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Saturday, July 30, 2016

Walking Through The Fire

Daniel 3:17-18  If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

We often see the Bible use times of trouble in the lives of its characters to teach us some valuable lessons about faith, God and life. I have the joy of teaching this lesson to the Ladies Sunday School Class tomorrow.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, three captive Hebrews, refuse to bow to the ninety foot tall golden image King Nebuchadnezzar set out for worship. Actually, it was forced worship or die in the fiery furnace.

These guys stood firm in their faith, committing the situation to the power of God, knowing He was able to rescue them. They would never worship an image. God walked through the fire with them and nobody got burned. King Nebuchadnezzar saw the Glory of Almighty God that day. “Who was that fourth man with them?” He asked.

When fires come in our lives, we need to remember that we are the born-again children of the King. Our God is the Creator! He is all-powerful. He owns it all and is perfectly capable of taking us through the fire without a scorch. Praise God!

Friday, July 29, 2016

God Gives A Song

Isaiah 12:2  Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. 

The LORD JEHOVAH is God’s redemptive name --- delivering salvation. The song in the twelfth chapter of Isaiah was sung at the Exodus by the Red Sea. It was sung again as Ezra dedicated the Temple after captivity. It will be sung again in the Millennial, praising God for His great salvation and redemption.

I play my gospel-Ipod (nearly 2,000 songs) every time I get in the car to go some place. Songs like He Touched Me, How Great Thou Art, There’s Something About That Name, What A Lovely Name, Beulah Land, The Blood Will Never Lose It’s Power and I’d Rather Have Jesus are but a few of many that draw me to praise and trust. These beautiful songs calm my fears and boost my faith.

Did I mention the CD in a file at a mortuary in Kansas to insure that six of my testimony songs will be played at my funeral. Did I mention the song God gave me after cancer surgery --- Sheltered In The Arms Of God?

Thursday, July 28, 2016

Loving Jesus And Loving Others

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 sweet smelling savour.

It’s natural for children to imitate their parents ---  their nature, their behavior, their actions. As redeemed children of our Heavenly Father, we are empowered to be like Him --- holy, loving, forgiving, truthful, patient, kind, and compassionate.

We can’t do this on our own. We must allow the Holy Spirit to teach us the ways of God with Bible study, listening to sermons, and faith-victories in our lives.

The greatest expression of love the world has ever witnessed was the love that sent Jesus to Calvary's cruel cross to die for our sins.

When I love Jesus, I’ll be like Him. When I am like Him I will love others as He loves them.

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Bless The Lord, O My Soul

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;

The inspiring verse on my favorite coffee cup reminds me each morning to Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. The path of my past, carpeted with goodness and mercies, warms my heart as I remember my Lord graciously placed them.

When I came to the Father through faith in His Son, He forgave me of all my sins--- crimson-red sins. When I got cancer Jesus escorted me to victory through a year of treatment. What a blessed spiritual experience.

Like a crown that circles the head, His lovingkindness circles my life. I have never walked alone.  His tender mercies never cease. I have much to be thankful for. He is worthy of all praise.

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

The Work Of The Lord

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.

It’s impossible to go too far with Jesus. The least we can do is give everything we have for the work of the Lord--- for His glory.

What is the “work of the Lord”?  It’s when we go in His Name wherever He leads. It’s doing whatever we do in His Name as He leads. In the name of Jesus we will not fail to accomplish all He wants us to do and be.

The phrase “be ye” in scripture signals a command. We have no choice in these matters. If we want to be the people God redeemed us to be, we must obey and walk in hope, letting the light of Christ shine brightly through us for a lost world to see. God saved us to abound in His work. .


Monday, July 25, 2016

Rest For Your Soul

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.

Does the word "weary" ever describe your life? Jesus has been surrounded by those who are weary, either with vain efforts at religion or vain struggles against sin. These people need to know that there’s a haven of rest, and that is Jesus.

When we come to Jesus for salvation we are given rest. We are given peace with God, a calmness and a quietness about our future. We are given refreshment for our journey.

When we surrender to the Lord's yoke and are pulling the burden He has designed for us, there will be satisfaction, even in the midst of trials and afflictions.

Oh how I wish  every weary, groaning, battered, depressed, unhappy, exhausted, and desperate person seeking rest will come to Jesus. Only He can satisfy your soul.

Sunday, July 24, 2016

The Eye Of The Lord

Psalm 33:18,19 Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy; To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.

As a believer, you can rest in the arms of divine sovereignty, knowing that your God will take care of you. His eye is on your life and He knows more about your needs than you do.

If you receive Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, you have assurance of eternal life (John 3:16). His tender watch and care secures you. Yes, God takes care of His own.

It was during a devastating famine that the “eye of the Lord” fell on  a widow woman about to cook the last meal for her and her son. But  God sent his prophet Elijah to her house and told her to feed him. God replaced the meal and oil she used to make cakes every time she emptied the containers. For three years He kept them alive until the famine was over. What a mighty God we serve.