If The Lord Will

The Resolution Blitz is prepared to bombard New Year's Day as plans to make one better seizes New Year's Eve. It's OK to plan, but wise people know we are not in control of the future. Go ahead. Make your plans but do it right.

James 4:13-15 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.

Our lives should be governed by four precious, powerful words: "If the Lord will..." We serve an all-powerful God who not only knows our future, but tailor makes it just for us. The Lord will help us with our resolutions if that's His will. Surrender to His will---His plan.

The Lord Is My Buckler

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.

What does the Lord mean to you? I  agree with David. The Lord is the rock I  cling to when troubled. He’s the fortress I run to for safety, and He has delivered me from evil time and again. When I’m weak, I find strength in Him.

David also says the Lord is my "buckler".  What does that mean?  Buckler means “shield”.

Sometimes He shields us from danger, stepping  between us and the likes of a debris hurling tornado bent on destroying us.

Only in Heaven will we fully comprehend the times when God was our “buckler”--- when in His providence He steps between us and injury, harm or evil.

God is good. God is gracious.

Great Is Thy Faithfulness

After being rejected, hated, mocked, imprisoned, and ignored; ----After seeing his beloved Jerusalem ransacked, desecrated and destroyed; ----After experiencing the horror of war, the brutality of the enemy and the pangs of hunger; Jeremiah stood in the rubble of the city midst dead bodies, praising God for His great unfailing faithfulness to His people.

Lamentations 3:22-23  It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

As you face the storms, trials and valleys of life, God will  prove Himself to be steadfast and faithful. You can count on the Lord. Believe it.

How To Be Content

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

The Apostle Paul knew how to be content. He had needs. He  snored, sneezed, scratched, and  got cold and hungry.

We have needs---food, shelter, clothing, health or even peace of mind. God knows what they are, but He wants us to tell Him. He wants us to trust Him.

Whether directly or indirectly, God will meet our needs, maybe in unusual ways.

How to be content:

1. Rejoice in what we have.
2. Rejoice in our situation. It could be worse.
3. Realize our strength is in the Lord.

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

The Gospel Of Christ

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 or she receives the Gospel message. That’s a message worth sharing.

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.

Salvation is for every one regardless of race, social standing, education, ability, wickedness, etc. Only the sin of unbelief will keep them from salvation.

Why would anyone be ashamed of a message as powerful, as profound, and needed as the Gospel? It’s a life-changing message.

Believe

Something to think about as you store your festive Christmas décor for next year.  

1. Be thankful that Jesus was born on earth to grow up and be our Savior, but don’t leave Him in the manger.
2. Be thankful that Jesus agonized on a bloody cross for your sins --- your salvation, but don’t leave Him on the cross.
3. Rejoice that He rose from the grave to give life everlasting to those who believe on Him.  Worship Him.

John 3:18 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.

Have you believed on Jesus, by faith asked Him to save your soul, to come into your heart?

Glory To God In The Highest

Luke 2:11,13-14 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, 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.

How appropriate that the very men who raised lambs for the temple sacrifices were the first to meet the Lamb of God, Who would be the ultimate sacrifice, once and for all.

As the Angels see God step off the throne and go to earth, a baby born of a virgin in human flesh, their song reaches new heights. If they can praise Jesus for what they see Him do, we should praise Him for what He has done in our hearts and lives.

Psalm 40:2-3 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.  And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord .

Follow The Star

Matthew 2:9-11 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. 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.

Now, I don’t have gold, frankincense or myrrh to give to the Christ-child, but I can give what I have:  My love, my worship, my attention, my tithes, my talent, my praise, my glory, my labor, and all I am.

It always costs something to worship Jesus. He expects our worship to be simple and straightforward, to involve sacrifice as we give back to Him from the things He’s given to us.

Any exercise of praise that doesn’t involve selfless, sacrificial, and simple adoration of the Savior can’t rightly be called worship.

Jesus Found Of All Who Seek Him

God sent us the very heart of heaven. As John put it later in his epistle, “And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world,” 1 John 4:14.

It wasn’t Santa Claus who came to town that first Christmas. It was Jesus! He is still here, looking for all who have room for Him in their lives.

He is still found of all who seek Him, and He still changes all who meet Him.

What are you looking for this Christmas?

That Holy Baby

While teaching my five-year-old grandson to play dominos, he suddenly asks, “What is the purpose of this game? How do I win?” We all want to win.

As we celebrate the birth of the Christ-child, some may ask, “What’s the purpose of the Baby in the manger? Why should I care?” The answer is in the inspired Word of God.

John 3:16-17 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.

Love for a lost, sinful world compelled God the Father to send His beloved Son to earth. That Holy Baby was conceived in the womb of the virgin Mary by the Holy Spirit. That Holy Baby is the long-awaited Messiah, the very Son of God, Salvation and eternal life for all who believe on Him.  That Holy Baby was born to die for you and me. Thank you Jesus.

This Fellow Joseph

Matthew 1:19-20 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. 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.

This fellow Joseph always shows up in Christmas programs, bringing no gifts or songs or making no speeches. He just stands there in his sandals and robe, watching the scene unfold around him. The Bible tells us he was a “just” man.
 
Put yourself in Joseph's place. You are betrothed to Mary. All of a sudden you discover that this woman is pregnant. Of course, you think the worst. Perhaps he should put her away privately. Then the Angel appeared in a dream, and that changed everything.

Often the voice of God comes to us and we hesitate. We debate with Him and ourselves instead of responding in swift obedience. Obedience to the Lord is far more blessed than anything else we can do for Him.

The Little Things Of Christmas

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 didn’t choose an impressive professional to over see the earthly household of His Son.  He chose a humble godly construction worker named Joseph. God always uses little people.

The most profound event in recorded history  involved  little things. A little town named Bethlehem----a humble Jewish Girl---some poor shepherds in a field----a manger (feeding trough) in a stable were used  to bring God’s Son into the world.

God can use you. Do you have a little talent? Let God have it. Give the Lord your little things. Let Him have all of you. Are you serving in a little place? Believe that God can use you where you are planted.  Little is much when God is in it.

What's In A Name?

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.

What’s in a name? The name of Jesus is the source of our salvation, the hope of our hearts. His name can break sin’s bondage and cool the fevered brow.  His name can lift the greatest burdens and comfort the broken heart.

What’s In A Name? John Carter penned it to a beautiful song.

When My Plans Have Fallen Through

And When My Strength Is Nearly Gone

When Theres Nothing Left To Do But Just Depend On You

And The Power Of Your Name

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

Walk In The Light

Luke 1:78-79 Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

God didn’t send His Son into the midst of a great spiritual revival. He sent Him to those who were floundering around in darkness. Many saw the light of Jesus and were led out of darkness in that day.

Things haven't changed. In fact, the world may be in a darker spiritual condition today. We have more light from more Bibles and more churches, but men love darkness rather than light (John 3:19).

The good news is that Jesus came to bring light into our lives. Can you remember when Jesus brought light into your life? If not, you don’t have to stumble around in the darkness of sin. You can walk in the light of life, and Jesus will guide you into the way of peace.

The Shack Of Surrender

Matthew 2:9,10. When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

The Wise Men must’ve expected a royal palace as they followed the star. The long awaited Messiah deserved as much, but the star stopped over a shack. If they were disappointed, it didn’t last. They came to worship and that’s what they did. They saw God in that shack and they rejoiced.

Life doesn’t always dance as we plan. Sometimes our dreams are shattered and we find ourselves at the shack. Distress often meets Jesus there, and when we surrender the broken pieces of our lives, Jesus puts them back together. We worship and rejoice. We must surrender.

Love Came Calling

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 any thing 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.

Christmas is filled with many distractions. In the  hustle, few take notice of the reason we celebrate. Few consider that the Word, the  Jewel of Heaven, the Creator of all things became flesh in  a Bethlehem barn some 2,000 years ago. Many don’t believe that  Jesus’ Mama was  a virgin and His Daddy God the Father.

From the manger to the cross, Jesus  fulfilled His eternal purpose to be a sacrifice for sinners---- the Redeemer of mankind.  He brought light and grace and truth  to a dark world, saving all who believe on Him. Love came calling that Bethlehem night and changed the world forever.

Fear Not

Luke 1:29-30 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.

“Fear not”, the angel told Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds as He announced the birth of Jesus. Then the message was seen for what it was---a  promise of grace.

Are things around you causing fear? Mary, Joseph and the shepherds learned to trust the Lord whatever the cost.

An old man was asked what had robbed him of joy the most in his lifetime. He replied, "Things that never happened."

• Fret Not - He loves you - (John 13:1).
• Faint Not - He holds you - (Psalm 139:10)
• Fear Not - He keeps you - (Psalm 121:5).

What A Lovely Name

Luke 1:30-31 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.

When we say or sing or breath or whisper the name of Jesus; we proclaim the greatest name that has ever fallen upon the ears of humanity.

We proclaim the name of the Savior of the lost --- the Shepherd of the sheep --- the Redeemer of the soul--- the blessed Bridegroom of the Bride--- the Lover of men’s souls--- the Glory of Heaven--- the One Who calls Himself our Friend--- the True and Living One!

That’s Him,  but He’s so much more! In the precious name of Jesus there is hope, peace, love, salvation, blessing, healing, wonder, joy, glory, and majesty.

Heaven's Gift

Galatians 4:4-5  But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

The ministry of Heaven's gift accomplished two great things for believers.

1. It delivered us from the authority of a Law we could never keep (James 2:10; Rom. 6:14).

2. It reconciled us to and placed us in the family of God ( Eph. 2:12-22). That’s something religion and human effort could never achieve. This powerful ministry of Christ is available only by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8-9).

Have you accepted Heaven's Gift?

The True Meaning Of Christmas

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 Savior, which is Christ the Lord.

The fact that Jesus  stepped out of eternity into time is almost mind-boggling. The true meaning of Christmas will always be about the Baby Jesus, born to die for sinners, to arise from His grave and give everlasting life to those who  believe.

As Savior, He is worthy of our worship. As Christ, He is worthy of our dependence. As Lord, He is worthy of our obedience. As Jesus, He is worthy of all we can give  Him.

Chosen To Serve

As Joseph ponders what to do about Mary, God sends an angel. “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.” (Matthew 1:20-21)

How do you raise the Messiah?  His is a privilege that is unique to all of humanity. In spite of the ridicule and  humiliation, Joseph was willing to make God’s will a priority in his life.

Sometimes, the Lord's assignments are costly. To be chosen by God to do anything is a privilege. Determine in your heart to seek the Lord's will.    

The Deity And Humanity Of Jesus

 One of the most amazing claims in the Bible says, “But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law.” (Galatians 4:4). Did you notice there’s no mention of a man. The Bible claims that Jesus Christ is the product of a virgin birth.

Now, a lot of people have problems with that.  That’s not how babies get here.

Isaiah prophesied this many years earlier. “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14).

This child was more than just an ordinary baby. This baby, this child, this man was and is God in human flesh.

Deity and humanity existed together in the Person of Jesus Christ without either nature mixing with or hindering the other. I call that amazing and that's the result of the virgin birth.

Jesus Is The Reason - - -

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

When God sent His Son into this world (John 3:16) He sent One who was eternally, equally, and essentially God. John 10:30  I and my Father are one.

Again and again Jesus proved who He was.  From “Peace be still” to “Rise up and walk” to “Lazarus come forth” to “Thy sins be forgiven thee” to “It is finished”---- the truth and power of the Deity of Christ was on constant display.  Every word, every deed, and every miracle declared Him to be God the Son.  He alone is the Person of Christmas! Jesus is the reason for the season.

When God Became Man

Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: . . . . . John 1:1,14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  .  .  .  . [14] 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).

Through the virgin birth incarnation, God Almighty became human, a helpless infant. He knew pain, sorrow, loss, grief, hunger, thirst, weariness, and suffering

Without God being a man, the death and resurrection of Christ means nothing. With it, His sacrifice means everything. It means the innocent died for the guilty, and that sinners can be saved if they will come to Jesus by faith.

The Greatest Gift

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

Regardless of whether you get a new tie, a set of bunny slippers or what you’ve dreamed of, nothing you receive this Christmas will come close to measuring up to the gift God gave the world on that first Christmas.

Just over 2,000 years ago He gave His Only beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, so that sinners like you and me might be saved from our sins and from the wages of those sins, which is death. (John 3:16).    

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. -----Have you accepted God's gift? If not, I pray the Holy Spirit will draw you to Jesus and you will believe on Him.

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

No wonder they call Jesus Wonderful. He is -----
• A  Physician Who never loses a case.
• A Captain Who never loses battles
• A  Teacher Who perfectly teaches every student
• A  Preacher Who always preaches the right messages
• A Musician Who always plays the right note
• An Artist Who never misses a stroke
• A Savior Who completely saves all who come to Him
• A Master Who always leads in the right direction
• A  Friend Who sticks closer than a brother
• A Counselor Who always gives the right advice

Jesus fulfills His role as everlasting Father by loving us, supporting us, comforting us, and providing for us. One day He will rule His kingdom in peace on earth. No wonder they call Him Wonderful.

Setting Our Affection

Colossians 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.  For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

What do we love the most? Believers may need a little help “setting our affection” on things above. It may require denying what we want for what God wants for us.

But, Jesus is at the Father’s right hand, making intercession for us, cheering us on. The following scriptures in Colossians are excellent guidelines. Focus on them.  

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 and A fruitful witness–-4:3-6

We must never forget that we are dead to sin and alive to a new life in Christ Jesus.

Follow Jesus

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.

Self doesn’t like to be denied, but until it is we can’t possibly follow Jesus as He desires.

Are we willing to take up our cross and follow Jesus all the way ---- no holds barred and no turning back ---- just a steady, humble walk that follows His footsteps and His path through this world?

Little Is Much When God Is In It

John 6:9,12  [9] There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many? [12] When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.

God is able to use the little thing for His glory.

• He fed over 5,000 hungry people with five biscuits and two sardines
• He used a stick to part the Red Sea.
• He used a stone and sling to remove a giant
• He used a piece of cloth at the Jordan
• He used a starving widow to speak to Elijah
• He created manna to feed two million people for forty years

Your ability, or resources may be small, but God can use anything. He often uses the resources you already have and multiply them in marvelous ways. Little is much when God is in it.

Rock Of Ages

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 than I.  For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.

Thank God there’s a Rock, a refuge where we can flee to in times of trouble, sorrow and suffering. That Rock is Jesus.

I can’t solve my problems or lift my burdens, but I can cry out to Jesus and know that He will hear me and give me victory as I believe. Rock of ages clef for me; let me hide myself in Thee.

The Will Of God

Romans 1:1  Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

Instead of exalting himself before the Romans, the apostle Paul chose to humble himself as a servant of Christ. This was the secret of his greatness. He was totally sold out to the will of God.

Many Christians feel they have the right to control their own lives, but  our lives should be lived for the glory of God---sold out to His will because we love Him. He has a place of service for you and will place you there if you yield to Him.

The Preaching Of The Cross

1 Corinthians 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

In the First Century ritual Jews and philosophical Greeks thought the preaching of Christ crucified  was foolish. In the Twenty-first Century songs like  “Power In The Blood”, “Are You Washed In The Blood?” and “There Is A Fountain Filled With Blood” still offend many---a too bloody religion.

To the believer the cross represents the power of God unto salvation. The Bible says: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). Our greatest challenge is to convince people that their sin is against a Holy God, but Jesus will save them if they believe in Him. “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest,” Matthew 11:28.

Seeing Jesus

Nothing hinders my walk with the Lord like I do. Attitudes, fears, sins, greeds, grudges and wonderings seem to obstruct my vision. I can’t see Jesus in all His glory.

When I humble myself and repent, the sins clouding my vision flee. I see Jesus as my Savior, my Lord, my Master, and my God. I can see clearly now, and my soul longs for Him.

Psalm 119:18  Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.

Examine Me, Lord

It’s natural to want the approval of certain people around us, but Jesus is the one we must seek to please first. His acceptance and approval rises above all others.

It’s humbling that the Lord knows us better than we know ourselves. He knows the desires of our hearts, our motives and passions. He understands our weaknesses and strengths. Psalm 26:2  Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my reins and my heart. 

Thanksgiving

Psalm 116:17  I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving and will call upon the name of the Lord .

Tomorrow we carry out a tradition that’s as old as America. Thanksgiving should be a spontaneous response from our hearts, giving thanks for what God has done for us.

As you stuff your face and enjoy your family, thank the Lord for the many blessings He bestowed on you and your loved ones, for His tender mercies, His love, and His care.

Grateful Hearts

The wife of a missionary told me how hungry children run with open palms to meet her husband as He  enters their tribe in an outlying thicket of Africa. Bro. Larry carries goodies in his pockets. Suddenly, I felt guilty about the food I throw out every day. We are so blessed.

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

How do we say thanks for material and spiritual blessings from God--- for answered prayers--- for healing? I like the words Greg Nelson and Bob Farrell penned about grateful hearts: “For refuge from the darkening storm, and rest beneath Your wings; we worship You with grateful hearts, O God for all these things”.

The God Of The Impossible

Jeremiah 32:17 Ah Lord God! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:

Jeremiah knew how to approach God. In his great prayer he finds hope in a desperate time. Believers can rest in the same hope today. The great Creator declares the mighty power and Person of God. He is the God of the impossible.

"Got any rivers you think are uncrossable---Got any mountains you can’t tunnel through---God specializes in things thought impossible---He’ll do for you what no other one can do."

Count Your Many Blessings

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

This time of year is a good time to examine our praise life. Are we praising God the way He deserves? Are we as thankful for His grace and blessings as we should be?

Maybe so. Praise is proclaimed through out the Bible as a duty, no less than a natural impulse and a delight. God is good, for His mercy endures for ever. Count your many blessings.

Be Thankful

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;

A national day of thanksgiving is a wonderful thing. The child of God has a boatload of reasons for giving thanks every day---God’s forgiveness, healing, redemption and grace are but a few. I am especially thankful for His loving-kindness and tender mercies. God is good.

If not for the sovereign, amazing grace of God, I would be toast. “Redeemed, How I Love To Proclaim It” is one of my favorite songs. Thank you, Lord.  And thank you, Lord for healing me from cancer.

What Love

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

Jesus sees people with a different set of eyes than we do. We see their sins, He sees what He can make of their lives. We see a drunk, He sees a deacon. We see a drug addict, He sees a preacher.  

If there is doubt in your mind as to the love of God, look back at a place called Calvary. There you will see a holy and sinless God--- The Creator---dying for the creature that hates Him. 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.

A Living Sacrifice

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. 

“Presenting your bodies a living sacrifice” means believers don’t hold back. We place our all on His altar---at His disposal or  we should. Why does God think He can control every aspect of our lives? Because He bought us at Calvary and we belong to Him (1 Cor. 6:20).

May we never forget that we were headed to Hell when Jesus found us, but He loved us, and He died to save us by His grace. Therefore, when Jesus calls us to full service, our only answer should be, “Yes, Lord. Here am I, send me"

The Fullness Of God

Ephesians 3:16-19 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

Christ will not be comfortable in the house of our hearts until our hearts are controlled by the Spirit of God. He lives in our hearts from the moment we trust Him as Savior, but He will not be “at home” there until the Spirit of God controls that heart.

When we walk in God’s power and in His love, we are filled with the fullness of the Lord and are able to tap into His awesome power.  He works in us and through us to accomplish the things He desires in our lives.

Jesus Loves Me

Psalm 18:1  I will love thee, O Lord, my strength.

It’s easy to say, “I love the Lord.” My feeble attempt to express my love for Jesus seems inadequate. He said I should love Him with all my heart and soul and mind (Matt. 22:37). He also said if I love Him I will keep His commandments. I'll never love Jesus as much as He loved me.

“He left the splendor of Heaven, Knowing His destiny

Was a lonely hill up Golgotha, there to lay down His life for me

If that isn’t love, the ocean is dry, there’s no stars in the sky,

and the sparrow can’t fly. If that isn’t love, then heaven’s a myth.

There’s no feeling like this, if that isn’t love.” ---Dottie Rambo

God Has Our Tomorrow

Isaiah 53:4  Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

When we consider that Jesus "hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows”, It means that He has our tomorrows covered. The solution will come in His time. Trust Him.

Sometimes God will lift our burdens immediately and other times He will leave them in place. If He does this, you can rest assured that He will help to shoulder the load. What are your "griefs and sorrows"? I can’t help, but I know One who can. Trust Him.

Ambassadors For Christ

Romans 1:1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God . . . 2 Corinthians 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ . . . .

Just as the Apostle Paul was separated in the First Century to carry the Gospel to the lost, believers are called to do the same  as ambassadors. The message is just as precious and the need just as great.

Like salt in a bland world, we should flavor our lives with the glory of God and create a thirst in others for the things of God

Think On These Things

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.

How we think determines how we live our lives. As believers, we  are to see that our minds are in love with Jesus. Truth, honesty, justice, purity, lovely, and of good report are a picture of the Word of God.

If we fill our minds with the Words of God, there will be no room for evil or worry or fear. There will be no room for vengeance,  confusion and trouble. A mind filled with and led by the Word of God is a stable mind.

God Showed Up

2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Just had to share Franklin Graham’s take on the election. Hundreds of thousands of Christians from across the nation have been praying for the future of America. Election results shocked political pundits and left them asking, “How did this happen?”  Graham gave the correct  answer. “God showed up.”

Not wanting to get political, I just want to praise God for His grace in answering prayers. This doesn’t mean our new president is righteous and perfect. Holy Scripture says God places leaders of nations. He used a pagan king to help Israel rebuild Jerusalem. We should always pray for our leaders, whoever they are.

To Be Present With The Lord

2 Corinthians 5:8  We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

The fact is, these bodies we wear are wearing out. Someone has said that you know you are aging when:
• It takes you longer to rest up than it did to get tired.
• Most of your dreams are re-runs.
• Your mind signs contracts that your body can't keep.

I’d rather be absent from this body and present with the Lord. Many of my loved ones are already there. Trials, burdens and sin can’t enter that place---neither will death, tears, evil, sadness or grief.  My new home is being prepared in this perfect place. Only those Redeemed by the grace of God will be there.

Wisdom

James 1:5  If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Bright or dim, our future rests on the decisions we make. That’s why it’s crucial that we  ask the Lord for wisdom---wisdom in God's spiritual work.

God wants us to  arrive at the bright and hopeful future He has placed in front of us. Do you need wisdom that surpasses that of mere mortals? God is anxious to give it to you. Ask.

King Of Kings

Romans 14:11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.

Since the early days of earth, kings have risen to lay claim to this world. Each ruled for a time and then vanished away---Nimrod, David, Solomon, Nebuchadnezzar, Alexander the Great, Napoleon, Charlemagne, Hitler and others. They are all dead.

One day Jesus will come to earth. A  crown will be  placed on His head, and He will rule forever as King of kings and Lord of lords. Every knee will bow and every tongue confess Him. Until then the saints who are overwhelmed with the stench of this world should turn their eyes upon Jesus, away from pain and problems, and the world will fade to insignificance.

Thy Will Be Done

Matthew 6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

When I pray, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven,” I’m asking the Lord to take my life and conform it to His word and His will, to do with it as He pleases. That’s a tall order but it’s the path to blessings.

I’m asking the Father to use me to make the earth a little more like Heaven. I’m praying for spiritual wisdom to learn His will, for a spiritual desire to do His will, and for spiritual strength to carry out His will. If God is truly my Heavenly Father and I want to hallow His great Name,  I will want to yield to His will in my life.

A New Creature

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.

The Lord changes everything he touches. Give Him an Abram, a lost pagan, and He will give you back an Abraham, a mighty man of faith. Give Him your Saul of Tarsus, a mean, cruel man, and He will give you back a Paul, a mighty Apostle of God.

Give Him your broken, sin-scarred life and He will give you back a new start, a new life and a home in Heaven! When we think of what we were and what Jesus has made us, it ought to cause us to enjoy our salvation.

That Place Of Closeness

Psalm 27:4-5  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.       

Believers need the passion David had for the Lord, wanting to be where the Lord is honored and  worshiped. Of course, we have the church, but we also need a desire to find that place of closeness and intimacy with Him.

If there is a genuine desire to be near the Lord, there will be a commitment to prayer and the study of the Word of God. There will be a commitment to public and private worship. Those who want to linger near the Lord will find a way.  When we make a move toward God, He will make a move toward us.

Wait On 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.

The secret of strength renewal is to wait on the Lord. Wait, however long it takes. Waiting is  hard, but it emboldens our faith and patience. The prize for waiting is a promise of victory.  

Then it happens. One moment we are weak, the next moment we’re running strong. God has a way of helping us break free from things that bind us. At the end of the wait we mount our wings like Eagles and soar above our problems.  Rejoicing, we step aside and watch the glory of God work in our lives. Praise God

The Spirit Of God

Romans 8:9,14  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. . . . For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

 As children of God, the Holy Spirit is a voice inside of us, leading us. He gives us peace or withholds peace---He tells us to go or to stay. He usually speaks through our thoughts. The Holy Spirit is a person, a presence of the Holy Trinity---God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. He  connects us with God.

 The voice  of the Holy Spirit is loyal to the Word of God, characterized by its  fruit of love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. The Holy Spirit is consistent with the character of Christ---his spirit of love, humility, meekness, service, obedience, submission and forgiveness. Are you seeking Him? Is He nudging you?

What Does Jesus Want?

Sometimes our lot in life becomes strenuous and sweaty---infested with burdens here and there. We need help. We need rest. We need Jesus.  
 
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.

Jesus wants us to trust Him as our Lord and Savior. He wants to carry us through the pains in this world, to fill us with His Spirit, His  joy, His  love, His hope and His peace. Jesus wants us to consecrate our lives to Him so He can use us for His glory. He wants to carry our anxieties to old age and lead us to rest with Him forever. God is good.

First Love

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

When we leave our first love for Jesus we offend a holy God because we’re not where He wants us to be spiritually. Try to remember that moment when sin rolled away and Jesus moved in, those early days of excitement and joy.

Lack of love for God is a sin. We need to understand that the things we’ve allowed to come between us are idols. It may be our fun, our family or our work. When we repent of our sin and surrender our hearts to  love The Lord, He will fill us with His presence, His wonder and His power.

Goodbye, World, Goodbye

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.

Many are somewhat antsy about the election, fearing the unknown. Born again believers don’t have to be that way, because we have an unshakable, profound, eternal, and powerful  hope in our Lord.

One day Jesus will whish us up to meet Him in  the clouds. We’ll see the One Who loved us more than His Own life---the One Who arose from the dead so we could live forever---the Friend Who stuck closer than a brother. We’ll be reunited with loved ones who have gone on before us.  Our hope is in the Lord, not elections. Goodbye, World, Goodbye.

Valleys And Trials

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.

Here’s a reminder: Valleys and trials don’t come to stay---they came to pass. Don’t allow valleys and trials of life to control you. That steals your joy.  The following three secrets will set you free from the power of valleys and trials:

1. Learn to take your burden to the Lord---and leave it there.
2. Commit to living your life according to the will of God and praise Him even if it kills you.
3. Rest in the confidence that one day the valleys will be behind you forever. Hold on my child, joy comes in the morning.  

Overcoming

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.

The words Jesus spoke to the disciples hit hard. He will soon die on a Roman cross. Following His miraculous resurrection and the renewal of their faith they will face intense persecution for sharing the Gospel, but they will experience great peace in the Lord.

Tribulation isn’t always a sign that believers have been forsaken or out of God’s will. It may reveal the opposite. Those saved by grace have no reason to fear.  Victory was secured at Calvary. God may or may  not remove your trial, but He will give peace and assurance through the storm. . . . . In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.  John 16:33

The Magnitude Of God's Majesty

Psalm 104:1  Bless the Lord , O my soul. O Lord my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty.

I may not understand the magnitude of the majesty of Almighty God, but I know about His grace and love and greatness. I’ve known Him best through trials and suffering.

David Needham put it this way: “When we find ourself confronted with the stark immensity of our most mysterious God---His grace, His forgiveness, His patience, His creativity, His friendship, His judgment---sometimes they will come at the end of what we feared was an endless grade of suffering.”

I am ever so thankful that The Lord walks me through my valleys to victory. God is good!

Does Jesus Care?

Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

The Lord gives us an open invitation to come to Him for help. He knows our needs before we ask. Yet, aren’t we guilty of trying everything else first?  We try worry, pity, self-effort, etc, and  when those fail we run to Jesus.

Does Jesus really care? Absolutely! He wants to give you peace and understanding with it. God cares and has a plan for your troubles. 1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Precious Jesus

Philippians 2:10-13  That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Of all the names given to our Lord and Savior, none is as precious, as sweet or as majestic as the name “Jesus”. It was a name handpicked by God the Father. By His cruel death Jesus provided Redemption for all who believe on Him and confess their sins.  1 Pet. 1:18-19.

We don’t hang our futures, base our hopes or exalt the name of one who is dead. No. Our Redeemer lives! Because He lives, we will live forever. One day our eyes will see His beauty. Isaiah 33:17 Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty . . . . .

Beautiful Savior, Lord of all nations

Son of God and Son of Man

Glory and honor, praise, adoration

Now and forever more be Thine 

--- Joseph A. Seiss

Just As I Am

Mark 2:14 And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him.

Levi was among the most despised people in Israel, viewed as a traitor to his people and his nation. As a tax collector, He wasn’t allowed to go to the temple or the synagogues. Then Jesus passed by and said,  “Follow Me,” and he followed. Why would Jesus have use for a man like that? Grace! Amazing Grace!

Jesus loved Levi in spite of his past. He delivered him from the bondage of his sins and gave him a new life. That’s what He did for me and others who are saved.  Jesus found me just as I was, without one plea but that His blood was shed for me. I'm glad. So glad.

I Want To Live In Spiritual Victory

Joshua 1:5  There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. 

Moses is dead, but the work of God must go on. He chooses Joshua to lead Israel to conquer Canaan. He promises victory over every enemy. He promises His presence and power, and He  keeps His promises. All Joshua has to do is trust Him.

The Lord makes the same promises to believers today, so why wouldn’t we want to live in spiritual victory? I believe we do. By His power we are able to live as close to God as we can. We can put Jesus first and shed whatever is hindering us. Spiritual victory involves reading and obeying God's Word. What about church attendance, money, and talents? You see, God wants all of us. Seek Him.

Thank God For Grace

2 Corinthians 4:15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. 

Our sufferings are not wasted. God uses them to minister to others and to bring glory to His name. It's easier to sympathize with someone when we've had the same problem.

When I worked in the Neurosurgery Office a lady patient told me she had just been diagnosed with breast cancer. Seeing her concern, I told her how God got me through the same disease. When she returned for a follow-up appointment she said, "Thanks for what you told me. I needed to hear it."

When the going gets rough God give us the perfect amount of grace---day by day as needed. Down the road we will be prepared to share our experience for His glory. God has a purpose in everything. Thank God for grace.

My Hope Is In The Lord

Job 19:25-27  For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.

Poor Job. Losing his wealth and kids isn’t enough---now his friends turn on him and his wife is nagging. We find him having a little pity party. But then he looks beyond the here and now and sees the big picture. He has hope in his Redeemer.

Whatever happens to my mind, my money, my health, my stuff or the election;  I know that my Redeemer lives, and I will see Him some day upon this earth. My hope is in the Lord. Chin up, believers, your hope is too.

God's Sovereign Will

Isaiah 55:8-9  For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

The songwriter William Cowper penned the following words:

God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform;

He plants his footsteps in the sea, And rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable mines Of never failing skill,

He treasures up his bright designs, And works his sovereign will.

The sooner believers quit trying to figure God out, the sooner they can submit to His will. Simple faith reveals the glory of God in the unseen and impossible as we gaze in awe at His sovereignty.

The Unseen Hand

Psalm 23:3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.


“I thank God for the unseen Hand, sometimes urging me onward, sometimes holding me back; sometimes with a caress of approval, sometimes with a stroke of reproof; sometimes correcting, sometimes comforting. My times are in His hand”—Vance Havner

I can’t be righteous on my own. When I try, I fail. I’m glad the Lord restores us when we fail. The Lord takes my hand and leads me in the path of  righteousness. In fact, I’ve  never walked alone. I felt His hand while  laying on a hospital  gurney. I felt His hand in a blinding blizzard  that hid the road. I felt His hand on my shoulder, nudging me in the right direction..

How Is Your Day?

Psalm 118:24 This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. 

God’s plan for the believer doesn't guarantee perfect health or great riches or having everything you want, but He does shape your days to include rejoicing and gladness. God delights in your day. Maybe you don’t feel like rejoicing today. Has struggles stolen your joy?

If you're having bad days, remember what Jesus told the Apostle Paul:  “My grace is sufficient for thee,” 2 Cor 12:10. It’s good to know that the Lord walks with us through the valley days. Rejoicing and gladness are a decision. We can rejoice and be glad in our days when we surrender to the will of God. And if you fall, He with hold you up.

I Want To Know

Psalm 23:6  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

I want to know ahead of time what I’m cooking for supper and who will win the election. I want to know the twists and knots churning the dust of my tomorrows. I can’t know election results or the future, but I can say, “Surely the LORD is my Shepherd and I will not want.”    

Tomorrow, if  my Lord wants to mold me to His image with twists and knots, I won’t fear because His rod and His staff will comfort me. His  goodness and mercy will follow me and supply my needs---all of them. One day my faith will end in sight, and I’ll dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Oh, how I long for the house of the Lord----forever.

Hold Your Tongue

Ephesians 4:25,29  Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another. . . .  29  Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

The things believers say and how we say them are an indication of the condition of our hearts. When the heart is right our words will be right. When the heart is out of step with the Lord our words will reveal that too. We must guard our tongues against profanity, off-color jokes, dirty stories, and gossip.

On a hill in an English country churchyard stands a gray slate tombstone. The quaint stone bears an epitaph not easily seen unless you stoop over and look closely. It reads: Beneath this stone, a lump of clay, Lies Arabella Young, Who on the twenty-fourth of May, Began to hold her tongue.

Don’t let that be the way people remember you. By the help of the Holy Spirit it’s possible to control the tongue.

Paul's Prayer For The Saints

Philippians 1:9-11 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;  That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

Paul's prayer for Saints at the Philippi Church is that their love for each other will grow strong. The prayer is the same for us. We are never more like Jesus and God the Father than when we love others.  We would never have church fusses if we love like Jesus and The Father.

Paul also prays that they will “approve” things that are excellent. Believers should check things out by the Word of God and take our stand on the truth.

His final prayer is that the saints be fruitful, bringing forth fruits of righteousness that will glorify God. Of course, fruit is produced as we  abide in the Vine (Christ). Abiding in Christ removes the struggle. It will happen naturally.

God Is Still In Control

Matthew 6:13 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.

Psalm 145:13  Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations.

It may look like the world has gone crazy. Politicians have messed it up, but I assure you that God has the situation well in hand. And when the smoke settles and the dust clears, God’s purpose will be brought to pass.

When Jesus came into this world, died on the cross and rose from the dead, He stripped Satan of his dream of ruling the universe. Our God---not Satan---is the Supreme being in the universe. Since that is true, He alone deserves our worship, our love, our devotion, and our allegiance. In Christ we have hope.

Only Believe

1 John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

Believers  are a people of faith. We are saved by grace through faith, and we walk in faith, believing in One that our eyes have never seen. Sometimes our faith is strong and sometimes it’s weak.

One day a man brings his demon possessed son to the disciples for healing. The disciples can’t help him though Jesus has given them power to do so. The desperate father takes him to Jesus and the boy is healed. The man had faith---simple faith.

There are times when we just have to trust the Lord. I’ve claimed victory over many uncontrollable situations in my life when I trusted The Lord. With each one (large or small) I’ve learned that we are overcomes when we believe in the mighty power of God. The more we believe the stronger our faith grows.

Sovereign Leadership

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

The fact is, we rarely know what is best for our lives. Why? We lack all the information. We can’t see very far down the road, not even the next few minutes. We just don’t know, so we make plans on faulty information.

But, If we are a believer in Christ Jesus---we trust the Lord with all our hearts, we belong to God. Regardless of where we find ourselves, we can trust His sovereign leadership for the right direction. He controls it all for His glory and our good.

When you can’t comprehend your burden or problem, bow before the Lord in humble acceptance of the path He has chosen for you. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.

Spiritual Growth

John 3:30  He must increase, but I must decrease.

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

You can’t hide the effects of spiritual growth. It‘s great to be saved, but many stop there. The Lord  wants to grow us step by step to spiritual maturity.

How much have we spiritually grown since our salvation? Do we give God control of our lives or do we hold back? Are we totally commitment to the Lord? Do we decrease so He can increase?

Spiritual growth is coming to the end of ourselves and seeking help and guidance from the Holy Spirit. Spiritual growth is asking God to cleanse us from sin, giving Him all our garbage, dedicating our lives to Him. We can do all things through Christ which strengthens us.

What Does It Mean To Be Saved?

John 3:16-17  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.

Those who are not saved may not understand what it means to be saved. To clear up the confusion, it literally means to rescue from danger or destruction.

Man in his natural state is a sinner, Rom. 3:23. Unless a person is "saved"  they will die in their sins and spend eternity in Hell. No right thinking person wants that to happen. Therefore, we must know how we can be saved.

Far too many think  a little religion is enough. Religion can’t save; neither can any ritual or practice. Nothing saves but faith in the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Salvation is simple but man makes it complicated. The best thing you can do is simply take God at His Word and accept salvation for what it is: The gift of God, Rom. 6:23. Ask Jesus to come into your heart and confess your sin. Believe in Jesus.

He Restoreth My Soul

Jeremiah 24:6-7  For I will set mine eyes upon them for good, and I will bring them again to this land: and I will build them, and not pull them down; and I will plant them, and not pluck them up. And I will give them an heart to know me, that I am the Lord: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God: for they shall return unto me with their whole heart.

Judah abandoned God and served pagan gods. Time and again God called them to repent, but they didn’t. Now they face judgment. Suddenly, their homes are destroyed, the temple ravaged, and families separated. Herded like animals, they are marched off to captivity and reduced to slaves in Babylon. But God didn’t forsake them. He  promises to bring them back and rebuild what has been destroyed. He will be their God again.

We’ve all strayed from God at one time or another. Sin often takes us down a long, lonely road. We may think that God has abandoned us, but He’s still our God. He was there all the time, waiting patiently in line. Are there things in your life that need rebuilt? You can’t do it alone, but God can. He will repair the damage that sin has caused if you will seek Him.

The Workmanship Of God

Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

The redeemed saints of God are His masterpieces. We are saved because He took the shapeless, dead clay of our lives in His loving, powerful hands and  molded us into something new for His glory.  With loving care and infinite skill, God shaped us by His grace and wrote His love into our lives. We are His workmanship.

When you stop to think about the raw materials God has to work with when He saves sinners and changes lives, it all becomes far more incredible. The redeemed are God’s letters of love to a lost world. The Apostle Paul said it this way:

2 Corinthians 3:2-3 Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.

The Best Is Yet To Come

Romans 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Every siren we hear reminds us that this world is a place of pain, suffering, loss, death and heartache. But the problems we have in this life can’t hold a candle to the glory we will experience when we get to Heaven.

We look forward to “The glory that shall be revealed in us”. It will be a time when this earthly life with its problems will end and we will  be with our Lord in Heaven. The phrase “revealed in us,” anticipates a time when we will be made like Jesus Christ.

The best is yet to come.

When Needs Arise

Mark 11:22  And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.

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

What are we to do when needs arise? We may be able to fix them, but some needs sneak up on us, body slams us, and leaves us dazed, hurting and confused. Now what do we do? The Bible tells us not to worry.  The answer is simple yet deeply profound. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. (Mark 11:22). 

It’s good to know that our trials don’t catch God by surprise. It may seem like he’s going to leave us to twist in the breeze. Actually, He  already met our need before it happened. He will supply that need in His way and in His time. Our duty is to be patient and faithful. The Lord takes care of His own.

When Needs Arise

Mark 11:22  And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.

What are we to do when needs arise? We may be able to fix them, but some needs sneak up on us, body slam us, and leave us dazed, hurting and confused. Now, what do we do? The Bible tells us not to worry.  The answer is simple yet deeply profound. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. (Mark 11:22). 

It’s good to know that our trials don’t catch God by surprise. It may seem like he’s going to leave us to twist in the breeze. Actually, He  already met our need before it happened. He will supply that need in His own way and in His own time. Our duty is to be patient and faithful. The Lord takes care of His own.

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

Victory

Joshua 6:20 So the people shouted when the priests blew with the trumpets: and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city.

 Walled cities like Jericho (built on hills) are only conquered after sieges lasting several months, causing the people inside to starve to death. God’s victory plan is different and strange, and all Joshua has to do is  follow the  plan and the walls will fall down.

Seven priests blowing seven trumpets (ram’s horns) are to walk behind the armed men of Israel and before the ark. The  people follow. They parade around the city once a day for six days---seven on the seventh day. After the priests blow their trumpets with a long blast, the people shout and “the walls come tumbling down”. 

The ancient city of Jericho that stood between Israel and victory is a picture of things that prevent us from going deeper with God. If we are to enjoy victories we must follow God’s plan for our lives and yield to His power, not ours.

The Name Of Jesus

Philippians 2:10-11  That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

The name of Jesus is a name that thrills the soul of the believer--- a name at which the devils tremble---a name that gains mans access to the God of Glory---a  name that moves mountains---a name that convicts sinners---a name that opens doors to the blessings of God---a name that is above every name---a  name that causes sinners to bow in repentance.

There is none like Jesus anywhere. He is the Anointed One. He is the honored One. He is the fulfillment of all the promises, plans and types of God.

Kings and kingdoms will all pass away, but there’s something about that name.

If Stones Could Talk

Luke 19:39-40 And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples. And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.

Jesus had a lot of contact with rocks and stones during His ministry. He walked on them, sat on them, prayed on them, wept on them and bled on them. If those stones could talk they would have a great story to tell.

• On the mount of temptation they would  talk of His sinless nature
• Stones at the marriage of Cana would  talk of His provision
• Stones at Jacob’s Well would  talk of His mission
• Stones in the temple court would  talk of His forgiveness
• Stones at the tomb of Lazarus would talk of His power
• Stone around Jerusalem would  talk of His Glory
• Stones in Gethsemane would talk of His agony
• Stones at the garden tomb would  talk of His Resurrection
• Stones on The Mount Of Olives would talk of His return

If stones could talk today  they would declare the greatness of Jesus  to a lost and dying world. Believers are to do the same.

Hope

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

The hope of the believer is a “living hope”, one that is sure, certain, and real as opposed to the false hope the world offers. Ours is based on the blood of Jesus and His resurrection from the dead.

When we who are saved by grace speak of our hope of heaven we are not talking about “pie in the sky”.  We’re talking about a “lively hope”, a  sure thing, something that’s more solid than the ground under our feet, something that’s settled by the inerrant, infallible, Word of God.

The world may be in turmoil today, but those who are saved possess a hope that is out of this world.

Casting Crowns

Revelation 4:10-11 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 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.

Why do the twenty-four elders cast their crowns before Jesus? Because He loved them and died for them. He extended grace to save them, He kept them, He gifted them to serve, and He equipped them for victory. Without that, they wouldn’t have crowns.

There’s nothing more valuable to God than dedicated Christians. These are the ones He uses in His service and for His glory. These are the ones who will receive rewards and crowns in Heaven. And these will also be casting crowns before Him, joining thousands upon thousands and thousands of saints as they praise the One who is worthy to receive glory and honor and power---our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

What about you? Will you be there? If you are lost or if you are not sure about your spiritual condition, trust Jesus as your personal  Savior. Ask Him to forgive your sins and come into your heart.

Testimony

1 Chronicles 16:8 Give thanks unto the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people.

I love to hear God’s people tell of His goodness. I love to hear folks testify of their salvation experience. I love to hear folks brag on the Savior. Apparently, the Lord loves that as well.

We must be willing to tell what God has done for us. It doesn’t have to be a twenty minute exposition, just a simple testimony of grace and gratitude.

One of the greatest testimonies ever spoken is simply----“I want to thank the Lord for saving me.” That’s making known the deeds of the Lord among the people.

 If it has been a while or maybe you have never testified of God’s goodness, I challenge you to give it a try. I think you will want to do so again.

Do You Have God's Ear?

James 5:16  Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Prayer should be based on FACTS. F=Faith; A=Adoration; C=Confession; T=Thanksgiving; S=Supplications.

Sometimes we pray about all those things---at other times only some. But those are the things Jesus has commanded us to pray about. He will honor proper praying. We are to pray believing that God will hear us and answer in His way in His time. Do you have God’s ear?

It’s not the arithmetic of our prayers, how many they are;

Nor the rhetoric of our prayers, how eloquent they may be;

Nor the geometry of our prayers, how long they be;

Nor the logic of our prayers, how argumentative they may be;

Nor the method of our prayers, how orderly they may be:

It is fervency of spirit which availeth much.

Wisdom

James 1:5  If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Wisdom is more than mere knowledge. It involves skills in the affairs of life, tact, sound judgment, and good sense  I fear that the vast majority look in all the wrong places for wisdom.

This world and its ideas don’t have the answers for the  problems we face. Wisdom comes from God. Our society  in large part is ignorant of the Bible and the ways of God. If believers are to be effective for the Lord, we must not be lacking in wisdom.

We need to understand that the wisdom of God is usually not received immediately. We must be willing to seek Him in prayer, read His Word, and meditate upon Him.

There’s no limit to the wisdom of God. He is more than able to provide all we need and will give it without measure if we sincerely desire to receive it. We lack wisdom because we don’t ask expecting to receive.

Christ Is Greater Than The World

1 John 4:1,4  Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. . . . . [4] Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

The world doesn’t share our faith or support our cause. Everyone believes something and many seek to influence us with their modern theology. But the Lord is in the hearts of believers. He stands with us, equips us to serve Him, and accomplishes His will. God is greater than the world.

More than ever, believers  need to be dedicated to the Lord. We need  spiritual discernment. We need to be settled in the truth of God’s Word. We must know what we believe and why. When we know truth we will not be lead astray with error.

"Lord, show us the truth in your Word. Amen."

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.

The Apostle Paul knew first hand about the power of the Gospel of Christ. It drastically changed his life. Every life that is redeemed by the Gospel of grace is a life that is forever changed, a life that becomes a thing of praise and glory to Almighty God.

There are many different gospels being preached in our day.

• The Gospel of religion says, “Turn over a new leaf.”
• The Gospel of materialism says, “Your worth is determined by what you have. Gain is the goal of life.”
• The Gospel of liberalism says “I'm OK and you're OK. God accepts us like we are and will take us to Heaven if Heaven really exists.”
• The Gospel of society .comsays, “Do as you please for life is short.”
• The Gospel of Christ says, “You are a sinner, and if you die in your sins, you will go the Hell. However, God loves you and sent His Son, the Lord Jesus into the world. Jesus died for your sins and rose from the dead. If you will place your faith in Him, then you can and will be eternally saved.”

The saints of God  have been given a Gospel worth believing and one that is worth sharing. Are you trusting the Gospel of Christ for your salvation? Are you sharing the Gospel like Paul did or are you ashamed of the Gospel of Christ?

The Battles We Face

Joshua 5:13-14 And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries?  And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the Lord am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant?

Israel is about to attack the city of Jericho. Before that battle, the leader of Israel, Joshua, goes out to inspect the battle site and  comes face to face with the real leader of Israel. Yielding the battle to Jesus,  Joshua humbles himself, falls at the Lord’s feet and worships Him.

May this remind us who is in control of the battles we face. May this remind us of the necessity of humbling ourselves at the feet of Jesus, to submit to God’s will, whatever that will may be. His will is what matters most.

If we would enjoy real spiritual victory in our lives, we must come to understand who really fights our battles.

God's Eternal Purpose And You

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.

Who would want a God who couldn't know the future regardless of people's choices?  Our  God not only knows the future, He is already there. It makes sense to pray because God knows all things and God controls all things.

Our God  knows the beginning from the end---His eternal purpose, and His plan for the ages will be accomplished.

When the world around us seems out of control, we can know that God is in control, that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.

Jesus Is Coming

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.

Can you imagine graves of saints bursting open all over the world and bodies rising to meet Jesus in the clouds? Can you imagine born again Christians living at that time being “caught up” to  meet  Jesus in the air? Another definition  for “caught up” in the original Greek language is “Rapture”. I’m longing for the “Rapture”.

Jesus' second coming will be in two distinct stages: First the “Rapture”, then, I believe, seven years later after the Great Tribulation, He will return to earth in all His glory, bringing His saints with Him.

The very One who could be your Savior today will then be your judge. If you have never accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, according to the inspired Word of God you won’t go to heaven. Think about it. Regardless of what you hear, Hell is real.

When Jesus  came the first time men mocked Him, rejected Him and put Him to death. The second time He will come as King of Kings and Lord of Lords to rule the world in righteousness.

Come, Lord Jesus.

God Still Loves You

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.

God’s never ending love is totally unconditional. In fact, there’s nothing you can do to make the Lord stop loving you. Nothing.

As the love of God shines, its glow searches hearts that have been afflicted and plunged into darkness by sin---to those who are longing for hope in a hopeless world. God loved you so much that He sent His Son Jesus to die for your sins.

The Lord  wants to be your friend. Seek Him by faith. Ask Him to forgive your sins, to be your Lord and Savior and mean it with all your heart. If your relationship with Jesus has become stale, He is waiting for you with open arms to come before Him and talk about it. He wants to renew that fellowship. He never stopped loving you.

God knew we could never love Him like He loves us; but He loved us anyway. He knew there was nothing about us that merited His love; but He loved us anyway.

God's Plan For You

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

Our Heavenly Father is as concerned about His saints today as He was with Israel when captured by Babylon. He knows every detail of our lives. This  encourages  me because I can know that the good and bad never catch Him off guard. His thoughts are of peace for us, not of evil, promising an expected end to our problems.

Someone may say,  “Why doesn’t God do something about this battle I’m fighting? I’ve prayed about it. I’m trusting Him, but nothing changes.” God will move on His own time plan. Wait on Him. Keep the faith.

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.

Victory In Jesus

Isaiah 25:8-9 He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the Lord hath spoken it .  And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the Lord ; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.

When we sing the old hymn Victory in Jesus, we are singing the truth. We should think back to the battles the Lord has fought for us, and we enjoyed the victories. We may not be aware of all of them.

We have victory over the terror of the grave. We have victory over trials and broken hearts.  A victorious day is coming when Jesus will wipe tears off our faces.

Victory  demands a high price. The victory believers have in Jesus is ours because God paid the price of sending His Own Son to die for our sins on the cross. Obviously, the price for our salvation wasn’t cheap, but it’s  free to believers. All that’s required is faith in Jesus, His Plans, His Purposes and His Power.

Who Receives God's Best?

1 Corinthians 15:10  But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

The Apostle Paul didn’t take pride in his successful missionary ministry. He knew it was the grace of God which was with him.

It would do believers good to remember that we serve "Jehovah God". He was here before anything and He will be here after everything.  He controls all things that happen in between.

We are a product of the Lord’s work in our lives. What we have, what we are and where we are is because of the grace of God.

God has a wonderful plan for our lives, Rom. 8:28. His best is reserved for those who are willing to  pray, study His Word, submit to his will, and  follow where He leads.

God Is Good

Nahum 1:7  The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. . . . . 

Sooner or later we’ll  need a stronghold---someone to hold onto when trouble comes, and we are too weak to stand alone.  The Apostle Paul said he didn’t mind being weak because then he is strong in the Lord.  I learned that first hand this year when sickness struck my family. I learned to lean on Jesus.  The Lord is good.

The Lord’s children are precious to Him. He will do whatever it takes to protect them when they trust Him. When we can’t see the way, He is the way. God is good.  

Though God Slay Me, Yet Will I Trust Him

Job 13:15 Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.

Job lost much: Family---Fortune---Fitness---Friends. He could’ve become bitter, as did his wife, but he declared his faith in God though he didn’t understand.

There will be  times in our Christian life when we won’t understand. That’s okay. There will be times when we won’t know what to do. That’s okay. But know this: No matter what happens, God has our best interests at heart, and He will  do the right thing for us as we trust Him..

It finally dawned on Job that all these things happened not because of his sins or the things he was accused of by his so-called friends, but for the glory of God. God gave Job the victory, restoring  twice what he lost.

Can you look at all that has happened in your life and say you still believe?  God help us to reach that place.

Danial And The Lions

Daniel 6:16 Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.

When Daniel is thrown into the lion’s den, King Darius assures him that his God will deliver him.
This pagan king is learning that  Daniel’s God is a powerful God in Heaven, not like his pagan gods. He likes Daniel. Why did he sign the decree forcing everyone to worship only the king? He was tricked into it.

King Darius can’t sleep. At first light he races to the lion’s den and calls out to Daniel, hoping against hope that he is alive. What a joy to know that God sent an angel to shut the mouths of the lions. He's alive! King Darius commands everyone in his Empire to bow before the mighty God of Daniel.

We may never face a den of lions, but we might face some of the trials other saints of God have been called to endure--- sickness, sorrow, distress, persecution, death or hardship. We may be called to take the gospel to a pagan land. Whatever happens in our lives, Jesus asks us to be faithful. He promises to never leave us.

To Be Like Jesus

Ephesians 5:1-2  Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;  And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

“And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us.” I look at this command and  see real problems. We can never completely imitate Jesus. You see, God is perfect---we are flawed. God is omnipotent---we are weak. God is Spirit---we are flesh.

Left to ourselves, we can never imitate  God, but believers are told to do so as “dear children”. It’s  natural for children to imitate their parents---ever learning, observing, and growing.

Our Lord  is holy; we are to be holy.  He is loving; we are to be loving.  He forgives; we are to forgive. We are to be truthful, patient, kind, and compassionate like Christ. God has empowered us  to live holy lives for His glory.

Come To Jesus

Acts 4:10,12  Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. . . . . 12. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Man has a sin problem, and it’s leading him to Hell, but  Jesus is the Savior of sinners, the only sin solution---Rom. 6:23, Psa. 9:17; Rev. 21:8.  That sounds narrow minded in this day and age, but it is true.

What are you looking for today? If you just want someone to solve all your problems and make you happy, Jesus isn’t for you. But if you are looking for someone who will love you unconditionally, who can save your soul, give you eternal life and provide you a home in Heaven---Jesus is for you.

Come to Him as you are---a sinner with no hope. Ask Jesus to forgive your sins. Believe on Him and surrender to Him totally. Let Him save you. Accept Him as your personal Savior.

Keep The Faith

2 Timothy 4:7-8 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: [8] Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Through the battles he fought and the valleys he traveled, the Apostle Paul never fell out of love with Jesus. Discouraged and facing death, he kept the faith and preached God's Holy Word.

Life doesn’t exclude difficulties. You’re going to get hurt. You may be misunderstood or misrepresented. But if you know Jesus you won’t be alone. He’ll love you through it. Jesus is all you need.

When you stand at the end zone of life, you can look back and say, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:” You can.  You will receive a crown if you love His appearing..

The longer I serve Him the sweeter He grows.

Prayer And Simple Faith

Matthew 21:22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

My husband’s toe and knee have caused him to limp for some time now. Yesterday morning  I  finally asked the Lord to help him with that. Today he said his toe and knee are much better.

I don’t know why it surprised me. In my mundane prayer I recalled the coughing spasms that stopped last spring when I prayed. I’ve had lots of prayers answered and I'm always amazed.  I’m glad I don’t have to grunt and sweat and brain-wrestle to produce faith. Simple faith is all it takes.

Sunday morning I calmly asked the Lord to heal what I thought was a kidney infection. It hurt and I didn’t want to miss church. I also prayed that someone would accept Jesus as their personal Savior. Both prayers were answered. Praise God!

When I think of  Almighty God creating everything, Salvation, His love, mercy and grace, I know He can answer my mundane prayers.

What's Your Priority?

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.

We  often do the things that are important to us. We  attach value to these things and  determine priorities amongst them. Everything in the life of the  believer is touched by this principle.

For instance, your church attendance will be determined by the priority it holds in your life.  The same is true of prayer, Bible study, witnessing, etc, etc. We do what we think is important.

It’s easy to allow things to hinder our faithfulness to the things of God. We need to make up our minds that Jesus is  our first priority. If he is,  we will have no trouble serving Him like He deserves to be served.  If He isn’t, we will have trouble in this area and that  will lead to trouble in all areas of our lives.