"Take Heed"

"And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares."  Luke 21:34

Almost two dozen times in the scriptures (Old and New Testaments) we are told to "take heed to ourselves".  The verse above in context is referring to the time when Jesus shall return.  But it is sandwiched in between two verse--  "Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.   For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth." 

We need to take heed, by taking note, of what we are doing in our flesh.  We need to take heed to do God's word and not give heed (give place) to the lusts of our own flesh.  If we don't, we will be "snared".  If we are so busy with the things of the flesh, the cares of this life, being anxious about our lives, working and working for more and more of the temporal and neglecting the spiritual, we will miss out.  We will be taken unaware.  If we don't heed and obey the word of God and follow its instructions through life, we will not be like "good ground", but like the "wayside", "thorny ground", or "stony ground".  We will be caught like a bird in a snare?

What are you focused on?  Are you focused on "eating, drinking and being merry"?  Or are you focused on the Word of God that is able to carry you through life, preserve you in trials and keep you from being snared?

Have a great day.  The Word of God will keep you from being snared.  Take heed to yourself and give heed to His Word.  

"He Delights In Supplying"

"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4:19

I noticed this morning during my prayer time that the majority of my prayers were for my "needs".  "Lord, I need strength, I need wisdom, I need help, I need forgiveness, I need grace, I need a healing touch, I need guidance, etc., etc., etc."  The truth is we are needy people, and God knew that before He created us. 

He knew we would have needs, therefore, He spent five days of creation making sure that once He created us on the sixth day that we would have everything we needed in place waiting for us. 

Are you in need this morning?  Do you have a specific need you need to have supplied?  God delights in meeting our needs.  He loves it when we come to Him with our needs.  He loves being a Father to us who provides all our needs.  We see this also in the creation story.  He delighted in having everything in place for us to supply all our needs.  He even saw ahead that one day we would need a Savior because of sin.  He planned that provision before the foundation of the world.  Then at the appointed time Jesus Christ came into the world to fulfill that provision. 

Don't shy away from God with your need.  Don't think that you are able to provide it and don't need to bother Him with it.  Don't ever think that He doesn't care about your need. He has proven over and over again, even before the world was created, even before you were created, that He cares about your need.

Have a great day.  The Lord delights in supplying our needs... all of them... so let Him.

"Weapons Of Destruction"

"Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes."  Song of Solomon 2:15

A tooth, a splinter, a bee sting, a microscopic parasite, a small wound, an infected hair root, an ingrown toenail even an eyelash, though all are small they can pain your whole body.

One word, one thought, one misplaced deed and one temptation can "pain" your spirit.  It is amazing that such small things can cause so much havoc, pain, distress, discouragement and concern in our lives.  Just goes to show that it is not the "big" things only that you have to be on guard for, but the little things as well. 

Today, be on guard for the big and small things that the enemy would try to destroy you with.  They come in all sizes and forms.  So don't ignore it because it seems "small and insignificant".  One small stone in the hand of one young lad brought down a giant.  One the flip side, the enemy would love to do the same and bring you down with one small stone.  It is the small things that the devil uses as his "weapons of mass destruction".  One small suggestion, one little temptation, one lie, just one bite of forbidden fruit in the garden and it destroyed the souls of the masses in every generation. 

Have a great day.  It is the little things that the devil often uses as his weapons of mass destruction.  

"Accept His Help"

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

How often have we prayed, "Lord, help me", yet when He "tries" to help us, we reject His help?  We are like little children who need help doing something, but when help is offered, they insist that they can do it by themselves.  They insist that they know how. 

Makes me wonder why we even bother to ask for His help if we are going to reject it?  We need His help, but when we reject it, it's usually because it comes in a way we don't recognize.  Or it comes in a way we don't like.  When God answers your prayer for help, receive His help.  If you aren't going to, then don't ask.  When God answers your prayer for help, let Him decide how to answer it.  Don't reject it, but remember, He truly knows what is best and His answer will be the perfect answer for you.  God wants to answer.  He wants to help you.  You need to let Him.   

Have a great day.  Ask for God's help, then trust Him to send the right provision.  And trust His way of doing it. 

"My Theme Song"

"Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.'  Philippians 2:12

I was talking with someone recently and this person voiced their concern at the way they see the "church" in America going.  This person kept using the pronouns "we", "us", "they" and "our" in talking about what is happening.

While we are a body, the Body of Christ, and many members, the bottom line is-- when it is all said and done, it will not be about "us" all.  It is about "I" and "me". 

One day when we stand before the Lord and give an account, we won't stand there as a husband and wife, a parent and child, a family, an organization or a church.  We will stand before Him individually.  No one else will be beside us-- we will stand alone.  Therefore, we must, make the choice and decision to personally follow the Lord Jesus Christ now.  Even if it means that we have to go alone.  Even if it means that no one else will stand with us.  Even if it means that all forsake us because of Christ.  Even if everyone that is near and dear to us turns their backs on us because of Jesus.  No matter who and no matter what it may cost to live for Him, we must make the decision to "work out our own individual salvation". 

Jesus asked His disciples one day who men said He was.  His next question was, "Who do "you" say that I am?".  Our theme song must be, "I have decided to follow Jesus.  Though none go with me, still I will follow.  No turning back.  No turning back."

Is that your theme song?  Are you sold out and surrendered to Jesus?  So much so that even if you are forsaken, ridiculed, turned on, left by yourself, have no one with you and have to stand alone, will you?  Is He worth it?  Is following Him worth it?  Is it worth it to be able to hear Him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant."?  It should be. When it is, there is another song that you will sing, "It will be worth it all, when we see Jesus." 

Have a great day.  It is not about what "he", "she", "they", "we" or "them" is doing.  It is about "I" or "me".   

"He's Always Been Faithful"

"They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness."  Lamentations 3:23

This morning, I just want to remind you that the Lord has been faithful to you in the past.  He has never failed you.  He has always been there.  He has always come through.  He has always done what He said He would do.  He has always equipped you to do whatever He called you to do.  He has been faithful!!

So why would you think He has changed now?  Why would you think He would stop being Who He is?  He is faithful.  Why would you think that He is any less or would do any less?  Bring those thoughts captive.  Don't entertain them.  Don't give them any place.  Don't dwell on them.  Don't let those thoughts assassinate God's character.  He has never let you down.  He has been there.  He is not about to start or change now.

Have a great day.  God has always been faithful.  He is not going to change now.

"Use Today Wisely"

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

"This is the day".  This is the only day we have-- today.  We aren't promised tomorrow, or the next day, or the next.  But we live our life like it will go on forever.  We make plans for the future or some future event without having the promise that we will see that time, but all the while acting as if we will.  There is nothing wrong with making plans for the future.  The Bible tells us to occupy until the Lord returns.  The Bible also admonishes us to follow the example of the ant who prepares for winter during the summer. 

The point is this-- since we aren't promised tomorrow and we don't know if our tomorrow will come, even though we are preparing for it, what are you doing with today? 

How will you spend today?  What will you do with today?  Will you waste it?  Will you use it on something noteworthy?  Will you use it on something temporal or eternal?  Will you use it to make sure it is well with your soul and you are right with God, or will you neglect your eternity today?  Will you use it to do as you please or as God desires?  Will you use it to try and touch lives for God's Kingdom?  Will you use it to minister to those who are hurting and in need, or spend it on getting the things you want?  Will you use it to mend broken relationships or discard some?  Will you use it to nurse your own wounds or nurse the wounds of a friend?  Will you use it to praise and honor God for what you have or use it to complain and grumble about what you don't have?  Today is a precious gift.  What we do with the gift of today is up to us.  Use it wisely because it only comes once.

Have a great day.  This is the day that you have been given, what will you do with it?  How will you use it?

"The Lord's Returning"

I came across this word that the Lord had given me a while back and felt that it needed to be reshared.....

(As I was praying for a word from the Lord to share with you this morning in the devotional, the words below began to come to me.  I believe that He wanted to encourage us this morning by reminding us to stay faithful because He is coming again.)

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.  In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (John 14:1-3)

I will come again, and my return is soon. I am coming for those who are looking for my appearing.  I am coming for those who are not sleeping as others are but are watching and praying.  I am coming for those who are prepared by having their hearts cleansed by My sacrificial blood-- the blood shed for you at the cross.  I am coming back for a those who have adorned themselves and kept themselves unspotted by the world.  Be not like the five foolish virgins, be like the wise and keep your lamps full and your wicks trimmed.  For in an hour that you think not, I will come.  When the world says, Peace, peace, then will come sudden destruction.  But look up, your redemption is drawing near. 

I am coming again, and my reward is in my hand to give to those who have remained faithful and true.  To those who have not succumb to this world's system and to those whose garments are white and unsoiled by the deceit of riches, the lusts of the flesh and the pride of life.  I am coming for those who have loved not their lives unto death.  I am coming for those who are not ashamed of my name and who have separated themselves from this present evil age. 

Be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you might prove what is My good and acceptable and prefect will.  In doing this you will not be deceived and allow your crown to be stolen from you.  Keep looking up, I am coming again.  I said I would, and I will.  The time of my return is at hand.  I will come and take you with me and give to you a home in the place I have prepared for you in my Father's house.  Only, guard your hearts, don't let them be overcharged by the cares of this life.  Don't let them be turned away from Me.  Keep your heart and mind fixed and stayed on Me, regardless of what you see or hear.  Things will change, evil men will get worse and worse, but I am with you and will never leave you nor forsake you, I will be with you. 

Hold fast to that which you have and let no man take your crown.  I am coming again, in an hour when you think not, so keep watching, praying, and looking up.  Keep doing what I have told you to do-- occupy until I come.  By doing so I will find you faithful.  When I return, I will take you with Me and so shall you ever be with your Lord enjoying those things which are beyond your wildest imagination.  It is real.  My words are real, they are true.  Keep watching, for lo, I come.

(May the Lord bless this word to your heart.  May you give heed and not ignore it.)  Love and blessings in Christ

"No Excuse Will Work"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"The Instruction Manual"

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Hyperbole"

"...  thy word is truth."  John 17:17

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

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

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

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

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

"The Power Of Praise"

"And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.  And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed."  Acts 16:25,26

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

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

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

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

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

"Thy Will Be Done?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Living Uninterrupted"

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Is Your Name In The Book?"

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

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

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

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

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

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