Waiting, Waiting, and More Waiting

We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.  In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.  Psalm 33:20-21

Hello sweet friends.  I pray everyone is doing well.  Do you ever find yourself in a season of waiting?  Waiting for the LORD to answer a specific prayer, waiting for a promotion or a certain job offer, or just waiting for a situation you are in to improve.  As you are in this season of waiting, are you whining and trying to manipulate the situation in your own strength or are you waiting with integrity?  I pray when we enter a season of waiting we make a conscientious decision to wait with integrity, knowing deep in our souls that our LORD is in control and His timing is perfect. 

To wait with integrity in this season of waiting, we must accept that our LORD loves us with a divine love.  We have to come to a point where we trust our LORD completely.  Ask yourself, do I truly trust my Heavenly Father?  Waiting patiently and waiting with integrity is beyond our ability but our Savior and LORD can provide what we need while we are in this season of waiting. 

In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly – Psalm 5:3.   Friend are you waiting in expectation of how and when the LORD will answer your prayer?  We must place our hope in the LORD because He is our great provider, whether we truly realize this truth or not.  I encourage you to wait with great expectation and place your hope where it truly belong; in our precious Heavenly Father.  Our season of waiting requires courage and complete dependence on our LORD.  Our LORD is shaping our character and our heart as we wait for His perfect timing.  Allow the LORD to shape your character and your heart without grumbling and complaining.  How pleasing this will be to our Savior and LORD.  Whether we like it or not, this life will be filled with various seasons of waiting. 

When we are in our season of waiting we must continue to strive to grow toward spiritual maturity.  Stay in the Word of God so that you can hear His voice and know His will.  Stay on course and continue to bear fruit where you are currently planted.  Remain in me, as I also remain in you.  No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine.  Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me – John 15:4.  God provides what we need during our season of waiting, if we turn to Him. 

Entrust what you are waiting on to the LORD.  Entrust to God your every need and your every longing.  2 Timothy 1:12 – That is why I am suffering as I am.  Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.  You can place your confidence in your LORD.   Angela Thomas stated in her Bible study When Wallflowers Dance, “Waiting can become a beautiful offering, and act of devotion, a sacrifice of praise.” 

After you have entrusted what you are waiting on to the LORD, then you must trust that the LORD will act in His perfect timing in relation to this season of waiting.  We do not have to understand or have clarity about this season of waiting to trust our Heavenly Father.  Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. 

While in your season of waiting, continue to pray.  Praise your Heavenly Father for what He is doing even though you may not see evidence of him working.  Pray and ask your Savior and LORD to provide you with the ability to persevere and to trust Him.  Prayerfully ask God for righteous confidence during this season of waiting.  Oswald Chambers stated, “He works where He sends us to wait.” 

Friend I encourage you during this season of waiting, Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes – Psalm 37:7.

Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that You will provide what we need during our season of waiting.  Help us to wait with a righteous confidence for what You are doing.  LORD provide us with what we need to continue to bear fruit during our season of waiting.  Help us to completely trust in You.  In Jesus Holy Name…..Amen.H

A Promise is Born

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.  She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.  Luke 2:6-7

Merry Christmas Friends.  I pray that we are all celebrating the birth of our Savior and LORD instead of getting caught up in the festivities which usually over shadow the true meaning of Christmas.  I encourage you read and study the Scriptures which reveal to us about the birth of our Savior.  Could it be that we are missing important nuggets which we may have never noticed before?

The time had arrived, the time for the birth of the Savior of the world.  The prophet Micah, centuries earlier, had foretold that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem.  Joseph and Mary had traveled to Bethlehem to register for the census which Caesar Augustus had issued.  This one man Caesar Augustus thought he was in control, but our Heavenly Father had a plan.  This plan was for our Savior to be born in the town of Bethlehem during this time of the census.  So often we think we do things according to our timing, but our LORD has a plan and a purpose for us and His timing is perfect.  Luke 2:6-7 – While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.  The prophecies had come true.  Jesus, the Savior of the world was born.  The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.  We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth - John 1:14.  When the Messiah was born in the stable in Bethlehem, God became man.  Jesus, the Messiah was completely human and completely divine.  Colossians 2:9 – For in Christ all the fullness of Deity lives in bodily form. 

Jesus, our Messiah, lived and amazing life.  He died on the cross for our sins, ascended to Heaven, and will return to earth to rule over all.  Jesus is the Lamb of God, who was born to take away the sins of the world.  The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” – John 1:29.  Friend, Jesus paid the price for your sin by his death.  Accept his gift of salvation.  No Christmas gift you will receive can compare to the free gift of salvation Jesus is offering you today. 

In Luke 2:21-40, scripture reveals to us that Simeon and Anna recognized the Messiah when he was brought to the temple.  They accepted that this baby was the Messiah whom Old Testament prophets had prophesied would come into the world.  It had been revealed to him (Simeon) by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.  Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts.   When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God…Luke 2:26-28.  On this day, Simeon recognized that this baby was the true Messiah who would be a light to the entire world.  People would either joyfully accept Jesus as their Savior or reject him.

On this day the prophet Anna was also drawn to the Messiah.  Luke 2:38 – Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.  Friend, are you being drawn to the Messiah today.  Search your heart to determine if Jesus is your Savior and LORD.  If you have not accepted Jesus as your Savior and LORD, I pray you will accept Him today.

Dear Heavenly Father, I pray today that we will remember the true meaning of the Christmas season.  Help us to reflect upon the birth of our Savior and LORD.  I pray that we will share with others about the birth of our Messiah.  LORD, I pray for our family and friends that if they don’t know You as Savior and LORD that they will surrender their lives to You today.  In Jesus Precious Name I Pray…..Amen. 

 

 

 

The Precious Promise

But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.  Matthew 2:6

Hello dear friends.  The month of December has arrived.  We become so busy during the Christmas season that we tend to forget the true meaning of the season.  Search your heart and ask yourself – why am I celebrating Christmas?  We say we are celebrating the birth of our Savior, but have we become too caught up in the materialism that is rampant at this time of the year? Have we filled our days with parties, meals, and gifts which we have allowed to over shadow the true meaning of Christmas?  I encourage you to take the time to reflect upon the birth of the Promise One, our Savior and LORD. 

Hundreds of years before the birth of the Messiah, God revealed in the book of Micah that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem.  God reveals to us in His Word that this child, the Messiah would come into the world and live as a man.  But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times – Micah 5:2.  Not only did God reveal to us that the Messiah would live as a man but that Jesus is eternal – “from of old, from ancient times.”  Can you imagine the anticipation of the Israelites as they waited and watched for the Messiah to be born?  Many were looking for a military and political deliverer.  They did not grasp that Jesus, the Messiah was coming to save the world from sin.  The religious leaders, who watched with great anticipation and hope for the birth of the Messiah, became His greatest enemies.  These religious leaders did not recognize the Messiah.  Friend do you recognize the Messiah?  Do you recognize that Jesus is the Messiah, the Savior of the world?  Have you accepted Jesus as your Savior and LORD?

In the book of Isaiah, God promised hope.   This hope was fulfilled through the birth of the Messiah and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.  For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.  He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.  The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this – Isaiah 9:6-7.  During this Christmas season, take the time to reflect and thank the LORD for sending His son, the Messiah to deliver you from your slavery in sin. 

We find in the book of Isaiah that the Messiah is referred to as Wonderful Counselor.  Take comfort in knowing that we can go to Jesus for all our needs.  He desires for us to ask and seek Him for the plans and directions He has preordained for our lives.  Our Jesus, the Messiah has wonderful advice for us.  Are you willing to listen?  Isaiah 28:29 – All this also comes from the LORD Almighty, whose plan is wonderful, whose wisdom is magnificent.  Seek the LORD’s wisdom.  God’s Word plainly tells us His plan is wonderful and His wisdom is magnificent. 

God reveals to us that the Messiah is God Himself and that He is the Everlasting Father – He is eternal.  God reveals to us in His Word that the Messiah is the Prince of Peace.  His government is one of justice and peace.  You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you – Isaiah 26:3.  Friend, do you desire peace?  Keep your mind focused on Christ, the Messiah.  Continue to seek after Jesus.  He will provide the peace that reaches deep into your soul, even in the middle of chaotic circumstances. 

Not only did God tell us about the promised Messiah many years before Jesus’ birth, but God reveals to us that He will set up His kingdom and it will never be destroyed.  Friend if you have accepted Jesus as your Savior and LORD, your citizenship is in this eternal kingdom.  The God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people.  It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever – Daniel 2:44.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Jesus.  During this Christmas season, help us to truly celebrate the birth of the Savior of the world.  I pray our focus will be on you sweet Jesus.  Provide us with the wisdom and peace that only You can truly give.  In Jesus Precious Name I Pray…..Amen.

Ordinary

But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.  God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things – and the things that are not – to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.  1 Corinthians 1:27-29

Hello sweet friends.  Do you feel ordinary and wonder how the LORD can use you?  I want to tell you today that our Savior and LORD desires to use us to impact His kingdom.  Your ordinariness is not a concern or issue with Him.  Let’s stop making it an issue or an excuse for why we are not being obedient to our Savior. 

When we read and study God’s Word, we notice that Jesus called ordinary men to be His disciples.  These men demonstrated no extraordinary abilities or spiritual superiority.  God graciously empowered them to share the gospel message to a lost and dying world.  Friend, God desires to empower us to share the gospel message and meet the needs of others in the name of Jesus.  Are you willing?  When we feel ordinary, weak, or incapable and we humble ourselves to be used by our Savior, God will empower us with His strength.  We are not and never will be sufficient for the task our LORD has called us to, but He desires to use us as His instruments to share the gospel with the lost.  Only He can provide what we need.  2 Corinthians 12:9 – My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.  Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.  God never intended for us to rely on our own energy, efforts, or talents.  He desires for us to seek Him for what we need. I can do all this through him who gives me strength – Philippians 4:13. 

God desires our faithfulness.  He will transform us, as He did the disciples, and use as to further His kingdom.  Friend, will you surrender yourself to be used as a precious vessel for the Master’s use?  John MacArthur states in his book titled Twelve Ordinary Men, “There are no intrinsically qualified people.  God Himself must save sinners, sanctify them, and then transform them from unqualified into instruments he can use.”  Yet you, LORD are our Father.  We are the clay, you are the potter, we are all the work of your hand – Isaiah 64:8.  Friend, humbly submit to your Heavenly Father and allow Him to transform you. 

 The power is in the Word – the gospel message we are commanded to carry to a lost and dying world.  Jesus speaks clearly to us in John 15:16  - You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go bear fruit – fruit that will last – and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.  Our Savior and LORD empowers us to go and bear fruit which will have an eternal impact.  No credentials are needed.  You just must be willing to humbly submit to your Savior and LORD.

As we study through Scripture, we see many references about human weaknesses.  This should be a reminder to us that our faith should not be placed in the wisdom of men, but our faith should be placed in the power of God.  2 Corinthians 2:3-5 – I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling.  My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power. 

I encourage to humbly submit to being used by the LORD to carry the gospel message to the world.  We do not have the ability to do this on our own, but with the empowering of the Holy Spirit we will be able to bear much fruit.  But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth – Acts 1:8.

Dear Heavenly Father, I realize I am weak.  Empower me to carry the gospel message to a lost and dying world.  Empower me to meet the needs of others in the name of Jesus.  Mold me and make me into who you would have me to be, LORD Jesus.  In Jesus Precious Name I Pray…..Amen.iH

 

Showers of Blessings

Praise the LORD, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.  Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not his benefits.  Psalm 103:1-2

Hello dear friends.  I hope everyone had a pleasant Thanksgiving and took the time to thank God for the many blessings He has showered upon you.  I encourage you to take the time during this season to reflect on your blessings.  We often tend to focus on things in our lives that are lacking, but today take the time to truly reflect on the blessings your Savior and LORD has graciously blessed you with. 

It is easy for us to see the material blessings which the LORD has given us, but I encourage you to look at your spiritual blessings and offer up praise and thanksgiving to the giver of these many blessings.  God tells us in His Word that those who trust in Him are blessed.  When we trust in our LORD and the truth of His Word we are provided with strength to endure whatever comes our way.  When walk in a close, intimate relationship with our Savior and LORD we are blessed with the ability to persevere.  But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him.  They 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 not worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit – Jeremiah 17:7-8.

You and I have been blessed with hope.  This hope believes deep in our souls that we have an eternal home with our Heavenly Father awaiting us after our journey on this earth ends.  We have been blessed with God’s power.  This is not our power, but God’s incomparably great power which is available to help us.  I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.  That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come – Ephesians 1:18-21.  We have been blessed with God’s divine power to have everything we need to live a godly life.  We have no excuse why we shouldn’t continue to grow toward spiritual maturity and live a life which is pleasing to our Heavenly Father.  His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness – 2 Peter 1:3. 

You and I have been showered with God’s mercy and grace.  Joel 2:13 – Rend your heart and not your garments.  Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.  If you find yourself in this season of life not as close to God as you once were, turn back to Him.  He is waiting with open arms to bestow mercy and grace.  Because of God’s love for us, He has saved our souls.  He has demonstrated grace toward us when punishment was due.  But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved – Ephesians 2:4-5.

As we journey toward our Heavenly home, we will have many needs here upon this earth.  God is gracious and merciful to us when we approach His throne with our needs.  Come with reverence and confidence to the throne of grace.  Let us approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.  God provides us with grace when we are weak.  God’s grace is truly sufficient.  2 Corinthians 12:9 – My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.  Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.  Friends don’t’ be ashamed of your areas of weakness but allow Christ’s power to rest on you. 

Our Heavenly Father showers us with courage and peace.  We all need courage and peace to live in these end times.  God blesses us with his presence.  He is with us always.  Isaiah 41:10 – So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous hand.  Knowing God is with us and will not leave us should give us courage and peace as we live our lives.  Deuteronomy 31:6 – Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake.  Psalm 29:11 – The LORD gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.  If you are a child of God, he is offering you strength and peace.  Accept this strength and peace from your Father.  Accept all the spiritual gifts your Heavenly Father is offering you today.

Dear Heavenly Father…..Thank You for showering us with many blessings.  LORD help us to recognize these blessings and help us to remember to take the time to praise and thank You.  Forgive us for not recognizing the many blessings you have showered us with.  Father you are so gracious to us.  I praise You and thank You.  In Jesus Name I Pray…..Amen.

 

 

 

An Attitude of Gratitude

“Some people are always grumbling because roses have thorns; I am thankful that thorns have roses.” (Alphonse Karr)

Hello friends.  Do you consider yourself to be someone who has a grateful heart?  How do you demonstrate this gratitude toward your Heavenly Father and to others?  It is refreshing to encounter people who exhibit an attitude of gratitude.  I desire to be someone that demonstrates a spirit of thanksgiving.  With the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we are able to express an attitude of gratitude in all situations and circumstances we encounter on our journey towards our Heavenly home.  To be able to express gratitude in all situations and circumstances we must remember the truth of God’s Word – And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose – Romans 8:28.

Friends, when you encounter difficult seasons you can thank God for His presence and praise Him for the good that will ultimately come from this difficulty.  Without help from the precious Holy Spirit, this will not be possible for us to do.  In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Paul was not teaching us to thank God for everything that happens, but in everything.  Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.  Our thankful spirit should not fluctuate with the circumstances in our lives.  We must guard our hearts so that weeds of ingratitude are not allowed to take root. 

Choose to cultivate a thankful heart.  We must be intentional in choosing to be grateful.  Allow God’s Word to renew your mind, focus on God and the precious gifts he provides, and speak words that reflect God’s goodness and grace.  When you and I live our lives worshiping our Heavenly Father and giving thanks in all things, there is a glorious radiance which is evident in our lives that will please and bless our LORD and others.  

Ephesians 2:8 – For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.  Our LORD imparted grace to us when we deserved His judgment and wrath.  How can we not respond to our Savior and LORD with a grateful heart?  We must never take for granted the salvation of our souls. 

Nancy Leigh DeMoss states in the book Choosing Gratitude – “The beauty of Christian gratitude is that one little act of thanksgiving on our part-when directed toward or inspired by its rightful recipient-can bound and rebound from one end of the kingdom to the other, not only blessing God, not only benefiting us, but even lodging itself in places and in people where God’s love might never have been received any other way.”  I pray today that you will choose to allow your life to overflow with thankfulness.  So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as LORD, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.  Only with a personal relationship with Jesus Christ will we be able to live a life with a grateful heart. 

When we enter into God’s throne room with our prayers and petitions and offer up thanksgiving, our Heavenly Father provides us with peace.  Philippians 4:6-7 – Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Choose to be grateful to your Savior and LORD today and allow your heart to be drawn to Him.  Believe that He is good, faithful, and He can be trusted. 

Dear Heavenly Father, I come to You in prayer today thanking You for the blessings You have bestowed upon us.  Search our hearts Father and reveal to us areas that we need to allow You to change.  Father, change our hearts to be hearts filled with gratitude.  In Jesus Precious Name I Pray…..Amen.

An Attitude of Ingratitude

“Thankless children we all are, more or less, comprehending but dimly the truth of God’s fathomless love for us.”

Elisabeth Elliot 

Hello dear friends.  I hope you are doing well.  Today I want us to think about an attitude of ingratitude.  None of us would freely admit to having a spirit of ingratitude, but if we are honest we will all confess that there have been times when we have behaved with an ungrateful spirit.  We have demonstrated an attitude of ingratitude.  We tend to find it easy to notice when others are being ungrateful, but we have become desensitized to when we are being ungrateful.  I encourage you to examine your heart and allow the Holy Spirit to reveal whether you have an attitude of ingratitude or whether you have an attitude of gratitude. 

It is very important that we guard our hearts so that an ungrateful, critical spirit does not take root.  We must be intentional in speaking words of appreciation to others and in thanking God for the blessings He has bestowed upon us.  Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it – Proverbs 5:23.  Jesus reveals to us in Luke 6:45 that our speech and actions demonstrate our true beliefs.  If we have an ungrateful attitude it will be demonstrated in our speech and our behavior.  Luke 6:45 – A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart.  For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.  Ask yourself, is my heart filled with gratitude or ingratitude?  If the Holy Spirit reveals to you that you have an ungrateful spirit, ask your Heavenly Father to create in you a pure heart, a grateful heart.  Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit – Psalm 51:10.  Our Savior and LORD can do amazing things in our hearts and lives if we surrender to Him.  He is the potter and we are the clay.  Isaiah 64:8 – Yet you, LORD, are our Father.  We are the clay, you are the potter, we are all the work of you hand.  Allow God to mold you into someone that reflects who He is. 

I believe we would all agree that we live in an age of entitlement.  We come to believe we are owed things, even blessings.  Pray and ask the LORD to help you recognize your blessings and to help you to be grateful to Him for the blessing He has chosen to bless you with.  We tend to focus most often on material blessings but I encourage you to reflect on the spiritual blessings you have been given by your Heavenly Father.  I pray we never become blind to God’s grace and compassion.  Lamentations 3:22-23 – Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.  Our hearts should whelm up with gratitude because our God is faithful. 

An attitude of ingratitude damages relationships.  It steals our humility, contentment, and joy.  We must look at ingratitude just as it is – a sin.  In 2 Timothy 3:1-5, Paul lists ungrateful along with many other sins.  But marks this:  There will be terrible times in the last day.  People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God – having a form of godliness but denying its power.  Have nothing to do with such people – 2 Timothy 3:1-5.

Friends, I encourage you to reflect on your blessings.  Reflect on God’s faithfulness to you.  Thank Him and ask Him to create in you a grateful heart. 

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for saving my soul.  LORD, I thank You for the many blessings You have blessed me with.  I recognize Your mercy and grace is unending.  I pray that You will help us to recognize when we are demonstrating an ungrateful spirit.  Change our hearts to reflect Your heart.  Help us to always respond to You and others with an attitude of gratitude.  In Jesus Precious Name I Pray…..Amen.

The Power Of Words

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.  Colossians 4:6

Welcome friends.  Today I want us to consider the power of our words.  The words we speak have the power to encourage and they also have the power to discourage.  Reflect on your words.  Are you a person who speaks words of encouragement or words of discouragement?  I pray today that you will make a choice to be a person that speaks words of encouragement into others’ lives.  Choose to speak words that encourage, edify, and give confidence. 

The words we speak go directly to the soul of those we are speaking.  Depending on the words we speak, they can offer joy or sadness, or they can offer peace or upset.  Proverbs 15:4 – The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.  As Christians, our intention should never be to crush the spirit of others.  Proverbs 18:21 – The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.  I encourage you today to choose to speak life into those you meet each day.  We never know the situation or circumstances those we come in contact with are facing.  Offer the gift of gracious words that have the ability to lift another’s spirit.  God may place someone in your path today that needs a word of kindness.  These few words of kindness, sincerely spoken, can be life changing. 

Sam Walton stated, “Nothing else can quite substitute for a few well-chosen, well-timed, sincere words of praise.  They’re absolutely free and worth a fortune.”  Many people we come in contact with each day have no relationship with Jesus Christ and are facing painful circumstances.  Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you as you speak words of comfort and encouragement.  Our words and actions should point those we encounter to our Savior and LORD.  Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen – Ephesians 4:29.  Pray each morning for spiritual discernment so you will be aware of those you meet each day that may need a well-spoken, gracious word.

Friends, God reveals to us that what we harbor in our hearts come out in our words.  Examine your heart.  Is it possible you need to allow the Holy Spirit to change your attitudes and motives?  If your speech is filled with critical words and negatively, pray and ask Jesus for help and guidance in changing your heart.  But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them – Matthew 15:18.  In Luke 6:45, Jesus reveals to us that our speech and actions demonstrate our true beliefs, attitudes, and motivations.  A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart.  For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.  Examine your speech and actions.  Does your speech reveal that you have good in your heart? 

Be mindful that not only will our actions be judged but also our speech.  In Matthew 12:36, Jesus reveals to us – But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. When you stand before Jesus, what will He say about the words you have spoken to others and how they have been affected by them?

Just as David did in Psalm 19:14, ask God each day to guide you in the words you speak.  May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.  Just as David asked God to set a guard over his mouth, we should do the same.  Set a guard over my mouth, LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips – Psalm 141:3

Friend, choose today to offer words of encouragement to others.  Words are powerful.  1 Thessalonians 5:11 – Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 

Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that You will help us to be people that speak words of encouragement to others.  LORD if we are harboring wrong attitudes and motives, reveal this to us so we can come to Your throne of grace and ask for forgiveness.  Help us be obedient to Your Word.  In Jesus Precious Name I Pray…..Amen.

A Touch From The Father

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

Hello dear friends.  Who among us today needs a touch from the Father?  Many of us are entrenched in various situations and circumstances which are beyond our control.  Search your heart today for what you truly need from your Savior and LORD.  Then rest in Him and the love He has for you and believe that e He will provide. 

The writer of Psalm 42 was discouraged.  When we are discouraged it is important for us to fix our attention on God’s goodness and His ability to help us and give us hope.  Read God’s Word and reflect on His goodness throughout scripture.  Psalm 42:5 – Why are you downcast, O my soul?  Why so disturbed within me?  Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.  Often when we are in a season of discouragement, we look to other people and things to give us hope.  God alone will suffice to help us overcome this season.  Psalm 62:5-6 – Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.  He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.  Rest in God and His Word.  Stop searching for  solutions for your discouragement and despair in places where you will not find solace. 

Our lives are filled with distractions and difficulties, but no matter what we encounter God desires to give us strength and hope to endure.  Isaiah 41:31 – but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.  Have you placed your hope in your Savior and LORD?  Do you believe in His promises?  I encourage you today to place your hope in the LORD and trust that He is working in your situation and circumstances and that He will give you strength.  Rest in the promises found in His Word. 

Take time to meditate on the power of God.  Read God’s Word and allow Him to reveal His power to you.  His power is available to you today as you face all sorts of situations.  He desires to give you strength and peace.  Do you truly believe your Father desires to give you strength and peace?  After believing, then accept this strength and peace our Heavenly Father freely gives to His children.  Psalm 29:11 – The Lord gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace. 

Who among us today needs courage?  Joshua 1:9 – Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.  Knowing my Savior and LORD is with me, provides me with comfort and security that worldly possession will never be able to offer.  As we read throughout the book of Joshua, the same God that empowered Joshua is the same God that will empower us.  In the book of Acts, we see that God empowered Peter and John as they preached before the Sanhedrin.  Acts 4:13 – When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.  God does not pick and choose who he will empower and give strength and courage to.  He gives strength to His people. Are you a child of God?  Spend time with your Savior and LORD and accept the gift of courage that the world cannot give. 

Who today needs love?  Friend, Jesus loves you.  He died for you.  He has saved your soul and has gone to prepare a place for you, an eternal home.  Reading in Psalm 63, we see David’s desire for God’s presence, provision, and protection.  That should also be our true desire.  Friend, God is the only one who truly satisfies.  Psalm 63:3 – Because your love is better than life; my lips will glorify you.  1 Chronicles 16:34 – Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.  Take comfort in knowing, nothing can separate you from the love your LORD has for you.  Psalm 107:8 – Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men.

Allow this verse from Zephaniah 3:17 to quiet your soul today.  Rest in your LORD’s love and allow Him to provide what you need.  Believe in the promises of God’s Word.  The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save.  He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing – Zephaniah 3:17. 

Dear Heavenly Father, so many need a special touch from You today.  I pray that we will look to You to meet our needs and not look to what the world offers.  Only You can offer true peace, courage, strength, and satisfaction.  LORD, help us to rest in the promises of Your Word.  Empower us Father to live our lives according to the plan and purpose You have set before us.  In Jesus Precious Name I Pray…..Amen.

Who Is Christ To You?

While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, “What do you think about the Christ?  Whose son is he?”  “The son of David,” they replied.  Matthew 22:41-41

Hello friends.  Prayerfully search your heart today and ask yourself this question, who is Christ to you?  Do you have head knowledge about Christ or do you have heart knowledge – a personal relationship with Christ?  I pray, if you realize you do not truly have a personal relationship with Jesus, you will acknowledge you are a sinner and invite Jesus into your heart to be your Savior and LORD. 

The religious leaders knew that the Messiah would be a descendant of David, but failed to understand in their hearts that the Messiah would be God himself.  John 10:30 reveals the deity of Christ  - I and the Father are one.  Friends, do you believe in the deity of Christ or are you like the religious leaders?  I choose to believe God’s Word.  Hebrews 1:3 – The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.  After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in Heaven. 

The prophecy in Isaiah 53 was written nearly 700 years before Christ, the Messiah was born.  God reveals to us in His Word that He(Jesus) was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.  Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not – Isaiah 53:3.  Many still reject Jesus today.  I pray you have not rejected the gift of salvation Jesus is offering you.  John 1:10-12 – He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.  He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.  Yet to all who receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. 

Isaiah 53:4-5 – Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him and afflicted, but he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.  Christ died for our sins – transgressions and iniquities.  Notice dear friend that Jesus Christ carried our sorrow, he was pierced for our transgressions, and he was crushed for our iniquities.  Jesus died on the cross for you.  God reveals to us in Romans 4:25 – He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.  Friend there is nothing to be done to earn salvation.  Only through accepting Jesus as Savior and LORD can we receive God’s righteousness.  Don’t make it difficult to accept Jesus as Savior and LORD.  Accept the gift of salvation.  1 Peter 2:24 – He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wound you have been healed.  I pray that you will believe in your heart that Jesus died for your sins and that if you accept the give of salvation you will become a child of God with an eternal home awaiting you.

Because of Jesus’ work on the cross, when you ask Him into your heart to become your Savior and LORD, you become righteous.  This righteousness cannot be obtained by your own works, only by the shed blood of Jesus Christ.  Isaiah 53:11 – After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities. 

Friend when you accept Jesus as your Savior and LORD you have a spiritual life that death cannot conquer.  John 11:25-26 – 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.  Do you believe this?” 

God reveals in His Word in Romans 3:23 – For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.  Romans 6:23 – For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Friend this death is eternal separation from God in an everlasting burning hell.  But the wonderful news is that God is offering us a gift.  All you must do is accept the gift of salvation.  Romans 5:8 – But God demonstrates his own love for us in this:  While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.  God sent Jesus to die for us because of His great love for us.  John 3:16 – For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  I encourage you today to accept Jesus as your Savior and LORD.  Accept the gift of salvation.  Romans 10:13 – Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.  That is you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is LORD,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved – Romans 10:9. 

So I end today by asking the question, who is Christ to you?  If Jesus is not your Savior and LORD, accept His gift of salvation today.  Friend, Jesus loved you enough to die for you. 

Dear Jesus, thank you for saving my soul.  Thank you for the gift of salvation.  I pray for those reading this devotion, if they do not know you as Savior and LORD that they accept your gift of salvation today.  LORD help us to never forget the sacrifice you made so that we would be made righteous in the eyes of God.  LORD I love you and give you all glory, honor, and praise.  In Jesus Precious Name I Pray…..Amen.

Identity

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 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.  We implore you on Christ’s behalf:  Be reconciled to God.  God made him who had no sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.  2 Corinthians 5:17-21

Hello friends.  I hope everyone is doing well.  I want us today to think about our identities. Identity is defined as who someone is; the qualities, beliefs, etc. that make a particular person who they are.   Where do we get our identities?  What things have you allowed to form your identity?  Have you allowed what others think of you shape your identity?  Have you based your identity on your job?  Maybe you have based your identity on the world’s standards.  I encourage you today to base your identity on who God says you are.  I pray you will come to see yourself as God sees you. 

Friend, you need to understand deep in your soul that you were never a mistake.  God created you in His image and He has a purpose and plan for you.  Psalm 139:13 – For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.  We have been chosen by God and have a responsibility to be His representatives to a lost world.  Our value comes from being a child of God, not from our jobs, successes, wealth, and knowledge.  When we base our value on other things, our lives are often filled with futility and frustration.  A sense of continual discontentment consumes us.  But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light – 1 Peter 2:9. 

Our identity and self-worth is established in the fact that our Savior and LORD loves us and calls us His children. 1 John 3:1 – How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God.  And that is what we are!  The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.  When we accept Jesus as our Savior and LORD, we are reborn spiritually.  We receive new life from God.  This spiritual birth changes us from the inside out.  Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God – children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God – 1 John 1:12-13. 

If you have accepted Jesus as Savior and LORD, your citizenship is in Heaven.  Earth is not your home.  A wonderful home in Heaven awaits you after your journey on this earth is done.  Read Revelation 21 and 22 and get a glimpse of your Heavenly home.  If you ever feel like you just don’t belong on this earth, it is because your true home awaits you in Heaven.  But our citizenship is in Heaven.  And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body – Philippians 3:20-21

Friends, our bodies belong to Christ.  We were “bought at a price” – Jesus’ death on the cross.  For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life – John 3:16.   This act of love is incomprehensible.  God loves us more than we can ever truly understand.  He gave His Son for you.  You are of great value.  Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?  You are not your own; you were bought with a price.  Therefore honor God with your body – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.

I encourage you to base your identity on who God says you are.  Our self-worth comes from who we are in Christ Jesus, not on what we accomplish. 

Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that You will help us to believe we are who You say we are.  Father we are Your children, fearfully and wonderfully made.  Help us to live our lives in a manner that is pleasing to You.  I pray that as we live our lives, others in the world will know that we belong to You.  Thank You Jesus for saving my soul.  In Jesus Precious Name I Pray…..Amen.

Be Wise

Be very careful, then, how you live…not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.  Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.  Ephesians 5:15-17

Hello sweet friends.  I hope you are having a pleasant week and enjoying the cooler weather.  Today I would like us to reflect on the meaning of wisdom and the meaning of knowledge.  We live in a world where it is easy to gain knowledge, but how do we gain wisdom?  What exactly is wisdom?  Knowledge is defined as facts, information, and skills acquired by a person through experience or education.  Wisdom is the ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting.  We can possess a significant amount of knowledge and not make wise decisions.  Charles Spurgeon stated, “Wisdom is the right use of knowledge.  To know is not to be wise.  Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it.  There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool.  But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom.”  Our Heavenly Father is the one who sets the standard and determines what is true, what is right, and what is lasting, therefore we must look to Him and His Word for wisdom. 

Colossians 4:5-6 – Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.  Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.  You and I come in contact with people every day who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  Those who never accept Jesus as their Savior and LORD will spend eternity separated from God in Hell.  Just this should propel us share the Good News – the Salvation Plan with those we come in contact with each day.  When sharing the Good News, we must always be gracious and respectful.  No one will listen to the message we desire to share if they sense disrespect in our attitude.  When we truly care about the soul of those we meet, we will respond to them with compassion and grace.  I encourage you to be aware of those you come in contact with each day.  Share the Good News – the Salvation Plan.  Proverbs 11:30 – The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.  

Many people wish to be considered important by worldly standards, but God reveals in His Word in Daniel 12:3 – Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.  Worldly importance and status are temporary, but you and I can be “eternal stars” by sharing God’s salvation plan and leading people to God’s righteousness.  Do you desire to be radiantly beautiful in God’s sight?  Do you desire to please your Savior and LORD?  Share Him with the world. 

Prayerfully examine your character.  Do you claim to be wise?   Wisdom can be determined by the depth of a person’s character.  James 3:13-17 – Who is wise and understanding among you?  Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.  But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.  Such wisdom does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil.  For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.  But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.  God is revealing to us in His Word that those who are wise are peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.  Seek God’s help to live a life pleasing to Him and a life filled with wisdom.  God tells us in His Word in James 1:5 – If any of you lack wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 

I encourage you to pray and ask God for wisdom in each and every situation you encounter.  Immerse yourself in God’s Word where you will find direction.  God is faithful and He will provide.  Psalm 11:10 – The fear of the LORD us the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts have good understanding.  To him belongs eternal praise. 

Dear Heavenly Father… I pray today for wisdom as we live in this world that has turned from You.  LORD, as we encounter unbelievers, place a desire in our hearts to share the Salvation Plan with them with graciousness and kindness.  Help us to understand that there is a difference between knowledge and wisdom.  Place a desire in our hearts and lives for godly wisdom.  In Jesus Precious Name I Pray…..Amen