Encouraging Devotionals

Depression

2011-12-07T19:15:00.001-07:00

Depression. Many have it. Many live their lives with it. Depression deadens our emotions, clouds our thoughts, and saddens the brightness of life. I've endured depression for as long as I can remember. At first, it cursed me. It rose it's ugly cloud and grayed all the color of life. It overcast my thoughts, removed me from friends, from laughter, from solace, and left me lonely, sunken, and tearful.

Yet, in the darkness of my mind the light of Christ burst forth. I returned to His Word and I returned to prayer. I cast off the stigma that depression is a weakness and learned that in reality it is a blessing, a comfort, and a peace. For depression turns my heart to God and I thank God for it. It emboldened my heart to speak forth in weakness that brokenness is better, sorrow is sweeter, and joy is magnified in the midst of gloomy sadness.

I learned that sadness is an emotion; that happiness is fleeting, and that the "joy of the Lord is my strength" (Neh 8:10). I am blessed so highly blessed to have

the rigors of depression coursing through the segments of my mind!

For my God binds up my wound as he heals my heart (Psa. 147:3). My care is upon Him for I trust not these murky shadows of darkened thought.

I fight, I struggle, I'm broken, I'm tormented by fear, by anxiety, by nervousness, by tragic thought, gloomy nights, and overcast mornings. Tears come often, tears come quick and each one bleeds and heals. Oh! The goodness and greatness of God to give me this... so great a gift!

For while others trust in happiness I do not. While others seek the removal of sadness I seek it's peace. While others run from the scourge of correction, I live, yes, I magnify it's fire for I know and I'm convinced with every tear that all things work together for my good (Rom. 8:28). I am killed all the day-long (Psa. 44:22) by depression, by thoughts of weakness, by feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, by irritability, by bouts of anger, and by restlessness.

My heart turns to God who created and fashioned me this way. He will not fail me, he will not turn away, he will not wonder or snicker or avoid. Weeping may last through this night of my life but joy comes in the morning (Psa. 30:5). I seek, I long for, and I hope until the day star rises in my heart and I see Him face to face (2 Pet. 1:19; 1 Cor. 13:12).

A prayer: "Thank you for depression, for sadness, for black and gloomy days. Thank you for these errant emotions that turn my heart to thee. Oh, give me words, give me insight to comfort those with this same blessed affliction. Those who live in the valley, in caves, and darkened places. Those on the edge, those broken and crushed beneath the weighted torment of their own ugly thinking. Gift them your joy that is more than an emotion, more than a thought, but is like a silver lining the frame of a too dark picture. Thank you, for we, we blessed, are wonderfully created with the extra care you've enriched us with--that of depression.

The Armor of God

2011-12-06T18:02:00.001-07:00

"Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Ephesians 6:13-17)

The days are evil are they not? You can't turn on the television without filth seemingly pouring forth. You can't examine your own heart under the radiant glare of God's Word and not see the lines of attraction for such filth. We find then evil within us and evil without (Psa. 26:2; Jer. 17:9; Mark 7:21-23; Rom. 12:9).

We must then need to "put on" or "take up" the armor of God. To do so will require humility... for in doing so we are acknowledging our need, our lack, and our weakness. Have we yet arrived to a place within our heart that understands our frailty? (Psa. 39:4, 40:17)

"Put on [then] the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts". For "the night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light" (Rom 13:12-14).

Clothe your nakedness, "act like men", stand for righteousness, and shine as lights in these evil days (1 Cor. 16:13; Rev. 3:18).

We don't need a new revelation, a new doctrine, or more tickling of ears... we need to return to the principles of the Gospel of Christ. How can we know the truth unless we've studied? How can righteousness strike forth from our hearts unless we cease from evil and turn to the Gospel of Righteousness? How can we proclaim, relate, and preach the Good News unless it first is shining forth from our lives?

We struggle against spiritual wickedness

2011-12-02T18:58:00.001-07:00

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers,against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 6:12)

Today, there's a lot of wrestling going on. Some are warring against the political machine in marches, sit-ins, or unfruitful speech. Some are fighting against an ideology, a tradition, or a rule. Others contend with their employers, the slight of another, or within their marriage. Folks are fighting and backbiting against each other all over the place... and the Bible calls that darkness (1 John 2:9).

Christians are not immune. Believers get tangled in the emotional-detours of our day. They get caught up in fighting for a cause, for a name, or they over-extend themselves in their church work. They so want to help others that they cannot say no and by doing so they soon burn themselves out-another victim of the enemies schemes. Others sit and do practically nothing, they either don't care, haven't been taught or are so logged down with depression, fear or guilt that they have not the strength to rise and serve.

Christians, not those in name but those in practice... also have a struggle to contend with... a spiritual battle. Believers in Jesus are born again into a spiritual Kingdom, the Kingdom of God (Matthew 5). Their names are written in the Lamb's book of Life (Rev. 13:8) and they are enlisted as a soldier in the army of Christ. They fight not with weapons of iron, or sharpened tongues, but through trusting and obeying in the Captain of their Salvation, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Their Captain whispers, 'trust my Word, Live by my Word, and let my words course through the veins of your heart, soul, and mind.' And, 'do you want to hear me, turn to my Word'; 'do you have problems or need peace or rest, then trust in me, return to me, and turn to my Word... open your heart for I am near.'

For by standing in word and deed you stand for Christ and you oppose the evil one, Satan. By following Acts 17:11 and through studying, questioning, and 'contending for the faith that was once delivered' then we stand against his devices. He loves it when we are idle... when we except the status-quo,when the Gospel of self-denial, sacrifice, and "take up your cross andfollow me" is replaced with a lackadaisical message that promotes little of the Fear of the Lord, repentance, or fruit.

So put on the whole armor of God. Live through prayerfulness, watch continually through the lens of God's Word, and practice in your life what the Holy Spirit prompts you to follow in His Word. And when you fail, falter, miss-the-mark, and sin then return to 1 John 1:9--cleanse your robe, wipe that spot from your garment through the blood of Jesus Christ and then study, take counsel, and seek-out how to work-through, overcome, and beat that stumbling-block through faith, grace, mercy, and God's Word. When we take that dead, rotting, beam of wood out of our eye... then we can know how to help those who are suffering; so many... need us to step-up!

Strength of His might

2011-11-30T19:04:00.000-07:00

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil." (Ephesians 6:10-11) What does it mean to be "strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might"? It comes down to one word... trust. Jesus is asking, 'will you trust me; will you trust and love me enough to do what I ask'? Trust depends on faith to "believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek him" (Heb. 11:6). Christ is asking those who seek Him to trust Him through the action of obedience. As Jesus said, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments" (John 14:15). He says then, "Put on the full armor of God." Why armor? Soldiers, the police, and SWAT teams need armor to protect them... does the believer in Jesus need protection? Are we under attack... are we at war? I hear often that the Gospel is love, peace, kindness, and gentleness... hardly anyone speaks of warfare... Why is that? Our Heavenly Father provides the armor but we are instructed to 'put it on'. That means, yes, the Christian actually has 'to do something'? God wants us armored-up because each day and at every moment we are at war; we are in a spiritual battle. The enemy of heaven and of our souls, the devil, continually seeks "to devour" us, to destroy us (1 Peter 5:8). What then is this armor?

Heavenly things or earthly things

2011-11-29T19:07:00.000-07:00

"Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God." (Col 3:1-3) There are things that are heavenly and things earthly. There is right thinking and wrong thinking; right living and wrong living. If our conscience is not "seared with a hot iron" (1 Tim. 4:2) then we can discern between the two and choose... yes choose, the way of righteousness (Prov. 12:28). The way of Christ then requires effort on our part; in fact a great deal of effort on our part. Living for Christ demands faith to keep looking up when circumstances or people all around you are looking down on you... looking up... looking to Jesus Christ. It means turning from base thoughts to thinking on those things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and good (Phil. 4:8). It means turning from self to Christ and repenting when you've missed the mark and doing so over and over and over again until pride is crushed and self-will is in shambles and in your weakness--the character of Christ is formed. Should not the Christian be like Christ? Have we died to self and our life hidden with Christ in God? If so, then why do we care so about the world? Why are Christians angry so at the leadership that God instituted? Does not God raise up one and bring down another? Is not the king's heart in the hand of the Lord-can't He turn His decisions however He chooses? (Prov. 21:1) And what of the Kingdom of God? While the world rules your thoughts and anger your emotions what of those suffering for the sake of Christ? Do we remember them in our prayers? Can we pray in sweetness for their sake while cursing the king... I think not (James 3:11). And what of our brother who suffers need? Do we say, "Go in peace, be warmed and be filled"? Are we not our brothers keeper? Or, will we hoard our treasures up for ourselves as we see even more precarious days approaching or will we meet a need? "Will we set our mind on the things above" or things on the earth?

Give thanks to the Lord

2011-11-28T19:10:00.000-07:00

"Oh give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples." 1 Chron 16:8

There is, it seems, a great deal of ungratefulness in our lives. We are numb when it comes to giving thanks; true, heart-felt thanks to the Lord. This hardness of heart is seen in our daily lives and the priorities that we have. Who is it that wakes up and gives the Lord thanks? Who is it that rises and turns to His Word for help, guidance, protection, and the giving of thanks?

We have forgotten the Lord and so we have failed to give thanks to Him for His goodness, mercy, and grace. We focus, instead, on the evil overtaking the land. We blame our leaders, we blame greed, we worry, we fret, and our hearts turn bitter. We wonder at the iniquity taking place all around us and see not the sin in our own hearts and lives. We ask God, why, why, when trouble strikes or when pain inflicts us never realizing, never turning our hearts to the Lord, and seeing that our troubles show the mercy of the Lord. God's momentary chastisement seeks to return our hearts back to Him so that we live for Him and not ourselves.

Because our hearts are darkened we cannot nor will not proclaim His deeds and

His name. Those unbelievers around us watch us and watch our ineffectiveness,

our uncaring, and our dishearten walk with God. They see a people laden in

sadness and iniquity, with selfishness, greed, anger, and they reject the Lord of mercy and grace because they reject us... as we represent Him.

A prayer - Lord, may our hearts turn to you and may we love you with all our heart, soul, and mind. Forgive our iniquities and wash us clean through the

blood of Jesus. Turn our hearts to you and return to us the joy of your salvation. Return, so that we may give thanks and bless your name and proclaim you good deeds and righteous name to a dark and dying world.

Why God Loves You

2011-10-07T20:02:00.000-07:00

“The LORD did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any of the peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples, but because the LORD loved you and kept the oath which He swore to your forefathers, the LORD brought you out by a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.” Deuteronomy 7:7-8

I am glad that God has his own mind and own reasons for loving his people. For certainly as Israel had nothing special to offer… except willful stubbornness and unbelief so his people today (be they Jew or Gentile) are not special in our attributes. One attribute with Israel of old we do share… willful stubbornness and great unbelief and yet God chose to love us and continues to do so. How truly great, good, and merciful is our loving Heavenly Father!

No, we can’t brag. We are not gloriously righteous or good. Inside our hearts still beats a fleshly ‘old man’ who returns us to our anger, our pride, our selfishness, and our idolatrous stubbornness and unbelief. Let’s admit it… that is who we are.

Let’s stop playing the game of king of the mountain as far as morality, righteousness, and judging of others… rather, may God give us a heart to know who and what and why we are and serve, love, and show grace and mercy to others. Yep, we are rotten and still so strangely enough… we are a part of God’s people.

God loves you not because you gave, not because you forgave, and not because you are some kind of super spiritual person that the angels greatly admire. No, God loves you because he wants to and he will unconditionally love you even when you are a stinker or think of yourself as holier-than-thou…

“For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, so that no man may boast before God. But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, “LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD.” (1 Corinthians 1:26-31).

Give us this day our daily bread

2011-07-28T19:58:00.000-07:00

“Give us this day our daily bread” Matthew 6:11

God’s provided His bread… His Word, but we must receive it. The Words of life and strength will not magically be retained in our minds. There is some work we must do. Just as we sit at a table with an empty plate-the plate will stay empty unless we do something. We politely ask for this or that to be passed our way and the request is granted and we take a portion for ourselves. Not once have I been denied once I’ve asked… but still I must ask. I still must ask the Lord to, “give me this day the daily bread I need”.

Sometimes, it seems Christians see themselves as the Roman wealthy of old… they lay around on soft cushions with their mouths open awaiting someone to pluck and drop grapes into their mouths…

The God of the Bible declares, “Seek my face” (Psalm 27:8) and “seek his face continually” (Psalm 105:4) and “blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness” (Matthew 5:6). The Bible is filled with verses that spurs us to actively search the scriptures (Proverbs 25:2; John 5:39; 1 Peter 1:10) instead of passively existing.

How is your walk with the Lord? Actively seeking, thirsting, and engaged or listless, weak, and sickly? Ask the Lord to give you his daily bread and the open His Word and grow strong… in Him!

Fear the Lord

2011-03-07T20:06:00.000-07:00

Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, That glory may dwell in our land. Psalm 85:9

The Lord is good. The Lord is good may we always say. From times of old we read that he cared for and protected those who called on His name while he destroyed those who turned to idols.

In all that our Lord does he is righteous and just. His judgments are fair and true for you, for me, and for generations past. For God to be God he reigns and ultimately He decides. Are we not merely instruments? Are we not the dust that He, through great love and mercy, breathed into and gave life?

Therefore our Lord is to be honored, respected, praised, gloried, and His name raised high. It is His goodness that leads us to repentance and his mercy that covers our sins.

Will glory dwell in our land? Ultimately, the answer belongs to the Lord. He decides. No manner of repentance, or good doing, or fasting, or long and empty prayers can change our nation's fate. For our fate is in God. He alone decides. He alone recalls all the iniquities of the past; all the idolatry, all the innocent blood shed, all the wrongs done against His people, Israel. For such, God is ever mindful.

Repentance is needed. National repentance is required yet the heart for this I've not heard of. Complacency is the order of our day. Apathy and self indulgence lives and breaths and directs our steps. No, we are not a righteous nation. Iniquity is found and no one hears the approaching firestorm. No tears of repentance are found only a numbness; a faint realization, and your children's heart who look and trust in you.

Father, may our hearts turn to help the orphans, the widows, and the needy in these days of trial. May we encourage one another through the goodness of your Word as we see your day coming. May you watch over and give care to all who call upon your Holy name!

The Reason for Christmas

2010-12-25T19:26:00.000-07:00

“And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” Matthew 1:21

The Message of Christmas has for centuries been told and salvation ever been linked to the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Good News of Christmas, the hope, the giving, the care, and great love started not with Santa but actually… with Almighty God himself!

I know, when I mention ‘Almighty God’ people fear… folks shrink back… the reason is He is absolutely Holy, and Righteous! Yet, on the first Christmas it was “God who so loved the world that he gave” (John 3:16). God did not give condemnation, He did not pour out wrath, He did not give more law of do this and don’t do that… What did God give? God gave his Son, Jesus for the sake of the world… the greatest gift ever!

You see, because of Almighty God’s pure holiness and mankind’s sheer sinfulness there was this huge gulf between the two. God, in his heart wanted a loving, caring and complete relationship with mankind. Because of God’s very pure nature it was impossible for Him to show himself personally to mankind and mankind, well, let’s admit it we, on our own, are sinful.

Jesus, the babe in a manager mentioned on occasions this Christmas grew to be a man and taught a loving Good News that He was sent from his Heavenly Father so that others could believe in Him and therefore have a relationship with Almighty God.

There’s something about the sinful nature of mankind that can’t stand the light of righteousness and because of this the world crucified the loving, gentle, giving Son, Jesus. Yet, Jesus was not just a man, He was also the Son of God and on the third day he rose from the grave. This event we now call Easter.

Now, some 2,000 years + we celebrate a variety of Christmas’s. Some celebrate Santa. Some celebrate the winter holiday. But as for me and my house we celebrate the giving that God gave us… Christ, his Son, Christ the King on a throne in heaven and on the hearts of those who believe in Him!

Who is on the throne of your heart? Yourself or Christ this Christmas?

May you and yours know the peace and joy of Christmas!

Reaching for the Rack

2010-12-17T19:29:00.000-07:00

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16

I love mercy, don’t you? I also like playing pool and I’m not too bad a player, sometimes. On some days I don’t play all that well. I forget the basics like form, tempo, and strategy. And so I miss shots that ‘typically’ I make. I fall behind in the game and before I know it, I’m pulling out the rack. As my friend John sometimes jokingly remarks when this occurs, “loser” as he plasters a finger-‘L’ to his forehead in my direction…

And yes, sometimes in the serious game of life I feel like a loser, ever felt that way? Just like the game of pool sometimes we shoot straight and true and sometimes we don’t. And sometimes, we miss the mark. When we miss the mark in life, the Bible calls this sin. Thankfully, because of the atonement through Jesus Christ we can start over, start new, and be given a new rack.

But, to receive we have to admit something, admit something painfully obvious… we have to admit that in this life that we are losers… that is, we are sinners and that in our own strength we miss the mark of what God intended for our lives in the first place. For some, all this may be new knowledge and you may first want to sit on the sidelines, again…, and watch… but consider how you’ve played the game of life so far… you’ve played alone, haven’t you?

Ever consider that maybe, just maybe you need a coach, a teacher, a friend who’s love abides deep within your heart and soul? His name is Jesus Christ. He’s not a religion, he’s the humble servant who died to take your sin away and rose again for you and for me so that we can truly live... live through him.

If you are a believer in Christ then you know what to do. His Spirit within you prompts you, guides you. We know when we’ve made a mess and so we humble ourselves and reach for the rack of mercy-we go to the throne and there find mercy and grace and full acceptance, because Christ cleansed forever our missed marks on the cross of Calvary.

So today, if you ‘scratch’, miss-cue, or if your opponent sin gets the better of you, accept the situation, acknowledge your faults, and reach for mercy, reach for Christ and find the grace you need to start your life, your day, or your moment by moment with a loving Savior, a new.

Fear Not

2010-12-04T19:33:00.000-07:00

“Fear not: for I am with you: be not dismayed: for I am your God: I will strengthen you: yes, I will help you: yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness” Isa. 41:10

You know… these are great words. I don’t know about you but in simply reading them I feel strengthened and more encouraged. The God of the universe is so interested in you and me that from His throne He would promise – ‘hey, don’t worry about it, I’ve got your back’.

First, this lets me know that God understands you and I. He knows that we fear. And yes, we fear-reflect for a moment…………what do you fear? Then hear God thunder, “Fear Not!” Wow, what do you think of whatever you were afraid of? (For, I said in past tense ‘were’ ) – the very Word of God drives that fear away-doesn’t it?

But God doesn’t leave a void. He Christ says “for I am with you.” He takes away… to give back. Then God says, “be not dismayed for I am your God.” God is saying, don’t be down, don’t be discouraged. Why? “For I am your God.” I take that as saying, you belong to me and I belong to you and also, that God’s in absolute control. That helps because sometimes-work-and-this-world-and-people-sometimes-are-just-crazy. And all of this affects you and me until it feels like everything is out of control and we just want to shout, ‘hey, who’s in charge here’? God is saying, He is.

Next, God promises that he will give you strength; He will help you, and he will uphold you. Notice that God doesn’t take you out of the situation but he promises… God gives His word… that he will give you strength enough, help enough, and hold your head over the surging craziness high enough, so that you can endure, persevere, and help you meet the challenge before you-through Him.

So, “Fear Not” for fear kills our hearts, our joy, and our ability to trust… and in the crazy world that we live in it is the utmost comfort to trust in God and know, he’s got your back!

Next Room

2010-12-03T19:44:00.000-07:00

“But whoever listens to me shall dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil” Prov. 1:33

We are given opportunities everyday to hear. Often, we hear, so often, that we take listening for granted. We’ve grown accustomed to the words and noise of this world, in our life, and the whispers within our own heart. They are like the ticking clock in the next room. We know its there, we know its sound but we really don’t listen to it. I wonder-has the voice of God’s Spirit been relegated to the next room in our hearts?

What happened that His Word no longer satisfies our hearts? What changed? What went wrong that in the next room sits our Bibles while we watch this… do that… attend to this… are occupied with… All with no thought, little regard that the very words of Life, encouragement, instruction, chastisement, and peace that our soul so craves is in the next room, the next decision.

Where’s that fluid joy that washed over our hearts, melted away our pride, and prompted Bible studies into the long hours of the night? Where’s the giving, sharing, and love that marked us as like Christ – as Christians? Recall how safe you felt, how secure, how peaceful and calm you felt, you knew when you first came to Christ. The world and its problems could drift by but you were at peace as you listened, conversed, and read about or to your dearest friend, Jesus. You read in your study, in your car, on the steps of your home, your school, or with your back against a tree. Life was joyous and you could not wait to extend the joy given to you to others.

Something changed. We changed. Our hearts changed for Christ. With work we can remember our First Love. With diligence we can hear clearly the voice calling from the next room. For heaven is not that far away. It’s only a door and a room away. Jesus is that door and he’s only a prayer, a turn of a page, a whisper (if we listen) away.

Faith

2010-11-29T19:39:00.000-07:00

“Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God” Romans 10:17

Do you hear? Has God’s Word illuminated your heart and mind to hear? For, if not, what do you hear?

It is the Word of God, the thoughts of God in print—His ink on a page that gives us what is unseen, faith. And yet faith is seen clearly-by works of righteousness such as kindness, mercy, forgiveness, gentleness, self-sacrifice, charity, and faithfulness. By Words God changes the heart and once the heart is changed so we change our surroundings. We cannot help but influence others towards righteousness-not self-righteousness-but right_doing-the two are a world apart.

Do you need more faith? Well, you need more hearing from God! He speaks, you know… your day is filled with his utterances-but do you hear? He speaks with all he’s provided: your health, your clothing, that ride to work, the work itself, the giving of others, the sharing, the smile, the sunset.

Listen, do you hear? God’s whispering your name, call you to turn from yourself to him. It’s not hard you know-just a few steps, a swivel from wrong to right, from selfishness to righteous, from to self to him. If you do that-if you by faith believe in him then his Word will come. Or if Christ is too abstract then can you believe his word? For, if you can then faith will come and through faith you will know Christ and know that you are his and he is your and you will with your heart see the Lamb that was slain, the Son of God sitting on his throne, listening to you.

The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid

2010-11-19T19:46:00.001-07:00

Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, "I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU," so that we confidently say, "THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I WILL NOT BE AFRAID. WHAT WILL MAN DO TO ME?" (Hebrews 13:5-6)

The way that we walk and talk in this life speaks volumes. For everyday and in the byways of work or shopping or recreation—people who are hurting desperately are watching our lives. You may be the only Jesus some folks will ever see (2 Cor. 5:15).

To some we are a breath of fresh air as we encourage, as we give, and as we take the time to listen and to care (Heb. 12:12).

To some we are a mystery. We are fools for Christ (1 Cor. 4:10). Awards mean nothing to us—self adulation does not become us for we seek, (in their minds a hard road of life), when actually we seek after Christ, that He might be our all in all (1 Cor. 10:24). We stand aside and applaud when others are promoted or praised for we seek a future promotion and the words of the Lamb (Matt. 25:23).

And to others we are their enemies. We are in their minds, the greatest of hypocrites, the ‘do gooders’, fake, spineless and mindless followers who say one thing… and then live another way. On one account, what they say is truth for there are those who bear the name of Christ with dishonor (Jude :4) They pervert the cause of Christ through this living-lies, their deceit, and their darkened and hardened hearts (Jude :11-13; Titus 1:12, 16).

Their fruit is sweet and all so rotten (Matt. 7:16)! They claim to await the Lord’s coming and this they do-not moving, not doing, and not hearing the cry of the week, the needy, the discouraged—the captives, the broken of this world. They wait and sit and appear righteous but their hearts are hardened and prepared for everlasting dishonor (Amos 6:12; Matt. 7:19; Matt. 16:3; Matt. 23:13; 2 Pet. 3:4; Psa. 37:14; Rom. 16:18).

Yet, not you who fear the Lord; who love His Word and who follow righteousness. If you are spotted by sin, repent, and the Father of forgiveness will clean, will restore, and will strengthen through boundless mercy and grace of favor (Jude :23). If weak, know this, the God of all creation is calling you, urging you to His Word, to fellowship, to talks with him (Psa. 6:2; Psa. 102:23). Jesus knows the way of despair! He understands the broken heart! He knows the doubts, the fears, the silent tear, the grieving soul, and the lonely heart. Know this also that the grave could not hold him and that His victory is ours—the battle is won and you are the beloved of the Lord.

In the comfort that Christ has extended to you – do likewise. Seek and find the depressed and listen, care, cry and pray for them. Be a friend to the unfriendly – influence others by simply being yourself. Don’t hind your faults but unmask the humanity that is yours while giving and showing Christ’s glory in the what and when and why He is working in your life, for He is! Christ is not finished with you yet (Isa. 53:3-4; Psa. 18:4-5; Psa. 116:3; Heb. 2:4; Heb. 5:7).

Christ has not forsaken you. Hit the delete button and kill such a thought (Phil.4:8). Can your failure prevent the glory of Christ? (Rom. 8:38) It is not your righteousness that is important, you have no righteousness, none, zip (Isa. 64:6). You are counted as righteous through Christ’s sacrifice that deemed you so (Rom. 4:5; Rom. 9:8). His glory is imputed towards you – go and shine his glory and do good works that others may see Christ and glorify Him, in you!(Matt. 5:16)

Be not afraid of the words, the silent insults, the disapproving stares. Smile and thank Christ, your Captain, that his light in you has created such attention and with such attention do good and not evil. Pray and seek and follow that loving spirit of grace… (1 Pet. 3:14).

Hold your tongue and bite it hard if need be (James 1:19,26). Put away dirty talking, criticize not, bless and curse not. Let the words from your mouth be kindness, filled with mercy, and healing. If these cannot be found then it is best and wise to be silent. A resting oar splashes not yourself or others… “Be wise as serpents and harmless as doves” (Matt. 10:16; Psa. 15:3; Psa. 34:13; Psa. 37:30; Prov. 15:4; Prov. 21:23).

In boldness proclaim the glory of Christ through what you do… no one should work as hard or as diligent as you (Rom. 12:11; Eph 6:6). Christ gave us employment—demonstrate Christ by serving faithfully, cheerfully, honorably. Honor those who are over you and pray for them. Live quietly, humbly, and ever tearful towards the captives of this world while ever rejoicing for the abounding joy in Christ—who is your strength! (Psa. 18:2)

No other name under heaven

2010-11-13T19:51:00.000-07:00

“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

There’s a lot of names out there to worship. There’s Buddha, Allah, the gods of Hindu, the gods of Sikhism, ect, and so on. There’s movie stars, sports hero’s, and then there’s that name that looks back at you and me in the mirror.

Yet the Bible is exclusive and it points from Genesis to Revelation to one name, Jesus Christ. It’s a name that I don’t hear too often unless its tied to some curse word and even then the air is filled with a hint of conviction – a hint by the user that they really crossed the line, for they have.

We’ve all crossed the line at some point in our lives. Maybe not a curse word with the name of Jesus included but we are all sinners of some sort. Some sinners are called saints in the Bible by the simple and lifelong belief in one name, Jesus Christ. It’s not any goodness or favoritism, or special trait that makes a saint either. A person can be called a saint and not go to heaven.

Just as we can call our favorite movie or actor or athlete the best ever – saying that it is so doesn’t make it so. The only person who makes saints in Jesus.

Personally, I don’t use the saint name very often-I go by believer. The name saint to some is someone to be worshipped or prayed to. That simply is not Biblical. To others, a saint is a goodie-too-shoes and I’m certainly not that. No, I’m a believer and I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Lord of all creation, the mighty God, and the King of all Kings.

It is Jesus who raises me up when I’m depressed, lonely, broken, and crushed. It is Christ who brings me down a notch when I’m arrogant, prideful, boastful or simply too full of myself.

I believe in the name of Jesus because I believe in the character behind the name. I believe in a Savior who is good, kind, merciful, full of peace, and gentleness. I believe in a Savior who rebukes, who chastens, who scolds, and who holds the ultimate in excellence before me in himself and challenges me to grow and become more like him, more like his character, and less of my own.

The Cross

2010-11-05T19:53:00.000-07:00

"He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not also freely give us all things? Romas 8:32

How long has it been since you looked at the cross - thought about it, really reflected on God giving up His Son to the cross - for us, for you? Consider that thought in your busy and hectic day. Consider the sacrifice to save you from your sins and to justify you before Almighty God.

The reality is you are considered righteous through the blood of Jesus Christ, if, you believe in Him. This 'believing in Him' is not a one time deal but an everyday yearning, longing, hoping, trusting, and transforming Way. If you are 'in the Way' - in Christ - then ask what you will and His promises state He will grant it.

For, if you are 'in the Way' then your will is not your own, your thoughts are not your own and your heart is in tune with your Heavenly Father. When our hearts mirror that of Christ will He not give us all things freely?

Would you give a spoiled-rotten child anything or everything that child asks for? I hope not!

And so, it's not what we ask but the heart behind the asking. It is the transformation of your heart that is the basis for the Cross.

'Heavenly Father, its too often that I need reminding of the Cross of Christ, the grace of His great covenent with me and to know that you care so greatly. Thank you for loving me and for giving of yourself so freely to set me free in you!'

Do all to the glory of Christ

2010-10-31T19:55:00.000-07:00

"So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." 1 Cor. 10:31

For me this passage is convicting. This scripture speaks of no ordinary walk with Jesus. For, to obey this advice of the Apostle Paul I or we would need to walk closely, completely, and consciously 'in Him'. Paul is indicating a walk that is unnatural, sacrificial, and pure in all aspects of a persons thoughts, motives, and consciousness; a person aware continuously of the presence of God in their lives.

As I honestly reflect on myself... I've not located such pure dedication, trust, and obedience within myself. I'm yet at war. The struggle between my flesh and God's Spirit within me in continual and so are the numerous setbacks and seemingly minor victories...

Paul's focus here is not on self but an abiding--living--flowing--doing... "to the glory of God." This question is then raised behind Paul's writing here. Do I or we do everything to the glory of God?

I cannot speak for you but for me this question causes my very soul to tremble. My heart is unsettled and rising within me is a quivering burst of veiled recognition of His great and wondrous glory and my great and awful sinfulness For if I answer the question honestly then it is revealed who it is that reigns over the throne of my heart.

And with that reflective and awakened heart, it must cry out, "O God!" "O God, I'm so sorry, please forgive me!"

The very glory and wonder and majesty of Christ our King causes our hearts to surge toward Him; towards clearing of ourselves, towards faith, and towards righteousness.

Christ's call is not religious, it is relational, our simple love and trust in Him alone.

'Father, may you be gloried in all I do today'

Peace I leave with you

2010-10-31T19:31:00.000-07:00

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27

There are, at present, any number of things to trouble us. Elections are always troubling through the sheer evil the side's stir up through speeches, commercials, and back-room deals.

The economy is down-turned with no forecast of immediate improvement. There are foreclosures, bank failures, joblessness, debt, and welfare needs all about us. Economic needs abound; they are close to home and at many of our doorsteps.

As an American society, our moral compass is attracted to filth and debauchery. Innocence and purity are mocked--lewdness and callousness are promoted and our children grow up with a perverted understanding of right and wrong or with very little consciousness at all.

Seemingly, on every hand, at every door, and in most hearts is a growing and nagging fear that sheer doom is lurking in our futures calendar. The world is right to fear!

Yet, this promise of peace is granted to those 'in Christ'. A peace that alters not the distresses of this world nor makes wrongs--right or enrich our pocketbook or prevail our hearts with ecstatic or empirical emotional states. A promise of peace that does not erase the scars of broken relationships or gloss over our memories of failure and our shattered dreams.

No. The peace of Christ that he shares with us is a peace beyond even our understanding. Often, His peace doesn't make any sense to our minds. We cannot understand it for it follows not the logic or assumptions of this world and its wisdom. The hope and joy and quiet contentment found only in Jesus Christ keeps us, helps us, blesses us, and humbles us when our hearts are in torment, when fear clutches our hearts, and when our hearts break over again... once again.

The peace of Christ comes to us like a calm flowing brook; peaceful, calm, quieting. Soothing. Resting. Healing. God's Spirit of peace, that resides in his own, whispers to our frantic heart, "I am with you, be at peace". "Trust in me, look to me, and learn of me, my peace."

The peace that Christ offers is not formulated nor can it be manufactured through human means. This hidden joy does not come from a bottle or a sermon. Ministers cannot impart it; music cannot demonstrate it and words cannot describe in us "Christ in you, the hope of glory"! (Col 1:27)

'Father, may your peace rule in our hearts and minds through Christ our Lord' Col. 3:15

Peace I leave with you

2010-10-31T19:24:00.000-07:00

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27

There are, at present, any number of things to trouble us. Elections are always troubling through the sheer evil the side's stir up through speeches, commercials, and back-room deals.

Seemingly, on every hand, at every door, and in most hearts is a growing and nagging fear that sheer doom is lurking in our futures calendar. The world is right to fear!

'Father, may your peace rule in our hearts and minds through Christ our Lord' Col. 3:15

Perfect Peace

2010-09-15T05:10:00.000-07:00

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength” Isa. 26:3-4

We live in a world that is hurting-a world where peace is a memory and where trust is a byword. The strong towers of finance, security, patriotism, and invincibility are splintered, broken, and some leaning towards ruin.

Money is scarce and ever-the-more is giving. Hearts are hardened, fear seems to laugh, and the oppressed widow and orphan suffer more—ever more. They are forgotten, placed out-of-sight, and relegated to the back pages of heart and thought—yet their Mighty God knows and cares for them so deeply and He will provide for their basic needs.

Peace and security are hard to find, if it can be found... and yet so many strive so to find it. Yet, how can peace be found in such an non-peaceful environment? Who can find a cool breeze and shade in the baking-burned sand of the desert? Who can find peace in the world that they live in?

Yet, peace is a moment away. Not the peace of this world but a hidden peace, a treasured peace found in the Word, Jesus Christ. The question is... are we sick enough, tired enough, stressed enough to try or rely on the peace that comes through God's Word?

If so, then turn to the Psalms and learn from one who was hated, one who's life was hunted, one who had the javelins of harsh words thrown, and the one who hungered and shivered in cold caves—the eventual King who found peace, wisdom, and contentment through the Bible—through the counsel of God.

You've tried to find peace in so many ways. Maybe you've tried to find it through work, through relationships, through drinking, or drugs, or sex, or sports, or entertainment, or by being alone. Yet, have you find peace in these?Give true peace a chance by trusting in God enough to open his letters and read them, think on them, and trust them. For in the wisdom of Christ you will find His peace, His comfort, and the strength to face the not so peaceful world that you live in.

"What Have You Done"

2010-09-14T05:24:00.002-07:00

“all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, “what have you done” Daniel 4:35

We serve a mighty God who can and is doing as he wishes. It is God who raises up kings and rulers and it is God who brings them down (Dan. 2:21). God has a will and a plan and these will come to pass. It is we who submit to the will and plan of God and not God who submits to us. God is God and no one else.

Too often God is portrayed as some kind of butler or servant who is preoccupied with fulfilling our wishes and our whims. Some christianity is not Christianity at all as it contains a veneer or sprinkling of Christ while the rest is self fulfilling-self serving. A feel-good, non-life changing religion that advocates carnality six days of the week while going to church and playing the part-one day of the week.

This is not Christianity-this is idolatry (Romans 10:3).

True Christianity is found in repentance, in submitting, and in brokenness of our will. We are to follow Jesus, learn of his ways and become like Jesus Christ in character and good works and therefore earn the honor of being called a Christian through the grace and mercy that he's provided.

Seek First His Kingdom

2010-09-13T05:01:00.000-07:00

"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33

I wonder sometimes-what am I doing? Where is my heart? What is my motivation? I look around and see a world falling apart and apart of me is sadden and apart of me rejoices. For apart of me wants to go home-to be with Jesus and another part of me wants to see this world return to my definition of normalcy? A part of me loves my country and it distresses me to see it falter, crumble-from-within, and slowly fall...

Yet, what is my motive? Is my motive to escape the coming Tribulation that is predicted in the Bible? For, if that is my motive then where is my heart-is it not on self-is it not on now-is it not a service out of fear?

Where should my heart be set on? Jesus, gives us the answer with “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness”. But, what does that mean? Is that proclaiming the Good News of Christ and living a righteous life? That is what first comes to mind but there's more... much more. Another part is the residing glory, honor, and rule of Jesus Christ on this earth. To have a heart, an outlook, and live a life that is one hundred percent fully dedicated to the rule and reign of Jesus Christ in my life.

Does not this change my outlook-and my prayer life? Should not the focus of my prayer be “your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matt. 6:10)? Instead of some praying for deliverance from the temporary illness, setbacks, and trials that I and others presently face? Should I not pray for the Lord's will? Will illness come, yes. Will tribulation come, yes? And should these receive prayer, yes—but not the priority, not the overarching focus.

For who is my priority? What is my priority? Is it not to see my Lord and King receiving all the praise, all the glory, and all the honor? Or, do I want to hold a fraction of this for... myself?

Change From the Inside

2010-09-01T05:06:00.000-07:00

“So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.” Romans 12:1-2

As we walk our Calvary road we come to realize that our greatest danger comes from within. The red lights and flashing jewelry of this world are outward temptations but they only tantalize what is already inside of us.

What is inside of us we don’t like to talk about. We tend to encapsulate the rottenness of sinful human nature with a squeaky clean appearance, with the right Christian words, and with giving, sharing, or praying in the sight of others.

Many Christians have become no different than the culture around them. Inwardly they shelter bitterness, anger, hatred, thefts, greed, murders, lust, and idolatry; they worship self and their hearts actually contend against God. Is it no wonder that so many that we talk to scoff as they see only a religious shell and not the light of Christ shining forth?

Repentance is needed not some hyped revival. Seeking God is called for and not masking over iniquity with bigger church meetings, more polished preachers, or louder and more lavish song services. Quiet and broken soul searching and examining our lives in the light of God’s Word will return our hearts to Christ.

A speck of dust and a child’s play

2010-08-30T05:07:00.000-07:00

"Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It's easy to see a smudge on your neighbor's face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, 'Let me wash your face for you,' when your own face is distorted by contempt? It's this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor.” Matthew 7:1-5

On Wednesday evening we host a Bible study in our home attended by a group of friends. This past week one of our friends brought a three-year old they were watching. The evening was a joy and a blessing as between learning from Ezekiel and each other we all enjoyed the company and the laughter of the very bright and inquisitive thee-year old child.

Later as the weekly cleaning schedule came due I realized that near one unlit candle where the child played rested specks of sand and dirt blown in from our unfinished back yard.

It was then that I grew to appreciate the child like perspective that ignored the specks of dirt and saw only the color and enjoyment found in a sandal shaped candle…

Too often I see the speck of dust and fail to see through the eyes of joy and thankfulness the wonders surrounding me. Too often the pressures of lists, tasks, appointments, and unfinished business push out the joy of living and time for giving and caring fully. And too often that notion of perfectionism hinders me from seeing myself and others in the soft light of full reality.

Sometimes we are too busy doing to appreciate the giving and sharing of each other. We grow so busy that we fail to be truly thankful and our little light of joy diminishes.

The gift of the moment passes by, the clicking of the clock resounds ever so loudly, and the regrets of yesterday haunt our today’s. In the rush of today are we truly living? Are not the faults of others really a speck when we compare them with our own? And isn’t life more enjoyable when like a child we simply enjoy the way others are instead of critically wanting them to change?

Virus

2010-08-24T05:48:00.001-07:00

Take a good look, friends, at who you were when you got called into this life. I don't see many of "the brightest and the best" among you, not many influential, not many from high-society families. Isn't it obvious that God deliberately chose men and women that the culture over looks and exploitsand abuses, chose these "nobodies" to expose the hollow pretensions of the "somebodies"? That makes it quite clear that none of you can get by with blowing your own horn before God. Everything that we have-right thinking and right living, a clean slate and a fresh start-comes from God by way of Jesus Christ. That's why we have the saying, "If you're going to blow a horn, blow a trumpet for God." 1 Corinthians 1:26 (The Message)

For the last month or so I've had a terrible time with viruses on one ofour home computers. I asked the smarter people around me, gained their advice, and tried what they told me. I beefed up the defenses, I combed through the hard drive and deleted; I did all kinds of checks and yet still the nature of the beast seemingly prevailed. At last, I started over. I cleaned the slate and started over from scratch. Now the old laptop hums along. Yep, the bells and whistles are gone. No fancy games played on this machine, no hi-def video, not much of anything but what it does suits me just fine-it is a tool that allows me to share these encouragements with you!

You know... we were infected with a virus a long time ago. A man named Adam chose to follow his way of thinking, his natural inclinations, and his nature and he breed little Adams-you and me. As time went by the virus (sin) only got worse. Men and women tried to cover it up, tried to call it different names, or they just gave into it and eventually came to worship it. The lessons of old were forgotten or buried under the deceit of dust and time.

People lived and died, the virus directing their course. (Romans 5:14)

Another Adam came, his name was Jesus and he knew how to rid people of the virus. He told them to start over, start new, and to start with Him. (1Cor. 15:45)

Maybe you've got hard-drive (heart) problems that just won't go away. Maybe you are stuck on religion or too much of it is stuck on you... maybe your world is falling apart and there's no way you can fix it. Or maybe your faith in Christ is like a six year-old virus-filled laptop, clattery and noisy but with very little power or reliability.

For any problem, for every problem Jesus Christ is your answer.

Giants

2010-08-18T13:44:00.001-07:00

But the others said, "We can't attack those people; they're way stronger thanwe are." They spread scary rumors among the People of Israel. They said, "We scouted out the land from one end to the other—it's a land that swallows people whole. Everybody we saw was huge. Why, we even saw the Nephilim giants(the Anak giants come from the Nephilim). Alongside them we felt like grasshoppers. And they looked down on us as if we were grasshoppers."(Numbers13:31)

Sometimes our problems look pretty scary. They seem to rise up and grow bigger than we are until... they look like giants and we feel like grasshoppers. I don't know about you but I really dislike that grasshopper feeling. For it means that I'm not in control, that, I don't have a handle onthis situation, and yips... others may know.

There's something about pride that doesn't like reality. For the truth is... if we are living right with God then we will actually feel pretty small at times. We feel small, because we've given up on being something or someone we are not... news flash... we are not giants. We are common, ordinary people that a very unordinary Almighty God got a hold of and is changing.

We are a people with issues. We are a people that are a mess. We've got problems, we are problems, and yet we are forgiven. We are just the type of people that God can use... because through our weakness he demonstrates his glory, his greatness, his mercy, and his great love. So, today maybe the landscape of your life looks pretty ugly. Maybe the giants of fear, anger, selfishness, or greed is looking down at you and ready to knock your teeth in again...

remember... who you are. You are God's kid...not because you are special... but because He is and what God is doing and changing in your life makes you special... makes you royalty! So, don't let the giants get you down. Turn those problems over to God and watch as Christ the giant slayer takes them apart or out of the way and usesthem for your good... and His glory!

When Trouble Comes

2010-08-13T04:34:00.000-07:00

God, listen! Listen to my prayer, listen to the pain in my cries. Don't turn your back on me just when I need you so desperately. Pay attention! This is a cry for help! And hurry—this can't wait! (Psalm 102:1 The Message)
Sometimes pain comes. Sometimes trouble comes out of the blue, in an instant, and all without warning. We are stunned, we are overwhelmed, we are shocked and our hearts cry out to God.

Life is not easy nor are the sudden twists and turns it takes us but God is there. God is there for you when you cry out, when you call on his name, when tears are present. But we must cry out, we must call him, we must open our hearts and trust in Him.

Is God real, we might ask? I would counter, has not God proven himself faithful to you? In a time of trouble the balances are set to prove if we believe in God or not. Within us is such a struggle, a struggle of belief, a struggle between doubt and faith, all in times of trouble.

God loves us enough to allow trouble to come. We must grow, we must change and both come during struggle. Trouble is a means to capture our attention and refocus our lives not around the fleeting but to the reality of God.

God loves you and He’s for you. He’s your Heavenly Father and he cares for you deeply, when trouble comes.

A Patriots Thoughts

2010-08-12T05:12:00.001-07:00

“For they speak not peace; but they devise deceitful matters against them that are quiet in the land” Psalm 35:20

As with any Patriot of freedom I’m concerned with the direction our country is going. On every hand and seemingly at every turn there is trouble, discord, and disquiet. Deceit is everywhere, on the radio, television, magazine, and published more and more everyday. We live in times of upheaval, fear, and smothered anger.

That’s why months ago I had to disengage. I simply turned off the excessive “noise, noise, noise” to search my heart, to seek the Lord, and to gain perspective.

I learned that I have great need. Not of more information but of righteous information. I learned that progress is often returning to the basics. I learned that I need more of Jesus Christ in my life-more than the entertainment or elements of this world could ever satisfy. I learned that much of the present upheaval is a distraction from my “seeking first the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 6:33) and that such concerns are ultimately set in the plans of the Lord.

Certainly I have obligations as a citizen. Voting is part of this. Obeying the law and paying my taxes are others. A larger and more important part is my attitude-the attitude of my heart. The Bible teaches us to “exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men: for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour… that men pray every where, lifting up hold hands, without wrath and doubting” (1 Tim. 2:1-2, 8).

Today, there’s a lot of ‘wrath’ on the airways and much of it is understandable; righteous anger has its place. Yet, I’m concerned as anger can easily turn to hopelessness, despair, and to depression. Unchecked or unbridled anger is not wise (Ecc. 7:9) and does not lead to righteousness (James 1:20).

And so I’m studying to be quiet (1 Thess. 4:11), take care of the business at hand, and live as peacefully as possible. I pray, yet not nearly enough for our leaders and often without thankfulness… I have a ways to go and sometimes I’m overcome with anger but I try and learn from it, grow, and grow up in the Lord.

Looking back

2010-08-11T04:47:00.001-07:00

“…forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before. I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” Philippians 3:13-14

Sometimes we are driving forward while looking in the rearview mirror. We are making some progress but who are we running over in the process; who is our obsession with the past hurting? We are hurting those who love us dearly. We are hurting ourselves…

For the failings, the mistakes, and the pain of the past is only alive when we give it life.

We hold on because: Maybe they are more comfortable there than in the present, maybe the scar never fully healed, or maybe we’ve never forgiven others or ourselves…

The rearview mirror is not a reflection of reality… but a distortion viewed by a child of Christ whose past is washed in the blood of the Lamb, whose history is clear, and who is forgiven…

And though hard to see… our past is not a curse but a blessing. For the experiences of then have helped create the strength of today. Strength shown by compassion, by mercy, by giving, by carefulness, and by longsuffering. Strength to look back and forgive in the given grace of Christ our Lord.

Trust in God

2010-08-10T05:05:00.000-07:00

“Who among you fears the LORD? Who obeys the voice of His Servant? Who walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the LORD and rely upon his God.” Isaiah 50:10

Sometimes this walk can get very lonely. At times the path is straight and pretty mundane and at other times filled with switch backs and something kin to excitement or terror. Sometimes, it takes all of our trust just to put one foot in front of another. And at other times God wants us simply to be still and wait on Him, to trust in Him, to lean on Him.

In God’s road of life there are many distractions and many signposts selling their products. There are exits that are only half-truths; flashing lights that give warning and detours that take us on the wrong street and on the other side of the tracks.

With all this then what or who are we to follow or to believe in? Trust in God! Trust in God’s Word!

Make up your mind and your heart that regardless of your circumstances, regardless of how you feel or regardless of how it may be perceived by others that foremost you will trust in God.

That’s a heart decision, a decision of your will, and a sacred trust. It is sacred because-in life-trust in God is all that you might have. And yet, by trusting in Him you possess the map that will lead you to the very heart of God.

Mountains and Trust

2010-08-09T05:12:00.000-07:00

“In whose hand are the depths of the earth, the peaks of the mountains are his also. The sea is his, for it was he who made it” (Psalm 95:4-5)

The beauty of the mountains are seen in the high peaks, valleys low, crevices, and scarred ravines. Time and the elements have shaped and defined their grandeur and ruggedness.

They stand open faced towards the creator who shaped them. They run not, they deceive not, they hide not at the forces placed on them. Be that burning sun, cool nights, storms and tempest, or quiet and peaceful mornings; they stand. They trust and melt away at his decree.

We are to stand in the day of struggle and testing. We are not to move or shift or hide. We are not to guard or protect or esteem ourselves highly but rather lowly… rightly, as He sees us, and as He regards us. (Philippians 2:3)

For the creator loves us enough to cause the elements to come against us. They hurt, they scar, they tear away the fragile mask of our deception. The process is ugly, muddy, earthly, and filled with brokenness; our pride is swept away, our nice Christianizes falters and the barrenness of who we truly are comes to light.

We are His creation. We are His work. This that we are, that we see, is His doing. We are but a part of an eternal plan; a thought of mercy, a hope of redemption created before the mountains, before valleys, and before the first morning.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst

2010-07-30T04:47:00.000-07:00

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled" Matthew 5:6.

In the society we live in we are prompted to hunger after many things. Be that material gain, career, self esteem, acceptance, wealth, power, or security to name a few. We are busy and actively promoting or serving a cause, a system; society has so orchestrated life so and it is natural to follow.

Yet, at the end of the day, when the lights are out and its quiet and you are left to yourself what do you find? Are you empty? Has the new this or that satisfied, brought contentment, or set the essence of yourself at peace?

For to understand hunger and thirst one must experience both; one must recognize the need. Jesus said, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst” (John 6:35). Jesus is saying that we are blessed when we desire and crave Him; when we trust and obey Him.

Jesus promised to fulfill our longings, to end our hunger and our thirst; to complete us if we follow him, the Lamb of God (Rev. 7:16-17).

How do we follow Jesus? How do we follow anything? We seek it out, we research, we set our mind on Him; He becomes our focus, our need, and our desire.

Seek Jesus and find peace, contentment, and life, life so full, so abundant, and so very, very rewarding!

Blessed are the meek

2010-07-29T04:46:00.000-07:00

“Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth” Matthew 5:5

Meekness is not weakness but rather a strength of heart and character that refuses to use its given power to the hurt or destruction of another. Meekness is humility wrapped in mercy and forgiveness. For a meek person will not shout from the roof tops its own glory but with restraint will purposely give the glory to another. Meekness is content with blessing others, giving to others, and residing contently in the back ground.

The meek inherit the earth for God has so worked on their character as to instill in them a rule of righteousness and not tyranny. King David showed meekness when Saul threw the spears but he did not throw them back and again when Absalom gained the reigns of the kingdom but David trusted in the Lord.

Meekness believes that God ultimately rules and reigns in the affairs of mankind; that God sets up one to reign and brings down another. All not from any ability of the person but because God has so decided for His ultimate plan and glory.

Today, can you trust that God is in control? Can we not scratch and claw our way towards the top but rather be content and faithful in the place or position that God has so given us? Can we show mercy and grace to another when we have knowledge and the ability to ruin another?

Blessed are those who mourn

2010-07-28T05:14:00.001-07:00

“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted” Matthew 5:4

Has the Holy Spirit inside of you ever mourned? Have you ever looked around you and seen the filth of this world? Have you seen the wrecking ball of sin and Satan crush individuals, families, and friends? Have you stopped and looked inside your own heart and seen what thrives there?

If you've seen these then the Spirit of your soul mourns. You sense a deep weeping within of the suffering, the misery, the bondage surrounding you. There's this abiding grief at the onslaught of sins destruction and the broken lives left in its path.

If you stay there, if you live and dwell on such mourning it will consume you but God's provided us a Comforter who reminds us and guides us and carries us towards prayer.

Not a prayer for miseries end but that such pain will prompt hearts to look outward and upward. Often we pray not because we mourn not. The sights, sounds, and frills around us have us giddy; we are distracted by the idols and pleasures of this world; we are consumed by the getting and not the giving. Where are the men and women of God who cry and weep and shudder in mourning, in prayer, and in the fear of Almighty God?

For in the book of James we are reminded: “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners: and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up” (James 4: 8-10).

We are comforted although we mourn... We are joyful and yet we weep... We are led to share despite our apprehensions, despite the obstacles, and despite the cost the Good News of Christ our Lord! (Psalm 38:6).

Happy are the spiritually poor

2010-07-27T04:42:00.000-07:00

People talk of happiness often but I'm not sure if they understand what happiness is. Is happiness a 1950s setting with the picture perfect house, little white fence, immaculate flower garden, with a family beaming with continual smiles?

Is happiness the biggest house, the sports car, the boat, and shining career? Is happiness based on materialism?

Or is true happiness something more...

Jesus said "happy are those who know they are spiritually poor; the Kingdom of heaven belongs to them!" (Matt. 5:3)

Are you spiritually poor? Do you have a need that this world does not nor cannot satisfy? Are you tired of the chains of sin, the cycle of guilt, the motions of religion?

Are you content with the mask of mediocrity or is there a piece of your soul that cries out, that hungers for fulfillment?

Maybe you’ve tried materialism and what has it gotten you? More frustration, more upkeep, more bondage to an empty possession when the essence of you so desires something more… something lasting… something eternal!

If such stirrings are in place in your heart then you are blessed indeed and on the path to true happiness. For true happiness is more than an American dream, more than an emotional level obtained by sweat and toil and labor.

True happiness is a hunger, a longing, and a strong desire that will not nor cannot settle for the temporary trappings of this world. Your fulfillment then must be eternal and your search will guide you through the doorway called Christ our Lord! When Christ fills your soul with a relationship then the elements of this world fall aside, become less important, and more demanding becomes your hunger… your need for more of Jesus in your life.

Money does not mean much when compared to the glorious and fulfilling joy found in a relationship with Jesus Christ. The old car is good enough. The old clothing is good enough. For the chains of their desire is replaced with a contentment found in a walk and not a harried run.

Happiness is found in walking with our Lord and giving to others. A giving of self be that material, or attention, or prayer, a hand up, or a shoulder for others to cry on.

His banner over me is love

2010-07-21T05:51:00.001-07:00

“He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love.” (Song of Solomon 2:4)

One day all of this toil, tension, and anxiety will be no more.

There be no more crying. There be no reason to cry. There be no heartache, no anguish, no burden to carry, no worry, and no fear. Sorrow will be no more. Guilt and shame will not exist. Remorse will have run away and in its place the comforting eternal joy of the Lamb of God (Rev. 21:4).

Pain will not hold us, buffet us, and break us. Pain will not exist (Rev. 21:4)

Death will be no more. The sting of death will be extinguished (1 Cor. 15:55). Bereavement will not pass our lips for its memory will have faded, melted, and vanished away (Rev. 21:4)

We will be dressed in robes of white, the righteousness of Christ (Rev. 3:5). We will be called overcomers, pillars of God, and given a new name (Rev. 2:17; 3:12).

We will be summoned and called to the marriage supper of the Lamb (Rev. 7:14; 19:19). And there we will sit and bask in His glory with His banner over us of love.

Stumbling and God's hand

2010-07-20T05:11:00.000-07:00

“Stalwart walks in step with God; his path blazed by God, he's happy. If he stumbles, he's not down for long; God has a grip on his hand.” (Psalm 37:23, The Message)

Sometimes we are up and sometimes we are down. Sometimes we walk in righteousness and sometimes we falter. Yet, we get up when knocked down because the path to glory is all that we want, we treasure, we need. Nothing this world has to offer satisfies the longing, the craving, the driving hunger we have for God.

For without God we are empty. When we falter we sense, we know, in booming echoes the emptiness of our own heart. We are unsettled, we mourn, we grieve for we’ve grieved the eternal seed within.

We get up, reach out and our Heavenly Father is there. Our Heavenly Father knows our weakness, he knows that we are but dust. Yet, our Father will call Heaven and earth to our rescue when we look to him, when we reach out to him, when we trust in his loving kindness, mercy, and grace. When despite our feelings we believe in him. When we trust His Word. When we turn and walk His way.

‘Heavenly Father, help us when we stumble. Hear the prayer of our hearts and reach for us. Never let us stray so far that your grace and mercy cannot reach us.’

Beautiful Day

2010-07-19T05:25:00.001-07:00

This morning and throughout this day… is a beautiful day! A beautiful day because this is a day that the Lord has made… why then should I not be glad (Psalm 118:24)? For seeing God’s goodness and given the opportunity to see His goodness is His free gift to me. Why then can I not see this? Why then is my outlook so glum? Why such a gloomy outlook?

Is it not the dark clouds of sin that whiff by and trouble my gaze upon the son of righteousness? Is it not the guilt of a misspoken word, an angry thought, or a loss of faith? Can I not trust, believe in and receive the ever mercy that is present from such a gracious and merciful Heavenly Father? Why do I hold on, carry on with these, and not relinquish all this, my burden? Why comfort myself in the swirling storm residing within my heart?

I must trust, I must believe, I must resign my heart to His goodness… even when my heart sees the darkness of my own. I must ask forgiveness in my heart, with my mouth, in my own way to Him who knows, who understands, who cares so, and who gives forgiveness so easily.

For like an early morning shower that washes the trees and grass so my Heavenly Father will wash me, cleanse me, and renew me to bask in this new day he’s created. Then the dirt in my life will be washed away. The son will shine through clouds of wispy white, touch my face, and warm my heart and I will sing his song, glory in his triumph, and marvel at his mercies.

How good is our God! What beauty he has planned for you today. A beauty found in doing, in being, in listening, and in viewing him on this… beautiful day!

We Praise Jesus Christ from whom all blessings flow

2010-07-16T04:48:00.000-07:00

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped, therefore my heart exults, and with my song I shall thank him” Psalm 28:7

In all that we do, in all that we are, and in all that are future holds is from the Lord. Our Father is the given of talent, of ability, of strength of character, and of the kindness or mercy that flows from our hearts.

Truly, we are vessels for our Masters use. Some vessels are dinged, some are scratched up, and some are cracked but vessels we are. None of us are perfect, we all have our issues. Each of us, in our own way, are unique due to the bumps, scraps, and cracks that make up who we are.

So often we run from who we are. We do our best to patch up the cracks in our vessel when our maker gave them to us for his glory. God make us with our uniqueness to demonstrate his strength in our lives and to use us to help reach someone else’s heart.

Our best is not when we are having a good day. Our best is when we wake up on the wrong side of the bed, when we are not at our best, and when we feel like a total failure and flop. For it is then, it is on those woeful and painful days that the strength of our lives is working in our lives and in the lives of those around us.

It is so often that folks are watching our lives the more… when we (feel) that we are at our worse. And when we place our hope and our trust in the Lord during those times that others see His strength and abiding joy in our hearts and in our lives.

That is why this morning and on so many mornings we rise with a song on our hearts and praise on our lips for the only one worthy of praise and honor and glory. “We praise Jesus Christ from whom all blessings flow”!

Truth in the inward part

2010-07-15T05:46:00.000-07:00

“You desire truth in the inward parts, and in the hidden part you will make me to know wisdom” Psalm 51:6

How different God looks at us as compared to how we look at ourselves. We look in the mirror and arrange every hair just so, scrub the bedtime sleep away, fix the face and off on our day we go. Yet, we leave the home that God’s provided without a prayer, without a look into His mirror, and without the son rising in our hearts.

We, too often begin our day, empty. The armor of God hangs loosely on us, the helmet of salvation rattles on our heads, and our feet are unprepared in the proclamation of the gospel of peace (Eph. 6). We simply are unprepared to face the deceptive evil of our day.

On the surface we’ve ‘got it going on’ but what of our heart, that inward portion of ourselves that is eternal? What are we here for unless called upon to shine forth the love of Christ to foreigner and friend alike? If we are thus unprepared to face the spiritual war of our day then who will the Captain of Grace utilize to speak a word of kindness here… or stand for the truth… there?

If unprepared have we not become worthless and unprofitable servants for our Commanders use? If we are so unfaithful and so slothful to dismiss this, our so great salvation, then is it not fair and right for our Heavenly Father to choose another to serve in the place intended for us?

I ask, where is the heart, the passion, the thrill and joy of our salvation? Where is that childlike excitement and over abundant energy to simply and joyfully serve, another?

We find then our hearts turning back to David’s psalm, and crying… “Have mercy upon me, O God, according to your lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of your tender mercies wipe out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin” Psa. 51

We do so for we seek not a position or a reenergizing of some gift or talent or ability but a return to the feet of our Savior; a healing in our relationship a return to the joy of our salvation…

Our Hope in Christ

2010-07-14T05:47:00.000-07:00

Sometimes , I take a moment and sit back and look at the world I live in. It’s a unique perspective and position that Christians hold. We are in the world but not of this world (2 Peter 1:4).. We are subject to this world’s laws, environmental, social, and political fluctuations and yet there is a seed budding and flowing within us that is not of this world and that is eternal. That seed is the Holy Spirit – a part of God, a teacher, leader, comforter, and guide to help us. God’s Spirit whispers to our hearts in the middle of the night, warns us in the middle of the day, and comforts us when the darkness of discouragement falls on our lives.

We are blessed and given God’s Word. An instruction and guide book penned through the lives of men and women for our benefit and for our use (Romans 15:4). A message of hope and encouragement that we often take for granted or ignore all together. A book that frightens the sinner but inspires the saint; and we are the saints of God. No longer do we hold the title of sinner. We’ve been cleansed, washed, and purified by the blood of Jesus Christ (1 John 1:7). The sin and habits of old that kept us bound and shackled in fear Christ broke and dashed on the cross. We are free in Christ and yet we think and act as if we are in bondage (Romans 6:18). Why? Due to unbelief. We believe with our eyes, we hear with our ears, and we perceive with our minds the earthly when we are clothed upon with the heavenly. We yet can not fathom the reality of our lives in Christ and His truth that has set us free (John 8:32).

So for now we “see through a glass, darkly” (1 Cor. 13:12), our knowledge is only partial as is our understanding (1 Cor. 13:9) and yet in Christ we have the greatest of hope (Romans 5:2)!

We are constrained by the love of God towards Him and for each other. Christ is increasing within us and urging us on-ward and upward to continue patient in hope and yet ever pressing for the high calling found in Jesus Christ (Phil. 3:14).

Men, Love your Wives

2010-07-13T05:48:00.000-07:00

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her,” Ephesians 5:25
It is a sad commentary, I suppose, that we men need to be so reminded. One would think that such a love and care and concern would reside… would play an intricate role in our every day lives; but such is not always the case.
We are often too busy. Too locked away in our own thoughts, own plans, own ambitions, and own failings. We are mentally trapped in a revolving door of problems and concerns that overwhelm us, shut us down, and cause us to retreat into the cave of our own choosing. At least, this can be our perspective, this can be our outlook.
Yet, the answers to our questions are closer than we perceive. They are a heartbeat away, in the wife God’s blessed us with, chosen for us, created for us.
The answer is not in the market place or behind a desk, or with our peers… the answer is sacrificial… a willing and loving giving to our wives. Her counsel is often the best as it is honest, to the point, and without a political agenda. What wife wishes her husband to fail?
Men, can we trust God enough, to give up our hopes, our dreams, and our aspirations and devote ourselves to our wives and children? Does not God know your problems and your needs? Has not God provided an able partner wise in counsel; joined in prayer, ready and willing to give… to you?
When we fail to love our wives as Christ desires us to then we fail as men, as priests, as ministers, and as husbands. How can we expect Godly success when in our homes our wives go unloved?

Leadership

2010-07-12T05:49:00.000-07:00

Then He said to me, "Son of man, eat what you find; eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel." So I opened my mouth, and He fed me this scroll. He said to me, "Son of man, feed your stomach and fill your body with this scroll which I am giving you " Then I ate it, and it was sweet as honey in my mouth. (Ezekiel 3:1-3)

There are a lot of things that can fill a man’s mind. There’s work, there’s family concerns, there’s sports, or there’s something even more worthwhile… something eternal and that returns the warrior-servant heart to men… and that is God’s Word.

God wants men to lead, women want men to lead, our children crave our leadership, and the world is failing because men fail to lead. There are any number of excuses or reasons why men have failed to lead but the main reason is men need an inner direction… an inner truth or conviction to guide them. God’s provided this conviction through his Word. “You desire truth in the innermost being, and in the hidden part you will make me know wisdom” (Psalm 51:6)

When the God of the Bible leads a man to his Word it is the sweetest experience. Jeremiah the prophet said, “Your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart” (Jer. 15:16) and David the King-Warrior said that God’s words were sweeter than honey (Psa. 119:103).

Yet, like Ezekiel the prophet the Lord asks us to go beyond reading; God asks us men to meditate on His Word, to chew on it all the day and to make it apart of our thinking, our doing, and our living (Psalm 1). Why? God wants men to be men. God wants men of action, men of courage, men to stand for righteousness, and men to provide and protect for their families. When men follow God with an earnest and tender heart they can not help but lead and their wife and children will want to follow; for they are following a heart under God’s direction.

"Be strong, and let us show ourselves courageous for the sake of our people and for the cities of our God; and may the LORD do what is good in His sight." (1 Chron. 19:13)

Days of Decision

2010-07-09T04:44:00.000-07:00

In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes. Judges 17:6
In the days of the Judges the hearts of the people forgot their God. Making a living, trying for that promotion, and reaching for a dream became more important than their Creator, their God, and eternity.

In those days the voices of Judges were silenced. Folks just did not want to hear, to realize, to come to an understanding that the way the were doing things were wrong. Without leadership and the proclamation of God’s Word people followed what they believed was right; a way that was easier, they “did that which was right in their own eyes.”

In our day, are we all that much different from these people of the past? Have we, as a nation, as a world, given up on God and turned to do our own thing? Is God a relic, a notion of the past clouded in mysterious words and symbols that applied only to the days of Moses or King David or the times of the prophets?

Is the God of the Bible still on the throne? Is this mysterious and loving God on the throne of your heart? What is important to you or to me? What takes up our time and enters into our pocket book? Who do we look to when times are tough or when times are going good for us? Who is the strength of our lives?

These are questions of the heart. Have you asked them of yourselves? Have you looked beyond the surface and reached inside your heart and seen what is there? Is the peaceful light of God’s abiding grace there or is the substance there of your own creation?

In our day, just as in the days of the Judges we have a choice. Will we do what we think is right or will we study the Bible and learn what is right and wrong? Will we crack open a book that many believe is full of condemnation and judgment? Or, can we, will we, see there love, peace, grace, and mercy? Mercy for the heart so in need of mercy?

Then once we’ve seen the light of what God states is right will we surrender to Him so that what he asks, he can then perform in our hearts?

We live in the days of decision.

Blessed Hope!

2010-07-01T04:40:00.000-07:00

“And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach-- if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, was made a minister.” Colossians 1:21-23

We are blessed beyond measure in the eternal for the great hope we have in Christ. Not a hope in the temporal, that will pass away, but a hope secured for us in the eternal and that is eternal in Christ our Lord.

We have a blessed hope to see with our own eyes and touch with our own hands the one who loves us, cares for us, died and rose for us all to give us hope in him.

A hope longed for over the generations and that draws us closer with each passing day. Therefore we ought to keep fighting the good fight of faith while helping others along the way. We do so through giving of our selves, praying in secret and openly, forgiving, and sharing the Good News of Christ with every opportunity.

For why should our temporary failures, blunders, and occasional faltering make us slow, then hinder, and stop our walk with Christ? Are we not persuaded that Christ truly is on the throne? Is not Christ in control? Can not Christ see us through our present distresses? And, are we not called for his sake “we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter” (Rom. 8:36)? Are we not persuaded that what Christ has promised he will perform (Rom. 4:21)?

Maybe there is something wrong with our expectation or our ability to patiently and yet actively wait on the Lord (Rom. 8:19)?

I believe like our brother Paul that “we are more than conquerors through him that loved us” and “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom. 8:37-39).

Hold on to your blessed and great hope in Christ! When down, get up and give… when tired rest… in him!

The Eyes of the Lord

2010-06-30T04:39:00.000-07:00

"Can a man hide himself in hiding places so I do not see him?" declares the LORD " Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?" declares the LORD. (Jeremiah 23:24)

“The eyes of the LORD are in every place, watching the evil and the good.” (Proverbs 15:3) What a terrible and yet peaceful piece of knowledge that the God of heaven is watching. Yes, terrible for those who do evil but a great comfort for those who live righteously.

The evil heart should tremble at such knowledge. A knowledge that should bring their hearts to their knees and their mouths to confess unrighteousness and their weight of sin be forgiven. Yet, such acknowledgement to the majesty of God Almighty we rarely see today. The evil go about their day with no acknowledgement, no thought, nor no fear of the King of hosts. Their hearts are hardened by sin, they are held captive, they refuse to turn to God (Psalm 14:2; 36:1).

The righteous are not so. Great peace have they which trust in the Lord their God (Psalm 119:165). They look to heaven for strength, they know that God is watching and his gaze is one of care and comfort.

Each day, every day we are given a choice. We have free will to choose to walk in the righteousness of God and find peace or to choose to walk as we want to and go the way of the world, the way of unrighteousness. That choice is ours alone.

May we examine our hearts, may we look well to our ways, and may we turn our hearts to the God who sees all and follow him.

The greatest joy that I’ve ever known was when on bended knee I confessed and forsook the sin that held me captive. It is in brokenness that we learn of God, know ourselves, find peace, and the sweetest joy.

‘Heavenly Father, may you turn our hearts to you. May we repent and thereby have a pure heart; a heart to see you and wonder at your majesty, your glory, your righteousness, and your faithfulness to forgive!

Feeding the Birds

2010-06-29T04:35:00.000-07:00

“Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?” Matthew 6:26 (New Living Translation)

This morning, I look outside my window and see birds enjoying the small bird feeder we’ve supplied them. They chirp to one another, hop around, and then fly off. In many regards the birds are like us. They are hungry, they care for their nest, and they either hop on the ground or soar high above.

Often, we are restless, wanting what we do not know, hungry for something more. We think, ‘there must be something more to life’ – there must be something that fulfills. We fly here and there searching when the answer is so very near…

Sure, we care about our loved ones, the security of our homes, the economy, the whirling winds of change developing all around us. We see the dark clouds amassing and we hide in preparation of the coming storm.
Like the birds we can sense that dramatic change is near and like them we fear. And yet, we have hope. Hope not in ourselves or in supplied bird feeders or in government hand outs. Our hope is in our Heavenly Father who considers us a treasure. We are worth more than the worlds or eternity or hope itself. God loves you so much that he gave his son Jesus for you.

Yes, we are hungry. Hungry for something more than what this earth can provide. We need, we want, a daily relationship with a living God, a God of majestic power and glory, a God who loves us and cares for us like he cares for the birds; and yet so much more.

Keep Seeking the Thing Above

2010-06-27T04:34:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure about you but here lately I hear a voice whispering in my heart to 'come up higher'. A voice tied to scripture that proclaims, "Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God (Col. 3:1).

What does that mean? Is that high mindedness? A thought or belief that I'm superior to others? No, hardly! Rather, it’s a heart and mind that looks heaven-ward to such things as service, mercy, prayer, and joy. Attributes that are not base… see Col. 3:8 or based on self but on the needs of others.

For if you want joy then give joy to someone else. If you need encouragement then try encouraging someone else. Yes, it’s not easy but sometimes we must grab the horns of our rotten nature and drag it to the altar and present it to our High Priest, Christ our King. Sometimes, you just have to do that which feels unpleasant, isn’t fun, hurts a lot, and is out of character for how you’ve been acting for some time. You and I have a choice, we can stay in a rut or through Christ’s grace and some tears we can believe His promises, give ourselves a good swift-kick and begin changing our attitude.

For you know… you can make a change if you want to. God’s not going to force character change down your throat… He will help you but you need to ask. All God is asking from you or me is to believe him enough to get off our duffs and take the first step… often God will be there to hold your hand on the second, third, and so on steps.

So, can you trust Christ enough to look up… look up and at his Word and then look around and see the great need… and then go meet that need. If you were sad or depressed or worried you soon won’t be for your heart will sing of joy, God’s praises will adorn your lips as your give… as you serve… and as you care for the needs of others instead of dwelling on your own.

I will never leave nor forsake you

2010-06-04T04:19:00.000-07:00

“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” (Hebrews 13:5)

If you are like me there are some scriptures that seem to stick to the sinews of your heart. You may not know where exactly these scriptures are in the Bible but you’ve read them or heard them and they seem to stay with you. Over time you may forget about your planted scripture as the cares of this life and the daily grind seem to grind away your zest for life, your moments of quiet reflection, and your passion for God.

Yet, God knows you, loves you, and is watching out for you for He planted that seed of truth in your heart until the right time. Those times come like gloomy clouds that turn a sunny day to one that is overcast, bleak, and depressing. The right food, our dear friends, and so many kind words can not amend the overwhelming sadness that takes our emotions during such times. We feel alone, we sense an emptiness, and when we look around we find that we are truly and physically alone. A floodgate is open that is filled with fear, with doubt, with regrets, and with self loathing. A veil of depression colors our thoughts, our actions, and our days… God, seems so distant.

Yet, as we look up we see a streak of truth break through our shadowed hearts and hear a whisper, “I will never leave you, nor forsake you!” And again, “come to me… and I will give you rest”. Our hearts tremble, for fear… and for joy at the hope that Christ gives us.

Let that hope live in you deeply. Let the love of Christ take over, envelope you, and create in you mercy, compassion, and the deepest abiding joy. A joy that reaches beyond mere emotions-a joy eternal-an abiding peace that keeps you listening to the Word of God He plants in your hearts.

Distractions

2010-03-24T04:16:00.000-07:00

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. (1 Timothy 2:1-2)
For the Christian there are many distractions in this world, distractions that move our attention away from the eternal and to the temporal. This was true of the first century Christians and for us today.
As American Christians it is easy to be distracted right now. Events and decisions have occurred that rationally to do benefit our nation. We are witnessing the demise of a country that many of us fought for and that our friends and family have died protecting. As we watch this dismantling of our nation it is upsetting and unnerving.
Yet, for the Christian we are called to pray for our nations leaders and not to speak ill of them. The purpose—to “lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” The current changes and struggle in our nation is not our battle; for such a battle is only temporal as compared to the eternal.
Our country is a heavenly one, for we are “strangers and pilgrims” (1 Peter 2:11) in this earthly country and this earthly life; we are just passing through as we follow Christ.
Therefore, we should pray and prayer will turn our focus towards the things of God so that for God we may live a godly life and one of peace and honesty.

Keep Looking Up!

2010-03-23T04:11:00.000-07:00

“Here's the story I'll tell my friends when they come to worship, and punctuate it with Hallelujahs: Shout Hallelujah, you God-worshipers; give glory, you sons of Jacob; adore him, you daughters of Israel. He has never let you down, never looked the other way when you were being kicked around. He has never wandered off to do his own thing; he has been right there, listening.” (Psalm 22:22)

In a time when earth quakes are shaking the earth and governments are forming, reshaping, and converging and fears are building (Luke 21:26); we can have confidence when we look up. For the God that created the heavens and the earth and who shaped you in the womb and who knows your fears and tears; is on the throne.

God, our God is on the throne and he’s in control. God reigns supreme in the rubble of fallen buildings, in the empty bank account, and in the broken heart. God has not nor will not fail you but humanism will, governments will, and unrighteousness will.

God is shaking the foundations of mankind and the hindrances that blind the eyes from clearly and purely seeing him. Yet, we see Christ! We know Christ because he first knew us; we love him because “he first loved us.”

No, we are not abandoned and we are not forsaken. But the frail things, the weak and earthly things are shaken to disturb mankind’s heart enough that they might look up instead of looking out or trusting that which is in.

Put your trust in God for he is near!

Mercy

2010-02-09T04:14:00.000-07:00

"Seek God while he's here to be found, pray to him while he's close at hand.
Let the wicked abandon their way of life and the evil their way of thinking.
Let them come back to God, who is merciful, come back to our God, who is
lavish with forgiveness." (Isaiah 55:6, The Message)
Today and everyday we need mercy, we need forgiveness. Everyday we sin, no one is immune and no one is perfect. The acknowledging of our sinful nature and seeking the mercy of Christ is the first step. A change of heart comes next; a change of direction, a change in attitude.
Today, Christ is close and he is near your heart and mine. We need mercy, we need forgiveness. Our attitudes must change, our way of thinking.
One change of thought is how we approach others... all the others who do not know Christ as Lord and Savior. These folks are prisoners of this world.
They are unknowingly trapped. They need our visits, our friendship, our prayers and our compassion. They don't need our criticism, our self-righteousness, or our condemnation.

Who Studies God?

2010-01-03T22:13:00.000-07:00

The Spirit, not content to flit around on the surface, dives into the depths of God, and brings out what God planned all along. Who ever knows what you're thinking and planning except you yourself? The same with God—except that he not only knows what he's thinking, but he lets us in on it. God offers a full report on the gifts of life and salvation that he is giving us. We don't have to rely on the world's guesses and opinions. We didn't learn this by reading books or going to school; we learned it from God, who> taught us person-to-person through Jesus, and we're passing it on to you in the same firsthand, personal way. (1 Corinthians 2:10, The Message)

How can we know something unless we study? We study the weather. We study politics, the financial market, sports, the food network and on and on it goes.

Who studies God? Who takes the time; gives the attention; has the passion to know Christ as much as he knows you? It's determined then that in our daily lives Christ must be learned. His Word leads us or we are lead by our own or that of someone else.

What will we study?

Who will we listen to... today?

May Christ be studied with our eyes, our ears, and most importantly in our> hearts today and everyday!

Trust in the Lord

2009-08-28T18:32:00.000-07:00

When all else fails why not trust in the Lord? We’ve all tried trusting other things, we’ve put our trust in people, in institutions, in religions, and on and on it goes… you name it and most of us have put our trust in that and what have we gotten? We’ve suffered loss.

And yes that loss hurts. It stings our pride, burns our hearts, brings our anger to the surface, and either humbles us or develops into even more pride; more lifted up in ourselves without an acknowledgement of our tremendous need for God (1 John 2:16).

Yet, in Christ and through Christ we are blessed through… suffering.

For what did the “author and finisher of our faith” do with his suffering (Hebrews 12:2)? Christ learned “obedience by the things which he suffered” (Hebrews 5:8).

Trust is linked to obedience and obedience to suffering.

So often in my life I hear folks or myself complain about rules and regulations or bosses or well… you name it. We are really, really good at complaining… how good are we at obeying?

Yes, that is sharp. The Word of God is sharp, a two edged sword and when I’m not in my Father’s Word then I’m not obeying Him (Deuteronomy 6:4-9) and therefore I’m not trusting Him.

I know. We are all busy. And we promise ourselves, the Lord, and those who remind us that when we finish this or that… then we will get into the Word. Another distraction, another project, another tasker comes down and…

It comes down to priorities doesn’t it? It comes down to the question, how important is God? How important is it for me to really know him? And do I trust him enough to make Him #1 and stand back and watch him honor that commitment and that trust?

Walking by Faith

2009-08-27T07:51:00.000-07:00

“Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:27-29

Years ago my heart sought peace, comfort, and joy. I had tried all the trappings of the world that I could. I was a part of the cool crowd moment and then the next moment, I wasn’t. Yet, my heart wanted more than acceptance from the crowd; my heart wanted to believe.

As a child I attended church and found it dull and boring. I found most of the words unnecessary and irritating. I mean, I believed that I was a good person, why would I ever need anything or anyone else? Why would I ever need Jesus?

Years passed by and with them passed a sorted life that brought temporary happiness but no lasting joy and no peace, no peace for my hurting heart.

The love of Christ came into my life and it came through his love displayed by others. They showed me great kindness even at my cursing them out, they showed me mercy even when I told them to go away. The lent me a hand when my life finally hit dirt bottom. All the while I avoided them as much as possible, I scorned their music, and called them names and yet they responded with kindness, gentleness, and love.

That love of Christ made me stop and made me consider. And when the time was right I asked the Lord to forgive me and to be my Lord. The love of Christ displayed in others taught me that I could never be good enough and that I needed a Savior. I learned that I needed the righteousness of Christ and not my own; a righteousness freely given to me when Christ gave his life on the cross. And just as Jesus rose from the grave daily I rise and I’m a little bit different, a little cleaner inside, a little more like my Heavenly Father all because of faith in Him.

That journey starts with faith. Faith is believing that Jesus Christ loves you and me enough to die for us. But the story doesn’t end there; Christ also rose from the dead so that we could believe that he is the Son of God, the Christ.

Maybe today you believe in Him, you know his life, and you know his sacrifice. Yet, in the very core of your heart is Christ your Lord, your Savior, and your King? Many use the name ‘Christian’ to mark themselves with the religion of ‘Christianity’; using the name doesn’t make you a follower of Christ.

Walking by faith in Him and trusting Christ alone does.

An Old Bush & Mercy

2009-08-22T02:53:00.000-07:00

Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian. And he led the flock to the back of the desert, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush. So he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, but the bush was not consumed. Then Moses said, “I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush does not burn.”So when the LORD saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” Then He said, “Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.” Moreover He said, “I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look upon God. (Exodus 3:1-6)

Major Ian Thomas, the great British Bible teacher commented on this passage with, “The Lord demonstrated to Moses that any old bush—as long as it’s available—will do to manifest His glory.”

Jesus showed the same principle when he used six common earthen vessels, had them filled with water and then He miraculously turned that water into wine (John 2).

God is seeking those available and clean for his work. Are you clean? The Bible teaches us that when we “confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). There is no reason to fear your Heavenly Father, His mercy is everlasting. “For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations” (Psalm 101:5).

Your Heavenly Father wants you to be right so that you can enter into an ever closer relationship with him. He loves you that much! So much so that his Spirit whispers to your heart gently calling you to come to Him. Jesus whispers to our hearts, "Come to me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

That same Spirit that tugs at your heart is gentle. God calls you but he leaves the choice to you if you will accept his invitation or not. You can go on with life as it is if you so choose. You can keep walking in the desert of disbelief or you can turn towards the light of God’s love and experience true and vibrant peace, life, and love. (Galatians 5:22; Joshua 24:15; Matthew 22:14)

God of Hope

2009-08-20T14:37:00.000-07:00

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)

What a beautiful prayer, a beautiful hope. Such peace and hope we have dwelling deep within. Each day as we learn to walk by faith and trust in Christ we come to an ever deeper understanding and growing joy.

We find contentment in the Lord. We grow and learn and recognize that Christ is all we want, all that we need. In Christ we have peace and our hope is full in Him.

Return to Love

2009-08-19T14:38:00.000-07:00

“Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me” (Psalms 51:12).

Sometimes, if we take a pause from our busy schedule and we are still and listen intently. If we search our hearts and our minds we find that something is missing. Missing is an intended pureness that is now tainted. Our hearts and minds struggle with doubts, with fears, and with an emptiness that echoes off the walls of our hearts. Our hearts know there’s something better, something purer, something that fills the void and that calms the heart with peace and intrinsic joy.

Somewhere in our past, somewhere in the days, months, or years past we heard some very Good News. The news was so good, the promise of freedom so grand, and the promises so extraordinary that we squinted and backed away from its glory. We backed away; turned and walked away confused and in disbelief.

We filled our lives with all that was available to us. We did that which felt right, felt good, and brought pleasure. We lived life to the fullest but we still… deep down inside felt empty… and utterly alone, so very alone.

But we kept up appearances for appearance sake and after a while we lost ourselves in our own deception. The crowd we associated with were much like us and when those relationships were stressed, we hurt each other with words and actions. Over time the relational scars and guilt criss-crossed the surface of our heart making it cold, callused and hard.

Then unexpectedly the brilliance of that Good News shines upon us once again. Our knees our weak as we want to turn and run but something burns within us… something deep within our heart calls for, longs for, the saving love of Jesus Christ. We think… ’could this be true?’ ‘Could this be what my heart so desires?’ So, with hope, with faith we call on Jesus and ask for his forgiveness and turn our heart over to him.

We find that our hearts melt in the presence of his love. Our hearts glow in peace and in joy that we’ve never tasted. We worship for its right, we worship for it’s true, we worship from a heart bursting-full and free.

Is your heart free? Can you remember your first love? (Rev. 2:4) Can you remember the peace, the joy, the unrehearsed worship, and the unburdened heart? Remember that first love, savor those moments, cherish your first taste of joy. Turn from the practices of do’s and don’ts religiosity and return to him... return to love. The love of Christ.

Garden Weeds

2009-08-18T14:49:00.000-07:00

One day I walked by the field of an old lazybones, and then passed the vineyard of a lout; They were overgrown with weeds, thick with thistles, all the fences broken down. I took a long look and pondered what I saw; the fields preached me a sermon and I listened: "A nap here, a nap there, a day off here, a day off there, sit back, take it easy—do you know what comes next? Just this: You can look forward to a dirt-poor life, with poverty as your permanent houseguest!" (Proverbs 24:30 The Message)

Wouldn’t you know it! You wake up one morning and look in the mirror and what do you see… yea, it’s a weed growing out of your left ear! I know, I know, it’s Thursday and you just went to church on Sunday and now this. There’s no rest is there!?

Every time you turn around there pops out something else to work on in your life. Some days its thistles (that’s on those days when you are all grumpy and mad tempered, all because you won’t forgive someone, and so you become kind of prickly). On other days you see these big ugly rocks in your life (that’s when your heart has gotten hard because of the naughty things you’ve been doing, and there’s just no way you are going to repent). And then there are those fences (fences and walls keep out bad stuff and keep you from doing bad stuff, that’s the Word of God) yep, those fences need attention, but… as you yawn again you think, ‘I’ll read the Bible some other day…, ‘I mean, it’s just not cool to be caught reading the Bible, I mean, who does that! [And yes, that is the problem… folks are living without a compass…]

Well, you probably should read and absorb, and live by faith what the good book says because it you don’t then all kinds of ugly things will start appearing. Like weeds, thistles, fleas, and who knows what!

I mean, come on… you eat every day to feed your body. You brush your teeth, to get some of the food out and to show your beautiful white teeth on the rare occasions when you might smile… you take a shower… you do all of that every day because you need to. But, what are you doing for your heart and your soul? Are you feeding and taking care of it? Maybe you just want to look good on the outside and you’ve never thought of the inside much… well, God sees everything… and I mean everything! And you know what, he sees a broken down garden in our lives because of a lack of maintenance… remember the old saying… “anything worth having is worth fighting for” … are you fighting back the weeds that are growing in your life? Do you fight against fear, shame, failure, despair, heartache, and loneliness (just to name a few ugly growths in people’s hearts).

So what do you do when a weed is growing out of your ear? Well, pull out the sword of the Spirit (the Bible) and cut that thing off, please… it’s unsightly! Then start doing some weeding in your life. A good place to start is where you are right now. First, God says, stop what you are doing “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). First, do you believe there is a God or not? The Bible says “For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God” (Romans 1:20). It sounds like God has really tried to get our attention but we’ve been snoozing. Yep, the Bible speaks of that too, “Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light” (Ephesians 5:14).

You know it sounds like I’m in the poor shape that I’m in because of… yep, my own doing. Yet, like you there is the greatest of hopes. Neither you nor I need to stay in a broken down garden. Christ left us a manual to follow on how to kill the weeds, fix what needs fix-en, and clear out our lives the hatred, arrogance, deceit, lies, and hypocrisy… again, just naming a few. Christ will fix you up, he will help you with your garden, with your heart if you by faith and trust turn your heart towards him.

Rejoicing in Christ

2009-08-16T14:52:00.000-07:00

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7

Nice scripture right, but does it apply to today?

Some believe the Bible is out dated and that its words hold very little meaning today. It is unfortunate but have you noticed that those folks also do not possess the peace of God deep in their hearts. Jesus Christ is not the Lord of their lives, behind the front they put on… they are terribly unhappy (John 3:17-21). Are you terribly unhappy?

Everyone serves something be that money, reputation, looks, or self. And that is where the true believer in Jesus Christ differs; they differ because daily they learn to serve and follow Jesus.

You see a believer at one time in his or her life came to the conclusion that they were terribly dissatisfied. Folks who now serve Christ at one time in their lives served booze, drugs, sex, money, reputation, looks… self. They like me came to a place in their life when they gave Jesus Christ a chance. They said in their hearts, ‘well, I don’t know if coming to you in such circumstances and with such sin in my life will… but Jesus will you accept my heart, my life, and be the Lord of my heart, Lord, please help me.’

And you know what happened? We found a new beginning, a new life. Oh! What a wonderful life we’ve found because of Christ our Lord!! That terrible emptiness that clawed within us was filled; filled with the love of Jesus Christ. That desire to lie, to be angry, to be just a nasty person slowly, ever so slowly is changed… not by being good little Christians, no… but we are the love of Jesus that compels our hearts to seek him, love him, learn of him, and love others.

Are believers in Christ perfect? No, not by a long shot. But let me tell you we are deeply happy. So much so that we read a passage of scripture like the one above and the joy of Christ begins to overflow our hearts and swell our eyes with tears.

Why? Because of the tremendous sacrifice that Jesus did for us on the cross. For on the cross Jesus Christ took on himself all the sins of the world, that includes yours and mine.

So, why aren’t all people saved? God gave folks choice. Some folks reject Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. They go along with the belief that all religions are o.k. and that all religions serve the same God and that all people go to paradise when they die.

Yet, is that the truth?

Don’t you wonder what the truth is?

The Bible says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6). Those were the words of Jesus.

Words the believers in Christ believe in. What do you believe in?

I believe the words of Jesus and daily I desire to focus more of my life on him and less on me. Daily, I rejoice in knowing these truths:

“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name” (John 1:12) – We rejoice because we are children of God and nothing can take that away from us!

“No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you” (John 15:15) – We rejoice because Jesus is our friend and we are his!

“For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins” (Colossians 1:13-14) – We rejoice because our sins are forgive us and we have peace and grace because we belong to him!

Blameless in Christ

2009-08-03T14:43:00.000-07:00

“Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23

All around us a lot of folks are hurting. Folks are hurting because their bodies are failing them, their finances, or relationships are crumbling. Being in Christ does not grant full immunity as some events are common to all mankind (1 Corinthians 10:13); being in Christ gives us the assurance and peace of his purpose in our lives.

Just as silverware in a drawer often gets banged around, jostled, dented and scratched. So we also go through life. Yet, sometimes our Savior picks us up and we are used of him and other times it is someone else. We should feel honored, humbled, and rejoice when either happens. For the greatest honor we have in this life is to bring honor to Jesus Christ. We honor him by being ready for his use.

When you sit down to eat in a restaurant you would not eat with a dirty fork or knife or spoon, no, you send it back. It’s not clean enough to eat with. That instrument returns to a place for scrubbing and cleaning. A place not in public view, a not very pretty place.

Christ scrubs us clean through His Word and the moving of his Spirit on our hearts. He loves you, he wants the best for you. Sometimes the Spirit takes us through a good scrubbing and cleaning. Often we feel alone and our feelings are in a dark and ugly place. We look around and all we can see is the dirt and ugliness of other instruments or the lack of luster on ourselves. It is during those times that God’s hands of peace touch us the most, help us, and mend us.

God’s preparing you for his purposes. Purposes you’ve never dreamed of. Never thought of. Never imaged. He’s shaping you for eternity. Those scratches and dents will heal but not overnight, it takes time to polish them and to smooth out our rough edges. God is patient, he won’t give up on you, don’t give up on Him.

For just a little while you will see him face to face (1 Corinthians 13:12). His reflection is taking place in your life every single day (1 John 3:2)!

Deny Yourself and Follow Christ

2009-08-01T14:46:00.000-07:00

“If anyone would come after me he must deny himself and take up his cross and daily follow me” Luke 9:23

Years ago the love of Christ compelled me to go before strangers and there give my heart to him. I can yet remember the war going inside of my heart. Part of me was terribly angry. For one I could not stand religious folks, they were a bunch of hypocrites as far as I was concerned. Well, I had that part right.

Another part of my heart so yearned for freedom, I craved love to enter into my heart. Throughout my youth I knew something was missing and in the back of my mind I kept searching. So on a warm July night, among strangers, among the religious, and with all types of contradicting emotions and thoughts my heart surrendered to the love of Jesus Christ.

Little did I know or any of us what that decision really meant. Back then if you quoted the above scripture I probably would have swallowed hard and said o.k., Lord, I’ll do whatever you ask, just love me, just let me be near you. I would have thought of denying myself and my conclusion would be, it’s worth it… just to be near him whom my heart so loves…

That was many miles and trials ago. I’ve been through much of the ‘Christian’ experience. The one who so hated hypocrites ever so slowly developed into one, a pretty good one. The one who so despised the arrogance of false Christianity… took it up and ran with it and made some people believe that he was just the best, the sweetest, the greatest.

And you know what… Christ even loves the hypocrite. And through his love and grace and mercy I am what I am today… whatever that may be.

And whatever that is… is the concern of others but as for me I’m moving on. I’m passing through this world as a stranger and a foreigner. For I don’t belong here, this is not my home. My place is at the feet of Christ my Lord and my heart is crying, ‘just love me Lord and let me be near you and if you want me to give up something just say so. Lord, you know I’ll need help because I’m weak and foolish and a mess but I’m in love with you and you say which way and I’ll follow. Who else can I follow, who else can you follow (John 6:68)?

So, Christ is speaking to your heart to listen as his Spirit whispers to you. He’s calling, “come after me… “give up yourself to me” and “take up who you are” and “follow me.” Christ doesn’t say change first and then follow him, he’s saying do it now and let his love wash you of worldly falsehoods that bind you and cause you to stumble.

The Bible says, “come after me”; that means follow Jesus, keep your eyes on him and him alone. Don’t be something or someone that you are not, be yourself. Look in the mirror of God’s word and accept yourself for who you are, for the wonderful person that God created. Get your eyes off of the physical and look at the heart. You may be small or big, tall or not so tall, goodly to look on or not so much—but none of that really matters now does it? There are no beauty pageants in heaven!

Everyday I’m amazed. Folks so take care of their flesh. The wash and groom it, feed it, exercise it and do absolutely nothing for their souls. It is no wonder that the world is a mess all around us? Christians are on a vacation. They would rather watch a movie than study the Word of God. They would rather hit the running trail then fall on their knees and pray. They would rather look great than become great in the sight of God.

Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with eating right and exercising. But there is something very, very wrong if those things are a higher priority than feeding your soul with the goodness of Christ Jesus. Where is your heart? What is your priority? To whom are you in love with?

As this world continues to disintegrate right before our eyes Christ is calling for Godly men to stand and be men of God. He’s calling women to be women of God. And he’s calling all of us to give up trying to be someone we are not, to hear his voice, and to follow him.

Thinking of Christ

2009-07-22T14:34:00.000-07:00

Anger or Thankfulness

2009-07-21T14:41:00.000-07:00

“Smart people know how to hold their tongue; their grandeur is to forgive and forget.” (Proverbs 19:11 The Message)

I find that my anger does not work the righteousness of God (James 1:20). My anger can actually lead me to bitterness of heart and mind and away from the grace of Christ (Hebrews 12:15). The more anger, the more bitterness, the more bitter, the more depression can set in. Why? Deadly distractions are moving me away from the love of Christ.

Is there a cure for this kind of anger? The Bible says to “cease from anger, and forsake wrath” (Psalms 37:8) and to “let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you” (Ephesians 4:31).

The cure is to stop and repent (Romans 2:4). Repent means to humble yourself before God and to ask for his forgiveness and to turn from anger. Make a u-turn and go the other direction-that is repentance. And when you’ve repented, when your heart is clean you need to fill it. Fill it with thanksgiving.

Question. What is the opposite direction from anger, bitterness, and wrath?

Is it not being thankful? Is not having a thankful heart part of the will of God in your life? Consider: “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

So, having a thankful heart is a part of God’s will for my life and yours.

Consider Job. He lost just about everything. His heart was crushed and I’m sure anger must have started to creep in… but what did Job say? Job said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord.” (Job 1:21)

Giving thanks in the midst of great pain, great anguish, and great difficulty is an act of our will. In a time of crisis, in a time when someone or something crosses ‘our line’ and we feel disrespected… it’s then that we have a choice. We can become angry or meek. Meekness is not weakness. Moses was said to be the meekest man on the earth (Numbers 12:3). Meekness translated equals harnessed power. Meekness is having the full power to act, to attack, to get angry but controlling that urge. The Bible says “He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city” (Proverbs 16:32).

None of us can ‘rule our spirit’ by ourselves. It requires the grace of God. It requires a gift of God (Ephesians 2:8). Having a thankful heart and giving God thanks during the most trying times is very humbling and often heart-breaking; “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6).

When I’m angry at someone for what they did to me is pride. When I humble myself through the gift of being thankful… then God’s grace can heal me. Heal me enough to repent to God and to ask others for forgiveness.

Giving thanks at such a times is a “sacrifice of praise” something we must remember continually (Hebrews 13:15).

Like many of you I’ve faced trials and tests that have shaken and shaped my life. Like you I have memories that haunt me and scarred me. Some are too terrible for print. Yet, when I’ve turned those things over to God with thanksgiving at his direction for my life—they turned sweet in my memory. I can honestly and forthrightly state that I’m thankful for all that God’s allowed me to go through. I’m not thankful for evil but I now can see clearly to forgive the person and see the evil for what it is; a pure heart can separate the one from the other for a pure heart can see God at work (Matthew 5:8). The work of Christ in our hearts is to purify us through the instruments he allows to come into our lives. For Christ “gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works” (Titus 2:14).

When I’ve faced the most terrible news and fell on my face before God and turned my praise to him… even when I had no desire to give praise… even when my heart was breaking… even when every fiber within me wanted to be angry at God, wanted vengeance on someone who hurt me… when I at that very moment I turned those events over to God… and through grace gave God thanks… in that moment, the sting dissipated, the anger lifted, and clearness of heart and thought came to me. And every time, every time God immediately gave me a heart to give or serve someone else in need. God’s grace changed my view from self to others.

‘Heavenly Father, since the age of 17 you’ve worked this message into my life… into my heart. May you honor this writing and those who read that they may know that you seek those who have a broken heart. For “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, you will not despise” (Psalm 51:17). Thank you Father, for everything that comes into our life. Thank you for everything that breaks our hearts. Thank you for loving us so much that you take the time to so carefully shape our lives through events and people that you’ve chosen for such tasks. Forgive me for not always being thankful, for responding with anger at those instruments who help shape my life for ultimately your glory. Thank you for your forgiveness, your great mercy, and your love in our lives.’

Purpose of God's Word

2009-07-19T14:32:00.000-07:00

"I know that all God's commands are spiritual, but I'm not. Isn't this also your experience?" Yes. I'm full of myself—after all, I've spent a long time in sin's prison. What I don't understand about myself is that I decide one way, but then I act another, doing things I absolutely despise. So if I can't be trusted to figure out what is best for myself and then do it, it becomes obvious that God's command is necessary.” (Romans 7:14 The Message)

There is a purpose for God’s Word. It shows us who we are and often that is a two-edged sword. God’s law shows us our sin, our nakedness, and our inability to walk before him in righteousness. The rules of God’s principles don’t beat us over the head, we often feel that way or think that way but such feelings and thoughts are wrong-thinking. (Romans 8:1)

It’s like this: God sets up a standard. That standard is the Word of God. We look at that standard and think, ‘well maybe I can do that, maybe this living God’s Word is not so tough after all.’ We think, ‘yea, I’m not like the person who steals, kills, or runs around acting foolish’. All the while not understanding that we’ve been judgmental, self-righteous, unmerciful, and pig-headed (sorry, H1N1-headed... oh brother!)

Anyway, after the course of time God’s grace allows us to see ourselves through the mirror of his Word. And naturally, our carnal flesh won’t fess-up, it will think of God as being a bully or being harsh.

When the real motive is to get us to look up and see our Redeemer, Jesus Christ and confess to him our sins and turn from our ways to his. It is through Christ that we acknowledge our inability to meet God’s standard. When we do that Christ stands up for us and calls us his own. He calls us kings and priests and the ‘apple of his eye’. The sacrifice of Christ covers our sins and we are hidden in him and through Him meet the standard. (Zechariah 2:8; Revelation 1:6)

So, Christian, no we are not perfect but we have a brother who is. He paid for your sins, he basically, said… ‘lay all their debt on me, I’ll pay it’ and this Christ did for us on Cavalry.

In the Presence of God

2009-07-10T14:30:00.001-07:00

If I'd have given in and talked like this, I would have betrayed your dear children. Still, when I tried to figure it out, all I got was a splitting headache . . . Until I entered the sanctuary of God. Then I saw the whole picture: The slippery road you've put them on, with a final crash in a ditch of delusions. In the blink of an eye, disaster! A blind curve in the dark, and—nightmare! We wake up and rub our eyes....Nothing. There's nothing to them. And there never was. When I was beleaguered and bitter, totally consumed by envy, I was totally ignorant, a dumb ox in your very presence. I'm still in your presence, but you've taken my hand. You wisely and tenderly lead me, and then you bless me. (Psalm 73:15-24)

In the presence of God the hurt, the bitterness and the pain seem to go away. The pain is still there, it lingers, but once we’ve emptied our hearts before the God of all heaven and earth. When tears touch our cheeks and when sins are forgiven what once troubled our hearts so… fades. There is nothing like being alone with your Heavenly Father, your God and your King.

What people think. What people say. What others are doing becomes so insignificant once grace fills you heart before the throne of your merciful Father. The bondage of fear is replaced by the sheer awesomeness of Christ on the throne, surrounded by innumerable angels, floor like crystal-glass, and the call to worship of “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come” (Revelation 4:8).

In all that you go through God is with you. God is for you, he is your strength, your hope, and your confidence.

Working Quietly and with Contentment

2009-07-07T14:28:00.000-07:00

"Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don't make a performance out of it. It might be good theater, but the God who made you won't be applauding. 2-4"When you do something for someone else, don't call attention to yourself. You've seen them in action, I'm sure—'playactors' I call them— treating prayer meeting and street corner alike as a stage, acting compassionate as long as someone is watching, playing to the crowds. They get applause, true, but that's all they get. When you help someone out, don't think about how it looks. Just do it—quietly and unobtrusively. That is the way your God, who conceived you in love, working behind the scenes, helps you out.” (Matthew 6:1)

Lots of folks want attention these days. In many circles the thing to do is get your fifteen minutes of fame. Yet, what is fifteen minutes compared to eternity?

Our loving God works behind the scenes of our lives. He doesn’t ask people to respect him. His name has never been on a cereal box. His advertising budget is zero. Yet His unconditional love draws our hearts to Him and we proclaim Him with every chance we get. We are not much in the eyes of this world but with as much respect as we can muster we give that right back to God. We can’t help it. We’ve fallen in love with God because he first loved us (1 John 4:10).

And when you love someone you naturally want to be like them, near them, and hear their voice. We want to be like our Savior. To work behind the scenes. To not work for praise, attention, or promotion but because we know that God’s given us this present work to perform and we want to do our best… for him. We want our lives to shine in the workplace by being unnoticed. By not calling attention to how we do something or why or when but to do our tasks well and with good order. For “godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6).

‘Father, I’m sorry to admit but often I’m not content, often I get caught up in the rat race, forgive me. You’ve given me the work that is before me and for this I’m thankful. You’ve given me the leaders that are over me and I’m thankful for them as well, give them wisdom and peace as they struggle with the demands of today. Help me and teach me to work quietly, and with contentment.’

The Missing Ingredient

2009-07-05T14:26:00.000-07:00

“Pretentious with arrogance, they wear the latest fashions in violence, pampered and overfed, decked out in silk bows of silliness. They jeer, using words to kill; they bully their way with words. They're full of hot air, loudmouths disturbing the peace. People actually listen to them—can you believe it? Like thirsty puppies, they lap up their words. What's going on here? Is God out to lunch? Nobody's tending the store. The wicked get by with everything; they have it made, piling up riches. I've been stupid to play by the rules; what has it gotten me? A long run of bad luck, that's what—a slap in the face every time I walk out the door.” Psalm 73:6-14

Sounds like a bad party if you ask me. Like you I’ve been there, done that… got the knocked in front teeth, the lonely table, the cold shoulder, and cold stares. And you know what, I’m d-u-n as someone told me in Korea, I’m done. I’ve tried to open the Gospel to certain groups of people, just as you have, and we get instead… arrogance, ridicule, whispers, and looks. It’s time to polish the boots and march on (Matthew 10:14). And that hurts because you know what comes after Revelation chapter 5; the worse reality show ever… and that is only the beginning.

So what does the Bible guide us to do? “Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy. Therefore go into the highways, and as many as you find, invite to the wedding.’ So those servants went out into the highways and gathered together all whom they found, both bad and good. And the wedding hall was filled with guests.” (Matthew 22:8-10)

Back when I tinkered on my teenage car the best way to ‘fix’ my faulty starter was to get half way under the thing and whack it a good one. Sometimes to get anywhere you just have to get a little dirty. Now Christians don’t like doing that. For some reason they think it will soil their ‘righteousness’; their self-righteousness more like it. For example: if someone is smoking a cigarette they wouldn’t dream of going over there and having a talk. Or if a neighbor is drinking a beer, or you name any other of the thousands of legalistic excuses that ‘Christians’ have conjured up. Hmm… we sound “pretentious and arrogant” ourselves. Maybe that is why folks won’t talk or associate with us… the carnal mind can smell hypocrisy a county away.

You know I wonder, has the church grown so luke-warm that we can no longer relate to the common person on the street? Is the heart of the church really towards the captives of this world or towards more building projects, capital investments, and pew populating techniques?

Where’s the church (the people) who love the lost enough to give up their “pampered and overfed” ways and get into circumstances where faith in God is active, alive, and prayer is fervent? Why? Because you are in over your head… and you are not in total control of the situation… the Bible calls that… faith.

Sidetracked

2009-07-05T14:23:00.000-07:00

“No doubt about it! God is good— good to good people, good to the good-hearted. But I nearly missed it, missed seeing his goodness. I was looking the other way, looking up to the people at the top, envying the wicked who have it made, who have nothing to worry about, not a care in the whole wide world.” Psalm 73:1-5

It’s easy to get sidetracked when you stop looking up and start looking around. When you compare who you are to the people around you (2 Cor. 10:12). If you are like me, you tend to come up short. God did not call you or me because we are wise, mighty, or noble. Who does he call? God calls the foolish, the weak, the base, the despised… the needy. Why? So that “no flesh should glory in his presence.” God will not share his glory with anyone (1 Cor. 1:19-31)!

Jesus Christ demonstrates his great love and power through broken vessels that this world discards. Like a scrap-yard for old and unwanted cars our Savior steps through the wrangled mess and whispers “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28)...

And the seed of God’s Word broke through our stony hearts, took root, and now here we are… and if we are not diligent about living, growing, and sharing our first love with others—repenting of our sin, reading God’s Word because we crave it, praying, loving, helping, and standing for Christ then what are we?

We are those who looked at the world and liked what they saw. Those who compromised. Those who watered down the Gospel. Those who use canned preaching methodologies, building on mega church techniques, and not the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Those who seek to gain the world’s approval and not the approval of Almighty God (John 12:43). Those with a lukewarm approach to Christianity, so much so that they give the name ‘Christian’ a discredit (Revelation 3:14-22).

“These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever.” (Jude 12-13).

Don’t compromise the truth of God’s Word. As Xanda my daughter would say, “it is what it is” and so is the Gospel. It will stand when thrown into the fiery furnace, it will stand when questioned, and it will stand in your heart when you feel rejected. Feelings lie. God’s Word does not. The Gospel will stand and it will offend, it will cut, it will divide, and it will sheer off that which is sin, shameful, unholy, unrighteous, unnatural, and unable to face the brightness of the glory of God (Genesis 3:22; Matthew 10:34; Acts 23:7).

You who bare the mark of Christ also know the goodness of Christ. You know his mercy. You know his forgiveness. You know comfort, deep abiding joy, and unknown courage that helps you to spread his Word. To broadcast seed in stony places. To trample through rotten weeds and prickly thorn patches in search of good earth… a needy heart willing to hear the Gospel (Mark 4) or return to the fold the brother or sister who went astray (Matthew 18:12).

Christian, we are different. The Comforter glows within our hearts and because of that “we are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). The Spirit of Truth resides in our hearts and it “reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment” and shows us “things to come” (John 14:17; 16:6-8,13). Our job is to live, to love, and to witness.

“But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing. And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves. Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil” 1 Thessalonians 5.

Cross of Christ

2009-07-03T14:21:00.000-07:00

“O LORD, how my adversaries have increased! Many are rising up against me. Many are saying of my soul, "There is no deliverance for him in God." Selah. But You, O LORD, are a shield about me, My glory, and the One who lifts my head. I was crying to the LORD with my voice, And He answered me from His holy mountain. Selah. I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the LORD sustains me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people Who have set themselves against me round about. Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God! For You have smitten all my enemies on the cheek; You have shattered the teeth of the wicked. Salvation belongs to the LORD; Your blessing be upon Your people! Selah.” Psalm 3:1-8

As time races towards the rapture and Tribulation, lines are being drawn and sides taken. Those who are followers of Jesus Christ are viewed as strange, unyielding, sad, or even angry at times. We are set aside, dismissed, ignored, or ostracized because we will not compromise the truth of the Word of God. We will not yield to the swayings of a world where ‘anything goes’ or ‘do your own thing’. We’ve become an offense because of the cross of Jesus Christ; the truth that He is Lord and only Him and that salvation comes through no other name, religion, or philosophy.

True, oftentimes we are saddened. For there’s a war going on inside of us. The Lord is calling, ‘will you trust, will you obey me’? There’s the ever increasing evil of a fallen world and of those who will not hear, will not consider, and who choose a melting-pot-religion over the cross of Christ. We pray for the lost, we cry out for boldness and courage, and often we walk that path alone. We see the approaching judgment and we pray ever more, we cry ever more, we hope even more for salvation, for freedom, and for righteousness.

Our hearts are broken by the insensitivity of others towards the Good News of Jesus Christ. We mourn. We weep. Not because we are better. In no way, we are sinners saved by grace. Yet, as we see the season upon us our desires turn heaven-ward while many of our friends and family members are enjoying earthly things.

Oftentimes we can feel like outsiders. We are not invited, we are not welcomed warmly. Sometimes that happens because our attitudes stink and the captives can’t stand that smell, they’ve sensed it all too often. Sometimes ‘christians’ come off as ‘better than thou’ and that is a real turn off to just about everybody.

Or sometimes our facial expressions belie that we truly are not sad but praying. We truly are not depressed but concerned, for deep inside us glows the Spirit of God and that Spirit whispers… come up higher… leave the cares of this world… to me…

Truly, burning inside our hearts is the greatest joy, an abiding peace, a strength that comes from the Lord. We are not discouraged, but neither are we slap-happy either… we are anxiously awaiting the will of the Lord and his kingdom coming. As soldiers of the Lord we will defend His truth, we will not reject his name, and we will proclaim the coming day of our Lord!

Crown of Righteousness

2009-03-31T21:10:00.000-07:00

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” 2 Tim 4:3-8

Life is tough right now. Families are under stress. So are marriages, careers, and faith. The world around us is shaking. Foundations not built on Jesus Christ are shifting in the sand. Cracks are appearing.

Life for Paul was tough. He had just faced Emperor Nero. The Roman districts were steeped in fear, uncertainty, and tyranny. Paul knew his time of death was near. Yet, Paul looked beyond his environment to the promises of Christ. It was the appearing of Christ that Paul looked for, longed for, and hoped for. Paul also longed for his crown of righteousness, one of the many crowns God would give him. An eternal crown and gift given him by a Savior who’s blood… cleansed him of his sins.

Dear Christian know this… your sins are forgiven, your robes are white, you are clothed with Christ’s righteousness. Until his return… fight the good fight, finish your race, keep the faith and look for, long for the appearance of his coming.

The Victor's Crown

2009-03-30T21:08:00.001-07:00

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things: Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, be we for an imperishable crown.” 1 Cor. 9:24-25

I grew up hearing the certain reward for those who rejected Christ. It’s not good. But what of those who believe in Christ, who live the principles of scripture, who live and walk in the Spirit, and who produce… goodness. A goodness not coming from themselves, of course, but through the working of God’s Spirit in their lives.

Paul knew this and so he strove for the imperishable crown, the victor’s crown. A crown given to overcomers, those who “overcome him by the blood of the lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death” (Rev. 12:11). “As it is written, For your sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter” (Rom. 8:36).

As a Believer we go through a lot. Sometimes we find ourselves in crises and problems that others don’t have. Other’s it seems have a life that is smooth sailing while we struggle. We fight against the motions of our own flesh (our sin nature), we struggle against the negative influence of the world, and we fight against the tricks of Satan. On every hand we are tested, tried, rebuked, excluded and harassed.

Yet, we endure, we fight, we struggle because we’ve fallen in love with Jesus Christ. Our ultimate desire is to see him, be with him, and glorify his name by overcoming, by trusting, by believing, and thereby earning our crown of victory. A crown we desire, that we long for, a crown like our Heavenly Father’s, a crown we can one day lay down at our Savior’s nail scarred feet and worship. (Rev. 4:10)

Crown

2009-03-29T21:05:00.000-07:00

“Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. Revelation 3:11

So March Madness is coming to a close. Who will win and who will be upset and who will be the collegiate national champion? I don’t know and neither does my watching buddy, Belinda.

Yep, we watch basketball together, football also, and guy and romantic flicks. Watching sports is one of our favorite pastimes but our passion is watching Biblical prophecy come to pass right before our eyes. That’s who we are and what we do.

Until the rapture we do what we can to help, assist, and encourage other ministries and those in need. Watching others succeed is soo much more a blessing than any sports individual or team. For one is temporal and the other is eternal.

Each of us everyday have gifts and talents that encourage, teach, lead, and guide. How much the more in these days that we live in do we need willing hearts who step out of their comfort zones and into the grace of God. No, it’s not easy, there’s fear to deal with and doubt but the love of God is great and his love compels us.

Walking the walk of Christ takes effort, great effort. Just as those young basketball players give their all for a material ‘crown’ so I must, we must, give our all to the work of Jesus Christ. (1 Cor. 9:25)

Why? Well, if no one’s noticed the world’s gone a little nutty these days. Irrationality, seems to be the new norm… retirement plans are pretty much gone, economically, the bulls are having their day. Yet, in Christ we are to “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6:20).

What could that mean? Stay tuned…

Listening and Hearing Father

2009-03-27T21:03:00.000-07:00

“Intelligent children listen to their parents; foolish children do their own thing.” Proverbs 13:1

Why is it that parents want their children to listen to them? So that the parents can teach their children the way to do things in life. How to live. How to be safe and how to treat others.

Our Heavenly Father desires to teach us how to live as well. But we must listen. Listening to our Heavenly Father requires our time and our attention. Jesus gets our attention and speaks to us through his Word.

Have you read His Word today?

Jesus listen’s to our prayers and if we are quiet before Him, He will speak to our hearts and minds. He does this through the Spirit of God that resides in a believer’s heart. God’s Spirit ignites a passage of scripture to our minds to lead us and guide us.

Have you prayed today?

Have you listened today?

Listening and hearing God takes faith. You must believe that your relationship with him is good. It’s always difficult to have a relationship with guilt is involved. So if guilt arises, remove the guilt. Ask your Father for forgiveness. He will forgive. He promises in His Word that He will.

For you Heavenly Father loves you and He wants the best for you. He’s not against you, he’s for you and more than anything He wants you to talk to Him and to read and live His counsel.

Judgment Seat of Christ

2009-03-26T21:00:00.000-07:00

“Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” 2 Cor. 5:9-10

The judgment seat of Christ or ‘the Bema seat’. A judgment for believers of Christ following the rapture. A time when “each one’s work will become clear: for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is” 1 Cor 3:13.

Seeing and believing that such events will occur how should our lives be? How broken and pure? How merciful and bold? How unpretentious and focused?

This calls us back to the very foundation of the gospel, a focus on Jesus Christ. A heart focus that causes our hearts to desire ever more a purity, a cleansing, a holiness, and a repentance. Not for the mere sake of Christ’s coming review of our lives but for the realization of peering into his eyes and seeing his pain at our shortcomings. All the while enjoying the joys of recognition that fully come from Christ alone anyway.

O how the heart aches for sanctification in Christ!

Contentment

2009-03-25T20:57:00.001-07:00

“Don't work yourself into the spotlight; don't push your way into the place of prominence. It's better to be promoted to a place of honor than face humiliation by being demoted.” Proverbs 25:6-7

In our push and shove society it is easy to fall into career climbing madness. Yet, what does it get us? An ulcer, a bad name, and a life without relationships. We worry and stress over a promotion that is not really ours in the first place. Is it not God who raises up or tears down? Throughout the pages of God’s history is it not Him who is in control and who determines our place and position? Does not God have a plan and a purpose for us?

God wisely asks us to focus not on a position but on the character needed. That is faithfulness and honesty. Faithful to carry out what is needed done today. Faithful to follow through in areas that don’t feel good and are not easy. Faithful to be there through the everyday grind of good and bad. God likes consistency.

And honesty. Honest enough to tell the truth when the truth puts us in a bad light or someone else. Honest enough to stop lies and deceit and to stand on principle and for righteousness.

God has a way of giving out that promotion when the time is right. In the meantime is there not enough work at present for us to accomplish faithfully and with honor? Maybe we are in the position granted us for the work of God? Maybe we are there to speak to someone, to share, to care, and to encourage?

Being thankful and learning contentment is key!

Rich or Poor

2009-03-22T20:55:00.000-07:00

Don't for a minute envy careless rebels; soak yourself in the Fear-of-God—That's where your future lies. Then you won't be left with an armload of nothing. Proverbs 23:17-18

In a time of great wealth people tend to turn from God to their riches. President Lincoln warned of this as have so many others. It is when times are not so great, when wealth flies away and when trouble comes then some turn to God.

Trouble is actually God’s blessing.

May our hearts always look to God for the answers in life, whether in peace or trouble. If we are blessed with much then give to those in need, giving God thanks for the opportunity given. Recognizing with every token God’s vessels we are. And if we are poor give God thanks for the blessing of dependency and the blessing of less distraction.

For what creates more lasting joy? A shiny trinket of distraction or meeting a need of another?

For wealth is an instrument and so is being poor. The one has more earthly things and lesser heavenly while they other is more open to the heavenly.

We all have our lot in life, our time, and our place. With the days given us may we honor God, help others, and in all give God thanks.

Believing God's Promises

2009-03-18T20:51:00.000-07:00

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you.I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

It is of the greatest comfort to know that God is with you. So many times our negative thought life tells us just the opposite. How often do we hear in our minds, “well, you really screwed up now, there’s no way God is going to listen to your prayer,” or “God must be against me” or “God will never forgive me for doing that”.

The opposite is the case. If you are a person seeking after God and seeking his truth then the promise of Isaiah 41:10 is with you. You can stand on this scripture, you can hope and believe the reality of God’s Word. Your doubts may inflict you, your emotions may scream doubt, fear, and anxiety but it is our ‘will’ that places our trust in God Almighty. Our minds are frail and faulty and our emotions fickle but God’s truth and promises are eternal and sure.

Listening, Living, and Loving

2009-03-17T20:48:00.000-07:00

"The seed cast in the weeds represents the ones who hear the kingdom news but are overwhelmed with worries about all the things they have to do and all the things they want to get. The stress strangles what they heard, and nothing comes of it. (Mark 4:18)

Let’s admit it, there’s a lot to worry about. Seemingly everyday there is more and more to do and less time to do it properly. There’s no time for consideration or reflection… only reaction. Such reaction living creates stress… a lot of stress. And stress over the long term becomes distress that weakens our ability to sleep, to think, to concentrate and leads to depression.

There’s a lot of distress and depression these days. So much so that many can’t hear the Good News of the Gospel… only apprehension.

That’s where listening, living, and loving comes into play. We all need to be heard, especially when we are hurting. We all need to see Christ lived out before us in others. And we all need to be loved and to love. Listening to others, living the words in the Bible, and loving others is the Christian medicine against stress and depression. A medicine that will help and heal and prayerfully lead a way out of the weeds to the peace and comfort found in Christ.

Let it Ride

2009-03-16T21:27:00.001-07:00

Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. James 1:2-4

Like many of you I’ve read this passage many times. And many times I’ve thought I have this down pat… well, I don’t. Like cold water hitting a hot frying pan I still jump to conclusions or explode when trying times come my way. I’m still far from the maturity taught here by James. How about you?

What I hear James say is… let it ride. That is, when trying times come you way how about sitting still and doing little. Allow the pain of loss, the embarrassment of failure, the burning of pride, the pressure shape the character of Christ in our hearts.

Gifts & Sin

2009-03-11T21:24:00.000-07:00

James 1:16

So, my very dear friends, don't get thrown off course. Every desirable and beneficial gift comes out of heaven. The gifts are rivers of light cascading down from the Father of Light. There is nothing deceitful in God, nothing two-faced, nothing fickle. He brought us to life using the true Word, showing us off as the crown of all his creatures.

There’s no doubt that we are all gifted of God. We have talents and abilities granted by him for the benefit of others. Some encourage, some give, some show mercy, some preach, some teach, some organize, and some lead, among others.

Yet, an ability left to itself withers… the vessel and ability must serve. It is servitude, recognition of others, and dependency upon God that lifts an ability beyond the unused mundane to the excellence intended by the creator.

An excellent ability often unseen and unappreciated. Abilities that work in and around us as slightly as the whisper of the Spirit of God. Gently guided by Christ for the work of leading, guiding, and shaping individual lives into the Body of Christ.

We are then representatives of Christ to a fallen world. Yet, how do we represent when church members behave just as sinful as those beyond the door? Our veil of religious deceit must be replaced by confession and repentance. Sinners do not crave hypocrisy but the pureness of truth. Truth lived out by action, be deed, coming from the heart, whose hands were once stained by sin but now cleansed by the blood of the Lamb.

Mercy and Hashness

2009-03-10T21:21:00.000-07:00

“Kind mercy wins over harsh judgment every time.” James 2:13

Goodness, kindness, and mercy are better than harshness.

They lead… they don’t drive.

Mercy towards others requires faith, hope, and belief.

A belief in a Creator whose creation we have no right to harm.

Only harm will come out of harshness.

Harshness, bitterness, coldness, indifference… these cripple, these maim, these destroy.

We’ve not been called to destroy but to heal… just as God heals us through mercy.

The Hope of Home

2009-03-09T05:34:00.000-07:00

Ezekiel 36:8"'But you, Mountains of Israel, will burst with new growth, putting out branches and bearing fruit for my people Israel. My people are coming home! Do you see? I'm back again. I'm on your side. You'll be plowed and planted as before! I'll see to it that your population grows all over Israel, that the towns fill up with people, that the ruins are rebuilt. I'll make this place teem with life—human and animal. The country will burst into life, life, and more life, your towns and villages full of people just as in the old days. I'll treat you better than I ever have. And you'll realize that I am God. I'll put people over you—my own people Israel! They'll take care of you and you'll be their inheritance. Never again will you be a harsh and unforgiving land to them.”

There’s nothing like coming home after a long trip. There’s an excitement and growing anticipation with every mile closer to those you love and to those who love you. Your headed home! As one airline attendant asked me, ‘so, how are you doing today?’ To that I responded with a smile, ‘I’m going home’! The message came across.

This passage of prophecy predicted Israel’s coming home as well. A prophecy that carried them beyond their return from Babylonia to our present age. A return to their promised land. A land they found scarred with war and drought but today is bursting with new hope and life.

Each day we also have a great hope. The hope of going home. A hope of returning to the rightful, peaceful, and joyful relationship with our Heavenly Father. A hope of a new body that doesn’t ache, creak, or groan at us all the time. A hope of seeing Christ on the throne in full glory!

Along the way we may get bumped around or tossed back and forth. We may endure hardship of our own doing or from the cruelty of others. But may we never take our eyes off of the hope we have, the hope of going home.

Taking or Giving

2009-02-20T05:32:00.000-07:00

“Sinners are always wanting what they don't have; the God-loyal are always giving what they do have.” Proverbs 21:26 (The Message)

Giving is not spoken about much these days. Folks are scared, folks are worried. Yet, should our environment dictate our behavior? Or should our God-character dictate our environment?

Consider; in good times or bad… in prosperity or despair… who suffers most? Is it not the poor, the needy, and the weak? Instead of travelling the knee-jerk and easy route of giving a hand-out… I need…, we need…, to give them a hand-up! The first takes little effort and quiets our conscience quickly… the latter represents commitment, hard work, and a relationship.

For many of us it’s not the need that is so pressing… it is the want. Since the 1950’s we’ve been ‘programmed’ to purchase, to consume, and to want, want, want. Stimulating our ‘wants’ is good for business…

A consumer’s mind-set is simply self-centered, selfish, and is based on greed… and not need. I mean how many DVD movies is enough? How televisions, computers, cars, and stuff is sufficient? Mike, you might ask… didn’t I just see you go to Wal-Mart and purchase three DVDs the other day? Yes, you did. God’s Spirit is speaking (preaching) to me just as well.

You know, I wonder sometimes where my heart is… where’s my affections? I wonder why I often lack the inability to maintain a God consciousness continually. Like you and like the Apostle Paul I fight the good fight of faith… that is to keep me under control. (1 Tim. 6:12; 1 Cor. 9:27) What are you fighting?

That is what this little devotional readings are all about. They are a means of sharing, caring, giving, and receiving. I’ve been called to encourage and yet truthfully I’m often at a loss as to how. Especially when I go through much the same highs and lows as everyone else. It is at those moments that someone who is poor in spirit, someone who is needy and hungry for God or someone weak and dependent on God calls me, emails me, or walks up and encourages my heart by their sheer trust in Jesus Christ.

So as you read along you will find me exposing my heart for more of God. To do that is a gift… a gift given this instrument to prayfully assist you to expose your heart to the love and grace of Jesus Christ. And by opening our hearts to Christ we find the greatest encouragement and comfort.

Going Gray

2009-02-20T05:31:00.000-07:00

“Youth may be admired for vigor, but gray hair gives prestige to old age.” Proverbs 20:29

Yesterday I took God’s advice and read some good jokes from a friend. They spoke of age. For me that was all the more fun as that morning I did more than shave and comb my hair I actually took a look at myself. Wow, I thought, I’m going gray, where did the time go?

Growing gray or bald or both (my case) is natural and part of life. Yet, more than the appearance is my desire for wisdom and a change of heart. I guess I’m getting old.

Like you I can recall my youth. Even as a guy I spend a lot of time in front of the mirror so that I could look my best. A great part of my life was tied up in my appearance. How times have changed. Now my time is spent looking at God’s mirror and judging my character, to look my best for Him, to honor Christ.

Some days I don’t look at the mirror and I wonder how I must appear to God. How does God view you?

Haste makes Waste

2009-02-18T05:28:00.000-07:00

“Ignorant zeal is worthless; haste makes waste.” Proverbs 19:2 (The Message)

From 1678 when John Ray first published his proverb collection to now, “haste makes waste” certainly applies. Thinking before acting, considering before impulsivity and not throwing caution to the wind are all trademarks of wisdom and maturity.

Yet, in our day haste is the speed of business. Lists that grow longer, taskers that marry and have children, timeliness is preached, taught, plastered on billboard… its all rush, rush, rush. It’s no wonder we are stressed, perplexed, and tired all the time.

So what to do? With each day there needs to be a break. A time to relax. A time to laugh. And a time to enjoy. Each day we must find time to share a good lunch, a pleasant conversation, or a time to just be still.

True, the job must get done and done on time. Yet doing so frantically will most often create more rework, pressure, and stress. Planning, even the most mundane of tasks will bring clarity and accomplishment, having a plan is key.

Each day your Heavenly Father has a plan and a purpose for you. The plan is not hastily put together but is lovingly thought out, gently put together, and calmly whispered in scripture or moments of prayer. Take a moment in your day to spend time with your Heavenly Father and through Him find peace, rest, and contentment.

Who is this King of Glory

2009-02-18T05:25:00.000-07:00

“We're citizens of high heaven! We're waiting the arrival of the Savior, the Master, Jesus Christ, who will transform our earthy bodies into glorious bodies like his own. He'll make us beautiful and whole with the same powerful skill by which he is putting everything as it should be, under and around him.” Philippians 3:20-21 (The Message)

Regardless of our circumstances we have the greatest of hope! A hope not seen. A hope promised by the keeper of promises, our Lord and Savior.

Our bodies will fail us, friends may get stupid and betray us, and lets face it… we are human and we all make bumbling mistakes. And in looking at all that and looking at all the financial woes of America and beyond its easy to get down, despondent, and discouraged. Boy, we are a spoiled lot!

Yet, I see in scripture a beautiful story of hope coming of age right now… right before our eyes.

I see a season of change. True on one hand I see humanism, socialism, and the supposed glory of human intellect all coming together to ‘save the earth’. I’m seeing the suppression of noble thought, the quieting of good creative speech, and the subjegegation of anything Godly, Holy, and righteous. I’m looking around and seeing the effects of “the love of many growing cold” (Matt. 24:12).

Ah, but that is the looking at the troubled waters that Peter peeked at… yet, when I gaze at our coming King I see the soon arrival of His Glory! The marching steps of His saint-army, clothed in white, clothed in righteousness… cleansed by the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ.

I hope for the King of Glory on his throne… dipped in full majesty, honored fully, magnified, and exalted above every name that is named! (Revelation 19)

“Who is this King of Glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory” (Psalm 24.10).

This is our hope. A hope of the coming King. A promise that needs reminding, needs saying, and needs repeating all to compete against the present war of thought and words that besets us. And presently we may grow weary, we may grow faint, but we can never truly grow discouraged when we look at the great hope found in God’s beautiful Word.

Leadership and the King

2009-01-30T05:23:00.000-07:00

“God cares about honesty in the workplace; your business is his business. Good leaders abhor wrongdoing of all kinds; sound leadership has a moral foundation. Good leaders cultivate honest speech; they love advisors who tell them the truth. An intemperate leader wreaks havoc in lives; you're smart to stay clear of someone like that. Good-tempered leaders invigorate lives; they're like spring rain and sunshine.” Proverbs 16:11-15 (The Message)

Some say that ‘character doesn’t matter’ but without character what do you have? You have hallow words and empty promises that today sound good but tomorrow leave you searching and so very many hurting.

Today the hearts of men and women are searching for leadership, for character. The kind of leadership that makes wrongs… right and that stand on principle and not shady-policy. An influence that beckons us back towards righteousness and towards nobility.

A nobility found not by looking down on others or using others but by looking up to God for answers. Answers that lead us to bent knees and humble hearts and a reliance not on ourselves but on God. For it is God who raises up leadership, they are not decreed by human desire (Proverbs 8:15) they are for the King’s use.

When leadership is lacking, ‘when all seem to do what is right in their own eyes’ (Judges 17:6) then we can follow the leadership of this world or we can seek and search out the ways of God. The ways of God that calls us to honesty, to truth, and to temperance. A call that whispers and warns us to ‘come up higher’ and not be entangled with this world’s troubles. A call to righteous living that is based not on feelings but on faith. A faith that sees the glimmering promises and awards of today in our rearview mirror as we await and strive forward and towards the coming King and the truth that only he can bring.

Our King is coming. Are you ready? (Matthew 24:30-31)

Our Coming King

2009-01-30T05:21:00.000-07:00

In an era of hope it seems that many have lost theirs. Yet, when hopes are dashed by the taking away… then is true hope brought to light. Such a hope and light we have, an inheritance that does not fade (1 Peter 1:4) but is “reserved in heaven for you.”

For consider… that kingdoms have come and gone, kings and princes have reigned, songs and sculptures were crafted and now they are no more. They are now all dust and their memory faint. The gleam of their trophies and great speeches are lost, their hopes and dreams vanquished and their people’s souls reserved for judgment. For hope without Christ is a lie.

And hope that springs from human thought, might, or persuasion is not hope at all, that is deceit. A deceitful imitation of what is to come, our coming King. For the King that we look for is called, “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 6:6). On his shoulders will rest the government and it will increase in peace… He will judge “with righteousness the poor and decide with fairness.” (Isaiah 6:7, 11:3-4).

In that day the “earth will be filled with His knowledge” and He will rule with righteousness and faithfulness. That day is closer to us now than ever before. It approaches like thundering horses ferociously bringing dread, torment, and horror to the inhabitants of this world but not for us. For us it clears the way for us to glorify… our hope, the coming King.

We have a hope. Not in this world or the things of this world. They will “pass away” but the banner of righteousness that waves in our hearts and souls never will! (Matthew 24:35; 2 Peter 3:10). A righteousness not earned, not bought with coin or influence but with the “precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” (1 Peter 1:19). He is our rock that the world of old and our present one will reject but to us he is precious, humble, and all together lovely.

He calls to us, in the morning, during the night, and in the midst of hopelessness. He waves his orchestra of beauty in the trees, the mountains, the oceans, the faces… calling for our obedience and our trust. He shouts in whispers to our very being and we too often… fail to listen, look up, and heed. We need not a device, a hand-out, or a token of pleasure… we need, we crave righteousness. Oh, that our lives would honor Christ in our living! Oh, that light would spring forth from our unrighteousness to the pervading darkness that so many grope in! Oh that we were free from this body of bondage to knell down and cast our filthy crowns at his glorious feet! Come dear hope, dear Savior, most sovereign Lord and King!

Mercy and Forgiveness

2009-01-24T05:19:00.000-07:00

Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day's out. Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ's law. If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived. Galatians 6:1

In these days of hard-hearts we are in need of mercy, grace, and forgiveness. Forgiveness does not come easily nor lightly nor without cost. At first it comes begrudgingly like an untrained mule. It fights and quarrels stubbornly in our hearts and minds until mercy wins over, until grace is achieved and until forgiveness touches our owns hearts first. For to show mercy, mercy must first be received.

And this mercy we’ve all received at the cross of Christ. His blood and sacrifice atoned our sins forever, but the sacrifice must be received. The free gift of mercy must be received and once received, realized.

That realization of the mercy of Christ strips away piety, arrogance, and self centeredness and focuses on the needs of others. Not the wants… the needs. There lies a dramatic difference between the two.

For we’ve been chosen to demonstrate grace on one hand and hatred on the other. Grace and mercy towards the person while utterly hating sin. Demonstrating forgiveness towards the offender while warring against the nature of the offense itself. For without holding the balance of these two we will naturally tip the scales towards hard-hearted religious hypocrisy or towards lascivious-sinful conduct. That choice begins with mercy… with forgiveness, given freely at the cross of Christ.

Have you been wronged? Forgive. And see in the offense not the person but your own need, your own weakness, and your great need to extend forgiveness. If one hurts you have they not hurt many others? Have we not all hurt others as we blunder through life? Show mercy and mercy will be shown you.

Being good in an evil world

2009-01-22T06:49:00.000-07:00

Why the big noise, nations? Why the mean plots, peoples? Earth-leaders push for position, Demagogues and delegates meet for summit talks, The God-deniers, the Messiah-defiers: "Let's get free of God! Cast loose from Messiah!" Heaven-throned God breaks out laughing. At first he's amused at their presumption; Then he gets good and angry. Furiously, he shuts them up: "Don't you know there's a King in Zion? A coronation banquet Is spread for him on the holy summit." Let me tell you what God said next. He said, "You're my son, And today is your birthday. What do you want? Name it: Nations as a present? continents as a prize? You can command them all to dance for you, Or throw them out with tomorrow's trash." So, rebel-kings, use your heads; Upstart-judges, learn your lesson: Worship God in adoring embrace, Celebrate in trembling awe. Kiss Messiah! Your very lives are in danger, you know; His anger is about to explode, But if you make a run for God—you won't regret it! (Psalm 2)

Sometimes I look around and wonder… what’s going on? The news channels spew out propaganda, our leaders don’t listen, and the world seems to be hit with political or social earthquake after earthquake. Through the hissing of lies and deceit, intrigue, and political maneuvering… God is at work.

God’s at work on that stage but in our hearts as well. He’s calling for attention, he’s whispering for our affection, he’s stirring our hearts to come-up-higher (1 Kings 19:12). Not in a grand-show of piety or more religiosity but in trust and obedience to Him. Christ is tugging at our hearts to come to him; come to him for comfort, for rest, and for peace of mind.

A peace that betrays the anxieties of our day. A peace that guides, directs, instructs, and leads us even when we fail. Even when we falter or sin or mis-step along the way. None of us are perfect, we all make mistakes and we all are sinful yet our advantage is knowing, believing, and walking with Christ who is perfect, righteous, and holy. Certainly, our ‘righteousness’ alone will not pave the way to heaven or to peace of mind as we have none (Isa 64:6). We are righteous when we walk in faith, believing that God will take care of the big problems in our lives and the small ones as well (Rom. 1:17). Is anything too hard for God? (Gen. 18:14).

So as the days grow ever more evil (Eph. 5:16) may we look to Jesus for strength, wisdom, and guidance. If the ‘one-eye devil’ is getting you down then turn the thing off or select a godly movie to watch. If you want peace of mind you have to seek for it, surround yourself with it, and cut off the anxiety stimuli. Or better yet, give of yourself. There’s a healing wonder in giving without thought of receiving.

And giving is what we are all about. As the world takes and grabs and holds onto may we be a peculiar people (1 Peter 2:9) and give of ourselves. May we have a heart to seek out the lonely, the forgotten, the depressed, and those suffering and show kindness… show a caring heart. May we be good in an evil world.

I want to be like you

2009-01-20T06:46:00.000-07:00

When the time comes, we'll be plenty ready to exchange exile for homecoming. 2 Corinthians 5:6

Tonight, as I continued working on a history I listened to Far-From-Home (FFH), a band that I had the pleasure to see in concert and meet in Korea. One of their songs, “I want to be like you” touched my heart from the first hearing. I thought I would share in the hopes that the lyrics alone might be of comfort to you…

When I'm down,
You are up for me
When I frown, You have a smile for me
And when I'm weak,
You are strong for me
You are there for me
You're always there for me
When I fall, You will catch me
When I call, You're quick to answer me
And when I weep, You will weep with me
You are there for meYou're always there for me

Chorus:(And I want to be like You)
Take my cross and follow after You
(I want to be like You)
Speak the truth in everything I do
(I want to be like You)
Leave the many to go and find the few
(I want to be like You)
I want to be like You
When I thirst,
You will quench me
When I hunger, You are the bread for me
When I kneel, you already heard me
You are there for me
You're always there for me
When I cried, You were there,
You heard my call
When I fell, You were there,
You saw it all
On my knees,
You came and rescued me
And now in everything I say and do
I want to be just like you.

In God’s Word, a song, or a friends sharing we are given comfort and courage to keep on keeping on. That is what is so different with this Christian walk. For it’s not to the swift, the brightest, the best, or the noblest. It’s not a contest, it’s a continuation… a one day at a time, getting up when knocked down, forgiving yourself, forgiving others, and learning to just be your self… race. Walking with Christ is looking in the mirror and appreciated what He sees without arrogance, without false pride, and without pretensions. Walking with Christ is all about Him. It’s a joy that cannot be expressed, a peace that leads us to the unknown, and a love for others that cuts across our ugly nature.

So yes, dear friends we are truly far from home… we are temporarily exiles from the ultimate glory of Jesus Christ but in looking around us we are not filled with apprehension… no, we are filled with over whelming joy as we see the signposts of His returning whizzing-by! What a glorious, triumphant hope and joy we have in Him! To Christ be the Glory!

Trouble and Refuge

2009-01-19T06:44:00.000-07:00

The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Psalm 9:9

All around us trouble is brewing. It is stirred by forces seen and unseen, by corruption, deceit, fraud, and moral decay. The world around us is shaking apart – all to build a different one – one ever more evil for a season, for a purpose.

Yet, in the midst there is an oasis of peace, and comfort, and grace in time of need. These are ours for the asking – for the seeking. What do you seek for? “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matt. 6:33.

For trouble truly is a blessing in disguise. Trouble comes and we are given a choice. A choice to react in haste or a choice to seek God’s refuge. Too often I react and too often I miss the refuge of God’s grace and peace. But God is merciful and allows us to go around the mountain again. Why? Because our Heavenly Father knows what is best for us. He knows that we need trouble to motivate us. Motivate us to seek him and find in him “a refuge in times of trouble.”

Joy in good news

2009-01-09T06:43:00.000-07:00

A twinkle in the eye means joy in the heart, and good news makes you feel fit as a fiddle. Proverbs 15:30.

In a world we live in there’s not a lot of good news these days. Greed and corruption, anger and fear and doubt persist. As predicted in the Bible—systems of this world are falling apart. Humanism now has a black-eye.

Yet, for all of that there is a whole lot of good news. We just have to see it. When times get tough people tend to turn their attention back to God. When human-made systems fail due to corrupt human nature some people come to an understanding that the only true goodness comes from God. Goodness found not in a pretty slogan, a well-pressed suit, or great orations from a platform, no from God.

When on our darkest day we’ve been given grace to look up and see God’s silver lining then there is joy unknown to this world. A joy that carries us through the rough times and prompts our hearts to give, to share, and to encourage.

Giving and caring and loving because that abiding joy prompts us to. Joy that leads us and guides us to help and to uplift. That is the power of the Holy Spirit at work in our lives. The joy in the power of God’s great grace and great love for us all.

Opions, trust, and peace

2008-12-23T06:42:00.000-07:00

The fear of human opinion disables; trusting in God protects you from that. Proverbs 29:25

Each and every day this fear of opinion grips us, shapes us, and undermines our walk with Christ. I know, I’m not immune.

Are you?

Are you consumed by what others think of you? Or, is your concern the opinion of God? There is a world of difference. One is fearful… the other… peace; peace of mind.

Peace of mind proclaims confidence, a trust in God. Not the confidence of this world but a confidence in Christ. The confidence of this world leads to cruelty, arrogance, and selfishness. The confidence of Christ is very, very different. This confidence trusts in God while viewing the frailty of human nature. This confidence has mercy in the face of this frailty and desires to help, to hold, and to give. This confidence desires the opinion of God over that of others. This confidence is humble, broken-hearted, often quiet, tender, and merciful.

So how do I/we develop such a trust in God, how are we strengthen in God? Reading the Bible is a place to start. Often, for new believers it is good for them to start with the New Testament, the Proverbs, and the Psalms. Why read the Bible? Scripture reading sheds the light of God’s principles to our minds. We need heavenly principles flowing in our thoughts to counter-act the principles taught us in this world. We are soldiers and our warfare is spiritual. (Ephesians 6:12) Scripture is filled with the stories and testimonies of folks just like you and me who went before us to demonstrate God working in their lives. (Romans 15:4) Their stories are filled with men and women who knew that the opinions of others were faulty and that their own thinking was faulty at times as well. Learning this they turned to God’s Word and to prayer.

Learn to develop prayer. How do you pray when prayer seems so foreign? This and scripture reading is where trust begins. Can you type? Can you text? Can you hold a conversation with a friend, with family, or co-workers. Then you can pray. Prayer is not a formula, prayer is a conversation with God. Prayer is expressing your thanks, displaying your honor, and asking your Heavenly Father for help, for guidance, and for forgiveness. Prayer can occur anywhere and at any time, for prayer is a consciousness of God, a trust in God, a walk with God…

And having a consciousness of God brings peace; peace of mind and trust in God.

The opinions of others need consideration but they should never rob our hearts of the peace of God.

In the Day of Adversity...consider

2008-12-18T20:02:00.000-07:00

For people who hate discipline and only get more stubborn, There'll come a day when life tumbles in and they break, but by then it'll be too late to help them. Proverbs 29:1

It’s not easy to hear someone tell you that you are wrong. It cuts across our senses as ‘failure’, ‘not good enough’ or we may even cynically consider the messengers intent. Those are two choices but there is one better and more noble.

When a messenger comes and tells you that you are wrong, agree. (Matthew 5:25) Agreeing takes the ammunition away. Agreeing soothes your own stinging pride and gives you time to pray and to consider (Ecclesiastes 7:14). For in the midst of trouble we need consideration before action. Yet even much more important than these, is agreeing leads to humility. We need humility if we are to influence… if we are to lead.

What did King David do with adversity? He agreed. When a member of King Saul’s house cursed him, did David curse back? No. He instructed his men to leave Shimel alone as the Lord had given Shimel a heart to speak evil of David. Do you think David liked it? Was David joyful and happy at this? No. He endured. He accepted. He considered. (2 Samuel 16).

Today, we won’t accept pain or discouragement or heartache. We run or hide or bury it deep. Pride will not allow us to accept that we truly are just dumb sheep, sheep that need the Good Shepherd. Most of us get insulted. Our pride is burning and we want to act. We want action because we want to appear courageous, bold, and fearless. Or, we want action because we want… revenge.

Ever consider what God wants? God wants us to trust in Him.

Can you trust God in the midst of trouble or will you shoot the messenger? If you do, God will only send another. For during adversity God is after our attention and our response. God wants to know if His character within us is developing or do we trust our carnal nature? Have we changed or our we the same inside?

And what of that messenger? (2 Samuel 19) Is he or she really the enemy? Could they be someone bold enough and caring enough to correct you, while all the while dreading your ugly response! What happens when you agree? In what light do they view you in then? For most will curse back, most will pick up the spear thrown so as to throw it back. What will you do?

‘Lord, so often my view point is all wrong. Often I fear what others may say, think, or respond to me. Lord, the truth is I don’t trust you enough. For if I truly trusted you my concern would be what you say, think, and your response. Help me and these readers develop a pure heart. A heart so pure that we can see you work in our daily lives. Help us to overcome evil with good, your goodness dear Heavenly Father!

Faith & Promises

2008-12-16T00:00:00.000-07:00

“We call Abraham "father" not because he got God's attention by living like a saint, but because God made something out of Abraham when he was a nobody. Isn't that what we've always read in Scripture, God saying to Abraham, "I set you up as father of many peoples"? Abraham was first named "father" and then became a father because he dared to trust God to do what only God could do: raise the dead to life, with a word make something out of nothing. When everything was hopeless, Abraham believed anyway, deciding to live not on the basis of what he saw he couldn't do but on what God said he would do. And so he was made father of a multitude of peoples. God himself said to him, "You're going to have a big family, Abraham!" Romans 4:17 (The Message)

We live in times of unrealized and awesome possibilities. For just beyond reach… on the other side of glories veil reigns our God of hope and possibility. Through God we can see beyond today and peer into the unknown tomorrow without fear, frustration, or doubt. All these are attainable… through faith in God. Faith that believes the promises of God. (2 Cor. 7:1)

Faith that believes the promise that “He will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5), in believing that, you can never be truly lonely.
Faith that assures us “to give thanks to God with prayer” even when life stinks, even when every emotional-fiber of our being is trembling with anger, frustration, or despair. By faith in God’s Word we can drag our stubborn nature to the altar and give a sacrifice of praise. Even if our ‘feelings’ don’t like it. Believing that after the tears are dried, God will give us true peace (Philippians 4:6-7; Psa 51:17; Psa 116:17).

Faith that is dissatisfied with this world. Faith that sees our nation, our core values, and our prosperity vanish before our eyes day after day. All seemingly spiraling out of control, without checks and balances, discernment, or honorable conscience. Believing that God is shaking everything out to put in place a beastly power structure. All for His ultimate glory.

Faith to understand that ultimately we are enslaved to the love of God. We are compelled by His love to go where we would not go, speak his truth and endure ridicule, give to those who hate what we stand for. A love that forgives and gives in secret. A love that breaks our hearts, molds our nature, and determines for us one singular goal.

To glorify God with our lives.

The Comforter's Voice

2008-12-15T23:56:00.000-07:00

I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8

Throughout America and this world tonight many cannot sleep. Seemingly on every side and wherever they turn there is trouble and anguish. Much of it brought on… by themselves and other trouble through greed and deceit of others. When sleep is hard to come by, consider a sin-check.

It’s hard to sleep with a guilty conscience. Oh it can be done, sort of, I’ve done it many times, or I should say, I tried to. Yet my sleep was troubled and interrupted until I repented to the Lord and made things right between us. Then I peacefully snoozed the night away.

Why? Well, since coming to Christ in 1978 there’s been this quiet, tender, peaceful ‘voice’, called the Holy Spirit. A sweet presence deeply abiding in my soul. He’s also called the Comforter or the Spirit of Truth. When a person accepts Christ as Lord and Savior, God imparts the Comforter to abide with a believer. John 14:16; John 14:17; John 14:26; John 15:26; John 16:7; John 16:13

So, what is this new thing that you are talking about… what is this Spirit of Truth for? Well, the Bible teaches that when Jesus instructed his disciples that when he left them that he would not leave them and us comfortless (John 14:18).

God’s Spirit brings us peace and comfort and helps us through the rough patches on life’s road. Scripture also states that the Holy Spirit was given us to “guide us into all truth” (John 16:13). We need a guide as God’s wisdom must be “spiritually discerned” (1 Cor 2:14), that’s why some people really detest anything dealing with God and why believers of Christ can’t seem to get enough!

The Spirit of God aids us in bringing spiritual things to our mind, He reminds us. (John 14:26) The Spirit of Truth helps us remember what scripture taught us. That is why Bible reading is such a good thing, it gives us ammo for the spiritual battles we will face and comfort while facing it. We also need our discernment sharpened to discern between good and evil.

Yet, the main purpose for God giving us the gift of his Spirit is to build the character of Christ is our lives. Characteristics such as “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance” (Gal. 5:22-23). Why? To witness for him in word and in deed.

Our shepherd desires to commune with our hearts, to draw close and for us to follow Him. As Christ said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27

Do you hear his voice today?

Be still and know that I am God

2008-12-14T06:10:00.000-07:00

“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10

There is a rush, rush, rush, and a busyness about us that feeds our anxieties and quiets-out the voice of our Lord. That still-small voice that whispers our name in the middle of the night, early in the morning, and throughout our day. It whispers, ‘be still, be quiet, and be at peace.’

In the maddening-craziness of our world we often fly right by the voice. It’s just another voice, another message, or another distraction; a distraction from ‘our agenda’. We are in a hurry. We have a mission. That is to do, to be, to achieve, to impress, to possess… for what, may I ask?

Why do we labor so… for the wind? For what we strive for today is gone in a moment. There is nothing eternal in the chaff of such achievements. Come judgment, will they stand the flaming test or will our resume of works burn to ash?

For what purpose then are we here? Why were we created? What is our true mission in life? Or, is this life all there is? Are we beasts that live and feast and die? Or, are we more? Do we have a purpose?

Questions for your heart to ponder, twist, or search out. God’s Word holds the answers to such a quest. Will you hear his voice? Can you be still and know God?

‘Lord Jesus, most every day I ignore your voice. Too often I’m captured by so much anxiety that I’m fearfully trying to please, appease, or look the part. I’m undone. Wash me in the blood of Jesus. Teach me how to pray, what to say, how to be… for I’ve bypassed stillness for the praises of others. I’ve kicked courage to the curb to fit in, to melt away, and to just get along. Help me O God, wash me anew, restore unto me the joy of your salvation and help me to be still.'