YOUR BELOVED

Psalms 60:5 (NKJV) 5 That Your beloved may be delivered, Save with Your right hand, and hear me.
   A woman recently said, "I don't know whats wrong, I am doing things that are not right and I don't know how to stop." Prayer is the relief valve for the soul, like the water heater that over heats a safety valve vents the pressure and temperature away from danger. I asked the woman, "What is the problem," she responded, "I am hearing voices and trying to quiet them, I just do what they say." When we acknowledge God is the only way to resolve conflict, there is a peace that He instills which cannot be worked up in our lives.
   Are you too hearing voices, get alone with God, put the distractions away and in the solitude you will discover, only God can silence the voices. How, simply put, acknowledge you are a sinner, estranged from God, tell Him you want His way not yours, then clearly ask Him to enter your life and lead His Way. Ask God to silence every thing but His voice and listen to Him only, He delivers His beloved, He saves with His right hand, He hears every prayer of Faith.
Heavenly Father, we want to give You praise, we must put You in the place of honor, we acknowledge You are all Power, and Lord, all Glory belongs to You. May we with every breath exalt You. Amen

GRACE AND TRUTH

John 1:17 (NKJV) 17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 
    A little girl was singing in her room, her mother approached and asked, "Why are you so happy," she replied, "You and daddy are everything to me." Joy comes from One source that is God, He fills us to overflowing with the knowledge all is well in Him. Looking at our Source of all things we may rest assured that nothing can disturb our relationship with God. Romans  8:37-39.
   John refers to the excellent Law of God received by the man Moses, but the most important part Grace and Truth was revealed to us in person, by Jesus Christ the Son of God. The Law, necessary to point us to God, Grace and Truth, the evidence of transformation through Jesus Christ. We read, "which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ," Colossians 2:17 (NKJV) the Law is a shadow but Christ is the real Body.
   Have you received Grace and Truth into your life, you can He is Jesus Christ.
Heavenly Father we live and breath in You, may all our being be reveal the Truth in us is Jesus, may everything we do bless You, "bless the Lord oh my soul, let everything that is within me bless His Holy Name." Amen
 

REPENTANCE AND REMISSION

Luke 24:47 (NKJV) 47 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
   Too many have heard the Word from a distorted point of view, Jesus says Repentance and Remission must be preached in His Name to all. What does He mean, first the only way to come to Him is completely broken and in need of salvation, second forgiveness of sin is His responsibility and we must seek it. Thirdly, we must respond to the Word proclaimed as it is preached to everyone.

- I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. Luke 13:3 (NKJV)

- But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins"--..." Matthew 9:6 (NKJV)

- Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6 (NKJV)
Heavenly Father help us to see and hear the Truth of your Word, help us to clearly understand our need of You, help us Lord to receive your Truth that others may not be hindered. Amen

DID NOT OUR HEART BURN

Luke 24:32 (NKJV) 32 And they said to one another, "Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?"
   God's presence and His Word always brings a reaction, men cannot ignore the Power of His Spirit when He is near. A child was surprised to see his daddy in school, why, dad had been in Afghanistan for over a year, however, the ability to recognize his father had not diminished, there was much joy and communion with one who was once far away.
   Friend God is close He is waiting, won't you let him speak to you today, let him know you care and want Him to be the center of your life? You too will experience your heart burning with desire for Him.
Heavenly Father help us to know You more intimately, help us to long for You with all our hearts, help us to walk expectantly, help Lord we are in need of your presence. Amen

WATCHING

Luke 23:49 (NKJV) 49 But all His acquaintances, and the women who followed Him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.
   Our Lords death is for the salvation of those who will trust Him with their whole heart, for cleansing from sin and giving life to death. Those who watched the spectacle that day were convicted and condemned if they rejected The Christ, some acknowledged He is God while others left rejected for their contribution to this brutal murder.
   Then there where those who observed from a distance like that of the soldier who fights for the freedom of his people so Jesus laid down His life that we might experience a Life fee of sin. From a distance we have observed the death of our freedom fighters in our land and others, but always the men and women who fight are doing so for us.
    Won't you pray today for the soldier still fighting and for all the families that have given so much for what we have? Make this weekend a Memorial to remember.
Heavenly Father, our lives are yours to use for your Glory, may we bless You in our desire to be a living sacrifice for the Kingdom. May we not stand watching but actively engage the enemy. Amen

THE WISE

Proverbs 15:24 (NKJV) 24 The way of life winds upward for the wise, That he may turn away from hell below. 
   A man came home from war, he brought it home with him, while in another land he violated the trust of his wife and spent time with another. Trying to justify his sins he asked, "Will you let another woman live in this house," the truth was out, but the trust was broken. Consider the consequences of sin and flee for your life, the wise will restrain and deny self, the foolish will give in and experience ruin.
   God gives a just warning about the flesh and temptation, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour," 1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV), and while on earth Jesus said, "Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." Matthew 26:41 (NKJV) Friend be wise and let The Christ (Jesus) enter your heart, that you may be turned away from Hell.
Heavenly Father may we give thanks that pleases You, may our hearts be turned to You and tuned to your Love, may all our ways exalt You. Help us to be vigilant over the flesh and watchful of the enemy. Amen

THEY GATHERED AGAINST

Numbers 16:3 (NKJV) 3 They gathered together against Moses and Aaron, and said to them, "You take too much upon yourselves, for all the congregation is holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the LORD?" 
    Men have long thought Holiness is a thing to be grasped by thinking, that it may be pondered over and embraced, that God might be purchased with ideas, or in some way understood by reason. Friend anyone who has taken this path has experienced ruin, Cain, Esau, Balaam, Korah, Judas and Pilate, to name a few, they all considered God one to be trifled with.
    God the Creator is calling men to Holiness through a relationship, with His Son, not the religion of men, He is exalting Jesus not ideas, God the Father has but one way to heaven and it must be followed to the letter, only through the Blood of the Christ. Any other way, is at the expense of your eternal soul. Friend do not stand against God in your thinking, walk with Him from your heart. Romans 10:9
Heavenly Father help us to walk in your Light, help those around us to see You and no other. Let those who are seeking other ways find You in Truth and Spirit. May we lead men to You, and never cause another to stumble. Amen

I WILL CALL

Psalms 55:16 (NKJV) 16 As for me, I will call upon God, And the LORD shall save me.
   Waking from a bad dream, a little fellow cried out, "Daddy help me, I am scared." Have you too felt fear of the unknown, experienced sudden pangs of misunderstanding, or abruptly interrupted in rest? There is a relationship that God alone fulfills, He will draw us close and comfort those fears. Like a father who deeply cares for his child, one who stops what he is doing to give time to the toddler, or embraces the interruption to seize the moment, our Heavenly Father is there to comfort, guide and give knowledge to the difficulty.
   When thinking of you, do you realize, that you can call on God, and there is One who will save you?
Heavenly Father let the deep breaths of fear draw us to You, help us Father to look to your Salvation, may we oh God, embrace the gift of Eternal Life with gracious thanks giving. Amen

WITH US

Numbers 14:9 (NKJV) 9 Only do not rebel against the LORD, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the LORD is with us. Do not fear them."
    Fear has an amazing affect on us, it is not always acknowledged until it is revealed by circumstances. Walking along a trail in the mountains, a group could not see over the edge for the clouds, they were enjoying conversation and fellowship, when suddenly the breeze pushed the clouds aside and they could see the sheer drop. Everyone pushed back against the mountain and wondered at the fact they were not afraid until they could see.
    Friend, God has revealed the amazing gift of life through His Son, in Him we can live forever in Heaven, in Jesus we are given the gift of Eternal Life. However, if we do not recognize this life is our bread for the next we will not receive salvation. Jesus is the Bread of Life, in Him we must live that others may see, if we know Him He is always with us. What are others seeing in you, does it cause them to fear or rejoice?
Heavenly Father we are just dust, help us to see You, help us to walk according to your will, help us Lord to obey You, that all may see. Lord give us a fear of You and nothing else. Amen

WATCH

Luke 21:36 (KJV) 36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
   The soul wandering in this life without purpose is destined to experience the most horrific climax to the worlds end imaginable. Jesus in the preceding verses unfolds the account of destruction reserved for sinful man and the earth he inhabits. However, there is a Hope of magnificent proportions that man has only to ask for and it will be supplied in abundance. "And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever," 1 John 2:17 (NKJV) God promises to those who trust in Jesus, they will be saved forever.
    For this reason we are reminded to watch and pray, the God of all creation has reserved a Day of reckoning. Are you ready, have you prepared, is the soul God has placed in your care at one with God? If you trust Jesus completely with your whole heart today you will be ready to receive all His Mercy.
Heavenly Father, help us to watch and pray for those around us and in the days coming. May our thoughts focus on trusting You for everything. Amen

YOUR NAME

Psalms 54:1 (NKJV)  Save me, O God, by Your name, And vindicate me by Your strength.
    Jesus prays to His Father and John records those beautiful words in chapter 17, "While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, ...; that the scripture might be fulfilled." John 17:12 (KJV) Gods name is sufficient to keep us through Eternity.
   There was a day when the word of a man was enough to seal any deal, today it is just words, thank God  we may trust in Jesus for our very souls, safe forever in His Word!
Heavenly Father we can look up and know You are all we need. Amen
   

FOLLOWS RIGHTEOUSNESS

Proverbs 15:9 (NKJV) 9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, But He loves him who follows righteousness. 
    A man recently asked, "Why has the Lord spoken to me today and not before, why have I understood today that I cannot live the way I live any more?" Jesus said, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!"  Matthew 11:15 meaning, hearing the Word of God and receiving the Word is a choice that comes from the heart.
    If we care to consider there has been a sea of humanity born into this world, of all those who have drawn breath, not many have come to Jesus to receive Life, many have lived the way they wished and many have gone to the grave without Hope. Again Jesus says, "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Matthew 7:13  life has two paths only, one to Life the other to destruction. Won't you follow Righteousness today?
Heavenly Father we need You, help us to live as we should, help us to live in your Word, help us to walk as one that loves righteousness. Would You give us strength today for the narrow way? Amen

IF YOU HAD KNOWN

Luke 19:42 (NKJV) 42 saying, "If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.
     So much is hidden from us today because we choose to wear spiritual blinders, following a horse and carriage recently I noticed there was no hurry or fear from the animal, it was completely secure in its environment around vehicles and concrete buildings, that is completely unnatural. Look around, examine the spiritual condition of where you live, are there things you have grown accustom to that would offend God, are there places and advertisements that would make angels ashamed?
    We can know the Truth, however there must be a desire to know, if the senses are fed with the deception of this world then the Spiritual eyes will become dull and unseeing, Jesus said, "If you had known," friend it is not too late, but soon it could be!
Heavenly Father help us to see clearly, help us to look upward, may we examine our motives and desires, if they are not pleasing to You, help us to turn away and turn to You. Give I pray to us a heart that seeks You above every other thing. Amen

AN ACCOUNT

1 Peter 4:5 (NKJV) 5 They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 
   A man lived hard in this world, he heard of the forgiveness of Jesus and trusted Him with all his heart, many around him could not accept his new freedom from sinful living and began to ridicule him. The man now a prisoner for God, exclaimed, "What you see in my life now is real it comes from above, what you continue to do is fake and gets its life from below, I have found Heaven your are still living for Hell."
  For the person never changed by a confrontation with the Creator, they cannot know "the peace that passes all understanding." Philippians 4:7 What we say of others tells what is really in our hearts, God examines the heart, do you despise another, don't, God has plans for that soul as well. We will give an account of our actions to God and He will judge us.
Heavenly Father help us to think on the things that will bless and encourage others, help us to praise and not curse another, help us to exalt those who are living for You. May we be light and not darkness to those around us. Amen

THE EYES

Proverbs 15:3 (ESV) 3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good. 
     A man lamented, "I can't sleep at night I feel something is watching me, fear grips me and I toss and turn all night." He was asked, "What kind of work do you do," he answered, "I take things from people they cannot pay for."
      You and I have the Spirit of God in us, given at conception, we have the responsibility to maintain a personal relationship with the One who supplied life to us. The search for satisfaction will be complete when we acknowledge that God only, will satisfy our longing for love, faith and hope. These longings are fulfilled when we ask Jesus to be the center of our lives, by confession of sin and repentance (turning away from those sins) allowing God to have His rightful place in our hearts.
     The Lord is watching, He is looking to see what you will do with The Truth.
Heavenly Father may we search our ways daily, may we examine our motives, may we look to You and find fulfillment in Jesus. Let your Word sink into our hearts and turn us into the children You long for. Amen

RIGHTEOUSNESS EXALTS

Proverbs 14:34 (NKJV) 34 Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people. 
    Leaders are a gift from God, those who lead righteously are a blessing beyond compare, those who lead selfishly are a curse on the people and the nation. We are faced with greed and corruption today like no other, there appears to be no restraint, or righteous living anywhere in government, however God has not forgotten or abandoned His people. He has raised up the nations to rule the earth and He will bring them down as well, the whole world is being infected by the sinfulness of men.
   Look up our redemption is near, when things look the worst God is still on His throne and men will bow the knee and worship either in righteous obedience or in unholy indignation. Where you stand today is of utmost importance, you either belong to the Christ and you worship Him or you belong to the enemy and your worship is in vain.
Heavenly Father help us to worship in Truth and Spirit, help us to look to You and no other, we long for the Day when all people will worship You and You alone. May our days be spent in earnest desire for your Presence. Amen

EVER BEFORE ME

Psalms 51:3 (KJV) 3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
   A man cried in front of his cell mates, "My sins haunt me, they won't leave me alone," we are reminded that God requires payment for disobedience, the conscience will not let us go. Moses told the Israelites,
... and be sure your sin will find you out. Numbers 32:23 (NKJV), when told they must follow the commands of God and fully comply.
   Jesus came to forgive and forever put sin away, in the lives of those who will live for Him, by accepting His sacrifice. Have you trusted Jesus with everything in your life, He is waiting on you.
Heavenly Father blessed is the Name of Jesus, He has made a way for men to know You, Holy, Oh God are You, and Holy is the King of Kings. May we look to You in every breath we take. May we seek cleansing early that we may live each moment for You. Amen

IN THAT DAY

Luke 17:31 (NKJV) 31 In that day ... the one who is in the field, let him not turn back.
   Jesus is put on the spot, the incomplete question may have sounded like this, " If you are the Son of God, when does the Kingdom of God come," the answer from the Lord startles the hearer, "The kingdom of God is within you." The Day of God's appearing will not be the meteorologist call, it will be as no one expects, the normal sinful condition of men will rule the day and God will burst on the scene like lightning from a sudden storm. The men questioning Jesus, are predictable, they have a motive in mind, expose those who do not agree with their sordid beliefs, not much has changed, mens hearts are still evil and in need of cleansing.
   For the believer the transformation from not having a relationship with God to knowing Him personally is staggering, once walking in the mandates of our own flesh, now desiring the heart of God. What controls your heart, what will you do "In that day?"
Heavenly Father help us to look for You, help us to acknowledge You alone are God, help Lord that we might be ready for that day. May each day bring new and stronger desires to please You. Amen
 

OFFER

Psalms 50:14 (NKJV) 14 Offer to God thanksgiving, And pay your vows to the Most High.
   Too many have the mistaken belief that God is more pleased with a sacrifice than with Holy living, that He is giving credit to those who placate Him. A child took all the cookies from the cookie jar and hid them in his room, while cleaning his room, mother discovered the theft, chastising her son he replied, "But I did it for you so you wouldn't have to worry if we had any cookies."
   God examines the heart, that alone tells the story of the life of man, our hearts betray us and we are discovered in God's will or completely outside His will. We either belong to Jesus or the world, where is your heart, are you offering God thanksgiving, have you paid your vows?
Heavenly Father in You there is life, in You there is hope, in You there is Eternity, there is no other. May we offer the Thanksgiving that pleases You, may our lives be the example You have required. Amen

THE DEAD

Luke 16:31 (NKJV) 31 But he said to him, 'If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.' " 
    The tide has shifted, once there was a fear of Godly things, men would not openly disgrace God or His places of worship. There was a careful certainty that if you broke the sacred trust of God you were doomed. Today there is "No fear of God before their eyes," Romans 3:18, the time of harvest is ripe the fruit God has planned for must be picked.
    Jesus tells the story of men dying and realizing the after life is real, both terrifying and comforting, today there is living denial of any price for sin. Friend, God has not changed, man has, and as long as he has breath, like the tide, he will come and go, but you take warning, if we will not hear the dead, we had better observe the living before it is too late.
Heavenly Father in You alone is the Truth we need for living, in You alone is the Truth we must have for Eternal Life. Help us to look to You and no other. Amen

GIVE ME!

Luke 15:12 (NKJV) 12 And the younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.' So he divided to them his livelihood.
   A little fellow upset with his parents, packed all he could in a pillow case, he walked to the door declaring, "I am never coming back." Just a few houses down the road, he stopped turned around and marched back to the house, we thought you were leaving his mom said, the little fellow replied, "Well a guys got to eat."
    Jesus tells the story of the wayward son and we see in it the selfish desire of the young man, we also hear of the older son, that is angry over the welcome of the young brother, in it we find they both had the wrong attitude. The father of these men loves them both and gives them all he possess, like God the Creator, He too loves His creation and gives all that is needed for living, we all go astray and He loves us still.
Have you stumbled, is your life a wreck, just return to the Father, through Jesus and He will celebrate your coming home as well.
Heavenly Father we see in You the Love that comes from no other, help us to stay the course and live for You. Help us to live according to your Standard, Jesus. Amen.

THE LORD IS PEACE

Judges 6:24 (NKJV) 24 So Gideon built an altar there to the LORD, and called it The-LORD-Is-Peace...
    Two boys playing in a wooded lot found some lumber and built a crude shelter, proud of their accomplishment, they named it Fort Mine. Wherever we find comfort there we leave a mark, either in our memory or physically for a place of reference to remember.
     Gideon had not seen God's hand in his life before now, with the appearance of God fear confronts the man and he is unsure of the outcome. The assurance comes from the voice of God and Gideon builds an altar of remembrance.
    To what have you built sacred places in your life, money, cars, people, Jesus is interested in what your heart says about Him, have you built there an altar of worship for God? He wants you to experience, "The Lord Is Peace."
Heavenly Father our only hope is in You, help us to stay the course, help us to live the life that will bring Glory and Honor to You. Amen

YOUR EYES

Psalms 139:16 (NKJV) 16 Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them. 
    Today we have been called to prayer for our nation and the world. We are in a difficult time in history, leaders of this nation have lost their way. The commitment of the founding fathers threatens to be abandoned in leu of this "new age thinking," which is not new, just repackaged to deceive many. The enemy of God has plans to destroy, and what better place to tear apart, than the lives of the innocent. The unborn have no voice, except the believer and follower of God.
   After Christ Jesus was born, king Herrod tried to destroy Him, by killing the children of Israel, he was not successful as we all know. This enemy has raised its head again, however he will not be successful today either, for God knows before we are born the course we will take.
   Are you choosing today to support life, God supports you, is your name in His book?
Heavenly Father we need guidance, help us to walk in the light You are giving, let us see through your Eyes the Way. May we embrace your Truth and no other. Amen

FOREVER AND EVER

Psalms 48:14 (NKJV) 14 For this is God, Our God forever and ever; He will be our guide Even to death.
    An older man and woman visiting the Lincoln Memorial for the first time exclaimed aloud, "He is bigger than life, what an amazing sight." Many have viewed the master piece of President Lincoln and been astonished, but very few knew the man.
     Many have recognized Israel's former glory but none today know it personally, the Psalmist speaks of a time when all the earth recognized the God of the hebrews, He was awesome and terrible to all who were enemies of the Israelites. To those who walked with Him daily it was an amazing experience, present by day in a cloud and by night in fire, indwelling the temple, as long as Israel was obedient.
    Friend nothing has changed between God and man the presence of God in our lives depends entirely on our acceptance and obedience of His Son Jesus. "This is our God for ever and ever!"
Heavenly Father may we recognize your presence in a daily walk with You. May we worship with all our heart, may we seek You in prayer with our entire being, help us to live and breath You. Amen

STEPS

Proverbs 14:15 (NKJV) 15 The simple believes every word, But the prudent considers well his steps.
   Children often say outrageous things, trying to impress another child, one said, "My dad makes all the baseballs in the world," another chimed in, "My dad has all the money in the world they put it in his bank," another declared, "My dad owns the world, God gave it to him!"
    There is an accounting today of the activities of men, it is both false at its core and heartless at its source, it destroys lives and maligns truth, journalism or news as we call is failing to reveal honesty as the foundation. If civilization as we know it ceased to exist today, future discoveries would uncover not how we lived but how others manipulated and distorted facts.
    God makes a distinction between truth and untruth, in-fact He clearly divides the right from wrong, Jesus declares, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6 consider well your steps today.
Heavenly Father, our only source of Truth is You, help us to seek early in this day your direction that we might walk in the Light. Amen