Blessed Beyond Wealth

Good Morning!! Have you ever noticed how often, God’s people smugly defined their wealth, according to the possessions they've accumulated? And yet we know God does not equate the amount of our resources, with our position in the kingdom, to come. Do people even know what the Bible says about this? The Spirit replies to the church in Laodicea, "You are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked" (Revelation 3:17).

Ephraim boasts, "I am very rich; I have become wealthy.With all my wealth they will not find in me any iniquity or sin."—Hosea 12:08 (NIV)

"I am the Lord your God from the land of Egypt; I will make you live in tents again." (v. 9)...this was God's response to today's verse. As wonderful as physical resources may be, and as challenging as life can become without them,...possessions do not dictate our value before the living God. Jesus said, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3). He said, "The last will be first, and the first shall be last" (Matthew 20:16). Rich and poor in the kingdom of God are entirely reoriented from the world’s definitions.

Ephraim’s confidence sounds stunningly similar to so many Christians of the day,...but wealth does not mean blessed.

Lord, give us hearts and minds to celebrate what is really valuable. Amen.

"Wealth doesn't nessisarily mean blessed."

Where Have You Placed Your Trust?

Good Morning!! The dominant accusation throughout Hosea’s prophecy has been that the Israelites are idolatrous; they have placed their trust in something other than the living God. Their idolatry is like adultery against the one who calls them his own. The accusation finds expression in a single sentence, noted in today's verse.

But you have planted wickedness, you have reaped evil, you have eaten the fruit of deception. Because you have depended on your own strength and on your many warriors,—Hosea 10:13 (NIV)

I can hardly read this verse without sensing that Hosea is no longer just speaking to the Israelites,...but to us as well. The finger of accusation has been turned and pointed in a more personal direction. How often are we guilty of trusting in temporal provision, and worldly protection, rather than in the Lord who gives those things?

Idolatry does not require a golden calf or a wooden statue,
...it can be much more subtle and thereby even more dangerous.

One and only God, deliver us from evil, and from all forms of idolatry. Amen.

"A wise person is hungry for knowledge, while the fool feeds on trash."

Know God, Know Love

Good Morning!! I think that "the knowledge of the Lord" is a well worked theme of Hosea’s prophecy. Knowledge, though, must be understood not merely as information about God,...but rather a deep relationship with God. This kind of knowledge is best mirrored by that of a husband and wife,...in right relationship,...it's just that intimate.

"Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children.—Hosea 4:6b (NIV)

Right relationships require both forgiving and forgeting. Holding onto even a little hurt or anger, will evetually poison a relationship. It effects how you hear and are heard,...how you act towards,...how you speak to,...and how you feel about the other person. Regaurdless to what has been said or done,...we must love, as God continues to love us.

Our call is to grow in the "knowledge of the Lord",
...not just to learn more about God,
...but to deepen our relationship with Him, and others.

Thank You, Lord, that Your work in us, and through us, is not confined by our limitatios or shortcomings. In Jesus' name, Amen.

"A wise person is hungry for knowledge, while the fool feeds on trash."

Angry And Loving

Good Morning!! Most people are at least, a little confused, at how it could be, that the God who “so loved the world” is also the God who threatened the total humiliation, and annihilation of some of His own. It's so easiest to divide God between the two testaments,...Old and New,...angry and loving. But that's not correct. Somehow the same God who loves with a steadfast love, is also the God whose wrath burns like a fire. Hosea helps us to see both sides.

I will punish her for the days she burned incense to the Baals; she decked herself with rings and jewelry, and went after her lovers, but me she forgot," declares the LORD.—Hosea 2:13 (NIV)

Most of Hosea’s second chapter is a promise of doom, should Gomer (or shall we say Israel) continue in her adulterous (idolatrous) ways. But the prophecy of God’s wrath was intended to bring Israel back to her rightful Lover. God’s wrath is not meant to be realized as fiery anger that annihilates,...but rather as an expression of profound love, that longs for reconciliation.

God's love is stronger than our waywardness.

For a love so deep,...O God, we praise You. Amen.

"A wise person is hungry for knowledge, while the fool feeds on trash."

Made To Be Different

Good Morning!! Far too often, we're willing to set aside, or give up, our unique identity as the people of God. We turn from the purposes for which we have been chosen and called by God,...and were conforming to a culture that pretends to offer self-preservation. God does not want His people to be just like everyone else. God intends for His people to be holy, set apart.

When the LORD began to speak through Hosea, the LORD said to him, "Go, marry a promiscuous woman and have children with her, for like an adulterous wife this land is guilty of unfaithfulness to the LORD."—Hosea 1:2 (NIV)

The real struggle becomes our willingness to put away anything that distracts us from the holy intentions God has in mind for us. Does your work schedule keep you from time to pray? Or perhaps your social circle is not particularly interested in things of the faith,...and so you begin to ignore these things yourself. Maybe an addiction has a stranglehold on your life. By the Spirit of God, set sinful conformity aside, and respond to God’s pleading, with the pursuit of holiness.

Hosea was invited to experience the pain of betrayal God was experiencing,
...and his life became the message.

Sweet Spirit of God, help
us to pursue holiness. Amen.

"A wise person is hungry for knowledge, while the fool feeds on trash."

Have A Goal, Know Your Purpose

Good Morning!! Many experts agree that the first hundred words of any book, article, presentation, or speech are the most important. If the writer hasn’t made their point, or the speaker fails to capture our interest with their message, we won’t listen,...or read,...any further. So just how did Jesus begin His ministry? What was the point He wanted no one to miss?.

"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor."—Luke 4:18-19 (NIV)

In Luke 4 we get a clue. During the first address of His public ministry, our Lord makes it clear what will direct that ministry. In it He states His life’s purpose,...His personal mission statement,...and He tells exactly whom He has come to serve. Quoting from Isaiah, Jesus says that He came to bring freedom to those who are oppressed. And for the remainder of His earthly ministry, He reached out first and most frequently to people with mental and physical brokenness, spiritual sickness, and economic disadvantage.

If we claim to be Christ’s followers,
...His purpose must become our purpose.

Sweet Spirit of God, help ue to see, and free the oppressed in our world,...as we direct and lead them to our Heavnly Father. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

"A wise person is hungry for knowledge, while the fool feeds on trash."

Living Water

Good Morning!! As Jesus walked the Palestinian countryside, people constantly camped near him. Once more than 5,000 people followed him to the wilderness just to listen. Or think of Mary parking herself at Jesus’ feet, drinking in every word. These people knew that Jesus was the life-giving water they desperately needed.

On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them."—John 7:37-38 (NIV)

We need to keep ourselves “hydrated” with the Savior through personal devotions and times of corporate worship. When we do, our thirsty souls not only get quenched, but His living water also flows out of our lives. Take some time today,...and every day, to drink in the Living Water.

Not only will you be refreshed by the Living Water,
...but you'll be more refreshing, to those around you.

Lord, let us rest near Your Living Water,...give us a desire to drink You in, deeply and often.
Amen.

"Think differently, and positively."

Are You Ready?

Good Morning!! Jesus talked about how to prepare for His second coming in the parable of the ten maidens waiting for the bridegroom. When he was delayed in coming, five of the maidens’ lamps went out because they ran out of oil. They asked those who brought extra if they could borrow some of theirs. They were told to go and buy some for themselves. When they returned they had missed the bridegroom.

Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’ “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’ “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.—Matthew 25:11-13 (NIV)

To be ready for His coming,...each of us must know Him personally. In order to keep our lights burning until the Lord comes,...we need to keep worshiping, studying the Bible, and serving others. If we do not have a living relationship with Christ,...it will be too late to acquire one when He returns.

Only a relationship with Jesus, allows us to hear Him say, “Enter, come enjoy the heavenly banquet.”

Lord, help us to prepare, and stay perpared for your return,...Come Lord Jesus, Come! Amen.

"Think differently, and positively."

Lift Him Up

Good Morning!! The religious leaders of Jesus’ day,...not unlike some today, would heap rule after rule on the people for them to follow,...just in order to gain God’s favor. In contrast, Jesus invited them and us to simply believe in Him to find real acceptance from God.

And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself." —John 12:32 (NIV)

This same invitation goes out to all who are trying to reach out to, and please God, on their own. When we accept Jesus, He lifts our sins, making us acceptable to a holy God. Along with removing our burdens, he invites us to learn from Him. As we learn to trust Him more, we will find that giving Him our worries will come naturally.

We were never meant to go through life with loads of worry, sin, and guilt dragging us down.

Lord, help us to give more of our burdens to You,...because the more we trust, the lighter our loads become. Amen.

"Think differently, and positively."

Blunders Into Blessings

Good Morning, My Friend!! God Is Stirring Up the Still And Stagnate Waters Of Your Life,....And A Change Is Coming! Allow your heart to seek the good things in this life and trust that, even our blunders can be turned into blessings. Submit all things to God in prayer, knowing that He hears and is responding. Regardless of the situation, you will witness Him skillfully weaving each experience into something beautiful and good.

I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.—Isaiah 48:17 (NIV)

We must learn to let go of the mindset, that our situations must be handled “our way ”,...and allow God to order our steps,...and then walk in them. Believe in your heart He loves you and longs to gather you in His arms.

When you feel as if you are backed against a wall, have the courage to trust in His strength.

When you feel confused and alone, don’t be afraid to hope for better days, placing complete confidence in God, rather than your circumstance.

" Think differently, and positively."

Change The World

Good Morning!! Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had a dream,...about a better world, where all people were equal, and treated with respect. Many of us still share that dream today,...but it's not enough to only dream about such a world,...it's up to each of us to help bring it about.

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves.—Philippians 2:3 (NRSV)

Many of this country's problems like crime, racism, and war are because we want to have more than others,...or see ourselves as better than others. But if we want to think like Jesus, we must look out for the interests of other people around us.

Do the right thing,...and speak out against injustice.
Now more than ever, we need to show love!

God of hope, show us our opportunities to make a better world. Help us to see others as we want, and need, to be seen. The Dream can become reality with Your help Fahter. Amen.

"Think differently, and positively."

The Law And Grace

Good Morning!! People often say, "Everything has a purpose." God had a purpose in giving the law; First, the law defined sin,...it showed Israel the difference between what was wrong, and what was right. Secondly, the law was given to lead us to Christ. Since none of us can obey the law perfectly,...we need another way to become acceptable to God,...and that way is through faith in Jesus.

Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law. But Scripture has locked up everything under the control of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe.—Galatians 3:21-22 (NIV)

We once lived under the Law, but now we live under Grace. So is the law now useless to believers? In Matthew 5:17, Jesus said He came not to destroy the law but to fulfill it. Paul still saw some validity in the law. (See, for example, Colossians 3:5-9, 12-14.) In fact, most of his letters end with instructions to be obeyed.

Christians now obey the law not so that we will be saved,
...but because we have been saved.

Thank You, O Lord, for Your law. May it always be a faithful guide for us in our lives, as is Your Spirit. Amen.

"Our job is faith,
...God's job is outcomes."

Ministry Is Caring

Good Morning!! True ministry is not about enforcing certain religious rules and regulations,...it's about building lasting, loving relationships. If someone falls into sin,...move to restore them. If someone has a problem,...help them by sharing their burden. Be gentle and humble. Share what you have. In summary; Paul says that we are to "do good to all people."

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.—Galatians 6:9-10 (NIV)

As Christians we are to do good to all people,...not just some people, and not just sometime. Does your life show a love for, and an involvement with people? If not, you can start today by taking a real interest in those around you,...beginning with your neighbors,...your coworkers,...or classmates?

True ministry, is showing that you care about people.

Heavenly Father, give us the strength of Your Holy Spirit, so that we will not become weary in doing good. Amen.

"Our job is faith,
...God's job is outcomes."

Fast, Then Ask

Good Morning!! Throughout Scripture God’s people have fasted as a means of intensifying their prayers, and reinforcing their sense of dependence upon God. Ezra did not take lightly the journey God’s people were facing, nor was his prayer for traveling mercies a mere exercise in repeating pious phrases.

There, by the Ahava Canal, I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions.—Ezra 8:21 (NIV)

Today, you and I have an even greater encouragement to bring our requests to the Father. We have access through the person and work of Jesus!(Heb. 6:19-20) But Ezra’s example is still a good one: when the need is greatest, we should consider fasting, then asking.

As we learn to incorporate fasting into our worship,
...we'll find our faith taken to a whole new level.

Lord, it is with the utmost reverence and humility that we ask You to protect and keep us today. In Jesus' name, Amen.

"Our job is faith,...God's job is outcomes."

We Are Family

Good Morning, My Friend!! No two people are exactly alike. God created the world with variety,...and God called it good. Of course, what God intended for good we sometimes turn into evil. For example, many of us feel more comfortable only with people who are most like us. But that could turn into clannishness, which leads to prejudice, and prejudice unchecked destroys the Body of Christ.

The body does not consist of one member but of many.—1 Corinthians 12:14 (NRSV)

Each of us has a place in God's family. We may not automatically like everything that's different about other people,...but at some point we should be mature enough in our faith, to realize that God created them, and God called His creation good. If it's good,...that should be reason to except and celebrate them.

God has to love diversity,...just look at how much of it there is, through out creation!

Father God, help us to see and love all Your people, with the heart and mind of Christ. This we pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

"Our job is faith,
...God's job is outcomes."

Keep Your Dream

Good Morning!! God gave Joseph a dream. He shared the dream with his family,...his brothers asked, "Will you actually rule us?" One day, out of anger and jealous, they sold him into slavery. Even though Joseph was faithful to his master, he later found himself in prison, on false charges. He endured the suffering and held the dream. Finally, Joseph became a ruler in Egypt. When his brothers came to him to buy food and bowed before him, the dream of his youth came true.

The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.—Habakkuk 2:14 (NIV)

God still gives people dreams,...dreams that come while we sleep. When we dream of a world where God is known by all, we know that those dreams will be fulfilled. Nations may conspire and people may protest, but the knowledge of God's glory,...the good news of Jesus Christ, will spread throughout the earth.

God-given dreams transform the world.

Sovereign God, help us to dream Your dreams, and to pursue Your purposes. We thank You for visions of a world filled with the knowledge of You through Jesus. Amen.

"Our job is faith,
...God's job is outcomes."

Confront With Love

Good Morning! Thomas Jefferson said; "I will sacrifice everything but principle to produce harmony." As my friend Mrs. Al Dortch, pointed out the other day, there comes a time when we need to confront fellow believers concerning attitudes or habits inconsistent with being a Christian. This confrontation does not always come easy, or have any immediate, positive result. But it still remains our obligation to speak-up, and speak-out.

When Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he was clearly in the wrong. Before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group. The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray.—Galatians 2:11-13 (NIV)

Peter began to "draw back." The words literally mean to "take in sail." Paul likened Peter to a sailor who, having once opened his sail to catch every breeze, deliberately hauls it in and thus stops his forward movement. For this inconsistency Paul confronts Peter and charges him with hypocrisy and failed leadership. Paul stood his ground in the face of the powerful Jewish presence. Peter's actions were not consistent with his theology. He didn't "walk the talk." He agreed with Paul that there was one gospel for both Jew and Gentile, for everyone. He demonstrated his conversion to this gospel by joining in a meal with non-Jewish believers. However, when the false teachers came to town, he withdrew from the Gentiles and joined the exclusive fellowship of the Jews, leaving the impression that some of the "do's and don'ts" of the Jewish traditions were still important for salvation.

Christian confrontation is necessary,...when foundational truths are seriously compromised.

Holy Spirit of God, give us the courage to confront one another, as followers of Christ, with tough love when a fellow believer is wrong. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

"Love ,...no matter what."

Move Past Pain To Trust

Good Morning!! Childlike trust may elude us as we grow older. When we experience adversity, we sometimes forget that God is carrying us to a place of healing and safety. It's easier for us to focus on our pain.

I know the one in whom I have put my trust.—2 Timothy 1:12 (NRSV)

Too often we ignore the comforting assurance of God's unfailing wisdom, love, and power. It's natural for us to want relief from pain,...but misfortunes are easier to bear when, tempered with confidence in the love of our God. We just need to remember that we are being carried in the arms of One who truly loves us.

Like no other,...God cares for us.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for always being near,...when we need You most. Amen.

"Love,
...no matter what."

Just What You Need

Good Morning!! Often we're so involved with the affairs of daily life, that we can be oblivious to inner voice that speaks to our soul. But God delights in making use of other Christians, to draw us along our spiritual journey, and to strengthen our faith,...even when we never see it coming. He makes sure we hear what we need, just when we need to.

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

To God, the unvoiced longings deep within us, are as much prayers, as the ones we speak. He is intimately concerned with even the smallest cares of our life. God understands us far better than we understand ourselves. I'm continually in awe of God's eagerness to meet us, just were we are.

God speaks to us,...and through us.

Father God, we praise you, for the intimate ways You relate to us. Thank You for helping us to recognize Your presence in unexpected ways, and places. Amen.

"Love ,
...no matter what."

Feed The Body, Feed The Soul

Good Morning!! Tired from His journey, Jesus still spent time with the Samaritan woman. When His disciples encouraged Him to stop and eat, Jesus responded, "I have food to eat that you know nothing about." The disciples were puzzled and started asking among themselves, "Could somebody have brought him food?"

"My food," Jesus said to them, "is to obey the will of the one who sent me and to finish the work he gave me to do."—John 4:34 (TEV)

Sometimes when I get really busy, I might have to skip lunch or dinner,...and it probably wouldn't hurt to miss a few more. But sooner or later, we all have to stop and feed our bodies. We are also nourished by God's secret food,...spiritual food. Doing what God intends us to do energizes and renews us,...feeds our souls, and adds life to our years.

Like Jesus, we're called to go about doing good.
(See Acts 10:38.)

Thank You, Father, for all the people who find joy in helping others. May each of us be included among them. In Jesus' name and spirit. Amen.

"Love ,
...no matter what."

Focus On Your Father

Good Morning!! Jesus slept through the storm, because He did not need a calm sea,...He only needed to get to the other side. If the way to the other side was through a terrible storm, so be it. He trusted God to get him there. Jesus wants us to trust no matter what,...to focus on doing our Father's Will,...whatever our circumstances.

Jesus was in the stern, sleeping.—Mark 4:38 (NIV)

But like the disciples, we want the storms in our lives to be stopped too. We believe that we cannot go where God is sending us until the seas are calmed, and the rods are cleared. As we focus on the situations, our fears increase. God has the power to calm the seas,...and the power to calm us. Either way,...we need to trust the wisdom of His choice.

God never promises a peaceful life,
...but the peace of His' presence.

Father God, grant us the faith to look beyond life's circumstances, and to focus on You alone. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

"Love ,
...no matter what."