THE LORD COMMANDED

Psalm 106:34 (NKJV) 34 They did not destroy ... whom the LORD had commanded them,
   Somethings are not intended for us to cling to, bad habits that affect our lives should be put away, however, the habit that infects our lives and kills the body, should be put to death. How, I am so glad you asked?
  Modern age has not revealed what has been done since the beginning of time, Solomon writes, "There is nothing new under the sun." "Men are using newer drugs," yes but, the same desire for them is here and the ability to produce them has been around from the day man began to serve self and not seek God.
   The family of man has always made excuses for indulgences, the excuse says, "God wants me to be happy," the same excuse used by Satan in the garden with Eve. God never said happiness should be our goal in life, He said, "Be Holy for I am Holy." Lev 11:45 My personal wants are not included in God's plan me, He desires that I be pure.
   Some have said, "It is everywhere I go," then go where it is not. Others have implied, "I cannot control it," you must for God has said, "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." 1 Corinthians 10:13
   Death must come to the things that want to control my life, the things that impair me from being obedient to Him, the things that infect me and cause me to make wrong choices. Too difficult, so is spending eternity without God, "Choose today whom you will serve as for me and my house we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15
Heavenly Father You deserve so much more than we offer, help us to be obedient to these trues, that others may see You and live. Let the man or woman infected by habitual sin find freedom, let the servant of self find help, Oh God help the weak in all things to be strong, and help us put to death those things that control us. Amen

CLEARLY YOU

2 Corinthians 3:3 ... clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ... by the Spirit of the living God, ... of the heart.
   John spoke to a group of men this week about his recent past life, less than a year ago, he was a lifer in prison, with failing health. His words echoed on attentive ears as men drank in the story of a man who tried all life can offer, to the sin sick heart. Drugs, alcohol and unspeakable immorality, he was clearly ashamed of his story, yet his heart spoke of a new day and the only way out.
  The writer to the Corinthian church says, we are like a poem or literary work that is on going, continually being written. We are servants of the most High God or slaves to our selves, we are penning who we are, it is written in our hearts.
   Our story says we live for God or self, to live for God, it must be by His Spirit, to live for self, it must be my will, in either case we are just pictures of what is on the inside. The heart tells the complete story.
   John said, when he trusted Christ with his whole heart, "God washed it clean, man can't do that." Wow, God makes sinful, selfish people, something they will never be without Him, Holy, by His Spirit. I want that don't you?
Heavenly Father You are all we need, You have the only way to eternity, help all to see your Way is, the Way. Let all we do bring joy to You and may our lives be a sweet smell for those around us to experience You. Let our hearts tell the story of who You are. Amen

HE SHALL JUDGE

Isaiah 11:4 (NKJV) 4 But with righteousness He shall judge ...
    Look around and see people struggling with life, listen and hear the pangs of those who want relief. These two sense are given to us for recognition and awareness of our enviroment to protect or encourage us to react as needed. Seeing and hearing are powerful tools to discern both good and bad, so, what has that to do with judgment, I am so glad you asked?
     Gods Word says a day of righteous judgment is coming, He is preparing us for that day, it is already set and only God knows the appointed time. He has carefully given us senses to understand our environment, that we might know how to react. However, we have traded, our spiritual senses of seeing and hearing how to live righteously, for the worldly, and purchased a shriveled lemon.
    Jesus knew this and still He desired to buy back for us what we could not afford, Holiness. Holy living with the Holy God, we can now exchange, living in Light for living in darkness. Wow, what an amazing God, I can live His way and leave my way behind. God owns righteousness, He knows righteousness, He alone can supply righteous living. Trust Him today, and the Righteous Judge will give you all you need to live Holy with Him.
Heavenly Father, may all You are doing for us, others, see and hear. Let all the earth rejoice that You alone are God. May we sing triumphantly of your Love through the Messiah, and let all we do be for You? Oh God, give those around us victory in Jesus. Amen

MERCY AND JUSTICE

Psalm 101:1 (NKJV) 1 I will sing of mercy and justice; To You, O LORD, I will sing praises.
   Nothing catches God by surprise, He already knows the heart ache, the hurt, the deep despair that affects us, and still God is praised by those who know Him. Why, I am so glad you asked?
    The writer of this verse experienced every emotion known to man, every sin that follows us and pulls us down infected David as well. Immorality, murder, broken family, and just ignoring God, still he writes from his heart, "I will sing of mercy and justice."
     David knew that God is well aware of how sin wrecks the soul, he expresses the sheer amazing delight that God will forgive us in spite of our living self centered lives. God the Father loves His creation, God the Son dies for His creation, and God the Holy Spirit, lives for His creation. What is not to rejoice over, we are loved in the most unspeakable ways that will take eternity to uncover? I like that don't you, we are His and He is ours, lets sing together of mercy and justice. God loves you!
Heavenly Father, love from You is so amazing, it moves in the most wonderful ways, we are loved inspite of us, thank you. May all I do be for You, let me breath You, that others may see You. May we sing of mercy and justice, may we rejoice in every difficulty, that all may see You? Amen

I WILL NOT ASK

Isaiah 7:12 (NKJV) 12 But Ahaz said, "I will not ask, nor will I test the LORD!"
   Today men have no connection with the God of creation, because of knowledge, the bible says, "Knowledge puffs up." What does that mean, I am so glad you asked?
   We live in a day when our education, the way we observe the world is tainted by the ungodly teaching of ungodly men. They, have no connection with the God who created all things and therefore teach that there is no God.
   Recently a man needed to move his vehicle and accidently ran over his two children, both were injured one more severely than the other, the man was grief stricken and wanted to die for his mistake. His wife however quickly recognized the broken heart of her husband and the dire situation of her child and cried out to God, to help. He did, miraculously intervene, healing the child who had massive internal injuries and the husbands broken heart, the family then gave all the credit to God.
   In our verse above a king is told God will bring sure victory if you will only ask, his self centered answer based on knowledge, "I will not." How sad, most people will not ask God and therefore will never get into Heaven. This most amazing promise of God is for those who by faith will believe and accept Jesus as their Savior. Have you believed, have you trusted Him, will you do that today?
Heavenly Father, all the world is a witness of your Glorious works. We see daily your hand holding the world together through love, for your creation, thank you, for loving us still after all these years. Thank you for waiting on that last soul to trust and believe in You. May it be today, that those who need You, will look up and confess, You are God. Amen

NO OFFENSES

Luke 17:1 (NKJV) ... It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come!
     Our world is full of injustice, simply because of its fallen nature, sin has made its mark on our environment. The heart of man is dark until the life of God exposes our sin to the light, like a negative waiting for the shutter of the camera to reveal the light, we are in need of a permanent exposure to Gods Truth. The picture of salvation becomes clear when properly revealed to the sin sick soul.
     Jesus reminds the disciples, offense is a part of life, it will come like the desire for our next breath. However we are responsible for our part in the offense. For example, the person who satisfies their life through the expense of another, the one who sells drugs to the user, will be judged by their own standard. Jesus seems to say, I will forgive the user, but the supplier is in real trouble. Why, God zeros in on the one who causes another to sin, we can be forgiven and God offers that forgiveness, however for the person who deliberately sins there are sever consequences.
    If we will submit our entire life to Christ, He will forgive our sins, remember He is looking for the soul that will trust Him with everything. Is there some sin you cannot forgive, He can, is there some hurt you cannot overlook He will, trust Him today and know His forgiveness.
Heavenly Father help us to forgive with your forgiveness, help us to remember that You forget our sin, when we repent. Help the one who is destroying the life of another to see, and repent. Help us to trust You in everything. Amen

LET US WALK

Isaiah 2:5 (NKJV) ... come and let us walk In the light of the LORD.
   A shadow often hides things we would normally see, light is the key to seeing things clearly, however even in the light many see only what they wish. Why, I am so glad you asked?
    God said, "Let, there be light," and a world of life and incredible adventure appeared. Everything we now understand, was exposed to all of creation, to enjoy and experience. However a shadow of darkness was uncovered when man given the choice between serving God and catering to self, chose, self serving.
    Today we have both light and dark as approved means of living, conditioned by time to accept second best, man has justified the shadow of darkness as a necessary evil. We have embraced sinful living in various forms and give room to these attitudes as a part of life. Do we wish to expose these sins, a partial list is given in Galatians 5:19-21, however, most are satisfied to live in the shadow of truth?
    Gently urged from the very beginning, God continues to point us back to Holy living. Looking to a point in time God said to man, I will make a way for you to return to Me. He made that provision, when the Son of God crashed into the sinfulness of men and buried all the sins of man in a sea of forgetfulness.
     Imagine, every shadow of deceit, God placed on a death watch and nailed to a cross (sin), all sin, never to have control of anyones life again. Why then is sin still available, why are there still shadows, why is life so difficult, we must choose, to "Walk in the Light of the Lord."
Heavenly Father so many are struggling with life and death, they are in need of light, help, Oh God, those around us to see Your Light. Your Son said, He is "the light of the world," Oh Lord let us see that light. May all we come in contact with be exposed to Your Light, that men may walk with You. Amen

I WILL SING

Psalm 104:33 (ESV) 33 I will sing to the Lord ... I will sing praise to my God while I have being.
    Joy is a profound emotion it is often confused with happiness, we laugh and enjoy many things, however, true joy comes through an intimate relationship with the Creator. So what is the difference between joy and happiness, I am so glad you asked?
    Happiness is the ability to show pleasure or contentment, it is based on an old english term and refers to luck, so that happiness is contingent upon how I perceive my circumstances. Happiness can be a false show of how you feel or it can be a real sense of satisfaction with life it is an outward expression.
    Joy is the emotion that comes from deep within, it is a word taken from the french and is the emotion of rejoicing, more clearly to sing out of the heart. Happiness can be put on or taken off like makeup, or a hat, while joy is the overflow of deep emotions for what is good. I often hear my wife humming or singing, while working or just active in her environment. That emotion is what the Psalmist is exposing, while there is breath in the body, the person who knows Jesus will express the overflow of what He, has put in the heart.
    Is real joy coming from you, it can if you know personally Jesus, if you have trusted Him with your whole life, you too will express the joy of knowing Him. How, simply, clearly say to Him, I have lived my way long enough, will you forgive me, and will you come into my life?
   Know that when you desire God as much as your next breath of air, you will find Him!
Heavenly Father, You alone are the reason we live, let the very breath we breath express to You our love and devotion. May all our waking moments be in fellowship with You, and may there be a song of joy in our hearts to You. Bless the Lord Oh, my soul. Amen
   

YOUR WORKS

Psalm 104:13 (NKJV) ... The earth is satisfied with the fruit of Your works. 
    Survey your surroundings, look intently at what goes on in nature, we soon discover all nature moves to a tune overlooked by man. How do we fit into this amazing symphony of motion and sound, I am so glad you asked?
    The average person has become deaf to what nature is saying, ears once tuned to hear the sound that might provide food, or shelter is dulled by abundance, mans hand, and knowledge. When and where do we recognize God has not forgotten nature, or man, and that He is still making all provisions.
    We should observe quickly that nature is working without us, we should also see that we are moving away from dependence on God. The observations of Gods creation should draw us to Him, however we are so busy with living our way that He is excluded. Observe the words, "Nature is satisfied," consider who is not.
    Do you want to be satisfied, content with what you have, do you wish to stop struggling and find peace, look up, God is still on His throne, He still offers to you all you need. Everything I need, every satisfaction is found in the One named Jesus, Matthew 11:28  Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Nature is satisfied with Gods works, are you?
Heavenly Father, I thank you for the hope that comes through Jesus, thank you for what You show us in our surroundings. Lord help us to recognize You in everything, remind us we belong to You. May every sound, every movement, draw us closer to that moment when we trust You with everything? Amen

IMITATE ME

1 Corinthians 11:1 (NKJV) 1 Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.
   The writer to the Corinthian believers has clearly spoken of how we are to live this life daily, and how we should conduct ourselves among unbelievers. He is telling us to focus on Holiness, 1 Corinthians 10:31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. All to the Glory of God, this Christianity thing is too difficult, how can we do this, I am so glad you asked?
   The author concludes chapter 10 with the admonition to imitate him, because He is imitating Jesus. The picture often seen is the antics of mimicking, mocking, or copying, others, that is not what we are called to. The author is bringing us in to contact with the God of Creation and asking us to imitate what we know to be true.
   Many today say they are believers and servants of Jesus, meaning 1 John 2:6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked. That is, to imitate our Creator in this life so that others see Him and not us. Are you too a believer, then you are imitating our Lord, and He walked according His Fathers will. Not doing what He (Jesus) desired but what the Father had instructed Him to do.
   To claim to know Christ and yet live as if you do not, is not imitating Jesus but satisfying your own desires. He has called us to Holiness, we then should live Holy, you cannot live Holy without the Holy presence of God in you. Ask Him today, to forgive you of living for you, (sin) and ask Him to come into your life and live Holy in you (repentance). He will, as you imitate our Lord and He lives through you, to show His light to others.
Heavenly Father, let Your life be seen in me by those around me, let them recognize You and not me. May all You want to do be accomplished, so that Your will may be seen as best. May there be less of me and more of You Lord. Amen

UNTIL I DIG

Luke 13:8 (NKJV) ... Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. 
    Life comes with many difficult themes, banker, nurse, pilot, electrician, and so on, the many titles we hold in this world all come with their share of trouble. Is there a way through life that does not come with trials and struggle, I am so glad you asked?
    Jesus tells a large group of people this simple story, a man is looking for fruit on his tree, finding none he wants the tree removed, the keeper of that tree intercedes and requests, let me till the ground around the tree and let me fertilize it, then if the tree will not produce cut it down.
    The tree could be a picture of men, the keeper as Jesus and the owner of that tree, God. The keeper  must allow the struggle of turning dry and unproductive ground in our lives, so that it then may have the word (spiritual fertilizer) applied to the root of our lives. God is looking at the lives of men for fruit, finding none the tree is removed from its place.
    Are you producing fruit consistent with what God is looking for, it must be useful and consumable, in other words our fruit must please God. The fruit of our lives will not do unless, it is taken from the life of Christ, He must live in us for the fruit to be real and satisfying. Does He live in you, He will if you ask Him to forgive you of your sins and come into your life?
Heavenly Father we look to You for all our needs, Jesus the author of life, the Holy Spirit to guide us and Your sweet Word to give nourishment, that we might produce the fruit You desire. Let all our trials turn us to You, that we might please You. Amen

WHATEVER ONE IS

Ecclesiastes 6:10 (NKJV) 10 Whatever one is, he has been named already...
   To consider history we must first know something of it, why it originated, how, and to what purpose it serves us. George Santayana wrote, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." What purpose is history to the believer, I am so glad you asked?
    The writer of Ecclesiastes, reminds us we are created, what argument will be productive with the Creator? Job reminds us that God has veiled much of the details of life and we must accept what God has given.
     Science seeks to uncover what has not been previously known, and the more it discovers the more is needed to understand the end or beginning. In Mark 4:11 (NKJV) 11 And He said to them, "To you it has been given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God; but to those who are outside, all things come in parables," some things will be known and others will remain hidden. Jesus, however, makes clear to the person He has redeemed, there is mystery about Gods Word and Gods creation that only the believer will understand.
    The God of creation reveals Himself to whom He chooses and He chooses to do so for all men, why then are so many without understanding? The choice is ours, we may receive what God has to offer if we will come to Him through His Son, if not we will remain in darkness, in this life and the next.
    Whatever we are, we will remain if we insist on our way!
Heavenly Father, all things are Yours, nothing exists without Your hand, everything we may understand is because of You. Help us to look to You in this life that we may live with You in the next, may we long for Eternity (Jesus) in this world that others may receive You into their lives. Let us hinder no one that Your will may be accomplished, through us. Amen

WE ARE HIS PEOPLE

Psalm 100:3 (NKJV) 3 Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
    Discovering who we are is a life long activity for most people, like horses at the starting gate, there is a goal in mind, however the goal reached is often not what we expected. Why, I am so glad you asked?
    Jesus, surrounded by searching people said, Matthew 7:13 (NKJV)  "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Our creator emphasized, the necessity of knowing where we are headed, Heaven or eternal separation (Hell).
    The psalmist directs us to the road map so many over look, "Know that the Lord, He is God," clearly expressed is, who made us, why we exist, and the fact we know nothing apart from Him. All that you and I are is found in God alone, there is no other.
    We therefore should seek the source of life, that is Jesus, He is Lord and He is our redeemer, in Him alone we will find eternal life, light, and salvation. We are made to serve Him, we are created to seek Him, we live and breath that others may see Him. So what are we all so diligently seeking, Him?
    Redundant, yes, but we are reminded through out God's Word, there is no other way. Today will you ask Jesus to be the Lord of your life, He will give you what you are searching for?
Heavenly Father, You are the source of all things, we need You, help us to seek You with all our hearts, let others see You in us. May every breath we breath be for you, let us know in the Spirit You give us that we are yours? Amen

WHO IS GOOD

Ecclesiastes 2:26 ... God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy to a man who is good in His sight; ...
    While visiting a prisoner, he expressed a great joy, he was going home to a loving family, he was thankful he found Christ, and He was happy he would still be a prisoner for God. Wow, a man experienced real brokenness, trusted Jesus with all his heart and discovered freedom in prison. How can this be, I am so glad you asked?
     The King of Glory is looking for that one who will be His, in any circumstance, 2 Chronicles 16:9 (NKJV) "For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him," the heart that will trust God in the pain and extreme difficulty of living is the one God will bless unconditionally.
      How are you trusting Him today, it is evident in the wisdom, knowledge and joy you are experiencing right now? Is God the center of you're living, thinking and reactions to life's circumstances, He can be if you will trust Him with everything?
Heavenly Father, You alone deserve every attention we could possibly posses, let our thoughts, desires, and actions be for You. May nothing on, in or around us distract from the peace that You alone provide. May all our activity be to give You glory, for we are just prisoners of our God! Amen
   

WORKING

John 5:17 (NKJV) ... "My Father has been working until now, and I have been working."
     The average person is seeking a day of relaxation and retirement, the day when rest is achieved from a life time of work. It is this thought process that is foreign to scripture and hinders the work of God. How, I am so glad you asked?
     Jesus is a thorn in the side of many, He shows work ethics that expose us to slavish laziness, the Son of God is working, and He is working still. We find in these verses, a man driven to minister to others regardless of the time of day, weariness or difficulty of the situation. He is criticized and prosecuted for doing good, very few find themselves in hot water for doing the right thing.
     This passion for doing God's will is none other than the very presence of God on earth. God, Himself, sets the stage for the one called into a relationship with Him, it is always before us, sharing the Love of God with others.
      In Matthew 5:10 (NKJV) "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness," Jesus says, we are blessed when persecuted for righteous works, have you been persecuted lately? He is and will be, Jesus will not stop, He came that every soul might be accounted for. Are you the one He is waiting on, will you trust Him today?
Heavenly Father, may we always respond when and where You send, let our hearts be set on obedience and sharing the life of Christ with others. Let all Your fresh springs flow through us, and may many find You, true, faithful, and forgiving. Amen

THE ASSEMBLY

Hebrews 10:24-25 ... consider one another ... not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together ...  
   The church is under heavy attack, bombarded by special interests, forsaken for social agendas, scattered by the next best "worship" experience, it lacks the authority once reserved for the Holy. God's intended bride has become a laughing stock, a place where the worldly find comfort in stained living, the garment of the bride to be is, torn, dirty and ill fitting.
   John hears Jesus say, that men, God's church, "Have left their first love." Revelations 2:4 The seat of real relationships is abandoned for the lure of the world. Why? Within the veil of the righteous servants of God, the lewdness of disobedience has been exposed, the naked flesh of attraction to unspiritual and unscriptural living, is scoffed on and the world has lost respect for the empire of Gods Kingdom on earth.
   Duty, became the assembly call and the church abandoned a relationship with the King of glory, for a casual gathering, to take inventory of sin. Once, hunger to serve the Master, thirst to hear His Voice, passion to lay down ones life for His Glory, now the smell of immorality, flashes of Truth, and disdain for Holy living.
    "Repent and do the first works," Revelations 2:5 we are being called back to the very core of worship, putting everything aside and bending the knee to, God the Creator, Jesus our Savior and the Holy Spirit of Truth. The danger of losing the light and the rightful place with God is here and now!
    God is looking to see if anyone, will live victorious in Christ, that He may give to them the right to eat in His presence from the Tree of Life, for eternity. Have you trusted Him with everything, do that today, you will have eternity to thank Him.
Heavenly Father You are worthy of all praise, to You belongs the right to be worshiped, in You only will we find rest, let us look to You and put away the desire for wordly living. May we begin again to consider others better than ourselves and seek You above all else? Help us to once again live to put You first that all may see Your light. Oh God, make your bride pure that she might please You! Amen

WORSE SINNERS

Luke 13:2 (NKJV) ... Do you suppose that these ... were worse sinners than all other, because they suffered such things?
   We are remembering the anniversary of great tragedy in the United states, lives were taken because, of religious world views. One considers the other evil and therefore concludes the right to take innocent lives, and receive a reward for dong so. God has not called men to Holy war, He does however, use death to reveal mans nature. The creator will allow destruction to stop nations that will not come under His authority, and acknowledge His Deity.
    Jesus was confronted with this same attitude by the religious of the day, Luke 13:5 (NKJV) 5 "I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish," he draws their attention to the judgmental nature of men, and declares repent!
    Tragedy does not define guilt, neither does supposed victory declare a winner, the loser is the one who does not hear and respond to Jesus. Clearly the Lord wants us to see, everyone is accountable and regardless of the religious stand, a day of judgment is coming.
    Today we remember terrible suffering, at the hands of a religious enemy, led by the enemy of all men, Satan, he desires we look to no other, than ourselves. Don't, look to the Author of salvation, He will set you free from the burden of hate and anger. In Him alone we will experience Life eternal, our reward is with Him!
Heavenly Father, thank you for the years to heal, yet we cannot forget the suffering of so many families affected by this terrorism. Help them to see You, help them to discover the Peace that passes understanding. Let them know we are all members of the family of man and that some men do not follow any god but themselves. Lord will You bless those who have hurt so deeply, they cannot see You. Amen
  

GOD GAVE

1 Corinthians 3:6 (NKJV) ... God gave the increase.
    In other parts of the world, the church is alive and thriving, men and women worship together, their lives are being changed, by the supernatural power of God. Whole cities are being transformed by the presence of Jesus Christ, lives once living in darkness to the gospel have been given hope and light. However even in these remote countries there is an ever present danger of deception and it slips in often unnoticed by the church.
   In Hebrews 2:1 (NKJV) "1 Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away," the evidence in the New Testament church proves the enemy is quite effective in disturbing the worship and fellowship in the church. The same is true in our personal lives, the enemy seduces us through compromise and we soon fall to deception.
   Often what we prefer in our relationship to God takes precedent over the convictions we once embraced. What do I mean, we often tell ourselves this little thing will not hurt, and we proceed to the excuse stage and submit to the lie? The conviction once strong, we soon become overpowered by, it takes a life of its own, and we find ourselves being controlled by the presence of the thing once loathed.
   Remember God gives the increase, therefore God protects the produce, if you are struggling right now with compromise, stop, get down to business with God, give that thing back to Him, He washed all the sin in our lives away, it has no place with us. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NKJV) 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. Amen
  

ANY GOD

Isaiah 64:4 (NKJV) ... has the eye seen any God besides You, Who acts for the one who waits for Him. 
    The insight of man is curious at best, desiring truth he often discovers what satisfies his wants, very seldom do men honestly examine, and accept the obvious. Often going beyond the evidence, men will manufacture answers to meet a more basic urge, what do I want, how does this help me, where will I be met, when will this affect me?
    Jesus says in Matthew 19:21"If you want to be perfect," and that is where the truth is met, we do not wish to be perfect, we want only to make us, happy. Someone responded recently, "Oh, God knows me and He understands," that will not do. God has called us to be Holy, not self centered, we are being called to a higher standard and that will not take place as long as we are in control. Jesus died a cruel death, not because He is sadistic, it is because we are so sinful, blood was required for eternal cleansing.
    Isaiah writes, "Eyes have seen," our spirits know right, it is written on our hearts, Romans 2:15, God is searching for those who will love Him with everything, not somethings.
    Every one will be held accountable, because we can see God and what He is up to, Romans 1:20 (NKJV) 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.
    Friend you have seen God, He is all around you, have you trusted Him?
Heavenly Father thank you for eyes to see and thank you for working still in spite of man. Help us to see clearly that we may respond to your will. Let us search diligently, for the Truth that will make us free. May Jesus be glorified in all we do, let others see You are the reason we exist. Amen

THE MESSAGE

1 Corinthians 1:18 (NKJV) 18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, ... 
   In a recent documentary a person died in a remote mountain area, no trees grass or vegetation of any kind existed. Rocks covered everything, there was no place to bury the body, a sky burial was ordered and the deceased carried in ceremony to a hill, was left in the open to be consumed by birds. Every land has its culture and beliefs about death, it is the process of life, however not everyone has the hope of eternity that God is providing for His creation.
   God's eternal message is clear, live this life so that others recognize God in us. He is giving to man the way to eternity with Him, it is through His Son Jesus. John 11:26 (NKJV) "And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die."
   Many religions claim authority and insight into the spiritual dilemma we face with death. God gives man the ability to use this life in preparation for the next, what we do here affects where we will be in eternity. The most high God has made One way, through His Son, no other way or name is given. Acts 4:12
   Then why all the confusion, because God's message to most men is foolishness, and they will not look like a fool to others, even if it means an eternity of suffering. Living for God in this life is such a small price  to live eternally, in the life to come.
   Do you understand the message of the cross, have you received Jesus into your life, it is "foolishness to those who are perishing."
Heavenly Father help me to live so that others may see You. Let the breath you have put in us be used so others may find You. May all we do reflect You, so that anyone can find the way to You, by Your light. Let Your message resonate in this life, that others may hear and see You. Amen

THE MYSTERY KEPT SECRET

Romans 16:25 (NKJV) 25 Now to Him who is able to establish you …, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began
   Not so many years ago, challenged to hear about God from His Word, I listened and discovered the most amazing truth. Wisdom does not come from man, it is not outlined in a book that we can discover, neither is it found in the quiet meditation of some religion, wisdom and its source comes only from the God of creation and He has prescribed how it is received. How can we get wisdom, I am so glad you asked?
   In the book of Proverbs 1:7 (NKJV) 7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, the starting point of wisdom is with God. Only the beginning, the entire life of a person can be spent chasing dreams and never glean enough wisdom to satisfy the searching heart. Studying in all the schools for all ones life will not quench the honest thirst for the seat of wisdom, the wisest known man ever to live said, "I found everything to be futile and a pursuit of wind." Ecclesiastes 2:11
   Jesus says, "Come to Me," Matthew 11:28, the God of all things says, "seek Him," Matthew 7:7 the mystery of wisdom we are all searching for lies in plain sight in the Power and Presence of God. The Lord of salvation says, "I am the way," can it be any simpler than trusting our maker? He made the way to wisdom clear and Jesus Himself is that wise truth.
   Only Jesus can establish us, only Jesus will reveal wisdom to the one who has embraced Him, His way, for His Glory. Won't you do that today, ask Him, to forgive you of searching in the wrong places of living for you and tell Him you want His way living in you.
Heavenly Father, thank you for making the way to wisdom clear, thank you for Your Son Jesus, and for His blood that makes us clean. Let all of Your Word sink into our hearts, that we may reflect the light of Life for all to see. Amen

HE IS COMING

Psalm 96:13 (NKJV) 13 For He is coming, for He is coming to judge the earth. He shall judge the world with righteousness, And the peoples with His truth.
   The ancient world has long known of a day, when the works of men will be examined. The things we have done living this life will be brought to light, sins long forgotten will expose us as who we really are. Why, I am so glad you asked?
    God told the Old Testament believers, "I am Holy, you be Holy," Leviticus 11:45, God has no pleasure in the life that sins, He is looking for fellowship with the soul that longs to please Him. Living a life that will be accepted by God takes a super natural life, that is something man does not posses, the herculean effort to live without sin is not available. We are incapable of sinlessness, because the nature of man is to satisfy self, and selfish living gets in the way of Holiness.
    In Romans 8:21-22 (NKJV) ... creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption ... we read that God will even deliver creation from the bondage of sin. Mans sinful nature has infected everything, even the elements await deliverance.
    What we see today are the direct affects of mans influence and self centered living, God is coming to take those out, who live for Him. Men who wish to live the way that pleases them will suffer terrible consequences, all sin has consequences, and God will not allow it in His presence.
    Jesus speaks of the day of His reappearing, as do the old testament prophets, 2 Timothy 4:8 (NKJV) 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. You can face Him on that day and have no sin in your account, you can be forgiven of all sins. Just trust Him! Are you looking for Him, He is coming?
Heavenly Father, we know You are coming soon, let my heart seek You early, give those around me  hunger for You. Let all who name your name do so with a desire to see You. Amen

PEACE IN BELIEVING

Romans 15:13 (NKJV) 13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, ...
   Joy and peace are elusive emotions unless we find the source, like a river that disappears under ground only to surface in another place, there is comfort where you find it breaking into the light again. How do we hang on to these good qualities that God has provided, I am so glad you asked?
   A man obviously drawn to the gospel of God, said to me, "For the first time in my life I understand, what you have said about Jesus, there is joy and peace, I have never experienced before." This man covered from head to foot in tattoos, fidgeted while I shared the gospel to some 60 prisoners. He could not sit still and paced during the message, when the invitation to ask Jesus into the heart was given, he was the first to respond. He let the King of Glory, have first place in his life.
   Jesus gives the most amazing promise to the one who will trust Him with everything, "... Whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst." John 4:14 (NKJV) What a promise, we all need, we all want, but the Son of God promises, we will get the inmost desire of our being filled, through Him. Joy and peace have a source, they are in God, anyone who comes to Him will receive.
Heavenly Father, thank you for giving what I do not deserve, the water of life is in You and You give it freely. May I always look to You, trust You, find in You every breath I need to accomplish the goals You have for me? Let others find in You the joy and peace You promised, through Your Son Jesus. Amen

I AM NOT HEARD

Job 19:7 (NKJV) 7 "If I cry out concerning wrong, I am not heard. If I cry aloud, there is no justice.
   Have you ever heard the cry of one who has no hope, maybe you have experienced this yourself. The deep sadness and despair of living echos throughout the life. Why do we hurt so deeply, I am so glad you asked?
   Many years ago deep emotional hurt found me, it affected my family and all who knew us. The loss of a family member to murder was experienced and the judicial system failed, to bring vindication. Why, we asked, crying to God we were crushed, there seemed to be no comfort from heaven and bitterness waited by the door. Time stopped and we drifted in self pity and wonder of how these things happen, how do others cope.
   Looking around we began to see, deep suffering is part of life, it usually catches us by surprise, and is no respecter of persons, hurt is the proof we are not living on a cloud, but we really exist. So many emotions surface when you are affected by the sting of loss or extreme suffering, however a reality slowly begins to surface from the deep agony, for the christian, light replaces darkness and we see God is not only on His throne, He is walking with us in the bitterness. There is a comfort and presence of God that gives strength and life to extreme difficulty. The psalmist writes, Psalm 23:4 (NKJV) 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. He hears, administers justice and holds the grieving soul.
   Jesus promises to give us rest from the torment, Matthew 11:28 (NKJV) 28 "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest," He does and He will hear us, trust Him today.
Heavenly Father, You are in the middle of the storms in our lives, You have allowed them to show us yourself, You alone can keep us in them, thank you for loving us through. May we be an encouragement to others that they too find your rest? Amen