Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Be Still

Good Morning!! "Be still" is a phrase we use a lot as parents. Children have an abundance of energy that seems to have no bounds at times, no matter where they might be. The command to "be still" usually comes when either the energy level has reached a fevered pitch, or when the environment is not conducive to the overabundance of activity,...such as riding in a car, or sitting in church. However, getting a child to be still just by speaking the words is most often a waste of time at best,...sometimes, more serious action is required.

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."—Psalm 46:10 (NIV)

As children of God, we are not all that different. We tend to lead overactive lives, filled with busyness and activities that seem to have few boundaries themselves. The difference is that, as adults, we have no one telling us to "be still", and slow down. We think; the busier we are, the better it is,...for us and for those around us. Most of us even feel better, just by staying active and over stimulated. Our society not only endorses this behavior, but has, for the most part, created the standards for it. How many of us would like to be known as weak, feeble, or a slacker? We most likely would be insulted by such terms. But God says that we are to "be still," which is defined in Hebrew with such words. God is the One who tells us not to put anything above, or before Him in our lives,...not even our energy levels and activities.

God wants more of us,
...and He wants our undivided attention when we are with Him.


Father God, it is Your command that we "be still", be weak, and to be at rest before You. Help us to take the time to stop and be still in Your presence today . We pray that other can "know" You as Lord and Savior,...and that you can be with them in stillness and peace. Allow us to be more ready to listen and obey as You call us into alignment with You Will today. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

"True Christian love helps those who can't return the favor."

Monday, January 30, 2012

Sin Has No Hold, On Us

Good Morning!! Even though we are supposed to be dead to sin, sin's strong appeal can often still cause us to struggle with feeling that we're more alive to it, than we are to Christ. But Romans 6:1-11 teaches us that what is true of the Lord Jesus Christ, is true of us,...in terms of our relationship to sin and death. God the Father allowed His Son to "be sin" in order that all the sins of the world,...-past, present and future, -would fall on Him (2 Corinthians 5:21). W

In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.—Romans 6:11 (NIV)

When Jesus died on the cross, our sins were on Him,...but when He rose from the grave, there was no sin on or in Him. When He ascended to the Father, there was no sin on Him. As He sits at the Father's right hand, there is no sin on Him. Since we are seated in the heavenlies in Christ,...we too have died to sin.

It doesn't matter whether we feel dead to sin or not,
...we are to consider it so, because it is so.

Sweet Spirit of God, When we choose to believe what the Word says is true about ourselves and sin, and we will walk forward. On the basis of what we believe, our right relationship with sin will work out in our experience. Don't allow us to put our experience ahead of our belief, so that we may fully know the freedom that Christ purchased for us on the cross. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

"True Christian love helps those who can't return the favor."

Friday, January 27, 2012

HE Lives In Us

Good Morning!! Where does God dwell? The verse below tells us that God had a place made, just so He could dwell with the people. But this place was no ordinary dwelling,...it was a holy place, a sanctuary where the people could enter into the very presence of God. This sanctuary was built to the finest detail, using the best of precious metals and stones. As the Israelites transported this mobile dwelling place throughout their travels in the desert, they never needed to upgrade, redecorate, or fix-up,...even after 40 years! The presence of the Lord kept all things restored, refreshed and renewed.

"Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them."—Exodus 25:8 (KJV)

It is hard to imagine how these people could have been anything but eternally grateful, and in awe of God's miraculous power in their lives. But, the Bible tells us that they were stiff-necked and complaining. And what about us? Are we satisfied for long with the things given to us by God? Even more so, what about the promise we have that His Holy Spirit lives within us? John 1:14 says that the Word became flesh and tabernacled (dwelt) among us. Jesus came to earth to dwell with us. He left us with His Holy Spirit who dwells within us today,... so we are now God’s dwelling place,...all those who have accepted Jesus as Savior.

Get your eyes off of earthly homes,...fix them upon Jesus, and our eternal home with Him.

Father God, we are so very thankful that You haven't gotten bored with Your new temples, or dwelling places, on earth. Your goodness and mercy endure for ever. Amen.

"A grudge is one thing that doesn’t get better when it’s nursed."

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Internal Warring, We Only Hurt Ourselves

Good Morning, My Friend!! So many people can't seem to get it through their heads that God is quite able to handle His church by Himself. The thing that keeps us from being better blessed, isn't the lies of the enemy, nor is it mis-guided or mis-guiding, ministries. What they don't realize is that the number one thing, that stands in the way of God's blessing His people,...is their own unwillingness to do things His way.

Behold, the whirlwind of the Lord goeth forth with fury, a continuing whirlwind: it shall fall with pain upon the head of the wicked.—Jeremiah 30:23 (KJV)

Keep your eyes on Jesus to walk in the will of God,...don't let anyone cause you to lose focus. There will always be people to set themselves against you, as you attempt to do the will of God, and walk in the will of God,...but God will deal with them, as only He can.

Don't block your blessings,...be obedient!

An obedient people, won't have baskets big enough, to hold all the blessings.

"A grudge is one thing that doesn’t get better when it’s nursed."

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

We All Need Mercy

Good Morning!! If listing the most unpopular virtues of the Christian life, humility, would have to be near the top of the list,...if not number one. Not thinking more highly of oneself, than one ought, flies in the face of worldly teachings. Our culture, teaches that we must compare ourselves with others. Many teachings on self-worth depend on looking at others, that may be considered lesser. "I am as good as. . ., I am better than. . ., or I am a pretty good person, when you compare me with . . . ", and on it goes. This false image-building, also goes on in our religious life too.

"But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'—Luke 18:13 (NIV)

But as Christians, our understanding of life, ought to leads us to confess our shortcoming as sin,...and give God the glory for our accomplishments. Every segment of life, has their own pecking order, down to the homeless, on the street. One claims to be better than, or not as bad as, another. Arrogance and "false pride" are very much a part of our lives. That's why we sing: It’s me, it’s me, O Lord Standing in the need of prayer not the deacon, nor the preacher Not my mother, nor my father- but it’s me, O Lord. Standing in the need of Prayer.

Humble people, know themselves,
...they don't need to apologize for their strengths, or cover up their weaknesses.

Lord, we join the publican who prayed,..."Lord, have mercy on me, the sinner." Amen.

"A grudge is one thing that doesn’t get better when it’s nursed."

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

It's Important To Remember

Good Morning!! Think about how much information goes into our brains on a constant basis. We live in a world filled with constant stimuli, with each piece fighting for a place of priority in our thoughts. Our days begin with so much to do that our digital day-planers and calendars, need more power. Sometimes I'm amazed at just how soon I can forget something,...regardless of the, tools or tricks I might use to help me, not forget. I'm thankful that the Lord knows this shortfall within me,...and within all of us, as human beings.

Moses said, "This is what the LORD has commanded: 'Take an omer of manna and keep it for the generations to come, so they can see the bread I gave you to eat in the wilderness when I brought you out of Egypt.'"—Exodus 16:32 (NIV)

The Lord instructed Moses on how to store the manna, as their reminder of how He fed them in the wilderness for forty years. Sadly, as the Bible reveals to us their continuing story,...these people would soon forget how good God was to them, again. But God did not want them to forget, and He does not want us to forget either. One of the best blessings in my life, has been the habit of writing a daily devotional. Writing out my prayers, my thoughts and feelings, and my personal evidence of God’s hand in my life, has strengthened my faith and trust in Him. I can look back over past issues and read about the amazing times He intervened in my circumstances. Sometimes I read old thoughts, or understandings, that I've written and shared,...only to realize how much I grown. They've become my personal testimony, of who God is in my life.

I invite you to commit yourselves to finding an activity, to keep as a testimony of how awesome our God, and Savior truly is.

Father God, we thank You, for the many ways You help us to know, and remember Your faithfulness. Amen.

"A grudge is one thing that doesn’t get better when it’s nursed."

Monday, January 23, 2012

Eyes On The Prise

Good Morning!! We know that we are a faith community,...standing on God’s promises. While we know that's true, still we frequently feel insecure. When our insecurities seem to be all there is to life,...we must learn the prayer of our fore-parents: "Lord, O' Lord, O', my good Lord, keep us from sinking down." When we call, He hears and cares.

You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness,—Psalm 30:11 (ESV)

After Jesus grants Peter’s request to join Him, by walking on the water, he leaves the security of his boat and walks on the billowing waves. The moment he takes his eyes off Jesus, and sees water under his feet,...he realizes that water is not made for walking and begins to sink. Peter's walking on the water story, to join Jesus, is our own. Faith often fades when faced with cold facts. Jesus admonishes Peter for his lapse in faith,...but nevertheless, lifts him and us, above the overwhelming tides.

Fixing our eyes on the problems, causes us to forget the Problem-Solver.

Lord, when our faith grows weak, place us on firm footing that we may not grow weary in well doing. Amen.

"A grudge is one thing that doesn’t get better when it’s nursed."

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

No Greater Gift, Yours For The Asking

Good Morning!! All too often our desires keep us from accepting the lordship of God and Christ, in our lives. Convinced that we can do it better for ourselves, we are reluctant to let anyone help. Sometimes we must face an impossibility, before we can exchange the old life, for the new and better one.

Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; —2 Corinthians 6:10:4,5 (NIV)

Only there do we discover the wisdom of the Christian song: "You can have all this world. Give me Jesus." In Him there is love,...that treasure that we all seek. In Jesus,...nothing can separate us from God’s love.

When you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God loves you,
...what more can you hope for?
...what else do you need?

Lord Jesus, open our hearts to receive You. We pray whatever needs to happen, happens in our live and the live of our family and friends,...to bring about the changes that opens up the windows and doors to the better life that has been promised. Thank You, for Your love, that surrounds us all. Amen.

"Once we've tasted being alive, how can we so easily go back to being dead?"

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Call Him, As If Your Soul Depends On It

Good Morning!! Throughout the Gospels, someone was always crying out to Jesus, for help. Some cry aloud, others silently. Still others look long, and pray hard. One such seeker, blind Bartimaeus, continuously cried, "Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!" Can you imagine, how often he must of had thoughts of what his life would be like, if only he could see?

When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"—Mark 10:47,48 (NIV)

You can almost sense his hopes rise, as he heard what Jesus had done for others. Making the lame walk, and the blind to see. I can hear him calling now; " Jesus!",...believing that Jesus could never put off such an authentic call for help,...and because of that faith, Bartimaeus is no longer blind!

There is a name,...Greater than any other,...one that heals, comforts and saves,...that name is Jesus!!

Come by here Lord,...do not pass us by. You are our savior, be our vision,...we want to be healed. Amen.

"Once we've tasted being alive, how can we so easily go back to being dead?"

Monday, January 9, 2012

Heaven, At Any Price

Good Morning!! We place a value on just about everything,...and if what we're willing to pay matches what someone else is willing to sell for,...then we buy it. There are even rare times when we will pay more,...but only if we are sure it's worth it. The rich young ruler, wanted the Kingdom of Heaven,...that is until he saw the price. "Give up your wealth, come follow Me," Jesus said,...but in sorrow he turned away.

The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, "Who then can be saved?" Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God."—Mark 10:26,27 (NIV)

So many today, want to be a citizen of God’s kingdom,...but don't want to give eternal life first place, over the present "good life" the world offers. We want to get to Heaven, we just another way to get there,...a way that allows us to not give up what we value more.

Make no mistake,...God wants, and expects, to be #1 in our hearts.

Holy Spirit, help us choose to be Christians wherever we work, play and rest. Let us see God at the head of all things in our lives. Amen.

"Once we've tasted being alive, how can we so easily go back to being dead?"

Friday, January 6, 2012

Don't Just Ask,...Ask God

Good Morning!! Follow the example of our Savior, who took time out to pray. We must learned the value of stealing away to God. After a hard day’s work that has imprinted upon us that they were "no body",...we just need to hear a voices that says we have value,...that we are loved. With God "nobodies" become "somebodies". Our souls find freedom, our hearts find peace, and our minds find rest.

And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them.—Acts 16:9,10 (NKJV)

Some of you are facing major crossroads in life,...or you're about to. You may have either consulted, or considered consulting, a physician, an attorney, a banker, a close friend or co-worker. You've dreamed, schemed and screamed. In most cases our first greatest hope, God,...has largely been ignored. Please take this simple bit of advice,...take whatever is bothering you to your Father in Heaven,...only He can and will, set you free.

We need the release of our souls, from all that makes us less than God created us to be.

Sweet Spirit of God, help us to seek and accept the freedom that our Heavenly Father provides, when we stand apart from the world,...with Jesus. Amen.

"The prudent see danger and take refuge,...but the simple keep going and pay the penalty."

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Giants Are No Match For Our God

Good Morning!! David was able to face, and defeat the giant, because he knew that he was an instrument of God. The battle was God's,...and He would deal with Goliath,...through David. And the same goes for the giants that stand before us,...keeping us from the Joy that has been promised. Whatever giants we're you facing, Fear, Doubt, Lack of self-worth, Divorce, Rising debts, or even Illness,...understand; there is no giant too great when you have God on your side. But, like David, you must step out in faith,...and make the courageous choice to face it, head on.

Your servant has struck down both lions and bears, and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God."—1 Samuel 17:36 (ESV)

Here are some suggestions: 1) Look at all facts, and alternatives. 2) Take your time; don’t make decisions while emotionally upset. 3) Ask yourself, "Is it wrong or right?...and where is God in it?" 4) Seek God’s guidance through prayer and Bible study. How will you know when you have the right answer? I've found that when I follow the above steps, I sometimes see a door of opportunity opening,...and sometimes a door will close. But I feel certainty when the right choice eventually comes to me,...I have a feeling of peace about it.

"The bigger they are,...the harder they fall."

Father God, let us never forget the promise of Jesus: "Lo, I am with you always." In His name we pray, Amen.

"The prudent see danger and take refuge,...but the simple keep going and pay the penalty."

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Want To Be More Loved? Then Be More Loving

Good Morning!! If you question the reactions you get from those close to you,...ask what do they see in you? Naomi must have been a loving person. Both of her widowed daughters-in-law wept at the thought of leaving her. Orpah went back to her own family,...but only after Naomi insisted. Ruth refused to leave, crying, "....where you go I will go and where you lodge I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God, my God" (v. 16b). What did they see in Naomi, that caused them to trust, and love her so?

And they said to her, "No, we will return with you to your people."—Ruth 1:10 (ESV)

Perhaps it was the unselfish caring that Naomi showed to them, first. Instead of complaining over her own loss,...she was thinking of what was best for them. I hope that our children, grand-children, and their mates will find those same qualities in us. My friend Dorthy Cherry once told me; "Nobody cares how much you know,...until they know how much you care." Now is the perfect time, to do something different. Be that person that others can't help but to love,...in all that you do, show the Jesus in you.

"JOY " is spelled; "J " for Jesus, "O " for others, and "Y " for "yourself."
When this is the order of our priorities, we’ll have JOY.

Our Father in Heaven, help us see the needs of others,...and respond to them, with love. Amen.

"The prudent see danger and take refuge,...but the simple keep going and pay the penalty."

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Start Looking For The Good

Good Morning!! We often start the new year with visions, of how different things will be this year, as apposed to the last one. We don't just want things to be better,...we expect them to be. But the first thing we should what to see changed this year, is how we see things. Our attitudes can have the most effective, and lasting change, we will ever see. Every day is a new day,...don't let yesterday spoil it. Wake up with Psalm 118:24. Even if things aren’t going as you'd like, speak it, sing it,...and hear God, over the world.

This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.—Psalm 118:24 (NKJV)

The Lord has promised: "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isa. 41:10 niv). And Jesus promised, "Lo, I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matt. 28:20b). No matter what unfair, unjust thing happens to us, if we believe in God's promises, we'll come through it successfully,...just as our God intended.

We see best, what we look for most. So, look for the good.

Lord, we know that life can be unfair. But we rely on Your help, to see us through the storms. We thank You, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

"The prudent see danger and take refuge,...but the simple keep going and pay the penalty."

Monday, January 2, 2012

Choose The Better

Good Morning!! We are at the beginning of a brand new year. This is the time most of us begin to make resolutions: Someone is going to stay on a diet; Somebody is going to start walking or running three miles a day; Someone else is going to study the Bible, and spent time each day with the; and on and on. Then there is cookies, cakes and pie; Somebody reaches out and shuts off the early alarm; Someone has something that just has to be done, right away,...and just can't find the time they thought they'd have. Resolutions broken!

Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made.—Genesis 3:1 (ESV)

But we can ruin our new year if we choose to break one important promise. It is our promise to obey God and make Jesus Lord of our life. Temptation can look beautiful. It’s important for us to learn where God would have us put our priorities. Do we choose to please God?...or do we come first? Will our choices bring us a happy new year?...or will we choose to lose?

A new year, means a new chance for new choices,...better choices.

Holy Spirit, help us to choose to obey our Father's Word,...and heed Your guidance. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

"The prudent see danger and take refuge,...but the simple keep going and pay the penalty."