It Takes Life, To Speak Life

Good Morning!! The Bible has something that no other book has ever had,...Life. That's right, It's alive! Have you noticed that you can read the same familiar passage of scripture again, and again, and still learn something new and fresh from it each time? Or we may be reading scripture, and suddenly a truth jumps out at us, that applies clearly to some issue we're facing.

The word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.—Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)

The Bible is a beautiful gift from God,...but only to those that read it. If we don't set aside time to read the Bible, we miss yet another opportunity for God to speak to us,...to teach us, guide us, comfort us. When we read and study the Bible, we grow closer and closer to God. That's what today's scripture is saying.

For a deeper intimacy with God,
...read His living Word to you, each day.

Father God, thank You for the Bible. Help us to read it regularly in order to grow in Your likeness. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

"Wake up to the countless multitudes who are currently destined for a Christless eternity."

We Are Connected

Good Morning!! In the movie AVATAR, their identity with family, group, culture, or heritage came before individual identity. When one greeted another by saying, "I see you," that "I" meant the speaker, as a member of a culture, a tribe, connecting with their ancestors,...sees your connection to them,...and all that is around, even nature.

When Jesus heard [the centurion] he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, he said, "I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith."—Luke 7:9 (NRSV)

I look in your eyes and see your mother's care,...your grandfather's teaching. I see that God has been at work in many ways, through many people and over time, preparing us to greet each other. The appropriate response is "and I see you." Again the "I" is the extended family, the village, the tribe -- who are all represented in us. Using "I" affirms that we are intimately related to all those who have helped shape us,...and our responsablity to help shape others.

Work to see others with the eyes of Christ,
...because we are ONE people, drawn unto Him.

God of all nations, give us Your eyes that we may see our connection. Amen.

"Wake up to the countless multitudes who are currently destined for a Christless eternity."

Models Of Faith

Good Morning!! The Bible says we are surrounded by the examples of people of faith who lived before us. Our spiritual forebears ran the race of faith, their eyes on Christ. Like them, we are to run our race with perseverance, day after day.

Do you not know that in a race the runners all compete, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it.—1 Corinthians 9:24 (NRSV)

We can take comfort in the faithfulness of those who have gone before us. Let us not grow weary or faint-hearted. As we pattern our lives after those great witnesses,...Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Esther, Joseph, Huldah, David, Daniel,…we share in their work of passing on the faith.

We are never alone,…as we run the race of faith.

Dear God, remind us that we are surrounded by the examples of those who faithfully followed you. Help us develop a daily walk with you. Amen.

"Wake up to the countless multitudes who are currently destined for a Christless eternity."

You Ought To Tell Somebody

Good Morning!! When the Israelites crossed the Jordan River into Canaan, they set up twelve stones. They would tell their descendants, who would ask the meaning of the stones,…how God had dried up the river and let them cross on dry land. Generation after generation would hear about the mercies of the Lord.

Come and listen, all who honor God, and I will tell you what he has done for me.—Psalm 66:16 (TEV)

Not many of us, have experienced a miracle as great as the example above, but we have all been the recipients of God's goodness,...and telling others about that goodness is both an obligation and a privilege. It's the simple stories of God's concern in little, everyday matters, that especially touch hearts. Testimonies are not just about events that have happened years ago, but about the ones that take place this week, or even today day.

It's our personal experiences that make others hunger most for a relationship with a loving God.

Holy Spirit of God, help us to see the hand of God at work in our lives,…and to proclaim His goodness to all we meet. Amen.

"Wake up to the countless multitudes who are currently destined for a Christless eternity."

Are You A Follower?

Good Morning!! The title of follower, still leave a bad taste in the mouth,...many of us would rather be leaders than followers,...but Jesus called only for followers. We may be preoccupied with wanting some personal benefit or influence, but Christ asks us to take up the cross daily and follow Him.

Jesus said, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me."—Mark 8:34 (NRSV)

If we truly believe in Jesus, and devote ourselves to enthusiastically imitating Him and, serving His Church, we will reap the fullness of spiritual blessings. We will deepen our relationship with God, and also our relationships with our brothers and sisters, as we serve them in love.

Those who follow Christ, must become servants.

Dear Lord, help us to follow You. Empower us to serve Your church and others,...and through that service, help the whole world to know Jesus. Amen.

"The greater the faith, the smaller the fears."

Your Trials Need Not Be In Vain

Good Morning!! "Aren't you ashamed to tell people what you were like before Christ?" My answer is "no". Because the person I am now, is so far removed from the one I used to be,...and it's only by the grace of God, that I'm even here. If God could, and would, inject compassion, love, trust and hope into that lump of cole, that I mistook for a heart,...how much more can He do for you?

"The LORD has anointed me . . . to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion -- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair."—Isaiah 61:1-3 (NIV)

God is an artisan,...He often crafts beauty from tragedy. God knows how to use heartaches and broken dreams. Out of our difficulties He makes to flow comfort and healing,...for us and others. If we ask for God's help to work through our pain,...and continue to focus on Him,...God gives us "beauty instead of ashes." Telling others about our experiences, will help us to be a source of encouragement.

Your test, is your testimony.

Heavenly Father, we give to You our memories and events that still cause us pain, knowing that You can and will use them to create beauty. Thank You for Your love, Your promise of hope, and Your peace. We pray for compassion, gentleness, and understanding as we tell others what You have done for us. Amen.

"The greater the faith, the smaller the fears."

Just Because God Said It

Good Morning!! The Bible ergs us to walk by faith, and to trust God. Walking by faith means taking risks, stepping out beyond what is comfortable, into situations that have no guaranteed outcome,...too often this is a risk we are not willing to take.

"I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."—Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

God asks is that we trust and obey the guidance given us in the Bible. Sometimes obedience to God may invite ridicule. It may mean doing what we've never done before, learning something new, or giving up something we think we cannot live without. Obedience to God can be very freighting,...but ultimately it results in blessing.

When we risk doing what God asks, we experience unexpected blessings.

Father God, as You guide us into the future, help us to trust and obey Your Word. In Jesus' name. Amen.

"The greater the faith, the smaller the fears."

It's Not What You Gave, It's That You Gave

Good Morning!! Trust God, and the seemingly inadequate becomes an abundance. God can use whatever we give,...even when all we have to offer is a tiny seed,...of faith, ability, money, or time. As Christians, it's our job to give God what we have, no matter how inadequate our offering may seem to us,...or to others.

Jesus said, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."—Matthew 17:20 (NIV)

In Mark 6:37 and 38, the disciples have only five loaves and two fish to offer the hungry crowd. The disciples say that it would require 200 silver coins to buy food for such a group. When Jesus asks his disciples, "How many loaves do you have?" He is asking about the resources they do have,...not the resources they don't have.

In God's hands, what we give becomes enough.

Father God, help us remember the miracles You work with tiny offerings. Give us faith to offer You what we have. In Jesus' name. Amen.

"The greater the faith, the smaller the fears."

Do You Want To Be Healed?

Good Morning!! When we have some fault or grudge stuck in us, it may hurt and irritate us,...but still we find all sorts of special reasons for letting it go on. Once we stop fighting, God is able to do what must be done to help us move toward healing, and wholeness.

Naaman said, "Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than any of the waters of Israel? Couldn't I wash in them, and be cleansed?"—2 Kings 5:12 (NIV)

Like Naaman who was first unwilling to wash in the Jordan, we are so often unwilling to try God's plans that would help us. Once we walk the path, that God have laid,...we are glad. And the obsticals, which seemed so huge when it was embedded in our heads and hearts,...looked tiny once removed.

Where, and why, are we resisting God's desire to make us whole?

Holy Spirit of God, allow us to be more willing to admit our need for ture healing. In Jesus name, Amen.

"The greater the faith, the smaller the fears."

Hasn't God Earned Your Trust?

Good Morning!! Led by Moses and pursued by Pharaoh's army, the Israelites came to the Red Sea. With no apparent way of escape, the people became afraid, and began to voice those fears. But God, had a plan, and was not going to forsake them. HE wanted them to trust and believe that He not only could, but would deliver them. This was only one of many miracles that God would perform for the Israelites. Trust comes from consistence.

Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid, stand firm, and see the deliverance that the Lord will accomplish for you today."—Exodus 14:13 (NRSV)

Today these truths still apply. God does not want us to be a fearful and fumbling people. God can make a way when there is no way. No matter what our circumstances, we can trust, that nothing is to hard for our God.

Whatever we face, we can trust that God will not leave us to face it alone.

Father God, help us not to be paralyzed with fear, but rather to be propelled by deep faith, and trust in You. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

"Sin magnifies fear, and Obedience increases faith,
...it's really just that simple."

God Gives More Than We Need

Good Morning!! God gives to us in good measure,...and more. God's forgiveness and mercy are given to us abundantly, and He expects us to treat others with that same goodness and generosity. And it does get it easier to refrain from anger, defensiveness, and resentment when someone treats me badly.

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.—Luke 6:38 (NIV)

We cannot hope to match God's compassion, which is immeasurable,...but God has extended toward us unlimited, "running over" mercy,...more than we deserve or should ever expect. Remembering this helps keep us from being so judgmental, or critical and allows us to forgive others,...offering them encouragement and nurture instead.

As Christians we can forgive,
...because we have been forgiven.

Loving God, thank You for Your forgiving spirit. As we seek to be more like Jesus, help us to grow in showing mercy and love. Amen.

"Sin magnifies fear, and Obedience increases faith,
...it's really just that simple."

Unity In Christ

Good Morning!! Christ calls us to unite in him and work for his kingdom here on earth, no matter what Christian tradition we come from. Since our similarities greatly outnumber our differences, let us fulfill Christ's calling to be one body and one faith.

Encourage one another and build up each other.—1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NRSV)

Our beliefs have the potential to create misunderstanding, and strained relationships,...even among fellow Christians. Be determined to find common ground, read scripture, discuss church polity, attended other worship services at other churches, and openly shared your beliefs. Eventually, you'll find that we have way more in common than you anticipated,.... as well as you'll grow in faith.

Choose unity over strife.

Lord of all, help us to use the gifts You have given us to build up one another in love. In Jesus' name. Amen.

"Sin magnifies fear, and Obedience increases faith,
...it's really just that simple."

Hope, In A Rainbow

Good Morning!! No two people ever see exactly the same rainbow in the sky. Although it may be the same sun shining through the same shower, each of us sees the sun at a slightly different angle, shining through a different set of raindrops. Therefore every rainbow is a unique experience for each observer.

God said, "I have set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth."—Genesis 9:13 (NRSV)

So it is with life,...each of us may see similar storms of life. We may also be aware of God's grace shining during those storms. But the "rainbows" that renew hope are unique for each of us. Some we see during a gentle spring shower; others we see through the lens of tears. Each offers the same affirmation of hope that God gave to Noah long ago.

Even in the midst of the storm, look for signs of God's presence.

O God, allow us to see Your rainbow of hope and grace, that reminds us of Your covenant and Your infinite love for us,...inside and out, of life's many storms. Amen.

"Sin magnifies fear, and Obedience increases faith,
...it's really just that simple."

But God...

Good Morning!! Just look back at your own life stories. Sometimes after a great loss or failure, we may be tempted to put a period at the end of the sentence,...to close the book in despair, saying that our story is finished. But it is not.

But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.—Acts 2:24 (NIV)

Just two small words,...but they signal an important truth: suffering and death are not the final words, and even when situations look hopeless, the story is not over,...there is more.

In countless ways, God steps in,
...and our stories continue with two wonderful words, "But God"...

Heavenly Father, help us believe that there is no situation so hopeless that it cannot be transformed by Your grace, and power. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

"Feed your faith,....and starve your fears and doubts."

Help, When You Need It.

Good Morning!! More people lost and found in the wilderness, countless volunteers, hundreds of thousands of dollars in time and equipment,...just to bring them back to here they should have been. Most of us will never require the lifesaving assistance of such an emergency response team. However, each of us needs the salvation offered by the greatest rescuer ever known,...Jesus Christ.

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.—Psalm 46:1 (NIV)

Getting in touch with Jesus Christ does not require sophisticated electronic equipment or elaborate signaling devices. Any time of day or night, no matter where we are, help is as close as a simple prayer and a willingness to accept the life-giving grace of Jesus Christ,...our Savior.

Each and every one of us needs the salvation Christ offers.

Thank You Lord, for being close by,...whenever, and however, we may in need. Amen.

"At the heart of the Christian message is God Himself,
...waiting for His redeemed children."

Anger and Rage, Hurts Us Most Of All

Good Morning!! Anger has always been one of my biggest obstacles to overcome. After digging deep down in my soul, I can usually discover the irritant that is causing my anger. Anger is energy,...we can't simply ignore it. We must learn to channel it in a positive direction,...or it becomes destructive. If we work to forgive the source of the irritation, and take that irritant to God in prayer, we can start first to feel acceptance, and then forgiveness.

Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger.—Ephesians 4:26 (NRSV)

Praying and turning it all over to God, doesn't mean that the irritations and anger won't return. And when they do, we may even feel guilty, unchristian,...like failures. Left unchecked, we can even sink into depression,...the "frozen rage" that is our anger will eventually be turned inward, upon the ourselves. But with God's help, this energy can become power that gives us passion for life.

Even Jesus felt anger, but he did not use it to destroy others.
He used all the energy of his life to bring the redeeming message of God's love to us.

O ever-loving God, help us to forgive, but don't to stop there. Help us to use all our energy to serve You and others better. In Jesus' name Amen.

"At the heart of the Christian message is God Himself,
...waiting for His redeemed children."

Dump The Junk, And Get In The Race

Good Morning!! Paul compares our journey of faith, with running. He also prods us to get rid of the things that hinder us in our spiritual lives. The two go together.

For [Christ's] sake I have thrown everything away; I consider it all as mere garbage, so that I may gain Christ and be completely united with him.—Philippians 3:8-9 (TEV)

As we seek a good relationship with God, we find that there are obstacles to our faith,...fear, arrogance, resentment, prejudice, bitterness, negative attitudes, and so on. These and more, get in the way. As we get rid of them, we can move on and grow in our faith.

Whatever obstacles to our growing in faith, that may encounter,
...can and should be taken to God in prayer.

Our Lord, our God, when we feel that we are not making progress in knowing You more fully, help us to recognize the obstacles that block our way and then to ask Your help in removing them. Amen.

"At the heart of the Christian message is God Himself,
...waiting for His redeemed children."

Lost? You Don't Have To Be.

Good Morning!! We all have to make choices,...but how often do we make the decision we think is right, without stopping to pray and ask God which choice is best for us? Too often we discover that our choice was wrong,...and we have to start over. the wiser choice is to stop and ask for directions.

In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.—Proverbs 3:6 (NRSV)

When we're faced with choices in life, we can stop, read our Bible, and pray, asking God which way to go. Jeremiah 29:11 tells us that God has plans to give us "a future with hope." God already knows which way we should go; God even gave us a map,...the Bible. When we face decisions in life.

God will speak to us and guide us,
...all we have to do is ask.

Father God, show us the way to go when we have questions and doughst. We know you'll never lead us down the wrong path. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

"At the heart of the Christian message is God Himself,
...waiting for His redeemed children."

Try To See Things God's Way

Good Morning!! Many times, when anxieties arise in our lives, and when difficulties are looming, it seems as if there is only one possible view of them,...and that is not a positive one. But what determines your perspective? It often comes from how you have educated your mind and your spirit. Feeding your mind habitually on television and other world-oriented sources will determine the point of view from which you see life. God, on the other hand, has laid out the proper perspective for us in His Word. Learning to take advantage of this provision through reading and meditation alters the way we see things; it alters our focus.

And do not be conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.—Romans 12:2 (KJV)

There is power in being able to see circumstances in relation to the overall eternal picture. If we will view our situations the way God intended,...we would not see lack, we would not see hopelessness or dead ends. We have the ability to change our minds, from going our own way or the way of the world, to turning to follow Jesus. If you don't like what you are seeing,...change the perspective, form which you see your circumstances.

Faith is not the belief that God will do what you want,...
Faith is the belief that God will do what is right.

Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil; For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

"At the heart of the Christian message is God Himself,
...waiting for His redeemed children."

Seeds In Time Become Fruit

Good Morning!! How does a crocus bulb know when to shoot up its foliage, and bloom while snow still covers the ground? How does a tiny acorn become a tall oak tree? I don't understand how any of these processes work. But I know that digging in the dirt helps to aerate the soil, and adding fertilizer and water aids the growth of the plants. And since I have repeatedly experienced the patterns of seedtime and harvest, I trust they will happen again.

"I pray that . . . Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love."—Ephesians 3:16-17 (NRSV)

There is much in our own lives that we don't understand,...but if we dig deep into scripture, we can become rooted and grounded in the word of God,...spiritually nurtured in the love of Christ. The more we experience this divine presence, the stronger our faith grows and the more assurance we feel that Christ does indeed dwell in our hearts, and is present to meet our every need.

We must work to continually nourish the growing faith in ourselves,...and others.

Father God, thank You for showing us over and over again the cycle of seedtime and harvest, that displays Your faithfulness. Strengthen the roots of our faith so that we may bear good fruit for You. Amen.

"Obedience is the key to having the presence of God in our lives,
...if we're not obeying, we aren't really walking with Him."

Loving Arms To Trust

Good Morning!! When I smile down at my grand kids, and open my arms, they leap into my arms. They never think twice about whether PaPa's arms would catch them. They simply trust me. The Bible mentions the arms of God. Since God is spirit, the Bible writers use the term "arms of God" to symbolize the love, strength, dependability, power, and protection God shows toward us.

The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.—Deuteronomy 33:27 (NIV)

We leap into God's arms through prayer. We trust God even more than we trust any others. Whether we're falling, from despair, being pushed by temptation, or leaping for joy, God has never failed to encircle us with strong,...and loving arms.

We learn to trust when we experience promises kept,...by people, and by God.

O God, thank You for all earthly fathers who model Your loving faithfulness, In Jesus' name. Amen.

"Obedience is the key to having the presence of God in our lives,
...if we're not obeying, we aren't really walking with Him."

Don't Just Look For Hope, Be Hope

Good Morning!! Broken hearted and bitter, Naomi left Moab where her husband and two sons were buried. She and her faithful daughter-in-law Ruth went to Judah. To support the two women, Ruth began to glean in the fields for food. She came to the field of Boaz, a kinsman of her dead father-in-law. When he heard of her faithfulness to Naomi, Boaz invited Ruth to eat with him and the workers and made sure she took home plenty of grain.

The women said to Naomi: "Praise be to the LORD, who this day has not left you without a kinsman-redeemer."—Ruth 4:14 (NIV)

God used Ruth, to bring healing to Naomi's broken and bitter heart. As believers, we have hope based on the work of Christ, our kinsman-redeemer,...who paid the price for us. And Christ continues to care for those who come to Him. When we share this hope, we too can become instruments of healing, turning bitterness into new life,...and new hope.

Yeild to the Spirit,
...the answer to someones prayers, may very well be, connected to your obedience to Christ.

Father God, use us as messengers of hope in the lives of those who are discouraged. Amen.

"Obedience is the key to having the presence of God in our lives,
...if we're not obeying, we aren't really walking with Him."