Hope For The New Year

When you consider the death, diseases, natural disasters, evil, and all the other negative things that fill our world, there’s  not a lot of room for hope in 2016, but believers have hope in the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Titus 2:13  Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

We have hope of the Rapture—being “Caught Up” to meet Jesus in the clouds.

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.

Jesus is coming the first time for believers--- those who have been saved by the grace of God. Everyone else will be left behind to face the horrors of the Tribulation Period. His second coming is for the Great White Throne Judgement and to set up His Kingdom on earth.

In 2016 the Redeemed have hope that this will be the year that Jesus comes for His own. This hope is unshakable and profound. It’s eternal and powerful. It gives joy, peace and blessing to our hearts. Thank God for the hope we have in Him!

Happy New Year.

Living For God in 2016

With a new year nearby, we are about to enter the unknown. We don’t know what 2016 will bring or how much following Jesus is going to cost us.

The Apostle Paul gives advice on how to live our lives next year. He spent some time encouraging the Philippian church to be humble and submissive to the Father. The challenge is to all believers.

Philippians 2:12-13 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

We don’t work out our own salvation to be saved (Eph. 2;8-9).  Salvation is by grace---not by works. These people were already saved. Paul is challenging us to allow the Holy Spirit to make our Christian life all it can be for God.

God moves in our lives and brings us into His work. He reveals His will to us, coaxes us  and empowers us to do it.

Why in fear and trembling? Because God’s business is serious business.

Praise The Lord

Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

Believers are far wealthier in Jesus than we can grasp. Jesus has given us an incredible treasury of spiritual riches that’s ours to draw from as we pass through this world.

We like to say that God is good when things are going our way. Even when we think things are bad, God has a way of turning them out for our good, Rom. 8:28. God is worthy of praise all the time.

Most of the things we do in our faith, we do because we have been commanded to do them. We attend worship, we tithe, we witness, we pray---all as acts of obedience. When we praise the Lord for His goodness and blessings and grace in our lives, we are giving Him an offering of love.

Hebrews 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

The Promise Of His Presence

After celebrating the birth of Jesus, we must not leave Him in the manger. His death, burial and resurrection gives hope to believers to face another year. God has given us the promise of His presence to help us continue the journey. His presence has the power to drive away fear.

2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

God's presence Is personal. Matthew 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

If God is our Redeemer, we need not fear or fret the unknown future. Obey His Word and know that He is always with us.

Luke 1:37  For with God nothing shall be impossible.

Genuine Spiritual Values

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

Things above are the things of God, things that bring glory to Him. To be more specific read the scriptures below from Colossians.

A deeper knowledge of Jesus, 3:10 ------ A clean, holy life, 3:5-9  ------- Godly virtues, 3:12-17 -------Holiness in our domestic life, 3:18-21 --------Holiness in our social life, 3:22-4:1 ------- An effective prayer life – 4:2 ------- A fruitful witness – 4:3-6.

Live out the fruit of the Spirit day by day,

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

We are challenged to live our lives with genuine spiritual values and not the values of a fallen world. As we give our attention to things above, we are enabled to live a heavenly, holy, God-honoring life in this world.

Walk By Faith Not Sight

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.

This Psalm was originally a song that was written to glorify the Lord and to honor Him for delivering David from King Saul and from all his enemies

If you are a believer In the Lord Jesus Christ, you can know that God  will protect you, provide for you, and help you. Our duty is to walk by faith and not by sight.

Remember who the Lord is and what He has done. Worship Him, honor Him and praise Him. Live like you believe that He is the God of the universe.

 Psalm 18:46 The Lord liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted.

Peace And Good Will

Even though we allow ourselves to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of Christmas, true believers understand something of the true meaning of Christmas.

• We know that Jesus was God in human flesh.
• We know that when Jesus was born in Bethlehem, God stepped out of eternity and entered time.
• We know that Jesus was a great teacher, healer, and miracle worker.
• We know that Jesus came to the earth to die for our sins on the cross.
• We know that He rose again from the dead and ascended back to heaven to make intercession for His people and to prepare a place for us there.
• We know that all of this, and more, is the true meaning of Christmas.
• We know that the real gift of Christmas is Christ Himself, John 3:16.

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.

The promise of peace and good will is yet to be delivered. The good news is that peace is coming. When Jesus returns to rule as King on earth the world will be dominated by His peace and good will and His perfect judgment.

Christ Came---Christ Gave

The  Baby in the manger came to earth to give us salvation. He gave all He had to give. When we receive Jesus as our personal Savior, we are given three Heavenly helpers that make the difference between us knowing where we’re going  or wandering aimlessly around.

1. He gave us a new heart, a heart that’s hungry for Him.

2. He gave us the Holy Spirit just as He promised His disciples shortly before His arrest.

John 14:16-17 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;  Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

No more are we left to the devices of the flesh and of the devil. The Spirit knows the mind of the Father and guides us in ways that pleases the Lord.

3. He gave us the Word of God to teach us His ways and will.

I’m glad Jesus came to earth.  We celebrate the Birth of Christ because He is our Redeemer, our Shepherd, our Lord and our Master. What a difference He made in my life.

The Unspeakable Gift

Nothing you will receive this Christmas will come close to measuring up to the gift God gave the world on that first Christmas 2,000 years ago. The Apostle Paul put it this way:

2 Corinthians 9:15  Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

God gave His own precious Son, the Lord Jesus Christ (John 3:16) so sinners like you and me might be saved from our sins and from the wages of those sins which is death.

Before a gift can become what it was designed to be, it must first be given then it must be received. Have you received God's gift for yourself? Have you asked Jesus to forgive your sins and believed in Him----accepted Him in your heart as Lord and Savior of your life?

Some have received the gift but don't seem very thankful for it. I wonder how God must feel when He sees how His gracious, priceless and perfect gift is treated.

We need to thank God for His "unspeakable gift".  We need to make Jesus Lord of  our life.

Jesus. One Of A Kind

Jesus was one of a kind. He was virgin born. R. G. Lee said it this way, "Jesus Christ is the only Baby born who had a Heavenly Father, but no heavenly mother, an earthly mother, but no earthly father, was older than his mother and as old has His Father."

Jesus was a real human baby, but He was also God in the flesh, John 1:1; 14.

Mark 10:45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

In spite of all Jesus did while He was here, his primary purpose in coming was to  die for His people.

He endured all that He did so that He might identify Himself with us, understand us, and be able to comfort us in our trials, Heb. 4:15-16.

In Jesus, I see and hear His Incarnation, Humiliation, Crucifixion, Resurrection, Glorification and Salvation. The song says, “There’s just something about that Name!”

The Power Behind Christmas

God showed great power in the Creation,  the miracles,  the cross,  the resurrection, and more.   As great as these are, I believe His greatest power was  when He added humanity to His deity and came to live and die among men.

Philippians 2:5-8 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

When you consider the Creator of the universe, His birth as a baby becomes more amazing because the Creator of creation humbled Himself and became a creature in creation.
That’s the power behind Christmas!

 That’s why this season is not about trees and tinsel,  packages and parties; bows and boxes, or meals and mistletoe.  This season is about Jesus, the Creator (John 1:1-5:14).

Jesus Is Worthy

That God stepped out of eternity into time is almost mind-boggling. This child’s mission was to  set the sinner free, often those no one else wanted.

1 John 4:14  And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.

This child came to allow us access into the very presence of Almighty God.

We need to remember that the reason we celebrate Christmas is because of a little infant born into this world 2,000 years ago. He came to die for our sins. That infant was no ordinary baby.

As Savior, He’s worthy of our worship. As Christ, He’s worthy of our dependence. As Lord, He’s worthy of our obedience. As Jesus, He‘s worthy of all we can give Him. Have you given Jesus your all this Christmas?

About The God-Child

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, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

A Son is given:  Jesus was given to the world  to die so that those who receive Him might be  delivered from death into life.

The Government:  Jesus rose from the dead, ascended back to Heaven and is coming again for His people  to reign upon the earth.

His name shall be called Wonderful: Only those who truly know Him can appreciate Him and understand why He is so “Wonderful”.

Counselor:  A leader and guiding force in the lives of men. The best advisor we’ll ever know.

 Mighty God:  He has conquered all our enemies----death, sin, grave, eternity. He’s my best friend.

Everlasting – Never was there a time when He was not. There will never be a time when He will not be.

Prince Of Peace – He gives peace with God, self, and others. Ultimately, He will bring peace to the world for eternity!

O Holy Night

Luke 2:10-11,13, 14 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. . . . 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.

The calm  of the night of the Shepherds is suddenly shattered by an anthem of praise for the Creator, announcing the birth of the Christ Child. This is good. This is great! This is joy!

Imagine the amazement of the Angels as they watch their sinless, glorious Lord of Heaven become flesh on earth. Born of a virgin, the helpless infant has come to save fallen humanity.

 What grace! What glory! What a choir! What a message!

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, Oh holy  night, Oh night when 

Christ was born. 

Mary Did You Know?

Luke 1:35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

How much did Mary know about that holy thing she was chosen to give birth to?  Within the lyrics of the beautiful song Mary Did You Know, Mark Lowry and Buddy Green askEd her.

Mary, did you know your baby boy will walk on water, save your sons and daughters, heal the blind and lame and the deaf? Did you know that He’s the Great I Am?

Mary knew better than anyone that this child was the Son of God. I can only speculate, if one can, how she pondered these things in her heart as she watched Jesus grow up within the family. He was perfect.

When He began His public ministry, I don’t believe the miracles surprised Mary. She must’ve been proud. Did she understand when Jesus said He must be about His Father’s business?  I can only imagine how she agonized at the foot of the Cross, seeing Him slaughtered like a Lamb and hanging on a cross.

Sunday, I’ll play Mary Did You Know for offertory, worshipping the Great I Am and taking pleasure in the flow and cadence of the music. All the while I’ll be thinking: she knew.

Why The Shepherds?

Luke 2:8-9 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  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.

It didn’t matter that these guys were raising lambs to be sacrificed in the Temple, they were often accused of being thieves, unreliable and were not allowed to give testimony in court.

Why the shepherds? Why didn't the Angels make this exciting announcement to the religious leaders? Though the world frowned on these shepherds, God Almighty had a place in His grace and in His love for these dirty, defiled sinners.

Jesus came to save sinners. The Angels invited them to  meet the Christ Child. They accepted that invitation and they were saved.

The Gospel of salvation has been given to us. Jesus loves us in spite of what we are and what we’ve done.

The shepherds came away with a new song of praise in their hearts. We can sing their song when we believe on Jesus..

From The Manger To The Cross

The life of Jesus didn’t begin at Bethlehem. Jesus is before the moon. Try searching Him beyond Creation. The distance can’t be measured, because He and His Father have an infinite beginning---The Alpha and Omega—the beginning and the end. After His virgin birth, we find Him in a manger.

One day when heaven was filled with His praises--- One day when sin was as black as can be. Jesus came forth to be born of a virgin, Dwelt among men, my example is He.

Living He loved me, Dying He saved me; Buried, he carried my sins far away--- Rising, He justified freely forever---One day He’s coming, oh glorious day. -----J. Wilbur Chapman.

We celebrate the Birth of Christ because He’s the promised Messiah Who died on a cross for our sins. Those who believe on Him as their Lord and Savior will have eternal life. I wish everyone would believe but they won’t. Sadly, His own chosen people rejected Him.

Thank you, Father God, for your gift to the world. Thank you, Jesus, for willingly laying down your life for my salvation.

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.

When They Saw The Star

The Wise Men had spent the last two years following a star (Matt. 2:7,16). Along the way they probably faced perils and obstacles. The star stops over a humble house. Maybe they expected the Messiah to be in a palace because they had inquired of King Herod  first.

Matthew 2:10-11  When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

The Wise Men found the King of kings in the home of a peasant, probably nothing more than a shack, and  in that humble setting  their lives were changed. It wasn't what they expected, but they came to worship and worship they did. They saw God in that shack. They saw God in Jesus.

These wise men received far more than they gave away. That’s the way it is with God. We can  never out give Him. Not very many try, but those who do discover His abundant supply for every need and blessings--stacked up and running over. God is good.

The Right Place And Time

Seven hundred years before the birth of Christ the prophet Micah declared that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.

But Joseph and Mary lived in Nazareth. It probably never entered their minds to go to Bethlehem. Travel was hard and treacherous in those days. An eighty mile trip would have been terribly hard on an expectant mother.

Luke 2:1,4  And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. [4] And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; because he was of the house and lineage of David:

The Almighty God sees that His Son is born in the right place at the right time, even if He has to use a pagan king to make it happen.

Born in a manger—a feeding trough—made it easier for old shepherds to find Him. It made it easier for some old sinners to identify with Him and approach Him for salvation. No room in the Inn speaks to the rest of His life. Many still have no room for Jesus in their lives, in their hearts.  Do you?

God's Gift To The World

My greatest Christmas presents and  memories pale beside God’s greatest  gift to the world. Jesus is the best thing that ever happened to me, for by His sacrifice on the cross  is my salvation.

John 3:16-18  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.  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.  He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

 God’s gift was wrapped in love. It reaches  to all humanity, to "Whosoever" will believe. You are in that world. We go to a hill called Calvary and see Jesus agonizing on the cruel cross, a sacrifice  for the sins of mankind.

Jesus had the tenderest heart that ever beat in any human body, but there came from Him the most serious warnings about a terrible hell. He didn’t want anybody to perish in that place, so He died for the sins of the world. Only believe on Jesus.

God calls on us to trust His Son for eternal salvation. Have you done that?

When Jesus Came

Luke 2:10-11  And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

The Jewel of Heaven made His entrance into this world robed in flesh as a man, just as God promised. His virgin birth forever changed humanity. He came to provide salvation for the world.

Mary wrapped Him in swaddling clothes---strips of cloth that were commonly used at death. Just moments after His birth the cross was already in view. We can’t celebrate Christmas without considering Calvary.

The birth of Jesus ought to stir us because He came to Redeem those who believe on Him. He came to give believers eternal life. He came to give them the glorious privilege of knowing Him intimately.

 As we ponder His birth, life, death, and Resurrection, it ought to bring us to our feet in praise and adoration.

God's Purpose For Our Lives

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

There’s so much we don’t know, but believers can know that their lives are in the hands of God. We may not always feel it, but what we feel is not the test of what we know. We may not know how or why, but God’s works often remain a mystery.

All things work together for good “to them that love God.” Only those who are saved (born again) truly love God. If a believer is convinced that God is the all-wise, all-loving, all-powerful God of the universe, then he/she can humbly accept all that He puts in  their lives.

God has a purpose for each believer. All things also work together for good to them who allow God to fulfill His purpose in their lives. God's purpose is for us to be conformed to the image of His Son.

Our Greatest Need

The night God became flesh and walked among men ranks as one of the greatest moments in human history. It was a night of tremendous miracles and great blessings. It was the night when Jesus came to die.  

Luke 2:10,11  And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent an educator. If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent a scientist.

If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent an economist. If our greatest need had been pleasure, God would have sent an entertainer.

If our greatest need had been military, God would have sent a soldier. If our greatest need had been for justice, God would have sent a judge.

But our greatest need was forgiveness and redemption and God sent a Savior!

Grace And Christmas

Luke 1:46-47,50 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. . . . .  And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.

Mary knows that she isn't the only one who has received grace from God. The grace of God is operating  today! There’s grace to save sinners, grace to reclaim backsliders, grace for battles, trials and valleys.

To fear God is to reverence Him for Who He is and what He does.

Mary continues to praise the Lord because He isn’t coming to reach out to the proud and the mighty, but to reveal Himself to those who were poor and humble.

In fact, God has reversed the order of society. Those who are considered great by men will be brought low, while those who trust in the Lord, though they may be poor and humble, will be exalted for their faith in  Him.

What Are You Thinking?

What are you thinking? Does it matter? Our minds are like computers: garbage in/garbage out or good in/good out. Think about what you allow to enter your mind. The Apostle Paul tells believers how they should think.

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

So, how do you think about things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report when many are blitzed by a cesspool of filth every day?

Proverbs 23:7  For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: . . . . 

Think on things of virtue. Read, study, and meditate on God's Word. Listen to gospel music. Keep your mind on the things of God. Sing praises to Him. Pray for your pastor, the unsaved, the sick and the widows. Do kind deeds. Think about it.

Gifts, Talents, And Abilities

Romans 12:3  For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

Born again believers are saved by grace. We are washed in the same blood. We are headed to the same Heaven. We sing the same song. You or I will never be better than any other believer.

1 Corinthians 15:10  But by the grace of God I am what I am.

If you and I are living the right kind of lives for Jesus,  we’ll never be any more or any less than God intends us to be. Whatever gifts, talents and abilities we have were not given to us so we might be exalted.

Our gifts and talents should always  honor Jesus and glorify the Father. God's grace equalizes us--- one with the other. God decides what we do and to what extent we do it. Therefore, He leaves us no room for pride.

God Calls Joseph

No doubt  Joseph was looking forward to the day when Mary and he married. Then like a cruel slap in the face came the news that shattered  his hope. Mary is pregnant and he’s not the father. To save face, He considered marrying and then divorcing her.

Matthew 1:20-21  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. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

God places a call on Joseph’s life to be the earthly caretaker for His Son, the long awaited Messiah. He will  raise this blessed child as if He were his own.

God took this poor, humble carpenter and used him to carry out an important heavenly mission. To believe the impossible and do the incredible, Joseph did what the Lord called him to do, even in poverty conditions. What a testimony!

God is still looking for people He can use to carry out His will. We may not like it if the Lord shatters our dreams, but when everything is said and done, we will see that His plan is the best plan of all. Let God use you.

The Armor Of God

Ephesians 6:11-12 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Christ has already conquered Satan, and He gives us a spiritual armor with weapons to be victorious in our battle with him. The day is evil, and the enemy is evil, but if God be for us, who can be against us (Rom. 8:31)?

The Belt of Truth: Obedience to God’s Word.

The Breastplate Of Righteousness: Born again, living righteous through Christ Jesus.

The Boots Of Peace:  Peace with God and each other.

The Shield Of Faith;  A living faith in the promises and power of God.

The Helmet Of Salvation: Assurance of our salvation.

The Sword of the Spirit: Memorize God’s Word to use against Satan.

The Lord's Prayer

We need time spent with The Lord in prayer, because it’s God Who answers prayer, changes circumstances and touches lives. That’s why people say things like, “Would you mention my name when you pray.” “Pray for me.”  That’s why my church has a prayer list.

Matthew 6:9-13 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

I’m glad Jesus left us “The Lord’s Prayer”, lest I forget His Name is Hallowed or to pray for God’s will in my petitions.

I may forget to thank Him for clothes, food, shelter, and blessings that overflow my Joy Cup to the saucer.

Better to remember to forgive those indebted to you, regardless of what they’ve said or done. You may need forgiveness later.

The Lord will keep me on the straight and narrow if I ask.

There's no better way to end a prayer than to praise The Lord for all He is—His kingdom, His power and His glory.

Bless The Lord, O My Soul

Psalm 103:1-2 Bless the Lord , O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord,  O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

How could the soul forget the tender touch of the Great Physician. When I think of the healing I have received, what can I say but, "Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy name."

He crowns me with lovingkindness and tender mercies. When I think of His grace and His goodness towards me, I just have to say, "Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy name."

When I think of how I was once a slave to sin but now I am free from sin's bondage, sin's curse and sin's penalty, I just have to say, “Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy name.”

When I think of how The Lord has repeatedly lifted me from the jagged rocks of affliction and pain and restored to me spiritual strength and victory, I just have to say, "Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy name."

The Beauty Of Jesus

Isaiah talks about  the coming ministry of the Messiah. He paints a portrait of Jesus that is unlike that of most artists.

Isaiah 53:2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.

Jesus appeared as a normal, run of the mill man. It wasn’t what they saw, but what they didn’t  see that made Him extra-ordinary. His real beauty was in what He did for you and me.

He will take His Redeemed to Heaven one day. Throughout eternity, we will look upon Him who loved us and died for us, and we’ll see the evidence of that love constantly staring back at us.

 I am certain that this will be the grounds for much of Heaven's rejoicing. You want to see the real beauty of Jesus? Look at the holes in His hands and feet. Look at the wounds on His back and side. Look at the punctures in His head where He wore a thorny crown for you and me. There is His real beauty.  There is our salvation.

That Special Place

It’s wonderful to be saved by the grace of God. Some believers wander around aimlessly, living far below the place God saved them to be. They are saved, but there is little power, little  glory and little victory in their lives.

God wants to lead you to a place of blessing and glory and victory in your life--- a place where you don’t have to depend on the blessings of yesterday, a place where you can enjoy the priceless riches of what He has given you in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

You need to find that place now. Actually, that place is a place of intimacy with the Lord, a glorious place you find in prayer, in praise, in Bible Study, in surrendering to His will. Now that’s a place of blessing, a place of peace and joy. It’s special.

Psalm 1:1-2 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

God Is Worthy Of Your Praise

Psalm 146:2 While I live will I praise the Lord : I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being.

God is worthy of your love.  He is worthy of your devotion.  He is worthy of your obedience.  He is worthy of everything you can offer to Him, but most of all He is worthy of your praise.

We can always praise the Lord for His greatness..  He is the God of creation!  He is the God Who said “Let there be…” and there was, Psa. 19; Isa. 40:12.  His power is awesome and it’s limitless.

Isaiah 40:12 Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance?

It’s this power that He extends to us in salvation and in our support day by day!  When you are overwhelmed by life, remember Who your God is and what He has done.  Then remember that He is still “able”, Eph. 3:20 and that He is still the “I Am.”, Ex. 3:14.  When you trust Him, His power becomes your power!

Going To The Father's Place

The disciple’s hearts are troubled. Jesus is about to die on a cross. They’ve just learned that one of them will betray Him, and Simon Peter is told that he will deny Jesus three times before morning. On the eve of His death Jesus takes  time to encourage them.

John 14:1-3  Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so , I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

I wonder if the disciples grasped the full meaning of the Father’s House and Jesus preparing a place for them there. He would come back after them and take them there. Surely it sparked an eye or perked a smile.

The Father’s house is free from sin, sorrow, suffering, separation or anything that would  hinder the glory of Heaven, Rev. 21:4; 27.

Try as I might, I can never adequately describe the glories of that place. I think Paul summed it up pretty well.

1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

I look forward to going there. You can too if you have believed on Jesus as your personal savior.

The Old Man Is Dead

Romans 6:6-7 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him , that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin.

When Jesus died on the cross, God took our old, fallen, wicked natures and put them to death. Through the new birth the old man has no control over us.

Will we sin? Yes. We are not perfect. Just as Jesus came forth from the tomb to a new life, the believer is raised from the deadness of sin to walk a new life by the power of His resurrection.

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

We are to yield control of our lives to the Lord so that we might be instruments of glory in His hands.

Romans 12:1-2 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. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Thorns And Buffetings

The Apostle Paul’s thorn was “in the flesh”.  The thorns and buffetings we endure in this life are often physical, some are emotional--- depression, loneliness and heartbreak, and some  are spiritual--- doubting our salvation, struggling with holiness or pride. Paul lived with his thorn all the time. Three times he asked God for relief.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 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.  Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

When the path of life is easy we often forget how much we need the Lord. It may take a "thorn in the flesh" to  shock us back to reality, to seek God..    

 “My strength is made perfect in weakness”,  means that God gets more glory from using the weak things of the world. Paul took pleasure in infirmities, reproaches, necessities, persecutions and distresses for Christ’s sake.  For when he was weak, then was he made strong in the Lord.    

Count Your Blessings And Be Thankful

Tomorrow we carry out a tradition that’s as old as America. In 1621, after a terrible year in which half their number died of starvation or disease, the Pilgrims set aside 3 days in December to praise the Lord for a bountiful corn harvest.

 Many years later in 1789, President George Washington proclaimed November 26 as a national day of Thanksgiving unto the Lord. This was in response to God's granting American independence from Britain.

In 1863, Abraham Lincoln revived this old tradition of rendering thanks unto the Lord, and finally in 1941, the United States Congress decreed that the fourth Thursday in November was to be a national day of Thanksgiving.

On the Eve of Thanksgiving 2015, count your many  blessing. Name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done. Praise Him.

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.

Reasons To Thank God

Psalm 103:2-4 Bless the Lord , O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;

Eight spiritual reasons to offer thanksgiving and praise to God.

1. God’s Forgiveness – In Him all sin is gone (1 John 1:7; Col. 2:13-14; Eph. 1:7).
2. God’s Healing – In Him the soul is made whole (Psa. 107:1-22).
3. God’s Redemption – In Him we stand redeemed (Rev. 5:9; Gal. 4:5; 1 Pet. 1:18-19).
4. God’s Grace – In Him we have received, grace, mercy, compassion, salvation and eternal blessings.
5. God’s Peace – In Him we have been given spiritual satisfaction, and sufficient strength for the journey (2 Cor. 12:9; Isa. 41:10; Phil. 4:13; Col. 1:11).
6. God’s Intercession – In Him we have One Who pleads our case (Rom. 8:34; Heb. 7:25; 1 John 2:2).
7. God’s Revelation – In Him we can know Him, fellowship with Him and follow Him. He has revealed Himself in His Word – Heb. 1:1-2; Gen. 1:1; and in His Son – John 1:1, 14, 18; 14:6, 9).
8. God’s Sovereignty – In Him we can rest in His control of all things (Rom. 8:28; Psa. 37:23; Job 23:10).

Other reasons: family, church,  Bible,  health,  food, air,  home, good water,  clothing,  friends, etc.

About Thanksgiving

Just thinking about the past year and how the Lord has blessed us. Every Tuesday before Thanksgiving our church meets. The lights are turned off and a candle is lit as each person with their family tells what they are thankful for this year. Tears usually mingle, and we agree that it’s the best service of the year.

If not for our annual Thanksgiving service I would probably be delving into a turkey, making cornbread dressing with plenty of sage, preparing  cranberry sauce and other Thanksgiving delights without much thought of God’s blessings.

1 Chronicles 16:34 O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.

We are so blessed by the things You have done

And the victories You've won---What You've brought us through

We are so blessed, take what we have to bring

Take it all, everything, Lord, we give it to You.

When we're empty You fill us till we overflow

When we're hungry You feed us and cause us to know . . . .

We are so blessed by the gifts from Your hands

Just can't understand why You loved us so much.

---William J. Gaither, Gloria Gaither, Greg Nelson

Training For Service

1 Kings 17:2-4  And the word of the Lord came unto him, saying, Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan. And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there.

Elijah has just stood before King Ahab of Israel and delivered the message of judgment God had given him. Now God wants to hide him away. His plan is to help Elijah come to the place where he trusts the Lord one day at a time.

I imagine that there was some fear in the prophet's heart that first evening. Would the ravens appear? Would there be flesh and bread in the morning? But, as the days passed and God proved Himself to be faithful and trustworthy, Elijah learned to walk by faith.

Romans 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

God wants us to come to the place where we don’t know which step to take next. He wants us to be totally dependent upon Him--- to rest in His arms by faith without fear. Then we are ready for His service.

Whatever God calls you to do or wherever He sends you, it comes equipped with His provisions. Before the dawn breaks tomorrow, He’s already there.

Beyond The Chaos

The disciples were frightened. In the Upper Room Judas had just left to betray their Lord, and they worried that Jesus would be killed. Then Jesus told them He would be leaving. Peter wanted to go with him. He wanted to die for Him. Jesus said he would deny Him three times before the Rooster crowed the next morning and that shocked him. Midst their gloom, Jesus begins to tells them about Heaven to cheer them up. This scripture always cheers me up, too.

John 14:1-3 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

The Father’s House would have to be holy. It would have to be filled with glory. It would have to be a place of peace, blessing, and joy---a place of love. What a thrill to live there. The mansion fades in the light of his Glory.

Jesus will return to take the redeemed saints to their Father’s House. We will see Him and be like Him. We will worship Him for eternity. We will have perfect bodies. We will sing of His glory with perfect voices and shout His praises and that’s only the beginning. Sometime we need to crawl out of the chaos and rejoice in our Heavenly Hope.

Hope, Tribulation, And Prayer

Romans 12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

Believers can rejoice in hope because we are saved, forgiven and heaven bound. We have a hope that the world knows nothing about, and we need that hope in times of trouble.

The fury of terrorism is raging like an angry lion, leaving dead bodies in it’s path. It’s causing anxiety around the world and America is another name on the terror list. Though I’m concerned, my hope is in the Lord. The Apostle Paul told us to be patient in tribulation. God knows what is happening.

We need to pray about it. Give it to Jesus. Trust Him and praise Him. Lean on Him during these times. Do you have a consistent prayer life? Prayer is the life line of the believer. Too often it’s neglected.  A lot of people need prayer these days.

James 5:16 . . . . The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Jesus, Creator and Savior

Nobody is as important as Jesus. Nothing is to come before Jesus or outshine Him. He is to be out in front in our lives, in our families, in our priorities, in our churches, in our dreams, and in our worship. In everything, He is to be the One we follow. By the grace of God, we can.

Colossians 1:16-17 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: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

Every rock, every river, every plant, every animal, every person, every government, everything you can see with your eyes and everything that’s invisible to the naked eye was brought into being by Him. If it exists, He spoke it into existence. It didn’t evolve.

John 1:1,3,14  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [3] All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. [14] And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, . . . . .

The One Who said “Let there be…”  came to earth and sacrificed His life on a cruel cross for our sins.  Those who believe in Jesus with all their heart become a child of God and will live forever.  Praise God!.    

This Thanksgiving fall before Him in love and adoration. Thank Him for all His abundant blessings in your life.

The Lord Is With His Own

Psalm 121:7-8 The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

The Lord  protects His own forever regardless of where the journey takes us. Sometimes we’re “coming in”---living close to the Lord and feeling secure in our walk with Him. Sometimes we’re “going out.”--- not as close as we should be. Whether we are going in or out, God is faithful to keep us for Himself.

When you’re “going out” you might find yourself in a bad situation, and  you might say things like this: “Does the Lord know what kind of mess I’m in? Who ’s going to get me out of this?  Is the Lord going to keep working in my life? I know what he did in the past, but will He do it today?”

All the while the Lord is standing with you, as faithful as your shadow, saying, ”Trust me! Don’t worry, I have your hand; I’ve planned the path you take, and I will never let you go. You belong to me.

Ephesians 3:20-21 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,  Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

The Lord's House

Psalm 27:4 One thing have I desired of the Lord , that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.

I feel David’s passion to dwell in the Lord's house---to be where the Lord is honored and where He is worshiped. I love my church because that's where I find that place of closeness and intimacy with Him through the Holy Spirit. What an Awesome God we serve. We  linger in His presence and fellowship before and after service. We hate to leave.

 If there’s a genuine desire to be near The Lord, seek that place and commit to prayer and Bible study. Commit to public and private worship. Those who want to linger near the Lord will find a way. When we make a move toward Jesus, He will make a move toward us, James 4:8.

Satan loves to muster strife or bickering in the Lord’s house. He's looking for someone who will let Him. If believers obey the new commandment Jesus gave to His disciples in the Upper Room, that won’t happen.

John 13:34-35  A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.  By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

The Gospel Message

The Message Of The Gospel is life saving. Those  who rejects it will spend eternity in Hell. Those who receive it by faith will experience the forgiveness of sin and  eternal life.

Titus 3:5-6 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior.

The Gospel is all about love,  mercy, grace, a cruel Cross, and liberty. Jesus is our Hero because He Redeems us---sets us free from the penalty  of sin which is death. But you must believe on Jesus and accept Him as your Savior.

I was blind to the truth, deceived by Satan, and doomed for eternity; but God, in His loving grace, reached into my hopeless life and saved me----changed me forever when I believed. I became a new creature in Christ Jesus. That was a happy day.

 When believers leave this world, we go to a place that’s more beautiful than the mind can conceive, Rev. 21:9-22:5, free from the pains, sorrows, sufferings and tears that cloud this life, Rev. 21:4.

Have you believed the Gospel Message----the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ to cover your sins?  Believe that Jesus is the Son of God. Ask Him to forgive your sins. He will save you and  change your eternity for Heaven.

God's Will For Our Lives

How does God guide His people? If we really want to know His will for our lives, seek Him and He will show us.

THROUGH HIS SPIRIT:  John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

THROUGH HIS WORD:  Psalm 119:105  Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

The leadership of the Spirit lines up with the Word of God. These two  produce peace in our hearts. The Spirit of God, the Word of God and the Peace of God combine to give us a desire to do what the Lord is leading us to do.

We may have to wait, but that’s a good time to read about the leadership of the Good Shepherd in  Psalm 23. He  leads us to the right place and the right decision.

When the Lord shows us His will we should step out by faith, assured that God will be with us wherever He send us or whatever the task.

The Glory That Awaits

2 Corinthians 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

The problems of life that seem so heavy right now---the troubles that seem as if they will never end---the burdens we think will break us under their weight; these are really just weighty for the moment. Compared with the eternal weight of glory that we will experience when we arrive  in Heaven, everything we face here is light and easy.

Everything in this world is temporal. It’s merely here for a short time, and it will pass away. But, what we can’t see, those things that are ours in Heaven, are eternal in nature. We will groan for a few days here, but we will rejoice for endless ages there. We will feel pain here for a short time, but we will experience His glory there forever.

The Psalmist said it this way: “…weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” (Psalms 30:5b KJV)

Don’t lose heart. Ask the Lord to help you get your eyes off what you can see and to  look beyond this world to the glory that awaits in His presence.

God First

In His great “Sermon on the Mount” Jesus tells the multitude to seek Him first and He’ll take care of their food, their clothes and whatever they need. “Consider the lilies,” He said, and how beautiful He clothes them.

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

God isn’t  someone you passively accept. He’s someone you actively seek. To seek Him first means setting priorities in your life. You set aside a permanent time and place to pray and to read God’s Word.

James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. . . .   Jeremiah 29:13 And ye shall seek me, and find me , when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

The Lord Jesus wants to be the King on the throne of your heart, not a co-partner. To seek the kingdom of God is to seek the rule and the reign of God over your entire life---every circumstance and every decision, and every valley.

When you put God first every day, He takes care of the rest. Lord, help me to put your first.

Sitting At The Feet Of Jesus

When Jesus came to their village, Martha invited Him to be their guest. While she was busy preparing food, her sister Mary sat at the feet of Jesus and worshipped.

Luke 10:40-42 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

When we come to sit at the feet of Jesus we’ll get to the place where we don’t care what others think of us. We’ll only have Him and His glory as the focus of our lives. He’ll fill our thoughts and motives as we lose sight of self. We’ll know peace and God’s power and purpose.

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

Touched By Our Infirimities

Jesus came to earth in the flesh to die on the cross for our sins. I’m glad. He arose from the grave so that believers can live forever with Him. I’m glad.

But He also came so He could be touched with the feeling of our infirmities---our diseases, our hopeless situations. When He returned to His Father in Heaven He became our intercessor—our High Priest.

Hebrews 4:15-16 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Though our faith may seem small and we may not understand the deep things of God, we can boldly bring our needs to the throne of grace. That’s where Jesus is. When our tiny faith---like a little mustard seed--- reaches out to Him, He responds.

The Bible tells of a storm, a man filled with demons, and a dead little girl. Jesus steps into each unimaginable situation. He calms the storm, sets the man free of demons, and brings back the little girl to life again.

Your storm is not hopeless! Your sin is not hopeless! Your sickness is not hopeless! Your lost loved ones are not hopeless! Nothing is impossible with the Lord! Lay your problem at the throne of grace. Stand back and see the glory of God.

Worship

I’m always looking for a blessing when I go to church and I get one. I enjoy fellowship with church family, the preaching, and the music. But is that the only reason we go to church?---to get the blessing.

First and foremost, our purpose should be to worship God. We will be blessed, but it's not about us. Worship happens when our heart overflows with love and adoration for God as we humble ourselves for His Glory. Remembering His goodness and grace and awesome love, we revere Who He is and what He has done.

Here’s a glimpses at worship in Heaven.

Revelation 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

Revelation 5:11-12 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;  Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.

Notice, not a single request is made.  All that we find is pure, unadulterated worship of the Person and glory of Jesus. Of course, Jesus always praised God the Father.

Worship is “the upspring of a heart that has known the Father as a Giver, the Son as Saviour, and the Holy Spirit as the Indwelling Guest.”

Perfect Love

The deeper we go into the meaning of the Cross, the greater will be our love for Christ and the greater our active concern for one another.

God wants His children to live in an atmosphere of love and confidence, not fear and torment. We need not fear life or death, for we are being perfected in the love of God.

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

The perfecting of God's love in our lives is usually a matter of several stages. When we were lost, we lived in fear and knew nothing of God's love. After we trusted Christ, we found a perplexing mixture of both fear and love in our hearts. But as we grew in fellowship with the Father, gradually the fear vanished and our hearts were controlled by His love alone.

1 John 4:18-19 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us.

The Creator And Man

Last week a TV host asked one of the presidential contenders this question: “So you really believe the Creation story recorded in Genesis?” It was the “how weird” tone of his voice, and he claims to be a Christian. On another show, I heard, “Why, he believes in Creation.”

Psalm 8:3-4 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?

 I’m  amazed at the wondrous power God  possesses. The vastness of the universe, the beauty of the earth, the wonder of the human body and life itself---all created and sustained by the God of heaven. This same God is my Lord, my Savior, my God and King---my best friend.

Why would such an awesome God care for you and me? Why would He care for the unlovely, the substance abuser, the alcoholic, and those who hate him? It was love. Such love that sent He sent his only beloved son to earth to be crucified on a cross for the sin of mankind. Believe on Him and have eternal life.

We are blessed beyond measure to be offered an intimate relationship with the Almighty God of the universe.

Faithful To Your Calling

Rulers of the kingdom were jealous of Daniel and wanted to destroy him. After all, he was a Hebrew and a slave and they were Babylonians. They concocted a new law preventing prayers to his God. Daniel’s problem was that he was faithful and that got him thrown in the lion’s den. But God was faithful to Daniel.

Daniel 6:22 My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt. This pagan king couldn’t help but praise Daniel’s God.

We may never face a den of lions, but we could face times of sorrow, distress, persecution, death or hardship. Many Christians in the Far East are being persecuted and slaughtered. Whatever we face, the Lord wants us to  be faithful. He has promised to never leave us or forsake us, because we are His people and He loves us.

At the end of the way, Christians want to hear, “Well done, thou 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,” Matt. 25:21. 

There are some things I can’t do, but I can be faithful to the task God has called me to do, to read his Word, attend His house, and  love Him.

The Gospel Of Christ

Romans 1:16-17 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Everywhere Paul  preached the Gospel, he was ridiculed, cast out, imprisoned or treated cruelly, yet, that didn’t stop him from spreading the “Good News” of the Gospel of Christ. Don't you know Jesus is hurt when believers are ashamed of Him.

Men and women have two great problems. They think they are righteous and are thus acceptable to the Lord, but  that's not true. All have sinned and come short of the Glory of God. They must believe in Jesus.

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.

Simply stated, everything man looks for in religion: peace with God, acceptance by God, a right relationship with God, etc, are given to the believer when he/she receives the Gospel of Christ.
The Gospel of Christ is the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus for the sins of the world. Believe this with all your heart. Ask Jesus to come in your heart.

Never be ashamed of the Gospel. It’s powerful. Share it.

In Time Of Trouble

Are you fighting a battle today?  Many are. Do you have hope---that deep settled confidence that everything is going to be alright? We can have that in Jesus.  

If you’re not sure, if  you’re faith is weak---a humble prayer gets the Lord’s attention. Talk to Him about your problem and your doubts. Renew your commitment to Him. Trust Him. He does care.

Psalm 27:5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.

It’s possible for us to enter that sacred, secret place where the world dims away and God becomes larger than everything else.

Like David, who wrote this scripture, we can  have the same assurance in time of trouble. The Lord will set  us upon a rock, a place that‘s unchangeable, powerful and immovable. This Rock is Jesus.

This place of refuge is a gift to those who know Jesus and love Him. He gives us grace that carries us above the storms and keeps us safe until danger has passed. Everyone ought to know Jesus. Trust Him with your battle.

The Spirit Of God In Us

Romans 8:9  But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

The Holy Spirit lives in believers. It doesn’t mean we are perfect. It doesn’t mean we display the Fruit of the Spirit as we should.    

Gal. 5:22-23, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

This "Spirit Fruit" is in us, but we still have a say in what we allow in our lives. We need to avoid places, people, things, images, music---anything that tempts us. If we mess around with it, we’ll give in to it, Pro. 6:27.

Galatians 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

As the Lord molds us to His image, the Holy Spirit is able to give us victory over the desires of the flesh. As we surrender to Jesus, read the Word, pray and praise Him,  we  will be more alive in the Spirit and dead to the flesh.

A Transforming Touch

Mark 1:40-41 And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean.

It’s been years since anyone has touched this leper and years since he held his wife and children. To touch a leper was forbidden by Law. What did Jesus do? He touched Him. The transformation from stinky, uncleaness  to fresh baby-smooth skin was immediate. This happy man is back in society. The touch of Jesus is amazing.

That’s what happens spiritually when a sinner feels the saving touch of the Lord Jesus. The blackness and deadness of sin is replaced with the life and the glory of God. The lost sinner is no longer an outcast, but is made a child of God.

What a testimony it is when Jesus changes a life. No longer a leper, the man tells everybody. Why wouldn’t he?

 Jesus is still touching lives today, regardless of who you are, where you’ve been or what you’ve  done. He loved you so much that He died on the cross, a sacrifice for your sins. Three days later he arose from the grave. He offers those who believe on Him salvation and everlasting life.

Praise Month, Praise God

The ‘Time-change” walloped my body clock. This morning  I woke up at 7:20--not the usual 5:20.; hasn’t happened before. Church road flooded and services cancelled; never happened before. My defunct Ipad now works. All I did for it was whine.

Today my car accelerator froze on the way to Walmart. I was going slow so  I turned off the main road and stomped on it; never happened before. That fixed it. Should I mentioned that I lost my Ipad an hour ago. Searched every room, even the fridge and found it covered up by my recliner.

Sometimes we get so wrapped up (I do) in our situations that we forget to praise the Lord. November is “Praise” month. Praise Him and thank Him for all the good He’s put in your life.

If not for His mercy, where would we be? Growing older, I can look back and see how Jesus made something beautiful of my life. Think about His mighty acts. We can’t praise Him enough.

Psalm 106:1-2 Praise ye the Lord . O give thanks unto the Lord ; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.  Who can utter the mighty acts of the Lord ? who can shew forth all his praise?

Are You Going To Heaven?

The night before Halloween Jesse Watters from The O’Reilly Show asked random street people what scares them most. One middle-age lady said, “Going to Hell.” I wanted to tell her that she doesn’t have to go there. God made a way for us to go to Heaven. God sent His son Jesus to earth to die on a cross, a sacrifice for the sins of the world.

John 3:17,18 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Salvation is so simple. Believe on Jesus. Another word about being saved from Hell and going to Heaven.

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.

Come to Jesus as you are and believe that He is the Son of God and mean it with all your heart. Ask Him to forgive your sins.

I pray that the Spirit of God draws you to Jesus.

Through The Fire

Our world is becoming increasingly unfriendly toward God, Christ, the Bible, Christianity and the born again believer. Ancient Babylon, a pagan kingdom, was also unfriendly toward God and His ways.

Shadrach. Meshach and Abednego, Jewish captives with backbones of steel, refused to bow before the King’s image, so the King had them thrown into a fiery furnace. They discovered  they were not alone.

Daniel 3:24-25 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonied, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king. He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.

Only three came out of the furnace. But Nebuchadnezzar saw four unbound, unhurt--one of them like God. What happened to that fourth man? He's still in the fire. So when you go through the fire---hurting in the valley of despair---you'll find Him waiting for you.

 If you are passing through a furnace time, cling to the Lord. Whatever you’re facing, He’s there.
He’ll bring you through it. Trust Him.

God Is Faithful

2 Thessalonians 3:3  But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.

God is the Faithful One. That’s why He’s called the “Amen”--- Rev. 3:14. He says, “Let it be" and it is. He’s the God Who never changes---Mal. 3:6--- Heb. 13:8--- James 1:17.

 He’s the God Who never fails. He has always been and will ever be the Great “I AM”!  He’s the God Who can be counted on. He’s always faithfu, that‘s Who He is.

Often our faith is overwhelmed by doubt. In spite of that, God is faithful--- 2 Tim. 2:13---Acts 23:11--- Acts 27:23-24.

Regardless of how life plays out, we have the confidence that our God is faithful and that He will stand by us even when our faith is weak--- John 10:28-29--- Heb. 7:25--- Rom. 8:28-30. He's faithful to those He saves.

1 Thes. 5:3-23, 24.  And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

To Be Content Like Paul

Philippians 4:11-12 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 4:13  I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

The Apostle Paul is content in whatever state he’s in---good or bad---pain or hunger---jail or free. Always content? That’s amazing. What’s his secret? He learned it by exercising his faith. “I can…through Christ”, he said. Thats the language of POWER.

Believers serve Paul’s Lord, and we can be content like him. We can have victory over  temptation like Paul. We can have grace for every trial like Paul. We can have strength for every task like Paul. Like Paul, we can face life’s adversities and we can have power to cope regardless of the circumstances, Phil. 4:6-7.

That power came to Paul by exercising his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. We can learn from Paul.

Wings As Eagles

When our spirit droops and we’re unable to rise above our circumstances, there’s help in the Lord.

Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Waiting  is a challenge. We’re prone to want things right now. But “waiting on the Lord” promises rewards. I love the analogy of "Eagle Wings".

It’s  wonderful to see the great Eagle stretch those massive wings and with one great flap is  airborne. Breaking the grip of gravity, it soars high above this world and its weariness, its dangers, and its problems.

Those who learn to “wait on the Lord”---trust--- find that same kind of liberty in Him. He has a way of helping us break free from the things that bind us, our problems, other people, sins, valleys or emotions.

When we trust in The Lord we exchange our weakness for His strength. We exchange our inability for His ability. We exchange our shortcomings for His completeness.

Did God say “run and not be weary---walk and not faint?” Ahhh, yes He did! I like that. I need that. I believe that.

Worthy Of Our Praise

Psalm 146:8 The Lord openeth the eyes of the blind: the Lord raiseth them that are bowed down: the Lord loveth the righteous:

Jesus opened blind eyes on many occasions during His ministry. But there’s a greater darkness than physical darkness. That poor soul trapped in sin is blind to the things of God. I once was blind but now I see. Thank God for Salvation and Amazing Grace. He is worthy of our praise.

How many times has The Lord lifted us when our burden pulled us down? Many times. It was the times we were weakest, and we placed our burden at the feet of Jesus. He lifted us by His mighty power! He is worthy of our praise.

God loves sinners, but He has a special place in His heart for those who are in a right relationship with Him. He tells us that nothing can ever sever that bond of love. He loves us when we’re unlovable, in spite of our foolishness and failures. He loves us unconditionally, completely and eternally! He is worthy of our praise.

Treasure Hunt

Too often spiritual treasures are hidden --- unknown. To find treasures on earth you need a metal detector so you will know where to dig. The Bible is the believer’s detector, and the Holy Spirit is our guide---the one who speaks to us---enlightens us---as we read God’s Word.

The Apostle Paul was concerned about false teachers creeping into the Colossian Church and the Christians at Laodicea. He prayed for them.

Colossians 2:2-3 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Our detector has answers to your questions. Pray as you search for treasures in God’s Word. Pray that  the Holy Spirit will lead you and give you understanding of the mysteries of God.

Our knowledge of Christ is what keeps us from being deceived. We are sinners saved by grace. We know that we fail God sometimes and we’re  not perfect. That’s why we need to continually search the treasures of wisdom and knowledge in God’s Word, apply them to our lives and share them with others.

Greatest Need

Did you know that ants believe in winter and by instinct prepare for it. Grasshoppers don’t and when winter comes they die. People prepare for this life---savings, insurance, retirement--- but what about death and eternity? The inspired Word of God tells us how to prepare for death and eternity.

John 3:16-18 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. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Jesus also called true believers “born again”.

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.  A “born again” Christian is a new creature in Christ Jesus--a believer.

The greatest need in lives today is to be saved---to believe that Jesus is the Son of God who sacrificed His life on a cruel cross to pardon your sins. The only sin that will condemn you to hell is the sin of unbelief.

Cast Your Burden On The Lord

Sometimes life hurts, but when it does there’s help and hope for those who know the Lord.

God wants us to come to the place that when we hurt and feel alone we can know He cares. We can know that no matter how hard the winds blow, He's Ruler of the winds. No matter how rough the sea roars, He's the Master of the sea.

When God doesn’t answer your prayer, keep trusting.

Praise Him. One of my favorite songs says, Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there. 

Praise may not instantly alleviate your pain, but it will bring you into the presence of the Lord. So praise Him for all He has done for you. In His time and in His way He will lift your burden and give you peace.

 Psalm 55:22  Cast thy burden upon the Lord , and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

I Can't---He Can

Let’s face it. If we want the Lord’s power to do great things for Him, we have to admit that our own feeble abilities are useless without Jesus.

John 15:5  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. 

So we humble ourselves at His feet and admit our total dependence upon the Lord for everything we are, everything we have, and everything we do. We abide in Christ.

James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

If we could ever understand this truth: I can’t---He can, we'd see the power of God. We'd see prayers answered. A double minded person might say, "Lord, let's do it this way."

When we acknowledge our weakness and sin---when we express our faith in the greatness of God---when we meet with grace His expectations; He will bless us with His power, honor us with His greatness, and thrill us with His glory.  Stand back and see the glory of God!

All We Need

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.

One of my favorite scriptures, this verse covers all your needs and mine. Memorize it. It's a great one.

Our relationship with The Rock of Ages gives us a different perspective on the trials of life. When we stand in Him, we see them through His eyes and we trust Him. God is our fortress, our place of perfect peace and safety.

May the redeemed forever praise the crucified Savior for deliverance in saving grace. Hope is knowing God's  strength is ours in the unknown battles of tomorrow.

Only in Heaven will we know the times God, in His providence, stepped between us and a tragedy, acting as a shield---a buckler.

When David calls God the horn of my salvation he’s saying that the Lord is the absolute security of his salvation.

When battles rage about us, we can run to God and be lifted above it all to our high tower of rest and refreshment.

An Appetite For The Word

When daddy blessed the food at our crowded  kitchen table, after he said “Amen”  we had to be quick and brave to reach for our favorite  piece of fried chicken. We might get forked. But I wanted that chicken leg and I went for it  even if I was a little kid and way too slow. Mama started putting one back for me. Thank God for Mamas.

I never had to develop an appetite for Mama’s fried chicken, but later on I developed an appetite for coffee. It was much later that I developed an appetite for the Word of God. That’s when I began to grow—to mature in the Lord. That’s when I went from the milk of the Word to the meat of the Word.

1 Peter 2:2  As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: 

Pastor Jerry Locke suggests If you are having trouble having  time reading the Bible everyday, here’s a suggestion. Its radical, so buckle your seat belts. Cancel the newspaper, don’t renew your magazine subscriptions, unplug your TV. And begin by reading the Bible every day. It’s a simple fact: The more you read other things the less you will read the Bible. And the less you will develop an appetite for God’s Word.

When we lose our appetite for the pure Word of God we become spiritually anemic. We don’t enjoy all the blessings The Lord has to offer in His inspired Word..

Strength, Power, Hope

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

Did you know that it’s not a sin to be discouraged? Ezekiel, Jeremiah, Paul, and Jonah are only a few believers who grew weary in the ministry. Did you know that God can still use you? He used these saints in a mighty way.

Whatever God has called you to do----whether little or much, large or small----do it for the Glory of God and He will bless it. In due season you will reap.

When weary saints quit doing what God called them to do, it profoundly affects the work of the Lord and their Christian growth.

God can help you overcome discouragement. There's grace for every task and every valley you face when you call on the name of the Lord.

There is strength in the name of the Lord

There is power in the name of the Lord

There is hope in the name of the Lord

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Sandi Patty, Phill McHugh, Gloria Gaither

Tough Praise

Psalm 34:1. I will bless the LORD at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth. . . . . 
 I Thessalonians 5:16-18. Rejoice evermore. . . . . 17 Pray without ceasing.. . . .  18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

The Lord gives believers excellent praise guidelines. But life is a struggle. Every day we contend with the flesh, a godless culture, and Satan's attacks. If we’re going to live in the praise zone, let’s be prepared to praise God in the tough times.

When things looked the darkest for Paul and Silas, they began to sing praises to God right there in prison. Praise is a powerful force against the enemy. God showed up and that jailhouse began to rock! Their shackles fell off, and The Lord got them out of there. Oh yes, the Jailer got saved.

Something happens when we praise God, especially through  tough times. He tears down prison walls built up around us and loosens the shackles of doubt and fear. No matter how you feel or what’s happening, God is worthy of our praise. He always responds to the praises of His people.

How Much Does God Love Us?

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

May we never look at this crazy, confused world and say "If God is a God of love, then why do bad things happen." That‘s foolishness. If there’s a doubt in your mind about the love of God, look back to a place called Calvary.

 There you will see a holy and sinless God---The Creator--- dying for the creature that hates Him. Watch as the life leaves His body. Watch as His blood runs down the cross. Listen as His blood drips in great pools on the ground. Hear Him as He gasps for His last breath and gives His life a sacrifice for sin---your sin.

Look at that broken and bleeding form hanging there lifeless on that cross and tell me that God doesn't love you. There never has been nor will there ever be a greater demonstration of God's love than that of a broken and dead Savior on a bloody cross.

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.

Delight In The Lord

In spite of the fact that we live in a difficult world---in the midst of unsettled and uncertain times, believers can enjoy peace in the Lord---even a peace that "passeth all understanding!"

Psalm 37:4-5 Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

God loves and rewards those who delight in Him. When you worship the Lord, get in the Word, surrender to his will, and trust Him you learn the true meaning of delight.

Pleasures of the world change and never satisfy the heart, but The Lord never changes and satisfies those who delight in Him.

Our true source of happiness must rise above the circumstances of life and  come to rest in no other place but God Himself. Therein is peace and joy.

Keep your eyes on the sky, wait patiently for the Lord to finish His plan for the ages and know that the best is yet to come.

Trials And Tribulation

Why do children suffer? Why do terrible things happen to decent people? Job, a righteous man, lost family, fortune, health, and friends. None of us leave this life untouched by trouble.

John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Peace through trouble is knowing that God is in control. Some people react with bitterness toward the things God allows in their lives--- death of a loved one, illness, tragedy, ect. Trials can make us or break us.

It would do us well to remember that God’s purpose in trials is not to destroy us, but to perfect us. In my deepest trial of cancer I felt the ever compassionate arms of Jesus around me, comforting me as only He can.

God can give you better things than those you may have lost or are worried about losing. At his lowest point, Job said, "Though God slay me yet I'll trust Him." The Lord generously restored Job’s losses. He came to understood that his trials happened for the glory of God.

Never give up on The Lord.  

Praise The Lord

Psalm 106:1 Praise ye the Lord. O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

We can’’t help but praise The Lord when we meditate on His works and ways, when we consider his benefits and His unspeakable gift, Jesus Christ. Worship and praise are a personal gift from us to God.

If we belong to Jesus we  have special reasons for praising His name. He saved us, wrote our names in the  Lambs Book of Life and keeps us. He provides for us and He’s coming to take us home to be with Him. He will never forsake us.

To fail to praise the Lord  is to withhold from God’s glory that which  belongs to Him.

God is good.

The Inspired Word

Now and then I’m amazed at on-line responses to news stories related to religion. It seems that some pick and choose scripture to justify their view. Some even say doctrine isn’t important as long as we “know Jesus”. The Apostle Paul says all scripture is profitable.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Doctrine is the fundamentals of Christianity---the deep things of God inspired scripture. We should never base our belief on feelings or experiences or what someone we admire believes. God wants us to study His Word and find truth for ourselves. His Spirit will give believers understanding if they ask.

Scripture  reveals your shortcomings and tells how to fix what’s wrong in your life. It tells you to  repent and believe with all your heart that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who redeems sinners by His sacrifice on the cruel cross and gives eternal life.

If the Word of God is read, believed and lived,  you will  become more like Jesus.

John Chapter One is a great place to start daily Bible study. Matthew thru Revelation is also good. I love the Old Testament, too. Oh well, It’s all good.

Keep The Faith

While Elijah waited on the God-promised-whirlwind to take him to Heaven, he remained faithful and kept serving the Lord like he was going to live another hundred years. In fact, it was as he and his friend Elisha walked and talked that God sent the chariot of fire to take him to glory.

2 Kings 2:11 And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.

What an exit! Can you imagine what it would have been like to see that?

Until we stand in God's image---in His presence---in His Heaven, we are to keep praying, keep studying God's Word, keep doing what God has called us to do, and keep walking by faith. Nothing less will please God

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him : for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Growing Faith

If believers mature in the Lord, their faith should be far greater than the moment they believed. You see, faith is like a muscle---the more you exercise it, the larger and stronger it becomes. The Lord leads us through difficult places to grow our faith.

It would boost our faith to remember who God is. He was here before anything, and He will be here after everything, and He controls all things that happen in between.

He's a powerful God,  Luke 1:37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.

He's always with us.  Heb. 13:5. . . . . I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

God wants us to simply take Him at His Word and trust Him regardless of how things look or how we feel about the matter. He wants to grow our faith for His glory.

In My Father's House

John 14:1-3  Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so , I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

On the eve of His death Jesus takes time to encourage His Disciples. They have just been told about His pending death and that one of them will betray Him and another deny Him three times before morning. In their troubled hearts, Jesus takes time to encourage them with hope of a better time and place.

 John 14 has been my encourager time and again. Midst the wonders of that Heavenly City, to  dwell in the Father's House and in the Father's presence, free from sin, sorrow, and suffering---that’s hope we can cling to.

 I could never adequately describe the glories of that place, but I think the Apostle Paul summed it up pretty well.

1 Corinthians 2:9  But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

According To His Purpose

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

God’s purpose in everything working together for your good is not to make you continually happy or wealthy. “All things” include the good and the bad. God’s purpose to “them who are the called”---to “them that love God”-- is to make you more like Jesus---to shape you to His image.

Be assured that God can take your life with all its ups and downs, blend it with His grace, add a heaping portion of His love and transform it into a thing of great beauty.

Sometimes He washes your eyes out with tears to steer you to His purpose. You may not understand it or like it, but it’s those times you trust Him, you lean on Him. Romans 8:28 is to teach us that God has an eternal plan for those who love Him and that nothing will change that plan.

Follow Me

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

My, how we need some brave believers in this day---people who are willing to deny themselves, take up their cross and follow Jesus.

When you “throw down your life” to follow Jesus, you’re not gambling your life away in a game of chance. No! Our God is a Sovereign God. He’ll take your sacrifice of love and service and bless it for His glory and your eternal good. He’ll give you treasure in Heaven.

 Many years ago Ira F. Stanphill wrote a beautiful song about following Jesus.

Oh Jesus if I die upon a foreign field someday,

'Twould be no more than love demands, no less could I repay,

"No greater love hath mortal man than for a friend to die"

These are the words He gently spoke to me,

"If just a cup of water I place within your hand

Then just a cup of water is all that I demand.

But if by death to living they can Thy glory see,

I'll take my cross and follow close to Thee.