BLESS ME ALSO

Exodus 12:32 (ESV) 32 Take your flocks and your herds, as you have said, and be gone, and bless me also!”
   We are often a disappointment to those around us, simply because we do not do what they expect. One person demands that we capitulate to their desires while another, believes we think as they do. All have a place and an assignment from God, yet few find the calling of God in their lives. A little fellow was out in the yard pushing his plastic lawn mower and fussing, his mother questioned him, "what are you fussing about," he replied "mow the grass mow the grass, I always have to mow the grass." "why are you saying that," she asked, "thats what daddy says."
   Moses had the overwhelming task of leading almost 2 million people into worship of God, when Pharaoh finally submitted to Gods will for the Israelites, he added bless me also. Those around us know if we belong to God and they want a blessing as well even if we won't do things their way.
Heavenly Father help us to be more like You, may we always do what You have asked and with a cheerful heart. Let others see You in us and may we be a blessing to all we come in contact with. Amen

THE LAST WILL BE

Matthew 20:16 (NKJV) 16 So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen."
   We must be careful what we embrace, we may still fall. A man slipped on a ledge that was covered with loose shale, high in the mountains no one could help, as he slid down to certain doom, he grabbed an ever green plant that was barely the size of a basketball, his decent stopped and he breathed a sigh of relief. Immediately he felt the roots begin to give and he was sliding again, this time he snagged a tree and was saved.
   Don't cling to ideas or ideals make sure you know the truth, Jesus very clearly says we must accept Gods plan for our life and no other, "I am the Way the Truth and the Life." Emphatically God told the Israelites "you shall have no other Gods before you," yet we cling to the things in this life that will eventually meet with our destruction. Make sure you take the Tree of Life and not the bush of satisfaction, the Last (Jesus) will be First.
Heavenly Father help us to grasp the Word, You have provided, let us not slip on the deceit of others. May we cling to the solid Rock of your Truth and let all else go. Amen

WHO THEN IS GREATEST

Matthew 18:1 (NKJV) 1 ... "Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"
   Comparisons are made every moment about good and bad, right and wrong, to one good is as he sees it to another bad is as the laws says it is. How do you reckon with moral issues today? A child heard an adult say, "stupid," the response was an immediate, "that's a bad word."
   Jesus says, "whoever says, you fool, shall be in danger,"Matthew 5:22 the matter boils down to what comes from the heart, but is a single word bad? Listen to Matthew 12:36 (NKJV) 36 But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. We are accountable for what is coming from the heart?
   Who is greatest, the one that puts God above every other thing, including the thoughts and intents of the heart!
Heavenly Father we need You, help us to keep our heart in check, help us to look to You for every thing. Amen.

PATH OF YOUR FEET

Proverbs 4:26 (NKJV) 26 Ponder the path of your feet, And let all your ways be established. 
   A little girl locked herself in the bathroom after being scolded for being sassy. Her mother begged her to open the door after sometime she did, what were you doing she asked, "I was thinking," "about what," her mother asked, "what sassy means." God has revealed everything about our problems we need only to look into His Word to find our troubles answered.
   Have you examined yourself lately, 2 Corinthians 13:5, have you asked the hard questions, am I living to please God, am I seeking Him with all my heart, are there habits that come between me and Him, is my speech pleasing to my Father? These questions and more are necessary to keep the fire burning on the altar of our heart for the Savior.
   Do you feel defeated, are things closing in, examine yourself and find God will break through and be the path for your feet.
Heavenly Father help we are weak, let us see through your eyes our faults, help us to find the clear path that leads others to You. May all we do please You, may all our energies be spent trusting You. Amen

A BEAUTIFUL CHILD

Exodus 2:2 (NKJV) 2 ... And when she saw that he was a beautiful child, she hid him three months. 
   There is a time when we must hide what God has put His hand on to allow the Spirit to work. He speaks clearly and we realize the time for sharing the fresh insight is not yet, then the works of God are revealed and the Word from the Lord is ready.
    A mother gives birth to a child that is not unusual, but that child is a special gift from God and only the mother knows this, she hides the child for the day of Gods work and He reveals the time is now. Moses rises through the ranks of leadership and is challenged with the most amazing task in history, leading a nation to challenge the world to follow the Savior.
    What has God said to you is beautiful, and what will you do with His revelation?
Heavenly Father in You alone we exist, may our every breath be to live for You, may all our thoughts be consumed with obedience to You. Let your word be victorious in us and the lives of those around us. Amen

LORD HELP ME

Matthew 15:25 (NKJV) 25 Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, "Lord, help me!"
   Some have truly desperate situations, health and finances are the major issues, however for others there is a daily need of care and comfort, the presence of a friend or companion. A dog wandered into our yard, not knowing the owner we tied him up and checked with the neighbors. Soon a terrible sound was heard and we discovered the dog howling with all his might, struggling to be free we let him go, the howling and struggling ceased.
   Many feel like the dog trapped, we howl and struggle, God hears our pleas but we don't sense His Presence, why? Our pleading is often without real desire just the want to be free, learn to worship at the feet of the One who created you and soon you will discover He will meet every need. Our aches and pains they are real, however we must include the knowledge that God can and will meet every cry if, we come in worship. Won't you worship Him today, He will help you?
Heavenly Father help us worship with all our heart, let the impulse of truly engaging with You be fulfilled in us. May our every breath find praises to You satisfying and fulfilling. Bless those who come in sincerity and truth and may all our words find You through our worship. Amen

I PUT MY TRUST

Psalms 11:1 (NKJV) 1 ... In the LORD I put my trust; How can you say to my soul, "Flee as a bird to your mountain"?
    There is often a voice that says runs away, flee, don't take this, however for the soul tuned to the Creator, the desire to please the Father weighs heavy on our hearts. To flee will hinder Gods working in us, He longs to bring His Character to bear in our lives, the Savior desires that we allow His Spirit to work through us.
    "A man complained out loud these people don't understand," when his wife had passed, a pastor wisely answered, "they may not, but they do know your are hurting and as best they can they have come to comfort you." Love has a unique way of gently guiding us into the brokenness of others, that same Love will bring you sweetly into the arms of a Savior, that not only knows our weakness, He will carry us through it. Won't you trust EVERY thing to Him today?
Heavenly Father help those who are hurting beyond our understanding, help us to be gentle and loving, help us Lord to listen and comfort. May our presence be encouraging and may others see You in all we do. Amen

HE WHO RECEIVED

Matthew 13:23 (NKJV) 23 But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, ...
  Not everything in life is meant for us to understand, the ways of others is often a conundrum, why do people do the things they do, why do we often fail so miserably. A child asked, "daddy why do rain drops  get wiped away when we are in the car," "I don't know," the curious dad replied. "I know," the child said, "their like sin drops and God wipes them all away."Yes He does, for the soul that longs for Gods precious forgiveness, there is cleansing eternal.
   To understand Gods Word we need only to put all our trust in the Savior of the world, and ask Him to forgive us of all our sins. Then he who received the seed (of forgiveness) meaning Jesus, will understand His Word.
Heavenly Father, may all You say to me through your Word be an obedient action by me. May all You want to do in me be pleasing to You, let all your Word create fruit that exalts You. Amen

WHO WILL DO MY WILL

Acts 13:22 (NKJV) ... I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart,  who will do all My will.

  We hear God say, "who will do all my will," our Creator longs for fellowship with the soul that will without reservation, seek no other but Him. The children gathered around Jesus and He urged them to come close, when adults protested the higher calling of meeting their needs, our Lord rebuked the complainers. The child's innocence and desire to know God, is what the Savior is searching for in His servants. Jesus prayed to the Father when the whole world was on His shoulders, "not My will, but Yours be done."

   The Father longs to hear those words from His children, can you say, "whatever You want for my life, is my will, oh God?" You will, if you have asked Jesus to be your Savior. Heavenly Father, help our hearts to seek your will above every other thing. Help us to let our will be lost in yours. May all our longings be for You. Amen

THE WILL OF MY FATHER

Matthew 12:50 (NKJV) 50 For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother."
   A man spoke quietly after hearing the question Jesus asked Peter, "Do you love Me," he said, "my life in prison is for no other reason than to live for God." Wow, do you know that God has put you where you are to live for Him. A mother cried to God, this is unbearable my children do not have enough to eat, she heard a knock on the door, a man said, "I just bought groceries I don't need, could you use them?"
   We are in the business of serving God there is no other, all else is just making a way through life without Christ. Peter had denied the Lord when he should have taken a stand, Peter is the example we all see as a failure, however, this man is more like us than we care to see.
    Jesus is asking us the same question, "do you love Me,"do I, am I willing to trust Him in very circumstance, has He really got the seat of my heart? My actions tell the story.
Heavenly Father You are all we need, help us to lay aside every distraction, and trust You with all our desires, every habit, every vice, all guilt and hurts. May our thought be your thoughts, may our ways be your ways, may all we do be consumed in doing your will. Amen

YOUR CONFIDENCE

Proverbs 3:26 (NKJV) 26 For the LORD will be your confidence, And will keep your foot from being caught. 
    A man was terrified for his young son they were gazing over the edge of a rocky ledge the boy slipped and was clinging to the sheer wall for life. The man could not move for fear to help his son, He cried, "God help me," another hiker assessed the problem and immediately climbed down to help the boy. One had no confidence in his ability to help his own flesh and blood the other was emboldened to save, why? The other hiker later explained, "I am not afraid of heights, I knew the man was in trouble he could not help, the boy needed help now."
   We often look to our selves when trouble strikes, learn today to cry out to God, He will be your confidence, He is prepared to save, help the helpless, rescue the perishing and deliver the tormented soul. God brought me out of darkness into light, He is my confidence, He is your as well.
Heavenly Father no other can help in this world of troubles, may we learn to look up when there is no struggle, so that when the inevitable comes we are confident in your hands. Amen

JUDGE ME

Psalms 7:8 (NKJV) 8 ... Judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness, And according to my integrity within me. 
   If we had to stand on our own merits would anyone be good enough to receive a reward? "Oh yes," there is the family down the street who take in orphaned children they love them all, the lady at the grocery store she always has something good to say, the preacher is standing tall for Christ. But that is not what I mean, the psalmist says, judge me, he is asking God to look at his good works, at the righteous way he lives.
   In Matthew 19:17 Jesus is approached and addressed as good teacher, So He said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God, the good that we do is often unacceptable, because it benefits us, our good must come from a heart inhabited by God, it then becomes His good works. I must be empty of me and filled with the presence of God.
    When He does judge us and He will, will the righteousness in your life be enough? Judge me?
Heavenly Father may our hearts be knit to You through Jesus your Son. May we look to Him in all our ways, may our thoughts be of how we might please You. Let every way that is not of and by You be demolished, let your will be done in our lives. Amen

ALL HIS SONS

Genesis 37:35 (NKJV) 35 And all his sons and all his daughters arose to comfort him;
   Have you ever experienced insincerity, have you shown an insincere attitude to another, we are all confronted with the sad truth that there are times when others do not understand. Josephs own sons had conspired to do harm to their youngest brother, then acted as if they knew nothing, when their father showed grief they arose to comfort him. Jesus was ridiculed, mocked and beaten for no reason, many pretended to be His followers and in the end, just a broken mothers heart, and a disciple stood by as He breathed His last for ALL humanity.
   Thank God, He will stand sincerely with us, He will show us Truth that saves and He will usher us into Eternity with Him. A simple question comes to mind, "Do I love Jesus," am I willing to sacrifice all my desires for His will over mine? "Yes," you say, we can be sincerely wrong!
Heavenly Father we exist in You and You alone, there is no other Name given under Heaven in which we may be saved. May we take this day to trust all things to You and may all our prayers be from your heart for your people. Amen
 

LORD WHO?

Psalm 15:1-5 (NKJV) 1 ... LORD, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill?
   We often question the motives of others, seldom do we examine the intent of our own heart. The Psalmist digs deep and finds God is looking for character in the lives of those who serve Him.
   In verse 2 he unveils humility and finds it must come from the heart, in verse 3 he sees God wants the soul to be selfless and in verse 4 God wants the servant to wear loyalty as a badge. These 3 qualities should be enough but there is one that is above all others and that is exposed to David last. What is it, that quality will be found only in the heart of the believer and is clearly observed in 1 Corinthians 13:13?
Heavenly Father help us to give as You would help us to sacrifice as You do, may all our thoughts converge in the will to please You. Lord may we love all those around us like You do. Amen

MEN MARVELED

Matthew 8:27 (NKJV) 27 So the men marveled, saying, "Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?"
   There is a presence about some people that surprises us, arrogance, self-centered, loving and humble to name a few. The emotion we experience when contacting these individuals is some times infuriating and others a blessing. A little girl reached to grab her daddies hand on halloween, "that man scared me" she said. Reaching down and picking up his daughter, he realized she was trembling, "its ok honey he wont hurt you," he encouraged, "I know daddy I am safe with you," she cried.
  When exposed to real danger we react in many ways, fear is usually the motive behind our action and often we find something within us that is a surprise. When Jesus spoke to the elements that was the storm in their lives, surprise and astonishment surfaced, where fear had been, the emotion of amazement surfaced. The fear of death left with the storm.
    Is there fear in your life, won't you let Jesus speak to that storm today, He will calm your fears and give you a sense of marvel. Simply trust everything to Him, tell your Father your afraid.
Heavenly Father help us to look to You when we fear, help us to trust You when we can't see, help us know your will when life is so confusing. May all our thoughts trust all You wish to do in our lives. Amen

GOD HEALED

Genesis 20:17 (NKJV) 17 So Abraham prayed to God; and God healed ...
   God loves to hear his children pray, when we ask for others, He is all the more pleased that we care about another soul.  ... The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. James 5:16 Our prayers are hindered by pride and selfishness, when we pray for others our hearts are revealed and God loves for us to love others.
   A child prayed, "God heal my daddy, let him walk again," a doctor called, and explained a break through in the area of his suffering and asked if he would be willing to let a team of experts work on him at no charge. The child's prayers were gloriously answered, his daddy walked again.
   Are your prayers unanswered, check the motive, is your prayer sincerely for another, it may be God is waiting on the right time.
Heavenly Father, we look to you in time of need, let us look to you in the time of others needs, and bless according to your Righteousness. May all our prayers be answered for the well being of others. Amen
 

YOU DEFEND THEM

Psalm 5:11 (NKJV) 11 But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name Be joyful in You.
   There is so much to be thankful for, we live in a world created exclusively for us that we might live in harmony with the One who loves us. The Word of God emphasizes the need to express love for our Creator without coercion, the sheer delight of loving the one who protects our soul, and gives life without expectation.
   Wait, doesn't God expect me to follow Him, only if you place your trust in Him, doesn't God want me to live like His Word directs, that is only for the soul that has the Presence of God in them. But didn't God say, we can not go to heaven unless we live His way, God says, you must choose, you may choose to live for Him or against Him, however if your life is lived to please you, there will be consequences. So, he does expect me to live His way, No, God wants you to live and to love Him for who He is, the choice is still yours.
Will you trust God with all your heart, He will put joy where there is sadness, He will give you a reason to trust Him in every way you go, show Him love that has no strings and God will open the windows of heaven for you.
Heavenly Father may we live to bless you, may we stop asking and start giving back to the One who has provided so much. May all of our lives rejoice in your Great Works, and let all see You through us. Amen

FORGIVE MEN

Matthew 6:14 (NKJV) 14 "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
    Have you ever questioned your motive of dislike for another person, their attitude, appearance, language, style of living? The thing we often reject in others is frequently found in us. A wife grew to dislike her husband, she complained to everyone, until, someone offered to take him, why would you want him, he has bad manners, he is always gone, and will not help around the house? The other replied, "he smiles a lot, he is always helpful with the neighbors, and I have no one."
   A husband and wife should always look for the good in the other, they should always complement and encourage the other, that is how we forgive and forget. Look for the good in another person and you will  find there is nothing to complain about, you can't, their too hard to deal with. Maybe you should look in the mirror, forgive yourself and you will be able to forgive others.
    In order to forgive another you must first be forgiven, ask Jesus to forgive you today, ask Him to move into your life, ask the Lord to be the reason for living and you will find life becomes sweet. When we forgive others, God will forgive us.
Heavenly Father may I look at life through your eyes, may all I see be your doing, and may the very next person I meet be to tell of your Love. Amen
 

HE WHO LIVES

Revelation 1:18 (NKJV) 18 I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.
   The Bible tells us while we live without Christ in our lives we are dead, there is no real living in us,  And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, Ephesians 2:1 we need the presence of God in us to be alive in Him.
   While visiting a man in hospice, he confirmed a life of selfish living and wished death would not take him until He was right with God. We discussed a need for trusting the One true God with his whole heart,  the man asked to pray and confessed He didn't know God because it was never explained clearly. He asked the Lord Jesus to come into his life and the whole room revealed Gods presence. The man sat up on his bed and proclaimed he had never experienced this before, feeling the burdens of his whole life released. He said, "now I am ready to meet God," and he did just one hour later.
   He who lives is in Christ is alive forevermore, will you live forever with Him?
Heavenly Father help us to share You with those around us humbly, hopefully, and clearly, that they might know You. Amen

FROM HIM

Revelation 1:4 (NKJV) ... Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne,
   A little girl received a letter in the mail, her name was on it in bold type, and the address was clearly hers, she ran to her mommy exclaiming, "somebody loves me, somebody loves me." God has written a letter to each of us, it is personal and in it we are named His children. His words are proclaimed with Love and the desire for fellowship with us, what will I do with Gods letter of encouragement?
   John proclaimed Love and Peace, both are the discription of Jesus and His passion for His creation, he wrote, "from Him who is and who was and is to come." These describe the work of our Lord and the desire to have us close in a family relationship. What will you do with Gods Holy Word this year, will you seek him with all your heart, will you embrace His Grace and Peace, trust Him and only Him and you will find His Love and His satisfaction.
Heavenly Father may all we do show the Love You desire for is, let all your word fill us that others may see You in us. Bless all those we share with this year in Jesus Name. Amen
 

IT IS WRITTEN

Jesus said to him, It is written again, You shall not tempt the Lord your God. (Matthew 4:7 NKJV)
    Faced with difficult circumstances, many are surprised by the pressure that follows, will I choose to do Gods will or my own? The story of Jesus being led into the wilderness shows us the stand we must take when faced with right and wrong, good or evil. Created with the desire to do the right thing we must choose Gods way, however the correct choice in any situation is for me to decide.
    Many take the stand "I belong to God therefore I trust He will forgive me," and He will, but remember there is a right and wrong, peace that passes our understanding or guilt that will not be satisfied. The flesh and the devil insist satisfy me, God says, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV) Friend don't tempt God with your desires trust Him in all your ways.
Heavenly Father we look to You, help us to stand when everyone does not, help us to listen when the noise is too loud, help our unbelief when the flesh says its ok. May all our thoughts test the desire to do right for You. Amen

DELIGHT

But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. (Psalm 1:2 NKJV) What do we get excited about, a movie, a book, TV show or party, the object of our affection often is the source of our happiness. A mother proclaimed "that child is the joy of my life," did she mean she had no other joy, no, however the child consumed most of her thoughts. The thing that occupies our thoughts is the center of our attention, for the servant of Jesus Christ, He is the new passion of life. Why, He transforms the believer from the inside, God becomes the delight of the Christian. The object Of our affection becomes our study, we move passionately in the sphere of that influence. Like the mother and child so is God for His creation, is it really a surprise, that the created thing loves it's maker? Heavenly Father in You alone we exist there is no other, will you give us a passion for You over every other? May our every thought be of pleasing You. Amen