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