"The Closing Of Doors"

"And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth." Revelation 3:7

When a door closes to something that we have wanted or believed for, we try to convince ourselves that it is because God has something better for us.  Maybe so, but that isn't always the case.

We tend to think that just because the door is open it has to be God.  If that were the case, why would He shut any doors?  It is because not every open door is God's open door for you.  Sometimes He shuts them because it is simply not His will and you are trying to go through the wrong door, thinking that it is the right door.  When He closes a door, it is for our protection.  If we proceed into it, we could be walking into a trap laid by the enemy. 

Sometimes the timing, on God's clock not yours, is not right.  It was two more years from the time Joseph asked the butler to tell Pharaoh about him and when Pharaoh actually called him out of prison.   

So, when God closes a door, even if you thought the open door was Him originally, don't fret or worry, just trust.  Had it truly been His door in the first place, it would have stayed open because He is not divided against Himself.  Had it truly been His timing, it would have stayed open, and you would be able to walk on through it.

Instead of complaining and getting discouraged when a door closes, perhaps you should be rejoicing and thanking God for either having something better for you or for keeping you from something bad.

Have a great day.  When God closes a door, it is always for our benefit.   

"The Outcome Of Suffering"

"For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."  Romans 8:18

Suffering, trials, temptation, sorrow, persecution, pain and tribulation are all part of this life.  Even for the Christian, and perhaps more so.  We are not exempt.  Sometimes we even experience more, mostly because we have become a target for the enemy- the devil- who is out to steal, kill and destroy us.  We are, if we are living as Christ commanded us to live, a great threat to his works and plans.  That being the case, he is out to stop us.  And he will do it by any means possible.  He doesn't "fight fair".  He has one goal in mind-- "take you down" and "take you out". 

If you are "under the gun", if you are on his "radar", if you are in his "sights" then rejoice.  Don't whine.  Don't complain.  Don't get a "poor me" complex.  Don't have a "pity party".  Wait a minute.  You are telling me to "rejoice" when I am persecuted or suffering or in tribulation?  That makes no sense.  No, I am not telling you this, God's word tells us to.  Jesus told us to.

There is suffering and then there is suffering.  When we are suffering for the cause of Christ, when we are suffering for our faith in Him, the way we are to handle it is by "rejoicing".  We don't rejoice because of the suffering; we rejoice in spite of it.  We rejoice because we know this is not the end.  There is an outcome that we are rejoicing over.  When we look past the suffering, we see glory!  That "glory" gives us reason to rejoice.  Jesus looked past the suffering of the cross and at the outcome of His suffering.  This brought Him great joy.

What is the outcome of our suffering for Christ?  What is the result that will cause us to rejoice?
A great reward in heaven.  (Matthew 5:10-12)
You are sharing in Christ's suffering and will share in His glory.  (1 Peter 4:12,13)
It is working patience in you.  (James 1:3)
You shall receive a crown of life.  (James 1:12)
If we suffer with Him, we will reign with Him.  (2 Timothy 2:12)
There will be a glory revealed in us.  (Romans 8:18)

Have a great day.  We may not feel we can rejoice in our suffering for Christ, but when we look at the outcome of that suffering, we can greatly rejoice!

"He's Speaking"

".... him that speaketh from heaven."  Hebrews 12:25b 

It has always been the Lord God's desire to speak to His people.  At the very beginning of creation, He talked with Adam each day.  He talked with the patriarchs.  He talked with His people Israel.  We hear His voice at the Jordan River at the baptism of Jesus saying, "This is my beloved Son, hear Him".  Jesus said to the people, "He who has an ear to hear, let him hear".  Seven times in the book of Revelation we are told to "hear what the Spirit is saying".  In old times the Lord spoke through the prophets, but in these last days He speaks to us through His Son. 

Since it has always been His desire to speak to us in the past, then that means it still is His desire today (because He does not change).  God desires to speak to mankind.  He desires to speak to YOU.  The question is, "Are you listening?"  When there is a problem in communication, it lies with us.  We are the ones who are either not listening or not understanding what He is saying.  The understanding part is easy to correct-- just ask Him to clarify.  He will.  Why do we think that the Lord would speak to us and then not give us the understanding of what He is saying?  Sometimes we just have to listen a little longer. 

The Lord is speaking all around you--- through His word, by His Spirit, through creation, through other people, through circumstances, as well as through dreams and visions.  Are you listening?  Or are you continuing to ask Him to "speak to you"?

Have a great day.  God desires to speak to you, and He is... are you listening?

For further reading:
Mark 9:7
Genesis 3:8
Hebrews 1:2
Matthew 11:15

"The Answer's There"

"But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves."  James 1:22

We have all heard the idiom- you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink.  It has nothing to do with horses, it has everything to do with us.  We can know what the right thing to do is and still not do it.  We can have knowledge but still not apply it. 

Let's put this on a spiritual level.  We can know what we should and shouldn't do but still choose to do the wrong thing.  We can hear instruction from the Lord and still do what we have a mind to do.  We can hear that still small voice but still decide not to follow it.   We can know the will of God but still pursue our own will.

Often, we pray for the Lord to tell us what to do, give us direction, help us to get out of a spiritual rut, help us to draw closer to Him, help us to deny ourselves and lead us into His will.  We find ourselves at times like Peter when he was walking on the water-- sinking!  We like him cry out for help.  The difference between him and us is that he accepted and acted upon the answer the Lord gave him for help.  "And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him."  Jesus grabbed Peter and Peter grabbed a hold of Jesus. 

The Lord has been sending your answer-- many times, time after time-- but you are not acting upon it.  He has told you what to do confirming it over and over again.  Every time you pray, and you hear the same answer.  When you continue to hear the same thing from several different sources.  It is not that the Lord is not "helping" you.  It is not that He is not answering you.  The problem lies in you.  You are not doing what He says to do.  You are "being led to water" but you are refusing to "drink". 

Continue to cry out to God and ask for help.  Ask Him what you need to do.  But He isn't going to tell you anything else because He is already telling you.  You just have to do what He has already said.  You have to "bow your head"- humble yourself- and "drink".

Have a great day.  The Lord has been giving you your answer, but you have to do what He says. 

For further reading:
Matthew 14:29-31
Jeremiah 7:13

"Grace And Faith"

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.  Ephesians 2:8

We are saved by grace; it is the gift of God.  We don't earn it.  We don't do anything to deserve it.  We don't merit it.  We can't buy it.  Salvation is strictly a gift from God.  He has already purchased this wonderful gift for us with the life of His One and Only Begotten Son Jesus. 

We receive it through faith.  Do you believe?  Do you believe that salvation comes only one way--through Jesus?  Do you believe that He did everything necessary to save you and give you eternal life?  Do you believe that there are not enough good works and deeds that you can do that will save you on your own?  Do you believe Jesus' shed blood at the cross was enough? 

Do you believe that this grace that saves you is greater that your sins?  Do you believe it is greater than all you did in the past and all you will do in the future?  Do you believe it is greater than all your mistakes, failures and sins?  Do you believe that God's grace can wash you clean from all unrighteousness?  Do you believe that by itself it is great enough to take care of your life?

Salvation is a gift given to us by God's grace.  But in order for us to enjoy this gift we have to receive it by faith.  You are saved by God's grace- you don't earn it.  And that grace is enough all by itself to save you.  Do you believe this?    

Have a great day.  Grace saves us.  Faith receives it.

For further reading:
John 3:16
Ephesians 2:8,9
Titus 2:11
 

"Back Alive Again"

"He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake."  Psalm 23:3

"He restoreth my soul."   Simply put... "He gives me my life back."  We all "lost" our lives in the Garden of Eden when Adam sinned against God.  (All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.  The wages of sin is death.)  But also on a more individual level, because of sin we have made wrong choices and bad decisions.  We have allowed the crowd to persuade and sway us in directions that were destructive and harmful to us.  We have done things that led us down a dark path.  We have wound up in a pit of our own making and frantically try to find a way out but to no avail.  Does any of this hit home or sound familiar?  Maybe not?

These scenarios may or may not apply to your life.  The fact remains that we are all "dead men walking".  We are all under the curse of death, and many feel like they are "dead".  But there is hope.  It is found in Jesus.  He is the giver of life.  He is Life.  You may feel "dead" inside.  You may be living in defeat.  You may be going the wrong direction.  You may have gotten yourself into a really deep dark pit.  I have good news... Jesus restores.  Jesus gives life.  Jesus gives us back our lives and turns them into something beautiful and productive.  Can I get a witness?  He gave me back my life, and He has done the same for countless numbers of people.  He wants to do the same for you today.  All you have to do is let Him!  It is that simple.  Will you?

Have a great day.  Jesus gave me back my life when I was dead in trespasses and sin.  He wants to do the same for you today.

For further reading:
Romans 6:23; 5:12-17
John 10:10   

"His Vision Of Joy"

"He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities."  Isaiah 53:11

If you saw the "Passion of the Christ", you know that the crucifixion was no little thing.  It was a horrible death to die.  The movie could only portray a part of the true suffering that Jesus really went through. 

The crucifixion of Jesus was not a tale, a fable, folklore or a movie, it was real.  It happened.  Jesus was beaten.  He was spat upon.  He was cursed.  He was mistreated.  He was in travail of soul.  Yet with each step, with each lash of the whip, with each pulling of His beard, with each accusation, He had you on His mind.  The Bible says that He endured the suffering and agony of the cross for the "joy that was set before Him".  What joy?  There was no joy in being beaten.  There was no joy in being betrayed by those you loved.  There was no joy in being nailed by your hands and feet to a cross.  There was no joy in being mocked and exposed before the world.

The joy was in the vision.  The vision of you and I in His Kingdom.  He knew that what He was doing would open up the door of entrance for us into the eternal presence of His Heavenly Father.  He knew that the payment of our sins would be once and for all taken care of.  He could "see" us by faith-- yes, Jesus operated in faith even at the cross-- in His Kingdom living with Him forever.  He knew what He was doing, though painful and humiliating, would give us access into heaven.  And the vision that He saw of us living there, gave Him great joy-- the kind of joy that caused Him to endure to the end.

The only thing that gives Him as much joy now is when one of us accept His suffering at the cross as our access into heaven and enter in.  Have you done that?  Have you accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord?  He rejoices over you when you do.

Have a great day.  Through His pain and suffering on the cross, Jesus never lost sight of the vision of you and I living in His Kingdom with Him forever, and that gave Him joy. 

For further reading:
Isaiah 53
Hebrews 12:2

 

"Threats"

"And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word," Acts 4:29

Life is full of choices.  Some of what happens to us is not because we chose it, it is part of living in a fallen world.  But on the other hand, there are things that happen in our lives that are the result of the choices we have made.  If we make bad choices or wrong choices we face the consequences of those choices. 

As Christians, making the right choices, godly choices, choices that please God should be our desire.  But when you are faced with a choice to either do what is right or what is wrong, the enemy will come to try to get you to make the wrong one.  One of the ways he does this is through threats.  He will threaten you.  He is the ultimate "bully" making threats to cause you to make choices that go against God. 

He has always done this.  Look at Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.  The king had a statue made of himself and commanded all the people to bow down and worship it when they heard the music play.  These three did not.  They made the choice not to worship this idol but to worship God only.  The king threatened them with being thrown into a fiery furnace if they did not comply.  This happened with Daniel also.  Don't pray to anyone but the king or be thrown into the lion's den.  Peter and John were threatened not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. 

It is still happening today.  We are being threatened by the devil and by the world in our choice to do what is pleasing to God.  Pastors are being threatened with prison if they don't turn over their sermon notes and preach what the government wants them to preach.  Ministers are being threatened with fines and prison if they don't marry homosexual couples.  Christian employers are being threatened with the same if they don't provide for abortions for their employees.  Each time we are faced with a choice to either do the right thing in the sight of God, or the wrong thing that the world wants us to do, we are faced with threats.  On a more personal level those threats come in the form of-- if you don't lie for the boss, you will lose your job; if you don't drink with the crowd, you will lose your friends; if you don't give your body to your boyfriend he won't love you.  These are all threats to cause you to make bad choices that will ruin the rest of your life.

How do we resist the temptation to give in to the threats and make the wrong choice?  We purpose in our hearts each and every day that regardless of what choice we have to make that day, we will make the choice that pleases God.  We have to have His word hid in our hearts so that we will know the difference between right and wrong choices.  We ask the Lord every day to give us strength, guidance, boldness and empower us by His Spirit to make the right choices.  When we do, we will be able to stand against the threats and do the right thing. 

Have a great day.  When faced with a choice, make the right one by not listening to the enemy's threats. 

For further reading:
Acts 4:17-21
Daniel 3:1-6

"The Beauty Of Praise"

"Praise ye the Lord: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely." Psalm 147

The verse this morning is pretty self-explanatory. 

"Praise the Lord".  When?  When things are going well?  When things are not well?  When tragedy hits?  When pain touches your body?  When the doctor's report is bad?  When you don't get a promotion at work?  The answer is "at all times".

"It is good to sing praises unto our God".  Why?  Why should we praise Him?  Why should we praise Him even when bad things are happening?  Why shouldn't we reserve our praise for only the good times in our lives?  "For it is pleasant and comely".  Simply, because it is beautiful.  It looks better and sounds better than murmuring and complaining, fussing and whining, anger and bitterness.  It gives God honor and glory.  It reveals the worthiness of God to be praised regardless of what is going on in our lives. 

The verse doesn't say we should praise Him "for" bad things, or even "good" things.  It says praise Him.  There is power in praise.  There is freedom that comes through praise.  There is healing that comes when we praise.  There is peace that comes as we praise.  So, "Praise ye the Lord".

Have a great day.  Praise looks and sounds a whole lot better than murmuring and complaining does. 

"No Fear Of The Lord"

"Tremble, thou earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob."  Psalm 114:7

We hear so much about the grace and love of God that we forget He is to be feared as well.  Yes, He is love.  Yes, He gives us grace-- way much more than we deserve.  But there is more to Him than just the "good" things.  We have reduced God to some "warm, fuzzy" grandfatherly figure who understands and looks over everything we do.   

While His compassions fail not and His mercy endures forever, He is the same yesterday, today and forever.  He is not to be taken lightly, casually or flippantly.  He is to be feared and revered.  He is the same God who defeated the enemy armies of the Israelites in the Old Testament.  He is the same God who sent the flood in the day of Noah.  Oh, but that was Old Testament.  In the New Testament, Ananias and Sapphira died because they lied to the Holy Spirit.  Jesus made a whip and ran the moneychangers out of the temple.  Paul wrote of the goodness and severity of God.  The Lord Himself let us know that those whom He loves He chastens.   

A minister who had fallen into sin was asked concerning the reason.  They asked him when he stopped loving God.  His reply was that he never stopped loving God, but he lost the fear of the Lord.  I see this very thing happening today.  We say we love God, but do we fear Him.  The Bible defines the fear of the Lord in Proverbs 8:13- "The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate." 

We don't see much hate of evil- even by those who profess to love Him.  Instead, we see the acceptance and embracing of evil.  We accept adultery, homosexuality, lying, cheating, immorality, self-centeredness, pride and arrogance.  This has become the norm and lifestyle even in the church and among the ministers.   

How do we know if we have lost the fear of the Lord?  It can be quickly summed up in one verse- "every man did that which was right in his own eyes." (Judges 17:6b)  If you are doing what is right in your own eyes; if you are following your own way and own path; if you are "calling the shots"; if you are self-seeking and going after only what you want and what makes you happy with no regard to what the Lord thinks about it, then you do not have the fear of the Lord.

Have a great day.  Where is the fear of the Lord today?

For further reading:
Romans 11:22
Acts 5:1-11

"Wisdom's Traveling Companions"

"Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace."  Proverbs 3:17

Who is the "her" in this verse?  It is a personification referring to wisdom. (verse 13) Wisdom puts you on a path, or road.  On that road you have two traveling "companions".  They are "pleasantness and peace".  How would you like to "travel" though this life in pleasantness (which is also defined as favor) and peace?  It is possible-- it comes through wisdom.

There are two wisdoms though.  One that is worldly and one that comes from above.  The one that is worldly is the wisdom of the world that focuses on self.  What does self want and how do I go about getting it?  This wisdom is only wise in its own eyes.  It says that you have to assert yourself, run over others, be arrogant and demanding, fight for your rights in order to get ahead and get what you deserve.  The Bible calls this wisdom- sensual and devilish.

The other wisdom comes from above.  It comes from God.  It is His wisdom imparted to mankind.  It also gives the best and perfect course of action.  It is the same wisdom that created the world in the beginning.  It is the same wisdom that provided the perfect plan of salvation to redeem mankind from their sins. This wisdom is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.  It gives life.

How would you rather travel through life?  Wise or foolish?  Knowing what to do or always being in a state of confusion?  Would you rather have hatefulness and offensive as your traveling companions?  Or pleasantness and peace?  If you need wisdom, just ask God.  He gives it freely and generously to all who ask.

Have a great day.  Do you lack wisdom?  If not, where does your wisdom come from?

For further reading:
James 3:15-18; 1:5

"Breakthrough Or Transformation?"

"Which turned the rock into a standing water, the flint into a fountain of waters."  Psalm 114:8

We talk about needing a "breakthrough".  We need a breakthrough from some financial burden, or from a besetting sin, or from some other thing that has us in bondage and is holding us back from our full potential or where we want to be.  While breakthroughs get us out of ruts, out of unpleasant situations, take us from one state to another, it is not breakthroughs that we need as much as we need "transformation". 

A breakthrough will move us from one location, from one mindset, or from one obstacle to another, but that "move" is often only temporary.  In the verse above there wasn't a "breakthrough" in the rock or flint.  There wasn't a pinhole or a crack in either that brought forth water.  The rock was turned into standing water.  The flint was turned into a fountain of water.  There wasn't just a release or access made from which the water could flow.  They were both transformed into water.

When we come to Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior and He enters our lives, it isn't about having breakthroughs- although there are times when we do- it is about transformation.  He wants to transform our lives.  He wants to make them into something else.  He wants to turn them into another "form".  "If any man is in Christ, he is a new creature."  That isn't just a breakthrough, that is a complete transformation.  That is a worm turning into a butterfly.  That worm doesn't exist any longer, it is now transformed into a butterfly. 

Transformation into a new creature happens at salvation, but that isn't the end.  That is the beginning of a life of continual transformation-- transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit, taken from glory to glory, becoming more and more transformed to look like Jesus.  The whole chapter above is about the fear of the Lord.  The fear of the Lord is about reverencing Him, honoring Him, recognizing who He is, obeying His commands, following Him, decreasing that He might increase, yielding yourself to Him and His will, and surrendering self.  The fear of the Lord is what brings about transformation.

We all need breakthroughs at times.  Breakthrough may come and they may not.  But what we need more than anything is transformation.  Transformation will keep you steady, uphold you and keep you from falling even if the breakthrough doesn't come.

Have a great day.  We need transformation more than we need breakthroughs.  Transformation comes through the fear of the Lord.

For further reading:
Psalm 114
2 Corinthians 5:17   

 

"Take His Help"

"So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me."  Hebrews 13:6

It seems like several of the recent devotionals have pertained to the subject of the Lord being our Helper and wanting to give us His help in all areas of our lives.  As I noticed this, I felt impressed that it is because there are some of you who are in a situation where you desperately need His help, but you will not ask Him for it.  Why?

Why won't you let Him help you?  Why do you keep insisting on doing it yourself-- or trying to do it yourself?  You can't!  He is there waiting for you to let Him help you.  You keep praying for an answer but keep ignoring the one He sends you.  The problem is not too small for the Lord.  It is not too big for Him either.  You don't have the wisdom, the foresight or the full comprehension of the situation to be able to "come to your own aide". 

I am giving you what the Lord has given me to tell you.  Stop kicking against the pricks, like Saul, and let Him show you the truth.  Stop thinking it is such a small thing to bother the Lord with.  They thought that about the city of Ai and got whipped when they tried to go against it.  Stop looking at the size of the situation and thinking that this "giant" is too large, even for God.  Stop looking at the mountain and start looking to the Lord. 

All the time you have spent worrying, fearing, being anxious and frustrated over the situation has done you no good.  It would have been better spent seeking the Lord and asking for His help.  He is your answer.  He is there.  He is waiting on you.  He is your helper in everything.  He wants to help you.

Have a great day.  Stop refusing the Lord's help by trying to do it on your own.  He is your Helper. 

"Thine Husband"

"For thy Maker is thine husband; the Lord of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called."  Isaiah 54:5

Recently, I was reminded of a dream that I had years ago and wanted to share it with you. 

I was outside looking at an amazing phenomenon that was happening with the moon.  A guy that was a classmate of mine in school was there and some other man that I didn't know.  The man that I didn't know had an unpleasant attitude and was being somewhat threatening.  I didn't want to be around him.  I thought the classmate would say something, but he didn't.  The man left.  In a few minutes I went inside, so did the classmate.  When I got inside there was that man.  He grabbed me by the hair and pulled out a sharp instrument.  I was aware that the classmate was in the room and another person.  Neither said or did anything.  Then the man took the sharp instrument and cut the back of my shirt open.  I said to myself that it was time to call on my husband to help me and take care of him.  The other person in the room was my husband.  When I called for his help, he immediately came to my aide.  He began to manhandle that man.  He didn't beat him up, but when he was finished with him, the man was totally humbled, humiliated, defeated and taken care of.  I begin to say then that there are people in the world like this man, there are people in the world like my classmate, and then there's my husband.  I know I can count on him.  I know he always has my back.  Then I woke up.

I have a wonderful, loving husband who takes good care of me and I know that he always has my back.  He is always there for me and will not let anyone hurt me if he can help it.  (In real life, the moment that guy grabbed my hair, my husband would not have waited to help me.  He would have been all over him then.)  Not every woman has that.  Some have spouses who are abusive.  Some have spouses who are cheaters.  Some are widows, or single, without a spouse.  The dream I had was not really about me and my husband.  It was a spiritual dream from the Lord to encourage us that we have "a Husband"-- the Lord.  He is always there.  Just like my husband was there in my dream, though silent.  But when I called to him for his help, he stepped forward and took care of that guy. 

The Lord, your husband, (yes, men, this includes you) is always there.  He doesn't leave us.  Often He waits for us to call out to Him for His help.  He waits for us to turn the situation over to Him- like I did in the dream.  When we do, He takes care of what is coming against us.  And He takes care of it well and completely.  This man's attitude was totally different from what it was before he had an encounter with my husband.  He was no longer a threat.

Are you facing some enemy today?  Are you under attack?  Are the forces of darkness threatening you?  Is the enemy trying to bully you?  Are you looking to someone (like the classmate) to rescue you and help you?  Are you waiting for the Lord to come into your situation, but He hasn't?  Call on Him.  He is right there waiting for you to bring Him into the situation.  When you do, He will take care of it.

Have a great day.  The Lord is your Husband, who is your Defender.

For further reading:
Revelation 21:2
2 Samuel 22:4

"God's Unending Help"

"Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth."  Psalm 124:8

In one of our last devotionals we talked about God's help that is available to us.  In the verse we used we discussed the fact that the help that was talked about was not in any specific area, because He helps us in ALL areas of life-- areas that are either spiritual, physical, emotional, material, etc. in nature.  He helps us with all our needs. 

This morning I felt impressed to share this same subject with you again.  He is our Helper- present Helper who gives us help each time we need it.  He didn't just help us in the past.  He isn't just waiting to help us in the future.  He helps us now.  He helps us each and every time we need help if we will call on Him, allow His help and trust Him to help us. 

God's help is not like a "coupon".  It doesn't expire.  It isn't for a limited time only.  It isn't available only for certain needs, but excludes others.  There are no disqualifying conditions.  He is our Helper who gives us help... period!  It can't be redeemed only once-- it is there endlessly. 

Did you draw on His help yesterday but won't today, even though you need it, because you feel like you are needing too much of it.  You won't use it up.  It is there for you continually- He is there for you always.  Let Him help you again today, and tomorrow, and the next day, and the next... as long as you need it. 

Have a great day.  As long as you need the Lord's help it will be there.

For further reading:
Psalm 30:10; 54:4
Hebrews 13:6

"Add The Suffix"

"Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great."  Psalm 18:35

Adding the suffix "ness" to the end of an adjective converts it to an abstract noun.  By doing so it now means the "state or quality" of that adjective.  Have you noticed how many words we use in reference to the Lord that end in "ness"?  I was thinking about that this morning. 

We know that God is kind, but He shows kindness to humanity.  He is faithful; therefore, we can trust in His faithfulness to do what He says He will do.  He is great.  We can see His greatness displayed in all of creation.  He is good, His goodness is seen in His dealings with mankind.  He is a merciful, forgiving God who bestows forgiveness on those who humble themselves in repentance before Him.  He is gentle.  We see His gentleness in His treatment of us.  He is not harsh with us.  He is the King of kings and Lord of lords, so we call Him "Your Highness".

These words all describe who this Wonderful, Mighty God is, but when we use the suffix "ness" with it, it shows us that this is more than just who He is, but how He deals with us.  God deals with us according to His nature and character.  I for one and so thankful that He deals with me this way.  If you are feeling condemned, if you are feeling unloved, if you are feeling like God hates you and is out to get you, then you are not being dealt with by Him.  It is either your own flesh or the devil who is dealing with you.  The "Ness" lets us know that.

Have a great day.  God deals with us according to His character.  The suffix "ness" added to His character describes the way God deals with us. 

For further reading:
Psalm 92:2; 117:2
2 Samuel 22:36

"Help In Every Area"

"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

Did you notice that the verse does not describe any particular area of help?  It just said help.  It is because when we need help it is not always restricted to one area.  We may need help spiritually, physically, emotionally, financially, or with relationships.  We might need help in dealing with a besetting sin.  We might need help in making a decision.  This is why the verse does not specify what kind of help.  The Lord wants us to know that whatever kind of help we need it is found in Him.  He is our Helper.

What do you need help with today?  Look to the Lord.  He has your help-- He is your Helper.  It doesn't matter what area the need you have is in, He will help you.  He specializes in meeting every need.

Have a great day.  Do you need help?  The Lord is the Helper in every area of need you may have.

For further reading:
Hebrews 13:6
Philippians 4:19   

"He Is Not Divided"

"Is Christ divided?"  1 Corinthians 1:13a

So many people want Jesus as Savior but are not willing to follow Him as Lord.  They want Him to save them from their sins.  They want "fire insurance" from hell.  They want to have the "membership card" that says they are a Christian so they can go to heaven.  Well, it doesn't work that way.

Jesus is not divided.  You can't "compartmentalize" Him.  He is not Savior and also Lord.  He is Lord and Savior.  (He is the Lord who Saves.)  If you receive Him for one, you receive Him for both.  You can't have part of Him and not all of Him.

You say He is your Savior.  If He is, then He is also your Lord because He is One not two-- He is not divided.  He is not like a dessert table where you can pick and choose what you want and how much you want.  He is One-- if you have Him, you got Him all.

Are you following Jesus?  Are you still the master of your own life, or is He?  Are you still calling the shots in your life?  Are you doing what you want to do?  Are you letting Him lead you?  If you say He is your Savior but are not following Him as your Lord, then it is very doubtful that He is actually your Savior--- because you can't divide Him.  You better check to make sure!

Have a great day.  Jesus is not divided.  If He is your Savior, then He is your Lord also.  Is He?

For further reading:
2 Peter 1:11; 2:20; 3:18

"Used By God"

"But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty" 1 Corinthians 1:27

Don't say that God can't use you.  Look at the list of characters He used in the Bible to fulfill His purposes.  He used John the Baptist-- a wild looking sort of guy, dressed in animal skins with long hair living in the wilderness.  He used Gideon a coward.  He used a shepherd boy, David, and made him a king. He used a murderer, Moses, to lead His people out of Egypt.  He used Paul, a persecutor of Christians.  He used a teenage girl to give birth to the Messiah. 

He doesn't call only the educated, the older, the strong, the wise, the rich.  He calls whomever He chooses.  He is an "equal opportunity Employer".  He will use whoever has a yielded heart and desire.  He will use whoever makes themselves available to Him.  He will use those who say, "Here am I.  Lord, send me."  If you "fit that bill", then you are a candidate for Him to use you to do His will.  More than likely, you are already being used by Him and aren't aware of it because you are looking for Him to do some grand and glorious work through you.  Giving a cup of cold water to a thirsty person is being used by Him.  Sharing your lunch with a hungry person is being used by Him.  Being a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, or giving a smile to someone is being used by Him. 

Have a great day.  Don't say that God can't use you because of this or that.  If you make yourself available to Him, He will use you and is already using you. 

"The Words You Are Saying"

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

"I will rejoice".  This has to do with the state of your heart, but it also has to do with the words of your mouth.  Your words should have the evidence of "rejoicing".  That means your words should be happy words, words of praise, words of thanksgiving, words of peace, words of edification and encouragement.  They should be words of blessings, words that express joy, praise and faith.

"I will rejoice".  Rejoicing does not contain words of doubt, fear, or unbelief.  They are not words of murmuring, criticizing, bitterness and complaining.  They are not words of moaning and self-pity, gloom, despair, fretting or hopelessness.   

What will your words be today?  What words will you speak?  What will come out of your mouth?  Will your speech be full of words of rejoicing or will you speak negative words of despair?

Have a great day.  What words will come out of your mouth today?  Words of rejoicing?

For further reading:
Psalm 19:14; 34:1; 51:15
Proverbs 8:8

Coffee Break Update

Good morning, all. I know you have been wondering why I have not been sending out the devotional over the past several weeks. Some have contacted me to find out. Most of those who are on Facebook already know. Several weeks ago, I had a pretty bad fall. I was in town and tripped in a parking lot over a speed bump. I landed very hard on the asphalt. I wound up having to go to the emergency room. I had x-rays on my arm, ribs and knee (15 x-rays in all). Thankfully, the x-rays only showed a fractured arm. But I was unable to walk on my leg for a few days. Long story short... I was not able to use my hand for a while, so it was hard to type, or do anything, one handed. This is why I did not send out an explanation as to why I was not sending out the Coffee Break. I am much better, but my arm is still fractured, and I am still in pain on occasion. My hand still hurts when I use it too much. I will be going back to the doctor for more x-rays in another week. 

I praise God for protecting me during the fall. It could have been much worse. I could have had multiple broken bones, etc. God is good. He has been with me and is healing my body and giving me strength. I hope to start back sending out the Coffee Break this week. If you don't get one for a day or two, you will understand. Thank you all for the prayers. Our God is so wonderful. I give Him glory and am rejoicing in tribulation!! Have a blessed day!! 

"Getting To Jesus"

"Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him all things, both what they had done and what they had taught. And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. So, they departed to a deserted place in the boat by themselves. "But the multitudes saw them departing, and many knew Him and ran there on foot from all the cities. They arrived before them and came together to Him." Mark 6:33

The text is pretty self-explanatory. The disciples of Jesus had been so busy ministering and teaching that they didn't even have time to relax and eat. So, Jesus told them to get away from the crowd and rest. They got in a boat to go to a secluded place. The people who saw them departing recognized Jesus. Instead of staying where they were, they started following Him, running along the shore to get to where He was. They outran the boat and were there when Jesus arrived. 

The thing that spoke to me from this account was the fact that the people made every effort to get to where Jesus was. They ran on foot to get to Him. They ran quiet a distance. They did not stop. They did not give up. They did not quit. They did not turn around and go back to where they came from. They pursued Him and they were determined that nothing was going to stop them. 

Are you pursuing Jesus? Are you willing to do whatever it takes to "get to Him"? Are you determined not to stop, give up or turn around until you reach Him? They wouldn't and didn't give up. They had one goal-- get to Jesus! Is this your goal as well? Is it your goal in the good times as well as the bad times? Our one main goal and heart's desire should be to be wherever Jesus is-- and not let anything stop us.

Have a great day. Is pursuing Jesus the goal and desire of your life? 

"Wicked In Thought"

"The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts."  Psalm 10:4

The wicked have too much pride to seek God.  They think they don't need Him because they know it all already.  They think they can take care of themselves well enough without Him.  They believe they are strong enough, have enough power and are wise enough to do life on their own without God.  If they think about Him at all it is in the sense of-- who needs Him, that is if He is even real. 

What we have just stated is the attitude of the wicked, it should never be the attitude of the righteous-- those who have come to Jesus Christ as Savior and had their sins forgiven and lives changed by His grace and power.  Instead, the opposite is true for us.  We denounce pride and humble ourselves before God.  We acknowledge our total dependency upon Him.  We know we can't make it without Him.   The Lord God is always in our thoughts.  Meaning that our minds stay focus on Him and His word.  It means that we think about Him during our waking hours.  It also means that we acknowledge Him in every decision that we make-- knowing we don't have the ability to direct our own lives.   

Which of these two best describes you?  Are you righteous but still acting and thinking like the wicked?  Do you acknowledge God in all your ways, or do you think you can do it on your own without Him?  Do you think about Him only when you need Him, or is He the sum of all your waking thoughts?  Do you seek Him daily, continually, or only on occasion?  Are you full of pride?  Are you a "know it all"?  As Christians, we should not follow the way of the wicked, we are no longer like they are.  We once were but the Lord changed us-- if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature, old things pass away and all things become new. 

Have a great day.  Are you a Christian but are still acting like the wicked?  If so, something is wrong.

For further reading:
Proverbs 3:6
2 Corinthians 5:17
 

"He's Mindful Of You"

"When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained."  Psalm 8:3

When you look at the magnificence and the vastness of the universe, then you look at man in comparison, we are not even a "speck" in size.  Once you go so far into the atmosphere, we disappear from sight.  Yet, God is mindful of us.  More mindful of us than any other of His creations.  So mindful of us that He sent His One and Only Begotten Son into this world to save us from our sins.  He didn't send Him for the stars, the moon, the sun, the planets, the trees and other plant life, nor did He send Him for the animals, fish and reptiles.  He sent Him for us-- this less than a speck in the universe.

Never think that God doesn't care about you.  Never think that He doesn't see you and isn't aware of you.  Never think that you are too small for Him to notice.  He loves you.  He cares about you.  He sees you.  He knows where you are.  Even the billions of stars and the vast galaxies can't hide you from Him.  He is mindful of you and where you are.

Have a great day.  Man is so tiny in comparison to the vastness of creation, yet God is mindful of us.  He is mindful of you.

For further reading:
Genesis 1:1
John 3:16
Psalm 139
 

"Ride The Storm Out"

"And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish."  Matthew 8:25

A while back my husband and I were in town shopping and the clouds started rolling in, the wind started blowing, the rain started pouring, the thunder sounded, and the lightening flashed.  We had to make a choice-- either stay inside the store or go to our vehicle.  The storm was so bad for a while and the rain was so heavy you couldn't see outside.  The signs were blowing on the buildings-- they looked like they would take flight any minute.  We saw smoke across the street where lightening had struck something.  The lights kept flickering where we were.  Of course, we decided to stay in the store because it was a safe structure that protected us from what was going on outside all around us.

When the disciples were in the boat and the storm was so bad that even these experienced fishermen thought they were going to drown, they had to make a choice.  They could abandon the ship and take their chances in the sea.  Or they could stay in the boat.  Staying in the store was the safer choice for us because it was a covering and fortified place from the elements.  The boat was the safer place for the disciples because Jesus was in the boat with them.

Is there a storm going on in your life?  Are you trying to decide what course of action you should take?  When we are in Jesus, we are in the safest place there is.  He is the ship that will not sink.  He is the fortified place during the storm.  He is the shelter in the storm.  Are you looking for a safer place?  An easier place?  A way out?  Will you stay in the place of safety with Jesus and "ride it out"?  Or will you look for a quick exit that only puts you in more exposure to the thing that is seeking to destroy you?  The choice is up to you.

Have a great day.  It is safer in the boat with Jesus than it is to jump into the sea. 

For further reading:
Psalm 61:3; 46:2,3
Isaiah 25:4; 43:2

"Freedom From Life's Dread"

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

Did you wake up this morning feeling pressured and overwhelmed by what awaits you today?  Did you dread getting out of bed because you already feel the weight off all that lies before you?  If so, before you face the world, before you face any task, before you head off to work, or go to meet the responsibilities of the day, take time to get alone with the Lord.  Don't face "life" today without having first faced the Lord.

Go into that secret place-- your prayer closet, take some time to go before His presence and cast your cares upon Him.  Acknowledge Him in all your ways-- in all that you have before you--- and let Him direct your steps, thoughts, ideas, appointments, commitments and responsibilities.

It has been said that "he who knees before God can stand before anything and anyone".  When you humble yourself first thing in the day before the Lord and bring Him into the affairs of your life, you will find that you don't have as much facing you as it seemed.  You will find that that "mountain" of cares is actually nothing more than a "mole hill".  You will also gain a peace that passes understanding, the pressures will dissipate, the dread will be replaced with victory, the confusion will give way to a calm spirit and fear will take a back seat.

There is no denying that we all have responsibilities and things that we have to do each day, but the choice of how they affect us and affect our attitude is up to us.  We can face them with peace or with anxiety.  Anxiety comes naturally, but peace in the midst of overwhelming cares comes as we get into the Lord's presence and cast these cares upon Hm.  Which will you do today?

Have a great day.  Are you overwhelmed by what the day holds before you even begin the day?  Then get in the Lord's presence and leave those cares there.

For further reading:
Matthew 11:29, 30; 6:33

"The Tower"

"The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe."  Proverbs 18:10

The name of the Lord is a strong tower to the righteous.  What does that mean?  It means several things.  It means that He is a place of safety for us when we are under attack by the enemy.  It means that if He is the place of safety, it is a well-fortified place-- one that the enemy can't break down, break through or destroy.  It means that in order for the enemy to get to us, he has to go through God first-- we are out of his reach because we are in the Lord.

The Lord is like a well-fortified place of safety to us.  We don't have to fear the enemy, the storm, or the devourer as long as we are in Him.  But it means something else as well.  A tower is an elevated place.  It is a raised place.  It is a place that is high above other places and ground level.  When we are in the Lord, our strong tower, we are elevated above the enemy.  We are able to look down on him.  We can see the battle from a different elevation causing us to see it from a different perspective-- God's perspective. 

This is one reason why we must run into the Lord when we are under attack or facing a battle.  Seeing things from God's perspective sheds a whole different light on the subject.  We see the situation from the eyes of faith, not with our natural eyes that would cause us to fear and become discouraged.  We see that we are over the enemy, not under him or equal with him-- he is under us, under our feet.  We also see that though the enemy rages, though he plots, though he sends out his fiery darts, he can't get up to where we are-- making us well out of his reach.  It also means that we are seeing from an advantage point.  We are able to look out over the whole battlefield, not just one small spot. 

Are you in a battle?  Is the enemy "breathing down your neck"?  Are you feeling like you are losing the battle?  Well, get up to higher ground.  Run into the Lord who is your strong tower of defense and advantage point. 

Have a great day.  The name of the Lord is a strong tower... get in the tower. 

For further reading:
Hebrews 2:8
1 Samuel 17:47

 

"Victory's Yours"

"But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."  1 Corinthians 15:57

Those who put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ as Savior are not defeated, they are victorious.  We have been given victory.  Jesus secured our victory at the cross and in His resurrection. 

Through Jesus we have victory over besetting sins.  We have victory over the flesh.  We have victory over temptation.  We have victory over the enemy.  We don't have to "give in".  We don't have to be defeated by the trials, problems and circumstances of this life.  Jesus overcame and in Him we overcome. 

Often, we live our lives defeated, downcast and depressed because we don't realize that we have already obtained victory.  We aren't trying to gain victory; the victory is already ours.  We tend to let the circumstances and things that we go through tell us that we have lost or that we can't do it or won't make it.  Well, whose report will you believe?  Will you believe the enemy, the circumstances, the flesh, man's report?  Or will you believe what God has said?  He said you are more than a conqueror.  He said you have power over all the powers of the enemy.  He said you are victorious.

Stop walking around with a defeated mentality and loser attitude.  Child of God, rise up and be strong in the Lord and the power of His might.  You are not defeated... you are victorious... thanks be to God.

Have a great day.  If your faith and trust is in Jesus, you are not defeated but you are victorious.

For further reading:
Romans 8:37
Luke 10:19
2 Corinthians 2:14

John 16:33

"The Three Crosses"

"And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left." Luke 23:33

I was thinking about the three crosses at Calvary-- one for Jesus, the other two for the malefactors who were hung on each side of Him.  The three crosses are symbols and reminders to us. 

They remind us of several things.  They remind us that we are all "malefactors"-- evildoers, sinners.  "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God."  They remind us that there is none good except Jesus- the One in the middle.  They remind us that whatever punishment we get, we deserve.  They remind us that we are not innocent, even at our best.  We have sinned against and transgressed the laws of God-- and probably the laws of man as well. The two men's death on the cross was punishment for their own sins.  Jesus' death on the cross was punishment for the sins of all mankind-- not His own.

They remind us that not all who have the opportunity to hear the truth about salvation will accept-- some will, some won't.  They remind us that we have to make our own choice concerning our eternity-- it is an individual choice made by each one individually.  Jesus didn't make the choice for either of these men, they made it for themselves.  He didn't force either one to accept Him, and He didn't push them away either.  They remind us of the love and compassion of Jesus who hears the cries of the repentant heart.  It reminds us that as long as we have breath in our bodies, it is not too late for Jesus to save us if we call out to Him.  It reminds us that we are never "too bad" for Jesus to save.   

The three crosses remind us that one day Jesus will do a separation among all people.  This time He will stand in the middle (not hang in the middle) and separate the sheep from the goats, the righteous from the unrighteous.  The sheep (those who like the thief who accepted Him) will be on His right side, and the goats (those who like the other thief who rejected Him) will be on His left side. 

The three crosses remind us that one day those who accepted Him will be with Him forever in His Kingdom.  We will live with Him in His Father's house forever.  We will rule and reign with Him. 

We have focused on the two crosses on each side, but the most important cross was the one in the middle.  Without it there would be no hope, not opportunity to receive forgiveness.  We would all be like the thief who rejected Jesus-- hopelessly lost forever.  But because of the cross in the middle upon which Jesus hung we can have eternal life if we don't harden our heart like the one who mocked Jesus but repent like the other one did. 

Which malefactor on the cross represents you-- the one who rejected Jesus, or the one who received Him as Savior and Lord?

Have a great day.  There were three crosses at Calvary.  Jesus was in the middle and two thieves on each side.  Which thief represents you?

For further reading:
Luke 23 
 

"Playing Religious Games"

"For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven."  Matthew 5:20

So many people are playing games with their soul.  They think if they accumulate enough "religious points" they will make it to heaven.  For example, I was talking with a guy the other day about his salvation.  He told me he had been baptized in water and has the baptismal certificate.  He thought that certificate was his passport to heaven.  He was surprised to find out that it wasn't.  Several years ago, I asked another man about his salvation.  His reply was for me to turn on the television on Sunday morning to a particular channel and I would see him singing in the choir.  What?!  Sadly, he really thought that because he attended church and sung in the choir he was on his way to heaven.

Never once in either of these answers did I hear anything about Jesus.  I said earlier that people are playing games with their souls.  They are playing "religious games".  If you think you can earn your way to heaven, if you think you will win in the end just because you have accumulated some "religious brownie points" you are sadly mistaken and deceived.

The Pharisees and scribes were the religious leaders of their day.  They practiced religious rituals.  They taught others the commands of God.  They could quote scripture after scripture.  They were in the temple every time the doors were open.  But Jesus said they would not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 

Our righteousness doesn't save us-- it is like filthy rags.  Our good deeds don't save us-- they are all wood, hay and stubble that will be burned up.  Our religious knowledge doesn't save-- we know only in part.  The ONLY thing that saves us is faith in what Jesus Christ did for us at the cross.  You may think that is a bold statement.  Well, let me ask you something since you may be the one playing games with your soul.  If you have ever played any sort of game whether it is a board game or a field game, are there numerous ways to win?  Or is there only one?  To win you always have to get to the finish line, get around the board, run the bases in order, etc.  So why do we think there are many ways to get to heaven?

In any game there are rules.  In life there are rules.  If you are going to live life you are going to have to follow the rules.  If you are going to heaven, you have to follow the rules that God has established, or you will not win/go.

Have a great day.  Are you playing games with your soul?     

For further reading:
Matthew 7:21; 18:3
Isaiah 64:6
Titus 3:5
Ephesians 2:8,9
 

"Messenger Of Blessings"

"Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the Lord: we have blessed you out of the house of the Lord."  Palm 118:26

This verse was a prophecy concerning the Messiah who was to come.  It was fulfilled in Jesus when He made His triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday riding on the colt of a donkey.

This verse was fulfilled in Christ Jesus, but it is a continuation to what He fulfilled.  It is continued through the Body of Christ.  "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!' (Isaiah 52:7) 

He fulfilled it, but we continue to make it known.  When we share the good news of salvation with others, we do not share it in our own name or authority.  We do it in "the name of the Lord".  We are His messengers, announcing peace and proclaiming good tidings.  We are "blessed" messengers bringing "blessings" to others.  The Greek word here for blessed means:  to invoke a blessing upon a person.  Each time you share the message of salvation through Jesus Christ, each time they hear the Good News that Jesus saves, each time you testify to someone about Jesus, you are bringing a blessing into their lives.  (Of course, it is up to them whether they receive it or not.)

Do you want to be a "blessing" to others?  The best way, the greatest way to do that is by sharing Jesus-- sharing the message of His love, His saving grace, His salvation, His mercy and His power.

Have a great day.  We are messengers of the Lord who bring blessings to others as we share the good news that Jesus saves.

For further reading:
John 12:13
Matthew 21:9

"Praying It From The Heart"

"Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven."  Matthew 6:10

When Jesus taught us to pray after the manner of the Lord's Prayer, it was a guideline and model for praying perfect prayers to the Father.  He did not intend for us to pray it out of form, ritual, only from memory or off the top of our head.  It isn't some meaningless, mindless recitation you pray when you don't know what else to pray.

It was meant to be prayed, and any other prayer we pray, from the heart.  It was meant to be prayed in sincerity.  It was meant to be prayed in faith.  It was meant to be prayed with reverence. 

How do you pray it?  How do you pray any prayer to the Father?  Do you pray it from memory only and don't give much thought to what you are saying?  Do you consider it a "stand by" that you pull out when you know you need to pray but don't feel like it?  Do you think you can "throw it up to heaven" and feel justified that you "have prayed"?  When you pray those words, "Thy will be done", do you really mean them? 

I believe we should pray the Lord's Prayer-- I do myself often.  But when we pray it, we should do so from the heart and in faith.

Have a great day.  When you pray the Lord's Prayer, are you just reciting words or is it coming from your heart?

For further reading:
Matthew 6:9-13; 15:8 
 

"Protect The Fruit"

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. " Galatians 5:2,23

When we come to Christ as Savior, one of the jobs of the Holy Spirit is to produce the Fruit of the Spirit in us.  This Fruit of the Spirit is the nature and character of God.  It is revealed in our attitudes, actions, reactions and dealings with others.  Where we once walked in hate, we walk in love.  Where we reacted in unbelief, we now walk in faith.  Where we were once living in pride and arrogance, we now live a life of meekness and humility.  We should be people who manifest the Fruit of the Spirit because we are people who represent the Lord to this world.

Not only is the Fruit of the Spirit produced in our lives, but it is also to be protected.  I have only raised a few fruit trees, but the one thing about them all is that they need a little TLC in order for them to produce.  We had to take certain measures to protect them from the elements, parasites, and diseases.  They can't be ignored or neglected. 

We have to protect the Fruit of the Spirit in our lives so that we will bear good fruit and glorify God.  We have to protect it too from "disease", "parasites" and the "elements" of this world.  We have to protect it from the spiritual diseases of bitterness, criticism, fear, anger, etc.  We have to protect it from being contaminated by the mindsets of this world.  We do that by transforming our minds with the Word of God.  

Since the Fruit of the Spirit is God's character revealed through His children, its purpose is so that others can "taste and see that the Lord is good".  If we don't protect the Fruit, it will become diseased and contaminated by flesh, and people will not get a true revelation of who God is through our lives.  Instead, it will leave a "bitter" taste in their "spiritual mouths" causing them to not want to have anything to do with Him. 

Have a great day.  Since the Fruit of the Spirit is being produced in our lives, we must make sure we protect it.

For further reading:
Psalm 34:8

 

"They're Like Bees"

"They compassed me about like bees: they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the Lord I will destroy them."  Psalm 118:12

Do you ever feel like the pressures, cares, problems and temptations you encounter are like "bees" swarming around you?  They are like "bees" in the fact that they are not the things that are big and monumental-- earth shaking -- but lots of little things.  They are like bees in the fact that they threaten to "sting" you and cause pain.   They are also like bees because they are "flying" all around, keeping you constantly going in circles swatting at them. 

These problems and cares are small, numerous and annoying.  So, what are you doing about them?  The Psalmist said that it was in "the name of the Lord" that he would destroy them.  You deal with them "in the name of the Lord".  This means you:  1) acknowledge the Lord and bring Him into the situation.  2) You look to His strength and ability to help you deal with and destroy them.  3)  You use His Word as the sword and stand on His promises to attack them.  4)  You speak His powerful name over the situation and command them to "stop".

It is the "little" things that tend to do us harm or destroy us.  They can't be ignored.  We must deal with them.  But we deal with them in the name of the Lord, not our own ability.

Have a great day.  Even the little things are often out to destroy us.  We deal with them the same way we deal with the big issues... in the name of the Lord.

For further reading:
1 Samuel 17:45
Psalm 118:10-12; 124:8 

 

"Through Christ"

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

Perhaps you have wondered why you keeping failing and falling in your attempts to accomplish even the smallest of task?  It is because you are trying to do it in your own ability, strength and effort. 

Israel tried to go against Ai in their own strength and wound up fleeing in defeat from the enemy.  Abraham and Sarah tried to produce the promise in their own ability and wound up with Ishmael, which brought conflict into their home.  David tried to handle the lust of his heart by himself when he looked at Bathsheba.  But he not only wound up giving into it, but also started on a path that led from one sin to another.

There is a reason why the verse this morning doesn't read-- "I can do all things (period)" It is because we can't.  We can't do it through our own strength, through education, through our skills, through our talents, etc.  The key is "through Christ".  He is our ability.  It is only through Him that we can do anything.  The outcome in each of the examples that we used this morning would have been a lot different had they done it "through Christ".  The outcome of what we are trying to do will be a lot better, and perfect, if we will do whatever it is we are trying to do through Christ.

Have a great day.  Trying to do anything in our own ability will only cause us to fail.  Success comes "through Christ".

For further reading:
Proverbs 16:25; 3:5,6
Jeremiah 10:23

"What To Do With The Cross"

"And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:" Ephesians 2:16

I purchased a small ornamental cross with the names of Jesus engraved on it the other day to hang on a wall in my house.  I came home with it and went from room to room looking for a place to hang it.  I tried to find a place in each room, but I just don't know where to hang it.  I can't find a spot.  I don't know what I will do with it. 

As I was looking for a place, not knowing what to do with it, the Lord spoke to me.  He said, "There are a lot of people who don't know what to do with the cross". 

The cross is an offense to many.  They see it as an insult.  They stumble over the simplicity and power of it.  Therefore, they stay away from the cross and have nothing to do with it least it brings conviction to their hearts and draw them to itself.  "And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased." Galatians 5:11

The cross and its power to save is foolishness to some.  It makes no sense.  They see no logic in it, so they refuse it.  "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God." (1 Corinthians 1:18)

The cross is a place of conflict.  It is a place where you either embrace it or you fight against it and become an enemy of it.  "(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:" (Philippians 3:18) 

The cross is a place of glory and victory.  It is the place where sin and death were defeated.  It is where the victory over the enemy of our soul was won.  To those who accept the cross and take it up and follow Jesus, it is a place of personal freedom.  "But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world." (Galatians 6:14)

So, what about you?  What is the cross to you?  A stumbling block?  An offense?  Foolishness?  Or victory and glory?  What you decide to do with the cross determines your eternal destiny.  For those who accept it, love it and embrace it, it is the power of God that brings salvation.

Have a great day.  What will you do with the cross?

"It Wasn't In Vain"

"I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain."  Galatians 2:21

If our good deeds, good works, and religious service could save us; if joining a church, if being baptized in water, if getting a Christian education could save us, then what Jesus went through at the cross was needless and pointless.  That means He went through the suffering, the agony, the pain and the shame for nothing.  It means He subjected Himself to life on earth and crucifixion at the hands of evil men needlessly.  It means it was all in vain.

But it wasn't in vain.  It wasn't pointless.  It was necessary.  Although we like to think that our goodness is good enough to get us to heaven; although we believe that going to church and doing religious disciplines makes us saved, we are not only sadly mistaken, but we are wrong and deceived.  We have believed a lie.  We have made the goodness of God of none affect.  We are frustrating the grace of God.  For if indeed we could save ourselves by our own merits Jesus would not have come to earth and died on the cross.  The fact that He did speaks loudly and clearly.... we can't save ourselves! 

Just because you live in a so called "Christian nation", just because you grew up in the "Bible Belt", just because your grandfather was a preacher, just because you joined a particular church, just because you go to church on Sunday doesn't mean you are truly saved or have eternal life.  There is only One Way to be saved.  There is only One Name given under heaven that can save us.  Consider what Jesus said to the Pharisees, the religious leaders of His day.  He called them blind leaders of the blind.  White-washed tombs, full of death.  "But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.' (Matthew 23:13) He let them know they weren't saved and weren't going to heaven even though they were religious.

Being religious makes you nothing!!! It just deceives you and leads you further away from God if you are putting your trust in it to save you.  The only hope we have of eternal life is in Jesus Christ and His grace that saves us through faith in Him.  "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  Not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8,9)    

Have a great day.  Jesus' death was not in vain... it is the only way that we can be saved.

For further reading:
Matthew 15:14; 23:27
Acts 4:12

"Talking About Him"

"Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works."  Psalm 119:27

What do you talk about?  What do most of your conversations consist of?  Do you spend them talking about self?  About the weather?  Politics?  Your job, family, some hobby that interest you?  There is nothing wrong with talking about these, but is that all you talk about? 

Do you talk about the "wondrous works of the Lord"?  When was the last time He was the subject of your conversation?  When was the last time you testified of what He has done in your life?  When was the last time you talked of His praises?  When was the last time you told someone else about Him? 

Why is it as Christians that we are at no loss for words when it comes to certain subjects, but when it comes to the Grand Subject of our lives-- Jesus-- we can't find anything to say or we "clam up"?  If we don't tell others about Him and His goodness, His saving grace, His salvation, His wondrous works, who will or how will they know?

Have you been quiet about your faith in Jesus?  Have you been quiet too long?  The gospel of Jesus is Good News.  Don't keep the good news from them any longer.  If we don't tell, they won't hear.  We need to open our mouths and speak up more than we do and tell of His wondrous works.  They talk about anything and everything.  Can't we talk about the One who is glorious and worthy to be talked about?  Or are we ashamed to say anything?  Let's pray not.

Have a great day.  When was the last time your conversation was about the Lord and what He has done in your life?

For further reading:
Psalm 89:1; 109:30
1 Corinthians 1:21
Revelation 12:11
Mark 8:38