"Real Peace"

"Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them."  Psalm 119:165

When we feel stressed out, tried, weary, overwhelmed by life, we will go to great lengths and take all kinds of measures to try to regain and restore that peace.  We will spend money on all sorts of remedies.  We will go to the doctor and get a prescription to calm our "nerves".  We will take a nap.  We will get a drink.  We will take a trip.  We will engage in some sort of entertaining activity.  We will go for a long walk.  We will try to get away from reality for a while.  If we think it will help, we will do it.  But we will neglect to do the one thing that will ensure that peace---- Go to God's word.  We will totally neglect it or use it as a last resort.   

For some reason we don't think that His word is what we really need.  Evidently, we don't think that it is as powerful as the other things we are willing to try.  If we did, we would go to it.  If we did, we would take the time to read it.  If we did, we would sit down with it and "bathe" our heart, mind and emotions in it and let it wash away all the mental clutter, confusion, frustration, anxiety, worry and emotional fatigue. 

Before you totally neglect His word and put all your hope in some other alternative, that only brings temporary relief, remember this:  His word is life.  His word is peace.  His word brings hope.  His word is trustworthy.  His word is powerful.  His word is Him.  It is His very breath, heart, love, grace and will.  He is the Living Word.  He is the Prince of Peace.  He is the glory and the lifter of your head.  He is Grace; therefore, He gives grace over every trying thing that wants to steal your peace. 

Do you want real peace?  Do you want just momentary peace?  Do you want just some peace?  Or do you want great and sustaining peace?  Remember, great peace comes as you love His word and loving it means you read it, study it, embrace it, hide it in your heart and do it. 

Have a great day.  Do you want peace?  Real peace?  Then you will find it in God's word.   
 

"Storms Have Purpose"

"And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?"  Mark 4:38

Storms in life are a given.  They are unavoidable.  We have to go through them sometimes.  Remember, Jesus sent His disciples out to sea knowing a storm was coming. 

Storms do three things: 
1)  They test our reactions.  They test what we are made of.  They expose what is inside of us.  The disciples reacted in fear, doubt and unbelief.  The storm exposed the fear that was hidden in their hearts.  It exposed their lack of faith in Jesus and His word.  They had heard Him preach and teach.  They had seen Him heal the sick and cast out devils.  He had already told them that would do the same in His name.  But then the storm came and they were tested.  Their hearts were tested, not just their intellect. 

2)  Storms also reveal our trust in the Lord.  The disciples got in the storm and didn't trust His word-- His word that they were going to the other side; not that they were going to drown in the sea.  They didn't trust His presence that was with them to keep them safe.  They didn't trust His love for them.  Instead, they believed He didn't care.  They trusted Him enough to get in the boat but not enough to keep them safe in the boat.  Sound familiar?  We trust Him until it gets rough.      

3)  Storms give us a revelation of who Jesus really is.  "And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?" (Mark 4:41)  Again, they had seen the miracles He had performed.  They had seen the devils bow down and submit to His authority.  They had heard Him teach with an anointing and authority that the other teachers of the day did not have.  But when they saw His power demonstrated in the storm they marveled and became afraid because they realized this was no ordinary man. 

Are you in a storm?  You may have to "ride it out".  It may not go away quickly.  But let the storm cause you to take inventory and see what is in you.  Let it take you into a whole new level of trust in the Lord.  Let it give you a fresh revelation of Who Jesus is, and through that revelation give you peace to weather the storm and go through it to the other side.  It is possible when you realize exactly Who is in the storm with you.

Have a great day.  Storms serve a purpose in our lives.  Therefore, sometimes we just have to go through them.   
 

"Follow The Instructions"

"I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye".  Psalm 32:8

I don't care how old you are, how well educated you are or how much you think you know, we all need instructions from time to time.  Practically everything we purchase or have to assemble come with instructions.  When we try to get information concerning a service we have, get through to our doctor, check on our banking, we have to follow the instructions given to us by the automated menu.  Those instructions are meant to help us. 

This world is full of instructions to help us navigate through it.  By the same token in order for us to be successful in our spiritual life God has given us instructions as well.  If we heed and follow those instructions, we will do well.  We will be victorious, we will walk in abundant life, we will run the race with the strength and endurance that we need.  But on the other hand, if we neglect to heed and follow the Lord's instructions we will struggle, we will fall short, we will not be successful, we will miss out.  It won't be God's fault.  We can't blame Him.  He has given us the instructions that we need to make it through whatever situation we are facing.  If we don't follow them, it will be our fault when things go poorly.   

I know people who try to assemble something without ever reading the instructions-- perhaps you are one of them.  When they think they can do it without the instructions, they mess up.  They have left over parts.  The thing is lopsided.  It isn't sturdy.  It has to be redone.  The same principle applies in dealing with the spiritual life.  If you are wondering why things aren't working out.  If you are wondering why you aren't victorious.  If you are wondering why things are always going wrong and never seems to get any better.  Perhaps it is because you are trying to do it without reading the instructions and following what the Creator says to do.

Have a great day.  You can't make it through life or have a successful spiritual life without reading, heeding and following the Lord's instructions.  
 

"Keep Your Bags Packed"

"Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh".

We are looking for the Lord's return.  By the signs of the time, it won't be long.  But also, because He hasn't return yet many are getting careless and have stopped planning for and watching for His return.  They are busy with the cares of this life.  They are consumed with the pleasures of this world.  They are taking care of the flesh and natural man and are neglecting the spiritual one.  They have stopped looking for Him to come because they have heard so much that says it will be soon but don't see the evidence of it.  They protest that they have heard it for so long, but it has not happened so why believe and watch for it.  According to the Bible, this is another sign that His return is soon to come. (2 Peter 3:4)

The key to this verse is "be ready".  It doesn't say to get ready then forget about it.  It doesn't say to only think about getting ready.  Since we don't know when His return will be, we are to get ready and stay ready.  In times past when a woman was pregnant you never heard much about their labor being induced.  We all just went to have the baby when the pains hit us, and the baby was ready to come on its own.  Therefore, the closer it got to our due date we would make preparation and have our "hospital/baby" bag packed and ready to go.  Once we packed it, we didn't unpack it.  It stayed packed and ready to go with us at all times because we had no idea when it might be time to go to the hospital.  That time could come during the day or the middle of the night.  It didn't matter, that bag stayed packed and in an easily accessible place. 

In this same way, we have to make sure our "bags" are packed and we are ready to go regardless of when the time of Christ's return takes place.  If we are ready, we have nothing to worry about.  If we are watching, if we are looking, if we are living in expectation of His return, we have nothing to worry about, we will be prepared for that time regardless of when it comes. 

Are you "packed and ready" to go when He returns?  Were you "packed" but have unpacked a few things?  Have you stopped watching and waiting for His return?  Have you neglected the fact that He will return again--- it could be today?  Are you ready?  And are you staying ready?  If not, get ready and don't let anything hinder you from staying ready.... for in the time when you think not, He will return.  Let Him find you ready.

Have a great day.  Are your "bags packed" and ready to go should the Lord return today?
 

"Able To See Spiritually"

"And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.  And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha".  2 Kings 6:16,17

There are several things about this story that I notice.  One is that it is a comfort.  How comforting to know that even when we don't see it with the natural eyes God is right there with us and has His heavenly host encamped around us.  The other thing is something that amazes me. It amazes me that this Old Testament prophet who is still under the Law, who is under the old covenant, who has the Spirit only upon him was able to see so clearly into the spiritual realm.  He did not have the kingdom residing in him.  He did not have the Holy Spirit indwelling him at all times.  Yet he saw so clearly.

The thing that amazes me most is that we now have the Holy Spirit abiding in us.  We have the kingdom of God within us.  We are heirs of the new covenant, a better covenant.  We are not under the Law but under Grace.  So, why can't we see into the spiritual realm?  Why is it we aren't more discerning?  Why are we blind to spiritual things?  Why are we more like the servant who didn't see, than the prophet who did?

I believe it comes down to how much we "walk" in the spirit.  How much attention do you give to spiritual things?  How worldly and materially minded are you?  How God focused are you?  Are you seeking the Kingdom of God?  Do you desire to see past this natural realm and into the things of God?  This servant walked after the "natural" life.  He lived only in what he saw with the natural eye.  The prophet lived the "spiritual" life.  He lived in what God saw-- from God's perspective. 

Which of these two defines you?  Are you content with walking after the natural course of things?  Are you desirous to see great and mighty things?  Are you wanting what is on the surface or to go deeper?  Do you want to continually walk by sight?  Or do you want to live by faith?  The choice is yours.  The ability and possibility have been given to you by the Lord.  It is all a matter of how much you desire it and are willing to press in to receive it.  The scripture says that if we are willing and obedient we will eat the good of the land. (Isaiah 1:19)  If you are willing and obedient to do what you need to do-- seek, press, pray, draw near, study, move, get out of your comfort zone, trust the Lord, lay aside what hinders you-- then you too will "eat the good of the spiritual land" by having a deeper spiritual understanding of spiritual things. 

Have a great day.  Are you desirous to see spiritual things?  Or are you content to see only with the natural eyes?   

 

"Be Prosperous"

"And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long as he sought the Lord, God made him to prosper".  2 Chronicles 26:5

When we think of the word prosperous, we think primarily in monetary terms.  There are so many more ways of being prosperous than just financially or economically.  John wrote, "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth" (3 John 1:2) This prosperity had to do with being successful in your journey and along the way. 

There is a sure way to have prosperity in our lives.  It is found in the verse above.  "As long as he sought the Lord, God made him to prosper".  Prosperity comes, not as we go and do things on our own, or lean to our own understanding, or set our own course or own course of action.  It comes as we seek the Lord continually asking for His guidance, direction and wisdom.  Then it comes as we obey and follow His direction and instructions.  

Have a great day.  May you have a prosperous life. But true prosperity comes as you seek the Lord in all your ways and allow Him to guide you.  
  

"Not Too Old"

"They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing."  Psalm 92:14

How many times have you heard someone say, "It is too late for me.  I am too old."?  Perhaps you have said it yourself.  We tend to think that when we get older, we are too old for the Lord to use us, to fulfill dreams, to be of any service or value. 

When we look through the scriptures, we see that the Lord has used many young people to do His work and accomplish His plan. He crowned Josiah to be king over Israel when he was only eight years old.  He chose a young virgin to give birth to His Son Jesus.  He used a young Timothy to pastor a church.  He anointed David to be king of Israel when he was still a young shepherd boy.  But God is not a respecter of persons.  He looks for willing hearts and yielded vessels regardless of age, gender, education, position, financial status, etc. 

God used Moses to lead His people out of Egyptian bondage at the age of eighty until he was one hundred and twenty years old.  Caleb fought a battle and took possession of a mountain that was promised to him when he was between eighty and ninety years old.  Elizabeth was old and pass the childbearing age when she gave birth to John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ.  Sarah gave birth to the son of promise when she was around ninety years of age.  These are only a few that the Bible tells us about. 

The point this morning is this-- you are never too old for the Lord to use you to accomplish the task that He has called you to.  You are never too old to not fulfill His plan for your life.  It is never too late.  Age doesn't matter to the Lord.  He chooses young and old alike.  Stop letting the devil convince you that you are too old.  Stop letting other people intimidate you and make you think that your best days are past and you are of no use.  Stop letting society label you as too old and unable.  Don't let the weakness of your own body determine God's plan for you.  It is God's calling, it is God's plan, it is God's work, it is God's will and He can call and equip whoever He chooses to do it. 

Have a great day.  It is not too late.  You are not too old to do what God has planned for and designed you to do.     

"Protect Valuable Things"

"The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy..."  John 10:10a

We all decide for ourselves what is valuable and the things we treasure most.  For some it is money.  For others it is a family heirloom or some other material object.  For some a relationship, family or friends are what is most valuable.  At any rate, the things that we think are the most valuable, we aren't careless with.  We take care of them and take care to make sure they are safe and secure.  To take care of our valuable possessions we purchase safes, rent a deposit box or have a secret hiding place for them.  But what about the things that are truly valuable?  What do we do to secure them and make sure they aren't stolen from us?

I am talking about eternal things.  I am talking about the things that deal with your soul.  Those things are peace, joy, holiness, godliness, contentment, love, etc.  What are you doing to ensure that the thief doesn't steal them from you?  What are you doing to ensure that the circumstances and cares of this life aren't robbing them from you?  The first thing you have to do is decide just how valuable they really are to you.  If they are, then you have to decide to protect them.  That means you can't be careless or casual with them.  You have to guard them.  

How do we do that?  You can't put peace in a vault.  You can't place joy in a lock box.  No, but you can still protect it.  The way you protect them is through the Word of God.  Keep your mind renewed in God's Word.  That way when the enemy comes to steal it you will recognize him and have the weapon to fight him with.  Keep on the full armor of God.  Wear it always and the enemy will have a hard time "penetrating" through it to get to your treasure.  Keep your heart and mind fixed and stayed on spiritual things-- things above.  Stay full of the Holy Spirit, who will make you aware when the enemy is sneaking around trying to steal.  And He will give you the needed strategy to defeat him. 

The bottom line is you have to decide how truly valuable these spiritual things-- these gifts from God-- are to you.  Then you have to decide to protect them.  Then you have to do whatever it takes to make sure they are protected and not allow anything to steal them from you.

Have a great day.  Just how valuable are spiritual things in your life?  If they are, are you doing everything necessary to insure they are protected?    

"Use More Effort"

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you."  Matthew 7:7

Occasionally I will do some painting in my house.  I usually use the kind of paint that just washes off with water.  Once, though, in a particular room I had to use an oil-base primer.  (I think I got as much on me as I did on the walls.)  When I get paint on myself, I am accustomed to just going to the bathroom and using soap and water to get the paint off, but not in this case.  Soap and water didn't work.  It took something extra.  It took more effort on my part to get clean.  I had to use a paint thinner and "wash" in it. 

There are times, and situations, in our lives when it is going to take a little more than just simply "asking" God for an answer.  Sometimes we are going to have to go a little deeper and a little further.  We are going to have to do more than just ask.  We are going to have to seek.  Seeking involves putting forth more effort and continuing until you find the answer that is needed.  Knocking involves even more effort.  Knocking is more serious petitioning. When we knock, we are determined to stay there in prayer until the door/answer is opened.

We are so used to having everything quickly, easily and without much effort on our part.  But prayer isn't always like that.  It involves more than just the simple way.  But if the prayer is worth praying and the need is worth the answer, we need to learn to go the extra mile in prayer, take the longer path, persevere and stick with it until the answer comes.  Don't give up or quit until you have not only asked but sought and knocked to get your answer. 

Have a great day.  Prayer is not always as simple as just asking.  Sometimes it involves more effort on our parts.   
 

"Who Accepted Who?"

"All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out".  John 6:37

When we get saved, we say that we accepted Jesus as our Savior.  It would be more correct to say that He accepted us instead.  We don't "accept" Him.  We put our faith in Him as Savior.  We come to Him in faith believing that what He did at the cross was the way for us to be saved.  "We are saved by grace through faith".  We are only saved when the Father accepts us and says that we are.

The story of the prodigal son is one that shows us the plan of salvation.  It shows a lost son who repents and goes to his father for forgiveness and restoration.  When the prodigal son finally came to himself and got up out of the pigpen, he decided to go back to his father's house and see if he would make him a servant.  The father did not make him a servant; he welcomed him back as a son.  The father could have rejected him.  The father could have made him a hired hand.  The decision was all in the father's hand.  The outcome would have been whatever the father decided.

The outcome as to our salvation is strictly in the Heavenly Father's hands.  He decides and chooses to accept or reject us.  When we come to Him in faith through His Son Jesus, we have the assurance that He will accept us.  But if we come to Him any other way-- good deeds, religious adherence, to make a show, through pride or arrogance-- He will reject us.   

So, when we get saved, it is because the Father loves us so much.  It is because He sent His Son to make a way.  It is because He drew us by His Spirit to repentance.  He saved us by accepting us.  In the Old Testament they brought an offering to Him.  He either accepted or rejected their offering.  It hasn't changed.  We still bring Him an offering.  Only our offering is not a lamb, a goat or a bull.  Our offering is us, given to Him in faith.  So, if we are saved it is because He accepted our offering-- our faith. 

Have a great day.  We aren't saved because we accepted Him, we are saved because He accepted us. 

Psalm 51:16-18; 40:6
Ephesians 2:8

"We Can't Help Ourselves"

"And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God."  Luke 18:27

We have all heard it said, "The Lord helps those who help themselves".  This is not a scripture, and it is not even true.  The truth is that the Lord helps those who can't help themselves. Man was hopelessly lost because of his rebellion against God and unable to "help" himself out of his sinful lost condition.  So, God helped us and offered us hope and salvation by sending His Only Begotten Son into the world to save us from our sins... because we couldn't save ourselves.

God required a sacrifice for our sins.  He is a holy God and in order to come into His presence there has to be a sacrifice.  The whole Old Testament taught us that there weren't enough sacrifices, even offerings, even obedient acts that we could do that would save us.  It taught us that it was impossible for us to "help" ourselves have a relationship with God and eternal life on our own. 

Since we couldn't "help" or "save" ourselves, God sent us a gift that would.  That gift came wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.  It was a gift.  It was freely given.  We didn't earn it.  We didn't work for it.  We didn't deserve it.  It wasn't something He gave us as a little extra help to what we were already doing. 

A virgin (Mary) could not get pregnant on her own.  It took God intervening and opening her womb and planting the "seed" (the Savior) in there.  Neither can we save ourselves on our own.  Neither can we help ourselves and make it possible for us to be saved on our own.  It takes God.  Without Him it is impossible for us to do-- no matter how hard we try, or how much we help ourselves.

Have a great day.  We couldn't help ourselves, so God sent the gift of His Son to help us and save us.    

"Move On"

"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

It is not always easy for us to "move on".  Sometimes it is "downright hard" for us.  When we experience the death of a loved one, the breakup of a relationship, the loss of some possession, the pain of an affliction, past failures and mistakes, we want to stay there in that place.  For some reason, we can't seem to move on. 

The prophet Samuel faced this same thing.  When King Saul disobeyed God and He removed the kingdom from him, Samuel mourned over it for a while.  He got "stuck" in his grief and could not move on.  One day the Lord spoke to him and told him it was time to "move on".  God had rejected Saul and was now ready for Samuel to anoint a new king in Israel.  Samuel had a choice at this point, either stay in that state or move on.

There eventually comes a point where we have to "move on".  We can't stay stuck in the situation.  We can't stay stuck in the past.  We can't stay stuck in our emotions and feelings.  We can't stay stuck in regrets and what could have or might have been.  We can't stay stuck in our own dreams and desires.  We have to move on because, like with Samuel, God is ready to do a new thing in our life.

If God is calling you out of that internal/emotional place you are stuck in it is because He is wanting to move you into a new place in your life.  You have a choice-- either stay there or move on. 

Have a great day.  Are you having a hard time moving on?  God will help you because He is wanting to bring you into a new thing. 

"The Reward"

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

There is a reward for the righteous.  God will reward us here and now, but the greatest reward will come in eternity.  The greatest reward we will receive is to be able to stand before Him face to face and hear Him say, "Well done, My good and faithful servant.  Enter into the joy of My rest".

This reward comes to the righteous, not the sinner, not the wicked, not the self-serving, not the rebellious, not those who have turned their backs on Him.  It amazes me that many people think that they can live their lives anyway they choose and still think that "all is well" where their relationship with God is concerned.  If you are living according to the lusts of your own flesh, if you are lukewarm, if you are not following Him, if you are not being a living sacrifice, if you are not taking up your cross, if you have no love, if you are living in bitterness and unforgiveness, if you neglect prayer (unless you need Him for something then you pray), if you aren't reading His word, if you aren't letting the Holy Spirit change you, if you are still involved in what is vile, if you are living an immoral lifestyle, then you don't have a relationship with Him!!! 

Without a relationship with Him, you will not receive the reward of hearing Him say, "Well done, enter in".  Instead, you will receive another "reward".  You will hear Him say, "Depart from Me, you worker of iniquity/lawlessness.  I don't know you". 

Which reward do you want? It is up to you.  Believe "on" Jesus as your Savior and repent of your sins and follow Him and you will receive the reward of everlasting life.  Or just believe "in" Jesus and keep living like you want to live and receive eternal damnation.

Have a great day.  God has a reward of eternal life for those that are righteous.

"Control Them"

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts...".  Colossians 3:15a

We were created with a body, a soul and a spirit.  Included in the way we were created are emotions.  Sometimes those emotions are in check.  Sometimes things happen and cause our emotions to "run wild".  Sometimes the enemy of our soul attacks us in our emotions.  Emotions are not bad; they are part of our God-given makeup.  They are a good thing, when they are ruled by us.  They become a problem when we are ruled by them.

When our emotions are "running wild" and "dictating" us, God has provided a way to bring them under "control" so we can master them instead of them mastering us.  That way is God Himself.  At salvation He imparts Himself into us.  He lives and dwells within us now.  So we must constantly remind ourselves of this truth. 

Take for instance, when fear tries to dominate us, we must capture it and we must take control over that fear by reminding it (and ourselves) that the Prince of Peace is in us-- therefore, I will not fear.  When confusion tries to take control, again, the One who is peace lives in us and confusion can't rule.  No matter what emotion is trying to rule your life, the Lord in you is greater and will give you the victory over it.  He has already won the victory.  When anxiety tries to rule, He is your peace of mind.  When anger tries to take hold, He is your peace of heart.  When distress tries to take control, He is still your peace.  When grief, when depression, when sadness, self-pity or envy want to take over, Jesus is your peace.  Draw from His peace.  Draw from His strength.  Draw from His power that is alive and well in you and overcome.

Have a great day.  Our emotions try to overcome and master us.  But the Lord in us gives us the power to overcome and master them.     

"It Reaches High and Low"

"But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ."  Ephesians 2:13

I was thinking about the song, "The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power".  One line says that it reaches to the highest mountain and it flows to the lowest valley.  The blood that Jesus shed at the cross for the atonement of our sins has the power to reach any and everyone.  It always has the power to reach everywhere-- no matter where we are.

It reaches to the highest mountain.  It can reach those who are proud and think more highly of themselves than they should.  It can reach up to those who think they are better than anyone else.  It can reach those who look down on others because they think they are so good.

It reaches to the lowest valley.  It can reach those who have no strength and no might.  It can reach down to the downcast, the outcast, the forgotten and forsaken.  It can reach down to the poorest and most destitute of humanity. 

The blood was shed for all-- the high and lofty ones who don't think they need Him; the meek and humble who think they aren't worthy of Him.  It has the power to touch and transform any life.  It will bring the "high" down low and the "low" up high.

It is there also for all those who are "in between".  It excludes no one.  You may think you are too important for God.  You may think you are too bad for God.  You are neither.  His blood was shed for you.

Have a great day.  The power of the blood of Jesus will reach anyone anywhere they are.     

"Provided Ahead"

"... the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world."  Revelation 13:8

Jehovah-Jireh is a name by which we identify one attribute of God.  It means that He is God the Provider.  He sees ahead of time, ahead of our need, ahead of the situation and makes a provision for it.  He makes provision before we ever get to the need.  Then He manifest the provision when we need it.  A rough example of this is when we put monies aside for a rainy day.  We are making provision for something before it happens so that when it comes, we will have what we need.  The difference in the Lord's case is that He knows exactly what the need will be and when it will occur.

He saw Adam sin; He saw judgment come upon mankind and saw our need for a Savior before the world was ever created.  He made a provision to save and redeem us from sin and eternal punishment before the foundation of the world was laid, before He ever said, "Let there be light", before darkness was upon the face of the deep, when there was nothing not even space.  Jesus was already the "Lamb that was slain" before mankind even existed.

If this amazing God who saw the need of mankind and provided salvation for mankind before He ever even created mankind, would do that for us, then know this-- He saw ahead, even before you were born, what needs you would have throughout your lifetime.  And not only did He see them, but He has also already made provision for them.  He has already got a plan in mind.  He already has everything orchestrated to supply what you need.  He already has it all under control.  He did it long before you were born, and when it is needed, He will bring it into being.

Have a great day.  God saw your need before the need occurred and He has already provided for it.  When you need it, it will be there. 

"Feeling Lonely"

"... lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world."  Matthew 28:20b

Do you ever feel lonely?  You can have numerous acquaintances, many friends, be part of a large family, belong to a mega church, know everyone you pass on the street personally, but still be lonely inside. 

Do you ever feel like no one cares about you?  Do you feel abandoned?  Do you feel like you have been forgotten?  Do you see others going on with life and friendships around you and wonder why you can't experience the same thing?  Where are your relationships?  Why isn't their anyone there for you?  Why have you been left to yourself?

I am sure we have all felt like this at times-- some more often than others.  The fact is that there are times when we are left alone.  There are times when people really don't care about you.  There are times when you don't feel loved and you feel neglected.  It is in those times that the enemy of our soul starts playing "mind games" on us.  He tries to make us feel worthless.  He tries to convince us that no one cares, and no one really loves us.  He will tell us that it is our own fault that people don't want to be around us.  Those are a few of his accusations.  He will try to depress us and make us feel sorry for ourselves.  He will taunt us, discourage us, make us want to give up on ourselves and other people. 

If I have described you this morning, I want to let you know that you are under a spiritual attack.  The enemy is out to steal your joy and rob you of your peace.  Your worth, your contentment and your happiness is not wrapped up in other people.  You are not alone.  There is one who cares for you more deeply than any human being can possibly care.  There is one who loves you so much that He died on the cross just to "be with you". He promised to never leave you nor forsake you.  His very name affirms that fact-- Emmanuel, God with us.

Have a great day.  When you are feeling lonely, remember you are not alone.  Jesus is with you.  

"Preparing"

“Therefore, be ye also ready: for in such an hour as you think not, the Son of man cometh.” Matthew 24:44

There is talk everywhere of the chance that we will have extremely cold, icy weather this weekend. As a result of these warnings people are preparing. I am too-- just in case. We are making sure we have water on hand, our electronics are charged up, easily accessible food, candles, wood for the fireplace, etc. 

I was thinking about this-- when I go to town later, the grocery stores will probably be out of milk, bread, and have lots of empty shelves because people have bought them out preparing for the icy weather and chance of loss of electricity.  

This also made me think about another preparing that people are so lack in-- their eternal salvation. We prepare for everything else-- power outages, bad weather, vacations, retirement, special occasions and so on, but most neglect the preparation they need to be doing to ensure their eternal souls are well. 

The bad weather, and all that it brings may or may not come, yet we'll be prepared- just in case. But the truth and fact is that it is appointed for man once to die and after that is the judgment. We will all die-- that's a given, when it will happen, we don't have the luxury of knowing. 

So, why aren't you preparing. You will die. You do have an eternal soul that will never die. That soul will either spend it in heaven or hell-- there's only two places. Depending on what you do now- while you are alive- determines where you will spend it. If you neglect to prepare by receiving Jesus Christ as your Savior and following Him as your Lord, you will spend it in hell-- it's just that plan. But if you prepare now by accepting the salvation that He freely gives and putting your trust and faith in Him, you will live in His house in heaven forever!! 

Are you preparing for natural events that aren't certain, but are neglecting the one thing that is? The Bible says that now is the time, today is the day of salvation. Don't put if off. You don't want to go into eternity and stand before God unprepared! 

Have a great day. If you aren't prepared for eternity, you better get prepared because you will enter it one day! Where will you spend it!? 

"He Sent Your Need"

"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."  Romans 5:8

While we were still sinners God demonstrated His love for us by sending us what we needed, instead of what we wanted.  What we wanted was to live our own lives.  We wanted to do our own thing.  We wanted to live life the way we wanted to live it.  We wanted to be independent of God.  We didn't want to be under His rules and law.  We didn't want Him telling us what we can and can't do.  We didn't want to surrender our lives to Him.  We wanted to be our own boss and do what we pleased. 

Our need was deeper than our fleshly wants.  Our real need was an eternal one.  Our need goes far beyond our personal wants and desires.  God in His love knew that one day we would finally come to the end of ourselves and realize our need for someone else to be in charge and control of our lives.  He knew we would "wake up" and realize that we needed something bigger, something more, something greater than what we were able to find in having our wants fulfilled. 

So, seeing ahead to that time, He sent what we would need.  He sent salvation so that we could have eternal life--- our true need.  He sent His Son Jesus to provide the way through His shed blood on the cross so that we could come to God. 

Are you still living in your "wants"?  Are you still trying to fulfill your own wants and desires?  What you want-- living your own life the way you want to live it-- is not what you need.  What you need has been provided for through Jesus Christ.  Receive what you need and your wants will change. 

Have a great day.  There is a difference between what we want and what we need.  While we were still sinners God provided what we would need. 

"Durable Riches"

"Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness."  Proverbs 8:18

There are two kinds of riches-- material ones and durable ones.  Most seek after the material ones-- the ones that moths and rust corrupt and thieves break in and steal.  Those are the ones that take wings and fly away-- they are here today but could be gone tomorrow, for they are temporary. 

The riches that one should seek are those that are "durable".  Durable riches are the ones that endure, that are lasting, that weather the storm and passed the test of time.  These are more valuable.  You have heard it said that there are some things that money can't buy.  Those things are true "riches" and they are priceless. 

Some of these durable riches are relationships.  Who can put a price on them?  Love is another one-- genuine love never fades away, even in the absence of the one who is the object of that love.  Peace is priceless-- there are people who would give a million dollars or all they own just to have peace.  There are those who have the love of many people and more money than they can count, but they are bankrupt of the riches of joy. 

The greatest of all riches is eternal life that comes through faith in Christ Jesus.  This is priceless.  There is not enough money to buy it.  You can't work hard enough to obtain it.  It is available to everyone-- not just the elite and affluent.  This riches of eternal life are free for the asking.  It will take a person from being spiritually bankrupt to spiritually wealthy beyond your wildest dreams. 

Though eternal life is available to all, not everyone will embrace its riches.  They would rather have the temporary material riches.  They would rather exchange the eternal riches for the riches of here and now.  I hope you are not one of those.  You may be rich here and now, but without the durable riches that Jesus gives you, you will lose the most valuable thing you possess-- your soul.

Have a great day.  Are you rich with temporary or eternal wealth?   

For further reading:
"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal."  Matthew 6:19

"For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"  Matthew 16:26

"Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven."  Proverbs 23:5

"Spirit Of An Explorer"

"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:13

Recently I was reminded of something I heard a friend of mine say during a prayer meeting years ago. She prayed that the Lord would give us the "spirit of an explorer".  What she meant was make us the kind of people whose hearts desire to "explore" the Lord and find out all there is to know about Him.  Her words resonated in my spirit.  Yes, make me one who desires to "explore" the Lord. 

The dictionary defines an explorer as one who traverses over an area for the purpose of discovery; a person who investigates unknown regions.  Our God is so vast, there is no way we can even minutely understand and comprehend all there is to know about Him.  His ways and thoughts are so much higher than ours.  He, the Creator, is so far above us the creation.  Yet our hearts should cry out with a desire to "Know" Him more and more.  We should desire to discovery His good, acceptable and perfect will.  We should seek to know His heart in every matter.  We should explore all that He will allow us to know about Himself.

Moses was an "explorer" of God-- He drew near to the Lord desiring to discover what His face looked like.  God granted that he should see his back and hear His voice proclaim who He was.  

Enoch had the "spirit of an explorer" of the Lord.  He sought to know the Lord and discovery Him in greater depths.  Enoch found Him and was translated into His very presence.  

Abraham was also an "explorer" of God and discovered that God is faithful, a covenant maker and covenant keeper.  He discovered the plans of God and was taken into God's confidence

When you seek to know the Lord-- to investigate and discover who He is on a deeper level; to move into "uncharted" territory of His greatness; to go where others stop in order to find out all you can about Him and draw into a closer intimacy with Him-- your "exploration" will be rewarded.  You will find Him.  You will hear His heartbeat like John did.  You will walk with Him as a friend like Enoch did.  You will have confidence with Him like Abraham.  You will see His Glory like Moses.  You will not be disappointed.  Your "exploring" of Him will pay off.  He will let you find Him and discover who He is in greater ways than you have ever seen before.      

Have a great day.  God is so vast.  He is like uncharted territory.  Our heart's desire should be that of an explorer, desiring to discover all we can about Him.  
 

Word For 2026

The Lord reminded me that I have not shared the word He gave me for the New Year with you yet. It’s rather lengthy, but worth reading.

Several days before the New Year, it dawned on me that I needed to seek the Lord for what He wants to say to us, and His plans, for the new year. (You know, every one that is in the ministry always gives a “new year” word.) As soon as that thought hit my mind, He immediately spoke to me. This is the word the Lord gave me for the Year 2026.

He said—He is not going to change! Just because we were entering, have entered, into a new year doesn’t mean that He is going to change with the changing of the calendar. He will be the same as He has always been. He will still be the same as He was in 2025. He is the Lord Who does not change—He’s the same yesterday, today and forever!

Let me expound on what that means:

He will still want people to be saved and not perish.

He will still require faith in Jesus His Only Begotten Son, repentance and a born-again experience for the criteria of salvation.

He will still require us to follow Him as His disciples, sheep and little children.

He will still command His followers to: take up their cross, deny themselves, surrender to His will, live the crucified life, present themselves as living sacrifices, and live in a manner that brings Him glory and honor.

He will still want to empower us with His Holy Spirit.

He wants us to bear the Fruit of the Spirit, manifest the gifts of the Spirit, walk in the Spirit, and be doers of the Word and not hearers only.

His desire will not change—He still desires and longs for us to seek Him, draw near to Him, know Him personally, have an intimate relationship with Him, and love Him with all our heart, soul, strength and mind.

It will still please Him to give us the Kingdom, show us great and mighty things that we don’t know, and to reveal His power, His love, His compassion and strength to us and through us.

He will still punish sin and chasten those He loves.

In this New Year, He won’t change Who He is OR What He does!!! Because of this, we can have peace and assurance, therefore, we can follow Him, surrender our lives to Him and trust Him with our lives. We can trust that He will lead us in the right way and He will never leave us or forsake us.

His power, love, compassion, wisdom, grace, mercy, strength, goodness and faithfulness won’t change.

He will continue to lead us, fight our battles for us, provide for us, heal us, deliver us, strengthen us, walk with us, sustain us, and carry us when we are weak.  He’ll be with us in the storm, fiery furnace, lion’s den, pit and when we stand before giants. He will be our keeper, helper, on our side and rebuke the devourer for our sake.

He’ll continue being the Miracle Worker—Parting seas for safe passage, sending water from the rock and manna from heaven, putting money in the mouth of a fish, opening blind eyes, healing deaf ears, casting out devils, revealing His strong right arm, and causing the sun to stand still—whatever we need, if it takes a miracle, His miracle working power will still be available.

And above all--- He will still be GOD!!! He won’t get old, feeble or weak. He won’t be impaired with physical limitations; He will not abdicate the throne- no one will push Him off the throne or take His place. Every knee will bow to Him, every tongue will confess that HE is THE LORD Who is worthy of all praise, all glory and all honor!

This word should cause two things:

1)    It should bring repentance because He will continue to be a Holy, Righteous God Who is also Judge and will judge sin. His mind hasn’t changed about that—if He says it is sin and sin will be punished, then you can count on it! He isn’t playing around with this—society, world view, opinions and culture may change, but He doesn’t. He is to be reverenced, feared and obeyed. It is a fearful thing to stand before God with sin in your life. It is going to be a fearful thing to stand before Him having your own righteousness instead of standing in the righteousness of Christ Jesus which comes through faith in what Jesus did at the cross to take away our sins so we could stand innocent without guilt before the Throne of God on Judgement Day.  By the way—He hasn’t changed concerning His return. He said He is coming back—He’s coming back, His return is getting closer every day.  Are you ready?

2)  It should also give you comfort, hope, peace and assurance. He’ll do what He said He would do and He’ll remain Who He says He is—He won’t change. How comforting that He will remain the same in this ever-changing world. He is the solid rock which you can build your life upon and not worry, fret or be concerned that it will move.

May God bless you this new year. Never forget, when life happens around you, when things change, when the tide in society turns, when everything feels like sinking sand…. The Lord will not change, you can count on Him to remain the same as He has always been!!!

 

"Counting Your Failures"

"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."  Romans 8:1

You may be familiar with an old hymn entitled, "Count Your Blessings".  It says to count your many blessings and see what God has done.  Sadly, instead of counting their blessings and all the wonderful things that God has done for them, some people count their mistakes and failures.  They spend time rehearsing and rehashing all the things they have done wrong, all the times they have failed and all the things that they should have done differently. 

None of us have always done everything right-- even since we have been a Christian.  I know I haven't.  I have made so many mistakes.  I have failed in many areas of my life.  I didn't always do everything right when it came to raising my daughter-- I failed in so many ways.  I haven't always been a perfect wife-- I have made numerous mistakes.  I haven't been a "perfect" Christian every day.  I have had times when I should have said and done things differently.  I have had my "should of, could of, would of" times.  There have been times when I let others down-- including family and friends.  I have many regrets in my life concerning things I did and things I didn't do.  We all have.

When you stop and think about the mistakes you have made, it is easy for regret to overwhelm you.  It is an open door for the enemy to heap condemnation on you.  It can bring remorse and distress to your heart.  It leads you down a path of self-pity.  It tries to put you in a state of depression.  None of us can change the past or rarely ever be able to correct the wrongs we have done.  We can't travel back in time and do it over again.  We can't go back and do it differently-- no matter how much we wish we could.  But what we can do is lean upon God's continual grace.  His grace brings forgiveness and healing for all our many mistakes and failures.  It washes away the guilt, remorse and condemnation. 

Perhaps you are one who keeps counting your failures by remembering what you did or didn't do.  You have to stop.  You have to capture those thoughts and cast them down.  Don't entertain them.  Don't give them a "breeding" ground.  Don't give place to them.  We can't change the past, but dwelling on past mistakes can change us.  They can steal our joy, our peace and the abundant life God desires to give us. 

Have a great day.  Stop counting your failures and mistakes.       

"Draw The Lord Near"

"Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near".  Isaiah 55:6 

"Seek the Lord.... while He is near".  Does that mean that there is a time when He is not near?  The verse leaves you with the impression that there may be a time when we have a need that the Lord may not be near so we can ask Him to meet the need.  It leaves you "wondering" if or when He will come near so you can ask Him.  It is more of a "hope" than an "assurance".  It is the same "hope" that those who were at the Pool of Bethesda had.  They hoped that the angel would come down and stir up the waters so they could get healed-- but they had no assurance that he would.

We don't have to live in "hope" and "wonder" concerning whether the Lord is near or not so we can make our petitions to Him.  We have been given a "formula", if you will, that assures His nearness.  It is called-- "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you". (James 4:8a) When we make the step to draw near to Him, He in turn draws near to us.  When He draws near to us, we can ask Him our request. 

There is also another "formula".  "But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel." (Psalm 22:3) It is praise!  If you want to assure the "nearness" of the presence of God, then praise Him.  He dwells in our praises. 

How awesome it is that the Lord draws near to us at all-- that's grace.  But He has also given us the assurance of His nearness by letting us know what "conditions" will cause Him to draw near.  We can set an atmosphere that literally, according to His Word, brings Him near.  It is when we draw near to Him and when we praise His holy name.

Have a great day.  We don't have to hope the Lord is near when we need Him, we can know because He tells us what to do to ensure His presence is near.  

"Gifts Come In Disguise"

"Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven."  Matthew 6:10

God's will, plan and blessings for our lives don't always come wrapped up in beautiful packages.  God's plan for Joseph came in the form of a pit, slavery and prison.  God's plan for the widow and her son came wrapped up in a prophet who wanted her to bake him a cake with her last bit of meal.  The beginning of the fulfillment of man's redemption came wrapped in swaddling clothes and was laid in a manger.  The fulfillment of God's plan of redemption came in the form of a beaten, bloody Messiah left to die on an old, rugged cross. 

If you are looking for God's plan, His will and His blessings to come into your life through a neat, nice source, it may not happen.  They often come in a disguise.  They often come in either a plainly wrapped package or one that looks like suffering or a curse.  Remember, Christ came riding on a donkey, not a noble steed.  We expect a knight in shining armor to be the bearer of our blessings.  We expect it to come in the form of an unexpected check in the mail.  We expect it to come in a comfortable way or through an angelic visitation.  But more times than not, it will come in sackcloth and ashes.  It will come through a trial, a problem or an unpleasant situation. 

We want God's will, His plan and His blessings.  But the way He chooses to send it is up to Him.  We must not have a preconceived idea of "how" He will send it because if it comes another way, we might despise it or reject it, and, therefore, miss it.

Have a great day.  God's gifts don't always come in nice, neat packages.  They often come in disguise. 

"Stop, Drop and Pray"

"Pray without ceasing".  1 Thessalonians 5:17 

When we were growing up, we learned a very important instruction should we ever catch on fire.  It was three simple words to remember.  "Stop, drop and roll".   We were taught to do this instead of running.  Running would only cause the flames to become worse.  But applying this simple procedure would help extinguish the fire. 

 

Throughout the day I find myself facing "fires"-- problems that need to be solved; issues that need to be settled; questions that need answers; and so on.  When these "fires" come, we should not "run"-- we should not continue to proceed any further.  We should "stop" what we are doing.  We should "drop" to our knees.  We should "pray" to God and ask for His help and guidance in the matter.  "Running"-- proceeding on, doing nothing about them-- will only make it worse.  They need to be "extinguished".  Applying this simply instruction will do it. 

 

Have a great day.  When you are facing the "fires" of life, don't continue any further.  Stop, drop and pray and they will be "extinguished".

 

For further reading:

"...ye have not, because ye ask not".  James 4:2b

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you".  Matthew 7:7

"Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice".  Psalm 55:17

"A Safe Place"

"The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the Lord."  Proverbs 21:31

People are becoming anxious and even fearful concerning the events that are taking place throughout the world.  Evil people are infiltrating every nation and raining down terror, destruction and death.  Is there anyone who is safe from the onslaught of the enemy?  There seems to be no place to hide.  Is there a safe place anywhere?  The answer is, "yes", there is.

The safe place is not found in a geographical location.  This safe place is also a secret place.  The safe place is a person-- Jesus Christ.  He has provided a safe place for those who have, and those who will, put their faith and trust in Him.  We are safe when we abide in Him. "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust." (Psalm 91:1,2)

Dwelling in Christ Jesus doesn't necessarily mean that we are safe physically and protected from bodily harm.  It means that none of the weapons that the enemy forms against us will prosper.  Why?  Because they won't be able to find us-- we are dwelling in a safe place.  What it means is that the weapon of fear that the enemy uses against us won't be able to find us and destroy us-- because in that safe place there is peace.  The weapon of doubt won't be able to find us and destroy us-- because in that safe place we have faith.  The weapons of confusion or anxiety won't be able to find us and destroy us-- because we have a sound mind that comes from dwelling in that place. 

If you are going to be safe from the enemies who attack physically and spiritually, you are going to have to get to a safe place.  You are going to have to get to Jesus.  He offers that place of safety to all who desire to enter into it.  

Have a great day.  There is only one safe place where we are protected from the weapons of the enemy-- Jesus Christ. 

Read these verses when you are feeling afraid and anxious: 

"Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah."  (Psalm 32:7) 

"Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word."  (Psalm 119:114)

"The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence."  (2 Samuel 22:3)

"For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy."  (Psalm 61:3)

"The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe."  (Proverbs 18:10)

"No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord." (Isaiah 54:17)

"Fumes Or Full?"

"Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.  And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out."  Matthew 25:7,8

All morning a thought has been stirring in my heart.  Our "lamps" can either be full of oil, empty, or partially full.  Many of you who are reading this are "running on fumes".  Your lamps aren't empty, but they barely have any "oil" in them.  How does that happen?  What causes our lamps to run low or out of oil? 

Neglect-- the foolish virgins neglected the oil in their lamps.  Lack of attention-- they fell asleep thereby not noticing what was taking place with their lamps; they didn't pay attention to their lamps.  Distractions-- allowing the cares of this life to cause you to lose focus on your lamps and get it on something else.  Assumption-- assuming you have enough and don't need extra.  

Don't neglect your spiritual life.  Don't neglect those things that will keep your "lamps full of oil".  Don't neglect your fellowship and prayer time with the Lord.  Don't neglect filling yourself up with God's Word.  Don't neglect your praise time.  Don't neglect your communion with the Holy Spirit.  Keep your heart and mind fixed and stayed on the Lord.  All these keep your "lamps full".  So, pay attention, don't fall asleep, don't neglect your lamps. 

Have a great day.  Is your lamp full of oil?  Or are you running on fumes?  

"Are You Going For Others?"

"I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord."  Psalm 122:1

On Sunday many people go to church, but my question to you if you attend is, "why?".  Why do you go to church?  Do you go out of habit?  Or because of some religious duty?  Do you go to socialize?  Do you go because it is a place you feel acceptance?  Do you go to be seen of others?  Do you go because you think it will make you look "bad" if you don't or look "good" if you do?  Do you go because it is a good way to get customers for a business you own?  Do you go because you have nothing else to do?  Do you go for someone else?  Just why do you go?

Our reason should be because of our love and devotion to Jesus.  We should want to go to His house because we know that this pleases Him.  We should go because we want to spend time with others worshipping Him.  We should go because this is one more opportunity to meet with Him.  He should be our sole reason for going and our focus once we are there.     

Most people go for the reasons stated in the questions above.  To most it has become more of a social gathering.  For most it is because of the friendships they have made.  It is mostly because they want to see and spend time with each other.  The real reason is left out.  Does this describe you?  Have you placed your reason for going to church in the people or in the Lord Himself?  Go for Him, then the relationships with others will follow. 

Have a great day.  If you attend church, do you do it for someone else only-- to either impress or fellowship with them?  Or do you attend because of your love and devotion to the Lord--- and long to meet with Him?

"Escape Route?"

"...they have forgotten the Lord their God."  Jeremiah 3:21b

Do you have people in your life who only call you when they are in trouble and need your help?  I suppose we all do.  You never hear from them unless they have a problem or want something. 

I was thinking about this in light of our relationship with the Lord.  Sadly, most people do Him the same way.  They don't give Him any thought unless they need HIs help.  They only pray to Him when they are in need.  For some reason they think they can neglect Him and then when they are in trouble "throw up" some sort of SOS and He will come to their rescue.  To them all He really is is a "way of escape" from their problem. 

The children of Israel did this numerous times.  When things were well, they forgot God.  But when things were going badly for them, they would turn to Him.  Many times, because of His tender mercies, He would answer their cry for help.  With those who call upon Him only when they need help, many times He will come through for them too, but only because of His own nature of love and mercy.

God doesn't desire to be an "escape route".  He desires a relationship with you.  He doesn't want to only hear from you when you have a need.  He wants to have fellowship and communion with you every day-- in the good times and the bad times.  He doesn't want you to neglect Him until you need His help.  He wants to be actively involved in your life all the time.  So, which type of person are you?  One who has a relationship with Him?  Or one who just goes to Him when you have a problem?  One has a relationship with Him, but the other doesn't.     

Have a great day.  Do you have a relationship with the Lord?  Or is He nothing more than an "escape route" to get you out trouble? 

"Proper Attire"

"And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:  And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless."  Matthew 22:11,12

I grew up being taught that you always wear the appropriate clothes to fit the occasion or place.  For example, you don't wear your pajamas to work.  You wear your "Sunday best" to church.  You wear black to a funeral.  You don't wear shorts and a t-shirt to a job interview.  You don't wear white to a wedding.  Now days, it seems like anything goes.  

The way we dress, no matter where we are, may seem acceptable here and now, but one day we will be invited to a wedding and what we wear will matter.  We are all given an invitation to come to a wedding given by the King of the Universe, but the condition to whether you will be accepted as a guest or not is determined by what you are wearing.  You will have to have on the proper attire. 

You won't be able to show up dressed any way you want.  You won't be able to come dressed in "fig leaves"-- your own ability to cover your sins.  You won't be able to come dressed in dirty garments-- your own filthy righteousness.  You won't be able to come dressed in the same thing that you wore in the pig pen -- your rebellious attitude toward God.  You won't be able to come dressed in anything that has been spotted by the world.  You won't be able to come dressed in your own religious deeds, your good works or your own goodness.  You will have to be dressed in the proper garment.

What is that garment?  It is the righteousness of Christ.  You have to be "clothed in Christ".  It is the righteousness of the Son that the Father is looking for.  There is only one way to get that garment.  You can't purchase it with money, with talent, with religious acts, by church attendance, or water baptism, by joining the church or by cleaning up your act.  Actually, it can't be purchased at all.  It is given to you freely as a gift.  You receive it by faith.  Faith in the provision of God to forgive your sins that came through Jesus' death on the cross. Do you have that garment?     

Have a great day.  If you are going to get into the Wedding, you have to have on the proper attire. 

For further reading:
Matthew 22