"He Talks To Us"

"And the Lord said unto Moses, Thus thou shalt say unto the children of Israel, Ye have seen that I have talked with you from heaven." Exodus 20:22

This is the most amazing thing that us human beings can experience-- "I have talked with you from heaven." Do you really understand what a wonderful thing that is? The God who created the universe, who calls the stars by name, who knows our thoughts even before we think them, this all powerful, all knowing, all wise God actually speaks to us mere mortals. When we consider who He is and who we are in light of who He is, it is amazing that He is even mindful of us- much less desire to talk with us. And not only talk with us, but have a relationship with us. And not just any relationship, but an intimate, personal one.

Some say that He doesn't talk to us. Some say that was only in the Bible. They are wrong on both accounts. He does talk to us. He talks to us through His Word, by His Spirit, through others, through creation around us, through a still small voice, and if He so chooses even audibly. And He still talks to us today. When man was first created, we see at the very beginning He was talking with him. Why would He stop? He doesn't change. If He talked to mankind then, He still does now.

If God didn't still talk to us, then why did Jesus go around talking to the people He came in contact with? If Jesus said that you have seen the Father- what He is like- when you have seen me, then we see through His life that the Father desires to talk with us and be actively involved in our lives. Jesus wasn't a recluse. He didn't live in isolation from the people. He didn't spend His time alone. He didn't keep people at an arm's length and have no contact with them. No, He talked to them. And He still does today.

He has chosen to talk to us. We should not take it for granted. And when He wants to talk to us we should be "all ears". Don't let any one convince you that He doesn't desire to talk to you. He does. So start listening for Him to speak to you, and enjoy the privilege of having a wonderful conversation with Him.

Have a great day. He still speaks to us from heaven.

For further reading:
Hebrews 1:1,2
Mark 4:9; 9:7

"Pull Out Your Sword"

"... and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Ephesians 6:17b

I was reminiscing earlier about a time when my granddaughter spent the night with me.  She was three years old at the time. The next morning when we got up, we had a quiet moment to wake up and a time of prayer for our families. I decided to tell her about the armor of God (in three year old terms). So I told her that we are soldiers for Jesus and we needed to put on our armor. We physically went through the motions of putting on each piece. Afterwards, I told her that every time the devil tried to "make" her not mind her parents, or get angry, or be unkind for her to "hold" her sword out and tell him, "Devil, I am not going to disobey my mama; I am going to obey her". So all day long, each time I would see her doing any of those things, I told her, "Pull out your sword" and she would. After she did she would do the right thing.

As I was reminiscing I began thinking that there's a lot of Christians (and most of them adults) who need to be doing the same thing. They need to be pulling out their swords (the sword of the Spirit- the Word of God) and using it against the enemy. There are many of them who fall prey to his temptations.

We have been given spiritual weapons in which to fight against our enemy and not only fight him, but prevail. The Lord has provided the weapons. He even says that He will fight our battles for us. Jesus already got victory over him and has made us more than conquerors through His victory. And He left us an example of how to use the weapons that He has provided. Therefore, when we are in the time of temptation, we don't have to give in to it. And just like my granddaughter, after she pulled out her "sword", she did the right thing. So when the temptation to be angry, unkind, bitter, unforgiving, to cheat, to lie or steal, or whatever the temptation is- you need to "pull out your sword" and say... "It is written".

Have a great day. Don't forget about your weapons and use them.

For further reading:
Ephesians 6:10-20
Romans 8:37
Matthew 4:3-11
2 Corinthians 10:4

"Take A Bath"

"That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word." Ephesians 5:26

Hopefully, every person who is a born again believer reads their Bible every day- at least once. But I wonder if that is all we do-- just read it? That is all some people do. Some see reading their Bible as just part of some religious duty they must do because they are a Christian and that's what Christians do. They read it thinking they are going to get some sort of "spiritual brownie points" with God. Some read it because they enjoy reading its stories in the same way they enjoy any "good book" they pick up to read. God's Word is so much more than just a book we read because we are Christians. It's a cleansing agent.

God's Word is like "soap". It has the ability to wash and cleanse our spirits, minds, souls and heart. It can wash away negative and erroneous thinking. It can wash away guilt and condemnation. It can wash away bitterness, unforgiveness, anger and hate. It can wash away doubt, fear and unbelief. And it will if we do more than just read it as black words on white paper. It will as we take it to heart, meditate upon its teachings and promises, and apply it to our lives by putting it into practice. It will wash away the spiritual dirt and grime-- the worldly influences, the lusts of the flesh, the devil's accusations.

You may read the Word (even daily), but are you taking a bath in it? Are you letting it wash and renew your mind? Are you letting it soften your heart? When you are hot and sweaty, there is something so refreshing about a bath. God's Word washes away the "dirt" that attaches itself to our lives as we walk through this world and it also brings refreshing- faith, hope and love.

Have a great day. Are you reading the Bible or taking a bath in it?

For further reading:
James 1:22
John 17:17

"Get Understanding"

"Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly." Proverbs 16:22

There will always be things that we don't understand. Even Solomon with all his wisdom did not understand some things. (Proverbs 30:18,19) But having an understanding of the things of God and spiritual principles is necessary to our spiritual growth and well-being. The Book of Proverbs is full of admonishment, commands and instruction concerning the importance of having understanding.

Some Christians believe that it is not meant for us to understand the things of God. Granted, there are some "mysteries" that we won't understand until this corruptible flesh puts on incorruption and this mortality puts on immortality. And until then there will always be some things that we know only "in part" because the understanding that we have is still like looking through a dark glass. Jesus addressed this subject with His disciples. In Matthew 13 He talked to them about spiritual things and Kingdom principles, then He asked them if they understood what He said. "Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord." (verse 51) In the same chapter Jesus told His disciples that they have been given the understanding to know these things, but the world hasn't been given that understanding. So, yes, He does want us to understand spiritual things.

So, what do we do if we don't understand; how do we get the understanding? The first thing you do is continue reading God's word. Don't get discouraged and put it down just because you don't understand it. Unless you continue reading it, you will never understand it. Also, you pray. You pray for the Lord to enlighten the eyes of your understanding. You pray for the spirit of wisdom and revelation. You ask the Holy Spirit to make your understanding fruitful and trust that He will lead you into the truth- because He will; He is the Spirit of Truth. Also, don't get impatient. Sometimes the understanding comes line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little- and eventually you will get the full "picture" of what the Lord is saying.

The Lord doesn't want us ignorant. He intends for us to understand spiritual things. And even though there will be some things that we don't understand until we see Him face to face, we have the promise that if we seek an understanding of spiritual things we will find it.

Have a great day. If you don't understand spiritual truths just ask... the Holy Spirit will help you to understand.

For further reading:
Matthew 13:10-12
1 John 3:2
Psalms 103:7
John 16:13
1 Corinthians 2:9-11; 13:9,12
Colossians 1:9
Ephesians 1:18
Isaiah 28:10,13
Proverbs 4:5,7; 16:16

"Jesus"

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

This morning I just want to talk about Jesus. He should be our main theme. He should be our focus. He should be the topic and subject of our conversations. He should be the sum of our thoughts and the foundation of our vocabulary. We should wake up with our minds on Him, and go to bed with the same. He should be our reason for doing what we do. "In Him we live, and move and have our being." (Acts 17:28)

He is the lover of our souls. The captain of our salvation. Our redeemer who lives. He is the risen Lord. The King of kings and Lord of lords; the King of glory. The beginning and the end. The starting point and the ending point. Without Him we can do nothing, but through Him we can do all things. He is our strength and song and has become our salvation. He is the glory and lifter of our heads. He will never leave us, nor forsake us. He will be with us always, even guiding us when death comes to take us. We will not have to fear evil because His rod and staff comfort us. He is our Good Shepherd who gave His life for the sheep. He is the conquering king. The Lion of Judah and the Lamb of God. He forgives all our sins and heals all our diseases.

With Him nothing is impossible, or too difficult. He is able to do exceeding, abundantly above all we can ask or think. He is able to keep what we commit to Him. His ways are not our ways, neither are His thoughts our thoughts, but they are higher than the heavens are above the earth.

I could go on. Talking about Him- who He is and what He does- could go on forever because He is the eternal one. But I will stop here and leave you with this: take time each and every day to meditate upon this great, wonderful, all-powerful and glorious Lord we have the privilege of knowing and you will fall in love with Him all over again each time you do.

Have a great day. Is Jesus the focus of your life?

For further reading:
Revelation 19:16; 5:5
Ephesians 3:20
Psalm 118:14
Luke 1:37
Isaiah 55:8,9

"Stop, Stop, Stop!"

"Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul." Ezekiel 3:19

The other morning I was shopping, I had just left the store and as I was headed across the parking lot to get in my vehicle I had to stop and wait because the vehicle in front of me was backing out of its parking spot. Just as it started backing out, I noticed another vehicle that was parked directly behind it started backing out too. They were both about to rear-end each other. I started waving my arms and yelling at the driver-- "STOP! STOP! STOP!" Thankfully, he heard me, stopped and pulled forward avoiding a crash.

The odd thing about the whole situation was that the exact same thing had just happened the week before. As I was walking across this same parking lot two vehicles in front of me started backing out of their parking spots at the same time about to back into each other. Since I was witnessing a crash in the making, I yelled for them to stop while waving my hands to get their attention. Their crash was avoided also.

As I got to my vehicle I pondered the fact that this was twice in two weeks that the same thing happened and asked the Lord if there was anything "significant" about it. Yes, it was. I want to share with you what He spoke to me.

Mankind without Christ is lost. They are heading for a "crash" (death- eternal separation from God). Because they are in darkness they don't see what awaits them (like the driver's of the vehicles- they couldn't see the crash that was about to happen to them.) I was in a perfect position to see what was about to happen to these vehicles, therefore, I was able to warn them. (Because I know Christ and am walking in the light, I am in a position where I see the truth about what will happen to those who are lost without Christ.)

We see people around us all the time who are heading for a "crash" spiritually/eternally, but what are we doing about it? I could have kept my mouth shut, gone on about my own business and not tried to warn these people that they were going to have an accident. But I didn't. I stood in a parking lot full of people yelling and waving my arms like a "crazy" person. I let pride go in order to warn them. As a result the accident was avoided, and the man in the first vehicle turned to thank me.

Because we see the truth, and those who are in darkness don't, we must lay aside all pride, all prejudice, all self-absorption, all dignity, anything that would keep us from warning the lost about what awaits him. I didn't care how I looked, what people thought or said, I just knew that something bad was about to happen and I was in a position to stop it. Something "bad" (that's an understatement) will happen to those who die without Christ and you and I who know Him are in a position to warn them so that it doesn't happen. Are we warning them to "stop" and turn to Christ?

Have a great day. When we see people heading into eternity lost without Christ, are we warning them?

For further reading:
Romans 6:23
Isaiah 43:12
Mark 16:15
Acts 1:8
Proverbs 11:30

"Selah Moments"

"Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah." Psalm 32:7

Often while reading the Psalms we come upon this word- Selah. As I looked up its meaning, I discovered that the meaning wasn't too certain. The definition I did find was that it was a technical musical term probably showing accentuation, pause, interruption. Let me give you my definition (what it means to me). My definition is- pause, stop and ponder what has been said or what has been done.

There are what I call "Selah" moments in our lives- times when we need to take some time to stop and ponder what the Lord is saying to us. Sometimes we get so busy that we don't stop long enough to actually listen to what He is saying. We usually "assume" we know what He said and meant. We need to take a "Selah" moment and be quiet and listen to everything He is saying so we get the full meaning.

Other "Selah" moments are those times when we need to stop and ponder what He has done for us. It's those times when instead of just talking about what the Lord has done, we stop and think about what that really means. When I talk about what a beautiful day it might be, I find myself taking a "Selah" moment by pausing to thank the Lord for allowing me to see it.

More "Selah" times come when I am reading the Bible. There will be times when I am reading and a particular verse will speak to my heart. I just have to stop and ponder what He is saying to me through the verse. I sit there "chewing" the word and giving it time to "digest" in my spirit before I continue. In that "Selah" moment the scales are removed from my mind and heart and I am enlighten and encouraged.

Do you have those "Selah" moments? Are there times you just stop and think about what the Lord has done? Do you pause to give Him praise? Are you taking time to ponder what He may be saying to you? "Selah" moments tend to keep me from taking things for granted- like His goodness, His blessings, His word, His love and His faithfulness.

Have a great day. You need to take "Selah" moments everyday.

For further reading:
Psalm 24:10; 46:10
Luke 10:39-44

"Questioning His Faithfulness"

"Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died." John 11:21

For the last couple of days we have been talking about the faithfulness of God. I have reminded you that He is faithful no matter what we are going through and He is faithful to keep His word no matter what tries to stand in His way and keep Him from fulfilling it. This morning I want to talk about "questioning" His faithfulness.

There are situations we go through that cause us to question the faithfulness of God. There are situations that cause us to wonder if He really cares and really loves us. When I read the verse above, I can hear Martha's questions behind her comment. I hear her heart saying, "If you really loved my brother, if you really cared about him, if you really are who you say you are, and we believe you are, then why didn't you come sooner? Why weren't you here for us in our time of need? Where were you when we called for you? Why did you wait? Why did you let this happen?". If we are honest we have to admit that there are times when we have wondered the same thing.

There are situations that we face that cause us to question the Lord's faithfulness and love. There are times when it looks as though He has let us down. There are times when it looks as if He has not been faithful to keep His promise. My answer for those times is that we get our eyes off of the situation and off of what we are going through and turn our focus on the cross.

If you ever doubt, or question, His love for you, His concern, His faithfulness, then look at the cross. Once you do all questioning has to vanish. We can't look at the cross and not know that He loves us and cares about us. We can't look at the cross and continue to question. The cross is the proof of His love, concern and faithfulness. The cross is where He demonstrated all three-- and there is no greater demonstration. Your situation will show you otherwise, but if you will get your eyes off of it and place them on the cross you will see that He truly is faithful. Your situation will also speak to you, It will tell you that the Lord is not faithful and that He does not love you or care about you. You can't listen to your situation, you have to listen to what the cross is saying- it says,"I love you; I care; I am faithful."

Have a great day. If you are questioning the Lord's faithfulness and love look at the cross, not your situation, and you will see that He really does love and care about you and that He is faithful.

For further reading:
John 11

"Faithful To His Promises"

"Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)" Hebrews 10:23

The other day we talked about the faithfulness of God. This morning I want to remind you that He is faithful to His promises- He will do what He has said He will do.

He is not like we are when it comes to keeping His word. Some people will tell you that they are going to do something and know that they are lying to your face- they never intend to do it. The Lord is not like that- He does not lie.

Sometimes people will tell you what you want to hear in an effort to appease you but really don't mean what they are saying, or promising. The Lord never does that- He always says what He means and means what He says.

Then you have those who make promises in the "heat of the moment". They really think they are going to fulfill their word but never seem to get around to it. The Lord never does, or says, anything in haste. Everything He says is perfectly thought out through the counsel of His own will. He knows if He says it, He will do it.

You also have those who will make you a promise with all intentions of fulfilling it but circumstances arise that prevent them from doing so. They get hindered by things that get in the way. The Lord never gets hindered. If anything gets in His way, He just moves it out of the way. God made a promise to the children of Israel to deliver them out of Egypt and into the land of promise. As they were making their way out of Egypt they came upon the Red Sea. It stood between them and the fulfillment of His promise. Did the Lord say, "Oh, no, sorry guys, I didn't think about this sea. It is standing in the way so it looks like I won't be able to keep my word to deliver you."? No, He just "moved" the hindrance out of the way. He parted the sea so that it no longer stood in the way of Him fulfilling His word.

May I also remind you this morning that He is the same yesterday, today and forever- He does not change. He does not change in His faithfulness to keep His word and make good His promises. So the bottom line is this: if He has said it, if He has made the promise, He will keep it and nothing can stand in His way.... not even a sea.

Have a great day. Hindrances don't stop the Lord from keeping His promise... He just moves them out of the way.

For further reading:
Exodus 14
Numbers 23:19
Ephesians 1:11

"He's Forever Faithful"

"If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself." 2 Timothy 2:13

I woke up this morning thinking about the Lord's faithfulness. How grateful I am that He does not change and is always faithful. He remains faithful even when we aren't. Our inconsistencies, our failures, our shortcomings, our mistakes, our sins, our unbelief, our ups and downs, highs and lows don't change His faithfulness. I can't even count the number of times I have failed and fallen short, but through all of them He has not failed to show me His faithfulness.

He is faithful to meet and supply all my need. He is faithful to give me the victory over my enemies. He is faithful to bless me with peace, joy, grace and every other good and perfect gift. He is faithful to lead me, guide me and direct me. And even though there are times when I do not listen to His voice leading me in the way I should go but choose to go my own way instead, He still remains faithful and the next time I call upon Him for guidance He so graciously gives it to me.

He is faithful no matter where I am or what I am going through. He is faithful to walk with me when I go through the fire, when I go through the storm, when I face the valley of the shadow of death, when I am on the mountaintop or in the wilderness, when I face giants or the cares of this life try to consume me. What else can I say... He is just FAITHFUL!

When was the last time you pondered the Lord's faithfulness? Why not take time today to think about all the ways and times that He has been faithful to you... and thank Him for it while you are at it.

Have a great day. He is faithful.... period!

For further reading:
Hebrews 10:23
1 Peter 4:19
1 John 1:9
Revelation 19:11
1 Thessalonians 5:24

"No Average Blessings"

"Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah." Psalm 68:19

Just sharing an observation this morning. Have you ever noticed that the Lord's blessings are not ordinary in size or proportion? He doesn't give us a standard measure or just a sample of anything. Everything He gives us is "exceeding abundantly above". For example- He doesn't just give us "life"; He gives us "abundant life". He doesn't just give us "peace"; He gives us "peace that passes understanding". He doesn't just give us "joy"; He gives us "joy that's unspeakable and full of glory". He doesn't just give us "strength"; He gives us "perfect strength". He doesn't just give us "love"; He gives us "everlasting love". He doesn't just give us "wisdom"; He gives us "pure wisdom". And He doesn't just meet part of our needs, He meets them all, and in proportion to His riches not in proportion to the size of our need.

What a wonderful, loving Heavenly Father. He is not stingy with any of His blessings that He bestows on us. He always gives us more than we could hope for-- "good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over". Let's not be stingy with our praise and thanksgiving for all His goodness to us.

Have a great day. The Lord doesn't just give us "average" size blessings.

For further reading:
James 3:17
John 10:10
Ephesians 3:20
Philippians 4:7, 19
1 Peter 1:8
2 Corinthians 12:9
Jeremiah 31:3
Luke 6:38

"Outgrown God's Word"

"This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me." Psalm 119:50

When I was a little girl, if I got sick I can remember laying on the couch or bed and wanting my daddy to read the Bible to me. There was something about hearing it read that made me feel good.

Now that I am an adult that hasn't changed. When I am not feeling well, when sickness touches my body, when I am going through a situation, when trouble hits my life, when the storm threatens to destroy me, when darkness tries to overwhelm me, I still turn to God's word for comfort and strength in the situation that I am facing. There is something about hearing a word from the Lord that makes everything better. It clears up the confusion. It strengthens my heart. It settles my thoughts. It brings peace and rest to the turmoil that is raging around me.

Whatever you may be facing, the answer, the strength to make it through, the comfort that you need is found within the pages of the Bible. Its words are life, health and peace. Its words bring comfort and joy. Its words bring light so that you don't have to stumble around in darkness and confusion.

I wanted to hear God's word when I was a little girl with a need and now that I am a "big girl" I still want to hear God's word in my time of need. I have never outgrown the need for God's word. If you think that you are "all grown up" now and don't need His word- because you have become too educated, too smart, too mature, too old, too rich, too popular- then you are sadly mistaken, there will never be a time when you don't need His word in your life.

Have a great day. You never outgrow your need for God's word.

For further reading:
Psalm 119:81,103,105,165
Proverbs 4:20-22

"Not Walking Alone"

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." Psalm 23:4

This is probably one of the most well known portions of scripture in the Bible. But when you read it, the first part of the verse doesn't sound very encouraging. It speaks of walking through scary places, shadows, places of death, separation, and evil. These are all places that each and everyone of us have walked through, or will, at one time or other. The encouraging part of the verse is that when we walk through them, we are not walking alone.

The Good Shepherd is walking with us. "The Lord is my shepherd". Not only is He walking with us, but He is leading us gently through them. He has His rod and staff in hand to loving nudge us along our way and reassure us that He is there.

I want to encourage you this morning that regardless of where you may be "walking"- through the valley, through shadowy places, places where death is hanging low, in the presence of evil- you do not have to be afraid because you are not walking by yourself. So do not fear, He is with you.

Have a great day. When we walk through fearful places, we do not have to be afraid because the Lord is walking with us.

For further reading:
Psalm 23

"Activating Your Flesh"

"Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked." Ephesians 6:16

Often we think that the devil's attacks (his darts) are the weapons that are formed against us. They are not the weapon, but those darts are what triggers the weapons that he uses to try to steal, kill and destroy us. When he aims at us, he is aiming at our flesh. He looks for a "weak" spot in our flesh- it might be immorality, jealousy, envy, bitterness, covetousness, etc.. When he finds the spot, he shots a fiery dart at it and if he hits it, all he has to do is "sit back" and wait because our flesh has been "triggered" and it will do a very good job of pulling us down when we give into it.

If you go back to the Garden of Eden and even in the wilderness with Jesus, you will see that the devil tempted them all in three areas: lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, pride of life. All these are areas in our flesh where sin can be produced. If he can "hit" one of those areas he doesn't have to do anything else, it has been set in motion and our own flesh will take over and do the "dirty work" for him. If he hits a lustful place in us (for example), that weak place in our flesh will entice us and we will be drawn away into it and that will bring forth sin. I hope this is making sense? That was why Jesus was victorious in the wilderness, the devil could find nothing in Him. He couldn't find a mark to hit. He couldn't find a weak place in Jesus' flesh. He couldn't find a lustful or prideful place.

Our flesh is our biggest enemy and all the devil has to do is come up with some scheme to "activate" it and once activated it will lead us down the road to destruction. This is why we must deal with the flesh daily. We must mortify it. We must not give it any place so there is no place that the enemy can find as a target.

Have a great day. The enemy is looking for a weak place in your flesh to activate with his fiery darts.

For further reading:
John 10:10; 14:30
Isaiah 54:17
James 1:14,15
1 John 2:16

"It Is Completed"

"I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last." Revelation 22:13

When the Lord is doing a work, He doesn't do it "half way". He takes care of every detail and when it is finished it is completely finished. At creation He did not rest until He had finished creating everything. He worked for six days and then rested when there was nothing else that could be added to what He had done. Everything that mankind would need to live was provided-- everything. At the cross, Jesus declared, "It is finished". Everything that was needed to bring redemption to mankind was provided, nothing was left lacking. Jesus lost so much blood on the way to the cross that it is amazing He even made it to the cross. He should have died before He made it up Calvary's hill, but He didn't. Then He hung on the cross for hours before He died. Why? Because there was still more in the cup for Him to drink. The full price had not been paid. But once it was He declared, "It is finished" and bowed His head and died. When He did, the price for our sins had been paid in full. There was nothing left to be done. He didn't stop short and provide only 99% of our salvation. He provided all that it would take.

In the situation that you are going through, He won't stop short of completing it. He won't meet only a portion of the need. He won't give you part of the answer. He won't leave it unfinished. He will take care of it all. And when He does, it will all be taken care of- all of it. He is the Beginning and the End, the Author and the Finisher, the First and the Last, and everything in between. He completes what He starts and it is not finished until He completes it. When my daughter was a little girl, we bought her some presents that needed to be assembled. We never gave her the gifts unless the assembly was completed. We didn't give her a bicycle that had the frame put together but no wheels. We didn't give her a trampoline that had no mat. I didn't cook her meals and leave half of what was put on her plate raw. The Lord is the same, He doesn't give it to us until it is completed.

Don't get discouraged if you are in the middle of a trial and you think it will never end. It will end when God has completely finished it by taking care of everything that needs to be done. We need to learn how to wait because the delay may be because He is putting the finishing touches on it.

Have a great day. The Lord doesn't stop short of completion. When He says it is finished, it is completely finished.... there is nothing left to do, it has all been taken care of.

For further reading:
Genesis 2:1-3
John 19:30
Hebrews 12:2
Matthew 5:18

"It's In Your Mouth"

"The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned." Isaiah 50:4

Needy people are all around us. And if it is possible and within our ability to do so we should do what we can to help meet that need. Although we are not always able to meet people's material needs or their financial needs, there is an area of "need" that we can all meet all the time. It's the needs that are met through a spoken word.

Sometimes people need a word of comfort and hope. Sometimes it's a word of encouragement or mercy. Sometimes they need to hear the words of salvation. Sometimes it's a word to help point them in the right direction. Whatever they need to "hear" that will meet their need, we can rest assured that the Lord will give us the right word to say at the right time. The excuse of "I don't know what to say" doesn't apply because we are promised that when we are "delivered up" that the Spirit will speak for us.

Think about it: if the Lord could put the money that was needed to pay the disciple's taxes in the "mouth" of a fish; if He could put the warning that a wayward prophet needed in the "mouth" of a donkey; if He could put the food that Elijah needed in the "mouth" of a raven-- can't He put the word that is needed to touch someone else's life in your "mouth" as well.

When the need arises that can be filled by what you say, just remember that the Lord will give you what you need at that moment by putting a word in your mouth to meet their need.

Have a great day. What someone else needs is often found in your mouth.

For further reading:
Numbers 22:28
Matthew 17:24-27; 10:19
1 Kings 17:4-6
Romans 10:8
Proverbs 25:11

"Entrusted With The Gospel"

"But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts." 1 Thessalonians 2:4

"...to be put in trust with the gospel..." I am so amazed that the Lord has entrusted His work on earth to His followers. He has entrusted us with the gospel and the task of sharing it with others. He didn't entrust the gospel, this great message of salvation and hope of eternal life, into the hands of angels but into the hands of men.

The thing that makes it so amazing is that He entrusted it into the hands of imperfect people- those who are "weak and foolish"; creatures that were made from "dust".

While it is amazing, it is also comforting to know that I don't have to wait until I become "perfect" or reach some higher level of "spirituality" in order to qualify to share the good news of salvation through Jesus with others. "A little child shall lead them." (Isaiah 11:6) I may not be some great Bible theologian, I may not understand all the mysteries of the Bible, I may not have a deep revelation and insight into all that is printed in its pages, but I do have a testimony of how I was once and sinner, how I was in darkness, how I was dead in trespasses and sin and Jesus came and touched my life and gave me eternal life. Every born again believer can share this message.

If you are one of those who think they have to "get it all together" or learn all there is to know about God before He can use you to speak to others about this wonderful salvation, be encouraged this morning that this is not the case. If you have a testimony of how the Lord has saved you, then you need to testify/share it with others.

Have a great day. It is amazing that the Lord uses imperfect people to share His good news, and encouraging to know that we don't have to wait until we are perfect to do so.

For further reading:
1 Timothy 1:11-13
1 Corinthians 1:26-29
Psalm 103:14

"I Am Waiting To Hear, Lord"

"And it came to pass after ten days, that the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah." Jeremiah 42:7

This morning I have prayed and prayed, sought and sought the Lord and waited, to get the word from the Lord to share with you, and still haven't received it. Some mornings it is so easy- it just seems to "flow" and I have trouble keeping up with it to make sure I get it all written down. Other mornings it comes line upon line, here a little and there a little. Then there are mornings like this one-- it seems as if I should just send a note saying, "Have a great day", with nothing else attached and forget it.

I know that you are like I am, I want the Lord to answer me instantly without any waiting, without any struggling to hear. But it doesn't always happen like that. Oh, the Lord does and will answer, it just might not be in our timing or when we want it. He may choose to have us "be still and wait". He may be waiting to answer us so that we will learn how to persevere, wait patiently, exercise our faith, or seek Him. Then again, it may have nothing to do with us but He is arranging things in such a way where it will reach someone else at just the right time.

The reason behind why He waits at times- waits to give us an answer, waits to open doors, waits to fulfill His promise- is not the focus. We may never know why, and even if we did we probably still wouldn't understand it. The main thing is that we learn to trust Him. Trust that He knows best, that His ways are perfect, that He is in control, He knows what He is doing, His timing is always right and He sees the whole picture.

Are you waiting to hear from Him today? You aren't alone, we all are. Don't give up, keep waiting. Keep drawing near to Him. Keep seeking His face. Keep your ears open and attentive to His voice. He will speak to you and it will be at just the right time.

Have a great day. When the Lord chooses to speak is up to Him, we just need to learn how to wait to hear.

For further reading:
Jeremiah 42:1-7
Job 14:15
Psalm 40:1

"Content"

"Not that I am implying that I was in any personal want, for I have learned how to be content (satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or disquieted) in whatever state I am." Philippians 4:11 (Amplified Bible)

Several of you contacted me this week wondering why you weren't receiving the devotional.  Because of Hurricane Ida I had no electricity.  So, I was without power and internet for several days.  

There were several things that I learned through this time-- namely about being content.  I was amazed at the peace and contentment that I had through the days of no electricity.  It was truly the grace of God. He can give you peace and contentment even through storms (physical and spiritual ones).  We tend to be anxious about too much.  We tend to complain about too much.  We tend to think that life evolves around ourselves and everything in life should "cater" to us.  If you have lived very long you have discovered that isn't the case.  

It was my week off from work and I had all these plans of what I wanted to do with my days.  None of my plans came to fruition.  The storm, no power, etc. stopped that from happening.  This is why we should "take no thought for tomorrow", and why we should keep in mind that if "the Lord is willing we will do this or that".  None of us hold the future.  None of us knows what the future holds.  We don't know the end before the beginning.  We don't know what tomorrow holds in store for us.  Therefore, we need to learn to be content in the moment. 

Although I didn't get to do what I wanted to do while I was off, I was thankful that I was off last week so I had the time to devote to cleaning up my yard and other things after the power came back on.  Although the lack of electricity was an inconvenience, I was thankful I still had my home and slept in my own bed.  My home had no damage and I didn't have to evacuate.  

I am just talking this morning, but I hope the message that is coming across is--- stop complaining and learn to be thankful-- IN everything gives thanks.  A heart of thanksgiving will produce peace and contentment in your life.

Have a great day.  Complaining never helps the situation.  Be thankful in spite of the situation.

(Please pray for those who were affected by the hurricane and did sustain damage.) 

For further reading:

Philippians 4:6
James 4:15
Matthew 6:34