"Trust And Don't Fear"

"What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee."  Psalm 56:3

When you look at the condition of the world around us-- wars and rumors of war, the insecurity of the financial systems, evil men making threats, and so on-- it is easy to allow yourself to become afraid.  Afraid of the unknown.  Afraid of uncertainties in life.  Afraid of evil reports.  Afraid of what the future may hold.  If you allow it, by dwelling on these things, fear will come in and try to overwhelm, defeat and consume you.

But as born-again believers in Christ we do not have to be afraid of evil tidings, ominous reports and uncertainties.  First, because God hasn't given us a spirit of fear.  Fear does not come from Him.  It is a weapon of the enemy that he uses against us.  What God has given us is power.  Power over all the powers of the enemy-- including fear.  He has given us love.  Perfect love casts out fear.  He has also given us a sound mind.  If we keep our minds on Him and His promises, fear will not have a place in our minds in order to torment us.  Instead, our minds will be at peace.

"What time I am afraid".  There will, no doubt, be times when we will be tempted to be afraid.  But when we are, we can trust in the Lord.  We have an anchor of hope and peace in Him.  He will not leave us when fear comes.  He will empower us to overcome when it comes.  He will protect us when it comes.  He will make a way for us when fear comes. 

Are you battling fear today?  Is fear coming against you?  Are the things you are going through promoting fear in your life?  Take this verse to heart.  Apply it.  Turn to the Lord and trust in Him-- because you can trust Him.

Have a great day.  When you are afraid, trust in the Lord.  Your trust in the Lord is your greatest weapon to combat fear.

For further reading:
2 Timothy 1:7  

"It Is A Blessing"

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

We all want to be blessed.  We think that blessings equate to money, material possessions, provisions, and other things that pertain to our physical wellbeing.  While those are a type of blessing, but they are not the greatest blessings.  They are temporary.  They may be here today but gone tomorrow.  They are fleeting.  They don't offer real security.  The greatest blessings are those which have eternal value to them.

The greatest blessings are eternal and spiritual in nature.  The truest definition of blessings is:  benefits and gifts that have been divinely bestowed.  The greatest blessing bestowed upon us is that of salvation and eternal life.  God in His grace and mercy gave us the opportunity to escape the wages of sin if we put our faith in His Son Jesus and the work He did at the cross.   

I want us to look at a blessing this morning that we have probably never considered a blessing (a divinely bestowed gift).  The verse above is a prophesy given about Jesus.  It was fulfilled at His triumphant entry into Jerusalem riding on a donkey.  He was "blessed" in His coming.  What was He coming to do?  He was coming to fulfill the will of the Father.  He didn't come to do His own will, but the will of Him who sent Him. 

This blessing I want us to look at is the blessing of being in and doing the will of God.  We often don't see this as a blessing, but it is.  We pray for His will.  We say we want His will.  But do we really see His will as a blessing in our lives?  How blessed we are that God has a will for us.  How blessed to know that He has chosen us to fulfill His will.  How wonderful that He wants us to be a part of fulfilling His will in the earth.  This, my friends, is a blessing.  He could have chosen anyone and anything to fulfill His will, but He chose us-- more specifically, He chose you.  Will you accept this blessing?  Will you respond to His will?  Will you allow Him to fulfill His great plan through you?  Don't reject this blessing.  It is of much more value than the physical and material ones you would accept from Him-- it is eternal and has eternal riches with it.   

Have a great day.  Don't take the will of God for granted or reject it.  It is one of your greatest blessings.

For further reading:
Matthew 21:8-10

"Desensitized And Accepting"

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."  Romans 12:2

I am sure many of you have seen the "Jurassic Park" movies.  The first time I watched one I had nightmares about being there.  Each time I would see even a commercial about the movie, that night I would again have nightmares-- literally-- about facing the dinosaurs.  I couldn't watch it at all.  But through the years as they kept producing them, I would find myself attempting to watch them, and I discovered something-- I no longer have nightmares or even dream about it.  The movies don't make me "afraid" anymore.  I don't feel that inner anxiousness about them anymore. 

Some may say that is a good thing, but that depends.  There is a principle that is in operation here, and it is one the enemy of our soul uses as a strategy against us.  It is called "desensitizing".  The more we see something, the more we hear something, the less it begins to affect us. 

We don't seem to be "bothered" any more by things that once did bother us, and we knew were wrong.  It is because we are bombarded with commercials, television programs, music, magazine articles, etc. about these subjects until they have become "common place".  We see and hear everything from abortion, homosexuality, skimpy cladded men and women, sex, alcohol, murder and so on.  The more we see it, the more we are presented with it, the more sympathetic and accepting of it we become.

This is why we must keep our minds renewed with God's Word.  We must keep it before us and let it determine for us what is acceptable and what isn't.  It will keep our thinking right.  It will keep us from accepting those things that God disapproves of.  It will keep us from being deceived by sin and the lust of our own flesh. 

Have a great day.  The more you are bombarded by something, the more accepting of it you become.  Therefore, keep your mind renewed with the Word of God.      
 

"Enough Is Enough"

"And the Lord said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons."  1 Samuel 16:1

The Lord had the prophet Samuel to anoint Saul as king over Israel.  Saul rebelled against the Lord, so He rejected him.  This grieved Samuel and he mourned over Saul- evidently, for a while.  Finally, God went to Samuel and told him-- "Enough is enough.  How long are you going to mourn over him?  Get up and go." 

I have a question for you this morning?  How long are you going to "wallow" in your situation?  It is time you say, "Enough is enough".  Enough beating yourself up over past mistakes and failures.  Enough mourning over what you can't change.  Enough feeling sorry for yourself.  Enough is enough, stop being bitter, unforgiving and holding a grudge against someone who did you wrong.  How long are you going to let that besetting sin have dominion over you?  How long are you going to let the enemy keep condemning you for what you did?  It is time to not only say "enough is enough" but to get up and go on into the victory and abundant life you have through Christ Jesus.   

There was a great famine in Samaria.  The city was under seize by the Syrians.  Four lepers sat at the gate of the city starving.  "And there were four leprous men at the entering in of the gate: and they said one to another, Why sit we here until we die?  If we say, We will enter into the city, then the famine is in the city, and we shall die there: and if we sit still here, we die also.  Now therefore come, and let us fall unto the host of the Syrians:  if they save us alive, we shall live; and if they kill us, we shall but die." (2 Kings 7:3,4)  These men decided "enough is enough".  It was time for them to stop wallowing in their situation and get up and go to where there was bread to eat.

God has "bread" for you.  He has victory.  He has abundant life.  He has peace, joy, contentment, happiness, healing, etc.  It is right there waiting for you.  The enemy wants to keep you consumed in your situation until you die in it or it kills you one.  So ask yourself the same question these four lepers asked themselves.  Ask yourself the same question God asked Samuel.  How long are you going to sit here?  Until you die?  Or will you say, "Enough is enough" and get up?    

Have a great day.  It is time to get up and declare-- enough is enough! 

"Just Accept His Love"

"When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; what is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?"  Psalm 8:3,4

Do you ever wonder-- how can God possibly love you?  How can He even care about you?  After all, if you are like me, you know how unlovable you can be.  You know your faults.  You know your weaknesses.  You know that you don't always do or say the right thing.  You know that you have a deceitfully wicked heart that is always "floundering".  You know that it doesn't always want to go in the right direction or draw close to God.  You know that you are negligent, lazy, slothful and even rebellious at times against the Lord.  Yet, in all your shortcomings, in all your failures, in all your rebellion, in all your mistakes and ignorance--- He still loves you!

Who can understand it?  I can't.  No mere mortal can understand the depth, the breadth, the length and the height of His love.  Actually, He never asks us to understand it.  He never told us to "figure His love out".  All He ask is that we accept it. 

Perhaps you are questioning His love?  Perhaps you are doubting that He could possibly love you?  Perhaps you feel so unworthy of His love?  Well, stop questioning it.  Just accept it.  You will never in a billion and one years be able to understand it or figure out how He can love you like He does.  It is one of those things that we have to accept by faith, just like everything else we receive from the Lord.  Just know that He loves you and enjoy His love.

Have a great day.  God doesn't want you to try to figure out why He loves you so much.  He just wants you to accept His love.  

For further reading:
Ephesians 3:17-19
John 3:16; 15:13
Jeremiah 17:9

"How Would God Act?"

"And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation."  Exodus 34:6,7

Recently, I had a situation to arise, and I knew my attitude was wrong in it.  I didn't "sin openly", but I knew the way I was "acting inside" was wrong and not pleasing to the Lord.  When I later went to Him with a request, I was feeling so badly about my thoughts concerning the situation, that as I was asking for His help I said to Him, "If I were You, I wouldn't have had that attitude." (I would do differently.)  

I might not be quick to forgive when asked for my forgiveness.  I might not be compassionate toward an enemy.  I might not be understanding when someone is hurting.  I might not withhold revenge.  I might not want to embrace a foe.  I might not always show love and kindness, especially to one who has hurt me.  But God isn't like me... THANKFULLY!  He doesn't hold a grudge.  He doesn't try to get even.  He doesn't keep taunting you with your mistakes.  You may not deserve His forgiveness, but He will not withhold it.  The Bible says He is ready to forgive.  You may not deserve His blessing, especially when you have done something wrong, but He gives it to you anyway-- it's called grace. 

If we were Him, we would do what He does.  But we are not Him and often don't respond the same way He does-- with love, mercy, compassion, forgiveness, tenderness and grace.  But if we are His children through faith in Jesus Christ, shouldn't we respond in the same way He does when faced with the opportunity to do so?  Isn't that what Christian (Christ-like) means?

Have a great day.  Thankfully, God doesn't act like we act.  

"Did It To Myself"

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."  Matthew 11:28

Why is it that we will stay away from the Lord when we "mess up"?  Mostly it is because whatever we did, we did it to our self.  We either disobeyed, we opened the door to the temptation, we gave into something we shouldn't have, we didn't listen and did our own thing anyway, and now we are suffering for it.  Therefore, we think that we don't have the right to ask God for forgiveness or help.  We feel like whatever "punishment" we are getting; we deserve it. 

I need to make something clear.  Yes, there are consequences to our actions.  Some of the things we suffer are at our own hands.  There are some consequences that may never go away.  We may have, in some cases, to live with the consequences of bad choices.  But if you are being pressed down, if you are being condemned, if you are being tormented, if you are being robbed of peace and joy, then that is something you don't have to "live with". 

While the consequences may not change, the Lord wants to give you peace and grace in them.  He wants to give you joy and contentment.  He wants to take the heavy burden of guilt, shame and condemnation that brought on the consequences away from you.  He doesn't want you to feel like you have to "pay for this" the rest of your life.  He doesn't want you to feel as though this is your "cross to bear".  He doesn't want you to go through life weighted down by it.  He carried it for you.  He bore it for you.  We all make mistakes-- some bigger than others-- but He bore the punishment of them.

So, stop running from the Lord and allowing the enemy of your soul to make you believe that you have to carry the emotional, inner and spiritual turmoil of this as part of your punishment.  You don't.  Go to Him and let Him give you rest.  His yoke is easy, and His burden is light-- a whole lot lighter than what you are carrying.

Have a great day.  Just because you did it to yourself, doesn't mean that you have to carry the punishment of it and that the Lord won't forgive and restore you.     

 

"He Knows What You Are"

"Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner."  Luke 7:39

Jesus knew exactly who this woman was that was touching him.  He knew she was a sinner, but He loved her and saved her.  He knew who Saul was, but He loved him and changed him from a religious zealot who persecuted Christians to a great apostle.  Jesus knew Zacchaeus was a thief, but He loved him and changed his heart into that of a giver.  He knew Mary Magdalene was a demon possessed prostitute, but He loved her and delivered her and changed her into a follower.  The Lord knew that Moses was a murderer, but He loved him and changed him into a deliverer of His people.  He knew Gideon was a coward, but He loved him and made him a mighty man of valor. 

Never think that the Lord doesn't know who you are.  He knows who you are, what you are and where you are.  He knows all your mistakes, your failures, your past and your sins.  But He loves you anyway.  He loves you so much that He came to earth to die for you.  When you come to Him, He will not only save you from your sins, but He will change you and make you into a brand-new person.  "Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17) 

Have a great day.  The Lord knows what kind of person you are, but He still loves you and will change you.   

"Who Is He?"

"After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name."  Matthew 6:9

Many people talk about the Lord, they make reference to Him, they even pray to Him, and act as if they know who He is, but they really don't know who He is.  Jesus addressed the Lord God as the Holy Father who was in heaven.  He knew who He was and came to reveal Him to us. 

To some He is the "Big Guy in the sky".  To others He is a "Santa Claus" who is there for the purpose of fulfilling their every want.  Some call Him "just one of many objects of worship".  Some believe He is only "a concept, a philosophy, a religious icon, a fairy tale, a crutch for the weak minded".  Some see Him as a "grandfatherly figure".  Some call Him a "hard taskmaster who is always out to get them".  To other people He is a "warm and fuzzy feeling".  None of these are who the Lord God is.     

If we don't know Him correctly, we don't know Him.  If we don't know Him as Father, then we aren't His child.  If we don't know Him as Savior, then we aren't saved.  If we don't know Him as Holy, then we don't reverence Him.  If we don't know Him correctly, how can we have a correct relationship with Him?   We can't, because we see Him as something else rather than who He really is, which makes Him false and the relationship false.

Jesus asked His disciples who did men say that He was.  Then He asked them who did they personally say He was?  When Peter answered that He was the Christ the Son of the Living God, Jesus commended him and went on to give him insight and revelation.  It is in knowing Who He really is that brings us into the proper relationship that we should have with Him.

Have a great day.  In order to really know the Lord God, you have to have a correct understanding of Who He is.  

"Dwelling"

"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty."  Psalm 91:1

There are many promises in this chapter of Psalms, but they come to those who are "dwelling" in the secret place of the Most High.  There is a difference in "dwelling" in a place and just "visiting" it.  Many who profess Christianity are only "visiting"-- they don't "dwell".  

To dwell means to sit down, to settle in, to inhabit, to have as one's abode-- it's the place you live.  That is a far cry from what many tend to do where God is concerned.  They rush in and out of His presence-- check in and check out like you do at a hotel.  They go to God when they have a need.  They run to Him when they are in trouble.  They seek Him out when they have a problem.  But that is not necessarily dwelling.

Dwelling means you live your life in Him-- at all times.  It means that He is your life.  It means that you have taken up residency in Him.  He is where you live.  It means you are always aware of His presence.  It means you don't make a move without seeking Him.  It means you have His desire and will in mind-- even above your own.  It means that you can't wait to come into His presence in prayer.  It means you love and apply His word to your life.  It means you enjoy worshipping Him. 

Are you dwelling in the Lord?  Is He where you "live"?  Are you comfortable in Him or feel "at home" in His presence?  Or is He just somewhere you go when you are in need?

Have a great day.  Is the Lord your dwelling place or just the place you visit?

 For further reading:
Acts 17:28

Coffee Break Update

Dear All, 

I am sorry that I have not been sending out the Coffee Break devotional for a few weeks. My dad passed away.  I took time off to be with him during his last few days with us-- I am grateful the Lord allowed me to have that time with him.  Plus, I have taken some time to grieve-- while we don't sorrow as those who have no hope, we do sorrow. It has been a "bittersweet". I miss him and always will. But I know that he is with the Lord, and he is not suffering any longer and is at peace. The joy of this assurance outweighs the sorrow.  

I want to thank you for your patience and understanding. I am ready now to start getting back into some of my regular routine. So, starting tomorrow, I will be sending out the devotional again. 

Have a truly blessed and wonderful day. Love and blessings to you all, Lorraine Ezell

"What's Truth?"

"Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come."  John 16:13

Everyone is searching for "truth", or so they say.  Where do we find truth?  Who can we trust to give us the truth?  Many people look to many sources to find it.  Some look to education.  Some look to the news commentators, their elected officials or some other popular personality to tell them the truth.  Some look to their inner self.   Some search for it through the wisdom of the ages.  Others are convinced that truth is whatever you believe it to be.  Then some have just given up in their quest to know the truth, concluding there is no absolute truth. 

How do we learn the truth?  The answer isn't complex.  We look to the One who is Truth.  The Holy Spirit is The Spirit of Truth.  When in doubt, you look to Him.  He was Truth in the eternal past.  He will continue to be Truth throughout the eternal future.  He does not change.  He is God (the third Person of the God-head). 

Are you struggling to know the truth?  Are you confused because you are being bombarded by so many varying opinions?  Is it hard to know who is telling the truth and who isn't?  Is it hard to know who to believe and what to believe?  There is so much "logic" floating around, who can know the difference?  Well, logic and opinion, is not always truth.  Jesus told us that in the end times there would be false teachers, preachers and prophets.  He also warned us not to be deceived.  When He left earth, He gave us our answer to keep from being deceived by the false.  He said He would not leave us by ourselves, but He would send the Comforter (Holy Spirit) to be with us and He would do the work of showing us truth and helping us stay in the truth-- even during times when truth is being twisted, buried, placed on the "back burner" and denied.  Look to Him.  Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the truth to you.  Ask Him to lead you in all truth.  Ask Him to show you the difference between what is and what isn't truth.  He will.  So listen to, heed and follow Him.

Have a great day.  It is hard to always know what is the truth, but if you want to know, you go to the source of truth.  The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth, so He will tell you.

For further reading:
John 14:16-18; 8:32
Luke 21:8
Matthew 24:11,24
Mark 13:21-23

"A Promise Instead"

"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."  2 Corinthians 12:9

Paul had a "thorn in the flesh" and he prayed three times for the Lord to remove it.  The Lord didn't remove it though.  Sometimes no matter how much you pray, no matter how much you fast, no matter how much you bargain with God, kick and scream, cry and beg, stand in faith, confess the scriptures, there are some things that you are just going to have to go through.  In God's perfect knowledge, divine counsel and excellent plan for your life, He sees fit to allow you to walk down certain paths sometimes instead of removing them.  In Paul's case, this "thorn" was given so that he would not be "exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations". (verse 7)

Paul was not being "punished" with this "thorn", he was being "protected".  It was an instrument to keep him humble.  It was there to keep him from becoming full of pride because of the great revelations that he had received.  Paul saw and knew things that most mortal men did not.  It would have been easy for pride to take hold of him.  Thus, causing his destruction. (Proverbs 16:18)

Have you prayed for a "thorn" to be removed, yet it is still there?  It might be meant for your protection.  It might be meant to perfect the character of Christ in you.  It might be there to produce the Fruit of the Spirit in your life.  It might be there to keep you from destruction.  I don't know.  But this I do know, God did not remove the thorn from Paul but He gave him a promise instead.  He promised to give him His grace to bear it and His strength to go through it.  The same promise is given to you.  If you are having to walk through it, if you are having to deal with a "thorn", His grace is sufficient enough so you can keep going and His strength will be made perfect when you get weak.

Have a great day.  Sometimes God won't remove the thorn, but He will give you a promise instead.  

"Troubled Heart"

"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me."  John 14:1

How do we not let our hearts be troubled (anxious, distressed, disquieted, agitated) when we live in a wicked world?  When we are perplexed on every side?  When society is acting in a Godless manner?  When evil men are getting more powerful?  When temptations are pressing upon us?  When the cares of this life are trying to choke out God's word in is?  When besetting sins are binding us?  When the enemy is attacking us?  When we are being persecuted for our faith?  When bad reports are all around us?  How do we do it?  How is it possible not to be troubled in our heart?

The answer:  "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." (Isaiah 26:3)  When we keep our mind (also means heart) stayed on Him/the Lord, which doesn't mean that we are just to constantly think about the Lord and nothing else, but the word means to have our mind firmly leaning up Him.  When our hearts/minds are firmly leaning/trusting upon Him, He will keep us in not just peace but perfect peace.  Perfect peace means to have completeness, soundness, quietness and contentment.  When our hearts/minds are at rest, content, whole and well, they are not troubled.

So how do we keep our minds on the Lord?  "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Romans 12:1)  When you are tempted to be troubled in your heart, renew your mind.  Renew it in God's Word.  Combat those thoughts that would make you anxious with His Word.  Capture those thoughts that make you afraid with His Word.  Counteract them with His Word.  His Word brings life, health, peace, joy, contentment, etc.  As you are transforming your mind with God's Word, you are at the same time keeping it stayed on Him because He is the Word. (John 1:1)

Have a great day.  Don't let your heart be troubled.  Keep it on God.    

"Working Out A Good Plan"

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."  Romans 8:28

Yesterday I asked the Lord to give me a word to read.  The verse above is what He gave me.  He encouraged me through it and wants you to be encouraged as well.  I know this is a very familiar verse but one we need to hold on to in the daily trials of life. 

The verse doesn't say that all things are good, but that God knows how to work them together for good.  The point is that no matter what you see happening in the world around you, what you hear the enemy say, or how defeated and overwhelmed you feel, remember that God is at work working all things together for the good.  Remember that He has a good plan in mind-- for you and the time in which we are living.  He will bring His plan to pass... even when it looks like things are as bad as they can get, even when it looks like evil is winning, even when it looks like the bad is triumphing.

There were some bad things that happened to Joseph.  He was hated by his brothers.  He was sold by them into slavery.  He was taken from his home into a foreign land.  He was tempted then falsely accused by Potiphar's wife.  He was beaten, thrown into prison and suffered in chains.  Yet, all the while, God had a good plan for Joseph's life.  He knew how to make all these bad things work together for good.  You know the story.  Joseph became the second most powerful man in the world.

God knows how to take your suffering, your pain, your sorrow, your persecutions, your difficulties, the accusations of the enemy, the fear that is trying to come upon you and put it in His hands, press it down, shake it together and bring forth something good.  God had a good plan to redeem mankind.  He sent His Son Jesus to die.  Jesus suffered, was beaten, mocked, ridiculed, falsely accused and crucified.  When Jesus died, the devil thought he had won.  The demons shouted in victory.  The disciples lost hope.  The world looked dark.  But God took the bad and worked it into His good plan and Jesus was victorious even though it looked like defeat!

Have a great day.  Regardless of what you see, hear or feel, God is working it all together to bring forth His good plan. 

"Whose Plan?"

"Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying,  Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him."  Luke 8:38,39

When Jesus arrived in the land of Garada, He cast out the demons that had tormented a particular young man.  Because Jesus had commanded the demons to go into a herd of swine, the people were not happy and wanted Jesus to leave.  Before He left, the young man whom He had cast the demons out of desired to go with Him.  But instead of letting him go Jesus told him to return to his own house and show and tell others what great things God had done for him. 

When we come to the Lord, we are so grateful for what He has done for us that we desire to follow Him, serve Him and be used by Him.  Like this young man, we often have our own idea of what "serving Jesus" should look like.  To this man it looked like leaving his home and going with Jesus.  Some of us have the same idea.  Some believe it means that they should be a preacher or a pastor of a church.  Others believe it means they should be a missionary.  And in some cases, it just might truly be either of these.  But God's plan for you may be that instead of starting some ministry or becoming a preacher that you show the grace and power of God on your 9-5 job.  It may mean that you are to be a Christian businessman, or a housewife, or a factory worker, a doctor, a lawyer, a politician, a schoolteacher, etc. 

Jesus sent this man back to his own house and told him to show God's great works there.  As a result, the next time Jesus went to Gardara, they didn't reject Him.  They gladly received Him and welcomed Him.  "And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned, the people gladly received him: for they were all waiting for him." (verse 40)  Why?  All because this man chose God's plan for his life and not his own desire.  He chose to serve the Lord the way He wanted him to instead of how he wanted to or what he thought he should do.

Are you following God's plan for your life?  Are you letting Him place you where He wants you to be?  Are you serving Him in a capacity that you desire or want because you think that is the thing you should be doing?  Do you really have His plan and His way at heart?  If you will sincerely seek Him for His plan, it may mean that some of you will have to change course.  It will mean that you have to lay some ministries aside and get refocused.  It will mean that you will have to transition into another field.  But when we are following His plan instead of our own desire, the end result will bring Him much, much glory!

Have a great day.  Are you following God's plan for your life or your own desire? 

"Danger Of A Double Mind"

"Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded."  James 4:8

"Purify your hearts, you double minded".  What does it mean to be double minded?  The Book of James says that a "double minded" man is unstable in all his ways.  So being double minded means that you are unstable.  What does being double minded look like?  How do we know if we are being "double minded"?  That is a very good question especially in light of the fact that there are so many double minded people walking around on earth-- in the world and in the church.

Double minded according to the dictionary means:  wavering; undecided.  In short, it means you can't make up your mind.  You believe more than one thing is true.  You believe that something is right while at the same time you believe it is wrong.  No wonder the Bible said this kind of person is unstable in all their ways.  They flounder back and forth between two opinions. 

This is happening in our world today.  There are those who call themselves Christians, yet they call clean what God has called unclean.  They condone, accept, embrace and defend the very things that God says are an abomination.  They believe the Bible, but they don't believe all of it is true.  They believe that they are a Christian, but that Jesus isn't the only way.  You can't believe both ways!  That is being double minded. 

Being double minded is a dangerous place to be.  It makes you easy prey for the enemy to destroy your soul.  It robs you of peace.  It gives you nothing more than shifting sand to build your life upon-- and we all know that sand is not a proper foundation, any house built upon it will fall.  

One day God sent the prophet Elijah to confront the Israelites about this very thing.  They were being double minded.  They were "halting" between two opinions.  They were "jumping back and forth" in their belief that God was God and Baal was god.  In the bad times, they looked to God and served Him.  In the good times, they looked to the false god Baal and served him.  God drew a line and said it was enough.  He told them to choose Him or Baal, but you can't have both. 

I believe God is drawing a line today and saying the same thing to us.  If He is God serve Him.  If He isn't then don't serve Him.  You can't have both.  You can't have Him and these other false beliefs.  He also calls it being "lukewarm".  You can't be hot and cold at the same time.  The warning and judgment for those who are is that He will literally "vomit" you out of His mouth.  Lukewarm, double minded, it is all the same.  You can't have it both ways.  Make up your mind and be single minded, serving God alone and believing His whole word.

Have a great day.  If you are being double minded, you are in a dangerous place.    

For further reading:
James 1:8
Matthew 7:24-27
1 Kings 18:21
Revelation 3:16 

"Change Your Prayer"

"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

Jesus taught us to pray-- "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done".  He did not teach us to pray selfish, self-centered prayers that are consumed with getting our lusts and desires met.  He did teach us to pray a "modest" prayer for our needs, for healing, for deliverance, etc. but not for our wants.

I believe this is one of the reasons we are seeing so much "evil" running rampant in our society.  The church changed her prayer focus.  For many years, including a whole generation of Christians, we have prayed "prosperity prayers".  Our prayers have been centered around "blessing me".  They have been centered around my "wants".  Our prayers have been focused on the receiving of material things.  We have prayed for bigger houses, more money, new cars, luxuries, riches, etc. 

Our prayer focus must change.  It must be taken off of "self" and placed on "the Kingdom".  When was the last time you prayed for those in authority?  When was the last time you prayed for the removal of unjust judges?  When was the last time you prayed for your bosses' salvation?  For your lost family members?  When was the last time you prayed for your enemies?  When was the last time you grabbed ahold of the "horns of the altar" and prayed for your nation?  When was the last time you prayed for the Lord to convict and change self-serving pastors?  When was the last time you prayed that the abortion doctors would get saved and stop killing innocent babies?  When was the last time you prayed for your brothers and sisters who are being persecuted and imprisoned for the gospel in other countries?  Do you ever pray for your neighbor?  Do you pray for revival in the land?     

The prayers we pray for ourselves should look more like this:  Change me, Lord.  Transform me until others see Jesus in me.  Enlighten the eyes of my understanding so that I might see the hope of Your calling.  Help me to discern both good and evil.  Help me to take up my cross and follow You.  Help me to decrease so that You might increase.  Help me to be a living sacrifice and humble myself before Your mighty hand.  Make me an instrument to show forth Your righteousness.  Help me to possess my body in honor unto you.  Make me holy.  Give me my needs today and what is sufficient for me. 

If we don't change our prayer focus voluntarily, we will be focused to change it by conditions that continue to deteriorate around us.  And the deteriorating conditions around us are a result of a changed prayer focus-- from the Kingdom to self.

Have a great day.  What kind of prayers do you pray?  Self-centered or Kingdom centered? 

 

"Running Away From"

"...He maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust."  Matthew 5:45b

I have a small goldfish pond in my backyard.  (There aren't any fish in it anymore, but I will never forget a lesson the Lord taught me through that little fishpond.)  Each time that I walked by it the fish would immediately dart toward the bottom of the pond.  One day as I walked past, I saw a goldfish and when he saw men, he dove toward the bottom.  I made the statement toward him-- I won't hurt you. I am the one who takes care of you.  At that moment the Lord spoke to my spirit that we do Him the same way.

You may not be living for the Lord.  You may not acknowledge Him.  You may not believe in Him.  But He is the One who is taking care of you.  He gives you air to breath.  He gives you daily provisions.  He woke you up.  He gives you those things you take for granted.   Yet in all His care of us, we still "run from Him".  When He convicts our hearts about getting right with Him, we run from Him as if that is a bad thing.  When He begins to speak to us about His will for our lives, we often run from Him.  When He is drawing us into a deeper relationship with Him, we run from that as well. 

 

We are like those fish, we spend more time "running from" the Lord, even though He is the One who is taking care of us, than we do "running to" Him-- unless, of course, we have some need.  Are you running from the One who is taking care of you?  Are you running from His love, His will, His salvation or His plan for your life?  Are you running toward Him?  Are you acknowledging that He is the One who cares about you? 

 

Have a great day.  Are you running from the Lord?  If so, why?  He is the One who is taking care of you.  He won't hurt you.   

"Making Vows"

"Vow, and pay unto the Lord your God: let all that be round about him bring presents unto him that ought to be feared.'  Psalm 76:11

How many vows have you made to the Lord?  How many times have you made a "bargain" vow to Him?  That is the one where you promise to give your life to Him, start giving offerings to the church, start reading your Bible, and so on "if" He will do this or that.  If He will get you out of a hardship you have vowed to serve Him.  If He will solve a particular problem you have you have vowed to start back going to church.  If He will heal you of a disease in your body, you have promised to live for Him.  Those are "bargaining" vows.  You are trying to get God to respond on your behalf by bargaining with Him to do better.

Maybe the vow wasn't made out of desperation.  You may have made a vow because He blessed you in such an amazing way that it overwhelmed you to the point where you made a vow because of the blessing.  Perhaps it was a vow to start giving more, to start serving more, to start praying more, etc. 

If you have made a vow for any reason, the question is, "Have you kept it?"  Did God do what you asked?  Did He come through for you?  Did He bless you in abundance?  Did He keep His end of the "bargain"?  If you have made it and not kept if, that is a serious thing.  The Bible says that it is better not to make a vow to God at all than to make one and not keep it.  Yes, the vow may cost you.  You may not have considered the cost when you made it.  It may involve a sacrifice.  But you need to do all in your power to keep it.  Jephthah made a foolish vow.  But keeping it was so important that his daughter made the sacrifice and did not break the vow that wasn't even made by her but her father.  You should either keep it, or if it was as foolish as his vow, seek the Lord to be released from it.

Have a great day.  Have you made a vow to God?  Have you kept it?

For further reading:
Deuteronomy 23:21,22
Judges 11

"Freedom"

"If therefore the Son shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." John 8:36

We've all heard the saying, "Freedom isn't free".  In order to enjoy freedom, it cost someone. It is never free; it comes at a price.  Someone gave their life, someone made a sacrifice, someone went beyond the norm, someone took the brave path. 

This is true of our "spiritual" freedom as well.  In order for us to be able to enjoy freedom from sin-- its stronghold over our life, its wages and its punishment, its bondage-- someone had to pay a price.  That someone was Jesus.  The Son of God died on the cross in order to "set us free".

The thing about freedom is that it can be taken away.  We see that happening in our own nation.  The freedoms that we have always enjoyed-- freedom of speech, freedom of religion, etc. -- are slowly, but surely, being taken away.  The difference between the freedoms that we enjoy on a physical level and the ones we have on a spiritual level is that the ones we have received through Christ Jesus cannot be taken away.  No one can take it from you.  It can however be relinquished.  You can give it up.  You can be "entangled again in the yoke of bondage" if you so choose.   

Are you?  Are you letting sin "reclaim" the territory of your life it once occupied?  Are you letting it put you in bondage again?  Are you allowing it to master you?  You don't have to let it.  You have been set free -- completely liberated by Jesus.  Stand fast therefore in that liberty.  Look to Jesus the One who gave you the freedom and the One who will help you hold on to it.

Have a great day.  Freedom didn't come free.  Don't relinquish it.   

"Is It The Right Way?"

"There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death."  Proverbs 16:25

There are many ways and many paths to take through life.  Some are good.  Some are not.  Some only appear to be good but the end result is otherwise.  For example, many people have wound up in a bad marriage because it looked and "felt" so right.  Many have come to financial ruin because the opportunity looked promising.  There are those who have left one path to follow another because the "grass looked greener" on the other side only to find out that it wasn't.  So, how do we know the difference?  How do we know the correct path to take?  How do we keep from going the wrong way?  Which is easy to do when it looks so right. 

There are several things we can do to make sure we take the right path through life.  The first is always to "seek the Lord".  I am not talking about seeking Him with a preconceived idea and having your mind already made up about what you want.  I am not talking about seeking Him in order to persuade Him that this is the right way for you to go.  I am talking about laying your agenda, your plans, your wants and your desires down and with an "empty" and "open" heart, sincerely seek to know HIS will and path.

Seek Him through His Word.  Does it line up with what the Word of God says?  Is it in agreement with the scriptures or in opposition?  The Word of God is a lamp unto our feet and light unto our path to show us the way to go.  It is the truth and will never lead you astray.

Lastly, let the inward peace of the Holy Spirit be your guide.  If there is any doubt or question in your heart, if there is any confusion or something about it that doesn't seem exactly right... don't ignore it.  Don't go through with it any way.  Seek the Lord to find out why that "irritation" is in your heart.  If you ignore it too long, you will start a process of "searing your conscience" where you won't be able to discern that uneasiness that was there anymore. 

Just because it looks right and seems right does not make it right.  This is why you must seek the Lord to know what truly is right.  When you do, then that is the path to take.  Otherwise, taking the wrong path will lead to "death" and destruction.  But God has provided a way for us so that we can take the path of "life" and "peace".

Have a great day.  Just because the path to take seems right, doesn't mean that it is.  There is a way to know if it is or not.
 

"The Wisest Counsel"

"Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counselors."  Psalm 119:24

We all need guidance from time to time.  None of us know it all.  None of us always know what to do all of the time.  We need someone to give us wise counsel and guidance.  Notice I said, "Wise".  Not all counsel is wise.  Not everyone who gives you counsel is wise.  But there is one place you can go to get wise and true counsel-- the Word of God.  

The Psalmist said that the testimonies of the Lord were not only his delight but his counselors.  He considered God's Word his counselors-- plural.  That meant he knew he could trust it in every area he needed guidance in.  Not just one area.  Not just pertaining to one particular subject.  Not just in limited form.  He knew that God's Word was the "expert" (that's an understatement) in every field of life.  

It was his counselor in business affairs.  It was his counselor in his relationships.  It was his counselor in his home life.  It was his counselor in religious matters.  It enlightened him in each and every need he had. 

God's Word has not changed.  It has not become outdated.  It is not irrelevant to today's society.  It is still accurate in its instructions and guidance.  It still gives wise and true counsel for us today.  Are you in need of guidance?  Do you need wisdom concerning a particular matter?  Do you need wise counsel?  Are you searching for a solution to a problem you are facing?  Then you can trust God's Word to give you the counsel that you need-- it will not lead you astray.

Have a great day.  God's Word is still the wisest counsel we have.     

"Stop The Conversation"

"But he answered and said, It is written..."  Matthew 4:4a

Some of you are involved in too much conversation with the devil.  When he comes to tempt you, you spend too much time talking to him about it.  Jesus didn't teach us to engage in conversation with him, but to rebuke him in His name or simply tell him what the Word of God says.... period.... end of conversation.

Often, we engage in conversation with him because we are trying to "convince" him of who we are and the power we have been given by the Lord over him.  But are we really trying to convince "him" or ourselves?  When you truly know who you are in Christ, when you know that the Lord has given you power over all the powers of the enemy, when you know beyond doubt that you are  righteous in Christ, when you are convinced that greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world... you don't have to keep going "back and forth" with your adversary.  You simply "put him in his place" and defeat him at the onslaught with your spiritual sword-- the Word of God.

When Jesus was tempted by the devil in the wilderness, He didn't give him a long list of qualifications, reasons or proofs to defeat the devil in his attacks.  He gave him the Word and left it at that.  He wasn't trying to convince the devil of anything... or Himself... He knew the truth.  If we know, and are convinced of the truth, we will be set free from all the entanglements and trappings of the enemy.  This is what happened with Eve, she engaged in conversation with the serpent.  You know the end result and the rest of the story. 

The more we engage in conversation with him, the wider we open the door for him to come in and defeat us.  But Jesus defeated him already, so in Christ we have victory over him.  Proclaim that victory and nothing more.  Proclaim God's Word and let that be the end of the conversation. 

Have a great day.   Stop the conversation with the enemy before it even begins.

 

"Victory Over The Enemy"

"They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the Lord I will destroy them."  Psalm 118:11

In context the Psalmist was talking about the many nations that surrounded them and were trying to destroy them.  These enemies were physical in nature.  We too have many enemies, but they are not always physical.  Our enemies are those things that would seek to "steal, kill and destroy" us.

Some of those enemies include besetting sins, unbridled passions, uncontrolled emotions, the lust of our flesh, the pride of life and the lust of our eyes.  Vanity, pride, arrogance, selfishness, bitterness, anger, addictions (alcohol, drugs, pornography, sex, etc.), greed and lying are among a few of them. 

When doing battle against his enemies (the nations), the Psalmist called upon the Lord.  He sought His help.  He sought His direction.  He sought His strength and wisdom.  He knew they were stronger than he was.  He knew they were more in number.  He knew they were mightier.  But he also knew they were no match for his God. 

The enemies that you fight-- the ones that war against your flesh and mind to destroy your soul-- are mightier than you are.  But remember they are not mightier than your God.  The Psalmist declared that "in the name of the Lord, I will destroy them."  He didn't declare that he would do it in his own name or ability.  You have tried and tried many times to destroy these enemies without success.  But if you will call upon the name of the Lord, if you will put your faith in His name and power each time one comes to "attack", you will overcome and be victorious and win the battle against them.

Have a great day.  The victory over your enemies is in the name of the Lord.     

"Rejoice Today"

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

I just want to give you a simple reminder this morning from the scripture above-- You can rejoice today. 

Our reason to rejoice is not because there is no presence of evil-- evil will be here until the Lord sets up His Kingdom.  Our reason for rejoicing is not because of the lack of problems-- we will always have problems.  It is not because of the absence of tribulation or hardship or pain--- in this world there will always be plenty of all three.  It is not because life is perfect-- this life is not perfect. 

The reason we can rejoice is because the Lord made the day.  If He made it, He is there in it.  Therefore, you can rejoice because He won't leave you today or forsake you.  If He is big enough to make it, He is big enough to handle its problems.  If He made it, He can take care of it, and everything else that happens today.  If He made the day, He is certainly able to take care of you and your problems.

Have a great day.  The God who made the day, can take care of all its problems.  Therefore, you can rejoice knowing He can take care of yours too.
 

"Lifestyle Of Worship"

"But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him."  John 4:23

It is amazing to me that the Lord is seeking people to worship Him.  What is more amazing is that He isn't getting worship from those who profess to be His children (Christians).  I don't understand how you can be a "Christian" and not be a worshipper of God?  It just isn't possible. 

Worship is not just something that we do on Sunday mornings in church.  It isn't something that we do when the choir sings our favorite song.  It isn't something that we do when God answers a prayer of desperation in a miraculous way.  Worship is a lifestyle.  It is not about "what we do", it is about "who we are".  We are worshippers of God if we are His followers. 

Worship is not only an act.  It is the result of a heart that is full of love and gratitude toward God.  I love Him, therefore, I can't help but "sing His praises", give Him honor, give Him glory, exalt Him, humble my heart before Him.  I am so grateful for what He did for me when He sent His Son Jesus to die on the cross in my place.  I am so grateful that He has given me eternal life.  I am so thankful that He took me from death to life and loved me and forgave me when I was sinning against Him.  When I think about what all He has done for me, and how I didn't deserve any goodness from Him, I can't help but worship Him.  

Religious people only consider worship as an act to be done in certain settings.  True followers and lovers of the Lord can't help but worship Him regardless of the settings.  Which one are you? 

Have a great day.  Worship is not an act we do; it is a lifestyle that we possess.   

"Source Of Hope"

"And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity."  1 Corinthians 13:13

"Now abides hope".  There are many people who are wandering around without hope.  They feel as if there is no hope for them or for the future.  They look at what is going on in the economy, in society, in their relationships and they feel that it is all hopeless. 

The disciples felt this way when they found themselves in a boat in the middle of the sea in a storm.  The storm was so bad that these experienced fishermen, who had lived their lives on the sea, had given up all hope of coming through it alive.  For them it was a hopeless situation.  They had done all they knew to do to keep the ship afloat and nothing was working.  Then after all their efforts they woke Jesus up and accused Him of not caring that they were going to drown. 

Jesus arose and rebuked the storm, and it stopped.  He also rebuked the disciples for not having faith.  He didn't rebuke them for not having the faith to speak to the storm themselves.  He didn't rebuke them for not taking authority over the situation.  He rebuked them because they had no faith in His word.  He had told them when they first got in the boat that they were going to the other side.  He didn't say that they were going to drown in the sea.

Although they were fearful and had lost hope, although they did not believe what He had told them, they did one thing right-- they went to Jesus.  They turned their eyes off of the storm for just a moment and turned them upon Jesus, the One who could and would help them.

If you are one of those "hopeless" feeling people; if all hope for you seems lost, then you must do what the disciples did-- put your eyes on Jesus, go to Him, ask for His help.  Put your trust in Him.  Don't put your trust in the economy.  Don't put your trust in the government.  Don't put your trust in some program, some bailout, some twelve steps, some bank, some loan company, etc.  Put your trust in Jesus.  Put your trust in His Word.  Put your trust in His promises.  I don't want to sound like "doom and gloom", but the Bible tells us that before the return of the Lord it isn't going to get better.  It is only going to get worse.  There will be much that happens that will cause us to lose hope if we don't have our hope anchored securely in Jesus and His Word.  But if we do, we will safely "pass to the other side".

Have a great day.  There is hope for the hopeless.... His name is Jesus.  

For further reading:
Mark 4:35-40   

"Right Way To Fight"

"Blessed be the Lord my strength which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight."  Psalms 144:1

The Lord teaches us to war and fight?  How is that?  He tells us in His word that there is a time for war and a time for peace.  But God hates violence.  He is a God of peace.  So, what does it mean that He teaches our hands to war?

Sadly, because of the presence of sin in the world, there is hatred, fighting and wars.  But the "physical" wars, fighting and opposition are not our real battles.  Conflict, opposition and fighting between races, cultures and religion is only the result of a "greater" battle that is going on, one that is not physical but spiritual in nature.  "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."  This is the war and battles that the Lord teaches us how to fight, and how to fight the right way.

He teaches us to identify the enemy.  The enemy is not "flesh and blood".  It is not each other-- regardless of our differences.  It is principalities, unseen powers, rulers of darkness and spiritual wickedness.  Learn who your real enemy is.

He teaches us how to fight that enemy.  "Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit."  Not in our own strength, power and ability but through Him and His power.

He equips us with weapons then teaches us how to use them.  "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."  "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds."

We are in a very real battle although we can't see our enemy with our physical eyes.  But it is real none the less.  And it is a battle that we can win if we will allow the Lord to teach us that it is not a battle against flesh and blood, and how to fight it through the spirit with what He has made available to us.

Have a great day.  The Lord teaches us the right way to fight. 

For further reading:
Zechariah 4:6
Ecclesiastes 3:8
Ephesians 6:11,12
2 Corinthians 10:4

"Changed By An Encounter"

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."  2 Corinthians 5:17

This morning I was thinking about some people who I have missed at church for several weeks now.  They were coming for a little while and then stopped.  We all know people like this.  They seem to be "in and out" of church-- or more correctly, "in and out" of a relationship with God.  They are always up and down, wishy-washy, one foot in and one foot out, never committing themselves totally to Him.  Why is this?

I have a belief on this matter.  I believe it is because they have not had a "real encounter" with the Living God.  Once you have an encounter with Him, you will never be the same.  There won't be any more of this "luke warmness" of heart and "floundering" back and forth.  Jacob had an encounter with the Lord, and it changed him so drastically that his name went from being Jacob the deceiver to Israel the prince, and from that point on he walked with a limp the rest of his life (an outward sign of an inward change).  Saul had an encounter with the Living God, Jesus, on the road to Damascus and was never the same.  Even his name was changed also to Paul.  The disciples on the Emmaus Road had an encounter with Jesus and the whole time their hearts burned within them.  There is a long list of people in the Bible who had an encounter with Jesus and were never the same again.  When we have a true encounter with the Lord, it changes us.  We become a "new creation". 

What happens to most people is not an encounter.  Listening to someone preach or share the gospel is not an encounter with the Lord.  Praying some "bailout" prayer because you are in trouble is not an encounter.  Repeating some heartless prayer to come to God is not an encounter.  An encounter is an encounter.  An encounter means to have an experience with someone or something.  You cannot encounter/ experience the presence of Jesus and ever be the same again.

I am reminded of an old hymn whose words are-- "Touching Jesus is all that matters.  Then your life will never be the same." 

Have a great day.  The reason many are not surrendered to the Lord and are always wishy-washy about Him is because they have not had an encounter with Him.

For further reading:
Genesis 32:24-26
Acts 9:1-20

"Trivial Matters"

"In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."  Proverbs 3:6

A couple of months ago, I bought this really beautiful potted plant.  I had the perfect spot on my patio where I wanted to put it.  This plant doesn't tolerate direct sunlight very well, but that is where I put it- in direct sunlight- instead of putting it under the patio cover.  The reason I put it where I did was because I was going for a "certain look" on the patio.  Often the thought would come to me that I needed to move it.  But I liked it where it was.  Each time I watered it I noticed that it didn't look as good as it once did.  I would have the same thought to move it under the shade.  But I didn't.  I missed watering it yesterday so this morning when I watered it, I noticed the whole plant looked almost dead.  Now I know that I should have put it under the shade.  Because I did not listen to the thoughts of moving it that I kept having, I got a "look" all right, but not the one I was wanting.  It is now the "look" of a dead plant.

I constantly talk to the Holy Spirit about everything-- including daily activities.  I believe it was His voice that was trying to get me to do the right thing about that plant.  You may disagree, but He is very personal in our lives even in the smallest and most trivial things.  He cares when a sparrow falls to the ground.  He notices each lily and the grass of the field that withers. 

The point I want to make is this:  we need to listen to His voice in even the most "trivial" of matters, and heed it.  I wanted to do it one way.  I was going for a "look".  I had my own idea in mind.  But He knew what was best.  His way of doing it was so much better.  It is like that in everything.  We have an agenda.  We have a plan.  We have a desire.  And will often ignore His leading because of what we want.  When we do, like my plant, it won't look so "pretty" after a while.  We will wish we had listened.  We will regret not paying more attention.  We will be sad, sorrowful, confused, frustrated and even angry because of what we have done to ourselves by not listening.  So, learn to listen and respond to what He says.  His way is always the right way in every situation-- even those smallest and trivial ones.

Have a great day.  Listen to the Lord's voice in even what seems to be trivial matters.  His way is the right way.         

    

"It's Real Love"

"For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth."  Hebrews 12:6

Jesus said that by our love others would know that we are His disciples.  So, love is the greatest sign. Why?  Because God is love.  It is who He is.  When He is living in us, His love should be evident, and reflected, through us. 

Sadly, some who profess to be Christians don't walk in love at all.  They are very condemning, accusing, mean tempered, and hateful.  (This is a definite sign that they are not who they profess to be.)

Then there are true followers of Jesus who are walking in love but are accused of the same things that were just listed.  Why is this?  To find out we need to first ask the question, "What is love?".

When the accusations come that we are not showing love, it is because there is a misconception of what real love is.  Love is not a warm fuzzy feeling we have.  It is not "goose bumps".  It is not an overwhelming emotion that we feel under certain conditions.  Love is not passive.  It doesn't just sit back idly by and not speak up or do something when the situation arises.  Neither does it always agree with everything or accept everything. 

It is because we are actually showing love that causes us to be accused otherwise.  Love speaks up when something is wrong.  Love tells the truth.  Love is intolerant of sin and unaccepting of anything that can destroy a person.  Jesus loved the Pharisees, yet He told them the truth about their condition.  He called them hypocrites, vipers, whitewashed graves.  Jesus loved the moneychangers, but He drove them out of the temple with a whip.  Jesus loved the woman caught in the act of adultery, but He told her to stop sinning.  Jesus loved Peter but He rebuked him for not using His faith.  Jesus loved the woman at the well, but didn't let her hide her past in order that He might give her a future. 

How many of you have children in your life?  When that child is playing in the street, do you warn them of the danger?  Do you correct them?  If you do, are you being mean and hateful because you won't let them do what they want to do?  What about if they are about to touch something hot?  Do you stop them?  Do you explain what the consequences will be if they touch it?  Or if you do, are you being intolerant of their right to touch it?  Why have you warned them?  Why have you stopped them?  Why have you pointed out the truth?  Why have you corrected them?  It is not because you are being mean and hateful, or judgmental and accusing, but because you love them and are showing them love.     

Have a great day.  When we are accused of not showing love, it usually is because we are actually showing love by stepping into the situation and pointing out the wrong.      

"It Is Convenient"

"Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old?"  Micah 6:6 

I was thinking, during my prayer time this morning, how thankful I am that God allows me to come before His marvelous throne of grace.  It is a privilege that is available to all who will put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ. 

I was especially thankful that I don't have to have someone else pray for me.  I don't have to go to a priest, a preacher, or some family member and ask them to "touch" the Lord and petition Him on my behalf.  I can do it myself.  Jesus provided the way.  There was a veil that separated man from God and only the High Priest could go behind it once a year and make atonement for the sins of the people.  But at the cross, that veil was torn in two!  (Hallelujah!)  I have access now myself!

I am thankful also that He does not require me to pray in a certain position.  While I should bow my knee to Him in prayer, it is more important that I bow "my heart" to Him.  Thankfully, He allows me to pray standing, walking, kneeling, laying on my bed, anywhere I call upon Him, He will meet me there.

I am also thankful that I can come to Him at any time-- day or night.  I don't have to wait for the "hour" of prayer, or the "call to prayer".  I don't have to wait for certain "holy days".  I don't have to wait until the "prayer meeting" is called.  I can come to Him 24/7, and at a moment's decision to do so.

Lastly, I am thankful that I can come to Him "just as I am".  I don't have to bring some sort of sacrifice.  I don't have to bring a gift in my hand or some morsel that will hopefully appease Him.  I only have to bring myself-- as a living sacrifice.  I only have to give Him a "sacrifice of praise", which I gladly do because He is so worthy of it.

Having said all this, I have to ask, "What is stopping you from a time in prayer?"  We can go directly to Him ourselves.  We can pray in any position.  We can go to Him anytime-- He doesn't have 9-5 hours only.  We can go to Him just as we are-- without some gift in hand.  How "convenient" He has made it for us to be able to come to Him.  He has removed all that would hinder us.  That is a definite sign that He wants us to come.      

Have a great day.  What is stopping you from prayer?  God makes it so convenient for you to pray. 

"You Go First"

"Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded."  James 4:8

Do you ever wonder "where is God?".  Do you ever feel as though He is a million miles away?  Do you wonder why you don't feel His presence?  There are times when the Lord "sits back" and waits to come near to us.  When He does, it is because He is working something in us, and He is working out a plan for us... and those "silent periods" play a role.

But more often than not, the reason He seems to be distant is because He is waiting on us to come near to Him.  The verse above not only gives a promise, but a condition and an order of things.  "You draw near to God, and He will draw near to you."  This means that there are times when He waits for you to initiate the conversation.  There are times He waits until you call upon Him.  There are times when He waits for you to seek Him out first. 

When He feels distant, when He doesn't feel near, is this the reason?  Have you neglected Him?  Have you stopped communicating with Him?  Are you expecting Him to be the one who is always "taking the lead" in starting your time together?  He was the one who came to us first when we were in need of a Savior.  He sent His One and Only Begotten Son first, then we responded to what He did for us.  "While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8) He was the one who came to us first with His love, offering it freely and generously to us.  "We love Him, because He first loved us." (1 John 4:19)  But now that we are in this marvelous relationship with Him, we have access to be able to come to Him anytime, anywhere.  He wants us to take advantage of this privilege.  Start your day off by drawing near to Him.  Don't just wait until you have a need.  Don't just wait until you are in trouble.  Don't wait until you have a problem and need an answer.  Draw near to Him even when He seems distant.  You will discover that He is not distant, but He is near.

Have a great day.  If the Lord seems far away, it could be that He is waiting for you to come near to Him first.       

"The Real Author"

"The Lord gave the word..." Psalm 68:11a

There are a lot of people out there "giving words".  There are a lot of people saying this or that.  Sometimes we are bombarded with so many voices, so many words, so many teachings, so many prophecies, that it is hard to know what to believe and what not to believe; what to listen to and what not to listen to; what to receive and what to cast away.  How do we know what is correct and what isn't?  How do we know what we should give attention to, pay attention to, give heed to and what we shouldn't?

Our answer is "in the Book".  God's word already tells us what is and isn't truth.  The Bible does not just tell us the truth, but it is Truth.  There is nothing about it that is false.  There is nothing about it that is in error.  There is nothing about it that will lead you in the wrong direction or astray. 

"But it was written by imperfect men", you may say.  Yes, the Lord used the hands of men to pin it, but they did not author it.  The Holy Spirit was the author and finisher of it.  He dictated it and they wrote what He said.  I once worked as a secretary for an attorney and each morning he would call me in to his office and dictate a letter to me.  I wrote exactly what he had dictated.  I didn't change his words.  I didn't edit it to make it mean what I wanted it to.  He made sure of that.  After he dictated it, I had to read it back to him.  After I typed the letter up, I had to give it to him to read and sign.  He didn't let it go out of the office without "proofing" it himself. 

If this man would make sure his words were properly written, if he would double check to make sure I had gotten it right, if he rechecked it to be certain it was exactly as he had intended, do you think the Holy Spirit (the God of the universe) would not make sure His word was not twisted or added to or taken away from by the ones He had entrusted to dictate it to?  He made sure.  This is why we can trust Him to watch over His word to perform it in our lives-- because He made sure it was truly His word; therefore, He has no problem backing it up and bringing it to pass.

Have a great day.  The Holy Spirit is the author of the scriptures; therefore, they can be trusted as the truth.

 

For further reading:

2 Peter 1:21

2 Timothy 3:16