"Careless With The Word"
"I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.” Psalm 119:16
I have many Bibles but only two that I use the most. One I keep in my vehicle-- I use it at church, Bible study, prayer meeting, etc. The other one I keep at home and use it for my study Bible. Sunday when I got to church, I couldn't find my Bible in my vehicle. I went in the church thinking I had left it there. It wasn't. I began to think that I had taken it out and left it either on the dining room table or in my office. When I got home, I began to look for it. My husband and I both looked numerous times in the house-- everywhere, we left no place unsearched-- and in my vehicle, but still didn't find it. I tried to recall the last time I used it. I had it at prayer group so I contacted my friend to see if I had left it-- no, I hadn't. I began to think that maybe it fell out of my vehicle, but how didn't I notice if it did. I called a few stores to see if it had be found in the parking lot and turned in. No, no one had turned it in. I even went to the shop to see if it was there. I have to be honest, at this point I began to get a little concerned thinking that I may have really lost my Bible. That night I dreamed I found it. But the next morning, it was still gone. As I went to prayer, I talked to the Lord about how heartbroken I was and how much I wanted my Bible back-- it felt like a big hole was in my heart. I repented that I had been so careless with it. I wondered if losing it was prophetic sign? As I prayed-- through tears-- the thought came to me to contact my neighbor who lives beside the shop to see if maybe she saw it laying in the parking lot. I described it to her. She messaged me back and said that lady who lived behind her (and the shop) had come by the day before to see if she had lost a Bible. It fit the description of mine. (We both decided that it was mine.) My tears of sadness turned into tears of thanksgiving and joy. I went later and picked it up.
When I said I wondered if losing it was a prophetic sign, I meant-- Am I careless with God's Word? Does it have the place of importance in my life I thought it did? Did I truly feel lost without it? It took me a few days to notice it was gone. Does that show a lack of priority for the Word? Is it something I take for granted until I get ready for it, or need it? Just what is my relationship with God's Word? The Bible is a book that has God's Word written in it. But what am I doing with the Word itself? Is it hid in my heart? Am I allowing it to be a light to my path? Is it more precious that anything else? Am I following it? Am I living by it? Am I patterning my life after it? Am I allowing it to change me?
If I asked you these same questions, what would your answer be? I was upset that I had lost it, but I rejoiced when I had found it. When we aren't holding the Word of God dear to our hearts and are neglecting it, we are being careless with it. We can't afford to "lose" God's Word-- in it is life. Therefore, we must never let it out of our sight.
Have a great day. What is your relationship with God's Word? Careless or serious?
Tuesday, June 30, 2020
Monday, June 29, 2020
"The Will Of God"
"The Will Of God"
"And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king's prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison." Genesis 39:20
When we think about being in God's will, we usually think about being some place "good". We think that being in God's will means we are in a place of prosperity, acclaim, ministry, position, etc. When we look at the life of Joseph, most think that the place of God's will for him was the palace in Egypt. It was. The palace was the place where God was taking Joseph so that he could fulfill his destiny as the deliverer and protector of God's people. But the palace was not the only place of God's will in Joseph's life.
When Joseph was in Potiphar's house, he was in God's will. When he was in the prison, he was in God's will. I am sure that Joseph never thought that he was in the middle of God's will while he was sitting in prison. That isn't what our idea of God's will is. We define God's will, like we said, as always meaning something good. The prison and slavery to Potiphar was not "good".
God's will doesn't always mean warm, sunny days. It doesn't always mean we will have abundance. It doesn't always mean being in places that are like heaven on earth. It often means suffering, pain, affliction, periods of darkness, conflicts, valleys, deserts and uncomfortable places. When Jesus was in the wilderness being tempted by the devil, He was right in the middle of God's will- it was the Spirit of God who led Him there. When He hung on the cross, He certainly was in the will of God. When David faced Goliath on the battlefield, he was in the will of God. When Joshua marched around Jericho, he was in the will of God. When Moses had to climb the mountain, that was also the will of God. When Paul sat in prison, he was in the will of God.
The will of God is not always the "palace places" like we think. You may being going through a difficult time right now. You may be struggling to get out of it. You may be "rebuking the darkness" but nothing is happening- it isn't changing. Sometimes the difficulties we face are an attack of the enemy. But not always. Sometimes the fire is God' will- so that we might be refined and purified. Sometimes the chastening rod is God's will- so that we might experience His loving correction. Sometimes the battle is God's will- so that we might become strong and courageous. Sometimes the solitude is God's will- so that we might learn His voice. Sometimes the affliction is God's will- so that we might learn to praise Him. Sometimes the trial is God's will- so that our faith will grow and we will learn to trust Him. Sometimes the valley is God's will- so that we might learn how to rest in Him.
Have a great day. The will of God is not always the "palace place" like we think it is, it might be just the opposite.
For further reading:
Psalm 119:71
Psalm 23
Hebrews 11:36-39; 12:5-7; 5:8
Matthew 4:1; 26:39
When we think about being in God's will, we usually think about being some place "good". We think that being in God's will means we are in a place of prosperity, acclaim, ministry, position, etc. When we look at the life of Joseph, most think that the place of God's will for him was the palace in Egypt. It was. The palace was the place where God was taking Joseph so that he could fulfill his destiny as the deliverer and protector of God's people. But the palace was not the only place of God's will in Joseph's life.
When Joseph was in Potiphar's house, he was in God's will. When he was in the prison, he was in God's will. I am sure that Joseph never thought that he was in the middle of God's will while he was sitting in prison. That isn't what our idea of God's will is. We define God's will, like we said, as always meaning something good. The prison and slavery to Potiphar was not "good".
God's will doesn't always mean warm, sunny days. It doesn't always mean we will have abundance. It doesn't always mean being in places that are like heaven on earth. It often means suffering, pain, affliction, periods of darkness, conflicts, valleys, deserts and uncomfortable places. When Jesus was in the wilderness being tempted by the devil, He was right in the middle of God's will- it was the Spirit of God who led Him there. When He hung on the cross, He certainly was in the will of God. When David faced Goliath on the battlefield, he was in the will of God. When Joshua marched around Jericho, he was in the will of God. When Moses had to climb the mountain, that was also the will of God. When Paul sat in prison, he was in the will of God.
The will of God is not always the "palace places" like we think. You may being going through a difficult time right now. You may be struggling to get out of it. You may be "rebuking the darkness" but nothing is happening- it isn't changing. Sometimes the difficulties we face are an attack of the enemy. But not always. Sometimes the fire is God' will- so that we might be refined and purified. Sometimes the chastening rod is God's will- so that we might experience His loving correction. Sometimes the battle is God's will- so that we might become strong and courageous. Sometimes the solitude is God's will- so that we might learn His voice. Sometimes the affliction is God's will- so that we might learn to praise Him. Sometimes the trial is God's will- so that our faith will grow and we will learn to trust Him. Sometimes the valley is God's will- so that we might learn how to rest in Him.
Have a great day. The will of God is not always the "palace place" like we think it is, it might be just the opposite.
For further reading:
Psalm 119:71
Psalm 23
Hebrews 11:36-39; 12:5-7; 5:8
Matthew 4:1; 26:39
Friday, June 26, 2020
"Ask For Directions"
"Ask For Directions"
"In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:6
Have you ever been driving and realized that you were lost? Getting lost is something that isn't too difficult to do. It happens when we aren't familiar with the area. It happens when we don't pay attention to the directions, when we lose the map, when the GPS isn't working or we are involved in something else not paying attention and miss our turn. As I said getting lost isn't always difficult, but finding our way on the right path can be-- especially if we aren't willing to ask for directions.
Have you ever been riding with someone and discovered that you were lost but they would not stop and ask for directions? I have a feeling that all of us have this same attitude when it comes to asking God for directions. We sometimes get "lost". We don't know which direction to go. We don't know the right decision to make. We seem to be at a loss about what to do next or how to handle certain situations that have risen up in our lives. Often we neglect going to God because we think we can handle it, we think we know what to do, we think we can find our way or we think we know how to make the best decision. Some continue going in the wrong direction a whole life time because they think that eventually if they just keep on "driving" they will wind up where they are suppose to be. So often we wait to go to God for guidance and direction as a last resort after we have taken the wrong turn too many times. Or we finally go to Him for directions after we have become frustrated and confused and don't know "where we are".
When you get lost traveling, you can waste a lot of time going in the wrong direction if you don't stop and ask for directions. You can also wind up miles away from your intended destination. If we don't have good, clear directions from the Lord we can do the same- waste lots of time (instead of redeeming it) and we can find ourselves so far away from His intended purpose for us. Therefore, we must lay aside our pride-- that I can get there by myself attitude-- and ask Him to give us clear guidance and direction. If not, we will stay lost!
Have a great day. Whatever stops you or hinders you from asking God for directions, put it aside. Without His direction you will get lost and stay lost.
For further reading:
Matthew 7:7,8
Isaiah 55:6
Ephesians 5:16,17
Jeremiah 10:23
Psalm 78:14
Have you ever been driving and realized that you were lost? Getting lost is something that isn't too difficult to do. It happens when we aren't familiar with the area. It happens when we don't pay attention to the directions, when we lose the map, when the GPS isn't working or we are involved in something else not paying attention and miss our turn. As I said getting lost isn't always difficult, but finding our way on the right path can be-- especially if we aren't willing to ask for directions.
Have you ever been riding with someone and discovered that you were lost but they would not stop and ask for directions? I have a feeling that all of us have this same attitude when it comes to asking God for directions. We sometimes get "lost". We don't know which direction to go. We don't know the right decision to make. We seem to be at a loss about what to do next or how to handle certain situations that have risen up in our lives. Often we neglect going to God because we think we can handle it, we think we know what to do, we think we can find our way or we think we know how to make the best decision. Some continue going in the wrong direction a whole life time because they think that eventually if they just keep on "driving" they will wind up where they are suppose to be. So often we wait to go to God for guidance and direction as a last resort after we have taken the wrong turn too many times. Or we finally go to Him for directions after we have become frustrated and confused and don't know "where we are".
When you get lost traveling, you can waste a lot of time going in the wrong direction if you don't stop and ask for directions. You can also wind up miles away from your intended destination. If we don't have good, clear directions from the Lord we can do the same- waste lots of time (instead of redeeming it) and we can find ourselves so far away from His intended purpose for us. Therefore, we must lay aside our pride-- that I can get there by myself attitude-- and ask Him to give us clear guidance and direction. If not, we will stay lost!
Have a great day. Whatever stops you or hinders you from asking God for directions, put it aside. Without His direction you will get lost and stay lost.
For further reading:
Matthew 7:7,8
Isaiah 55:6
Ephesians 5:16,17
Jeremiah 10:23
Psalm 78:14
Thursday, June 25, 2020
"Defiled"
"Defiled"
"But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself." Daniel 1:8
In this verse it says that Daniel purposed in his heart not to do something. What did Daniel purpose "not" to do? He purposed not to "defile himself". What did he consider to be an act that would defile him? Daniel's life was governed by the laws of God. God's laws included dietary laws- there were certain foods he was allowed to eat and others that he was commanded not to eat.
In the king's palace Daniel was presented with a meal that according to the law of God he wasn't allowed to eat. (This was why Daniel did not want to defile himself.) You may wonder why it was such a big issue to Daniel. It was just a plate of food. He wasn't asked to blaspheme the Lord. He wasn't asked to make a sacrifice to an idol. He wasn't asked to denounce the Lord God and worship a false god. He wasn't asked to do something which we consider "big"; it was a "small" thing. How could eating a little meat and drinking a cup of wine be considered "defiling himself"?
True, eating this certain food may not have been considered as big an offense as blaspheme, etc., but it was still in disobedience to the commands and laws of God. Daniel knew that all disobedience was sin and sin would defile you- even sins that seemed small and insignificant.
It may seem "silly" to us that Daniel made such a big deal out of a plate of food, but he knew that if he ate that plate of food he would be disobeying God. He knew that by eating, his disobedience would be sin. He knew sin will always defile you- it will always leave a "stain". The issue for Daniel was not the food, the issue was his obedience to God. Therefore, he took God's laws and commandments serious-- even the ones that might be considered "small" issues.
In this verse it says that Daniel purposed in his heart not to do something. What did Daniel purpose "not" to do? He purposed not to "defile himself". What did he consider to be an act that would defile him? Daniel's life was governed by the laws of God. God's laws included dietary laws- there were certain foods he was allowed to eat and others that he was commanded not to eat.
In the king's palace Daniel was presented with a meal that according to the law of God he wasn't allowed to eat. (This was why Daniel did not want to defile himself.) You may wonder why it was such a big issue to Daniel. It was just a plate of food. He wasn't asked to blaspheme the Lord. He wasn't asked to make a sacrifice to an idol. He wasn't asked to denounce the Lord God and worship a false god. He wasn't asked to do something which we consider "big"; it was a "small" thing. How could eating a little meat and drinking a cup of wine be considered "defiling himself"?
True, eating this certain food may not have been considered as big an offense as blaspheme, etc., but it was still in disobedience to the commands and laws of God. Daniel knew that all disobedience was sin and sin would defile you- even sins that seemed small and insignificant.
It may seem "silly" to us that Daniel made such a big deal out of a plate of food, but he knew that if he ate that plate of food he would be disobeying God. He knew that by eating, his disobedience would be sin. He knew sin will always defile you- it will always leave a "stain". The issue for Daniel was not the food, the issue was his obedience to God. Therefore, he took God's laws and commandments serious-- even the ones that might be considered "small" issues.
How do you see God's commandments? Do you categorize them-- big and small; significant and insignificant; important and not important? Do you pick and choose which ones you think won't matter if you break them and which ones will? All of God's laws are important and He expects you to obey all of them, regardless of how you might classify them. (There are no big sins and little sins- they will all "defile" you.)
Have a great day. Keeping God's commandments is a big deal and we need to take keeping ALL of them more seriously.
For further reading:
Daniel 1:8-17
Matthew 25:21
Deuteronomy 11:32; 28:58
Joshua 1:7,8
Wednesday, June 24, 2020
"Whose Words Of Approval?"
"Whose Words Of Approval?"
"There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat." Matthew 26:7
One day when Jesus was eating at the house of Simon the leper, a woman with an alabaster box came and poured the expensive ointment that was in the box upon His head. When she did, the whole house began to talk. The Pharisees began to point out this woman's reputation. The disciples began to criticize her act calling it a waste. But she continued anyway. She didn't let what they said about her, their opinions, or their accusations stop her from pouring her "worship/love" out on Jesus.
When you demonstrate your worship to the Lord, when you make sacrifices for Him, when you are unreserved in your devotion to Him, when you are giving Him your all, when you have made Him Lord of your life, there will always be someone who will make it their business to "talk about you" and try to stop you from doing so. They will criticize you. They will condemn you. They will accuse you of being fanatical, too spiritual and thinking you are holier. They will tell you that you don't have to do all that- it's not necessary. And it won't be just the people who are sinners out in the world- it will be the church people too.
That day in the house were the Pharisees and the disciples, and as we said, they both had something critical to say about this woman's actions. I can understand the Pharisee's criticism but I can't the disciples. The Pharisees just talked about her reputation and criticized Jesus for allowing this woman to touch Him. The disciples, on the other hand, criticized her act of love and worship toward Jesus. They had been with Jesus for three years. They had seen His miracles. They knew He was the Son of God. They heard His teachings. They recognized His Lordship. But they thought she had wasted something valuable on Him. They, of all people, should have known that you can't get anymore valuable than Jesus. And what we do for Him is never a waste.
The point I am trying to get to and want to leave you with is this: people, in and out of the church, will always talk about your service, devotion and love of Jesus. But don't let what they say stop you. What they say is not what really matters. What matters is what Jesus says. If He accepts it, that is all that matters. If He is pleased by it, that's all that counts. It is His approval that we are after. Those in the room that day didn't approve of what was going on, but Jesus did. So as far as this woman was concerned that was all that mattered. As long as Jesus was pleased, she didn't care whether others were or not.
Have a great day. Someone will always criticize your worship and love of Jesus, but as long as He is pleased with it that is all that matters.
For further reading:
Matthew 26:6-12
Mark 14:1-9
Luke 7:36-50
One day when Jesus was eating at the house of Simon the leper, a woman with an alabaster box came and poured the expensive ointment that was in the box upon His head. When she did, the whole house began to talk. The Pharisees began to point out this woman's reputation. The disciples began to criticize her act calling it a waste. But she continued anyway. She didn't let what they said about her, their opinions, or their accusations stop her from pouring her "worship/love" out on Jesus.
When you demonstrate your worship to the Lord, when you make sacrifices for Him, when you are unreserved in your devotion to Him, when you are giving Him your all, when you have made Him Lord of your life, there will always be someone who will make it their business to "talk about you" and try to stop you from doing so. They will criticize you. They will condemn you. They will accuse you of being fanatical, too spiritual and thinking you are holier. They will tell you that you don't have to do all that- it's not necessary. And it won't be just the people who are sinners out in the world- it will be the church people too.
That day in the house were the Pharisees and the disciples, and as we said, they both had something critical to say about this woman's actions. I can understand the Pharisee's criticism but I can't the disciples. The Pharisees just talked about her reputation and criticized Jesus for allowing this woman to touch Him. The disciples, on the other hand, criticized her act of love and worship toward Jesus. They had been with Jesus for three years. They had seen His miracles. They knew He was the Son of God. They heard His teachings. They recognized His Lordship. But they thought she had wasted something valuable on Him. They, of all people, should have known that you can't get anymore valuable than Jesus. And what we do for Him is never a waste.
The point I am trying to get to and want to leave you with is this: people, in and out of the church, will always talk about your service, devotion and love of Jesus. But don't let what they say stop you. What they say is not what really matters. What matters is what Jesus says. If He accepts it, that is all that matters. If He is pleased by it, that's all that counts. It is His approval that we are after. Those in the room that day didn't approve of what was going on, but Jesus did. So as far as this woman was concerned that was all that mattered. As long as Jesus was pleased, she didn't care whether others were or not.
Have a great day. Someone will always criticize your worship and love of Jesus, but as long as He is pleased with it that is all that matters.
For further reading:
Matthew 26:6-12
Mark 14:1-9
Luke 7:36-50
Tuesday, June 23, 2020
"Thankful Or Not?"
"Thankful Or Not?"
"Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:20
Are you a thankful person or a complaining person? Many seem to have a problem maintaining an attitude of thanksgiving when bad things come into their lives- that is understandable. Being a person of thanksgiving even when bad things are happening is something we often have to work at and allow God to grow us up in spiritually. But I am talking to the ones who aren't thankful even when they receive something good from God. God can send blessings their way but it doesn't seem to be good enough- they still grumble and complain.
The children of Israel lived in the wilderness for forty years. There were no grocery stores in the wilderness, they did not grow gardens, yet they did not go hungry even once. There was food provided for them each and every day. All they had to do was go out and gather it in the morning and cook it. You would have thought that they would have been thankful. God was providing their need and giving them a "good" thing. But what was their response to it? They murmured and complained. They wanted something else. The manna wasn't good enough. They wanted meat.
Again being a thankful person when things are going bad is one thing, but to be ungrateful when good things come your way is to be selfish and self-centered. It then is not about the thing that was supplied, but it becomes more about my wants instead of my needs. God promised to supply all your need. He didn't promise to supply your wants and whims. This is what causes a lack of gratitude- the need wasn't supplied in the way you wanted it.
Which person describes you this morning? The one who is grateful for any and all blessings the Lord sends your way? The person who is thankful for having his need met even though it didn't come "wrapped up" in the package you desired? Or the person who is ungrateful and can't be satisfied unless he gets exactly what he wants the way he wants it?
Have a great day. There are two kinds of people- thankful and unthankful- which one describes you?
For further reading:
Philippians 4:19
Numbers 11:1-6, 18-20,31
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Are you a thankful person or a complaining person? Many seem to have a problem maintaining an attitude of thanksgiving when bad things come into their lives- that is understandable. Being a person of thanksgiving even when bad things are happening is something we often have to work at and allow God to grow us up in spiritually. But I am talking to the ones who aren't thankful even when they receive something good from God. God can send blessings their way but it doesn't seem to be good enough- they still grumble and complain.
The children of Israel lived in the wilderness for forty years. There were no grocery stores in the wilderness, they did not grow gardens, yet they did not go hungry even once. There was food provided for them each and every day. All they had to do was go out and gather it in the morning and cook it. You would have thought that they would have been thankful. God was providing their need and giving them a "good" thing. But what was their response to it? They murmured and complained. They wanted something else. The manna wasn't good enough. They wanted meat.
Again being a thankful person when things are going bad is one thing, but to be ungrateful when good things come your way is to be selfish and self-centered. It then is not about the thing that was supplied, but it becomes more about my wants instead of my needs. God promised to supply all your need. He didn't promise to supply your wants and whims. This is what causes a lack of gratitude- the need wasn't supplied in the way you wanted it.
Which person describes you this morning? The one who is grateful for any and all blessings the Lord sends your way? The person who is thankful for having his need met even though it didn't come "wrapped up" in the package you desired? Or the person who is ungrateful and can't be satisfied unless he gets exactly what he wants the way he wants it?
Have a great day. There are two kinds of people- thankful and unthankful- which one describes you?
For further reading:
Philippians 4:19
Numbers 11:1-6, 18-20,31
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Monday, June 22, 2020
"One On One Encounter"
"One On One Encounter"
"And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment." Matthew 9:20
You all know the story of this woman with the issue of blood. She had the disease for twelve years. She went to doctor after doctor and could not be healed. She spent all her money seeking a cure and still found none. It wasn't until she had a personal, one on one, encounter with Jesus that she was healed and delivered from her disease.
There are some things that we need in our life that we just can't get from anywhere or anyone else except Jesus. We can't get it from the doctors, from relationships, our monies can't buy it, we can't find it in a recovery program, through self help seminars, through church membership, through counseling or through any other source of man. This woman put her hope in the medical field and they let her down. She put her confidence in her finances to provide a way, but they ran out. It wasn't until she got close to Jesus and had a personal encounter with Him that she received her healing, deliverance and her life back.
Whatever it is that you need this morning, stop looking to man or this world's resources to meet the need. There are some things that are impossible to receive anywhere else except through Jesus. Man can't give you peace; they can't deliver you; they can't heal you; they can't give you salvation or abundant life; they can't give you rest, joy or strength. Only Jesus can do this and He does it through a one on one, personal encounter with Him. So draw close and near to Him. Press into His presence and don't stop short until you have touched His "hem" and heard Him say, "Daughter/Son". That's the place where your need will be met.
Have a great day. Some things that we need can only be received through a one on one encounter with Jesus.
For further reading:
Matthew 9:20-22
Philippians 4:19
Mark 10:27
James 4:8
You all know the story of this woman with the issue of blood. She had the disease for twelve years. She went to doctor after doctor and could not be healed. She spent all her money seeking a cure and still found none. It wasn't until she had a personal, one on one, encounter with Jesus that she was healed and delivered from her disease.
There are some things that we need in our life that we just can't get from anywhere or anyone else except Jesus. We can't get it from the doctors, from relationships, our monies can't buy it, we can't find it in a recovery program, through self help seminars, through church membership, through counseling or through any other source of man. This woman put her hope in the medical field and they let her down. She put her confidence in her finances to provide a way, but they ran out. It wasn't until she got close to Jesus and had a personal encounter with Him that she received her healing, deliverance and her life back.
Whatever it is that you need this morning, stop looking to man or this world's resources to meet the need. There are some things that are impossible to receive anywhere else except through Jesus. Man can't give you peace; they can't deliver you; they can't heal you; they can't give you salvation or abundant life; they can't give you rest, joy or strength. Only Jesus can do this and He does it through a one on one, personal encounter with Him. So draw close and near to Him. Press into His presence and don't stop short until you have touched His "hem" and heard Him say, "Daughter/Son". That's the place where your need will be met.
Have a great day. Some things that we need can only be received through a one on one encounter with Jesus.
For further reading:
Matthew 9:20-22
Philippians 4:19
Mark 10:27
James 4:8
Friday, June 19, 2020
"The Word Is There"
"The Word Is There"
"Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice." Matthew 26:34
We are always wanting "a word" from the Lord. We pray for a word, we seek out a word through others, we read the Bible hoping for a word. We want the Lord to talk to us and tell us what to do, give us direction and guidance, reassure us and comfort us. There is no lack of desire or want for a "personal" word. But when He does give us a word, what do we do with it? Do we ignore it? Do we disobey it? Do we turn a deaf ear to it? Or do we heed it?
Jesus gave Peter a word and Peter did two things with it. He protested it- "Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples." (v.35) We may want a word from the Lord, but that doesn't mean that the word He gives us will always be the word we want to hear. When it isn't, do we protest against it as if the Lord "missed it"; as if He doesn't know what He's talking about; as if He doesn't understand the question. Or do we accept it and do whatever we need to do with it?
Secondly, Peter ignored the word. "Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?" (vs.36,40) Had Peter not ignored, or forgotten about it, he would not have been sleeping, he would have been praying. Had he taken Jesus seriously, he would have spent the time praying that Jesus' words would not come true. He would have taken heed to His words and prayed for strength to stand, grace to not deny, and power from on high to resist the temptation. He would have followed the example of Jesus and spent the time in prayer.
The Lord speaks to us more often than we realize, but what are we doing with what He is saying. Are we ignoring it? Are we believing what He says? Are we taking Him seriously? Are we acting upon His word? If not, why are we asking Him to say something else when we are not heeding what He does say?
Have a great day. When the Lord gives you a word, what are you doing with it?
For further reading:
Matthew 26: 31-41; 69-75; 11:15
James 1:22
We are always wanting "a word" from the Lord. We pray for a word, we seek out a word through others, we read the Bible hoping for a word. We want the Lord to talk to us and tell us what to do, give us direction and guidance, reassure us and comfort us. There is no lack of desire or want for a "personal" word. But when He does give us a word, what do we do with it? Do we ignore it? Do we disobey it? Do we turn a deaf ear to it? Or do we heed it?
Jesus gave Peter a word and Peter did two things with it. He protested it- "Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples." (v.35) We may want a word from the Lord, but that doesn't mean that the word He gives us will always be the word we want to hear. When it isn't, do we protest against it as if the Lord "missed it"; as if He doesn't know what He's talking about; as if He doesn't understand the question. Or do we accept it and do whatever we need to do with it?
Secondly, Peter ignored the word. "Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?" (vs.36,40) Had Peter not ignored, or forgotten about it, he would not have been sleeping, he would have been praying. Had he taken Jesus seriously, he would have spent the time praying that Jesus' words would not come true. He would have taken heed to His words and prayed for strength to stand, grace to not deny, and power from on high to resist the temptation. He would have followed the example of Jesus and spent the time in prayer.
The Lord speaks to us more often than we realize, but what are we doing with what He is saying. Are we ignoring it? Are we believing what He says? Are we taking Him seriously? Are we acting upon His word? If not, why are we asking Him to say something else when we are not heeding what He does say?
Have a great day. When the Lord gives you a word, what are you doing with it?
For further reading:
Matthew 26: 31-41; 69-75; 11:15
James 1:22
Thursday, June 18, 2020
"The Manual"
"The Manual"
"Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not." Proverbs 8:33
Isn't it funny that we will follow the manufacturer's instructions when it comes to the care and operation of certain objects or appliances. For example, if you have a small electrical appliance and the instructions say- "Do Not Immerse"- you will be sure that when you are cleaning it you do not put it in water. If your flashlight calls for a particular size of battery you will purchase that size to use in it, not another size. It's that way with everything that we have which comes with instructions. We follow them and do what the manufacturer suggest. So my question is this, "Why is it, when it comes to the Bible, we don't do the same?"
The Bible is our "instruction manual" for life. It tells us what we should and should not do. It tells us how to receive eternal life. It tells us what the consequences will be if we refuse to follow its instructions. Yet, many people treat it with less regard than they do the owner's manual for an appliance. They ignore its teachings. They reject its warnings. They overlook its instructions. When you try to tell them what it says, they aren't interested and act as if you are making it up or that they can "violate" its warnings and still be safe. The instructions that came with my lawn mower warned me not to stick my hands or feet under it while it is running. Why? So that I don't lose a limb. Am I going to heed that warning? You better believe it. We obey these instructions because we want to stay safe and not risk injury. But we won't listen to God's warnings and continue living a lifestyle that leads to death.
God is the author of the Bible. He wrote it in order that you might know the truth about "life"-- how to have eternal life and abundant life, and how to "maintain" and "operate/live" it. When God's word says that the soul who sins will surely die, it means just that. It doesn't matter if society says a sinful practice is all right; it doesn't matter if our culture says it is not sin; it doesn't matter if it is politically correct; if the "manual/Bible" gives a warning concerning it, you better heed what is in the manual regardless of what others may try to tell you.
As with anything, if you ignore the warnings and instructions and go against them you will reap the consequences. This is true also of God's warnings that are written in the Bible. Are you ignoring them? Or are you heeding them? If you ignore them, it can cause serious injury or death- spiritually speaking. If you heed them and follow them, you will enjoy eternal and abundant life.
Have a great day. If you'll heed what the manufacturer of an appliance says, why won't you heed what God says in His word?
For further reading:
Proverbs 2:1,2; 7:1,2; 4:13,14,20; 3:1
Ezekiel 18:20a
Psalm 50:16,17
1 Corinthians 6:9,10
Galatians 5:19-25
Isn't it funny that we will follow the manufacturer's instructions when it comes to the care and operation of certain objects or appliances. For example, if you have a small electrical appliance and the instructions say- "Do Not Immerse"- you will be sure that when you are cleaning it you do not put it in water. If your flashlight calls for a particular size of battery you will purchase that size to use in it, not another size. It's that way with everything that we have which comes with instructions. We follow them and do what the manufacturer suggest. So my question is this, "Why is it, when it comes to the Bible, we don't do the same?"
The Bible is our "instruction manual" for life. It tells us what we should and should not do. It tells us how to receive eternal life. It tells us what the consequences will be if we refuse to follow its instructions. Yet, many people treat it with less regard than they do the owner's manual for an appliance. They ignore its teachings. They reject its warnings. They overlook its instructions. When you try to tell them what it says, they aren't interested and act as if you are making it up or that they can "violate" its warnings and still be safe. The instructions that came with my lawn mower warned me not to stick my hands or feet under it while it is running. Why? So that I don't lose a limb. Am I going to heed that warning? You better believe it. We obey these instructions because we want to stay safe and not risk injury. But we won't listen to God's warnings and continue living a lifestyle that leads to death.
God is the author of the Bible. He wrote it in order that you might know the truth about "life"-- how to have eternal life and abundant life, and how to "maintain" and "operate/live" it. When God's word says that the soul who sins will surely die, it means just that. It doesn't matter if society says a sinful practice is all right; it doesn't matter if our culture says it is not sin; it doesn't matter if it is politically correct; if the "manual/Bible" gives a warning concerning it, you better heed what is in the manual regardless of what others may try to tell you.
As with anything, if you ignore the warnings and instructions and go against them you will reap the consequences. This is true also of God's warnings that are written in the Bible. Are you ignoring them? Or are you heeding them? If you ignore them, it can cause serious injury or death- spiritually speaking. If you heed them and follow them, you will enjoy eternal and abundant life.
Have a great day. If you'll heed what the manufacturer of an appliance says, why won't you heed what God says in His word?
For further reading:
Proverbs 2:1,2; 7:1,2; 4:13,14,20; 3:1
Ezekiel 18:20a
Psalm 50:16,17
1 Corinthians 6:9,10
Galatians 5:19-25
Wednesday, June 17, 2020
"Lay The Weight Aside"
"Lay The Weight Aside"
"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us." Hebrews 12:1
Not everything that weighs us down is something sinful, but it encumbers us nevertheless and hinders us from running the "race that is set before us.". "Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us." It is so easy to get involved with so much busyness that our focus and attention is given to it instead of pursuing the things of God that tend to eternal life. We live in a world that is always vying for our attention, especially in our Western world-- there is no want for activity and there is no lack of entertainment that pulls us to itself.
Am I saying that activity and entertainment is wrong? Am I saying that we shouldn't be involved in anything? No, and, yes. Not everything that we get involved in is wrong. As the scripture told us- not everything that weighs us down is necessarily sin. But the yes of my answer is this- if it hinders you from not only running the race but staying in the race, then it is wrong. Is it worth losing the race over? Is it more important? Will you give it exchange for your soul? Is it more valuable than your relationship with your Savior Jesus?
If you have ever done any gardening- vegetable or flowers- you know that if you don't pull the weeds up, but allow them to grow, they will suck all the nutrients from the plants. I used to have a plant in my house that would occasionally make a very pretty bulb type of flower. I was told that the flower was not a flower at all, it was a sucker and I needed to remove it or it would stunt the growth of the plant. I was reluctant at first because it was so pretty, but for the benefit of the plant- if it was going to grow and thrive- I had to do it.
There comes a time when we all have to take inventory of our lives. We have to check and see what is necessary and what really isn't. We have to determine what is just "excess baggage" and what is essential. We have to decide whether it is aiding our spiritual growth or "sucking" the life out of it. Then we have to make the choice to either allow it to remain or "de-clutter" and remove it from our lives. What is weighing you down this morning? What is a hindrance to your walk with the Lord? What is slowing you down in the race? Is it really that important? Is it really worth it? Is it really worth the attention you are giving it?
Have a great day. Just because it may not be "sin" doesn't mean that it still won't weigh you down and hinder you from running the race.
For further reading:
Matthew 16:26; 6:33
Luke 10:38-42; 21:34
Not everything that weighs us down is something sinful, but it encumbers us nevertheless and hinders us from running the "race that is set before us.". "Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us." It is so easy to get involved with so much busyness that our focus and attention is given to it instead of pursuing the things of God that tend to eternal life. We live in a world that is always vying for our attention, especially in our Western world-- there is no want for activity and there is no lack of entertainment that pulls us to itself.
Am I saying that activity and entertainment is wrong? Am I saying that we shouldn't be involved in anything? No, and, yes. Not everything that we get involved in is wrong. As the scripture told us- not everything that weighs us down is necessarily sin. But the yes of my answer is this- if it hinders you from not only running the race but staying in the race, then it is wrong. Is it worth losing the race over? Is it more important? Will you give it exchange for your soul? Is it more valuable than your relationship with your Savior Jesus?
If you have ever done any gardening- vegetable or flowers- you know that if you don't pull the weeds up, but allow them to grow, they will suck all the nutrients from the plants. I used to have a plant in my house that would occasionally make a very pretty bulb type of flower. I was told that the flower was not a flower at all, it was a sucker and I needed to remove it or it would stunt the growth of the plant. I was reluctant at first because it was so pretty, but for the benefit of the plant- if it was going to grow and thrive- I had to do it.
There comes a time when we all have to take inventory of our lives. We have to check and see what is necessary and what really isn't. We have to determine what is just "excess baggage" and what is essential. We have to decide whether it is aiding our spiritual growth or "sucking" the life out of it. Then we have to make the choice to either allow it to remain or "de-clutter" and remove it from our lives. What is weighing you down this morning? What is a hindrance to your walk with the Lord? What is slowing you down in the race? Is it really that important? Is it really worth it? Is it really worth the attention you are giving it?
Have a great day. Just because it may not be "sin" doesn't mean that it still won't weigh you down and hinder you from running the race.
For further reading:
Matthew 16:26; 6:33
Luke 10:38-42; 21:34
Tuesday, June 16, 2020
"He's Coming For His Sheep"
"He's Coming For His Sheep"
"And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats." Matthew 25:32
Recently someone asked me about the beliefs of a particular denomination. They had heard that this denomination believes that they are the only ones who are going to heaven and if you are not part of their church you will not make it. I have noticed that there are several religious groups that believe this same way. They believe that they are the only ones who will be there or that Jesus is returning only for them. As our conversation progressed I told this person that when Jesus returns He isn't coming for a denomination. He isn't coming for the Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, Assembly of God, Catholic, etc. He is coming for His sheep. (He is coming for His sheep regardless of what denomination that they are in.)
Jesus is the good Shepherd, and the Shepherd is coming for His sheep. He is coming for those who are following Him- like sheep follow their shepherd. He isn't coming for the "religious". He isn't coming for "church goers". He isn't coming for the "church member". You can be all that- religious, church member, church worker, etc.- and still not be a follower of Jesus. The Pharisees were all that, but they didn't follow Jesus, they rejected Him and His teachings. Just because you sit in church doesn't mean that you are following Jesus any more than going to McDonald's makes you a Big Mac. Just "sitting" in church, just attending church services, just being part of a particular denomination is not what defines you as a follower of Christ. Repenting of your sins, being obedient to His commands, loving Him with all your heart, seeking to do His will and not your own, giving Him first place in your life, making Him the Lord of your life is what makes you are follower. It makes you one of His sheep.
Are you counting on your affiliation with a particular denomination to save you? Are you counting on your church attendance and adherence to that church to make you right with God? Are you putting your faith in your religion to get you to heaven? Or are you putting your faith in Jesus and living out your faith by following Him? Are you just going to church or following the Shepherd? Your denominational affiliation doesn't save you, faith in Christ does. And faith in Christ means you follow Him.
Have a great day. Are you a follower of the Good Shepherd or just a denomination?
For further reading:
John 10:11-15,27
Matthew 16:24
Ephesians 2:8,9
John 3:16
Recently someone asked me about the beliefs of a particular denomination. They had heard that this denomination believes that they are the only ones who are going to heaven and if you are not part of their church you will not make it. I have noticed that there are several religious groups that believe this same way. They believe that they are the only ones who will be there or that Jesus is returning only for them. As our conversation progressed I told this person that when Jesus returns He isn't coming for a denomination. He isn't coming for the Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, Assembly of God, Catholic, etc. He is coming for His sheep. (He is coming for His sheep regardless of what denomination that they are in.)
Jesus is the good Shepherd, and the Shepherd is coming for His sheep. He is coming for those who are following Him- like sheep follow their shepherd. He isn't coming for the "religious". He isn't coming for "church goers". He isn't coming for the "church member". You can be all that- religious, church member, church worker, etc.- and still not be a follower of Jesus. The Pharisees were all that, but they didn't follow Jesus, they rejected Him and His teachings. Just because you sit in church doesn't mean that you are following Jesus any more than going to McDonald's makes you a Big Mac. Just "sitting" in church, just attending church services, just being part of a particular denomination is not what defines you as a follower of Christ. Repenting of your sins, being obedient to His commands, loving Him with all your heart, seeking to do His will and not your own, giving Him first place in your life, making Him the Lord of your life is what makes you are follower. It makes you one of His sheep.
Are you counting on your affiliation with a particular denomination to save you? Are you counting on your church attendance and adherence to that church to make you right with God? Are you putting your faith in your religion to get you to heaven? Or are you putting your faith in Jesus and living out your faith by following Him? Are you just going to church or following the Shepherd? Your denominational affiliation doesn't save you, faith in Christ does. And faith in Christ means you follow Him.
Have a great day. Are you a follower of the Good Shepherd or just a denomination?
For further reading:
John 10:11-15,27
Matthew 16:24
Ephesians 2:8,9
John 3:16
Monday, June 15, 2020
"Room"
"Room"
"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
I was thinking about an old hymn this morning- "There is Room At The Cross". The chorus goes like this: "There's room at the cross for you. There's room at the cross for you. Tho millions have come. There's still room for one. Yes, there's room at the cross for you." As this song played over and over in my mind, I thought about making room for Jesus. This earth did not make room for Him at His first coming. There was no room for Him to be born in- He was born in a stable. There was no grave for Him to be buried in- He borrowed a tomb. Even now He still doesn't find room in the lives of multiplied millions of people. And sadly, even among His own children is room seldom made for Him in their daily activities.
But I have good news this morning. Even though we seem to find no, or little, room for Him, He has made room for us. He made room for us by coming to earth-- He took the time to reach down to dying humanity in order to give us the opportunity to receive eternal life. He made room at the cross for whoever would come to Him in repentance-- the space at the foot of the cross is not limited, there is always room for one more. He has also made room for us in His house-- He couldn't find a place here on earth, but He has made sure that we find a place in heaven. "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you." (John 14:2)
He is preparing a room/place in heaven. This place is for those who will give Him room in their lives here on earth in return. Is that you this morning? Are you giving Him room in your life? If so, how much room does He occupy? If you aren't, why not? Or do you give Him room when it is convenient or only when you need His help? When He comes desiring to spend time with you, does He often walk away having found no room- not even a "stable"? You are the desire of His heart so He has made room for you. If He is your desire, you will make room for Him.
Have a great day. He has made room for you, are you making room for Him?
For further reading:
Matthew 6:33
Psalm 31:8
John 14:1-3,23
I was thinking about an old hymn this morning- "There is Room At The Cross". The chorus goes like this: "There's room at the cross for you. There's room at the cross for you. Tho millions have come. There's still room for one. Yes, there's room at the cross for you." As this song played over and over in my mind, I thought about making room for Jesus. This earth did not make room for Him at His first coming. There was no room for Him to be born in- He was born in a stable. There was no grave for Him to be buried in- He borrowed a tomb. Even now He still doesn't find room in the lives of multiplied millions of people. And sadly, even among His own children is room seldom made for Him in their daily activities.
But I have good news this morning. Even though we seem to find no, or little, room for Him, He has made room for us. He made room for us by coming to earth-- He took the time to reach down to dying humanity in order to give us the opportunity to receive eternal life. He made room at the cross for whoever would come to Him in repentance-- the space at the foot of the cross is not limited, there is always room for one more. He has also made room for us in His house-- He couldn't find a place here on earth, but He has made sure that we find a place in heaven. "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you." (John 14:2)
He is preparing a room/place in heaven. This place is for those who will give Him room in their lives here on earth in return. Is that you this morning? Are you giving Him room in your life? If so, how much room does He occupy? If you aren't, why not? Or do you give Him room when it is convenient or only when you need His help? When He comes desiring to spend time with you, does He often walk away having found no room- not even a "stable"? You are the desire of His heart so He has made room for you. If He is your desire, you will make room for Him.
Have a great day. He has made room for you, are you making room for Him?
For further reading:
Matthew 6:33
Psalm 31:8
John 14:1-3,23
Friday, June 12, 2020
"Tarry"
"Tarry"
"And God said..." Genesis 1:3a
What a difference just one word from the Lord makes. It can bring light into a dark situation, peace into chaos, joy into sorrow. It can bring healing where there is sickness. "Speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed." (Matthew 8:8b) It brings life where there is death. "And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise." (Mark 5:41) Just one word from the Lord is so powerful that it can change the very situation you are in. It can give renewed strength and hope, it can give direction and guidance, it can give clarity when you can't figure out what is going on.
The answer to our problems is found in a word from the Lord. That is what we need more than anything else- to hear Him speak to us. Why does it seem that we can't get that word that is needed- that word that He speaks to us that changes everything? Mostly it's because we are seeking a word from Him through other people. We want some man to speak to us for God. Does He use others to speak to us and into our lives? Yes, He does. But He desires to speak to you Himself. He doesn't always do it through someone else.
Also, we aren't willing to sit still long enough to hear Him speak. We want an answer and we want it now- or sooner. Everything has to be "instant" for us. God does speak to us at times immediately, but more often than not there is a "waiting on Him" period where we have to take the time to be still and listen. I personally believe that we have lost the discipline of "waiting on the Lord". The older saints called it "tarrying". Just because it is not a modern term doesn't mean that it has "gone out of style". Jesus commanded His disciples to tarry in Jerusalem until they were endued with power. I believe He hasn't changed and still requires that we tarry at times in order to hear and receive from Him. Let me give you my simple definition for tarrying- sit still, be quiet and don't get up until you hear from God.
Have a great day. You need to hear a word from the Lord- that's where your answer lies, but it is very hard to hear Him when you won't be patient and sit still long enough to listen.
For further reading:
1 Timothy 2:5
Luke 24:49
Numbers 22:19
1 Samuel 3:8-10
Psalm 40:1
What a difference just one word from the Lord makes. It can bring light into a dark situation, peace into chaos, joy into sorrow. It can bring healing where there is sickness. "Speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed." (Matthew 8:8b) It brings life where there is death. "And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise." (Mark 5:41) Just one word from the Lord is so powerful that it can change the very situation you are in. It can give renewed strength and hope, it can give direction and guidance, it can give clarity when you can't figure out what is going on.
The answer to our problems is found in a word from the Lord. That is what we need more than anything else- to hear Him speak to us. Why does it seem that we can't get that word that is needed- that word that He speaks to us that changes everything? Mostly it's because we are seeking a word from Him through other people. We want some man to speak to us for God. Does He use others to speak to us and into our lives? Yes, He does. But He desires to speak to you Himself. He doesn't always do it through someone else.
Also, we aren't willing to sit still long enough to hear Him speak. We want an answer and we want it now- or sooner. Everything has to be "instant" for us. God does speak to us at times immediately, but more often than not there is a "waiting on Him" period where we have to take the time to be still and listen. I personally believe that we have lost the discipline of "waiting on the Lord". The older saints called it "tarrying". Just because it is not a modern term doesn't mean that it has "gone out of style". Jesus commanded His disciples to tarry in Jerusalem until they were endued with power. I believe He hasn't changed and still requires that we tarry at times in order to hear and receive from Him. Let me give you my simple definition for tarrying- sit still, be quiet and don't get up until you hear from God.
Have a great day. You need to hear a word from the Lord- that's where your answer lies, but it is very hard to hear Him when you won't be patient and sit still long enough to listen.
For further reading:
1 Timothy 2:5
Luke 24:49
Numbers 22:19
1 Samuel 3:8-10
Psalm 40:1
Thursday, June 11, 2020
"As He Said"
"As He Said"
"He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay." Matthew 28:6
"As He Said". Have you ever thought about the fact that our whole Christian belief, our whole walk with the Lord, all our trust, confidence and hope in God is based on "Word" only? It is not something that we see with our natural eyes, but it was a word that was spoken and we put our faith in the validity and truthfulness of that word.
We received salvation because we believed the word that was preached to us. We receive strength in hard times and trials through a word. Our eternal life is based on the word of God. Faith is produced in us through words- God's words.
How can we put our trust and confidence in words only? Where is the proof? Where is something tangible that we can hold in our hands, like Thomas who put his fingers in the nail holes in Jesus' hands? It's because our faith is not just in "any" words, not just in any "man's" word. It is in God's word! The resurrection of Christ from the dead is a glorious reminder. It reminds us of God's love for us because He sent His only begotten Son to die for our sins. It reminds us that our salvation has been paid in full and the price that it cost for our freedom from sin. It reminds us that we have been raised to new life through Christ. It reminds us of the great power that God has and has given to us over sin. But it also reminds us of the faithfulness of God's word.
Jesus rose from the dead just as He had said He would. This is why we can put our trust and hang our eternal security on "just words". It's because the words that were spoken, the words that made the promises, the words that give us hope are the words of the One who has always faithfully kept His word. When He says something, you can "bank on it" and put your whole trust and confidence in what He says because He is faithful as promised.
Have a great day. The Lord has proven His faithfulness to do what He says He will do time and time again. The empty tomb is a reminder that He does what He says He will do.
For further reading:
Numbers 23:19
Hebrews 11;11
1 Kings 8:56
1 Corinthians 1:21
John 20:29; 8:30
Romans 10:17
"As He Said". Have you ever thought about the fact that our whole Christian belief, our whole walk with the Lord, all our trust, confidence and hope in God is based on "Word" only? It is not something that we see with our natural eyes, but it was a word that was spoken and we put our faith in the validity and truthfulness of that word.
We received salvation because we believed the word that was preached to us. We receive strength in hard times and trials through a word. Our eternal life is based on the word of God. Faith is produced in us through words- God's words.
How can we put our trust and confidence in words only? Where is the proof? Where is something tangible that we can hold in our hands, like Thomas who put his fingers in the nail holes in Jesus' hands? It's because our faith is not just in "any" words, not just in any "man's" word. It is in God's word! The resurrection of Christ from the dead is a glorious reminder. It reminds us of God's love for us because He sent His only begotten Son to die for our sins. It reminds us that our salvation has been paid in full and the price that it cost for our freedom from sin. It reminds us that we have been raised to new life through Christ. It reminds us of the great power that God has and has given to us over sin. But it also reminds us of the faithfulness of God's word.
Jesus rose from the dead just as He had said He would. This is why we can put our trust and hang our eternal security on "just words". It's because the words that were spoken, the words that made the promises, the words that give us hope are the words of the One who has always faithfully kept His word. When He says something, you can "bank on it" and put your whole trust and confidence in what He says because He is faithful as promised.
Have a great day. The Lord has proven His faithfulness to do what He says He will do time and time again. The empty tomb is a reminder that He does what He says He will do.
For further reading:
Numbers 23:19
Hebrews 11;11
1 Kings 8:56
1 Corinthians 1:21
John 20:29; 8:30
Romans 10:17
Wednesday, June 10, 2020
"Prayer"
"Prayer"
"Pray without ceasing." 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Such a short verse but a very powerful one. There is power in prayer. But sadly many think that prayer is a particular formula or a position. Prayer is neither, it is an attitude of communion with the Father based on your trust in Him.
Jesus taught us this by example. He prayed all the time. He lived in the place of prayer. He stayed in constant communion with the Father, not just in the times when He would depart into a solitary place to pray.
Have you examined your prayer life lately? Can you call it a "prayer life" (a life of prayer)? Do you only pray at certain times, certain places and in certain situations? Is your prayer time confined to once or twice a day, or on Sunday's only? Do you pray all the time about everything? Do you talk to God on a continual basis?
Prayer is such a wonderful privilege that we have been given. It's an invitation given to us by a holy God, the Creator of the universe to come and make our requests known and have fellowship with Him. How awesome is that! He invites us to come and talk to Him- about everything and at any time, and all the time.
Have a great day. Are you talking advantage of the privilege that you have been given to have communion with God through prayer?
For further reading:
Mark 1:35; 6:46
John 11:41-43
Matthew 26:41
Hebrews 11:6
Such a short verse but a very powerful one. There is power in prayer. But sadly many think that prayer is a particular formula or a position. Prayer is neither, it is an attitude of communion with the Father based on your trust in Him.
Jesus taught us this by example. He prayed all the time. He lived in the place of prayer. He stayed in constant communion with the Father, not just in the times when He would depart into a solitary place to pray.
Have you examined your prayer life lately? Can you call it a "prayer life" (a life of prayer)? Do you only pray at certain times, certain places and in certain situations? Is your prayer time confined to once or twice a day, or on Sunday's only? Do you pray all the time about everything? Do you talk to God on a continual basis?
Prayer is such a wonderful privilege that we have been given. It's an invitation given to us by a holy God, the Creator of the universe to come and make our requests known and have fellowship with Him. How awesome is that! He invites us to come and talk to Him- about everything and at any time, and all the time.
Have a great day. Are you talking advantage of the privilege that you have been given to have communion with God through prayer?
For further reading:
Mark 1:35; 6:46
John 11:41-43
Matthew 26:41
Hebrews 11:6
Tuesday, June 9, 2020
"Acquainted"
"Acquainted"
"Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted." Hebrews 2:18
When you are going through a difficulty, how many people say they sympathize with you as if they have been through the same thing themselves but never have? How many people say that they understand but they really don't. Often people want to help you and comfort you but unless they have actually been where you are, all they can do is have compassion for you, try to encourage you and pray, but they are "standing on the outside looking in". They don't know what it actually feels like. They haven't walked that way before, they haven't gone through the same ordeal, and they don't understand what you are going through by first hand experience.
While people often try to help us when we are going through something, sometimes they fall short because they haven't gone through it themselves so they really can't relate. But I want to remind you this morning that whatever you are going through, whatever temptation you are facing, whatever trial you are in, there is one who does understand, there is one who can truly sympathize, there is one who has walked that same path and He has the power to help you. His name is Jesus.
He was tempted in every area that we are tempted in. He faced the same trials we face. He knows what it is like to feel sadness, rejection, ridicule, separation, be forsaken, and have demands placed on you... He faced it all. He faced it all when He walked among us as a man. He went through all the same things that we go through and He overcame it.
So whatever it is that you are going through, Jesus has "been there and done that". He knows how you feel. He knows what you are going through. But He also knows how to rise above it, how to handle it, and how to be victorious in it. Because He knows and because He has walked through it, He has the power-- as you look to Him-- to help you overcome it as well.
Have a great day. Some may sympathize with you, others may try to comfort you, but Jesus knows exactly what you are going through and has the power to help you make it through it.
For further reading:
Hebrews 4:15
John 16:33
Isaiah 53:3,4
When you are going through a difficulty, how many people say they sympathize with you as if they have been through the same thing themselves but never have? How many people say that they understand but they really don't. Often people want to help you and comfort you but unless they have actually been where you are, all they can do is have compassion for you, try to encourage you and pray, but they are "standing on the outside looking in". They don't know what it actually feels like. They haven't walked that way before, they haven't gone through the same ordeal, and they don't understand what you are going through by first hand experience.
While people often try to help us when we are going through something, sometimes they fall short because they haven't gone through it themselves so they really can't relate. But I want to remind you this morning that whatever you are going through, whatever temptation you are facing, whatever trial you are in, there is one who does understand, there is one who can truly sympathize, there is one who has walked that same path and He has the power to help you. His name is Jesus.
He was tempted in every area that we are tempted in. He faced the same trials we face. He knows what it is like to feel sadness, rejection, ridicule, separation, be forsaken, and have demands placed on you... He faced it all. He faced it all when He walked among us as a man. He went through all the same things that we go through and He overcame it.
So whatever it is that you are going through, Jesus has "been there and done that". He knows how you feel. He knows what you are going through. But He also knows how to rise above it, how to handle it, and how to be victorious in it. Because He knows and because He has walked through it, He has the power-- as you look to Him-- to help you overcome it as well.
Have a great day. Some may sympathize with you, others may try to comfort you, but Jesus knows exactly what you are going through and has the power to help you make it through it.
For further reading:
Hebrews 4:15
John 16:33
Isaiah 53:3,4
Monday, June 8, 2020
"I Will Rejoice"
"I Will Rejoice"
"This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24
"We will rejoice". I am going to make this personal today- "I will rejoice". And when I think about it, I have every reason to rejoice, even if I am going through trying times and difficulties.
Today, I will rejoice because God will supply all my need. Every need I have- spirit, soul and body- He will see to providing it for me. I will rejoice because God does not change even if I change or the situations of my life change. Therefore, I can trust His faithfulness to me in every area of my life. I will rejoice because of His promises to me that I can count upon because He does not lie. I will rejoice because His goodness and mercy follows me everywhere I go. I will rejoice because I know that I am not going through this day alone- He will never leave me nor forsake me. I will rejoice because He gives me all things that pertain to life, because His strength is made perfect in my weakness, because He gives me His peace, because He gives me wisdom from above and because He will direct my steps before me. I will rejoice because I know that no matter what the enemy throws my way or how he comes against me, I already have the victory because of Jesus.
So you see, we have every reason to rejoice. Therefore, when you are tempted to be fearful, when confusion begins to cloud your thoughts, when you find yourself wanting to get discouraged, depressed, worried or anxious, remember that the One who made the day is walking with you throughout the day, is providing for you today, is going before you today and is watching over you today.
Have a great day. I can rejoice today no matter what happens as long as I keep my focus on the One who made the day and not on what comes my way today.
For further reading:
Philippians 4:19
Hebrews 13:5,8
Malachi 3:6
Hebrews 10:23
Titus 1:2
Psalm 23:6
2 Peter 1:3
2 Corinthians 12:9
John 14:27
James 3:17
1 Corinthians 15:57
Proverbs 3:6
"We will rejoice". I am going to make this personal today- "I will rejoice". And when I think about it, I have every reason to rejoice, even if I am going through trying times and difficulties.
Today, I will rejoice because God will supply all my need. Every need I have- spirit, soul and body- He will see to providing it for me. I will rejoice because God does not change even if I change or the situations of my life change. Therefore, I can trust His faithfulness to me in every area of my life. I will rejoice because of His promises to me that I can count upon because He does not lie. I will rejoice because His goodness and mercy follows me everywhere I go. I will rejoice because I know that I am not going through this day alone- He will never leave me nor forsake me. I will rejoice because He gives me all things that pertain to life, because His strength is made perfect in my weakness, because He gives me His peace, because He gives me wisdom from above and because He will direct my steps before me. I will rejoice because I know that no matter what the enemy throws my way or how he comes against me, I already have the victory because of Jesus.
So you see, we have every reason to rejoice. Therefore, when you are tempted to be fearful, when confusion begins to cloud your thoughts, when you find yourself wanting to get discouraged, depressed, worried or anxious, remember that the One who made the day is walking with you throughout the day, is providing for you today, is going before you today and is watching over you today.
Have a great day. I can rejoice today no matter what happens as long as I keep my focus on the One who made the day and not on what comes my way today.
For further reading:
Philippians 4:19
Hebrews 13:5,8
Malachi 3:6
Hebrews 10:23
Titus 1:2
Psalm 23:6
2 Peter 1:3
2 Corinthians 12:9
John 14:27
James 3:17
1 Corinthians 15:57
Proverbs 3:6
Friday, June 5, 2020
"God's Searching Eyes"
"God's Searching Eyes"
"For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him." 2 Chronicles 16:9a
God's all seeing eyes are continually looking over His creation. Some believe that He is looking for something bad in their lives, something to judge them for or something so that He can punish them about. They see God only as someone who is out to "get them". On the contrary, His all seeing eyes are searching for someone He can help.
God is not on the "look out" for ways He can punish you- He is looking for ways He can help you. He is looking for those who need His help, for those who need His strength, for those who need His peace and His comfort. When Adam disobeyed the Lord and brought sin upon all mankind, God's all seeing eyes saw it. He saw Adam's sin and failure, but He also saw his need. He saw the need of mankind, which was a Savior. There was the opportunity for God to show Himself strong and mighty to save on our behalf. He sent His Son Jesus who told us that He came to "seek and to save that which was lost". In other words, He came looking for those who were lost and unable to save themselves.
He is still doing the same thing today- "seeking out those who need His strength". He is looking for those that He can lift up, those He can give renewed hope to, those who have been broken so that He can put them back together again, and those who are discouraged so that He can encourage and revive them. Is that you this morning? His eyes see you and not only are they looking at you, they are looking at you with pity, compassion, mercy and grace, desiring to lift you up and strengthen you at the point of your every need. Will you let Him do that for you? Will you trust Him? Will you surrender to Him?
Have a great day. His eyes are upon you looking for ways He can show Himself strong on your behalf.
For further reading:
2 Corinthians 12:9
Luke 19:10
Proverbs 15:3
1 Peter 3:12
Psalm 31:24
God's all seeing eyes are continually looking over His creation. Some believe that He is looking for something bad in their lives, something to judge them for or something so that He can punish them about. They see God only as someone who is out to "get them". On the contrary, His all seeing eyes are searching for someone He can help.
God is not on the "look out" for ways He can punish you- He is looking for ways He can help you. He is looking for those who need His help, for those who need His strength, for those who need His peace and His comfort. When Adam disobeyed the Lord and brought sin upon all mankind, God's all seeing eyes saw it. He saw Adam's sin and failure, but He also saw his need. He saw the need of mankind, which was a Savior. There was the opportunity for God to show Himself strong and mighty to save on our behalf. He sent His Son Jesus who told us that He came to "seek and to save that which was lost". In other words, He came looking for those who were lost and unable to save themselves.
He is still doing the same thing today- "seeking out those who need His strength". He is looking for those that He can lift up, those He can give renewed hope to, those who have been broken so that He can put them back together again, and those who are discouraged so that He can encourage and revive them. Is that you this morning? His eyes see you and not only are they looking at you, they are looking at you with pity, compassion, mercy and grace, desiring to lift you up and strengthen you at the point of your every need. Will you let Him do that for you? Will you trust Him? Will you surrender to Him?
Have a great day. His eyes are upon you looking for ways He can show Himself strong on your behalf.
For further reading:
2 Corinthians 12:9
Luke 19:10
Proverbs 15:3
1 Peter 3:12
Psalm 31:24
Thursday, June 4, 2020
"It Won't Disappear"
"It Won't Disappear"
"And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him, and were sore afraid." 1 Samuel 17:24
There is an adage that says, "Face your fear and it will disappear". You can take that two ways- face it in the sense of "look at it", or in the sense of "stand up to it". Most people tend to face it in the sense of just "looking at it". They know it's there, they recognize it, but that is all they do- just sit back and look at it- they never make an attempt to do anything about it.
Just recognizing that it is there or just acknowledging the fact that it exist does not bring deliverance and freedom from it. Just ask the Israelite army. They faced Goliath everyday, morning and evening, for forty days but he didn't disappear. These soldiers even talked about Goliath (their object of fear and intimidation). "And the men of Israel said, Have ye seen this man that is come up?" (1 Samuel 17:25a) But that was all they did- talk about their problem while looking at it.
Recognizing it and even talking about it isn't enough to make it "disappear". Goliath didn't "disappear" (he wasn't destroyed) until he was confronted. David ran out and confronted that object of fear and intimidation. When he did, Goliath was defeated. Until we do something about the fear that comes against us it won't go away, it will stay there taunting you, intimidating you, accusing you, and condemning you. It is only when you confront and stand up to it that it will be defeated.
Don't just stand on the sidelines looking at the object of fear, don't shrink back from it, don't let it send you into hiding, don't listen to and believe its threats, go out and confront it and when you do God will give you the victory over it. Actually, you already have victory over it through Jesus' victory at the cross. "And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it." (Colossians 2:15)
Have a great day. Just recognizing your fear will not make it disappear, you have to confront it and stand up against it. When you do, victory over it is assured.
For further reading:
John 16:33
Zechariah 4:6
2 Timothy 1:7
Luke 10:19
There is an adage that says, "Face your fear and it will disappear". You can take that two ways- face it in the sense of "look at it", or in the sense of "stand up to it". Most people tend to face it in the sense of just "looking at it". They know it's there, they recognize it, but that is all they do- just sit back and look at it- they never make an attempt to do anything about it.
Just recognizing that it is there or just acknowledging the fact that it exist does not bring deliverance and freedom from it. Just ask the Israelite army. They faced Goliath everyday, morning and evening, for forty days but he didn't disappear. These soldiers even talked about Goliath (their object of fear and intimidation). "And the men of Israel said, Have ye seen this man that is come up?" (1 Samuel 17:25a) But that was all they did- talk about their problem while looking at it.
Recognizing it and even talking about it isn't enough to make it "disappear". Goliath didn't "disappear" (he wasn't destroyed) until he was confronted. David ran out and confronted that object of fear and intimidation. When he did, Goliath was defeated. Until we do something about the fear that comes against us it won't go away, it will stay there taunting you, intimidating you, accusing you, and condemning you. It is only when you confront and stand up to it that it will be defeated.
Don't just stand on the sidelines looking at the object of fear, don't shrink back from it, don't let it send you into hiding, don't listen to and believe its threats, go out and confront it and when you do God will give you the victory over it. Actually, you already have victory over it through Jesus' victory at the cross. "And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it." (Colossians 2:15)
Have a great day. Just recognizing your fear will not make it disappear, you have to confront it and stand up against it. When you do, victory over it is assured.
For further reading:
John 16:33
Zechariah 4:6
2 Timothy 1:7
Luke 10:19
Wednesday, June 3, 2020
"Destroyed World"
"Destroyed World"
"And every living substance was destroyed which was upon the face of the ground, both man, and cattle, and the creeping things, and the fowl of the heaven; and they were destroyed from the earth: and Noah only remained alive, and they that were with him in the ark." Genesis 7:23
When the flood, or storm, came in Noah's life, it literally destroyed his world. It destroyed all he had worked for to accumulate- his home, his properties, his assets, etc . It destroyed everything that he had grown up with- familiar surroundings were gone. It took away relationships. It transitioned him from one place to another. As I said, it destroyed everything (with the exception of his wife and children).
There are storms that many have faced, or are facing now, that are literally destroying their whole world. Some are going through marriage storms, some are going through financial storms, some are going through storms that are attacking their bodies with disease, some are facing storms so devastating that it is changing their whole life to such a degree where nothing is familiar any more. Some are facing storms that are "blowing away" everything they have worked so hard to accumulate. Perhaps you are that person this morning. Perhaps you feel as if your world is gone- nothing left.
Let me give you a word of hope and consolation. Even though Noah was going through a storm/flood unlike anything ever experienced before, he did not go through it alone. God was there with him. God was there leading him and guiding him the whole time. God sustained him and kept him through it. God instructed him and continued to speak to him. So take heart, God has not left you in the storm. He didn't abandon Noah, He has not abandoned you in your time of need either- if He had you never would have made it this far. Noah wasn't destroyed because God was protecting him while the rain was falling and the flood waters rising. He will do no less for you. He will protect you as well. It doesn't always mean He will protect your possessions, your position, your accumulations, but He will protect you and be with you through the storm.
Have a great day. Some storms seem to destroy our whole world, but even in the most devastating storm you are not alone- the Lord is still with you.
For further reading:
Genesis 7
Genesis 8:1
Hebrews 13:5
When the flood, or storm, came in Noah's life, it literally destroyed his world. It destroyed all he had worked for to accumulate- his home, his properties, his assets, etc . It destroyed everything that he had grown up with- familiar surroundings were gone. It took away relationships. It transitioned him from one place to another. As I said, it destroyed everything (with the exception of his wife and children).
There are storms that many have faced, or are facing now, that are literally destroying their whole world. Some are going through marriage storms, some are going through financial storms, some are going through storms that are attacking their bodies with disease, some are facing storms so devastating that it is changing their whole life to such a degree where nothing is familiar any more. Some are facing storms that are "blowing away" everything they have worked so hard to accumulate. Perhaps you are that person this morning. Perhaps you feel as if your world is gone- nothing left.
Let me give you a word of hope and consolation. Even though Noah was going through a storm/flood unlike anything ever experienced before, he did not go through it alone. God was there with him. God was there leading him and guiding him the whole time. God sustained him and kept him through it. God instructed him and continued to speak to him. So take heart, God has not left you in the storm. He didn't abandon Noah, He has not abandoned you in your time of need either- if He had you never would have made it this far. Noah wasn't destroyed because God was protecting him while the rain was falling and the flood waters rising. He will do no less for you. He will protect you as well. It doesn't always mean He will protect your possessions, your position, your accumulations, but He will protect you and be with you through the storm.
Have a great day. Some storms seem to destroy our whole world, but even in the most devastating storm you are not alone- the Lord is still with you.
For further reading:
Genesis 7
Genesis 8:1
Hebrews 13:5
Tuesday, June 2, 2020
"Taking For Granted"
"Taking For Granted"
"Therefore it is come to pass, that as he cried, and they would not hear; so they cried, and I would not hear, saith the LORD of hosts." Zechariah 7:13
Spring is such a beautiful time. Everything is so fresh and colorful. I remember thinking a few years ago that I wish it were spring time all year round. Upon that thought I felt like the Lord spoke to me and said, "If it was spring time all year long you would take the beauty of it for granted". How true. After a while we would grow tired of it and take it for granted because it would become commonplace.
Human nature is like that. We tend to take things and people for granted after a while. Especially after the "newness" wears off. We think that that thing or person is always going to be there, and we expect it. If we aren't careful we can take the Lord for granted too and we can begin to get lax and lazy in our relationship with Him. If we don't guard against it we can develop a mind set that thinks that we can go day after day without communicating with Him, allow other things to take precedence above Him and allow other things to choke out our time in fellowship with Him because He has promised to never leave us.
Just because He promises to be with me, doesn't mean that I can take Him for granted and then when I am in trouble cry out and expect Him to come running to my rescue. He also said, "Draw near to me and I will draw near to you". He may not come right away, at least not until you repent for taking Him for granted. The Israelites learned this the hard way when they had neglected the Lord and then presumed that all they had to do was take the ark (the represented presence of God) into the battle and they would be assured victory. Well, they didn't win, they lost and the ark was taken captive.
The point is: you cannot take God for granted and then think that He is just going to "drop everything" and "bail you out" when you get in trouble. He is a God to be revered and feared. He is a God that requires, desires and should have first place in your life... all the time. Not just in times of trouble, not just on Sundays, not just when you can "squeeze" Him in.
If that is you this morning, if you have been taking God for granted and think you can neglect your relationship/communication with Him and that He is going to come to your rescue the moment you call, think again, there is no guarantee that He will. But if you will call out in repentance over your neglect of Him and for taking Him for granted, you can rest assured that He will answer that- He always comes and answers the prayer of repentance.
Have a great day. If you are taking your relationship with God for granted... repent and give Him first place.
For further reading:
James 4:8
1 Samuel 4
Matthew 6:33
Spring is such a beautiful time. Everything is so fresh and colorful. I remember thinking a few years ago that I wish it were spring time all year round. Upon that thought I felt like the Lord spoke to me and said, "If it was spring time all year long you would take the beauty of it for granted". How true. After a while we would grow tired of it and take it for granted because it would become commonplace.
Human nature is like that. We tend to take things and people for granted after a while. Especially after the "newness" wears off. We think that that thing or person is always going to be there, and we expect it. If we aren't careful we can take the Lord for granted too and we can begin to get lax and lazy in our relationship with Him. If we don't guard against it we can develop a mind set that thinks that we can go day after day without communicating with Him, allow other things to take precedence above Him and allow other things to choke out our time in fellowship with Him because He has promised to never leave us.
Just because He promises to be with me, doesn't mean that I can take Him for granted and then when I am in trouble cry out and expect Him to come running to my rescue. He also said, "Draw near to me and I will draw near to you". He may not come right away, at least not until you repent for taking Him for granted. The Israelites learned this the hard way when they had neglected the Lord and then presumed that all they had to do was take the ark (the represented presence of God) into the battle and they would be assured victory. Well, they didn't win, they lost and the ark was taken captive.
The point is: you cannot take God for granted and then think that He is just going to "drop everything" and "bail you out" when you get in trouble. He is a God to be revered and feared. He is a God that requires, desires and should have first place in your life... all the time. Not just in times of trouble, not just on Sundays, not just when you can "squeeze" Him in.
If that is you this morning, if you have been taking God for granted and think you can neglect your relationship/communication with Him and that He is going to come to your rescue the moment you call, think again, there is no guarantee that He will. But if you will call out in repentance over your neglect of Him and for taking Him for granted, you can rest assured that He will answer that- He always comes and answers the prayer of repentance.
Have a great day. If you are taking your relationship with God for granted... repent and give Him first place.
For further reading:
James 4:8
1 Samuel 4
Matthew 6:33
Monday, June 1, 2020
"Survival Mode"
"Survival Mode"
"And the Philistine drew near morning and evening, and presented himself forty days." 1 Samuel 17:16
Everyday for forty days, morning and evening each day, Goliath the giant came out before the Israelite army and made his threats. Can you imagine facing this scene day in and day out? I can because it seems as though this is the same thing the devil is doing to the saints today. He is trying to weary us and wear us out with his continual taunts and threats. It seems as though his attacks have increased and intensified, but it stands to reason because the return of the Lord is drawing near and he knows he has but a short time.
Morning and evening without letting up, Goliath would make his accusations, his intimidations, his condemnations, his threatens and cause the army to be confused, fearful and discouraged. We Christians are suppose to be an army of believers but we are doing the same thing that the Israelite army did. We are listening to the words of the enemy and letting it cause us to stop advancing forward but instead hide in retreat.
The Bible says that the kingdom of heaven suffers violence and the violent take it by force. That means that the army of heaven (Christians) is advancing, not standing still. For too long we have been in "survival mode" (just barely making it, just trying to maintain what we have and not lose anything else). We have to "change gears" and get into battle mode. Is there not a cause?
Though Goliath looked and sounded intimidating, he was brought down and destroyed by a young shepherd boy with a sling shot and a stone. The enemy may seem fierce, he may talk a big talk, he might look bigger and more powerful than you, but he's been brought down and his works have been destroyed by Jesus. That means that all he is is idle and meaningless threats. So why are we listening to him? Why are we being fearful and intimidated? Why are we in hiding? Why are we not advancing and going forth? Jesus defeated the enemy and then gave us power and authority over anything he would use to try to defeat us or stop us with from bringing God's kingdom to the earth.
Everyday for forty days, morning and evening each day, Goliath the giant came out before the Israelite army and made his threats. Can you imagine facing this scene day in and day out? I can because it seems as though this is the same thing the devil is doing to the saints today. He is trying to weary us and wear us out with his continual taunts and threats. It seems as though his attacks have increased and intensified, but it stands to reason because the return of the Lord is drawing near and he knows he has but a short time.
Morning and evening without letting up, Goliath would make his accusations, his intimidations, his condemnations, his threatens and cause the army to be confused, fearful and discouraged. We Christians are suppose to be an army of believers but we are doing the same thing that the Israelite army did. We are listening to the words of the enemy and letting it cause us to stop advancing forward but instead hide in retreat.
The Bible says that the kingdom of heaven suffers violence and the violent take it by force. That means that the army of heaven (Christians) is advancing, not standing still. For too long we have been in "survival mode" (just barely making it, just trying to maintain what we have and not lose anything else). We have to "change gears" and get into battle mode. Is there not a cause?
Though Goliath looked and sounded intimidating, he was brought down and destroyed by a young shepherd boy with a sling shot and a stone. The enemy may seem fierce, he may talk a big talk, he might look bigger and more powerful than you, but he's been brought down and his works have been destroyed by Jesus. That means that all he is is idle and meaningless threats. So why are we listening to him? Why are we being fearful and intimidated? Why are we in hiding? Why are we not advancing and going forth? Jesus defeated the enemy and then gave us power and authority over anything he would use to try to defeat us or stop us with from bringing God's kingdom to the earth.
We need to engage in the battle like David did. But unlike David, we don't fight with physical weapons. We fight with weapons that are mightier. Our weapons are prayer, intercession, fasting, the Word, our testimony and the power of the Blood.
Have a great day. Our enemy has been defeated, so get out of survival mode and start advancing to reach this world for Jesus.
For further reading:
1 Samuel 17:29, 40-51
Matthew 10:7; 6:10; 11:12
Revelation 12:12
2 Timothy 2:4
1 John 3:8
Colossians 2:14
Luke 10:19
Have a great day. Our enemy has been defeated, so get out of survival mode and start advancing to reach this world for Jesus.
For further reading:
1 Samuel 17:29, 40-51
Matthew 10:7; 6:10; 11:12
Revelation 12:12
2 Timothy 2:4
1 John 3:8
Colossians 2:14
Luke 10:19
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