"His Word Is His Answer"

"Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached." Luke 7:22

Have you ever noticed while reading the Bible that when asked a question, Jesus never gives a "yes" or "no" answer? When John sent his disciples to Jesus to ask if He truly was the Messiah, Jesus didn't say "yes, I am", He answered with an Old Testament scripture.

Today, the Lord still very seldom answers our questions with "yes" or "no" but what He does do is answer us with His word. Every answer to every question we get from Him will be in accordance with His word-- His word will be our answer.

For example, He is not going to tell you that it is all right to live with that guy/girl you are not married to. He is not going to tell you that it is all right to cheat on your taxes. He will not tell you that you have the right to harbor bitterness and unforgiveness against someone who did you wrong. Why? Because to tell you that it is all right to do this or live in this way is in opposition to His word.

If He goes against His own word, then He is like a house divided against itself and won't stand. If He goes against His own word, then He is going against His own nature-- He does not lie, He is not the author of confusion. If He goes against His own word, the whole universe would crumble, there would be no stability or foundation under it or us because all things consist and are held together by the power of His word.

So don't expect God to make an "exception" for you by answering your prayer, or directing you, outside of His word. He won't do it. His answer will not only line up with His word, it will be His word.

Have a great day. God's answer may not be cut and dry- yes or no- but it will always line up with His word.

For further reading:

Matthew 24:35; 12:25
Luke 18:18-20
Isaiah 29:18
Numbers 23:19
1 Corinthians 14:33
Hebrews 11:3

"Against You"

"What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31

Are there things that come against us? Are there people who set themselves against us? Are there circumstances that rise against us? The answer is yes, yes and yes. The fact is that no matter how closely you live to the Lord, how long you have been saved, how many Bible verses you can quote or how many church services you attend there will always be something that is "against" you.

We have a very real enemy who is against us and desires to destroy us. There are people who the enemy uses to rise against us to make our lives miserable. Then there is fear, it is against us. Poverty is against us. Sickness, disease, our emotions, unbelief, depression, hate, confusion are all enemies that are working against us to steal our faith and rob us of our joy.

While they are very real and a very real part of life, the destruction that they have planned for us does not have to succeed- they can't succeed. Why? Because if God is for us, who can be against. Because if God is for us, even though they are against us the Greater One is in us. Because if God is for us, they have no power over us. Because if God is for us, then we are never alone.

Are things coming against you today? Fear, dread, sickness, confusion, frustration, temptation? It may form against you, but it cannot prosper because God is for you. That means He is with you, He is watching over you, He causes all things to work together for your good and He is still in control.

Have a great day. While we are living in this world, things will come against us. But because God is for us, they can't destroy us.

For further reading:

Hebrews 13:5
1 John 4:4
Isaiah 54:17
Romans 8:28

"Feeling Condemned?"

"For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things." 1 John 3:20 

After the Lord so graciously saves us there are times when we may commit a sin. We know we did something wrong, something displeasing to Him, or we disobeyed. When this happens, not only does the devil (the accuser of the brethren) come and condemn us, but our own heart will condemn us as well. We will "beat" ourselves up emotionally. We will carry around guilt and condemnation even after we have repented and asked for forgiveness from the Lord.

I have good news for you this morning. If your heart condemns you because of what you did, God is greater than your heart. God does not condemn us. He forgives us. He cleanses us from all unrighteousness. He removes our sins from us as far as the east is from the west. He throws them into the sea of forgetfulness never to be remembered against us any more.

We tend to keep "feeling guilty" over what we did. We think that we are suppose to feel guilty. We aren't. We are suppose to accept and embrace His forgiveness and cleansing and walk in it... and go and sin no more.

Is your heart condemning you because of something you did, or didn't do? When the scripture says that He is greater than your heart, what it means is that what God says overrides what your own heart/feelings say. Your heart may say one thing but God says another, and what He says is the final word on the matter. Your heart may be saying, "guilty", but God says, "not guilty". What He says holds more weight than what your heart or feelings say. What He says has more power behind it than what you say. What He says is the truth, not based on feelings. What He says is the final word.

The Bible says happy is the man who does not condemn himself in that which he allows. He is happy- not sad, depressed, feeling guilty, under condemnation- because when he goes to God, God forgives and declares him clean and forgiven. That should make him "happy", at peace and guilt free. It will if he will accept it. If he will accept the fact that what God says is greater than what he says about himself or the condemnation that he is placing on himself. So accept God's judgment over your judgment, accept what He says about your sin over what you say about it, because His judgment is greater.

Have a great day. You do not have to keep feeling condemnation over confessed sin because God says you are forgiven and what God says about the matter overrides what your feelings say about it.

For further reading:

John 3:16,17
Romans 8:1; 14:22
1 John 1:9
Psalm 103:12

"Fear God Or Man?"

"His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his enemies." Psalm 112:8

The first verse of the chapter describes the person that this verse is talking about-- "Praise ye the Lord. Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in his commandments." It is the person who fears the Lord and delights in His commandments.

When we "fear" the Lord, then we don't have to be afraid of people. The fear of the Lord outweighs the fear of others. Our desire to please Him becomes greater than our desire to please someone else. It is greater than the temptation to compromise in order to get into the "good graces" of another person.

The Bible says that the "fear of man works a snare". But the "fear of the Lord" liberates us from the fear of man and the snare that is associated with it.

Who are you "fearing" this morning? Are you afraid of people, of those in power? Are you afraid to go against the flow? Are you afraid of being rejected by people? Are you afraid of the hurt and misery that they can inflict upon your life? Or do you fear the Lord? Do you honor Him and His word above everyone else? Is it what motivates you? Is it what gives you courage to stand even in times when you feel as though you are standing alone?

As we said already, the fear of man brings a snare, but the fear of the Lord brings a blessing. Do you want to be "snared" or do you want to be 'blessed"? It will depend on who you fear as to which one you get.

Have a great day. Do you fear God or man more?

For further reading:

Hebrews 13:6
Psalm 118:6
Proverbs 29:25

"No Roots - part 2"

"They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away." Luke 8:13

Yesterday we talked about having full churches but many of the individuals who sit in the pews don't have a spiritual root system. They are "surface" Christians. There is no evidence of the born-again, surrender life. This morning I want to talk about developing a strong "root" system.

Temptations, offenses, trials and persecution will come and if we don't have a root system, if it is not a strong one, if we do not protect it, we will fall.

In the natural every plant has some sort of root, but it won't thrive and grow if it is not planted in the right soil. When we were born, our lives were already "planted" in the soil of sin, but that soil will bring death. We have to be planted in "life". We must be born-again and planted in Jesus. When we are, He gives us a new root system.

Plants have to have water and fertilizer (plant food) to help make them strong and healthy. We too have to "feed" and "water" our spirits if we are going to have strong, healthy roots. We feed and water them through God's word. This is done by hiding His word in our hearts, by meditating on it, by being a doer and not hearer of the word only.

The roots of plants have to be protected as well.  Several years ago, we planted a garden and experienced something that had never happen to us before. Healthy looking plants were just dying. We watered, fertilized and kept plenty of dirt around them. After pulling a few of the dead plants up we discovered that they had no roots. We also discovered a little bug in the ground that was eating the roots. So, we got on the attack against it. We have an enemy (the devil) who is out to destroy our root system. If he can weaken us in our faith, he can destroy our lives. Through times of testing, temptation and tribulation he is working at destroying your roots so that you have nothing to hold you up and keep you alive. When we had this happen to our garden, we were on the lookout for something to kill these insects-- we found it.  Likewise, there is something that will defeat the enemy that is attacking our lives-- it is the Blood of Jesus and the power of His Word. When satan attacks, you have to continually apply the Word of God to the situation. You have to pull out your weapon-- the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God- and combat him with it. It will defeat him and protect your roots at the same time.

Are your roots planted in Jesus the life giver? Are you feeding and watering them with His Word? Are you protecting those roots by using the weapon of God's word against the enemy that is trying to destroy them?

Have a great day. How is your root system?

For further reading:

Romans 3:23; 6:23
John 3:3-5
Revelation 12:11
2 Corinthians 5:17
Ephesians 6:17

"No Roots"

"And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended." Mark 4:17

I am concerned about what I see happening in the church now days. "Mega" churches are on the rise; congregations are growing; people are filling up the churches, and this concerns me. Don't misunderstand, I would love to see each and every church filled to running over all the time. The thing that concerns me is that we have "full" pews and "empty" people.

As you look at the congregations you see people, but do they have a "root system"? Are they rooted and grounded in faith? Are they just "superficial"? Do they look good on the outside but have nothing underneath them giving them support? In some of the neighborhoods where I live, there are these majestic oak trees. They are magnificent looking. They look strong and stable. But when a storm or strong wind comes many have fallen. From their appearance you would think that they would be able to withstand whatever nature threw their way. But they don't. The reason is because they don't have a very good root system. There aren't enough roots to hold them up and the roots that are there are shallow and not very deep at all-- they are too close to the surface.

This is why I am concerned. The crowds are there. They look the part. They seem to be spiritually all right. But what about their root system? Is it even there? Do they even have one? You can't help but wonder when you see them so easily shaken by even the slightest trial. You can't help but wonder when the Bible is not an important part of their daily routine. You can't help but be concerned if they have any roots when there is no application of the Word of God in their lives, there is no sign of repentance, holiness, discipline, the Fruit of the Spirit, there's prayerlessness and no seeking of the Kingdom of God. You can't help but be concerned when the lifestyle they portray is immoral, ungodly, self-centered, unholy, lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God and they are following after their own lusts, desires and ambitions. You can't help but be concerned when there is no evidence of the surrender of their lives to the Lordship of Jesus, and when they prefer what they want over the teachings of God's Word.

A tree or plant may look good, but without a root system, it won't last. Large congregations and lots of churchgoers may look good, but if they don't have roots, they won't last.

 

Have a great day. Has the church become like a forest that has lots of trees, but those trees have no roots?

For further reading:

Matthew 13:6; 15:13
Mark 4:6
Luke 8:13
Ephesians 3:17
Colossians 2:6-8

"The Power Of One"

"For by thee I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall." Psalm 18:29

The Christian life consists of unity. We are joined together with other Christians as one body-- individuals that make up the whole Body of Christ. Each of us supply to the other. None of us is an island. We need each other. We are part of each other. We accomplish more when we work together.

Having said that, let me move on to address being "alone". While it is true that two can put to flight more than one can, a two-fold cord is not easily broken, two coming into agreement can see greater answers to prayers, and two are better than one if you get weary and fall because you can help each other up. But just because you may not be part of "two" does not mean that you have no power. I am addressing those this morning who feel they can't do anything because they are only "one" person.

It was one young man, David, who killed the giant while a whole army watched in fear. It was one little boy's lunch that fed thousands. It was one man, Moses, who lead the Israelites out of captivity and through the wilderness. It was one man, Abraham, that God created a whole nation from. One man, Noah, built a boat that saved his whole family and preserved creation. One prophet, Elijah, withstood King Ahab and Jezebel. It was one man, Nehemiah, who had the burden and vision to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. It was one virgin, Mary, that gave birth to the Messiah and Savior of the world. It was one man's sacrifice, Jesus the Son of God, who provided the only way that leads to eternal life.

God's plan for us is to be "part of the whole", and we get more accomplished for His Kingdom together than by ourselves, but that does not mean that God won't use each of us as well- individually, one on one- to accomplish His plan and purpose. Don't feel like you can't do anything because you are "only" one person. When God created the whole human race, He started with only one person.

Have a great day. While there may be more power in numbers, don't discount the power of one-- God doesn't.

For further reading:

Ephesians 4:16
Psalm 68:11
Philippians 4:13
Romans 5:15
1 Corinthians 12:21

"The Specialist - part 2"

"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

Yesterday we talked about God being a "specialist". This morning I want to continue talking about some areas that He specializes in.

He specializes in strength.

He specializes in grace.
He specializes in mercy.
He specializes in meeting all your need.
He specializes in giving wisdom.
He specializes in giving peace, joy, and love.
He specializes in giving guidance and direction.
He specializes in salvation, deliverance, healing, restoration and reconciliation.
He specializes in doing the impossible.

I could continue to go on and on listing all that He specializes in, but the bottom line is that whatever you have need of, He specializes in it. Whether your need is a spiritual, physical, emotional or material one- if it affects you- He specializes in it.

Are you suffering today? Do you have a need? Then go to the specialist about it. I didn't say go to "a" specialist, I said go to "THE" specialist. The One who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all you can ask or think, because He specializes in it.

Have a great day. Whatever the area of your need is, God specializes in it.

For further reading:

2 Corinthians 12:9
James 1:5
Proverbs 3:5,6
Luke 1:37
Exodus 15:26
Ephesians 3:20

"The Specialist"

"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

When I was growing up, you went to the doctor when you were ill. Regardless of what your illness was, the doctor treated it. Now there is specialized medicine. If you are having heart problems, you go to a cardiologist. If you are having a baby, you go to an OB/GYN. Depending on your illness depends on who you see. Even if you can find a General Practitioner (Primary Care Physician), he/she usually sends you to a specialist. It is that same way with having your automobile repaired. If your brakes are giving you problems, you take it to a place that works on brakes. Or if it is the transmission, there is a certain place you have to take it to get that repaired.

I am so glad that the Lord is both- general and specialized. Regardless of the need, He meets it. He doesn't send me somewhere else. He Himself can and will take care of it. If I need healing, He is the Healer. If I need salvation, He is the Savior. If I need deliverance, He is the Deliverer. I can go to Him when I need wisdom, when I need grace, when I need guidance, when I need mercy, and know that I will get the help that I need no matter what it is.

Not only do I not have to go from place to place seeking the help I need because it is all found in Him, whatever it is will be completely taken care of by Him. He won't start helping me then send me somewhere else. He won't reach a point where He can't do anything else for me, then either refer me to someone else or abandon me. He will take care of my "whole need". He will take care of it from "start to finish". He is the Beginning and the End. I can go to Him at the first sign of trouble and know that He will be with me until it is over. I can go to Him when my need first starts and know that once He gets involved He won't stop until it is behind me.

Yes, the Lord "specializes", but He specializes in "all" of it- not only a part. He also specializes in seeing you through the situation to the very end. He specializes in taking care of it all.

Have a great day. God specializes in taking care of all your need.

For further reading:

Revelation 21:6: 22:13
Hebrews 13:5

"That He Is"

"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." Hebrews 11:6

We try to make faith something hard. We think it is some "magical" formula that we have to put into practice for getting something from God. We hear lots of teaching about the "steps" of faith. Volumes of books have been written on the subject. Yet most don't know what it truly means to have faith or how to walk in it.

The starting point and whole essence of faith is to believe that God is. That He is- real, He does exist. To believe that He is- who He says He is. To believe that He is- the One who answers prayers and rewards the seeker. To believe that He is- the One who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think. To believe that He is- the One who cannot fail. To believe that He is- the One who loves us, desires to answer us, cares about us, is with us, meets and supplies our every need, who will not turn us away, who has all power and is well able to do what He says He will do and that nothing is impossible for Him.

If you are having a hard time believing that God is who He is, then you will be hindered in your faith. When I go to the doctor, I believe that doctor is who he is and that means he is qualified to give me what I need to take care of the sickness in my body. When I go to the banker with a financial need, I believe that banker is who he is and that he is qualified to help me with that financial need. When I am looking for property to buy, I go to the real estate agents. When I need insurance, I call an insurance agent. When I need help with my plumbing, I call a plumber. I call the people who are who they say they are because I believe that they are qualified to help me in those areas. My faith calls upon God because I believe that He is who He says He is, therefore, I know He is qualified to help me with the need.

Do you believe that He is who He says He is? Do you believe that He is qualified to meet the need? Do you believe that there is nothing too difficult or impossible for Him? That is faith-- faith that pleases Him.

Have a great day. Your faith is attached to your belief about God.

For further reading:

Ephesians 3:20
Hebrews 11

"The Source"

"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1,2

The Psalmist knew where his help in times of trouble came from-- it came from the Lord. Do you know where your help comes from? Where do you look for help? Do you look for help in the arm of flesh? Do you look to the doctors, the bankers, the government, your friend, your pastor, your employer, or some other person? They are not where our help lies-- it comes from the Lord. Can God use each of these? Yes, He can. In the Bible He used wicked kings, He used a widow to feed a prophet, He used fish as bankers, He used a little boy and his lunch to feed thousands. He can use anything and anyone He chooses to to meet the need. We just don't need to confuse the source with the resource.

God has resources that He can use to meet our need beyond what we can imagine. I have often said that if I can list a million ways God can meet my need, He would always come up with one more that I hadn't thought of. But the resources that He uses is not the source-- He is. We tend to look at the method, the person or the thing He uses as the source.

When I am traveling and pass of field of corn, soybeans, etc. I tend to look at and admire what is growing. But I never think about the one who planted it. Without that farmer, there would not be a field. Are we so focused on the "field" that we forget the One behind the field? Do we forget that there was a source behind it being planted? Without the Lord there would be no resource.

Never forget the Source behind your help. Never look at the resources and forget the One who gives you those resources. Never focus on the provision and forget the Provider. The Psalmist help didn't come from the "hills", it can from the Lord who made the hills.

Have a great day. Don't confuse the Source of your help with the resources that He uses.

For further reading:

Hebrews 13:6
Philippians 4:19
Isaiah 55:8-10

"Your Relationship With The Word"

"Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them." Psalm 119:165

We can have peace and we can have great peace. The key is in loving God's word/law and looking to it. His word is not just characters of black ink written on white paper, it is a person-- Jesus is the Word. Peace isn't just a concept, it is a person-- Jesus is the Prince of Peace. So when we love His word and when we look to His word, we are looking to and loving Jesus.

Each time we look into His word we are looking at Him. Each time we seek the counsel of His word we are seeking Him. Each time we bring the word into our situation, we are bringing Him into the situation. This is the reason why we find strength, life, hope, help, guidance and wisdom when we look into His word-- we are finding Him.

So, what is your relationship with Jesus? What is your relationship with His word? They are one in the same. We can't neglect the written word day after day and not think that it won't affect our relationship with Him. By reading the word, meditating on it, applying it, hiding it in our hearts and obeying it we are growing deeper in our relationship with Him and reinforcing any weak areas in that relationship. By neglecting the word the opposite is true- it leads to a weak relationship.

Have a great day. Your relationship with the written word is a reflection of your relationship with the Living Word.

For further reading:

John 1:1,14
Isaiah 9:6

"Which Will You Believe?"

"Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand." Psalm 37:24

There is a God in heaven who loves us and remembers that we get weak at times and don't always do the right things. Because it's not His will that we perish, He makes a way where we aren't totally cast down- or destroyed if we do fall. When we slip, when we mess up, when we make a mistake, when we sin, He graciously and lovingly provides forgiveness and restores us. He desires to pick us up. He desires to bring us back. He desires to give us another chance. He desires to bring us close to Himself. He doesn't want us to continue to go further and further down the path of regret, remorse, condemnation and guilt. He wants to forgive and cleanse us and set our feet back on solid ground and give us a hope and a future because He loves us.

But then there is an enemy of our soul (the devil) who goes about seeking whom he may devour. He hates us and wants to keep us held down in guilt, condemnation and shame. He wants to make us depressed and suffer and think that there is no hope for us. He wants to taunt us with our mistakes, bringing them up as accusations before us day and night. He is doing his best to make us want to give up and turn from God. He lies to us and deceives us into believing that God won't forgive us-- we are too bad or have gone to far.

This may describe where you are-- you have "messed up". You are sensing God's gentle love and mercy reaching out to you, but you also feel the guilt of your mistake beating you up and convincing you that it is too late. You are hearing the voice of the accuser louder than you are hearing the voice of God. Therefore you are feeling torn-- which is correct, which should you believe, is there really forgiveness and hope, or is it too late and you might as well give up? If that is you, I want to say this-- what you are going to believe is based on a choice. It is a choice to either believe the One who truly loves you and proved it by dying for you, or believe the one who cares nothing about you but wants more than anything to see you destroyed. The choice now should be easy-- believe the One who loves you.

Have a great day. When you make a mistake, are you going to choose to accept the Lord's forgiveness, or the devil's condemnations?

For further reading:

Psalm 103:14
1 John 1:9
John 3:16,17; 10:10
Jeremiah 29:11
Romans 8:1
1 Peter 5:8

"Little Things"

"Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes." Song of Solomon 2:15

Watch out for "little foxes", they are what spoils the vine. It's those little things that give us the most trouble and can cause the most damage. It doesn't always have to be something "big".

One little nail can cause a flat tire and keep you from going anywhere. One drop of poison can kill you. One piece of rotten meat can contaminate the whole plate. One small cut can develop into an infection that can make you very ill. A single sting from a bee can put some in the hospital. A spider bite can kill you if it is from a poisonous spider. Little termites can destroy a house. 

Likewise, one wrong move, one evil thought, one glance in the wrong direction, one bad choice, one wound from a friend, one unkind word can steal, kill and destroy our lives. So we must be on guard and guard against even the smallest things.

If a mouse gets into your house, it can cause a lot of destruction. And it can get in through the smallest of openings. All it needs is enough room to get its nose in and then it can squeeze its entire body in through it. All these "little" things that cause destruction in our lives need is just a small opening.  Close all "small openings" by casting down that thought, by releasing that offense, by getting that hurt healed... just don't give place to those small foxes and those "little" pitfalls the devil has laid for you.

Have a great day. Watch out today for those "little" things that have the ability to destroy.

For further reading:

1 Peter 5:8
2 Corinthians 10:5
1 Corinthians 5:6
Galatians 5:9

"Greater Than God?"

"Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable." Psalm 145:3

What a good way to start the day off-- remembering how GREAT our God is. We often forget that He is a great God. We tend to let the situation we are facing shroud that fact. Everything in society and daily living tries to convince us that He is not that great or that there are other things that are greater.

A bad report from the doctor tries to convince us that the sickness or disease is greater than God's ability to heal it. The economic downshift, or loss of a job, makes itself seem bigger than God's ability to provide. Problems in our relationships try to make us believe that it's greater than His ability to reconcile. Catastrophe wants to appear bigger than God. Politicians present themselves as greater than God by having all the answers.

Let me remind you this morning, there is NOTHING that is greater than the Lord. The Red Sea (obstacles that stand in the way) was not greater than God. Pharaoh's army (the powers that be) was not greater than God. The fiery furnace was not greater than God (He delivers from its power). Death isn't greater than Him- He conquered it and rose on the third day. It doesn't matter what area your problem is in; it is not greater than God. The enemy is not greater, the circumstance is not greater, the threats are not greater, and the situation is not greater. There is nothing greater than Him in heaven, earth and beneath the earth. There is nothing greater in power, wisdom, might and ability than the Lord.

Have a great day. Let me repeat-- there is nothing greater than the Lord. Meditate on that and keep it in the forefront of your heart and mind each and every day.

For further reading:

Psalm 145; 48:1
1 Chronicles 16:25

"Purpose and Plan"

"And, behold, the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir." Genesis 15:4

God had a purpose for Abraham- to give him an heir and make a great nation from him. How was God going to do that? Abraham thought his wife would get pregnant right away. When she didn't and was getting old, they thought He was going to do it through Sarah's servant Hagar. I am sure that from the time the Lord gave Abraham the promise until the promise was fulfilled in Isaac, they wondered how God was going to do it.

I want to talk about God's purpose and His plan. God's purpose is His will- what He wants to happen. God's plan is the avenue and means by which He brings His purpose into being. God's purpose was to give Abraham an heir, but God's plan was to give it to him through Sarah after she passed the age of child bearing.

We can know God's purpose but not always know His plan. God's purpose is to save mankind from his sins and give him eternal life. His plan for accomplishing that was to send His Son Jesus to die on the cross. It is not the purpose that we have trouble with, it's the plan. We get the two confused. 

Most people give up and stop pursuing God's promise and purpose because they keep missing the "plan" (the avenue by which He is going to do it.) They may have thought that God was going to fulfill His plan a certain way and when He didn't, they wanted to give up because they thought they missed God. No, you haven't missed the purpose/will because it hasn't changed. You just missed the plan He has for accomplishing the purpose. 

 

It is the purpose that God has made known to us and that is what we hold on to by faith. The discouragement and the feeling of giving up comes because we don't always know His plan for fulfilling His purpose. There too lies faith-- faith that He will lead us into His plan for fulfilling His purpose. Don't confuse the two, or when the plan doesn't line up with how you thought He was going to do it, you will mistake it for the purpose and give up.

Have a great day. God's plan and purpose are not the same. Don't give up on the purpose just because you missed the plan.

For further reading:

Genesis 15
Proverbs 3:5,6

"Unchanging Word Of God"

"Forever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven." Psalm 119:89

Many things change in life. We change the way we think, our opinions, our viewpoint and our convictions. Fads and fashions change from generation to generation. Even within the walls of the church doctrine seems to be changing. When I was growing up, there was a certain mindset-- you loved God, your family and your country. It seems as though we have developed a completely opposite mindset nowadays. 

 

While we change our minds and the way we think or how we view things, there is something that stays the same-- God's word. It does not change. God's word is eternal, and it is forever settled. Its meaning does not change. Its precepts and principals do not change. If it says you reap what you sow, then you reap what you sow-- whether you lived a thousand years ago or are alive now.

God's word is relevant for today, it is not outdated. Just because society changed its way of thinking does not mean that the Bible did. If it said do not kill, steal or commit adultery, it still means for us to abide by that today-- regardless of how smart we think we are that we don't need these "old-fashioned" rules.

The commandments and rules that are guidelines for our lives have not changed, nor ever will. But the comfort, hope and guidance that we find within its pages never changes either. King David found hope in God's word thousands of years ago. The early church found hope in His word thousands of years ago. I found hope and comfort in God's word a decade ago, and I am still finding hope in it today. 

 

I am so thankful that His word never changes. That fact gives me assurance that every time I go to it seeking help, I will always find it-- and you will too. Look in its pages, it has the answer to all your problems. And those answers fit today's needs just like they did yesterday, and always have.

 

Have a great day. The Word of God is not outdated, and it has not changed. It still offers the help you need within its pages just like it did yesterday and thousands of years ago. 

 

For further reading:

Psalm 119:160
Isaiah 45:23
Matthew 24:35; Mark 13:31; Luke 21:33

 

"Light Hiding Places"

"No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light." Luke 11:33 

Exactly! Who would light a candle then put it under something or stick it out of sight where it can't be seen? Lights are meant to shine, not be hidden or subdued.

 

When we put our faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, we become "lights" that shine in darkness. The light that we now have, and are, is meant to be seen. But we often "hide" them under something so that others are not seeing them. Why would we do that? What causes us to not let them shine? What are we hiding them under?

 

Some hide their lights under guilt. They made a mistake now they don't feel that their light should be seen. They feel hypocritical. Some are hiding their lights under popularity. They want to be popular with others, they want to be liked, they want to be included, but if they shine too brightly they will be rejected in certain circles so they try to "tone down" the light by putting it where it is not as evident. Others hide their lights under "comfort". If their lights are shining, and others are seeing it, it might cost them something-- themselves. They don't want to be bothered. They don't want to get up and have to do anything. They want to do what they want to do when they want to do it. If that is the case, they are hiding it under selfishness as well. Some hide it under compromise. They want to have a little light and a little darkness. Some hide it under ambition. They will never reach their goal or fulfill their dream if their light is getting in the way.

There are many other places that we could hide our lights under-- bitterness, unforgiveness, lusts, fear and so on. The question is not whether we can hide our lights-- we can. It is not a question of where our lights can be hid. The question is, "Are you hiding your light?" If so, do you know where and under what it is hid? Then the next question is, "Is what you are hiding it under worth it?"

Have a great day. Is your light hidden under something this morning?

For further reading:

Philippians 2:15

Romans 2:19

Ephesians 5:8

1 Thessalonians 5:5

2 Peter 1:19

"In The Storm"

"And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away." Acts 27:20

There are times when the Lord will speak to the winds and waves and cause the storm that is raging in your life to stop. But there are other times when you have to go "through" it. I want to encourage you this morning if you are going through a storm, that you will make it through it. You will land on the other side. The enemy is coming against you. He is trying to destroy you. But God has spoken a word that will not return to Him void or empty. Regardless of what the situation looks like. No matter how fearful it may seem. You may feel like you are going to drown. You may see no land, light or hope in sight. But your hope is in the Lord. He has not forgotten you. He has not, and will not, forsake you. He sees you and His comforting power is there with you. He does not always give the deliverance "from" the storm that you so desperately seek, but He will give you wisdom to know what to do and how to navigate through it. He will make Himself known to you in the midst of it. He will give you peace if you will but trust Him in spite of the storm.

Again let me say, "Sometimes you have to ride the storm out", but you will come to the other side. He has declared it.

Have a great day. Ride it out.  He is in the storm with you.  You wil get to the other side.

For further reading:

Acts 27

"Where Is Jesus?"

"To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." Colossians 1:22

Where is Jesus? The Bible says He is seated at the right hand of the Father in heaven. But He is also "in us". He has made His dwelling place within these "tabernacles" of clay. We are His dwelling place. Not only is He at residence within us, but so is His Kingdom. (I think we tend to forget that.)

Christ in you and His Kingdom in you, means that the very God who created the universe, who calls the stars each by name, who spoke into nothing and everything that exist appeared lives inside of you. It is the same God who is Omnipotent (All-powerful), Omniscient (All-knowing), Omni-present (present everywhere at the same time). He has all wisdom, love beyond measure, peace that passes understanding, truth and justice. He is the Savior, the Healer, the Deliverer, the King of kings and the Lord of lords. He is the victorious, conquering King. There is no lack, no weakness, no failure, no inability in Him. There is nothing He cannot do (except lie) and nothing He does not know.

We need to remember Who He is and where He is. For our sake, and for the world's sake who needs the God that is in you. They need the hope that only comes through Him. They need His peace. They need to experience His grace. They need Him but don't know it. 

 

"I must decrease, He must increase." "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20)  We don't only need to remember He is in us, but we need to allow Him to live through us and touch others who are lost and hurting. Our life should be His life lived out on earth. 

 

Have a great day. Jesus is in you, so let Him live through you.

For further reading:

Psalm 110:1
Mark 12:36
Acts 7:55
1 Corinthians 3:16
Luke 17:21
John 3:30
Hebrews 1:3; 8:1

Wealth and Riches Are In the House

"Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever." Psalm 112:3

If we look at the first verse of this chapter we discover that the person this is talking about is the one "that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in his commandments." In his house will be wealth, riches and righteousness. Of course when we read this we immediately think of wealth and riches on a natural level-- money, gold and silver. I want us to look at these from a spiritual perspective this morning.

 

Let's look at our house as not being our physical dwelling place, but our lives instead. In Matthew chapter seven Jesus compares our lives to houses. When we hear His word and apply it to our lives, we are like wise men who build our houses (our lives) on a rock. So we can say that wealth and riches are in our lives when we fear the Lord and delight in His commands. We know righteousness is because we have the righteousness of Christ applied to our lives at salvation-- righteousness is not a physical thing but a spiritual characteristic.

Having established this foundation, let's look some more at this. The Lord has deposited "wealth and riches" into our lives. "Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness." (Proverbs 8:18) What is this wealth and what are these riches? Silver and gold. Silver represents redemption- salvation. What greater riches can we posses than salvation which brings eternal life. (There is no profit if you gain the world and lose your soul. Matthew 16:26). Gold represents holiness, the Divine nature of God. How much richer can you be than to have God's nature residing in you! His life is in you, His holiness, His righteousness, His power, His Spirit, His grace, His love, His wisdom, etc.

Also God has placed gifts, callings, talents and abilities in you. There is an abundance of wealth inside you, given to you for a purpose. Through them He can give you the power to get physical wealth, to stand in places of honor, to see doors open, to reach the nations, to build His Kingdom, to make Him known and to bring glory to His name.

For many of you this wealth and riches are being held captive inside of you unused, and unrecognized that they are even there. You need to discover what the Lord has placed in you so that you can begin to use them. Start praying that the Lord will show you the riches that He has placed inside of you. Start calling forth those gifts and talents that are being held captive through dormancy in your life. Then watch God do some amazing things through you and see what He will "purchase" for His Kingdom through those riches.

Have a great day. Wealth and riches are inside of you. Start using them for the work of the Kingdom.

For further reading:

2 Corinthians 5:21
Matthew 7:11,24-27; 25:15
Deuteronomy 8:18
2 Peter 1:4

"Receive Jesus Into Your Storm"

"Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went. " John 6:21

Jesus' disciples were in a ship heading to Capernaum- Jesus was not with them. It had become dark and the sea was getting rough and rising high because of a great and violent wind that was blowing. They were rowing and rowing but were not getting very far. Then they saw Jesus walking toward them on the water. He called out to them not to be afraid because it was Him. The next thing that happened was what we read in our verse above. "Then they willingly received Him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went".

They were glad to see Him, and gladder still to have Him in the boat with them. They were glad for several reasons. His presence to comfort them was there. "It is I, be not afraid." They weren't getting very far on their own. The violent winds were blowing upon their boat and making it hard to navigate. The rising waters were threatening. They needed His help. They needed His peace. They needed Him to intervene in their storm. Once He got in the boat, it was immediately and safely at its destination.

Are you going through a dark, stormy time? Are the winds of adversity blowing upon your life? Are the waters rising, threatening to drown you? What are you doing about it? Are you trying to row hard enough to get yourself through it? Are you just trying to hold on hoping it will eventually stop? The disciples willingly received Jesus into their boat. Are you determined to go through this by yourself, on your own, or will you allow Jesus to come into your "boat"? Will you invite Him to get in there with you and take control of the situation?

You have a choice. You can keep struggling with the situation, you can keep trying to figure it all out, you can keep working hard to make it through, you can keep on trying to take care of it on your own, or you can let Jesus come into the situation with you and bring you safely to the other side.

Have a great day. Are you willing to let Jesus into the storm you are going through, or are you going to try to make it through on your own?

For further reading:
John 6:16-21

Luke 11:9