Can You Hear Him Now?

Good Morning!! Like most people, I've experienced exhaustion, discouragement, and depression. At those times, God has encouraged me to keep moving through the spiritual wilderness,...these feelings can create. God graciously strengthens us by providing spiritual food and drink,...placing in our path supportive friends, and powerful passages of scripture. When we're feeling most vulnerable, we actually become more open, and receptive to God.

After the earthquake [came] a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.—1 Kings 19:12 (KJV)

Like Elijah, we can be zealous for the Lord,...but still not hear and understand God's voice. We usually look to see God in the figurative winds, earthquakes, and fires that hit our lives, or those around us. While big highs and lows can speak clearly of God's working in and around us,...more often, God speaks in a gentle whisper.

It's never too late to start listening for that; "still small voice."

Jesus, help us to hear,...and be receptive espeacially in challenging times. Amen.

"When we place our trust in God, we are secure today and forever."

Share What You Know

Good Morning!! Every day, people around us hurtle through their lives, headed down a dead-end road. They race toward short- or long-term goals, often sensing progress,...but not realizing that life without Christ ends only in death.

Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it. For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it.—Matthew 7:13-14 (KRSV)

Those of us who have found new life in Christ, have an obligation to share the message with our fellow travelers,...and God gives us daily opportunities to do just that. Those who heed God's warning can find the road that takes them to life.

Don't wait for someone else to do, that for which, you have been called to do.

Holy Spirit, fill us with compassion to share the gospel message, with all those who do not yet know the Way. Amen.

"When we place our trust in God, we are secure today and forever."

Letting God Do, What Go Does

Good Morning!! From the time I was eight or nine years old, I often thought about the future. There were many things I wanted to do, see and to be, but I was impatient. I wanted to know,...desperately at times,...what the future would hold. I thought I needed to see all roads, in order to choose the best paths,...and that didn't suddenly change just because I got older.

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

Funny, but today's verses has become my life motto. But, I have not always trusted God with all my heart, to the degree that I do now. As my faith and trust grew, I discovered God directing my paths, leading me into a world I never dreamed of,...or ever expected to see. Today God continues to give me opportunities that I never saw coming,...and I praise Him for it!!

First we trust,...and then God directs. The hold up, is caused by us.

Dear God, help us claim more fully Your promise to direct and lead us if we trust You. Amen.

"When we place our trust in God, we are secure today and forever."

In God's Good Time

Good Morning!! We are just so impatient, lacking the proper understanding of God's divine timing. When we lose sight of the promise, our strength fails on the long journey.

Faith and patience inherit the promises.—Hebrews 6:12 (NRSV) Faith and patience, come only by time. God is faithful,...we can be faithful too. Let us not lose our boldness but stand firm,....growing in faith and strength, as time passes.

Know this; If God promised it, it will come.

God of promise, help us to be bold in our faith and not lose sight of Your promises to us. Amen.

"When we place our trust in God, we are secure today and forever."

Discoving Who You Are, and Who's You Are

Good Morning!! Sometimes when we pray, we don't sense God's presence. When we read the Bible, the words seemed lifeless and without meaning. We just don't seem to be able to make the connection, between the written words and our life. But we do know there is a connection. Then one day our daily Bible reading leads us to a certain verse,...and a light comes on. We discover a connection so big and clear that we have to wonder; "how we didn't see it sooner?".

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.—Romans 8:38-39 (NIV)

For me it was today's verses,...when I read those words, I felt relief and a warm embrace. My hardened shell formed by my feelings of anger, guilt, shame and fear,...all that stood between God and me, came tumbling down,...and I knew that I was truly a child of the Most High, God Almighty.

Study the Bible,
...not even our own feelings of inadequacy or failure can come between God and us.

Gracious and ever-loving God, be near to us, reminding us of Your great love for us and showing us that nothing can separate us from this love. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

"Never say never when it comes to what God can do."

Answer The Call

Good Morning!! At times, God asks us to do things for others, as an expression of our trust, in Him. We're asked to move through the fear of "what if ?". God sees these same "I'm afraid to try" feelings,...as unique opportunities build some spiritual muscle. This is especially true in situations where we lack confidence, or we're concerned that doing what God asks could put us in harm's way.

"I can do everything through him who gives me strength."—Philippians 4:13 (NIV)

We don't always understand what God is doing,...or why. But we just have trust in God's all-knowing wisdom and love. We also know that God will give us the strength to follow through,...no matter what happens. What He' done for others in the Bible, He'll do for us.

Study the Bible,
...It's rarely easy to do what God asks of us.

Lord, we pray that You will help us trust You with every part of our life. Give us the strength and courage to do Your Will,...as we hear Your voice. In Jesus' name, Amen.

"Never say never when it comes to what God can do."

The Word God Give You, Is For You

Good Morning!! There was turmoil between my brother and me, even up until his death last year. I was always bothered by the choices he made in life,...especially after knowing the mistakes I'd made, and their consequences. When I came to today's verse, I thought; "Lord, this verse describes my brother. Help him to see that sin is crouching at his door, and he must control it, before it consumes him."

If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door. . . but you must master it.—Genesis 4:7 (NIV)

I spoke with a minister friend about my situation. He said to me, "I hear lots of anger in your voice." I hesitantly agreed,...while at the same time defending my right to be angry. Later after reading that verse again, I finally saw not just my brother,...but myself in that verse. I prayed, "Father, you are speaking about me and how sin is crouching at my door." In tears I asked God to forgive me for hanging on to hard feelings and to take away my bitterness and self-righteousness. In time, that heavy weight was replaced with love and forgiveness,...for my brother, and for me.

Study the Bible,
...listen for God's Word to you,...and not to someone else.

Hevenly Father, thank You for reminding us that our quiet time is an opportunity for us to change, and not for us to change someone else. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

"Never say never when it comes to what God can do."

Get Close, Stay Close

Good Morning!! We are prone to stumble and fall, to make wrong turns, to be confused, and so it is important to stay in contact with God who has promised to guide us.

Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths.—Psalm 25:4 (NRSV)

We are to place our lives in God's hands. Through prayer and Bible study, we stay in contact with the One who is "the Way, and the Truth, and the Life" (John 14:6).

Study the Bible,
...God can't lead us unless we stay in contact with Him.

Sweet Spirit of God, help us to keep in contact with You so we can receive Your direction for our lives. Amen.

"Never say never when it comes to what God can do."

Treasure

Good Morning!! The Bible is an abundant source of wisdom and courage,...it's the handbook for life. Even with a surface reading, we gain a lifting of faith, and a increased desire to know more.

We have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.—2 Peter 1:19 (NIV)

If we're willing to put in the effort, we'll discover the Bible is just packed with so many treasures, to enrich our lives. And the deeper we dig, the more we find,...layers of truth and understanding. God's blessings are continuously revealed to us in scripture, when we search.

Study the Bible to discover God's promises,
...and God's blessings.

Lord, may Your Word be a treasure for us, giving us truth that leads to eternal life. In Jesus' name, Amen.

"Never say never when it comes to what God can do."

Invited

Good Morning!! Invitations are special,...it says that our company is desired. Just think, we have been asked to share in festivities celebrating an important event in the life of someone we care about. These gestures of inclusion, should not to be taken lightly.

Jesus said, "Come to me."—Matthew 11:28 (NRSV)

Have you ever noticed how many invitations are found through out God's Word? The message of the Bible,...in both the Old and the New Testaments, comes down to this: God the Almighty requests the pleasure of our company. In fact, each of us has a standing invitation to come where God is. The psalms invite us time after time, to come into God's presence with singing and thanksgiving. Jesus says, "Come!" The Spirit says, "Come!"

Today and every day, God requests the pleasure of our company.

How wonderful, Lord, that Your gracious invitation is addressed to each and every one of us. Amen.

"God has let us into His fellowship,...who are we to keep others out?"

God Restores, To Better Than New

Good Morning!! Sin damages and breaks so many things,...people and relationships. Sometimes lives, churches, communities, marriages, and friendships are all but destroyed by it. Fortunately, for us though, God has a remedy for the ravages of sin,...it's called forgiveness.

The LORD said, "I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?"
—Isaiah 43:19 (NRSV)

When God forgives sin, God restores us,...and makes us better than ever. How? He teaches us through the experience,...and helps us correct our mistakes. When we come to believe, and accept that God has forgiven and restored us, we are no longer held captive by guilt and shame. And when God repairs us, we are usually wiser, stronger, and more loving. We're ready to move forward in faith, with greater confidence.

Only God can take what is broken, and make it better than new.

Forgiving God, restore us when we fail, heal us when we are broken, renew our strength when we are weak. In Jesus' name, Amen.

"God has let us into His fellowship,...who are we to keep others out?"

A Real Church

Good Morning!! There are as many styles of worship, as there are churches. Some are informal and expressive,...others are very quiet. Some congregations do only what is listed in a printed bulletin,...others' services are more spontaneous. Churches come in all sizes. Some are so small that each person knows each other and just what they are going through,...yet others are so large that people know only the members of their Sunday school class or Bible study group.

We always give thanks to God for all of you. . . , remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.—1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 (NRSV)

Do any of these traits define whether these congregations are churches? No. Paul defines the church in 1 Thessalonians. It is the place where the gospel of Jesus Christ has been received and is shown by acts of faith, labors of love, and steadfastness of hope. Without these, we are just clubs and groups. People puting there faith in Christ to work, as they spread the Good News,...now that's a Church.

As we gain a greater understanding of church,...we'll see the need to be of more service within it.

Lord Jesus, help us to be Your Church.

"God has let us into His fellowship,...who are we to keep others out?"

A House Divded

Good Morning!! Auto-immune disease; did you know there is more than one kind? Even though there are several kinds, they all essentially work the same,...the body attacks itself. This makes it easier for outside forces to get in, and do real damage. When the body is at war with it's self,...even the smallest infections can kill you.

Jesus . . . said to them: "Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and a house divided against itself will fall."—Luke 11:17 (NIV)

Paul may have never heard of any such disease, but he certainly understood the dangers of a body attacking itself. Paul told us that as members of Christ's body we are to work together building each other up (1 Thessalonians 5:11), speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), preparing one another to serve God (Ephesians 4:12) and serving one another (Galatians 5:13). Unfortunately,...like an immune system attacking its body, too often Christians attack each other. That leaves the church open to attack.

Christ's Body is healthiest when it is unified in love, and focused on Christ.

Holey Spirit, show us how we may build up Christ's Body. Remove from us attitudes that undermine, weaken, and tare apart the Church. Amen.

"God has let us into His fellowship,...who are we to keep others out?"

Walk In Faith, Walk With God

Good Morning!! Genesis 5:24 reminds us that Enoch walked with God. Exercising ones' spiritual self is as important as exercising ones' body. Walking with God gives us a spiritual workout. Luke 24:13-35 tells us about two pilgrims who were moved from despair to faith as they walked the dusty Emmaus road with the risen Christ.

You are my friends if you do what I command.—John15:14 (NIV)

Walking with God involves more than seeking God through prayer and obedience,...it means obedience,...it means becoming sensitive to the needs of others,...learning forgiveness and patience. Instead of making snap judgments about behavior that offends us,...we must seek and understand, the hurt that causes it.

Walking with God is less of a pleasant stroll, and more of a strenuous workout,
...but the benefits are priceless.

God, help us to walk with You each day. Guide us as seek to stay with You,...and encourage us stick with others in need. Amen.

"God has let us into His fellowship,...who are we to keep others out?"

Not Right, But Righteous

Good Morning!! The Bible says that David was a man "after God's own heart",...that's an amazing statement, given the number of sins the Bible accounts to him. But, when confronted with his transgressions, David honestly grieved and sincerely repented. He mended his ways and turned to God for mercy. God was merciful, and David's relationship with God was restored.

David said to Nathan, "I have sinned against the LORD." Nathan replied, "The LORD also has taken away your sin. You are not going to die."—2 Samuel 12:13 (NIV)

This gives us all hope for forgiveness,...hope for fellowship with God,...and hope that even we may also be called people after God's own heart. God doesn't require us to be perfect. He just asks for honest effort, genuine humility, and sincere repentance.

No matter what we've done,...we're never outside the reach of God's grace and mercy.

Thank You, God, for wonderful, undeserved grace that fills us with hope,...and releases us from guilt. Having been forgiven, we will seek to live more responsibly in the future. Amen.

"We have an open invitation to take everything to God, in prayer."

Manna, For This Day

Good Morning!! In Exodus, when the children of Israel gather up the manna, the "bread from heaven," Moses cautions them not to gather too much. They are to gather only as much as they need for that day, confident that tomorrow God would provide for them again. Predictably, the people ignored Moses. They gathered more than they needed, then stashed the rest for another day. But the manna resisted, and turned rotten.

"...I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world."—John 6:51 (NIV)

Jesus isn't offering to give us bread,...He is offering to be our bread,...to be to us what bread is; the sustainer of life. But just as the Israelites tried to hoard the bread from heaven,
some of us are still trying to live on a past Church experience, or the strength of a religious awakening that happened years ago. But manna doesn't keep,...the Israelites couldn't live off yesterday's stored-up manna, and we cannot live off yesterday's stored-up religion. We need to replenish our supply every day.

Manna doesn't keep.

Father, God, we are hungry,...give us this day our dailey bread. Amen.

"We have an open invitation to take everything to God, in prayer."

Sorry, Are You Really?

Good Morning!! Our culture has reduced the "apology" into a justification for wrongdoing. Politicians regularly appear on television to apologize for "errors in judgment." Sins are airbrushed as "mistakes." A quick "I'm sorry" and everyone is expected to overlook the offense and carry on with life. And often that's just what happens.

For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.—Colossians 1:13-14 (NIV)

A biblical understanding of forgiveness, should deeply influence our actions, and relationships. Forgiveness, according to Scripture, demands that we look squarely at our sins and assume full responsibility for our actions. Only then are we able to ask, and receive, God's forgiveness. But likewise, we have the responsibility to do let it go, and forgive when we have been sinned against.

Forgiveness can be hard to ask for,
...and even harder to give.

Thank You, Father, for forgiving us. Give us the strength to do the same. Amen.

"We have an open invitation to take everything to God, in prayer."

How Free Are We?

Good Morning!! Some people brag about being free to do whatever they please: to party, to gamble, to spend countless hours watching TV or sit in front of their computer, to buy whatever they want. The real question is: are they free to not do these things? What we do has the power to become our master. When that happens, the activity is not beneficial to us or others.

"I have the right to do anything," you say—but not everything is beneficial. "I have the right to do anything"—but I will not be mastered by anything.—1 Corinthians 6:12 (NIV)

Jesus died to save us in body, as well as soul,...so that he alone will be our Master. God intends our bodies to be living, breathing, walking, talking temples in which the HolySpirit lives. Redeemed by Christ we’re free not to do whatever we please, but to do what pleases the Spirit of God within us. And to do what is helpful to others.

So often, we engage in behaviors that areneither good nor bad of themselves,
...but are nonetheless enslaving us.

Dear Lord, free us of anything that interfears with our desire or ability to be of serve to You,...and others. Amen.

"We have an open invitation to take everything to God, in prayer."

A Living God, A Caring God

Good Morning!! How reassuring to know that our Lord is the "God of all comfort"! (2 Cor. 1:3, NIV) Although we may at times find ourselves feeling overwhelmed by our situation, God is always gracious. Rather than complaining, we can trust God, no matter how severely our faith is tested. It's just another opportunity to see God true to His Word.

The psalmist wrote, "Whenever I am anxious and worried, you comfort me and make me glad."—Psalm 94:19 (TEV)

God is good, and heaven will reveal that God's purpose is never to hurt us,...but always to bless us. When we cast all our cares on the Lord and believe that God is holding us, we find comfort. In times of when emotions over run our faith, we can turn to our loving Savior and find peace of mind.

When life seems overwhelming,...God provides console.

Thank You, God, for being with us when we are confused, anxious or troubled. You always manage to send a reminder, that You are both aware, and with us. Amen.

"We have an open invitation to take everything to God, in prayer."

Like A Good Father

Good Morning!! When we stumble and fall, God helps us to our feet, and comforts us until the hurt goes away. We are surrounded by countless brothers and sisters, with whom God expects us to share our burdens, as well as our blessings,...as we travel together on our journey through life.

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!—1 John 3:1 (NIV)

At those times when we feel that we are in control and don't need God,...even if we don't say it,...sooner or later we discover that we need more than we have. Going it alone, is not what God intended. When we come to ourselves, we have only to turn to find God's arms outstretched,...in unconditional love.

Like a father; God is understanding and forgiving of our failures.
God leads us, yet gives us the freedom to choose whether or not to follow.

Dear Heavenly Father, help us to be mindful and grateful that we have been chosen to be a part of Your family. Amen.

"Our needs can never exhaust God's supply."

Choosing To Do Wrong

Good Morning!! "Sin" is not a common term used in our culture today. It’s much easier to speak of our shortcomings in the context of psychology or environmental influences or biological predispositions. But the truth is, as creatures of free will, sometimes we just decide to do the wrong thing. We act selfishly, when we could have been selfless. We get angry, when we should have shown mercy and foegivness. We seek personal gain, at the cost of another.

Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness.—Romans 6:12-13 (NIV)

As Christians, an examination of conscience has less to do with feeling guilty,...but rather, it renews our appreciation for God’s great love for us. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Christ, with full knowledge of our darkest moments, died out of love for you, and me, when most of us wouldn’t sacrifice half as much for a virtuous friend.

With full knowledge of Christ’s sacrificial love,
...how we live our lives now matters more than ever.


Search us, O God, remove all that is not of You. Let Your light shine on,...in,...and through us, as we learn to better follow Christ. In Jesus' name, Amen.

"Our needs can never exhaust God's supply."

God Will Deliver You

Good Morning!! When we remember the confrontation between David and Goliath, we generally think of David's bravery and deadly accuracy. He truly was brave, and he aimed the stone with great skill,...but David, however, gave God the glory. David told Saul that God had delivered him from both the lion and the bear, and that God would deliver him from Goliath.(1 Samuel 17:37)

Do not fear or be dismayed at this great multitude; for the battle is not yours but God's.—2 Chronicles 20:15 (NRSV)

What giants are you facing? Maybe you're staring into the face of a divorce, financial problems, wounds from childhood, the death of a loved one, or some other concern that towers over you, like a giant. Like God's people in the Bible story, we may become frightened or dismayed because of a multitude of problems. Ultimately, the battle is not ours but God's.

Knowing that the battle is God's,...means we're free to entrust it's outcome to God.

God, give us courage to do what we can, and the faith to trust You with the rest. Amen.

"Our needs can never exhaust God's supply."

Don't Give Up

Good Morning!! The Chinese bamboo is famous for its fast growth. In a period of five weeks, a sprout can grow 90 feet. Well, it actually takes five years, for the plant to grow 90 feet,...but during the first four and a half years, farmers must take extra good care of the sprouts,...with almost no visible results. For those that patiently persist,...receive great rewards.

The revelation awaits an appointed time. ... Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.—Habakkuk 2:3 (NIV)

Some of us have prayed,...and worked for years,...without any visible results. Sometimes our situation can even seem to get worse, and we are tempted to give up. At these times we must learn to count our blessings, and remind ourselves that God is faithful and "rewards those who earnestly seek him" (Heb. 11:6). Knowing God's trustworthiness, we are able to encourage our souls, "Only wait!"

So often God's power is at work in our lives,
...just beneath the surface.

Holy Spirit of God, remind us that God's power is always working in our lives,...even if we can see it yet. In Jesus' name. Amen.

"Our needs can never exhaust God's supply."