"They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." Lamentations 3:23
I'll be the first to admit that sometimes I miss it. There are days that I don't always do what I should, but I am thankful that even if I missed it yesterday, I don't have to stay there. Today is a new day- a new day that has band new mercies available to me. Yesterday I might have been a failure, but today I can be a winner. Yesterday I might have suffered defeat, but today I can be victorious.
Look at Peter. There was a "yesterday" and a "today" for him. Yesterday, he denied Christ, but then we see him a few days later and Jesus is commissioning him to feed His sheep. Mary Magdalene had a "yesterday". Yesterday she was full of demons and the Lord cast them out. The next day-her "today"- she is a follower of His- staying by His side even until He drew His last breath on the cross.
There is a "yesterday" and a "today" (so to speak) in all of our lives. Yesterday we may have been in one place, state or condition, but today because of the goodness, mercy and grace of the Lord we can be somewhere completely different. You might have missed it yesterday, but today you can get back on track. Yesterday you might have blown it, but today you can get back up. Yesterday you might have been disobedient, but today you can repent and fulfill His will. Yesterday you might have walked in the flesh, but today you can walk in the spirit. Yesterday you might have been a failure, but today you can be more than a conqueror. Don't let your mistakes of yesterday hold you in bondage. Today is a new day and the Lord is standing at it's threshold waiting to make it a new "today" for you.
Have a great day. You may have blown it yesterday like Peter, but today you can hear the Lord say "Feed My sheep".
Showing posts with label religion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label religion. Show all posts
Friday, April 4, 2008
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
"Come Alive"
"He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." 1 John 5:12
As I set down to write this morning, I started hearing a chorus that we use to sing years ago playing over and over in my thoughts. We haven't sang it in years but I feel impressed to share it with you this morning. It goes, "I will serve Thee, because I love Thee. You have given life to me. I was nothing before you found me. You have given life to me. Heartache, broken pieces, ruined lives are why you died on Calvary. You're touch is what I long for. You have given life to me."
Before we come to Christ, we are "walking dead men"- there is no life in us. We have breath in our bodies and blood in our veins which constitutes physical life but we can still be dead because we are a spirit being inside a natural body, and having life in your spirit is what constitutes real life.
"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23) "Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live." (John 11:25) "And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness." (Romans 8:10)
We are all born spiritually dead. We all need to come alive. We all can receive life. Going from death to life is not a hard thing-- it's a miraculous thing. It's a gift that has been freely given to us. It's a gift that has been purchased for us. Have you received this gift of life? If not, here's how- "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." (John 5:24 ) If you have received it, are you telling someone else that needs it about it so that they might receive it and come alive?
Have a great day. Without Christ we are dead in trespasses and sins, but He died to give us life. Are you alive?
As I set down to write this morning, I started hearing a chorus that we use to sing years ago playing over and over in my thoughts. We haven't sang it in years but I feel impressed to share it with you this morning. It goes, "I will serve Thee, because I love Thee. You have given life to me. I was nothing before you found me. You have given life to me. Heartache, broken pieces, ruined lives are why you died on Calvary. You're touch is what I long for. You have given life to me."
Before we come to Christ, we are "walking dead men"- there is no life in us. We have breath in our bodies and blood in our veins which constitutes physical life but we can still be dead because we are a spirit being inside a natural body, and having life in your spirit is what constitutes real life.
"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23) "Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live." (John 11:25) "And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness." (Romans 8:10)
We are all born spiritually dead. We all need to come alive. We all can receive life. Going from death to life is not a hard thing-- it's a miraculous thing. It's a gift that has been freely given to us. It's a gift that has been purchased for us. Have you received this gift of life? If not, here's how- "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." (John 5:24 ) If you have received it, are you telling someone else that needs it about it so that they might receive it and come alive?
Have a great day. Without Christ we are dead in trespasses and sins, but He died to give us life. Are you alive?
Monday, March 3, 2008
"Mirror, Mirror"
"But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed." James 1:25
When I look into a mirror, it shows me the blemishes, wrinkles, imperfections or dirt that I have on my face. The word of God is like a mirror. When I look into it, it shows me what I really look like. It shows me the "spiritual" imperfections. It shows me how wicked my own heart is. It shows me my rebellion. It shows me the "wrinkles" of pride, selfishness, unforgiveness. But unlike the mirror hanging on my wall, not only does God's word show me what I look like, it also shows me how to correct it. It gives me the solution to correcting my "appearance".
When I apply the word of God to my life, it's a cleansing agent to clean away the dirt of sin. "That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word." (Ephesians 5:26) It clears up the blemishes, it removes the wrinkles, it takes care of the imperfections. God is so wonderful-- He shows us our problem and He also gives us our solution, and they are both found in His word.
When you look into the word and see these spiritual blemishes, don't just turn away from the mirror and forget about it. Do something about it. Search the scriptures to find out how to correct it. If I go to my mirror and see that I have a big black smudge across my cheek, I am not going to walk away and do nothing about removing it. I am going to get soap and water or some sort of cleanser and wash it until it's removed. Why aren't we more concerned about making sure our spiritual appearance is perfect too. After all, it's more important.
Have a great. We need to look in the mirror of God's word everyday, and then do something about what we see.
When I look into a mirror, it shows me the blemishes, wrinkles, imperfections or dirt that I have on my face. The word of God is like a mirror. When I look into it, it shows me what I really look like. It shows me the "spiritual" imperfections. It shows me how wicked my own heart is. It shows me my rebellion. It shows me the "wrinkles" of pride, selfishness, unforgiveness. But unlike the mirror hanging on my wall, not only does God's word show me what I look like, it also shows me how to correct it. It gives me the solution to correcting my "appearance".
When I apply the word of God to my life, it's a cleansing agent to clean away the dirt of sin. "That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word." (Ephesians 5:26) It clears up the blemishes, it removes the wrinkles, it takes care of the imperfections. God is so wonderful-- He shows us our problem and He also gives us our solution, and they are both found in His word.
When you look into the word and see these spiritual blemishes, don't just turn away from the mirror and forget about it. Do something about it. Search the scriptures to find out how to correct it. If I go to my mirror and see that I have a big black smudge across my cheek, I am not going to walk away and do nothing about removing it. I am going to get soap and water or some sort of cleanser and wash it until it's removed. Why aren't we more concerned about making sure our spiritual appearance is perfect too. After all, it's more important.
Have a great. We need to look in the mirror of God's word everyday, and then do something about what we see.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
"Unconditional Trust"
"Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed." Psalm 37:3
Do you remember the old hymnal- "Trust And Obey"? Our obedience to God is the greatest proof of our trust in Him. But trust isn't a "fair weather" thing only. Too many of God's children have "conditional" trust. They trust Him as long as the sun is shining, the skies in their world are blue, they have plenty to eat, all the bills are paid, there are no conflicts in their life, and all is at peace.
The real test of trust comes in just the opposite conditions. Do you trust Him when all visible means of support are gone? Do you trust Him to carry you through the storm? Do you trust Him when Pharaoh's army is pursuing? Do you trust Him when the brook is dried up? Do you trust Him when you are standing before the fiery furnace?
It's one thing to trust God when all is well. It's another to trust Him when your world is falling apart. Whatever condition your life is in today, whatever situation you are facing, whatever you are going through- good, bad, or otherwise- are you going to put your trust in the Lord? Is your trust "rooted and grounded" in Him? If it's rooted, if it's grounded, then it's established upon a sure, strong and powerful foundation, and it's a foundation you can put your trust in because it's Jesus, the Solid Rock.
Have a great day. Is your trust in the Lord conditional or unconditional?
Do you remember the old hymnal- "Trust And Obey"? Our obedience to God is the greatest proof of our trust in Him. But trust isn't a "fair weather" thing only. Too many of God's children have "conditional" trust. They trust Him as long as the sun is shining, the skies in their world are blue, they have plenty to eat, all the bills are paid, there are no conflicts in their life, and all is at peace.
The real test of trust comes in just the opposite conditions. Do you trust Him when all visible means of support are gone? Do you trust Him to carry you through the storm? Do you trust Him when Pharaoh's army is pursuing? Do you trust Him when the brook is dried up? Do you trust Him when you are standing before the fiery furnace?
It's one thing to trust God when all is well. It's another to trust Him when your world is falling apart. Whatever condition your life is in today, whatever situation you are facing, whatever you are going through- good, bad, or otherwise- are you going to put your trust in the Lord? Is your trust "rooted and grounded" in Him? If it's rooted, if it's grounded, then it's established upon a sure, strong and powerful foundation, and it's a foundation you can put your trust in because it's Jesus, the Solid Rock.
Have a great day. Is your trust in the Lord conditional or unconditional?
Thursday, February 14, 2008
"His Love"
"The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee." Jeremiah 31:3
Everyone told me that when my grandbaby got here it would be one of the most wonderful things in my life. They said that I would have a love for her that was different than the love I even had for my daughter. They were right! She is the most precious little bundle of joy. I love her so much!! I can't describe the depth of love that I have for her. I could hold her, hug her, kiss her, and never let her go. As I was thinking about how deeply and dearly I love her, the Lord reminded me of a love that was even greater than the love I have for her.... it's His love for us.
God's love for us is greater than we can comprehend or imagine. He loves us so much that He was willing to send His Son to die for us. He loves us so much that He went beyond a verbal expression and demonstrated it by dying on the cross. This morning, I feel that someone needs to hear that He loves you. You have been going through such a difficult time that you have forgotten that He loves you. The situations you have faced have made you wonder where the love of God is for you. I am here to remind you that He loves you. You may have forgotten, you may not feel like it, you may wonder, you may not believe it... but He does love you.
He loves you with an everlasting love. There is nothing that can separate you from His love. His love is eternal- it will never fade away. It is unconditional-- you'll never make Him stop loving you. This morning, if that is you, reach out and take hold of His love. Let Him embrace you once more. Get in a quiet place alone and ask Him to let you feel His love bathe you. He will.
Have a great day. The depth of God's love for us is unfathomable.
Everyone told me that when my grandbaby got here it would be one of the most wonderful things in my life. They said that I would have a love for her that was different than the love I even had for my daughter. They were right! She is the most precious little bundle of joy. I love her so much!! I can't describe the depth of love that I have for her. I could hold her, hug her, kiss her, and never let her go. As I was thinking about how deeply and dearly I love her, the Lord reminded me of a love that was even greater than the love I have for her.... it's His love for us.
God's love for us is greater than we can comprehend or imagine. He loves us so much that He was willing to send His Son to die for us. He loves us so much that He went beyond a verbal expression and demonstrated it by dying on the cross. This morning, I feel that someone needs to hear that He loves you. You have been going through such a difficult time that you have forgotten that He loves you. The situations you have faced have made you wonder where the love of God is for you. I am here to remind you that He loves you. You may have forgotten, you may not feel like it, you may wonder, you may not believe it... but He does love you.
He loves you with an everlasting love. There is nothing that can separate you from His love. His love is eternal- it will never fade away. It is unconditional-- you'll never make Him stop loving you. This morning, if that is you, reach out and take hold of His love. Let Him embrace you once more. Get in a quiet place alone and ask Him to let you feel His love bathe you. He will.
Have a great day. The depth of God's love for us is unfathomable.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
"Out of the Pit"
"He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings." Psalm 40:2
Have you ever been in a pit? Perhaps it was a pit of despair, a pit of pain, a pit of grief, a pit of fear or depression? We all have been in a pit at some time or other, and probably will be again. Pits come unexpectedly. One moment you are going along minding your own business or even doing the work of the Lord then the next minute you are in a pit. This happened to Joseph. He was just obeying his father by looking for his brothers and he got thrown into a pit. The prophet Jeremiah was delivering the word of the Lord and wound up in a pit. Daniel was praying and got thrown into a pit.
Pits are unavoidable- they are out there waiting for you to fall into them-- the enemy of our soul will see to that. But the question is, "What are you going to do when you find yourself in a pit?". Are you going to try to get out? Are you going to give up? Are you going to throw up your hands? Are you going to sit there and feel sorry for yourself and wait to die? What are you going to do?
The good news is you don't have to stay in the pit. Joseph got out, so did Jeremiah and Daniel. How did they get out? Did they deliver themselves? No, the Lord brought them out. The Lord will bring you out also. His hand is not too short that it cannot reach down and save you. If you will look to Him and call out to Him, He will bring you up out of the pit onto a higher place and set your feet upon a rock.
Have a great day. You don't have to stay in the pit, the Lord will help you out.
Have you ever been in a pit? Perhaps it was a pit of despair, a pit of pain, a pit of grief, a pit of fear or depression? We all have been in a pit at some time or other, and probably will be again. Pits come unexpectedly. One moment you are going along minding your own business or even doing the work of the Lord then the next minute you are in a pit. This happened to Joseph. He was just obeying his father by looking for his brothers and he got thrown into a pit. The prophet Jeremiah was delivering the word of the Lord and wound up in a pit. Daniel was praying and got thrown into a pit.
Pits are unavoidable- they are out there waiting for you to fall into them-- the enemy of our soul will see to that. But the question is, "What are you going to do when you find yourself in a pit?". Are you going to try to get out? Are you going to give up? Are you going to throw up your hands? Are you going to sit there and feel sorry for yourself and wait to die? What are you going to do?
The good news is you don't have to stay in the pit. Joseph got out, so did Jeremiah and Daniel. How did they get out? Did they deliver themselves? No, the Lord brought them out. The Lord will bring you out also. His hand is not too short that it cannot reach down and save you. If you will look to Him and call out to Him, He will bring you up out of the pit onto a higher place and set your feet upon a rock.
Have a great day. You don't have to stay in the pit, the Lord will help you out.
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