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

THROUGH GOD

Psalm 108:13 Through God we will do valiantly, For it is He who shall tread down our enemies. 
   The media of our day, would have you believe the problems with man may be repaired with the salve of peace. Many have taken to a mantra, repeated enough everyone will eventually accept and the societal network of man will be healed.
   My friends it is "through God we will do valiantly," there is no religious ranting, or prescribed vocal formula, or magic tonic, no other solution, than the Holy working of God in the lives of men.
   The enemy of men is sin, it permeates the pore in the skin to the very souls of our being, it is like the smell of the skunk in the fur of a wet animal, it is repugnant, and must be put away. However, you and I have no power over this enemy, we cannot control or stop its onslaught, it is vicious, malicious, and murderous, sin will not stop until it has controlled and put to death its victim.
   There is a way to avoid, sins relentless power, it comes in a Name that no man may purchase or control, the name is Jesus. This name will take the smell and the power of sin and put it away from your life forever. How, simply say, "I have trusted in me too long, sin controls my life, will You forgive me. I acknowledge You (Jesus) are the Son of God and will forgive my sins. Will You then come into my life and live through me?" Romans 10:9-11 Gods promise to us, anyone who calls on the name of Jesus will be saved, "Through God we will do valiantly."
Heavenly Father, please hear our prayers of repentance, let all who call out to You today experience cleansing and forgiveness. May we trust your every Word, with all our hearts and not lean to our understanding, simply letting You, work in and through us that others may see You? Thank you, for loving me in spite of me. Amen

WHOM THE LORD COMMENDS

2 Corinthians 10:18  For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.
   Recently a child stated "Look what I did," the parents glowed in approval, they then began to clean up the mess, he had shaved the dog. Not much to boast about, many are doing the same in the Name of Jesus, how, I am so glad you asked?
   "Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith," Hebrews 12:2 He alone has done the work of redemption we are merely recipients. "The one who boasts let him boast in the Lord," 2 Corinthians 10:17 we are a strange creation we live as if, we have accomplished anything. Like a project in art class that takes a life of its own, it brags on its ability, when the thing was merely a thought in the mind of the student.
   Too many have taken to instruction today and the emphasis is own their ability, be careful, "To whom much is given, much is required." Luke 12:48 The one who belongs to Christ by the cross and blood of redemption is simply the servant of the Most High God.
    We most certainly should, "Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong," 1 Corinthians 16:13 we will soon give an account. Not I, not you,"But whom the Lord commends."
Heavenly Father help us to look up, let us see what You see, may all we do be what You desire in us. Amen

THE VEIL

Isaiah 25:7 (NKJV) 7 And He will destroy ... the covering cast over all people, And the veil that is spread over all nations.
  There is a tendency to ignore the deep things of God, the extravagance of our surroundings is little observed, marred by the intrusion of man made structures. Looking up we can observe an endless sky, filled with the over abundant air supply that sustains life, cast your gaze on the ocean and you are mesmerized by the expanse and the abundance of water. Take in the night canopy and you cannot take your eyes off the unnumbered stars, bask in the sun and find your self overwhelmed with its warmth and light.
   Why then do we struggle so with the mercy and love of a Creator God, a covering has been cast over the heart, minds and eyes of Gods children? A day is coming when The Redeemer of all mankind will appear and remove like a warm blanket the false security that has hindered so many from acknowledging God. You and I however, must be prepared, we must trust this Savior of all mankind, with our whole being, leaving no stone unturned every vice must be cast at Messiahs feet. As Jesus enters the heart made clean by His presence, a glimpse of the Glory that is coming is revealed and looking around at creation will take your breath away. Are you ready, I pray you are?
Heavenly Father come quickly, remove the veil and let us worship You as You intended. May our lives be a sweet fragrance to You, let us praise and thank You with all our being? Amen

BECOME RICH

2 Corinthians 8:9 (NKJV) ... that you through His poverty might become rich.
   For most we do not know financial wealth, it is often considered and some do long for the money that will solve every trouble. However, wealth has never satisfied every problem, it always brings with it more worry. For the very few, riches is a gift to be shared and there is where most come up short.
   God created all things therefore He alone owns all, everything a person may possess belongs to God, it then is on lone to us, because we cannot truly posses anything. Jesus brings to you and I all the riches of heaven and earth through the life and death He alone revealed. Philippians 4:19
   We become really rich in one way only, that is in the possession of our destiny, when we can control who and what we will be forever. That is something no one has ever purchased, bartered, traded or worked for, this gift of forever is in the hands of One, and only He can give it to whom He chooses.
    Jesus left the riches of Glory to enter the poverty of men, and made a way for all to receive eternal life with Him. That is, He gave His life, and all He possesses, that you and I may receive all of His Kingly riches. The moment we ask Jesus to forgive us of our sins and be the center of our lives we inherit the wealth of eternity. Wow, I want that, now, do you?
Heavenly Father You give that we might live with You, what more could we desire? In You alone is life everlasting a gift beyond measure, may we give all we desire away that all You offer we may posses? Thank You, for the Gift of Jesus and Lord, thank You for loving me so much, You died and walked out of the grave to prove I too can live with You forever. Thank You. Amen

THE WORKS OF GOD

John 9:3 (NKJV) ... Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him. 
   A question is asked, "Who sinned," that is the wrong question, the question should be, "How will God handle this?" Perspective is everything, not who's to blame, but what is the solution? How do we begin to think this way, I am so glad you asked?
   The Bible shows that God has power over every thing, Jesus walks among men and proves that He alone can alter the distorted views of all who challenge the Creator. Blind men see, the lame walk, skin diseases are healed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the Good News is preached, Jesus is the answer to all things common to man. Matthew 11:4 
  In Mark 5:35 the sad news is brought and a question raised, "Your daughter is dead, why trouble the teacher any further," and there is the problem. He is not teacher, He is The word, He is not the fix for my trouble, He is the answer for all problems, He is not a good man, He is God, Jesus alone made the way for me to enter into a relationship with God.
  Jesus says, "The works of God should be revealed," is there a better way for God to reveal Himself than to help those who are helpless, to heal those who cannot be healed, to give life where there is death. Trust Him today, He is waiting for you to give Him your all by faith, believe He is the answer and you too will see the works of God revealed.
Heavenly Father, You love where it does not exist, You give where nothing can be given, You heal where there is no healing, thank you, for loving your creation. May we sing praise to You today, let all we do today be for your Glory, give us a heart overflowing so others may see You? Amen

REDEEMED OF THE LORD

Psalm 107:2 (NKJV) 2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy,
   Faced with difficult circumstances we often retreat, there are two choices however, and we miss the most important choice when we hide. What should I do, I am so glad you asked?
  When trouble knocks at your heart, the temptation is great to close the curtains of life and sit in the dark. While out visiting one night, we knocked on a door, the occupants of the house opened, a lady surveyed the group and declared "On no, the take back man is here!" Laughing, the mood changed as they were invited to church and their fears were calmed.
   Trouble has a way of catching up to us, many times it is deserved because we have been disobedient, often it is just the circumstances of life. When life has provided an opportunity to see God remove the stumbling stone, don't hide give praise to God. Praising God, will remove first the fear and second it will set in motion the Creator who is waiting on us to recognize He alone has all authority over every situation. Take a moment and read 2 Corinthians 7:9-11 discover the secret to trusting God in everything.
   Have you been redeemed by the blood of Jesus, have you sincerely asked him to come into your life, have you allowed God room in you're living to become everything you need? If you will trust Him with your whole being, He can remove the enemy that longs to destroy you. Trust Him, Praise Him, Exalt Him, He will make a way for you! "Let the redeemed of the Lord say so."
Heavenly Father let every trouble remind us of the opportunity to let you work through us. May all the things that cause fear in our lives be opportunities to Praise You. Let our eyes look to You when we can see nothing else, may we look up when everything seems hopeless. Help us trust You always. Amen

NOW IS THE DAY

2 Corinthians 6:2 (NKJV) ... Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
   While talking to an aged gentleman, I asked him where he would spend eternity, he answered, "I don't know." His conversation grew serious and he asked if I would come by his house and talk with him and his wife, I did and they both received Jesus into their hearts. He looked at me through tears and said, "Today is the day."
   Over the years I have spoken to many people about our Lord and Savior, some have immediately pushed through and received Christ while others have waited for a "Better time." So many are waiting, for what, these days are more difficult to live in, the times have changed so drastically in the last 20 years, why are people prone to wait?
   The optimism of a human causes him to miss the opportunity of eternity, the choice is entirely ours, we can choose to serve God or self. In Matthew 8: 18-22 Jesus challenges men to follow Him, excuses are made and you are left with the distinct impression they waited for a "Better time."
    Our verse declares "Now is the accepted time," there is no better time, today we must acknowledge Jesus is Lord and trust Him with everything in our lives, there is no promise for manana.
Heavenly Father You are all we need, may this day bless You and may all we do be for You. We know our time is limited help us to see those around us are in need of a Savior, help us to share with others your love for all men. Let us be light where darkness rules and may every breath count for You. Amen

FOR WE KNOW

2 Corinthians 5:1 (NKJV) 1 For we know ... we have a building from God ... eternal in the heavens. 
  There is much confidence in what we believe, we swagger like sports jocks, when victorious, we exchange knowing looks when, declared winners, we exalt our selves, when a goal is accomplished. Why so much doubt and misunderstanding about the things of God, I am so glad you asked?
   Our bodies referred to in Gods Word are frail at best, "Clay jars," but they contain an extraordinary power that comes from God. Does that apply to everyone, yes, God has put within each person a portion of His Spirit? Listen to the ancient preacher, Ecclesiastes 12:7 (NKJV) 7 Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, And the spirit will return to God who gave it, we are created for Gods purposes.
   However, what happens to everyones gift from God, your spirit, depends entirely on the choice you make. For the soul that has been redeemed, by the precious blood of our Savior, there will be eternal life with God, for the unfortunate soul that lives to itself, there will be eternal life without God (Hell).
   Do you know confidently that you belong to the Creator through His Son, bought with blood that is absolutely pure. You can, trust Him with your whole heart today, declare to Him, you know He is the only way into eternity, let Him have all of your life and you too, will say confidently, "I have a building from God!"
Heavenly Father our lives are given to us by You, we are just dust waiting to return to the ground. Help us today, to let all our fears and worries go and to accept what we have been given as from your hand. Let our lives be lived so that we have nothing to regret, when we stand in your presence. May all You have planned for us be accomplished, that others may see You. Amen