September 8, 2015

Job 16:2 I have heard many such things; miserable comforters are you all.

If you recall this passage then you know that Job has had to listen to some pretty condemning "comfort."  Rather than talking, it would behoove us to listen as we try to comfort others.  Sometimes that is all a person needs.

Today, try to make a concerted effort to stop and listen to someone.

September 7, 2015

Nehemiah 8:18  And day by day, from the first day to the last day, he read from  the Book of the Law of God... (ESV)

Ezra was reading to others, but this is still a good personal practice:  to read from the Word of God every day.  It is the best way to begin your day and end your day.  There is nothing like waking up to the Word and letting the Word penetrate your brain as you lay your head on the pillow at night.
I urge you to try it this day.  It won't be long before it will become not only a habit, but a necessity.

September 6, 2015

Romans 7:8  For I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh.  For the desire to do what is good is with me,  but there is no ability to do it. (ESV)

Can you identify with this struggle?  I just keep going back to it, and thinking I should learn my lesson.  My only consolation is that Paul struggled like I do.  I encourage you to read all of Romans 7 and really devote the upcoming days to trying to be an overcomer.

September 5, 2015

Luke 1:46  And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.  (ESV)

When we consider the context of this verse, it is sometimes hard to believe Mary had such a wonderful response to God.  She was in a very precarious situation, but she trusted her Savior.  I can't imagine what all was going on in her mind as she pondered Gabriel's announcement.

But for us, this verse causes us to stop an consider our predicament or situation we find ourselves in.  Are we magnifying the Lord, remembering He is our Savior?  If not, we should be.  We can't let our situations dictate our response to God.  We need to be like this young girl in the Scriptures rejoicing in our Savior, as we magnify Him.

September 4, 2015

Exodus 3:14  And God said unto Moses, I am that I am....(KJV)

From an English teacher's perspective.... this name explains God's eternal being.  If He were alive in the past only... His name would be- IWas.  If He were just to be in the future, His name would be I Will Be.   Instead we find that no matter when you utter His name, IAm - You are always correct because He will always be. I love it!!!

September 2, 2015

Genesis 1:1  In the beginning God created the heavens and the Earth. (ESV)

At Bible Study yesterday we decided this was basically an overview.  The beginning of creation was water.  Give it some thought and some study.  God separated the bottom waters from the top waters.  Then He separated the land from the water.  I have a lot to think about.  How about you?

September 1, 2015

Acts 1:14  These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer...(NASB)

This verse is one that played an important part of the Welsh Revival years ago.  Someone once said that the most important meeting of the church is the prayer meeting.  Our churches need to be in prayer.  Won't you agree with me in prayer for revival:  of the heart and the country.

August 31, 2015

Psalm 139:23  Search me, O God, and know my heart!  Try me and know my thoughts!  (ESV)

This is a good prayer to end your month with.  We have started at our church an end of the month meeting helping to prepare us for the upcoming month.  This is one of the verses we pray.  It is good to start the month with a "clean slate."

August 30, 2015

Matthew 28:19  Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. (ESV)

If you are a disciple of Christ then you can consider this your charge as well.  Do your part in discipling others.  Come along side of others as they meet Christ, and as they walk with Him.
There is no higher calling than this.
Make it your goal to tell one person about Christ today.

August 29, 2015

Ephesians 1:4  even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him,  (ESV)

Did you realize God decided before the foundations of the earth that we should be righteous in His sight?  If you ponder that long enough, you will see that all this was no big mistake brought on by some big bang.  Instead it was the sovereign plan of a Holy, sovereign God.   I love it!

August 28, 2015

James 1:17  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of Lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.  (ESV)

There are a couple of things one needs to know from this verse.  First, it says every good gift is from God.  Stop and think of every good thing that has come your way, and praise God for it.  Secondly, God doesn't change.  If He has given you good gifts in the past, then He will give you good gifts in the future.  You can count on God's character to remain the same.  What a wonderful blessing that is.  Give it some thought and relax for the day.

Keep Calm and Let God!

August 27, 2015

Genesis 1:1  In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

When you read this, you will find that this refers to the beginning of time as we know it.  Just for fun go to a concordance and look up all the verses that reference before the foundation of the earth.  You will find there was a lot going on - long before the creation of time began.

It will help you get an eternal perspective.

August 25, 2015

I Corinthians 2:9 But, as it is written,  "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him"  (ESV)

So, the question is:  Do you love Him?

If you answered, "yes,"  then what a treat God has in store for you.

I am a person of great imagination.  I do a lot of wool gathering, and come up with some pretty preposterous things.  But, according to this verse - I cannot even imagine what God has prepared for me.  If He told us ahed of time it would probably blow our minds!!!

Imagine that!

August 23, 2015

Psalm 9 :1  I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart;  I will reount all of your wonderful deeds.  (ESV)

The question this verse brings up is :  do we use our whole heart to give thanks?   Are you like me and sometimes are entirely too busy to thank the Lord for all His wonderful deeds?  Can you truthfully say your whole heart is consumed with thanks?

This verse is very convicting when I stop to think about it.

On a very personal note, I am exceptionally thankful today for my daughter, whose birthday it is.  God certainly did a wonderful deed in creating her.

August 21, 2015

Psalm 19:1  The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. (ESV)

It is a shame we don't take more time to look to the skies and nature around us to see the glory of God.  I know we oftentimes want to know the theological definition of the "glory of God,"  when really we only need to look around us and see His glory.

Have you ever just pondered the beauty of the earth and sky?  We seem to be so busy that little matters except our "stuff" that keeps us from slowing down to "smell the roses."

Take time today to just go outside and enjoy the glory of God.  Behold the beauty He has created, and then thank Him for it.  Have a glorious day!

August 20, 2015

Psalm 18:28  For it is you who light my lamp; the LORD my God lightens my darkness. (ESV)

Whatever we see in the light of truth, we owe to the LORD.  Whenever we are walking along and not stumbling, it is because the Lord is lighting our path of darkness.  Likewise, when we feel like we are in darkness or stumbling about in life, it is the Lord to whom we should turn.  Though this sounds so easy - it is not.  We tend to stumble about in the dark for quite a while before we decide we need the Lord's assistance.  We should just make abiding in the Lord's presence a lifestyle, and it would make our lives so much easier.

August 19,2015

I Corinthinians 1:26  For consider your calling, brothers; not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth.  (ESV)

Don't you just love this verse?  God did not call the ones who had their acts all together.  He called those of us who were less than desirable in many cases - why?  So it would be obvious that it is God in us that does great things.

I find great hope in this verse.  God came to dwell among the lowly as well as the noble.  He came to save and heal sinners, of which I am one.  We need to have the same attitude that is in Christ Jesus as we look upon others.  We sometimes don't see the worth and potential in others that Christ sees.  Thank goodness he saw my potential rather than my mess.

August 18, 2015

Psalm 106:29  they provoked the LORD to anger with their deeds, and a plague broke out among them.  (ESV)

Not the happiest of scenarios, but do you ever wonder if some of the catastrophic occurrences in our times could be directly related to our deeds and lack of obedience?  Just consider it.  The message is still the same.... repent!

August 16, 2015

Ezekiel 2:2  And as he spoke to me, the Spirit entered into me and set me on my feet, and I heard him speaking to me.  (ESV)

I believe the Spirit speaks to us all the time.  If He is indwelling us, then it only makes sense that there is an intimacy that would allow for constant communion.  The key to this idea is ... are we listening?  More often than not, we are too busy and distracted to hear Him.  This is why it is so important for us to get quiet before the Lord, still our hearts, and listen for His voice.  I have to remind myself of this all the  time.  Make time this day for some quiet time with your Lord and Savior.

August 15, 2015

Isaiah 66:2  All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be declares the LORD.  But this is the one to whom I will look:  he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.  (ESV)

For me to try to tell you how to be humble would be arrogant on my part.  Today I find me more contrite in spirit for having done some pretty foolish things this week.  I talk when I should be listening.  My hope is in the fact that the LORD promises to look toward me.  That tells me his face is upon me.  That consoles me greatly.

August 14, 2015

Numbers 15:36  And all the congregation brought him outside the camp and stoned him to death with stones, as the LORD commanded Moses. (ESV)

When you read this verse in context you will find that the man who was stoned broke the Sabbaath.  What on earth would happen if this was the way it worked in this day and age?  Have we forgotten how to keep the Sabbath?  If the LORD saw fit to stone a man to death for this, it must be a very serious subject with the LORD.   I think it would behoove us to study up on what the Sabbath means and how it is to be remembered.  Consider it this weekend.

August 13, 2015

Genesis 7:4  For in seven days I will send rain on the earth forty days and forty nights, and every living thing that I have made I will blot out from the face of the ground.  (ESV)

If you continue to read this account of the flood, you will find that in 7 days God sent the rain, and it was 40 days and 40 nights.  "Why point this out?" you might say.  I think it is important that God can be very specific when He speaks to us.  We need to remember that whatever He says, He will perform.    We may not be a position to hear concerning huge global events like the flood, but we do hear from God regarding other things in our life.  Best of all, we need to remember that we can claim EVERY single promise found in the Bible. Why don't you pick one out for today and claim it as yours, and then make sure you wait expectantly for God to fulfill it.

August 12, 2015

Jeremiah 42:3  that the LORD your God may show us the way we should go, and the thing that we should do.....(ESV)

This is a great prayer to pray, but did you notice the person asking for prayer uses the term "your God" insted of "my God"?  The first step is always to accept God as your own.  Until you have that personal relationship with Him, your prayers will suffer.  Get to know Him, and you won't believe how great life can be!

August 11, 2015

Read the 5th Commandment.  It is the first one with a promise, and it is the first one that deals with relationships with others.  When I first read that if I honored my father and mother, I would live a longer life -  I thought God had set a rule down to see if I could follow it.  But I found the truth in it... for instance:  if mother said don't play in traffic, and I obeyed... I probably would have a longer life,  Isn't it funny how we try to take the simplicity of God and complicate it?  Have a great day.

August 7, 2015

Judges 8:23  Gideon said to them, "I will not tule over you, and my son will not rule over you; the LORD will rule over you."  (ESV)

What wisdom.  Some people would relish the idea of ruling over people.  Some would also love the idea of his/her offspring to rule over someone.  The true man/woman of God recognizes that it is God who rules over us.  The question is are we allowing Him to.

Take time to pray and allow the Lord to reveal to you the areas of your life that you are NOT allowing Him to rule over.  It may be painful, but it will certainly be for your good.

August 6, 2015

Acts 17:6  When they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city officials, shouting, " These men who have turned the world upside down have come here too" (ESV)

These men they are referring to are Christians.  Are you turning the world upside down?  Are you turning your neighborhood upside down?  How about your workplace?

Pray about it, and ask the Lord to show you how to.

August 5, 2015

Proverbs 11:13  A talebearer revealeth secrets; but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.  (ESV)

This morning as I read this verse in my quiet time, I sat and pondered:  what is a fathful spirit?

There are times I am anything but faithful; yet His word tells me He is faithful regardless of me.
I decided to start praying for a faithful spirit on an ongoing basis and see if God reveals - not only what one is, but also if I have one.  Won't you join me?  If you hear from the Lord, let me know.

August 4, 2015

Jeremiah 4:18a  Your ways and your deeds have brought this upon you.  (ESV)

This verse teaches an absolute found in the Bible....simply put:  you reap what you sow.

This teaches us a lesson in accountablility.  Today it seems a great percentage of this generation embraces an attitude of entitlement.  They deserve the best treatment and the "good life."  In my opinion the "good life" is when we are accountable for our actions.  It is an inescapable truth:  we reap what we sow.

August 3, 2015

Jeremiah 1:9  Then the LORD put out his hand and touched my mouth.  And the LORD said to me, "Behold I have put my words in your mouth."  (ESV)

I realize not everyone has been called to be a prophet, but this verse gives me an idea on how to pray. I think it makes perfect sense to ask the Lord to put out His hand and touch your mouth.  Then ask Him to put words into your mouth also.  There are so many times when I wish I had the right words to say in certain situations.  There are difficult situations that lend themselves to not knowing what to say.  That is the perfect time to ask God to give you the words.  He is faithful and will.  Try it and see!  Taste and see that the LORD is good!

August 2, 2015

Psalm 133:1  Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! (ESV)

We used to sing this song in church years ago, and I thought about how good it was as we gathered together in church.  Over the years I have decided it means even more when we gather together in unity from various congregations.  I can't think of much that pleases the LORD more than His body acting as one.  I urge you to support other congregations in their various services.  Consider combining congregations at various times, such as the fifth Sunday of the month,  Just a thought!

July 31, 2015

Isaiah 53:6  All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned - everyone - to his own way, and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. (ESV)

This verse lets none of us off the hook.  It says we have all gone astray.  And the sad, but good, news is that Jesus paid the price for all of us.  The sadder scenario is that there are those who don't except the forgiveness He bought with His precious blood.
Even if you are a believer - take time right now to thank Him for all He has done for you.  Afterall, He paid a debt he did not owe and I had a debt I could not pay.  Praise Jesus!

July 30, 2015

Psalm 42:1  As a deer pants for flowing steams, so pants my soul for you, O God. (ESV)

In this sweltering heat I find myself panting for water and refreshment.  This verse convicted me that I do not always pant after God and the refreshment He offers.  This reminds me of  Nehemiah chapter 8 where the people are asking for the Word of God and listens to it being read for hours.  Many of us get upset if our preacher goes over 20 minutes.

July 29, 2015

Galatians 6:18  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.
(ESV)

I once was told the difference between Justice, Mercy, and Grace was:
Justice is getting what one deserves.
Mercy is not getting what one deserves.
Grace is getting what one doesn't deserve.

Think about it.

July 28, 2015

Deuteronomy 1:21  See, the LORD your God has set the land before you.  Go up, take possession, as the LORD, the God of your fathers has told you.  Do not fear or be dismayed. (ESV)

According to this, the Lord set before the people what He wanted them to have; however, it indicates there seems to be a responsibility to "take possession" of it.  I have decided that there are many promises that God has given us, but go unclaimed because we are afraid to take possission of them.  Ask the Lord what it is He has in store for you, and then see if you need to step out in faith and take it.

July 27, 2015

I Thessalonians  5:19  Do not quench the Spirit. (NKJV)

I love this verse!  It gives us probably some of the best advice found in the Bible.  If we would let the Holy Spirit have His way in our lives, we would be unbelievable!!   God's will would be followed;  we would be working with God, in step with Him.

I think, instead, we let our clocks be our God and dictate what we do, where we do it, and when.

I remember a funny situation.... I was working at a retreat and was in charge of keeping the schedule moving.  A lady came to me right before one of the speakers took the platform and told me that this particular woman really listened to the Spirit and was Spirit led and would speak according to what the Spirit was saying.  But then her next sentence was," But don't let her go past 2:15, or we will be behind schedule.

July 26, 2015

John 1:4  In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.  (NKJV)

Do you understand that life is in Jesus.  Some people who think about becoming a Christian try to put it off because they think they will miss out on life.  This couldn't be further from the truth.  Life begins with Jesus.

That life, once in you, will light your path on a daily basis.  That light will shine into the dark places and expose them as sin, so you can confess and deal with it.  The light will also expose darkness in the world as you live daily.  That will more than likely cause you to want to pray more.

Life begins and ends with Jesus Christ.  Don't miss out on a beat of it!

July 25, 2015

Psalm 139 :13  For thou hast possessed my reins; thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.(KJV)

God formed you in your mother's womb.  Wow!  If that doesn't make you feel good, I don't know what will.  Today is my husband's birthday, and I thank God he formed him in his mother's womb.  

Surely, you have someone you can say the same about.  If so, take time to thank God for that right now.

July 24, 2015

II Corinthians 5:17  Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.  (NKJV)

If you have any kind of past at all, you may find this verse hard to believe wholeheartedly.  We tend to think God has changed us some, but to believe we are brand new sounds extraordinary.  Well, maybe that is because God is extra - ordinary!!!!

Don't waste another second thinking that your past is still part of who you are - if you are a Christian. Instead stop and praise God, from whom all blessings flow.  Behold you are brand new - wow, now that feels good.  Love it and embrace it.  Live today like you believe it!!!!

July 23, 2015

Hebrews 11:6  But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.  (NKJV)

How are you in the "faith" department?  Take time and sincerely place your faith on a scale from 1-10.  Then ask yourself why you are where you are?  It can be good or bad.  Sometimes it is hard for us to face the truth that we are indeed men and women of little faith.

On the other hand, maybe one of your gifts is faith.  If so, share it with others.  Your faith can be contagious!  We all love to be around people of great faith..... it is so encouraging.

If your faith is less than you desire it to be, seek out one who has a lot of it and hang out together on a regular basis. You may be surprised how it will affect you.

July 22, 2015

Galatians 1:10  For do I now persuade men, or God?  Or do I seek to please men?  For if I still please men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.  (NKJV)

Isn't it easy to fall into the trap of pleasing men?  Afterall, we live in this world with others.  Our jobs require us to be supportive of authority.  However, there is a difference if you have an overall tendancy to want to please men more than God.  We know when it happens.  It often is nothing more than peer pressure.  There are examples of peer pressure throughout the Bible.  It always turns out ugly.

Don't yield to men, when they are in opposition to God and His will.

July 21, 2015

II Timothy 3:12  Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.  (NKJV)

Ouch!  This is not a popular verse which everyone wants to memorize.  It is true, and remember the truth shall set you free.  Probably the sooner we learn that persecution is part of following and identifying with our Lord, the better off we will be.  I know if we understand it, the less likely we will be completely knocked off our feet when it comes our way.

Maybe we should commit this verse to memory.  But then tuck it away in your heart for future reference.

July 20, 2015

Acts 16:25  But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. (NKJV)

Too often, we Christians depend on our circumstances to dictate our rejoicing in the Lord.  In the case above - Paul and Silas chose to rejoice regardless of their circumstances.  The next time you think you are in a bad way, let your second thought be that you will choose to rejoice anyway!  He deserves our praise at all times.

July 19, 2015

Psalms 37:4 Delight yourself also in the Lord, nd he shall give you the desires of your heart.  (NKJV)

You know I have heard preachers preach that this verse means that if you delight yourself in the Lord, He will give you what you wants.  I don't think that is necessarily so.  I think that when one delights him/herself in the Lord - the Lord gives us "new" wants and desires according to His will.  Think about it, and see if you can recall your wants (priorities) changing after coming to know the Lord.

July 17, 2015

Psalm 6:4  Turn, O Lord, deliver my life; save me for the sake of your steadfast love.  (ESV)

Did you notice that the reason the Psalmist gives for saving him is not of his own making, but because of His (God's) steadfast love?  It is always because of God's love and grace we are saved. The truth is - if it depended on our steadfast love, we would be in deep trouble.
Take time to thank God right now for His steadfast love.

July 16, 2015

II Samuel 24:10  But David's heart struck him after he had numbered the people.  And David said to the LORD," I have sinned greatly in what I have done.

When was the last time your heart stuck you because of your sin?  Did you recognize it, agree with God and confess it?  or... did you do as so many of us do-  called it by some other name than sin?  Perhaps you justified or rationalized it.  Life goes so much smoother when we face the sin head on and give it to our God.  He is waiting to forgive you.
Take a moment and think back to the last time your heart was struck.  Give to the Lord.

July 14, 2015

Luke 5:27-28  After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth.  And he said to him,"Follow me."  And leaving everything, he rose and followed him. (ESV)

To follow Jesus sounds easy enough, but leaving everything doesn't sound so easy.  It is too comfortable to hang on to our circumstances, our things, and our own agendas.  I think this is what causes some people to not follow Jesus, but I found with salvation I was given a new heart.  And with that new heart I received new priorities and wants.

I can't say I have left everything, but following Him is easier every step I take.

July 13, 2015

Isaiah 1:18  "Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool." (ESV)

The first thing that strikes me in this passage is that the Creator of the Universe invites me to reson with Him.  That says to me that I have the freedom to put questions before Him, bring my concerns to Him, work through my thinking on something with Him.  This is just one of many indicators that He is a very personal God, and He wants an intimate relationship with me.

The rest of the verse is mind-boggling.... especially when I consider my past and the sins of my youth.  Only God can take them and wash them thoroughly so that there is no trade left.  It is hard to understand, but He encourages us to reason with Him and trust Him.  I am so thankful that God is not only reasonable, but supernatural, so that He can accomplish all He promises in this verse.

July 12, 2015

Psalm 18:1 I love you, O LORD, my strength.  (ESV)

Do you love the Lord?  Is He your strength?  These may seem like silly questions to be asking, but we could be taking certain things in our Christian walk for granted.  When is the last time that you could feel the love of the Lord and you whispered back to Him - "I love you too."
Have you recently felt worn out and lacking strength?  Was your very first thought that you needed to run into the everlasting, always- open, arms of the LORD?  Or did you look to man's remedy to strengthen you?

I don't know about you, but when I am honestly assessing some of these issues, I come up short.
Tell the Lord right now how much you love him, and relax in His arms and let Him love on you and give you strength.

July 11, 2015

Joshua 4:1  When all the nation had finished passing over the Jordan.....(ESV)

When I read this, I noticed God waited until all the nation was safe before He made His next move.  That is always God's heart.  He wishes none to perish.  Oh, that we felt the same.  Maybe we would be a little more aggressive when it comes to evangelizing.  God, give us a heart for the lost that matches Yours.

July 10,2015

Genesis 1:1  In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. (ESV)

The thing I love to ponder in this verse is that at the beginning of time... God already was.  It is so hard to understand how God could be forever, both in the past and in the future.  He is timeless.  However, this makes it easier to understand how He can be not only timeless, but also unchangeable.  It gives Him an atribute of stability.  In these days when things are so relative... God is NOT.  He is an absolute.  Why don't you study the various absolutes to be found in the Word of God and embrace them, and stand on them.

July 9, 2015

Ezra 3:11  And they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the LORD, "For he is good, for his steadfst love endures forever toward Israel." (ESV)

Do you believe God is good?  Do you believe all good and perfect gifts come from God?  If you don't, you should.  This week has been amazing...

Bad weather was forcast for an outside concert, but God changed the weather to perfect.
At the concert God allowed the group to play my very favorite song.
We wrote a grant for our church for $25,000, but God saw fit to give us $50,000.
When I took my car in to have the radio replaced last month, I inadvertently forgot my CD that was in it.  I thought it was long gone, but God had the dealership call me today and say they received my CD in the mail today from the place they had sent the faulty radio.

Is God good or what?   Yes!!!

July 8, 2015

Proverbs 26:18-19  Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, "I am only joking!" (ESV)

As I was reading this, it just reminded me of all the times I have heard students say hateful things to other students, or even teachers, and then thought is was sufficient to say, "just kidding."

We have to be careful as we speak to others.  Many of us use sarcasm, but intend it to be humorous rather than hurtful.  And the written word is even harder to understand the nuances.  In this electronic world of communications we can easily be misconstrued.  I probably pray more about the use of my tongue than anything else.

Isn't interesting that in Solomon's day the problem was prevalent enough to be written about in the Word of God?  Consider your words carefully.  Once they leave your lips, it is very hard, if not impossible, to make amends for them.

July 7, 2015

Joshua 1:8  This book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will hav good success. (ESV)

This week in Sunday School we were talking about what is success? And how does one achieve it?

There was a lot of discussion and definitions, but when we read this verse we all agreed that we are not normally encouraged to be successful by reading and meditating on the Word of God.

I am not sure how many self help books would sell if this was their message; however, it is what God's Word says, so we need to believe it.

You want to be more successful?  Get into the Word now and oftern!

July 6, 2015

Esther 4:14b And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this? (ESV)

What situation do you find yourself in, today?  What position are you in right now; and you wonder why?

Could it be that the Lord has put you exactly where you are for such a time as this?

Do you find yourself in something that appears to be floundering or dying?  Could the Lord have put in that very position as a hospice caretaker?  

Always give the Lord an opportunity to speak to you and show if you are exactly where He wnts you, even if it doesn't make sense to you.  It may just be you are there for such a time as this.

July 5, 2015

Proverbs 23:22  Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.  (ESV)

On a very personal note, my father passed away 35 years ago on this date.  The last thing he said to my husband before he died was, "Get Jody to church."  Now, I know there are all kinds of people in church who aren't saved, but this was father's way of telling me to find the Lord.

I know this in my heart.  So, I am very thankful I listened to my father, who did indeed give me life in more than just the physical realm.

I misss you Daddy, terribly!

July 4, 2015

Psalm 33:12  Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.  (ESV)

Enough said!

July 3, 2015

I Thessalonians 4:11  (But we urge you brothers) ... to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you.  (ESV)

I love this verse.  Paul is urging us right along with the Thessalonians to live a simple, quiet life (no drama), mind our own business (don't be nosy gossips), and to work with our hand (so we won't be so idle that we can find ourselves in trouble).

What good advise we find in the above Scripture.... surely you know those people whose lives are full of drama, or they are always sticking their noses in the business of others and have plenty of time on their hands.  The wear me out just thinking about them.

It is my prayer for you and for me that we might enter into the lifestyle Paul is encouraging in this verse.  I know we will have happier, more productive lives.

July 2, 2015

Colossians 3:23  Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.  (ESV)

This is the key to happier employers and employees!  I often hear how people hate their jobs or their bosses, and make many excuses for their performance at work being less than stellar.

The problem is that we don't view who the real Boss is.  If we undertake all jobs as if unto the Lord, we are bound to be a better worker.  Likewise, if we are in a position of supervisor or boss, and we are to treat our employees the way the Lord would have us treat them, we will be better supervisors.

It is all about - Who is your boss?  Our performance will indicate the answer to this question, even if our lip service says otherwise.  Ouch!

July 1, 2015

Philippians 4:5  Let your reasonableness be know to everyone.  The Lord is at hand; (ESV)

If people were polled about you and your behavior, would you most likely be described as unreasonale or reasonable?  That idea is a little scary to me.  There are times I am very unreasonable, and I hate it afterwards.  The thing that hurts is that it is very hard to make up for those times when we are unreasonable.

I remember in the classroom, when I was unreasonable, I would late really beat myself up.  Again, we see how practical God is - He simply tells us to be reasonable to everyone.  I think the key is to think before one opens his/her mouth.

June 30, 2015

Ephesians 4:26  Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on you anger. (ESV)

Putting this verse into practice has saved my marriage more than once.  It can help any relationship you might find yourself in.

Notice that the verse doesn't say we can't get angry; it just says don't sin in your anger.  It also encourages us to work things out before we go to sleep.  This is a wonderful principle by which to live.

I am always amazed at the practicality of the Scriptures.  God is so good!

June 29, 2015

Galatians 6:7  Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. (ESV)

This is one of those truths that the world cannot deny.  Some people call it Karma or some other name, but the fact remains that if one sows beans, he will not reap corn.  This can be a hard lesson to learn.  We tend to think that we can get by with things.  In God's economy there is always One watching, and though we may not see the it in this world - we will in the next.  The Scriptures are full of examples.

The best thing for us to do is to sow goodness and reap goodness.  It would make life a lot easier.

June 28, 2015

Hosea 14:1  Return, O Israel, to the LORD your God, for you have stumbled  because of your iniquity. (ESV)

Do you ever feel like you are stumbling about - not quite where you should be, but not completely off the path?  I think these times are times of misery.  I can feel restless and discontented when these times come.  The interesting thing in the above Scripture is that it explains the "why" behind our stumbling... our own iniquity.  Ouch!

I would prefer to call it anything but sin.  I would prefer to think I am just a little "off my game."  I like the idea that I just need a slight attitude adjustment; however, the Word of God says it is sin - my sin.

The good news is God asks us to return to Him.  He doesn't indicate that He is done with us or disappointed - He just says, "Return."  The consequences will come, but they will be more easily tolerated when we are in a state of  having confessed our sins, rather than continuing in our sins.

Look inward.
Search your soul.
Call it what it is.
Give it to the Lord.
Enjoy His forgiveness and love!

June 27,2015

John 15:5  I am the vine; you are the branches.  Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.  (ESV)

As I read this verse I look at the part that talks about abiding in Him.  There are various ways we can define "abiding".  Then we move on to the bearing fruit portion of the verse.  Again, we can find various applications for bearing fruit.  The key to it all is the final portion of the verse - apart from me you can do nothing.  This leaves us no wiggle room.  It makes it abundantly clear that we are helpless without the Lord.  Isn't it funny how much we think we can achieve on our own.

Anymore it is not popular to be dependent on others; however, when it comes to the Lord that is not the case.  He tells us that we are to depend on Him for everything.  What a wonderful Lord we serve!

June 26, 2015

Job 1:1  There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job, and that man was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away fom evil.  (ESV)

First of all, the term blameless can really throw us for a loop.  Me blameless?  Are you kidding?  Well, this morning I read a commentary that suggested blameless was doing the right thing all the time.  I don't see anyone, other than Jesus, being blameless.  But the article went on to suggest as long as you confessed after you sinned, then you would be back to blameless.  It doesn't make sense that first we are told blameless is doing the right thing, but when we don't ( which at that point we would be no longer blameless) we need to confess.  I hated to throw out this whole idea, so I concluded....

In God's economy - because He wants us to do the right thing, when we don't  - He doesn't consider the act complete until we confess our sins.  Therefore, we could be considered blameless.
It it just an idea, but I think it makes some sense.
I love God and His forgiveness and the possibilities that presents to us - not to mention the HOPE!

June 25, 2015

Psalm 119..... You will have to read from your Bible (too long for this space)

As I was studying this Psalm this morning I found several things about God's Word....
I decided to go through and underline all the different words used for God's Law, then I found it interesting to go through and mark with a colored pencil all the benefits of reading the Word.  Finally, I went through and used a different colored pencil and marked the prayers I found that I thought would be good to pray.

I absolutely love this Psalm.  It is good to read and meditate on what the Lord is saying to us in His Word, especially about His Word.
Joshu 1:8 encourages us to mediate on God's law - and that word meditate carries a connotation smilar to that of wallowing food around in your mouth and chewing on it from all angles.  (interesting idea)

Finally, I have read story after story of those people who have been persecuted and stripped of their Bibles.  Those people often talk of how they had memorized Scripture and that kept their sanity.  You may not be in those dire circumstances, but it is always healthy to memorize Scripture.  I challenge you to try it.  I just got an app for my phone that helps you memoize.  It is called Scripture Typer.  I love it.

June 24, 2015

Acts 12:16  Peter, however, kept on knocking, and when they opened thw door and saw him, they were astounded. (HCSB)

If you are familiar with this passage, you know that Peter is in jail and everyone is back at Mary's house praying for his release.  He is miraculously released, but when he showed up at the door they didn't believe it could be him.

This is an example of faithless praying.  They were going through the motions of praying, but they apparently didn't have faith that their prayers would be answered.

How often do we pray faithlessly?  We really count even pretend - since the Lord knows our hearts.
It would behoove us to pray, like Jesus's disciples:  "Lord, increase our faith."

June 23, 2015

I Thess. 4:17  Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.  (ESV)

While we are on vacation a very disturbing thing happened.  The four of us were heading out to lunch for a walleye sandwich, but before we were all in the car, I started to take off.  Everyone was screaming, "Wait! Wait!".  I looked to the backseat and there was Sam with one leg in the grave and one leg in the Toyota (so to speak).

I felt terrible and devastated.  I couldn't stop talking about it.  I imagined every horrible scenario that could have happen, naturally including death.  I couldn't believe he had almost been "left behind."

That evening as I was praying, I felt like the Lord reminded me that I should be as concerned for those who don't know the Lord and will be left behind when the rapture occurs.  My heart was stricken to the core.  Something to think about.

June 22, 2015

Genesis 37: 19-20a  And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh.  Come now therfore, and let us slay him.....  (KJV)

A friend of mine just returned from Memphis, Tennessee, and she had visited the motel where Martin Luther King Jr. was shot.  She showed me a picture of a memorial stone with these verses on it.  It struck me to the heart.
Times seem to never change.... why must there always be those who wish to do away with the dreamers of this world?

From one dreamer to another - Keep dreaming!

June 21, 2015

 Psalm 109:1  Hold not thy peace, O God of my praise.  (KJV)

As I was reading this verse today it dawned on me that generally we are praying for peace, but in this case - the Psalmist is asking God to not hold His peace.  If I go on and read I can see that there are adversaries out there repeating lies about the Psalmist.  So, he is wanting God to do something.  

However, I wonder if we might utter this to God too when we are in need of His voice.  

Do you ever feel like it has been a while since you heard from God?  Sometimes it seems like too long since I have gotten, what I call, a fresh word from the Lord.  

When those times come, I return to His Word so I might hear from Him.  

Let's agree in prayer right now that you and and I will receive a fresh word from our Lord today!  Hallelujah!

June 20, 2015

Psalm 102:1   Hear my prayer, O LORD, and let my cry come unto thee.  (KJV)

I never really thought about it before this morning when I was reading this verse that this sounds like a prayer of a faithless person.  How often I must fit into this category.  Why would I ever doubt that my prayers are being listen to by the Lord?  But I am sure I do.
I pray many times without faith.  I was convicted of this today.
I sometimes think I should not pray something because I don't know if it aligns with God's will, but I think that must be a poor excuse too.  I need to continue in the Word to discover God's will.
Wow, I have a lot to think about today.  God bless!

June 19, 2015

Job 37:14 Open your ears to this, Job, stop and consider God's miracles.  (God'sWord Translation)

I have a good friend who believes God doen't do miracles very often any more.  I, on the other hand, think God still is in the business (for lack of better term)  of performing miracles.  I think the problem  is that we are not looking for miracles anymore.  We tend to explain things away by man-made interference.  How much we miss, when we take God out of the equation.

June 18, 2015

Acts 4:32  The whole group of believers livd in harmony.  No one called any of his possessions his own.  Instead, they shared everything. ( God's Word Translation)

As I look at this verse, I think the latter half is not possible without the former being true.  To live in harmony is a lofty goal; however, that is exactly what God would expect of His children.  I think we get confused and think we have to all agree, but that is not what this says.  We just need to get along. Being on vacation with our best friends in a small cabin in the north woods - presents its own set of problems, but thank goodness we can live in harmony - for a week.

It takes work, but when it happens the effect glorifies God.  The next time you are challenged to have to get along with someone not of your thinking, or perhaps lifestyle.... consider the option to glorify God rather than have your own way.

June 17, 2015

Psalm 73:28  Being united with God is my highest good, I have made the Almighty LORD my refuge so that I may report everything that he has done.

As we are sitting by the lake in northern Wisconsin, enjoying the stillness and the morning singing of the birds, I can't help but think about all that God has given us (me).  The lake is beautiful and peaceful, surrounded by the serenity of the woods.  My mind first goes to the fact that this is a perfect place to observe the Sabbath ( a quiet time alone with God).  That tells me He desires us to enjoy these peaceful surroundings or He wouldn't provide them.
According to the Psalm I may report everything that He has done.  I don't know where to start.  Just take a few minutes to stop and observe all that God has provided you in order to enjoy His presence and give you more to share with others concerning Him.

June 16, 2015

Matthew 5:6  Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for God's approval.  They will be satisfied.  (God's Word Translation)

There are many times I don't think I am satisfied. I feel restless and discontented.  I really never equated that reason why may have something to do with hungering for God's approval.  That really puts things into a different perspective.
This is really a great promise more of us ought to be claiming as we go through life feeling less than satisfied.
Consider it, won't you?

June 14,2015

Psalm 100:1 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord... (KJV)

We are just beginning our vacation.  We have made it safely to Wisconsin and are unpacked. We have made our bed, and eaten a snack.....
All is well and we now are making a joyful noise unto the Lord!!! Hallelujah!  I don't know what you are doing, but I am sure you, too, have a reason to make a joyful noise.
The Lord is so good to us.  Isn't He?

June 13, 2015

I Samuel 3:4. Then the Lord called Samuel, and he answered, "Here I am." (ESV)

Oh, that I would be so quick to answer the Lord's call.  Too often I second guess the Lord's voice.  Or I consider how busy I already am without adding more on my plate.  It seems to me that in this day and age we are so busy and over-committed, that we have trouble squeezing in the things of the Lord. I urge you to take time to get quiet before the Lord and listen for His voice and then make yourself available for whatever He asks of you.

On the rare occasions when I have done that, I was surely blessed!

June 12, 2015

Jonah 1:3. However , Jonah got to flee to Tarshish from the LORD's presence.  (ESV)

Have you ever been foolish enough to try to flee from the Lord's presence?  David considered it in his Psalm numbered 139.  He soon discovered one could not escape the omnipresence of God. The time we sometimes waste in trying to escape the Lord's eye could be better spent being thankful that is eye is ever upon us.  Consider how secure we are as children of the living God always under His protective care.

June 11, 2015

Matthew  8:27. The men were amazed and asked, "what kind of man is this? Even the winds and the sea obey Him !"  (ESV)

I am sure you are familiar with this passage, but have you ever really tried to answer the question?
What kind of man is Jesus?  What is He in your life? Is He your brother and friend? Take some time and consider it this week? Then I suggest you record your findings.

June10,2015

Luke 19:46 Saying unto them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves,

Long before our churches were known as : the church with the awesome children's ministry, the church with the prison ministry, or the place with the great praise band..... Jesus said it was to be a house of prayer.

Does your church have a regular prayer meeting? Are you a part of that meeting on a regular basis? I really believe of all the meetings our churches have, the prayer meeting is the most important one. if you are not involved please reconsider. We need all the praying people we can get.

June 9, 2015

I Corinthians 9:24-25 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize?  So run that you may obtain it.  Every athlete exercises self-control in all things.  They do  it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable.

As I watched the Triple Crown final race yesterday, I was so enthralled with all the music and pageantry.  I loved the victory and the presentations of the trophies.  And I couldn't help but think of our crowns we will receive when we have finished the race.  It will be an everlasting crown. It won't rust, or tarnish, or lose its value. How exciting that will be!  Praise You, Lord Jesus.

June 8, 2015

Job 26:10. He has inscribed a circle on the face of the waters at the boundary between light and darkness.

This verse reminds me how one of the first things God did at the beginning of time was to separate the light from the darkness. That is always His plan.  We are not to flirt with darkness.  I know there are times we have to work within the world and the evil that is there, but it is not to be our way of life.  We are the light in this dark world.
Let your light shine brightly in your part of the world.  We can dispel darkness, but not the other way around.

June 7, 2015

Jeremiah 33:3. Call to me and I will answer you, and will take you great and hidden things that you have not known. (EVS)

Isn't it interesting that the Lord encourages us to call to Him, and though He promises to answer us, He promises a great deal more.  He goes on to tell us that He has great things that we have no idea about, but He will explain them.  Isn't that just like our Lord- always has more than we expect or deserve.
Is there something that you can't wrap your brain around? Don't despair, ask the Lord, and wait expectantly for Him to answer.

June 5,2015

Amos  5:24. But let justice flow like water, and righteousness like an unfailing stream.  (HCSB)

When you consider this verse, you also need to consider the three verses prior to this one.  Basically the Lord says that He is fed up with the meaningless rituals and turns His attention toward justice.  Interestingly enough, I was in a meeting today of 12 people, and when we were asked, after considering this verse, what we thought justice was - we had 12 different answers.

I think if we are going to be champions of justice, we first need to be able to define it in a language others can understand.

So take a stab at it.  Befor you head out into your day come up with a workable definition so you will recognize injustice when you encounter it.

June 3, 2015

Psalm 4:8  I will both lie down and sleep in peace for You alone, LORD, make me live in safety.  (HCSB)

What a wonderful thought to go to bed with. I know there are many nights I lay my head on my pillow and my mind races for quite a long time.  But if I can concentrate on the LORD and how good He is, and what He does for me - I tend to sleep better.  This entire Psalm would be a wonderful one to memorize and let it sink in your mind as you lie down.  I decided today I will memorize this Psalm this summer.  Won't you join me?

June 2, 2015

Genesis 22:14  And Abraham named that place The Lord Will Provide, so today it is said, "It will be provided on the Lord's mountain. (HCSB)

Have you learned yet that the Lord will provide?  If you think you haven't, consider where your breath comes from.  How about your heart beat?  Do we take these things for granted?  I think so.  In addition to these examples I could tell you of the many, many times the Lord has provided for my family.  He has never let me down.

The Lord provided for Abraham and still provides for His people.  Take today to think about it, then thank the Lord for all He has done for you.  That is why His name is Wonderful.

June 1, 2015

Exodus 20:8  Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. (HCSB)

I just read an interesting article on a small church in Minnesota that decided to take two Sundays off a month and instead meet on those two Saturday evenings in order to prepare for the following day as a Sabbath, a holy day unto the Lord.  They gave examples of people taking nature hikes and enjoying God's presence.  It spoke of staying at home and having a family observance of the Sabbath.  It encouraged us to get away from consumerism, chores, etc. It mentioned how important it is to get the rest and refresh ourselves for the week ahead.

I, for some time now, have had it on my heart to do a better job of observing the Sabbath.  I have read books and tried several approaches, but none to my satisfaction (let alone the Lord's).

I encourage you to enjoy your Sabbath this coming week, but even more importantly - keep it holy unto the Lord.

May 31, 2015

Leviticus 5:11  But if he cannot afford two turtledoves or two young pigeons, he may bring two quarts of fine flour as an offering for his sin.  (HCSB)

If you are familiar with this chapter in Leviticus, then you know it deals with the requirements for a sin offering.  God is very specific about the requirements, but then he puts in this verse that makes an allowance for the poor.  I love the way God allows those who can't afford something to still be acceptable in His sight.  He later tells David rather than material offerings He prefers a contrite heart.

There is always a way where God is concerned.   After all He told us He is the Way!

May 30, 2015

I Kings 8:22, 54.  Then Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in front of the entire congregation of Israel and spread out his hands toward heaven.   54- When Solomon finished praying this entire prayer and petition to the LORD, he got up from kneeling before the altar of the LORD, with his hands spread out toward heaven... (HCSB)

The prayer between these two verses is definitely worth reading.  It says a great deal about the LORD and His faithfulness to His people.  But what is so interesting to me is that Solomon begins the prayer  "standing" and by the end of it He has "fallen to his knees."  It makes a statement to me.  It is indicative of a humbleness that results from speaking with the Creator of the universe.  I love it!
Will you humble yourself and get on your knees and talk to your Father.

May 29, 2015

Psalm 119:18  Open my eyes so that I may contemplate wonderful things in Your instruction.  (ESV)

This is a great prayer to say before you begin reading God's Word.  If we go into the Word with our mind and eyes closed to what God has to say, we will come away frustrated.  Look for the wonder in His Word.

Every time I read God's Word with the expectation of hearing from Him, I am not disappointed.  He never fails to show up.  Give Him a chance today.

May 28, 2014

Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.  (ESV)

Today as I was preparing my sermon for this coming Sunday (Trinity Sunday), I was struck by all the threes I find in the Bible.  I have read that the number 3 is a number of completion.  If you look at the first verse in the Bible we find the Trinity related in the Hebrew word for God (Elohim).  Then we see that this was the beginning of TIME, and the beginning of the heavens (SPACE), and the earth (MATTER).

Looking at these : time is made up of the past, present and the future.
   space is made up of depth, width, and height
   matter is made up of solid, liquid and gas.

The threes continue in man - body, soul and spirit.
It keeps on going.  I urge you to give it a look and study.

I have a lot more info than I need for Sunday's sermon.  Praise God!

May 27, 2015

Psalm 139:13  For you formed my inward parts;  you knitted me together in my mother's womb. (ESV)

My mother was in her late 40's when she had me.  I was a surprise, and she didn't want to take me home from the hospital.  Daddy and the doctor finally convinced her she had to, and she came to love me and was always good to me.  I remember, more often than not, when I would get introduced they would refer to me as their little mistake.  Though I know they didn't mean it to be mean, the thought permeated my brain, until I started to believe it.  I carried this thought with me for several years.

I remember the day I read the above verse.  What a day that was for me! I realized I was no mistake.  God had intended for me to not only be born, but He and His wondrous hand had fashioned me in my mother's womb.  This changed my whole life.

I am so thankful for the Word of God and the truths it conveys to us.  I don't know what misconceptions you may be carrying about with you as extra baggage, but I urge you to get into the Word of God and find the truth.  His word is living and can change your life, and because of His love, it will be for your good.

May 26, 2015

Psalm 5:3  At daybreak, LORD, You hear my voice;  at daybreak I plead my case to You and watch expectantly.  (HCSB)

The way this Psalm repeats the phrase "at daybreak," it literally means - day after day.  So, this person is daily praying to the LORD, and it is early in the morning.  What an awesome way to begin one's day.  One advantage of praying early in the morning is that you can put the day before the Lord.  You can tell Him the things you are up against in your day.  You can pray for others you might have to interact with during the day.  You can ask the Lord to have His good and mighty hand on your life for the day.  The list goes on and on, but the best part of the verse is the ending.....and watch expectantly.

Once you have placed your concerns and issues before the Lord early in the day, you can look heavenward and just wait on Him to intervene in your day!  What a great way to spend your day!

May 25, 2015

Mark 14:8a  She has done what she could. (ESV)

This passage is talking about when the woman anoints Jesus's head in Bethany before His burial.  Later in the passage it says that what she has done will be told in memory ( or as a memorial ) of her.

I was thinking about this yesterday as we were celebrating Memorial Day.  Generally in the Bible memorials followed big events such as Passover or when the Israelites crossed the Jordan and they were told to place 12 stones as a memorial.  This verse in Mark is speaking of a singular person doing what she could.  I believe this applies to our soldiers who lost their lives in their fight for freedom for our Country or others.  They did what they could and in many cases they gave all they could: their very lives.

Yesterday at church we tried to find ways to honor those who have served in the armed services, but it seems we can never do enough in light of what they did.  If you know someone who has served our country, I urge you to call them today and say, "Thank you."    And let's vow to never forget that our freedom was anything but free..... it cost some dearly.

May 24, 2015

Psalm 127:1  Unless the LORD builds a house, its builders labor over it in vain; unless the LORD watches over a city, the watchman stays alert in vain. (HCBS)

What might you be doing that, on the surface looks like a labor of love, but because the Lord is not in it, it is going nowhere?  I think we do these kinds of things more often than we want to admit.  We oftentimes have a plan, execute the plan and then ask the Lord to join us and bless it.  A recent Bible study I was in indicated that thinking is exactly backwards.  We need to find out where the Lord is working and join Him.

Could this backward thinking be costing us time and effort?  Could it even cause us to be a little disgruntled with God for not enabling our success? (After all, one would think if it is a Christian activity he/she is involved in, then the Lord should not only be in it, but guarantee its success.)  Just as Moses told the Lord that if He wasn't accompanying the Israelites, then Moses wouldn't go, we need to have the same attitude - If the Lord is not in it, we don't want to be either.

May 23, 2015

Luke 9:49  John responded, "Master, we saw someone driving out demons in Your name, and we tried to stop him because he does not follow us."  (HCSB)

Some things never change.  Today we have well-meaning Christians doing the same thing as John.  Because certain people don't do things according to our custom, we decide they need silenced.  I think if we aren't careful we can act similarly against other denominations.

I can think of nothing more hurtful to the Lord than division in His Body.  It is time we search for more ways in which to work together rather than pick each other apart.

The truth is:  when we get to heaven we will not be categorized by our denominations.  Finally, we will be the entire Body of Christ - complete and whole.

May 22, 2015

Psalm 25:7  Do not remember the sins of my youth or my acts of rebellion; in keeping with Your faithful love, remember me because of Your goodness, LORD. (HCSB)

I remember the first time I was introduced to this verse.  I was at a women's Bible study and we were singing praise before we started.  One of our praise songs was Psalm 25, which included this verse.  As we sang the words I started to tear up, and I realized that I had never thought of asking the Lord to forget the sins of my youth.  Heaven knows I hadn't forgotten them.  Immediately following the Bible study I went home and prayed these word back to the Lord.  I had such a sense of relief and a feeling of a huge weight being lifted off my shoulders.

I have always had a bent toward rebellion.  I can easily get caught up in a cycle that resembles that of the Israelites - first I rebel, then I repent, then God forgives me, then I have a period of obedience....only to be followed by rebellion.  I am so very thankful that God is faithful in His love for me and continues to draw me to Him via His forgiveness.

May 21, 2015

Ecclesiastes 3:11  He has made everything appropriate in its time.  He has also put eternity in their hearts, but man cannot discover the work God has done from beginning to end. (ESV)

This verse follows the segment of chapter 3 that we often hear read at funerals.....a time to live, a time to die.....a time to plant, at time to uproot....etc.

Solomon, the author of Ecclesiastes, has a very cynical view of life.  He seems to think that everything man does is futile, and his works will die when he does.  So, it is no surprise that one can almost hear the above mentioned segment of chapter 3 read in a very sing-song manner.  However, when we get to verse 11, Solomon gives God credit for His appropriate timing of everything.  Then we come to a very interesting part of Scripture.... God has put eternity in our hearts.

I think another way to describe this is that when we are born, we are born with a hole, or longing in our very souls.  Those of us who are Christians are finally able to declare that God has filled that longing.  It is a place that only He can fill.  He is what makes us complete.

All the people in this world who do not know Christ are desperately searching for that something to fill that hole.  You name it, they try it, but nothing will satisfy that longing.  How very fortunate we, Christians, are to have a piece of eternity in our very hearts.

This is even more reason for us to want to share the Good News that we have.  Don't go to bed this evening until you have thanked God for filling your deepest desire, and then think of a way to share the hope you have with others who are still lacking that satisfaction that only a relationship with Jesus can bring.

May 20, 2015

Isaiah 66:2  All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the LORD.  But this is the one to whom I will look:  he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.

To whom will the Lord look upon?  He who is humble...  I was once taught that humble is having the correct assessment of your worth. False humility is just another name for pride.  So, to have a greater or lesser opinion of yourself is still prideful.  Give it some thought.
                                                         He who is contrite in spirit....  contrite is to be humbly penitent.  So we are back to a correct assessment of yourself.
                                                         Finally, the person who trembles at God's Word....  I think this refers to having a correct assessment of God.

Just food for thought.  Worth considering if you want God to look upon you with favor.

May 19, 2015

Psalm 96:7&8  Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength!  Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering and come into his courts!

I don't know if you are like me or not, but when I read verses like these I can become overwhelmed in trying to think how on earth can I give God the glory He deserves.  The bottom line is - we won't ever give God all the glory He deserves. Rather than letting that keep us from giving Him any, let's give what we can.

Give Him glory by doing an honest day's work.  Give Him glory by loving your children He gave you.  Give Him glory by being accountable to what is right.  Give Him glory by obeying His Word.
The list could go on and on......

Years ago my daughter gave me a grateful journal to record all my gratitude.  I think I might start a new journal giving God glory for everything I can think of.  No, I still won't be able to give Him all that He deserves, but I will getting a little closer.