To Owe Nothing

Good Morning!! Imagine a debt-free life,...an existence without the irritation of those nagging phone calls or payments hanging over your head every month. It's a prospect that has led financial counselors to create various get-out-of-debt plans, that offer relief from financial worry. These are some of the suggestions they make: Stop all buying on credit. Cut down on your grocery bill. Do things yourself instead of paying to have them done. Quit being an impulse buyer. Although I can't say I'm completely debt-free (I've payed off my house, and have other bills due each month, current and in control),...I can testify that in a different and much more important sense, I have no debts. When it comes to worrying about how to get out from under the weight of my sin, I don't have a care in the world.

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.—Romans 6:23 (NIV)

At one time, I was under the sentence of death because of my sin, but when I put my faith in Jesus Christ my debt was paid off (Rom. 4:7). The penalty of those sins was eliminated, and I am debt-free. It's a great feeling! Having God credit your account with Christ's righteousness, where sin's penalty used to be. Accept Jesus' payment for your sins, and get out of debt!

Christ paid a debt He didn't owe, to satisfy a debt we couldn't pay.

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The moment that we trust in Jesus, we're forgiven and cleansed within,
for all-sufficient is Christ's blood, to pay the debt of every sin.

"Focus on the Kingdom of God,...don't give up, and don't give in."

Fear Not, Worry Not

Good Morning!! What's really important to you? The older we get,...the shorter life seems. But as short as life is, we make it shorter still,...by the careless waste of time, worrying. There's no sadder example of wasted time than a life dominated by worry. Worrying, has never changed the out come of any situation. You're not happy with your job,...you're afraid you'll lose your job,...your weight or size is not right. You don't make enough money,...you owe too much. Your parents are driving you,...your kids are driving you. There's always something, and each thing is more important than the last. If you knew you were dying at the end of the week, or next week,....how much of that would even matter?

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.—Psalm 90:12 (NIV)

It's so easy to get sidetracked by problems, that won't really matter at life's end,...difficult neighbors, a tight budget, signs of aging, people who are wealthier than you. Moses acknowledged the brevity of life,...and prayed, "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom" (Psalm 90:12). Instead of worrying, feed on God's Word, and apply it to your situations. Strive to grow in God's wisdom every day. Stay focused on eternal values. Make it your goal to greet your Heavenly Father one day with a heart of wisdom,...rather than a heart filled with fear, worry, and regret.

Worry casts a big shadow behind a small thing.

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Despair, Worry and Fear is the devil speaking to you about the future,

Hope, Trust and Faith is the Lord speaking to you about the future,

They both can't be right,...Now, whom will you believe?

"Focus on the Kingdom of God,...don't give up, and don't give in."

The Love of God, Above The Love Of Man

Good Morning!! We all like to receive the approval of people we know, respect and even those we don't. This built-in desire for praise in it self, is not wrong. Honest commendation can be encouraging and can bring out the best in us all,...when the good we've done is recognized, we naturally want to do more. The Bible tells us to look forward to the day when we will receive praise from God (1 Cor. 4:5). The problem, however, is that we often place more value on the applause we receive from people in this life, than on praise from God in the life to come. You know, like when you won't bless your food in a restaurant because people will see, and think you're crazy or some religious nut. When you see someone do something wrong but you don't say anything to them or anyone else, because you might be thought of as a snitch, or meddling.

Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved human praise more than praise from God.—John 12:42, 43 (NIV)

How many kids used drugs or got involved in sex before they were ready,...simply because they wanted to be accepted by a group of their peers they considered "cool"? And even as adults, we aren't much better,...lying to, and on others, just to fit in. In both of these examples we make the same mistake as those first-century believers who "loved the praise of men more than the praise of God".

"If we want to maintain personal intimacy with the Lord Jesus Christ,

it will mean refusing to do or even think certain things.

And some things that are acceptable for others will become unacceptable for us"

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Holy Spirit of God, remind us daily that; "Living for God's approval is better than living for man's applause." In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

"Focus on the Kingdom of God,...don't give up, and don't give in."

Pray For Those Who Missuse You

Good Morning and Happy Friday My Friend!,  As friends, we wish each other well, we do and say  what we think is best at the time. It may not be right, because we can't see the whole picture. It's for this reason, our actions can have an effect that enemies can only dream of. With friends like his, Job didn't need enemies. His three would-be comforters failed miserably in their efforts to ease his pain. Instead of bringing sympathy, they delivered accusations that only compounded his anguish.


"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message,—John 17:20 (NIV)

Job was able to emerge triumphantly from his cave of pain and confusion. A significant step toward that victory was his willingness to pray for the very friends who had criticized and accused him. God honored his prayers, and Job had the delight of seeing his friends turn to God for forgiveness (Job 42:7-10). Jesus also prayed for His friends (John 17:6-19), despite their frequent failings. With the agony of the cross approaching, Jesus prayed for Peter even though He knew Peter would deny Him within hours (Luke 22:31-34). Jesus prayed for you and me too (John 17:20-26). His work of prayer, which began before His death and resurrection, continues to this day. Although we sometimes act more like His enemies than His friends, Jesus is in the Father's presence interceding for us (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25).

Following Christ's example, we are to pray for our friends and acquaintances,...even when they hurt us.

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Holy Spirit of God, help to stay prayed up. And let us always pray for those around us,...friends and enemies alike, because those that are hardest to love, need it most. Amen.

"The things that make God most dear to us, are not the great big blessings, as much as the tiny things,...because they show His amazing intimacy with us."

It Ain't Over

Good Morning!! "We fall down, but we get back up again" There is no better way to describe a christian. Sin is a great sea that divides God from His people. We were conceived in it, walk daily in it. If you awoke this morning, before you rest your head tonight you will have sinned. The difference between Christians and all others is that, we reconnected with God through Jesus. Whom has become a bridge, that we might reach The Father. Our sins are forgiven when we ask and accept that it is done. No one will judge you more harshly than you. Learn to just (L.G.) Let Go. It's another part of that love thy self thing. Failure is only failure when you just lay there.

My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.—John 2:1 (NIV)

The Holy Spirit is constantly working in us to accomplish "His good pleasure" (Philippians 2:13), so we know that failure does not have to be final,...and we can't reclaim lost time. We can't always make things right, although we should try. Some consequences of our sins can never be reversed. But we can make a new start, because Jesus died to pay the penalty for all our sins,...and is our "Advocate with the Father" (1 John 2:1). Knowing how to benefit from failure is the key to continued growth in grace. According to 1 John 1:9, we need to confess our sins,...it's the first step in turning our failure into success.

Failure is never final,...for those who begin again, with God.

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Father we thank You, because it's never over, until You say it's over. Amen.

"The things that make God most dear to us, are not the great big blessings, as much as the tiny things,...because they show His amazing intimacy with us."

See Better, See The Better

Good Morning!! Have you ever noticed, or wondered; "why do so many Christians look at the things that happen in their lives, in such a negative way?" I guess it's really how you learn to see things. It's a matter of perception,...and we all know that how we perceive is based on what we know,...or don't know. And if that's true, then we might conclude, that these Christians don't really know whom they follow,...or much about the God they claim serve. 

"Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone?—Matthew 7:9 (NIV)

No loving father, would give a stone or a snake, to his hungry son if he asked for a piece of bread or a fish. Jesus used the absurdity of that analogy in Matthew 7 to underscore the Heavenly Father's readiness to give good things to His children when they ask Him. He wanted them to have complete confidence in the Father's provision for their spiritual needs. Sometimes however, it may seem as if the Lord has given us "stones" instead of "bread." But in His wisdom, He actually is working through our circumstances to give us something far better than what we've requested.

Know and trust this, "God loves You!",... "He only wants the very best for You.",...and "All things work for His Glory."

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Thank You, Heavenly Father because even though we might ask amiss, You always answer aright. Amen.

"The things that make God most dear to us, are not the great big blessings, as much as the tiny things,...because they show His amazing intimacy with us."

Morew Faith, Than Fear

Good Morning!! Even if it appears pointless, continue to believe and have faith. One day when Jesus was surrounded by a multitude, a distressed ruler of the synagogue named Jairus pushed his way through the crowd and fell at His feet. With great urgency he pleaded with the Lord to come to his house. His little daughter was dying, and he knew that the Lord could heal her. Jesus, who was full of compassion, immediately went with him. But on the way, a woman with a chronic disease "came behind Him in the crowd and barely touched His garment" (Mark 5:27). Recognizing her need, by a touch of faith, He stopped to heal her. Just then Jairus received the sad news that his daughter was dead. Jesus, sensing his deep disappointment, said to him, "Do not be afraid; only believe" (v.36).

"Don't worry.  Just have faith!"—Mark 5:36 (AAJE)

Sometimes in our own trials of faith, we experience disappointment and despair. It appears useless to continue to believe. We may feel the need to take things into our own hands. We wonder, What's the use of believing any longer? This is the point at which we are so often defeated,...yet this is also the time when victory is at hand. Are you discouraged today and ready to give up? Jesus would say to you, "Don't despair. I won't fail you. Only believe!" Your faith will be rewarded.

Faith expects from God, what is beyond, all expectation.

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Holy Spirit, help us to choose faith over fear, let our focus be on God and His Word. Let us not forget the promise of God; that we are not alone, nor forsaken. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

"The things that make God most dear to us, are not the great big blessings, as much as the tiny things,...because they show His amazing intimacy with us."

Get Renewed, So You Can Renew

Good Morning,...I'm hoping you have a great and blessed week! I ask myself, "if someone spent the whole day with me, how would they feel at the end of the day,...worn out or built up?" That's the kind of question I began to think about, after listening to a DVD of Clark Hutchinson, talking about relationships. He said he has noticed three kinds of relationships: draining, neutral, and replenishing. Hutchinson pointed out that Jesus experienced all three kinds of relationships. Those that exhausted His energy were perhaps the most common in our Lord's earthly experience, for He spent much of His time giving. He healed the sick, encouraged the downtrodden, and taught the masses. We know that sometimes He must have been worn out by these experiences. He often went away to pray and renew Himself (Matt. 14:23; Luke 5:16).

Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.—John 12:2,3 (NIV)

Some of His relationships were probably just casual contacts. But the replenishing ones encouraged Jesus. They were relationships with people such as Mary, Martha, and Lazarus,...whose love and presence uplifted the Him. How do we relate to our friends, acquaintances, and family members? We can add to their lives a measure of happiness by giving them a chance to talk,...encouraging them,...and suggesting life's brighter side. So now I ask you this question; Do we leave people drained or replenished?

To get the most out of a relationship,...put all you can into it.

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Father God, replenish our strength and energy,...that we may be able to refresh others.
 

"The things that make God most dear to us, are not the great big blessings, as much as the tiny things,...because they show His amazing intimacy with us."

Where Is Your Passion?

Good Morning and A Very Happy Friday!!! TGIF - Thank God I'm forgiven ! "I have no pleasure in you." This was the Lord's stinging rebuke to His people through the prophet Malachi (1:10). God was angry with their careless, shoddy methods of worship. The animals they brought for sacrifice were not acceptable to Him because they were not the best of the herds and flocks. Instead, they offered stolen, lame, and sick animals (v.13). 

"When you bring injured, lame or diseased animals and offer them as sacrifices, should I accept them from your hands?" says the Lord.—Malachi 1:13 (NIV)

While we may not be showing this degree of contempt toward God, sometimes we are too casual in our worship. A friend of mine made this observation about herself: "When I shop for simple things like soap or butter, I hardly think about it. But when I'm looking for a blouse to match a skirt, I shop very carefully. I go from store to store until I find exactly what I'm looking for." Then she added thoughtfully, "I should pay that same attention when I am worshiping God. But sometimes I approach Him as casually as if I were shopping for a box of Kleenex." During worship services in our churches, we may fail to give God our full attention. We rush in late. Our thoughts wander. We need to discipline our minds so that we are not focusing on yesterday's cares or tomorrow's responsibilities. When we worship the Lord with all our heart, He will be pleased with us.

At the heart of true worship,...is worship from the heart.

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"What can kills your passion (for the Lord)?

Think about it in the context of marriage,...lack of interest, indifference,
and being too busy to take time to be together destroys passion,...distraction is a passion killer."

(Extravagant Worship, Darlene Zschech, p. 177)

"Before we lose patience with others, we need to stop, and think how patient God has been with us."

Hang On, and Hold On

Good Morning!! We've all seen load-limit signs on highways, bridges, and elevators. Knowing that too much strain can cause severe damage or complete collapse, engineers determine the exact amount of stress that various materials can safely endure. Posted warnings tell us not to exceed the maximum load. We also have our load limits, which vary from person to person. Some people, for example, can bear the pressure of trial and temptation better than others; yet everyone has a breaking point and can take only so much.

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.—1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)

At times, circumstances and people seem to be pushing us beyond what we can bear. But God knows our limitations and never allows any difficulties to enter our lives that exceed our strength and ability to endure. The wight He allows is to make us stronger, not to break us. This is especially true when we're enticed by sin. According to 1 Corinthians 10:13, "God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able." So when trials and temptations press down on you, take courage. Remember, your heavenly Father knows the limits of your ability to stand up under life's pressures. Draw on His strength; no temptation will ever be greater than that!

If we yield to God,...we won't have to give in to sin.

It was no accident that Joseph spent years as a slave, then a prisoner in jail,...before he was ready to be exalted to a prominent position and be used by God.
Storms have a way of teaching us what nothing else can.

"Before we lose patience with others, we need to stop, and think how patient God has been with us."

Favor

Good Morning!! I know a few women who have testified, "I was diagnosed as having inoperable cancer, but I trusted God to heal me and He did." Yet there were so many others in the same situation and with just as much faith have fervently prayed,...and yet,...they died. I'm nearly sixty now, I still feel strong, I'm moderately active, and in reasonably good health. But I know of other Christians, my age and younger, who are coping with so many severe physical problems, or have simply died. Does God heal only those with a strong faith?...Is good health a sign that God loves one person, more than another who isn't well?

Lord, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps.—Jeremiah 10:23 (NIV)

Hebrews 11 answers these questions with a resounding "No!" It tells of devout believers who were persecuted. Some were miraculously delivered, while others were imprisoned, tortured, and slain. But all of them are cited equally for their faith. The issue then and now is not God's love or the strength of one's faith but God's sovereignty and wisdom. Some of my Christian friends believe they know God better than if they had been healed. They testify of having grace for each day, and they anticipates the day when they will be given their resurrection body. God's ways are different. Accepting this is the first step to a stronger faith in Him.

God tries our faith,...so that we may try His faithfulness.

Father in Heaven, we thank you for the season of favor that we enjoy, and any and all success that goes with it. Don't let us forget that it is UN-earned, Don't let us be like the friends of Job, thinking; it's a matter of our righteousness, and someone else's sinfulness. In Jesus' name, Amen.

"Before we lose patience with others, we need to stop, and think how patient God has been with us."

Life After Death

Good Morning My Friends,..Just Hold On! Before Jesus left this earth, He promised to prepare a special place for those who love Him (John 14:2-3). Years later He spoke to His disciple John in a vision, giving him as much detail as man's finite mind could grasp. Since then, God's people have pondered with eager anticipation "a new heaven and a new earth," where there will be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying, nor pain (Rev. 21:1,4).

He who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new."—Revelation 21:5 (NIV)

When we are released from sin's curse, we will serve God without weariness (22:3-4). We will see Jesus and be like Him (1 John 3:2). Thinking about these joys moved the renowned English physician Thomas Browne (1605-1682) to write, "When we begin to talk about life after death, we're like two infants in a womb discussing the nature of their future life. The difference between our present knowledge and an understanding of what it will be like to share God's glory is no less great than what exists between unborn babes and a man at his peak. . . . As Christians, we know it is indescribable and thus we can rejoice, but it will be even greater than our wildest imagination." In life's darkest or most joyous moments, let's never forget that the best is yet to be.

 

The greatest joy on earth is the prospect of heaven.

Father God, we thank You for the gift of Your Son,...and the perfect example that He provides. Jesus is the way, and the light. Amen.

 

"Before we lose patience with others, we need to stop, and think how patient God has been with us."