"But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes, its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit." (Jeremiah 17:7-8)
What a wonderful word picture of the man or woman of God. We have all read this scripture and said, "That's what I want my life in Christ to be." But, did you notice the words, "when heat comes" and "in a year of drought". Now, honestly! Who wants "heat or drought" to come into their lives?
Right now you may be asking yourself, "Does this mean that as God's child I can expect persecution, pain, suffering, trials and tribulations in my life?" For most of us the answer would be, yes. You may be new in your faith and want to shout, "Whoa, I thought all that was behind me.
Or, you may be at a point in your walk with Christ where you are experiencing first hand what "heat" and "drought" really mean and you're asking yourself, "Where is God in all this? Does He see my suffering? Does He care?"
Yes, God sees and dear one, as Joni Earkenson Tada so tenderly reminds us, God weeps with us. Jesus Himself stated, "In this world you will have trouble…" As His children it is of upmost importance that we always remember that He was quick to add, "But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
Beloved, there is good news for us in these verses! Oh, note carefully that while this tree endures heat that unmercifully and relentlessly beats down day after long, dreary day, and is oft times force to endure periods of severe drought--this planted tree of the Lord is mighty and strong! It's leaves remain green and it continues to reach wide its branches bearing much fruit! How can this be so? You see, the root system of this God-planted tree is able to reache down deep into earth's rich soil tapping into streams overflowing with life-giving water.
"Whoever believes in me [Jesus}, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." (John 7:38)
Living Water is the Holy Spirit of God. God's word assures us that His Holy Spirit will empower all His children to weather the severest drought or the mightiest flame! More, God's children will thrive!
It is my great hope that we, as God's children, will open our eyes, ears and hearts to God's divine and eternal purpose for our suffering and to His promised deliverance in all our troubles.
Love That Never Fails
Today's Reading: 1 Corinthians 13:8 “...love never fails.”
Love is an action that must be expressed, very much like the act of breathing. Unless love is expressed in action we, and the object of our love will dry up, wither away and die!
Love is best illustrated in our relationship with God. God's word says that He loves us--well, that's good! But, if He had stood by and idly watched as we hopelessly died in our sins--then, hearing about His love would mean nothing to us! It would be love making that dull "thug" sound (1 Corinthians 13:1-2)!
Much to our great joy, God put His love for us into action by sending His very own Son into the world! God’s love was fully expressed in that He allowed Jesus Christ to become our sin and our shame. More, this same Jesus, God's only begotten Son, received our death sentence. Praise God, Jesus' unselfish expression of love brought us into a right relationship with our Abba, Father! Christ’s death meant and means our life! Now, that’s love in action! And, as the song goes, "...the pieces fit!"
May each and everyone one of you come to know and experience God's agape love expressed in its fullest revelation--Jesus Christ!
Love is an action that must be expressed, very much like the act of breathing. Unless love is expressed in action we, and the object of our love will dry up, wither away and die!
Love is best illustrated in our relationship with God. God's word says that He loves us--well, that's good! But, if He had stood by and idly watched as we hopelessly died in our sins--then, hearing about His love would mean nothing to us! It would be love making that dull "thug" sound (1 Corinthians 13:1-2)!
Much to our great joy, God put His love for us into action by sending His very own Son into the world! God’s love was fully expressed in that He allowed Jesus Christ to become our sin and our shame. More, this same Jesus, God's only begotten Son, received our death sentence. Praise God, Jesus' unselfish expression of love brought us into a right relationship with our Abba, Father! Christ’s death meant and means our life! Now, that’s love in action! And, as the song goes, "...the pieces fit!"
May each and everyone one of you come to know and experience God's agape love expressed in its fullest revelation--Jesus Christ!
Mystery Revealed!
Today's Reading: Ephesians 3:1-13
“For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles-- Surely you have heard about the administration of God's grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God's holy apostles and prophets. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power. Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.” (NIV)
1) What on earth does Paul mean that he is a “prisoner” of Jesus Christ “for our sakes?” Remember, we are Gentiles!
2) How did Paul receive the revelation of Christ (Galatians 1:11-12)? How was this different from the other apostles?
3) Can you just imagine the frustration the prophets and those who heard them must have experienced? The prophets were given words to speak from God! On theone hand, they preached the promise of a coming Messiah, One who would sit upon David’s throne, righteously ruling Israel forever, promising Israel a lasting peace. And on the other hand, the prophets spoke of the Messiah’s suffering, death and the destruction of Israel! One prophecy a blessing, the other a curse! Do you ever feel like you are walking in similar shoes in regard to your own blessings and suffering?
4) Why did Paul address himself as “the least” of the apostles in being called to preach the gospel of Christ? Read Acts 6 and 7, especially verse 58. Also, read Acts 8:1-4 and 1 Corinthians 15:1-10.
5) The Old Testament or “old covenant” makes no mention of the church. When was the “church” first mentioned in scripture (Matthew 16:13-18)? What is the major purpose on earth (Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15, Acts 1:6-9 and 2 Corinthians 5:18-21)?
6) What does Paul in Ephesians 5:25-33 liken the church to?
7) What does it mean to approach God’s throne with freedom and confidence (Hebrews 4:12-16, Hebrews 10:16-25 and Romans 8:14-17)?
8) Most of us can only focus on our own sufferings. Have you ever participated in the sufferings of others? How has this affected you and/or your walk with Christ? Were you discouraged or encouraged? Explain.
9) Why was Paul saying that his sufferings were for our glory?
10) Have you ever considered that possibly your own sufferings may be for another’s glory or benefit? Hmm!
“For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles-- Surely you have heard about the administration of God's grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God's holy apostles and prophets. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power. Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.” (NIV)
1) What on earth does Paul mean that he is a “prisoner” of Jesus Christ “for our sakes?” Remember, we are Gentiles!
2) How did Paul receive the revelation of Christ (Galatians 1:11-12)? How was this different from the other apostles?
3) Can you just imagine the frustration the prophets and those who heard them must have experienced? The prophets were given words to speak from God! On theone hand, they preached the promise of a coming Messiah, One who would sit upon David’s throne, righteously ruling Israel forever, promising Israel a lasting peace. And on the other hand, the prophets spoke of the Messiah’s suffering, death and the destruction of Israel! One prophecy a blessing, the other a curse! Do you ever feel like you are walking in similar shoes in regard to your own blessings and suffering?
4) Why did Paul address himself as “the least” of the apostles in being called to preach the gospel of Christ? Read Acts 6 and 7, especially verse 58. Also, read Acts 8:1-4 and 1 Corinthians 15:1-10.
5) The Old Testament or “old covenant” makes no mention of the church. When was the “church” first mentioned in scripture (Matthew 16:13-18)? What is the major purpose on earth (Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15, Acts 1:6-9 and 2 Corinthians 5:18-21)?
6) What does Paul in Ephesians 5:25-33 liken the church to?
7) What does it mean to approach God’s throne with freedom and confidence (Hebrews 4:12-16, Hebrews 10:16-25 and Romans 8:14-17)?
8) Most of us can only focus on our own sufferings. Have you ever participated in the sufferings of others? How has this affected you and/or your walk with Christ? Were you discouraged or encouraged? Explain.
9) Why was Paul saying that his sufferings were for our glory?
10) Have you ever considered that possibly your own sufferings may be for another’s glory or benefit? Hmm!
Are You Free?
Today's Reading: "For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth. The Lord did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: But because the Lord loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the Lord brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;..." Deuteronomy 7:6-9
"If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." John 8:36
Ever wonder why so many strong, beautiful, intelligent, wealthy, and powerful people reject God and His Son, Jesus the Christ? Well, here's the answer: They don't know, nor will they acknowledge that they are in bondage--mere slaves!
For this reason, God most often chooses the insignificant things of this world--the lowly, the humble, the abased, the broken, the needy. Are these souls any more "righteous" than those who are exalted in this world? No! Oh, but, these souls know the depth of their need. They know they are in bondage to sin and worldly desires. More, they know their heart, mind soul and strength hungers and thirsts after the Living God and His righteousness. A righteousness that can only be found in God's Son, Jesus Christ!
Who seeks after brokenness? No sane person ever would! Praise God that He allows brokenness in our lives (just as He did in allowing Israel to live in bondage to Egypt for 400 long, weary years) because it is in our brokenness and resulting heart cries that God moves to set us free. Why in our brokenness? So that in and through all things our God would be glorified!
Being chosen--called out, gifted with God's salvation and right standing with God, being set free from sin's terrible bondage are all acts of an Almighty God! In this wonderous way, no man, or woman can boast! It is all God!
Truthfully? The exalted in this world cannot accept this concept because they want so desperately for it to be all about them! Sorrowfully, this only leads to their ultimate destruction.
Beloved, if you find yourself feeling small, insignificant--rejoice! You are closer to God and His truth than you realize.
"If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." John 8:36
Ever wonder why so many strong, beautiful, intelligent, wealthy, and powerful people reject God and His Son, Jesus the Christ? Well, here's the answer: They don't know, nor will they acknowledge that they are in bondage--mere slaves!
For this reason, God most often chooses the insignificant things of this world--the lowly, the humble, the abased, the broken, the needy. Are these souls any more "righteous" than those who are exalted in this world? No! Oh, but, these souls know the depth of their need. They know they are in bondage to sin and worldly desires. More, they know their heart, mind soul and strength hungers and thirsts after the Living God and His righteousness. A righteousness that can only be found in God's Son, Jesus Christ!
Who seeks after brokenness? No sane person ever would! Praise God that He allows brokenness in our lives (just as He did in allowing Israel to live in bondage to Egypt for 400 long, weary years) because it is in our brokenness and resulting heart cries that God moves to set us free. Why in our brokenness? So that in and through all things our God would be glorified!
Being chosen--called out, gifted with God's salvation and right standing with God, being set free from sin's terrible bondage are all acts of an Almighty God! In this wonderous way, no man, or woman can boast! It is all God!
Truthfully? The exalted in this world cannot accept this concept because they want so desperately for it to be all about them! Sorrowfully, this only leads to their ultimate destruction.
Beloved, if you find yourself feeling small, insignificant--rejoice! You are closer to God and His truth than you realize.
Today's Reading: ""For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth. The Lord did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: But because the Lord loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the Lord brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;..." Deuteronomy 7:6-9
"If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." John 8:36
"If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." John 8:36
Ever wonder why so many strong, intelligent, wealthy, and powerful people reject God and His Son, Jesus the Christ? Well, here's the answer: They don't know, nor will they acknowledge that they are in bondage--mere slaves!
For this reason, God most often chooses the insignificant things of this world--the lowly, the humble, the abased, the broken, the needy. Are these souls any more "righteous" than those who are exalted in this world? No! Oh, but, these souls know the depth of their need. They know they are in bondage to sin and worldly desires. More, they know their heart, mind soul and strength hungers and thirsts after the Living God and His righteousness which can only be found in Christ Jesus!
Who seeks after brokenness? No sane person ever would! Praise God that He allows brokenness into our lives (just as He did for 400 years for the Israelites in Egypt) because it is in our brokenness and resulting heart cries that God moves to set us free.
Why in our brokenness? So that in all and through all things our God will be glorified! Being chosen, gifted with God's salvation and right standing with God, being set free from sin's terrible bondage are all acts of an Almighty God! This way, no man, or woman can boast! It is all about God! Truthfully? The exalted in this world cannot accept this concept because they want so desperately for it to be all about them! Sorrowfully, this is will lead to the ultimate destruction.
If you find yourself feeling small, insignificant--rejoice! You are closer to God and His truth than you realize.
I Thirst!
Today's Reading: "I thirst." (John 19:28b)
Jesus Christ being fully God and fully man, thirst!
Death by crucifixion was designed to inflict the most horrendous and brutal punishment upon the physical body. Its torturous design had to also have a spiritual impact upon the human soul, though I'm not sure the Romans had this in mind when the devised such a diabolical punishment. By its very nature crucifixion was humiliating--the judged lying naked, bared before all the peoples. Its intent was to bring shame and it did so in the most graphic of ways! For this reason crucifixion was reserved for the vilest of criminals. I'm sure crucifixion was a great crime deterrent! Wondrously, our God and Savior suffered the shame of that terrible death sentence.
Hanging on that cross and enduring such agony--not to mention being the heat of the day, I have no doubt that Jesus did physically thirst, but for the past few days (following Resurrection Day), I have been reflecting on the passage of scripture found in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:6, " Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." We know that no man (or woman) has any righteousness of their own. We are all sinful by our very nature. God's desire has always been that we would always thirst after righteousness. Righteousness that can only be found in Him! He is the Source!
On Good Friday as Jesus hung on that cross, He physically and spiritually became our sin (2 Corinthians 5:21). Sin brings physical death, but it also brings spiritual death! When that occurred--for whatever period of time--God turned His back on His own Son because scripture tells us that God cannot look upon evil (Habakkuk 1:13)! Imagine! Jesus, the sinless One, evil? Never, ever had Jesus been separated from the Father. He, the Father and the Holy Spirit experienced the most joy-filled communion. One that our souls long after--thirst for!
Indeed, Jesus did physically thirst! But, more, Christ thirst spiritually. His heart, mind, soul and strength thirst after the Living God and did not find Him.
Praise God! We do not have to endure that awful separation from our God! Oh, we should all humbly bow our heads and give thanks for what Christ willing endured for each and everyone of us. By His sacrificial act of taking on and becoming our sin; we now have the great privilege and joy of taking on His righteousness! Glory! More, we have been given the honor of being fully welcomed as sons and daughters into that wonderful and glorious communion with the Holy Trinity--the Great Three-in-One! Glory to God in the Highest!
Oh, He has risen! He has risen, indeed!
Jesus Christ being fully God and fully man, thirst!
Death by crucifixion was designed to inflict the most horrendous and brutal punishment upon the physical body. Its torturous design had to also have a spiritual impact upon the human soul, though I'm not sure the Romans had this in mind when the devised such a diabolical punishment. By its very nature crucifixion was humiliating--the judged lying naked, bared before all the peoples. Its intent was to bring shame and it did so in the most graphic of ways! For this reason crucifixion was reserved for the vilest of criminals. I'm sure crucifixion was a great crime deterrent! Wondrously, our God and Savior suffered the shame of that terrible death sentence.
Hanging on that cross and enduring such agony--not to mention being the heat of the day, I have no doubt that Jesus did physically thirst, but for the past few days (following Resurrection Day), I have been reflecting on the passage of scripture found in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:6, " Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." We know that no man (or woman) has any righteousness of their own. We are all sinful by our very nature. God's desire has always been that we would always thirst after righteousness. Righteousness that can only be found in Him! He is the Source!
On Good Friday as Jesus hung on that cross, He physically and spiritually became our sin (2 Corinthians 5:21). Sin brings physical death, but it also brings spiritual death! When that occurred--for whatever period of time--God turned His back on His own Son because scripture tells us that God cannot look upon evil (Habakkuk 1:13)! Imagine! Jesus, the sinless One, evil? Never, ever had Jesus been separated from the Father. He, the Father and the Holy Spirit experienced the most joy-filled communion. One that our souls long after--thirst for!
Indeed, Jesus did physically thirst! But, more, Christ thirst spiritually. His heart, mind, soul and strength thirst after the Living God and did not find Him.
Praise God! We do not have to endure that awful separation from our God! Oh, we should all humbly bow our heads and give thanks for what Christ willing endured for each and everyone of us. By His sacrificial act of taking on and becoming our sin; we now have the great privilege and joy of taking on His righteousness! Glory! More, we have been given the honor of being fully welcomed as sons and daughters into that wonderful and glorious communion with the Holy Trinity--the Great Three-in-One! Glory to God in the Highest!
Oh, He has risen! He has risen, indeed!
God's Two Choices Against Temptation - Stand! Flee!
Today's Reading: Psalm 119:106-114 Pray this daily!
"I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws. I have suffered much; preserve my life, O LORD, according to your word. Accept, O LORD, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws. Though I constantly take my life in my hands, I will not forget your law. The wicked have set a snare for me, but I have not strayed from your precepts. Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart. My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end. I hate double-minded men, but I love your law. You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word."
Beloved, it is my prayer that God's perfect will be accomplished in your life and that you would not be led astray by anything that was not of God--anything!
I believe God's word only gives us two options when faced with temptation or any situation that would seek to destroy our testimony and/or our very lives--stand or flee!
Precious are the times when God intervenes and takes the matter out of our hands and frees us from having to make the choice. Oh, but know there is also a perfect time to stand and fight! Read 1 Samuel 17, especially verses and 22-26 and 41-46!
Young David stands fearlessly against a giant who dares to blaspheme our God and coming against His children! Another example of standing is Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego (Daniel 3.) When the king tried to force them to stop worshiping and praying to the One True God. Rather than bowing down and worshipping a man-made image, they chose the firey furnace. Of course, the Lord delivered them--even to joining them in the flames!
Countless saints have taken a stand for their faith--facing difficult, evenly deadly circumstances. Some were delivered back to their families, others suffered horrible deaths (Hebrews 11!) The question is do we stand in our own strength or, as young David, in the power and strength of Almighty God? If God's asks you to stand, then be sure that He will give you the strength and wisdom to confront your enemies. Don't ever attempt this without His leading!
An example of fleeing is given in Genesis 39 regarding young Joseph and Potiphar's wife! He fled from the very appearance of evil! Fleeing is not weakness! Sometimes it is the only "out" God gives us! It is realizing your weaknesses and as Jesus put it, "cutting off your hand!"
Actually, our experiences are quite similiar, except it was mental illness, true madness, that led many in my family into believing all sort of lies of the devil. Those lies also destroyed them physically, but I pray that God, in His great mercy, did not allow this illnes to destroy their souls. I have hope because even though my family erred in areas of the faith, I do believe that they recognized Jesus as the only Way to salvation.
When I married, the Lord moved us away from my family for 13 years because I wasn't spiritually able to stand up to satan using them to scheme and plot against me or to unjustly accuse me as they had always done. God knew that! (I didn't know the "why" then, but God revealed that to me when He did bring me back.)
Trust that God knows your situation and will provide your escape! He has delivered you and He will deliver you (2 Corinthians 1:10)! Why are you upset about the date of your birth--as if your parents were in control? No, scripture tells us that the times and even the places where we will live are His preordained plan for your life! While your family may have been plotting evil, your Father God has nothing but a good future planned for you (Jeremiah 29:11!) Why are you worried about any "spells" or voodoo, or whatever it is they try to come up with against you? Are they God? No! God's words says that "no weapon formed against you will stand (Isaiah 54:17!)" Why fear them? Trust God! I know you love your parents, and you are horrified at what you discovered about their lives, but press forward! If they fail to repent, trust them to God! You, dear one, are a kingdom and a priest to your God (Revelation >1:6!) You, right now, are seated in heavenly places with Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:6!) Walk in this truth!
I will continue to remember you all in my prayers. God's has a purpose for your life! I know this is long, but it is from my heart! I want to share
"I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws. I have suffered much; preserve my life, O LORD, according to your word. Accept, O LORD, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws. Though I constantly take my life in my hands, I will not forget your law. The wicked have set a snare for me, but I have not strayed from your precepts. Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart. My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end. I hate double-minded men, but I love your law. You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word."
Beloved, it is my prayer that God's perfect will be accomplished in your life and that you would not be led astray by anything that was not of God--anything!
I believe God's word only gives us two options when faced with temptation or any situation that would seek to destroy our testimony and/or our very lives--stand or flee!
Precious are the times when God intervenes and takes the matter out of our hands and frees us from having to make the choice. Oh, but know there is also a perfect time to stand and fight! Read 1 Samuel 17, especially verses and 22-26 and 41-46!
Young David stands fearlessly against a giant who dares to blaspheme our God and coming against His children! Another example of standing is Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego (Daniel 3.) When the king tried to force them to stop worshiping and praying to the One True God. Rather than bowing down and worshipping a man-made image, they chose the firey furnace. Of course, the Lord delivered them--even to joining them in the flames!
Countless saints have taken a stand for their faith--facing difficult, evenly deadly circumstances. Some were delivered back to their families, others suffered horrible deaths (Hebrews 11!) The question is do we stand in our own strength or, as young David, in the power and strength of Almighty God? If God's asks you to stand, then be sure that He will give you the strength and wisdom to confront your enemies. Don't ever attempt this without His leading!
An example of fleeing is given in Genesis 39 regarding young Joseph and Potiphar's wife! He fled from the very appearance of evil! Fleeing is not weakness! Sometimes it is the only "out" God gives us! It is realizing your weaknesses and as Jesus put it, "cutting off your hand!"
Actually, our experiences are quite similiar, except it was mental illness, true madness, that led many in my family into believing all sort of lies of the devil. Those lies also destroyed them physically, but I pray that God, in His great mercy, did not allow this illnes to destroy their souls. I have hope because even though my family erred in areas of the faith, I do believe that they recognized Jesus as the only Way to salvation.
When I married, the Lord moved us away from my family for 13 years because I wasn't spiritually able to stand up to satan using them to scheme and plot against me or to unjustly accuse me as they had always done. God knew that! (I didn't know the "why" then, but God revealed that to me when He did bring me back.)
Trust that God knows your situation and will provide your escape! He has delivered you and He will deliver you (2 Corinthians 1:10)! Why are you upset about the date of your birth--as if your parents were in control? No, scripture tells us that the times and even the places where we will live are His preordained plan for your life! While your family may have been plotting evil, your Father God has nothing but a good future planned for you (Jeremiah 29:11!) Why are you worried about any "spells" or voodoo, or whatever it is they try to come up with against you? Are they God? No! God's words says that "no weapon formed against you will stand (Isaiah 54:17!)" Why fear them? Trust God! I know you love your parents, and you are horrified at what you discovered about their lives, but press forward! If they fail to repent, trust them to God! You, dear one, are a kingdom and a priest to your God (Revelation >1:6!) You, right now, are seated in heavenly places with Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:6!) Walk in this truth!
I will continue to remember you all in my prayers. God's has a purpose for your life! I know this is long, but it is from my heart! I want to share
Generational Curses
Today's Reading: "I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me..." (Exodus 20:5b)
"The days are coming," declares the LORD, "when I will plant the house of Israel and the house of Judah with the offspring of men and of animals. Just as I watched over them to uproot and tear down, and to overthrow, destroy and bring disaster, so I will watch over them to build and to plant," declares the LORD. "In those days people will no longer say, `The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge.' Instead, everyone will die for his own sin; whoever eats sour grapes--his own teeth will be set on edge. "The time is coming," declares the LORD, "when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them, " declares the LORD. "This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time," declares the LORD. "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people." (Jeremiah 31:27-33)
"Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree." (Galatians 3:13) "For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Thessalonians 5:9)
What role do "generational curses" have in the life of a believer?
Oh, dear one, any curse that should be accredited to your and my account was nailed on that cross with Jesus Christ! He received our curse. No, more--He became our curse. And, He suffered God's full wrath--the wrath that should have been poured out on us; not for the sins of our parents, but for all our own sins!
Praise God! In return, we receive His love, His blessing, His forgiveness and His most holy and precious Spirit! That's so key because now and forever we are "sealed" with this same Spirit as a guarantee of our future glory with God in eternity! "Sealed" means nothing can enter what God has signed, stamped, marked, and called His own! Nothing!
Yes, it is true we can be oppressed by evil or the evil one, but we have the blood of Jesus flowing in us, running through us and covering us! Glory to God! That's what makes satan so mad! He can't do anything to us, and nothing can come against us unless that it is in God's permissive will for our lives. And, we know that whatever He permits in our lives, He intends to use for our good! "Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world"! So, dear one, be at peace!
It is true that children learn so many things from their parent's example. I believe that certain generational "sins" have been passed down through my family line for years, but, I have prayed and I truly believe that they have stopped with me! My children are blessed and have never suffered the exact same type of deprivation and, praise God, they are able to benefit from the fruit of my suffering and pain! Therefore, I count it all as gain! True, they will have their own sins to overcome--maybe some they learned from watching me! Everyone has to be overcomers of the generation before them!
This day make it your heartfelt prayer to God that any family trait, any family sin, any family curse stop with you! Vow that you will never look upon or indulge in anything that remotely is connected with a family sin!
I've walked with God for 33 years now and I can tell you He is Faithful! My life has taken a different path from that of my family's (I speaking of specific areas of sin). This is a major praise and I lay all the glory for that at the feet of Jesus! My teeth do not gnash at the sins of my fathers and neither should yours! Glory!
You are so loved by your Father God! Trust Him and make Him your delight! Ask Him to change any family "sin" or "curse" into a blessing--one that can be used for His glory. Oh, and know there are others who will learn from and be blessed by you!
"The days are coming," declares the LORD, "when I will plant the house of Israel and the house of Judah with the offspring of men and of animals. Just as I watched over them to uproot and tear down, and to overthrow, destroy and bring disaster, so I will watch over them to build and to plant," declares the LORD. "In those days people will no longer say, `The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge.' Instead, everyone will die for his own sin; whoever eats sour grapes--his own teeth will be set on edge. "The time is coming," declares the LORD, "when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them, " declares the LORD. "This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time," declares the LORD. "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people." (Jeremiah 31:27-33)
"Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree." (Galatians 3:13) "For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Thessalonians 5:9)
What role do "generational curses" have in the life of a believer?
Oh, dear one, any curse that should be accredited to your and my account was nailed on that cross with Jesus Christ! He received our curse. No, more--He became our curse. And, He suffered God's full wrath--the wrath that should have been poured out on us; not for the sins of our parents, but for all our own sins!
Praise God! In return, we receive His love, His blessing, His forgiveness and His most holy and precious Spirit! That's so key because now and forever we are "sealed" with this same Spirit as a guarantee of our future glory with God in eternity! "Sealed" means nothing can enter what God has signed, stamped, marked, and called His own! Nothing!
Yes, it is true we can be oppressed by evil or the evil one, but we have the blood of Jesus flowing in us, running through us and covering us! Glory to God! That's what makes satan so mad! He can't do anything to us, and nothing can come against us unless that it is in God's permissive will for our lives. And, we know that whatever He permits in our lives, He intends to use for our good! "Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world"! So, dear one, be at peace!
It is true that children learn so many things from their parent's example. I believe that certain generational "sins" have been passed down through my family line for years, but, I have prayed and I truly believe that they have stopped with me! My children are blessed and have never suffered the exact same type of deprivation and, praise God, they are able to benefit from the fruit of my suffering and pain! Therefore, I count it all as gain! True, they will have their own sins to overcome--maybe some they learned from watching me! Everyone has to be overcomers of the generation before them!
This day make it your heartfelt prayer to God that any family trait, any family sin, any family curse stop with you! Vow that you will never look upon or indulge in anything that remotely is connected with a family sin!
I've walked with God for 33 years now and I can tell you He is Faithful! My life has taken a different path from that of my family's (I speaking of specific areas of sin). This is a major praise and I lay all the glory for that at the feet of Jesus! My teeth do not gnash at the sins of my fathers and neither should yours! Glory!
You are so loved by your Father God! Trust Him and make Him your delight! Ask Him to change any family "sin" or "curse" into a blessing--one that can be used for His glory. Oh, and know there are others who will learn from and be blessed by you!
Gentle Breezes
Today's Reading: “When a gentle south wind began to blow, they thought they had obtained what they wanted; so they weighed anchor and sailed along the shore of Crete. Before very long, a wind of hurricane force, called the "northeaster," swept down from the island. The ship was caught by the storm and could not head into the wind; so we gave way to it and were driven along.” (Acts 27:13-15)
A couple of days ago, I was reading my Bible and ran across this passage. Oh, friends, enjoy those gentle, soft breezes! Just know that as a child of God, following sweptly behind them are those hurricane force winds coming right at us! So, don’t be “driven along!” Have your feet firmly grounded in God’s truth and on the ROCK, the Lord, Jesus Christ so you may be able to stand!
A couple of days ago, I was reading my Bible and ran across this passage. Oh, friends, enjoy those gentle, soft breezes! Just know that as a child of God, following sweptly behind them are those hurricane force winds coming right at us! So, don’t be “driven along!” Have your feet firmly grounded in God’s truth and on the ROCK, the Lord, Jesus Christ so you may be able to stand!
The Alabaster Jar
Rejoice with me!
I'm sitting here this morning, with tears streaming down my cheeks. This is very unusual for me because I don't cry. It's not because I don't want to. Oh, I so desperately want to! I wish God would open the flood gates and let the tears flow! But, for some reason, I can't! I can cry over the joy of a baby, (my grandchild) a stupid commercial or some sappy movie (although, those are getting harder and harder to find) and definitely, I cry at weddings--all weddings! Just know that when the real tears don't, won't or can't flow because the hurt and pain is so deep, our souls cry! And, our God sees!
[When this was first written] In this week's Beth Moore study, The Patriarchs, Beth ended the session by re-visiting the scripture where Mary washed the Lord's feet with her tears, and annointed them with the perfume from an alabaster jar (Luke 7:36-38!)
The perfume in this jar was very costly--perhaps a year's wages in those days. Men were judging and accusing her, because they were only concerned with the cost of the perfume--not with the cost of the pain and brokenness of the woman's heart! Now, I'm not just "bashing" the male gender! These men could represent anyone around you---family, friends, the world!
Oh, be sure, the woman in this biblical story heard the mumbling against her! Don't think it for a moment it was lost on her! But, trust me, as she wept before the Lord those overheard comments, those haughty looks didn't even faze her, and they certainly weren't going to deter her! This woman was at the point of desperation! She only had eyes and a heart for Jesus! " Jehoshua--Jehovah Saves!
You see, like Beth pointed out from the song by Ce Ce Wyans, only this woman and Jesus knew the real cost for her coming there that day--the pain and shame behind those tears! Oh, it wasn't the perfume that was costly, it was her pain!
Think about what sin costs us: Separation from God, and, oh, always from society, maybe even from the ones we love! Sin is not something most of us do openly. No, because of its shame, we do it in the dark, or in secret, hidden places so people won't see or know! Sin always brings loneliness, and when sin is complete, sin brings death!
Mary knew Jesus understood the cost her shame. Others were ready to condemn, Jesus was ready to love, forgive, rebuild and restore! What a Savior! I imagine that woman left that room changed--in a way those men who scoffed at her would never understand! For the first time in such a long time, she rose, stood straight up, held up her head, (Oh, beloved, He is the Lifter of our heads (Psalms 3:3!) and probably for the first time in such a long, long time, this woman was able to look others straight in the eye! While it is true that she walked out into the same old world, she walked out as a new creation! She was a child of the King! Royalty!
Do you think the people saw it? No, they probably thought to themselves, "Who does she think she is? Why she's nothing but a whore!" We don't know, but, perhaps they always looked at her in that same old way. I can assure you, she never was a "whore" again! How do I know, I am that woman!
This morning, I remembered the cost! Jesus met me there again and He lifted my head! I pray that all of you will go back and remember the place where Jesus found you! Wash His dear feet, yes, again--even if your tears are soul tears! Thank Him for seeing what no one else sees--your heart! He thinks you are precious! You are the apple of His eye and so am I! Let's keep reminding ourselves of this great truth!
Oh, and as Beth reminded us, one day Jesus will present us with a new name, a new identity (Revelation 2:17!) The meaning behind this new name will not be known or understood by anyone else, just you and Jesus! Beth believes it's because only you and Jesus will know the full cost behind the name! So, when you look at those around you, those still wounded in a lost world, and your own brothers and sisters in Christ, think of their cost! You heart toward them will be changed!
Yes, remember the cost, and worship!
I'm sitting here this morning, with tears streaming down my cheeks. This is very unusual for me because I don't cry. It's not because I don't want to. Oh, I so desperately want to! I wish God would open the flood gates and let the tears flow! But, for some reason, I can't! I can cry over the joy of a baby, (my grandchild) a stupid commercial or some sappy movie (although, those are getting harder and harder to find) and definitely, I cry at weddings--all weddings! Just know that when the real tears don't, won't or can't flow because the hurt and pain is so deep, our souls cry! And, our God sees!
[When this was first written] In this week's Beth Moore study, The Patriarchs, Beth ended the session by re-visiting the scripture where Mary washed the Lord's feet with her tears, and annointed them with the perfume from an alabaster jar (Luke 7:36-38!)
The perfume in this jar was very costly--perhaps a year's wages in those days. Men were judging and accusing her, because they were only concerned with the cost of the perfume--not with the cost of the pain and brokenness of the woman's heart! Now, I'm not just "bashing" the male gender! These men could represent anyone around you---family, friends, the world!
Oh, be sure, the woman in this biblical story heard the mumbling against her! Don't think it for a moment it was lost on her! But, trust me, as she wept before the Lord those overheard comments, those haughty looks didn't even faze her, and they certainly weren't going to deter her! This woman was at the point of desperation! She only had eyes and a heart for Jesus! " Jehoshua--Jehovah Saves!
You see, like Beth pointed out from the song by Ce Ce Wyans, only this woman and Jesus knew the real cost for her coming there that day--the pain and shame behind those tears! Oh, it wasn't the perfume that was costly, it was her pain!
Think about what sin costs us: Separation from God, and, oh, always from society, maybe even from the ones we love! Sin is not something most of us do openly. No, because of its shame, we do it in the dark, or in secret, hidden places so people won't see or know! Sin always brings loneliness, and when sin is complete, sin brings death!
Mary knew Jesus understood the cost her shame. Others were ready to condemn, Jesus was ready to love, forgive, rebuild and restore! What a Savior! I imagine that woman left that room changed--in a way those men who scoffed at her would never understand! For the first time in such a long time, she rose, stood straight up, held up her head, (Oh, beloved, He is the Lifter of our heads (Psalms 3:3!) and probably for the first time in such a long, long time, this woman was able to look others straight in the eye! While it is true that she walked out into the same old world, she walked out as a new creation! She was a child of the King! Royalty!
Do you think the people saw it? No, they probably thought to themselves, "Who does she think she is? Why she's nothing but a whore!" We don't know, but, perhaps they always looked at her in that same old way. I can assure you, she never was a "whore" again! How do I know, I am that woman!
This morning, I remembered the cost! Jesus met me there again and He lifted my head! I pray that all of you will go back and remember the place where Jesus found you! Wash His dear feet, yes, again--even if your tears are soul tears! Thank Him for seeing what no one else sees--your heart! He thinks you are precious! You are the apple of His eye and so am I! Let's keep reminding ourselves of this great truth!
Oh, and as Beth reminded us, one day Jesus will present us with a new name, a new identity (Revelation 2:17!) The meaning behind this new name will not be known or understood by anyone else, just you and Jesus! Beth believes it's because only you and Jesus will know the full cost behind the name! So, when you look at those around you, those still wounded in a lost world, and your own brothers and sisters in Christ, think of their cost! You heart toward them will be changed!
Yes, remember the cost, and worship!
Comfort in Suffering
Today's Reading: ""My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise[s] preserves my life." (Psalms 119:50)
I came across this particular scripture a little while ago, and I'm sure most of us need to be reminded of it's truth! I love you all! Your sister in suffering for Christ's sake!
I came across this particular scripture a little while ago, and I'm sure most of us need to be reminded of it's truth! I love you all! Your sister in suffering for Christ's sake!
Fight On!
Today's Reading: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7)
Dear ones, this is the Christian life! When we first come to Jesus we truly believe all is going to be well with us and the world--world peace! Then, suddenly we're thrust into very dredges of battle! Because of our misconceptions, when the war rages, many fall away. Don't be one of those who fall away! No, learn every morning to put on your battle gear and begin your day literally visualizing that you are marching out to war. Oh, thank God, He blesses us with so many days that we are not even aware of the spiritual enemies all around us. This is so good of Him, but always, always be on guard because satan will pounce suddenly--he hates God, he hates his precious Son Jesus Christ and because you belong to them, he means your demise!
Fight with the sword of the Spirit--the Word of God. It is your only defensive weapon. You can't yield this weapon if you don't know what it says--so start learning to hide God's Word in your hearts! Learn to yield His Word well! And stand, being girded in the belt of God's truth--always seek after His truth! Put on your helmet--your breastplate, carry your shield (satan loves to throw those fiery darts!) Let your feet be prepared in readiness! To put this simply--put on Christ! He is the Word--He is the Truth--He is our Salvation! We have no hope of winning the battle and claiming the victory unless we do so in the power and might of our Lord and Savior!
So, don't become offended when satan uses those around you to attack--because, that is his most common source! Good heavens, he used the mouth of the apostle Peter agains his Lord, Jesus!
Keep in mind that the Bible tells us to rejoice during these times when we suffer for Christ's sake, because we are suffering with Him. It is proof that we are truly His! Remember, satan doesn't bother with those he already has--so yes, rejoice and again, I say, rejoice!
Dear ones, this is the Christian life! When we first come to Jesus we truly believe all is going to be well with us and the world--world peace! Then, suddenly we're thrust into very dredges of battle! Because of our misconceptions, when the war rages, many fall away. Don't be one of those who fall away! No, learn every morning to put on your battle gear and begin your day literally visualizing that you are marching out to war. Oh, thank God, He blesses us with so many days that we are not even aware of the spiritual enemies all around us. This is so good of Him, but always, always be on guard because satan will pounce suddenly--he hates God, he hates his precious Son Jesus Christ and because you belong to them, he means your demise!
Fight with the sword of the Spirit--the Word of God. It is your only defensive weapon. You can't yield this weapon if you don't know what it says--so start learning to hide God's Word in your hearts! Learn to yield His Word well! And stand, being girded in the belt of God's truth--always seek after His truth! Put on your helmet--your breastplate, carry your shield (satan loves to throw those fiery darts!) Let your feet be prepared in readiness! To put this simply--put on Christ! He is the Word--He is the Truth--He is our Salvation! We have no hope of winning the battle and claiming the victory unless we do so in the power and might of our Lord and Savior!
So, don't become offended when satan uses those around you to attack--because, that is his most common source! Good heavens, he used the mouth of the apostle Peter agains his Lord, Jesus!
Keep in mind that the Bible tells us to rejoice during these times when we suffer for Christ's sake, because we are suffering with Him. It is proof that we are truly His! Remember, satan doesn't bother with those he already has--so yes, rejoice and again, I say, rejoice!
Authority
Today's Reading: "A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent." (1 Timothy 2:11-12)
A friend wrote: "I've been thinking all day about your comment about your belief that women shouldn't teach men. I was reminded of Deborah in [the book of] Judges who became the ruler because Barak wouldn't or couldn't. I'm also reminded of the scripture that speaks that "there is no male or female in Christ," I'm not advocating for every woman to jump out there and start a church, I just think it would be more accurate to say that if God wants to use you...it doesn't matter if you're a donkey, it would bless you to respond appropriately. I just was wondering what your expanded thougths are on that subject."
Response: "My reasoning for women not assuming to teach men is based solely on God's word. Yes, yes, yes--before the cross and before the throne of God, we are all one. There is no male, no female. No Jew--no Greek. Our God is no respecter of persons! We all equally stand before Him and we are all God's precious children. Our heavenly Father is pleased to lavishly pour out His gifts on each and everyone of us for use in building up His holy church and to bring Him glory.
Now, to get a grasp on submission and spiritual authority all we need to do is to consider the God-head Trinity. The Trinity is--has always been the great Three-in-One! All equally God, yet, each willingly assuming differing roles! A great mystery, yes!
Jesus Christ Himself says that God the Father is greater than all (John 10:29!) Jesus, our Savior God, willfully submitted Himself to the Father's will--even to death on a cross, (Philippians 2:6-8)! God the Holy Spirit, willfully submits Himself to both the Father and the Son--never assuming to speak of Himself, thou He is equally God (John 16:13-15). Oh, clearly we can see spiritual authority at work in the Holy Trinity!
Now, as men and women of God what roles are we to willingly assume? Obviously, our God is a God of order and peace and for this reason He has placed every one (male and female) under specific spiritual authority (Hebrews 13:17 and 2 Peter 2:13).
When I stated that I was not comfortable teaching men I was referring to the above passage in 1 Timothy and also 1 Corinthians 14:33-35! Here we find that the head of a woman is man, the head of man is Christ and the head of Christ is God! Spiritual Authority! I believe that where there is a man, willing, able and available to proclaim God's Word, then, glory to God, that man should do so! It is not my place to teach a man--he should be leading and teaching me! However, there have been times and sadly, this is very prevelant today, when men do not, or worse, will not step into their God-given roles as spiritual leaders. Yes, then either God's work will not be accomplished (which is never the case with God), or, God may choose to raise up a woman, or, yes, even a jack-ass (Numbers 22:10-33) to accomplish His purposes. But, it is always a disgrace and shame to man that God must do so, because it is never God's intent!
Judges 4 does tell us about Deborah and Barak. Deborah was a judge over Israel and a prophetess (both ordained gifts from God)--very powerful and respected positions for a man or a woman! Deborah hears a word from God and informs Barak that God has commanded that he and his army head out for battle. Barak's response is one of reluctance, lack of trust, and unbelief in God's truthfulness and His ability to deliver and save! Since Barak failed in immediate obedience to the Lord by refusing to enter into battle alone, Deborah makes it quite clear that the glory for the certain victory would go to a woman. No, the glory didn't go to Deborah, but to another woman who killed the man Deborah and Barak were seeking. Were Deborah and this woman disgraced? No, the disgrace lay solely at the feet of Barak because he did not rise to the occasion to bring honor to God!
In Genesis 3:16, Eve was told that her desire would be to her husband. God has place men in spirutual authority to rule--period! I personally believe that one reason this is so is that women (as we witnessed with Eve and the serpent) are quite often motivated by our emotions which can cause us to be more readily susceptible to deception and temptation. [This is totally me speaking, not God!] Men, as they are created to be, are usually guided more by wisdom and logic--it was not Adam that was deceived! Man was created in God's own image and woman for man.
You know, even I will admit that some good came out of the women's movement of the sixties i.e., equal pay for equal work. Though, truthfully, that is still in question today! Unfortunately, since that time women have moved ever more progressively, every more boldly and every more forcibly in an attempt to overshadow men. So much so, the cause behind the call for "women's rights" has reached the point where a man's respect, pride and dignity are being snatched away in the most vital of all places--as the head and provider of the home and family.
Sadly, this has tragically resulted in much confusion among men, not to mention our children who are observing the patterns being set in our homes. This was never, ever God's intent! I believe this is clear rebellion and scripture tells us that the heart of rebellion is witchcraft (1 Samuel 15:23!) We need to be very careful to pray for and to enable our men step into their place of authority. Encourage them, support them, yes! Lead them, no, never!
When I felt God's leading for this ministry, I knew this would greatly impact my husband. So, I went first to him and sought his blessing and prayer. Then, I submitted myself to the leadership of our church. I am a woman under authority! I feel to have stepped into this position without their approval and blessing, I would have not been under God's authority for me, my family or my church family.
A friend wrote: "I've been thinking all day about your comment about your belief that women shouldn't teach men. I was reminded of Deborah in [the book of] Judges who became the ruler because Barak wouldn't or couldn't. I'm also reminded of the scripture that speaks that "there is no male or female in Christ," I'm not advocating for every woman to jump out there and start a church, I just think it would be more accurate to say that if God wants to use you...it doesn't matter if you're a donkey, it would bless you to respond appropriately. I just was wondering what your expanded thougths are on that subject."
Response: "My reasoning for women not assuming to teach men is based solely on God's word. Yes, yes, yes--before the cross and before the throne of God, we are all one. There is no male, no female. No Jew--no Greek. Our God is no respecter of persons! We all equally stand before Him and we are all God's precious children. Our heavenly Father is pleased to lavishly pour out His gifts on each and everyone of us for use in building up His holy church and to bring Him glory.
Now, to get a grasp on submission and spiritual authority all we need to do is to consider the God-head Trinity. The Trinity is--has always been the great Three-in-One! All equally God, yet, each willingly assuming differing roles! A great mystery, yes!
Jesus Christ Himself says that God the Father is greater than all (John 10:29!) Jesus, our Savior God, willfully submitted Himself to the Father's will--even to death on a cross, (Philippians 2:6-8)! God the Holy Spirit, willfully submits Himself to both the Father and the Son--never assuming to speak of Himself, thou He is equally God (John 16:13-15). Oh, clearly we can see spiritual authority at work in the Holy Trinity!
Now, as men and women of God what roles are we to willingly assume? Obviously, our God is a God of order and peace and for this reason He has placed every one (male and female) under specific spiritual authority (Hebrews 13:17 and 2 Peter 2:13).
When I stated that I was not comfortable teaching men I was referring to the above passage in 1 Timothy and also 1 Corinthians 14:33-35! Here we find that the head of a woman is man, the head of man is Christ and the head of Christ is God! Spiritual Authority! I believe that where there is a man, willing, able and available to proclaim God's Word, then, glory to God, that man should do so! It is not my place to teach a man--he should be leading and teaching me! However, there have been times and sadly, this is very prevelant today, when men do not, or worse, will not step into their God-given roles as spiritual leaders. Yes, then either God's work will not be accomplished (which is never the case with God), or, God may choose to raise up a woman, or, yes, even a jack-ass (Numbers 22:10-33) to accomplish His purposes. But, it is always a disgrace and shame to man that God must do so, because it is never God's intent!
Judges 4 does tell us about Deborah and Barak. Deborah was a judge over Israel and a prophetess (both ordained gifts from God)--very powerful and respected positions for a man or a woman! Deborah hears a word from God and informs Barak that God has commanded that he and his army head out for battle. Barak's response is one of reluctance, lack of trust, and unbelief in God's truthfulness and His ability to deliver and save! Since Barak failed in immediate obedience to the Lord by refusing to enter into battle alone, Deborah makes it quite clear that the glory for the certain victory would go to a woman. No, the glory didn't go to Deborah, but to another woman who killed the man Deborah and Barak were seeking. Were Deborah and this woman disgraced? No, the disgrace lay solely at the feet of Barak because he did not rise to the occasion to bring honor to God!
In Genesis 3:16, Eve was told that her desire would be to her husband. God has place men in spirutual authority to rule--period! I personally believe that one reason this is so is that women (as we witnessed with Eve and the serpent) are quite often motivated by our emotions which can cause us to be more readily susceptible to deception and temptation. [This is totally me speaking, not God!] Men, as they are created to be, are usually guided more by wisdom and logic--it was not Adam that was deceived! Man was created in God's own image and woman for man.
You know, even I will admit that some good came out of the women's movement of the sixties i.e., equal pay for equal work. Though, truthfully, that is still in question today! Unfortunately, since that time women have moved ever more progressively, every more boldly and every more forcibly in an attempt to overshadow men. So much so, the cause behind the call for "women's rights" has reached the point where a man's respect, pride and dignity are being snatched away in the most vital of all places--as the head and provider of the home and family.
Sadly, this has tragically resulted in much confusion among men, not to mention our children who are observing the patterns being set in our homes. This was never, ever God's intent! I believe this is clear rebellion and scripture tells us that the heart of rebellion is witchcraft (1 Samuel 15:23!) We need to be very careful to pray for and to enable our men step into their place of authority. Encourage them, support them, yes! Lead them, no, never!
When I felt God's leading for this ministry, I knew this would greatly impact my husband. So, I went first to him and sought his blessing and prayer. Then, I submitted myself to the leadership of our church. I am a woman under authority! I feel to have stepped into this position without their approval and blessing, I would have not been under God's authority for me, my family or my church family.
Ah, To Dare!
Today's Reading: "And Jesus arose, and followed him, and so did his disciples. And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment: For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole. But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour." (Matthew 9:19-22 KJV)
Lord, how I wish I had the faith of the woman who dared to touch the hem of your garment! To dare! Only a child, or someone who is truly desperate will dare. Too often I come to you thinking you will hear me because of my many words. I don’t even know for sure that writing in this blog isn’t all vanity. All I know is that I’m desperate for (I was going to say your power or your healing touch, but Lord, I’m really desperate for you!) No one, nothing touches me like you do. Lord, I dare to touch you every time I lift my hands in praise to you, every time my soul feels like it is soaring because I am so overwhelmed by your presence, every time you and I share a moment or you give me a new revelation of yourself. You strengthen me, you heal my mind, soul and body. I’m in awe of you and love you more each day. Forgive me of my many sins! Have mercy, Lord.
Lord, how I wish I had the faith of the woman who dared to touch the hem of your garment! To dare! Only a child, or someone who is truly desperate will dare. Too often I come to you thinking you will hear me because of my many words. I don’t even know for sure that writing in this blog isn’t all vanity. All I know is that I’m desperate for (I was going to say your power or your healing touch, but Lord, I’m really desperate for you!) No one, nothing touches me like you do. Lord, I dare to touch you every time I lift my hands in praise to you, every time my soul feels like it is soaring because I am so overwhelmed by your presence, every time you and I share a moment or you give me a new revelation of yourself. You strengthen me, you heal my mind, soul and body. I’m in awe of you and love you more each day. Forgive me of my many sins! Have mercy, Lord.
Meditation?
Today's Reading: "With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee….I will delight myself in thy statutes; I will not forget thy word." (Psalm 119:10-11, 16 KJV)
The secret of keeping God’s commandments and hiding God’s word in your heart? Delighting and meditating in God’s Word! Psalm 1:2 says, “But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.”
Unfortunately, the word "meditate" has taken on a whole different connotation in today’s world. True, the word meditation can also have its basis in a philosophical, even “spiritual or religious” belief. Through such meditation practices as yoga and some Eastern religions, we are encouraged to “get inside” ourselves often chanting a word or "mantra". (Webster’s Dictionary defines "mantra" as a Hindu formula believed to embody the divinity invoked and to possess magical power.) All this in an effort to “free” our minds--to become "spiritually" open to the universe. Oh, we can become open alright, but to what? Be careful not to open you mind or your soul to wandering spirits seeking whom they may devour (1 Peter 5:8)!
Dear one, God doesn't want to free our minds! No! He wants to free us! He alone has the power to transform our lives by renewing of our minds! (Romans 12:2a) How is this possible you ask? By putting "off" the things that belong to our old sinful natures, and "putting on" Christ Jesus (Ephesians 4:22-23 and Galatians 3:27 KJV)!
The secret of keeping God’s commandments and hiding God’s word in your heart? Delighting and meditating in God’s Word! Psalm 1:2 says, “But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.”
Unfortunately, the word "meditate" has taken on a whole different connotation in today’s world. True, the word meditation can also have its basis in a philosophical, even “spiritual or religious” belief. Through such meditation practices as yoga and some Eastern religions, we are encouraged to “get inside” ourselves often chanting a word or "mantra". (Webster’s Dictionary defines "mantra" as a Hindu formula believed to embody the divinity invoked and to possess magical power.) All this in an effort to “free” our minds--to become "spiritually" open to the universe. Oh, we can become open alright, but to what? Be careful not to open you mind or your soul to wandering spirits seeking whom they may devour (1 Peter 5:8)!
Dear one, God doesn't want to free our minds! No! He wants to free us! He alone has the power to transform our lives by renewing of our minds! (Romans 12:2a) How is this possible you ask? By putting "off" the things that belong to our old sinful natures, and "putting on" Christ Jesus (Ephesians 4:22-23 and Galatians 3:27 KJV)!
A Much Needed Rest!
Todays Reading: “Then said they unto him, What shall we do that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him whom he hath sent.” John 6:28-29
“For the scripture saith, ”Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek; for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him; For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:11-13
There is the rest being offered to both the Jew and the Gentile alike, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) We can cease from our labors (our works under the law) and rest in the work of God that was accomplished in Christ Jesus upon the cross. In Isaiah 40:4;42:16 God promised to “make the crooked way straight” for us. In Mark 10:27 Jesus says, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible. “
One day we will put off this flesh that troubles us so. Yes, we still sin. But, Christ was made the propitiation for that sin. (Romans 3:25, 1 John 2:2; 4:10) Lay down your burden today. Rest in Him. He paid the price. Just believe. Simply believe. He’s promised on that day (the day of Christ’s return) we wont’ be ashamed. Numbers 23:19 says, “God is not a man that he should lie”. Trust and believe today.
“For the scripture saith, ”Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek; for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him; For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:11-13
There is the rest being offered to both the Jew and the Gentile alike, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) We can cease from our labors (our works under the law) and rest in the work of God that was accomplished in Christ Jesus upon the cross. In Isaiah 40:4;42:16 God promised to “make the crooked way straight” for us. In Mark 10:27 Jesus says, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible. “
One day we will put off this flesh that troubles us so. Yes, we still sin. But, Christ was made the propitiation for that sin. (Romans 3:25, 1 John 2:2; 4:10) Lay down your burden today. Rest in Him. He paid the price. Just believe. Simply believe. He’s promised on that day (the day of Christ’s return) we wont’ be ashamed. Numbers 23:19 says, “God is not a man that he should lie”. Trust and believe today.
Jesus--the King of Saints!
Todays Reading: “Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.” (Revelation 15:3 KJV)
Jesus, friend of sinners (Luke 7:34 ) has become the King of saints. How? His great and marvelous works - His just and true ways. Man could never attain to the moral requirements of a just and holy God. Who among us has ever kept His commandments? (“There are none righteous, no not one.” Romans 3:10) Yet, how is it we are called saints? Being human we are sinful from birth (Genesis 8:21) and the just wages of our sin is death (Romans 6:23) But, “great and marvelous are thy works…” God has provided the Way - the Righteous for the unrighteous; the Just for the unjust (John 3:16). The Great Shepherd has become our sacrificial Lamb. The cross! The shame of the cross has become the glory of our salvation! Christ’s own blood was spilled on God’s mercy seat and atonement was complete (Herbrews 9:1-15)! Once and for all! Shepherd, Lamb, High Priest, Intercessor! Let us marvel at the cost of our sainthood. What an awesome God we serve! His wisdom is beyond understanding!
Jesus, friend of sinners (Luke 7:34 ) has become the King of saints. How? His great and marvelous works - His just and true ways. Man could never attain to the moral requirements of a just and holy God. Who among us has ever kept His commandments? (“There are none righteous, no not one.” Romans 3:10) Yet, how is it we are called saints? Being human we are sinful from birth (Genesis 8:21) and the just wages of our sin is death (Romans 6:23) But, “great and marvelous are thy works…” God has provided the Way - the Righteous for the unrighteous; the Just for the unjust (John 3:16). The Great Shepherd has become our sacrificial Lamb. The cross! The shame of the cross has become the glory of our salvation! Christ’s own blood was spilled on God’s mercy seat and atonement was complete (Herbrews 9:1-15)! Once and for all! Shepherd, Lamb, High Priest, Intercessor! Let us marvel at the cost of our sainthood. What an awesome God we serve! His wisdom is beyond understanding!
Don't Let satan Stop You Or Your Calling!
Today's Reading: " For we wanted to come to you--certainly I, Paul, did, again and again--but Satan stopped us." (1 Thessalonians 2:18)
Okay, I'm going to take you into a personal conversation with a precious loved one over God's will for my life. Oh, how I pray you have just such a trusted encourager in your life! (Sorry, I'm doing a little paraphasing here, but thank you so much, my dearest Sarah!)
How does satan work to stop someone from fulfilling God's purpose for their lives? Discouragement!
ME: "I've been told that my work is too involved and that I need to trim it down. What do you think? Am I going over people's heads?"
My Loved One: "Who told you that? If they don't get it, tell them to keep reading it until they do! "If God is calling you out and you are receiving nothing but negativity--look for motive!" Satan uses the negativity of others (even believers--probably, especially believers) to discourage us from our purpose. Honestly, people don't even realize what they are doing. A great example is Peter (Oh, read Matthew 16:18). Jesus was able to discern satan being behind the remark and quickly rebuked him! If you have nothing but smooth sailing--that's the time to worry if you are truly in God's will! Remember, "...we fight not against flesh and blood but against principalities and rulers of darkness."
Another enemy to accomplishing God's purpose and plan for your life is fear and false humility!
ME: "Sometimes I think it may all be vanity. I'm not really sure that the people I'm trying to lead are at a place where they can hear what I am trying to say. If that is the case, then, I am seeking my own glory. I guess that's what I'm really afraid of--pride--the sin of satan." Please pray that God will humble me and that I not get puffed up with the knowledge He has given me Knowledge without Christ is nothing! Also, please pray that I will be sensitive to serving others in a way that is pleasing to God. It is hard, and I can get prideful!"
My Loved One: "You quit giving the satan credit about his pride and quit walking in fear that you are going to fall. That thing that Job feared came on him. We walk by faith not by sight, which means we do not go by what people say or how things appear, but we press on to the high calling of God. Let God have his perfect work in you that you may want for nothing less. Every time we, as children of God, press into his anointing and purpose for our lives and we are being used by the Holy Spirit, the devil sends his fiery darts to destroy the work of God in our lives, so that we can not touch others. The desire that you have for ministry is not you walking in pride, God gave you that desire that burns on the inside of you and he is not going to let his word that flows out of you go void. Don't be like Lots wife who looked back, your going exactly where God has called you, get ready!"
Perhaps the worse enemy to doing God's will is doubting God's calling, and worse, His revealed word!
ME: "I don't think satan has ever wanted me in this ministry! I just get confused by my own desires and those of God! God has been giving me this message since before I started this ministry, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished". (1 Chronicles 28:20)
The key to accomplishing God's will and purpose for your life? Believing God!
ME: "I will choose to listen to God, and not those who discourage! I love you soooo much, dear loved one!"
Okay, I'm going to take you into a personal conversation with a precious loved one over God's will for my life. Oh, how I pray you have just such a trusted encourager in your life! (Sorry, I'm doing a little paraphasing here, but thank you so much, my dearest Sarah!)
How does satan work to stop someone from fulfilling God's purpose for their lives? Discouragement!
ME: "I've been told that my work is too involved and that I need to trim it down. What do you think? Am I going over people's heads?"
My Loved One: "Who told you that? If they don't get it, tell them to keep reading it until they do! "If God is calling you out and you are receiving nothing but negativity--look for motive!" Satan uses the negativity of others (even believers--probably, especially believers) to discourage us from our purpose. Honestly, people don't even realize what they are doing. A great example is Peter (Oh, read Matthew 16:18). Jesus was able to discern satan being behind the remark and quickly rebuked him! If you have nothing but smooth sailing--that's the time to worry if you are truly in God's will! Remember, "...we fight not against flesh and blood but against principalities and rulers of darkness."
Another enemy to accomplishing God's purpose and plan for your life is fear and false humility!
ME: "Sometimes I think it may all be vanity. I'm not really sure that the people I'm trying to lead are at a place where they can hear what I am trying to say. If that is the case, then, I am seeking my own glory. I guess that's what I'm really afraid of--pride--the sin of satan." Please pray that God will humble me and that I not get puffed up with the knowledge He has given me Knowledge without Christ is nothing! Also, please pray that I will be sensitive to serving others in a way that is pleasing to God. It is hard, and I can get prideful!"
My Loved One: "You quit giving the satan credit about his pride and quit walking in fear that you are going to fall. That thing that Job feared came on him. We walk by faith not by sight, which means we do not go by what people say or how things appear, but we press on to the high calling of God. Let God have his perfect work in you that you may want for nothing less. Every time we, as children of God, press into his anointing and purpose for our lives and we are being used by the Holy Spirit, the devil sends his fiery darts to destroy the work of God in our lives, so that we can not touch others. The desire that you have for ministry is not you walking in pride, God gave you that desire that burns on the inside of you and he is not going to let his word that flows out of you go void. Don't be like Lots wife who looked back, your going exactly where God has called you, get ready!"
Perhaps the worse enemy to doing God's will is doubting God's calling, and worse, His revealed word!
ME: "I don't think satan has ever wanted me in this ministry! I just get confused by my own desires and those of God! God has been giving me this message since before I started this ministry, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished". (1 Chronicles 28:20)
The key to accomplishing God's will and purpose for your life? Believing God!
ME: "I will choose to listen to God, and not those who discourage! I love you soooo much, dear loved one!"
Crying out for Justice in an Unjust World
Today's Reading: "And I saw something else under the sun: In the place of judgment--wickedness was there, in the place of justice--wickedness was there. " (Ecclesiastes 3:16)
I don't believe there is a person alive who has not suffered injustice, or wondered at the prosperity of the wicked! Jeremiah 12:1-2; Proverbs 24:1-2; 17-20; 29 may be answering your cries for justice.
Read Jeremiah 12:3. Here, the prophet is not seeking his own revenge, but calling on God to avenge him. Admittedly, it seems even more paradoxical that Jesus goes on to command His followers to pray for those who mistreat and misuse them (Luke 6:28)! True, more often than not, it appears as if the wicked "gets away" with their evil plots against us. Jeremiah 12:4 tells us that even our land, our country suffers because of sin and ungodliness.
However, throughout God's word, we are reminded never, ever to retailiate against evil (see also Romans 12:19). Rather, we are to be still and leave judgment solely up to God. We are told never to fret over the wicked, those have wronged us, plotted against us, those who wrongly prosper and/or succeed in this world. Why? Out of godly compassion for the lost! We should be ever mindful that one day God's mercy will end, (yes, He has mercy for the wicked) and those who have worked evil and wickedness will reap what they have sown (Galatians 6:7)!
One day there will be a reckoning! God's wrath will and is surely coming (Revelation 6:9-7)! (As His children we can take heart in 1 Thessalonians 5:9!) The tables will be turned, and as Proverbs 24:20 says, they (the wicked) have no future hope. Their lamp will be snuffed out! Considering this truth, I'm hope you can understand why we must pray for those who have wronged us, because, unless they repent, they are forever doomed to eternal separation from their Creator God!
In Jeremiah 12:5 and Proverbs 24:5-7, 10 God sees our troubles, our injustices as "little troubles". That sounds insensitive, but our God "sees" the bigger picture--and He "sees" it in light of eternity! Surely we can endure these "light and momentary" troubles since we know we have a grand and glorious eternity awaiting us!
Oh, child of God, build up your holy faith (Jude 1:20) and put on the full armour of God (Ephesians 6:11-18)! God is working out His plan in and through each of us, but the sad truth is that sometimes our difficult situations, our injustices come in order to bring us back to our first love, Jesus Christ. When suffering and trials come, we first need to seek His face to be sure we are in a right relationship with Him. If we make Him our desire, everything else will work out for our good! (Psalms 27:4-8.)
Proverbs 24, speaks of a great hope for us. Verses 11-12 speak of a mission, a purpose--and in verse 14 God reassures us that there is a future hope and we will not be cut off. Praise God, even though we stumble, or we are made to stumble--we will rise again (verse 16.)
Finally, in verse 27 God encourages us in what He has called us to do (only you know your personal calling). Remember what happened to Jonah when he ran from his calling and what he believed was injustice! Take time to read Proverbs 24:5-6. You may be in a spiritual battle! Seek God and serve Him only. Only He can make beauty out of your ashes (Isaiah 61:3.)
I don't believe there is a person alive who has not suffered injustice, or wondered at the prosperity of the wicked! Jeremiah 12:1-2; Proverbs 24:1-2; 17-20; 29 may be answering your cries for justice.
Read Jeremiah 12:3. Here, the prophet is not seeking his own revenge, but calling on God to avenge him. Admittedly, it seems even more paradoxical that Jesus goes on to command His followers to pray for those who mistreat and misuse them (Luke 6:28)! True, more often than not, it appears as if the wicked "gets away" with their evil plots against us. Jeremiah 12:4 tells us that even our land, our country suffers because of sin and ungodliness.
However, throughout God's word, we are reminded never, ever to retailiate against evil (see also Romans 12:19). Rather, we are to be still and leave judgment solely up to God. We are told never to fret over the wicked, those have wronged us, plotted against us, those who wrongly prosper and/or succeed in this world. Why? Out of godly compassion for the lost! We should be ever mindful that one day God's mercy will end, (yes, He has mercy for the wicked) and those who have worked evil and wickedness will reap what they have sown (Galatians 6:7)!
One day there will be a reckoning! God's wrath will and is surely coming (Revelation 6:9-7)! (As His children we can take heart in 1 Thessalonians 5:9!) The tables will be turned, and as Proverbs 24:20 says, they (the wicked) have no future hope. Their lamp will be snuffed out! Considering this truth, I'm hope you can understand why we must pray for those who have wronged us, because, unless they repent, they are forever doomed to eternal separation from their Creator God!
In Jeremiah 12:5 and Proverbs 24:5-7, 10 God sees our troubles, our injustices as "little troubles". That sounds insensitive, but our God "sees" the bigger picture--and He "sees" it in light of eternity! Surely we can endure these "light and momentary" troubles since we know we have a grand and glorious eternity awaiting us!
Oh, child of God, build up your holy faith (Jude 1:20) and put on the full armour of God (Ephesians 6:11-18)! God is working out His plan in and through each of us, but the sad truth is that sometimes our difficult situations, our injustices come in order to bring us back to our first love, Jesus Christ. When suffering and trials come, we first need to seek His face to be sure we are in a right relationship with Him. If we make Him our desire, everything else will work out for our good! (Psalms 27:4-8.)
Proverbs 24, speaks of a great hope for us. Verses 11-12 speak of a mission, a purpose--and in verse 14 God reassures us that there is a future hope and we will not be cut off. Praise God, even though we stumble, or we are made to stumble--we will rise again (verse 16.)
Finally, in verse 27 God encourages us in what He has called us to do (only you know your personal calling). Remember what happened to Jonah when he ran from his calling and what he believed was injustice! Take time to read Proverbs 24:5-6. You may be in a spiritual battle! Seek God and serve Him only. Only He can make beauty out of your ashes (Isaiah 61:3.)
Jesus Christ--Able to Save?
Today's Reading: "One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!" (Luke 23:39)
Dear one, because you have placed your faith (weight, trust) in the Lord Christ Jesus, believed upon Him as the risen Son of God, your faith has been accounted to you as righteousness, or right standing with God, the Father. Period! Will others question and doubt that God has, can or will save you? Oh, yes--count on it! Will we sometimes doubt this truth ourselves? Yes, we will doubt, but we must be careful to guard our hearts and never to allow the father of all lies, satan, to deceive us!
Jesus paid a high price on that cross to purchase our salvation, and we can be sure of His faithfulness to bring about our complete salvation because He is called Faithful and True (Revelation 19:11). As His precious children, we are as safe as brother Noah in that wooden ark, even though we may be being tossed around by raging waters! Remember, Jesus Christ was that Ark, and He is an able Protector for each and everyone of his children!
Beloved, build up your most holy faith (Jude 1:20)! Be mature--thoroughly trained (Hebrews 5:14), and have a ready answer (1 Peter 3:15) for those precious opportunities to share the hope and joy inside you--Jesus Christ!
Dear one, because you have placed your faith (weight, trust) in the Lord Christ Jesus, believed upon Him as the risen Son of God, your faith has been accounted to you as righteousness, or right standing with God, the Father. Period! Will others question and doubt that God has, can or will save you? Oh, yes--count on it! Will we sometimes doubt this truth ourselves? Yes, we will doubt, but we must be careful to guard our hearts and never to allow the father of all lies, satan, to deceive us!
Jesus paid a high price on that cross to purchase our salvation, and we can be sure of His faithfulness to bring about our complete salvation because He is called Faithful and True (Revelation 19:11). As His precious children, we are as safe as brother Noah in that wooden ark, even though we may be being tossed around by raging waters! Remember, Jesus Christ was that Ark, and He is an able Protector for each and everyone of his children!
Beloved, build up your most holy faith (Jude 1:20)! Be mature--thoroughly trained (Hebrews 5:14), and have a ready answer (1 Peter 3:15) for those precious opportunities to share the hope and joy inside you--Jesus Christ!
Impossible?
Today's Reading: "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." (Hebrews 11:1)
Feel like you don't have a clue in this world???? Oh, beloved, you are in such a wonderful place right now. I know it seems as if you are stumbling around in the dark, and in a way that is what we, as believers are doing. It's called faith! As we read yesterday, Abraham, the father of our faith, was actually called out (set-apart, santified) by God, asked to leave his safe and comfortable home to seek after a place that only God could and would show him. God promised to make Abraham that he would be a blessing, and that through him many nations would arise. Now, talk about a faith walk! You see, Abraham came from a pagan background--he was 75 years old and his wife, Sarah, was barren. More, even if God were to open her womb, Sarah was already well past the childbearing age! Why, even the though of carrying a child at that age would be the death of most women! Talk about stumbling around in the dark! Everything inside Abraham (and Sarah) must have screamed, "This is crazy--impossible! What are you thinking????" But, no, Abraham (and Sarah) chose to believe God. And, God accounted it unto them as righteousness! Right standing with God. Blameless--not sinless.
Oh, whatever lies before you--fear not! With God, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26)! Walk on, beloved! Walk on!
Feel like you don't have a clue in this world???? Oh, beloved, you are in such a wonderful place right now. I know it seems as if you are stumbling around in the dark, and in a way that is what we, as believers are doing. It's called faith! As we read yesterday, Abraham, the father of our faith, was actually called out (set-apart, santified) by God, asked to leave his safe and comfortable home to seek after a place that only God could and would show him. God promised to make Abraham that he would be a blessing, and that through him many nations would arise. Now, talk about a faith walk! You see, Abraham came from a pagan background--he was 75 years old and his wife, Sarah, was barren. More, even if God were to open her womb, Sarah was already well past the childbearing age! Why, even the though of carrying a child at that age would be the death of most women! Talk about stumbling around in the dark! Everything inside Abraham (and Sarah) must have screamed, "This is crazy--impossible! What are you thinking????" But, no, Abraham (and Sarah) chose to believe God. And, God accounted it unto them as righteousness! Right standing with God. Blameless--not sinless.
Oh, whatever lies before you--fear not! With God, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26)! Walk on, beloved! Walk on!
Follow the Leader
Today's Reading: "The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you. "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." (Genesis 12:1-3)
It has occurred to me that more often than not we find ourselves in a place much like Abraham, the father of our faith. Yes, like Abraham, God may be leading us to a place we don't know! Some might call this blind faith, and in a way it is. Imagine how Abraham must have felt. When God called him out, Abraham was an old man--by any standard! (Though, to me, that sounds younger with each passing day!) Prior to God revealing Himself to Abraham, all Abraham knew was his family and the pagan gods of the land where he was raised. Yet, he obeyed God, learning to walk by faith and not by sight. Like us, Abraham had no idea where he was going, but he knew God, and he knew God would not fail him. Like our brother, Abraham, we, too, must learn to trust in the faithfulness of our God!
Right now, you may be straining to see or struggling to know what lies ahead. What is God's plan and purpose for your life? How is all this going to work out? Respond like Abraham--walk by faith, trust in the goodness of our God, and most importantly, be obedient to His leading!
Faith, trust and obedience. That's all God ever asks of us. The rest lays in the purpose He has already planned for us since the beginning of time (Jeremiah 29:11.)
Beloved, please know that our fear is the greatest hindrance to our faith! As someone recently said, “Sometimes it's hard to open a door that God has planned for us because of His abundant blessings and gifts behind it! Isn't that a beautiful word picture! I pray that your open door is one such as this!
Oh, dear one, push hard!
It has occurred to me that more often than not we find ourselves in a place much like Abraham, the father of our faith. Yes, like Abraham, God may be leading us to a place we don't know! Some might call this blind faith, and in a way it is. Imagine how Abraham must have felt. When God called him out, Abraham was an old man--by any standard! (Though, to me, that sounds younger with each passing day!) Prior to God revealing Himself to Abraham, all Abraham knew was his family and the pagan gods of the land where he was raised. Yet, he obeyed God, learning to walk by faith and not by sight. Like us, Abraham had no idea where he was going, but he knew God, and he knew God would not fail him. Like our brother, Abraham, we, too, must learn to trust in the faithfulness of our God!
Right now, you may be straining to see or struggling to know what lies ahead. What is God's plan and purpose for your life? How is all this going to work out? Respond like Abraham--walk by faith, trust in the goodness of our God, and most importantly, be obedient to His leading!
Faith, trust and obedience. That's all God ever asks of us. The rest lays in the purpose He has already planned for us since the beginning of time (Jeremiah 29:11.)
Beloved, please know that our fear is the greatest hindrance to our faith! As someone recently said, “Sometimes it's hard to open a door that God has planned for us because of His abundant blessings and gifts behind it! Isn't that a beautiful word picture! I pray that your open door is one such as this!
Oh, dear one, push hard!
Suffering
Today's Reading: "It has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for Him." (Philippians 1:29)
God reveals His majesty in Exodus 33:18-23; 34:1-8. Isaiah 45:5-7 God says there is none other beside Him. Throughout the Bible, the LORD speaks of His graciousness and compassion toward us. Yet, in here in Philippians, the Holy Spirit through the apostle Paul is actually encouraging the church in their suffering--even going as far as to sugest that suffering is one of a believer's highest privileges or honor. More, Paul seems to imply that suffering is somehow mysteriously tied to our God-given faith in Jesus Christ!
Most of us are all about God's compassion, but when it comes to sharing in Christ's suffering, "Forget it!, "I'm out of here"! I've tried to think of one patriarch or leader of the early church, who didn't experience some level of suffering, trial or testing. There isn't one--or, if there is, let me know!
Scripture reminds us that, "Each heart knows its own bitterness" (Proverbs 14:10). This is why Jesus chose to "share in our humanity" (Hebrews 2:14). And, taking on our humanity, human flesh--He took on our sins. In her book, When God Weeps, Joni Eareckson Tada tells us that while hanging on the cross, it was to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, that God, the Father said, "I hate You, I hate that You lied, You stole, You murdered!" Joni further points that the first time in all eternity, Jesus felt dirty, soiled, ashamed, dark. And, for the first time in all eternity--He experienced God, the Father turning His back on Him--His own Son! Did He suffer? More than we will ever know in this life. This same Jesus who was obedient unto death, for us, for our freedom from sin's captivity--it is He who calls us to trust Him and join Him in suffering!
So, if God spared not His own Son, will we fall prey to satan's lie that because we are God's children we should expect nothing less than the a life of peace and ease? Did Jesus Himself not say, "In this world you will have trouble."? (John 16:33) Today's popular "prosperity" and "name it and claim it" doctrines are dangerous and many are being deceived. Worse, many have fallen away believing their faith is too small! No, beloved, no!
Yes, we will hurt, grieve, mourn and weep in our suffering. Ecclesiastes 3:4 tell us that there is a "time to weep." Weeping is one of God's ways of healing. It helps to remember dear child of the King, that any trial you may be facing has personally been hand-sifted and hand-filtered by God Almighty Himself! His reasoning is always good and wise. Truly know that He has our best interest in His heart. If God wasn't in control of each and every situation in our lives, imagine the result! Satan could come against us without God's protective covering! Now, that is frightening! And, as Joni so wisely points out, "God permits what He hates to achieve what He loves."
Earnestly look for God's hand in whatever trial you may be going through. Yes, remaining faithful can be difficult, but it helps if we always hold tight to the truth that God is good.
Set a godly example in your sufering. You suffer for the glory of God--remember the world is watching!
It also helps to know that in our suffering, you and I are being shaped into the likeness of God's own Son (Romans 5:3)! Read 2 Corinthians 4:7, 8-10. Jesus lives through us, in the midst of our circumstances. Trust yourself into the Potter's hands! He is our Abba, Father--our Daddy!
God reveals His majesty in Exodus 33:18-23; 34:1-8. Isaiah 45:5-7 God says there is none other beside Him. Throughout the Bible, the LORD speaks of His graciousness and compassion toward us. Yet, in here in Philippians, the Holy Spirit through the apostle Paul is actually encouraging the church in their suffering--even going as far as to sugest that suffering is one of a believer's highest privileges or honor. More, Paul seems to imply that suffering is somehow mysteriously tied to our God-given faith in Jesus Christ!
Most of us are all about God's compassion, but when it comes to sharing in Christ's suffering, "Forget it!, "I'm out of here"! I've tried to think of one patriarch or leader of the early church, who didn't experience some level of suffering, trial or testing. There isn't one--or, if there is, let me know!
Scripture reminds us that, "Each heart knows its own bitterness" (Proverbs 14:10). This is why Jesus chose to "share in our humanity" (Hebrews 2:14). And, taking on our humanity, human flesh--He took on our sins. In her book, When God Weeps, Joni Eareckson Tada tells us that while hanging on the cross, it was to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, that God, the Father said, "I hate You, I hate that You lied, You stole, You murdered!" Joni further points that the first time in all eternity, Jesus felt dirty, soiled, ashamed, dark. And, for the first time in all eternity--He experienced God, the Father turning His back on Him--His own Son! Did He suffer? More than we will ever know in this life. This same Jesus who was obedient unto death, for us, for our freedom from sin's captivity--it is He who calls us to trust Him and join Him in suffering!
So, if God spared not His own Son, will we fall prey to satan's lie that because we are God's children we should expect nothing less than the a life of peace and ease? Did Jesus Himself not say, "In this world you will have trouble."? (John 16:33) Today's popular "prosperity" and "name it and claim it" doctrines are dangerous and many are being deceived. Worse, many have fallen away believing their faith is too small! No, beloved, no!
Yes, we will hurt, grieve, mourn and weep in our suffering. Ecclesiastes 3:4 tell us that there is a "time to weep." Weeping is one of God's ways of healing. It helps to remember dear child of the King, that any trial you may be facing has personally been hand-sifted and hand-filtered by God Almighty Himself! His reasoning is always good and wise. Truly know that He has our best interest in His heart. If God wasn't in control of each and every situation in our lives, imagine the result! Satan could come against us without God's protective covering! Now, that is frightening! And, as Joni so wisely points out, "God permits what He hates to achieve what He loves."
Earnestly look for God's hand in whatever trial you may be going through. Yes, remaining faithful can be difficult, but it helps if we always hold tight to the truth that God is good.
Set a godly example in your sufering. You suffer for the glory of God--remember the world is watching!
It also helps to know that in our suffering, you and I are being shaped into the likeness of God's own Son (Romans 5:3)! Read 2 Corinthians 4:7, 8-10. Jesus lives through us, in the midst of our circumstances. Trust yourself into the Potter's hands! He is our Abba, Father--our Daddy!
Let Us Exalt the Lord!
Today's Reading: “I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds. They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness. The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. All you have made will praise you, O LORD; your saints will extol you. They will tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might, so that all men may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing. The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made. The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. The LORD watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy. My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever.” (Psalms 145 NIV)
Wow, I looked up the Hebrew word for exalt, which is "ruwm" and it means to lift up. As we read the words of the psalmist, we learn we are to exalt,or lift up our God, our heavenly King! Oh, He is worthy!
Interestingly, it is immediately after raising Lazarus from the dead and His triumphant entry into Jerusalem that Jesus tells His followers, "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me." (John 12:32 KJV) Note that Jesus did not say He would be exalted by the miracles He performed, but by being "lifted up"! We know now, of course that Jesus was speaking of His imminent death on the cross. Literally "lifted up", hanging bare before a hate-filled world. Yes, indeed, the word “lifted” used in this passage is the word “exalt”! Glory!
Wow, I looked up the Hebrew word for exalt, which is "ruwm" and it means to lift up. As we read the words of the psalmist, we learn we are to exalt,or lift up our God, our heavenly King! Oh, He is worthy!
Interestingly, it is immediately after raising Lazarus from the dead and His triumphant entry into Jerusalem that Jesus tells His followers, "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me." (John 12:32 KJV) Note that Jesus did not say He would be exalted by the miracles He performed, but by being "lifted up"! We know now, of course that Jesus was speaking of His imminent death on the cross. Literally "lifted up", hanging bare before a hate-filled world. Yes, indeed, the word “lifted” used in this passage is the word “exalt”! Glory!
Jesus Christ: Fully Able to Rescue and Satisfy!
Today's Reading: "Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare." (Isaiah 55:1-2)
"Rescue me and deliver me in your righteousness; turn your ear to me and save me. Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go; give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress." (Psalms 71:2-3)
I can't explain it, but I feel like for all my (too many) years, I have been wandering around in the same old desert. Different view, different situations, different people--but the same desert all the same! God has been and is still calling me to unquestionable and complete obedience, and thus far, I have only been willing to go part-way. Oh, don't you just love His patience--thank God Almighty for it! (Matthew 18:23-27) There are many personal reasons (excuses) why, but I find that I am still trying to satisfy my soul's longing with "things" or people, and I know that is not what God wants for me. I can tell you this--the cost of following Christ in even partial obedience has already been great! I am not sure I have come to the full realization of that cost and that's scary!
Perhaps it was Beth Moore's teaching, "Believing God" that has been the catapult that has brought all these revelations to the surface. Yes, I keep wanting to "push "issues" further down into the wastebasket and sit a rock on them" rather than placing the issues on the Rock of Christ Jesus and letting Him deal with them! (You have to do the study to fully understand that statement!)
I vividly remember the pain of that very young child of long ago, feeling so unwanted and unloved, crying out for someone, anyone to love me--really, to rescue me! I can still see my face pressed against the car glass as the tears streamed down my face! Oh, dear friends, Jesus did rescue me! But, I know that little girl is still crying out! I need more rescuing!
Still, as much as I fight against it (God's will for my life), I know I am where God wants me to be. Though, I have to admit, I often feel much like a dear, recently widowed, friend of mine must have felt having to move into that tiny room, all alone, surrounded by a ceiling high mound of storage boxes. No place to lay her head.
"Rescue me and deliver me in your righteousness; turn your ear to me and save me. Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go; give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress." (Psalms 71:2-3)
I can't explain it, but I feel like for all my (too many) years, I have been wandering around in the same old desert. Different view, different situations, different people--but the same desert all the same! God has been and is still calling me to unquestionable and complete obedience, and thus far, I have only been willing to go part-way. Oh, don't you just love His patience--thank God Almighty for it! (Matthew 18:23-27) There are many personal reasons (excuses) why, but I find that I am still trying to satisfy my soul's longing with "things" or people, and I know that is not what God wants for me. I can tell you this--the cost of following Christ in even partial obedience has already been great! I am not sure I have come to the full realization of that cost and that's scary!
Perhaps it was Beth Moore's teaching, "Believing God" that has been the catapult that has brought all these revelations to the surface. Yes, I keep wanting to "push "issues" further down into the wastebasket and sit a rock on them" rather than placing the issues on the Rock of Christ Jesus and letting Him deal with them! (You have to do the study to fully understand that statement!)
I vividly remember the pain of that very young child of long ago, feeling so unwanted and unloved, crying out for someone, anyone to love me--really, to rescue me! I can still see my face pressed against the car glass as the tears streamed down my face! Oh, dear friends, Jesus did rescue me! But, I know that little girl is still crying out! I need more rescuing!
Still, as much as I fight against it (God's will for my life), I know I am where God wants me to be. Though, I have to admit, I often feel much like a dear, recently widowed, friend of mine must have felt having to move into that tiny room, all alone, surrounded by a ceiling high mound of storage boxes. No place to lay her head.
Do Politics and Trust Mix?
Today's Reading: "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God." (Psalms 20:7)
Admittedly, over the past several years, I have held to the hope that "chariots" and "horses" -- the strength of our wonderful democracy would be the driving force to change our country's sure and deadly course (if not the hearts of our fellow countrymen)! How flawed was my thinking--how "worldly minded"! Even so, should the Lord tarry in His coming, I do believe that as a Christ follower, I have the moral responsibility to do all that I can to make a difference in this world. In America, the "secular" way to do so is through our political system and through our God-given (not to mention constitutional) right of freedom of speech!
You and I both know that our God is more than able to bring about change in the life of an individual. He is able to do so for an entire peoples. More than any other time in history, Christians should be on their knees praying for a "spiritual reawakening, for revival--in our own hearts and for our land. Sadly and joyfully (if you are a believer, you will understand why I would say this in such a way), it appears that God is moving closer and closer to that period in time where "scoffers" (2 Peter 3:3) and "lawlessness" (2 Thessalonians 2) will abound. As believers, this does not in anyway relieve us of the responsibility to voice or vote our consciences. I will do that to the death! I hate that it may come to that!
What is happening in our land today reminds me of the book of Daniel. Hatred and spiritual persecution had reached the point where Daniel was forbidden to openly pray to God (Sounds like the majority of American's approach to God and any mention of God and/or prayer in public places today, doesn't it?). Still, not content, they moved to force Daniel to bow down in worship to the king or his image which was made by human hands. Daniel chose to be thrown into the lion's den than stop worshipping and honoring his God. Today, we're being asked to "bow down" to the image of "political correctness"--to "tolerance"--to "accepted world views". God forbid! My prayer is that as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we will be given the same steadfast strength as our brother in the faith, Daniel. Like Daniel, we must stand with our God and not be fearful of what others may think or do to us. Remember, dear friend, Daniel was delivered! We shall be delivered, too! Our God is called Faithful!
Admittedly, over the past several years, I have held to the hope that "chariots" and "horses" -- the strength of our wonderful democracy would be the driving force to change our country's sure and deadly course (if not the hearts of our fellow countrymen)! How flawed was my thinking--how "worldly minded"! Even so, should the Lord tarry in His coming, I do believe that as a Christ follower, I have the moral responsibility to do all that I can to make a difference in this world. In America, the "secular" way to do so is through our political system and through our God-given (not to mention constitutional) right of freedom of speech!
You and I both know that our God is more than able to bring about change in the life of an individual. He is able to do so for an entire peoples. More than any other time in history, Christians should be on their knees praying for a "spiritual reawakening, for revival--in our own hearts and for our land. Sadly and joyfully (if you are a believer, you will understand why I would say this in such a way), it appears that God is moving closer and closer to that period in time where "scoffers" (2 Peter 3:3) and "lawlessness" (2 Thessalonians 2) will abound. As believers, this does not in anyway relieve us of the responsibility to voice or vote our consciences. I will do that to the death! I hate that it may come to that!
What is happening in our land today reminds me of the book of Daniel. Hatred and spiritual persecution had reached the point where Daniel was forbidden to openly pray to God (Sounds like the majority of American's approach to God and any mention of God and/or prayer in public places today, doesn't it?). Still, not content, they moved to force Daniel to bow down in worship to the king or his image which was made by human hands. Daniel chose to be thrown into the lion's den than stop worshipping and honoring his God. Today, we're being asked to "bow down" to the image of "political correctness"--to "tolerance"--to "accepted world views". God forbid! My prayer is that as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we will be given the same steadfast strength as our brother in the faith, Daniel. Like Daniel, we must stand with our God and not be fearful of what others may think or do to us. Remember, dear friend, Daniel was delivered! We shall be delivered, too! Our God is called Faithful!
What Are the Required "Works" of God?
Today's Readings: "Then they asked him, "What must we do to do the works God requires?" Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent." (John 6:28-29)
"As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile--the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." (Romans 10:11-13)
There is a rest offered to both Jew and Gentile alike, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) We can cease from our labors (our own supposed good works under the law) and rest in the work of God that was accomplished in Christ Jesus upon the cross. In Isaiah 40:4;42:16 God promised to “make the crooked way straight” for us. In Mark 10:27 Jesus says, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible. “
One day we will put off this flesh that troubles us so. Yes, we still sin--until He who is without sin comes. But, Christ was made a propitiation for our sin. (Romans 3:25, 1 John 2:2; 4:10) Lay down your burden today. Rest in Him. He paid the price. (John 19:28-30) The words Jesus used as he hung dying on the cross were, "It is finished." Finished comes from the greek word "tello" which implies that a specific goal or purpose has been properly and ultimately met. Of course, as believers, we know that that purpose was to bring many sons and daughters to the Father. (Hebrews 2:10) Literally, "tello" can be translated as "paid in full"! Beloved of God, believe! Christ has promised on that day (the day of Christ’s return) we wont’ be ashamed. Numbers 23:19 says, “God is not a man that he should lie”. Cease from your toil and your worry--trust and believe on Christ, the solid Rock today!
"As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile--the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." (Romans 10:11-13)
There is a rest offered to both Jew and Gentile alike, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) We can cease from our labors (our own supposed good works under the law) and rest in the work of God that was accomplished in Christ Jesus upon the cross. In Isaiah 40:4;42:16 God promised to “make the crooked way straight” for us. In Mark 10:27 Jesus says, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible. “
One day we will put off this flesh that troubles us so. Yes, we still sin--until He who is without sin comes. But, Christ was made a propitiation for our sin. (Romans 3:25, 1 John 2:2; 4:10) Lay down your burden today. Rest in Him. He paid the price. (John 19:28-30) The words Jesus used as he hung dying on the cross were, "It is finished." Finished comes from the greek word "tello" which implies that a specific goal or purpose has been properly and ultimately met. Of course, as believers, we know that that purpose was to bring many sons and daughters to the Father. (Hebrews 2:10) Literally, "tello" can be translated as "paid in full"! Beloved of God, believe! Christ has promised on that day (the day of Christ’s return) we wont’ be ashamed. Numbers 23:19 says, “God is not a man that he should lie”. Cease from your toil and your worry--trust and believe on Christ, the solid Rock today!
The "Great and Marvelous" Work of Christ!
Today's Reading: "...Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints." (Revelation 15:3b KJV)
Jesus, friend of sinners (Luke 7:34 ) has become the King of saints. How? His "great and marvelous works", His "just and true ways". Man could never hope to attain to the moral requirements of a just and holy God. Who among us has ever kept His commandments? “There are none righteous, no not one.” (Romans 3:10) Yet, how is it we are called saints? Being human we are sinful from birth (Genesis 8:21) and the just wage of our sin is death (Romans 6:23) But, “great and marvelous are thy works…” God has provided the Way - the Righteous for the unrighteous; the Just for the unjust (John 3:16). The Great Shepherd has become our sacrificial Lamb. The cross? Why, the shame of the cross has become the glory of our salvation! Christ’s own blood was spilled on God’s mercy seat and atonement for our sin was complete (Herbrews 9:1-15)! Once and for all! (Oh, there are two ways of looking at that verse--Jesus's blood was spilled once for all people and once for all our sin. Glory!) Shepherd, Lamb, High Priest, Intercessor! Let us marvel at the cost of our sainthood. What an awesome God we serve! His wisdom is beyond understanding!
Jesus, friend of sinners (Luke 7:34 ) has become the King of saints. How? His "great and marvelous works", His "just and true ways". Man could never hope to attain to the moral requirements of a just and holy God. Who among us has ever kept His commandments? “There are none righteous, no not one.” (Romans 3:10) Yet, how is it we are called saints? Being human we are sinful from birth (Genesis 8:21) and the just wage of our sin is death (Romans 6:23) But, “great and marvelous are thy works…” God has provided the Way - the Righteous for the unrighteous; the Just for the unjust (John 3:16). The Great Shepherd has become our sacrificial Lamb. The cross? Why, the shame of the cross has become the glory of our salvation! Christ’s own blood was spilled on God’s mercy seat and atonement for our sin was complete (Herbrews 9:1-15)! Once and for all! (Oh, there are two ways of looking at that verse--Jesus's blood was spilled once for all people and once for all our sin. Glory!) Shepherd, Lamb, High Priest, Intercessor! Let us marvel at the cost of our sainthood. What an awesome God we serve! His wisdom is beyond understanding!
Love Expressed!
Today's Reading: "Love never fails." (1 Corinthians 13:8)
Love is an action that must be expressed, very much like the act of breathing. Unless love is expressed in action we, and the object of our love will dry up, wither away and die!
Perhaps, love is best illustrated in our relationship with God. God's word says that He loves us--that's good! But, if He had stood by and idly watched as we hopelessly died in our sins--then, hearing about His love would mean nothing to us! It would be love making that dull "thug" sound! (1 Corinthians 13:1)
Much to our great joy, God put His love into action, or expression by sending His very own Son, Jesus Christ! God’s love, expressed in, through and by His own Son, became our sin and shame, and received our death sentence. More, praise God, this same expressive action of love brought us into a right relationship with our Abba, Father! Christ’s death meant our life! Now, that’s love in action! And, as the song goes, "...the pieces fit!"
May each and everyone one of you come to know and experience God's agape love expressed in its fullest revelation--Jesus Christ!
Love is an action that must be expressed, very much like the act of breathing. Unless love is expressed in action we, and the object of our love will dry up, wither away and die!
Perhaps, love is best illustrated in our relationship with God. God's word says that He loves us--that's good! But, if He had stood by and idly watched as we hopelessly died in our sins--then, hearing about His love would mean nothing to us! It would be love making that dull "thug" sound! (1 Corinthians 13:1)
Much to our great joy, God put His love into action, or expression by sending His very own Son, Jesus Christ! God’s love, expressed in, through and by His own Son, became our sin and shame, and received our death sentence. More, praise God, this same expressive action of love brought us into a right relationship with our Abba, Father! Christ’s death meant our life! Now, that’s love in action! And, as the song goes, "...the pieces fit!"
May each and everyone one of you come to know and experience God's agape love expressed in its fullest revelation--Jesus Christ!
Where is His Coming?
Today's Reading: "First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, "Where is this `coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation." (2 Peter 3:3-4)
Many today dare to fault God because they do not believe in His Son, Jesus Christ! Their reasoning is that believers have been awaiting His return for generations. Yet, He has not returned as He promised. 2 Peter 3 goes on to say this about the coming of the Lord:
“But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 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 to 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…” (2 Peter 3:8-15)
Sadly, there probably will be more people in hell than in heaven, but you can be assured that each and every person who ends up there will have been given at least one revelation of the God's truth about His Son, Jesus Christ. That the offer of salvation was given!
“For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools…” (Romans 1:20-22)
Now, here is where you and I, as believers and followers of Christ, fit in--we have a God-given responsibility to snatch as many as we can away from the fires of hell:
“All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.” (2 Corinthians 5:20)
“As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile--the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" (Romans 10:11-15)
We have to ask ourselves this question, "Am I doing all I can to invite, others into God's family through His Son, Jesus Christ?" "Am I desperate to pull others back from the fire?" Oh, I pray we can all shout, Yes, Lord, Yes!
Oh, beloved, pray that God will raise up believers this day--mighty men and women of valor and courage--prepared workers who are anticipating, even yearning for God's mighty harvest!
Beloved, never be ashamed of Christ, or your faith in His return! He is faithful who has promised (Hebrews 10:23)!
Many today dare to fault God because they do not believe in His Son, Jesus Christ! Their reasoning is that believers have been awaiting His return for generations. Yet, He has not returned as He promised. 2 Peter 3 goes on to say this about the coming of the Lord:
“But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 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 to 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…” (2 Peter 3:8-15)
Sadly, there probably will be more people in hell than in heaven, but you can be assured that each and every person who ends up there will have been given at least one revelation of the God's truth about His Son, Jesus Christ. That the offer of salvation was given!
“For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools…” (Romans 1:20-22)
Now, here is where you and I, as believers and followers of Christ, fit in--we have a God-given responsibility to snatch as many as we can away from the fires of hell:
“All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.” (2 Corinthians 5:20)
“As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile--the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" (Romans 10:11-15)
We have to ask ourselves this question, "Am I doing all I can to invite, others into God's family through His Son, Jesus Christ?" "Am I desperate to pull others back from the fire?" Oh, I pray we can all shout, Yes, Lord, Yes!
Oh, beloved, pray that God will raise up believers this day--mighty men and women of valor and courage--prepared workers who are anticipating, even yearning for God's mighty harvest!
Beloved, never be ashamed of Christ, or your faith in His return! He is faithful who has promised (Hebrews 10:23)!
Jesus: The Way, The Truth and The Life!
Today's Reading: "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going." Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?" Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him." (John 14:1-7)
Today, many Christians have come under attack for supposed intolerance, lack of "political correctness", yea, even hatred of people of other faiths, or those of no faith at all--because of our assertion that Jesus Christ is the only way to God. In the above passage, Jesus Christ Himself introduces us all to the total exclusion of any other way to God. (Personally, I think this passage should be read, I AM--the Way, the Truth, the Life.)
The word "way" is translated here as a course of life or mode of action. The LORD’S (Jehovah Yahweh—God the Father) "way" is the correct course to take—Jesus is the Way.
Jesus also assures His disciples that He is the Truth: “Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” (Psalm 25:4-5) “…but first I will tell you what is written in the Book of Truth.” (Daniel 10:21) “This is what the LORD says: "I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth…” (Zechariah 8:3)
The word "truth" is translated in the above passages is a certainty, trustworthiness, establishment, faith, right, sure, true.
Jesus goes on to describe Himself as the Life. “In him was life, and that life was the light of men.” (John 1:4) “Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." (John 6:32-33) “Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.” (John 11:25-26) "Life" is translated both literally and figuratively and includes the element of time. Jesus assures his disciples that if they have beheld Jesus, they have in fact beheld the Father!
Do you feel that you know the Father because of Jesus Christ? Oh, I pray you do!
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.” (John 1:1-3) “For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him…” (Colossians 1:19) “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form…” (Colossians 2:9)
Today, many Christians have come under attack for supposed intolerance, lack of "political correctness", yea, even hatred of people of other faiths, or those of no faith at all--because of our assertion that Jesus Christ is the only way to God. In the above passage, Jesus Christ Himself introduces us all to the total exclusion of any other way to God. (Personally, I think this passage should be read, I AM--the Way, the Truth, the Life.)
The word "way" is translated here as a course of life or mode of action. The LORD’S (Jehovah Yahweh—God the Father) "way" is the correct course to take—Jesus is the Way.
Jesus also assures His disciples that He is the Truth: “Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” (Psalm 25:4-5) “…but first I will tell you what is written in the Book of Truth.” (Daniel 10:21) “This is what the LORD says: "I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth…” (Zechariah 8:3)
The word "truth" is translated in the above passages is a certainty, trustworthiness, establishment, faith, right, sure, true.
Jesus goes on to describe Himself as the Life. “In him was life, and that life was the light of men.” (John 1:4) “Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." (John 6:32-33) “Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.” (John 11:25-26) "Life" is translated both literally and figuratively and includes the element of time. Jesus assures his disciples that if they have beheld Jesus, they have in fact beheld the Father!
Do you feel that you know the Father because of Jesus Christ? Oh, I pray you do!
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.” (John 1:1-3) “For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him…” (Colossians 1:19) “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form…” (Colossians 2:9)
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