WHATEVER OVERCOMES

2 Peter 2:19 (ESV) ... For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved. 
    Recently a man stated he could not stop the sin in his life, it had a death grip on him and would not let him go. How sad, we are slaves to what we have given control of our lives to. Why, I am so glad you asked?
    Sin is far reaching, it slides into our lives very easily, finds its way into the person, infects both body and spirit, eventually taking control of the very soul of man.
    I saw a documentary recently of a larvae living in a human, laid in the victim by a fly, the creature lived off the host and grew to several inches in length, it required air, so an infected hole in the skin was its home. Like the larvae, sin keeps rising for more room, creating more infection as it consumes us. Disgusting, yes, but the very picture of serving self and its consequences.
    Jesus, says to all, "Whoever commits sin is a slave of sin," John 8:34 (NKJV), we are bound, to what we give first place, in our lives. Like a short chain on a prisoners legs, he must shuffle to walk, so is sin to the one shackled to it. Is there a way out, yes, Jesus also says in, John 8:36 (NKJV) 36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed, I like that don't you? If we will put all our trust in the King of Glory, He alone will set us free.
    Does sin have a grip on you, rejoice, God will set you free, just tell Him you recognize the problem, its sin, ask Him to forgive you. Tell Him you know Jesus died with all your sin, to set you free, and ask Him to come into your life. Want to be free and never enslaved again, trust Jesus.
Heavenly Father, You are the reason we live, You alone can keep us safe, and it is through Your Son that we receive eternal life. Let our desires be for You in all things we do, let us hunger and thirst for righteousness. Amen
  

WILL YOU SPEAK WICKEDLY

Job 13:7 (NKJV) 7 Will you speak wickedly for God, And talk deceitfully for Him?
    I heard some pastors complain recently, that in their country, the word of God is being distorted by those who are looking for personal gain. There is the seeping in of deceit in religion, that seems to be unbridled, it hints at having no bounds, unfolding like a dirty blanket, the smell of it for those who know God is disgusting. What is happening, I am so glad you asked?
   The enemy of God and man is seeking one thing, that is to bring to nothing the work that is already done. Satan wants you and I to think he can destroy the work of God, that cannot and will not happen.
   God has through His Son Jesus, destroyed death, He has taken to the grave the sins of all mankind, and left them there. Leaving sin in its place, Jesus walked out of deaths door and took the keys with Him.
   There is no grave for the one who trusts Jesus with all their heart, no judgment of sin for the person who has looked to the One, called on His Name, and trusted His blood to wash away all their sin. The person who has asked Jesus to forgive them of sinful living, and given to Him every ounce of they're being will find eternal life.
    The enemy of God can do and say as much as he desires, but God is victorious over all sinfulness, and He will not be denied those who are His. Yes, many speak wickedly for God, and yes, many live a deceived life, but, for those who know Him, do not fear, the work is finished, we are just waiting for His return.
Heavenly Father, thank you for the One who gave to all who will look to Him, eternal life. Thank You for giving what we do not deserve, Jesus, the name above every name. Thank You for loving all people, no matter how bad they become, and thank you for making that way easy, costing You so much. Amen

THE WORD

1 John 1:1 (NKJV) 1 …, which we have looked upon, concerning the Word of life…,

     The view around us today is awkward, America has changed, the scene of humanity is scarred by obvious sin that is sinking the ship that was once called freedom. Why, I am so glad you asked?

     There once was a nation of people who loved God and loved people, they were attracted to right moral values and turned their backs on wrong sinful disobedience. The right to worship the way they chose was evident as nearly every household would leave their home on the weekend and go to a place of worship. When called on to protect the innocent the masses would rise and defend, questionable morality was shunned and life was cherished.

    Turn the page to the 21st century and we read, But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 2 Timothy 3:1-5 (NKJV) 

    Look around, do you see the Word of Life, He is here and He is waiting on you, today, right now, ask Him to forgive you of sin and selfish living, tell Him you know He is the Son of God, that he alone has broken sins death grip, and ask Him to enter your life. Look on Him and He will give you all you need concerning the Word of Life?

Heavenly Father we know You are the only way, we know You alone can bring us into the light, help us to seek you with all our hearts, and let Your presence fill us so others might see You. Thank you for loving us and for giving to all who call on Your name eternal life. Amen

IF WE LIVE

Galatians 5:25 (NKJV) 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
   In South America there is an ant the natives call sompopo, it leaves a visual trail to follow, climbing into the tall trees of the area they cut leaves with scissor like jaws carrying large pieces down the trees, across the landscape to its under ground nest. For twenty-five or thirty yards away you can observe the ground moving with columns of leaves. Night and day they work with a mission, an unseen guide keeps them on track, even when disturbed by the invasion of humans or animals, they regroup and continue with the task.
   In Galatians there is an urge by the Spirit of God to continue, in our work undaunted by worldly distractions. A clear list of character qualities is listed, Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV) 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Like the ants they are obvious to others from a distance and are desirable for living in this life.
    However in this same chapter is another list, works of the person that will not enter God's eternal heaven. Vs. 19-21 They are clearly observed as sin and do separate us from God, if these are evident in our lives we cannot enter God's Heaven, He will not allow sin to have any place.
    Be encouraged, if we live by His Spirit, we will walk in the Spirit, that is accomplished by completely trusting Jesus with our whole life. Won't you trust His Spirit, to walk in you today.
Heavenly Father, we are your creation, we have been purchased with the precious blood of your Son. May the breath You have given us be spent in doing your will? Let the Spirit you have sent clearly show us your way, that others may follow. May we bless You Lord with all that You have made us. Amen

YOUR EYES

Proverbs 7:2 (NKJV) 2 Keep my commands and live, And my law as the apple of your eye.
     How tender and delicate the eyes, yet they are designed with such intricate detail, without them we could not comprehend slightly the beauty and extravagance of creation. Why such a sensitive device in these rough exteriors, I am glad you asked.
    The vulture is said to touch the eyes of its intended meal to see if there is life, if there is no response then the dinner is done. The eye gate compares to the senses of touch, taste, feel and smell as one of the six sense used to understand our environment. Without them we are hindered in so many ways, yet God in His design has compared our obedience to the tenderness of the eye.
    God's Law, His commands, will keep the seeker of God as sure as the sun rises daily. However just as the body needs care to live, so the perfect Law of God must be carefully followed to live with Him.
     Honor your father and mother is a command that would seem to need no explanation, yet we consider that others should maintain the care of those who gave us life, that we might continue in our living. How far we fallen from the family unit, and placed the burden of love on others. God's design is that we might recognize our responsibility and care for the aged, someone may be thinking that's not fair, read Matthew 15:1-9 and tell Jesus that.
    The writer of this Proverb admonishes keep the command, keep the law, tenderly live by them and you will live.
Heavenly Father, may the tenderness of your word send roots into our lives, let the truth sink deep and find fertile ground. May we seek You while there is time and may all the power of Your presence, touch the lives of those around us? Let us be gentle and loving to family, friends, followers of Christ and all men. Amen

ACCEPTABLE

Romans 12:1 (NKJV) ... present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, ...
     In South America the people have been taught, denying yourself, food on a certain day, not going to a specific place and not enjoying some things, this is sacrifice. So much more is meant by this verse, and you too may be confused.
     In the Old Testament God required sacrifice of an animal to remind man of the high price of sin, it became a common practice to just bring anything for sacrifice, when God clearly said, it must be our best. Tradition killed the will in man to do his absolute best for God and he convinced himself, God would accept blemished living. How sad, God the Creator has been reduced to a God bloated by too much attention, He has become unreasonable in asking for the best I have when it is me that has worked hard for what I have accumulated.
    A downward spiral of sinful living and denying God His place, has brought man to these silly beliefs. God promised if we would give our best He would bless our living, instead we have robbed God and ourselves of heavenly blessings that will last for eternity. Matthew 6:19-20
    Do you really want the best, then offer yourself to God as a living sacrifice, willingly right now say to God, I know my life is centered on me, that is sin, ask Him to forgive you. Tell Him you know, His Son came to be The Sacrifice, for your sins, and ask Him to enter your life and set you free from self serving. Let God know you are willing to die to your self in order to get His blessings, He will set you free, to become a living sacrifice for Him.
Heavenly Father, let me forget about my desires and seek only Yours, may all might best intentions be put away the I might do your will. Let me be that sacrifice You deserve for Your Glory. Amen

DON'T BE JUDGED

Matthew 7:1 (NKJV) 1 Judge not, that you be not judged.
   The observation of the lives of others often evokes a quotation of this verse, it's interesting how the scripture is twisted to suit our life style. What is the problem I am glad you asked?
    See someone living a life of destruction and you observe their eminent fall, speak to that person about the impending doom and you are sure to hear doesn't the bible say, "Don't judge?" It does and more clearly Jesus says, "Do not judge," read a little further and find, take care that you see your own failures first before you approach the slight stumble of another.
   When we first examine ourselves to see if these things are true in our own lives, a pattern emerges the obvious sins in the lives of others is often the same in our own life. Why are we so tuned to the fault in another, it is because the Spirit of God is revealing the short comings in our life and He is looking for us to respond?
   Many reply no, that is not true in me, maybe not but if your are honest with God and yourself, you may uncover a mountain of sin you did not recognize. Sure there is sin in others but, our Lord reminds us the more important exposure should come in us, and then if God reveals the issues in others it will be because we have tackled the problem in our own life and we can offer help to one because of experience.
   We can make a judgment, however it must be clear we have resolved the issue in our own lives and are practicing clean living. Be careful, if you judge another and there are problems in your life, you have not dealt with, Jesus says, "You will be judged!"
Heavenly Father, help us to see clearly in our own lives, the faults you are revealing in the lives of others that we may deal with the sin in our own house first. May all you want to do through us not be hinder by us. Bless I pray the lives of those we come in contact with, that You may get all the Glory and Honor. Amen
  

HAVING MADE PEACE

Colossians 1:20 (NKJV) ... having made peace through the blood of His cross.
    Peace is hard to find, it seems to scurry away as soon as it is discovered, its design is such that it is always available, yet it comes only to those who understand it. How do we capture peace, I am so glad you asked?
    The world fell into sin by the choices of our fore fathers, Adam and Eve put self above service to God and fell into a spiral of sin. Death did come knocking as God said and the evidence of sins stains are everywhere we look.
    God told the descendants of Adam, the only way to restore peace on the earth was through blood, He said, "Life is in the blood." The Israelites were given the responsibility to maintain blood sacrifice to remind us that only blood would pay the price of sin. However, tradition along with self serving caused the spiral of sin to continue.
     Jesus intersects the time line of man prepared to offer himself for the desperate need of peace on earth, and man rejects this Son of God for the sake of his own desires. Still Jesus offers, healing, life, hope and an eternal plan for peace to all those who will come, hear Him in Matthew 7:7 (NKJV) 7 "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. He promises to the one who comes seeking He will respond, we only have to come to Him. That is a small price to pay for real lasting peace, we did nothing to deserve this gift, yet He made peace through the blood of His cross!
Heavenly Father, thank You for the precious gift of Your Son, who set everything right for anyone who will come. Thank You for not giving up on us and for loving us still, and thank you for the gift of eternity that no one deserves. May I bless You in all I do? Amen

I ATE THEM

Jeremiah 15:16 (NKJV) 16 Your words were found, and I ate them, And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; For I am called by Your name, O LORD God of hosts.
   On the plane a child laughed and the emotion was contagious, it was caught by many around me and they laughed as well. What makes joy so infecting, I am so glad you asked?
    We find pleasure in many things but real joy comes only from a heart that is in dwelt by God. We do hunger for real things emotionally, when you have tasted artificial it repels us, unless we have forced ourselves to accept it. That may be the reason so many cannot receive God into their live, we have grown accustomed to false pleasures and artificial relationships.
    Jesus say He is the way, do you believe that, then show him your heart and He will enter you with a joy you have never experienced. Confess you sins of independence and self serving, acknowledge Jesus is the only way to eternity, and ask Him to enter your life that He may use you for His joy. Find His Words and eat them for yourself and experience real joy.
Heavenly Father my we enjoy your word the same way Jeremiah did let us eat and be satisfied with who You are and what you want us to be. Amen

THEN THE EYES

Genesis 3:7 (NKJV) 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened,...
     Sin has to have its company, Adam and Eve enjoyed the presence of God until they chose to listen and partake of sin. All sin needs is a platform and it takes on a life of its own, the realization of aloneness takes place and soon we find ourselves hiding and making excuses to God. Why, I am so Glad you asked?
     What is it about sin that is so appealing, why does it maintain, so much influence in our thinking process, where do we find relief from this cancer in our spiritual growth?
     The truth is always mixed with the lie, truth must first be diluted, then it can be mistrusted and finally it will be ignored, as we partake willingly of its deception. The enemy first applies God to the equation, we relax, he secondly redirects attention to us, we listen, thirdly, enter the distortion and we embrace what God has said will destroy us.
    As children we are warned don't there are consequences, we discover quickly the don't is right and wish we had never considered the doing. God says, in Genesis 2:16-17, "Do not" and we find just one chapter later man is living like a kid in an unsupervised candy store. The story is detailed enough to inform anyone that there is a price (death) for disobedience.
    Don't be fooled sins consequences are instant, we are immediately isolated from the influence of God's love and protection, the joy of walking alongside God is wrecked by sin. He will not allow sin in His presence, there must be judgment on the sin and the sinner.
    However, He has made a Way, Jesus, His Son has embraced all sin and taken it to the grave, He left it where it came from and returned to show you and I that we have been purchased with the price of blood. Trust this truth, and you will be set free, from sins strangle hold, immediately, instantly, without delay, He will enter your life and show you how to live His life.
Heavenly Father, I thank you for loving me, with Your life, and for loving me in Your sacrifice, that I might be forgiven of all my sins. Amen

THE RICH AND THE POOR

Proverbs 22:2 (NKJV) 2 The rich and the poor have this in common, The LORD is the maker of them all.
    While ministering in a foreign country, we discovered the land was once occupied by those who took what they wanted, leaving the country when most of the natural resources were depleted. The poor condition of a large majority of the people was due to invaders, peoples taking advantage.
    We could refer to the entrepreneurs as opportunists, seeking at the cost of others, wealth. The goal of the opportunists is to satisfy self, what ever the cost to life and limb of others.
    While traveling on the interstate in four lanes of traffic, two lanes for exit had come to a halt, and were sitting dangerously in congestion waiting their turn. The light ahead turned green and small gaps began to open between cars moving forward, a small truck from interstate traffic exceeding a safe speed, hit the brakes and swerved across two moving lanes to find its place. All vehicles around had to swerve and avoid a bad situation.
     Opportunist were created by God, they have the same privileges as anyone else, however the high cost of foolish living comes with a price they cannot afford. Jesus spent much time with the poor, not taking advantage, but showing them the only way. John 14:6 I wonder how many today are really trying to show another the right way.
     God has made us all to show us His way, we have a common ground, we are the children of a Creator that loves us. His desire for us is to know Him, however the standard for knowing God is, personally receiving His Son into ourselves. Jesus will not live where sin is the plan for the day, He will only come into the heart that is bent on giving him first place. Is He the sole source of desire in your life, He is the maker of us all!
Heavenly Father, may we never hurt another for our interests, let our desires be to put You first. Will You show us how to live peaceably with all men so others are drawn to You? May we remember that You loved us with an everlasting love, that cost You everything? Amen

MY STRENGTH

Nehemiah 8:10 (NKJV) ... Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength. 
      There is a false joy permeating society, it has been present since the very fall of man, the sense of being free and wreck less is actually bondage to the design of an enemy that desires you fail. How has this happened, I am so glad you asked?
      We have a fleshly desire to throw off restraints of any kind, do not tell me what to do, mind your own business, get out of my way, all remind us of a design to bring moral value into our lives. There is nothing good in us, in Matthew 19:17 Jesus says, "None is good but one, that is God," and in Romans 7:18 we read, "in me nothing good dwells," the conclusion is we need help.
      The manufactured happiness in our lives does not last or comfort, we need real joy, that will come only through our God. Israel has fallen away from God, they are lost in the land of promise following false gods, they have tried everything the land has to offer and God is not in their sins. They are captive to other nations and sinful living deprived of real joy, following leaders that have no direction. (Sounds very familiar.)
       The Word of God is found, read to the people and a great revival follows, brokeness, grieving and repentance is overwhelming the people, the leaders respond to God and the word and recognize it is now a time for rejoicing. The joy of the Lord becomes their strength, this joy can be ours as well, simply trust Him today with all your heart, believe Jesus died for your sins, and ask Him to come into your life. "Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!"
Heavenly Father, let all my joy be in You, may others find You to be all they need. May we trust You in all we do to lead us in and through every difficulty, let us rejoice in You! Amen
      

THEN HE FELL

Job 1:20 (NIV) 20 ... Then he fell to the ground in worship
    Faced with difficult circumstances, we often withdraw and find ourselves depressed, worse we shut down and withdraw from everyone and everything. What can be done, I am so glad you asked?
    The news that a catastrophe has occurred that directly affects us brings to light emotions that must be dealt with. Many years ago my brothers life was taken, the person responsible was tried and found not guilty. My family was devastated when we knew we lost one we loved, but news of injustice was wrecking faith in everything.
    A question surfaced, "Is God in control of everything or not?" Wrestling with this thought, personal emotional pain, and watching the effect of death on others, brought to the light a wonderful truth. Jesus cares for us more than we can comprehend, read Luke 7:11-17 a woman has lost everything in life, including her only son, she is without hope, the Son of God arrives and gives her hope again, spontaneous worship breaks out for God.
    The reason, God's presence brings hope, we are not alone in our grief, He is with us all the way. Job hears devastating news, his entire family is gone with all that he has worked for, a life time of labor lost in a moment, and the bible says. "Then he fell to the ground in worship," when we allow God into our hurt, we let all the pain of the situation go and our Heavenly Father has access to the deep recesses of the heart. Healing begins and we find God is the source, why do we wait when God is the answer to sufferings relief?
    We have not spent enough time with the Healer, right now today, let God have all your struggles, give to Him all your hurt, ask Him to come into your life and use the pain to bring healing. Worship God by giving him first place even in your difficulties, trust Him to right the wrong and know He loves you.
Heavenly Father, there are so many hurts in others today, help, we need You, we need Your presence, let us see You where You are in our lives. May our prayers be worship of You, no matter the hurt let us look to You, and give thanks even in the pain? Thank you for your love to me and let my very breath be for You. Amen

FOR HE HIMSELF

John 6:6 (NKJV) 6 ..., for He Himself knew what He would do. 
     Jesus is in the habit of exposing us to ourselves, we have many character flaws that we must get at, to deal with the sin in our lives. How, I am so glad you asked?
    In this historical account of Jesus and His disciples we see and hear Him, teaching a difficult lesson about how we think. First the obvious sense we trust is, what we see, faced with five thousand hungry men and that does not include the family members in this story, the disciples are asked "how will we meet the need?" One reasonably says, 200 days worth of wages will not give even a small amount, another affected by this obvious truth, chimes in with five loaves and two fish couldn't possibly make a dent. One negative thought is contagious and infects the others. How can this be done, this question is too hard to accomplish with so little.
    However, Jesus reminds us little is much with the God of creation, and after blessing the resources avaiable, everyone is fed in abundance. Why did the disciples not know this, it is because we have trained ourselves to look at the obvious and not the supernatural. Trust God right now to rule your life without thinking by faith say, Jesus You are the only way of salvation, will You forgive me of doubt, fear, self serving and come into my life, I will trust You with everything. He will, because "He himself knows what to do!"
Heavenly Father thank you for loving me, knowing I am full of self serving and thank you for caring enough that You would lay down your life, giving your own blood for my sins. Thank you for make a way for me to enter into your eternity and live with You. Amen

GOD AND MEN

Acts 24:16 (NKJV) 16 ... always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.
    Character is a double edged sword, it either gives credit to who we are both external and internally, or it destroys the integrity of the person we were meant to be. Who is in charge of my character, I am so glad you asked?
    The person we are is expressed in the character that everyone sees and experiences. What others think about us and draw conclusions of, is based on who or what they see in us. Are you hot headed, that is expressed in your countenance, are you greedy, that is seen in daly living, are you gentle, that is observed as well. The person we are is seen, and it is not too difficult to determine by casual observation what the desire of our heart is.
    When we are in difficulties, the character inside reveals itself, the struggles within come to the surface, and almost everyone is aware something is not right. Jesus says, what is in the heart comes out, Mark 7:20, the  person we are will come to the surface and others will see.
     To maintain a right relationship with our Heavenly Father we must first have a relationship, we must be connected to the source of healing and forgiveness. We must then maintain that relationship through daily communion with our Lord that all the hidden things of the heart may be revealed. When we allow God to check who we are, then what we are becomes like Him, 1 John 2:6, our walk is like His walk, our talk is like His talk. Are you striving for a conscience without offense, then you are seeking God's will.
Heavenly Father, help me to be like You, I want my life to be lost in Yours that others may see You. May all I say be first drawn through You, that no contamination be found in me. Let all I do be as You direct, for Your Glory and Your Honor. Amen

HE ANSWERED OUR PRAYER

Ezra 8:23 (NKJV) 23 So we fasted and entreated our God for this, and He answered our prayer. 
    Everyone wants to do the right thing, for somethings in their life, there is the desire to accomplish things the way they were intended. What is right and what is wrong, is a curious thinking process, so what is the answer, I am so glad you asked?
    Years ago I met a young man who was responsible for writing instructions, for the assembly of popular toys made in America. His job was to make as easily and clearly as possible the task of assembly. We laughed about the parts list and always having something left over, then he said, "If it wasn't for the alcohol and drugs, I couldn't do the job." What?
    A short time later, I asked Christ to come into my life and everything took on new meaning for me and my family. God became the center of our lives and we soon learned Jesus has the answer for all my questions about right and wrong living and the choices we are to make. He gave the instruction booklet that  has all the tools needed, the proper place for each piece, the correct attitude for applications and how to avoid the wrong choices. God gave instructions that work, and never have parts left over.
   Ezra says, "We fasted, prayed, and God answered," that is exactly how it works. Trust the instructions of the word of God and you will find He will answer your prayers as well. Let Christ have first place in your life and He will fill you with all you need, to accomplish the living of this life.
    Simply confess you have been writing your own instructions under the wrong influence of your ideas, ask Him to forgive you and give you the instructions that will complete your life. Read Romans 10:8-11 and trust God with all your heart, He will answer your prayers too!
Heavenly Father, let me seek you early, that the instructions might be fresh on my mind all day, may the plans you have given me make it clear for others to find You as well. Amen

ALL MY SPRINGS

Psalm 87:7 (NKJV) 7 Both the singers and the players on instruments say, "All my springs are in you."
     There is a joy that most people will not receive, it is the song of a soul that is experiencing God. How, I am so glad you asked?
     The talents of every person are registered with God, He knows exactly what we are capable of, and looks to see if we are willing to be used to our full potential. The life of man is like a spring of flowing water to our Creator, He can make us more than we have ever been or will be. God wants to fellowship with you, in so doing, the very presence of God is seen by others, it is a joy that cannot be contained in these frail houses. Revelation 3:20 (NKJV) 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.
     The One who created us has a plan to let us experience Him, everything we are we owe to Him, would you let God have access to your life today? He will change you from the inside out, if you will ask His son to come into your life, and all your springs will be in HIM!
     Heavenly Father, we are Your creation made to honor You, let every breath be for Your Glory, and may we hinder no one from finding their place in You. Remind us Lord that all our springs are in You and nothing can happen to us that doesn't first come through You. Amen

I HAVE LOVED YOU

Malachi 1:2 (NKJV) "I have loved you," says the LORD. "Yet you say, 'In what way have You loved us? ...
    Man left to himself is on a course of self destruction, oblivious to the moral compass God has placed within, he blunders from one catastrophe to another, taking credit for minor gains and blaming God for major setbacks. What is causing all the trouble, I am so glad you asked?
    Look to Genesis, we read God created, no one cried out "create me," but God does, knowing the responsibility. Through out the account of this book, we read not one time of the word love being spoken by God to man, yet we hear God speaking to man in every line I want you to succeed. He identifies the aspect of love within the hearts of the books characters, and love is understood to live in the lives of these same people.
     Right in the middle of a mighty deliverance by God for Israel, we read in Exodus 15:13 "You have redeemed with Your faithful love," wow, a nation understands, some 2 million people recognize God's love for them and He has never uttered that word to them and had it recorded. What do you think love meant to them, caring, compassion, sharing, giving, providing, protection, are these possible in so ancient a text? I think so, and even more, they acknowledged God not only provided all things, but He heard their cries for help and they experienced His love.
     Conclusion, He does love us and we have only uncovered one small aspect of that love, He loves us so much He wants us to be with Him in a perfect eternal relationship, that He will provide for, any one who will seek Him through His Son. We are loved, by God the Creator, the Savior, the Redeemer, the One who gave His blood, that we might have eternal life. I am experiencing much love from God right now, are you?
Heavenly Father, thank You for the love you have given in abundance to us, it is being poured out like a mighty river and we are the intended recipients. Thank You that You care so much You would even die for me that I might live with You. May my life be a living sacrifice for You? Amen

FULFILL THE WORD OF THE LORD

2 Chronicles 36:21 (KJV) To fulfill the word of the LORD ... as long as she lay desolate she kept sabbath, to fulfill threescore and ten years.  
    History repeating itself is not new to our ears, we have heard, read, and archeology verifies man lives in a cycle of repeats and very seldom really learns. What can we do,  I am so glad you asked?
    God has said form the very beginning, come under My Authority and I will bless you, man desires only his own counsel, and we find ourselves living in sin wondering why? He is like a fortress from the enemy of corruption, our Lord plans to hedge us around so that nothing will break through. However, man stands alone in his decisions and can do as he pleases, with consequences.
    When we refuse to follow God's perfect will for our lives, we will fall to the dictates of the world, He says, "Come out from among them and be separate," in my words, do not associate yourselves with the things that take our attention away from God. Why? Our Creator wants an intimate relationship with us He will not allow immorality into that relationship, like marriage it must be kept pure, and above the temptations of this world.
    If we will not follow God's plan, He will allow us to fall to our own desires and then will come the need to cry out to Him for deliverance, affliction will win out over self centeredness, and man will call to his creator. Do that now, let God have first place in your life and maybe just maybe it won't take 70 years to see it His Way!
Heavenly Father, we are needy, and in need of Your counsel, help us to seek You with all our hearts, let us meditate on Your Word that we might not fall to this world of sin. Let us breath in Your Truth and exhale your Love to those around us. Amen

I WILL HEAR

2 Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV) ... I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
    In 2 Chronicles chapter 30, the Nation of Israel is called to gather at Jerusalem to keep the Passover, immoral living had filled the land, everyone worshipped at the altar of their preferred god, the land was sin sick and abandoned by the God of creation.
   The summons came by letter and runners, in vs. 10 the writer says, "They laughed and mocked." That did not hinder the king, he followed through and the nation came together and repented. The people saw God at work and the sinful living ceased, the land was cleansed and healed as all who came into God's presence were convicted of immoral living and confessed.
   All the land was affected and the people did not return to their homes until every sinful practice was abolished. Where poverty and sin were common, the people brought what they had, so much, the House of God overflowed with the abundance. The economy of God was restored and everyone was blessed. The nation was restored because they obeyed God, and God blessed.
    We need a revival today, we have repeated the past failures of other nations, personal revival and national is paramount, if there is no revival, there will be no nation Under God. What should we do, repent and return to God, ask the Lord to deliver us from sin, personal and national? Confess to God we have abandoned Him and ask His forgiveness, pray that God "will hear from heaven and forgive our sin and heal our land."
Heavenly Father, we need You to intervene, we have lost our way, help us to see the need for repentance and confession personally and nationally. Help us to come together as one and seek Your face for the land, today let us pray that Your will is done in our lives. Amen

GETTING TREASURES

Proverbs 21:6 (NKJV) 6 Getting treasures by a lying tongue Is the fleeting fantasy of those who seek death.
     Business, government, and all types of commerce, are in danger of the wrath of God. All conduct is observed, by a God that created all things to be under the authority of His economy. What is wrong, I am glad you asked?
     The Creator of heaven and earth has prepared a day when all who have lived and are living will stand before Him to give an account of their life's accomplishments. He is watching the heart of all people to see if there are any who have been obedient. Luke 18:8 (NKJV) 8 I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth? Jesus asks a sobering question, when He returns will He find anyone who is living in obedience to God?
     Those who are honest in their relationship to God must ask, is my life in line with the standards of Almighty God? Are they? Do I live my life so that no one will stumble into sin when they see how I live, is my life a living example of God's Holy presence, will those whom I associate with and those with whom I practice business, rise up and deny sin and follow my example?
     Jesus says in John 10:10 (NKJV) 10 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, He sees all things, does He see Himself in you? He can, If you have trusted Him with all your heart, have you? Confess your sins now and ask Him to forgive you and come into your life.
Heavenly Father, let all we do please You, let nothing hinder another from following You, may all my living be according to Your Will, and may the very breath I breath be for Your Glory. Find those ways in us that hinder others from following You that we may repent and live. Oh God bless Your name in all the earth. Amen

MY HEART AND MY FLESH

Psalm 84:2 (NKJV) 2 My soul longs, yes, even faints For the courts of the LORD; My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.
      Hunger drives the world to seek physical satisfaction, what drives the soul to seek spiritual fulfillment? How can I know if I am hungry for the things of God, I am so glad you asked?
      Within the depths of the human being there is a drive to know our maker, many attribute that longing to the search for significance, this however is too broad a term, and leads to dead ends. God has made simple our search, He says in Matthew 11:28 (NKJV), Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest, and in Hebrews 4:3 (NKJV) For we who have believed do enter that rest..., the entering into God's rest is where we find the trouble.
      Clouded is the truth that God has made a way for all to enter in, simple are the facts that lead to spiritual  filling, just as the body needs food to sustain it, the soul needs food to maintain its relationship to God. Jesus made that way possible by paying ahead of time the price for the spiritual food we need. He went into the restaurant of God's diner and paid the bill so we could dine on His resources. He simply asked us to believe go in sit down and receive, the plate is overflowing with God's delicacies and we only have to eat.
     Silly, I know, but it is that easy and Jesus has paid the price, so why don't you say to Him, I have lived too long my way, I am ready to eat at your table, will You forgive me and come into my life? That is so easy because it cost God so much. Does your soul long for God, it should, cry out to God?
Heavenly Father, let my spirit cry to You who will bring refreshing, and filling. Thank You, for all you have done for me, let my every breath be in seeking Your will for my life, may my heart even my flesh cry out to You. Amen

BETTER THAN THE MIGHTY

Proverbs 16:32 (NKJV) 32 He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.
     We quickly jump to so many things, instant decisions, instant regrets, forgetting to wait is destroying the  tender ministry of the Holy Spirit. The writer of this proverb reminds us, control of self and steadiness in ones spirit is the rule, of the life sold out to God.
     David the great king of Israel writes in Psalm 27:14 (NKJV)  Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD, the warrior, poet, shepherd, leader, servant, king emphasizes waiting on God. He is all the things men are striving to be and his advice to us is slowing down and waiting on God to reveal what is needed.
     In Acts 1:4 Jesus, tells His followers to wait on the promise of God, they did and turned the world up side down for Christ.
     Waiting is tedious, it is time consuming, waiting is slow, however it is the virtue God has placed at our disposal to hear from Him the action needed to conquer and be victorious. What are you waiting for, I pray you are waiting on Him?
Heavenly Father, help us to be patient, waiting on Your counsel and the Holy Spirits guidance, so that others are blessed and not hurt. May all we do point others to You, and let us take time to hear and respond accordingly. Let Your presence by our guide in every thing. Amen

HE HAS APPOINTED A DAY

Acts 17:31 (NKJV) 31 ... He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness ...
     The world knows a day of judgment is coming, however most people live as if it will not be in their life time. The author to the Romans writes the whole earth is groaning, he means nature and all it contains is in an endless cycle of waiting, until God reveals Himself in all His Glory, "On that day!" What does this mean, I am so glad you asked?
     Jesus repeats again and again a day of judgment is coming for all mankind, to some a glorious eternity awaits, to others a horrible separation from human existence and deep, dark, fiery, punishment. Matthew 13:42 Some fear the reality of this conversation, others mock and live accordingly, still others find comfort in knowing there is justice for living by God's standards.
    Then there are those who have found peace in Jesus Christ, who says in, John 14:6 (NKJV) .., "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. The contract (an agreement that will not be broken) says, all who come to Jesus will receive eternal life, Romans 10:9-11, He promises to rescue us and that nothing will keep Him from that mission.
    Jesus will judge the world, it is waiting for that day, if creation is waiting for that day, shouldn't we be living like He will arrive any minute as well? "He has appointed a day."
Heavenly Father, help us to clearly articulate you are coming soon, all evidence points to that day. Let us be hopeful, helpful, and living full of You, so that others might drawn to You. May the Light of Jesus so shine through us that all see Your Love and Mercy! Amen

HIS MERCY

2 Chronicles 20:21 (NKJV) 21 … "Praise the LORD, For His mercy endures forever."

    It is very easy to speak evil of people, it comes naturally to us, the, wrong we see in others is often the very thing we refuse to deal with in our own lives. What is the problem, I am so glad you asked?

   We daily face battles of the flesh, for some health, others work, still others relationships, there is a war of words taking place around us, and we are very often wounded in the battle. Healing comes slow we get battle hardened and everyone becomes an enemy.

     Worship will cleanse the most hardened soldier, spending time with God cleans the heart and refreshing comes from the Lord. God will reveal the very depths of our straying heart and confession of sin will find forgiveness from heaven. 1 John 1:9

     But wait, I said, we see ourselves in others faults, God uses the short coming in others to point out the gross sin in our own lives, the reason we react so cruelly to those we associate with is, their actions are revealing to us our faults. You don’t agree, cheer up, ask, God to reveal to you why you despise others, ask Him to show you what makes another person so loathsome.

     Be careful, the thing God puts His finger on in your life, must be dealt with, you must leave it where God revealed it or that issue will come in like a flood. When He does reveal to you the thing offensive in your own life, right there begin to be thankful and give praise to God.

    When we sing praises to God in the conflicts of life His mercy comes shinning through and we see as He has revealed, victory in Christ rules the day. You might be thinking right now, I want that, simply bow your head and ask God to take that revealed sin and leave it with Him. Now what, begin to thank Him for His love to you, and remember His mercy endures forever. Always, “Praise the Lord, for His mercy endures forever.”

Heavenly Father, You see all my faults and still You love me, thank you for that Love through Your Son Jesus. May all my thoughts be Your thoughts and let every care be a victory for You. Amen