The Fear Of The Lord

It will be an advantage to the believer to step into the New Year with knowledge.

Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Fearing the Lord, is recognizing Him as—

• Creator and us as His creaturees 
• Master and us as His servants 
• The Father and us as His children 
• A deep seated reverence for His Spirit-breathed Word 

Genuine Fear of the Lord is seen in obedience. We want to please God because we love Him and He loves us, even loved us—died for us—when we weren’t so lovely.

Not knowing the future, we need God’s help every day.

My Hope Is In The Lord

I thought the Lord would surely return in 2017. I should’ve known better. Nobody knows when  but the Father.

What will happen this New Year? Who will die? Will there be more fires and hurricanes, earthquakes and tornados?  Will God continue to bless as before?

I don’t know a lot of things, but this I do know.  My hope is in the Lord. 

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.

If we are in Christ Jesus—He’s our Lord and Savior—we can face whatever 2018 hurls at us, for we are never alone.

We may or may not face cancer, lose loved ones suffer financially or have heartache, but if we do, that’s when Jesus is the closest, carrying us along.

Psalm 31:24 Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord .

The Spirit Of God

A sure way to know that you’ve been born again is that the Spirit of God fellowships with you.

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

Romans 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

The Spirit of God will speak to your heart and tell you spiritual things as you read God’s Word and pray and worship.

The Holy Spirit will guide you and warn you and comfort you. He will teach you the truth of the Word.

The Spirit of God is a sweet Spirit.

If the Spirit of God never speaks to your heart, you need to examine yourself. Are you harboring unconfessed sin? Is there a time in your life when you confessed your sins to God and asked Him to come into your heart—to save you and become your Savior? You can do that now.

God Is For Us

The Apostle Paul has spoken at length of the substitutionary atonement of Christ made on our behalf and the many benefits associated with a relationship with Him. Then he asks a question.

Romans 8:31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

He is challenging us to consider the benefits and security of a relationship with Christ. 

We know God is for us. He proved it. It doesn’t matter who or what is against us, He will never leave us or forsake us. His grace is sufficient for every situation.

My Shepherd

David calls his shepherd “my” Shepherd.

Psalm 23:1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 

It’s soothing to know the Creator, the One who fed the thousands, parted waters, raised from the dead, loved me so much that He died for my  salvation—-:He’s “my own” Shepherd. Why would I worry about an;thing?

 

What Motivates Praise?

We praise the Lord, we understand and worship according to the value of God to us.

Your praise says a lot about how much you value The Lord. If you value Him, you will find ways to praises His.

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

What motivates our praise?
• Fixing our heart upon God, Ps 57:7; 108:1.
• Meditate on His works and ways, Ps 77:11 ff.
• Recount His benefits, Ps 103:2.
• Dwell upon His unspeakable gift, 2 Cor 9:15; 2 Cor. 8:9

Praise Him, Praise Him all you little children.  God is love. God is love.

God's Plan For Baby Jesus

The French mathematician Auguste Comte suggest to Scottish essayist Thomas Carlyle that they start a new religion to replace Christianity, based on positive thinking and mathematical principles.

Carlyle thought about it for a moment. "Very good, Mr. Comte. All you need is to speak as never a man spoke, live as never a man lived, be crucified and rise again the third day, and get the world to believe that you are still alive.

It wasn't man's plan or religion's plan. The birth of Jesus on earth---a plan born in the heart of God--- will never be duplicated.

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

God has given His gift to the world. Have you accepted it?

Christmas Is About Hope

With the love and joy Jesus brought to this earth, it’s hope in Him that binds believers together.  

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

The gift of Jesus is to whosoever will believe on Him.

He didn’t send Jesus to remain in a manger or on a cross. He sent Him to die.

John 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Christ’s victory over the grave gives us hope of the same victory if we know him personally.

This is a tough time of the year for those who have lost loved ones. If your loved one is saved, you have hope of seeing them again

Christmas is about hope.

Celebrate The Lord

The months between the announcement of Christ's birth and the actual moment of His arrival were months of hard decisions and anxious waiting for Mary and Joseph.

During this time Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth who is also expecting a very special baby, John The Baptist.

When she arrives and speaks to Elizabeth, the baby in Elizabeth's womb leaps for joy, reminding us that an unborn child is more than a mere blob of flesh.

 Lifting her voice to the Lord, she reveals a heart that is in love with the Lord. She teaches us that we can praise Him in spite of our circumstances.

Luke 1:46-47,49-50 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. . . . . For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.

The Christmas season is about our relationship with the Lord and learning to celebrate His glory and His goodness.

God is worthy of our faith, love, praise and worship.

The Real Christmas Story

Perhaps no other story in the Bible speaks with such clarity about the power, the majesty, the glory, and the purpose of God.

The Lord stepped out of eternity into time and was born of a virgin. That’s almost mind-boggling.

The shepherds---lowly and undeserving---were first called to worship the Christ-child.

The angels were amazed that the Creator was born in the image of the creature He created.

The wise men following the star makes me rejoice.  These pagans traveled far and came to know the Lord Jesus Christ.

The manger is a reminder that Jesus laid aside certain Heavenly attributes that He might become a man and die for sinners.

We find the true glory of Christmas in the words of the angel who visited the shepherds.

Luke 2:10-12 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

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.

A Gift Of The Future

Most of the world gives Jesus mere lip service, invokes His name as a curse word and may mention Hm at Christmas time.

They see Him as some sort of a cosmic good luck charm. Many simply see Him as a terrible lie that must be eradicated.
  But Jesus is coming back.

Matthew 25:31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:

When He comes, He will give the world the gift of His sovereign rule. The world will acknowledged Him to be all that He is and will bow at His feet.

Phil. 2:9-11 "Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father,”

When He comes, the world will acknowledge Him to be God, Lord and King. That’s a gift the world needs today; it’s one the world will enjoy when He comes.

Behold The Lamb Of God

For the first time in centuries the Glory of God returned to earth.


Perhaps the shepherds were caring for the flocks that would provide sacrifices for the next temple services.


It was fitting for the Good News to first be given to the Shepherds and the Lamb of God also be first given to them.


John 1:29  The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

The Nativity Scene

When we see the Nativity played out we often smile at  the simplicity and humor in the costumes and antics of the children. They just can’t avoid wiggling and being kids.

The Nativity Scene, as simple as it is, reminds us of a profound truth---that at Christmas we celebrate the incarnation--- when God became flesh and walked among men.

We celebrate the love and grace of God Who willingly laid aside His heavenly glory to be born in the humblest of circumstances so that lost people like us can be saved.

I hope Christmas touches something deeper within our hearts. I hope it stands as a constant reminder that God loves us; that He came to this world to die for us.

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

I’d like to think that we remembe that Jesus---the God-baby---came to pay an unthinkable price to provide a glorious salvation for all who will receive Him.

He came to give His life for all, especially those who hated Him and wanted Him dead.

Mark 2:17  When Jesus heard it , he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

When God Became Flesh

All through His life Jesus proved Who He was again and again.

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

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 Jesus was on constant display.

Every word, every deed, every miracle declared Him to be God.  He alone is the Person of Christmas.

So God Sent Us A Savior

The shepherds were unable to go to the Temple for many weeks at a time. This prevented them from getting clean. But, thank God, that's the crowd Jesus came to earth to save (Luke 19:10, Mark 2:17).

They were probably the men who raised the lambs for the temple sacrifices. It’s appropriate that they would be the first to meet the Lamb of God.

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.

A SAVIOR---Deliverer; Pictures Him as the sacrifice---The cross

CHRIST---The Anointed One, The Son of God. Pictures Him as the fulfillment of all the promises and prophecies beginning at The Garden of Eden, (Gen. 3:15).

LORD---Sovereign God---The One to be served, worshiped and adored.

If our greatest need had been ---
• Information, God would have sent an educator.
• Technology, God would have sent a scientist.
• Money, God would have sent an economist.
• Pleasure, God would have sent an entertainer.
• Military, God would have sent a soldier.
• Justice, God would have sent a judge.

But our greatest need was forgiveness and redemption, so God sent us a Savior.

The Father's Gift

The best part of receiving a gift is the anticipation. The stash of presents I’m gawking at right now makes me giddy. What’s in mine?

Whatever it is, it won’t compare to the gift God gave the world that first Christmas. What a gift! He gave His beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ (John 3:16) so sinners like you and me might be saved from our sins.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

The ministry of Heaven's gift was personal in nature---He loved us. He went to the cross with you and me on His mind.

I remember receiving Heaven's gift, It changed my life. I get excited thinking about all Jesus is and all He did in my life. The older I get, the sweeter He gets.

I wonder how God must feel when He sees how we treat His gracious, priceless and perfect gift. Maybe we need to thank Him and praise Him more. Maybe some need to receive Him---seek Him.

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

Peace And Joy

We want Christmas white and bright.  We want the tree, the decorations, the lights and the presents.

We want everyone to be happy.  We want to be able to get and give plenty. We want peace and joy to abound.

We may or may not make our wants happen, but true “peace” and “Joy” are not guaranteed. In fact, they are only found in Jesus Christ our Redeemer.

Romans 5:1-2 ] Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

If you want real peace and joy, ask Jesus to come into your heart, to forgive your sins. Believe in Him. He loves you.

Are you depressed, sad or lonely? You can have peace and joy. Seek Jesus.

Santa And Jesus

Someone compared Santa Claus and the Lord Jesus in a piece called "Santa Versus Jesus."

• Santa lives at the North Pole---Jesus lives everywhere.
• Santa rides in a sleigh---Jesus rides on the wind and walks on the water.
• Santa comes once a year---Jesus is an ever present help.
• Santa comes down the chimney---Jesus stands at the door of your heart and knocks.
• Santa fills your stockings with goodies---Jesus supplies all your needs.
• You have to wait in line to see Santa---Jesus is as close as the mention of His name.
• Santa lets you sit in his lap---Jesus holds you in His hands.
• Santa has a belly like a bowl of jelly---Jesus has a heart of love.
• Santa''s little helpers makes new toys---Jesus makes new lives.
• Santa puts gifts under your tree---Jesus became our gift and died on a tree.

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.

O Holy Night

The night Jesus was born was an ordinary night from a human standpoint. Shepherds watched their sheep. People in villages and towns of Israel slept off the weariness of another day unaware that God was transacting eternal business in their very midst.  A Savior was born in Bethlehem.

This night was a Holy Night unlike any other in human history.

Many years ago in 1847 a composer by the name of Adolphe C. Adam wrote the words to a powerful Christmas carol called “O Holy Night”. The first verse goes like this:

• Oh holy night! The stars are brightly shining, It is the night of the dear Savior's birth.
• Long lay the world in sin and error pining, Till He appear'd and the soul felt its worth.
• A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices, For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
• Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices! Oh night divine,
• Oh night when Christ was born;  Oh night divine, Oh night, Oh night divine.

Imagine the awestruck shepherds witnessing a sky saturated with heavenly hosts praising their Creator.

Imagine the wonder of angels seeing their sinless, glorious Creator as a babe---the weakest of humans---entering time to lay down his life for fallen humanity.

What grace! What glory!

Miracle after miracle took place in the birth, life, death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ so that you and I might have a Savior.


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.

From Bethlehem To Calvary

When you think about Christmas this year, try to keep things in perspective.

Believers exposed to the truth of God's Word need to remember that Christmas is about a special day---whenever it was--- when God sent His Son into the world to be the sacrifice for our sins.

The Hebrew Law commanded sacrificial lambs to be examined thoroughly and declared spotless before being offered for sins.

Without a virgin birth we don’t have a sinless, spotless Savior; and no hope of salvation.

But Jesus was the sinless Son of God and His mother was a virgin. Offered on a cross, suffering excruciating pain, He died to cleanse the sins of  mankind for all who believe on him. Three days later He arose victorious over the death and the grave and is alive today. In Jesus we have eternal life.

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

From Bethlehem to Calvary, Christmas is about you coming to know God.

Have you believed on Jesus, the Lamb of God? He can fix whateverr's wrong in your life. Seek Him.

God's Eternal Plan

A Roman Emperor a thousands miles away issues a decree and a poor carpenter and his pregnant wife travel ninety miles to Bethlehem to pay taxes.

Certain shepherds just happen to be tending their flocks on a hillside just outside the same town.

Angelic hosts just happen to show up at the right place, at the right time, with the right message.

These things didn’t just happen. They were the work of  a Sovereign God accomplishing His eternal plan for the salvation of mankind.

Christmas can be a boom or a bust, but you won’t care if you know Who is in control of your life.

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.

When you are in a faith relationship with Almighty God--- knowing He’s directing your path---you can rejoice in the face of whatever life throws at you even at Christmas.

Do you know Jesus? If not, seek Him.

Joseph, Raising The Son Of God

Mary is pregnant and Joseph is not the father. Like a slap in the face, the news comes during their betrothal. He makes a heartbreaking decision to divorce her quietly.

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.

Understand it or not, the dream explains the baby. It's of the Holly Ghost. Joseph knows Scripture. Surely this is the fulfillment of the greatest promise God ever gave to man. This is the Messiah!

He thought about it some more. Mary will be his bride after all, and Jesus will come into the world as a helpless infant to live in his house, to learn his trade, to sit on his knee, and to grow up and die for the sins of mankind.

God had just transformed what he thought was his worst nightmare into what would become his greatest blessing---raising the Son of God.

Like Joseph, believers are sometimes blind to the fact that God is working behind the scenes. His plans are always best, even when they hurt, Rom. 8:28; 2 Cor. 4:15-17.

The Lord is looking for dedicated people today who will follow him in spite of the tragedies of life.

The Shepherds Meet Jesus

While the people in Bethlehem were ignorant of the wonderful events happening in their town, God sent an angel to reveal the good news to some poor, humble shepherds who were outside the town on the Judean hillsides.

Luke 2:11-14 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 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.

No doubt the angel is blazing with the brightness of Heaven and like a flash he lights up the night sky and the shepherds are terrified.

Calming them, He announces the arrival of the Christ, the Messiah, the Anointed One for Whom the world has waited thousands of years. He would deliver them from their sins.

What an announcement!  Then a great multitude of angels join in to praise the Christ Child.

The shepherds found The Master that night and returned to their flocks rejoicing.

I was raised to believe the Christmas story.  All my life I heard of Jesus being born in Bethlehem and I believed it was true.

I’ll never forget the night I met Jesus. It was downtown during a tent revival. Kneeling on hay at an old wooden altar, I believed and by His amazing grace He accepted me as I was---a sinner. I still praise Him for forgaving my sins and changing my life.

Away In A Manger

It's hard for me to understand why the King of kings and Lord of lords was put in a manger after His birth. It was a feeding trough for farm animals. That’s no place to put a baby much less the Son of God

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

So there was no room in the Inn. But this was Jesus. He deserved more. Much more.

Perhaps those common, dirty shepherds could only find Him in a barn.

In the manger Jesus identified with the poverty of mankind.

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

In the manger Jesus identified with our discomfort and struggles, and He was born to die for our sins. (Isaiah 53:3).

That humble baby in the manger reminds us that the greatest aspiration of the human soul is to seek the glory of Almighty God ahead of everything else (Matt. 6:33).

Born To Die

Imagine this---the Lord of glory came into this world by virgin birth---not as a King, but as a humble Servant.

Jesus wasn’t born in a palace but in a barn, then put in a stinkin’ manger.

He understood---
• Poverty (Matt. 8:20)
• Weariness (John 4:6; Matt. 8:24)
• Hunger (Matt. 4:2)
• Rejection (John 1:11, John 19:10)
• Loneliness (John 6:15; Matt 26:29)
• Temptation (Matt. 4:1-11)
• Other trials humans face

Jesus endured all that to identify with us---to understand us---and to comfort us in our trials (Heb. 4:15-16).

In spite of all He did while here, His purpose for coming was Salvation for a lost and dying world. The Manger Baby came to die for our sins.

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

Philippians 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Trust And Praise Advice

When you can’t figure God, merely trust Him. That’s what He wants.

When you feel like crying---cry.  Empty your heart of the bitterness of sorrow. In His time and in His way the good Lord will lift your burden.

Isaiah 65:24, “And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.”

When He doesn’t answer immediately, Praise Him. Satan has a hard time with a praising Saint.

Praise may not erase your pain, but it will bring you into the presence of the Almighty. You may not feel like rejoicing when you start but you will before you finish.

How do you revive the spirit of praise?  Do what the Bible says every day.

Psalm 145:1-2, “I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever.  Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever.”

I'm Glad Jesus Loves Me

Throughout His ministry Jesus opened blind eyes many times, but the poor soul trapped in sin is blind to a greater darkness---a spiritual darkness that only Jesus can brighten through faith in Him.

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

I’m glad God lifts the broken bowed-down backs of the weary. How many times has He lifted my burden and given me rest because he cares for me. Matt. 11:28-- 1 Pet. 5:7; Psa. 55:22.

I’m glad Jesus loves the believer. He has a special place in His heart for those who are in a right relationship with Him, Jer. 31:3.

I’m glad He loves us even when we are unlovable---in spite of our foolishness and  failures.  He loves us unconditionally, completely and eternally.

Hope

Resting in the confidence that God will do as He promised---that’s the essence of hope. We all need hope.

David, having a personal relationship with God, wrote about the basic foundation for his Hope.


Psalm 27:1  The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

• As Light---God delivers His people from Darkness –  Colossians 1:13.
• As Light---God guides our Steps – Psa. 37:23; John 16:13; Psa. 119:105.
• As Salvation---God delivers His people from Damnation – “ John 5:24.
• As Salvation---God secures our Souls – John 10:28; 1 Pet. 1:5; John 6:37.
• As Strength---God delivers His people from Defeat –  1 Cor. 15:57.
• As Strength---God guarantees our Success – Rom. 8:37; 2 Cor. 2:14; Isa. 54:17.

Light, Salvation, and Strength---great characteristics of God--- serve to give us hope in the midst of trouble. Praise Him.

The Power Behind Christmas

What do you think is God’s greatest display of power?  Creation? Miracles? The Cross? The Resurrection?

I believe the greatest expression of God’s power was when He added humanity to His deity and came to live and die among men. Think about Who was born in that manger in Bethlehem.

John 1:1-3-14  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

When you consider that Jesus was the Creator of the universe, His birth as a baby becomes more amazing.

The Creator of creation humbled Himself and became a creature in creation.  God became dependent upon a human mother.

Jesus stepped out of eternity, laid aside His glory and entered this world as a human baby.  That is the power behind Christmas.

John 1:14 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.

That’s why this season is not about trees and tinsel; packages and parties; bows and boxes or meals and mistletoe.  This season is about Jesus. He is the Maker of creation and the power that holds it all together,

What A Lovely Name

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago there were many children in Israel named Jesus, but there was none like Him. The angel told Joseph His name.

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

“What a lovely name, the name of Jesus!” At the mention of that name hell trembles; Satan flees, sin is defeated, captives are delivered, fear gives way to peace, hopelessness is swallowed up in victory, the lost are found, the blind see, and the dead live.

“What a lovely name, the name of Jesus!” At the mention of that name drunkards are made sober, harlots are made pure, addicts are delivered from addictions, the lost are saved, and a new life beings.

“What a lovely name, the name of Jesus!” That name marks the difference between Heaven and Hell, between life and death, between hope and despair, between sin and salvation, between judgment and forgiveness, and between the grace of God and His condemnation.

Charles Wycuff wrote a beautiful song about the lovely name of Jesus. I love this song because I love Jesus for all He has done in my life.

WHAT A LOVELY NAME---by  Charles Wycuff
There's a name above all others, Wonderful to hear, bringing hope and cheer.
t's the lovely name of Jesus, Evermore the same, what a lovely name.

CHORUS:
What a lovely name, the name of Jesus. Reaching higher far, than the brightest star.
Sweeter than the songs they sing in heaven. Let the world proclaim, what a lovely name.

That Secret Hiding Place

It’s amazing that there’s a place of solitude in a world filled with people---a place to flee to during crushing battles that rage about us.---a quiet, peaceful place in the profound presence of God.

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

This is a promise reserved for those who love the Lord their God. Have you been to that place?

The assurance of God’s sheltering place allows believers to weather the storms of life with hope.
• This allowed David to face Goliath.
• This was the confidence that kept Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego from burning in the fiery furnace .
• This was the assurance that gripped the heart of Daniel in the lions den.
• This was the knowledge that allowed Paul to continue as he suffered greatly,  2 Cor. 12:7-11.
   
Those who have learned to abide in Christ through The Word and prayer have been to that place and know the glory of it.  Praise Him.

Glory To His Name

God owes us nothing. We owe Him everything.

Romans 11:35-36  Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?  For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

Every dollar in our pockets is a gift from God. Every lung full of air is His blessing. Every heartbeat is His manifested grace---our home, car,  family,  job, intellect, and talents  are gifts to us from God.

And what does God want in return? Nothing more than our love, which manifests itself in obedience to Him, that we honor Him by receiving His Son Jesus as our Savior.

When we do that, His real giving begins. No, God isn't in debt to us; it is we who are in debt to Him.

God is the center of His universe. Is He the center of yours? If you are giving Him the glory due His name He is.

Don't Worry, God Has Your Hand

There’s a story about a man who wanted to cross a frozen lake. Every few feet he tapped the ice to make sure it was strong enough to hold him.

Hours later, face  blue and knuckles red, he neared the shore. Suddenly,  twelve Clydesdale horses pulling a heavy wagon passed him,  leaving the man thinking how foolish he had been.

Are we like that foolish man when it comes to trusting the Lord?  We  tap, tap, tap and say, “I wonder if I will make it.”

With another tap, tap, tap, we say, “I wonder if the Lord knows what kind of a mess I’m in?”

We take another step,  tap, tap, tap, and think, “I wonder if the Lord is going to keep working in my life? I know what he did back there, but I wonder if He will do it today?” \

Do we tap, tap, tap when all the while the Lord is standing with us, as faithful as our shadow, saying, “Trust me? Don’t worry about whether or not the ice will hold you because I have your hand; I’ve planned the path you take and I will never let you go.”

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

Lifestyle Choices

What type of life do you want to live? Your choice between Jesus and an alternative  will affect everyday of your life. Depending on your answer, you will experience one of two lifestyles.

A Life of sin and rebellion toward God is the lifestyle of one outside Jesus---
• A life out of control - Eph. 2:1-3---Satan is god
• A life of no peace - Isa. 48:22---Something missing
• A life of no lasting joy---Some pleasures, but none last.
• A life of condemnation---John 3:18---God does hold man accountable
• A life of hopelessness--Eph.2:12  Nothing waiting for you but an eternity in Hell

A Life of Salvation and the blessings of God is the lifestyle of those who choose Jesus---
• A life under control - Gal. 5:16 - With God in charge.
• A life of peace - John 14:27; Phil. 4:7 - Total contentment is found in Jesus - Psalm. 34:8
• A life of absolute joy - .Not perfection, but contentment - Phil 4:11Joy unspeakable - 1 Pet. 1:18; 1 Thes. 5:16.4.
• A life free from condemnation - Rom.8:1  Sin, for the believer has been done away with, - Psa. 103:12; Micah 7:19; 1 John 1:7
• .A life of hope - 1 Pet.1:3-5 - There is a better place waiting for the believer.

What you do with Jesus determines where you spend eternity! (Pro.9:12) The choice is totally yours. Seek Jesus Ask Him to forgive your sins. Believe with all your heart (Eph. 2:8,9)

Five Loaves And Two Fishes

According to twelve doubtfing apostles, five barley loafs and two small fish won’t feed 5,000, but when a lad gives his lunch to them at Jesus’ request, a miracle happens.

The multitude had followed Jesus everywhere and He had compassion on them, knowing they were hungry. He blessed the food and instructed His apostles to serve dinner. All were filled and leftovers collected---one basket full for each doubting apostle.

I’m glad I know the One who fed the thousands. Our abilities or resources may be small, but God is still God and He can multiply them in marvelous ways. He has done it again and again.

The lad gave all he had. That's what God asks of any of us---give Him all, great or small. He will use it for his glory.

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

Living Victoriously in Christ

God promised Israel victory over Jericho.  All they had to do was have confidence in His plan. It was a strange plan

Led by seven priests holding seven ram horn trumpets, the Ark of the Covenant next, the men of war. were to walk around Jericho once the next six days and seven times the seventh day.  The last time the priests were to blow the trumpets and everybody shout.

They won victory by faith that day as the walls around Jericho fell flat.

You can’t live a victorious Christian life by yourself. As you yield to God's plan and let Him live through you, you will enjoy victory over trials in your life. The Apostle Paul tells us how.

Galatians 2:20  I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

We live the Christian life by merely being in Jesus and having absolute confidence in His plan for us. We enjoy the victory that only He can give.

The Shepherd And The Shadow

Sometimes sheep have to pass through frightening and dangerous places, but they travel in peace, knowing their shepherd has everything under his control.

When our path becomes frightening. If we know Jesus, the Great Shepherd, we can be assured that He is in absolute control. The Lord has carried me through some shadows of death with peace and security, Psa. 37:23.

Psalm 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Did you know shadows can’t harm you. When you walk with Jesus you are walking in the light and in the light there are no shadows.  You have His promise of peace as you travel, Phil. 4:7; John 14:27.

The Good Shepherd is always leading, feeding, and protecting His sheep.  God’s children should rejoice in that today, Heb. 13:5; Matt. 28:20.

To Love God By Choice

Before the heavens and earth were created, there was in the heart of the eternal God a desire to procure for Himself a people who would love Him by choice.

We were created and placed on this earth to know God, to serve Him, to please Him, and to bring Him glory.

We know Him through  salvation---being born again (born from above) as Jesus told Nicodemus in John 3:3-7.  It’s the powerful, life-changing moment when we make connection with eternity.

We glory God by faithful service, praise and worship.

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

God has an eternal purpose for your life. How do you find out what it is?  You do so by---
• Reading about it in God's Word
• Praying for it in daily devotion to God
• Listening to the voice of God's Spirit within
• Being obedient to the most basic things revealed in His Word--- things every believer should do.

As we take care of the little picture, God will see to the big picture. He will take care of us.

The God Of Creation

Perhaps the greatest commentary on the power of God is ”In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” Genesis 1;1.  

When I think of God creating light with a word---I am amazed.

When I think of the vastness of the universe and how He created the stars, moon, and planets by speaking them into existence---I marvel.

But when I think that a holy, eternal, infinite, omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent God would condescend to love the likes of sinners like us---I am brought to my knees in worship.

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

God can take a black heart, wash it in the red blood of His Son, and make it whiter than snow. That gives me confidence that He can do anything.

Regardless of what lies in your path today, remember that if you are His, you belong to the God Who made it all. Think about that when you address Him in prayer.  

To Them That Love God

The events of life are not random and unrelated. They work into a preconceived pattern planned by God---a perfect blend of all things to the good of those who love Him. Our pleasure and comfort doesn’t altar His long-range plan for our lives.

The “good” isn’t always prosperity or happiness. It’s spiritual rather than material. It’s eternal rather than temporal.

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.

Those who have received the gracious invitation of God have had their sins forgiven and been given new life. They love God and surrender to the fulfillment of His plan.

God is too kind to do anything cruel, too powerful to let anything get out of control, and too wise to ever make a mistake. The real test is how much do we love God when the going get tough.

A Thankful List

What a joy to celebrate Thanksgiving early with two of my three children and their families---one who lives in a foreign land with her husband (spreading the gospel) and the other working holidays. Eight years is a long time to wait for this.

Should we write a thankful list, I’m pretty sure family would be at the top but the rest will vary according to what God has done in each life.

Saints of God lists---especially those intimate with Jesus---may write praise and honor for how He brought them through trouble, pain, and fear.

1 Peter 1:7-9 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

Believers can be thankful for the hope we have in Jesus---“rejoicing in the end of our faith, even the salvation of our souls”.

A Lively Hope

In our day some pine their hopes on 401Ks, the stock market, health or family. This is a hope based in wishful thinking.

1 Peter 1:3  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,

Do you get it? When we, as believers, speak of our hope of heaven, we are not talking about “pie in the sky, by and by.” We are talking about a sure thing.

We are talking about something that’s more solid than the ground under our feet, something that is 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.

In Everything Give Thanks

September 16, 1620 the Mayflower sailed from Plymouth, England, bound for the New World with 102 passengers---some seeking fortune and some religious freedom.

They had problems. Broken sails. The cold. Raging storms. The wet. Should they turn back?  Christians prayed.

After a 66-day voyage, the ship landed on the tip of Cap Cod, the place of the first American Thanksgiving service. God was faithful.

This past year has brought problems where I live. Flood waters of Hurricane Harvey wiped out many houses in  Southeast Texas---some of our own church members. We’ve had sickness---serious sickness.

You know what we learned? Over and over again and again God is faithful. We are ever so thankful.


1 Thessalonians 5:18  In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Thanksgiving

Fresh green beans. Sweet potato casserole. Fried turkey. Cornbread dressing. Cranberry sauce.
Pumpkin pie and ice cream. A lot of planning goes into celebrating our national Day of Thanksgiving.

Now for the Thanksgiving. Our thanksgiving and praise ought to be in direct proportion to our blessings.

Psalm 100:4  Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

Think about what God has done in your life---His many blessings. Meditate on how much  He loves you.

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

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

So Blessed

Living in a world of chaos, we still have a lot to be thankful for. It’s time to count our blessings.

Though I’m taking chemo and had my head shaved, I've only had a couple bad days and the Lord has answered when I asked for strength to do what I must. I'm so blessed.

The cancer could’ve attacked other body parts but was contained within the uterus extracted at surgery. We prayed for that. I’m so blessed.

Medical researchers discovered this kind of cancer returns within five years, but now the odds are extremely high that it won’t with chemotherapy. I’m so blessed.

Wonderful family and friends, awesome grandbabbies, material blessings, church unity, answered prayers, redeemed, loved,---It’s impossible to put a number on all my blessings.

Thank You Lord.

Psalm 100:4-5  Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. 

Effectual, Fervent Prayer Of A Rightous Man

On a sailing ship to China, Missionary Hudson Taylor hears an urgent knock on his stateroom door.

"Mr. Taylor," the Captain said, "We have no wind and we’re drifting toward an island where the people are heathen and I fear they are cannibals."

"What can I do?" asked Taylor.

"I understand you believe in God. I want you to pray for wind."

"I will, but you must set the sail."

"That's ridiculous! There's not even the slightest breeze. Besides, the sailors will think I'm crazy."  The captain finally gave in to Taylor's request.

Forty-five minutes later he returned and found the missionary still on his knees.

"You can stop praying now. We've got more wind than we know what to do with.”

If you need something from God, ask for it. Believe. God doesn’t simply respond to our asking, it’s our faith that moves Him to action.

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.

Fear Not, Strength Is In The Battle

None of us know the pot holes of tomorrow’s battles, but we can know that God will give us strength to face them.

Psalm 46:1-3 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

Children of God, fear not. Learn that God will protect us, provide for us, strengthen us in battle.

Walk by faith and not by sight.

Worship the God of the universe. Honor Him. Praise Him. Trust Him in battle.

The Precious Blood Of Jesus

What is it about the blood of Jesus that makes it so precious? Redemption. Forgiveness.  Salvation. Eternal Life.

The blood of Jesus stained the cross in place of our blood and then was accepted by our Heavenly Father for our sins.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 3:23-24  For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

The precious blood of Jesus is proof of God's love (Rom. 5:8), cleansing our sins, making us right with God when we believe.

Believers should cherish, protect and proclaim the precious blood of Jesus with honor and great esteem.

If you have not believed in Jesus, you can. He will give you eternal life.  Seek Him.

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

Due Season

Impatience doesn’t change God’s divine schedule. He may be slow at times, but He is never late.

Ecclesiastes 3:1  To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

In God’s work “due season” can’t be altered by educated experts.

“Due season” is when you reap what you sow. For Noah it was 120 years, for Moses 80, for Joseph 13.

What you do for Jesus may not be often or big.  You may get discouraged waiting for harvest, but God can still use you. He will still bless you. Don’t faint. Don’t quit.

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

Waiting for “due season” I am encouraged by the following words in a song on YouTube---“Keep On” by the Perrys. Maybe it will encourage you.

“Keep on. Be brave. Hold fast. Have faith. Pray hard. Fear not. Stay strong. Keep on.”

Unfailing Faithfulness

Regardless of how life plays out, believers can have confidence that God is faithful and that He will stand by us even when our faith is weak (John 10:28-29; Heb. 7:25; Rom. 8:28-30).

Psalm 89:33  His faithfulness is unfailing, “Nevertheless my lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail,” Psa. 89:33.

God is faithful to help His people, and He knows where we are and what we need.

He is faithful to those He saves, faithful to all His promises.

Let us rejoice in His faithfulness so that He is glorified in our praise of Him.

Let us rest in His faithfulness so that we are delivered from the cares of this life.

Let us report His faithfulness so that others may come to know Him too.

God is faithful.

Commune With God

A heart that desires nothing but the Lord is a heart that will never be disappointed.

Psalm 73:28  But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works.

We need to\ get to the place where we can intimately commune with the Lord. How?

By changing the place where we are---by prayer, by the Bible, by grace, by faith. It’s an amazing place to be.


The more we allow ourselves to believe that God is Who He says He is and that He can do what He says He will do, the easier it becomes to trust Him with all of life.

The first step is always the hardest.

Do you feel like giving up at times because of the load you carry? Commune with God.

Ask Him to give you His eyes so that you can look at things His way.

Ask Him to bring you to the place where you can say, "I have put my trust in the Lord God."

Until Then

Reading about the patriarchs of old, I’m reminded that we are all pilgrims ---on a journey---if we received Jesus as Lord and Savior, and it will continue until we step out of this life and into eternity.

Hebrews 11:13 These all died in faith  , not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them , and embraced them , and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

Think of the glories of Heaven. Think of the thrill of seeing our departed loved ones.
Think of the wonder of living in a glorified body, free from sin, sorrow, suffering and Satan.

Think of the overwhelming joy of seeing the Lord Jesus Christ, in all His glory, and worshipping Him over there. What a day that will be!

But, we are not there yet, are we? Along the way, there are dangers lurking everywhere. thieves who would rob us of peace, joy and victory.

“Until then, my heart will go on singing.  Until Then with joy I’ll carry on.”

The Trial of Our Faith

The Apostle Peter tells us that the trials of life are precious. We may look at the valleys we are forced to navigate and think that our lives are horrible. Yet, Peter tells us that trials have a way of helping us.

1 Peter 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

Peter refers to the refining process that is used to purify gold. When we are put to the test in life, it has the effect of removing the impurities from our lives. Often, it’’s the trials of life that will bring us closer to the Lord.

The trials and valleys of life are no fun. We would rather be spared from them, but when we have gone through the valley and come out on the other side, we will know the Lord better than we could have otherwise. We will be stronger in the faith than we ever could have been.

In The Strength Of The Lord

The best way to face the future is in the strength of The Lord. Lynda Randle sings about it.

I will go in the strength of The Lord
Because I know no other way.

I will go in the strength of The Lord
There are mountains I have to face

As I journey through this life,
There is no other way I know.

Than to go in the strength of The Lord.

Isaiah 40:29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.

If 'God 'Be For Us

The Apostle Paul spoke at length to believers at Rome about the atonement Christ made for sinners and the many benefits of a relationship with Jesus. He asked a question.

Romans 8:31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

We need to enter each new day realizing that God is for us---all powerful, Almighty Creator of heaven and earth is for us.

Nobody can stand against God and nobody us can stand against those who belong to God.

Don’t fear. Our loving Father wants only the best for His children, even if they must go through trials to receive His best.

Regardless of where you are in life, God is interested in you. He cares and because He cares, you can walk in victory in every circumstance, (1 Cor. 15:57; 2 Cor. 4:17). Trust Him.

If God Be For Us

The Apostle Paul spoke at length to believers at Rome about the atonement Christ made for sinners and the many benefits of a relationship with Jesus. He then asked a question.

Romans 8:31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

We need to enter each new day realizing that God is for us---all powerful, Almighty Creator of heaven and earth is for us.

Nobody can stand against God and nobody can stand against those who belong to God.

Don’t fear. Our loving Father wants only the best for His children, even if they must go through trials to receive His best.

Regardless of where you are in life, God is interested in you. He cares and because He cares, you can walk in victory in every circumstance, (1 Cor. 15:57; 2 Cor. 4:17). Trust Him.

Trials Will Pass

God met Israel’s needs from day one---Passing through the Red Sea (Ex. 14); Crossing the River Jordan (Deut.4);  Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the fiery furnace (Daniel 3) are remembered most. God promised.

Isaiah 43:2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

What does this mean for believers today? It means God hasn't changed. What He did for Israel, He can do for us, especially those who enjoy an intimate relationship with Him.

I’ve been through troubled waters, crossed rivers, danced in fire and God never left my side. Precious moments.

“When thou passest through” and “when thou walkest through” means trials, battles and life problems are temporary. One day they will pass away and trouble the saints of God no more.

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.

The Battle is God's

We don’t have exact numbers, but we know three different nations had risen up to overthrow Judah.

King Jehoshaphat didn’t call his advisors or a meeting of the cabinet, He called on the Lord. After his prayer, the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel in the congregation and he prayed.

2 Chronicles 20:15  And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the Lord unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's.

If we will be honest and admit it, we can do nothing apart from the grace and help of the Lord.

The battle is too great, the storm too strong, the valley too deep.

But through Christ we are more than conquerors. When we realize we can’t overcome, that is when God will.
 
The battle is not yours, but God’s. Trust Him.

True Love

The greatest of all things a believer can possess is love.

1 Corinthians 13:13  And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

If our love (charity) is right, faith is no problem. If our love is right, our hope is in the right place. If our love is right, we are right.

Love is the defining characteristic of Who God is--- . . . "God is love” (1 John 4:8).

God doesn’t have faith. Who would He place faith in?

God doesn’t have hope. What would the One Who controls everything have to hope for? Yet, God is love. We are never more God-like than when we learn to love like God.

Someone has said: "What is love?"

“It is silence when your words would hurt---It is patience when your neighbor's curt---It is deafness when a scandal flows---It is thoughtfulness for other's woes---It is promptness when stern duty calls---It is courage when misfortune falls."

Jesus, Calvary And Salvation

Jesus wasn’t led to His excruciating death because of Roman authority, the betrayal of Judas, the hatred of the Sanhedrin or the condemnation of Pilate.

Luke 23:33  And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.

Jesus was there to fulfill the sovereign plan of God to redeem humanity from their sin. Our sin required a perfect sacrifice, and Jesus alone was worthy to be that sacrifice.

All who come to God, must come through Christ. There’s no other way.

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

Calvary is not an issue to be neutral about. You have either received salvation in Christ by grace through faith or you remain in your sin (Eph. 2:8-9).

Choosing to wait or an attitude of indecision is an act of denial. Salvation is available, but you have only one option---through Christ alone. Seek Him.

The Word In The Heart

We need those today whose hearts are filled with the Word, that precious Word that brings conviction to our hearts and change to our lives.

Vacation Bible School taught me to hide God’s Word in my heart.

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

We aren’t perfect and we don’t live above sin, but God’s Word will lead us by the Holy Spirit to follow the righteous path as we often humbly read it.

When our passion and focus is the Word of God, we won’t want to please the flesh (willfully sin).

I want to be drawn closer to God. I want to spend more time in His precious Word, allow it to mold and transform my life. I want to hide it in my heart.

King Of Kings And Lord Of Lords

Evil times and evil people stride across the stage of history, but all these pass away.

When we turn to the last pages of the book of prophecy, we see One who still stands---Jesus the Lamb of God---King of kings and Lord of lords.

Revelation 17:14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.

We serve a great God, a God who demands and deserves our praise.

If we can learn to take our eyes off the world and it’s evil and place them on God, He will receive the praise we have stored up in our hearts.

When we are aware of who He is, what He has done, and His mercy and grace in our lives, we can’t help but praise Him. Thank you, Lord.

Psalm 136:3. O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Perfect Strength In Weakness

There’s nothing like a time of crisis to remind us how weak and frail we are. Three times the Apostle Paul asked God to remove the thorn in his flesh---whatever it was.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

God will give you grace to stand for Him, grace to live for Him, grace to die for Him. There will be grace---amazing, matchless, marvelous grace---for every bump in the road of life.

When the Lord says that His “strength is made perfect in weakness”, it simply means that  God gets more glory from using the weak things of the world, not things of greatest strength and power.

The Tender Touch Of Jesus

A man with leprosy asked Jesus to heal him. Jesus could’ve easily spoken the word and he would’ve been healed of this contagious disease. But The Lord had compassion and tenderly touched him.

Mark 1:41-42  And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean. And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed.

Aren’t you glad for the tender touch of Jesus? I remember the day He touched me. It was a touch unlike any other, the warmest embrace I have ever felt. He saw me as a precious soul He died to save.

Jesus looks upon this world today with a heart of compassion. He paid men’s debt of sin on the cross and wants them to believe in Him and be free of the bondage of sin.

There are none so wicked that Jesus doesn’t love or none so desperate that He can’t help. We serve a compassionate, loving Lord.

Shackled by a heavy burden---Neath a load of guilt and shame,
Then the hand of Jesus touched me---And now I am no longer the same.---Bill Gaither

The Compassion Of Jesus

As Jesus took his disciples to the desert to rest, the multitudes followed. He sensed their need and was moved with compassion.

Mark 6:34 And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.


These people, desperate and hungry, needed someone to lead them to pastures, green and lush.

We live in a world where many wander about as sheep without a shepherd---standing at a crossroads in life---feeling vulnerable and alone---needing someone near to provide help and assurance.

I assure you---whether spiritual, material or physical---Jesus already knows your need. He sees us as we are and where we are and is moved with compassion.

He wants us to come before Him, confessing our need. He wants to lead us.

 Heb.4:15 – For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

Reach Out To Jesus

Abraham Lincoln once said, "I have often been driven to God by the overwhelming sense that I had nowhere else to go."

I’ve been there---where could I go but to the Lord. Whether wallowing in misery because I strayed from God or found myself between a rock and a hard place, I needed help.

I reached out to Jesus and He reached out to me with arms of mercy and love.

When you reach out to Jesus in desperation, He lifts you up, sets your feet on the righteous path, and blesses you with joy unspeakable.

Psalm 25:4-5  Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.

My Sovereign God

It comforts me to know that every day my God is in control of all things. That's why I rest in His providence and trust Him to make all things work for my good and His glory (Rom. 8:28).

Psalm 135:6 Whatsoever the Lord pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.

The Lord knows everything that happens to you and me---pain, problems and fears. When we allow Him to control our lives---to lead us on the right path---we are blessed with joy and pleasures.

Psalm 16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

Praise God for His Sovereignty. His will is going to be accomplished in earth and Heaven no matter how hard the devil or fallen man works against Him.

Communion With God

If you think about it, prayer is one of the most powerful weapons of the believer against the evil in this world.

Ephesians 6:12  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

To speak to the God Who created and controls the universe and know He promises to hear and answer is a blessing too great to comprehend (Jer. 33:3).

Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

God will honor our faith and humility when we sincerely desire to have communion with Him. He will answer in such a way that people will know we have been together.

I believe God can do anything, (Eph. 3:20; Job 42:2; Luke 1:37). Since that's true we should pray, rest in His resources, believe in His power, and rejoicing in His answers---whatever they are.

Be Of Good Cheer

In the last hours prior to His arrest, trial, and crucifixion Jesus encouraged His disciples to be of good cheer in spite of tribulation.

He would soon defeat sin and Satan, rising triumphantly over death. They need not fear.

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.

Believers may face uncertainties and hard places in this world, but there is no reason to fear. Because Jesus lives we can face tomorrow---we can have peace no matter what.

We are more than conquerors in Christ and nothing will separate us from Him or His great love (Romans 8:31-39).

He is more than enough for whatever we face. Are you struggling? Discouraged? Look to Jesus and be of good cheer. He has overcome the world.

 

What A Friend!

True friendship is a valuable and rare commodity. When Jesus is your friend you have a friendship that knows no limits.

John 15:12-14 This is my commandment, That ye love one another as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends if ye do whatsoever I command you.

Our relationship with Jesus becomes real at the moment of saving faith.

Our friendship with Jesus is based on our obedience to His commandments---our love for others, our continuous, consistent service to Him.
 
His greatest commandment is to love others as He loved us. That will make friends.

---What a friend we have in Jesus---All our sins and griefs to bear

---What a privilege to carry---Everything to God in prayer

Praise The Lord

Praise is represented in the Bible as a duty, no less than a natural impulse and delight. To fail in this duty is to withhold from God’s glory that which belongs to Him.

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

What motivates us to praise the Lord? Many things, but here are a few:

• Answered prayer 
• Fixing our hearts on Jesus 
• Counting our blessings 
• Dwelling on God’s gifts and His Word

I have a praise. I went to Walmarts yesterday. Knowing I needed a motor cart (most are usually taken), I prayed on the way.

“Please, please, please, Lord, let me find a motor cart.”

Turning into the parking lot, I rephrased my prayer.  “Sorry, Lord for begging. I know you love me, and you know my need. I ask you to make one available.”

Beside the perfect parking spot sat a juiced up motor cart. I grabbed it and praised the Lord..

Heavenly Peace

If I could package peace and sell it on E-Bay---better yet, sell it global---I would be rich.
As “the Prince of Peace”, Jesus carried it to Bethlehem, died to make it ours, and left it to His disciples before returning to the Father.

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

The world of the disciples was about to shatter, but Jesus assured them of His peace to keep them during the difficult hours ahead.

Believers have the same assurance today. Our world is in turmoil. There is uncertainty all around, yet the saints of God have a Heavenly peace that can’t be affected by the events of earth.

I praise the Lord for hope in what seems hopeless.  I am glad when I do not understand the future---when it seems that everything is falling apart---when I don't know which way to turn---I’m glad I have the peace of the Lord Jesus Christ. Let not your heart be troubled.

Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Mighty Miracles

God’s people forgot the mighty miracles He performed on their behalf---delivering them from Egypt by plagues---parting the Red Sea---giving food and water in the desert---putting enemies on the run are but a few.

Psalm 78:19 Yea, they spake against God; they said, Can God furnish a table in the wilderness?

Can God? How can people forget mighty miracles? Now they doubt everything about the Lord. Are we like them? Consider how God has proven His power in our lives.

How many times has He moved mountains, parted waters, and lifted affliction and suffering in our lives? Remember times when the light of His glory brightened our day? Do we forget these when a trial pops up?

LookIng back, if God did it then, He'll do it now. He never changes. Trust Him.

Psalm 62:8 Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.

Walking By Faith

Faith produces action---like the time I asked The Lord to sell our house (not on the market) and move us close to one of our children. Then I cleaned out a closet to start packing. House sold within two weeks.

The smallest amount of faith in Christ is sufficient if we believe.

Luke 17:6 And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.

The apostles faced scary situations beyond their control. Their only choice was to have faith.

I know God will meet my needs, and I'm secure in Him. Seems I have problems with the here and now, but I’m learning to walk by faith. I’m learning to lean on Jesus.

The Glory Of God's Grace

 Were it not for the Lord’s strength and provision believers would have nothing to boast in. He is the source of our salvation, our hope for the future, and the strength of our days.

Every blessing we enjoy comes from His gracious hand. Every victory we’ve experienced is the result of His grace and favor.

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

Paul emphasized that these abilities--- according the power that works in us--- are available through the Holy Spirit. That’s amazing and impossible to fully comprehend. We have the third Person of the Trinity abiding within (Rom. 8:8-9).

God doesn’t just want to hand out blessings and provisions; He wants to work through us to accomplish His divine will.

Glory to His Name.

Comfort In Tribulation

Tribulations weigh people down with pressure, sometimes crushing some under its weight, but The Lord promised comfort in tribulation.

We don't always understand at the time, but God will allow us to go through a valley so we can comfort others in the same valley in the future.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

The good Lord often comforts me with a gospel song like "The God On The Mountain is Still God In The Valley” (Lynda Randle, You Tube) and “Amazing God”--- “I still serve an amazing God, He’s been with me every mile my weary feet have trod . . .” (Triumphant Quartet, YouTube).

Glory To The Lamb Of God

Many today refuse to accept Christ. He’s despised and rejected.

One day every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord. He will be exalted by all who ever lived.

I love this scripture in Revelations.

Revelation 5:12-13  Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.

Heaven will be a place of worship unto the Lamb, butchered to death for the sins of mankind.

A glorious time awaits the children of God. I had rather praise Him in His presence than have to praise Him in His absence.

Will you be in that number? Seek Him.

God Still Cares

In the midst of an intense trial David rejoiced in the Lord, knowing God would respond to his request. He was living by faith.

Psalm 28:6 Blessed be the Lord , because he hath heard the voice of my supplications.

There are times when we have to wait upon the Lord for an answer to our prayers.
Sometimes He answers in a way we didn’t expect.

Whatever the circumstance, we can rest knowing the He hears our prayers and that He will respond in His time according to His will.

While we are often forced to deal with adversity in life, we have one who cares about our needs and possesses the power to provide for every situation we encounter. Have faith.

Matchless, Marvelous Grace

When a believer abides in that precious place of the Lord, he/she possesses some blessed assurances that the rest of the world knows nothing about.

Psalm 27:1  The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

We are promised a place of refuge that will lift us far above the stormy seas that would threaten to drown us.

Thank God for His matchless, marvelous, wonderful grace that allows us to weather the storms.

God's Way Is Best

There’s one thing that’s certain in life---uncertainty. We don’t know what our future holds.

Very likely we will experience seasons of Joy, hope, difficulty, suffering, and grief.

There will be mountains to climb, valleys to endure, and many ordinary uneventful days.

But I am confident of one thing.  I belong to Jesus. He’s the source of my salvation, my hope, my strength, my joy, and my security.

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

God has set the bounds of our future, and we are secure in Him. Our seasons will work out for good when we love the Lord.

Chemo and God

I was feeling a little edgy about my first chemo treatment but didn’t know why. The good Lord got me through it twenty years ago without nausea. Seems the word “chemo” has a bad reputation.

I began the chemo-day quoting my scripture of strength.

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

“First, I’ll give you some medicines,” said the nice nurse.

“Is one of them for nausea?”  “Yes,” she said as I smiled.

As meds---then chemo---dripped from a bag into the port, I thanked God for nausea medicine, worked on my blog for the day, and felt the prayers of many.

A few hours later I came home feeling much better than I thought I would, all the while thanking the Lord for never leaving my side. God is Good.

Abound In Hope

I will admit I lose focus at times and need to be reminded that when I set my affections on the Lord I have hope that exceeds the cares of life.

Believers can live in full assurance, knowing God is more than able to meet our needs.

His provision provides peace in the midst of adversity and joy for the journey.

Romans 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

I’m glad I know I'll be accepted by God the Father based on my faith in the redeeming blood of Jesus His Son..

I’m glad I have the promise of eternal life in Christ. He's my best Friend and will never leave my side.

I enjoy the continual guidance of the Spirit of God. What have I to fear? There is abundant hope in Christ. Seek Him. Trust Him.

Through It All, God Was Faithful

We transition from childhood to adolescence, to adulthood, and then middle age, finally reaching our senior years.

Those weeks turn into years and years become a lifetime of experiences and memories. Apart from Christ this would be quite depressing.

Psalm 37:25-26 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.

If death were all we had to look forward to, our lives would be miserable.

Thankfully, for those who are saved by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8-10), there will be another transition as we depart this life and enter the presence of our Redeemer and Lord, to be with Him eternally.

Through it all, God was faithful. I have received abundant blessings from the hand of the Almighty.  My cup runneth over.

A Living Sacrifice

Along with our salvation, the Lord wants us to live sanctified lives, walking with Him and serving in ministry.

Romans 12:1-2  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

Within ourselves this is impossible, but through the mercies and help of the Lord we can walk in submission to His divine will.

A living sacrifice remembers that we belong to God and that everything the body does is held to the guidelines of the Word of God.

A living sacrifice means a constant, continuous sacrifice, not something we do from time to time or ask for it back again.

We may fail now and then, but God is His love and mercy and grace will lift us up again when we turn to Him.

The Lord wants us to be His vessels through which He can live and work in this world.

He is worthy of our worship and service.

Promises

As we go through life, we encounter many promises. Some are kept and others are broken, but the promises of God are certain and sure. If God said it, you can believe it; His Word and His promises will never change. The most quoted promise from God is John 3:16.

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

All who believe in Christ---come to Him in repentance---are promised everlasting life. This is a powerful phrase. It literally means what it says to those who believe.

We shall never perish, be put away or rejected. We shall live forever in the presence of our blessed Lord and Savior.

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

There are a lot of decisions that we make in life, but none are as important as the decision we make concerning Christ----to believe or not to believe. That decision will remain with us throughout eternity.

God Is Good

We praise The Lord because He is a “good” God. His goodness transcends time, places, people, and events.

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

•  He is good all the time, in the face of every event in life.
•  He is good on the mountain, and He is good in the valley.
•  He is good in the day of blessing, and He is good in the day of pain.
•  He is good in peace, and He is good in turmoil.
•  He is good in life, and He is good in death.
•  He is good in rejoicing, and He is good in weeping.
•  He is good in shouting, and He is good in sorrow.
•  He is good in plenty, and He is good in poverty.
•  He is good  in health, and He is good in sickness.
•  He is good when I can see Him, and He is good when I can’t.
•  He is unchanging, immoveable, undaunted, and unfazed, Mal. 3:6; Heb. 13:8. The plans of the wicked do not challenge Him. He controls it all, sees it all, wills it all, and does it all.

The Triumphant Resurrection

Imagine the agony of the faithful women at the foot of the cross as they observe their Savior---His suffering, His blood, the anguish in His words, His last breath, the temple curtain ripped from top to bottom, the darkness, the earthquake.

Come Sunday they will take spices to anoint His body.

“He is not here, but is risen” has to be one of the most profound statements in all of Scripture.

Luke 24:5-6 And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,

I’m glad we don't serve the memory or honor of one who lived and done great things. Praise God, believers serve One who conquered death, sin, and hell and He rose from the grave in victory.

Jesus died so people might be forgiven of sin. His triumphant resurrection provides eternal life for all those who come to Him by faith.

The Lord Is My Shepherd

I’m glad I know Jesus, but even more, I’m glad Jesus knows me. He says our relationship is like that of a good Shepherd and His sheep, then He speaks of the intamicy between His Father and Him.

In the face of death---awaiting the righteous judgment of His Father for our sins---Jesus never wavered, but willingly laid down His life for His sheep. We can thank the Lord for our Salvation.

John 10:14-15  I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.

We are never beyond the watchful care of our Shepherd. That gives me assurance and peace.

When I think I can make it by myself in this muddled world, I’m reminded that “The Lord is my Shepherd”, and I can do nothing without Him.

"The Lord is my Shepherd. I shall not want."

The Beauty Of Jesus

The beauty of Jesus is not how he looked when he came to earth or how artists tend to paint him, but His real beauty is found in His awesome love and perfect sacrifice on the cross for sinners.

When Jesus returns to gather His people to Himself, we will see Him as He is---the believer’s exalted Lord and Savior.

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.

Throughout eternity we will see the scars of Jesus, received at the cruel crucifixion----the holes in His hands and feet, the wounds on His back and side, and punctures in His head from a thorny crown.

We can spend days talking about the beauty of Jesus and what He means to those who know Him. But when we sum it up we will have to say that He is altogether lovely.

Have you given Him the exalted place He deserves in your life?