THEN HE

Revelation 21:5 (NKJV) 5  Then He who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new...
     One of the kids came running to his dad crying, "Its broken my helicopter is broken, it was new and now it is broken." Dad looked at the broken parts and declared, "Yes it is, that cannot be fixed." How sad, the child seeking help finds, the damage cannot be undone
     When we do come to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ we realize, the world as we know it cannot be fixed, it is broken. Sin has ravaged what God made originally clean, the resulting waste land is like something out of a war epic. The cry of "Peace" is heard through out the world but sin, will not hear of it. Man has chosen to live life on the edge (between heaven and hell), rather than submit to the Truth of God and His Word. What does God declare, "Behold I make all things new," a day is coming when there will no longer be this world of sin, a New Heaven and New Earth will be created and God will be the Light of it all. "But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb's Book of Life. Revelation 21:27 (NKJV) Come quickly Lord Jesus.

Heavenly Father we look to You, there is the Hope that Eternity holds, may we in this New Year desire all that You have planned for those who's names are written in the Lambs Book of Life. Amen

NOT UPRIGHT

Habakkuk 2:4 (NKJV) 4  "Behold the proud, His soul is not upright in him; But the just shall live by his faith. 
    "The young man lived as though he was bullet proof," said the preacher as he tried to comfort the family, another chimed in, "He was till his mother caught him, and off to jail he went." Caught stealing from a neighbor, the mother heard of her sons new talent and said to the neighbor, "Call the police."
    By comparison the prophet Habakkuk hears God say, the proud will fall and the just will stand. We will be condemned for our sins, what is done in the flesh now often shows in health issues later, but that is not judgment, it is only consequences.
    The things we think we have hidden, will come to the surface to our shame, time has a way of catching everyone off guard. That however is just the flesh and the comparison here is about Eternity, what I do here and now affects what I will be doing in Eternity. If we read the surrounding verses we discover the things we think God over looks are the things that condemn.
     Where will you spend eternity, if you have trusted Jesus with your WHOLE life, IT WILL BE WITH HIM!
Heavenly Father help us to see "The little foxes spoil the vine," we are held accountable for every detail in our lives. May we look to You for all our needs because You see all our deeds. Amen

WHAT IS GOOD

Micah 6:8 (NKJV) 8  He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God? 
   A cab driver reasoned with a passenger, I believe in The God, but He does not seem to hear my prayers, "Who is The God," he was asked, "The one who judges rightly men," he responded. This god you believe in is He willing to stand in your place, for the judgment of your sins, "He should but I fear He does not."
    The God of all creation has done just that, seeing man will not find righteousness without intervention, He sent His own Son to die for the sins of all mankind, in that is His Mercy, God substituted Himself, that we might experience His Goodness. His requirement for this sacrifice, to live Justly, to embrace Mercy, and to walk in Humility, these are the mark of the redeemed. How is this possible, He has shown us in the Life of Jesus, do you know Him?
Heavenly Father in the life we live help us to walk as You walked, help us Lord to live as You live. May the world around us see the Truth in us and may that Truth be Jesus. Amen

A GENERTAION

Proverbs 30:12 (NKJV) 12  There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes, Yet is not washed from its filthiness. 
    A man stole from the store around the corner, he was caught and questioned, his defense, "I've done nothing wrong, the clerk behind the counter gave me what I asked for." Where is guilt for taking what is not ours, where is fear of doing evil to others, where is the conviction that keeps us from resting until we have righted the wrong?
    Looking around it is hard not to see this generation has missed what we once revered, the church is no longer sacred, just a meeting place for weak people, the Words of God have value as little more than colloquial sayings of once semi wise men, the desire to abstain from sin for fear of heavenly judgment is missing. "Oh how the young and old have fallen." Lamentations 2:21
    Have you looked on Jesus and asked Him to forgive living for yourself and not for Him? The evidence is in, the Judge is about to lower the gavel and pronounce His sentence, the guilty will not go unpunished!
Heavenly Father the Love of many has grown cold, help us in these days to acknowledge your Mercy and Grace to trust in The Life that will redeem all men. May we bow down in prayer that we might be lifted up in your Love. Amen

I DWELL

Isaiah 57:15 (NKJV) 15  For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: "I dwell in the high and holy place, With him who has a contrite and humble spirit, To revive the spirit of the humble, And to revive the heart of the contrite ones.
    A little one climbed into his mothers lap and tenderly said, "I want to live with you forever." The passion, the sweetness, the innocent love of the child, how it touches every fiber of our being. How like God is the searching of the parent for the tenderness of the child.
   We are drawn to the humble, to the heart that is tender and God is watching those who have set their hearts to seek Him, with all their strength. Oh that this day we would determine to let nothing disturb our desire to seek out the KING of Kings, it is He and He alone that inhabits Eternity. Let all our thoughts today be, to seek HIM with all our hearts, that we may dwell in eternity with Him (JESUS).
Heavenly Father help us to seek with all our hearts, help us to live with all our being, help us to know with your certainty that we are yours. Amen

FULL OF POWER

Micah 3:8 (NKJV) 8  But truly I am full of power by the Spirit of the LORD, And of justice and might, To declare to Jacob his transgression And to Israel his sin.
    A young man was told, get that car running and its yours, what an incentive, motivated to have his own transportation that car was already his in his mind. Days turned into weeks, but he would not be swayed and the adventure became reality, he owned a car that worked.
    Friend God has challenged us to be saved, Acts 16:31, the hope of Heaven is ours, we must however receive it, own it and begin to live in the Power and Presence of God through Jesus. Have you put your hope, faith and complete trust in the One who gives Eternal Life, He will fill you with His Spirit and Power.
Heavenly Father we are yours, even if we do not claim it, help us to receive what You have promised, that others may find You as well. Help us to show others Jesus. Amen 

THE WORD

Jonah 1:1 (NKJV)   Now the word of the LORD came to Jonah ...
     A popular Christmas song starts, "Do you hear what I hear," indicating an understanding or hearing that others may not be attuned to. Jonah writes of his experience in running from the voice of God, denying His will and ultimately seeing Him save those despised, because Jonah finally obeyed.
      Many today are in exactly the same condition, hearing and denying, knowing and controlling their own lives. God has called us to surrender to His will not ours, He is seeking those who will obey without the least concern for the outcome or the personal profit. He fits us for the journey, He calls and prepares the willing not the qualified. Have you too heard the voice of God and turned instead to your own devices, STOP, He is waiting for you to turn and heed, so that the windows of Heaven may be opened to you.
Heavenly Father help us to listen, help us to carefully seek You and obey the call to service. May all who seek You listen to the voice of reason in this your SEASON. Amen 

AMEN

Revelation 7:12 (NKJV) 12  saying: "Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, Thanksgiving and honor and power and might, Be to our God forever and ever. Amen." 
    Passing a field recently I noticed horses feeding on the grass, looking a little closer deer were among them peacefully eating as well, how like the beasts are christians, they long for the peace of God. Man once walked and fellowshipped with the God of creation, sin (anything that comes between us and God) separated the communion and condemned all creation.
   A Day is coming when all who have received Eternal life will together, adore the One who made The Way possible. All of Heaven will resonate with the worship of the King, a sound so natural yet so distant, so needed and missing from the souls of men. Do you know Him, then your soul longs to sing praises to the King of Kings.
Heavenly Father we exist because of You, help us to live that, the Day of Eternal Worship may draw the souls of those around us to You. Amen
   

JUDGMENT

Psalm 143:2 (NKJV) 2  Do not enter into judgment with Your servant, For in Your sight no one living is righteous.
     A child often cries don't punish me, when caught in a wrong, still there must be justice for the wrong, the consequences for disobedience are God's order of morality. The mature adult disobedient to the Creator often cries for the same relief, the realization that sin separates, is the heaviness of a soul distant from fellowship with its Maker.
      The psalmist cries for relief from the strain of unanswered conversation between God and man, "In your sight no one living is righteous." To acknowledge my rightful place in God's economy, I must recognize I am nothing without Him. We have the gift of life offered through the only means available, the sacrifice of the innocent lamb (Jesus) and the cleansing fountain (His Blood) for the sins of ALL. No one is left out of God's forgiveness, now is the time to trust Him with everything, now is the time for salvation.
Heavenly Father in You we experience transformation, we are changed in a moment, from sinfulness to Holiness. Not by our righteousness but yours may we always carry the banner of The Lord Jesus in to this battle of life, that others may see You. Amen

THE LAMB

Revelation 6:16 (NKJV) 16  and said to the mountains and rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb!
   "I am afraid of the things I see, when I am doing drugs, there is an evil there, that cannot be controlled," said the man who was seeking help from addiction to drugs "But the desire to get high has more control over me than the fear." This man was loosing the battle for control over his health and his life.
    In nature only the fittest of the fit survive, the weak are soon eliminated, it is true of man kind as well. A day of judgment is coming, the Word of God is clear, the One who rebuked the wind and waves, cast out demons, and raised the dead, as the Lion of Judah is coming as the Lamb slain slain before the foundation of the world to judge ALL who have rejected Him.
    Jesus walked as "a lamb led to the slaughter" before men, showing ALL who will receive His testimony, that "The Lamb" will come back in judgment and mankind will cry out for relief, it will at that time be too late. Have you trusted in the salvation of Jesus, have you asked Him to forgive you, have you asked Him to come in and lead you, have you let Him have everything in your life? You must or you will, face the "Wrath of the Lamb!"
Heavenly Father help us to live that ALL see You, may our lives expose Jesus within and without. May we live as those who have been taken captive by the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. Amen

SEE GOD

Matthew 5:8 (NKJV) 8  Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.
   A man complained in prison, "They don't trust us, they think we are not worth their time," speaking about the guards. Asked, "Have you earned their trust," he responded, "No we don't get a chance."
    Some think outward observations are enough to convince of right living or wrong, that could not be further from the truth. Jesus said, "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile a man." Mark 7:21-23 (NKJV) The facts are clear, we must earn the trust of others by consistency, they must see our good works to respond. That however is not what God sees and the heart is the problem, if we are to receive Eternal Life we must earn Gods favor through Jesus Christ, we must receive Him into our lives, He must be the center of all our righteousness or we have none. The verse above could read, Blessed are those free from contamination, for they will see God!
Heavenly Father we need clean hearts, help us to experience Jesus by trusting Him with everything. Let all our hope be in You and not our own works. May we be light that the world may see You. Amen

THE DARKNESS

Psalm 139:12 (NKJV) 12  Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You, But the night shines as the day; The darkness and the light are both alike to You.
      A little fellow hid in his room, he had spilled every cookie in the box and feared a spanking. His mother heard the noise and came looking for the cause, seeing no one but observing the mess, she quietly moved to where she could hear the conversation in the dark room. "God, said the little boy, "If you don't tell mom who spilled the cookies, I will put the quarter back I took from church."
     We all bargain with God, when the trouble arises we remember the wrong and begin to examine our offenses. Better to confess when we have sinned against God, than to wait until there is a laundry list and try to figure out what went wrong. The darkness actually exposes us to the light of light of our own scrutiny. Jesus was willing to put to death all our sins not some, remember what you do in the dark is really who you are in God's economy.
Heavenly Father let the light of truth reveal who we are now, that we may confess and receive forgiveness. May all our life be light to those around us, let every detail please You. Amen

HE POURED

Isaiah 53:12 (NKJV) 12  Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, And He shall divide the spoil with the strong, Because He poured out His soul unto death, And He was numbered with the transgressors, And He bore the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors. 
    We celebrate the victory of sacrifice over sin in this season, the birth of the Savior is not a baby with good intentions, or a life style with noble results, it is not the time of year we give because giving is good. This time we have is the proving ground for the life we live, if God has entered the world through the most innocent, weak form of life, then He has also laid claim to the most sinful of conditions, mans will.
     Me, you and all who exist, must give an account for how we live, what we have done and to whom we have done it, God alone has the record. The revelation of our lives will stagger us when we see just how selfish we are, compared to God's Holy standard.
     Jesus not only set the bar, He died for all who could not reach it, He made the way for you and I to find Him, by conquering the contract of death (SIN) and leaving it in the grave. Jesus walked out of deaths grip taking you and me with Him. We who trust by faith the Lord Jesus Christ will reign victorious in Eternity. Have you considered THE baby, He alone is our Salvation?
Heavenly Father in this season help us to live that You are seen. May we give in this season like we have given all year. May this be the time of year we continue to do as we have experienced You doing. Lord let the world see You the way You must be seen, that many will come to salvation. Amen

THE MERCIFUL

Matthew 5:7 (NKJV) 7  Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy.
    A picture is said to be invaluable when the content touches the heart. Recently a picture revealed  two small boys in a public bath room, one was lying on the floor while the other stood on top to relieve himself, such simple gestures, yet profound understanding.
     The life we live is for us to discover our need for God and follow His leading until we take our last breath. In this life we should find Love is the gift of heaven, as well as Mercy, the two go hand in hand for the betterment of mankind. The bar is raised to the high God has ordained, "And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise," Luke 6:31 (NKJV) we must walk in step with the Creator to fulfill this mandate. That step will only be taken with the power and presence of Jesus in the believer, "Blessed are those in harmony with God's Character, For they will obtain mercy."
Heavenly Father help us to live that You and You only are seen. May all our days reflect You. Amen

OUR LIVES

1 John 3:16 (NKJV) 16  By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
    Soldiers lay down their lives for their country, public servants often lay down their lives to rescue others from fire or extreme danger, there is a high cost of life that often follows. However, these brave souls are most times rewarded for their sacrifice, not what is deserved but, rewarded never the less. Some have paid the ultimate price with life and limb, never being recognized, God forgive us for not demonstrating proper appreciation for their services.
    There is a higher calling, a call that receives the ultimate reward, a gift of Love that is bestowed by the Creator, empowers men to share the Eternal Truth, that anyone may come and receive Eternal Life. Jesus embraced the ugliness of sin, took it to the grave for everyone, for those who will receive His gift there is Life Eternal in the Heavens with Him. Friend, the greatest sacrifice is not, the loss of life to help another, the greatest sacrifice is to lay down your life, that another might find Salvation through Jesus Christ.
Heavenly Father thank you for all the brave souls that have sacrificed everything for others to live free, thank you most of all for the servants of God who laid down their lives that others might know You. Amen
 
 

WE KNOW

1 John 2:3 (NKJV) 3  Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.
    Michael Guido once shared, while in Africa a tribe received the gospel, immediately one of the natives put clothes on, asked why, the response was, "We have seen the one in white telling us of this message but we were afraid, now we know the Truth." The law of God is written on the heart of the believer, Romans 2:15, it is the nature of God to reveal himself to those who love Him.
   If we have a relationship with God we will keep His Word, that all may see Him through us. What will they see, Jesus, He is the Way the Truth and the Life, no one comes to the Father except through Him.
Heavenly Father in You is all we need, may we reflect your image that others may see, the only way to heaven is through You. Amen

FILLED

Matthew 5:6 (NKJV) 6  Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled. 
    One asked recently, "How do you get this relationship with Jesus, that is talked about," explaining to Him there is only the One Way to eternity, He desired more. Quoting to him Romans 10:9, he then asked, "But how do you ask Him to come in?" After facing crowds that would not repent, Jesus said, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28 (NKJV) There must be a hunger, a thirst, for Him to save us from our sins, only then does the transformation take place.
     We receive the blessings of God when we are driven to Him by a longing for His Presence, in Him alone, there is the Peace that passes understanding. The verse above then could read, "Blessed are those who long for God's character, because they will be filled."
Heavenly Father will You give us the filling we need to express this great Love You have given, in plain, simple, terms. May those around us recognize You and not our feeble attempts to explain You. Amen

INHERIT

Matthew 5:5 (NKJV) 5  Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth. 
   The sports arena reveals the prize goes to the strongest, like nature the weak loose and the strong survive. However, Jesus says, the meek will inherit the earth, a stark contrast to the real world.
    Enter Adam and Eve, Genesis 3 the earth and all it contains is at their disposal, given the opportunity to do as they please with an exception, "Do not go beyond the Spiritual boundaries God has established." Like any child told not to touch, the temptation is overwhelming and they succumb, the immoral blinders are off, they recognize their failure and utterly helpless condition. Sin tackles its first victims, all born to this duo experience sin and its consequences for all generations to follow.
    The first Adam fails, the second Adam (Jesus), brings redemption, forgiveness, and a restored relationship to the Father. Notice however that He, the King of Glory brings, "Strength made perfect in weakness,"2 Corinthians 12:9. We now have the perfect example of how to see this verse, "Blessed are those whose strength is under God's control, for they will inherit the earth."
Heavenly Father You are the reason we exist, help us to live that others experience you, let our lives be the Strong Light, that draws souls to You. Amen

COMFORTED

Matthew 5:4 (NKJV) 4  Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted. 
    An uncle died recently, he was the type of person, when he spoke people listened, to him life was about joyful living and giving of yourself to others. His passing was quick and unexpected, yet a peace settled over the family for the mercy of God.
   There is the need to experience God and not just know about Him, for enjoying God is the absence of self, that we might experience the infilling of His Presence. Simply, the Lord desires we put everything in our life at His disposal, to use as He wills.
   The verse above could read, "Blessed are those who grieve over sin, for they will be comforted." If we will allow ourselves to know God, we must grieve over our sins, we will desire to put anything that gets in the way of His Mercy away. God wants to fellowship with us, however, sin must be put away.
Heavenly Father to live with You we must live by You, help us to learn of You that we may be light to those around us. Amen

POOR IN SPIRIT

Matthew 5:3 (NKJV) 3  "Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 
   A man invested himself in his business to the point that he worked almost 20 hours a day, his wife complained the bills were not getting paid and she rarely saw him, the kids needed a dad not a roommate. He replied, "We have put every dime we have into the business, if its going to work I have to spend the time or we loose every thing."
   When we get to the place where we are willing to let God have every thing, there we experience Him. To know Jesus Christ we must first acknowledge He is the only way, not, "I will try this and see if it works." That is not casting our cares on Him, that is seeing if you can bowl a strike. Walking with Jesus is not a game, it is the way to Eternity. The verse above might easily say, "Blessed are those who have nothing to lose, they will see the Kingdom of God!"
Heavenly Father we look at the only source of life and know that You alone are our God. Help us to live that all may see You. Amen

IN VAIN

Galatians 2:21 (NKJV) ... for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain."
    A man confronted Jesus asking about eternal life, The Lord clearly explained his need of obedience to God's Word, the man replied, "All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack," Matthew 19:20 Jesus gently pointed to the righteousness of God, saying, "Follow me!"
     We cannot become righteous apart from God, we may do some righteous things but, they will never impart to us Eternal Life, that alone comes from the Presence of Jesus Christ in the life of the believer. The obvious Truth is we have no part in God's Heavenly Eternity until we come face to face with Jesus, the absence of the Peace of God is evidenced by the longing to KNOW. What I need to know, is that God has approved of me and He cannot until He sees RIGHTEOUSNESS, it may only be seen through the sacrificial blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.
    Do you desire Heaven, come to the Heavenly Jesus and you will find Eternal Life.
Heavenly Father blessed is your Name, blessed are those who put their trust in Jesus. Help us to live that others see You. Amen

NO RULE

Proverbs 25:28 (NKJV) 28  Whoever has no rule over his own spirit Is like a city broken down, without walls.
    A little fellow was caught in the pantry eating the last cookies, his dad scolded him, and the thief broke into tears, "I can't help myself they are so good." As we mature in Christ the ability to stand firm grows, spending time with God in His Word is most important. The prayer life that we must cultivate grows because what He has put in us desires to fellowship with who He is. The Holy Spirit of God gives us insight to the True Love of God and lets us focus on the will of God, which is to live through us, that others may see Him.
    Like the little fellow in the cookies, we some times feel we must take the sweetness of others for our own, God has given to each what he needs, we must simply receive and the flood of rejoicing will come. Have you been seeking His will, be patient when the time is right for you God will give what you need, however, you must spend time with Him.
Heavenly Father help us to be deliberate in prayer with You, may our praise come with the determination to see You in the lives of those around us. Amen

RIGHTEOUS

Proverbs 25:26 (NKJV) 26  A righteous man who falters before the wicked Is like a murky spring and a polluted well. 
    Asked to participate in immoral activity a young man refused, he was ridiculed and pushed away, however one noticed his conviction and sought him out. Why do you not do as the others do he was asked, "I have been taken captive by the King of Glory," he replied, "And who is that, " he was asked, "Don't you know Jesus", he questioned? The man stood in silence as he listened to the message of salvation, when the Truth dawned on his heart, he quickly asked, "Can I have this King of Glory as well?"
    If the young man had done as the others the opportunity for witness would have been lost, instead he led another soul to Jesus. What is your stand today?
Heavenly Father we have less time now than we had yesterday, help me today to be faithful to share with those around me, You. Help me to be faithful and truthful that You may be seen in every detail of my life. Amen

THAT DAY

Isaiah 29:18 (NKJV) 18  In that day the deaf shall hear the words of the book, And the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity and out of darkness. 
    A young man said, "I hear the words coming out of your mouth, but they don't make any sense," another replied, "That is because you don't want to hear!" We live in a fearful day, many are calling "evil good and good evil" Isaiah 5:20 be on your guard that you are listening to God and not men.
    Isaiah is revealing the works of men they have turned to religion, rather than the Presence of God, he literally calls the religious deaf and blind. The world is embracing the truth of 2 Thessalonians 2:11, the "Love of the Truth" they have rejected and therefore they perish. However Isaiah also says a day is coming when they will hear and see, pray that we are in that day, that mens eyes and ears will be opened to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Heavenly Father help us to reveal the Word to those around us, help Lord that the blind may see and the deaf hear before it is too late. May our lives be light not darkness to those around us. Amen

MIGHTY IN GOD

2 Corinthians 10:4 (NKJV) 4  For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,
    Recently someone complained, "I cannot sense God's working through these difficult circumstances, every where I turn I hit a road block." Further conversation revealed this person had not spent time alone with God recently and the prayer life had fallen by the way side.
    God has empowered man through the Lord Jesus Christ to face any problem, time spent alone with Him prepares us for the day of difficulties that will surely come. We have a weapon given by God to deal with the deceitfulness of this world, it is prayer. Prayer is the vehicle that reaches the ears and heart  of God, legions of heavenly beings are unleashed to the christian warrior who looks to God. Walls have fallen, secrets revealed, nations defeated, kings hearts turned, the dead brought to life and unbelievable healing, by the mighty weapon prayer.
      We are not alone in the battle, we are part of the campaign, that will usher in the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. Fight on mighty warrior of God, He will soon appear and all who have trusted in Him will see Victory.
Heavenly Father we see the works of your hands, every where we look nature acknowledges You. Lord help those around us to see, You are God and You alone are our help. Amen

CONFIDENCE

Proverbs 25:19 (NKJV) 19  Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble Is like a bad tooth and a foot out of joint. 
      A football team was struggling on the field, one player out meant inexperience had to fill the void, a crucial play at the 9 yard line meant 4 more downs. The ball was snapped and handed to the full back he shifted to the left and had to immediately move to the right, too late he was tackled for a 4 yard loss.
The player who could have gotten the job done, was sidelined because he habitually missed practice for   his alcohol addiction.
     Many feel as if we have been let down, the church has not done its job, like the missing player, sidelined for foolish living. We are admonished, "See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil." Ephesians 5:15-16 (NKJV), the days we live in are ripe for the disciple of Christ to witness of His great Mercy. To be a key player you must be a disciple of Jesus Christ do you know that to be true, He walks in the lives of those who really belong to Him!
Heavenly Father we have the blessing of your Presence, may we walk as those who are alive in Jesus Christ, may the world see we are yours. Let the Spirit and Power of the Lord Jesus Christ touch the lives of those around us for your Glory. Amen

BECOME RICH

2 Corinthians 8:9 (NKJV) 9  For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich. 
   When we stumble on generosity today we often think, "What a special person to give to others," however, for the child this often comes naturally. Years ago we noticed children playing, naturally help another, one child was trying to go hand over hand hanging on the ladder bars, he was failing miserably, one child saw the struggle, grabbed the child around the waist and lifted up until he had crossed on every wrung. Oh that we would act on the impulse to help others the same way.
   God did just that for you and I, seeing our struggle with the Truth of obediently serving Him, He made The Way clear for us to follow. Jesus came and showed man that serving God is a pleasure not drudgery, living for the Creator who made us is fulfilling, not a waste of time. We are here for just a short time, then the door of Eternity opens for us to embrace, friend, if you have not prepared by trusting the Savior in your heart, you are not prepared!
God has a plan to make us rich in Him, but we must accept His offer, it must be the Lord Jesus Christ.
Heavenly Father your gift is amazing, we have every need met, every breath accounted for, every heart beat is known to You. Help us to live that You may be well pleased with your children, let those who see us see You. Amen

GODLY SORROW

2 Corinthians 7:10 (NKJV) 10  For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. 

    Mrs. Beale spoke harshly to her neighbor, convicted of the wrong, she tried to convince her self it was justified, still she felt guilt, opening the door she yelled, "You started it, I finished it, I'm sorry." That is not dealing with wrong, the Bible says, "A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, And contentions are like the bars of a castle. Proverbs 18:19 (NKJV) the Word of God also declares, But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matthew 6:15 (NKJV). We must sincerely experience sorrow for our wrong, that alone is the evidence we want God's will and not our own.

    The worlds sorrow is a pang of conscience and little regret, Godly sorrow brings us to our knees where we ask God's forgiveness and the forgiveness of the offended. Not "If, I have offended," but  "I know that I have offended both God and you, will you forgive me?" We are warned not to listen to foolishness instead, "Love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith," 1 Timothy 1:5 (NKJV)

Heavenly Father help us to live with those around us in peace, may they see in us Jesus, may our lives reflect the mirror image of You. Bless those we communicate with and use them to bless others. Amen

NO SAVIOR

Isaiah 43:11 (NKJV) 11  I, even I, am the LORD, And besides Me there is no savior. 
    A little fellow dressed like super man ran into the room and shouted "There is a dark force out side," his mother mocked, "What will we do," "I am the only one who can save you," the little one replied. The world is indeed dark, the force of evil is powerful and there is hope, but salvation can come only through the One, there is no other. Jesus came that all may have salvation through Him, Isaiah points to this future event and reminds those who will hear, God was before the beginning and He will be after the end. At the appointed time the Savior did come and calls all to repent and believe.
    Anyone may come to the source of Life and Redemption there is no darkness that will hold Him back, if you will allow The Savior to enter in? John 14:6
Heavenly Father we know that You are God, there is no other, we know that Eternity is in You, there is no other way. Help us Lord to share that Truth with those around us, that they too may know You. Amen

FOR ALL

2 Corinthians 5:15 (NKJV) 15  and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.
    The Titanic hit an iceberg at 11:40 p.m. on the night of April 14, 1912 and sunk just over two-and-a-half hours later, there were not enough life boats to rescue all on board, life boat #7 could seat 60 people, but left with only 24, one with room for 40 only had had 12 souls aboard. The Titanic was not prepared for the disaster that sunk the ship, neither were most of the 1500 people who were forced to swim in an icy sea or drown, in all only 6 that plunged into the frigid waters were rescued alive, while those in the life boats looked on.
    One of the men known from that disaster to help others was John Harper, he not only put his daughter in a life boat and gave his life vest to another, his personal mission was asking of the welfare of others, from one to another he swam pleading "Are you saved," for their confession of the Savior as he simply froze to death and drown. John was a minister who cared for lost souls, Jesus came that lost souls might be saved, John did not live for himself but for others, Jesus died that others might live, John Harper lived his life for the One who gave His life for all. Who are you living for?
Heavenly Father help us to live that others clearly see You, may our lives like lights in the dark point lost souls You. Amen

THEY DESPISED

Psalm 106:24 (NKJV) 24  Then they despised the pleasant land; They did not believe His word, 
     The Israelites were promised a land of milk and honey, a place where families could be raised, God would be their fence, He was their guard, The Presence of God would be their redeemer and they would worship Him in Truth and Spirit. One catch however was made clear, "... They will forsake Me and break My covenant which I have made with them. Then My anger shall be aroused against them in that day, and I will forsake them, and I will hide My face from them, and they shall be devoured. And many evils and troubles shall befall them, so that they will say in that day, 'Have not these evils come upon us because our God is not among us?" Deuteronomy 31:16-17 (NKJV) The nation of Israel left God out of their daily living and God left them to the mercy of godless rulers.
     Fast forward to today America, the nation that is repeating the failures of past civilizations, we still need God, He is still on His Throne, Jesus is still the reason we exist, there is no other way, it has been tried before,  "... Thus says the LORD of hosts: "Return to Me," says the LORD of hosts, "and I will return to you," says the LORD of hosts. Zechariah 1:3 (NKJV)
Let us not despise what God has given, Let us believe His Word!
Heavenly Father we have sinned against you and all of heaven, help us to humbly seek what we have despised and return to You, the living God. May our prayers reach the Throne of your Grace and may You move oh God against you enemies. Amen

THE SPIRIT

2 Corinthians 3:17 (NKJV) 17  Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

     My grandmother was severely abused as a child, broken hands, left in freezing weather, forced to live with people who were no relation, she found peace in the Presence of God, He was her Comfort, her Peace and her Salvation.  She lived with the most amazing confidence and internal Spiritual understanding, she was indeed the picture of God's Grace in flesh. When we come face to face with The Savior, transformation follows or we reject entirely His redemption. 

    The Israelites came face to face with God and they begged Him to leave, seeing the reflection of God on Moses, they urged him to cover his face. Many came face to face with Jesus, many turned away, but the few who embraced the One, called The Christ, were changed forever. 

   The Lord is indeed Spirit, and the Spirit will fellowship with believers who have received His Spirit. Are you having fellowship with God or the spirit of your choosing, if you have received Jesus into your life "You are anew creation, old things have passed away and all things have become new," in you. 2 Corinthians 5:17

Heavenly Father may I worship You in Truth and in Spirit, may my life be a living sacrifice for You. May we as believers be a sweet smell of mercy to You and those around us, let every breath exalt You. Amen

THEIR REQUEST

Psalm 106:15 (NKJV) 15  And He gave them their request, But sent leanness into their soul.
    This Psalm reminds us the Israelites did not understand, they did not remember and they rebelled against God their redeemer, but God still spared them for His Great Names sake. This sounds so much like us today, misunderstanding what God wants, forgetting what He has done and living a self absorbed life that has little place or time for our Maker. The Psalmist writes, He gave them what they wanted (the desires of the heart) and then allowed the work of self centeredness to destroy their relationship with the Savior.
     It seems as though little time is left to correct the devastating spiral of destruction, we have embraced. God has been faithful, we have not, however, the repentant will experience forgiveness and salvation for Eternity. John the baptist preached repentance, Peter preached repentance, John the revelator preached repentance all in the Name of Jesus who also preached, "Repent or you will likewise perish." Luke 13:5
    Friend, we have time but it must be today, 2 Corinthians 6:2, right now will you acknowledge that Jesus is the only way to heaven and you are willing to give your entire life to Him, trusting in Him only? Romans 10:9
Heavenly Father we are looking to You, we are looking up, You alone are God help us to see, your Glory in your Son Jesus. May we acknowledge with every breath that our hope is in You. Amen

TO COMFORT

2 Corinthians 1:4 (NKJV) 4  who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 

    "Laugh and the world laughs with you, cry and the world laughs at you" Rob P, age 8, from  a child's perspective the world can be cruel and unforgiving, for many adults the same sense is true. The real truth is sin, has made mere men foolish in their search for significance. We are the creation of a God who has unlimited Love for His masterpiece, rather than an abstract piece of art, we are the living breathing image of the God who is all Righteousness.

    The fear of not fitting in is a mute point for the christian, we have a higher calling than groveling in the mire of defeat, we belong to the God who puts all enemies under His feet. Ps.110:1 Are you living with discouragement, don't, Psalms 2 says, God is on His throne, Psalm 4, says he will hear your prayers, Psalms 6, says, he is long suffering, if you have received Jesus Christ, The Lord into your heart, you have been set apart for Eternity with the Creator. 

     The camping trip of this world is but the stage, for the real living of the next, DO NOT be down cast, "For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls." Hebrews 12:3 (NKJV) He will comfort you!

Heavenly Father nothing has taken You by surprise, You knew this before the foundation of the world, help us to live that all may recognize You. May we walk in the integrity of your Word, may all your enemies see You are God. Amen

THEN COMES THE END

1 Corinthians 15:24 (NKJV) 24  Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. 
    A man cried, "Its over, I have wasted my life, there is nothing more I can do," he then heard of the Mercy of God, he trusted Jesus as his personal Savior and his life began new. The one who hears of the Love of God and receives Him, gets a new start, the life is filled with new hope and great expectations of what God will do, it is no longer what I can do.
    Friend if you are discouraged know that, God is still on His throne, nothing has surprised Him, He alone raises up and He alone brings low, our plans are not His, it is His plans that are ours. Jesus came to seek and to save that which is lost, He is the Rescue, He is the Light, He is life in Him is everything we need. Trust Him today, look up not out and you will find the end of all things worldly.
Heavenly Father we look to You to show us how to live in this generation, help us to live as though You are coming today. May all our cares be to look up and see You, may all our prayers be for your Glory. Amen

BE STILL

Psalm 46:10 (NKJV) 10  Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! 
     A little fellow was wiggling in church, his mother leaned over and whispered be still, he looked up and said, "My sitter won't sit no more!" We are impatient of the circumstances, many times waiting is so tedious there is the desire to make something happen. God very clearly says, "Be still," He knows what is needed we must wait on Him. The results of God working through, compared to our muddling are obvious, His work is eternal, ours is finite, He is heavenly we are earthly.
    Jesus came to bring us salvation, redemption from our sin filled lives, He has made the Way, trust Him today and all our cares become His, He will keep His own.
Heavenly Father we are in need of You, help us to trust is your plans and wait on You. Amen
   

SWEET TO HIM

Psalm 104:34 (NKJV) 34  May my meditation be sweet to Him; I will be glad in the LORD.
    A song is often sweet to the soul, soothing and relaxing, there are places that offer rest and relaxation from the cares of the world, a stillness that gives rise to reflection. There is however only One place where man may enter and find the Peace that is borne of God and intended solely for the transformation of the spirit in man. That place may only be found where Jesus has made the way, He cut through the jungle thicket of the world, over grown with the vines and brush of distractions, the Way once clear and sought after, has become distant and many are misinformed as to the exact location.
    Friend Jesus took on Him the entire sin of the world, cutting through the thick darkness of self serving, He alone embraced the ugliest of sinfulness and forced it to the grave. His blood covered the Way with the crimson Truth, "Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins." Hebrews 9:22 He forced back the thick vegetation that hides the path that leads to Life, Jesus is, "The Way, the Truth and the Life, no one comes to the Father except through Him." John 14:6 Are you seeking the Way, meditate with Him today, He is waiting on you?
Heavenly Father help us to trust what You have already done, help us to live in what You have already accomplished. Let us walk in the Light that is yours that all may see You. Amen

BY MY SPIRIT

Zechariah 4:6 (ESV) 6  Then he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts.
    We see snap shots of life, our memory and sense are triggered by stimuli we often recognize as pleasant, past or present. I saw a photo recently that reminded me of a child hood trip where fish were caught, mountain streams were clear and cold and the images of mountain peaks called out to be conquered. These things can fill us to overflowing with joy for past experiences, and cause us to long for days gone by.
   The Word of God to Zerubbabel is one of encouragement, we do not need to worry about how God will do the work, or how it was done in the past, we must have faith that He will accomplish what He has planned. He does not need the strength of men or the power of equipment, just His amazing Holy Spirit is enough. God is in the frame of advancing His kingdom, not the thoughts of men, the sole purpose for which I have been created is to Glorify Him.
    Are you attempting eternity by your own strength, stop, we enter Heaven only by the Redemption of Jesus, The Christ, who's life was given as payment, for my sins and yours. He is that Spirit by which all men can see God.
Heavenly Father, in You all things work together for good, for those who trust in your Spirit to lead guide and direct us. Help us Lord to move in the areas You have called and to maintain the position of prayer and faith. Amen

NOW GOD

1 Corinthians 12:18 (NKJV) 18  But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased.

    A child complained over his dinner, "This is not what I want," a man groaned over his work, "It's not my job," a woman cried, "Why do I have to go through this?" Everyone observed accurately that there is a measure of unfairness in what we expect for ourselves. However, we soon discover the gift of life is more than me, it is more than what I want, it is us together making up the combined and corporate act of humanity for a single purpose, that is established from before time began. What is it, the action of seeking The God who, holds all things together, that we might respond to His Love by choice.

   We are created, we have purpose, we are owned, we are beings given life that we might worship the One who created us. "But now, O LORD, You are our Father; We are the clay, and You our potter; And all we are the work of Your hand." Isaiah 64:8 (NKJV) Someone might ask, "Why,""Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor?" Romans 9:21 (NKJV), we belong to God, The Maker may do with the created thing as He pleases. 

   Are you struggling right now, is this life a little cloudy, do troubles overwhelm you, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28 (NKJV), His promise is to take all you have and give you all you need! 

Heavenly Father to live we have been approved by You, may every breath I take, be one of thankfulness and gratefulness. Let my thoughts please You, Oh, God, may my life exalt You in all You are doing in me. Amen

 

FOUL ODOR

Ecclesiastes 10:1 (NKJV) 1  Dead flies putrefy the perfumer's ointment, And cause it to give off a foul odor; So does a little folly to one respected for wisdom and honor. 
   In a group of respected professionals, an offensive story was repeated, some laughed and others just did not respond. I found my self very uncomfortable, the remarks were meant to amuse, the individual went on with the introduction, but lost the respect he had earned through years of faithful work. I confronted him afterwards and was shocked at the response, "Just trying to lighten the mood, nothing wrong with a little humor." "Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers." Ephesians 4:29 (NKJV), we are in a battle for the hearts and minds of doomed souls, why give an excuse to deny The Savior of man, that He cannot control the tongue.
    The day we live in is full of the cursings of men, the Radio, TV and public have a stench of death, the foul odor is infecting the lives of the believer and there by causing many to stumble. "But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea. Mark 9:42 (NKJV) 
We need the healing of Jesus, because Dead flies cause the perfume to stink! Matthew 15:30
Heavenly Father  help us to walk in integrity and honor, of the place we have found in You. May all our words be checked with The Truth that others may see You. Amen

DISTRACTED

Luke 10:40 (NKJV) 40  But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me."
   Recently someone responded, "I am too busy for church, besides I believe in God, He knows that." Oh, the business of living today, no time for spiritual renewal, just enough time to do what I want, a hurried saturday night church service, a weekend packed, me time!
   The scriptures reveal man has not changed in his attitude toward God, since the fall into self centered living. Adam rushed to sin and lost His place with God, Jacob hurried into a life of work and no time for God, the Israelites were so busy making life about them, they had no time for God, Saul was so self centered, he had no time for God, Herrod was too busy running a nation, he had no time for God.
   What is keeping you from giving God, His time? Jesus said to Martha, "You are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:41-42 (NKJV) have you really given God a place in your heart or just made a way for time, to take from you what you never had? Are you Martha minded or Mary oriented?
Heavenly Father, we need time with you as much as we need air to live, we need that special alone place that You might renew us and provide spiritual strength for the day. Help us Lord to put away that which is passing away and look to You for what we really need. Amen

HE WHO WEIGHS

Proverbs 24:12 (NKJV) 12  If you say, "Surely we did not know this," Does not He who weighs the hearts consider it? He who keeps your soul, does He not know it? And will He not render to each man according to his deeds? 
    There is much for man yet to discover about Gods creation, much we do not understand about our own hearts and how they function with the total being. A man was killed many years ago, his bodily functions were in tact, so the doctors used his organs to help others. The heart was sent to an individual who was soon to loose their battle for life. Some time latter the family received a call from the recipient of the heart, he had a puzzling question, "Did the person who donated the heart have a love for music," the stunned reply was, "His life was music."
     We do not know the depths of Gods Great Love, but we do know the experience of that Love, it dredges down and deep cleans the soul of man, so that he can worship his Creator. The God, knows all that we need to know, to exist Eternally with Him, He alone provides the Way, the real heart of the matter is Jesus and there is "no other name given under heaven by which a person may be saved!"
     Do you have His heart today, He is offering it freely to you?
Heavenly Father we live because of You, may we be truly thankful for the transplant of Life into us. May all our days give glory and honor to You, for You are the reason we live. Amen

ABOVE

John 8:23-24 (NKJV) 23  And He said to them, "You are from beneath; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. 24  Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins."
   A lady complained recently, "I am not happy, I feel as though I do not belong here." Amazing, God was revealing to her this life is but a vapor, we are here to show God's Faithfulness to those around us by our obedience to Him. I, you, all of us were planned by God to show the universe His great Love for His creation, is it working, yes, yes and again yes?
    The windows of Heaven are open to all who put absolute faith in Jesus Christ The Son, He alone is the Way, the Truth and The Life. Intellectual christianity is the extreme border of the line drawn by our Lord, Faith is the essence of that relationship, we must acknowledge from a heart void of any other thing, a heart broken to all other stimuli, that He alone is God and the Savior of all people. "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV) 
   Friend if you will know God, it must be on His terms, "For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called." 1 Corinthians 1:26 (NKJV) won't you simply trust Him today?
Heavenly Father our hope is in You, our help comes from above, all else is useless. Amen

A PRICE

1 Corinthians 6:20 (NKJV) 20  For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.
   Years ago a mentor explained to me, when you see someone who is busy and accomplishing tasks, that is the person you put in charge. I had complained that there was no time for what he was asking me to do, instead I accepted the challenge and discovered the much more, "How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?" Hebrews 9:14 (NKJV)
    The price of my salvation I have no means to repay, this gift of Eternal Life comes without any strings, I am redeemed because God loves His creation, you too may know God's amazing gift of Love by simply confessing His mercy through His Son and receiving forgiveness of your sins. What is this Love that knows no bounds, it is the precious blood of Jesus spilled, once and for all times to wash away every sin of man. He died that I might glorify Him, what a small price to pay for so Great a Gift.

Heavenly Father the life I live is by faith in your Son, thank You for all You have done for me. Let my every step move closer to You. Amen

WE LABOR

1 Corinthians 4:12-13 (NKJV) 12  And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; 13  being defamed, we entreat. We have been made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things until now.
    A woman cried, "My mother-in-law hates me she has nothing good to say to me or about me, I am so sick of this life." A man saw his son do less than he expected, "Get out there you lazy bum you didn't finish the job, when you tackle that guy hit em again," he screamed." Many are ridiculed and heckled for seemingly poor performance, however that is in the eye of the beholder, that person, that relationship may be doing the best they can.
   All God asks of us is our best, "Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NKJV), if we are not seeking to do our best, we are not obeying God.
   Friend if you have received Jesus you will experience persecution, "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake." Matthew 5:11 (NKJV), do not look around, look up to the God of Glory and know, He is looking out for you.
Heavenly Father in You we are safe and secure, nothing can harm us, nothing can take us from your hands. May we trust all these difficult things as the tools to look to You. Amen

HE IS COMING

Psalm 98:9 (NKJV) 9  For He is coming to judge the earth. With righteousness He shall judge the world, And the peoples with equity. 

    As a child I remember well my father catching me doing wrong, sternly warning and then sending me to my room to wait for his punishment. Fear, anger, blame and trembling in that order fell on me, I would be punished for my foolishness. The waiting on him to enter the room was eternal, then the door creaked and the tears flooded in, there he stood disappointment on his face and resolve in his action, I was punished before he ever began. Funny, I don't remember the punishment, just the look on his face.

    Friend the God of all creation is coming to judge, righteously and with equity, He is Holy and Just, He is Loving and Kind, He is Merciful and full of Grace, but, He will not allow sin to have its place, sin will be dealt with and no sin will be accepted! You and I will enter the presence of the King of Kings and we will stand or fall based on our relationship in Him, we will live eternally forgiven and clean or eternally condemned and defiled, one in Heaven the other in hell. Rev 20:11-15 Where will you be found if He comes today?

Heavenly Father the days are revealing the evidence of your soon appearing, help us to live that others see You. May our living today exalt You and may every step point others to Jesus. Amen

MY PEOPLE

Ezekiel 37:27 (NKJV) 27  My tabernacle also shall be with them; indeed I will be their God, and they shall be My people.
    A little boy shouted, "I am superman and I will live forever," there is some truth to his declaration, if we have received Jesus we are super human and we will live forever.
    God chose the Israelite, and set His stamp of approval on them, He was with them in a pillar of cloud by day and a flame of fire by night, until they chose to reject God and His Way. Today we have the promise that was given to the nation of Israel for anyone who will trust in the Son of God, there will be the indwelling of Power and The Presence of God. He has made clear to His people they will dwell in the Presence of God for eternity, if, the heart has been set on God. What is your heart set on today, have you spent any time with the One who gives Eternal Life, if you know Him, you will?
Heavenly Father in this life we are limited to the breath we have been given by You, may we wisely breath that others may see You. Amen

TO YOU

Jude 1:2 (NKJV) 2  Mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you. 
  A man said, "This Word preached is so exciting give me more," he was responding to a message on Mark 8:22-26. Jesus at the urging of followers, heals a blind man in stages, the picture He leaves the believer is, of men bringing men to Christ and God taking us by the hand, leading the blind to salvation and redemption in Jesus.
  Jude in this opening text, who is the half brother of Jesus, prays that God would apply Mercy, Peace and Love to the believers life, He has, He does and He will. Friend if you have trusted your life to the Savior, He has healed your blindness through His blood. You, are free to receive these gifts, Jude has expressed for the saved. However, it is up to you to embrace what God offers and let Him live through you. God does want to give us so much more, won't you trust just Him today?
Heavenly Father we are yours wether we choose to acknowledge that or not, the end of man is the beginning of Eternity, either with or without You. Help us Lord to receive all that You have planned for us, that others may see You. Amen

IN YOU

Philippians 2:5 (NKJV) 5  Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 

   Recently we sat down to eat with one, who talked the entire meal about himself and what he had done for God. He reveled to us his great service for God and how special he was in the kingdom economy of things. The entire conversation reminded us of the warning, "Do not be rash with your mouth, And let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven, and you on earth; Therefore let your words be few." Ecclesiastes 5:2 (NKJV)

    God has called us to humility, service, obedience and the work of dying to self daily, if there is any other work of God, let it consume us, that we are not an offense to others or cause another to stumble. Friend, the servant of God is just that, a servant, no will of his own, no desire to walk contrary, but according to the Word of God. "Let this mind be in You which was also in Christ Jesus!"

Heavenly Father the life of Christ is, the life of Christ, help us to hear and obey. Let our lives be a daily sacrifice to You, may those around observe You and nothing more. Amen

APPLY

Proverbs 23:12 (NKJV) 12  Apply your heart to instruction, And your ears to words of knowledge.
   A man said, "I am tired of all this learning, when do we practice what we have learned?" He is a "christian," who says, he has not yet practiced his faith in God. Interesting, we learn from the very beginning of our relationship to Jesus Christ that we are to share what, He has done in us and what He is continuing to do. Friend, if you have not yet begun to share what Jesus has done to you, it may be He is not in you. Paul says there are those who are, "always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." 2 Timothy 3:7 (NKJV) Pray, that is not you!
Heavenly Father we need to act upon what we know, help us to walk in your Will, for your Glory. Amen

I KNOW

Job 19:25 (NKJV) 25  For I know that my Redeemer lives, And He shall stand at last on the earth; 
    A speaker was introduced as "A woman of great faith," as she stepped onto the platform she responded, "I am not a woman of great faith, I am a woman with a Great God!" Putting things in perspective really makes clear, God is the only reason we exist.
     Job is a man that puts God above every other thing in his life, he finds himself at a crossroads of suffering, persecution and blame from so called friends, Job reminds himself, not only does the Savior live, He is coming back. We too must embrace this position when trials are overwhelming us, God has not forgotten or forsaken His servants, we are in the right place at the right time and He will redeem His beloved. Today, right now, put God before your next worry, the immediate fear, and experience the new found freedom to say, "I know my redeemer lives!"
Heavenly Father we need You, help us to look at the facts, first, You are still God, that has not changed it never will. Second, may we focus on the work of our Lord and the saving Grace You have provided, third, may our thoughts expose your Mercy and may your Love prevail over our fears. "Bless the Lord Oh my soul, let everything within me bless His Holy Name." Amen

DO NOT BE CONFORMED

Romans 12:2 (NKJV) 2  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. 
     Teenagers often make the statement, "I want to be different, I don't want to be like everyone else," then they proceed to buy the most popular clothes, shoes and deface their bodies with jewelry and tattoos. Really, you want to be different, these are the same practices since the beginning of the fall of man. Adam and Eve were led into sin by the same desire to do and be different, that sin separated them from God and His plan of eternity for all men.
    Do yo really wish to be different, go and help another person, give to them that which will meet a need, reach out and touch another person with your actions, of help and giving. Take upon yourself to feed one who has little or nothing to eat, help a mother who is forced to work because of family difficulties, lend a hand to a neighbor who can not get things done on their own. Do you really want to be different, don't do what the world does, let Christ do in you what you cannot do own your own. Trust Him today and let God transform your life into something really different!
Heavenly Father, in You we will be what we cannot be without You. Help us to live your way for your Glory. Amen

BLESSED

Psalm 94:12 (NKJV) 12  Blessed is the man whom You instruct, O LORD, And teach out of Your law,
     "The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God." Psalm 14:1 (NKJV), God has made a place for the fool and the believer, for one the consequences are impossible to imagine, for the other the reward for obedience is inexpressible. Friend have you considered where you stand in The Creator's economy, the one who has chosen to believe in God, has come through the Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, the one who rejects the knowledge of God, has denied why we were created, we are eternal.
       Today, right now, you either belong to Eternity (Jesus Christ) or you do not, you have a personal growing relationship with the Word or you do not! Where do you stand?
Heavenly Father, to look up we must acknowledge You, any thing else is just looking. Help us to live in the Truth, by the Power of the Presence of Jesus, may your Holy Spirit find in us an obedience  to all of your Word for all of our lives. Amen

BY FAITH

Romans 9:32 (NKJV) 32  Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone.
    The child is often afraid of what they do not understand, the dark is a good example of the fear that lurks within, light on the other hand resolves the issues for the child and he is again content. Many struggle with physical and mental sins, the problem is not one of "I can fix this my self," the problem is faith not applied.
    The writer to the Romans points out, faith is missing in the battle of wills and until that Faith is embraced there will be no victories. Friend, when you by Faith in Jesus Christ trust Him with your sins, you will experience victory, remember "... if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you." Matthew 17:20 (NKJV), He gives the victory over sin but He must do it. Take your sins to Jesus and let Him nail them to the cross of redemption.
Heavenly Father we have no power over sin to stop its temptations, we do however have You. Help us today to look up and not around, for You are ALL we need. Amen

BEHOLD

Job 5:17-24 (NKJV) 17  "Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects; Therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty. 18  For He bruises, but He binds up; He wounds, but His hands make whole. 19  He shall deliver you in six troubles, Yes, in seven no evil shall touch you. 20  In famine He shall redeem you from death, And in war from the power of the sword. 21  You shall be hidden from the scourge of the tongue, And you shall not be afraid of destruction when it comes. 22  You shall laugh at destruction and famine, And you shall not be afraid of the beasts of the earth. 23  For you shall have a covenant with the stones of the field, And the beasts of the field shall be at peace with you. 24  You shall know that your tent is in peace; You shall visit your dwelling and find nothing amiss. 

   Content is the soul that trust in the Lord, joy his companion and peace his home. Friend, in God alone dwells all that we need, every care is taken into account, won't you trust Him today?

Heavenly Father may all who look up today see You, may every soul that longs for your Presence find satisfying your Word. Let every breath of man today ascend to You as a sweet smell of our longing to worship. Bless the Lord oh my soul and all that is within me bless the Lord. Amen

BECAUSE HE

Psalm 91:14 (NKJV) 14  "Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name. 
   You have seen the child that constantly calls out the parents name, tugging at clothing and generally demanding attention. That child is often in need of discipline and direction.
   Consider now your prayer life, God the Father has mercifully offered salvation to His creation, rather than receive this Love with the gratitude of an undeserving sinner we often take the position He owes us something. Listen to the Psalmist, God still has our best interest at His heart and He will deliver us from the trial when it is the right time.
   Friend are you right now expecting God to intervene, He will when we recognize we are in His care, He will meet every need when we determine to know His Name!
Heavenly Father You alone deserve all our praise, You deserve all our attention, You are worthy of every accolade. May our every thought give credence to Your Word and Your Gift of love to all men. Amen.

WRETCHED MAN

Romans 7:24 (NKJV) 24  O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 

    A child was observing in awe a friend who had died lying in state, pulling her mother aside she loudly whispered, "When do they get up?" The mother wisely replied, "Honey he is really not here, he has gone to be with Jesus." This is the essence of the testimony of the christian, once we have been redeemed by the Blood of The Lamb, we no longer live, He lives in us. Galatians 2:20 

    The one who belongs to Jesus has died to self, they no longer live to serve self but others, the christian has in fact attended his own funeral and the world is asking, "When will that old dead self get up?" Friend if you belong to Jesus, you have died and the old man will never rise again!"

Heavenly Father help us to receive our place in You as forgiven, redeemed, made clean, washed and invested with New Life. May we today exhibit what you have done for the believer in Jesus. Amen

CHRIST JESUS

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. 

     While in Burbank California some years ago, I witnessed a man fall to his death, an earth quake had shaken the Los Angeles area and many were in fear of their lives, buildings, roads and homes were leveled and some were sleeping in the streets. 

    We are not prepared for calamity, when it arrives, often there is a rash decision process, many times people just shut down and live in a daze. There is a price to pay for not being prepared, caught of guard surprised by the event, however you wish to define it, our character is called into account. God is right now speaking to your character, how will you respond to His challenge, what will you do with this earth quake we call life, for too many the wages of self-serving is death, separation from God, for the few there is Life Eternal and that Life is, Christ Jesus! There are only two gates in life, one is eternal life the other eternal death, through which gate are you walking? Matthew 7:13-14

Heavenly Father help us today to look to You, may our thoughts today exalt You, may the way we walk today reveal to others we trust in You. Thank you for the life You have entrusted to us, help us to live like You. Amen

TEACH US

Psalm 90:12 (NKJV) 12  So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.
    A five year old was celebrating his birthday, he reached out grabbed a handful of cake and said, "Now I can go anywhere and do anything, everybody knows its my birthday." Our world is often large in our own eyes, we tend to think, everyone thinks as we do, that is the conundrum of life.
    Moses writes from the experienced eyes of age, from the eyes of a life of hardship, and difficult leadership, he muses over the things God has wrought in his life and concludes, not only is God in control, He knows what we need and when we need it. Moses came face to face with the Creator and concludes, time is short make the most for God, of what you are.
    Friend we have not one guarantee, God is in control of the next breath we receive, what will you do with the life He has granted you? Live for Him and the reward is Eternal Life with Him!
Heavenly Father help us to learn even more as we mature, help us to absorb like a sponge the Truth that makes us free from the bondage of sinfulness. Lord may our every prayer be, help us to observe the times that we may live obediently. Amen

RIGHTEOUSNESS

Romans 4:3 (NKJV) 3  For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness."
    Our lives tell the story of who we are and what we were, tombstones sometimes tell us a little about the person, like this one in a Georgia cemetery: "I told you I was sick!" or this one in Richmond, Virginia, on Margaret Daniels grave at Hollywood Cemetery: "She always said her feet were killing her but nobody believed her." Funny yes, and still we must consider how we too lived our lives, "Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?--unless indeed you are disqualified. 2 Corinthians 13:5 (NKJV)" we either belong to Jesus or we do not, it cannot be both.
    The word of God says, Abrahams belief was enough for God to bless him and all mankind after him, if they would seek God. Abraham was faithful and it is recorded for all Eternity. What will God record about us, I pray it is said, "They trusted Jesus, walked with Him, and lived righteous!"
Heavenly Father we need You, help us to walk as if our Eternity depends upon it, we know that it does. Help us Lord to seek You early and to exalt You with our living, may we put aside our desires and make You the object of our affection. Amen

CALL TO ME

Jeremiah 33:3 (NKJV) 3  'Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.' 
    Tooth decay so says the dentist is typical of those who do not care for their teeth, daily cleansing and eating properly are key to dental care. You must says the dentist "Have a desire to take care of your teeth." The Lord says, "And you shall be holy to Me, for I the LORD am holy, and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be Mine. Leviticus 20:26 (NKJV)," the God of all creation calls His people Holy, if they have followed His instructions to the letter. The servant of God must walk daily with Him, the servant of God must obey all of His Law, the servant of God must fully comply with His will. This CANNOT be done as long as we do not posses the Spirit of God.
    Like the desire to take care of yourself, the desire to serve God must posses us, we must have a relationship with the Savior of our souls before we can serve Him. How, Jesus Christ is the Redeemer of All mankind, unless He is first given our whole being, there is no salvation. Remember daily walking with God is key.
Heavenly Father help us to trust You above all things, help us live by your Word and no other. Lord, help us to walk by Faith and not the things we see, may we look at your Truth and no other. Amen

 

CONFIDENT

Philippians 1:6 (NKJV) 6  being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;
    Walking on the beach I noticed a dead bird, not too far away a group of birds huddled in the sand, on the the outside of the flock stood a bird with one leg. Curious I approached, he hopped and began to fly, as his wings lifted him off the sand he looked like any other, the imperfection was not noticed.
    The christian is often not seen or rejected in todays society, many have faded into the back ground and become obscure in their walk. Some stand out and are willing to express their walk with the Creator, the norm however is to blend in and not draw attention. If the twelve had rejected the call of God on their lives would Jesus have remained silent, if the most unusual Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ had no one, would He still have died for sin? The answer is Yes and again Yes, God had to put sin in its place regardless of man and his choices, there had to be sacrifice and God is willing to stand in the gap for His creation. "According to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission. Hebrews 9:22 (NKJV) Let us be confident that the work of the Lord will be complete in those who trust Him, "Walk worthy!"
Heavenly Father in the blood of your Son we are made clean, help us to walk worthy of The Sacrifice that set us free from deaths curse. May our lives be as vocal as our sins once were, may every step take those around us closer to You. Amen

ALL

Romans 3:23 (NKJV) 23  for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
   Two boys were pushing each other off a pile of dirt in the yard, one would proclaim, "I am king of the mountain," then the other would win and do the same thing, neither was victorious, it was just kid fun. I've played that game and it was great fun, I have now trusted my life to Christ, matured, and realized many are still playing the same game in an adult way.
    When Jesus is confronted by a man seeking truth He responds, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. Mark 10:18 (NKJV), many believe they are good but that goodness is only in the mind of that person. Jesus who proved to be the only One living in this flesh, that would live sinlessly, reminds all, that only God is good and He alone determines what is Righteous and Holy.
    Friend, have you been living as if you were king of the mountain, please look around many think the same way, the Truth is, "ALL have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God," All need The Savior, Jesus.
Heavenly Father our lives betray what we are, many sit home when you have called us out to worship, many are playing in the dirt, while their souls slip away. Help us to live in this day as if it were our last, may every breath be for You. Amen

NEAR TO HEAR

Ecclesiastes 5:1 (NKJV) 1 Walk prudently when you go to the house of God; and draw near to hear rather than to give the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they do evil. 
    A senior said recently, "The Truth is all I want," as he confided in me the realization of this disinformation age is dawning, most do not want truth they simply desire satisfaction. Listen to Paul warn Timothy, "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables." 2 Timothy 4:3-4 (NKJV) how sad, that we would forsake Truth, for self serving.
    However that is the nature of sin and sin is a selfish devise to satisfy ones desires, it silences the Voice of the Holy Spirit and quenches His teaching. Have you been to Gods house lately, there you will find His Word and His Presence, if, you have first found Him. "Draw near to hear God and He will reveal His Truth to you.
Heavenly Father help us to be still and hear, do not let the noise of this world silence the Truth for us, for our sakes oh God. Help us to know your Way and walk in that Truth, may our time spent in your Presence please You. Help that we may draw near to You and obey. Amen

JOYFUL SOUND

Psalm 89:15 (NKJV) 15 Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! They walk, O LORD, in the light of Your countenance.
    In Genesis 3:8 we read, Adam and Eve hid from the sound of God walking in the garden. There must have been before the fall of these two, an expectation of the presence of God coming to meet with them, a natural movement of the Creator meeting with His chosen to fellowship. I can imagine the Presence of God moving among the hills today, in the mountains, through the trees and sense His Power and Presence.
    For those who belong to Him, there is the excitement of waiting on God and the desire to see Him work, for others there is the fear and dread of coming judgment and death itself. When you have heard the "joyful sound" of God, your desire is to walk with Him. Do you know Him, I pray you are listening for Him today.
Heavenly Father we long for your Presence, help us today to walk by your Power in this world so others see You. May even our breath, be pleasing in your sight as we seek to know You and your Way. Amen

A GREAT WORK

Nehemiah 6:3 (NKJV) 3 So I sent messengers to them, saying, "I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down. Why should the work cease while I leave it and go down to you?"
    A little fellow was building a sand castle, it was late and time to go, his mother called but he would not leave his project, in desperation she took him by the arm and began to drag him off the beach, through much protest and flailing limbs he finally came free and said, "Look the water has washed away my castle its your fault, if I had been there I could have saved it!" We must choose our battles carefully, some are doomed to failure.
   Nehemiah, is called by God to rebuild, what God calls us to will succeed, His Way. Know, that many things we have undertaken to do have failed because God was not in it, some projects do make it by sheer will power, but they may not been His Will.
     It is not God's will that anyone perish and not live with Him in Eternity, Jesus says however, "narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." Matthew 7:14 (NKJV) Do you know that your doing a great work, it is either for God or against Him, time will tell.
Heavenly Father help us to see what we are doing, help us to recognize the work of our hands, help us to know that we are in your Will. Lord may all we do exalt You and may our lives be an example of your Love. Amen

I WILL SING

Psalm 89:1 (NKJV) 1 I will sing of the mercies of the LORD forever; With my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generations.
    Someone recently complained, "The world is falling apart, what are we going to do?" As long as we have life in our bodies God is not finished with us, His call to man is hear and obey, the sole duty of man is to worship the Creator and to specifically trust Jesus Christ as both Lord and Savior. Some may not have the attitude to sing of Gods mercy, that does not mean that those who do should sit quiet.
    Have you trusted Jesus with your whole being, has He by His Grace saved you, then sing my friend for our reward is in Heaven and nothing on earth can keep us from His hands.
Heavenly Father in You we live in You we breath in You there is life forever, may we look to Your mercies and know that we will live forever. Sing my soul for your God is alive and gives more Grace to those who believe in Him. Amen

CONSCIENCE

Acts 24:16 (NKJV) 16  This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.
    The world seems to have lost its way, once the conscience was venerated as the reason to be morally good, given by God to men to keep them in the Way, the thought of disobeying God made one fear judgment and separation. I saw in the parking lot of a store a group of people following a woman who had walked out with a buggy full of supplies from the store, when confronted she ran while calling on her phone for help, soon a car arrived she hurried to it and left the employees of the store watching. On the bumper of the get away car, "Jesus is my Life" boldly proclaimed.
    Is it any wonder that this generation would deny God in the public arena of politics, "there is no fear of God before their eyes," Psalms 36:1, and should it be a surprise that this generation has no understanding of the conscience, and the work of the Holy Spirit of whom Jesus said, "He will teach you all things." John 14:26
    We must right now turn to God as Ezra and Nehemiah in the Old Testament did, repent and seek God with all our hearts, corporately we must seek God, individually we must be clean before the God of Salvation. Have you checked your conscience today?
Heavenly Father help us today to pray clearly for cleansing, we are in need of real repentance, our hearts need healing and our ways need mending. May we today call for national and world wide revival that all may not be lost in the judgement to come. Amen

FINDS LIFE

Proverbs 21:21 (NKJV) 21  He who follows righteousness and mercy Finds life, righteousness and honor.
    We are in a desperate time in history, an element of evil is rewriting our past, with the intention of deleting and maligning, so that future generations plummet into moral failure. I just found this quote, "Christians have an extremely violent and intolerant history," that is not true and never has been for the Holy Spirit led, servant, of God the Creator. Those who pretend a relationship to the Savior of the world may indeed be violent and intolerant, but they are not Christian.
    Peter writes to the believer in Jesus Christ and the true Christian, "knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts," 2 Peter 3:3 (NKJV) and Paul the Apostle writes to Timothy a servant of God and a real Christian, "But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 2 Timothy 3:1-5 (NKJV) Friend do not trust the pied pipers of today they neither know God nor His people, they are the intolerant and the violent and they will stand before the Judge of all the earth, we will all be held accountable. With all your might follow "righteousness and mercy," He is Jesus, trust His Word and no other.!!!
Heavenly Father help us to live in this day as those who are set apart to You. May we continue as You have called us to walk in the Light You are. Let us always examine your Word for the Way to live and ignore the attacks of the enemy. Amen