PROVERBS 2
1 My son, if you accept my words
and store up my commands within you,
2 turning your ear to wisdom
and applying your heart to understanding,
3 and if you call out for insight
and cry aloud for understanding,
4 and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,
5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD
and find the knowledge of God.
6 For the LORD gives wisdom,
and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7 He holds victory in store for the upright,
he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
8 for he guards the course of the just
and protects the way of his faithful ones.
9 Then you will understand what is right and just
and fair—every good path.
10 For wisdom will enter your heart,
and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
11 Discretion will protect you,
and understanding will guard you.
12 Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men,
from men whose words are perverse,
13 who leave the straight paths
to walk in dark ways,
14 who delight in doing wrong
and rejoice in the perverseness of evil,
15 whose paths are crooked
and who are devious in their ways.
16 It will save you also from the adulteress,
from the wayward wife with her seductive words,
17 who has left the partner of her youth
and ignored the covenant she made before God.
18 For her house leads down to death
and her paths to the spirits of the dead.
19 None who go to her return
or attain the paths of life.
20 Thus you will walk in the ways of good men
and keep to the paths of the righteous.
21 For the upright will live in the land,
and the blameless will remain in it;
22 but the wicked will be cut off from the land,
and the unfaithful will be torn from it.
Wisdom is more powerful than any earthly possession. With wisdom we gain knowledge, power, possessions, strength, guidance, etc. Without wisdom we are just fools; fools have no place in heaven.
We get caught up in busy work so we can gain wealth and we forget the most important aspect in life that we need--wisdom. Solomon knew the importance of wisdom. God told him he could have anything he asked for. God would have made him the richest man in the kingdom if Solomon asked for it. Solomon knew that but instead he asked for wisdom--the most powerful tool in the kingdom. God was pleased with Solomon's request and gave him both wisdom and wealth. (1 Kings 3)
We must desire wisdom with that same compassion. Reread Proverbs 2 and find the benefits that come with having wisdom. They far outweigh anything this world can offer. Matthew 6:33 says: But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. That is exactly what Solomon did; look at his benefits.
Matthew 16:26 What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?
God Bless~
Thursday
Willing Obedience Part 2
1 CHRONICLES 28 & 29
(29:14-17) But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. We are aliens and strangers in your sight, as were all our forefathers. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope. O Lord our God, as for all this abundance that we have provided for building you a temple for your Holy Name, it comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you. I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things have I given willingly and with honest intent. And now I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you.
After David disclosed his shocking news to Solomon and the assembly, he then looked to the assembly and told them that Solomon was young and inexperienced. He said the task at hand was great because the work was for God not man (29:1).
David continued by expressing the importance of their hand in this, their willing hand. He gave the example of his giving; not to boast but to encourage them to do it as well. Besides David's giving of his time and using the country's alloted money toward the building and decorating of the temple, he then went on to express his willingness to go above and beyond and give of his own personal possessions. (29:3-4) After that he said "Now who is willing to consecrate himself to the Lord today?" (29:5)
To consecrate is to "give entirely to a specific person, place or cause; to render holy by means of religous rites." (WordNet) So what David was asking them was: Are you willing to completely focus on the task at hand, not allowing the worldly issues to get in the way; and are you willing to set yourselves apart from worldly sins (be holy) in order to build this Temple which must be made with pure sinless hands?
Shockingly the assembly gave; not only gave but gave willingly. The Israelite people rejoiced at the willing responses of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord. David the king also rejoiced greatly. (29:9)
David was so excited that he praised God right their in the assembly meeting. After his praise time he then got a bit serious and utilized this time to teach the assembly during his prayer. He knew that in and of themselves they weren't anyone special to build as extravagant a Temple as they were. It was God who had provided them the means to do it because everything was His anyway. David said "We have given you only what comes from your hand." (29:14) David also expressed that the reason it went about that way was because God was testing their integrity and willingness to give. They could have kept their possessions God had given them. Yet they chose to give back to God in order to build a Temple in honor of Him.
We have a responsibility to uphold. As Christians it is our duty to use what talents we have and possessions we own to the glory of God and to the furthering of His kingdom. We should not be leaving it up to our Pastor to do the work for us. Everything we own belongs to God: our time, money, possessions, talents. It was God who gave it to us but He is letting us decide what we are going to do with it. He wants to know if we have a willing heart for His work.
Time-- If a member of your church is ill do you call the pastor to go minister to that person or do you take on the responsibility and go yourself? If a sinner comes to the altar for salvation do you leave it up to the pastor to disciple that person or do you take the time to teach them? Are you making yourself available to the pastor for anything he may need?
Talents-- Are you praising God with the talents He gave you? Do you sing with your band but not with the worship team? Are you leaving it up to someone else to teach a Sunday School class? Are you great at plumbing and electricity but would rather have the church spend extra money to hire a professional to fix what is needed instead of you doing it for free? Do you hold any responsibilities in the church?
Possessions & Money-- Are you tithing all the time? Do you go above that and buy things the church needs without expecting reimbursement? Have you asked the Pastor what is needed in the church?
There is much work to be done in building the Kingdom of God. We all must work together to accomplish it. If we leave it to one man to do it he will eventually burn out. As wise and powerful as Solomon was, even he and his father knew he couldn't do it alone.
And now the bigger question: Who is willing to consecrate himself today to the Lord? We can give of our time, talent and possessions but if we aren't living a godly and holy life then our work is not pure. David could not lead the Israelites in building the Temple because he had shed blood on his hands.(28:3) God wants us to set ourselves apart from the world, that is: not do as they do. Sin should no longer be an option for us. Our focus should be on building God's Kingdom not on what the world desires.
You may think "Wow, God exects too much from us." Does He really? One, He is worthy of all He expects. Look at what He has done for us and given us. It is all His anyway. Two, all that we do is for the building of God's Kingdom. If we don't do our part we may be a part in someone not making it to heaven. That is an eternity in hell.
I encourage you to get more involved in the building of God's Kingdom. If you don't know what you can do to help ask your Pastor. He would rejoice in your willingness to help. God Bless~
(29:14-17) But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. We are aliens and strangers in your sight, as were all our forefathers. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope. O Lord our God, as for all this abundance that we have provided for building you a temple for your Holy Name, it comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you. I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things have I given willingly and with honest intent. And now I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you.
After David disclosed his shocking news to Solomon and the assembly, he then looked to the assembly and told them that Solomon was young and inexperienced. He said the task at hand was great because the work was for God not man (29:1).
David continued by expressing the importance of their hand in this, their willing hand. He gave the example of his giving; not to boast but to encourage them to do it as well. Besides David's giving of his time and using the country's alloted money toward the building and decorating of the temple, he then went on to express his willingness to go above and beyond and give of his own personal possessions. (29:3-4) After that he said "Now who is willing to consecrate himself to the Lord today?" (29:5)
To consecrate is to "give entirely to a specific person, place or cause; to render holy by means of religous rites." (WordNet) So what David was asking them was: Are you willing to completely focus on the task at hand, not allowing the worldly issues to get in the way; and are you willing to set yourselves apart from worldly sins (be holy) in order to build this Temple which must be made with pure sinless hands?
Shockingly the assembly gave; not only gave but gave willingly. The Israelite people rejoiced at the willing responses of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord. David the king also rejoiced greatly. (29:9)
David was so excited that he praised God right their in the assembly meeting. After his praise time he then got a bit serious and utilized this time to teach the assembly during his prayer. He knew that in and of themselves they weren't anyone special to build as extravagant a Temple as they were. It was God who had provided them the means to do it because everything was His anyway. David said "We have given you only what comes from your hand." (29:14) David also expressed that the reason it went about that way was because God was testing their integrity and willingness to give. They could have kept their possessions God had given them. Yet they chose to give back to God in order to build a Temple in honor of Him.
We have a responsibility to uphold. As Christians it is our duty to use what talents we have and possessions we own to the glory of God and to the furthering of His kingdom. We should not be leaving it up to our Pastor to do the work for us. Everything we own belongs to God: our time, money, possessions, talents. It was God who gave it to us but He is letting us decide what we are going to do with it. He wants to know if we have a willing heart for His work.
Time-- If a member of your church is ill do you call the pastor to go minister to that person or do you take on the responsibility and go yourself? If a sinner comes to the altar for salvation do you leave it up to the pastor to disciple that person or do you take the time to teach them? Are you making yourself available to the pastor for anything he may need?
Talents-- Are you praising God with the talents He gave you? Do you sing with your band but not with the worship team? Are you leaving it up to someone else to teach a Sunday School class? Are you great at plumbing and electricity but would rather have the church spend extra money to hire a professional to fix what is needed instead of you doing it for free? Do you hold any responsibilities in the church?
Possessions & Money-- Are you tithing all the time? Do you go above that and buy things the church needs without expecting reimbursement? Have you asked the Pastor what is needed in the church?
There is much work to be done in building the Kingdom of God. We all must work together to accomplish it. If we leave it to one man to do it he will eventually burn out. As wise and powerful as Solomon was, even he and his father knew he couldn't do it alone.
And now the bigger question: Who is willing to consecrate himself today to the Lord? We can give of our time, talent and possessions but if we aren't living a godly and holy life then our work is not pure. David could not lead the Israelites in building the Temple because he had shed blood on his hands.(28:3) God wants us to set ourselves apart from the world, that is: not do as they do. Sin should no longer be an option for us. Our focus should be on building God's Kingdom not on what the world desires.
You may think "Wow, God exects too much from us." Does He really? One, He is worthy of all He expects. Look at what He has done for us and given us. It is all His anyway. Two, all that we do is for the building of God's Kingdom. If we don't do our part we may be a part in someone not making it to heaven. That is an eternity in hell.
I encourage you to get more involved in the building of God's Kingdom. If you don't know what you can do to help ask your Pastor. He would rejoice in your willingness to help. God Bless~
Wednesday
Willing Obedience Part 1
1 CHRONICLES 28 & 29
(29:14-17) But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. We are aliens and strangers in your sight, as were all our forefathers. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope. O Lord our God, as for all this abundance that we have provided for building you a temple for your Holy Name, it comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you. I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things have I given willingly and with honest intent. And now I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you.
David had it in mind to build a Temple for God in Israel during his reign. God instead chose David to be the messenger and then turn the reign over to Solomon and allow him to build it.
David went before the assembly and spoke what God had told him and he told the assembly to be careful to follow all of God's commands in helping build this Temple. He then turned to Solomon and told him to serve God wholeheartedly and with a willing mind because "the Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts" (28:9).
God had given David the complete blueprint of this Temple, even the instructions on decorating it. David then turned it all over to Solomon. Solomon must have looked overwhelmed because after David gave him the instructions, David then told Solomon to be strong and courageous and not be afraid or discouraged. He told Solomon that God would not fail nor forsake him and he would not be doing it alone because every willing man skilled in any craft would help build it; they would obey every command (28:11-21).
Let's linger here for a moment. First, David thought he knew what he was supposed to do: reign as King over Israel and build a Temple for God. I wonder how he felt when God said no and gave the position to his son. Although it doesn't say in scripture, David's actions speak volumes. He didn't hesitate; he quickly went before the assembly and Solomon and turned it over to them. What obedience!
Then Solomon suddenly inherits a kingdom and has an instant responsibility to build a Temple for God. What an overwhelming moment to one day be the King's son and the next to be the King, and not only rule Israel but to have a huge responsibility of building a Temple for God.
What is awesome is that both David and Solomon immediately obeyed God's direction and jumped right in to their responsibilities. There was no complaining or lingering. They just obeyed; with a willing heart they obeyed God.
Sometimes God asks us to do things that we may see as impossible or overwhelming. He says He will be with us and will not forsake us during that season. We need to obey, and with a willing heart.
Part 2 of tomorrow's devotion will dig a little deeper into the building of the Temple. It's about to get exciting so come back. God Bless~
(29:14-17) But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. We are aliens and strangers in your sight, as were all our forefathers. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope. O Lord our God, as for all this abundance that we have provided for building you a temple for your Holy Name, it comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you. I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things have I given willingly and with honest intent. And now I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you.
David had it in mind to build a Temple for God in Israel during his reign. God instead chose David to be the messenger and then turn the reign over to Solomon and allow him to build it.
David went before the assembly and spoke what God had told him and he told the assembly to be careful to follow all of God's commands in helping build this Temple. He then turned to Solomon and told him to serve God wholeheartedly and with a willing mind because "the Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts" (28:9).
God had given David the complete blueprint of this Temple, even the instructions on decorating it. David then turned it all over to Solomon. Solomon must have looked overwhelmed because after David gave him the instructions, David then told Solomon to be strong and courageous and not be afraid or discouraged. He told Solomon that God would not fail nor forsake him and he would not be doing it alone because every willing man skilled in any craft would help build it; they would obey every command (28:11-21).
Let's linger here for a moment. First, David thought he knew what he was supposed to do: reign as King over Israel and build a Temple for God. I wonder how he felt when God said no and gave the position to his son. Although it doesn't say in scripture, David's actions speak volumes. He didn't hesitate; he quickly went before the assembly and Solomon and turned it over to them. What obedience!
Then Solomon suddenly inherits a kingdom and has an instant responsibility to build a Temple for God. What an overwhelming moment to one day be the King's son and the next to be the King, and not only rule Israel but to have a huge responsibility of building a Temple for God.
What is awesome is that both David and Solomon immediately obeyed God's direction and jumped right in to their responsibilities. There was no complaining or lingering. They just obeyed; with a willing heart they obeyed God.
Sometimes God asks us to do things that we may see as impossible or overwhelming. He says He will be with us and will not forsake us during that season. We need to obey, and with a willing heart.
Part 2 of tomorrow's devotion will dig a little deeper into the building of the Temple. It's about to get exciting so come back. God Bless~
Tuesday
Worthless Wealth
PROVERBS 11:4-7
Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death. The righteousness of the blamless makes a straight way for them, but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness. The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires. When the wicked man dies, his hope perishes; all he expected from his power comes to nothing.
"Give me this...I want that...Let's go there..." We probably hear those statements more in Nov/Dec than most other months due to the holidays. Everywhere we turn there are ads enticing us and our children to want, buy, and go. And if we don't buy, give, and go we feel this sense of extreme guilt because it seems everyone around us gets it and goes wherever.
So what do we do? We work overtime, take extra jobs, and stress until we get and go whatever/wherever. We become trapped by our desires. All the while neglecting our quality and quantity time with God and our family. Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath because when the wicked man dies his hope perishes; all he expected from his power comes to nothing.
We have lost perspective due to the overwhelming temptations that demand we buy or we become less than our neighbor. I choose to stand on the fact that "who I am is not based on what I own!" I believe Peter said it best in Acts 3:6 "Then Peter said, 'Silver and Gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk'." The lame beggar wanted money. He could not work due to his illness. Peter was not rich but he did give something more valuable: time, prayer and healing.
Don't fall into the trap that you have to constantly accumulate unnecesarry goods, therefore working yourself to death just to keep up. After all, the very goods you choose to die for will perish with this earth; only your soul can be saved. God Bless~
Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death. The righteousness of the blamless makes a straight way for them, but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness. The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires. When the wicked man dies, his hope perishes; all he expected from his power comes to nothing.
"Give me this...I want that...Let's go there..." We probably hear those statements more in Nov/Dec than most other months due to the holidays. Everywhere we turn there are ads enticing us and our children to want, buy, and go. And if we don't buy, give, and go we feel this sense of extreme guilt because it seems everyone around us gets it and goes wherever.
So what do we do? We work overtime, take extra jobs, and stress until we get and go whatever/wherever. We become trapped by our desires. All the while neglecting our quality and quantity time with God and our family. Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath because when the wicked man dies his hope perishes; all he expected from his power comes to nothing.
We have lost perspective due to the overwhelming temptations that demand we buy or we become less than our neighbor. I choose to stand on the fact that "who I am is not based on what I own!" I believe Peter said it best in Acts 3:6 "Then Peter said, 'Silver and Gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk'." The lame beggar wanted money. He could not work due to his illness. Peter was not rich but he did give something more valuable: time, prayer and healing.
Don't fall into the trap that you have to constantly accumulate unnecesarry goods, therefore working yourself to death just to keep up. After all, the very goods you choose to die for will perish with this earth; only your soul can be saved. God Bless~
Monday
The Way Out
1 CORINTHIANS 10:13
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
We have our weaknesses, the areas in our life that cause us to question our own faithfulness to God. They are temptations that may not be as tempting to others but definitely pull at our sinful nature and win more often than not.
Jesus too was tempted. He was out in the desert having not eaten in 40 days. Satan was on His heals tempting with food and power. How did Jesus respond? He came against Satan with the Word of God, knowing it would shut him up. Satan cannot argue with the Word of God (Matthew 4:1-11).
Until we stop breathing we will be tempted on a regular basis. Sin is inviting. If it weren't we would not be so eager to let our flesh take control. And since sin will continue to linger at our doorstep we need to take steps to divert ourselves to another path, the path of righteousness.
You have probably heard the passage "he will not tempt you beyond what you can bear." And if you are like me, you have probably questioned God in His understanding of what you can actually bear. There are some temptations that have such a strong hold on people they see no other way but to give in.
The problem is we want God to take the temptation from us instead of looking for the way out that God has promised. He said He would always provide a way out. It is our job to seek out that other path. Each time we conquer a temptation our spirit-man becomes stronger and our sinful man becomes weaker. John 3:30 says He must increase but I must decrease.
How did Jesus conquer temptation? He was prepared. He knew the scripture and used it against Satan when temptation was thrown at Him. The Word of God is not there for us to just memorize. We need to apply it to our lives. We need to use it to combat the enemy. How do we combat enemies? With a weapon. What is our weapon? The Bible-our sword.
Psalm 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
The holidays are coming, which can bring on stronger temptations for some people. The temptation to overspend, overeat, or overreact can become overwhelming. And if you give in to them you will reap what you sow.
Get into the Word of God. Learn it. Use it to find the "way out" God is giving you to defeat temptation. God Bless~
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
We have our weaknesses, the areas in our life that cause us to question our own faithfulness to God. They are temptations that may not be as tempting to others but definitely pull at our sinful nature and win more often than not.
Jesus too was tempted. He was out in the desert having not eaten in 40 days. Satan was on His heals tempting with food and power. How did Jesus respond? He came against Satan with the Word of God, knowing it would shut him up. Satan cannot argue with the Word of God (Matthew 4:1-11).
Until we stop breathing we will be tempted on a regular basis. Sin is inviting. If it weren't we would not be so eager to let our flesh take control. And since sin will continue to linger at our doorstep we need to take steps to divert ourselves to another path, the path of righteousness.
You have probably heard the passage "he will not tempt you beyond what you can bear." And if you are like me, you have probably questioned God in His understanding of what you can actually bear. There are some temptations that have such a strong hold on people they see no other way but to give in.
The problem is we want God to take the temptation from us instead of looking for the way out that God has promised. He said He would always provide a way out. It is our job to seek out that other path. Each time we conquer a temptation our spirit-man becomes stronger and our sinful man becomes weaker. John 3:30 says He must increase but I must decrease.
How did Jesus conquer temptation? He was prepared. He knew the scripture and used it against Satan when temptation was thrown at Him. The Word of God is not there for us to just memorize. We need to apply it to our lives. We need to use it to combat the enemy. How do we combat enemies? With a weapon. What is our weapon? The Bible-our sword.
Psalm 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
The holidays are coming, which can bring on stronger temptations for some people. The temptation to overspend, overeat, or overreact can become overwhelming. And if you give in to them you will reap what you sow.
Get into the Word of God. Learn it. Use it to find the "way out" God is giving you to defeat temptation. God Bless~
Friday
The 'Who Am I?' Game
Those of you who have children now and those who were once a child may remember the game of "Who Am I?" Someone gives a riddle and you have to guess who or what they are talking about. I thought we would play that game today.
WHO AM I?
The Lord brought me forth as the first of his works, before his deeds of old; I was appointed from eternity, from the beginning, before the world began. When there were no oceans, I was given birth, when there were no springs abounding with water;
before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills, I was given birth, before he made the earth or its fields or any of the dust of the world.
I was there when he set the heavens in place, when he marked out the horizon on the face of the deep, when he established the clouds above and fixed securely the fountains of the deep, when he gave the sea its boundary so the waters would not overstep his command, and when he marked out the foundations of the earth.
Then I was the craftsman at his side, I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in his presence, rejoicing in his whole world and delighting in mankind.
Whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord. Who Am I?
To be established from eternity by God must mean this was a very important person. To be considered the craftsman at God's side while creating the earth! Wow! Did you know there was such a person at God's side before the creation of the world?
Are you ready for the answer? Proverbs 8 will reveal the answer. After you read it I pray you realize the importance of it. Don't just skim the chapter. Read the whole thing carefully. And be Blessed today~
WHO AM I?
The Lord brought me forth as the first of his works, before his deeds of old; I was appointed from eternity, from the beginning, before the world began. When there were no oceans, I was given birth, when there were no springs abounding with water;
before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills, I was given birth, before he made the earth or its fields or any of the dust of the world.
I was there when he set the heavens in place, when he marked out the horizon on the face of the deep, when he established the clouds above and fixed securely the fountains of the deep, when he gave the sea its boundary so the waters would not overstep his command, and when he marked out the foundations of the earth.
Then I was the craftsman at his side, I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in his presence, rejoicing in his whole world and delighting in mankind.
Whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord. Who Am I?
To be established from eternity by God must mean this was a very important person. To be considered the craftsman at God's side while creating the earth! Wow! Did you know there was such a person at God's side before the creation of the world?
Are you ready for the answer? Proverbs 8 will reveal the answer. After you read it I pray you realize the importance of it. Don't just skim the chapter. Read the whole thing carefully. And be Blessed today~
Thursday
Peace In The Valley
Recently I found myself in the midst of "a whole-lotta-demands." My attention was being demanded of from every direction. As the day bore on the situations escalated, as did my stress. At that point I wanted so much to retreat into a cave and not come out until all demands had been met- by someone else.
I had the distinct pleasure of being able to call a friend and, after much boo-hooing (crying) she was able to minister to me. I told her I just wanted to run and hide for a while. She of course said I couldn't do that. And she reminded me that God was in control and the devil likes to try to get us to give up right before the victory.
The next morning when I awoke a song came to mind, one I hadn't heard since I was a child, "Peace in the Valley." All day that song rang in my ears. I finally downloaded the song and listened to it. Although the song refers to the valley as heaven, God says we can have peace in our valleys now.
Romans 5:1 says Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. (NIV) We have peace. That means we can experience it now. Ephesians 2:14 says that Jesus himself is our peace.
This does not mean we won't have trials. In fact, we need trials. They produce perseverance, character and hope in us. But the peace we can experience during these trials is understanding who God is, knowing His power, and believing He will take care of His children. It is also knowing that the trials only last for a season.
Philippians 4:7 says And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (NKJV)
Have you ever talked with someone who was going through a horrendous trial yet they were at complete peace in the situation? You may have thought to yourself "there is no way I could withstand that." Yet we can! It's a peace that only God can give.
Although my situations did not disappear, instead escalated even more, I did find peace. I found an assurance that God would not allow me to walk this path alone. He reminded me of His promises and I chose to stand on those instead of wallowing in my valley. Oh sure, it's hard. Because where there are valleys there are mountains. But those mountains are meant to be climbed. There is victory at the top!
In the valley? Draw peace from God to endure the valley. Draw strength from God to climb that mountain. God Bless~
I had the distinct pleasure of being able to call a friend and, after much boo-hooing (crying) she was able to minister to me. I told her I just wanted to run and hide for a while. She of course said I couldn't do that. And she reminded me that God was in control and the devil likes to try to get us to give up right before the victory.
The next morning when I awoke a song came to mind, one I hadn't heard since I was a child, "Peace in the Valley." All day that song rang in my ears. I finally downloaded the song and listened to it. Although the song refers to the valley as heaven, God says we can have peace in our valleys now.
Romans 5:1 says Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. (NIV) We have peace. That means we can experience it now. Ephesians 2:14 says that Jesus himself is our peace.
This does not mean we won't have trials. In fact, we need trials. They produce perseverance, character and hope in us. But the peace we can experience during these trials is understanding who God is, knowing His power, and believing He will take care of His children. It is also knowing that the trials only last for a season.
Philippians 4:7 says And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (NKJV)
Have you ever talked with someone who was going through a horrendous trial yet they were at complete peace in the situation? You may have thought to yourself "there is no way I could withstand that." Yet we can! It's a peace that only God can give.
Although my situations did not disappear, instead escalated even more, I did find peace. I found an assurance that God would not allow me to walk this path alone. He reminded me of His promises and I chose to stand on those instead of wallowing in my valley. Oh sure, it's hard. Because where there are valleys there are mountains. But those mountains are meant to be climbed. There is victory at the top!
In the valley? Draw peace from God to endure the valley. Draw strength from God to climb that mountain. God Bless~
Tuesday
There Is Peace In His Presence
Lately I have found myself starving for solitude. With all the chaos going on around me I feel like I am on a carousel trying to watch everything going on but not being able to focus due to the constant moving. And it doesn't help that I am just going in circles, never landing anywhere. Let me off already!
I desire to be alone with God, to sit at His feet in quietness and enjoy His presence. I find peace there. I find strength there. It is there that I can refocus and regain my purpose.
So why am I hardly there, in solitude? Because Satan knows that if we can get alone in quiet we will be able to recharge and refocus. And if he knows he can reach us through busyness and preoccupation he won't hesitate.
We have to realize we aren't superman. We need to make a concious effort to regularly get away in solitude and seek God's face.
Psalm 42:3,5 When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who know my way...I cry to you, O Lord; I say, "You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.
Psalm 91:1-2 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.
God wants us to seek shelter in him. He says further in Psalm 91 that because we love Him he will rescue and protect us and when we call on His name He will answer. Not only that but He also says He will be WITH us in trouble. God doesn't hide when things get hairy. He surrounds us with His love and walks with us in the midst. Praise God!
I am glad I can find rest and safety in God; I can find peace in His presence. It is refreshing and when I am there at His feet I know I am loved. I know He is my Father. God Bless~
I desire to be alone with God, to sit at His feet in quietness and enjoy His presence. I find peace there. I find strength there. It is there that I can refocus and regain my purpose.
So why am I hardly there, in solitude? Because Satan knows that if we can get alone in quiet we will be able to recharge and refocus. And if he knows he can reach us through busyness and preoccupation he won't hesitate.
We have to realize we aren't superman. We need to make a concious effort to regularly get away in solitude and seek God's face.
Psalm 42:3,5 When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who know my way...I cry to you, O Lord; I say, "You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.
Psalm 91:1-2 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.
God wants us to seek shelter in him. He says further in Psalm 91 that because we love Him he will rescue and protect us and when we call on His name He will answer. Not only that but He also says He will be WITH us in trouble. God doesn't hide when things get hairy. He surrounds us with His love and walks with us in the midst. Praise God!
I am glad I can find rest and safety in God; I can find peace in His presence. It is refreshing and when I am there at His feet I know I am loved. I know He is my Father. God Bless~
They Lifted His Hands For The Victory
EXODUS 17:9-16
Moses said to Joshua, "Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands."
So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses' hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up-one on one side, one on the other-so that his hands remained steady till sunset. So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword...
Moses built an altar and called it The Lord is my Banner. He said, "For hands were lifted up to the throne of the Lord..."
Wow! Life can sure get really tough at times. So tough that we can find ourselves too weak to stand; too weak to lift our hands unto the Lord. Oh, we don't lack the faith in what God can/will do. But we lack the strength to stand on our own.
It is these times God wants us to draw strength from our friends as Moses drew strength from Aaron and Hur. Moses knew that in order for them to win the battle he had to raise his hands toward God and keep them there until the battle was won. But, he grew tired. The battle was long and in his own strength he could not stand alone.
Aaron and Hur came up next to him and shared the burden of the battle. The burden was not Moses keeping his hands raised toward God. It was the length of the battle. As Aaron and Hur poured strength into Moses the battle weakened until it was lost and Joshua and his men claimed the victory.
When the battles do come, and they will come, raise your hands toward God in praise and prayer. Praise is what brings the walls down and prayer is what walks you through.
And when you become weary in your battles don't see it as a lack of faith in God. See it as the lack of strength to stand alone. Allow God to send people to share your burdens and to pour strength into you so you can withstand the long battle and claim the victory that is promised you.
One of my hardest battles is allowing others to stand beside me to help hold my arms up. Pride gets in the way and I then find myself weakening. As I let my arms slip I notice the enemy overpowering me. But it's when I allow others to stand along side me to share in the burden, that I see the enemy weaken and my victory coming. God Bless~
Moses said to Joshua, "Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands."
So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses' hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up-one on one side, one on the other-so that his hands remained steady till sunset. So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword...
Moses built an altar and called it The Lord is my Banner. He said, "For hands were lifted up to the throne of the Lord..."
Wow! Life can sure get really tough at times. So tough that we can find ourselves too weak to stand; too weak to lift our hands unto the Lord. Oh, we don't lack the faith in what God can/will do. But we lack the strength to stand on our own.
It is these times God wants us to draw strength from our friends as Moses drew strength from Aaron and Hur. Moses knew that in order for them to win the battle he had to raise his hands toward God and keep them there until the battle was won. But, he grew tired. The battle was long and in his own strength he could not stand alone.
Aaron and Hur came up next to him and shared the burden of the battle. The burden was not Moses keeping his hands raised toward God. It was the length of the battle. As Aaron and Hur poured strength into Moses the battle weakened until it was lost and Joshua and his men claimed the victory.
When the battles do come, and they will come, raise your hands toward God in praise and prayer. Praise is what brings the walls down and prayer is what walks you through.
And when you become weary in your battles don't see it as a lack of faith in God. See it as the lack of strength to stand alone. Allow God to send people to share your burdens and to pour strength into you so you can withstand the long battle and claim the victory that is promised you.
One of my hardest battles is allowing others to stand beside me to help hold my arms up. Pride gets in the way and I then find myself weakening. As I let my arms slip I notice the enemy overpowering me. But it's when I allow others to stand along side me to share in the burden, that I see the enemy weaken and my victory coming. God Bless~
Monday
Prayer For God's Broken
Oh precious Lord! Your people are in anguish. Their hearts are broken. Their tears are flooding the earth. Their cries deafen the farthest ear. Their eyes are failing them. They can no longer see You in the midst of their storm. Their hope that Jesus will soon return is fading.
The economy is unstable. Many are unsure of the recent election of our nation's President. Global Warming has given them concern. Health problems are rising. The wicked are increasing in number and power. What should I tell them?
The Father reaches down and whispers, "Tell them this: My eyes are on you and My ears are attentive to your cry (Psalm 34:15). As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you." (Joshua 1:5)
"When You cry out I will deliver you from all your troubles, I will be near to your broken heart and I will save you who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:17-18). I will deliver you in times of trouble, sustain you on your sickbed and restore you from your illness." (Psalm 41:1,3)
"Do not put your hope in man, doctor, or job. If you will put your hope in me I will renew your strength, you will not grow weary, nor will you faint (Isaiah 40:31). Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; about your body or what you will wear. Look at the birds of the air. I feed them. Are you not more valuable than they?" (Matthew 6:25-26)
"I was not surprised by the election, for I have established those in authority. Everyone must submit to the governing authorities. If you rebel against them then you are rebelling against what I have instituted and judgement will come upon you." (Romans 13:1-2)
"Until the day of my appearing I will lift you out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; I will set your feet on a rock and give you a firm place to stand. I will put a new song in your mouth, a hymn of praise to your God." (Psalm 40:1-3)
"I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. I will make you a pillar in my temple; never again to leave it. (Revelation 3:11-12) Behold, I am coming soon!" (Revelation 22:7)
"Until then, throw off everything that hinders and the sin that has entangled you. Run this race with perseverance. Fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of your faith." (Hebrews 12:1-2)
Yes, Father. I will do as you say. I will give them the Word of God. Thank you Lord for hearing my prayer, my cry, my plea. Amen!
The economy is unstable. Many are unsure of the recent election of our nation's President. Global Warming has given them concern. Health problems are rising. The wicked are increasing in number and power. What should I tell them?
The Father reaches down and whispers, "Tell them this: My eyes are on you and My ears are attentive to your cry (Psalm 34:15). As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you." (Joshua 1:5)
"When You cry out I will deliver you from all your troubles, I will be near to your broken heart and I will save you who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:17-18). I will deliver you in times of trouble, sustain you on your sickbed and restore you from your illness." (Psalm 41:1,3)
"Do not put your hope in man, doctor, or job. If you will put your hope in me I will renew your strength, you will not grow weary, nor will you faint (Isaiah 40:31). Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; about your body or what you will wear. Look at the birds of the air. I feed them. Are you not more valuable than they?" (Matthew 6:25-26)
"I was not surprised by the election, for I have established those in authority. Everyone must submit to the governing authorities. If you rebel against them then you are rebelling against what I have instituted and judgement will come upon you." (Romans 13:1-2)
"Until the day of my appearing I will lift you out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; I will set your feet on a rock and give you a firm place to stand. I will put a new song in your mouth, a hymn of praise to your God." (Psalm 40:1-3)
"I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. I will make you a pillar in my temple; never again to leave it. (Revelation 3:11-12) Behold, I am coming soon!" (Revelation 22:7)
"Until then, throw off everything that hinders and the sin that has entangled you. Run this race with perseverance. Fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of your faith." (Hebrews 12:1-2)
Yes, Father. I will do as you say. I will give them the Word of God. Thank you Lord for hearing my prayer, my cry, my plea. Amen!
Friday
It's Only Friday, But Sunday Is On The Way!
It's only Friday and I long to be at church. I long for the Worship and Word. Although I daily spend much time in the Word and listening to Worship music, it is like snacking all week and longing for the Sunday buffet. It's mouth-watering just to think about it. And of course, who wants to eat alone? The fellowship is the topping on the cake.
God delights in our love to be with Him and His children. He delights in our love for His Word and our desire to Worship Him. John 4:23-24 says "Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshippers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshippers must worship in spirit and in truth."
My favorite book and chapter in the whole bible is Psalm 119. It is the longest chapter in the bible and filled with such delight in learning God's Word. Verse 35 says "Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight."
Verse 108 says "Accept, oh Lord, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws." God wants us to willingly delight in praising Him and learning how to obey Him. What good is it if we come to church, go through the motions of service, and all the while wishing we were somewhere else? Where are the "true worshippers", those who delight in praising His name; those who delight in filling up with the Word?
For He is worthy of all our praise. He is worthy of all our time. Let's get excited about Sunday! Let's get excited about God!
God Bless~
God delights in our love to be with Him and His children. He delights in our love for His Word and our desire to Worship Him. John 4:23-24 says "Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshippers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshippers must worship in spirit and in truth."
My favorite book and chapter in the whole bible is Psalm 119. It is the longest chapter in the bible and filled with such delight in learning God's Word. Verse 35 says "Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight."
Verse 108 says "Accept, oh Lord, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws." God wants us to willingly delight in praising Him and learning how to obey Him. What good is it if we come to church, go through the motions of service, and all the while wishing we were somewhere else? Where are the "true worshippers", those who delight in praising His name; those who delight in filling up with the Word?
For He is worthy of all our praise. He is worthy of all our time. Let's get excited about Sunday! Let's get excited about God!
God Bless~
Thursday
Share, Don't Quarrel
2 TIMOTHY 2:23-24/ TITUS 3:9-11
Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguements, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.
But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because they are unprofitable and useless. Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.
The author of Ecclesiastes said "there is a time for everything" and he goes on to list such things as crying, laughing, tearing, mending, etc. And there is. It is probably not a proper time to laugh during a funeral or cry when your best friend is sharing a joke. But there is something we should never stop doing. That is sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the lost.
The exciting news is that with the economy unstable, a new president coming into office, healthcare coverage unsure, we should have an ample amount of opportunity to share hope and faith to a lost and dying world. We should never run out of anything to talk about that God can't be brought up in the subject. The world needs us. They are looking for answers. We have them!
Forewarning! We can easily become entangled in a discussion that its only purpose is to cause dissension and be unproductive. If you have done any witnessing you have probably come accross such a situation. The person will have the "teenage" attitude that says "I am always right. I know more than you." With such people God warns to share the truth, not argue, then move on.
If Satan can get us preoccupied with a person who clearly doesn't want to know the truth then we will have wasted our time and missed the opportunity to share God's Word with a person who needs and wants to hear it.
Share the Gospel. Don't argue. God can defend Himself. Then pray for the person and allow God to finish the work. God Bless~
Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguements, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.
But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because they are unprofitable and useless. Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.
The author of Ecclesiastes said "there is a time for everything" and he goes on to list such things as crying, laughing, tearing, mending, etc. And there is. It is probably not a proper time to laugh during a funeral or cry when your best friend is sharing a joke. But there is something we should never stop doing. That is sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the lost.
The exciting news is that with the economy unstable, a new president coming into office, healthcare coverage unsure, we should have an ample amount of opportunity to share hope and faith to a lost and dying world. We should never run out of anything to talk about that God can't be brought up in the subject. The world needs us. They are looking for answers. We have them!
Forewarning! We can easily become entangled in a discussion that its only purpose is to cause dissension and be unproductive. If you have done any witnessing you have probably come accross such a situation. The person will have the "teenage" attitude that says "I am always right. I know more than you." With such people God warns to share the truth, not argue, then move on.
If Satan can get us preoccupied with a person who clearly doesn't want to know the truth then we will have wasted our time and missed the opportunity to share God's Word with a person who needs and wants to hear it.
Share the Gospel. Don't argue. God can defend Himself. Then pray for the person and allow God to finish the work. God Bless~
Wednesday
Cry Out To God!
PSALMS 4:1,3,8
Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer.
Know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord will hear when I call to him.
I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
Oh the days that bear great burden! Our cries can be heard from the highest mountain; our anguish sparks our energy to press toward God and cry out. Our wailing could be perceived as whining and complaining, self-defeat. Yet, we know to whom we cry out and for what purpose. David in the Psalms had his days of despair, days of wailing before God. Psalms 5: 2 says Listen for my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray.
Our cries to God in our hour of need have purpose. God wants us to cry out to him. He is our Father. Our Father wants to share our pain. He wants to hold us in His loving arms.
The difference between whining and complaining and crying out to God is the purpose and end result. When we whine and complain we do nothing more than that. There is no follow-through to change the situation. We just want to be heard.
Crying out to God is deep travail. Travail means to labor in pain knowing that in the end you will reap something precious and beautiful. Most women will tell you that what kept them from going insane during the child birth process was knowing that after the travail the result would be a precious and beautiful baby. So it is when we lay before God travailing over a situation that has caused so much pain.
Sometimes we have to pray a situation through before we see the precious gift. I once heard a Pastor say something so profound that it has stuck with me for 20 years. He said when you are laying before God praying don't get up when you are through praying but get up when you have prayed through. We are a society that thrives on shoving everything into a day that we can. Therefore the important issues of the day do not get the proper attention needed. Sometimes a quick prayer isn't enough. We need to take time to lay before God and pray it through. It is in those times that God reveals things to us that we could not have seen if we hadn't taken the time.
How hard do we work to be able to buy that new house or new car? If our first job isn't giving enough to be able to purchase it then we add on another, and yet another. We move heaven and earth to buy that one thing. Yet, when trouble finds us and we find ourselves lying on our backs we tend to do one of two things. We either complain about it and do nothing or we say a quick prayer thinking that was all the attention necessary. Then we get mad at God for not meeting that need. All the while He just wants to spend some time with us so He can reveal some secrets, so He can see how bad we really want what we have asked for.
We are contending with a real enemy. Satan will not quietly sit back and allow God to give us everything we want and need. He will do everything he can to steal it before we get it. If we work 2 or 3 jobs just to allow a thief to steal our money before we can purchase our desires we would never accomplish our goal. We would just work ourselves to death. Yet how many of us would allow that process to continue? Work, be robbed. Work, be robbed. No, we would travail, fight for what is ours.
Let's put that same energy, even more so, into getting the promises God has laid before us. You need a financial blessing? Travail. You need healing? Travail. You need delivered? Travail. How bad do you want it? God Bless~
Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer.
Know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord will hear when I call to him.
I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
Oh the days that bear great burden! Our cries can be heard from the highest mountain; our anguish sparks our energy to press toward God and cry out. Our wailing could be perceived as whining and complaining, self-defeat. Yet, we know to whom we cry out and for what purpose. David in the Psalms had his days of despair, days of wailing before God. Psalms 5: 2 says Listen for my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray.
Our cries to God in our hour of need have purpose. God wants us to cry out to him. He is our Father. Our Father wants to share our pain. He wants to hold us in His loving arms.
The difference between whining and complaining and crying out to God is the purpose and end result. When we whine and complain we do nothing more than that. There is no follow-through to change the situation. We just want to be heard.
Crying out to God is deep travail. Travail means to labor in pain knowing that in the end you will reap something precious and beautiful. Most women will tell you that what kept them from going insane during the child birth process was knowing that after the travail the result would be a precious and beautiful baby. So it is when we lay before God travailing over a situation that has caused so much pain.
Sometimes we have to pray a situation through before we see the precious gift. I once heard a Pastor say something so profound that it has stuck with me for 20 years. He said when you are laying before God praying don't get up when you are through praying but get up when you have prayed through. We are a society that thrives on shoving everything into a day that we can. Therefore the important issues of the day do not get the proper attention needed. Sometimes a quick prayer isn't enough. We need to take time to lay before God and pray it through. It is in those times that God reveals things to us that we could not have seen if we hadn't taken the time.
How hard do we work to be able to buy that new house or new car? If our first job isn't giving enough to be able to purchase it then we add on another, and yet another. We move heaven and earth to buy that one thing. Yet, when trouble finds us and we find ourselves lying on our backs we tend to do one of two things. We either complain about it and do nothing or we say a quick prayer thinking that was all the attention necessary. Then we get mad at God for not meeting that need. All the while He just wants to spend some time with us so He can reveal some secrets, so He can see how bad we really want what we have asked for.
We are contending with a real enemy. Satan will not quietly sit back and allow God to give us everything we want and need. He will do everything he can to steal it before we get it. If we work 2 or 3 jobs just to allow a thief to steal our money before we can purchase our desires we would never accomplish our goal. We would just work ourselves to death. Yet how many of us would allow that process to continue? Work, be robbed. Work, be robbed. No, we would travail, fight for what is ours.
Let's put that same energy, even more so, into getting the promises God has laid before us. You need a financial blessing? Travail. You need healing? Travail. You need delivered? Travail. How bad do you want it? God Bless~
Tuesday
False Prophets Leading The Churches
2 Peter 2:17-22
These men are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them. For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of sinful human nature, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error. They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity-for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him. If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning. It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them. Of them the proverbs are true: "A dog returns to its vomit," and, "A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud."
There is danger in leading someone down the wrong path. The only direction this path leads to is eternal hell and damnation. What concerns me is that it is some of our Church leaders that are leading the way. But let us not think it strange because God warned this would happen in the last days.
I have had the unfortunate opportunity to grow up with a brother who was gay. I found out later that my former youth minister was gay. I lived with a roommate in college who I found out later was gay. In the last church my husband and I pastored I had the wonderful opportunity to be able to minister to three wonderful ladies who also lived the gay lifestyle. These were all wonderful people that God had created, but had fallen prey to a sin that had such a hold on them.
My concerns are the many "churches" that are springing up and promoting this sin as a way of life, and more so that God is okay with it. The people that want out of this sin are looking for a way out and as they are looking, these false prophets are nabbing them, promising them freedom-all the while being slaves themselves to the same sin.
Peter makes it clear that these are false prophets. Read the whole chapter of 2 and it will be put into perspective. Peter said it would have been better for them if they had not known the truth than to know it and go back to their sin.
Most of us don't like being told we are wrong, more so that we are going to hell. We like to hear all the good things people see in us. Therefore, Satan knows this and has tricked some of our leaders into believing that we should not judge and just let everyone be who they are, sin and all. That is not biblical! Are we going to have alcoholic churches next? How about Pedophilia churches? After all, they have chosen that lifestyle also. Where do we draw the line?
The line is the Word of God! We have got to get back to the basics of Christianity and stop this nonsense of adding to the Word of God to fit our lifestyles. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! Galatians 5 says we need to live by the Spirit and not satisfy our sinful nature. For if we do we will not inherit the kingdom of God.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 says it clearly: Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor the idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor theives nor greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindelers will inherit the kingdom of God.
The awesome blessing is in verse 11 of 1 Corinthians 6. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. Hallelujah! When you take a shower and wash off all the dirt of the day you are refreshed and clean. It is only when you dive back in to the dirt that you become dirty again and no longer clean. Therefore, when we walk away from our sin God washes us clean from it. We are supposed to stay clear of that sin, not return to it like a dog returns to his vomit. Otherwise we are again tainted and dirty.
Don't just assume your Pastor is preaching the truth, the pure Word of God. When you sit under his ministry, take notes. Then when you get home study the Word of God to make sure that what the Pastor taught is truly the Word of God. There are false Pastors popping up everywhere. They are not preaching the true Word of God. We must be attentive.
Shall we say then that we are better off not going to church and just learning on our own? NO! The bible states not to forsake the gathering together of other believers. Shall we stop breathing the air because in some parts of the world it is polluted? NO! We would die from lack of oxygen. To every real there is a counterfeit. Satan cannot create anything. He only taints what God has created in order to trap us. We just have to be on guard, filled with God's Word and armed with the Armor of God (Ephesians 6) to battle Satan's schemes. We need to take a stand and not allow these false prophets to pervert the Word of God and lead us or our loved ones down the wrong path.
We don't know when Christ is coming back. Yet we see the end times playing out right before our eyes. Let's not take a chance that it could be many years from now and sit back and do nothing. It could cost us our neighbor's eternal soul. God Bless~
These men are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them. For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of sinful human nature, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error. They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity-for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him. If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning. It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them. Of them the proverbs are true: "A dog returns to its vomit," and, "A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud."
There is danger in leading someone down the wrong path. The only direction this path leads to is eternal hell and damnation. What concerns me is that it is some of our Church leaders that are leading the way. But let us not think it strange because God warned this would happen in the last days.
I have had the unfortunate opportunity to grow up with a brother who was gay. I found out later that my former youth minister was gay. I lived with a roommate in college who I found out later was gay. In the last church my husband and I pastored I had the wonderful opportunity to be able to minister to three wonderful ladies who also lived the gay lifestyle. These were all wonderful people that God had created, but had fallen prey to a sin that had such a hold on them.
My concerns are the many "churches" that are springing up and promoting this sin as a way of life, and more so that God is okay with it. The people that want out of this sin are looking for a way out and as they are looking, these false prophets are nabbing them, promising them freedom-all the while being slaves themselves to the same sin.
Peter makes it clear that these are false prophets. Read the whole chapter of 2 and it will be put into perspective. Peter said it would have been better for them if they had not known the truth than to know it and go back to their sin.
Most of us don't like being told we are wrong, more so that we are going to hell. We like to hear all the good things people see in us. Therefore, Satan knows this and has tricked some of our leaders into believing that we should not judge and just let everyone be who they are, sin and all. That is not biblical! Are we going to have alcoholic churches next? How about Pedophilia churches? After all, they have chosen that lifestyle also. Where do we draw the line?
The line is the Word of God! We have got to get back to the basics of Christianity and stop this nonsense of adding to the Word of God to fit our lifestyles. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! Galatians 5 says we need to live by the Spirit and not satisfy our sinful nature. For if we do we will not inherit the kingdom of God.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 says it clearly: Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor the idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor theives nor greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindelers will inherit the kingdom of God.
The awesome blessing is in verse 11 of 1 Corinthians 6. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. Hallelujah! When you take a shower and wash off all the dirt of the day you are refreshed and clean. It is only when you dive back in to the dirt that you become dirty again and no longer clean. Therefore, when we walk away from our sin God washes us clean from it. We are supposed to stay clear of that sin, not return to it like a dog returns to his vomit. Otherwise we are again tainted and dirty.
Don't just assume your Pastor is preaching the truth, the pure Word of God. When you sit under his ministry, take notes. Then when you get home study the Word of God to make sure that what the Pastor taught is truly the Word of God. There are false Pastors popping up everywhere. They are not preaching the true Word of God. We must be attentive.
Shall we say then that we are better off not going to church and just learning on our own? NO! The bible states not to forsake the gathering together of other believers. Shall we stop breathing the air because in some parts of the world it is polluted? NO! We would die from lack of oxygen. To every real there is a counterfeit. Satan cannot create anything. He only taints what God has created in order to trap us. We just have to be on guard, filled with God's Word and armed with the Armor of God (Ephesians 6) to battle Satan's schemes. We need to take a stand and not allow these false prophets to pervert the Word of God and lead us or our loved ones down the wrong path.
We don't know when Christ is coming back. Yet we see the end times playing out right before our eyes. Let's not take a chance that it could be many years from now and sit back and do nothing. It could cost us our neighbor's eternal soul. God Bless~
Monday
Can Anyone See Her?
I know a woman who is faithful to God and to her church. She tithes regularly, tries to mingle with others, even does outreach outside the body of Christ. She would give her last dollar if someone needed it. She would rearrange her day if it meant helping someone in need.
She smiles often and tries to give encouragement to others who are hurting. She puts her needs second to everyone else. Oh, she isn't perfect. She has her flaws like anyone else. But that doesn't stop her from reaching out.
So what is wrong with this woman? What do others see that she can't? She talks of how she recently attended church and the rows of seats were mostly filled except hers. She was all alone in a room full of people. She couldn't understand why others would only look at her from afar. Was she not dressed properly? Did she not have enough money to "fit in"? Had they heard rumors about her that she didn't know of?
Her pastor's sermon that day was about the woman at the well who was an outcast to her own people. And how Jesus crossed those barriers to minister to her in spite of what others thought, even his own disciples. The pastor even made mention of how just the week before a new person came to visit church and was sitting alone. He said that during worship service he saw one of the church members walk over and invite this person to sit with them.
This woman said it was an awesome service anyway. God moved throughout the church and individuals got ministered to. Even she found herself at the alter. Praise God that He still moves and remains faithful in spite of our silly actions.
But how long will this woman continue going there? How long will she allow herself to be alienated before the pain becomes intolerable? How long before she throws her hands up and says, "I give up"? All she wants is relationships, to be loved. She is hurting and just wants someone to talk to. Is there anyone out there that will answer her plea?
How many churches get so busy that they don't see those who are hurting right there in the midst of them? It is our job to reach outside the church to minister to the lost, no doubt. It is also our job to take care of our own. Otherwise we are just bringing them in just to watch them fall away again, this time in worse shape.
John 4:1-19
She smiles often and tries to give encouragement to others who are hurting. She puts her needs second to everyone else. Oh, she isn't perfect. She has her flaws like anyone else. But that doesn't stop her from reaching out.
So what is wrong with this woman? What do others see that she can't? She talks of how she recently attended church and the rows of seats were mostly filled except hers. She was all alone in a room full of people. She couldn't understand why others would only look at her from afar. Was she not dressed properly? Did she not have enough money to "fit in"? Had they heard rumors about her that she didn't know of?
Her pastor's sermon that day was about the woman at the well who was an outcast to her own people. And how Jesus crossed those barriers to minister to her in spite of what others thought, even his own disciples. The pastor even made mention of how just the week before a new person came to visit church and was sitting alone. He said that during worship service he saw one of the church members walk over and invite this person to sit with them.
This woman said it was an awesome service anyway. God moved throughout the church and individuals got ministered to. Even she found herself at the alter. Praise God that He still moves and remains faithful in spite of our silly actions.
But how long will this woman continue going there? How long will she allow herself to be alienated before the pain becomes intolerable? How long before she throws her hands up and says, "I give up"? All she wants is relationships, to be loved. She is hurting and just wants someone to talk to. Is there anyone out there that will answer her plea?
How many churches get so busy that they don't see those who are hurting right there in the midst of them? It is our job to reach outside the church to minister to the lost, no doubt. It is also our job to take care of our own. Otherwise we are just bringing them in just to watch them fall away again, this time in worse shape.
John 4:1-19
Friday
Tempted To Waver?
2Peter 3:10-15a
But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation…
What is this world coming to? AN END! It is true. It does not take much listening to the TV to know that these days are becoming more of a challenge to live, even more so to live a godly life. What used to be sin is becoming acceptable to the world and unfortunately it has spilled over into the church. Since when did God hand us the power to decide what is acceptable or not? Last I checked He is still on the throne and will continue to stand by His Word.
It is becoming more and more difficult to take a stand on what we believe when everyone around us is accusing us of alienating others and being judgmental. The tables are turned and we are being looked upon as the sinners, the rebellious ones who are far from godly. It may even cause us to question our beliefs. “Are we really in the wrong? Should we accept all ways of life? After all, we are supposed to love others like Christ has loved us, right?”
Yes, we are to love our enemies and those of the brethren. BUT, nowhere in the bible does it say we are to accept sin as “a way of life.” We are to uphold God’s Word and minister to all who need it. Now is NOT the time to waver in our beliefs. Peter says that since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? He said we ought to live holy and godly lives.
We don’t know when Christ is coming back. It could be any moment. It could be years from now. Why take the chance of wavering? Why risk our neighbor’s salvation by waiting to talk to them? There is an urgency, the urgency to live holy and to preach the Gospel. Let’s do it! God Bless~
But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation…
What is this world coming to? AN END! It is true. It does not take much listening to the TV to know that these days are becoming more of a challenge to live, even more so to live a godly life. What used to be sin is becoming acceptable to the world and unfortunately it has spilled over into the church. Since when did God hand us the power to decide what is acceptable or not? Last I checked He is still on the throne and will continue to stand by His Word.
It is becoming more and more difficult to take a stand on what we believe when everyone around us is accusing us of alienating others and being judgmental. The tables are turned and we are being looked upon as the sinners, the rebellious ones who are far from godly. It may even cause us to question our beliefs. “Are we really in the wrong? Should we accept all ways of life? After all, we are supposed to love others like Christ has loved us, right?”
Yes, we are to love our enemies and those of the brethren. BUT, nowhere in the bible does it say we are to accept sin as “a way of life.” We are to uphold God’s Word and minister to all who need it. Now is NOT the time to waver in our beliefs. Peter says that since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? He said we ought to live holy and godly lives.
We don’t know when Christ is coming back. It could be any moment. It could be years from now. Why take the chance of wavering? Why risk our neighbor’s salvation by waiting to talk to them? There is an urgency, the urgency to live holy and to preach the Gospel. Let’s do it! God Bless~
Monday
Daughter of Sarah
1Peter 3:5-6
For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful. They were submissive to their own husbands, like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her master. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.
If you will take time to look back in Genesis you will not find a perfect woman in Sarah but you will find one that was definitely blessed by God. Sarah had prayed for something that seemed so far reached that when God promised it to her she laughed. God had promised to Abraham that he would have as many descendants as there were stars in the sky, yet Sarah was barren.
Genesis 17:15-16 says: God also said to Abraham, "As for Sarai your wife, you are no longer to call her Sarai; her name will be Sarah. I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her so that she will be the mother of nations; kings of people will come from her."
Wow! What a promise! It was a long-awaited promise fulfilled. Yet, God did not hold back. It was not done in the time Sarah and Abraham wanted but it was done in God's time.
We all have things we have prayed about that God has promised us. It can get frustrating if we don't see it in the time alloted. We can get bitter at God thinking He has forgotten about us. His promises are Yes, and Amen. The exciting part is that God said we are Sarah's daughters. That means we are under the same blessing.
Let us live as daughters of Sarah and stand believing God will fulfill what He has promised,in His time. God bless~
For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful. They were submissive to their own husbands, like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her master. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.
If you will take time to look back in Genesis you will not find a perfect woman in Sarah but you will find one that was definitely blessed by God. Sarah had prayed for something that seemed so far reached that when God promised it to her she laughed. God had promised to Abraham that he would have as many descendants as there were stars in the sky, yet Sarah was barren.
Genesis 17:15-16 says: God also said to Abraham, "As for Sarai your wife, you are no longer to call her Sarai; her name will be Sarah. I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her so that she will be the mother of nations; kings of people will come from her."
Wow! What a promise! It was a long-awaited promise fulfilled. Yet, God did not hold back. It was not done in the time Sarah and Abraham wanted but it was done in God's time.
We all have things we have prayed about that God has promised us. It can get frustrating if we don't see it in the time alloted. We can get bitter at God thinking He has forgotten about us. His promises are Yes, and Amen. The exciting part is that God said we are Sarah's daughters. That means we are under the same blessing.
Let us live as daughters of Sarah and stand believing God will fulfill what He has promised,in His time. God bless~
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Listen to this beautiful song- We Worship You In The Spirit -- Shekinah Glory Ministries
