"No Excuse Will Work"

"Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it."  1 Thessalonians 5:24

When God calls us to do a task, has an assignment for us, gives us a command or places a call on our lives, usually the first thing we do is start giving Him excuses as to why we can't do it.  When He came to Moses and called him to lead His people out of Egyptian bondage, the first thing Moses did was start making excuses-- "I can't do it.  I stutter".

Our weaknesses become our excuses-- I am not educated enough; I am too shy; I am not popular; I am not talented and so on.  Our excuses are usually true reasons-- we do have shortcomings and inabilities.  But don't you think God already knows that?  Don't you think He already knew Moses couldn't speak well when He called him?  Sure, He did.  He already knows you can't do it when He calls you to do it, but He calls you anyway because He uses "weak and foolish things".

When He called Moses, Moses wasn't able to do what He called him to do, but God could do it.  When God calls us, we act like it is going to be us who does it.  We act like it is all going to depend on us.  We act like it is our abilities that will make it happen.  That is not true.  It is not us that does it-- it is not by our might or power but by His Spirit; it is the Spirit of your Father that speaks for you; it is the Father that does the work.  We are only vessels that He does it through.

The truth of the matter is that when God calls us to do something, we can't do it.  God knows that.  But He can do it.  And He will do it.  All He ask from us is to trust Him and obey.  Then He will do the rest.  He will do whatever needs to be done.  All Moses was was a vessel.  He didn't part the Red Sea.  He didn't turn the waters to blood.  He didn't bring the plagues on Egypt.  He didn't give manna in the wilderness or water from a rock.  God did it all.  All Moses did was yield to Him, trust Him, and obey what He told him to do.  We start making excuses because we think that we are the ones who have to "make it happen".  We don't.  We can't!  But if God calls you to do it, He can and will do it through you.

Have a great day.  God knows you can't do what He calls you to do.  But He can do it, and He will do it.  You only have to trust Him and obey what He tells you.       

For further reading:
1 Corinthians 1:26-28
Exodus 4:10
Acts 3:12,13
Zechariah 4:6

"The Instruction Manual"

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."  2 Timothy 3:16,17

Have you ever made a purchase of some item that required assembly?  Are you one of those people who try to put it together without using the instruction manual that came with it?  A lot of people are like that.  At the end of the project they wind up having to redo it because they left out a part.  Or they had parts left over.  Many people are trying to go through life without using an "instruction manual". 

Life is difficult, period.  We don't know how to have proper relationships, how to make the right choices, how to avoid pitfalls, how to make it through the bumps in the road of life, or how to handle problems that arise.  Someone once said about parenting, "It's a shame babies don't come with instruction manuals".  The same could be said of life in general.  The fact of the matter is-- life does come with an instruction manual.  It is called the Bible. 

The Bible has the answers to every question, every difficulty, how to relate to people, how to have abundant life, what to do when life seems overwhelming, how to make the best choice, how to find peace, how to raise children, how to overcome obstacles, and how to get through each day.  But like the people who try to put an item together on their own without consulting the manual, many people won't read the Bible and seek its instructions, wisdom and guidance.

Do you seek its help daily?  Are you following its instructions?  Are you letting it navigate your steps through life?  Or are you trying to do it your own way?  Are you trying to figure it out on your own?  Are you leaning to your own understanding and wisdom?

Have a great day.  It is so much easier if your read the instruction manual.   

"Hyperbole"

"...  thy word is truth."  John 17:17

As I stepped into my office this morning to sit down and write the devotional, a word came to mind.  The word was "hyperbole".  This is not a word that is familiar to me.  I haven't heard it in years-- since I was in school.  I vaguely even remember hearing it then, much less knew what it meant.  So, I decided to look it up in the dictionary. Hyperbole: an extravagant statement or figure of speech no intended to be taken literally; obvious and intentional exaggeration.  

I knew that this unfamiliar word came to mind for a reason.  The reason was to remind us that the Word of God is not "exaggeration or extravagant" statements.  When the Bible says that "at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow", that is truth, not exaggeration.  When it says that "all power in heaven and earth is given unto Jesus", it isn't extravagant language.  It is truth.  When the scriptures say that "no weapon formed against you shall prosper", "greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world", "I give you power to heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils"; "whatever you bind on earth is bound in heaven, whatever you loose on earth is loosed in heaven", none of these are exaggerated statements.  They are not the boastful statements of some egotistical person.  They are the Words of the True and Living God. 

The words of Jesus and God the Father that are written in the Bible are not boasting or bragging.  They are not idle words.  They are not threats.  They are not fables, fairytales or campfire stories, and they are not "hyperbole".  They are Truth.  They are to be taken literally.  They are to be believed.  They are to be practiced.  They are to be applied.  They can be trusted. 

Perhaps you think the Bible is full of exaggeration.  Perhaps you don't believe it is real.  Perhaps you think its wording was only to make the reading interesting.  Well, think again.  They are the Words of Truth from the God of heaven-- who says what He means and means what He says.  Take it that way. 

Have a great day.  God's Words are not hyperbole.

"The Power Of Praise"

"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

Never underestimate the power of praise!  What is one of the first things we do, or rather withhold, when we are going through a trial or difficulty?  We begin to murmur, complain, speak negatively, get fearful, anxious and withhold our praise.  Praise is the last thing we think about doing.  It is the last thing we want to do.  When we are going through a problem, we want to feel sorry for ourselves.  We want to talk about the situation. 

Who can praise at a time like this?  Who can praise God when they are in trouble?  It makes no sense.  To the natural man it doesn't-- it is foolish.  We are not talking about praising God for the problem, we are talking about praising God in spite of it.  When we praise God in the midst of the trial, that situation will "stand at attention" and have to give way to victory because praise brings the power of God into the situation. (Psalm 22:3) 

Never underestimate the power of praise!  At midnight, while in prison bound by chains, with bleeding backs from the beaten they had suffered, Paul and Silas praised God, and the earth shook and the prison doors flew open.  Discouragement gave way to praise.
 
Never underestimate the power of praise!  In the days of Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, the Ammonites and other nations rose up against Judah to destroy them.  Jehoshaphat "appointed singers unto the Lord, that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the Lord; for his mercy endureth for ever.  And when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten." (2 Chronicles 20:21,22)  Praise brought victory. 

It may be foolish to you to offer up praise to the Lord when you are going through trials and difficulties.  That is why it is called a "sacrifice of praise".  But that is exactly what you need to do.  You have tried everything else.  You have tried to manipulate your way past it.  You have tried to bully your way through it.  You have tried to believe hard enough to see it change.  You have quoted every scripture you know over it.  You have exhausted all your resources.  Well, why don't you try praising your way through it.  Praise is powerful.  It may not always change your situation, and then again it might, but it will definitely make a change in you, and you will be victorious even going through the trial.  

Have a great day.  Never underestimate the power of praise!   

"Thy Will Be Done?"

"After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.  Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven."  Matthew 6:9,10

When Jesus gave us the Lord's prayer, it was a model by which we would know how to pray.  He didn't intend for it to be a ritual prayer.  He didn't intend for it to be a prayer to "sooth our conscience"-- meaning that it wasn't intended to make us feel like we had done our religious duty that day if we prayed it.  He didn't intend for it to be something we could recite when we need something spiritually encouraging.  He didn't intend for it to be some "mindless" memorization that would give us "brownie points" because we could quote it.

His intention was so that His disciples-- us included-- would take its words to heart and make them have meaning and application in our lives.  So, when He said to pray, "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done", He intended it to be sincere words that came from a heart of love and devotion that truly wanted the Father's will to be done in the earth, in heaven and in their lives. 

We have gotten away from His intention.  We have changed the "wording" up.  We have changed it to fit our own fleshly and self-centered desires, instead of His original intent.  Our prayer has become, "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done when it is convenient for me; when it fits into my plans; when it doesn't interfere with my agenda; when I can get around to doing it; when it doesn't impose itself on me; when my schedule can accommodate it."

Is this the way you pray?  Is this become your model-- your will over His will?  Or do you earnestly and sincerely pray for His will no matter the cost, the inconvenience or the adjustments that you have to make in order for His will to be fulfilled?

Have a great day.  Is the Lord's Prayer your true desire?    

"Living Uninterrupted"

"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?"  1 Corinthians 6:19

We like to live life on our own terms.  We have our own way of doing things and don't want anything to interfere with it.  We have our own schedule and don't want anything messing it up.  We have our own agenda and don't want anything to get in the way of it.  We have plans and tend to get bent out of shape when something disrupts them.  Our motto should be:  Don't interrupt me.

Does this describe you?  I have to be honest and say that it does me.  I may have my day planned out and the next thing I know it has been completely interrupted by unexpected situations that arise, phone calls, someone needing my assistance, something mechanical tears up and needs my attention or I am pulled away by something beyond my control.  (This actually happens a lot-- daily.)

Our lives are not nice, neat little packages to be lived by our own dictates and terms.  Life is often full of interruptions.  I can't help but believe that sometimes those interruptions are allowed by God to get us refocused off of self. 

When interruptions come and they send me in a different direction than I had planned, I have to remind myself that my steps are ordered by the Lord.  My life is surrendered to Him which means it is to be lived for Him and His plans, not my own.  Therefore, what will I do with the interruptions?  Will I let them make me angry, frustrated or annoyed?  Or will I let them show me how self-centered and selfish my life really is?  Will I let them show me the truth about just how flexible, or unmovable, in my own will and own terms I am?  Will I let them teach me how to be more yielded to the will of the Lord, should He decide to change my agenda and schedule today? 

Have a great day.  Are you living life on your own terms?             
 

"Is Your Name In The Book?"

"And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire."  Revelation 20:14

When all is said and done, when this life is over, when the end of the world as we know it has come, there is only one thing that is going to matter.  Is your name in the Book of Life?

We will ALL stand one day before the Lord God, the Creator of heaven and earth, the Eternal King and Almighty God, and He will open the Book of Life and see if your name is in it.  That will be the one thing He is looking for.  That will be your only defense.  It will be your only hope at that moment. 

Is your name there?  Again, that will be all that matters on that day.  It won't matter how often you went to church or whether you were a member of a church.  It won't matter if you sang in the choir, taught a Sunday School class, gave offerings to missionaries or even pastored a church.  It won't matter how much money you made, how popular you were, what type of education you had, how many degrees you had before or behind your name.  It won't matter if you were the ruler of a nation, an Emmy Award winner, produced million-dollar movies, or were the most famous person in the world.  It won't matter how good you were.  It won't matter that you never cheated anyone or on anyone.  It won't matter how talented you were.  It won't matter that you were a hero and saved lives, or feed the hungry, or clothed the naked, or ministered to the poor.  It won't matter that you rallied for a cause, protected the environment or fought for human rights.  None of this will matter on that day.  The Lord will be looking for one thing, and one thing only--- is your name in the Book of Life!

If it isn't there then, it will be too late.  You will be cast into the lake of fire to burn, but not burn up, forever and ever.  If it is not there now, it can be.  While you are still alive, you still have a chance to get it there.  Turn to the Lord Jesus Christ in repentance of your sins.  Acknowledge His saving grace that came through His death on the cross and follow Him from this day forth.  Then when you stand before the Lord, He will find your name, and instead of being cast into the lake of fire forever you will hear Him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant; enter thou into the joy of thy lord.  Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world."  (Matthew 25:23,34)

Have a great day.  The only thing that matters is if your name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life.  Is it?
 

"How God Sees You"

"Therefore hath the Lord recompensed me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his eyesight."  Psalm 18:24

"In His eyesight".  It is about how God sees us.  It is not about how we see ourselves.  It is not about how others see us.  Others saw Gideon as a coward, but God saw him as a mighty man of valor.  Others saw Mary as just a young girl, but God saw her as a highly favored vessel to bear His Son.  Others saw Jacob as a deceiver, but God saw him as a prince.  Joseph's family saw him as a dreamer, but God saw him as a savior of His people.  Some saw Moses as a murderer with a speech problem, but God saw him as a leader.  Christians in the early church saw Saul/Paul as a persecutor, but God saw him as a fit vessel to carry the gospel to the world.  Others saw David as just a shepherd boy (even his family), but God saw a king. 

People may see you as worthless-- you may see yourself as worthless.  Some may see you as never amounting to anything.  Some may see you as just another fanatic.  Some may see you as an ordinary housewife.  Some may see you as too young to do anything for God.  Let me repeat myself-- it is about how God sees us.

God has a plan for each and every one of us.  His plan is not necessarily your plan or someone else's plan for you.  Regardless of how you see yourself, God works with you-- if you'll let Him-- to make you into the person He desires you to be and desires to fulfill His plan through. 

What others saw about each one of the people that were mentioned above was correct in the natural sense and from all physical appearances.  But God sees things differently.  He sees us from His perspective.  He sees us as we shall be.  He sees the finished product of a man or woman, boy or girl, who will surrender themselves to His plan.  He sees us through the righteousness of His own Son.  What He sees, and says, about us/you are more correct than what you or anyone else does. 

Have a great day.  It is about how God sees you that is important. 

"Living For Self"

"And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again."  2 Corinthians 5:15

 "That they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves."  Do you profess to be a Christian?  Then who are you living for?  Are you living your life for the Lord?  Are you living it for your own self?  They say, "The proof is in the pudding."  The proof of your profession-- whether it is true or not-- is in the way you live your life.  Or better yet, who you live your life for.

Christianity is about living for and to the Lord and dying to self.  It is about being a "living sacrifice".  Jesus' message was "follow Me".  Not "follow self".  It wasn't follow your own lusts, desires, plans, rules and wishes.  It was follow His life, His will, His leading, His guidance and His plan. 

"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20)  This verse pretty much sums it up.  It is Christ who is living in and through us.  Our lives are to be dead to self and alive in Him.  It is His life that is to be reflected in us.  If not, our profession is not only false, but an injustice to who He is and a hindrance to others.  No wonder people are so confused about Christianity-- they hear one thing and see another.      

So, what are you saying and what are you doing?  Does your life line up with your profession?  Are you dead or alive to self?  Are you letting Him live through you?  Don't you know that you are a temple-- a vessel that He lives and dwells in?  Is He truly living there?  Is it evident that He is living there because He is the One who is being seen?

Have a great day.  Are you living for the Lord or self?  Are you dead to self and alive to Him?

For further reading:
Matthew 16:24
Romans 12:1
1 Corinthians 6:19

"It's Not About The Wheel"

"Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?"  Romans 9:21

In order for a potter to make a vessel of any sort, he has to put the clay on the potter's wheel. I heard a minister make the statement that has given me a new understanding of the whole process of being on the potter's wheel.  He said, "It is not about the wheel.  It is about the clay." 

What is the wheel? The wheel is the circumstances, difficulties, trials and problems that we go through.  I thought about the life of Joseph.  His "wheel" was the pit, then it was Potiphar's house, next it was the prison.  But what Joseph was going through was not about the "wheel"-- it wasn't about his trials.  It was about him-- the clay. 

What he faced, the hardships he endured, the betrayal and hatred of his brothers, the imprisonment, slavery, false accusations, were all just the means/wheel to shape him into the vessel he needed to be in order to fulfill God's divine plan for his life. 

The situations he encountered prepared and transformed him into who he needed to be in order to fulfill his destiny.  Without the "wheel" when he came to the palace, he would have been "unfit" to fulfill that role.  Without the shaping, molding and making he went through on the wheel, he would have taken revenge on his brothers when they came to him for help.  He would have been lifted up with pride because the dreams of the wheat, sun and moon bowing down before him was manifested.  He wouldn't have had the wisdom he needed to put the grain aside.  And so on.

I don't know what you might be going through.  Whatever it is, it is a potter's wheel.  Resist the temptation to focus on the "wheel".  Resist the temptation to be consumed, discouraged and anxious about the wheel.  It is not about the wheel.  It is about the clay.  The clay is you.  It is about God making you and transforming you through your situation into the vessel that He has destined you to be.  Clay is not shaped into a vessel until it goes on the potter's wheel.  We don't become a vessel until we go on the potter's wheel either.  It is there that the graces, Fruit of the Spirit and Christ-like character is produced.

Have a great day.  It is not about the potter's wheel; it is about the transformation of the clay into a fit vessel.     

"Love To Tell The Story"

"How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?"  Romans 10:14

As soon as my eyes opened this morning, I began hearing an old hymn playing over and over in my thoughts.  The words were-- "I love to tell the story, will be my theme in glory.  To tell the old, old story, of Jesus and His love."

What do you love to talk about?  We talk about all sorts of things-- the weather, politics, the latest fashions, popular movies, other people, etc.  But do we talk about Jesus and His great love? 

When I first surrendered my life to Jesus, and He became my Savior and Lord, I couldn't wait to tell people about what He had done for me.  I wanted everyone to know.  I wanted to share His love and the story of salvation.  I woke up in the morning praying to be able to tell someone that day about Him and invite them to make Him their Savior.

What has happened to us?  Why aren't we telling it?  Why aren't we sharing this good news?  Why is it the least thing we talk about as Christians?  I dare say that the reason we see people's lives in such a mess-- inside the church and out-- is because we have stopped telling people about Jesus' love and message of salvation.  When was the last time you heard someone say, "Jesus, loves you"?  When was the last time you told someone that He loves them? 

When we don't tell, we are withholding hope from people.  When we don't tell, we are keeping from them the way to eternal life.  As the scripture above says, how will they hear if someone doesn't tell them.  We might say that they hear it in church.  When was the last time you heard a message in church about the saving love of Jesus?  We preach about everything else most times but that.  Besides not everyone goes to church.  Jesus left us with a commission to fulfill.  If we aren't telling people the "old, old story, of Jesus and His love", then we aren't fulfilling it.

Have a great day.  Do you love to tell the story about Jesus and His love?

"Freed From Deception"

"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound."  Isaiah 61:1

When the disciples asked Jesus about what the sign of His coming would be, He answered them, "Take heed that no man deceive you.  For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many." (Matthew 24:4,5)  The first sign He told them to be on guard for was deception, namely spiritual deception.  If there ever was a time that there is much spiritual deception it is now.

There are so many religions in the world.  There are so many teachings, each believing that theirs is the true one.  Religious deception is so prevalent in the world.  So, how do we know the truth?  How do we keep from falling prey to deception?  How do we keep from being deceived?  You do that by two ways. 

First-- "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32)  "Thy word is truth." (John 17:17)  Knowing God's Word will keep you from deception.  His Word is Truth.  Hiding it in your heart, referring to it daily, living by it, walking in it, comparing what you hear, see and feel to it will keep you from deception.

Secondly-- Pray that you won't be bound by deception.  Pray that you won't fall for the deception, lies, false teachings, cleverly disguised tricks of the enemy, wolves in sheep clothing, the smooth and deceptive words of the angel of light, and anything else that exalts itself against the knowledge of God.  

Jesus came and gave us the truth.  He spoke only the truth.  He was, and still is, The Truth.  He not only told us the truth but opened the prison door to free us from deception.  He provided the way out of the prison of spiritual deception.  He set us free from the bondage of deception.  We don't have to be bound any longer by the lies and deception of the enemy... that prison door has been opened. 

Have a great day.  We don't have to be deceived by the enemy.  Jesus opened the prison door of deception and set us free.    
 

"An Eternal Crown"

"And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible."  1 Corinthians 9:25

Many of you know that the ministry operates a thrift store.  Everything in the store has been donated.  Sometime trophies are donated.  We've all seen trophies, Super Bowl rings and medals for sale at various secondhand stores or pawn shops. 

These items were all the result of someone's time, money, hard work and discipline, yet now they are discarded and thrown away.  All that last is a memory. 

The Bible says that there is a crown that is laid up for those who put their faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.  Like the "crowns" that are obtained here, this crown also requires something of us in order to receive them.  They require acceptance of the One who will give it to you-- Jesus Christ.  They require discipline-- you can't give up in this race through life and expect to receive it.  They require time-- minute by minute, hour by hour, day in and day out we must continue to live by faith.  They require perseverance-- you must keep following Jesus to the end. 

Unlike the "crowns" of men, these crowns are given to us, we don't earn them.  They come to us freely as we put our faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord.  These crowns that we will receive are not temporary, they are eternal.  They are more precious than these earthly ones-- we won't be "pawning or donating" them.  These crowns won't be ours to keep-- we don't deserve them.  They will be given back to Jesus, freely and gladly, by us because we know that He alone is the only One worthy to wear any crown.

Do you know that you will have a crown of life?  Are you looking forward to being presented it one day?  Are you looking forward to giving it back to Jesus?

Have a great day.  Strive to receive an eternal crown.    

For further reading:
2 Timothy 4:8

"God's Numerous Promises"

"For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly."  Psalm 84:11

There is an old hymn entitled, "Count Your Blessings".  One line says, "Count your many blessings, see what God has done."  There is no way we can count all the blessings that the Lord daily loads us with.  Neither is there any way we can count all the promises that He has made to us.  The verse above alone has at least five promises in it.

He promises to be a sun to us-- bright and shining, illuminating our path before us.  He promises to be a shield to us-- protection, safety and a covering.  He promises to give us grace-- His favor wrapped around us.  He also promises glory-- abundance, honor and riches.  He promises not to withhold any good thing from us as we walk uprightly before Him.

The Lord's promises are innumerable, and He makes them to those who follow Him.  We can trust His promises.  He is not like a man who lies.  He is faithful to do what He has promised.  Begin to search out His promises.  Hide them in your heart.  Trust Him and stand upon His unfailing promises.

Have a great day.  The Lord's promises are numerous.  Claim them.  He is faithful to keep them. 

"Victors Through Christ"

"O sing unto the Lord a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory."  Psalm 98:1

I woke up this morning with a chorus repeating over and over in my thoughts.  "Hallelujah, You have won the victory.  Hallelujah, You have won it all for me." 

At the cross Jesus won the victory over death, hell and the grave.  But He didn't win it for His own self, He didn't need it.  He won it on our behalf.  We were the ones who were defeated by sin in every area.  We were the ones who were under a death sentence.  We were the ones who were a prisoner to sin.  We now have victory over the sin that had us bound and had condemned us to eternal death.  We now have victory over the devil.  We now have victory over temptation.  We now have victory over the flesh.  We now have victory over every besetting sin.  We have this victory all because of Jesus.

Are you walking in that victory?  Are you walking as a victor or as one who is defeated?  Through Christ we more than conquerors.  We have power through Him over all the powers of the enemy.  We can walk in peace, freedom and joy.  We aren't defeated any longer.  We are victorious because He was victorious.

Have a great day.  We need to stop walking like we are defeated and walk like victors through Jesus Christ.   

"Knowledge Or Truth?"

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

This verse is certainly true of the time in which we live.  Many people who call themselves Christians do so because of the "knowledge" that they have.  But this knowledge is not necessarily "truth". 

Their knowledge says to them that they are a Christian because they go to church.  Or because they do religious works and deeds-- like giving offerings, holding a position in church, attend Bible study, etc.  Their knowledge says that they are a "good" person-- they don't cheat, drink, lie, cuss or engage in any other moral vice-- so that makes them a Christian.  Their knowledge says that they know who Jesus is.  But this is the difference between knowledge and truth. 

Knowledge knows about Jesus.  It knows that He was a good man.  It knows that He walked the earth and did miracles.  It knows that He had twelve disciples.  It even knows that He was God, He came to earth, He was beaten, He died on a cross and He rose again the third day.

Truth, on the other hand, knows that knowledge about Him is not the same as a personal relationship with Him.  That is the truth that makes us truly Christians.  Truth says He died for me and my sins.  Truth says it is more than profession it is faith.  Truth says, "Follow Him, make your life a living sacrifice, mortify your flesh, take up your cross and follow Him, be led by His Spirit, obey Him and embrace His will, decrease so that He might increase in your life, be not conformed to this world but be transform, deny yourself."

Do you only have knowledge of Him?  Do you have religion but no relationship?  Do you have a form of godliness?  Do you know facts and figures about Jesus and the gospel but don't know Him in a personal intimate way and are you following His words?  Do you have head knowledge of Him?  Or does He have your heart?  

Have a great day.  There is a difference in only having knowledge and having truth?  Which do you have?

"Don't Allow It"

"Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth."  Romans 14:22

Do you want to stop feeling condemned?  Then the answer is-- don't allow yourself to do those things that you know are going to make you feel condemned.  The verse above gives us this key-- happy is the one who does not condemn himself in what he allows.  Allowing something and condemnation seem to go hand in hand.

There are things that we do that we know are going to make us feel bad, guilty and condemned afterwards.  Like when we overeat a particular food.  Or watch a program on television we know that we should not watch.  Or when the Spirit convicts us to leave a certain issue alone and we proceed anyway.  Afterwards, we have that "feeling" and then start "beating" ourselves up about it.  For example, if I know that I should not have eaten that second candy bar, but did anyway, I usually feel condemned about it.  I start a mental chastening of myself.  If I had not "allowed" myself to eat it, I would not be going through that.     

We would save ourselves a lot of guilt and condemnation if, like I said earlier, we would just not allow our flesh to do it.  Your flesh has to have your permission.  You have to choose to go in that direction.  You have to choose to give it what it wants. 

Just how do I "not allow" myself to do those things?  How do I stop?  How do I keep from giving in?  I can't control it?  Yes, you can.  You don't owe your flesh anything-- you are not a debtor to it.  You don't have to let it rule you-- you rule it by the Spirit.  You can resist it-- you can do all things through Christ.  When it makes its "suggestions", when it "tempts" you, renew your mind and bring those thoughts captive.  You don't have to let your mind "entertain" it-- make those thoughts submit to the Word of God.  If you do this, you will be happy because condemnation didn't have a chance to attack you.

Have a great day.  If you don't allow it, it can't condemn you.

For further reading:
Philippians 4:13
Romans 6:12; 13:14; 8:12; 12:2
2 Corinthians 10:5

"Not Convincing"

"..... all men know that ye are my disciples...."  John 13:35

Yesterday I found an object half buried in my yard.  When I dug it out, I wasn't quite sure what it was.  It was perfectly round and appeared to be a marble.  I couldn't really tell because of the dust that was on it.  I wiped it off but still wasn't sure.  I thought it was a marble but it didn't have the luster and smoothness of a marble.  It also looked like it might be a steel ball.  When dropped, it bounced like a ball.  It didn't break like glass.  It was tough like steel.  I have an idea about what it is but am not completely convinced.

Many people are like that object, especially when it comes to their profession of Christianity.  It is hard for you to tell what they are.  They say they are a Christian, but their speech betrays them.  They use profanity like it is normal.  They appear to be a Christian because they go to church-- they even work in the church-- but their lifestyle outside of the church doors is anything but Christian.  They look the part but they don't act the part.  They profess to be but their attitude and actions speaks louder than their words.

If a person truly is a Christian, there is no doubt.  Their life lines up with what they say they are.  I am not saying that a Christian can't make a mistake and do something "wrong", but their life overall will line up with what they profess to be.  "Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.  In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother." (1 John 3:9,10)  You can't say you are a Christian and act like someone who isn't.  You either are one or you aren't one.  Just like that object I found.  It can't be a marble and a steel ball both.  

Have a great day.  Is there any doubt that you are a Christian?  Is it something that people can easily tell about you?  Or are they confused and not convinced because you say one thing and act like another?    

"It's Amazing Mercy"

"The earth, O Lord, is full of thy mercy: teach me thy statutes."  Psalm 119:64

You might wonder where the mercy of God is when you see so much pain, violence, corruption and evil taking place in the world.  I can assure you His mercy is still here.  If it weren't we would all be destroyed-- and a long time ago.  We have done evil in His sight.  We have blasphemed His holy name on many levels.  We have denounced and rejected Him-- even in His own house.  Yet we still continue on and going in the same direction as we have been going. 

His mercy will not always wink at our sins.  It will not always withhold judgment.  It will not always continue to be patient.  It will not continue to tolerate our blatant rebellion against Him and His authority in the earth.  He is a merciful God and is giving us time to repent and turn from our wicked ways.  He does that with individuals, and He does that with nations. 

The saints that are described under the altar in Revelations are crying out for revenge.  We cry out for God to make things right.  We are praying for Him to change the hearts of wicked men.  We wonder how long, oh, Lord, will you continue to allow the flood of ungodly men to sweep throughout the land?  He will avenge those souls.  He will bring the reign of the ungodly to an end.  He will put down all evil doers and their wicked schemes.  He will make all things new.  He will establish His holy and righteous kingdom upon the earth.  But in the meantime, we are under His mercy.  It is because of His mercies that things are allowed to continue.  When He does make all things new, the wicked will be cast out into everlasting hell fire.  They will be thrust into eternal torment.  But because He is a merciful, loving God, He is not willing that any should perish.  Therefore, He is patient and longsuffering giving people time and space to repent.

So, when you are bemoaning the evil that is in the world-- and we should pray, pray, pray because of it-- be sure that you also thank Him and praise Him for His mercy that is in operation today.

Have a great day.  Because of God's mercy we are not consumed, even though we should be.  

For further reading:
Revelation 6:9,10
Matthew 25:41
Psalm 1:6
1 Peter 4:18
2 Peter 3:9

"A Right And A Wrong Side"

"Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.  Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No.  And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes."  John 21:3,5,6

There is a right side and there is a wrong side.  There is one side and there is the other side.  The disciples were fishing from one side of the boat-- the wrong side.  Jesus told them to put their nets on the other side-- the right side.  Once they did, they caught more fish then they could pull up in their nets. 

When things aren't "prospering" in our lives, when we aren't being "successful", when what we are doing isn't being "fruitful", it is often because we are on the "wrong side".  We are on the wrong side because we are doing things according to our own decisions.  We chose to do it one way based on our personal desires, our knowledge, our education, the influence of others, because it's the way we have always done it, because we are leaning to our own understanding, because it worked for someone else or because it worked for us in the past.

It wasn't until the disciples followed the instructions of Jesus and did it His way-- the right way-- that they began to catch fish.  Whatever it is that you are putting your hands to do, whatever ministry, whatever business, whatever relationship, whatever project, don't just go out there and make your own decisions about the matter.  Don't lean to your own understanding.  Acknowledge the Lord in it.  Let Him guide you.  Let Him give you direction.  Let Him tell you "which side" is the "right side". 

Have a great day.  There is a right side and a wrong side.  The Lord's side and His way is the only right one.  Seek Him to find out which one is His side. 

"Winning Over The Wicked"

"The bands of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten thy law."  Psalm 119:61

There are always going to be wicked people who are out to "get you".  They will rob you, they will do you bodily harm, they will try to take advantage of you, they will be jealous of you, they will try to destroy you, they will lie about you, cheat on you, use you and abuse you.  They don't care about you, they only care about themselves.  That is why they have no conviction or reservation when it comes to doing you harm or taking what belongs to you.  They want what they want only and see their evil and wicked deeds as an opportunity to get it.

So, what are the righteous to do?  Don't forget God's law.  That's what we do.  That doesn't make any sense, you might say.  Maybe not, to our natural man or to the world, but God's word is our only hope.  His word will get us through the difficulties of life.  His word will give us strength, hope and peace when it seems like the wicked are prevailing and we are under attack.  It will give us wisdom and guidance on how to handle ourselves, not like the world does or thinks we should, but in a way that is pleasing to and honors God. 

I am not going to have to stand before wicked men when I reach the end of this life and step into eternity.  I may have to face them here and now while on earth, but then I won't.  The One I will face is the Lord Jesus Christ and God the Father.  When I face them, I want my life to be such that they are well pleased that I conducted myself and handled the trials, problems and temptations that I had to endure the way they "prescribed" for me to handle them.  I want to hear them say, about everything I did, "Well done."  Keeping His word in focus and practice during the times when the wicked try to destroy me will cause Him to say just that.

Have a great day.  Wicked people will always be out to destroy us but holding on to God's Word and applying it in those times will cause us to be the ones who win in the long run.

"Knowing God's Ways"

"He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel."  Psalm 103:7

The children of Israel saw the acts of God-- the parting of the Red Sea, the pouring out of the plagues on Egypt, water from a rock, etc.  They only saw what He did, but Moses knew His ways-- he knew why God did what He did, he knew God's heart and reason behind His works and acts. 

Throughout the Bible it is recorded that God often revealed what He was going to do and why He was doing it to His servants.  He took them into His "confidence".  What He did then, He still does today.  He will do the same for you and for me.  So, which would you rather be?  Like the Israelites or like Moses?

If you are one of those who want to know God's ways, I see three things from the life of Moses that will help you to reach that goal. 

1)  "And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.  And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt.  And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I." (Exodus 3:2-4) Moses turned aside to see the bush that was on fire.  We have to "turn aside" from the cares of life, from the distractions, from the things of the world and turn toward God to "see" and "hear" what He is doing.  This doesn't happen automatically.  You have to make a deliberate choice to do so. 

2)  "And the Lord said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod.  And he said, Cast it on the ground."  (Exodus 4:2,3a) What is in your hand?  Surrender it to God.  Surrender your talents, your agenda, your plans, your own desires, your will, yourself, etc.  Give whatever you have in your hand (in your possession) to God and let Him use it according to His will.

3)  "And Moses went up unto God, and the Lord called unto him out of the mountain." (Exodus 19:3a) God told Moses to "come up the mountain".  He told him to bring with him two more tablets of stone.  And He told him to come up the next morning.  We see two things here that Moses had to do, actually three.  Moses obeyed God even though none of these were an easy task.  Moses also answered God's call to come up higher.  Moses had to persevere.  He couldn't stop short.  He had to keep on going until he reached the place God called him to.   

Let me recap and sum it all up.  If we want to be people who know God's ways instead of just His acts, here are three things from the life of Moses, the one who knew God's ways, that we can learn from:

1)  Make the choice to turn toward God and seek Him, and away from the world.
2)  Surrender everything you have to God.
3)  Be obedient to what He tells you to do, even though it may cost you.  Persevere and don't quit.  Go up higher until you reach that desired place.  You can't stay in the "low places" and expect to reach it.   

Have a great day.  Do you want to be a person who only sees what God does?  Or a person who knows God's heart and why He is doing what He does?   

"Out Of Reach"

"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us."  Hebrews 12:1

We are told to "lay aside" those weights and sins that would easily beset us-- that would pull us down, keep us in bondage or cause us to sin.  You may say, "I do that but it keeps coming back.  I keep falling into it."  Perhaps it is because you aren't laying it far enough away.  Most of us will "lay it aside" but we lay it where it is still within arms reach so we can grab it anytime we want.

For example, if you have a problem with adultery, just refraining from calling the person you are having the affair with is not enough.  It is still within arm's reach if you have not deleted their number from your contact list.  If you have a problem with overeating sweets.  It isn't enough to just not buy them, but you need to go clean out the cabinet where you have the brownies hidden.  If you are trying to "lay aside" anything that is a bondage to you, but you are keeping it where it is accessible, then you are not laying it aside.

Another way we lay it aside out of arm's reach is by renewing our minds.  If we keep it near us mentally, we will eventually pick it up.  Continuing to think about it keeps it close to you.  You will never get it far enough away to keep from picking it up as long as you are thinking about it, entertaining thoughts about it or dwelling on it. 

So, you say you have laid it aside, but have you laid it far enough away?  Or is it still close enough to be able to go to it any time?  Is it close to you through your thoughts?

Have a great day.  You have to lay besetting sins out of reach or you will keep picking them up.  

For further reading:
Romans 12:2; 13:14

"Thou Art Worthy"

"Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created."  Revelation 4:11

The verse above says that the Lord is worthy to receive glory and honor and power.  It didn't say He was worthy to receive glory only when He answers our prayers in the way we wanted them answered.  It doesn't say He is worthy only when things are going well for us.  It didn't say that He is worthy when we have lots and plenty to spare only.  It doesn't say that He is worthy in just the times that He has come through for us with some deliverance, healing or need that He has met.  What it says is "He is worthy"-- period.

He is worthy of all the glory and honor and power whether He ever answers another prayer for you; whether He blessed you ever again; whether He meets and supplies one more need you have.  He is worthy of all the glory and honor, not just when He does something on your behalf. 

He was worthy before He answered the first prayer you prayed.  He was worthy before He saved your soul.  He was worthy before He delivered you from your problems, issues and addictions.  He always has been worthy of all honor because He is God.  He always has been and always will be whether you think He is or not; whether you say He is or not; even if your opinion, your feelings, your emotions, or your disappointments say otherwise.  He is worthy just because He is God.

Have a great day.  The Lord is worthy of all glory and honor and power not because of what He has done, but because of who He is.  

"Looking In The Wrong Place"

"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith..."  Hebrews 12:2a

If you are looking to people to affirm you then you are looking in the wrong place.  If you are looking to people to make you happy, again you are looking in the wrong place.  If you are looking to others to make you feel valued, loved, fulfilled and important, you are still looking in the wrong place.  If you are looking to man to solve your problems, deliver you, save you, meet all your needs, you are not looking in the right place.  If you are expecting them to give you peace of mind and peace of heart and come to your rescue and heal the inner hidden places in you, you are still looking in the wrong place.

People can "help", but they cannot solve.  They are just as weak, just as frail, just as lost, just as needy, just as messed up as the rest of us are and in need themselves.  We are all in need of someone bigger than ourselves to give us what we need.  We need someone wiser, stronger, more powerful, more loving, more compassionate than we are.  That someone would be Jesus. 

There is nothing wrong with reaching out to people.  But if you are putting your faith in them to give you what you need, you are misguided and looking in the wrong place.  Jesus is the true source of all that we need. 

Are you seeking out people, but forgetting Him?  Are you looking to others, but not to Him?  Are you depending on some person to give you what you need, but are leaving Jesus out of the picture?  Then you will never find the thing you are searching for and the answer you need because He is the answer.

Have a great day.  If you are depending on people to give you what you need you are looking in the wrong place.     

"Step Of Faith- Part 2"

"And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?"  Mark 4:40

Yesterday I made the statement that any step we make toward God is a step of faith.  I thought more about this and remembered that when the disciples were in the boat and a terrible storm came up on the sea, they made a step toward Jesus and woke Him up for His help to keep from drowning.  He certainly didn't say that they had faith.  On the contrary, He said they had "no faith". 

 

So, if any step we make toward Him is a step of faith, why wasn't the step they made considered faith?  First, they didn't go to Him in faith.  They went to Him with accusations-- "they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?"  Secondly, they had no faith because He had already given them clear instructions, what they were to do and what the outcome would be-- "he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side."  They did not believe Him.  

 

The difference between faith or no faith when we go to Him is this:  if we are going to Him for His help with a weakness, a besetting sin we can't seem to conquer, an issue that we are struggling with, a discipline that we are wrestling with or needing wisdom and instruction in an area, then we are acknowledging His ability and our inability.  We are acknowledging that He is able, but we aren't.  We are saying that we are totally dependent upon Him.  We are showing that we need and trust Him. That is faith.

 

If, on the other hand, we are going to Him with accusations, we are not really asking for His help.  We are saying that He is untrustworthy and unfaithful.  Also, it is lack of faith when He has clearly spoken to you and you don't believe what He said.  The disciples didn't believe that they were going to the other side safely even though He had told them they were.  That is lack of or no faith.   

 

When we go to the Lord acknowledging that we need Him and can't do it on our own, that is a step of faith.  When He has already spoken to us and we go to Him not believing what He said, that is not a step of faith. 

 

Have a great day.  Is the step you are making toward the Lord one of faith or not?

 

For further reading:

Mark 4:35-41

"Step Of Faith"

"Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.'  2 Corinthians 12:10

When I became a Christian, I came in during the "faith movement".  You didn't confess anything negative or anything that wasn't the Word of God.  You only spoke good and positive things.  You certainly didn't confess any weakness you had.  I thought I was supposed to be "God's woman of faith and power" all the time.  I couldn't confess any weakness even to God because that was a "lack of faith".  I would like to address this subject this morning.

I now have changed the way I think about some of this.  I don't believe it shows a lack of faith to confess your weakness.  On the contrary, it is more of an act of faith to do so.  True enough the Bible says a lot about the words of our mouth, and we must guard them and watch what comes out of them.  But that doesn't include going to God for help with an area or issue that you are struggling in. 

What is faith?  Faith is simply to trust in God.  Any time I make a step toward Him, whether it is to confess a weakness in my life and ask for His help; whether it is to ask Him for clarity because I don't understand something; whether it is to cry out to Him about a problem; even if it is to ask Him again concerning something I have already asked Him about, it does not necessarily mean that I don't have faith.  I am acknowledging my dependency on Him.  He remembers my frame and knows that I am dust.  He is more pleased when we come to Him for help in weakness than when we stay away because of condemnation, this shows a lack of faith.

Don't let the enemy stop you from going to God when you are weak or need His help by accusing you of lack of faith.

Have a great day.  Any step you make toward God, for whatever reason, is a step of faith.

For further reading:
Psalm 103:13

"War Room Plus"

"But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly."  Matthew 6:6

When I watched the movie "War Room", it convicted, edified and challenged me in my prayer life.  The "War Room" was the "prayer closet".  In prayer is where we do battle against the enemy.  It is where we receive strategies to overcome the schemes of the wicked one.  It is where we receive strength to fight.  It is where victories are won.  But this morning I want to take the "war room/prayer closet" a step further. 

Prayer is one of the most important spiritual disciplines.  It is our communication with the Lord.  It is the most preached about but the least practiced-- it's no wonder we are so weak and not as effective in our world as we should be.  When I first surrendered my life to the Lord, I was told to do three things-- daily read my Bible and pray and go to church.  That's how imperative it is in the life of a believer. 

Your prayer closet should be just that-- a place of prayer.  You should have a place where you meet with God.  But taking the "war room/prayer closet" a step further, it should also be a place of praise.  Your closet should be a place where you honor God through praise for the answers He gave you while you were in that closet.  Praise itself is a powerful weapon.  It should not be neglected along with your petitioning.  Our "war rooms" should be places of both-- a place where battles are fought and a place where we praise Him for the victories He gave us on that same battlefield.

Have a great day.  Our "war rooms/prayer closets" should be a place where we not only fight battles, but praise God for the answers and victory. 

"Automatic Salvation"

"I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord."  Psalm 116:13

There are many schools of thought when it comes to salvation.  Some believe that "all ways lead to God".  Some believe that you can do enough good works, religious deeds, and penance to be saved.  Some believe that because you were born in a Christian nation or to a Christian family you are saved.  Another belief says that because Jesus died on the cross you are automatically forgiven of your sins and are saved.  This is the one I want to address this morning.

Yes, it is true that when Jesus died on the cross, it was then that He paid for your sins.  It was there where forgiveness of sins was made available.  It was there were the atonement, and complete sacrifice was made.  But just because Jesus provided forgiveness and salvation there already does not mean that it is automatically yours and mine. 

If I had a billion dollars in a bank account and said that anyone who wants it can have it if they will go get it.  If you wanted it, when would it become yours?  Never, if you did not go to the bank and claim it.  It doesn't become yours if you don't go and receive it.  Salvation is the same way.  It has been provided.  It is available.  But unless you receive it personally by faith in Jesus Christ, you will never have it.  If you confess your sins.  If you believe in your heart.  If you ask for it.  If you repent.  If you acknowledge it personally then it becomes yours--and only then.

Have a great day.  Salvation has been provided through Jesus Christ, but you don't automatically have it unless you receive it by faith.    

"Last Words"

"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."  Acts 1:8

Normally the last words that someone has spoken to us are the most important or are the ones that we tend to remember.  This is true of the last words that were spoken by our Lord Jesus.  What were His last words on earth?

Many would say it was, "It is finished".  Those were the last words at the cross but not His last words to His disciples.  He was resurrected and after His resurrection He had more to say to them, and us.  Before He was taken up into heaven to sit down at the right hand of the Father, His very last words were, "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."

What was He telling us?  Why were these important words?  In these words, He said many things.

1)  He said that He had finished His work, but we still have a work to do.  He accomplished the Father's will while He was on earth, but we are to continue to do the Father's will.

2)  He said that our work involves the whole world-- starting at home and then being witnesses everywhere we go.   

3)  He said He was going to send the Holy Ghost to be with us, therefore, we will not be on our own in fulfilling our assignment.  He would be with us. 

4)  He said that He would empower us to be witnesses so that we could accomplish the commission He has given us. 

So, to sum it up, the last words Jesus spoke on earth were-- Your work is not finished, I still have a work for you to do.  You are to be My witnesses everywhere.  You won't be by yourself in doing it.  You will have the power of My Holy Spirit with you.

Have a great day.  Are you fulfilling His "last words"?  Do you consider them important enough to do them?

For further reading:
Acts 1:1-9

"Your Own"

"I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eye salve, that thou mayest see."  Revelation 3:18

While studying about the church at Laodicea in the Book of Revelation I discovered that they made eye salve.  One of the commands to the church of the Laodiceans was to anoint their eyes with eye salve that they might see.  This eye salve was not the one that they made-- it was not their own.  It was the one that came from God.  Their own eye salve only met a physical condition but not a spirit one.  That is why He said they were "blind".  (verse 17) God was saying to them that "your own eye salve won't heal your blindness".

Adam and Eve tried to cover their nakedness with their own clothing-- fig leaves.  Their own clothing wouldn't do it-- they were still naked.  God had to make clothes for them that would cover it.

Your own righteousness won't save you-- Christ Jesus' righteousness will.  Your own good works won't make you right with God-- the sacrifice and atoning work of Jesus at the cross will.  Your own wisdom will not guide you-- the wisdom from above will.  Your own understanding can't solve your problems-- acknowledging God will.  Your own strength can't deliver you; you will grow weak and tired-- God's strength is perfect and never wears out.  His strength will deliver you.  Your own course of action won't grow your ministry-- God's plan will.  He grows it by His Spirit. 

You can try to do your own thing, use your own resources, and direct your own steps, but you will still be lacking like the church of Laodicea.  Or you will wind up with an Ishmael like Abraham and Sarah who tried to manifest the promise of God in their life with their own means, idea and plan. 

Have a great day.  Doing things your own way will not bring success.  Your way is faulty and cannot accomplish anything.  Doing it God's way will. 

For further reading:
Revelation 3:14-22
Genesis 3:7,21

"The Correct Way"

"Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."  Matthew 18:18

There has been much teaching on this verse.  It has been interpreted to have more than one meaning.  The point I want to make this morning is that the Lord has given us instructions, patterns and authority in how to handle every issue that arises in our lives.  There is a correct way and there is a wrong way.

When you are faced with a situation, you can either handle it in the "spirit" or you can handle it in the "flesh".  You can handle it based on your own understanding or God's wisdom.  You can handle it in a way that seems right to you or God's way.  You can either do your own will or the Lord's will. 

There is no doubt that handling whatever we face God's way will be the right way.  Handling it our own way will only wind up making it worse.  Just ask Abraham and Sarah. 

Will handling it the way the Lord guides and instructs always mean it will turn out the way you had hoped or planned?  No, not necessarily.  The Old Testament prophets and the Apostles did it God's way instead of their own way and many of them were persecuted, martyred, thrown into prison, faced threats, and so on.  But what looked like defeat and seemed like they had done the wrong thing actually brought them inner victory.  Just look at the cross, on the outside it looked like defeat but in reality, it was the greatest victory ever won for mankind.  The world says you win when you receive a trophy or prize.  The Lord says you win when you do it His way, and one day He will reward you before all of creation and give you a crown of life then.

Have a great day.  There is a right way and a wrong way to handle situations.  God's way is the right way although it might not always appear to be the right way.   

"Good Hearted or God Hearted?"

"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?"  Jeremiah 17:9

I know a lot of really good-hearted people.  They will do anything for you.  They show a lot of compassion.  They are always there when there is a problem.  They are among the first ones to help.  They will "give you the shirt off their back" or their last dollar if you need it.  But is it enough to just be good-hearted?  Especially when it comes to eternity.

A rich young ruler came to Jesus to ask a question.  He addressed Jesus as "good master".  Jesus corrected him by telling him that there is only one who is good-- God the Father.  Meaning that in man dwells no good thing.  We are not good; we are sinners with evil hearts.  That is not to say that we don't do some good things like the people I described earlier. But our hearts have to be changed and transformed from "good" to "godly".  Just because you have a "good heart" doesn't mean you have a "godly" heart. 

The Bible tells us it all goes back to the heart.  The heart has to be changed.  The belief in Jesus as Savior for salvation has to come from the heart.  We are to love the Lord God with all our heart.  It has been said that a lot of people miss heaven by "eighteen- inches"-- the distance from the head to the heart. 

Head knowledge of Jesus won't save you.  Just having a mentally positive attitude about who Jesus is won't save you.  Knowing that He is real and exist won't save you.  Believing that He created everything won't save you either.  It is with the heart that man believes unto righteousness.  When the heart believes, it will become brand new.  Then the heart will go from being just "good" to "godly" because God will give you a new heart-- a heart like His.

Have a great day.  Are you just a good-hearted person?  Or a God-hearted person?  There is a difference. 

For further reading:
Matthew 15:19
Romans 7:18; 10:10

"The Wondrous Word"

"Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law."  Psalm 119:18

God's law/word is wonderful and wondrous.    

Sadly, most people don't see it as such.  They see it as confining, restrictive, a kill-joy, binding, opposed to them having a good time.  Therefore, they rebel against it, turn from it, condemn it, blaspheme it, reject it and mock it.  The people who have this opinion of God's word are those who want to live by their own rules and govern their own lives. 

But for those who have made the choice to surrender the Lordship of their own lives up to follow Jesus Christ, it is a source of blessings.  It is a source of comfort.  It gives protection within its safe boundaries.  It is hope for hopeless times.  It is strength during weakness.  It is help in times of trouble.  It is life, it is light, it gives direction and clarity.  They love God's Word and find peace, comfort and joy in it.  This is why they pray, "Open my eyes, that I may see the wonderful things that are in Your word." 

The Word only becomes wondrous, wonderful and welcomed in our lives when we choose to live by it.  Have you made that choice?  Living by it may not make everything perfect in your live, but it will give you all the instruction that you need to make it through life.

Have a great day.  God's Word is wonderful and wondrous to those who make the choice to follow it.      

"A Salty Flavor"

"Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt has lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men."  Matthew 5:13

As Christians we talk about being light in the world.  We learned the song as a small child.  But when Jesus told us we were the light of the world, He also told us we were the "salt of the earth".  I think we forget about that, or else our attitudes would be different.  What do I mean by that?

Salt does several things.  I want to address only a couple. 

It gives flavor to foods.  When I made mention to our attitudes, I was referring to the way you act, respond and conduct yourself, and what kind of "taste" does it leave with people.  Do you have a bad attitude?  A selfish, self-centered attitude?  A disagreeable attitude?  A mean and hatful attitude?  If so, you are leaving a "bad taste" in people's mouths.  Not only are you leaving a bad taste about yourself, but you are leaving a bad one about the Jesus you say you love and represent.  If that is the case, you have lost your salty flavor.

Salt also makes a person thirsty.  Does your life make anyone thirsty for Jesus?  Do they see Him in you in such a way where they desire to have Him in their lives also?  When a friend tells me about a new recipe they tried and how wonderful it tasted, and on top of that I see a picture of the dish, I can't wait to try it for myself.  Our lives should reflect our wonderful Jesus to the point where they see Him in our lives and hear about Him in such a way where they desire Him for themselves.  Does your life do that?  Or have you lost your salty flavor?

Have a great day.  You are the salt of the world.  Are you still salty for Jesus?  

"Combating Weariness"

"But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing."  2 Thessalonians 3:13

There are many things that cause us to get weary.  Among them are discouragement, disillusionment, tiredness in our bodies, lack of appreciation, unrealistic expectations, self-pity and discontentment.  There are times when we get hit with any one of these things or something else.  They are the "weapons" that the enemy uses against us hoping to cause us to get weary and give up.  He wants us to give up and quit whether it is in our relationship with the Lord, our relationships with other people (spouse, children, friends, family, etc.), our ministry, the duties of life that come from the position we hold, on our jobs, in school, and so on. 

When weariness comes, we have to combat it.  We can't just sit back and do nothing and give into it.  How do we do that?  There are several ways.
1)  Submit yourself to God, resist the devil and he will flee.
2)  Draw closer to the Lord.
3)  Seek the Lord's help, grace and strength.
4)  Don't neglect Him, keep pressing in until you feel His virtue flow into you-- and it will.
5)  Look to Him as your first source, not the last one after you have exhausted everything else you know to do.
6)  Encourage yourself in the Word of God.
7)  Change your focus-- focus on the prize and the promise that you will receive at the end if you don't give up and quit. 
8)  Keep the task set before you.  Don't forget what you are doing and why you are doing it-- don't forget how important it is. 

When we are sick, we take medicine to help us over the illness.  When we are hungry, we eat food to stop that gnawing in our stomachs.  When we want strong muscles, we work out.  So, when we are feeling weary, we need to apply these things above to our lives in order to obtain the result we desire--- victory, power and the strength and perseverance to continue to the end. 

Have a great day.  When you are feeling weary, don't just give in to it, combat it. 

For further reading:
2 Thessalonians 3
Galatians 6:9
James 4:7