"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

"No Fishing Allowed"

"He will turn again, He will have compassion upon us; He will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea."  Micah 7:19

Around some ponds and lakes there will be a sign posted that says, "No fishing allowed."  Many landowners of private ponds will post along with it, "No trespassing" signs.  Which simply means, if you try to fish there you are trespassing on someone else's property.

God owns a "sea".  It is the sea where He throws our repented of sins.  He doesn't allow any fishing in it.  But many of us try to "sneak in" and go fishing there.  We cast in our lines to bring up past mistakes, past sins, and past failures that have been forgiven by Him.  We aren't by ourselves though.  Others not only go there to "catch and bring up" their own sins, but they are constantly fishing for our sins as well.  They like to bring up our past.  They like to remind us of what we have done and the mistakes we have made.  They like to keep holding them over our heads.  They like to make sure that we don't forget about it.  They try to keep us feeling guilty and condemned.  

Not only do others go fishing for our forgiven sins, but if we will be honest-- how many times do we do the same concerning someone else.  How many times have we reminded someone of what they did in the past?  How many times have we exposed in their lives what God has forgiven?   

I have three things I want you to take with you from this devotion:
1)  Stop fishing for your past sins.  God has forgiven you if you have repented.  There is a reason why He has cast them away.  You are trespassing in God's sea.
2)  If someone else goes fishing for your sins, don't let them make you feel condemned by what they "bring up".  They are trespassing in God's sea- it doesn't belong to them.  God has forgiven you, and if He has... He is for you, therefore, who can be against you?  Don't lose faith because of someone else.
3)  Make sure you aren't guilty of trespassing in God's sea and bringing up what others have done.  Remember, you reap what you sow.  If you don't want them to do it to you, then don't do it to anyone else.

Have a great day.  There is "No Fishing Allowed" in God's sea of forgetfulness.  If you do, you are trespassing... and there is "No Trespassing Allowed" there either.  
       

"Vomit"

"As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly."  Proverbs 26:11

This verse is pretty graphic.  It certainly paints a picture-- not a very pleasant one.  We all know what vomit is.  It is matter that has been regurgitated and ejected from the stomach.  For some reason what was eaten, or drank, did not settle well in the stomach and the body took care of it by getting it out.

The bigger picture that the verse is painting is one that shows how repulsive it is for us to continue to go back to the same sins over and over again.  It didn't "agree" with our spirits to begin with, and it won't again.  For you to continue to go back to your "folly" (sin) is degrading to the person God created you to be. 

God has called you to live an abundant life.  Not a life of bondage continually returning to those things that pull you further down and away from Him.  But I have good news, you don't have to be like a fool.  You don't have to keep returning to the same pit of "vomit".  You can live in victory.  You can live in abundance of peace, joy and grace.  How?  Through Jesus.  He overcame the power of sin.  He got the victory over those things that would keep you going back and forth to old sinful habits and practices.  He provides you His power and strength to resist and to stand firm and overcome.  Through Him you are more than a conqueror over those things that would entice you to return to them. 

Don't give in!  Don't go back!  Don't return to those old habits, old ways and old sins!  Don't be like a dog returning to his own vomit.  Be the wise, victorious, overcoming person that you are through Jesus.

Have a great day.  Going back again to those sins that have had you in bondage in the past is like a dog returning to its vomit.  

"Choose Joy"

"....the joy of the Lord is your strength."  Nehemiah 8:10

God has given us a free will to choose how we want to live life.  If you want to live it as a Scrooge, a "sourpuss", disagreeable, complaining, always agitated and aggravated, just downright mean and nasty, then He will let you choose that.  But that isn't His will for your life.  His will is that you have abundant life. 

Abundant life includes a life of joy.  It isn't a life of happiness as some believe.  Happiness is based on what is happening around you.  If things are going well, if everybody likes you, if there are no problems, if you have everything you want, then you are happy.  But when things go wrong, when your world falls apart, when people come against you, when others forsake you, when you are lacking, in need and in want, then you are unhappy.  Happiness is based on the "physical" surroundings. 

Joy on the other hand, is rooted in the "spirit".  It is not governed by what is happening around you.  It is the very nature and character of God.  It is constant.  It remains during the bad times, hardships, times of want and need, when your world looks like it is ending.  Joy is not a "fair weather friend".  It won't abandon you when you are going through difficulties-- unlike happiness which will.  Does that mean you won't experience some pain, or grief, or frustration, or confusion when things are going badly? No, but joy, again unlike happiness, won't let the situation destroy you.      

Do you have the Lord's joy in your life?  You can.  It is a gift.  (Everything we receive from the Lord is a gift-- it is unmerited and unearned.)  It is part of the "abundant life package" that God wants you to have.  But, as with any gift, you are not obligated to receive it.  You choose to receive it or not.  God is not going to force it upon you.  He could, but He won't because of who He is.  He is love.  Love never forces itself; it allows you the right and freedom to choose. 

What is your choice for life?  To be a sad, mean person, complaining and full of self-pity when things go wrong?  Or will you choose to live in God's gift of abundant life and enjoy His sustaining strength that comes through joy even when things are at their worst?

Have a great day.  You have the free will to choose how you want to spend your life.    

For further reading:
John 10:10
Galatians 5:22
1 John 4:8

"Heart Or Mind?"

"I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well."  Psalm 139:14

"That my soul knoweth right well."  The Psalmist knew some things about God on a personal level.  "For I am".  He knew that it was God who had made him.  It was God who formed him in his mother's womb.  He knew that God loved him, cared for him, and had compassion on him.  He knew that God had not made a mistake when He made him.  "I am fearfully and wonderfully made." 

These things that he knew about God, he knew in his inner most being.  "My soul knoweth right well".  He did not just have a "head knowledge" of God.  He didn't have a knowledge based on someone else's testimony of God.  He knew it personally in the deepest recesses of his heart.

Sadly, the majority of people only have a head knowledge, an educated understanding, what they have read in a book or what someone else has told them about God.  "Head knowledge" is never enough.  You have to have a "heart knowledge".  You have to know in your heart.  You have to have a relationship with Him that is deep rooted in your heart. 

Even the devils "believe" that God is who He is.  But their belief does them no good.  It is with the heart that man believes, and that heart belief makes him righteous. 

What do you know about God really isn't the right question.  The question is, "Do you know Him?"  But that too still isn't the right question.  The right question is, "Do you know Him with your heart/soul/innermost being?" 

Have a great day.  Do you know the Lord in your heart or only in your mind?

For further reading:
Romans 10:9,10
James 2:19 

 

"I Won't If"

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

How many times have you given into some besetting sin or habit that you know you should not be doing?  It may not be some "big" thing, but it still makes you feel bad and brings guilt along with it.  Each time you did it you have repented and asked God for forgiveness.  Each time you have told Him, and yourself, that you will never do it again.  But you do it again anyway. 

When this happens and we are confessing it to the Lord, we can't make the statement to Him that we will never do it again.  As much as we may not want to do it, as much as we plan on not doing it again, as much as we may even be sincere in our desire and statement not to do it, we can't say it with total honesty because of our own hearts. 

We may believe we won't do it again because of shear will power and determination not to, but the fact is that our hearts are desperately wicked.  They will deceive us.  They will make us think that we won't but yet we will. 

The only true profession that we can make about this has to include an "if". 

I won't do it again if, I seek first the Kingdom of God.
I won't do it again if, I stay in constant fellowship with the Holy Spirit.
I won't do it again if, I continue to follow the Lord in each thing I do, each thought, each action.
I won't do it again if, I submit myself continually to Jesus' Lordship over my life.
I won't do it again if, I will be led by the Holy Spirit.
I won't do it again if, I keep my mind renewed with God's Word.
I won't do it again if, I humble myself before the mighty hand of God.
I won't do it again if, I remain in the position of a living sacrifice.
I won't do it again if, I will listen to and obey the voice of the Holy Spirit.
I won't do it again if, I will rest upon His strength and power.

Because of my desperately wicked heart, which is out to destroy me, I can't keep such a vow, no matter how much I desire to, in and of myself.  I have to have the Lord's help.  I have to walk in His grace, strength and power.  It is as I truly realize that I can do all things through Christ and invoke His help that then my vow and desire not to do certain things is fulfilled. 

Have a great day.  I may say I won't do it again, but that is only if I stay close to the Lord and follow Him.   
 

"It's Just A Thing"

"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."  1 Peter 5:17

 My dad has this saying that he uses when things go wrong, when something breaks down, when something tears up, or a situation arises, and something needs to be repaired.  The saying-- "It's just a thing."

When a situation like I have described arises, my dad is responsible and takes care of the problem by fixing what he can but does it with the attitude of "it is just a thing".  Meaning that problems in life happen.  Meaning that you shouldn't be so consumed with the problem.  Meaning that it will be all right, don't worry so much about it.

There are many things and problems that arise in our life that we need to basically have this same attitude about--"it's just a thing".  We need to treat those things which are "minor" as "just a thing".  We don't need to turn a "mole hill into a mountain".  We need to stop letting that "thing" cause us so much grief, worry and frustration.  We need to stop letting it steal our joy and rob us of our peace.  We need to stop letting it have so much power over us-- over our attitude, over our emotions, etc.  After all, it is just a thing.  It is a temporary thing that won't last forever.  It is a thing that is subject to failure.  It may even breakdown again, or many times.  It is subject to change. 

You and I need to treat more things in life like they are "just a thing".  You are worrying over something you have no control over.  You are upset with something you can't prevent from happening.  All your worrying and fretting isn't going to change it. You are striving over something that will work itself out eventually anyway.  Loosen up.  Learn to cast your care upon the Lord.  Ask Him to help you to look at things from a proper perspective.  Ask Him to help you see what really is major and merits your attention, and what is "just a thing".

Have a great day.  Stop worrying over something that is "just a thing".