"Stuck In The Why"

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

Do you ever "beat yourself up" with "why"?  Why did I say that?  Why did I do that?  Why did I give in?  Why didn't I keep my mouth shut?  Why didn't I speak up?  Why didn't I tell the truth?  Why didn't I let them know how I felt?  Why did I talk too much?  Why didn't I listen more?  Why did I let them talk me into it?  Why didn't I handle it differently?  And a hundred other "whys". 

I am sure we all have asked ourselves these questions at some point.  Usually when we ask ourselves these questions it is because there is regret, guilt, shame or condemnation attached to them. 

Who can always answer them?  Who can say why we did or didn't do what we did?  There is a wide array of answers to choose from.  We might have done it out of fear.  We might have done it to appease the flesh.  The answer may be rooted in the need to be accepted.  The answer may be attached to the pleasure that thing brought us.  Maybe it was the easy, or lazy, way out. 

Whatever the reason, it is too late to take it back or change it.  Fretting over, regretting it and beating yourself up about it won't change it.  You have to learn to go on and put the questions down.  You may not always be able to put them to rest-- have the answer behind the why-- but you don't have to carry them around with you constantly letting them "nag" you.  Cast the question, the result, the regret and anything else attached to it upon the Lord.  Don't let it continue to "haunt" you.  Don't let it continue to "condemn" you.  Don't let it continue to "rob" you of peace, joy, contentment and abundant life.

Have a great day.  Don't beat yourself up trying to find the answer to why you did or didn't do what you did. 

For further reading:
Romans 8:1        

"Prepping"

"Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise."  Proverbs 6:6

There is much talk about events that may or may not happen in the very near future.  Many think that we might experience an economic collapse, a disturbance in the atmosphere that would cause a chaos, or some natural disaster.  The threat of these things has caused many people to begin to prepare for it.  They are storing up necessary items-- food, water, etc.--- to help them get through it.

There is nothing wrong with putting back a few things for difficult times.  God told Noah to build an ark to provide safety for him and his family during the flood.  God used Joseph to interpret Pharaoh's dream concerning a famine that was coming and told him how to prepare for it by storing up grain in the years of plenty.  Proverbs tells us to learn from the ant.  She stores up her food in the summer to get her through the winter. 

What I want to address this morning is two ways of preparing.  One is physically as we have already talked about.  The other is spiritually.  Our spiritual preparation is more important.  It is more important because this life is temporary.  The body is going to die, whether you have a supply of food on hand or not.  If you don't make preparation for your spiritual man, he will be lost for eternity.  Also, even if you have all these provisions but you don't have peace that comes from having your spirit man prepared and living a spiritually abundant life, what good is your storehouse of material provisions?

There is nothing wrong with putting back physical supplies for the uncertainty of the future.  A wise man will do so.  But don't work so hard at securing the things your physical man needs that you are neglecting the spiritual man.  Bread and water will help sustain the body.  But being spiritually prepared will sustain your entire being-- spirit, soul, body, emotions.  Being prepared spiritually will get you through even if you aren't prepared physically and there is nothing to sustain you physically.  It will sustain you when the food runs out, when the water is gone, when trials come, when the enemy is trying to kill you, when you are in hardships, difficulties, tribulations, and anything else that may come your way.

Have a great day.  If you are preparing for disasters in the future, don't forget the most important preparation is to make sure you are spiritually prepared.       

"Dealing With A Thorn"

"And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure." 2 Corinthians 12:7

Did you notice that the apostle said, "there was given to me a thorn in the flesh"?  That means it didn't just happen to him, it wasn't just the devil deciding to attack him, it was given, it had to come from somewhere.  It came from God-- or rather from His permission. 

This goes against the grain with most Christians.  But look at Job.  God brought up the subject of Job to the devil.  God pointed out the hole in the hedge that was around Job.  God removed the hedge in that area.  Also, the Bible says that God uses good and evil for His purposes.  I am not saying that God did it, caused it or brought it on him, but He did allow it.  The enemy cannot touch you unless he goes through God first.

The point I am getting to is this:  There are times when we are going through something and we rebuke it, we pray for God to remove it, we quote scriptures at it, we fast for it to leave but it doesn't.  It is because God has allowed this thing to be present in our life.  Why?  In Paul's case he had seen heavenly spiritual things that it wasn't lawful for a person to even speak about.  He had had an abundance of revelations.  He had been taken into the third heaven.  The Lord allowed this thorn to keep Paul from getting exalted with pride.  It was for Paul's own good.  It was for his well-being.  Pride goes before a fall.  The bottom line why God allowed it is because of His great love.  He did not want to see this destroy Paul, so He allowed a means to keep that from happening.

Even though God did not remove it from Paul.  He made him a promise-- My grace is sufficient, and My strength will become perfect in your weakness so you can endure it.  Remember this for your own life when you are dealing with a "thorn in the flesh", if God doesn't remove it for you, then rest assured that He will be with you, strengthen you and give you grace to endure it as well.

Have a great day.  If you have a thorn in the flesh, God will give you the grace and strength to endure it. 

For further reading:

Job 1:8-12
Proverbs 16:4
Romans 8:28

"The Judge"

"To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect."  Hebrews 12:23

I watched one of those court shows yesterday.  The judge heard the case then made her decision.  Had I been the judge I probably would not have ruled in favor of the one she did because I disagree with this person's beliefs.  But I have to say that her judgment was the right one.  She made her decision based on wisdom and the law. 

The shameful reality is that many judges don't always judge according to the law.  They make their rulings based on popular opinion, personal preference, political correctness, bribes, the mindset of society, their interpretation of the law, their own convictions, favoritism and their agenda.

As I was thinking about this, I thought about the Lord God who will one day Judge all men.  We like to think that God is just love and that because He is He will accept, understand and look over everything we do.  This is not the case.  He is love but He is also Judge. 

We will all stand before Him one day and He will judge each of us in righteousness and fairness.  He will judge according to His standards-- not ours.  He will judge according to His own counsel and not according to the things we have named above.  His judgment will be true-- you won't be able to argue with it or take it to a higher court.  He is the highest court.  He is greater than the Supreme Court or any court here on earth.

There is no escaping that day.  You will stand before Him.  He will give a verdict.  He will pass sentence.  It will either be, "well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord".  Or He will say, "Depart from Me, you cursed into everlasting fire".  Which will He say to you?

Have a great day.  God is a righteous Judge.  You will stand before Him one day and He will judge you according to His own standards-- not your own.    

For further reading:
2 Timothy 4:8
Psalm 96:13
Revelation 20:11,12
Matthew 25:23,41
 

"Same Treatment"

"Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world."  1 Peter 5:9

Sometimes we think we are the only one who is going through a trial, hard time, difficulties, persecutions, etc.  We aren't.  Many around us are going through some of the same things.  The Bible is full of examples of men and women who throughout history have gone through the same things we have.

I want us to look at three of them this morning.  These three examples are all in the area of our relationships and dealings with other people-- how they treat us, respond to us, feel about us and act toward us.

The first is Moses.  Moses was hated even as a newborn baby.  They tried to kill him.  Why?  All because he was the wrong nationality.  He was a Hebrew not an Egyptian.  There are people who have their prejudices against you just because you were born white, black, Hispanic or Asian, male or female, into a wealthy family, and so on. 

The next is Joseph.  His brothers were jealous of him.  They hated him.  They wanted to kill him.  They threw him in a pit, sold him to slave traders and lied to their father and told him Joseph was dead.  Some people hate you for no reason.  They have "conjured" up all sorts of thoughts about you, that most the time are not true.  As a result, they seek to destroy you-- your reputation, your well-being, the call of God on your life, etc.

Lastly, is David.  David's own father didn't think he was important enough to call in from tending the sheep when the prophet came to his house to anoint the new king of Israel from among his sons.  Jesse left David in the field instead of calling him into the house.  The prophet had to ask if he had any more sons.  Some people don't think you are worth the "time of day".  They see you as worthless and unworthy.  They put no value on you.  You are always the last one they would think about.  Sometimes those people are in your own family.

If you feel that others don't care about you.  If they are against you.  If they are labeling you.  If they tell you that you are no good, not worth it and always putting you down.  If they hate you and are jealous of you.  If they are plotting your downfall.  Remember this-- God knows.  He is watching.  He sees it all.  He is with you.  He loves you and cares about you.  He was with Moses, Joseph and David.  Not only was He with them, though others were against them, through it all He was orchestrating His plan and will in their lives.  Moses was the greatest prophet and deliverer of God's people.  Joseph became the second most powerful man in the world.  David became king of Israel.  He is with you watching over His plan for your life no matter what anyone else thinks, says or does. 

Have a great day.  When men are against you, God is with you and for you. 

For further reading:
Romans 8:31     

"The Foolish Cross"

"For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God."  1 Corinthians 1:18

Yesterday I shared a couple of dreams I had.  One was about holiness-- which we talked about.  The other was about the cross.  The interpretation dealt with how both subjects are being left out of the church.  This morning, I want to talk about the cross.

The scripture says that it's the preaching of the cross that is the power of God to save the lost.  There is power in the cross, but many-- including ministers-- see it as "foolish".  They see their own plan, their own way, their own message, their own preaching as a "wiser" one.  What is this "wiser" plan?  It is one that will give the people what they want to hear.  It is one that will not preach the cross if it "offends" anyone.  Their plan includes making the gospel popular and "seeker friendly" and more appealing to the masses.  They think the preaching of the cross is old-fashioned and out of touch with this new generation.  Therefore, give them something "fresh and new". 

If the preaching of the cross offends, then it will just have to offend.  If the way the Lord has established to reach the lost turns people away, then it just turns them away.  This is His way; there is no other way.  Jesus' words turned many away.  Many were offended by what He said.  Followers of His were offended and turned away when He told them they would have to "eat His flesh and drink His blood".  The rich young ruler was grieved when Jesus told him what he needed to do-- not what he wanted to do-- to have eternal life.  The young man turned away and left.  Jesus did not run after them and tell them He would change His message-- He let them go.  He did not compromise the Word or Will of God.

Stop trying to appease people.  Stop running after them.  Stop changing the message to suit them.  Stop compromising just to get them to stay in the church.  Compromising and changing the message to keep from offending them and cause them to stay will never save them.  It is the truth that sets man free.  The truth is that the preaching of the cross will bring salvation to the lost. 

Have a great day.  The preaching of the cross may seem foolish to you, but it is God's wise way that leads to salvation. 

For further reading:
John 6:50-61
2 Timothy 4:1-4  

"Where's Holiness?"

"Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord."  Hebrews 12:14

A while back I had two dreams back-to-back, but they were both related.  In the first dream I was at a conference.  The room was full of attendees and ministers.  The ministers were scheduled to speak.  I noticed that there was no anointing there.  I knew they were going to ask me to speak as well but I was not prepared.  I prayed and asked the Lord what He wanted me to speak about and to please anoint me to do so.  He gave me a clear topic.  Speak on holiness.  In the second dream I was in a church.  I was supposed to sing a special.  But I was not allowed to because of the song I had chosen.  It was an old hymn that spoke about the power of the cross. 

The relationship between the two dreams was this-- in Christianity we no longer preach the message of holiness, and we have done away with the cross.  That is why there is no anointing in our services.  That is why we aren't seeing mighty moves of God.  

Today I want to talk about holiness.  On the subject of holiness, I am not talking about the length of your hair, your dress or your shirt sleeves.  I am talking about an inward attribute that is the very nature and character of God.  The Bible tells us to be holy as our Father in heaven is holy.  Holiness is the reflection of Father God that is to be seen in our lives.  Children resemble their parents.  Holiness is our resemblance to the Father.

Where is holiness in the church of Jesus Christ?  Many don't preach it for fear of running people away.  Some don't teach it because it is "old fashioned".  Others don't see it as relevant for today.  Or they don't want to preach it because it doesn't project the image of their church they are wanting to portray. 

As a result of not preaching holiness, we are seeing the repercussions of it.  This is why we see people who call themselves Christians living in adultery, fornication and all other kinds of immorality.  This is why people continue to use profanity and never think twice about it.  This is why you see these so-called Christians indulging in the same activities as the world-- bar hoping, gambling, drug and alcohol abuse, "shacking up", dressing like "hookers", and so on.  I am not talking about bringing people into religious bondage-- a list of do's and don'ts.  I am talking about being like your Father who is in heaven.  He is holy and His children-- if they are truly His children-- will be holy too!

Have a great day.  Jesus taught holiness.  The early apostles taught holiness.  Why doesn't the modern-day church teach holiness?  Without it, you will not see God!

For further reading:
1 Peter 1:15,16
Romans 6:19,22
Ephesians 4:24
1 Thessalonians 4:7
Hebrews 12:10

"Don't Just Read It"

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

These verses are among my favorite verses.  I wanted to share them with you this morning and encourage you to not just read them but meditate on them.  Think about what you are reading.  Too often, we just "read through" the scriptures and never pay much attention to what we are reading.  We don't think about what they are saying to us.  We don't act upon them.  We don't receive them in a personal way and embrace them for our own lives. 

These verses reveal the very character of God and His dealings with us.  They show how much He loves us.  They tell us how merciful and faithful He is.  When you doubt God's love for you, these are the kind of verses you need to focus on.  You need to have them hid in your heart and let them produce faith, hope and assurance in you. 

It is through not just reading it but receiving and acting upon His word that you get strength for life's battles.  Hope for the future.  Peace in confusion.  Joy in sorrow.  Wisdom in decisions.  Grace in dealing with frustration.  Help in time of trouble. 

So, don't just read the Bible in a "brownie point" manner-- just so you can say you did it for the day.  Even if it is one verse, take time to hear the voice of God speaking to you personally through it.  What is He saying to you?  What message does He want to relate to you?  What is it about Himself that He wants to show you?  What answer is He revealing to you? 

Have a great day.  The scriptures are more than black words on white paper.  They are meant to be heard and received and not just read. 

"It's Marvelous"

"This is the Lord's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes."  Psalm 118:23

"This is the Lord's doing".  There are some things that only God can do.  Only He can create a universe.  Man can explore it but not create it.  Only He can place a seed on a tree that will produce another tree.  We can plant a seed but only He can give us the seed to plant.  Man breathes in oxygen, but only God can create the oxygen.  Man can dig gold out of the earth.  But it was God who put it there for him to dig.  Man can enjoy the sunshine and harness its energy into solar power, but God was the one who created the sun.  Man may invent instruments for work and pleasure, but it was God who gave him the thoughts to do it, the wisdom to carry it out, and the resources that it takes to make it.  Man can work to make money, but it is God who gives him the power to get wealth. This and much more is the Lord's doing because only He can do it.  And what He does is marvelous.

 On many occasions the Psalmist writes of how he marvels at what God has done.  "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) He marvels at God's handiwork.  He marvels at the great things that God has done for him.  But he also marvels at God's goodness, love, mercy, patience, forbearance and grace toward mankind.  He marvels that God loves him so much that He would send His Son into the world to pay for the sins that he committed. 

I marvel at His creation.  I marvel at His presence in my life.  I marvel at how He blesses me.  I marvel at His love and compassion for me.  I marvel at it and never want to take it-- or Him-- for granted.  What about you?  Do you marvel at it?  Do you marvel at God's handiwork?  Do you marvel at His great love for you?  Do you marvel that God would even notice you much less have anything to do with you?  Or do you take it for granted?  

Have a great day.  Do we marvel over God and His handiwork?  Or do we take it for granted?

"Start And End With Praise"

"O praise the Lord, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people.   For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the Lord endureth forever. Praise ye the Lord."  Psalm 117:1,2

This is the shortest chapter in the entire Bible.  Did you notice that it starts with the admonishment to praise the Lord and ends with the same?  And in the middle is the reason why we praise Him. 

To me these verses speak to the sum total of our entire life... our life should be one of praise.  It should be full of praise instead of complaining.  It should be full of praise instead of fear.  It should be full of praise instead of murmuring.  Some people's lives are full of everything but praise... no matter how good God is to them.

The verses start with praise and ends with praise which also makes me think about the start of my day and the end of my day.  If I would start the day with praise, things would go so much better.  Why should I praise Him in the morning?  Because I woke up, for one.  He kept me safe during the night.  He gave me rest.  He watched over me.  At the end of the day, I should praise Him.  As I reflect over the events of the day, I can see how He protected, provided, led and guided me.  I can see that He truly was with me throughout the day. 

I guess I have rambled on only to say that we have more reasons to praise the Lord than we don't have.  When we praise the Lord, our cares don't seem as big.  When we praise the Lord, there is no room for fear, doubt, complaining or any other negative thing.  When we praise Him, it magnifies Him and minimizes the problems. 

So, did you start your day this morning with praise? Or did you complain because you had to get up? Will you look back at the end of this day and praise Him for the good things that He did for you?  Or will you complain about all that went wrong?

Have a great day.  Our lives should be full of praise... starting in the morning and ending the day... and many times in-between!   

"God's Unchanging Mindset"

"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever."  Hebrews 13:8

If you go back and look at past years, decades, centuries and millenniums, you will discover that things have changed from one time period to the next-- even drastically.

Nations that once "ruled the world" are no longer powerful.  Rulers have come and gone.  Customs have changed.  Clothing styles and hairstyles have changed.  The way we perform certain tasks have changed due to the invention of modern equipment. 

Mindsets have changed.  Some for the better.  Some for the worse.  They have changed in the world and in the church.  But as you go back through time there is one thing that you will discover that has not changed-- God has not changed.  He still has the same "mindset" that He had in the beginning. 

People may change their mind based on social acceptance, on tradition, on the customs of the day, on popular opinion, on hope of gain, out of fear, for the sake of peace, in order to be politically correct, or any number of other reasons. 

We don't have to worry or wonder about the Lord when it comes to changing His mindset.  He doesn't care if His "mindset" is politically correct or if it is popular.  He doesn't care if the masses agree with it or not.  He doesn't care if it is considered old fashioned, outdated and out of touch.

What He once called sin, is still sin.  What He once said was an abomination is still an abomination.  When He said that the way to eternal life is through faith in His Son Jesus, He still says it is.  He hasn't changed His mind.  Just because society has changed the way it looks at things, and just because the church has changed its views on certain matters, and just because people's opinions say the opposite, doesn't mean that God has.  He still sees it the same way He always has.

Instead of trying to get God to change His mind, instead of working against what He says, we need to ask Him to change our minds and cause them to line up with His mindset. 

Have a great day.  In this ever-changing world, there is a comfort and stability that comes from knowing that the Lord never changes.  His mind is made up.

"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