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.