"Cast Them Upon The Lord"

"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." 1 Peter 5:7 

Yesterday the subject of how we give our burdens and problems to the Lord and then we go and take them back came up by several different individuals. Picking them up and taking them back is not what the Lord said to do. He said to "cast them on Him" implying that from that point on He would take care of them. That being the case He neither wants us to carry them ourselves and He doesn't want us taking them back once we give them to Him. 

 

So how do we stop taking them back? How do we leave them with Him once we have cast them upon Him? The answer is-- refuse to give into the temptation to take them back. The word refuse means to express a determination not to do something. In other words, just say, "No". 

 

Determine in your heart and mind that you are not going to take them back. Daniel had purposed (determined) in his heart that he would not eat the king's meat. This meant that doing differently was not an option for him. He could only do one thing-- not eat the food. You have to determine before you cast your care upon the Lord that you don't have an option to take it back. Once it is given to Him, it is given to Him. 

 

Once it is given to Him you have to realize that it no longer belongs to you-- the care now belongs to Him and has become His property. That means that you are "stealing" something from God each time you take it back.

 

The reason we take it back is because of a lack of faith. Evidently, we don't believe that God can take care of it-- at least not by Himself; He has to have our hands on it to help Him. If you don't believe He can take care of it, then don't "cast" it upon Him in the first place-- just keep trying to handle it yourself. Taking it back shows that you have more faith in yourself than in God.

 

So how do you stop the habit of taking it back? Once you realize that you have, the next step is to go to God with it again and cast it on Him again. Don't just keep holding on to it. Keep casting and casting and casting until you stop picking it up. But remember that you are wasting precious time, energy, joy and peace by having to spend all your time "casting".

 

Have a great day. It is possible to cast your cares on the Lord and leave them there. 

 

For further reading:

Daniel 1:8

Matthew 6:30

Ephesians 3:20

"Giving Gifts To God"

"Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:7 

Which is more important, the gift you give to God or the attitude in which you give it? It has been said that the way you give it is more important. Actually, it is both. What you give and the way you give it are both equally important. 

 

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) God gave out of love, and He gave the best (His Son) for us. By example He showed us that the gift and the way in which it is given are both important.

 

In the very beginning Abel and Cain both offered gifts to God. Abel's gift was accepted, Cain's was not. Neither Cain's gift nor his attitude in giving it was pleasing to God. There was a widow who gave two mites. Her gift wasn't big, it was very small, but Jesus made sure to point it out to His disciples. Her gift and her attitude in giving it to God were both accepted. In the Old Testament the people brought their sacrifices to the priest. The priest then inspected the sacrifice (gift) to see if it was acceptable as an offering to the Lord. We also read in the scriptures where God Himself told Israel that He would not accept their offerings or even take notice of them. He rejected their gifts and the attitude in which they gave them. 

 

So when we talk about giving our gifts and offerings to the Lord, it is important that we give them with the right motive, the right heart and the right attitude because God loves for us to give cheerfully and not grudgingly. But what we give to God is as equally important. He deserves our best, our finest, the first fruits and not just anything we choose to give Him just for the sake of saying we gave. So what are you giving to God? And how are you giving it? 

 

The gift He wants most is you. Our lives are to be living sacrifices. Is that what you are giving Him-- yourself? And how are you giving Him yourself? With reservation? Willingly or unwillingly? Gratefully or begrudgingly? 

 

Have a great day. The gift we give to God is as equally important as the attitude in which we give it. 

 

For further reading:

Luke 21:2-4

Amos 5:22

Genesis 4:1-7

Romans 12:1

"It Is Already There"

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

Because God is the Beginning and the End; the Author and the Finisher; the Alpha and Omega, He doesn't have to wait until something happens to then make provision for it. He makes provision way in advance because He sees way in advance, He knows what is coming before it actually comes-- He sees the end from the beginning.

 

He made provision for the saving of the world before Adam ever sinned. Jesus was the Lamb who was slain before the foundation of the world was ever laid. He made provision for Abraham before he took his son up to the mountain to offer him as a sacrifice by providing a ram in the thicket. He made provision for the children of Israel before they came out of Egypt by having houses already built and vineyards already planted for them in the land they were going to inhabit. 

 

The Lord has not changed. He still makes provision for us today, and not just when the need arises but before the need arises so that when we get to that place of need it will already be there waiting. 

 

Have a great day. God doesn't wait until the need arises to make the provision for it. He sees the need ahead of time and makes provision for it then so that when you get to the need it is already taken care of. 

 

For further reading:

Revelation 13:8; 1:8; 22:13

Genesis 22:13,14

Hebrews 12:2

"Never Alone"

"... .I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Hebrews 13:5b 

It doesn't matter where you are- what circumstance you face, what trial you are in- you are not alone the Lord is there with you. He was in the fiery furnace with the three Hebrews- He is in your "fiery furnace" with you also. He was in the lion's den with Daniel- He is in your "lion's den" with you too. He was there when Peter's faith was weak and he began to sink in the sea, He is there in your time of weakness. He was there when the Israelites were hemmed in between the Red Sea and Pharaoh's army- He is there with you when you feel "hemmed in" by overwhelming circumstances and it looks like all odds are against you. He was there with His sheep leading them beside still waters- He is there leading you as well into a place of rest. He is there when you face the valley of the shadow of death, walking with you. He was there with Paul in the storm that caused the ship to wreck. You may feel like your life is a "ship wreck" but He is there with you as He was with Paul. 

 

As I said earlier, "It doesn't matter where you are, you are not alone because the Lord is with you." The Psalmist said it this way-- "I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night— but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to you." (Psalm 139:7-12- NLT)

 

When you begin to feel alone, when the circumstances of life make you feel alone, remember that you never are alone. The Lord is with you regardless of where you are and what you are going through because He has promised to never leave you, nor forsake you. 

 

Have a great day. No matter where you are and what you are going through, you are not alone because the Lord is with you. 

 

For further reading:

Psalm 23

Acts 27:20-23

Daniel 3:23-25

Exodus 14:9,13,14

Daniel 6:19-22

 

"He Immediately Answers"

"Call unto me, and I will answer thee..." Jeremiah 33:3a 

A couple of nights ago I was awakened from a sound sleep by a lack of feeling and inability to control my arm and hand. As soon as it woke me up my first thought was to call on Jesus- so I said, "Jesus", out loud. The very instant I called out to Jesus my husband, who was sound asleep, said, "What's the matter?". I told him I had no feeling in my arm. Without hesitation he began to rub my arm and hand. Within just a minute the blood was flowing again, and I regained feeling and use. So, we turned over and went back to sleep. 

 

I shared this because it was such a beautiful example of the way the Lord does us. When we are in need and call out to Jesus, He is immediately there. He has our answer, knows what to do and begins taking control of the situation. He doesn't hesitate to come to our aid. His ears are attentive to our cries even when we don't think He is there or that He is listening.

Peter knew what I am talking about. "And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him." (Matthew 14:29-31)

 

Are you going through some sort of difficulty, problem, or concern? Call out to Jesus. As soon as I realized what was happening I called out His name. As soon as Peter began to sink he called out to Jesus. Don't hesitate to call on Him. Don't wait until after you have tried to figure it out or gone through every other source. He is right there beside you and will come to your aid the moment you call to Him.

 

Have a great day. Don't hesitate to call upon Jesus in your time of need, He won't hesitate to come to your aid.

 

For further reading:

Psalm 3:4; 120:1 

 

"Goodness And Mercy Are Following"

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Psalm 23:6 

I want to look at the portion of the scripture that says, "goodness and mercy shall follow me", and address it. When I think of "following", I think of it in two ways.

 

The first way that goodness and mercy "follow" is in the sense that not only do they "accompany" me but that I also "leave them behind" me everywhere I go. Our reputations "follow" us- people know who we are because of the things we have done. Do you have the reputation of showing goodness and mercy in the situations you face? Are you leaving goodness and mercy behind you like a footprint a person would leave in the sand that testifies that they were there? As Christians goodness and mercy should always be accompanying our lives. We should be good regardless of the situation, and we should do good to all those we come in contact with. We should also show mercy, mercy to all. Mercy should be there when we deal with people who don't deserve mercy. 

 

Then secondly, God gives us a promise that goodness and mercy shall follow us- they will be our "traveling companions", ever present wherever we go. Goodness and mercy are following us to encourage us in our walk with the Lord. They are "pushing" us from behind to continue to run the race, fight the good fight of faith and keep pressing toward the mark. Their presence is a constant reminder that it was because of God's own goodness and His mercy, not our own and not anything that we did, that we have been forgiven and are now His child. That then gives us the strength to go on. 

 

Goodness and mercy follow us in two ways. One way is for others- to be extended to them as a testimony of Christ in your life. The other way is for you- they are given from God to aid and encourage you in your walk with Him. 

 

Have a great day. Goodness and mercy are following you, and are they following you? 

 

For further reading:

Matthew 5:7

Galatians 6:10; 5:22

Proverbs 11:17

Luke 6:36

Ephesians 5:9

 

"God Is Good"

"Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes." Psalm 119:68 

God is accused of many things, but He can never be accused of not being good. He is a good God who does good things. Everything He created in the beginning was good. After each day of creation He looked at what He had created and said it was "good". There was nothing but the goodness of God in the earth until man sinned and opened the door to evil. Even though the good things that God created were tainted by evil at the fall, it did not taint who God was, He still remained to be good and do good. 

 

God's goodness didn't stop just because man sinned. On the contrary, our need now for a way out of what we got ourselves into- sin and death- prompted God's goodness to action. That action was Him sending of His own Son Jesus into the world to bear the sins of mankind. Do you want to see what a picture of God's goodness looks like? Look at the cross. 

 

Even now your need today prompts God's goodness to action on your behalf. If you are suffering, His goodness will show up and give you the comfort and strength that you need. If you are in some sort of physical, material lack His goodness will meet that need. 

 

Why would He be so good to us even though we fail, even when we mess up, even though we don't always do what we should? It is because of who He is-- a good God. Not only is He good and does good to us, but He has also released His goodness to follow us all the days of our lives. So take heart this morning. You may be walking through a valley but His goodness is following you. You may be going through a storm but His goodness is following you. You may be facing pain but His goodness is there still following you. You may be going through a fiery trial, a time of temptation or persecution by your enemies but His goodness is following you. When His goodness is following you, it means that He is following you because you cannot separate God from His goodness.

 

Have a great day. God is good and He does good and His goodness follows you. 

 

For further reading:

Psalm 23:6; 27:13; 33:5; 73:1

James 1:17

Genesis 1:4

 

"Change Of Plans"

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Jeremiah 29:11 

Things don't always go according to our plans. Plans tend to fail, obstacles arise and get in the way of our plans, circumstances change that hinder our plans, situations take us in a different direction than we had planned. Health issues, loss of income, death in the family, job transfer, the birth of a child, etc. all affect our plans. Our plans are never in "concrete" as we would like to think they are. Look at the life of Joseph. I am sure he had plans. His plans included growing up in his own home with his father and family, but that was not the case. Instead his life went in a direction he would have never planned-- sold into slavery by his own brothers, spending most of his life in Egypt, being thrown into prison. 

 

When plans change, and not always in what appears to be a good way, if you are a born again child of God there are a couple of things you need to keep in mind. Always remember that your life is in God's hands. He sees all, He knows all, and though the change in plans may have taken you by surprise they have not taken God by surprise. He saw them coming and is working through them to give you "an expected end"-- hope in the midst of the situation. 

 

Remember too that when plans change, it doesn't mean that God is not still in control. Joseph's life went through many changes. Just as he finally accepted his new life in Egypt as a slave, Potiphar's wife lies on him and he is thrown into prison. At that point one would think that God was not in control or that He had abandoned him. But God was always in control because He was always there watching over the entire situation. 

 

Lastly, when plans change not only is God still in control and not taken by surprise at the change in your situation, He is also working even this change of plans together for your good. I didn't say the situation or change was good- slavery, lies told on you, prison was not a good thing- but God can take the change of plans and bring something from it that will work together for good on your behalf. So when your plans change, remember that God has a plan and He can turn the change of plans around for your ultimate good.

 

Have a great day. Things don't always go according to our plans, but when they change always remember that God is still in control and can work all things together for your good. 

 

For further reading:

Genesis 45:6-8

Romans 8:28

Colossians 3:3

"Do It For Yourself"

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13

 It has been said, "The Lord helps those who help themselves", and "God will not do for you what you can do for yourself". The truth is- we cannot help ourselves and anything that we "can do" is only because God has so graciously enabled us to do so. Jesus said that "without Me you can do nothing". He even confessed that "without the Father I can do nothing". The Bible has made it plain that it is in Him that we "live, move and having our being". Apart from God we wouldn't even exist. "It is He that has made us and not we ourselves". Had He not created us in a certain way we would not be able to do anything-- speak, walk, act, learn, think, etc. 

 

Having said that, let me now say that even though we can literally do nothing apart from God, He has so graciously placed within us the abilities to "do for ourselves". Since He has it is in those areas that we "help ourselves". For example, the Bible tells us to "study to show ourselves approved"- we do the "studying". It tells us to "stir up the gift that is within us"- we do the "stirring". And so on. We are waiting for God to "come down" and do the things for us that He has already enabled us to do. It isn't going to happen. He isn't going to come and place the Bible in your hand and start reading it to you. He isn't going to grab you by the neck and pull you out of bed, dress you and drive you to church. These are all abilities He has given you to do for yourself and He expects you to do them. 

 

The point is that without God imparting abilities within us there would be nothing that we could ever do for ourselves. But since He has we are to do them and not sit around waiting on Him to do them. There are things that He will do for us because we truly cannot. But He has already done everything else for us when He placed the ability within us to do them. So stop waiting for Him and start doing them yourself.

 

Have a great day. Stop waiting for God to do the things He has given you the ability to do. 

 

For further reading:

John 15:5; 5:19; 8:28

Genesis 1:1, 26

Acts 17:28

"The Provision Is Already Made"

"And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the Lord it shall be seen." Genesis 22:14

Today we are going to spend some time thanking the Lord for His provisions.

He has made provision for our salvation- John 3:16

He has made provision for all our needs to be met - Philippians 4:19

He has made provision for our healing- Psalm 103:3; Isaiah 53:5; 1 Peter 2:24

He has made provision for us to have strength when we are weak- 2 Corinthians 12:9

He has made provision for us to have wisdom- James 1:5

He has made provision so we can have peace of mind- Philippians 4:7

He has made provision for us to be able to walk in victory- 2 Corinthians 2:14

He has provided a way of access into His presence- Hebrews 4:15,16

He has made a provision for us to be forgiven when we miss the mark- 1 John 1:9

He has made provision for us to have abundant life- John 10:10

He has made provision for our comfort in times of grief- 2 Corinthians 1:3,4

He has provided a way of escape in every temptation- 1 Corinthians 10:13

 

The Heavenly Father is our Provider; therefore, He makes provision for all we need- spirit, soul and body. There is nothing that He has not and does not provide for us His children. What do you need today? He has already made a provision for it; the provision is there just like the ram in the thicket that was there for Abraham. Look to Him, put your trust in Him and when what you need doesn't appear to be there, then boldly with faith proclaim the same thing Abraham did-- "And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering? And Abraham said, My son, God will provide." (Genesis 22:7,8)"

 

Have a great day. God has already made the provision for everything that you need. 

 

"I Will Rejoice Because"

"This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

"We will" implies that we have a choice as to whether we will rejoice today or not. Personally, I choose to rejoice. Let me tell you why. 

I will rejoice because the Lord has given me great promises that I can trust because He is faithful to keep His promises.

Therefore, I will rejoice because: He promises to never leave me nor forsake me. He will supply all my need. He will give me strength when I am weak. He will be a very present help to me in time of trouble. He will give me peace that passes understand. He will give me joy that is unspeakable and full of glory. He will fight my battles for me. He will not let any weapon formed against me prosper. He will be my guide. His name is a strong tower that I can run into. His grace will be sufficient for me. He will give me all things that pertain to life and godliness. He will hear me when I call upon Him. He will keep what I have committed to Him. He will give His angels charge over me. He will load me today with benefits. 

These reasons are just for starters. There are so many more reasons, based on His promises, that I have to rejoice and be glad today. What about you? Are you going to remember His promises to you? When you do, it should cause you to rejoice and be glad!

Have a great day. God made this day, I choose to rejoice because of His faithful promises.

"Humble"

"Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth!" Psalm 113:6 

This verse is talking about God and how He humbles Himself to take notice of the things that are in heaven and in earth. You may find it odd that He "humbles" Himself to even look upon the creation, but when you think about it, it isn't. The Creator is so superior to the creation that in order to take notice and be involved God the Creator would have to humble Himself to come down to a lower place. Thus, He humbles Himself to look upon mankind. And not only does He humble Himself in order to even look upon us, He humbled Himself when we came and dwelt among us in the likeness of human flesh. Jesus (God the Son) humbled Himself and took off His heavenly garment and placed upon Himself an earthly one. He humbled Himself and took on the form of a creation. He humbled Himself and became mortal and though He was Life He humbled Himself to death (before He defeated it!). He humbled Himself and became limited to time and space, and vulnerable to hunger and thirst, to accusations, to beatings, and to temptations. 

 

If God Himself, the One who is above all, who is highly exalted, who has a name that is above every name, chose and chooses to humble Himself for our sakes, then why can't we follow His example and humble ourselves before Him and man. Can't you humble yourself in obedience to Him? Can't you humble yourself and turn the other cheek? Can't you humble yourself and let Him take vengeance on your behalf? Can't you humble yourself in the areas you kick against and let go of pride which will eventually lead to destruction? Can't you humble yourself and forgive the one who has hurt you? 

 

They say it takes the "bigger" person to humble themselves and forgive, to humble themselves and do the right thing, to humble themselves and not to fight. There is more truth to that then we realize because when we humble ourselves, we are following "The Supremely Bigger One"-- God Himself, because that is exactly what Jesus did.

 

Have a great day. If God humbles Himself for our sakes, can't we humble ourselves before Him and others. 

 

For further reading:

Philippians 2:1-8

John 1:14

Proverbs 16:18

 

"Privileged"

"But as many as received him, to them gave he the right to become children of God, even to them that believe on his name." John 1:12 (NAS) 

The dictionary defines the word privileged as: belonging to a class that enjoys special privileges; favored. We hear that word used in regard to some person who is part of a wealthy family or royalty. These individuals enjoy certain privileges that the rest of us who aren't royalty or wealthy don't. They receive these privileges because they were either born into the family, adopted into it, or married into it.

 

If you are a born-again child of God then you have been born into, adopted into, and married into God's family. This means you are privileged. And you are privileged with so much more than these people we have been talking about. Being part of God's family entitles you to certain privileges. Among those privileges are access into the Father's presence-- you can come boldly before Him without having to wait for an invitation, without the fear of being turned away, knowing that you can freely and openly talk to Him about anything. You also are privileged to receive certain blessings-- answered prayer, help in time of trouble, grace that is sufficient, strength in weakness, joy that is inexpressible, peace that passes understanding. You have access to all that He has-- you are His heir and a joint-heir with Jesus Christ. You are privileged in the fact that there is no good thing that He will withhold from you, but will give you all things freely. You have been privileged to receive the infilling of the Holy Spirit- the One who comforts, leads, guides, directs, manifests the power of God and cultivates the fruits of righteousness in your life. These are just a few of the privileges that we are entitled to, the list is endless.

 

There was another definition for privileged: restricted to a select group or individual. While everyone would like to think they are entitled to all of God's blessings, they are not. These privileges are restricted to those who have been born into God's family-- which happens only when we put our faith and trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and follow Him as Lord. 

 

To those who have not been born into the family of God, to those who don't follow Jesus, to those who are turning your back on Him, you cannot enjoy these privileges. But I have good news. If you will turn your life over to Him and receive Him as your Savior these privileges become yours too. To those of you who have been born into His family, remember the privileges that you have been given through Jesus and don't live a life of lack- lack of provision, lack of power, lack of victory, lack of abundant life.

 

Have a great day. If you are a born-again child of God you are a privileged person.

 

For further reading:

Romans 8:15,17

Hebrews 10:19

Galatians 4:6

 

"Emotions"

"For we walk by faith, not by sight." 2 Corinthians 5:7 

Emotions are the feelings that we all have. They manifest themselves through joy, hate, sorrow, etc. Our emotions are subject to change. We can feel happy one moment and sad the next. Sometimes we even get on an "emotional rollercoaster" and are in a constant state of highs and lows/ups and downs.

 

While emotions are God-given and not a bad thing we cannot live by them. We cannot let emotions dictate our lives. The Word of God is what dictates our lives. I may not feel very victorious but I am victorious-- more than a conqueror in all things through Christ Jesus. I may not feel loved but I am loved-- loved by God with an everlasting love and nothing can separate me from His love. I may not feel forgiven when I mess up but His forgiveness is sure-- when I confess my sins He is faithful and just to forgive me. It is not about how I feel but about what He says. 

 

If we would learn to start walking in and living our lives according to what God says instead of what our emotions say, then we would see a big change in our whole demeanor, our attitude, our reactions, in our relationships, in our work ethics, in every area of our lives. Put it to the test. Spend the day making conscience decisions to let the Word of God govern your life instead of letting your emotions do so. You will begin to see a difference. 

 

Have a great day. Our emotions are subject to change, therefore, we cannot live our lives being governed by them. We have to let the unchanging Word of God govern our lives. 

 

For further reading:

Jeremiah 31:3

1 John 1:9

Romans 8:35-39

"The Basics"

"Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works..." Revelation 2:5a 

The world has become so complicated. Life is not simple anymore. Even mailing a package is not a simple task now days- postal rates are constantly changing, it depends on where you are mailing it to, how much it weighs, priority mail, flat rate, what the contents are, local rate, international rate, etc. It is like that in every area of this ever changing world-- complicated!

 

It is the same way in the church. It has become complicated with its new "faddish" programs, culture relevance, and social acceptance. It will make you "dizzy" sometimes and cause you to lose sight and focus of what it is really all about. When I got saved and became a babe in Christ, the first thing I was taught was to read my Bible everyday, pray everyday and go to church. These are the basics of Christianity. 

 

I think we need to be reminded from time to time to get back to the basics. If you are feeling dry, if things aren't going right, if you are facing difficulties, if you are feeling confused, check yourself and see if you are practicing the basics. Everything in life builds on the basics. You can't go very far intellectually without the three "R's" (the basics)- Reading, Writing and Arithmetic. You can't bypass or neglect the basics whether it is in baking a cake or working out your own salvation with fear and trembling, you have to have them as a foundation.

 

When the religious leaders had made things so complicated for the people by adding more and more laws for them to follow, Jesus pointed them back to the basics. "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." 

 

Don't neglect the basics-- love God with all your heart, soul and mind, read the Bible, pray to God, assemble with other Christians and do it daily and it will remove the complication and confusion.

 

Have a great day. Get back to the basics, everything else is built on them. 

 

For further reading:

Matthew 22:37-40; 6:33

 

"God Notices"

"When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?" Psalm 8:34

When you think about just how vast the universe is and in the scope of things how small we are, it is amazing that God even notices us. But He does. I want to encourage you this morning that God is mindful of you. He sees you. He knows where you are. You are not so small that you have gotten lost from His view-- you aren't lost in the crowd. He notices you-- everything about you from the number of hairs on your head to the tears that you cry. 

 

So, when you ask the question, "God, do You even know I exist? Do You know where I am?" The answer is most definitely, "Yes". Yes, He does know. Yes, He does see you. Yes, He does care about you. You may be small in comparison, but never too small that He doesn't know where you are and what you are going through.

 

Have a great day. You are not so small that God doesn't know where you are.

 

For further reading:

Psalm 139; 56:8

Matthew 10:30

 

"A Junkie"

"Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." 2 Timothy 3:7

When you hear the word 'junkie', it immediately conjures up images of drug addicts, and it should because that is the primary definition of what a junkie is. But there is another definition I want to talk about this morning as defined in the dictionary. Junkie: an ardent and enthusiastic supporter of some person or activity; someone who is so ardently devoted to something that it resembles an addiction; "a golf addict"; "a car nut"; "a bodybuilding freak"; "a news junkie".

 

I know people who are "religious event junkies". They love going to conferences, seminars, revivals, etc. Each time they hear of one they have their bags already packed and ready to go. I love going to them too so please don't misunderstand what I am going to say. I remember one conference I went to years ago. It lasted for a couple of days. The teaching sessions were held by some of the "biggest names" in Christianity. The speakers and singers were people who were considered "stars" and someone you would only see on television. It was a glorious time. The atmosphere was electric. The words that came forth were powerfully anointed. The presence of the Lord was heavy in the place. The freedom to worship was amazing. I loved everything about it, I was basking in the glory. It gave me a wonderful feeling for the moment-- I felt "high" spiritually. 

 What I am talking about is someone who goes from one event (like I have described) to another for that "feel good" experience. They can't get enough of the way it makes them feel- the "goose bumps", the enthusiasm, being in the presence of "big names", the "get away", etc. But what does it do for them after the "high" of the event wears off? Has going changed them at all? Have they really heard what was preached? Are they applying the word and truths they heard to their lives? Are they letting it make them any more like Jesus? I have gone to some of these meetings and seen some Christians exhibiting un-Christ like behavior and attitudes before they ever reach the exit. 

 

If you are strictly going to these meetings because you love the way it makes you feel, but you don't take what you received there and allow God to use it in your life to change you, then you are a "religious events junkie"-- going for the "feeling" but not for the "transformation".

 

Have a great day. Are you a "religious events junkie"? Addicted to the feeling you get there but never applying the truths. 

 

For further reading:

James 1:22

Roman 12:1,2

 

"Stop Running"

"For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance." Romans 11:29

I feel like I have a word this morning that is specifically for a certain individual. It is for someone who is "running" from the call that God has on your life. I am not talking about the person who is in limbo and just not sure if what you are sensing is God or you, so you are waiting and trying the spirits to see if it truly is. 

 

I am talking to someone this morning who knows what God has said but you are refusing to yield to Him. He has told you to go left, but you have gone right. He has told you to go in one direction but you have run in the opposite direction. Like Jonah you have deliberately gotten on a "boat" that is taking you in the totally opposite direction as far away from God's plan as you can get. You keep "kicking against the pricks". 

 

The Lord wants you to know that it is time for you to stop kicking and just surrender. You have gone your own way yet you are wondering if it is too late. He wants me to tell you that it is not too late. His plan for you has not changed, because He does not change (let this part be an encouragement for all who read this not just the individual that I am addressing). Because He does not change, His plan and call upon you does not change. He does not "repent" and change His mind about you. You may have missed it, you may have run, you may have rebelled, but like the father of the prodigal He is standing there waiting for you to return and start acting like and taking the place of His son/daughter/ child. Don't kick any longer. Surrender and yield to His plan. He loves you and is waiting.

 

Have a great day. God has not changed His mind about you or His plan for you, so stop running from it. 

 

For further reading:

Malachi 3:6

Luke 15:11-24

"When To Praise God"

"...Is any merry? let him sing psalms." James 5:13b 

When you have a merry heart and things are going well, you should sing and offer up praises to God. But what about when things aren't going well, when you are facing trials and difficulties, what should you do? The same thing- sing and offer up praises to God. 

 

The fact that you are going through a problem doesn't change the fact that He is worthy of praise. He deserves our praise regardless of the circumstances or situations that we find ourselves in. Why should we praise Him in the storms of life? For three reasons in particular.

 

1) Praise is a garment. "the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness." (Isaiah 61:3) A garment keeps us warm, covered and feeling unexposed, therefore, less vulnerable. When we don't feel vulnerable, we feel strong and able to either tackle or withstand the problem that we are facing. The word "heaviness" paints a picture of a candle whose flame is about to go out. Praise reignites the flame that is within us so that we can begin to shine brightly again. 

 

2) Praise is a powerful weapon. "And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed." (Acts 16:25,26) Things cannot get any worse than sitting in prison at midnight with your feet in stocks after having been beaten. But instead of complaining, crying, whining and getting mad at God, Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises to God. When they did, an earthquake came and the prison doors flew open and the stocks fell from their feet.

 

3) The Lord Himself inhabits praise. "But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel." (Psalm 22:3) The One who strengthens, who reignites, who sends the earthquake, who opens prison doors, who turns night into day, who calms the raging sea, who quenches the fire, who works all things together for your good, comes and dwells within praise. Praise is the open door that ushers His presence into your situation.

 

So, are you merry today? Then praise God. Are you doing well? Then praise God. Are you suffering? Then praise God. Are you going through trials and testing? Then Praise God. Praise Him for His strength to make it through it. Praise Him for His power to turn the situation around. Praise Him for being with you.

 

Have a great day. Praise the Lord at all times--- good times and bad times.

For further reading:

Psalm 34:1

"He Shows Mercy"

"It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22,23 

Unlike people who show no mercy or who often extend mercy for a short while, you will always find mercy from the Lord. You may have messed up badly, you may have repeated the same "offense" over and over again, you may keep falling, but as you call out to the Lord from a sincere and repentant heart He shows mercy. 

 

God remembers our frame and knows that we are made from dust. He knows that apart from Him we can do nothing. He knows all there is to know about us and He still loves us. It is the enemy/devil who wants to keep us from God when we know we have messed up and done wrong. He sends his accusations and condemnations to keep us from going to God because he knows we will find forgiveness, mercy, peace and grace from God. He knows that God loves us and desires to forgive and cleanse us and set us back on the right path. 

 

Don't listen to his lies that God won't forgive you, that God is finished with you, that God is tired of hearing your excuses and putting up with your failures. No, it is not God's plan and desire for you to live in defeat and failure. His plan is that you walk in victory in Christ, and His mercy is the avenue that gets you there. So don't stay away from Him, go to Him and you will find mercy, mercy that will give you another chance and raise you up so that you can live victoriously.

 

Have a great day. God's mercies are always extended to us. 

 

For further reading:

Psalm 103:14; 37:24; 33:22

John 15:5; 10:10; 6:37

Jeremiah 29:11