"Buttered- Up"

"A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin".  Proverbs 26:28

This word won't apply to everyone this morning specifically, but it is something we all need to know and can learn from.  The specific word for someone who is reading this is--- you are being "buttered-up".  Someone is trying to get on your good side.  They are trying to get close to you.  They are trying to gain your trust and confidence, but they have an ulterior motive behind it.  They are not what they appear, and things are not as they are trying to make them appear.  In short, they are manipulating you into believing a lie so you will come over to their side and do what they want you to do.    

Flattering lips, what we call "buttering-up" is a tool of manipulation.  Not every good thing that someone says to us and about us is a form of manipulation-- some are sincere.  It is what lies behind the words.  It is about what they want and can gain from it.  It is the motive of their heart behind what they are saying and doing that constitutes the difference.     

The serpent in the garden said "flattering" words to Eve.  He told her what she wanted to hear.  He appealed to the desire of her heart.  But his motive was not to "help" Eve or give her something that would make her "happy" and "fulfilled".  It was to advance his own agenda.  He wanted the place of God.  He wanted what God had given Adam and Eve.  It wasn't about "her".  It was about "him".  His own greedy, selfish and evil desire. 

So, for all of us.  We must guard against being "butter-up".  We must guard against listening to flattering words.  We must ask the Holy Spirit to help us be discerning so that we will know the difference between flattery and sincerity.  If we will, we won't believe the lies and fall for the deception and manipulation like Eve did.  In the end it didn't benefit her, it was her ruin.

Have a great day.  Beware when people start "buttering" you up.

"Don't Forgive"

"For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:  But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses".  Matthew 6:14,15

There are many who are reading this that have unforgiveness in your heart against someone else.  You just won't let it go.  There are many reason why people hold on to unforgiveness.  The reasons are endless.  Someone abused you or misused you.  Somebody took advantage of you or your generosity.  Someone you confided in let you down.  Someone who was supposed to be there for you wasn't.  Someone you loved betrayed you.  The list goes on.

If truth be known, while we are holding on to unforgiveness toward someone else, we may not be guiltless ourselves.  We have all said and done things to hurt someone else.  We have all been an instrument at some point in time that caused hurt, pain or heartache to someone else.  Therefore, we should get the "log out of our own eye" when it comes to not wanting to forgive someone else.

The bottom line concerning unforgiveness is this-- you may have a legitimate reason for feeling the way you do.  Whoever you are holding unforgiveness against may actually be guilty.  Whoever it is may not deserve your forgiveness.  But that is all besides the point.  The point is:  you and I need forgiveness-- the forgiveness of God.  We need Him to forgive our trespasses.  If He does not we are eternally lost.  Unforgiveness is not a luxury nor an option.  It is a must if we are going to be forgiven by the Heavenly Father.  If God's forgiveness means nothing to you, then go ahead and continue to walk in unforgiveness because He won't give it to you if you do.

Have a great day.  If you don't forgive others, the Lord will not forgive you.        
 

"The Lord Of The Work"

"And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:  But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her".  Luke 10:41.42 

Let me preface what I am about to say with this-- the work of the Lord is important, we should not be negligent of it, we should take our responsibility to do what He has called us to do serious.  But having said all that, our relationship with the Lord we are working for is more important than doing the work. 

 

The Pharisees did the work but had no relationship with the Lord.  Jesus made it clear to them that just because they did all these "works" did not mean that He knew them and that He would not say "depart" to them on the day of judgment. (Matthew 7)

 

Remember the story of Martha and Mary?  Martha was busy serving/working for the Lord, but Mary was "busy" with the relationship with Him--- sitting at His feet listening to Him, fellowshipping with Him, loving on Him.  Jesus said that she had chosen the "good part".

 

I just need to remind you, and myself, this morning that spending time with Jesus, loving on Him, communing with Him, listening to Him, coming into His presence is more important than all the work we do for Him-- especially if all we do is work but neglect the relationship.

 

Have a great day.  Your relationship with the Lord of the work is more important than doing the work of the Lord.  If you have to choose between the two-- always choose the relationship.    

 

"I Can't Make It"

"Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust". 2 Peter 1:4

Do you ever get so physically tired that you just don't think you can make it out of bed?  You just don't think you have the strength or energy to get up?  That was how my morning started-- it was hard to get out of bed.  That's such a simple thing but it often seems major.  But what about situations in life that really are major and make you say, "I just don't think I can make it"?

Perhaps you are dealing with a rebellious or wayward child, and you don't think you are going to make it.  Perhaps grief is surrounding you and you don't think you are going to make it.  Maybe you are dealing with a disease or illness that keeps holding you back and you don't think you are going to make it.  Perhaps you are a caregiver to a spouse, a parent, a child or someone else and you are so exhausted that you don't think you are going to make it.  You might be on a job that is demanding more out of you than you have to give and you don't think you are going to make it.  Or you might be weighed down with financial debt, and you don't think you are going to make it.  Perhaps you are dealing with some situation other than what I have named, and you just don't think you are going to make it through it.  It seems more than you can handle or bear.  If so, I have good news for you.  There is hope.  It is found in the promises of God.

The Lord promised to give us strength in weakness.  Provision in lack.  Joy for mourning.  Praise for heaviness.  Help in trouble.  Guidance in darkness.  Peace in confusion.  His presence in loneliness.  Comfort in sorrow.  A word of wisdom when you don't know what to do.  Grace for everything else.  His promises are for you.  Stand upon them. Hide them in your heart.  Take hold of them.  He has made you a promise that you will make it if you grab hold to Him and HIs promises. 

Have a great day.  When you don't think you can make it, God's promises say you can make it through Him.  

"The Report"

"While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master.  But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole".  Luke 8:49,50

Jesus was on His way to Jairus's house because his daughter was very ill and He was going to heal her.  On the way Jairus received word that his daughter had died.  Upon hearing that report Jesus spoke another word to Jairus-- "Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole".

At that point Jairus had to make a choice, either believe the report of the messenger or the report of Jesus.  One was devastating, the other gave hope.  One was from a man, the other was from the Son of God.  One was based on sight, the other was based on faith.  Jairus chose to believe Jesus and his daughter was brought back to life. 

Life is full of "reports".  The question is, "Which ones will you believe?".  Had Jesus not spoken to Jairus, he would have believed the report of the man, and he should have because that was the only report he had.  But now he had two to choose from.  If the Lord has truly spoken to you about a situation then you too have a choice to make.  Will you believe the report of the situation or the report of the Lord?  Will you believe what the situation is saying to you or what the Lord is saying to you?  I am not talking about believing in "hope-so" (you hope this is the will of the Lord).  I am not talking about assumption (assuming this is the will of the Lord).  I am not talking about just pulling out a scripture that fits and standing on it (thinking God will back it up).  I am talking about truly hearing from the Lord like Jairus did.  When you do, then you must make a choice as to which one you will believe.

Have a great day.  Who's report will you believe? 

"Fixing The Fixer"

"And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you".  1 Thessalonians 4:11

 When the Lord laid this scripture on my heart to share this morning, I knew it was for me if for no one else.  It is not always easy to do-- be quiet, tend to your own business, do your own work-- especially when you are a "fixer". 

When you see things that are wrong, when you have a "better" way of doing it, when you have gone through it yourself, when you are more versed on what the scriptures say about it, when you have a heart to help, when you want to make it easier for other people, when you can see the situation more clearly, you can't help but want to say something or do something to remedy it-- it is hard not to do it.

This word this morning is two-fold:  First, it is an instruction.  Stop giving your opinion and telling others what to do unless they ask for the help or advice-- keep your mouth off of it.  Tend to, and mind, your own business unless they want you involved-- or the Holy Spirit prompts you to do something-- keep your nose out of it. 

Second, this is a freeing message.  The Lord wants to free you from thinking you always have to "do something".  It is freeing to know that I don't have to right every wrong, correct every mistake, instruct every move, point out every fault and always be pointing to the right direction.  It is freeing to know it is not my place to live someone else's life for them.  I am not responsible for them or their decisions.  I am responsible for me-- to do my own work and take care of my own business.  When I do that, I will be more productive in the things that the Lord has called me to do. 

Am I saying there is never a time to help counsel or be involved? No, but not if it isn't wanted.  And not if I think I can make it or the person different.  That isn't my business, it's God's.  Sometimes we are trying to do something that only God can do and in doing so we take it out of His hands.  It is His place to fix it and not mine.  I can promise you, it is better to leave it in His hands and let Him do what needs to be done--- in my own life and the life of someone else.

Have a great day.  You don't always have to be fixing something or someone.
 

"Your Tomorrow And Today"

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

Your tomorrows are not hid from God.  Yesterday He saw your tomorrow which has now become today.  He sees past time and distance.  He sees the future before it becomes the present and then the past. 

Since He sees all-- even what is not yet-- He can make provision for what lies ahead and have it waiting for you when it arrives.  He did that where our salvation is concerned.  He saw into the future that Adam would disobey Him and eat of the tree that He had commanded him not to eat of.  He saw the sin that would come as a result.  He saw our separation from Him because of the sin.  He saw all this before He even laid the foundation of the world.  He saw it before He ever said, "Let there be light".  Because He saw it before it happened, He made a provision for it.  He predetermined to give His One and Only Son Jesus as a sacrifice for our sins.

Since He sees all, when He created the world, He waited and created man on the last day.  On the first five days He created everything that mankind would need to be able to live, then He made man. 

The Lord has not changed.  He is still seeing ahead.  He is still making provision for us.  He saw yesterday, last week, last month, last year, even before you were born, what you would need today, and He has already made the provision for it.  So, whatever you need today, whether it is of a spiritual, financial, physical, mental or relational nature, He already has it waiting for you.  So don't be anxious.  Don't be fearful.  Don't be confused.  Don't be discouraged.  He already saw it and has already provided for it.

Have a great day.  God sees all your tomorrows before they become today and has made provision for every one of them.

Scripture reference:
Revelation 13:8
Genesis 1

"Imperfect Person"

"But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty".  1 Corinthians 1:17

When you are listening to some ministers, do you ever wonder how they can hear the Lord so clearly about certain subjects, be so anointed, have amazing Bible knowledge, speak with great authority and are used mightily by the Lord yet they "miss it" in some areas.  In those areas they seem to lack any understanding or discernment.  How is it that they can be so right in some ways and so wrong in others and the Lord still use them?  It is because the Lord doesn't use "perfect" vessels. He doesn't use "perfect" people to do His work.  He doesn't use "perfect" people to speak through.   

The Bible tells us that the Lord uses "weak and foolish" things.  When we come into a relationship with Him, we don't automatically become perfect.  We start a process.  We start a process of growth and transformation.  It begins at the moment of the new birth and continues on throughout the rest of our lives. 

The Lord sees our hearts.  He sees our desire for Him.  He sees our availability.  Therefore, He begins at that point to use us.  He doesn't wait until we become perfect or even fully mature.  (If He did, He would find no one to do His work.)  He uses us just as we are and in the meantime, He keeps working on us to "perfect what concerns us". 

Being weak and foolish doesn't exempt us from being used by the Lord.  Being imperfect doesn't exempt us.  Being frail and human doesn't exempt us.  The fact that we don't know everything and haven't "arrived" doesn't exempt us.  He uses our willingness and through it shows His exceeding great glory.  It is through our imperfection that the excellency of His power is seen--- not us.

Have a great day.  The Lord doesn't wait for us to become perfect before He uses us in His work.  He still uses us in our imperfect state.  

Scripture reference:
2 Corinthians 4:7
Psalm 138:8

"Get Strength"

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might".  Ephesians 6:10

We all experience times of weakness in life-- weakness in body, weakness of character, mental weakness, weakness when it comes to temptations.  But in those weaknesses, there is a strength that we can possess.  It is the strength of the Lord.  His strength is available to us all the time.

We don't have to give in to our weaknesses.  They don't have to control us.  They don't have to dominate our behavior.  They don't have to force us into doing the wrong things.  Sometimes we use the excuse that our spirit is willing, but our flesh is weak to do the things that are more convenient at the moment.  But standing in the strength of the Lord is just as "easy" and it is more powerful. 

Are you facing some sort of weakness in your life?  Are you just plain tired?  Tired of living?  Tired of always having to be strong?  Tired of giving into temptation or a besetting sin?  Are you tired and ready to "throw in the towel"?  Don't give up.  The Lord's gift of strength has your name on it.  Just call out to Him.  Ask Him for His strength.  Go to Him.  Don't try everything else and then go to Him.  Go to Him now and tell Him you are weak.  Tell Him the whole story.  Then ask Him to empower you with His strength that is made perfect in your weakness.  He will not withhold it from you.  He will strengthen you in every area of weakness.  He will endue you with His power.  You will be able to go forth.  Through His strength you can do what seems impossible.  Through His strength you can stand strong.  Through His strength you can run through a troop and leap over a wall.  Just go to Him or you will remain weak.

Have a great day.  Do you need strength?  Are you feeling weak?  The Lord has your strength.   

"It Belongs To Him"

"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it".  Malachi 3:10

I rarely talk about money but today I feel the need to.  The Bible says a lot about money and our finances.  It tells us many things like the love of money is the root of all evil.  It tells us how we are to use money.  It also tells us that any money we have does not really belong to us.  It belongs to the Lord and He so graciously gives it to us to meet our needs.

When Jesus was asked about paying taxes to Caesar, His reply was that we are to give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.  The coin that was held up for Jesus to see had Caesar's image on it, therefore give it to him.  Jesus was speaking on a spiritual level about the things that we should give to God-- love, obedience, ourselves, etc.

Let's look at His words again.  "Give to God what belongs to God".  If all the gold in the hills, all the silver in the mines and all the money in the banks belong to God then we should be giving to Him what belongs to Him.  In short, we should be giving "our" monies back to Him-- since it belongs to Him anyway.  But He does make a requirement-- bring Him the tithes and offerings.

Some of you are struggling financially.  Some of the reason you are is because you have been an "unwise" steward of the money you have.  You have spent, spent, spent like it would last forever now it hasn't.  I know people who make a good living but as soon as they get their pay check, they spend it on things that want.  In a day or two they have no money and they are crying and stressing because the bills have to be paid.  They are reaping the consequences of not managing it better.  They misplaced their priority. 

Back to giving God what is God's.  I feel the need to talk about this because some of you aren't being wasteful, but it just isn't going far enough to take care of all your needs.  May I ask you?  Are you giving to God what is God's?  Are you obeying His command to bring your tithe to Him?  Are you neglecting the tithes and offerings?  Are you holding on to that little bit and expecting it to help you?  If so, may I suggest that you start giving God what belongs to Him.  Start obeying His word about the tithe.  When you do, He will honor and bless you because you are honoring Him and His word.

Have a great day.  All the money you have belongs to the Lord.  Are you honoring Him by giving Him what is His?

References:
Mark 12:16,17
Haggai 2:8

"Real Faith"

"And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise".  Hebrews 11:39

Faith is not just believing God for some answer to prayer.  It isn't just holding on to a word pertaining to something that you are desiring or He has promised.  There is another side to faith.  Faith is serving God even when He doesn't deliver you from your circumstance.

Daniel may have been delivered from the lion's den, but we often forget he was still a captive in Babylon.  He wasn't delivered from Babylon and restored to his own country, but he still served the Lord faithfully.  Joseph was delivered from the pit and the prison but not Egypt, yet he continued to serve the Lord where he was.  Paul wasn't delivered from prison, but he still served the Lord by witnessing to the guards who were stationed to watch him.  And he wrote most of the New Testament while in prison-- he continued to serve the Lord. 

Real faith is revealed when the Lord doesn't do what we want Him to do yet we refuse to give up, turn back, turn around, leave, throw in the towel or turn from following Him.  Real faith continues to serve the Lord even when He doesn't give us the deliverance we have prayed for.  Or when nothing changes but everything stays the same. 

Daniel died in Babylon.  Joseph died in Egypt.  Paul was taken from prison only to be put to death.  Yet, these men had great faith.  Why?  Because they kept their trust and relationship with the Lord even when He didn't do what they would have rather Him do.  Do you have real faith?  Will you continue to serve the Lord even if He doesn't deliver you or set you free?  Even if you still have to go through your trial?  Even if you stand in the midst of tribulation?  Even if He leaves you where you are?  That is real faith.

Have a great day.  Real faith continues to serve the Lord even when He doesn't answer or deliver you in the way you want Him to. 

For further reading:
Hebrews 11

"Wasting This Day"

"Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof".  Matthew 6:34

I am one of those people who scrape the bowl and lick the beaters when I bake a cake.  I will put a little water in the bottom of a shampoo bottle to get all of it out.  I try not to leave any residue of anything in a container (if I can help it) whether it is makeup, mustard or perfume.  I like to "squeeze all the goody" out of it.  I want to get every last drop of it. 

We need to be like that with our days.  Get all that we can out of them.  Not leave one hour, minute or second behind without using it to the fullest and enjoying every "drop" of it.  But that won't happen as long as we are constantly thinking about tomorrow.  We talk a lot about how our past can rob from our present by thinking about it so much,  but our tomorrow can rob from our today if we are focused on it.  If we are so busy thinking about tomorrow, we will miss what there is for us today.  God has blessed us with today.  Tomorrow may never come.

Most people spend their time worrying about tomorrow before it even gets here.  Others spend today thinking about what they want to do or plan to do tomorrow and it hasn't arrived yet, in addition tomorrow is subject to chance before it does get here.

Live today.  Enjoy today.  Take advantage of today.  Use today wisely.  Glorify God today.  Fulfill His plan and will for you today.  Spend every last second of today on today, don't waste any one-- they are all precious and valuable.  Squeeze all of the goody out of today.  As for tomorrow, enjoy it when it gets here.  Don't worry about it today and let it rob from today.

Have a great day.  Don't rob from today by thinking about tomorrow.  Enjoy every last "drop" of today.

"A Victim"

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour".  1 Peter 5:8

We have an adversary-- one who is out to steal, kill and destroy us.  Often, we are confused about who the real enemy is.  We think it is some person.  We think it is an individual who is out to get us, who wants to do us harm, who hates us, and so on.  But the real enemy is not flesh and blood.  The real enemy may use flesh and blood, he may use a person, even one who is close to you, but they are only a vessel that is being used. 

The Bible makes it very plain, and clear, that our adversary is the devil-- "your adversary the devil".  He was the enemy of mankind from the very beginning.  He was the one who tempted and deceived Eve in the garden.  He hated mankind.  He was jealous of what God had given to mankind.  He was out to get back at God, so he went after God's heart-- mankind.  He used a serpent back then.  He hasn't changed.  What he was at the beginning, he still is today-- the enemy of mankind who is out to "get us".   

He is still seeking to destroy us today.  He still goes around-- disguised as flesh and blood-- seeking who he may devour.  He looks for those he can cause to be offended.  He seeks those he can deceive.  He looks for those he can persuade to do his "dirty work".  He looks for those who will believe his lies and follow through with his plans.

Since the devil is on the prowl be sure that you don't wind up his victim.  There is more than one way to be his victim-- a victim who is destroyed by him.  You can be his victim by allowing him to use you as a vessel/instrument to do his dirty work.  You can be his victim by believing that some person is your enemy when it is really him that you are wrestling against.

Have a great day.  We have a real enemy who is out to destroy us.  Don't become his victim. 

Scripture references:
John 8:44,10:10
Ephesians 6:11,12
Genesis 3:1-7

"Wrong Prayer? - Part 2"

"For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me".  2 Corinthians 12:8

Yesterday we talked about praying the wrong prayer.  The Israelites had rebelled against the Lord God and were worshipping idols.  He told them to repent and turn back to Him.  They would not.  When judgment came because of their sin and they were attacked by the Babylonians and taken into exile, they cried out to the Lord.  Only their prayer was one for deliverance, not repentance.  They prayed the wrong prayer.

I bring this up again this morning because when we are going through hard situations, we want deliverance.  We don't want to go through the tribulation.  We don't want to face the battles.  We want to get out of them instead.  Yesterday we said that when things don't change it could be because we are praying the wrong prayer.  Instead of praying for deliverance the Israelites should have been repenting. 

When we go through hard times, prayers of deliverance are not always the prayer we should be praying.  Sometimes it's a prayer of repentance we should pray-- like the Israelites.  Sometimes it's a prayer of help to submit to whatever direction the will of God may be taking us-- like Joseph.  Sometimes the prayer should be that the Lord would use the situation to change you-- tribulation worketh patience.  Sometimes it's the prayer for the will of the Lord to be done-- like Jesus in the garden.  The point is-- don't only pray prayers of deliverance.  There may be other things the Lord wants to work out in your life through it.  Pray to know what it is-- like Paul. 

Have a great day.  There are more prayers than the prayer of deliverance that we should be praying. 

"Wrong Prayer?"

"Therefore it is come to pass, that as he cried, and they would not hear; so they cried, and I would not hear, saith the Lord of hosts."  Zechariah 7:13

Jerusalem was being besieged by the Babylonians.  They were being taken captive and were experiencing the judgment of God.  They had sinned against God.  They had not kept His commandments.  They were worshipping false gods, not Him.  They forsook, rejected and rebelled against the God of Israel.  For years He had dealt with them to repent and turn back to Him.  He sent prophets to tell them to repent but they would not.  Finally, the Lord turned them over to judgment at the hand of Nebuchadnezzar.   

It was at that point, when there was no escape, when defeat and exile was imminent, when the enemy was triumphing that they began to cry out to the Lord.  They cried out to the Lord to "behold their affliction".  They cried out for God's help to defeat the enemy.  They prayed that He would deliver them from their enemy and that He would fight on their behalf.  But He did not.  Why?  It was too late.  Their rejection of God had reached the point of judgment.  I also submit to you that it was also because they prayed the wrong prayer. Their pray was not one of repentance.  It was one of deliverance. 

Their sin against God was what had put them in the path of judgment.  It was not the cry for help and deliverance that would save them, but the cry of repentance for their sin against God that would have.

When we are in trouble, when we are under attack, we often do the same thing they did-- we pray for deliverance.  We don't want to go through the hard time.  We want "out".  So we call out to the Lord for help.  Maybe we are praying the wrong prayer. 

There are times when the enemy attacks and we should pray for the Lord's help and deliverance.  But there are times when our prayer should be a prayer of repentance.  Maybe a sin we have committed is what opened the door to the attack of the enemy?  When you are facing difficulties and are tempted to pray a prayer of escape, perhaps you should seek the Lord and find out what is the appropriate prayer to pray in that situation.

Have a great day.  What prayer should we be praying?

"Led By Pride"

"And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence".  Exodus 33:15

I woke up with another song on my heart this morning.  The chorus says, "I can't even walk without You holding my hand.  The mountain's too high and the valley's too wide".  I can't even walk without the Lord's help.  But how often do we act like little children who insist that they "can do it"?   They don't want the help, or need the help, because they can do it by themselves when in reality, they can't.

The reality of life is that we can't do it by ourselves either.  We can't do it on our own.  We can't do life without the Lord.  We can't save ourselves.  We can't supply our own oxygen.  We can't put blood in our veins.  We can't direct our own steps.  We don't know what is best for us.  We don't have strength, wisdom or peace without and apart from the Lord.  That is why the Bible says-- "In Him we live and move and have our being".

To think we can make it on our own apart from the Lord is pride.  Have you ever wondered why your attempts at something failed?  Perhaps it was because you thought you could do it on your own.  Perhaps you thought that it was something you could handle by yourself and didn't need to ask God for help or direction.  This happened to the Israelites at the city of Ai.  They didn't consult the Lord about what they should do because they had just defeated in battle the large walled city of Jericho, and Ai was a small town.  When they attacked Ai, they were beaten and had to run for their lives.  Their pride lead them-- not the Lord.  Therefore, they were defeated.  Pride goes before destruction.  If you are trying to handle things in your own strength and understanding; if you don't think you need the Lord's help; if you are being defeated; perhaps it is pride that is bringing you down.  Pride of thinking you can do it without Him.  Start humbling yourself and acknowledge the Lord in all your ways because you can't even walk without Him holding your hand.

Have a great day.  Are your trying to do it on your own?  Do you think you can do it without the Lord?  That is pride.  You can't.  If you let pride lead you it will bring you down. 

Scripture references:
Acts 17:28
Proverbs 16:18
Jeremiah 10:23
Joshua 7,8

"No Way"

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."   John 14:6

You have heard the expression, "The Lord makes a way where there seems to be no way".  There are situations that we face where there seems to be no way that it will work out.  Or there seems to be no way of escape.  There seemed to be no way for the disciples to escape death during the storm, but Jesus made a way by calming the storm.  There seemed to be no way of survival for the three Hebrews in the furnace, but the Lord made a way for them to come out unharmed. 

But when it comes to our salvation the phrase is not-- there seemed to be no way.  The truth is-- there was no way.  When man sinned against God in the garden, there was no way for him to make it right with God.  There was no way for him to be saved from his now sinful state.  There was no way for him to be forgiven and restored to right relationship with God.  There was no way for him to have eternal life.

Man tried to make a way by sewing fig leaves together to cover his nakedness/sin.  Man has tried to make his own way by keeping a set of laws, rules and commandments.  Man has tried to make a way through religious deeds.  He has tried through his own goodness.  He has tried everything, but to no avail.  There was no way! 

There was no way until God sent His Only Begotten Son Jesus into the world to make a way for us.  He became the way through His death on the cross, burial and resurrection.  The question is not whether there only seems to be a way, but "is there a way?"  The answer-- there is a way.  The next question is, "Have you gotten on that way? Have you received the way that was provided for you?".  All the ways you can come up with will never be good enough-- although they may seem to be.  There is only one way--- Jesus.

Have a great day.  There was no way to be saved before Jesus came, and then He made the way.     

"Get Up And 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

Samuel had anointed Saul as the first king of Israel.  Saul disobeyed God and the Lord removed the kingdom from him.  Because of this, Samuel was grieved and mourned for Saul.  The word mourn means to feel deep sorrow, lament and regret. 

Evidently, God thought that Samuel had mourned for Saul long enough and before Samuel became totally consumed with the sorrow and regret, God told him it was time for him to get up and move on. 

I believe the Lord is saying to someone today the same thing He said to Samuel-- "How long?".  How long will you continue to mourn over this situation?  How long are you going to grieve over what is over?  How long will you continue to "beat yourself up about it"?  How long are you going to hold onto regret for the past?  How long are you going to sit there and let it consume you-- your thoughts, your time, your energy, your future, your productivity, your peace and your joy?  How long are you going to let it hinder you from going to the next thing God has for you?  How long are you going to let it hold you back from your destiny?  How long are you going to let it depress you, keep you in anger, steal from you, frustrate you, confuse you and keep you a prisoner?

Basically, God was telling Samuel-- enough is enough, get up and move on, I have more for you to do than sit here mourning over the past and what has already been done.  It is finished.  It is over.  I have something else for you-- get up and move on!  I believe I heard from the Lord and this is for someone today, if you will receive it.  Stop "mourning" over it.  Move on and let the Lord do a new thing in your life.  Samuel got up and anointed the new king of Israel-- the king that was a man after God's own heart; a king through whom the Messiah would come; a king whose throne would be established forever.  That was much better than what he was mourning over.

Have a great day.  Get up and move on! 

"Drinking From The Well"

"But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life".  John 4:14

As Jesus sat by a well in Samaria a woman came to draw water from the well.  Jesus invited her to drink the water that He had to offer.  His water would satisfy the longing, emptiness and desire of her soul and she would never thirst again.  The water that He was referring to was Himself.  He was the well that she could drink from and find contentment and peace in her heart.

This woman was looking for something to satisfy a longing in her soul.  She was trying to quench the emptiness, dryness, discontentment and lack that was inside of her through relationships.  She had been married five times and was living with a man who was not her husband, but that wasn't quenching her thirst.

Many people today are trying to quench what is thirsty inside of them by the water that the world gives. They are trying through relationships, through sex, drugs and alcohol.  They are trying through education, through money, through prestige, through popularity, through power, through forms of entertainment, and so on.  All of these things may satisfy, but only for a short while. 

Jesus offers us what will satisfy.  He gives us the water of life-- eternal life so we will never thirst again.  He gives us every good and perfect gift.  He gives us godliness with contentment.  He gives us peace that passes understanding.  He gives us power and strength.  He gives us grace and liberty.  He gives us joy that is unspeakable.   

When we drink of this water of life (the salvation that He offers freely), we will never thirst again.  All that we are seeking, and all that we lack will be found in Him.  So go to the Well and drink the waters of eternal life. 

Have a great day.  Are you thirsty?  Drink water from the well... Jesus is the well of living water. 

"It Won't Go Well"

"But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves".  James 1:22

When Zedekiah was king of Judah, the nation was already under Babylonian captivity.  During the ninth year of his reign, he decided to rebel against the king of Babylon.  The prophet Jeremiah went to the king and gave him a word from the Lord.  The word was that he should turn himself over to king Nebuchadrezzar.  But he didn't.  He continued to rebel and fight.  Jeremiah went to the king again on a couple of other occasions telling him to surrender but he still would not.  Finally, Nebuchadrezzar gained full control over Jerusalem and took king Zedekiah prisoner.  He killed his children before his eyes, then he plucked his eyes out and killed him.  The prophet had warned him to surrender, and it would go well for him, but he just would not listen and obey the word, therefore, it did not go well for him.

The prophet was the one who spoke for God, giving His word to the people.  Today God speaks to us through prophets, ministers and primarily His Word.  The story of Zedekiah is an applicable word for us to today.  And that is:  if we will not harken to the word of the Lord, if we will not obey it, if we are only hearers and not doers of the Word, like Zedekiah things will not go well with us. 

Blessings are attached to obedience.  "If we are willing and obedient we will eat the good of the land." (Isaiah 1:19) The Bible is full of promises with blessings attached to them for those who will obey.  It also warns of curses that are attached for those who don't.  Are you obeying the Word of God?  Are you hearing it but not doing it?  Where do you stand in your obedience to the Word?  Hopefully, we will heed the example of king Zedekiah and learn that obedience is better than sacrifice. 

Have a great day.  When we obey the Word of God, it will go well with us.  When we don't obey, it won't go very well.

"Sing, Sing, Sing"

"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise".  Psalm 98:4

Let's sing this morning.  I woke up with a song on my heart.  Did you know that singing is good for you?  Even studies have shown that it has emotional, physical and social benefits.  It is also a stress reliever.  Therefore, you need to sing.

I have a couple of regular customers who come into my shop and from the moment they come in the door until they leave you can hear them singing.  I love it, it blesses me.  I was talking with someone else the other day and realized I have never heard them sing.  Their replied when I asked was--- I don't sing.  This was sad to me because singing is good for the soul. 

Often, we won't sing, especially in public, because we don't think we can sing or are embarrassed to sing where anyone will hear us.  Not all of us have amazing, professional sounding voices.  Not all of us can sing out loud in public.  Not all of us can carry a tune.  But we can all make a joyful noise and that noise needs to start in our heart.  And it doesn't have to be in public; it can remain in private. 

You may not be a "singer", but you should.  Especially when it comes to singing praise to the Lord.  It may sound off key, it may sound ear-piercing, it may not sound good, but when you sing to the Lord, it sounds like "music to His ears"-- He loves it.  And in return you will get some tremendous benefits from it-- in body, soul and spirit.  By the way, the song that was on my heart was-- "How Great Thou Art".  Who can't help but sing that out loud!

Have a great day.  Singing should be part of your life because there are so many benefits connected with it-- especially when you sing to the Lord. 

"Forsake It To Follow"

"And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him".  Luke 5:11

Following Jesus and surrendering to His will was more important to Peter than a boat load of fish.  It was more important to Mary than her reputation in the town.  It was more important to Levi/Matthew than his wealth and clout with the Roman government.  It was more important to James and John than their inheritance. 

These men and women, and many more, were sold out and surrendered to the Lord and His will for their lives.  He was what was most important to them.  As a result, they gave up everything.  Unlike the Pharisees who looked like they were serving and following the Lord; who looked like He was more important to them than anything else, but the fact is He wasn't.  They weren't willing to give up their self-righteousness for Him.  They weren't willing to give up their authority and power among the people for Him.  They weren't willing to give up their "church position" for Him.  They weren't willing to give up the accolades of the people for Him.  They weren't willing and they even "fought" against Him to keep it. 

How important is He/Jesus/The Lord to you?  What are you willing to give up or leave in order to follow Him?  I am not suggesting at all that you quit your job, leave your family, don't care about anything or anybody.  What I am asking is are you willing to forsake it all for Him?  Are you willing, and would you, give up whatever He calls you to lay aside in order to follow Him?  In the end, what you gain is so much more than what you lose. 

Have a great day.  What is more important to you than the Lord?  If you aren't willing to forsake it, He is not what is most important.    

"Needless Suffering"

"For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly".  Psalm 84:11

Suffering is part of the Christian life.  There are some places of suffering that cannot be avoided-- we have to walk through them.  But sometimes we are suffering needlessly.  Some suffering can be relieved a lot sooner than it is.

The Bible says that there is no good thing that the Lord will withhold from them that walk uprightly.  When we are suffering with turmoil, confusion, depression and anxiety-- peace is a good thing.  When we are suffering with weakness, (weakness of mind, of body, in our emotions, spiritually)-- strength is a good thing.  When we are sick in body-- healing is a good thing.  When we are downcast, distraught, sad or grieved-- joy is a good thing.  When we don't know what to do about our situation-- wisdom is a good thing.  When we don't know which way to go-- guidance is a good thing.  When we are in need-- help is a good thing.

God wants to bless His people with good things.  He wants to supply our need.  He wants to give us what we lack.  Yet, often we suffer needlessly because we won't receive the good thing that He wants to give us.  The main reason is because we try to rationalize it all.  We rationalize that the reason we are suffering is because God is mad at us.  Or because this is God's way of keeping me humble.  Or because this is my cross to bear.  Or because this is my punishment for my sins.  Or I'm not good enough for God to do this for me.  Or because I deserve what I am going through.  Whatever reason we use to try to rationalize our suffering and stay in it doesn't always make it a true reason. 

What good thing do you need today?  Don't walk in false reasoning about it.  Instead just simply believe God's word about it.

Have a great day.  Don't suffer needlessly because of false reasoning when God has a good thing He wants to give you. 
 

"Counterfeit Christians - part 2"

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

The purpose of a counterfeit is to deceive someone into believing that it is genuine and real.  We are living in a time where there is a counterfeit/spirit of deception the church.  It poses as real Christianity in order to deceive people into following its way instead of Christ's way-- which is the real way. 

Counterfeit Christianity says that you can live anyway you want to live as long as you believe in Jesus.  It also bases its belief on the premise of "goodness".  Yet, it interprets what good is instead of interpreting it by the Word of God. 

Jesus said that you would know a tree by the fruit it bares.  A good tree cannot produce evil fruit, neither can an evil tree produce good fruit.  A counterfeit Christian has been deceived into believing that you can have both good and evil in your life and you are still the "real" thing. 

The scriptures tell us that if any man is in Christ-- if he is born again-- he is a new creation.  He has been turned into something that he was not before.  It is a word picture of the caterpillar who is transformed into a butterfly.  When you are born again you are transformed from a "caterpillar" (sinner) into a "butterfly" (saved).  A caterpillar represents the old nature-- that of a sinner-- and the butterfly represents the new nature-- the new person we become in Christ.

Many people are trying to pass themselves off as a "butterfly" when they are in fact still a "caterpillar".  A butterfly doesn't crawl any longer, it flies.  It isn't an ugly creeping thing, it is a thing of beauty.  If you are still living like a caterpillar, you are not a "real" Christian, you are a "counterfeit". 

This is where the spirit of deception has come into the church.  It makes people think they are "butterflies" when in reality they are "caterpillars".  They have not been made new by the born-again experience.  They still "crawl" around in adultery and fornication.  They use profanity.  They have immoral lifestyles.  They cheat, lie and steal.  They are full of bitterness and hate.  They cheat on spouses. They are selfish and self-centered thinking about what is best only for themselves.  They are deceived because they "believe in Jesus" but are not following Him.  They are deceived because they think that they are "good" enough, but without the righteousness of Christ applied to their lives they will never be good enough.

Are you professing to be a "butterfly" (a true Christian) but you are still living like a "caterpillar" (a counterfeit)?  Then you have fallen for the deception.  There is only one thing that will change a caterpillar into a butterfly-- the cocoon.  There is only one thing that will change a counterfeit Christian/a sinner into a real Christian-- a born-again experience in Christ.

Have a great day.  Are you a butterfly or a caterpillar? 

"Counterfeit Christians"

"Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God".  John 3:3

The word counterfeit means:  a fraudulent imitation of something else; a forgery, fake; copy.  Our churches are full of "counterfeit Christians".  They sit in the pews, sing in the choir, serve on the board, are part of the leadership and stand in the pulpits.  They appear to be the real thing when you see them in this setting but put them out into "society" and the truth of who they are comes out.  

One main difference between what is counterfeit and what is real is their "origin".  These counterfeit Christians are trying to make themselves into the "real thing" through their good deeds, good works, giving, moral standards, belief system, and appearance.  They think that if they "look the part"-- go to church, are friends with the pastor, bring their Bible to church, sing in the choir, teach a Sunday School class, and so on-- that makes them the real thing.  But they are still a fake/counterfeit.  A fake is never the real thing.

In order to be a "real Christian" your "origin" has to be real.  What do I mean by that?  Just because you do religious things, just because you were brought up in church, just because you believe that God is real and Jesus is God, are all exterior works that we perform in order to make us something that we aren't.  The only thing that can make us the "real deal" is to be born again.  You have to be "made" into a Christian by Jesus-- not by your works, deeds, wishes or knowledge.  You have to be born again of the Spirit.  You have to have a transformation that changes you from the inside out.  You have to be changed from a sinner into a saved person, and only Jesus can do that.  Only He can make you into a "True Christian"-- you can't do it yourself.

Have a great day.  The difference between a "counterfeit Christian" and a "true Christian" is that a counterfeit tries to make himself into the real thing through his own efforts.  A "real Christian" becomes one through a born-again experience in Christ Jesus.  

"Where To Find Him?"

"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.  My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth".  Psalm 121:1,2

The Psalmist said he would look to the hills to find the Lord when he needed His help.  The disciples saw Him in all His splendor and glory on the mountain.  We can do the same-- look to the hills and the mountain top to find Him.  But while we are trying to find Him in the grand and glorious times on the mountain, and in high places far above all our problems and troubles, more often than not, we won't find Him there. 

The places we find God most often are in the places of difficulty and trial.  The disciples found Him in the boat with them during the storm.  Daniel found Him in the lion's den that he was thrown into.  The three Hebrews found Him in the furnace.  The Apostle Paul found Him in a ship during a storm.  We can find Him in the valley.

Whatever place of difficulty you are in, whatever storm, whatever trial, if you will look you will find Him there.  He stays in the places of our adversity, our pain, our struggles, our suffering and our heartache so that we can find Him anytime we need Him.

Have a great day.  You may be looking for the Lord in all the glorious and easy places-- and you will find Him there.  But you will find Him mostly in the hard and difficult places of life.      

"Was I Really Following?"

"And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness".  Luke 4:1

The verse said Jesus was "led by the Spirit into the wilderness".  It didn't say He was "pushed by the Spirit".  It didn't say He was "drug by the Spirit".  He was "led".  Being led by something or someone means that it is out in front of you and you are following.  Jesus followed the Spirit and wound up in the wilderness.

Often, we get confused and anxious when we are following the leading of the Lord and we wind up in the wilderness, in a place of temptation, difficulty, hardship, heartache and pain.  Immediately we want to think that we must have "missed" God.  We must have done something wrong.  We must have assumed it was God when it wasn't.  We must have imagined it was God.  We must have been walking in the flesh.  We must not have really been following Him.  Why?  Because we reason that if we had truly been following the leading of the Spirit, we would not be in this place.  We think that when we follow the Spirit, He is always going to lead us into perfect, peaceful places of bliss.  Not always so. 

The Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness to be tested.  Jesus told His disciples to get into the boat which put them in the middle of a storm.  Why would He lead us into those kinds of places?  There are many reasons why-- far too many to talk about here.  But His ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not our thoughts-- they are so much higher, and, in His wisdom, He understands it completely and has a plan for you through it.

So, don't let the enemy tell you the lie that you weren't following the Lord.  Don't let Him tell you that this would not have happened if you had been.  Don't let him condemn you and make you think that you missed God's leading.  Don't get perplexed if His leading takes you into a difficult place. 

The most important part of following is not about the place you are being taken, but about the One you are following.  It is not about the destination; it is about trust in the One who is leading.

Have a great day.  If you are following the Lord and you wind up in a "wilderness", don't misjudge yourself thinking that you must not have been following-- He does lead us into hard places at times.  

"I Can Rejoice"

"Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice."  Psalm 63:7

One of the reasons why I believe we live depressed, defeated and discouraged lives is because we have forgotten how to rejoice.  The Bible says that we walk and live by faith and not by sight.  Most of us are walking by sight and because we stay focused on what we see we allow it to rob us of our joy and keep us from rejoicing.  Faith steps out and rejoices even when there is seemly nothing to rejoice about--even in tribulation.

The situation I am in may be difficult.  Things may be going wrong.  I may be hurting.  I may have problems.  Life may be hard.  But I still have plenty to rejoice about.  I can rejoice in the fact that the Lord is my helper in difficulty.  I can rejoice because He is with me always and will never leave me-- even in the valley of the shadow of death.  I can rejoice because He causes all things to work together for my good.  I can rejoice because there is no good thing that the Lord will withhold from me.  I can rejoice because He will make a way for me even when there seems to be none.  I can rejoice because if He is for me who can be against me.  I can rejoice because He promised to supply all my need.  I can rejoice because nothing shall separate me from His love.  I can rejoice because He goes before me making crooked ways straight.  I can rejoice because no weapon formed against me shall prosper.  I can rejoice because when I cry out to Him and call upon Him, He will answer me.  I can rejoice because He holds my life in His hands.

When I begin to rejoice and not withhold my rejoicing/shouts of praise because it looks like I don't have a reason to rejoice, my head is lifted, my knees are strengthened, my hope is renewed, my faith is increased, my trust in God becomes reaffirmed and the weight of defeat, depression and discouragement is lightened.

Have a great day.  Don't stop rejoicing because of what you see in the natural world around you.  Rejoice anyway!  "Rejoice in the Lord always: and again, I say, Rejoice". (Philippians 4:4)  

"Tunnel Vision"

"For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory".  2 Corinthians 4:17

When it comes to trials, most people have "tunnel vision".  The dictionary defines tunnel vision as: the tendency to focus exclusively on a single or limited goal or point of view. We tend to see our trials with limited vision.  We see them as strictly an attack of the enemy, or we see them as just how life is, or we see them as something to be delivered from. 

Weeks ago, we talked about seeing things from God's perspective.  Our trials should be viewed from HIs perspective, not through tunnel vision.  Yes, much of what we go through is an attack of our enemy-- he comes to steal, kill and destroy.  Yes, also, some things that happen are a natural part of life.  And, yes, again, who doesn't want deliverance-- after all we want easy comfortable lives.  But there is another perspective, a broader field of vision we should have when going through trials.  We should see them as a time of transformation in us.  After all, the Lord works all things together for our good.

When a lump of clay is thrown onto the potter's wheel, spun around and pounded, the end result is a beautiful vessel fit for service.  When a piece of metal is placed in the silversmith's crucible and heated and reheated, it is purified and out of it comes a precious metal that is of great value.  When a fruit tree is pruned and the dead parts cut away, it is then able to produce more and better fruit.  When an oyster gets a grain of sand in its shell, this irritant causes a beautiful pearl to be formed. 

Whatever you are going through, don't look at it through tunnel vision.  Look at it through a broader lens.  What you are going through is not just a trial, it is also producing in you an eternal glory, the Fruit of the Spirit, and a transformation that causes the image of Christ to be stamped in you.  

Have a great day.  Trials are to be viewed through more than tunnel vision. 

"Grace All Day"

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

When I woke up this morning, I looked at the clock and it read,"5:55".  Immediately, I thought to myself-- grace, grace, grace.  (The number five is the number that represents grace.)  I haven't been able to get away from that thought this morning.  I believe the Lord was speaking to me as soon as I awoke about grace.

Grace is not only God's unmerited favor on our lives, but it is also His loving and merciful kindness, good will and divine influence.  The fact that it was the number five three times made me think of the three primary times of day-- morning, noon and night. 

I believe the Lord wants to encourage us in the fact that no matter what we face today, no matter what may come our way, regardless of what may rise up against us, all day long the grace of His presence, the grace of His goodness, the grace of His loving-kindness, the grace of His favor, the grace of His wisdom and the grace of His mercy will be there for us and with us. 

So, whatever comes your way today-- pain, grief, frustrating situations, fear, a fiery trial, etc.-- remember that God's grace will be there for you.  It will lead and guide you.  It will hold you and uphold you.  It will envelope you and give you the peace and strength that you need to walk through the day, the whole day.

Have a great day.  God's grace is here for you all day long.

"Another Social Club?"

"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching".  Hebrews 10:25

The other day I read a survey that was made among Christians who were asked, "What criteria would a church have to meet in order for you to attend it?".  The top four questions/answers they gave are:
1)  It would have to be a place where I can find friends.
2)  Is it a place where I feel free to be myself-- safe from judgment or condemnation?
3)  Will being there add value to my life?
4) I want a place where my life matters because I am cared about.

I understand the concerns these people had.  We all want to be acknowledged, loved, accepted and find relationships that are genuine.  But I noticed there was something missing.  Where was Jesus?  Everything pointed to "I/Me/My".  The answers were all about the individual and satisfying something in them and for them.  Yet, that "something" was not of a spiritual nature. 

What is our motive behind going to church?  Why do we bother to make the effort to go if it is all about what we need and want?  Don't get me wrong, I strongly believe in going to church.  I believe that this is where we should seek out relationships.  As Christians the people we associate with should be of "like precious faith" and we should be "equally yoked" with them.  Church is the place for that to happen.  But if that is all that church is about, or all it is to you.... then join a club, you can find that there.

The church is supposed to be a place where we can encounter God corporately.  Jesus called it a "house of prayer".  He called it "His Father's house".  It is God's house.  It is a place where He is acknowledged.  It is a place where we can grow spiritually.  It is a place where we can hear the preaching of the Word and be refreshed, exhorted, corrected, instructed and strengthened.  It is a place where my spirit man can be ministered to so that I have what I need to be able to go back into the "battlefield" of a sin-sick world and bring hope and life to them.  It is a place where I receive encouragement to keep "fighting the good fight", to keep "pressing toward the mark", to keep "running the race".  It is a place where I can be embraced by others when the battle has been too hard and I have taken a "hit". 

Church is designed by God to be a wonderful place of encouragement, healing and restoration.  We should go to church.  We should be part of a church.  But we should remember that the church is not just another social club or gathering.  It is God's house and we should go for the right reason-- Him.

Have a great day.  Church is more than a social club.

"A Place Called Praise"

"Judah was his sanctuary, and Israel his dominion".  Psalm 114:2

The word Judah means praise.  Praise is a sanctuary.  Praise isn't just something we do.  It isn't just words that we speak.  It isn't just something verbalized.  It is a "place".  Our praise provides a place for the Lord.  The Bible tells us that He inhabits the praises of Israel. (Psalm 22:3) Your praises form a place for the Lord to come and inhabit.

The Psalmist said that he would bless the Lord at all times; the praise of the Lord would continually be in his mouth.  When?  When things were going well?  When things were perfect?  When he was at peace?  No, not only in the good times of life, but at all times-- including the bad times.

When you are going through trials, problems, temptations and difficulties, the enemy of your soul wants to steal, kill and destroy you.  He wants to steal your praise.  He wants to stop you from praising the Lord.  He wants to get you to murmur, complain, be negative, and speak words of fear and defeat.  He knows that your praise will bring the Lord's presence closer so much so that He will dwell in the midst of those praises. 

It is easy when things are going badly to withhold our praise.  Praise is the last thing we want to do.  But it is the greatest thing we can do.  It will cause the enemy to flee.  It will hold back the destruction.  It will calm the storm.  It will settle the anxious heart.  It will lift the heavy burden.  It will cause the dark clouds to roll back.  It will bring peace because it brings the Prince of Peace near to you. 

So don't let your circumstances cause you to withhold praise from the Lord.  It is the most important thing you can do.  Don't look at the situation but look at the One who can make the situation work together for your good.  It may not be easy to praise Him in the storm, but it is necessary if you are going to make it through the storm.  Praise is a sacrifice.  You are going to have to press on and do it by faith--not feelings.  Praise Him even if you don't feel like it. 

Have a great day.  Praise is a place that we prepare for the Lord to inhabit. 

"Separated Fellowship"

"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord".  Romans 8:38,39

Nothing separates us from the love of God.  He loved us and demonstrated that love for us while we were still sinners by sending His Only Begotten Son Jesus into the world to die for our sins.  So, what we do or don't do is not what makes Him love us or stop loving us.  He is going to continue to love us anyway.

But if we sin, that sin will separate us from His presence.  It will separate us from close, intimate and personal communion with Him.  It will place a wedge between us and Him.  It will cause us to run from Him instead of running to Him.  It will cause us to hide from Him instead of drawing near to Him.  The guilt and shame and self-condemnation will hold us back from our relationship with Him.  This is what happened to Adam and Eve.  When they sinned, they ran and hid from God.

If you have sinned, yielded to temptation and fallen.  Confess your sin.  He is faithful and just to forgive you.  Repent of what you have done.  Repentance is two-fold.  It involves turning from your sin and turning to the Lord.  We see true repentance in the story of the prodigal son.  He turned from the pigpen and turned to the father.  In this story we learn what repentance means through the prodigal son, but we learn what true love and forgiveness is through the father.  The father loved him; therefore, he ran to meet him, he embraced him, he welcomed him back into relationship and he restored him. 

The Lord loves you, even if you "mess up" or sin.  Because He loves you, He does not want there to be any division between the two of you.  Because He loves you, He wants unbroken fellowship with you.  Therefore, you can rest assured that if you will repent and turn back to Him, He will forgive and embrace you.  Why?  Because He loves you.       

Have a great day.  Nothing separates us from God's love, so don't let your sin separate you from fellowship with Him.  Repent of it.  

"Maintaining Peace"

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid".  John 14:27

We all face trying circumstances.  We all face times of testing.  We all face unpleasant situations.  We all go through hard and dark places in life.  There are some places we walk through that we don't like.  We would love for them to be different.  We want them to change or make them go away.  Many of these places are out of our control.  We don't have the power to do anything about them.  When these times in life come, there is only one course of action that we can take if we want to have and maintain any level of peace in our lives.  It is to TRUST GOD.

Paul faced shipwreck, imprisonment, beatings, contradictions of sinners and persecution by the religious crowds.  Yet, he had peace through it all.  Daniel was thrown into the lion's den, but we don't read where he begged for his life and for escape.  He had peace.  The three Hebrews were thrown into the fiery furnace.  They didn't go "kicking and screaming".  They had peace.  All of these men faced tremendous testing, but we see peace through it in their lives.  Why?  Because they TRUSTED GOD. 

When the trials of life come, and they will, the devil wants to steal your peace.  There is only one way to keep that from happening.  TRUST GOD!  Keep trusting Him no matter what the situation looks like, no matter how you feel about it, when it is not the ideal situation, when there is nothing you can do about it, when it is not what you like, when you want to change it and when fear comes. 

Remember this if you want to have and maintain your peace in trying times:  God is for you; God is with you; God is working on your behalf; God is in control- nothing takes Him by surprise; God is bigger than the situation; God will work all things together for your good.  Therefore, TRUST HIM. 

Have a great day.  You are going to have to trust God if you want to maintain any level of peace in trying situations.  

"In Church Or In Christ?"

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

We get concerned about people when they aren't "in church".  (And so we should-- it is important to be in church.)  But being in church, working in church, holding a position in church is not what makes you saved.  You can sit in church every time the doors are open.  You can serve in church at every event they have.  But that still doesn't make you saved.  Salvation only comes when you are "in Christ".

What does it mean to be "in Christ"?  When we come to God in repentance, and receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord by faith, we become a "new person".  We aren't just changing our attitude or behavior.  We aren't just turning over a new leaf.  We aren't just acting better and doing better.  We now take on the identity of Christ.  We are become a brand-new person.  Christ has made us, and is making us, brand new. 

We take on a new nature-- His holy nature.  We take on a new identity-- His identity.  Our sins have been forgiven.  We have left our old sinful life and are embracing the new life we have in Christ.  It is a life of inward peace-- not condemnation.  It is a life of hope-- not hopelessness.  It is a life of freedom-- deliverance from bondage of sin.  It is a life of acceptance by the Father-- not rejection.  It is a life of love-- not fear and hate.  It is a life of forgiveness-- not judgment.

While you should be in church, just being "in church" doesn't and never will save you, it doesn't make you right with God, it doesn't write your name in the Lamb's Book of Life, it doesn't make you a child of God and it doesn't give you eternal life.  Being in Christ is what saves you.  It is what makes you accepted by God.  It is what makes you right with God.  It is what gives you eternal life.  

Have a great day.  Are you only "in church" or are you "in Christ"?  There is a difference.  Only one will save you.  

"Forgive Them"

"Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?  Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven".  Matthew 18:21,22

Forgiveness is a choice.  It isn't always an easy choice especially when you have in reality been done wrong or were mistreated.  Although it is a choice, it is not an option.  Jesus was very serious about the matter of forgiveness.  He put much emphasis and importance on it.  He told His disciples to forgive the person and the offense that was done against them not once or twice or even ten times, but to forgive seventy times seven. 

You may protest or argue that this requirement of Jesus is unjust or unfair.  You may try to excuse your unforgiveness based on what was done to or against you.  You may say to Jesus, "You don't know what was done to me.  If You did You would understand and not require me to forgive them".  

May I response to that?  Are you forgetting who you are talking to?  The Jesus who said, "Forgive them", is the same Jesus that was beaten with a whip unmercifully, betrayed by friends, lied about in "court", mocked, rejected, ridiculed by the religious (church) people, put to an open shame, innocent but charged as guilty, falsely accused, treated like a common criminal, had nails hammered into His hands and feet, hung on a wooden cross and left to die.  Yet, He cried out-- "Father, forgive them".  Forgive my oppressors.  Forgive my executioners.  Forgive those who lied about Me.  Forgive the jeering crowd.  Forgive those who held the whip.  Forgive those who crucified Me.  Forgive them. 

Even today He is still offering forgiveness to those who rejected Him.  He is offering forgiveness to those who curse Him, blaspheme Him, rebel against Him, slander Him and hated Him.  Yes, forgiveness is importance to Him.  He not only continues to forgive us, but He is still saying to us today--- forgive.  "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you". Ephesians 4:32

Have a great day.  Jesus knows what it is like to be mistreated and yet He still forgives... and He requires the same from you.   

"Those Hard Places"

"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me".  Matthew 16:24

The Christian life is a life of surrender-- surrender to the plan of God, to the will of God, and to the leading of God to follow Him.  Sometimes He leads us beside still waters-- pleasant places of rest.  Sometimes He leads us into the wilderness to be tried and tested.  Sometimes He leads us up "Calvary's hill" where self is denied and crucified.  The point is that He doesn't always lead us into easy places.  Sometimes He leads us into hard places where we would not choose to go ourselves.

There are two things that you need to know, remember and hold on to when His leading takes you into hard places.  First, He will never leave you.  He may lead you there, but He will not leave you there alone.  He will be with you each and every step of the way.  Secondly, He will never lead you into a place that is harder than He has already walked through Himself.  He walked through some hard places while here on earth-- the wilderness, the place of shame, the place of pain, the place of betrayal, Pilate's Judgment Hall, the Garden of Gethsemane, and Calvary.  When He leads you into a hard place, He knows exactly how you feel.  He is acquainted with what you are going through.  He has "been there" and "done that" already Himself.  This is why He can be touched with the feelings of your weaknesses-- He has already been through that place, and worse.

Have a great day.  The Lord will not always lead us into easy places, but when He does, He will be there and has already been there.