BE COMMITTED

Revelation 3:19 (HCSB) 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be committed and repent.
  Ever felt the sting and disappointment of again doing wrong, a lady confided I think about things I shouldn't, even when I make up my mind no to. The servant of God is confronted with temptations, so are the servants of the world, the only difference is our relationship to our Savior, the One who makes us clean.
   When We allow Christ into our hearts, we are transformed into saved sinners, the flesh still has all the same desires, however the new heart we possess no longer enjoys the lust for sin it once embraced. Sin brings rebuke from God, like the mother or father that corrected us when we were young.
   Feeling guilty today rejoice, He will not let you go on in sin without bringing it to your attention. What should we do, "be committed and repent."
Heavenly Father in You alone we live, in You alone we have the breath to live, in You alone there is Salvation for eternal life, thank You. Lord keep us in your tender care may our thoughts continually run to You. Amen
 

TO KEEP YOU

Psalm 91:11 (NKJV) 11 For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways.
    Temptation to do wrong is a real process in our lives, a man was told, "if you will rob that store we can split the loot, and I will do the next one, we will be a team." He was caught and sent to jail, he had never done anything like that before.
   There are real consequences for sin and no one is exempt, many around us suffer when we yield to temptation. Jesus was tempted by satan but He would not yield, even when the enemy used scripture to justify the temptation, our Lord stood firm.
    Do you say no when temptation knocks, do you refuse to yield to the desires that cause everyone to fall? We can if, we will practice looking to God, if when tempted we refuse to yield, there will be amazing victory to stand again and put temptation away. How, 1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. His angels have charge over you.
Heavenly Father help us to remember You never leave us alone, when we sin we sin in your presence. May all our thoughts be captive to You and your will for us, to live sin free. Amen

CONTEND EARNESTLY

Jude 1:3 (NKJV) 3 Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.
   To contend for the faith we must put ourselves in the battle, we may choose the side lines, but Gods servant always stands where he is instructed. A soldier was told to hold a line against impossible odds, he prayed, "God help me do what I cannot do on my own," bullets barely missed as he fought with renewed energy, finally the battle stopped. The line was intact and no one was killed or wounded, as the soldier stood to examine his surroundings he noticed the enemy lying on the ground and waving in surrender. Summoning the enemy leader he asked, "why did you give up with the numbers of men surrounding you?" The enemy replied, "we could see we were completely out numbered your army covered the hills." The brave soldier had a shattered unit of six men who stood faithfully, against seven hundred.
   Our commitment to God must be on these same lines, we must be more committed to Gods purposes that our own, stay in the battle He is not finished with you yet.
Heavenly Father help us to stand in this day, give us victory where everyone sees defeat. Let our hearts turn to You and leave every fear outside. Amen

HIS NAME'S SAKE

3 John 1:7 (NKJV) 7 because they went forth for His name's sake, taking nothing from the Gentiles.
   Examining our own heart is absolutely necessary for Spiritual growth, 2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?--unless indeed you are disqualified. How we are seen by the world tells the whole story of what is in the heart.
  To go forth for God involves walking Holy and in His Power, you will not stand for Him if He is not in you. The struggle is right there, we belong to Jesus or we do not, ask your self this question, do those around me say I act, just like Jesus? The answer is in the way we live, is it for His name's sake?
Heavenly Father help us to conquer the desire to serve self and deliberately put our trust in You and nothing else. Amen

FROM AFAR

Psalm 138:6 (NKJV) 6 Though the LORD is on high, Yet He regards the lowly; But the proud He knows from afar.
   We notice those who offend very quickly, they are often marked mentally by us as unimportant or unworthy of our time. God has a place and plan for every living being, no one is outside of His attention, no person is misplaced by The Creator.
  A child born in a stable, in a country far away, to a people not accepted by the world, is not insignificant history, He is The Savior of the world and in Him there is Life and through Him we will see Gods Glory. Too proud to accept that, He sees you, even far away!
Heavenly Father let us look up and see all You intend for us, may we recognize the gift of Jesus, the Savior of the world. Amen

THE WHOLE WORLD

1 John 2:2 (NKJV) 2 And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world. 
    The Lord knows our ways and sees all too well our hearts, like the mother who knows her child will not do the right thing until trained, so our Creator knows us. Sin has arms that do not release its victims, no matter the strength of the individual or the personal stamina, sin will establish a stronghold.
    A child caught taking cookies, confessed, "I can't help me," so is sin to all people. Christ, the Savior and Lord of all, is willing to receive those who confess, "I cannot do this I need You."
    My hand, your hand and that of all people has been caught in the cookie jar, our only redemption is through the One, born into this world, to save me from me. Celebrate this Christmas season the birth of the One who can save me from me.
Heavenly Father in You alone is the gift of eternal life and in this day we trust You with our lives knowing, in You we will find salvation. Eternal life is from You, it is through You and comes from no other. Help us to seek You only. Amen

LOOKING FORWARD

2 Peter 3:14 (NKJV) 14 Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless;
   Shepherds working in the night are confronted with the presence of an angel, proclaiming a birth only read and discussed among the religious elite. Fear comes knocking and these humble men find themselves being comforted and encouraged, by Gods heavenly choir. They hear Good News and discover Great Joy, a child will restore Gods people to their rightful place. He is called "Savior, Christ and Lord" referring to the work of Grace to be produced through Him, for all people who come to Him will be blessed.
   This season is referred to as Peace, we are to seek good for others, however the Word of God says that must be our life style if, we belong to Him. We are to live diligent lives working at peace and making sure we encourage others without causing anyone to stumble by our sinfulness.
   As Gods servants we are looking forward to the day of His appearing just as the shepherds did many years ago, He will come and we must be busy sharing Peace with those around us. Won't you trust Him completely today?
Heavenly Father in you we find Peace and Rest, let us embrace all that You have planned and give all Glory and Honor to You. Amen

HE IS PLEASED

Luke 2:14 (ESV) 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
    God is often put into a personal box, to pull out when things are not right with our world, He will never be cornered or captive to mans imagination. The God of all things is concerned about every situation in our lives, no matter how small or overwhelming He alone has the answer.
     The angelic beings, when first they observed the Creator in the form of a human baby, the choir of heaven erupted into praises and adoration of Gods Holy works among men. The purpose of God to redeem all mankind from the sin that separates, was being fulfilled in there presence, a baby in a manger worshipped by angels and shepherds would be the savior of all the world. Who knew, God, who cared God, who planned for our security forever, God and who made the only way to Him, Jesus the Son of God. Have you trusted the adult Jesus with all your heart, He will make you what you can never be without Him. If you belong to Him He is pleased.
Heavenly Father blessed is your name forever, let every thing that breaths worship You. Amen

A LIVING STONE

1 Peter 2:4 (NKJV) 4 Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious,
   We are always trying to find solid ground in our lives on which to build our beliefs, for the one faith that satisfies personal wants, for another faith that builds the bridge to God and eternal life. On what are you building today, things that make you happy or the only Rock that will support Eternity.
   Trail blazers all over the world have used stones to mark the way of their travels, to bring them back to that point or help another find the way. Every soul has cut a stone for eternity, it leads to Christ or away from the Heaven of secure eternal living. Life here is but a vapor, we will exist in this environment for a short period and then a day of reckoning.
   If you have trusted Jesus with your life you are a living stone pointing others to Him, should that not be the case those around you are stumbling into a Christ less eternity. The "living stone," is not a babe in a manger, He is the King of Eternity, chosen by God and precious.
Heavenly Father in You alone we live or cease to exist, help us to show others the way, that You may be blessed. May all we do be in the light of your Truth and your Way. Amen

LIVE FOREVEMORE

Psalm 133:3 (NKJV) 3 It is like the dew of Hermon, Descending upon the mountains of Zion; For there the LORD commanded the blessing-- Life forevermore. 

    Singing and making melody to the Lord in the heart is a reference to Ephesians 5:19, when we discover the joy that comes from heaven an overwhelming desire to express that joy is revealed in the believer.

   For the one who has trusted in Jesus the promise of eternity is overwhelming, the realization that God loves us so much He desires to share His dwelling place with all who will receive His Spirit into their lives, is staggering. We have access to all God would have given Adam and Eve had they chosen to be blessed of the Creator.

    The verse above is a picture of the Spirit of God descending on the one who asks Jesus into their hearts. Refreshing, life giving, unending, overwhelming, blessings that are worthy of singing and rejoicing over. Are you happy in this season of celebrating the birth of our Savior, you can be happier if you trust Him, “Live forevermore!”

Heavenly Father may all you wish for us, be received with thanks giving, let us rejoice in song in our hearts, for the things You have done, are doing and will do. Amen

BE PATIENT

James 5:8 (NKJV) 8 You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
    Patience is a very difficult term, its root comes from Latin and refers to suffering. Many are not in any way, shape, or form, in the business of patience. A young man said to his father, "can we get a deer now," the father replied, "we have to wait," the boy questioned, "can't we just go find one?"
     The maturing process of waiting, for most takes a life time, for others learning patience seems easy, Gods Word tells us in Psalm 27:14 Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD! If we will habitually trust God and not our selves the truth of life will begin to enter our thoughts and we begin to see what He has prepeared for those who trust Him.
     He is coming we must be ready, first in our hearts and second in our actions, the Lord is at hand. Have you trusted Him with everything in your life, only Jesus do?
Heavenly Father You are Holy Lord and in You we will live for eternity. Life for us will not exist without You, help us to pateintly wait, let all we do bless You, as we worship You with all our hearts. Amen

WITHIN YOU

Ezekiel 36:27 (NKJV) 27 I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them. 

     A  man recently watched a carpenter and said, “help me do what you do,” an old proverb says, “you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink.” Many have a desire to do or be good, however the ability to perform goes no further. Why?

     Man must make a conscious decision about what he will do with his life, he will either trust himself or another. God has promised to put His Spirit in us if we will make room, there is no place for Him in our heart as long as we occupy that spot. Joshua 24:15 ... choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, ... as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." 

    The Savior of all the world will come into your life, not a s a child in a manager, but as the One who took ours sins to the grave and redeemed us before God who wants to live in us. What will you do with the One called Jesus, He wants to put His Spirit within you, it will then truly be Christmas.

Heavenly Father we trust You with our whole heart to do as You please, may this season of celebration for your gift to us be the greatest ever. May all who name the name of Jesus remember the reason for the season. Amen

GUILTY OF ALL

James 2:10 (NKJV) 10 For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.
   A child is told don't do that you will get hurt, he responds ok and does it anyway, the results are disastrous he has a burned hand. The consequences for saying one thing and doing another are often painful lessons.
   God has clearly said, "Thou shalt not," what then is the excuse for hearing His Word and not obeying, the results are obvious, multitudes of gods, insulting language, abuse of Gods Day, disobedience to parents, murder, adultery, theft, lies and desiring what others have.
   To obey God is to reject self, what have we taught our children, what are we showing the world? If we stumble in one point and we are guilty of ALL. Trust Jesus today and He will keep Gods Word through you.
Heavenly Father may all of your Word fill us to over flowing, may those around us know that You are God by what they see in our lives. Let us not cause another to stumble, may we carefully examine our motives that we serve You and not ourselves. Amen

GRACE

Hebrews 13:25 (NKJV) 25 Grace be with you all. Amen.
  The unmerited favor of God, or the word we refer to as blessings is so much more than our desire to know, God has given us attention. The murder who sits on death row, receiving a life sentence instead of death, cries God has blessed me, the victims cry where is Gods mercy, how are these circumstance to be viewed?
   John 1:17... but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ, the evidence that Jesus forgives the most wretched of us, is enough to know Grace is provided to any and everyone who breathes. Why then the disparity between who receives Grace and who does not? The obvious is perception, we do not know what God knows and we do not see how He sees, yet His blessings are for the "good" and the "bad".
   Romans 3:12 ... There is none who does good, no, not one," we are all under a curse and it is God who knows all too well where we stand, I know Gods grace but I do not deserve it, He sent His only Son to make a way for me and for you. Trust Him with every ounce of your being today, that babe in the manger grew up to be that King on the Throne, He alone is Grace.
Heavenly Father we celebrate in this season the birth of your Son, help us to remember it is His death that made the way to your Eternity. It is His life that gives us life, in You alone we live or die, may our every breath remind us we are yours. Amen

BEFORE HE WAS TAKEN

Hebrews 11:5 (NKJV) 5 By faith Enoch ... before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. 
    We all stand at the threshold of eternity, for some the reward is beyond an earthly description, for others the eternal abyss is horror beyond belief. Mark 9:44-48 What then is the testimony that will please God?
     1 John 2:6 says, we must walk like Jesus, in Matthew 19:21 Jesus says, forsake all and "follow Him," in 1 John 3:14 we read "We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death." The answer is clear, to please God we must have a testimony, and that statement we make with our lives is the test for eternity.
    Could you put your name in the place of Enoch and know that you please God?
Heavenly Father help us we are weak, show us the way through your Word, let all the trues of your spoken word sink into our hearts and grow up into life for those around us. Amen

IT IS IMPOSSIBLE

Hebrews 11:6 (KJV) 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: ... 
  In school I learned of involuntary muscles, it was exciting to think the body could exist without conscious effort. Certain muscle groups will work without our prompting and yet they are essential for life.
  The same is true for our relationship to God, we cannot make ourselves acceptable to God there is absolutely nothing you and I can do to please Him, by our doing. The whole process of serving God is involuntary, our salvation depends entirely on the work of Jesus Christ.
  I can do nothing to please Him without His presence in my life, how is that accomplished, by trusting and believing in Jesus the Savior. Won't you celebrate the season of Christmas by trusting your entire life to Him? Without faith it is impossible to please Him!
Heavenly Father in You we live and breath and in You we exist for the purpose of sharing You with others. May all I do today please You with every breath. Amen

CHILD OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Matthew 1:18 (NKJV) 18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: ... she was found with child of the Holy Spirit.
   Miracles have not ceased, they have as much impact today as they did thousands of years ago. They cannot be explained by science or mere conjecture, only the faith of the few will see what God has done.
   The world ridicules the birth of the Holy One because He requires the heart be turned over to Him for safe keeping, as long as we maintain possesion of our heart there is no room for Jesus. Mary let her heart hear what God required, and through her the world received The Redemer.
   The Holy Spirit of God chose the only vessel ready to deliver Truth to the world, He has also chosen you to deliver the same Truth of the miracle of salvation for all mankind. Have you been found with the presence of God, and are you ready to deliver to those around you the One called Jesus?
Heavenly Father may others see You in us, may we be found with the presence of Jesus and may all our days be filled with sharing You with the world. Amen 

YOUR NAME

John 17:11 (NKJV) 11 ... Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are.
  The Name given to Jesus is the greatest name ever given, that name creates, heals, forgives, raises the dead, transforms lives, redeems, saves and drives the world crazy.
   What is the Power behind that Name, it is the Nature of God, there is no other name capable of transforming the world. Acts 4:12 (NKJV) 12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."
   With this information we have all the resources of heaven and earth to be what God is calling us to, namely, Him. God is keeping through that Name, those who will live eternally with Him, are you one as He is One with the Father?
Heavenly Father in You we are, in You we exist, in You there is no other Name, thank you for all You do. Amen
   

THE MAIN POINT

Hebrews 8:1-6 (NKJV) 1 Now this is the main point ... He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises.
   Getting to the point, the punch line, the end, is gratifying for us, however it may not always satisfy the longing for truth. A little fellow said to his father, "I know why your not happy, you drink!"
    Most people search in vain for happiness, it is illusive, it is wary, it is often not the friend we remember, happiness is not at all what God says we need. Instead, John 17:13 (NKJV) 13 But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves, the Creator wants us to receive His Joy, in that alone we are fulfilled.
    The main point of our existence is to know God, He will meet every need, He alone will satisfy, because He alone has a Better Covenant (Jesus). Will you be His joy filled saint today, ask Jesus to be the center of your life, you will then be filled with JOY?
Heavenly Father in You we alone we are filled with joy, may this season please You, with our hearts desire to share You with others. May all our days be filled with Joy for You? Amen

FOLLOWING FRIVOLITY

Proverbs 28:19 (NKJV) 19 He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, But he who follows frivolity will have poverty enough! 
  Work ethics seem to be a past culture, so many today want to be filled with the best life has to offer, without hard work to earn it. For generations, many worked in a 24 hour period almost non stop, sleeping long enough to recuperate and start again, enjoying the work and reaping blessings.
  Today we find people standing in line for a hand out, when even that was a shameful occupation, and few would take it, if first, there had not been hard work to earn it. When God is placed second in society, so goes the moral fabric of that society and laziness becomes that god.
   When men put God first, the spiritual fabric of our lives becomes a strong bond for doing the right thing and showing others how to live. Jesus calls for men to follow Him, the call is still heard by the few, and the payment is still the same, Eternal Life for those who will put him first. Have you tilled your land lately, your heart is waiting, He will provide all you need.
Heavenly Father with the breath You give we praise You, and give thanks for the abundance. Blessed be the Lord who supplies all we need, and blessed be the God who gives eternal Life. Amen

GOD IS NOT UNJUST

Hebrews 6:10 (NKJV) 10 For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 
   For most people, there is no retirement, it is reserved for the few, many work hard until they take their last breath. In the life of the christian there is no day of retirement, we are continually working to share the Glory of Gods salvation with those around us. Read, 1 John 3:14 (NKJV) 14 We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death, the servant of God is overwhelmingly aware of the privileged to share the Gospel.
  We are chosen to share our faith in God with others, John 15:16 (NKJV) 16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. It is true God does not forget, the things we do for Him, what are you doing for God?
Heavenly Father lead us to the Rock, that we may share with those around us your Love. May we seek You in everything. Amen

I CRIED

Psalm 120:1 (NKJV) ... In my distress I cried to the LORD, And He heard me. 
   Crying out is not unusual, a student driver was practicing, traffic on the road increased, many drivers were swerving in and out of traffic and the student caught up in the moment began changing lanes erratically, stop the instructor called out and the driver hit the brakes in the middle of the road, causing cars all around to come to a complete standstill.
    When we cry out to God, He hears and listens to our heart, it tells Him our motive and desires. The heart bent on letting God work will experience great joy and fulfillment, the heart just wanting relief will suffer sadness and experience doubts.
    God hears and like a loving father desires the best for us, however we must desire His will for us above every other thing. What is your desire today, will it please God or you, you must choose?
Heavenly Father let us look up when all of our circumstances say no, let us look to You when things are easy, let us long for your Presence when there are no problems. May we then recognize that looking to You in difficult times is easy because it has become a habit. Amen

ENDURES FOREVER

Psalm 119:160 (NKJV) 160 The entirety of Your word is truth, And every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever.
   When listening to others have you ever thought, I wonder how much of this true. I often hear people explain their problems many are fact and are very sad, some however are self inflicted and manufactured to embellish the situation. A man once explained, "I'm in prison because my mother hates me and told the police I hate her." After hearing Gods Word, he explained, "my mother hates what I do and she doesn't want any drugs in her house, I was caught selling drugs by the police.
   The entire truth will bring understanding, and will often lighten the burden of sin in our lives. Many, however live a life that is contrary to the Truth of Gods Word, exposed to His Truth, they often excuse away sin to justify their living practices, claiming to know God while living in a lie. All of Gods Word is truth, all of His Word must be applied, all of His righteous judgments will come to pass. Forever, must be reckoned with, do you know Him?
Heavenly Father You alone are Righteous and Holy, help us to see and understand, that part of You and obey your Word entirely. May all we do, be with your holiness in mind and our unrighteousness exposed that we might live clean, holy, lives before You. Amen

BRANCHES

John 15:5 (NKJV) 5 I am the vine, you are the branches. ... without Me you can do nothing. 
    Jesus tells His disciples the truth of life is in Him, every single person has life because of Him, no one is exempt, if Christ has not given life it does not exist. Someone may consider, but what about those who do not believe, even they exist because of Jesus. Listen to John 1:2-3 (NKJV) 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. Jesus is the author of life and everything exists through Him, without Him we cannot take our next breath.
   The above verse is now clearly understood, we are a branch of Gods Vine, (Jesus) the branch that depends on Him will thrive and produce fruit, the branch that refuses the rich Graces of God will wither and die.
    Are you thriving in His abundant nutrient rich Word or languishing in the dying throes of drought? We are either producing fruit for God or calling attention from the Gardener to take the dead branches off the Vine. Without Him we can do nothing.
Heavenly Father your Love is amazing, we are counted part of the Vine of your vineyard until we prove that is not our choice. Help us to choose Life and obedience to You that we may produce the fruit of righteousness. Amen

KNOW GOD

Titus 1:16 (NKJV) 16 They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, ... 
   What others see in our lives is actually who we are, how we present ourselves to those around us, in the casual atmosphere of our living is the person we have become. A facade is the covering up of what is under neath, for many that is exactly what is done, when the person we have become is unaccepatable to another, or, we become what we think they will accept. The quote, "When in Rome do as the Romans Do," is the picture of blending in or becoming like something that we have never been before.
   The truth of the verse above is many acknowledge God with no personal realtionship to Him. The life then becomes the testimony to what that person actually is, one who leads others astray.
     Do you know Him personally, have you confessed you are a sinner living your own life your way, have you acknowledged there is no other way to God except through Jesus and have you asked Him to come into your life and live through you? That is the only way to profess God.
Heavenly Father we have no other, You are the only way, may all who seek today truly come with a desire to know You. Let our walk be from the Source (Jesus) and let no other take your place in our lives. May we look to You in everything, seeking only your will for our lives. Amen

DAY OF THE LORD

2 Peter 3:10 (NKJV) 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.
   The passage above at first sounds threatening, however when read entirely you discover, God has a plan that will liberate His saints from a world of sin and separation. In a moment in the blink of an eye, the Lord will appear for those whom He died and lives this very moment for.
   The admonition is to watch how we live and to live every moment with this knowledge of Him in our hearts, to carefully walk as today may be the day. Many have scoffed and many have doubted, but He is not on our timetable, as Israel waited for the Messiah and missed His appearing, so many will miss the soon coming of our Lord. Are you ready for the day of the Lord?
Heavenly Father let us keep careful vigilance, watching for your return. Praying that we will be found in obedience, living for You. May all we do please You. Amen

I KNOW

2 Timothy 1:12 (NKJV) ... for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day. 
  "I know whom I have believed," one of the songs I remember in church as a child, unaware of the scripture it referred to. I now know a little of the sacrifice, the early church fathers committed to their relationship in Jesus Christ. The cost was great and yet they suffered with Gods approval, He is looking still to see the heart of those who really trust in Him.
   Do you know whom you believe in, it is either you or Him, Have a blessed Thanksgiving and may all your days be spent seeking the One? He is able to keep You!
Heavenly Father thank you for all You have done, Jesus thank you for loving me with your life, Holy Spirit thank you for reminding me daily I belong to the King. Amen

PROFITABLE

2 Timothy 3:16 (NKJV) 16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for ...
   There is much talk about investments, profit and in general managing money today, the intent is to hedge against the day of need. The things that make us comfortable cannot be purchased with money, family, friends and those who really care are not about finances they are into relationships.
   A family child was at a day care, she was told she was being ugly, breaking into tears she sat silent the rest of the day. When picked up by family to go home, she began crying again, asked why, she blurted out "why didn't you tell me I was ugly?"
   Just as finances will not protect us against catastrophe, what we understand will not protect us from the reality of facing our Creator. For many, what God will say, will resonate in eternity with many tears and no satisfaction, forever without hope. For those who have planned ahead, His Word is all the security needed, Heaven will be the source of Joy and protection we longed for. The assurance of God is for those who have completely trusted Him, and find His word more profitable than silver and gold.
   In what have you put your trust?
Heavenly Father You are all we need, let your Word be the desire of our hearts. May we read daily and carefully all that You have written for our good. Let us hedge against the Day of your appearing by absorbing all You said, that we may be found living in obedience. Amen

HE SCORNS

Proverbs 3:34 (NKJV) 34 Surely He scorns the scornful, But gives grace to the humble. 
   Do you ever look around to see if anyone is watching, is there ever a concern about habits or actions that, might offend someone. God is reminding you He is watching, He is observing, He is keeping an account, every word is listened to.
  Like a mother who carefully keeps her children in line, a father who reminds his children to respect others, even nature teaches its young to survive, He, our Heavenly Father is showing us how to walk. Gods Word is intertwined with every single action in this life, every situation He is aware of, and He alone knows just what is needed to get you through.
  The Creator of all things, is looking to see if you are going to be humble, so that He may supply all you need to get through to HIM. If you will lay the smallest thing at His feet, He will meet your every need. Today, would you trust Him with all your life, you will never regret it?
Heavenly Father, You see all we do, You observe every motive, You know every down fall and every hurt we experience, help us to look to You. May we get into the habit of looking to You, and trusting You, in every thing. Amen

SETTLED IN HEAVEN

Psalm 119:89 (NKJV) 89 Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven.
  Where is your confidence today, is it near, where you may touch it, is it far away and beyond your reach, in what have you absolute assurance, that all is right and you are settled?
   A child cries out in fear of the night, his fears are realized when the parents respond, the spouse reaches out in the dark and finds comfort when the other is touched, confidence may be found in many things, however, real assurance is only found in the solid, unmoving, bed rock of Gods Word.
   Jesus reminds us, He is the Corner Stone on which all else stands, Matthew 21:42, nothing in this world may be counted on or taken in to the next. Without Jesus the child's cry is not fulfilled, the spouse finds no comfort, the world will fade away, man will find nothing is as sure as the Word of the Lord. Everyone who comes to Him will find assurance, will find comfort and will be completely confident, there is no other Way.
Heavenly Father may the Rock we look to always be our guide, may all our hope find comfort in You. Bless the Lord, Oh my soul, let everything that is within me bless the Lord. Your Word is settled, I believe and thats all I need. Amen

FINALLY

Philippians 4:8 (NKJV) 8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true ... noble ... just ... pure... lovely ... good report ... virtue ... praiseworthy, meditate on these things.
   Many confess, I believe in Jesus, but I don't know what to do, I know Him but, how do I live my life? Paul adds above in verses 4-7, rejoice, don't worry, pray earnestly always, be thankful and seek God daily. Every thing we need is supplied by God for eternity, the baggage is packed, the ticket is paid for, the accommodations are 10 STAR Plus, all we need do is live in what God has already supplied.
   The anticipation of the adventure paid for in full, has us hurrying for that day, excited, joyful, did I pack everything, watching the clock, leaving the daily grind behind and looking forward to the trip. For the christian the emotions are similar, we are ready for the Supreme Adventure, (eternity), if, we have prepared by trusting in the Master Builder, (Jesus).
   What are you trusting in today, just another trip on earth, listen to the admonition of the writer, "Finally brethren ... meditate on these things," the trip of a life time is at hand are you ready?
Heavenly Father we are ready, may we stay focused on the destination, that You have prepared through your only son Jesus. Your will be done on earth and in our lives, that others may see You. Amen

THE MESSAGE

1 John 1:5 (NKJV) 5 This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.
   The Bible is the message, the world is a distraction, our lives are either light or they are dark. We are the canvas on which is revealed the strokes of the paint applied, by ourselves or the Master. A child prayed, "Lord make me good, and if at first you don't succeed please try again."
    It is me who is responsible for how I act, the tools are available for me to understand the process, what I do with the wealth of information is up to me. Can I make my self good, in part yes, can I be better than I am, most assuredly, will that get me into Heaven, no!
   The presence of Jesus Christ in the believer is the ONLY way to enter Heaven, "There is no other name given under Heaven whereby men may be saved." Acts 4:12 I am answerable to the Creator when I take my last breath, for what I have done in this life, and that alone dictates where I will spend eternity.
   Where will you spend eternity, you already know. "God is light and in Him there is no darkness at all."
Heavenly Father, help us to see clearly your instructions for living in this life. May we devote ourselves to seeking You, and let every Word You have given find its way in us. Amen

THE LORD KNOWS

Psalm 1:6 (NKJV) 6 For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the ungodly shall perish. 
  When we say "we know someone," it means we are aware of their activities and we understand who they are. However we may think, we understand a person in light of their actions, and not really know who they are.
  A child was trying to sell a knife at school, he was caught and severely reprimanded, threatened with expulsion, and the parents were called. The calls went unanswered for days and finally the principal went to find the child's parents. The house was a wreck and the parent who was living in the home was in the hospital dying of cancer. The child was trying to get money to survive.
   To know someone you must know all about that person or we really know nothing. Our God knows our ways and He knows who we are and where we have come from. He knows our struggles, the way we walk and the things that motivate us, He is not surprised at the upside down thinking, or the wrong side out, ideas we embrace.
   God knows the way of the righteous and approves, He is aware of the ways of the life set on separation from Him and that way is hopeless. To know if your life is "The Way of the righteous," ask yourself, do I walk like Jesus walked? 1 John 2:6 Jesus came to show us how we are to live righteous before our Creator, and then He took all our sin on himself and went to meet death, where all sin is covered by His blood. Sin is left in the grave forever, Jesus is alive forever, and we can live with Him forever, if we trust Him with all our life.
Heavenly Father, the way of the righteous is your way, help that we may walk that way today. May we seek You early and trust You with everything in our lives, You know who we are, and You alone now what we need. Amen

WITHOUT CONTROVERSY

1 Timothy 3:16 (NKJV) 16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory.
  Without argument God is exactly whom He says He is, no one can refute His commands, counsel, or judgment, He alone is God. He alone created, he alone sustains, He alone holds the outcome of everything that exist in His hands. So then what is man or who are we to question His motives or design?
   Paul writes to his protege Timothy and explains Gods ways for the church, instructing him how to manage the local gathering of believers. Timothy is clearly shown how to officiate in the church and how those around him should function as well.
   Godliness is a mystery and we see that Godliness, reflected in His flesh (Jesus), by the Presence of His Spirit (Holy Spirit), the announcement of Angels, the preaching of His Power, the obvious, overwhelming reception by believers and the fact He walked out of the grave alive and is now seated in Eternity.
   How should we respond to this, simply, reverently, confess He alone is all we need, and without Him we could not exist. Ask Jesus to come into your heart and live through you His way. Great is the mystery of Godliness.
Heavenly Father may every breath we breath exalt You. May every action, consider You, let all we do focus on our need for You. May those around us see You in us and may we always seek your Face. Amen

THERE SHALL BE A DAY

Jeremiah 31:6-14 (NKJV) 6 For there shall be a day ... And My people shall be satisfied with My goodness, says the LORD."
   Have you noticed some people are not satisfied, with anything, and there are somethings things that never satisfy. Contentment is an elusive quarry, we try so many things in life that look appealing or from appearance seem to be the one thing that will bring satisfaction, yet it never materializes. We come into this world with a built in "peace meter" it is designed with the latest technology, the most intricate details, and is activated in a split second.
   We have a desire for peace, Jesus said, "My peace I leave with you," John 14:27 but know, this peace is just a small taste of the eternal peace to come. In Matthew 10:34 Jesus said, "I did not come to bring peace," He is reminding us that peace in this life from this world is not possible, it will only be fulfilled in the believer through Jesus Christ "On that Day."
   You will know true peace, but only if you know Jesus Christ as Savior, and that peace comes when He does. Do you know Him, then you know peace, and your are satisfied with His goodness.
Heavenly Father we are looking up, yet the world seems so difficult, we are looking to You, but all around us is trouble, help us to remember that You alone are God and a Day of Peace is coming. We will be satisfied in You and there will Peace in your Goodness. Amen

FACE REFLECTS FACE

Proverbs 27:19 (NKJV) 19 As in water face reflects face, So a man's heart reveals the man.
    Questions reveal answers, however the answer is not always what we expect, neither is every answer correct. A student was asked, "Where was the American Declaration of Independence signed? Answer, "At the Bottom," true but not the answer.
    God asks, "Who do men say that I, the Son of man am," answers were varied and not accurate, then He asked, "Who do you, say that I am?" Answer, "You are the Christ, son of the Living God." Matthew 16:13-16 Only the ones who know the Teacher know the answer. He will only be the Christ the Savior of the world to those who know Him personally.
    A persons heart really does reveal who they are, all you need do is examine yourself, to find the answer. So what is the question, I am so glad you asked? Who is God the redeemer of the world to you?
Heavenly Father you have created all things, therefore everything belongs to You. We are yours to do with as You please, help us be today what You have created us for, let others see You in us. May everyone we come in contact with today see YOU! Amen

TEACH ME

Psalm 119:33 (NKJV) 33 Teach me, O LORD, the way of Your statutes, And I shall keep it to the end.
  To focus on anything for a length of time, seems drudgery until we find what interests us. The thing that holds our attention is what we really are interested in. "What we are in the dark, when no one is looking, that is who we are!" Oswald Chambers If we want to know where our heart is seated, what the affection of our life is, all we need do is find what captures our attention.
  The psalmist reaches out to The Creator and implores, "teach me," he knows what is wrong inside, there is no desire for God, or His ways. True to all people, there is no desire for God until, we recognize who we are, when the reality of our living crashes into the facts of Gods eternity, we begin to investigate our motives and seek answers.
  There is a resonating joy that follows the heart seated in Jesus, why, He is teaching that heart His statutes and there is a desire to keep them to the end. Are you excited about worship, are you looking forward to spending time with believers, are you planning to look up and see the Creator this weekend? My prayer is that you are.
Heavenly Father may all who know You seek You with all their heart. Let every soul offer honest Praise to You and may every place of True worship, exalt You with all their being. "Bless the Lord oh my soul!" Amen

AGAINST ME

Matthew 12:30 (NKJV) 30 He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad. 
  Have you ever felt the pressure of those who stood in the way, maybe you have been ridiculed or been the object of others condescending talk. The cruelty of others is some times unbearable, forcing us into bitter retreat, or lashing out at the offenders.
  Jesus says, "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." John 10:10 (NKJV)  Those who practice hurting others are thieves, their mission is clear, however the Lord of all things points us to Him and reminds us He has purchased life for the believer. We need life, this one is short lived and full of trouble, Jesus wants to give something of such abundance, it will take eternity to discover and receive it.
  The life we live must be in accord with the Savior, if we live opposed to Him or opposite of His life    
that living is against Him and we are scattering those who would follow Him, away.
   Ask Gods forgiveness today, trust in Him now, believe His truth at this moment and you will find rest, peace and comfort in Him. No one can take that away from you.
Heavenly Father bless those who trust You, show mercy to those who deny You. Help us to help others see You, may all we do point those around us to You. Let us look to You and forget the things that hurt and wound, we are yours. Amen

OPEN MY EYES

Psalm 119:18 (NKJV) 18 Open my eyes, that I may see Wondrous things from Your law. 
  There are so many technological advances today it is easy to get excited about the next gadget that will make life better. The evidence however points to this being true from the very beginning of time, we are constantly improving our surroundings to get more done with less effort. Then we schedule a work out day to improve our cardiovascular system because of, our doctors words "lack of exercise." So, naturally (human nature) we look for better ways to do the task at hand.
   I wonder if observing the Psalmist words, "Open my eyes," is a thought on the minds of anyone today? Consider the idea that our eyes are closed to God and what He wants to do in our lives, that we cannot see Him by choice. He is available, He is present, He is waiting, but we choose not to see Him. Like the child who puts his hands over his eyes and says,"I can't see you," you therefore are not there.
  God is here and He is waiting on us to look at the "Wondrous things," He has prepared for those who will attempt to see. Would you be honest with yourself and ask, does God have my mind, my heart and my ear, have I really given everything to Him? When you begin to seek Him He will be found, then He will open your eyes to see Wondrous things from His Law. Your excitement for Him will prevail over  the little things in this world, get excited about God today, its eternal.
Heavenly Father open our eyes to see those things hidden to hearts that will not seek You. Let us know You the way You intended. Help us to see You that we may know your ways and help others to see them as well. May we seek You with all the breath we have? Amen

THUS SAYS THE LORD

Jeremiah 21:4 (NKJV) 4 'Thus says the LORD God ... "Behold, I ... 
   There is always a day of reckoning, a moment when we must face the difficult circumstance and justify or excuse it. Report cards from school were always for me a day of reckoning. When man lives his life entirely his way there is a day he must answer for all he has done, in himself and to all those around him.
   In the verse above Israel has turned from The God, for the gods of the land they live in, they have forsaken the God of creation for the god of self serving, they have become brutal to their children and denied they were once the envy of all the world. They find themselves down and out again and this time with consequences that seem impossible to survive, they again turn to God and beg salvation, but it is too late the line has been drawn and they now face God as their enemy and He has said enough.
   Everyone of us will face this day, we will answer for what we have done, how we have lived and to whom we have given allegiance. If we have looked unto Jesus, and made Him our reason for living we are safe, if He is the hope of our lives we are secure, if The Redeemer has become our faith for the future, we will experience eternal life with Him. Gods word to us is "Behold I," are you looking to Him?
Heavenly Father You made the way for us to live with You. You supplied all we need for safe shelter from the coming storm of judgment. In You alone we live and breath, help us to stand in this adversity and look to You. Amen

NOW

Psalm 118:25 (NKJV) 25 Save now, I pray, O LORD; O LORD, I pray, send now prosperity.
   Have you ever wanted something now, later will not do, it must be in this day or ...? What will happen if we wait, maybe reason will prevail and we realize it wasn't all that important, maybe we see through a fresh set of eyes and recognize we didn't really need that thing, well, so much for things.
   Suppose we look at the person who needs an organ to survive and mere hours prove the difference between life and death, then how do we process the word NOW? How about the person who has lost their job and bills must be paid now, or they loose what they have? The word NOW becomes extremely important and of necessity the cry is for help now, not later when all is lost.
   God knows our struggles and He has a plan for us if, we are willing to come to grips with life His Way. Our Creator is not on our time schedule, however, He does recognize that some needs must be met now, the child dying of cancer, the single mother struggling to pay a bill. These things are a part of life, and the Psalmist recognizes that the time is now, today is the day for relief.
   When we come to God His way, all of Heaven and earth is at our disposal, The Lord of all things will make the way straight. If you will cry out to Him now, know that He will meet the need and so much more, trust Him today with your whole heart.
Heavenly Father we give our lives to You that You may use us as You please. May all You want to do through me be accomplished. Let me live today as if it is my last. May others be blessed that look to You only. Lord use us now that You might be blessed. Amen

HE WHO COMES

Psalm 118:26 (NKJV) 26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD! We have blessed you from the house of the LORD. 
   We find things get us excited when they exceed our expectations, for instance going to the gas station and finding gas for .50, that is enough to make you want to buy a tractor trailer load for a rainy day. Rare and maybe unlikely, it stirs the imagination to want something and find it true. For the most part humans are optimists looking for something better, seeking the next best thing, however that doesn't apply for everything.
   In most people service to God is more in the line of duty, rather than looking for the blessing God wants us to have and finding He has prepared far more than we could imagine or expect, we often find religion drudgery. Why, because our gaze is on the horizontal instead of the vertical. Jesus gives an amazing oration on things that are blessed from Gods perspective, it may surprise you that they are not what we would call blessings, because they deal with the heart the seat of who we are, or must be. Matthew 5:3-16
   The Psalmist writes, "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord," we are blessed by what must become the focus of our lives, namely Jesus, nothing else will satisfy.
Heavenly Father we need You, we need your Presence, we need your Infilling, we need your Hand in our lives. Lord help us to look to You and nothing else, may all our thoughts be consumed with what You want to do in us. Amen

MY STRENGTH AND SONG

Psalm 118:14 (NKJV) 14 The LORD is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation. 
   Recognizing the source of life and its benefits brings one to the realization, that supernatural forces are at work around us. Things we cannot explain away by mere science, the perfect tilt of the earth, the bird and its ability to recognize its kind, the stars holding their place, are minor examples of a universe that moves to a source of power yet undefined by mans thought. At a glance, we appear to be players on a field of dreams that keep getting pushed back by bad calls.
   Intellectual confusion about our existence is clouding the ability of the human mind to receive truth and simply ignore the obvious, God is on the throne of creation. Man has a built in guidance system far superior to any man made device, he comes equipped with the unique desire to seek out God and the amazing ability to sort through the mountains of ill conceived information and find the source of Truth.
   Put this to the test of your will, simply bow your head, honestly ask God to reveal Himself to you, ask Him to make an end to your desire and your will, and simply trust in the Name (Jesus) that is above every name. When He reveals to you His presence, ask Him to forgive you of living for you and come into your life. Note, Romans 10:9 (NKJV) 9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. You too, will be able to say, The LORD is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation.

Heavenly Father You are all we need, every other thing fades in your Presence. Let all those who seek You today find You, True and Faithful and may every sincere prayer of trust in You be honored for your Glory. May every person that You make whole, begin to seek You with a desire to know your will. Amen

SO SHALL YOU BE

Jeremiah 11:4 (KJV) ... Obey my voice, ..., according to all which I command you: so shall ye be my people, and I will be your God:
   There is a reward for most everything we undertake to do. The runner who crosses the finish line first gets the prize, the new mother a child to love, the farmer a crop, knowing this why are we so quick to avoid obedience to God, when He explains in detail all we need do, to receive the reward.
   Man has the ability to choose what he desires, the only creature in creation that God bestowed thought to, and man may choose to live for God or not. All of our choices bring consequences, for the Israelites the choice was to worship the gods of the people with whom they lived, their choice was fatal, God allowed them to become captives to other nations. Many are held captive today, to one thing or another, we are captives of the choices we make.
   Make a choice for eternity today, choose to serve God, the reward is eternal life and a life filled with the expectation of Gods soon appearing, choose to serve yourself and the reward is eternal separation from God and a life of hopeless drudgery. Listen to Gods voice, do what He commands, and you will be His child. Oh, by the way, you have already chosen, by the way you live.
Heavenly Father we look to You as your children, help us to see all that will draw us closer to You. Let none of your words escape our hearing and may we obey all you have commanded us to do. Help us to be your people, and may You continually be our God. Amen

FROM THE LORD

Colossians 3:24 (NKJV) 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.
    In this nation it is so easy to enjoy many things, baseball, hunting, hiking, biking, shopping even eating is an easy venture. Looking forward to weekends, serves a purpose, it fulfills a desire to accomplish something satisfying, however these things mask what God our Creator has called us to.
   Hear Jesus say, "I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work," John 9:4 and to those who are busy he replies,  "... you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and _______ has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away ..." Luke 10:41-42
   Our focus is the clue to the desires of the heart, what are you longing for, what makes your day better, what choices have you motivated, to accomplish the task at hand? If it is the works of God that have you excited, then know, "that from the Lord you will receive the reward." If it is the things of this world that have your heart, you are not serving God.
Heavenly Father, blessing are in your hands to give as You please, bless us Lord according to our diligence for You. Let everything that is not of You be put away, that we might be found living obedient lives in this world. May all You want to accomplish in us be fulfilled. Amen

THE HARVEST IS PAST

Jeremiah 8:20 (NKJV) 20 "The harvest is past, The summer is ended, And we are not saved!"
  Many tears are shed, for those we love, and there is no lack of want for them to have better, than has been received. The prophet Jeremiah wept over the sins of Israel, and the judgment that God showed him would come. The people chose sin over service and self over a relationship with the God of creation. Turning away from the Truth and seeking pleasures over righteous living, God gave them the desires of their hearts, however they received lean souls. Ps 106:15
   The mother of the thief, desires the same mercy for her child as the mother of the child, sick and dying of a terrible disease. Mercy is available for both, and God does what is best, however we often misunderstand what He is doing.
   The cry of anguish is heard by our Father and His ear is turned to the broken hearted, but the heart that is unrepentant and stubborn will not receive mercy. God is looking at His creation waiting for that last soul to make the choice, choose God and live, reject Him and eternal separation. For many, "The harvest is past, The summer is ended, And we are not saved," for the few, Psalm 40:1 (NKJV) ... I waited patiently for the LORD; And He inclined to me, And heard my cry.
   What will you do?
Heavenly Father look on us with favor and know we are but dust, show us your ways that we may follow You and be saved. Give us eyes today to see You and trust your way, let nothing hinder us from acknowledging You are our God. Let us look up when we realize there is no other way, and give Glory to You. Amen

HIS CROSS

Colossians 1:20 (NKJV) ... having made peace through the blood of His cross.
   We find ourselves uncomfortable when there is strife or turmoil around us, when the environment we live in is upset, there is a desire for peace. While flying to California one year, two young ladies were paying a lot of attention to our middle son Charlie. The conversation was about many things and finally Charlie age 3 blurted out, "this is so frustrating," his statement sent the ladies in to hysterics. They would occasionally turn around in their seat, look at Charlie and burst into laughter again.
   The Word of God (Jesus) came to make peace with man through the only means, blood and that blood had to be that of God. God was not reconciled to man until, the time was right for redemption, then Jesus came lived a life of righteousness, embraced all our sins and died on a cruel cross. He alone took my sins and yours to the grave, there He left them and walked out, setting us free to live righteous with God once again. However, we must now choose to live for God through Jesus, He has already chosen us. John 15:16
    What will you do with The Creators gift of life, you must choose, His peace?
Heavenly Father your love is most amazing, it gives life that we do not deserve, it brings peace where there is none. In You we will live eternally if we choose You alone. Blessed be the name of the Lord. Amen

THESE THINGS

Romans 8:31 (NKJV) 31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
   Security is sought after by everyone, the estrogen side of our lives wants to know there is nothing financially to worry about, the testosterone side wants a place to unwind. The male and female both desire security, however it is entirely different how we process what is necessary for the safety of the family.
  When God made man, the responsibility of work and providing was handed to him, (Gen. 2:15) in the making of the woman her assigned responsibility was to come along side and be the help, man is lacking. (Gen. 2:23) Equal in every sense in qualification for eternal life, separate in function.
   Man is told to love his wife, (Eph. 5:25) the woman is told to respect her husband, (Eph. 5:22) God was not surprised by the different natures of the man and woman, He designed us that way. God loves us and has made a way for us to spend eternity with Him, that really is all the security we need, nothing else matters. "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" 
   Have you trusted God for your eternal security, please do that today?
Heavenly Father You love with a Love that is beyond our finite understanding, help us to accept that Love and seek your ways. You have given us the desire to want You, help us to focus on just that. LORD You said, we are to seek, search and knock, may we never forget our hunger for life is really a desire for YOU. Amen

THE GOAL

Philippians 3:14 (NKJV)  I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
   There is much to laugh about in this world, it is obvious our Creator has a sense of humor, He made us. Strange in deed, we live as if there is no God, we act as if there is no accounting, we run to nothing, and then we experience our last breath.
   Men row a long thin boat (sculling), at the sound of a cadence (coxswain), to a goal that has an imaginary line on the water, this then is called sport. Men put in play an oblong ball (pig skin), push each other for possession of the ball and finally kick it through an imaginary line on the ground and again call it a sport. However, there is a reward for those who participate in these sports and it has earthly value.
   Jesus says in Luke 11:9 (NKJV) "... ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you," this is referred to as religion, it has eternal value. Both are activities, yet only one deals with eternal life. One may bring worldly recognition, while the other brings an endless existence in the presence of our Maker. With the one, there is exertion and physical strength, which eventually goes away, with the other there is exertion, a peace that passes understanding, and a spiritual staying power, that will never cease.
   Wow, what a choice, live a short time take nothing with you, forever separated from God, or seek, search, knock for Jesus and receive Eternal Life. I think I will, "Press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus!"
Heavenly Father we have been created for your pleasure, to serve You. We are just so much dust, help us to wisely choose and trust You with everything in our short lives, that we may be eternally with You. Let us spend ourselves in seeking You and forget earthly pleasures that eventually cease. May we reach out to the only source of Life, Jesus? Amen
 

LOOK UP

Luke 21:28 (NKJV) ... look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near. 
   We look with anticipation to so many things, 15 years ago a little girl came into our lives, with one hand she grabbed the doctors hand and with the other she grabbed the scissors, and thats when it all started, she has made her presence known to all who care to know her. Everyday since has been filled with new challenges and joyful anticipation of what the day brings.
   The disciples listened with anticipation as Jesus told of the day when all things past, present and future would change forever. What in your life has changed you forever, one event will and you will forever be thankful? The day you trust the Creator with everything in your life, on that day nothing will ever be the same.
   Have you given to Jesus every fiber of you're being, have you trusted the only One, who can make you what you will never be without Him? He says, "I am the way the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father, except through Me!" Believe that, make that your next breath and you too will look up.
Heavenly Father may all we do bless You, may every breath bring joy to You. Let us always think on You and what You want to do through us. Help us to look up when everything around says no, help us to see You when the circumstances are dark, let all our fears be put away that You may have first place in our lives. Amen
   

BEING CONFIDENT

Philippians 1:6 (KJV) 6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
  Some times we feel let down by others, we had expectations and found those hopes crushed, broken, and splintered. The fact that we allow others to control our emotions, reminds us we are just human and long for relationships. However, God has a much bigger plan than trusting mere human kindness, He wants you and I to experience Him and to personally recognize, He alone will satisfy and not disappoint.
  This letter may have been written from a prison cell in Rome, can we imagine writing an encouraging note to those who are free and without fear of death. Reminding them that it is God who will keep us and He, who will work in and through us until, the day of our emancipation.
   That day, is the day all of Gods children will be set free from the bondage of sin and this life of disappointments. We are encouraged to look up to a God who cares, who will not let us down, to One who will share His eternal Glory with those who love Him. Do you love Jesus, He loves you and will keep you until the day!
Heavenly Father, we know You never let us down, we can always look to You for comfort and love. May we listen to You and not the voice of confusion, may we trust You and never the deceit of enemy? Let our every thought be to trust You, to focus on You and never be side tracked by the promises of others. Amen

CANNOT SAVE

Isaiah 59:1 (NKJV) 1 Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, That it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy, That it cannot hear.
   When talking to people do you ever notice they are some times distracted or seem not to be paying attention? We know this is true of us, and we often associate that posture with our Creator, however it is not true with God, He is always watching, He is ever listening, He will always reach out if, sin has not become our friend.
    Hear Psalm 1:6 (NKJV), "For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the ungodly shall perish," He knows who we are from the inside out, there is no indifference with God. Have you been waiting on God to answer, examine yourself, the answer is only a confession away? Do you feel alone, look no further than you attention span, God is watching and waiting on you? Are your prayers cold and without substance, fall on your face before Him and repent of your uncaring attitude, He sees our attention span? "The Lords hand is not shortened, that He cannot save!"
Heavenly Father we look to You, there is no other name given under heaven, we trust in You there is no other way, we live and breath because of You there is no other life. Help us to examine ourselves and see that is the problem with our prayers. Remind of our desperate need of You in everything. Amen

UNDERSTAND

Ephesians 5:17 (NKJV) 17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
   Choices are made by how we interpret our emotions at the moment. Example, buying groceries, more are purchased when you are hungry, a specific item is purchased when you have a craving, crises purchases are usually a waste of money. What will regulate our impulse reactions, I am so glad you asked?
   We use the same choice criteria when worshiping God, that should not be the case, but it is. From our first days we are trained to respond to our senses, those same senses God says betray us. Read Proverbs 3:5-6 (Trust). The obvious conclusion is to be wise about our selves, we are opportunists seeking to satisfy selfish cravings.
    God will not be understood by impulse behavior, He must be reckoned with by the deliberate action of putting me away and putting Him first. To trust Jesus, I must first deny me, I must then confess my sin, repent (turn away from my sin) and allow Him to have the first and only, place in my life. "Understand what the will of the Lord is!"
Heavenly Father may our love for You expose who we are to us. Let us carefully examine our motives and trust You with every thing. May all we do, be with a view of You, and may nothing interfere with what You want to do in us.

 
 

TEMPLE OF GOD

1 Corinthians 3:16 (NKJV) Do you not know that you are the temple of God and [that] the Spirit of God dwells in you?

   We tend to show more respect for the place we worship than the place God wants us to worship. What do I mean, I am so glad you asked?

   Jesus has made very clear, He sees our heart, He is looking on the inside of His creation and He knows just where we are spiritually. The Holy Spirit of God wants dwell in the heart, however He will no go where He is not wanted or prepared to dwell. 

   Our sins keep God out, that is why we must confess our sins to Him, and when we do, “He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness!”

    Can God worship in your heart, is the temple of God clean so that He may freely use you wherever you are, He will if you have been made clean by the Blood of the Lamb, (Jesus).

Heavenly Father help us to daily clean your temple, to daily sweep out the things that hinder us from worshiping You. Let our every thought remind us to keep Holy the place You wish to dwell. Amen

RIGHTEOUSNESS AND HOLINESS

Ephesians 4:24 (NKJV) 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
    Once by the side of a dying man he asked, "Is there hope for me, I am about to die and my life has been no good?" I asked if he would listen carefully to Gods message of salvation, "Yes," he answered and set his eyes on me. I explained, God is interested in strange people, weak, sneaky, lost and weary, He wants us to know Him. "How can we do that," he asked,"Isn't God perfect, how can He be interested in me?" Quoting Romans 6:23 (NKJV) 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord, hearing those words of truth, he asked, "Why would God give me a gift that I don't deserve?" I then shared John 3:16 (NKJV) 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life, he began to weep and asked, "That, is even for me?"
    This man on his death bed in hospice asked Jesus to come into his life, as he finished he smiled and said, "I have never felt such relief and joy at the same time, is this what being saved is like?" My friends you too can experience Gods forgiveness, but you must have the passion of a dying man for Christ. Then and only then will you know the new man, in true righteousness and holiness.
Heavenly Father may our hearts trust you completely, may we seek You now before it is too late. Let our searching find understanding in You and may those around us see You in our lives. Amen

WHO IS ABLE

Ephesians 4:13 (NKJV) Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think ...
   When our children were smaller they loved surprise, in the form of gotchas. They would wait quietly until they thought we were not paying attention and jump out saying gotcha. Surprise is fun for many, it brings near heart attacks for others, what is the difference, I am so glad you asked?
    Innocence is the difference between surprise and shock, for one not knowing and just accepting brings much comfort and security, for the other knowledge brings responsibility and often fear is cloaked and waiting for the gotcha.
    Someone in a difficult situation recently asked how do we handle this, I encouraged a season of prayer trusting our Creator with all the circumstances. The excitement after God wonderfully intervened was delightful, the one crying out to God was totally surprised He would hear their prayers and answer.
   Learn to accept God like a Father, tender, trusting, knowing, strong and compassionate, you will soon discover He hears and cares for you. Go to Him, tell Him your cares, He listens because you are His child, made a child of the King by the Blood of the Lamb. 
   Know that He wants to do for you, "Exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, what an amazing God!" Oh, there is no Gotcha in God's plan for you.
Heavenly Father You love us more than we know how to love ourselves, help us to trust You in everything not some things. May we seek You early that we may be ready to trust every circumstance as from your hand? May all our thoughts turn to Him who loves and keeps us daily. Amen

BROUGHT NEAR

Ephesians 2:13 (NKJV) But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
   Comfort is a sense of ease when physically and emotionally we are not pressed and have grown accustomed to our surroundings. Remember the first time you were asked to do something that required the careful scrutiny of others, the anxiety, nerves, tension that erupted like a volcano, it soon passed with the action or completion of the task. For many these emotions still come charging in to wreck our comfort zone and the moment becomes a terror zone, wrecked by the thought of facing a new challenge.
   If the word relax would help many would take comfort in it, however the only real help comes from God who knows our weaknesses and will stand in the gap for us. How, He alone has paid the price for our  redemption, it is Him alone we find real peace and it is through God these difficulties we face are made clearly for our benefit. He wants to bring us near and He wants to show us how to get through, it is in Jesus and through His blood that we find rest. Won't you trust Him completely today, you will no longer be far but near to His mercy, and He will bring you through.
Heavenly Father help we need your presence to show the way, help for we are too weak to get through the difficulties ahead. Help Lord our frames are dust and they cannot support these attacks of the enemy. May all our thoughts trust You, Oh God, and may all the things that distract us be removed that You get first place in our lives. Amen

THEY MAY FORGET

Isaiah 49:15 (NKJV) ... Surely they may forget, Yet I will not forget you. 
    Our days are few, we mature in this life, only to find our lives have flown by. Childhood days are filled with the wonders of growing up, our teen years prove we know so much, adulthood brings such challenges we want to be children again, then it dawns on us there is no going back. Is all this for no logical reason, our Creator has a plan and for many it is never realized.
   Jesus speaks to a prophet named Isaiah, and reminds him God our maker never forgets, we may grow old and our memories fail, but God will not forget. What is it God will not forget, His promise is to reward us according to our living on this earth, how we live is the key to how we receive eternity?
   Trusting Jesus and living entirely for Him, is the only answer on this earth. He must posses what He purchased, with His own blood, and He will have first place in every life that belongs to Him. Therefore we must ask ourselves, do I live for Him, is this the way He wants me to walk, do I have the ear of the One who died for me? 2 Corinthians 13:55 We may forget, God will not!
Heavenly Father You love us with a love that we don't understand, help us to learn this love and apply it to our lives. Let us love those around us with your love and may all we do please You. Amen

THOSE WHO DO

Psalm 111:10 (NKJV) ... A good understanding have all those who do His commandments ...
    I have heard a saying, "You catch more flies with honey, than with vinegar," may be you have heard it too? This is an odd statement, referring to the attitude of a person toward another. A proverb is the careful wording, of advice or thought provoking idea, to encourage or warn.
    The Word of God was never intended to be a thought provoker or a source of advise for the ages, it is the Presence, Power and Truth of God, it gives life and clearly instructs the believer in righteous living. The word of God provides not some ideas about what is good in life, it is the Source of life John 1:1-4.
Hear our Lord Jesus say, “It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4
    Your life, my life and the lives of every living human depends entirely on the Word of God, we cannot exist without His Word. Knowing these things how then should we live? "A good understanding have all those who do!"
Heavenly Father, everything that exists is from You, help us to remember that You alone are the source of life. May all we do please You, may our lives bless You, may our every breath be for you. Let today be the first day of a renewed relationship with You through your Son Jesus. Amen

THE FRUIT

Galatians 5:22 (NKJV) 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, ...
   Life is riddled with analogies and comparisons, we often think in terms of, it is like this or compared to that. God brings clarity to the conversation and exposes our bent toward just getting by, He uncovers the desire to be status quo, or to say, "I am ok." The Creator didn't almost make a bird, it flies, He didn't almost make the mountains rise they tower above us, the lion doesn't almost roar he sends chills done the spine.
   Why then do we struggle so with the direct connect button, to God (Jesus), many will read a book on phycology to help understand why we function the way we do, go to a doctor for physical well being, consult the stars for some cosmic revelation, even invent a false god to worship, for comfort?
    Is the truth, what we are searching for, or just another comparison, in Galatians 5:19-21 living that will condemn men is given for evidence, in verses 22-24 how to know you belong to God is revealed, with closure?
    Now we may honestly compare, do I belong to God or not? Yes, you do, however the evidence is clear, if you live one way you will not enter heaven, if you live His way, eternity is sure!
Heavenly Father let the truth find its way into our hearts, may we consider your truth above all else. Help us to seek You with all our hearts, may we search with a passion, let us knock with desire to know You and You alone. Amen

NO LONGER I

Galatians 2:20 (NKJV) 20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, ...
   We are passionate about the thing that most occupies our thoughts, it may be physical, material or spiritual, that thing whatever it may be is really the god in our life. There is a rule of thumb to determine what we have put first in our life. What is the first thing you do when you are stressed, coffee, cigarets, alcohol, blame circumstances or others? You see the thing that controls you in crises is the thing you are passionate about.
    God should be the center of our thoughts in every circumstance, however we easily see by simple examination what controls us. Paul writes of his eternal passion and it is no longer Paul but Christ, he clearly acknowledges "It is no longer I who lives, but Christ lives in me." When Jesus is the center of our lives then it will be for Him that we live, nothing will keep us side tracked, we will always find ourselves coming back to Him.
   Now what do you long for, is it a closer walk with our Savior or have other things become your passion? Can you say, "I have been crucified with Christ?"
Heavenly Father in You alone there is life ever lasting, we have no other. Help us today to find our passion in You, let every other thing that distracts us from You be erased. May we take a deep breath today and remind ourselves we have been bought with a price we could not afford? Let us begin to make You our passion. Amen

I MAKE MYSELF

Galatians 2:18 (NKJV) 18 For if I build again those things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. 
   Many have gone through the challenge of life crisis, struggled to keep from drowning in debt or starvation, fought with vices, like alcohol, drugs and sex. Few however have struggled with eternal life crisis, because of blindness, and the deafening silence of truth to the masses. What is the cause I am glad you asked?
   The Word of God has not changed, neither has the ability of that same Word to transform lives diminished. The powerful Truth of salvation for the one who will trust Jesus with their whole being is often ignored for the "Have it your way," crowd. We are a world fixed on selfishness, self centeredness and self loathing all at the same time.
   Sounds confusing, however the plan of God for every human being is to know Him personally, through the only measure available from Heaven and that is Jesus. God has made a way for you and I to walk and talk with Him as Adam and Eve did in the beginning of creation. He challenges us to turn from this present evil world and trust the One who is "The Way, the Truth and the Life." So simple, yet so fulfilling, accept Gods Way (Jesus), acknowledge Gods Truth (Jesus), invite His Life into yours and you are free to live His way, no longer bound to things that destroy so many lives forever.
Heavenly Father we trust You with All of our lives, let every part of us be used to bless You. May the next person we see, observe You in us? May we never look back to those things that bound us and let all the past be forgotten? Amen

IT IS MOST HOLY

Exodus 30:1-10 (NKJV) ... where I will meet with you... It is most holy to the LORD.
   Is the church a Holy place for you, it once held in the believers heart a mystery of Godliness and Holiness that struck fear in all people? It was the place where sin was exposed, confessed, repented of and sinners walked out clean. To a few the wonder of a relationship with our Creator is still the blessing to seek and die for, to most the church has become a shell of traditional stick in the muds, where losers go to complain. What has happened, I am so glad you asked?
   The church is still the tool God uses for teaching, worship and fellowship of believers, however for most it has become an altar of entertainment. Paul warned in the last days, men would be lovers of pleasure and not lovers of God, 2 Timothy 3:4 church goers would have itching ears for new things rather than the Presence of God. 2 Timothy 4:3
   The picture of the church is laid out in the Old Testament, in the tabernacle, a small altar is placed next to the Holy of Holies, on this altar incense is offered morning and evening every day, by the priest, for the people. A symbol of the prayers offered by Jesus for us, that we might seek Him and as a result receive eternal life.
   The church is a mess today in some places because it has ceased to offer the incense of prayer daily to our Heavenly Father. The picture of the smoke of incense rising heavenward, should be the same of our prayers rising by all the saints of God. Today would you begin in your life the attitude of prayer to God, would you offer it continually as God prescribed, and would you begin in this prayer time to pray for others that they might again reverence the House of God? "It is most Holy to the Lord!"
Heavenly Father help us to pray as we know we should, give us a heart for the lost and for the church that has lost its way. Let our hearts be burdened with the souls of those who will not repent. Father please restore the reverence once seen in the church, that others might again be drawn to You. Amen

IT IS NOT GOOD TO EAT

Proverbs 25:27 (NKJV) 27 It is not good to eat much honey; So to seek one's own glory is not glory.
   Indulging is a choice, it often complicates lives and seldom has a real reward. For example over eating is actually exceeding the feed limit, and getting what we want is satisfying the herd urge. Like many other desires in our lives restraint is the best option and waiting usually reveals there are more appropriate choices.
  In todays verse, over indulging in natures pantry will cause upset and nausea, which makes the receiver loathe, what is naturally good for us, when taken in moderation it is palatable and body conscious. However the same extreme is observed by all when someone exalts themselves, the person who indulges in their own self worth makes every one around them nauseous.
  Our Father makes a simple comparison for us, if we watch how and what we eat, we should also watch what and how much we say. We are warned by Jesus in Matthew 6:7 "when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words." Remember, its not how much is said, it is how we say it.
Heavenly Father help us to pray effectively, let our every word come from the heart, may all we do please You. Let us carefully weigh the words on our minds that others benefit and are not hurt, let us check what we say with Your Word. Amen

PERFECT IN WEAKNESS

2 Corinthians 12:9 ..."My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." ...
   Communication is an exchange of information, it is the most common tool we posses for discovering news or details of events. Without this effective medium we have no basis to interact with others, we would certainly not know that we are creatures of a Supernatural Being that loves us and longs to fellowship with us. We could not know His name or know He has a plan for us, that will complete in you and I an Eternal Hope.
   In the exchange of information above Jesus, says to His follower, "I am all you need," translation mine. More clearly, there is nothing more to life than the presence of God in man and the desire of my heart must be Him.
   We often very child like say, "But I," the emphasis on self, and our Lord very clearly told His disciples, "Let the little children come to Me," however the Maker of men is looking at the innocence of men rather than self centered living.
   For you and I God is communicating, "I love you, come to Me," if we will listen to Him and allow Him to be first in every thing, we will find He is all we need. In our weakness He will become our Stength.
Heavenly Father we need You, help us to trust You in every trial and every difficulty. May we see that You are all we need, may we listen carefully to all You say? Let others see You in us, that they too may follow You. Amen