What Are Your New Year Plans?

Another New Year Eve finds me peering over the rim of 2015. What fears and victories will we face next year?

The challenge for 2015 is to commit to seeking God's will for every area, every decision, and every move we make.When we do, we can know that God allows whatever comes our way, and He controls it. Rest assured that God will take care of your tomorrows if you commit to the Lord each day.

Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.

What are your plans for the future? Do you plan to go to Heaven? You need salvation. If you don't personally know Jesus, believe in Him with all your heart.

Do you plan to get serious about serving God? Read the Bible and pray every day.

Is your plan God/s plan?

Can God Use You in 2015?

Can God use your life in 2015? Yes He can, but it must first be His to use.

Are you really saved --- not good, baptized, church member, but truly saved? If you don't know believe in Jesus with all your heart.

Are you fully surrendered to Him or are you holding back? Everything must be His.

Are you available for Him to use or is your life so cluttered with what you do that there's no room for Him?

Are you willing to be used by the Lord? He won't force you to serve Him.

With the New Year approaching, now is a good time to examine your heart and lay your life at the feet of Jesus.

Romans 12:1   I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

True Worship

Some people bow down to rocks, statues or animals. Some worship themselves or their families or their possessions. Some worship their church, their favorite preacher or their old, moldy traditions.

Genuine biblical worship isn't about us getting things, it's about us being lost in the wonder of Who God is.

When David was told by Nathan that God would establish His throne and kingdom forever, David simply sat down in the presence of God.

2 Samuel 7:22 Wherefore thou art great, O Lord God: for there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.

As David sat there and basked in the glory and goodness of God, he was overcome with wonder and praise. This is the essence of true worship.

Jesus Is Lord

The Christian who walks in the love of God will put other's needs ahead of their own.

Philippians 2:4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

Caring for others is important, but it's also important that our lives are pleasing to the Lord. We are His.

1 Corinthians 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.

The plans we make in 2015 should be tagged with "if it be God's will. Do they fit God's purpose for our lives?" If you're not sure, ask the Lord.

Whether we grasp it or not; whether people teach it or not; Jesus is Lord. His function as Savior can't be separated from His function as Lord.

If we live lives that honor Him, He will take care of every situation.

I'll Carry You

God promised to carry Israel through difficult times of captivity and ultimately restore her land to her. Many in the 21st Century witnessed the survival of the Jewish people, the return to their homeland, and them becoming a nation in 1948.

Isaiah 46:4 And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.

What a powerful and encouraging message. God will carry us too, through old age and "hoar hairs" (graying years).

Jesus said, "Ye must be born again." From the moment you trust in Him, you are God's child, and He is committed to load you on His back and carry you forever. He will carry your burdens and heartaches and cares. Trust Him.

A Challenge For Next Year

The day after Christmas finds many playing with new toys, wearing new garments, and smiling at new pictures destined for memory books. Now is a good time to reflect on the past year and our relationship with God. Are we where The Lord wants us to be?

Colossians 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

God's  people are called upon to become heavenly minded. Challenge yourself to think about Heavenly things next year. Focus on making future activities and plans in light of eternity. Lay out decisions before The Lord.

From His place at the Father's right hand, Jesus makes intercession for us. He gives us all we need to live for Him.

Romans 8:31  . . . .  If God be for us, who can be against us?

The Real Christmas Story

 A little boy came home from Sunday School, excited to tell his mom what he learned.  "I learned all about the first Christmas. There wasn't a Santa Claus way back then, so these three fellows on camels had to deliver all the toys. And Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer with his nose so bright wasn't there so they had to have this big spotlight in the sky to find their way around."

Thank God for the Bible! In His holy, inspired, infallible Word, God sets the record straight where Christmas is concerned! Jesus is the reason for the season. He is the main reason, but He isn't the only one! 

Christmas is A time for giving, for good tidings, for amazing grace, and for glorifying God.

Born in Bethlehem

The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem was prophesied by Micah 700 years earlier. Joseph and Mary were living in Nazareth. It probably never entered their mind to go to Bethlehem. An eighty mile trip would've been hard on an expectant mother.

Luke 2:1 And it came to pass in those days that there went out a decree from Ceasar Agustus, that all the world should be taxed.

God used a pagan emperor to ensure that His Son would be born in the right place at the right time.

Jesus was born to die. Every lamb, ram, goat, bird, etc., that had been sacrificed through the ages pointed to the Special Birth.

Jesus is why Noah built an Ark, Abraham built an altar, Moses built a Tabernacle, Solomon built a Temple, God built a hill called Calvary. Jesus came to earth to be our savior. Why? Because He loves you and me.

The Nativity Scene

Luke 2:7 And she brought forth her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

The Nativity scene, as simple as it is, reminds us of a profound truth: The moment God became flesh.

In our Christmas programs at church we celebrate the love and grace of The Lord Jesus, Who willingly laid aside His heavenly glory to be born in the humblest of circumstances.

We may find humor in the costumes and antics of the children as they dramatize the Nativity scene, but I hope it touches something deeper within our hearts. I hope it stands as a constant reminder that God loves us; that He came to this world to die for us; that He paid an unthinkable price to provide a glorious salvation for all who receive Him.

It Was A Holy Night

Since God created the world, some nights witnessed profound changes in history.

The world drifted off to sleep the night Christ was born, not knowing that God was transacting eternal business in their midst. They didn't know that a Savior was being born in Bethlehem.

Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior which is Christ The Lord.

It was a holy night. I love to playing Oh, Holy Night for offertory at church each year.

Oh holy night! The stars are brightly shining. It is the night of the deer Savior's birth.

Long lay the world in sin and error pining tell He appear'd and the soul felt its worth.

A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices; for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices. 

Oh, night divine, oh, night when Christ was born;

Oh night Divine, Oh night, Oh night Divine.

Adolphe Adam 1847

The Greatest Gift

The first expensive Christmas present I received was a wrist watch from my husband, Gale. I was twenty-two. We were engaged. He was in North Dakota and I was in Kansas. I was somewhat taken back fifty years ago.

I received the priceless gift of salvation when I was nine, purchased by the blood of Jesus on the old rugged cross and wrapped in grace.

Ephesians 2:8,9 For by grace are ye saved through faith: and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

The miraculous virgin birth of The Lord Jesus is the greatest gift of all time, given by God the Father to a world of sin. You must believe in Him to accept the gift.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life. 

His Name Shall Be Called Jesus

Matthew 1:21 And she shall brinng forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

JESUS: Man can't comprehend Him, but the smallest child can believe in Him.

JESUS: The guiding force of our lives, the giver of grace, the Worker of wonders.

JESUS: The Soverein One: our Hero, defender of our enemies, worthy of our worship.

JESUS: The Great "I Am", the eternal, self-existent One. Because He lives believers live.

JESUS: The Satisfying One, the Creator and Sustainer of peace to all who receive Him by faith.

JESUS: The source of our salvation, and the hope of our hearts.

His Name can:

• Break sin's bondage
• Cool a fevered brow
• Lift great burdens
• Comfort broken hearts
• Unlock the door of heaven
• Save the vilest sinner
• Redeem the blackest soul
• Secure the precious saints

JESUS: What a lovely Name

The Greatest Story

The story of The Son of God coming to earth in the flesh to sacrifice His life for our sins is over 2,000 years old. It's still the greatest story ever told.

Luke 2:15  And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another; Let us now go even unto Bethlehem and see this thing which is come to pass, which The Lord hath made known unto us.

The shepherds were considered to be social outcasts. Their duties made them unclean because they were unable to go to the Temple for cleansing.

Praise God, Jesus came to save all people, especially social outcasts, the downtrodden, and the forsaken.

Luke 19:10  For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

The shepherds returned to their sheep with hearts full of praise for The Lord. What a difference Jesus makes in our lives.

Our greatest need is forgiveness and redemption. It is only found in Christ. Trust Him.

Joy To The World

Luke 2:13,14  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men.

When you think about Christmas, try to keep things in perspective. Don't let it slide into commercialism and the world of fantasy.

Those exposed to the truth of God's Word know that Christmas is about that special day when God sent His Son into the world to be the sacrifice for our sins so that we can know Him. That's why we sing:

Joy to the world, The Lord has come!

Let earth receive her King

Let every heart prepare Him room

And Heaven and nature sing . . . . 

Isaac Watts

Fear Not

Three times God sent angelic messengers to earth announcing the birth of Jesus. Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds were frightened. Each time the angel said, "Fear not."

Luke 2:9 And, lo, the angel of The Lord came upon them and the glory of The Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10. And the angel said unto them, "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people.

If fear is troubling you this Christmas, learn a lesson from Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds. Jesus can turn your fear to peace. Perhaps you're overwhelmed by the "To Do Before Christmas" list in your hand, trying to make the Holiday perfect for everyone. Give your list and your stress to Jesus. Meditate on the Holy Christ-child, and sing "O Holy Night".  If you can't sing pull it up on U-Tube.

No Wonder They Call Him Wonderful

Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Even though Jesus was the "Son of Man", He was also the "Son of God". He was more than just a man, He was the God-man. Believing that is essential to being saved.

John 20:31 But these are written that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God: and that believing, ye might have life through his name.

"A Son is given" reminds us that this God-man came into the world to deliver Himself up as the ransom for sin on the cross of Calvary.

No wonder they call Him Wonderful.

Comfort And Joy

If Christmas finds hearts of believers heavy and troubled, they should listen to The Heavenly Father's voice singing over them. Let Him speak peace to your soul.

Zephaniah 3:17 The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; He will save. He will rejoice over thee with joy. He will rest in His love. He will joy over thee with singing. 

In all His holiness we see how Almighty God delights in His children. God the Father was proud of His Son. "This is my Son in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him. Worship Him."

Christmas comfort and joy comes as we focus on God's great presence as we celebrate the incarnation of God the Son. It should cheer our hearts to know that God is with us. We are never alone. We should never feel abandoned.

If you are not one of God's children, believe on Him. Trust Him.

From Darkness To Light

It was a dark spiritual day when Jesus came into the world. God sent his Light to those who were floundering around in darkness. Matthew, Peter, Andrew, James, John, and  many more saw the light of Jesus and were led out of darkness.

Things haven't changed. In fact, the world may be in a darker spiritual condition today than it was then, even though we have access to the light revealed in the Bible. Millions are trapped because they love darkness more than light.

John 3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

The good news is that not everyone is trapped. Do you remember the day the light of God shined into the darkness of your life? Maybe He never has. Jesus offers light, hope, and life to those who believe on Him. Trust Him.

Jesus, The Light Of The World

The birth of Jesus brought life and light to a dark world.

John 1:4,5 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness and the darkness comprehended it not.

The lost world tries to quench the Light, to prevent it from shining:

• The Light that has shone brightly from eternity past
• The Light that gleamed in Bethlehem's manger
• The Light that shone for thirty-three years while Jesus walked this earth 
• The Light that flickered briefly at Calvary but blazed forth at the entrance to an empty tomb 

That Light will continue to light the pathway to eternity for all who follow Him.

Acts 26:18 To open their eyes and to turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

Mercies

As I ponder the beauty of the birth of Christ, I'm reminded of the bounty of His blessings.

Our salvation is a wonderful gift, far more than any of us deserve, and yet God continues to bless us. Mary mentions the everlasting mercies of The Lord in her song.

Luke 1:50 And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.

Jesus would soon be born to bring deliverance to men, but His saving grace wouldn't be limited to those of Mary's day nor did it end at His death.

We live in a dark, sinful world, but the grace of God is still offered to all who believe with all their heart that Jesus is the risen Son of God.

Matthew 11:28-30 Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me: for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

My Soul Doth Magnify The Lord

The Christmas season is filled with songs that celebrate the coming of The Lord Jesus. None are more beautiful than Mary's song of praise.

Luke 1:46,47 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify The Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

She continues to sing of the wonder of God's mercy and grace, overwhelmed that He chose her to become the mother of Jesus.

If we take time to reflect on the mercies of God, we will rejoice. After all, who are we that the King of glory is mindful of us?

We had nothing to offer Him, and yet He miraculously came to earth for us. From the manger to the cross, our Savior was the greatest gift heaven had to offer.

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.

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

And The Word Became Flesh

Christmas is filled with many distractions. Between personalities, presents, and practices it's easy to forget the reason.

Considering the Babe in the manger created the universe makes Christmas more amazing.

John 1:1,3,14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. . . . . All things were made by Him and without him was not anything made that was made . . . . . And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father) full of grace and truth.

The One Who made it all controls it all. Born into poverty over 2,000 years ago, the long-awaited Messiah was rejected by His own. His horrible death on a cross was the sacrifice for the sins of humanity. That's why He came.

Jesus loves you and me. Trust Him.

The Gift Of Peace

So what do you want for Christmas? That question gets harder for me to answer as years pile up behind me. My closets and drawers bloat with gifts from years past. I have been blessed.

There are people who have everything except for peace. I wish I could gift-wrap it and give it to them for Christmas, but i can't. 

Real peace can only be found in The Lord Jesus Christ when one believes on Him. 

The angels spoke of peace when they announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds.

Luke 2:13,14 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Jesus spoke to His apostles about peace.

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

Laying Aside The Glories Of Heaven . . .

The night Jesus was born in Bethlehem was unlike any other in human history. The great I Am laid aside the glories of Heaven and came to earth as a humble servant.

A mighty angel appeared to shepherds with a remarkable message of hope, life, and salvation.

Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour which is Christ The Lord.

The precious Son of God--The Messiah, The Savior, The King of kings-- wasn't born in a palace, but in a smelly stable alongside barn animals. He wasn't wrapped in velvet like a prince but in rags of a common man.

The Jewel of Heaven made Himself poor so that we, through His poverty, might be made rich, so that we might identify with Him. It would be easier to approach a baby in a manger than a king on a throne.

Who Is This Jesus?

We who know Jesus celebrate His birth during the Christmas season. The world reacts in a different way. Either they ignore Him outright--refusing to say "Merry Christmas" or to use His name at all. 

We give gifts because Jesus was the greatest gift ever given, yet, most people have no idea Who He truly is.

The prophet Isaiah identifes Him quite well while prophesying about His virgin birth in Bethlehem.

Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

The God Of Eternity Comes To Earth

Luke 1:31,32 And behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb and bring forth a son and shall call his name Jesus.

32. He shall be great and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and The Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David.

As she carries the Holy infant, Mary, a virgin, knows that God is doing something pretty wonderful through her life. In spite of gossip, she will be the means by which the God of eternity enters human history.

She praises The Lord for His grace, because He chose to reveal Himself to the poor and humble.

I love the name of Jesus.

There's a name above all others

Wonderful to hear, bringing hope and cheer

It's the lovely name of Jesus

Evermore the same, what a lovely name

He'll return in clouds of glory

Saints of every race shall behold His face

With Him enter Heaven's city

Ever to proclaim, what a lovely name

Charles B. Wycuff

The Name Of Jesus

Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

The name "Jesus" means "Jehovah is Salvation".

This babe will grow up and die on a cruel cross. His blood sacrifice will be the only hope lost sinners have.

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

The Name of Jesus will be the only Name that will open the gates of Heaven, redeem the human soul from the bondage of sin, deliver lost men from the threat of Hell, and speak peace and hope to the downtrodden.

Why would God allow His beloved Son to die for lost people? Because He loves them. He loves you and wants you to believe on Him.

The Perfect Sacrifice

Luke 2:7 And she brought forth her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.

By sending Jesus into this world through the womb of a virgin, God gave His Son a human body and a human nature, but He was born without sin. He lived without sin, and He died without sin. He gave His life as a pure, perfect sacrifice for fallen man.

2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Born Thy people to deliver

Born a Child and yet a King

Born to reign in us forever

Now Thy gracious Kingdom bring

Charles Wesley

Christ's Greatest Miracle

Some people believe the greatest miracle of Christ was the crucifixion; others the resurrection or His healings, feeding the multitude with loaves and fishes or the transfiguration.

These reveal His divine power, but His greatest miracle is the day He became a man and remained God. 

Isaiah 7:14 Therefore The Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son and shall call his name Immanuel.

When Jesus was conceived in the womb of a virgin, the plan of the ages moved out of eternity and into time. God robed Himself in human flesh and came into the world.

The Christmas message is that Jesus came to die for your sins to save you from hell. That's love. Then He rose from the grave and returned to Heaven.

For me, His greatest miracle is saving a sinner like me. Trust Him by faith to forgive your sins and you will forever be saved by His mighty power.

Raising The God-Child

The quagmire of Mary's pregnancy began to unravel as an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream.

Matthew 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man and not willing to make her a public example was minded to put her away privily.

20. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of The Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

Can you feel his relief when he awakes? God chose his Mary, a virgin, to bring the long-awaited Messiah into the world?

Perhaps he was awe struck as he realized the Son of God would live in his modest home, learn his trade, sit on his knee, and eat at his table.

The prophets said he would come to earth to be crucified, to redeem man from sin. He would rise in three days. 

Wow! How do you raise the God-Child?

The Anguish Of Joseph

When God moved in time to send His Son Jesus into the world, He chose the perfect vessel when He chose Mary, a virgin.

Matthew 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

Suddenly, like a cruel slap in the face, Mary--his future bride--is pregnant and Joseph is not the father. His heart breaks. His dreams are shattered.

He doesn't know that God is working behind the scenes, hand-picking him to be the earthly caretaker of this child. 

He'll soon learn that this is The Messiah, The Lamb of God, born to die on a cruel cross for the sins of mankind.

The Lord works out His will in our lives in ways we can't comprehend. His plans are always the best even when they deeply hurt us.

Adversity Or Adventure

Life is full of adversity and adventure. Some times we can't tell one from the other. Our adversity may become a rejoicing adventure or an adventure become a regret.

Many talented and gifted people become failures because they give up when the going gets tough.

The Prophet Jeremiah became discouraged and wanted to quit. People mocked him for preaching in God's name.

Jeremiah 20:9 . . . . But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.

He couldn't quit.

God's Word in us will build our faith, and He will strengthen us to keep us from quitting.

When we are discouraged, defeated, and weak, we are in a place where God can strengthen us.

2 Corinthians 12:9,10 My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness . . . . for when I am weak, then am I strong. 

The Mind Of God

Whoever or whatever wins our minds, wins our hearts. The true Christian mind is one that is filled with the knowledge of God and loves him.

Matthew 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love The Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind.

The better the redeemed know God, the more they are going to love Him with all their hearts and minds.

Starting in Genesis, I read at least one chapter in the Bible every morning. Right now I'm in Revelation again. God's love and grace and patience and power and righteous judgments with Israel are the same for His saints of the new covenant today. I'm humbled and blessed every time I read His Word.

To learn how God thinks, study His Word--all of it. Let the mind of the Master be the master of your mind.

A Better Place

There's a better place waiting for the people of God. The Apostle John told us a little about it in John 14:1-3 and a lot about it in Revelation 21-22.

I've thought a lot about that place and one day my eyes will see its glory, my feet will walk its golden streets.

One day my ears will hear the sweet songs of Zion and the glorious words of my Savior say, "Enter thou in to the joy of thy Lord."

When I go to my Heavenly home, I can't wait to see my Jesus. But until then my heart will go on singing. Until then with joy I'll carry on.

Revelation 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

Goodness And Mercy

Psalms 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of The Lord forever.

It's foreign for us to think about good things chasing after us. God has a conspiracy of beauty and love nipping at our heels, but our eyes aren't trained to see it. So often we miss it.

Are you overlooking the love, beauty, kindness, grace, and forgiveness in your life? It may be a smile on a child's face or a hug? It may be a bright, sunny day or a memory of a wonderful moment.

How can I say thanks for the things you have done for me

Things so undeserved, yet You give to prove your love for me

The voices of a million angels cannot express my gratitude

All that i am or ever hope to be, I owe it all to Thee

To God be the glory! . . . .

Andrae Crouch

He Is Lord

QUESTION: What is this world coming to?

ANSWER: This world is coming to a day when it will humbly recognize and reverence Jesus as The Lord of all---the One who was once hanging, bleeding, and dying on a cross and is now on the Throne of Heaven, King of kings and Lord of lords.

Romans 14:10,11 . . . . for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As i live, saith The Lord, every knee shall bow to me and every tongue shall confess to God.

Evangelist Tony Nolan said, "Lord is key here, people. He's not the religious icon Jesus. He's not the denominational Jesus. He's not the T-shirt Jesus or the jewelry jesus or the homebody Jesus. He's The Lord Jesus. You must be willing to surrender your life to Him as the boss or the leader or the ruler of your life."

The Compassion Of Jesus

Matthew 9:36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them because they fainted and were scattered abroad as sheep having no shepherd.

What a loving, compassionate Savior we serve. I'm glad He saw our need for redemption and was willing to offer Himself as an atonement for our sins.

Many are seeking direction for their lives, for peace, contentment, and assurance of the life to come.

Jesus is right for whatever's wrong in your life. He invites you to accept him as your personal Lord and Savior.

Matthew 11:28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am week and lowly in heart and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

Count Your Benefits

Printed on my favorite coffee cup is a reminder to remember God's benefits.

Psalms 103:2  Bless The Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

I listed my one-word benefits as they came to mind---home, car, iPad, iPod, clothes, food, peace, family, friends, trophies, treasures, fellowship, church, music, piano, Bible, books, hymns, love salvation, grace, mercy, health sleep, quiet, hope, heaven, joy, and blessings.

After verse two above, the Psalmist lists God's benefits. We are so blessed.

• forgives iniquities
• heals diseases
• redeems us
• lovingkindness
• tender mercies for those who love Him
• righteousness and judgment for the oppressed
• plenty of mercy
• slow to anger 

Thanksgiving And Praise

One of the most humbling and spiritual services at my church is on Tuesday evening before Thanksgiving. A candle is lit, the lights turned off, and each individual (by family) light a candle off the original one and tells what they are thankful for and how God has blessed them during the year. 

Afterwards, I usually remember blessings I forgot, so this year I made a list. I just realized I omitted daily grace and mercy and God's Word and truth.

Psalms 100:4,5 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him and bless his name. For The Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting and his truth endureth to all generations.

Genuine thanksgiving and praise recognizes God's greatness, remembers the reality of His blessings and bursts forth from a soul that adores Him.

The Power Of Faith Prayers

Prayer offered from a pure heart in faith is never in vain. God hears and is mindful of the prayers of His people.

1 Peter 3:12 For the eyes of The Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of The Lord is against them that do evil.

The most powerful people in this world are widows, women, men, children, the poverty stricken, and anyone who believes in the God of Heaven and calls out to Him by faith.

The Spirit of God offers our prayers up to The Lord Jesus, Who offers them up to God. They are a powerful force that He uses for His glory. 

God Is Great

Everything in this world exists because there is a God in Heaven who willed it to be. That's Who He is and that's the power He possesses.

Colossians 1:16 For by him were all things created that are in heaven and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones or dominions or principalities or powers: all things were created by him and for him.

The world doesn't revolve around us. It revolves around God. Every believer should be willing to seek His Glory first in everything we are and do.

Oh, Lord my God; when I in awesome wonder

Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made

I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder

Thy power throughout the universe displayed

Then sings my soul, My Savior God to Thee

How great Thou art, How great Thou art . . . . .

God Thinks About You

God cares about your life. He knows your deepest and darkest secret, your sin, your thoughts, your motives, your plans, your valley, and your dreams. He even knows the number of hairs on your head.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith The Lord, thoughts of peace and not evil, to give you an expected end.

He wants you to have peace and eternal assurance in your life. He wants you to know him, His promises, and blessings. He wants to mold you to His image as you study His Word.

No matter where you are, what you've done or what you're going through, there is help and hope in The Lord Jesus.

It may bother you that He knows about your sins because you have never trusted Him as your Savior. Do it now. You'll be glad you did.

Concert Of The Ages

God knew how I thrive on gospel music when He planted my husband and me in a tiny Texas town eleven years ago where the best southern gospel singers thrill me in concert twice a year.

One day I'll have front row seat at the concert of the ages. The hosts of Heaven will be unable to contain themselves as they bow down and burst forth with a new song of worship and praise to God the Lamb, The Lord Jesus Christ.

Revelation 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book and to open the seals thereof; for thou was slain and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation;

11. And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands.

Confidence In Your Faith

I know Christians who are so confident in their faith that it rubs off on you. They say things like this:

"I know where I was and when Jesus found me. He transformed my life, and He can transform your life. He's the only sure thing. We have no gaurantees of tomorrow, but we do have the assurance of abundant eternal life in Christ."

Jesus has transformed many confused lives in despair. He looks with love at the sin we carry and the pain we feel and offers salvation.

Jesus looked with love from the Old Rugged Cross while suffering and dying for the sins of humanity.

When you trust Jesus as your personal Savior you are born again in Christ. You became a new person. 

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Thank God For Grace And Blessings

You can find just about anything on the world web. Some images make me sad. 

• Hungry street children rummaging trash
• Youth lying in alleys with needle-scared arms
• Battered women and children

But for the grace of God, that could be me.

Another sad image is my nation. Founded on God, America is slouching morality to shame as she forgets our Creator. I pray for righteous leaders every day.

This Thanksgiving I'm thankful that we can know God and His love, His mercy, and truth. Thank you, Lord, for the blessings of salvation, family, and the dear friends you've allowed to cross my path.

Psalm 100:4,5 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him and bless his name. For The Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting, and His truth endureth to all generations.

May your cup run over with joy and praise. May we never take His blessings for granted.

First Love

Christ spoke many good things about the church at Ephesus; They labored in His work, were patient and hated evil, but he had something against them.

Revelation 2:4 Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee because thou hast left thy first love.

Jesus told them to remember and repent and do their first works--their first love as it was when they got saved, when they fell in love with Him.

Love for God's people, the church, and His work grows out of love for The Lord.

If you feel you've left your first love, repent, then read the Bible and pray every day. Attend church faithfully, give out of love, and witness. Do it because you love The Lord.

Psalm 139:23,24 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.

The Last Days

There are four books in the Bible that you better be right about now or you'll be wrong for all eternity.

• GENESIS: How it all began (divine creation not evolution)
• JOHN: Who Jesus Christ is (the Son of God) and what He came to do (die for our sins)
• ROMANS: How salvation is offered (by grace through faith in the finished work of Christ)
• REVELATION: How it all ends.

Revelation exalts the greatness, grace, government, and glory of Jesus Christ. Many Christians neglect this book because symbolism frightens and confuses them. God promised to bless those who read it.

Revelation 1:3 Blessed is he that readeth and they that hear the words of this prophecy and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. 

I believe we are living in the last days. The easy-to-read book "What's Next"" by Dr. Jerry D. Locke helps us understand the prophetic symbolism of the last days.

--"What's Next?" by Jerry D. Locke, www.CalvaryPublishing.org

Sheltered In The Rock

Psalm 61:2,3 From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher then I; For thou hast been a shelter for me and a strong tower from the enemy.

Maybe King David remembered fleeing soldiers loyal to his son when he wrote this. Absalom wanted to kill him and grab his throne. But David knew The Rock that is higher, the Rock of Ages, The Lord of his salvation Who has power to shelter him from the enemy. He has cried out to Him many times.

Are you struggling  with an overwhelming end of earth experience? Cry out to Jesus. He has power to lead you to shelter from the enemy, to lift your burden, and to solve your problems.

If you don't know Jesus as your personal Saviour, cry out to Him by faith. Ask Him to come into your heart and forgive your sins. He'll be your Rock and your shelter.

The Flesh And Spirit Conflict

Warren Wiersbe says the Spirit and the flesh have different appetites, and this is what creates a conflict for the Christian.

Galatians 5:16,17 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other, so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

The Apostle Paul explains his dilemma in the Book of Romans.

Romans 7:19  For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.

We can't win victory over the lust of the flesh in our own strength. The Holy Spirit enables us to overcome the flesh when we surrender our will to Him.

You Can Know

Some say you can't know for sure if you will have eternal life in Heaven. The Apostle John wrote that you can know.

1 John 5:12,13  He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life and that ye have believed on the name of the Son of God.

Salvation is accomplished through simple belief in Jesus Christ and that He is the promised Messiah--The Son of God.

True Christians aren't perfect, but their hearts want to do the will of God, striving for peace, love, and fellowship with Him and His saints. 

Is Christ your personal Savior? If not, trust Him to come into your heart and cleanse your sins.

Ephesians 2:8,9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God; Not of works lest any man should boast. 

Thank You, Veterans

On this Veteran's Day (11-11-2014) we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice, those who are forever plaged by the horrors of war, and all who did their part in assuring our freedom.

Eternity in heaven, the perfect place of freedom, was purchased through the sacrificial death of Jesus on the Cross of Calvary. The apostle Paul said true believers must endure hardness as a good soldier of the Christian warfare.

2 Corinthians 10:4,5 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds, 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. 

Our weapon is God's Word--the two-edged sword. Engage your weapon, memorize it, don't take your eyes off The Lord. Trust Him and claim victory!

Because He Lives

Finding the tomb empty, the women were perplexed. They came to properly prepare the body of Jesus. Can you imagine their joy as they ran back and told the apostles He was alive?

After he bore our sin and shame, our lord died on the cross, rose from the grave, and conquered sin, death, and hell. Because He lives we have eternal life. Because He lives we can face tomorrow.

The world around us is seeking solutions for peace and problems. There is hope and peace in the risen Lord.

Luke 24:12 Then arose Peter and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass.

Astonished, Peter had to see the empty tomb for himself. The same is true today. You must decide what you will do with Jesus. You must trust Him to be your Savior and Lord. Have you done that? Your eternity depends on it.

The Word Made Flesh

John 1:1,14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God . . . . And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth.

I wasn't there to see the One who died for my sins, to hear Him preach to the multitudes with authority.

I wasn't there as He met the needs of countless souls, and I wasn't in the boat as He stood and said, "Peace, be still."

But I've seen the hill called Calvary through eyes of faith. I've heard the living Word speak through the written Word. I've experienced His power in the storm and seen His mighty power bring healing and change to needy lives.

How could one not be touched by the tremendous sacrifice made by The Creator of heaven and earth to robe Himself in flesh? How could one not be amazed at his grace and truth?

Embrace the Word.

A Cleansing

God wants to have a close personal relationship with Christians. True fellowship with Him hinges on us admitting sins that creep into our lives. He will forgive them and restore fellowship.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

A true Spirit-filled life isn't one that's sinless. it's a life lived in close fellowship with God.

Knowing I'm not perfect, I'm glad there's a place to go for cleansing and peace. No matter how often we confess our sins He forgives them, forgets about them, and declares us "Not guilty".

The sacrificial blood Jesus shed on the cross also cleanses sinners who come to Him, confessing thier sins and trusting Him to be their personal Savior. Come just as you are.

You Can Take This To The Bank

In a world of doubt and confusion we can still believe the Bible is the inspired, infallible, and inerrant Word of the living God.

Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

You can still believe God's promise to save you when you call upon His Name, that He will take care of you when you pass through the valley, and that He is coming back again.

Critics who deny "Thus saith The Lord" believe there are no absolutes--no standards of right and wrong. That's why we have the theory of evolution with no scientific proof.

But there is a Holy and righteous God Who died on the cross for our sins. Those who believe on Him will have everlasting life.

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise . . . . but is longsuffering to usward, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. 

Facing Your Giant

Young David wasn't afraid to go to battle with the giants in his life.

1 Samuel 17:37 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 the Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and The Lord be with thee.

Facing the approximately 9'9" tall giant, David declared victory before the battle began. This is the essence of faith. It allows you to give your victory speech before you fight the battle.

If by faith you bring your hopeless, impossible situation to God, you will see Him snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

Whether your giant is sin or some other difficulty, it can be defeated by the power of God and for His glory.

Lay it at His feet and embrace His defeating method, whatever it is.

Spiritual Growth

Spiritual growth isn't automatic. God gives born again saints the means of grace to help them live godly lives.

The Apostle Peter lists qualities of godly character which grows out of a vital relationship with Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:5-7): Virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity develop as we exercise each of them.

It's not enough to "let go and let God" work out our spiritual growth. We have to work with Him--surrender to Him.

2 Peter 1:8 For if these things be in you and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

These beautiful qualities of character exist within us because we possess the divine nature of Christ. We must cultivate them so they will produce fruit in and through us.

God Will Take Care Of You

When we get saved, we begin to live under the economy of grace. God will do everything to see that we are looked after on our journey of life.

Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not for I am with thee. Be not dismayed for i am thy God: I will strengthen thee, yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Dear believer, don't ever think The Lord isn't with you. His presence has the power to drive away fear, to help your need and to hold you up at your weakest time.

He will strengthen you, support you, and sustain you all the way to Heaven.

Praise God that we can count on the promises of God. We can trust Him. We should memorize Isaiah 41:10.

Be not dismayed what'er betide

God will take care of you

Beneath His wings of love abide

God will take care of you.

Civilla D. Martin

Unsung Christian Heroes

God always has His people, those secret ones through whom He is working. We ought to praise Him for the unsung heroes of the Christian faith.

People like Hur who, along with Aaron, held up the arms of Moses while Israel battled the Amalekites (Numbers 17). People like prayer warriors, the silent servants--those who do the little things that no one notices, who serve behind the scenes.

The Holy God in Heaven sees who you are and watches what you do. Carry on, and He will bless you in His way, in His time.

Galations 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Keep on serving The Lord. One day you'll receive rewards from Jesus and hear Him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.

Who Is Lord Of Your Life?

Whether we are leaders or followers, believers are under the authority of The Lord. He is our Commander, and His will is what matters most.

1 Peter 5:5b-7 . . . . 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: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Bow at the feet of Jesus and humbly submit to His will, whatever that will may be. Admit your weakness and inability to gain victory. Learn that you can't, but God can. Give your battles to Him.

Who is Lord in your life? Are you totally yielded to God or do you call the shots.

Who is your master? If it's you, prepare for a life of defeat. If it's Him, there will still be battles, but you will be firmly on the road to victory because he cares for you.

Pilgrims And Strangers

God reached into the masses of lost humanity and chose from the Gentiles a people to Himself.

1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.

When The Lord called us to believe in Him, we were totally unworthy of His mercy and grace. What a difference it made in my life.

Instead of being partakers of the culture and mind set of this world, we are to attempt to share the culture and mind set of Heaven.

Until Jesus comes we'll be pilgrims and strangers in this world. We are surrounded by an alien culture that needs to hear the gospel, that needs to see His truth in our lives.

This world is not my home, I'm just a passin' through. My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue.

Nothing But The Blood

Many main line denominations practice a social gospel instead of a gospel of salvation through the Blood of Christ. Some have removed blood-songs from their hymnals.

Jesus became the actual Savior of men when He climbed Calvery, was nailed to the cross, and shed His precious blood.

Nothing but the blood can produce a Savior, purchase the sinner, purify from sin, and preserve the saint.

1 Peter 1:18-19 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things as silver and gold from your vain conversation  received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

There is a fountain filed with blood

Drawn from Immanuel's veins

And sinners plunged beneath that flood

Lose all their guilty stains

William Cowper

Confusing The Wise

The message and miracle of God's grace in Jesus Christ utterly confounds the high and mighty people of this world. They don't understand how God changes sinners into saints. They are helpless in duplicating this miracle.

1 Corinthians 1:27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty:

The spiritual blessings we need are not beyond our grasp: they are in a Person, Jesus Christ. He is our wisdom, our righteousness, our sanctification, and our redemption.

Therefore, why glory in men? We should glory in The Lord and not in ourselves or our spiritual leaders.

I'm reminded of a story from many years past about a successful back-woods preacher who couldn't read. His wife read scripture as he called out book, chapter, and verse. He couldn't read but knew where God's Word resided. Isn't that amazing.

In God's Word

If God isn't The Lord of all your life, He isn't Lord at all.

Psalm 119:10 With my whole heart have I sought thee. O let me not wander from thy commandments.

In your daily/weekly/monthly hurry-scurry do you seek God's wisdom? Are you concerned that you please Him? Are you in His Word? It will align you life to His if you're willing?

Psalm 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart that I might not sin against thee.

God's Word is more precious than the treasures of this life, revealing the very heart and mind of God so that we might know Him. It penetrates a heart of stone and transforms a life submitted to its concepts. 

Get in The Word each day and feast on His Manna and discover His glory.

What a majestic and glorious God we serve.

Can You Trust Your Conscience?

Let your conscience be your guide. Is that a good thing?

Acts 26:16 And herein do I exercise myself to have always a conscience void of offence toward God and toward men.

The conscience has different faces. Scripture calls them good, blameless, clear, weak, defiled, evil or seared. What can you do to keep your conscience good, clean, pure, and functioning?

1. Determine to make the written Word of God your constant standard for living.
2. Be sensitive to the message and scripture sent by the Holy Spirit to our conscience.
3. If you don't have a clear conscience because of sin, repent and trust Jesus to forgive you and cleanse you.

Our choice of friends, movies, televition, music, etc. programs our conscience. 

Make the most of your God-given conscience. Instead of making it your guide, make God your conscience.

How Great Thou Art

In Christ we find all the strength we need to make it through life.

Psalm 18.2 The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my strength in whom I will trust: my buckler and the horn of my salvation and my high tower.

After starting my mornings quoating this verse, I'm ready to pray and face any culprit.

When it seems the world is spinning out of control, I stand on the ROCK of my salvation.

When chased by adversity and trials, I flee to my FORTRESS, my Lord, my refuge, and rest in perfect peace.

Jesus DELIVERED me from sin and death when I received Him by faith, and He continues to deliver me.

When I don't understand, I'm assured that my GOD is in control of everything that happens. I need that.

I trust the Great God of my salvation.

Worship with me. Praise and exalt His name every day. 

God Is Good

God is far better to us than we deserve. He has blessed us with spiritual blessings and promised us complete satisfaction. He has given to His redeemed Jesus, salvation, Bible, Spirit, Heaven, hope, forgiveness, eternal life . . . etc.

James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and cometh down from the Father of lights with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

What grace that God would send His beloved Son to die for us that we might be delivered from darkness, death, and damnation. Those who don't know Him need to meet Him, ask Him by faith to come into their hearts, and forgive their sins.

Psalm 34:8 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

No one who trusted Jesus for salvation came away dissatisfied. 

How I Became Rich

2 Corinthians 8:9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor that ye through his poverty might be rich.

It was grace that caused the Jewel of Heaven to leave His Glory and face poverty and a cruel cross for the sins of mankind.

In Heaven He was rich--rich in glory, love, praise, silver, gold, diamonds, power, wisdom, and more.

After Bethlehem, He became poor in the world He made. He had no place to call His own. The ground was His couch, the Meadow His table, the tree His roof, the rock His pillow, the brook His basin, the breeze His towel, and the wind His comb.

Jesus paid a debt He didn't owe; I owed a debt I couldn't pay. He gave Himself that I might be rich in Him--free from the burden of sin-guilt and the dread of God's wrath. I'm so unworthy.

Praise God! Now I'm a child of the King. That's amazing grace.

Run The Race

The lives of Bible heroes recorded in the "Hall of Faith" Chapter (Hebrews 11) challenge us to faithfully run the Christian race.

Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.

Habits or hobbies that come between us and God are weights. Lay them aside.

Complacency is weighty. Get in the Word and get excited about serving God.

Trivial hindrances like discord and hurt feelings weigh us down. Give them to God and get back on track.

To run the spiritual race, our lives must be free from sin.

Are there weights you need to lay aside? Is there sin in your life that need confessing? Examine your spirituality and ask The Lord to cleanse you, then run the race with patience and rejoice.

Living By Faith

God's will is that we live by faith--not the blind leap of the foolish or the blank check of the misinformed, but assurance that what God said, He will do.

Faith isn't walking around blind, waiting for providence to bump into you. Faith is your response to the promises of God.

God says, "I will lead you." Faith responds. "I will follow." God says, "I will feed you." Faith says, "I will eat." God says, "I will meet your need." Faith says, "It is done."

Hebrews 11:1,2 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report.

Faith calms our fears, cushions our falls, and confirms our future.

The Christian who determnes to truly live by faith in God will never be disappointed. There will be a deep settled assurance that The Lord is in absolute control of all situations. 

In God's Heaven

1 Thessalonians 4:16:17 For The Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet The Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with The Lord.

One day I'll see the One who loved me more than His own life, the One who died for me on the cross. I'll see my Redeemer, the Friend who stuck closer than a brother. 

When Jesus comes, we'll leave this world behind and fly away to a better place. We'll spend eternity with Him and those He redeemed. We'll be caught up, carried away, and completely changed.

Until we stand in His image in His presence in His Heaven, we should be watching for Him like He's coming any moment. We should be witnessing to lost souls. 

"Surely, I come quickly." Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

Always Abounding

1 Corinthians 15:58  Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of The Lord forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in The Lord.

Abounding in the work of The Lord goes beyond church attendance and every day Bible reading, though both are important. It's being consumed in your ministry.

Whatever The Lord has given you to do (great or small), do it eagerly with love and vigor. At times you may feel overlooked and unappreciated, but your efforts are never in vein. God has a reward awaiting you.

Some Christians may feel they've contributed little for the cause of Christ. If that is you, ask God to show you the way, give you opportunities, and the power to abound in His work. He deserves the best you can offer. You'll be glad you did.

Call God

There's little that I can do to meet your needs, but God in Heaven can. When your faith is overwhelmed by doubt, call God.

The God who made the world came to Jeremiah in prison with this promise.

Jeremiah 33:3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee and shew thee great and mighty things which thou knowest not.

What are you facing today?  It's not too big for God.

• He can save you if you're lost
• He can help you with your need
• He can comfort you if you heart is broken
• He can can love you if you are lonely
• He can restore you if you have fallen

Turn your eyes upon Jesus

Look full in His wonderful face

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim

In the light of His glory and grace

Helen H. Lemmel 1922

Spiritual Cleansing

Psalm 32:2  Blessed is the man unto whom The Lord imputeth not iniquity and in whose spirit there is no guile.

True spiritual contentment is defined as a heart that is clean, forgiven and honest before The Lord.

King David had experienced the depths of sin and the heights of the grace of God. He is telling us that spiritual contentment is found in spiritual cleansing--in a soul right with God.

Horatio P. Spafford expressed it well in his famous hymn, It Is Well.

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought

My sin, not in part but the whole,

Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more;

Praise The Lord, Praise The Lord, O my soul.

It is well (it is well) with my soul (with my soul) . . . . .

If you lack contentment and peace of heart with The Lord, you either have never accepted Him as your Savior or you are saved but sin is in your life.

Confess your sin and forsake it. Christ will cleanse you and restore joy.

The Holy Bible

Psalms 119:11 Thy Word have I hid in mine heart that I might not sin against thee.

The Bible contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, the happiness of believers, light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you.

It is the traveler's map, the pilgrim's staff, the pilot's compass, the soldier's sword, the Christian's charter, a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure.

Its doctrines are holy. Its precepts are binding. Its histories are true. Its decisions are immutable.

Christ is its grand subject, our good its design and God's glory its end.

Read it to be wise. Believe it to be safe. Practice it to be holy.

It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. It is given you in life, it will be opened at the Judgment, and it will be remembered forever. 

It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and condemns all who trifle with its sacred contents.

---Author Unknown

The Steps Of A Good Man

God is always working out your path. Regardless of where life leads, know that He is in control.

Psalm 37:23-24 The steps of a good man are ordered by The Lord; and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.

Everything God allows in your life is His way of maturing you in the image of His Son. He feels your pain. He knows your problem.

You might say, "How can God know what I'm going through? He's in Heaven and I'm down here."

Jesus knows because He lived "down here" in his human body. It hurt when His own people rejected Him. He knew hunger, suffered pain, grief, and loneliness. Being God in the flesh, He could've walked away from the horror of Calvary, but He gave His life for the sins of man. 

For your path, know that Jesus has cleansing power, healing power, load-lifting power, mountain-moving power---all power. Trust Him. He knows you and cares about your needs.