"The Lord Helps Us"

"....The Lord is my helper..."  Hebrews 13:6

There are many sayings that we have and think they are scriptural.  One is-- "The Lord helps those who help themselves".  This is not a scripture.  It isn't even true.  The truth is-- "The Lord helps those who can't help themselves". 

None of us are able to "help ourselves".  When it comes to salvation and eternal life, we can't help ourselves.  We can't save ourselves.  We can't work enough.  Do enough good.  Be righteous enough.  It took God sending His Only Begotten Son Jesus into the world to die for our sins that made it possible for us to be saved.

There is no area of accomplishment in our lives that we can take credit for.  It is the Lord who gives us the power to get wealth.  It is the Lord who gives us health and healing.  It is the Lord who gives us wisdom.  It is the Lord who directs our steps-- we don't have that ability.  It is the Lord who gives us strength to continue on when we want to quit and give up.  It is the Lord who goes before us making the crooked paths straight. 

He imparts to us and infuses us with the help that we need when we need it because we are helpless on our own apart from Him.  Only the fool and the wicked would say that they don't need His help and they can do it on their own.  Only the misinformed believe that He will help them as long as they are trying to help themselves.  I for one am thankful that this is not the case.  I need His help because I can't help myself.... and He knows that.

Have a great day.  The Lord helps those who can't help themselves.    

For further reading: 
"But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day". (Deuteronomy 8:18)

"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)

"O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps".  (Jeremiah 10:23)

"I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing". (John 15:5)

"Your Daily Inheritance"

(NOTE:  In the CB entitled- "Rearranged Plans" the scripture reference should have been Exodus 13:17) 

"The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints".  Ephesians 1:18

The Bible tells us that there is an eternal inheritance laid up for those who are born again and serve the Lord.  But we also get to enjoy the benefits of that inheritance here and now.  This morning when you woke up, you woke up to an inheritance- a spiritual inheritance.  That inheritance includes peace, strength, grace, mercy, benefits, provision, etc.  It is all available to you-- it belongs to you.  The question is, "What are you going to do with your inheritance today?". 

Are you going to use it?  Are you going to hold on to it for another time, or a rainy day?  Are you going to ignore that it is there?  The Lord daily loads us with benefits.  They are there for the asking.  They are there for us to use.  They are there to help meet the needs that we have.  For example, when you face fear today, are you going to "withdraw" peace from your inheritance and get rid of the fear?  Or will you let peace "set in the bank" and allow fear to take over?  If you need strength today, will you make a withdrawal on your inheritance and use the strength that is available for you? 

This inheritance you have is inexhaustible.  It is there for you to use.  It has been provided for and paid for fully by the blood of Jesus.  God doesn't intend for you to let it sit there unused.  It is a gift from the Father to you.  He wants you to "cash it in" and use it in order to walk in abundant life each day.

Have a great day.  Are you withdrawing from your inheritance each time you need it, or are you letting it just sit there?   

For further reading:
"Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ".  Colossians 3:24

"For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God".  Ephesians 5:5

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time".  1 Peter 1:3-5

"Rearranged Plans"

"And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt".  Numbers 13:17

When things don't go according to your plans, when appointments are changed, when you are delayed, when a meeting is cancelled, how do you react?  What type of attitude do you get?  Most of us get frustrated, angry, critical, mad, anxious, worried or irritated.  Is this the attitude we should have if we are a born-again Christian?  What should our attitude be?

We say we trust the Lord but do we when our plans seem to be "rearranged".  The Bible says that the Lord directs our steps.  We either believe this or we don't.  If we do, our attitude will be different than the one I described earlier.  If He is directing your steps, then instead of getting angry about a canceled appointment maybe it means that you didn't need to go.  Instead of getting frustrated because traffic delayed you from getting to a meeting on time, maybe it was God's way of protecting you from an accident that morning.  I'll never forget the time several years ago that my husband was to have a certain medical procedure.  We made the early trip out of town to the hospital.  We filled out all the paperwork.  He was prepped for the procedure.  Then the doctor came in and said they weren't going to do it that day we would have to reschedule it.  Honestly, it was frustrating.  Making the trip unnecessarily was an inconvenience.  We felt like the time was wasted, etc., etc.  But later we discovered that the reason things were delayed was because they may have done a procedure on him that was not necessary.  Because when we had the test later, all was fine. 

I am sure you have your own similar story.  Delays that worked for your good.  Interruptions that prevented you from being hurt.  Cancellations that put you at the right place at the right time. These things aren't just happening to us, they are happening for us--- for our good, on our behalf. 

So, the next time you are tempted to get a bad attitude over things not going according to your plan, stop and thank the Lord that your steps are directed by Him and He is leading them down a perfect path whether you can see it as such or not.

Have a great day.  Rearranged plans don't just happen to us, often God is behind them working them together for our good.   

"A Dangerous Intersection"

"For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 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 12:8,9

We would all agree that Paul was a man of faith, right?  He had a close intimate relationship with the Lord.  The Lord did miracles through him.  He wrote most of the New Testament.  He suffered for the cause of Christ.  He had spiritual revelation and was even caught up into heaven.   Yet, when he prayed for the thorn in his flesh to be removed, it wasn't.  He even prayed three times and it remained.

Prayer is not some sort of "magic formula" that we say and instantly, automatically our requests are answered and answered exactly the way we want.  When we pray and the outcome is not as we had hoped, when the situation does not change, when God gives us an answer that we weren't expecting, we find ourselves at a "dangerous intersection". 

Do you ever wonder why many people who were once sold out to the Lord have now turned from Him?  One of the reasons is because they came to this "intersection".  The Lord didn't answer in the way they wanted or thought He would so they weren't willing to accept it as His will. Instead they got angry and bitter toward Him.  Which led them to turning from Him. 

When God doesn't answer like we want Him to, or think He should, we have to make a choice-- which direction at this intersection will we take.  Will we accept the will of God and know that His grace is sufficient, His strength will there for us and all things will work together for our good?  Or will we get angry at Him and turn from Him?  Paul chose to accept the will of God and continue on.  As a result, the power of God rested upon him.  Which direction will you choose?

Have a great day.  When you come to the place where God's will is contrary to the answer you wanted to hear, will you continue to walk with Him or turn from Him?
 

"Waiting Is Working"

"And when the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the children of Israel went onward in all their journeys: But if the cloud were not taken up, then they journeyed not till the day that it was taken up".  Exodus 40:36,37

Many of God's people are in a place of waiting.  They are waiting for the Lord to move them into their next assignment, their destiny, the place of ministry or the plan He has for them.  They are waiting on His timing before they can make the next move forward.

It's in these times of "waiting" that we must be careful and guard against getting frustrated, anxious, impatient and the temptation to "move out" and "do something".  That is one of the hardest things for most of us to do-- be still and wait.  We want to be doing something for the Lord.  We want to be working.  We find it hard to sit still and, as we think, "do nothing". 

Let me encourage you this morning that it is just as much an act of obedience to do nothing as it is to do what He tells you to do.  Waiting is as much the will of God as working is.  The children of Israel, when they were in the wilderness, were told to keep their eyes on the cloud-- the Presence of the Lord among them.  They were instructed not to move on in their journey if the cloud remained still.  They were instructed to move and go forward to another place when they saw the cloud move.  They were following the Lord--- even when the Lord wasn't leading them to move.

The safest place on earth is in the will of God.  The will of God is not always about going, working or doing.  The will of God is as much about being-- being still unless He has told you to go.  So, rest in the Lord; don't get frustrated; don't be anxious; don't get condemned and feel as if you are doing nothing for Him; don't have the mentality that says loving the Lord means you have to constantly be doing something for Him.  When He wants you to move, He will let you know just like He did the Israelites.  Trust in the Lord.  Wait upon the Lord.  Be at peace in Him.  Learn what He wants you to learn by waiting.  Be still and just enjoy His presence until HE gives you the orders to move. 

Have a great day.  Our doing nothing but waiting on the Lord's timing to move is as much obedience to the will of God as our always having to do something for Him. 

"Peace Before Or After?"

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee".  Isaiah 26:3

The key to keeping in peace is keeping your mind on the Lord.  When situations arise, you can either keep pondering the situation or ponder the greatness of the Lord.  You can either fear the situation or trust the Lord.  You can either allow the situation to consume you and overwhelm you or you can turn to the Lord.  You can either focus on the problem or focus on the Lord.

When the disciples were in the boat during the storm that threatened to drown them, they focused on the storm.  They forgot the words of Jesus that they were going to reach the other side.  As a result, they became fearful.  The disciples were afraid, but Jesus was in the back of the boat asleep.  When they woke Him, He calmed the storm and peace returned to the sea.

During the storms of life, which would you rather be like--- the disciples who had peace after the storm or Jesus who had peace during the storm?  It is possible to have peace during the storm.  (That is what the Lord wants for us.)  Storms will always come to our lives, they will always threaten to destroy us, they can stir fear in our hearts, they may last longer than a night, but we can still have peace while they are raging.  Jesus did.  If He is living in your life, then know this-- He still has peace today, He is the Prince of Peace.  Allow His peace which passes understanding to give you peace during the storm.  You do this by keeping your heart and mind focused on Him, on His word, on His promises and on His power instead of the storm.

Have a great day.  Would you rather have peace during the storm or after it has passed?

"A Voice In The House"

"Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet...". Isaiah 58:1a

A pastor friend of mine called me a while back and was telling me how the Lord protected him and his family during a tornado.  He took his family into the hall of the house and there he prayed for the Lord's protection, quoted scriptures and encouraged his family by reminding them of what God had said in His Word.  Then he made a statement that leaped out at me.  He said-- "he was the voice in the house" during the storm.  He was the one voice for them all that called out to God above the storm, above the fear and above the situation that was taking place around them.   

There has to be a "voice in the house" when we are going through difficulties.  There has to be a voice to remind us of God's goodness, faithfulness and promises.  There has to be a voice to encourage us.  Someone has to proclaim and say what the Lord says.  Someone has to lift up their voice in praise.   Someone has to quote the scriptures to the circumstances.  Someone has to cry out to and call upon the Lord.  We can't be quiet.

Our own nation's history has taught us that there has to be a voice for things to change or to make things happen.  Behind every worthy cause there has been a voice.  The Founding Fathers had a voice against the King of England in order to bring about our independence.  The Civil Rights movement had a voice in its leaders to bring about equality for all men and women.  The Bible records that God sent a voice, Moses, to Pharaoh to let His people go.  God used a voice/shout to bring down the walls of Jericho.  God sent a voice in John the Baptist to prepare the way of the coming Messiah.  In the end of time the Spirit and the bride lift up their voices with an invitation to come and take of the water of life freely. 

We can't keep quiet when the storm is raging, when the enemy is fighting, when sickness is attacking, when the fire is burning, when the lions are roaring, when the situation looks hopeless.  We must BE the voice in the house and call out to God, praise Him, declare His goodness and speak His word. 

But we can't be the same kind of voice as Eve who carried on a conversation with the enemy.  We must follow the example of Jesus who "voiced" to the devil in the wilderness-- "It is written".  Jesus was the voice in the boat-- "Peace Be Still!".  Jesus had a voice at the cross that secured our salvation-- "It is finished!" Be the voice in your home.  Be the voice which speaks to the situation.  Be the voice that speaks life, freedom and victory.  Don't stay quiet.  Speak to those things.  Open your mouth, the word of faith is in it.  Speak to that mountain.  Be not silent.

Have a great day.  Is there a voice in the house? 

"Blessed But Not Exempt"

"Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience". James 1:3

I take issue with those who teach that because we are a Christian we will never go through any trouble or problems.  If we do, they accuse us of having a lack of faith or sin in our lives. 

I want to make it clear this morning-- Christians are blessed; blessed by the Lord.  His blessings are upon our lives.  They even chase us down and overtake us.  But just because I/you/we are a Christian, just because the Lord's blessings are upon us, doesn't mean we are exempt from trouble.  If so, what are we to do with the words of Jesus Himself who said, "In the world you shall have tribulation" and "it rains on the just and the unjust"?

What are we to say to the Apostle Paul who said-- "Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.  Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches". (2 Corinthians 11:23-28) This was Paul's testimony of his own life experiences.  Will you tell him that he has sin in his life or no faith?  How many of you have raised the dead?  Healed the sick?  Cast out devils?  Been persecuted for the cause of Christ? 

What about all of those whose names and life stories are recorded in the "Hall of Faith"?  Are we to accuse them?  The Bible says their faith was so great that the world wasn't even worthy of them. (Hebrews 11)

How is it that we don't understand that the Bible is talking about the Christian when we read the words:  "We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.  For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh". (2 Corinthians 4:8-11)

Don't get me wrong.  I believe we are blessed.  We are not under the curse.  I believe in healing, deliverance, abundant life, goodness and mercy follows us, no weapon formed against us shall prosper and we have victory through Christ Jesus our Lord.  But we can't take away from the whole truth of the Word of God.  We have to "rightly divide" it. The truth is-- clouds have rain, roses have thorns, night follows day and Christians aren't exempt from trouble just because we are blessed.... no matter how strong our faith is. 

Have a great day.  Just because we are blessed doesn't mean we are exempt from trouble.  And it doesn't mean we don't have faith.   
 

"Holding On To Jesus"

"But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose".  Mark 9:27

I woke up with a song on my mind:  "I'll keep holding on to Jesus, I'll keep holding on to Jesus.  I'll keep holding on to those precious nail scarred hands.  I cannot see the way too clearly, and my path becomes so weary.  I'll keep holding on to those precious nail scarred hands".

Life is not always a bed of roses.  It is not always easy.  Sometimes it is hard and rough.  Sometimes life throws us a curve ball.  Sometimes it brings pain, grief and sorrow.  Life is unpredictable.  It is subject to change-- it can go from a really good day to an awful day in a split second. 

So, what do we do in the highs and lows of life?  In the ups and downs?  In the good and in the bad?  In times of joy and times of pain?  In times when our faith is being sorely tried?  In times when we are on the top of the mountain or down in the valley?  What do we do when the storm rages, the fire burns, the lion's roar and the earth is shaking beneath us?  We do what the lyrics of the song encourage us to do--- we keep holding on to Jesus!  We keep holding on to Him no matter what.

Whatever you are going through, keep holding on to the hands of Jesus.  They are the same hands that reached out and saved Peter when he was sinking in the sea.  They are the same hands that touched blind Bartimaeus and gave him back his sight.  They are the same hands that held the little children when the disciples tried to send them away.  They are the same hands that touched the lepers and healed them.  They are the same hands that were nailed to the cross so that you could be forgiven of your sins and receive eternal life.   

What are you holding on to for help?  Your money?  It won't help-- riches take wings and fly away.  Your own understanding?  It is limited.  Other people?  They are flesh and blood just like you are.  The system?  It will fail you.  The only hands that will never let you go and will hold on to you in the worst storm, the deepest pain, the most horrific tragedy and in the darkest pit are those precious nail scarred hands of Jesus.

Have a great day.  What are you holding on to for help in life?   I'll keep holding on to those precious nailed scarred hands.        

"Visit The Prisoners"

^"For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:  Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me."  Matthew 25:35,36

This verse admonishes us to minister to people in their time of need-- in hunger, in thirst, in sickness, in prison, to the stranger.  I want us to look at the part about visiting those who are in prison.  I have had a jail ministry in the past, and I have gone to the prison on a few occasions and preached.  I've had friends who are actively involved in prison ministry-- that is their particular calling.  Not all of us are able to go to the jailhouse or prison and minister to the inmates.  But we all are able to go to those who are in "prison".

There's more than one kind of prison.  Not all prisons are made of brick, mortar or steel.  There are people who are being held prisoner who are out walking around freely, and not behind bars. They are all around us.  They are in our families, among our friends, our fellow employees, our school mates and even our neighbors.

The ones I am talking about are being held as a prisoner to sin.  They are prisoners of addictions such as alcohol, drugs and pornography.  They are being held a prisoner by fear, condemnation, remorse, depression, anxiety, grief and guilt.  These are the ones we can go to.

We need to be going to these prisoners.  We need to be proclaiming liberty to these captives.  Jesus came to set the captive free.  He came to open the prison doors to those who were bound.  He breaks every chain. He destroys yokes.  He destroyed the internal prisons.  He defeated the power of sin so that it has no hold on us any longer.  He pulls down strongholds.  He has the keys to open any and all prison doors that we may be locked up behind-- whether it is in our minds, our emotions or some besetting sin. 

No, you may not be able to go to prisoners at the local jail or state prison, but you can go and preach deliverance to those who are being held as prisoners behind bars we cannot see.

Have a great day.  I was in prison and you visited me.  Jesus sets captives free.  Are you letting the prisoners know this?

"Whether I Live Or Die"

"For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's".  Romans 14:8

This scripture has been on my heart for quite some time.  I have decided to make it my new "life scripture"-- or my "motto".  It sums up the whole of our Christian life-- those who have received Christ and made Him Lord of their lives.  We are the Lord's.  If we have been born again, we belong to Him.  Our life is no longer our own.  If I am alive-- I belong to Him.  If I die-- I belong to Him.

When we realize that we truly belong to the Lord, in life and in death, then let come what may, we don't have to be shaken, destroyed or defeated by it.  I don't have to worry; He has my life-- it belongs to Him.  If storms rage against me, if sickness touches my body, if pain comes upon me, if enemies rise against me, if the mountain is looming over me, if the waters try to consume me, if failure is taunting me, if death is waging war for me, if confusion tries to oppress me, if a bad report tries to shake me, if the ungodly attack me, if a weapon is formed against me, etc., I can still say, "It is well", because I am the Lord's. I have surrendered my "here and now", as well as my "eternity" to Him, so He has my life and every moment in His hands.    

I belong to Him so He will either deliver me, heal me, protect me, provide for me, make a way for me, or take me home.  Whatever happens I am in a win, win situation because if I live, I am His and if I die, I am His.  Whatever comes your way, don't be fearful or anxious about it.  Whatever happens-- good, bad or otherwise-- you belong to Him so it will be all right.

Have a great day.  Whatever happens to you in life, even if it brings death, you belong to the Lord, so it is well.   

"As Much Now"

"What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?  He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?"  Romans 8:31,32

These are some of those verses that you need to read and reread, listen to what it is saying, meditate on it, renew your mind with it and absorb its meaning.  The Lord God did not spare even His Only Beloved and Begotten Son for you.  He sent Him to die so that you could live.  He sent Him to give His life as a ransom to pay for your sins.  Since eternity past, the Father and Son had never been separated.  The Son is the Greatest Love of the Father.  Yet, He gave Him up to come to earth and be crucified for you.  You who was a sinner.  You who was an enemy of God.  You who was living in rebellion against God.  You who was a blasphemer of God.  He gave Him for you who was self-centered, self-seeking, not God-seeking, a rejecter of God, an opposer of God and a hater of God.

If God did this for us before we received Him, loved Him, followed Him and surrendered to Him, in order to have us as His children, then why do we think that He would do less for us now that we are in His family?  Why do we think that He won't bless us, meet our need, take care of us and give us all that He has promised after we have come to Him? 

Does He love us more before or after our acceptance of His Son?  Does He love us more before we surrendered our lives to His Lordship than He does after?  Does He love us more as rebels against Him or as faithful loving children?  We act like He loved and was willing to do more for us before our salvation than after.  We act like now that He "has us", He has abandoned us and stopped caring about us.  This simply is not true.  He loved us so much then as to give up His Son for us, and He loves us so much now as to give us all things freely through His Son.

Have a great day.  God didn't love you more when you were living away from.  He loves you just as much now that you are His.     

"The Storm's In The Book"

"And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen".  John 21:25

There were so many things that Jesus did while He was on earth that if they were all written down there are not enough books to contain them.  The Bible says of itself that it was written by holy men of God as they were inspired by the Holy Spirit.  That means that the Lord made sure that the things we really needed to know where written down for us in the Bible-- since it was too much to write everything. 

One account that He made sure that was in there was the account of the disciples in a boat on the sea when the storm came up and threatened to destroy them.  You know the story I am talking about.  Jesus was in the back of the ship asleep, and they woke Him up to save them from drowning. 

I, for one, am so thankful that the Lord placed that account in the Bible because it gives me hope, comfort, peace, faith and reassurance when I am going through a personal "storm".  We all face storms of some sort, no matter who we are.  Some storms are physical, financial, emotional, mental, in our relationships, and so on.  This story lets me know that when I face storms, I am not alone.  Jesus is with me.  It lets me know that He can take care of the storms.  It lets me know that He has power and authority over the storms that rage.  It lets me know that He can speak peace to my storm and it has to cease.  It lets me know He cares about me and will take care of me.  This is why I said I was thankful-- thankful it was written in the Bible so that I could be encouraged by it.   

Have a great day.  Whatever storm you are going through, God made sure we would know that He is greater and in control of the storm you are facing.
Scripture references:  Mark 4; 2 Timothy 3:16

"The Best Choice"

"And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere, before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar".  Genesis 13:10

Abraham and Lot traveled together.  One day there arose strife between their herdsmen because there was not enough room in the land for both of their flocks-- there were so many.  In order to keep down the strife they decided to part ways.  Abraham gave Lot the first choice of the land where he would like to go.  Our verse said he beheld the plain of Jordan.  So that is where he went.

Lot decided to go there because the land was well watered everywhere.  It was like the garden of the Lord.  It was luscious and green like the fertile land of Egypt.  Lot chose it because it looked perfect.

Human nature tends to make choices based on our senses.  We like to choose the most beautiful, the most handsome, the biggest, the most talented, the most expensive, the richest, the most popular, the finest, the best there is, the most comfortable, the easiest, etc.  But that doesn't always mean it is what is best for us.  It looked perfect to Lot, but it almost destroyed him.  What was appealing to his eyes took him closer and closer to Sodom and finally into Sodom.  Had it not been for the mercy, grace and goodness of God to deliver him, he would have been destroyed with the rest of the inhabitants.  But in the meantime, before he was delivered, he was vexed in soul daily there.

How do you make your decisions and choices?  Are they based on appearance?  Are they based on what looks good, seems good or feels good?  Not everything that glitters is gold, and not everything that looks good actually is.  Not everything that appears to be crystal is, sometimes it is plastic.  The safest and best choices are the ones we allow the Lord to make for us.  There is a way that seems right unto a man, but it ends in death.  This is why we are to acknowledge the Lord in all our ways and let Him direct our paths.  When He directs us, we can rest assured that it is truly the best for us, whether it looks like it is or not.

Have a great day.  Just because it looks like the best choice doesn't mean it is.   
Scripture references:  Proverbs 14:12; 16:25; 3:5,6; 2 Peter 2:7,8
 

"Proud Or Humble?"

"For thou wilt save the afflicted people; but wilt bring down high looks".  Psalm 18:27

This verse talks about two different kinds of people and God's dealing with each of them.  They are the humble and the proud.  The Greek word here for afflicted means:  poor, afflicted, humble, lowly.  The high looks translates to those who are lofty and exalts themselves.

This comparison of these two different people does not necessarily mean in the way they deal with and treat others.  This isn't just about your attitude toward mankind.  These have more to do with your attitude toward the Lord. 

Which one of these people are you?  Are you a humble person when it comes to the Lord?  Have you and are you submitting yourself to His authority and Lordship over your life daily?  Are you seeking Him for His guidance and direction?  Or are you proud and boastful with a "can do" attitude?  One that says, "I can do it.  I know how.  I don't need God to handle this.  I can handle it by myself".  Do you give Him the credit for what is accomplished in your life and through your life?  Or do you take the credit for yourself?  Are you proud of what your own hands have done?  Are you humbling yourself before the mighty hand of God?  Are you walking in the fear of the Lord?  Or are you doing your own thing, going your own way with no regard given to the Lord? 

There are rewards for the humble and consequences for the proud:
"A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit". (Proverbs 29:23)
"And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted".  (Matthew 23:12)
"But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble". (James 4:6)
"...God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.  Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time". (1 Peter 5:5b,6)
"When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom".  (Proverbs 11:2)"Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.  Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud". (Proverbs 16:18,19)

Have a great day.  There are rewards for the humble and consequences for the proud.  Which one are you?  And which reward will you receive?

"The Lily Of The Valley"

"I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys".  Song of Solomon 2:1

This morning's devotional is going to be a little different.  I woke up with an old hymn repeating over and over in my thoughts.  As I sang it and listened to the words a little more intently, it really ministered to me.  I want to share the words of the song with you this morning.  As you read them, and perhaps hear them in your own thoughts and heart, I believe the Lord will use them to bless you as well.  The song is full of so many wonderful truths, hope, encouragement, peace and faith.

"The Lily Of The Valley"

1) I have found a friend in Jesus, He’s everything to me,
He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul;
The Lily of the Valley, in Him alone I see
All I need to cleanse and make me fully whole.
In sorrow He’s my comfort, in trouble He’s my stay;
He tells me every care on Him to roll.

2) He all my grief has taken, and all my sorrows borne;
In temptation He’s my strong and mighty tow’r;
I have all for Him forsaken, and all my idols torn
From my heart and now He keeps me by His pow’r.
Though all the world forsake me, and Satan tempt me sore,
Through Jesus I shall safely reach the goal.

3) He will never, never leave me, nor yet forsake me here,
While I live by faith and do His blessed will;
A wall of fire about me, I’ve nothing now to fear,
From His manna He my hungry soul shall fill.
Then sweeping up to glory to see His blessed face,
Where rivers of delight shall ever roll.

Refrain:
He’s the Lily of the Valley, the Bright and Morning Star,
He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul. 

"Falling Off The Wagon"

"Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand".  Psalms 37:24

Have you ever heard the phrase, "Fall off the wagon"?  It is used to describe someone who resumes an addictive/compulsive behavior that they are trying to control.   Originally it referred only to drinking, but is now used in reference to all sorts of things including drugs, smoking, overeating, etc.  It is possible for Christians to "fall of the wagon", so to speak.  We can go back to an old habit or an old sin we were delivered from if we aren't careful.  How does this happen? 

It happens for several reasons.  We may "look" at something longer than we should.  Like David looked at Bathsheba on the roof top instead of turning away and going back into the house.  The lust of his eyes overcame him.  It can happen if we are thinking about that thing for too long.  Where the "mind goes", the "man follows".  We have to keep our mind renewed in God's Word and think on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely and of a good report. (Philippians 4:8) It can happen if we aren't mortifying our flesh and dying to it daily by submitting to the Lord instead of self.  It can also happen if we refuse to take the way of escape that God provides for us in every temptation.  God always opens a door for us to escape through.  If we don't go through it, we will fall.

Having established the fact that it is possible for a Christian to fall, how it can happen and what we have to do to avoid it, let's move on to what we can do if we do "fall".  The first thing we want to do is condemn ourselves and beat ourselves up about it-- the devil helps us out there too.  But I want you to know there is hope.  It is called mercy and grace.  If we fall, we can get up like the prodigal and go to Father God asking for forgiveness-- He will not turn us away.  We can confess our sins to Him-- He is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  We can look to our Good Shepherd and ask for forgiveness for not following Him but going our own way-- He will restore our souls. 

Is this where you are today?  Have you fallen?  Have you returned to some sin you were once delivered from?  Are you following your own sinful desires having left off following the Lord?  Get up from where you have fallen and go to Him.  You will find His grace and mercy is there waiting to pick you up and set you back "on the wagon".

Have a great day.  If we "fall off the wagon", the Lord will pick us up and put us back on it if we will go to Him. 
 

"Did You Ask?"

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

As soon as my eyes opened this morning, I begin to ask the Lord for help to get up, for Him to watch over my time, for Him to give me strength, for Him to give me a word for this devotional, etc.  I thought to myself-- people sure are "needy".  Our needs range from everything to help getting up on time in the morning to comforting us when we are in grief.  We have physical, emotional, material and spiritual needs.  Some of the needs we have are small.  Some are earth shaking.  Some are for ourselves.  Some are for others in our lives.  Some needs aren't really needs while others are most definitely a need of great importance.

I already know some of the needs I have today before the day even gets started.  I need God's help in every area of my life.  I need protection in travel.  I need wisdom and guidance.  I need His touch on the lives of those who have asked me to pray for them.  I need daily provisions-- food, clothing and shelter.  I need grace.  I need strength.  I need His presence.  And the list goes on.

We have a promise that He will meet and supply all our needs.  He didn't say He would always supply our wants or our fleshly desires.  Some needs He automatically supplies without us asking-- like air to breath.  But for the most part, He supplies our needs as we ask.  "Ye have not, because ye ask not". (James 4:2b)

Do you have a need this morning?  Is there something you need an answer to?  Have you asked God to supply it?  Have you talked about it to other people but not to Him?  Have you assumed He will automatically meet the need without you asking or petitioning Him for it?  He knows what you need-- even before you ask it; even before you know you have the need.  He desires to meet your need.  But often He is waiting until you ask.  So, ask that you might receive. 

Have a great day.  God will meet and supply all your need, but you should ask Him to do it. 

"Fight Another Battle"

"David said moreover, The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the Lord be with thee".  1 Samuel 17:37

David fought against a bear, a lion, a giant and the enemies of Israel.  He was always fighting battles.  Just because he had fought against a bear and a lion and won did not mean that his "warring" was over.  Then there came a giant. 

Just because you have fought a spiritual battle or two doesn't mean that you can sit back and rest from battles.  Oh, there will be times of rest (thankfully) to catch our breath and regroup, but there will always be a giant to slay.  There will at some point come another bear or a lion.  Spiritual warfare is an unending part of the Christian life.  The enemy of our soul is always out to steal, kill and destroy us.  Our own flesh is always trying to defeat us.

Just because you fought a battle yesterday, and even won, doesn't mean you may not face another one today.  We can't rest from spiritual warfare.  We have to be ready for it when it comes-- and it will come.  We have to be ready to engage in it at a moment's notice.  We have to continually remember that, as David did, the Lord delivered me and will deliver me and give me the victory over the enemies that war against my soul.

Have a great day.  Just because you won a battle yesterday doesn't mean that you might not have to fight another one today.  Don't get too comfortable and forget about your enemy. 

 

"Go Back Again To The Word"

"Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached".  Luke 7:22

John the Baptist had heard the voice of Father God speak from heaven saying that Jesus was His Beloved Son.  He had the revelation that Jesus was the Messiah.  He proclaimed when asked if he himself was the Christ that he was not.  He is the one who bore witness that Jesus was the Lamb of God.  He baptized Jesus, saw the Spirit descend like a dove upon Him and humbled himself before Jesus as Lord. 

John knew exactly who Jesus was, but when he was cast into prison, when he was threatened, when he faced persecution and death, he questioned what he knew to be the truth.  As a result, he sent his disciples to Jesus to ask Him what he already knew.  How did Jesus answer?  Jesus answered him with the Word.  He reminded John of what the scriptures said. 

We can know the truth but find ourselves in a trying time, in a dark place, in an unpleasant situation, in a time of trial and as a result begin to question what we already know.  Is that where you are?  Has the Lord already spoken to you about a matter but the circumstances around you are "speaking" otherwise?  Is your faith being tested?  The answer for you is the same one Jesus gave John.  Go back to the Word.  Remind yourself of what God has already said to you.  Renew your mind with what you know already to be the truth.  Meditate on that Word and let it get into your heart, spirit and mind and drive away the doubt. 

Have a great day.  When what you already have heard from God is tested, and the enemy is trying to convince you otherwise, go back to God's Word and listen again to what He has said. 
   

"Though Thick And Thin"

"A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother".  Proverbs 18:24

It is a rare thing to have someone in your life who will stick with you through "thick and thin".  I have been blessed to have a wonderful family that is always there for me no matter what.  I also have been blessed with loving and caring friendships.  Not everyone has that though.  Some people have no one to turn to.  Some have no one to help them.  Some have no one to defend them or come to their aid.  Some feel abandoned in their time of need and unwanted. 

I don't know which group you are in this morning.  You may have someone who will "stick" with you regardless of what you are going through.  You may not have anyone to stand by your side at all.  But whichever group you are in I have some good news.  There is someone who will stick with you when everyone runs out on you.  There is someone who will be with you when others are gone.  There is someone who will come to your aide when all human help is exhausted.  His name is Jesus. 

He sticks closer than a friend, a brother, a spouse, a parent, a confidant, or the most trusted person in your life.  He doesn't leave you when the going gets tough.  He doesn't walk out on you when you fail.  He doesn't turn away from you when you make a mistake.  He doesn't abandon ship when the storm comes.  He doesn't stay away when things in your life are out of control.  He is with you in the fire, in the pit, in the prison, in the lion's den, in the wilderness, in the storm, in the pig pen, in the good times and in the bad times.  All others may leave you, but He never will.  All others may forsake you, but He won't.  All others may turn their backs on you, but He will still be there. 

Have a great day.  Jesus will stick with you through "thick and thin", even if no one else does.  

"Content And Satisfied"

"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.  I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need."  Philippians 4:11,12 

I would like to read this verse to you in the Amplified Bible:  "Not that I am implying that I was in any personal want, for I have learned how to be content (satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or disquieted) in whatever state I am.  I know how to be abased and live humbly in straitened circumstances, and I know also how to enjoy plenty and live in abundance. I have learned in any and all circumstances the secret of facing every situation, whether well-fed or going hungry, having a sufficiency and enough to spare or going without and being in want."

If ever a person went through hardships it was Paul.  He was beaten on more than one occasion.  He was shipwrecked three times; left for dead; stoned; imprisoned; hungry; thirsty and in perils.  (2 Corinthians 11:23-28) Yet he was "content".  He wasn't vengeful wanting to get back at those who had beaten, stoned or imprisoned him.  He wasn't bitter and angry.  He wasn't fearful.  He didn't accuse God of not taking care of him.  He didn't turn his back on God.  He wasn't anxious, depressed or despondent.  He was content though he was in personal lack and want; in hunger; in dire circumstances; physically hurting; in chains between Roman guards; floating in a sea; etc.  He was actually "satisfied".  He wasn't disturbed by it all or disquieted. 

 

How is that possible?  We might say, "Well, that was Paul.  He was 'Super Christian'.  He was an apostle".   No, Paul was like the rest of us.  But he had learned something that many of us don't learn or don't allow ourselves to learn.  He had learned how to be content.  How had he learned this "contentment"?  By learning who his God was.  (That I might know Him. - Philippians 3:10)

 

He knew that the Lord was his strength.  He knew that no matter what happened to him, the Lord was with him.  He knew that his God was able to do whatever He wanted to do on Paul's behalf.  He had completely surrendered to the will of God for his life.  He knew that Christ was in him and working through him.  He knew that there was nothing that the Lord could not enable him to do, give him grace to go through and strengthen him to endure.  "I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency]." (verse 13) He knew the Christ that lived in him, and he knew it was the Christ that lived in him that would help him make it through anything.  Do you know that?  That is where the contentment in whatever you face and go through comes. 

 

Have a great day.  Are you content in trying situations?  Do you know how to be satisfied where you are?  Or are you disturbed and disquieted by the trials that are going on around you?    

 

"Leaving A Mark"

"For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"  Mark 8:36

Recently, I was talking with someone and the conversation turned to us telling each other some of the works we were involved in.  This person has done much volunteer work with several "big" organizations that have helped masses of people.  They made the statement that they felt complete and like they had "left their mark" on society through all the helpful things they have done.

What this person said triggered a thought.  We should be "leaving a mark" for good behind us.  When we leave this earth, we should leave a part of it better than it was before we got involved.  We should be interested in helping others and making life better for mankind and those around us.  I hope to leave a mark for good behind me when I die.  I hope I have made life better for someone else because of the help that I have given them.   

But just leaving a mark here is not enough.  Leaving a mark in history, no matter how good a mark it is, is not good enough.  You can leave a mark that will further a social cause, establish a nation, free people, secure equality for all people groups, leave an invention that will help multitudes, feed thousands of hungry people, leave a legacy of peace or come up with a cure for a deadly disease.  But the greatest mark you should have is not left in this world.  It is not one that you leave behind.  It is one that proceeds you and is waiting for you when you leave this life.

The old timers used to call their signature, or written name, their "mark".  Your name and your mark were the same.  The greatest "mark" you can have is having your name written in the Lamb's Book of Life.  Leaving a mark here is great... we all should.  But what will it profit you if that is the only mark you have?  It will profit others.  They will benefit by the mark for good that you leave behind.  But you will lose out if you haven't made sure your mark is in the Book.  Is it?

Have a great day.  Leave a mark for good behind you that will benefit mankind when you leave this earth.  But make sure you have a mark that will benefit you when you leave this life-- your name/mark in the Lamb's Book of Life.        

"Talking To God Or With God?"

"Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God".  Philippians 4:6

We tend to make prayer something we do "to" God.  We look at prayer as a time of talking "to" God about our needs.  Prayer is so much more than that.  It is not just a list that we present to God for Him to answer.  Prayer is communication with God.  We don't talk "to" God, we talk "with" God. 

Prayer is not one sided.  Prayer involves us talking with God.  We make our request known to Him, we bring our needs to Him, we tell Him what is on our mind, but we should always listen to Him and wait for Him to speak to us as well.  We listen to what He wants to say.  We wait for Him to respond.  We listen for His instructions, His direction and what He wants to convey to us.

How do you view prayer?  Is it a list that you talk "to" God about only? Or is it a time when you talk "with" the Lord? Do you tell Him what you want, or do you give Him the opportunity to tell you what He wants?  Prayer is a two-way street-- talking and listening. 

Have a great day.  Do you talk to God or with God?     

"Greater Understanding Of Him "

"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

When Jesus rebuked the storm and commanded it to be still, the disciples were amazed and wondered just who this man was.  The answer is-- He was the same one who got in the boat with them to begin with.  The presence of the storm didn't change who He was and had always been.  He was the same miracle working, power demonstrating, demon casting out, healer of the sick that He was before He got into the boat.

What I am trying to say is that the problems we face, the storms that threaten, the demons that rage, the fiery furnace trials, the pit of despair, the den of roaring lion's, the oppression of the enemy, the loss of possessions, the break in relationships, the fear of drowning does not change nor diminish who He is.  He is still God.  He is still Ruler over all the universe.  He is still the Deliverer, the Healer, the Savior. 

He hadn't changed in the boat.  Their revelation of who He was in a greater dimension had changed.  They saw Him in a "new light".  But He was the same Jesus.  He was already the ruler over nature when He got in the boat-- not when He rebuked it.

Our times of trials, problems and testing don't change Him.  They change our perspective of Him.  They change our understanding of who He is.  We see Him in a greater way than we saw Him in other situations.  I can remember being sick once and praying for the Lord to touch me--- He had on many occasions.  This time He spoke to my heart and told me that I already knew He was my Healer, this time He wanted to show me something different about Himself-- He wanted to give me another revelation of His greatness.  (And He did.) 

So remember, your circumstances don't change Him.  He is still Who He has always been.  But they change the way you see Him and give you a deeper, clearer revelation of Who this Glorious, Amazing, Wonderful, Almighty God is.

Have a great day.  The Lord is the same all-powerful God during the trials as He was before the trials.  They don't change Him.  They change our understanding of Who He is and broadens it.  

"I Call Him Lord"

"Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost".  1 Corinthians 12:3

I was thinking about a song I haven't heard in a long time.  The chorus says, "And if you can remember ask him what's his name, and if he tells you Jesus just say we're so glad you came.  But tell him you know someone who still calls him Lord, then send him on to me cause that's the man I'm looking' for". 

As I listened to the words, the line that says, "tell Him you know someone who still calls Him Lord", just "jumped" out at me and brought tears to my eyes. 

Does anyone truly call Him "Lord" anymore?  Is He Lord to those who profess to be a Christian?  Is He Lord to those who say they know Him? 

I hear so many people call Him "The Big Guy Upstairs"; their "Homey"; their "Best Bud"; their "Running Buddy"; etc.  Personally, He is my best friend who sticks closer to me than a brother.  He is my Elder Brother.  He is my Confidant.  But He is FIRST my GOD!  He is my Lord!  I still call Him Lord. 

Because He is so personal with us and desires to have a personal intimate relationship with us, calling us His children, we have forgotten the reverence that He is due.  While He is all that to me, He is my Lord.  He is the object of my worship.  He is the Potter and I am the clay-- He can mold and make of me anything He desires.  He commands me.  He gives me my marching orders.  He is the one I submit my will to.  He tells me what to do, not vice versa. 

I praise Him for a close relationship with Him.  I am so thankful that I can approach Him without fear of being "consumed".  I am thankful that He is a God who is near and not far away.  I am so glad I have access to come to Him.  I am so blessed and appreciative to be allowed to be His child.  I am indeed thankful that I can share the deepest secrets of my heart with Him.  But I must never forget that He is first my Lord and not be flippant about that relationship. 

Have a great day.  I still call Jesus Lord!  Because He is!  Do you?   

"The Direction Of Choices"

"I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live".  Deuteronomy 30:19

Life is made up of choices.  Some are simple and don't affect us much-- such as choosing what to eat for lunch.  Others are major and carry lifelong consequences with them.  I want to start with a question this morning.  "Are the choices you're making bringing you closer to the Lord or taking you further away from Him?".

David made the choice to commit adultery with Bathsheba.  It didn't bring him closer to the Lord.  King Saul made the choice to disobey the words of Samuel the prophet.  His choice didn't bring him closer to God.  Mary made the choice to submit to the will of God to give birth to the Messiah.  That choice brought her closer to the Lord.  Adam made a choice to disobey God, and it took him and all of mankind away from God.

The Bible admonishes us to "acknowledge the Lord in all our ways and He would direct our steps".  We are to seek Him in every decision we make, every choice we make, every direction we go and let Him direct us.  When we do, He will always lead us in not only making the right choice, but in making the choice that will bring us closer to Him at the same time.

Have a great day.  Are the choices you are making bringing you closer to the Lord or taking you further away from Him?  

"Present Not Absent"

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

When we go through difficult and trying times in our lives, we should have a confidence that no matter what it is we are facing the Lord will be with us. I believe He is wanting us more and more as the "evil days" approach to be confident and unshaken in our faith that His presence is with us in every situation. 

The presence of trials does not mean the absence of God.  The presence of pain doesn't mean the absence of God.  The presence of financial want doesn't mean the absence of God.  The presence of grief, the passing of a loved one, a bad physical report, the loss of a job, the rebellion of a child, the attack of an enemy does not mean that God is not present with you. 

He is there in the valley of the shadow of death.  He is there in the fiery furnace.  He is there in the lion's den.  He is there when Pharaoh's army is behind you and a Red Sea in front of you.  He is there in the storm.  He is there when all the demons of hell are waging war against you.  Just because you go through these places and situations does not mean that He is not there.  He is not absent.  He is present.   

Have a great day.  The presence of problems does not mean the absence of God.

"The Simple Answer"

"Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest".  Matthew 11:28

When we are burdened down by the cares of this life, by problems or by unpleasant circumstances, we tend to run here, there and everywhere looking for answers.  We often miss our true source of help because the answer to the help we need is too "simple"-- "Come unto Me".

Is going to the Lord the first place you turn to for help or the last?  Do you go to Him after you have exhausted every other avenue of help?  Is He at the top of your list for help or the bottom?  Or is He somewhere in the middle? 

The Psalmist said, "I will look unto the hills from where my help comes.  My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth".  (Psalm 121:2) Hebrews tells us, "The Lord is my helper". (Hebrews 13:6)

The Lord is our helper, not only for the big problems or not only for the small problems.  He is our help for all problems.  Whether the problem is a spiritual one, a physical problem, a financial one or a problem with a relationship.  He is our help, our answer and our guide in every problem we face.   

Have a great day.  Got a problem?  There is an answer.  The answer is so simple we often miss it-- Come unto Me.  

"Don't Wait"

"(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)"  2 Corinthians 6:2

There is one thing I have noticed about human nature-- we tend to put things off until the last minute.  I tend to do it myself.  

Many people treat their eternity the same way.  They are waiting until the "last minute" to get things right with God.  Many are waiting until after they have lived their lives and finished doing all the "fun things" they had planned to do before giving their lives to the Lord.  Some are waiting until their "death bed" to do it.  Some are just waiting with the idea that "one day" they will do it. These people are gambling with the state of their eternal souls. 

We can't think that we have plenty of time to get things right with God.  We are not promised tomorrow.  We are not promised the next breath.  We are not promised we will have a "death bed" opportunity.  We are not promised to live to a "ripe old age".  We only have now.  We only have this moment.  We only have this breath. 

Are you waiting?  Are you holding out until you have done all you want to do?  Are you putting God off until you are ready?  If so, you are taking a big chance.  If so, you are on dangerous ground.  If you are you may wind up falling short of eternity.

Have a great day.  Don't wait until the last minute to get right with God.  You aren't promised to have that last minute. 

"Fallen From Grace"

"Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace".  Galatians 5:4

"Fallen from grace".  Usually, we say that someone has fallen from grace when they turn from serving Jesus and go back into a lifestyle of sin.  I want us to look at another aspect of what it means to "fall from grace" that may be more accurate.

The Apostle warns the people that once they had accepted salvation by grace through faith, if they went back to working out their salvation according to the law they had "fallen from grace". 

We are saved by faith in what Jesus did at the cross.  Salvation is the gift of God.  We don't earn it.  We can't work hard enough to obtain it.  It is given by grace.  It is unmerited.  If it is received by grace, then it is also kept by grace.  If we try to keep it any other way, then we have "fallen from grace".  "Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?".  (Galatians 3:3)

Grace is not a license; it is a gift.  You can't do enough good works to stay saved-- although we should be doing works which cause our lights to shine and bring glory to our Father in heaven.

You can't be holy enough to stay saved-- although we are to live holy lives.

You can't be religious enough to stay saved-- although we should be tending to what we consider our religious duties:  church attendance, Bible reading, fasting and prayer. 

If you are trying to be saved through your own goodness and works, then you won't receive the gift of eternal life-- it is given by grace. If you are trying to stay saved by your own goodness and works, then you have fallen from grace. It ceases to be about what Jesus did and becomes about what you can do.

Have a great day.  If you are trying to stay saved through your works, you are "fallen from grace". 

"What Do You Know About The Lord?"

"And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?"  Psalm 73:11

When I read this verse, I got a chuckle out of it.  I wanted to say, "It's because He is God".  Of course God knows.  Of course He has knowledge.  He knows everything.  But when you read it in context you see that the ones who asked these questions are the wicked.  What other answer would you expect from them, seeing they don't know God nor have a relationship with Him.

What becomes sad, instead of funny, is when one of His own children doesn't even know Him.  It is sad when they profess to know Him but can't even answer basic questions about Him. 

Just how much do you know about the Lord?  I can say upfront that none of us will know everything there is to know about Him.  If we could, He wouldn't be God.  Although we can't, and won't ever, know all there is to know about Him, He desires that we have a relationship with Him and in that relationship He will show us great and mighty things about Himself that we don't know.  He will also take us into His confidence as He did Abraham.  He will make known His ways to us like He did to Moses.  He will reveal secrets to us the way He did to Daniel.  He will walk with us in such a close manner as He did with Enoch.  He will demonstrate His power through us like He did through Paul. 

So, how content are you in your knowledge of God?  Do you not know Him?  Do you have limited knowledge of Him?  Do you only know "facts and figures" about Him?  Or do you know Him in an intimate and personal way?  Do you have a relationship with Him where He communicates more and more about Himself to you? 

Have a great day.  Just how well do you know the Lord?  How well do you want to know Him?

"God's Power Or His Faithfulness"

"....  great is thy faithfulness".  Lamentations 3:23B

I woke up thinking about the faithfulness of God this morning.  That is my favorite attribute of His.  I have found Him faithful on every occasion, every situation, every day and in every way.  He has always been faithful to do and be all that He has said He would do and be.

Many accuse Him of not being faithful because He didn't do what they thought He was going to do for them.  Or because He didn't deliver them when they thought He would.  Or He "allowed" something bad to happen.  God's faithfulness is not based on His ability to deliver, remove, take care of, eradicate or defeat your circumstance.  That is His power.  His faithfulness is something else.

The Psalmist put it this way, " Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me". (Ps. 23:4)  He doesn't always deliver us out of the valley, although He is powerful and can.  He walks with us through the valley-- that's where His faithfulness comes in.  He never leaves us in our time of need, trial or testing. 

Immediate deliverance doesn't prove His faithfulness, just ask Daniel or the three Hebrews.  He didn't deliver Daniel until after a night in the lion's den.  But He faithfully stood with Daniel in that dark hole.  He didn't deliver the Hebrews from the fiery furnace until after their bonds fell off.  But He was with them-- the wicked king even saw Him in the fire. 

God's power is able to deliver us from ever trial, every desert, every valley, every furnace, every situation we find ourselves in.  But if He doesn't deliver you before, if He doesn't deliver you immediately, if He chooses to wait a while, if He chooses that you walk through it, it doesn't mean that He isn't faithful.  You can trust that He is faithful and will faithfully be there with you at the beginning and all the way until the end. 

Have a great day.  Some believe God is only faithful if He delivers them out of their trail.  That isn't faithfulness that is His power on display.  His faithfulness is the fact that He walks with you through the trial, watching over you and never leaving you until the trial is over. 

"God Gives Abundantly"

"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 

This verse is filled with glorious promises as well as hope. 

 

The Lord God is a sun--- He lights up our path so we can see clearly.  As the sun lights the earth and its arrival pushes back the darkness of night, so He lights our way and drives back the darkness.

 

The Lord God is a shield-- as a shield protects a warrior when in battle, the Lord protects us.  It didn't say He "gives" a shield.  It says He "is" a shield.  That means He Himself protects us.  He steps in between us and the enemy.  He puts Himself out in front of us.

 

The Lord will give grace--  He gives grace. Grace can't be earned. It can't be purchased.  It is a gift freely given to us by Him.  Grace is power and influence in our lives to be able to make it through anything.

 

The Lord gives glory-- glory means honor, abundance, splendor.  God clothes us with His own glory.  He places His honor upon us by exchanging our unrighteousness, which is like filthy rags, with His pure white robes of righteousness.  He gives honor to those who had no honor.  Abundance to those who were in lack.  He gives His own splendor to those who were once rebellious and far away from Him.  This glory came not by our own righteousness but by the righteousness of His Only Begotten Son Jesus.

 

No good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly-- "No" good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly.  When God says, "No", He means "No".  He will not withhold anything that we need.  He will supply all our need-- spirit, soul and body.  As we walk uprightly before Him, we are in actuality "seeking first His Kingdom" because we are walking in a manner which pleases Him.  As we do, "All these things shall be added unto us". 

 

Don't you agree these are wonder promises of hope and encouragement? He is a good God who loves us so deeply and so dearly.  He wants to bestow His blessings and goodness on us daily and always, and in abundance.

 

Have a great day.  The Lord God is all and gives all that we need. 

 

"Spending Time With Jesus"

"Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus".  Acts 4:13

"...they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus".  What was it about these disciples that made the people notice and acknowledge that they had been with Jesus?  Was it their ability to heal the sick?  Was it their preaching?  Was it the wisdom in which they answered the questions?  Was it their boldness to share the gospel?  All of the above.  The fact that they had spent time with Jesus was recognizable.  The same should be said of those of us who profess to be Christians.  People should be able to say that we have been with Jesus because of what they see and hear in us.

Sadly, most people don't see Jesus in those who profess to be Christians.  The reason is clear-- they profess to know Him but never spend time with Him.  We all know that whoever you spend the most time with has the greatest influence in your life.  The Bible even tells us to choose our companions carefully because hanging out with the wrong people will corrupt good morals.  Why?  Because of their influence. 

If you spend time with Jesus, it will be evident.  You won't have to go around telling people you do, they will know it.  But this doesn't happen "haphazardly".  It doesn't happen by spending time with Him only when you are in trouble or have a problem you need Him to solve.  This happens by spending time with Him day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute.  It happens by keeping the fellowship with Him open all time.  It happens by constant communion with Him.  Spending time with Him is not something you can take or leave.  Spending time with Him is not negotiable-- or shouldn't be.  Spending time with Him is our lifeline and it is what causes people to believe what we profess about our relationship with Him.

Have a great day.  People will take note that you have been with Jesus, but only if you are spending time with Him.    

"Choose To Fight Or Not"

"Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ".  2 Corinthians 10:7

When I am going through a spiritual, mental or emotional battle, and fear is coming against, worry is trying to take hold of me, bitterness and self-pity are wanting to control my thoughts, I have a choice.  I can either choose to give into it, or I can choose to war against it.  I either succumb to it, or I go to war against it.

To every battle there is an outcome.  It is either one of victory or defeat.  If we choose to do nothing-- not fight-- then we will surely be defeated and brought under the control of whatever is warring against us.  If we choose to fight, we will be victorious and overcome it. 

I know how it is to do nothing and let it defeat me.  When my emotions are being fought against and I do nothing, I wind up in a "mess".  All I want to do is cry, be left alone, run and hide, get defensive or get even.  That is not life, that is defeat.  Jesus came to give us abundant life.  He has provided all things for us that pertain to life.  Through His own victory at the cross He has given us the victory over every enemy that comes against us.

From experience also, I know that if I will make the choice to fight then this will not last.  My emotions will be brought into check.  My mind will regain peace.  Joy will begin to flood my heart.  I find that the more and more I choose to fight against it, then I spend less and less time being dominated by it-- the battle time gets shorter. 

Sometimes we don't "feel" like fighting.  Sometimes we want to "enjoy" the self-pity, anger, etc.  Sometimes we want to "stew" in it.  But that is dangerous.  It is like sitting in a chair with a ticking time bomb in your lap.  It will eventually explode.  Then you will really have a problem.  We have to make the choice to get past our feelings. We have to make the step of faith to come out of it.  We do that by drawing near to God.  We do it by calling upon Him for help.  We listen to the voice of Holy Spirit.  We renew our minds with the Word of God.  In doing so, we are fighting a good warfare.  We are fighting one that we are already guaranteed to win.

Have a great day.  When you are in a spiritual battle, you can either choose to fight and win or give in and let it conquer you.