it takes love captive. We are so taken over by bitterness that love can't flow from our hearts. When fear is allowed in, it takes faith captive-- faith can't flow from us. When we open the door to confusion, peace can no longer flow from our lives. That is the way it is with any of the characteristics of sin. It demands to rule the whole heart and takes captive anything that is there.
This is why we must guard our hearts from opening the door to anything that is connected, or related, to sin. We must be diligent and watchful because sin is crouching, that means it is in the "ready, set, go" position. It will move so fast to gain access that it is in the door before you know it. Keep on guard. Keep watchful. Keep attentive. Don't let down your guard. Keep your heart full of the life of Jesus. Keep your heart full of the Spirit. When you do, the door will stay shut to keep out sin. And when it is open to release the fountain of life in you, that fountain will be so strong that it will be like a "river" that will carry sin away from the door and down stream.
Have a great day. Guard your heart. Don't let sin in to hold it captive.
Monday, July 17, 2017
"Imperfect And Mercy"
"Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy." Matthew 5:7
News Flash: Nobody is perfect. Parents, your children aren't perfect. Children, your parents are perfect. Your spouse isn't perfect. Your boss isn't perfect. Your employees aren't perfect. Your relatives, your friends, your acquaintances aren't perfect. Government officials, our leaders, our spiritual leaders aren't perfect. Nobody is perfect. Nobody does everything right all the time.
We all make mistakes. We all mess up. We all do things we should not have done, say things we should not have said, make choices we should not have made. It is because we are not perfect. We are "flawed" people. We were perfect before sin came into the world through Adam. But the presence of sin took that away.
There is only One perfect and that is Jesus. While, as Christians we are conforming and being transformed into His image, we haven't arrived into that state of perfection. We are in a process of doing so, but it will not be totally accomplished, and completed, until the day when this mortality puts on immortality and this corruptible flesh puts on incorruption.
So in the meantime, because we are all in the "imperfect boat" and living a life of "could of, should of, would of" we need mercy. We need mercy because of our mistakes and imperfections. We need to be shown mercy. But in order to receive mercy ourselves, we must be willing to give mercy. Mercy is a two-way street. If we aren't willing to extend mercy to those who need it, to those who have done wrong, to those who have messed up, to those who aren't doing what we think they should do, to those who aren't making the best choices, to those who aren't lining up with the right way, then we will be cutting off our own mercy. It is a reaping and sowing principle.
Have a great day. When we are unwilling to show mercy to someone because of the speck in their eye, don't forget that there may be a log in our own eye.
Scripture references:
1 Corinthians 15:53
Matthew 7:5
News Flash: Nobody is perfect. Parents, your children aren't perfect. Children, your parents are perfect. Your spouse isn't perfect. Your boss isn't perfect. Your employees aren't perfect. Your relatives, your friends, your acquaintances aren't perfect. Government officials, our leaders, our spiritual leaders aren't perfect. Nobody is perfect. Nobody does everything right all the time.
We all make mistakes. We all mess up. We all do things we should not have done, say things we should not have said, make choices we should not have made. It is because we are not perfect. We are "flawed" people. We were perfect before sin came into the world through Adam. But the presence of sin took that away.
There is only One perfect and that is Jesus. While, as Christians we are conforming and being transformed into His image, we haven't arrived into that state of perfection. We are in a process of doing so, but it will not be totally accomplished, and completed, until the day when this mortality puts on immortality and this corruptible flesh puts on incorruption.
So in the meantime, because we are all in the "imperfect boat" and living a life of "could of, should of, would of" we need mercy. We need mercy because of our mistakes and imperfections. We need to be shown mercy. But in order to receive mercy ourselves, we must be willing to give mercy. Mercy is a two-way street. If we aren't willing to extend mercy to those who need it, to those who have done wrong, to those who have messed up, to those who aren't doing what we think they should do, to those who aren't making the best choices, to those who aren't lining up with the right way, then we will be cutting off our own mercy. It is a reaping and sowing principle.
Have a great day. When we are unwilling to show mercy to someone because of the speck in their eye, don't forget that there may be a log in our own eye.
Scripture references:
1 Corinthians 15:53
Matthew 7:5
Friday, July 14, 2017
"Hope Deferred Sickness"
"Hope deferred maketh the heart sick..." Proverbs 13:12
When our physical bodies are sick, when something causes them to be ill, when we have a disease, our bodies are weakened. In that weakened state they are susceptible and vulnerable to attacks by other diseases. In their weakened state they can contract other illnesses.
When that which we had hoped for does not happen. When it is delayed. When it is not working out. Our hearts become sick-- weak, wounded, ill. Like our bodies, our hearts become susceptible and vulnerable to attacks, "dis-eases" and spiritual illness. It is vulnerable to criticism, to bitterness, to unforgiveness, to anger, resentment, frustration, jealousy, and if not "healed" can lead to hate. Hate then becomes like a "cancer" growing in your spiritual-- destroying your spiritual life.
We all get disappointed. We all don't always get what we hoped for. We all get sad when what we hoped for doesn't happen. But we MUST when hope is deferred, guard our hearts. We must protect them. We must keep them healthy. Deferred hope weakens our spiritual immune system so we must take our spiritual "vitamins" when our hope is deferred.
What are those spiritual vitamins that will keep our hearts well and protected even in times of deferred hope? They are the Word of God-- read it, meditate on it, keep it in your mouth by repeating it over and over again and again. They are prayer-- go to God with your sadness and disappointment. They are praying in the Spirit-- this will build your faith (your spiritual immune system). They are praise-- even if it is a sacrifice to praise, even if you don't feel like praising, praise anyway. (You will get up out of bed and take your pills/medicine for your body even if you don't feel like it.)Praise is powerful.
So when hope deferred comes, and it will sometime throughout your lifetime, strengthen your spiritual immune system and don't give into it. You will be closing the door to other "dis-eases" (the things that go against your ease/peace) when you do. Actually, you should take your spiritual "vitamins" daily so that your faith will be strong when deferred hope comes and can combat it up front.
Have a great day. Keep your spiritual immune system healthy.
When our physical bodies are sick, when something causes them to be ill, when we have a disease, our bodies are weakened. In that weakened state they are susceptible and vulnerable to attacks by other diseases. In their weakened state they can contract other illnesses.
When that which we had hoped for does not happen. When it is delayed. When it is not working out. Our hearts become sick-- weak, wounded, ill. Like our bodies, our hearts become susceptible and vulnerable to attacks, "dis-eases" and spiritual illness. It is vulnerable to criticism, to bitterness, to unforgiveness, to anger, resentment, frustration, jealousy, and if not "healed" can lead to hate. Hate then becomes like a "cancer" growing in your spiritual-- destroying your spiritual life.
We all get disappointed. We all don't always get what we hoped for. We all get sad when what we hoped for doesn't happen. But we MUST when hope is deferred, guard our hearts. We must protect them. We must keep them healthy. Deferred hope weakens our spiritual immune system so we must take our spiritual "vitamins" when our hope is deferred.
What are those spiritual vitamins that will keep our hearts well and protected even in times of deferred hope? They are the Word of God-- read it, meditate on it, keep it in your mouth by repeating it over and over again and again. They are prayer-- go to God with your sadness and disappointment. They are praying in the Spirit-- this will build your faith (your spiritual immune system). They are praise-- even if it is a sacrifice to praise, even if you don't feel like praising, praise anyway. (You will get up out of bed and take your pills/medicine for your body even if you don't feel like it.)Praise is powerful.
So when hope deferred comes, and it will sometime throughout your lifetime, strengthen your spiritual immune system and don't give into it. You will be closing the door to other "dis-eases" (the things that go against your ease/peace) when you do. Actually, you should take your spiritual "vitamins" daily so that your faith will be strong when deferred hope comes and can combat it up front.
Have a great day. Keep your spiritual immune system healthy.
Thursday, July 13, 2017
"Quick Fix Mentality"
"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." Galatians 6:9
We live in a "quick fix" society. We want everything now. We don't want to wait. We don't want to have to put forth any effort for it. Just give it to me now.
We are like that when we are sick, in pain or hurting. We want a "wonder pill" that will bring us immediate healing or relief. We are like that with finances. We want to win the lottery, we want a hand out, we want to have riches now. We are like that when we go to God for the answer to a need. We pray a "microwave" prayer and expect the answer to "pop out" in ten seconds or less. Young newly married couples want all the luxuries-- cars, a house, all the tools, etc. at the beginning of their marriage. They want all the things that their parents have. They just don't want to wait for them. It took their parents a lifetime to have what they have, but they want it now.
We are so spoiled! Our "quick fix" mentality is often a "curse" to us. Don't misunderstand what I am about to say, please. But when dealing with sickness, sometimes instead of looking to the doctor to give you a pill that will take care of it instantly, we just need to make some lifestyle changes and the problem would take care of itself. Some things we face just need some time in prayer. But we don't want to take the time. We don't want to "tarry" in our prayer closets until the answer comes. We want it now, we don't want to wait. We would rather take a hand out financially than get a job and work for it-- that takes too long and is too much effort on my part.
Hezekiah had to turn his face to the wall when told he had a terminal disease and pray until the prophet returned with the answer. The woman with the issue of blood had to press her way through the crowd. Daniel had to fast and pray for twenty-one days for the answer to come. The disciples had to tarry in the upper room for days before they received the infilling power of the Holy Spirit. Consider Jesus Himself. He had to tarry in the wilderness to become empowered for the ministry He would have. And the list goes on.
God does instantaneous things many times. He does miracles often immediately. But, more times than not, there are things that we have to do. And those things don't always take a few seconds. They take time in the prayer closet. They take weeks of fasting. They take days of work. They take lifestyle changes day in a day out. We need to change our "quick fix" mentality and humble ourselves, take control of our flesh, renew our minds, be willing to do what we have to do and pray for grace to do the things we need to do... and do them until the result or answer comes.
Have a great day. Change your "quick fix" mentality and persevere.
We live in a "quick fix" society. We want everything now. We don't want to wait. We don't want to have to put forth any effort for it. Just give it to me now.
We are like that when we are sick, in pain or hurting. We want a "wonder pill" that will bring us immediate healing or relief. We are like that with finances. We want to win the lottery, we want a hand out, we want to have riches now. We are like that when we go to God for the answer to a need. We pray a "microwave" prayer and expect the answer to "pop out" in ten seconds or less. Young newly married couples want all the luxuries-- cars, a house, all the tools, etc. at the beginning of their marriage. They want all the things that their parents have. They just don't want to wait for them. It took their parents a lifetime to have what they have, but they want it now.
We are so spoiled! Our "quick fix" mentality is often a "curse" to us. Don't misunderstand what I am about to say, please. But when dealing with sickness, sometimes instead of looking to the doctor to give you a pill that will take care of it instantly, we just need to make some lifestyle changes and the problem would take care of itself. Some things we face just need some time in prayer. But we don't want to take the time. We don't want to "tarry" in our prayer closets until the answer comes. We want it now, we don't want to wait. We would rather take a hand out financially than get a job and work for it-- that takes too long and is too much effort on my part.
Hezekiah had to turn his face to the wall when told he had a terminal disease and pray until the prophet returned with the answer. The woman with the issue of blood had to press her way through the crowd. Daniel had to fast and pray for twenty-one days for the answer to come. The disciples had to tarry in the upper room for days before they received the infilling power of the Holy Spirit. Consider Jesus Himself. He had to tarry in the wilderness to become empowered for the ministry He would have. And the list goes on.
God does instantaneous things many times. He does miracles often immediately. But, more times than not, there are things that we have to do. And those things don't always take a few seconds. They take time in the prayer closet. They take weeks of fasting. They take days of work. They take lifestyle changes day in a day out. We need to change our "quick fix" mentality and humble ourselves, take control of our flesh, renew our minds, be willing to do what we have to do and pray for grace to do the things we need to do... and do them until the result or answer comes.
Have a great day. Change your "quick fix" mentality and persevere.
Wednesday, July 12, 2017
"Bad Day Choices"
"This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24
We all have bad days. There are days when things don't go as we plan. Days when pain and suffering come. Days when things don't go as we hoped they would. Just bad days. When those bad days come, we have to make a choice about them. Are we going to choose to allow them to affect our attitude and cause us to have a "bad" attitude? Or are we going to choose grace?
Paul was faced with a thorn in his flesh. It was not a good thing-- thorns never are. Had it been a good thing he never would have prayed for its removal-- but he prayed three times for the Lord to take it away. The Lord responded to Paul by offering him grace. That was his answer. At that point Paul had a choice-- was he going to let the thorn cause him to get a bad attitude, get bitter, get frustrated, angry, discouraged, etc., or was he going to choose grace? Paul chose grace.
When we are having a bad day and chose to respond and react in our flesh to the bad things that are happening, we are going to find ourselves giving into the wrong attitude. We will give into anger, revenge, frustration, discouragement, fear, bitterness, hopelessness, confusion, and so on. But if we will choose grace instead, we will be able to rejoice and be glad. We will have peace to make it through the day. We will have contentment. We will have faith and so on because grace is the agent that produces these types of attitudes in us. Grace is not only defined as God's unmerited favor. It is also defined as God's divine influence on our hearts. Therefore, by choosing grace we will be choosing His influence to direct our hearts. His influence is one of love, joy, peace, contentment, mercy, strength, etc. Therefore, even a bad day can be a good day when we choose grace.
Have a great day. Having a bad day? Choose grace and you will then be able to rejoice and be glad in that bad day.
We all have bad days. There are days when things don't go as we plan. Days when pain and suffering come. Days when things don't go as we hoped they would. Just bad days. When those bad days come, we have to make a choice about them. Are we going to choose to allow them to affect our attitude and cause us to have a "bad" attitude? Or are we going to choose grace?
Paul was faced with a thorn in his flesh. It was not a good thing-- thorns never are. Had it been a good thing he never would have prayed for its removal-- but he prayed three times for the Lord to take it away. The Lord responded to Paul by offering him grace. That was his answer. At that point Paul had a choice-- was he going to let the thorn cause him to get a bad attitude, get bitter, get frustrated, angry, discouraged, etc., or was he going to choose grace? Paul chose grace.
When we are having a bad day and chose to respond and react in our flesh to the bad things that are happening, we are going to find ourselves giving into the wrong attitude. We will give into anger, revenge, frustration, discouragement, fear, bitterness, hopelessness, confusion, and so on. But if we will choose grace instead, we will be able to rejoice and be glad. We will have peace to make it through the day. We will have contentment. We will have faith and so on because grace is the agent that produces these types of attitudes in us. Grace is not only defined as God's unmerited favor. It is also defined as God's divine influence on our hearts. Therefore, by choosing grace we will be choosing His influence to direct our hearts. His influence is one of love, joy, peace, contentment, mercy, strength, etc. Therefore, even a bad day can be a good day when we choose grace.
Have a great day. Having a bad day? Choose grace and you will then be able to rejoice and be glad in that bad day.
Tuesday, July 11, 2017
"Enter Light"
"The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple." Psalm 119:130
The reason so many of us are confused about what we should do, which direction we should take, what decision is the best one is because we are trying to make them in the dark. What I mean is that we are trying to make them based on our own knowledge and understanding.
Making a decision, about anything, is like walking into an unfamiliar room with all the lights off and trying to reach a prize that has been placed on the other side of the room. We have to feel our way around. We have to assume which is the best route through the room. We have to try to get our bearings and direction. But we can't.. it is dark and unfamiliar. If we were to turn on a light in that room, things would be clearer. We would see clearly. We would know where the prize was. We could easily maneuver our way around to reach it. Having a light on makes all the difference.
Having the light of God's Word in our situation and decision making makes all the difference also. The verse says that when God's Word enters it gives light. Our decisions have to be made in light of, and in the light of, God's Word. Without it we will be confused, we will be uncertain, we will be unsure and our understanding about what to do will be darkened.
Are you trying to make decisions in your life? Are you uncertain of what you should do? Are you grasping for the right answer? Bring God's Word into your situation and the light will come on and you will see more clearly what you should do.
Have a great day. When God's Word enters your situation, it brings light and removes the darkness.
The reason so many of us are confused about what we should do, which direction we should take, what decision is the best one is because we are trying to make them in the dark. What I mean is that we are trying to make them based on our own knowledge and understanding.
Making a decision, about anything, is like walking into an unfamiliar room with all the lights off and trying to reach a prize that has been placed on the other side of the room. We have to feel our way around. We have to assume which is the best route through the room. We have to try to get our bearings and direction. But we can't.. it is dark and unfamiliar. If we were to turn on a light in that room, things would be clearer. We would see clearly. We would know where the prize was. We could easily maneuver our way around to reach it. Having a light on makes all the difference.
Having the light of God's Word in our situation and decision making makes all the difference also. The verse says that when God's Word enters it gives light. Our decisions have to be made in light of, and in the light of, God's Word. Without it we will be confused, we will be uncertain, we will be unsure and our understanding about what to do will be darkened.
Are you trying to make decisions in your life? Are you uncertain of what you should do? Are you grasping for the right answer? Bring God's Word into your situation and the light will come on and you will see more clearly what you should do.
Have a great day. When God's Word enters your situation, it brings light and removes the darkness.
Monday, July 10, 2017
"At The Throne"
"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16
I wonder why the verse didn't just read-- "Let us therefore come boldly before God" instead of before "the throne of grace"? When we pray, we are coming before the Lord God, but we are also coming before His throne. He sits on the throne. This is where He rules and reigns from.
A throne represents stability and authority. And we are told here it represents grace-- God's favor. So when you go to God in prayer, you are coming before His throne. This means you are coming before that which is stable. It is constant. It is enduring. It never fails. It is dependable, firm, steadfast, solid, faithful, safe and unwavering. It doesn't change because the One who sits on it doesn't change.
When you go before the throne of God in prayer, it also means that you are coming before that which has authority. In this case, it is the authority of God which means there is no greater authority. It all begins and ends with Him-- He is the first and final authority in all matters. There is no power, word, judgment or decree that is above His. No one can come back later and appeal His verdict. It stands and stands forever.
It is a throne of grace. That means it is a place of favor. This also means that you don't have to worry or wonder that He is going to cast you aside when you come. You don't have to be afraid that He will turn you away. You don't have to be anxious that you will have an audience with Him or not. You can go with boldness-- confidence-- that He will hear you and answer you.
Don't sit back when you are in need. Go to His throne of grace to find your help. You can trust that when you get there, you will have an audience with Him. He will not turn you away. His power, favor and faithfulness will meet you there.
Have a great day. Go to the throne of God with your need.
I wonder why the verse didn't just read-- "Let us therefore come boldly before God" instead of before "the throne of grace"? When we pray, we are coming before the Lord God, but we are also coming before His throne. He sits on the throne. This is where He rules and reigns from.
A throne represents stability and authority. And we are told here it represents grace-- God's favor. So when you go to God in prayer, you are coming before His throne. This means you are coming before that which is stable. It is constant. It is enduring. It never fails. It is dependable, firm, steadfast, solid, faithful, safe and unwavering. It doesn't change because the One who sits on it doesn't change.
When you go before the throne of God in prayer, it also means that you are coming before that which has authority. In this case, it is the authority of God which means there is no greater authority. It all begins and ends with Him-- He is the first and final authority in all matters. There is no power, word, judgment or decree that is above His. No one can come back later and appeal His verdict. It stands and stands forever.
It is a throne of grace. That means it is a place of favor. This also means that you don't have to worry or wonder that He is going to cast you aside when you come. You don't have to be afraid that He will turn you away. You don't have to be anxious that you will have an audience with Him or not. You can go with boldness-- confidence-- that He will hear you and answer you.
Don't sit back when you are in need. Go to His throne of grace to find your help. You can trust that when you get there, you will have an audience with Him. He will not turn you away. His power, favor and faithfulness will meet you there.
Have a great day. Go to the throne of God with your need.
Friday, July 7, 2017
"Live The Word"
"For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified." Romans 2:13
We are going to talk about being a doer of the Word and not a hearer (or reader) only again. If we would live by, apply to our lives, walk in, answer every situation with the Word of God, our lives would be more productive. They would be more victorious. We would not be in a constant state of confusion concerning what we should do and what course of action we should take.
Jesus taught the Word, but He lived the Word. He used it against His flesh and the devil in the temptations in the wilderness. He always referred others back to what the Word said. He taught it to the disciples. He taught it to the crowds that followed Him. He taught it to the religious leaders who should have been applying it to their lives-- but weren't. Those leaders knew what the Word said. They had studied it for years. They had taught it to multitudes of people, but there was no evidence of it personally in their lives.
We can't be mere readers, studiers, teachers, and advocates for the Word. We have to be doers. It has to be a part of our lives. We have to do it to the point where it becomes our automatic course of action. We have to apply it to such an extent that we don't even think about it-- it just comes naturally. As naturally as breathing.
Once we do, like I said earlier, our lives will be more productive. They will be more stable. They will be more peaceful. They will be less confused and frustrated. They will be more victorious. We won't feel so defeated. We will have wisdom in every area of life. These are the things we miss if we aren't doing it. Think of it this way. If you were in financial need but you had a million dollars in the bank, or even in hand, and you didn't use it, how would your life be? You would be missing out on seeing that need met. You have something greater than a million dollars in your "hand" always-- the Word of God. It will meet and supply your every need. But you will still be lacking and in want and need if you don't use it.
Have a great day. The Word of God is meant to be lived.
We are going to talk about being a doer of the Word and not a hearer (or reader) only again. If we would live by, apply to our lives, walk in, answer every situation with the Word of God, our lives would be more productive. They would be more victorious. We would not be in a constant state of confusion concerning what we should do and what course of action we should take.
Jesus taught the Word, but He lived the Word. He used it against His flesh and the devil in the temptations in the wilderness. He always referred others back to what the Word said. He taught it to the disciples. He taught it to the crowds that followed Him. He taught it to the religious leaders who should have been applying it to their lives-- but weren't. Those leaders knew what the Word said. They had studied it for years. They had taught it to multitudes of people, but there was no evidence of it personally in their lives.
We can't be mere readers, studiers, teachers, and advocates for the Word. We have to be doers. It has to be a part of our lives. We have to do it to the point where it becomes our automatic course of action. We have to apply it to such an extent that we don't even think about it-- it just comes naturally. As naturally as breathing.
Once we do, like I said earlier, our lives will be more productive. They will be more stable. They will be more peaceful. They will be less confused and frustrated. They will be more victorious. We won't feel so defeated. We will have wisdom in every area of life. These are the things we miss if we aren't doing it. Think of it this way. If you were in financial need but you had a million dollars in the bank, or even in hand, and you didn't use it, how would your life be? You would be missing out on seeing that need met. You have something greater than a million dollars in your "hand" always-- the Word of God. It will meet and supply your every need. But you will still be lacking and in want and need if you don't use it.
Have a great day. The Word of God is meant to be lived.
Thursday, July 6, 2017
"Talk To It"
"But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." Matthew 4:4
When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, His fight was not against the devil only. It was also against His own flesh. He was tempted in the lust of His flesh, the pride of life and the lust of His eyes. He was battling more than just the devil.
Our biggest enemy isn't the devil-- Jesus already defeated him. Our biggest enemy is our own flesh. It is weak and wants what it wants, when it wants it, how it wants it and will go to great lengths to get it.
So, how do we overcome our flesh-- its desires, cravings, wishes, wants, addictions and bondages. We overcome it the same way Jesus did in the wilderness. When He spoke the Word-- "it is written"-- He wasn't just speaking it to the devil. He was speaking it to His own flesh. His flesh was hungry. He wanted food. But He did not give in to His desire and turn the stones to bread.
Our flesh has to be dealt with or it will destroy us. When Paul said, "I die daily", he didn't mean his body was dying. He meant he was putting his own flesh-- desires, cravings, wants, etc. -- it death. Our flesh has to be denied, crucified, mortified, refused, brought into subjection and submission. That is done by "speaking to it". When Jesus spoke those words in the wilderness to each temptation, He was denying His flesh. He was crucifying it. He was putting its desires that are harmful, against God, and that give place to the devil, to death.
When you are battling with something, chances are it is more your own flesh than anything else. The way to overcome and be victorious over its desires is by speaking to it. Speak the Word of God to it. Use this sword-- the Word-- you have been given. "Tell" it to "mind and get in line". This is the way to victory. It was for Jesus and it is for us.
Have a great day. You have to talk to your flesh and make it line up.
When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, His fight was not against the devil only. It was also against His own flesh. He was tempted in the lust of His flesh, the pride of life and the lust of His eyes. He was battling more than just the devil.
Our biggest enemy isn't the devil-- Jesus already defeated him. Our biggest enemy is our own flesh. It is weak and wants what it wants, when it wants it, how it wants it and will go to great lengths to get it.
So, how do we overcome our flesh-- its desires, cravings, wishes, wants, addictions and bondages. We overcome it the same way Jesus did in the wilderness. When He spoke the Word-- "it is written"-- He wasn't just speaking it to the devil. He was speaking it to His own flesh. His flesh was hungry. He wanted food. But He did not give in to His desire and turn the stones to bread.
Our flesh has to be dealt with or it will destroy us. When Paul said, "I die daily", he didn't mean his body was dying. He meant he was putting his own flesh-- desires, cravings, wants, etc. -- it death. Our flesh has to be denied, crucified, mortified, refused, brought into subjection and submission. That is done by "speaking to it". When Jesus spoke those words in the wilderness to each temptation, He was denying His flesh. He was crucifying it. He was putting its desires that are harmful, against God, and that give place to the devil, to death.
When you are battling with something, chances are it is more your own flesh than anything else. The way to overcome and be victorious over its desires is by speaking to it. Speak the Word of God to it. Use this sword-- the Word-- you have been given. "Tell" it to "mind and get in line". This is the way to victory. It was for Jesus and it is for us.
Have a great day. You have to talk to your flesh and make it line up.
Wednesday, July 5, 2017
"Time"
A time to be born, and a time to die..." Ecclesiastes 3:2a
I came across a poem years ago about time. It started off by saying that the clock of life is wound but once-- meaning we only have a certain amount of time here on earth. Once time is gone, it is gone. It can't be repeated. We call it back. We can't go back and regain it. One man told me it is the stuff that life is made up of.
So the question is-- what are you doing with the time that you have been given here on earth? Time is a gift, are you using it wisely? What are you doing with the time the Lord has given you? The most important thing you should do is use it to get your eternal soul right with the Lord. Don't let time slip away and come to the end of your time and discover that you have neglected the most important thing-- the salvation of your soul.
The Bible tells us to redeem the time. That means take full advantage of it. It also means to take full advantage of it now while you have it. You aren't promised that you will have tomorrow. You aren't promised that your time won't run out today. You and I don't know that. One day our time is going to run out, we just don't know when. Jesus told us that our time of departure is always at hand.
Your time for departure from this life could come anytime. It could come today. It could come tomorrow. There is one thing for sure-- it will come. Are you ready when it does? Have you made preparation for what happens when it comes to an end here? Have you taken advantage of the time you have to get your affairs in order-- namely your soul?
Have a great day. Are you using your time wisely by making sure it is well with your soul when your time on earth is up?
"The Clock"
I came across a poem years ago about time. It started off by saying that the clock of life is wound but once-- meaning we only have a certain amount of time here on earth. Once time is gone, it is gone. It can't be repeated. We call it back. We can't go back and regain it. One man told me it is the stuff that life is made up of.
So the question is-- what are you doing with the time that you have been given here on earth? Time is a gift, are you using it wisely? What are you doing with the time the Lord has given you? The most important thing you should do is use it to get your eternal soul right with the Lord. Don't let time slip away and come to the end of your time and discover that you have neglected the most important thing-- the salvation of your soul.
The Bible tells us to redeem the time. That means take full advantage of it. It also means to take full advantage of it now while you have it. You aren't promised that you will have tomorrow. You aren't promised that your time won't run out today. You and I don't know that. One day our time is going to run out, we just don't know when. Jesus told us that our time of departure is always at hand.
Your time for departure from this life could come anytime. It could come today. It could come tomorrow. There is one thing for sure-- it will come. Are you ready when it does? Have you made preparation for what happens when it comes to an end here? Have you taken advantage of the time you have to get your affairs in order-- namely your soul?
Have a great day. Are you using your time wisely by making sure it is well with your soul when your time on earth is up?
"The Clock"
“The clock of life is wound but once,
And no man has the power
To tell just when the hands will stop
At late or early hour.
To lose one's wealth is sad indeed,
To lose one's health is more,
To lose one's soul is such a loss
That no man can restore.
The present only is our own,
So live, love, toil with a will,
Place no faith in "Tomorrow,"
For the Clock may then be still.”
And no man has the power
To tell just when the hands will stop
At late or early hour.
To lose one's wealth is sad indeed,
To lose one's health is more,
To lose one's soul is such a loss
That no man can restore.
The present only is our own,
So live, love, toil with a will,
Place no faith in "Tomorrow,"
For the Clock may then be still.”
-- Robert H. Smith
Monday, July 3, 2017
"My Understanding"
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding." Proverbs 3:5
When we are faced with a situation, when we are in the valley of decision, when we have to make a choice in a matter, the thing that often gets us in trouble, or causes us to make the wrong choice, decision or judgment, is when we lean to our own understanding.
Making a decision based on our own understanding of the situation is not always a good thing. Our understanding is not always correct. Our understanding is temporary-- it can't see past the moment. Our understanding is earthly. It is based on our knowledge which isn't always correct, which is limited and which is influenced by our feelings and emotions, traditions, fads, outside forces or popular opinion. It is often based on faulty information that is not always factual. The enemy of our soul (who wants us to do the wrong thing and make the wrong choice) will try to influence us as well.
How many times have you made a decision based on what you thought was right only to find out that it was the wrong decision? Many times, I am sure. There is one way to make sure that your decisions are correct. That would be by not leaning to your understanding but acknowledging God and leaning on His understanding. It would be by letting Him-- who sees all, knows all, sees the end from the beginning, who doesn't move emotionally but righteously and whose wisdom and understanding is so much higher and better than yours. And He knows how the decision will, or won't, fit into His plan for your life-- you don't.
So, in order to make right decisions, don't lean to your own understanding-- it is unfruitful (it doesn't know everything). Trust God's understanding of the situation and let Him direct your path/decision.
Have a great day. Leaning to our own understanding when it comes to making a decision will often lead us to make the wrong one.
When we are faced with a situation, when we are in the valley of decision, when we have to make a choice in a matter, the thing that often gets us in trouble, or causes us to make the wrong choice, decision or judgment, is when we lean to our own understanding.
Making a decision based on our own understanding of the situation is not always a good thing. Our understanding is not always correct. Our understanding is temporary-- it can't see past the moment. Our understanding is earthly. It is based on our knowledge which isn't always correct, which is limited and which is influenced by our feelings and emotions, traditions, fads, outside forces or popular opinion. It is often based on faulty information that is not always factual. The enemy of our soul (who wants us to do the wrong thing and make the wrong choice) will try to influence us as well.
How many times have you made a decision based on what you thought was right only to find out that it was the wrong decision? Many times, I am sure. There is one way to make sure that your decisions are correct. That would be by not leaning to your understanding but acknowledging God and leaning on His understanding. It would be by letting Him-- who sees all, knows all, sees the end from the beginning, who doesn't move emotionally but righteously and whose wisdom and understanding is so much higher and better than yours. And He knows how the decision will, or won't, fit into His plan for your life-- you don't.
So, in order to make right decisions, don't lean to your own understanding-- it is unfruitful (it doesn't know everything). Trust God's understanding of the situation and let Him direct your path/decision.
Have a great day. Leaning to our own understanding when it comes to making a decision will often lead us to make the wrong one.
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