A God Given Vision

May He give you what your heart desires and fulfill your whole purpose.  Psalm 20:4

Has the LORD placed upon your heart a strong desire – a vision – a call to action?  What did you do?  When we walk closely with our Savior and LORD, He will often place in our heart a call to action.  But before we take action, there are things which we must do. 

When our LORD gives us a vision – a calling, He never leaves us in the dark.  We are blessed to have His Holy Word to guide us as we navigate this calling upon our lives.  God has blessed us with the indwelling Holy Spirit to ignite our spirit as we bring to fruition this vision He has given us.  We must be in continual pray in regards to this calling, seeking God’s leading.  

Has God placed a vision upon your heart?  Has He placed a desire to start a new ministry, a Bible Study in your home, or a prayer group among co-workers?  In the Book of Nehemiah, God placed a vision to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem upon Nehemiah’s heart.  It began as a burden for the condition of the Holy City, Jerusalem.  The vision to rebuild the walls of the city immediately led to prayer, seeking God for His will and His guidance.  When we realize that God is placing a vision in our hearts, our first response should be to pray, seeking the face of God.  Proverbs 16:9 – A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD determines his steps.  Allow God to determine the steps you are to take as you carry out your God given vision.

Notice in Chapter 2 of Nehemiah that Nehemiah goes to Jerusalem and makes preparations to rebuild the city walls.  Just as God blessed Nehemiah with boldness, wisdom, and knowledge to rally the Israelites to assist in rebuilding the walls of the Holy City, He will bless us if we seek His face and walk in His ways.  When God reveals to you a vision, a call to action, ask Him for wisdom.  James 1:5 – Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him.  If this is a God’s given desire, He will not withhold His wisdom as you carry forth this vision.  Seek Him, pray for godly wisdom. 

Know that when Almighty God places a vision upon your heart and you start walking the path God is leading you down, opposition will arise.  In Nehemiah 4, we see that Nehemiah and the Israelites were faced with opposition as they proceeded to build the walls of Jerusalem.  Nehemiah 4:1-2 – When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became furious.  He mocked the Jews before his colleagues and the powerful men of Samaria, and said, “What are these pathetic Jews doing?  Can they restore it by themselves?  Will they offer sacrifices?  Will they ever finish it?  Can they bring these burnt stones back to life from mounds of rubble?”  Opposition and cruel words from others may hurt but if Almighty God has blessed you with a call, a vision, you must keep your focus on Him and the task at hand.  Believe as Nehemiah and the Israelites believed, “Our God will fight for us.” – Nehemiah 4:20.  Then follow the example of the Israelites – “So we continued the work.” – Nehemiah 4:21.

Dear Heavenly Father, when You place upon our hearts a calling, a vision; help us to be faithful.  We know LORD you are there to empower us and provide for our every need.  Help us to be faithful to carry forth the vision You have blessed us with.  In Jesus Name I Pray…..Amen.

Weep, Mourn, and Pray

When I heard these words, I sat down and wept.  I mourned for a number of days fasting and praying before God of heaven.  Nehemiah 1:4

If we live long enough, there will come a time when we will be receive devastating news.  This news will break our hearts and will place us in a position where we may not know what to do.  We may feel as if there is no place to turn.  Let us not be deceived.  We do have someone to turn to.  Our family and friends are wonderful but where do we turn first?  Who do we turn to first?

We read in the Book of Nehemiah that Nehemiah had received some devastating news.  Nehemiah 1:3 – They said to me, “The remnant in the province who survived the exile, are in great trouble and disgrace.  Jerusalem’s wall has been broken down and its gates have been burned.”  Nehemiah received news that greatly unsettled his soul.  Has there ever been a time that the news you received unsettled your soul?  Nehemiah was greatly concerned about Jerusalem because it was the Jews’ holy city.  It was his homeland, even though he was living in Babylon because of the Jews’ captivity. 

Your devastating news may not come in the form of your homeland being in disarray but it could come in the form of a diagnosis, a family crisis, a release from a job, or an end to a relationship.  Devastating news comes in all forms to all people.  We see in Scripture that immediately after hearing the news, Nehemiah wept, he mourned, fasted, and prayed.  He sought out no one else other than Almighty God. 

What will we do when difficult news is delivered?  Before our news ever arrives, our LORD knows.  Job 34:21 – For His eyes watch over a man’s steps and He observes all his steps.  Our God is omniscient and desires for us to yield to him in our brokenness, in our heartache.  Weep, mourn, and fast, but most importantly, go to your knees in prayer to God.  Psalm 34:17 tells us The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears…..

So when the difficult news comes, and it will; what will you do?  Let’s do as Nehemiah did.  Take  time at first to weep, mourn, fast, and pray.  Then listen to the voice of God as He directs your path. 

Dear Heavenly Father, we know this journey can be difficult.  I pray we will seek Your will and directions in prayer as Nehemiah chose to do.  In Jesus Name I Pray…..Amen.

Lukewarm

I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot.  I wish that you were cold or hot.  So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of My mouth.  Revelation 3:15-16

Our Savior and LORD knows all.  He knows our hearts, our motives, and our deeds.  What does Jesus see when He searches your heart?  What do your motives and your deeds reveal to Christ?  When Jesus looks at our very souls, does He see someone who loves Him dearly and is motivated by their love for Him or does He see someone who is lukewarm. 

A lukewarm Christian is indifferent and apathetic.  They are satisfied with going to church and having “their” spiritual desires met.  They go through the religious motions, so to speak.  A lukewarm Christian may share the Gospel Message but only when it is convenient for them.  They are halfhearted in their commitment to Jesus, to prayer, and to the reading of His Word.

In Revelation 3:14-22, Jesus is addressing the church in Laodicea.  He considered the spiritual worthiness of the church nauseating – “I am going to vomit you out of My mouth.”  I wonder when Jesus looks at the heart of our church, how does He view her spiritual worthiness?  How does Jesus Christ, my Savior and LORD, view my personal spiritual worthiness?  Am I living the life of a lukewarm Christian? 

The study of Scripture reveals that the rapture of the church (believers) could take place at any moment and after that the seven year Tribulation will begin.  Study the book of Revelation and you will see the horrific events that will take place during the Tribulation period.  Just the thought of this horrific time period should cause urgency in our spirit.  Lukewarm churches and Christians must put repent of their apathy and turn to God for strength and guidance to carry the Plan of Salvation to the world. 

The believers in Laodicea thought that their material possessions were a sign of God’s blessing upon their lives.  Their wealth lead to their arrogance and caused them to be completely blind to the fact that they were spiritually wretched and blind.  Revelation 3:17 – Because you say, ‘I am rich; I have become wealthy and need nothing,’ and you don’t know that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.  We must remember that no matter how much we possess, how much money we make, or how educated we are, we have nothing if we don’t have a vital relationship with Jesus Christ.  Our possessions and achievements are valueless compared to an everlasting future with Jesus Christ in His Heavenly Kingdom. 

Jesus was calling the church at Laodicea to repent.  He told the church if they continued as they were, indifferent in their relationship to Him, He would discipline them.  Revelation 3:19 – As many as I love, I rebuke and discipline.  So be committed and repent.  If we are living the life as a lukewarm Christian, a life of apathy, it is time we turn to our LORD and repent.  Prayerfully ask Almighty God to reignite our zeal for our Savior and LORD. 

Dear Heavenly Father, forgive us for not being totally devoted and surrendered to You.  Help us to realize that this world is truly temporal and fleeting.  I pray we turn our eyes to the eternal.  Empower us LORD.  In Jesus Name I Pray…..Amen.

Almighty God Knows Our Hearts and Our Deeds

I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.  Jeremiah 17:10

Our Savior and LORD knows our hearts.  He knows whether we serve out of our love for Him or if we serve out of selfish motives and selfish desires.  In Revelations 3:7-11, we see Jesus Christ addressing the church in Philadelphia.  He tells them in verse 8 - "I know your deeds."  We may be able to hide our true motives and deeds from others, but never will we be able to hide our true motives and deeds from our Savior and LORD.  Scripture reveals to us that our actions flow from what is truly in our hearts.  What does Jesus see in your heart today?  

Our motives, efforts, and works should flow out of our love for our LORD and our desire to bring Him all honor, glory, and praise.  We must at all times keep our hearts in check and keep ourselves humbled before our LORD or pride will enter our lives.  Prayerfully ask God to reveal your true heart.  Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it - Proverbs 4:23

When we see Almighty God for who He truly is, "holy and true" - verse 7, we are able to see ourselves as we truly are; nothing without Him; a sinner saved by grace.  Without the anointing and strength provided by our LORD, we will be unable to send treasures to Heaven.  Matthew 6:20 - But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  Our motives, efforts, and works which we do out of our selfish desires and for selfish gain will be worthless and will never enter Heaven's gate. 

We read in Revelation 3:10 Jesus commending the church in Philadelphia for "enduring patiently."  This church was able to endure patiently because they had built the foundation of their lives on Jesus Christ.  Where have you built your foundation?  All earthly things will pass away.  The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever - 1 John 2:17.  When we build our lives upon the foundation of Jesus Christ, we will be able to endure patiently the many things which we will encounter as we travel towards our Heavenly Home.

There will come a day when all our motives and all our deeds will be brought to light.  They will be revealed as done unto our LORD or for selfish gain.  When the day comes, will your motives and your deeds reveal that your ultimate desire was to bring honor and glory to Almighty God?  1 Corinthians 4:5 - He will bring to light what is hidden in the darkness and will expose the motives of the heart.  At that time each will receive their praise from God. 

Just as the church at Philadelphia kept the commands of Christ and continued to endure as they traveled toward their Heavenly Home, we must do the same.  Let us set our minds on things above, on eternity.  We must place Heaven's priorities into daily practice.  Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.  Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things - Colossians 3:1-2.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Words and Your guidance.  Help us LORD to desire to place our minds on things above - things of eternal value.  Anoint us to serve You out of our love for You, precious LORD.  I pray that our words and our deeds bring You honor, glory, and praise.  In Jesus Name I Pray...Amen.

Distracted By Acts of Service

But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.  She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself?  Tell her to help me!"  Luke 10:40

In Luke 10:38-42, we read the account of two women and the choices they made when Jesus visited their home.  Martha chose to be busy with her acts of service and Mary chose to sit at the feet of Jesus.  She desired to listen to the Living Word.  Scripture tells us that Martha was distracted.  She allowed her busyness (acts of service) to take away from precious time she could be spending with Jesus, the Messiah.  She wasn't doing anything bad, but she had allowed other things to take priority over spending time in the presence of her LORD.  Prayerfully search your heart. Have you become as Martha and allowed your acts of service to take priority over spending intimate time in God’s presence?

When you and I become distracted by our acts of service, we will miss divine moments with our Savior and LORD.  He desires an intimate, personal relationship before all else.  God has things He desires to reveal to us when we spend time in His presence.  The busyness of our acts of service can drown out the voice of our LORD if we are not careful to place our time with Him as a priority in our lives.  Our acts of service must have the anointing of our LORD, and without spending time in His presence, we will not have the anointing and the strength which Almighty God provides for His children. 

Examine your life today.  What are your priorities?  What Martha was doing wasn't bad, but it wasn't what was best.  Jesus told Martha, "Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her" - Luke 10:42.  Nothing or no one can take away what Almighty God provides you during the intimate time you spend in His presence.  Lamentations 3:25 - The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him.  As you spend time in the presence of your Savior and LORD, you begin to grow in your faith walk.  The fruit of the spirit becomes evident in your life.  This enables us to carry out our acts of service in a worshipful manner that will bring honor and glory to our Savior and LORD. 

We demonstrate our love and devotion for our LORD by spending time in His presence.  Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength - Deuteronomy 6:5.  Spending time in God's presence, reading His Word and praying, provides us with a peace that is unexplainable.  Spending time in the presence of Almighty God will increase our faith and provide us with joy.  We will never come to a place in our faith walk where we will regret the time we spend with our LORD. 

I encourage you today - do not choose just what is good.  Choose what is best.  First spend time in the presence of your Savior and LORD and then allow everything else to flow from your intimate, personal relationship with Him.  Make sure your relationship with your Heavenly Father takes precedence over your acts of service. 

Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that our personal time in Your presence will be a priority in our lives.  Help us LORD to choose what is best.  Anoint us to live a life that brings You honor, glory, and praise.  In Jesus Name I pray.....Amen.

Get Moving

Then the LORD said to Moses, "Why are you crying out to me?  Tell the Israelites to move on.  Exodus 14:15

There are often times when we know where God is leading us.  We know God's will and what He is calling us to step out and do.  Well, why then do we wait?  Why do we refuse to step out and follow where our LORD is leading?  Often we will continue to seek God's guidance to postpone doing what He is leading us to do.  I encourage you today to be brave.  Step up and walk in the will of Almighty God.  When we seek Him for His guidance and lean on Him to provide our strength, we will be walking in the very will of our LORD.  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 right hand - Isaiah 41:10.

We read in Exodus 14 that the Israelites had come to the Red Sea with angry Egyptians in hot pursuit.  At God's instruction, Moses was leading the Israelites out of slavery into freedom.  They came to the Red Sea, which was a very large obstacle in their path, and began to cry out and complain.  Exodus 14: 10-11 - As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them.  They were terrified and cried out to the LORD.  They said to Moses, "Was it because there were not graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die?  What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt?"  The Israelites viewed their obstacle bigger than their God.  How often do we view the obstacles we encounter bigger than our LORD? 

God is calling us out.  He is calling us out to live in freedom.  He desires to bless us with an abundant life but we have to step out and walk in obedience and faith.  John 10:10 - The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.  Life in Jesus Christ is lived on a higher plane because of His forgiveness, love, and guidance.

 As we walk in obedience to our calling, we will encounter obstacles along the path.  Know this; Almighty God has it all under control.  We can trust Him.  Let's not give into complaining and to fear as the Israelites did, but let us hold tightly to the memories of God's past faithfulness knowing that He will be faithful in our present situation.  But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect your from the evil one - 2 Thessalonians 3:3.

Today may be the day that God is telling many of us, just as He told the Israelites, "move on" - Exodus 14:15.  You sought His guidance.  You know what God is calling you to do.  Be brave and move on and live your life bringing honor and glory to Almighty God.  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 you - Deuteronomy 31:6.

Dear Heavenly Father, take away our fear.  Help us to walk in obedience to Your calling.  Please forgive us when we continue to question Your will after You have clearly given us guidance.  Help us to live a life boldly glorifying You.  In Jesus Name I Pray.....Amen.

Men and Women of God

Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart.  For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.  1 Peter 1:22-23

We seem to be living in a world that has lost its way.  Selfishness abounds.  Everyone is more concerned with their opinions and their feeling, rather than what the Word of God teaches.  It is time that those truly committed to Jesus Christ step up and be the leaders that Almighty God is calling them to be.  Christian men and women must set the example of how to live a godly life in an ungodly world.

 

Godly men need to step up and be the spiritual leaders in their families.  Joshua vowed that he and his household would serve Almighty God.  No matter what idols the people chose to worship and follow, Joshua recognized that there was only one true God deserving of his worship.  Joshua 24:15 - But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living.  But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.  Parents, take a definite stand for God.  Lead your family in the ways of the LORD.  Regardless of the way the world goes, commit to Almighty God. 

 

Those who have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ recognize His voice.  Are you listening to the voice of your Savior and LORD?  Scripture reveals to us that those who belong to Christ listen to His voice.  John 10:27 - My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.  Almighty God continually speaks to us through His Word.  Are you listening or have you allowed the voices of this world to drowned out the voice of your Savior and LORD.  Not only are we to listen to the voice of our LORD, but we are to be obedient.  Isaiah 30:21 - Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."  God doesn't leave us in the dark.  We have His precious Holy Word to give us direction, encouragement, and hope, as we journey towards our Heavenly Home.

 

Men and women of God willingly make themselves available to be used by God.  In Matthew 4:19-22 we see Jesus calling Peter, Andrew, James, and John away from their productive trade to be productive spiritually.  These men didn't make excuses.  They left at once and followed Jesus.  Matthew 4:19-20 - "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will send you out to fish for people."  At once they left their nets and followed him.  What excuses are you making why you can't serve your Savior and LORD?  There is no excuse good enough.  God doesn't need capability, He needs availability.  Men and woman of God will be available when He calls. 

 

Men and women of God follow after Him with a pure heart.  As we live our lives, we should be becoming more and more like Christ each day.  This is a process that will not be complete until we see our Savior and LORD face-to-face.  We should seek to have a pure heart, to live our lives bringing glory and honor to our LORD.  1John 3:3 - All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure. 

 

Men and women of God must continually pray for our LORD to place a deep desire in our heart to live a pure life.  Psalm 51:10 - Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.  A pure life will point those who are lost to God's saving grace.  When we are living from a pure heart, we are not living our lives for selfish gain; we are living to bring honor and glory to the only One deserving honor and glory - Jesus Christ. 

 

Dear Heavenly Father, help us to live a life that brings You all honor, glory, and praise.  Father as we read Your Holy Word, speak clearly to us so that we can live a life of obedience.  I pray we will follow where You lead.  In Jesus Name I Pray.....Amen.

One Nation Under God, No Longer

Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.  Ecclesiastes 12:13-4

America was once considered "one nation under God."  Considering the laws being passed in this nation today, I don't believe we are a nation under God.  I can only imagine that Almighty God is weeping over America and the path we have chosen. 

We as a nation have chosen to reject Almighty God and the truth found in His Word.  We can't re-write truth.  It doesn't matter how we feel or how we think, truth is found only in the Word of God.  Isaiah 45:19 - I, the LORD speak the truth; I declare what is right.  Truth has been substituted with a lie straight from the pits of hell.  People have stifled the truth that God reveals in His Holy Word in order to believe anything that supports their own selfish desires and lifestyles.  The Bible is the only standard of truth.  We must evaluate all other opinions in light of its teachings. 

Isaiah 59:15 - Truth is nowhere to be found, and whoever shuns evil becomes a prey.  The LORD looked and was displeased that there was no justice.  Sin becomes prevalent when God's truth no longer fills our lives.  God's truth is no longer filling the lives of the American people and those who stand for the truth of God's Word are being persecuted verbally.

The Bible clearly tells us that those who reject the truth will experience the judgment of a Holy God.  But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger - Romans 2:8.  Almighty God will not ignore or condone willful rebellion.  There is coming a day of judgment.  Read God's Holy Word and you will see that judgment came upon those who rejected God.  God loves this nation and desires all to turn to Him for saving grace but if we do not repent and turn from our wicked ways, judgment will come. 

So what do we do?  How do we live in a nation that does not seem to abide by the truth found in God's Word.  We must acknowledge we are not in a war against flesh and blood.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realm - Ephesians 6:12.  We are facing a powerful army of demons controlled by Satan and their goal is to defeat Christ's church.  It is the time that all those who have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ stand strong in His mighty power.  We must put on the full armor of God because this battle can not be fought in mere human strength.  Ephesians 6:10-11 - Be strong in the Lord and his mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devils schemes. 

Christians, it is time for us to truly be the light of Christ in this dark world.  We need to take the Gospel Message to all with a sense of urgency.  We do not know the time or the day when judgment is coming and the truth is, all who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ will spend an eternity in hell.

Dear Heavenly Father forgive us as a nation.  I pray that Christians will know the truth found in Your Word.  We must know the truth so we will not be deceived.  Help us LORD to lovingly take the Gospel Message out into this dark world.  In Jesus Name I Pray.....Amen.

Prone to Wander

My people are determined to turn from me.  Even though they call me God Most High, I will by no means exalt them.  Hosea 11:7

What is it that makes a brother or sister in Christ, prone to wander?  Why do we wander away from our Savior and LORD, the one who gave His life to save our souls?  Study throughout Scripture and we see times when the Israelites wandered far from God.  There was no faithfulness to their Heavenly Father, no love or acknowledgement of Almighty God and His faithfulness towards them.  Hosea 4:1 - Hear the word of the LORD, you Israelites, because the LORD has charge to bring against you who live in the land:  There is no faithfulness, no love, no acknowledgment of God in the land.  We too, when we wander, lack faith and love towards our Savior and LORD.  

Often when we become satisfied in what we have obtained and accomplished, we might find ourselves wandering from our LORD.  We begin to think that what we have obtained, what we have accomplished, is all because of what we have done.  We choose not to acknowledge our LORD as the giver of all good things.  James 1:17 - Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.  We often forget it is God who has given us the blessing of accomplishment.  Let's guard our heart from pride and acknowledge all the blessings our LORD has bestowed upon us. 

We wander from our Savior and LORD when we look to others for approval or acceptance.  We wander from God when we seek to find our identity in our jobs or relationships.  The Israelites wandered away from their true identity - people chosen and loved by Almighty God.  They turned to idols to try to gain an identity.  Prayerfully search your heart.  Where are you trying to gain your identity?  If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior and LORD, you are a child of Almighty God.  You are chosen and loved by Him; that my friend is your true identity.  When we wander away from our Savior and LORD, we wonder who we are.  Our identity will never be found in this world and worldly things.  Turn to Almighty God and allow Him to reveal to you your true identify. 

We wander from our Savior and LORD when we allow the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life to consume our heart and mind.  When our focus is on the lust of the flesh, we become consumed with gratifying our physical desires.  Our thoughts are far from our LORD.  We become a very selfish person.  Our world revolves around us. 

We wander from God when our primary focus is on accumulating things.  We are bowing to the god of materialism.  The things we own become our idols.  We begin to worship our things other than the only One worthy of worship - Almighty God.  The lust of the eyes will carry us down a dangerous road far away from God where we are attempting to gain contentment and satisfaction in things that were never meant to provide us with contentment and satisfaction. 

We wander from our Savior and LORD when we become obsessed with our status or our importance.  Pride is sneaky.  It will sneak into our hearts before we realize what has taken place.  Our daily prayer must be for Almighty God to guard our hearts from the pride of life. 

The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life will cause us to wander away from the Savior of our souls.  1 John 2:16 - For everything in the world - the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life - comes not from the Father but from the world. 

Let us remember, we are chosen and loved by Almighty God.  Jesus Christ shed His precious blood to save our souls.  Prayerfully ask Him to help you be aware of times when you are prone to wander.  Stay in a close intimate relationship with your Savior and LORD.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the beautiful gift of salvation.  Forgive us LORD because we are prone to wander.  Help us to always seek You through prayer and the study of Your Holy Word.  In Jesus Name I Pray.....Amen.

A Poor Man Becomes Rich

Do not be overawed when others grow rich, when the splendor of their houses increases;  for they will take nothing with them when they die, their splendor will not descend with them.  

Psalm 49:16-17

Many people think they are rich.  They consider themselves wealthy because they have money to spare and possessions that others envy.  They are considered rich in the eyes of the world.  But if they have no relationship with Jesus Christ, they are poor.  Money and possessions will have no baring on where a person will spend eternity.  A person's money and possessions will not follow them into eternity.  1 Timothy 6:7 - For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 

Zacchaeus was a man who had great wealth - "he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy" - Luke 19:2.  He was a chief tax collector who worked for the Roman government and gained his wealth by gouging the Jews.  He was a Jew by birth and chose to work for Rome and thus he was considered a traitor.  But on this day this traitor, this rich man despised by many, heard that Jesus was passing through Jericho.  Scripture tells us Zacchaeus wanted to see who Jesus was but because he was short he could not see over the crowd.  So what did he do?  He climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see Jesus.  What are we willing to do to get a better glimpse of Jesus? 

Zacchaeus considered himself wealthy and by the worlds standards, he was wealthy.   By Almighty God's standards he was poor - a lost soul without a personal relationship with Jesus headed to an eternal hell.  On this day Zacchaeus truly became rich.  Jesus called out to Him.  Luke 19:5 - When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, come down immediately, I must stay at your house today."  Jesus is calling out to many today seeking to save their souls.  God desires all to be saved.  He sent His Son to save sinners.  1 Timothy 2:3-4 - This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 

No one is outside of God's grace and mercy and beyond the reach of His offer of salvation.  Zacchaeus was wealthy and was considered a cheater, but Jesus loved Him.  Jesus called out to Him, and on this day the life of Zacchaeus forever changed.  He accepted the precious gift of salvation that Jesus offered.  Luke 19:9-10 - Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham.  For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." 

In our world, certain groups of people are considered beneath others - untouchable.  The cause of this could be their political views, their immoral behavior, or their lifestyle.  Then there are others we may consider above us because of their financial wealth or their status in life.  We must remember that Jesus loves them, all people, and desires us to carry the Gospel Message to their lost souls.  Regardless of a person's background or their previous way of life, Jesus loves them and desires to save their soul.  We must take our God given responsibility seriously and take the Good News - the Gospel Message to the world. 

On this day Zacchaeus truly became rich. 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the free gift of salvation.  I pray that no matter the earthly status of others, we as Christians willingly share with them the Gospel Message.  Help the lost world to see that they need a Savior and that You Jesus are standing their with open arms.  In Jesus Name I pray.....Amen

Our Friends Need Jesus

“Actions, not words, are the true criterion of the attachment of friends.”

  George Washington

What are we doing to bring our friends to Jesus?  We can't make our friends accept Jesus as their Savior and LORD, but we can do much with our words and through our actions to introduce them to the love of Christ.  As Christians, we must look for opportunities to bring our friends to the living Christ.

In Luke 5:17-26, we read about a group of friends that had a great desire to bring their ill friend to Jesus.  These friends knew that Jesus completely changed the lives of those He met.  A relationship with Jesus Christ is life changing.  These men were determined to bring their paralyzed friend to Jesus.  They carried him to the roof top of a house, tore apart the tiles, and lowered him into the presence of Jesus.  When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus - Luke 5:19.  What persistence and concern they had for their friend.  How fortunate this man was to have friends that ministered to his needs and had a great desire to bring him to Jesus. 

We have lost friends and family members.  How are we ministering to them and leading them to Jesus Christ?  He is truly our only hope.  1 Peter 1:3-4 - Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!  In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.  This inheritance is kept in heaven for you.  Maybe you had friends who led you to Jesus.  Thank Almighty God for blessing you with friends who cared about your spiritual condition.  We need to have an urgency about us in regards to bring our friends and family members to the saving grace of Jesus Christ. 

We notice in Scripture that these friends had faith that Jesus would heal their paralyzed friend.  They had faith in Jesus Christ.  Luke 5:20 - When Jesus saw their faith, he said, "Friend, your sins are forgive."  In addition, their love for their ill friend united these men to work together to bring him to Jesus.  They did not allow the crowd at the door to discourage them.  It is a sad situation when people stand in the way of others who want to meet Jesus Christ.  Let's never allow ourselves to be a stumbling block to those coming to meet Jesus. 

On this day, Jesus healed the man’s physical body but also the man received spiritual healing.  His sins were forgiven, his soul was saved. 

We are living in the last days.  We do not know when Christ will say, "Come home my child."  Let's be concerned for our friends and for their eternal souls.  Bring your friends to Jesus. 

Dear Heavenly Father, place in our hearts an urgency to bring our friends to Jesus.  Guide us in our actions and our words, Father.  I pray we never become a stumbling block to those without Christ.  In Jesus Name I Pray.....Amen.

Stilling Ourselves in the Presence of Almighty God

I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." 

Lamentations 3:24

 

Activity, activity, activity.  Our lives are filled with activity.  What are we striving to gain when we fill our lives with so much activity that we wear ourselves out?  God is calling out for us to still ourselves in His presence.  Our busyness and the things which we strive to gain through our busyness, draw our attention away from Almighty God.  It is time for us to step back and rest in the presence of our Savior and LORD. 

When we rest in the presence of God, we are able recognize and accept His sovereignty.  Deuteronomy 4:35 - You were shown these things so that you might know that the LORD is God; besides him there is no other.  We are able to focus on His character and His past faithfulness, which helps us to place our hope in His future faithfulness.  Deuteronomy 7:9 - Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments. 

Stilling ourselves in the presence of our Savior and LORD allows us to reflect on how thankful we are to our Heavenly Father.  Our hearts should be filled with gratitude because our LORD has set us free.  We are free from the bondage of sin.  We have been given the gift of eternal life.  God sent Jesus to die to for us, "while we were still sinner."  God loved us before we turned to Him.  Romans 5:8 - But God demonstrates his own love for us in this:  While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.  Our hearts should be overflowing with gratitude for the precious gift given to us by Almighty God.

Let's never forget to worship our Heavenly Father with a heart of gratitude. 

In the Book of Genesis, we see that when Adam and Eve accepted the sovereignty of Almighty God they experienced no worry, no selfishness, and no shame.  No violence, lies, or discord surrounded their lives.  They were in an obedient, grateful relationship with God and His authority over their lives.  God showered them with His blessings and His favor.  There came a time when they began to question God's authority and stepped out in disobedience to His sovereignty.  Because of their disobedience, they had to work harder in every area of their lives.  Our LORD honors humility.  James 4:6 - But he gives us more grace.  That is why Scripture says:  "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble."  Humbly sit still in the presence of Almighty God.  Let's humbly submit to the boundaries our sovereign LORD has placed over our lives.  Priscilla Shirer states in her Bible study titled Breathe, "When God is honored, when His authority is kept in proper perspective, all the blessing and favor He intends to give His children become a part of their experience."  Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time - 1 Peter 5:6

Still yourself in the presence of God.  Set aside space and time in your life to foster a holy intimacy with your Savior and LORD.  We will never regret spending time in the presence of Almighty God.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your saving grace.  I pray that we will still ourselves in Your presence.  Refresh us precious LORD.  In Jesus Name I Pray.....Amen.

Teaching the Next Generation

After that whole generation had been gathered to their ancestors, another generation grew up who knew neither the LORD nor what he had done for Israel.  Judges 2:1

 

It is alarming to think that there may come a day when a generation of people will not know Jesus Christ or even have heard His name.  Our nation has strayed far from God.  We may blame this on many things, but we as Christians have failed to teach the younger generation to love God.  We have failed to teach God’s Word.  Christian families must rise up and teach their children to love and follow Almighty God.  Churches have the responsibility to teach God’s Holy Word instead of offering entertainment.

Someone will teach the younger generation.  If we do not take upon ourselves our God given responsibility of teaching our children in the ways of the LORD, the world will.  The world will teach them that forms of ungodliness are acceptable.  The world will teach them that the ways of God are too strict and unacceptable today.  The world will teach them, as they walk straight into the fiery pit of hell. 

As Christians living in an ungodly world, we must teach the younger generation to love God and to live each day by the guidelines and principles found in His Holy Word.  We have to teach His Word, not our opinions or what we believe or feel.  God’s Word is filled with eternal truths that our children and grandchildren need to hear from someone who loves them dearly.  How often do you read and share God’s Word with those you love, with those in your sphere of influence?  If you want your children to follow God, you must make God a part of your everyday life.  You must teach your children diligently to see God in all aspects of life, not just those that are church related.  Deuteronomy 6:5-7 – Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.  These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.  Impress them on your children.  Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 

 

Believing in Jesus Christ as our Savior and LORD is the only way to Heaven.  He alone died for our sins and will make us right before God.  Living this way may not be popular, but it is true and right.  The world will teach our children that there are many ways to Heaven, just choose one.  Rise up parents, rise up churches.  Let’s get back to teaching God’s Holy Word and the truth found in Scripture.  John 14:6 – Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.”

 

Let’s choose today to teach and share God’s Word.  Let’s teach this generation the importance of prayer.  Let’s raise up a generation to be spiritual warriors for Almighty God. 

 

Dear Heavenly Father, forgive us for neglecting to teach the younger generation about You.  Help us teach Your Holy Word.  Empower us to teach our children and grandchildren to love You LORD and to follow Your ways. 

 

 

 

 

The Multiplication Factor

Remember this:  Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.  2 Corinthians 9:6

 

We often feel as if we don't have much to give God, to offer to our Heavenly Father.  God is not looking at the amount we have to give, to offer.  He is looking at our heart, our willingness to give what we possess.  When we give all we have, God will multiply our gift and He will receive all honor, glory, and praise.  Are you willing to freely give to God today? 

 

We read in John 6 about a young boy who gave to Jesus five small barely loaves and two small fish.  When placed in the hands of Jesus Christ, these five loaves of bread and two small fish fed the five thousand.  The boy willingly gave what little he had that day.  Are you willing to give what little you have and allow God to take what you consider a little gift and turn it into something great? 

 

The task of feeding the five thousand seemed impossible with such a small amount of food, but God did the impossible.  He took the small gift and multiplied the food so that the five thousand were feed and there were also twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish left over.  God desires for us to give willingly and allow Him to provide the results.  We are called to be obedient to our LORD, not successful. 

 

What we give to our Savior and LORD may seem insufficient, but in His hands it is more than enough.  Jesus can use and multiply whatever we give Him.  Choose today to give your talent, time, and your treasure to Almighty God and watch and see the multiplication miracle take place as the Gospel Message is shared and lost souls are saved. 

 

God calls us to give generously.  We are called to respond to the needs of others.  Are we willing to give without a grudging heart and allow Him to multiply whatever it is we give and meet the needs of others.  Deuteronomy 15:10 - Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. 

 

When we choose to freely give to our God our time, possessions, and energy, we will be blessed.  Everything we have was given to us by our God to be used to help others.  Whether a little or a lot, freely give it back to God.  Proverbs 11:24-25 - One person gives freely; yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.  A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. 

 

God desires for us to freely give.  Let's choose today to give whatever we have to our God and allow Him to multiply our gift to be used for His eternal glory. 

 

Dear Heavenly Father, help us to truly understand that what we have belongs to You.  Whether we have a little or a lot, place a desire in us to give generously.  Multiply our gift and allow us to see You perform miracles.  In Jesus Name I Pray.....Amen.

 

 

 

Lessons from the Life of Noah

This is the account of Noah and his family.  Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God.  Genesis 6:9

 

God's Word is filled with men and women of faith.  We can take a look at their lives and glean how we can live a life that will bring honor and glory to our Savior and LORD.  They leave us an example that we can find encouraging and applicable as we journey towards our Heavenly Home.  Just as their lives had an eternal impact, so will our lives have an eternal impact.  Let's take a look in the Book of Genesis and see what we can learn from Noah.

 

Noah lived in a time of great wickedness.  Genesis 6:5 - The LORD saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time.  The earth Almighty God had created was no longer the perfect paradise that God intended.  I think we can all agree, we too are living in times where there is great corruption and violence.  Our world is filled with wickedness and evil. 

 

Reading in Genesis 6, we see only one man and his family who worshiped God.  That man was Noah.  The study of Scripture reveals that Noah was a man of patience, consistency, and obedience.  Genesis 6:9 tells us that Noah "walked faithfully with God."   Even surrounded by wickedness, Noah walked step by step in faith as a living example to his generation.  Like Noah, you and I live in a world surrounded by evil and unbelief.  Are we walking faithfully with our Savior and LORD or have we allowed this evil world to influence us?  Choose today to be a godly influence in this world.  You will stand out, as Noah did, and Almighty God will receive all the honor, glory, and praise. 

 

Genesis 6:9 tells us that Noah was "blameless among the people of his time."  Noah was a man of integrity.  He refused to enter into the excesses of his contemporaries.  As children of Almighty God, we must be people of integrity.

 

Scripture also reveals to us that Noah was obedient to Almighty God.  When God revealed to Noah what He was going to do (Genesis 6:13 – So God said to Noah, “I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them.  I am surely gong to destroy both them and the earth.”) and gave instructions to Noah in regards to building the ark, Noah was obedient.  Genesis 6:22 - Noah did everything just as God commanded Him.  He may not have fully understood - an ark had never been built before, rain had never fallen upon the earth, but Noah chose to obey God.  There will be times when God does not give us the whole picture.  We are still called to step out in obedience just as Noah did. 

 

Noah's obedience to God didn't benefit just him.  It also saved his family.  Genesis 7:1 - Go into the ark, you and your whole family, because I have found you righteous in this generation.  When we live a life of obedience to Almighty God, it always has potential to positively impact others. 

 

Let's choose today to follow Noah's example.  Be faithful to your Savior and LORD and the calling He has placed upon your life.  Live a life of integrity.  And be obedient to Almighty God.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, I pray we strive to live lives that will bring You honor, glory, and praise.  Empower us LORD to be faithful and obedient.  In Jesus Name I Pray.....Amen. 

Your Red Sea Experience

Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid.  Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today.  The Egyptians you see today you will never see again."  Exodus 14:13

 

We all at one time or another have experienced a Red Sea situation or circumstance.  We encounter circumstances in our life and we wonder how will we be able to get through this?   How will we come to the other side of this situation or circumstance unscathed?  We read in Exodus 14 that the Israelites are trapped between the mountains and the Red Sea with the Egyptians in hot pursuit.  The Egyptian army was upon them and the Israelites saw nothing but doom.  Their demise was near or so it seemed. 

 

What do we do when we encounter a situation such as this, a Red Sea experience?  We feel as if we are on the run.  We are trying to outrun or solve the situation or problem in our own power and our own strength.  We see no way how this situation can turn out for good.  All hope has been lost.  God tells us clearly, through the voice of Moses, what we need to do when we encounter our Red Sea experience. 

 

God tells us in Exodus 14:13 "do not fear."  How is that possible?  We can be fearless because Almighty God is always with us.  God tells us throughout Scripture that He is always with us and will never leave us, nor forsake us.  We are blessed with the indwelling Holy Spirit who will provide us with guidance, comfort, peace, and strength when we face our Red Sea experience.  Isaiah 41:11 tells us 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 right hand.  Often we overlook the hand of Almighty God because we are so focused on the difficult situation.  God is bigger than any situation or circumstance we will encounter here upon this earth.  Thank God for what He is doing and for what He will do in this situation, your Red Sea experience.

 

God tells us in Exodus 14:13 to "stand firm."  The Red Sea experience will often make us desire to turn and run or completely give up, but God is calling us to stand firm.  We are able to stand firm because Almighty God fights on behalf of His children.  Exodus 15:2-3 - The LORD is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.  He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him.  The LORD is a warrior; the LORD is his name.  God is working in the Heavenly realm on behalf of His children.  We can stand firm because God is working in all things, even this Red Sea experience, for the good of His children.  Romans 8:28 - 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. 

 

"Do not be afraid.  Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today" - Exodus 14:13.  Be watchful as you go through your Red Sea experience.  Live in expectation of what Almighty God is doing and what He will do.  Place your eyes on your Savior and LORD.  Exodus 46:10 - He says, "Be still and know that I am God."

 

Dear Heavenly Father, we realize as we journey upon this earth we will encounter Red Sea situations and circumstances.  Help us LORD to be fearless, to stand firm, and to be watchful of what You are doing and what You will do.  In Jesus Name I Pray.....Amen.

Who Is This

When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, "Who is this?"  Matthew 21:10

 

The day is Psalm Sunday, and Jesus arrives in Jerusalem.  Prophetic words had been spoken many, many years before about the coming Messiah entering Jerusalem riding a colt.  Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion!  Shout, Daughter Jerusalem!  See your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey - Zechariah 9:9. Jesus boldly rode into Jerusalem as the King of peace, and the crowd gladly joined him spreading their cloaks and branches from the trees on the road.  Matthew 21:8 - A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.  These same people who welcomed Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem as the Messiah, days later, would bow to political pressure and desert Him. 

 

The people praising God for giving them a king had the wrong idea about Jesus.  They expected Jesus to be a national leader that would restore the nation of Israel to its former glory.  Do you have the wrong idea about Jesus?  Do you believe that because He is your Savior and LORD you will live a life with no difficulties? 

 

Like those who witnessed Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem on this Palm Sunday, we have expectations for what we think God should do to make life better, safer, and more enjoyable.  Study the life of the disciples and you will see the many difficulties they faced.  Paul's life was difficult but he still continued to share the Gospel Message with the world.  Being a surrendered, committed follower of Christ does not mean that our life will be without hardship but the presence of God will always be with us enabling us to carry out His preordained purpose and plan for our life.  Philippians 4:13 - I can do all this through him who give me strength.  The power we receive in union with Jesus Christ enables us to do His will and face the challenges and hardships that we will encounter as we journey upon this earth.  We must be surrendered and committed to our Savior and LORD.  Prayerfully ask your LORD to reveal to you if you are truly surrendered and committed to your relationship with Him.   

 

Because of our relationship with our Savior and LORD, we can take courage when faced with struggles.  We are not alone because our Savior and LORD never will abandon His children.  We must remember that the ultimate victory has already been won.  We can claim the peace of Christ.  John 16:33 - I have told you these things, so you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world. 

 

So who is Jesus to you?  Is He your Savior and LORD?  Jesus is the "way."  Jesus is our path to God.  John 14:6 - Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.” 

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your saving grace.  I pray that those who do not know You as Savior and LORD calls upon You to save their souls.  I pray they recognize You Jesus as the way.  In Jesus Name I pray.....Amen.