SCATTERS

Luke 11:23 (NKJV) 23  He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters. 
    A man recently was challenged, "Will you stand against this evil," his reply, "I find that standing on any thing that causes me to exert my self, is against my creed." Friend, the Word of God calls us to stand against evil and the cost is often with life.
    The disciples had asked, "Teach us to pray," Jesus explained prayer and then began to unravel parables that confronted wrong thinking and traditions about prayer. First we must be persistent in seeking our Heavenly Father for the concerns of this life. Second we must seek God's will in prayer, that includes the direction of the Holy Spirit and third expect, God will answer the prayers of His people.
    Jesus then gives an example, casting out a demon that has caused an individual to become mute. Challenged by some in the group, He replied, "But if I cast out demons with the finger of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you." Luke 11:20 (NKJV) knowing Jesus has been in prayer with His Father, those watching hear Him say, "He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters." We either pray with Jesus against evil or we become partakers in it.
Heavenly Father help us to be persistent in prayer, convinced that prayer will change the land scape of sin. We look to You who has all of life in your hands, may we look upward on knees determined to see You. Amen

HIS LOVING KINDNESS

Psalm 42:8 (NKJV) 8  The LORD will command His lovingkindness in the daytime, And in the night His song shall be with me-- A prayer to the God of my life. 
  A man said, "My life is over, no one wants me around, no one really needs me!" Sad that so many sense the rejection of the world, no one to turn to, too many bridges burned or destroyed because of callus attention to others.
   The psalmist speaks of rejection and the need for fellowship with the Creator, remembering the sweet times of communion with others and worship in God's House. He deliberately cries to God, and knows the answer will come, God will and does deliver His chosen. Loving kindness all day and a sweet song of communion at night will come to those who know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Have you cried to Him today, He will hear and sooth your deepest hurts and wash away the most ugly stains.
Heavenly Father we are yours even if we do not admit it, we belong to You because we are created by You. Help us Lord to remember the days of sweet fellowship with You and forget the pain of the present. Amen

YOUR FAITH

Luke 7:50 (NKJV) 50  Then He said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace."
    Someone said recently, "I have done everything as a christian I know to do, this is impossible, it is no longer my problem." That friend is not the mark of the Christian, we are servants of the Most High God, every thing comes from Him, we are called to go the extra mile and give the second coat. Mark 5:40,41.
  In Luke 7 Jesus is in the house of the religious elite, a woman of the street becomes aware of the Lord's presence and enters to seek forgiveness through repentance for her sinful living. Those in the house are repulsed by the intrusion of such sinfulness, Jesus identifies their thoughts and unfolds a story of debt to a creditor. When asked who forgave more the one with little debt or the one with more, the owner of the house responded, "I suppose the one whom he forgave more." And He said to him, "You have rightly judged." Luke 7:43 (NKJV)
   We are all debtors to the creditor (God), we all owe Him our lives, why then do we live as if, He owes us? If you posses much give, if you posses little give, the One who sees the heart knows our thoughts and will reward in kind. However, if your heart betrays your thoughts and they are unkind, be prepared, there is no forgiveness of sin without repentance! May your faith in Jesus Christ save you, that you too may "Go in peace."
Heavenly Father help us to see clearly your Way. Let our thoughts show we really love those around us because, we have first loved You. May we live as those forgiven and not forgotten. Amen

HAVING DRUNK

Luke 5:39 (NKJV) And no one, having drunk old wine, immediately desires new; for he says, 'The old is better.' "
    Someone recently said, "Its my way or the highway, another intoned, "Their both your way!" Religion is necessary to retain moral and social values, Luke the Gospel writer, brings the words of Jesus to the table of morality, explaining the difference between tradition and Truth. Many want their own value of life, over the values God ordained, the religious leaders challenged the clear teachings of Jesus and the methods He introduced.
    Jesus moves quickly to cut through the hypocrisy, feasting and fasting, new patch old garment, new wine and old wine skins, are not compatible. Jesus and religion cannot mix, just as old wine is preferred over grape juice, so religion is preferred over walking with the Son of God. One makes the partaker unacceptable, while the other saves eternally. What have you chosen, Jesus the Savior or the religion of self serving?
Heavenly Father we live by your hand, we are your creation, help us to choose wisely, that those around us may see You. May our lives shine as the light that comes from above, may every desire of our hearts seek to please You. Amen

EVERY TEMPTATION

Luke 4:13 (NKJV) 13  Now when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time.
    A young man entered his house bruised and torn, his mother embraced him and questioned the cause, "A guy in my class tried to take my lunch money and we fought," "Did he get it," she begged, "No I already spent it." The enemy cannot take what is ours, it is given by a Greater Hand and no one can take it away. Jn 10:29
    The enemy according to 1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV) "... the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour,"  the single purpose of Satan is to destroy, he does not take prisoners they are annihilated. The temptation by the devil, was to destroy the ministry of Jesus to save mankind, Jesus did not attack and He did not send Satan fleeing.
    The common myth today is "We must rebuke and demand the devil to leave us alone," that is not scriptural, in fact it plays into the enemies hands, "Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world." 1 Peter 5:9 (NKJV) More clearly the bible says, "Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you," James 4:7 (NKJV) Jesus did not attack the devil, in-fact the angels give us the example, "... Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, "The Lord rebuke you!" Jude 1:9 (NKJV)
    Fighting the devil is God's work, mine is to cast all my cares on Jesus and He will lift us up. Let Jesus take care of the light work, we will worship and give praise to the God who can.
Heavenly Father, in You alone is all we need, help us to walk that others see You. May we inhale and exhale for your Glory and Honor. Amen

I COMMIT

Luke 23:46 (NKJV) 46  And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, "Father, 'into Your hands I commit My spirit.' " Having said this, He breathed His last.

     Sir Walter Scott on his death bed said, "Until this moment I thought there was neither a God nor a hell. Now I know there are both, and I am doomed to perdition by the just judgment of the Almighty." Man has from the very beginning tried to ignore God and His plans for humanity, the truth lies in the ages of proof that not only does He exist, but He has made a Way for any one to receive Eternal Life with Him.

    Charles Haddon Spurgeon, beloved preacher and author, on his deathbed: “I can hear them coming!” He sat straight up in bed and asked: “Don’t you hear them? This is my coronation day. I can see the chariots, I’m ready to board.” What a testimony to the end of the flesh and the beginning of Eternity with the God who loves with an everlasting Love. 

    Jesus Christ, crucified by men said, "Father forgive them they no not what they do," the God of creation loved us so much, He carried the weight of my sins to the cross where they were paid for with His life. He willingly laid down His life, the work completed, He said not in the struggle of life and death, but in total control of His destiny, "Father into You hands I commit my spirit." Have you committed your spirit into the hands of the Father, anything less will separate you from Him?

Heavenly Father help those this Sunday trust in the Name that delivers every soul from hell. Help pastors to preach with authority, help Lord your church to establish your Word with Your Power and Authority that many might come to You. Amen

THE FORGIVENESS

Mark 1:4 (ESV) 4   John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 
    A man pretended to be a law enforcement officer, he was caught and sentenced for the crime, his response, "It seemed right at the time." Many today claim to know the Savior, because they know about the redeeming work of Jesus, that is like calling your self a soda because you drank one. A person cannot have a relationship with the King of Kings if they have not first been emptied of all self serving by that King.
    Jesus washed the feet of the disciples to symbolize much, one point is clear we must be washed by the Savior or we are none of His. He must cleanse us or we have no part in Him. Has your life been washed clean of sinful living by the One who is sinless? Unless the baptism of repentance has washed us clean and forgiveness has been applied to our lives we are not Christians. To be a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ we must receive from Him forgiveness, through our own personal repentance. Have you been washed in "The Blood Of The Lamb?"
Heavenly Father help us to live as those alive from dead living, set apart for the work of Grace that comes from above. May we walk in this world as living examples of the work of Jesus, may we live clean lives that others may see You, may we be careful how we walk so that others do not stumble. Amen

HE APPEARED

Mark 16:14 (NKJV) 14  Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. 
   A little fellow ran out of his room and shouted, "I saw superman," his older sister responded, "No you didn't." His dad had put on a superman tee shirt and hid in the closet, he had indeed seen superman.
    Since the resurrection of Jesus many have seen Him, many have experienced His personal touch and walked closely with Him on the road. Like the older sister there are those who will not believe. Today He is still the only way to Heaven their is no other name, Acts 4:12 "by which we may be saved."
     Have you walked with Jesus today, He still longs for you to know Him, He still passionately wants you to see what others have seen, He still wants you to trust Him in every area of your life, will you?

Heavenly Father we look to the only name that brings salvation to the lost soul, in You only do we find rest for the weary, by your Word alone (Jesus) is there lasting Peace. Thank You. Amen

THE PRUDENT

Proverbs 14:15 (NKJV) 15  The simple believes every word, But the prudent considers well his steps. 
     self-deception |ˈˌsɛlf dəˈsɛpʃən| noun : the action or practice of allowing oneself to believe that a false or unvalidated feeling, idea, or situation is true:
     In Genesis chapter 25, Essau sells his birth right for soup, hunger controls the individual and he willingly sacrifices God given rights, for selfish reasons known to clearly to the Creator. In Hebrews 12 the writer confirms, he is perverted and without hope vs. 16, rejected in verse 17 and clearly beyond real repentance.
    To the simple God's Word (Jesus) is not understood, he is living a life teetering on the edge of a Christ-less eternity. Essau is the simple fool who allows the cravings of the world to circumvent, His relationship to God. The above verse calls for prudence, the ability to cautiously examine a situation before making rash decisions.
    Jesus said, "But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life." John 5:40 (NKJV) If we do not receive Jesus we are persecuting Jesus, won't you be prudent and believe on Him?

Heavenly Father, help us to see as You see. May we trust Your Word (Jesus) to meet every need, to guide every way and to walk as He walked. Amen

   

MY AFFLICTION

Jonah 2:2 (NKJV) 2  And he said: "I cried out to the LORD because of my affliction, And He answered me. "Out of the belly of Sheol I cried, And You heard my voice. 
    A child cried out recently for his mom she was just steps away, he did not want to be out of her sight, she gently persuaded, "It's ok I will be close by," it was no use the child cried even louder to have his mother near.
     The cry of desperation is heard often from the sick, maimed, defeated and persecuted. It is the natural response of the soul troubled, by fear, pain, terror or the unknown, we will by nature cry out to God the Creator, for relief in theses cases. God has in fact built into us the desire for supernatural deliverance, from the torments of this life and the option is entirely ours to pursue for He does indeed hear the hurting souls plea.
    Jonah was running form God, he had hidden so he thought from the gaze of the Heavenly Father. He was no more evident in the ship than in the belly of a fish in the depths of the sea. God sees all and the cries of Jonah even though he had fled from God, were heard and answered by the Savior. Do you wish for God to intervene, simply cry out to the Lord Jesus Christ confessing all your sins and He will hear you too, for NOTHING is too hard for Him.
Heavenly Father help me to seek You when things are well, that I might know You hear when things are hard. May my prayers be daily and effectual that others might benefit. Amen
   

A WAY

Proverbs 14:12 (NKJV) 12  There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. 
    Israel is led by God into the land of Moab, there is much wrong in this land, chiefly the presence of a man known to be visionary. Balaam is seduced by riches to stand against Israel, he seemingly stands until the thought of self glorification becomes his obsession. Pretending to follow God, Balaam proclaims he must again ask God if he should go or stay. In 2 Peter 2:15 (NKJV) we read, "They have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; Balaam is not a prophet of God he is a prophet of connivence.
    Many today have had an experience and claim God when indigestion is more applicable. The God who inhabits the praises of His people does not change and He does not need me for a mouth piece, he will however use me if I will cooperate with His will.
    What happened to Balaam, he was a tool used in that land Moab for superstitious reasons, Balaam is not a man of God he is a man used by God to prove how Great the Creator is. We then read, 2 Peter 2:16 (NKJV) but he was rebuked for his iniquity: a dumb donkey speaking with a man's voice restrained the madness of the prophet. Balaam claimed God but really had no part in Him. Are you struggling today with where you stand in God, it is quite simple 1 John 2:6 (NKJV) "He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked." The standard by which every righteousness is measured is Jesus!
Heavenly Father there is a way that seems right, help us to know the Way that is right. May we put Jesus before every other thought and rejoice we are yours. Amen

BELIEVE THAT

Mark 11:24 (NKJV) 24  Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.
    A child ran to his mother, "Watch this he pleaded," trying to do a cartwheel he feel over short of his goal. She smiled and said, "Keep trying you will get it." There is much we do not understand about the encouragement of Jesus, He often made things so simple they were missed by the hearer. "What you ask," seems clear but we often forget, God is explaining in the spiritual vocabulary of the believer.
    Prayers are often blasted up to God, as they are answered, we have most times forgotten the original prayer. However, spend time petitioning Him for the desperate need, we then remember the course of action that prompted the prayer and the sweet answer of Truth in it. The solution then, is spending enough time with God that we are comfortable to ask the things that will please Him, the thing that will be best for us. Accomplished only in the knowledge of a relationship with Jesus.
    Have you asked for something and not received it, your prayer was more of, I"ll try and see if it works. He answers prayers of faith, those who believe God will respond, know, His nature is to meet the needs of his children. The person of prayer believes God will answer, there is no rabbit's foot mentality, He is in the room and He will meet the need. Are you really a believing prayer warrior in God, ask believing and you will receive!
Heavenly Father help us to pray as those alive from dead religion, help us to look to You in all our ways. May we remember that our prayers are the faith that is in us, may we seek You that we might know what You want for us. Amen

NO ONE

Mark 11:14 (NKJV) 14  In response Jesus said to it, "Let no one eat fruit from you ever again." And His disciples heard it. 
    There is the appearance of good in many people, a simile of right doing when the heart is really dark in nature. A man recently looked at a child and declared, "There is real goodness, if we could just be like new borns our entire lives would be alright." Wrong, the nature of the child is to be served, to get its way. The child must be taught right from wrong, in order to mature properly.
     Jesus went to a fig tree to gather food to eat, seeing none, He declared, "Let no one eat fruit from you ever again." The picture our Lord presents is, appearing right but the results are oh so wrong. We expect good from people believing they are inherently good, that could not be further form the truth. When Jesus was approached by someone seeking heaven, He said, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. Mark 10:18 (NKJV) our perspective must be adjusted by the presence of The Divine Nature. Unless Jesus enters the heart and cleanses every area of self centeredness, there is no good in that person.
    My nature is not good, but there is One who came to make me something I could never be without Him, He will transform me, If, I will trust Him with every area of my life, I did, have you?
Heavenly Father who are we that You would care so much much for our souls. You gave exactly Who was needed to redeem mankind, thank you for your Gift of Eternal Life in Jesus. May we walk as those alive from the death of sin and obediently serve the Risen Lord. Amen

IF YOU CAN

Mark 9:23 (NKJV) 23  Jesus said to him, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes."
    A father desperate for the health of his child cries out, "If you can," the one he cares so much for, has a health issue that is destroying the child. His plea is for the healing of one so sick there is no other resource, no other medical help available, desperation drives him to those he does not know, but help is not there either. Seeing Jesus (that is the key) he pleads "If you can".
   Friend, Jesus can and he will, but first the faith that removes every strain of allegiance to any other person, thing or activity. The Son of God must have the entire will of the being, before He enters to remove all sin and any thing that comes between the believer and salvation.
   Jesus responds to the man of desperate actions, "IF YOU CAN BELIEVE, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE", does he, will he, trust that God can do anything, yes he does and what a miraculous thing He brings to a hurting family.
Heavenly Father we are in You by faith in Jesus Christ, there is no other way. Lord help us to walk like those who not only believe, but those who are set free from the confines of this world. Amen

THIS MAN

Luke 15:2 (NKJV) 2  And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, "This Man receives sinners and eats with them."
    A child wandered into a corner and sat quietly, another noticed and took a toy for him to play with, the two sat quietly enjoying each others company, they played without incident. The child has the ability to comfort when he sees another in need, Jesus says, "Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me." Mark 9:37 (NKJV) As we observe the world around us, many are in need of a moment of understanding, a touch, a hug, the quiet reassurance all will be well. The God of creation took time to receive those whom society rejected, religious leaders ignored the obvious, everyone needs a Savior.
    If a child can get it, why can't we, have we forgotten how to look around, have we become too single minded to see? God help us if we think our own little world is sufficient to enter heaven, for we may have caught the incriminating disease of care-less and find ourselves criticizing the Man, who receives sinners.
Heavenly Father, we need to see clearly what You see, help us Lord to recognize the hurt in others. May we be sensitive to the work You are already doing in an-others life, may we take time to observe that You might get Glory in us. Amen

FLAMES OF FIRE

Psalm 29:7 (NKJV) 7  The voice of the LORD divides the flames of fire.
   Someone said recently, "The storms have brought more water than we have seen in years," another added, "God gives what we need and we have to deal with it." In these scriptures David reveals the wonder of the storm, seven times he mentions the "Voice of the Lord" and he gives glory to God for the wonder of it all.
   We are at the mercy of God and He does send what we need, however He has equipped us to embrace the great gifts from Heaven which transform lives and make us inheritors of eternal Life. Jesus is the revealer of God's Great Mercy and the gift of salvation comes through the wonderfully amazing work of our Lord.
    How does God divide the lightning and create the spectacle we observe in the storm, the psalmist declares through the "splendor of His Holiness." Let us give Glory to God, He alone is the reason we exist, in Him is Life forever, eternity is in Him and no other. Trust in Jesus today and the storm you face tomorrow will comfort you and Glorify God.
Heavenly Father we look to the wonder of your Glory, You love us with Eternal Love. We are yours by creation, and second time by Salvation, may we worship as those observing the storm. Amen
 

LOST HEART

Psalm 27:13 (NKJV) 13  I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living. 
    A man cried in church, "What is happening to our country, we seem to have lost our way." The bible teaches, "Godliness with contentment is great gain." 1 Timothy 6:6 In the letter to Timothy, he is admonished to avoid those who would teach false doctrines as truth, that violate the gospel of Jesus Christ, and to intentionally withdraw from the deceivers.
    Jesus warns the believer in Matthew 7:15 (NKJV) "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. The false prophet says, one thing while doing another, he is a deceiver and his actions prove who and what he is. Our Lord identifies what he is like in verse 16, "You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles?"
    You cannot claim to know Jesus and live like the devil, we must deny the enemy access to our hearts while allowing Jesus to have every area of our lives. If you know Him, the life you live will look like Jesus, if you do not know Him the life you live will condemn you. Do not loose heart, the Lord will deliver His own.
Heavenly Father we need You, help us to look to You and pray for the welfare of our nation, that you will deliver the servant of the Most High God safely into your hands. Help us to pray that we might see You working around for your Glory. Amen

THE BEAUTY

Psalm 27:4 (NKJV) 4  One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD, And to inquire in His temple.
   Someone said recently "I love the old country churches, they have the charm of worship I remember as a child." Memories often remind us of better days, when cares were just something others had to deal with, we have good memories and bad, that tell the story of who we are.
   David often relished the presence of God in the temple, he however took God with him where ever he went. David sought God in the wild, on the battle field and in the palace, he longed for God's Presence in the Temple, he prayed in public for answers to difficult situations and he longed to know the Will of God, over any other thing. The king who ruled Israel had good memories and bad, he however always remembered God was the source of all things and He alone would meet every need of the inquirer.
    Have you sought the beauty the Lord (Jesus), have you inquired of Him, He will answer every honest query and give you what you need, if you know Him!
Heavenly Father we need every day a touch from your hand, help us to seek early the Way that pleases You. May all our desires be to please you in every thing, may we thirst for the Day of your appearing. Amen

FOR MAN

Mark 2:27-28 (NKJV) 27  And He said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. 28  Therefore the Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath."
    The need of men to rest is obvious, the Spiritual need of man to drink in the Word of God is the source of Life. What we do with the day God has ordained for men, is essential to knowing God and necessary for the maturity of the worshipper of the King of Kings. The disciples were famished and picked just what was needed to curb hunger, however they were accused of violating Law and therefore offending God. The accusers had not seen that they were in the Presence of God, they had no ability to do so, because they were blinded to Truth by pride.
   Friend God knows what we do on the day we should be spending with Him, if you claim to know Jesus then you must know He is calling you aside for time with Him. If you have no desire to spend that alone time with God then you must realize, He is not a part of your life. Will you today ask Him, if you really are His by rebirth or just a fan in the Jesus fan club?
Heavenly Father to know You we must spend time with You, the call to worship is seated in our souls the moment we receive redemption. Help us today to focus on the Life that has been given to us, that we may know You as You wish to be known. Amen
 

LIFT UP YOUR HEADS

Psalm 24:7-10 (NKJV) 7  Lift up your heads, O you gates! And be lifted up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in. 8  Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, The LORD mighty in battle. ... The LORD of hosts, He is the King of glory. Selah
   A battle hardened group was held hostage to fear and awe, the leaders were indecisive and refused to engage the enemy, who taunted with enormous fire power and overwhelming odds. How was the war going to end, who would claim victory when there was no action? An unassuming figure moved into the scene, assessed the situation and declared, "Who is this, that defies the armies of The Living God?"
     For some the enemy is too big, too fast, too intelligent, too abrasive, to the one who knows The Living God, (Jesus) nothing is impossible. "The things which are impossible with men are possible with God." Luke 18:27 (NKJV) The challenge comes along the line of our salvation, if we belong to Jesus through redemption, we are a child of The King, with the King anything will be accomplished, if we ask believing. David knew all too well that God is victorious, in whatever He wants to do. Is He captain in your life, has the Lord of Glory taken command of your unit? He will if you ask for forgiveness of all self centered living and put your faith in Jesus, God will slay the giants of doubt, fear and intimidation if you look to Him.
Heavenly Father in You alone is the security we need to accomplish the goals you have assigned to us. Help us today to embrace victory over the enemy of all doubts and fears, may we look to You and no other. Amen

HOLINESS

Exodus 28:36 (NKJV) 36 "You shall also make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it, like the engraving of a signet: HOLINESS TO THE LORD. 
   A child cried, “They won’t play with me,” the mother coaxed the others to try and play with her child, she then observed, when her child was near the others he would intentionally hit, causing the others to move away. The will do be a part must come with the desire to co-operate.
    In the verse above God desires that we represent Holiness in every area of our lives. The wearing of Holiness on the breast plate does not produce the desired results, it must come from within the individual. Many today get tattoos on their bodies, the mark is skin deep, it represents what the wearer believes or embraces, however it is a worldly symbol of an ancient craft, “Meaning I am owned by the one who made the mark.”
  Christianity cannot be marked indelibly by man, it must come from the One who makes everyone clean through the shedding of His own pure blood. Jesus is the only way into Eternity, the stamp of Holiness must come through His word, the breast plate of righteousness is given by the Lord of Glory.
Heavenly Father we are yours in every way, nothing in our lives produces Holiness but you. May we live this day as those set apart, purchased with the most valuable commodity of all, The Blood of The Lamb. Amen

THE LORD LOOKS

1 Samuel 16:7 (NKJV) ... For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
    A man cried to God, "Take this sickness away from me it has ruined my life," yet he continued in his sins, having lost his friends, his parents rejected him, he then cried, "God I know You are, help me to confess every sin as selfish and self serving, help me to receive your Son, I know He is the only Way." Cody then found God's transforming Power and was radically changed, reduced to living in a wooded lot because drugs had stolen his life, he now tries to rebuild all the things he tore apart, family, relationships and a life.
   We celebrate this time in February, every year to remind us of those we love and have loved, however, love that is real comes from the heart, God sees our hearts and knows what is hidden in our lives, He observes the bare truth of who we are. The psalmist writes in Psalm 119:11 Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You! 
   Would you like to really love another person, hide God's word where it will do the most good and your love for others will overflow. Jesus loved us from the very core of His being, He alone is the example of Love. Won't you trust Him today?
Heavenly Father, we are yours the price you paid, says it all. May we live as those alive from the dead as ones loved by the Creator. May our every breath be remembered as a gift of life from You and let all Your love fill the lives of those around us. Amen

HIS HAND

2 Samuel 6:6 (NKJV) 6  And when they came to Nachon's threshing floor, Uzzah put out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen stumbled.
   He sat in the corner looking sad and forgotten, the house smelled of clorox and there was the distinct presence of anger. The mother apologized for the odor and invited us in, I asked, "How is Billy," "Not doing so good," his mother replied, he just decided to use butter to slide down the stairs, he heated it up and poured a whole pound down from the top landing, Billy input, "My hands did it."
    Uzzah paid a terrible price for disobedience, he was trying to do the right thing the wrong way. The ark was to be carried by those who are clean, just as the Word today is to be lived by those who have been washed in the blood of the Lamb. The believer is redeemed the moment he denies his entire life and confesses Jesus is Lord. Many today walk as Uzzah did, secure in the fact that being around those who are redeemed is all that is needed. Friend we have to answer to a Holy God anything short of Holiness will not do!
Heavenly Father we know, to live is Christ to die is gain, help us to live like there will be no tomorrow. May we look to You in the things that distract and walk Right, before The Holy God. Amen

MY LAMP

Psalm 18:28 (NKJV) 28  For You will light my lamp; The LORD my God will enlighten my darkness.
     A student questioned about study habits replied, "I don't understand the material, so I don't study." Later the student failed the course and complained, "I gave it my best shot," that is unacceptable in any situation, if we do not apply ourselves we do not get the proper results.
   Spiritual darkness is the result of refusing to seek God, He who says, "I know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. 1 John 2:4-5 (NKJV) The soul that claims God as his Savior must walk just as Jesus walked, the desire of the heart is to please God and do His Will. (vs 6 mine) If we are to enter heaven, there must be applied relationship to Jesus through a daily walk with Him.
    Have you trusted Him to lead your life, or just applied the salve of knowledge hoping to get through?
Heavenly Father help us to live each day as those that are alive from the dead, help us Lord to walk as Jesus showed us that others may see You. May each step prove we love You with all our hearts. Amen
   

PRAISE

Matthew 21:16 (NKJV) ..." And Jesus said to them, "Yes. Have you never read, 'Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have perfected praise'?"
   We watched some recordings of our children, the tender voices and innocent replies touched the depths of our hearts. A voice asking, "Mommy or Daddy can I," rends the heart, and staggers the memory of blessed days gone by.
     Jesus is going to Jerusalem to make a way for all the world to be reborn and re-engage our relationship with the Creator through His perfect sacrifice. The excitement of the moment is highlighted with the cries of children, "Hosanna to the son of David," innocently moved they worship as God has prescribed from the beginning of time. Confronted by the religious elite, Jesus responds with the quote above, surely the chief priests and scribes were staggered at His response. Young and old, wise and learned, cry out, "Save us son of David, they must have recognized, the crowd believed He is God.
      Friend Jesus is the only way to heaven, He is the only answer for society, He is the only life we can live, may God help us find in Jesus all we need?
Heavenly Father the life we live is evidence of what we believe, help us to live that others see You. May all our doings bring Glory and Honor to You, let every thing praise You. Amen

THE GODLY

Psalm 12:1 (NKJV) 1 Help, LORD, for the godly man ceases! For the faithful disappear from among the sons of men.
     I came home one afternoon years ago to find the house empty, God had been speaking to me about my daily quiet time. I was reluctant to loose sleep to to get up earlier to spend time with Him. A pot was boiling on the stove and the quietness stunned me, I feel to my knees and cried, "Oh God have I been left behind," suddenly the phone rang, startled I jumped for the receiver but managed to make it fly across the room. When I did get control the caller was gone, it rang again and my wife's sweet voice said, "Hey honey I think I left a pot on the stove."
    The realization that God could at any moment make a change in my life cemented the need to spend more time with Him. I have never regretted rising early to spend time with my Savior and Creator. Have you made time for him today, I pray you do before, "The Godly ceases!"
Heavenly father help those who are struggling today, to spend the quality time they need, to know You. Help Father the searching to discover You will meet every need, may we together seek You with all our hearts. Amen

YOU ARE

Matthew 14:33 (NKJV) 33  Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, "Truly You are the Son of God."
     A man called recently and questioned, "Do you believe Jesus is God," "Yes," I replied. He then became agitated and berated me for the next 5 minutes. He finally cancelled the call and left me wondering as to the reason for the call.
     Jesus is indeed the Son of God, He came that we might by His sacrifice of His own life, once and for all people receive redemption from a life of sinful living. He came that all people might find forgiveness, cleansing and Eternal Life. Is Jesus God, Thomas confessed when Jesus appeared before him, after rising from the dead, "My Lord and my God!" John 20:28 (NKJV), the disciples above worshipped Him as God, He who calmed the storm that threatened their boat. All who are healed and transformed by this One called Jesus, will confess on that day Jesus is Lord and Savior. Is he Lord and Savior of your life, He is God?
Heavenly Father we exist by You, we live by You, help us to worship You, for our lives are a gift to give back to You. Amen

THE NATIONS

Psalm 9:15 (NKJV) 15 The nations have sunk down in the pit which they made; In the net which they hid, their own foot is caught.
    Two boys playing in the woods, dug a pit, their plan was to trap wild game. They watched for days to see if any animal would fall in, but none did. Their conclusion, "A hole in the ground does not catch anything."
    Pits have been used since the creation of man, the subtle pit covered and concealed will do much damage and catch many unaware. Satan has so used the pit to catch men unaware, looking around without observing the evidence, clearly reveals the desire of men to go where they wish and ignore the disaster. Nations have failed over and over again, by refusing to sincerely observe past mistakes or historical records. Solomon writes, "There is nothing new under the sun."Ecc 1:9
     Jesus said, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:34 (NKJV) Today we should be on our knees in prayer for the nations, that God would be merciful to those who are falling into the pit. Have you made Jesus your safe guard, to keep you from falling into the pit?
Heavenly Father we are in need, today, there is much trouble, help oh God, those who are struggling with health, help Father those who have fallen and find it difficult to look up. May the leaders of the nations recognize You are God, before it is too late. Amen

A DAY

Acts 17:31 (NKJV) 31 because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead."
    In an old Daniel Boone episode, a man took the life of three innocent victims, caught for his sins against humanity, one of the actors said, "that man needed killin." The Word of God clearly reveals man must deal with those who take the lives of others, 'Whoever kills any man shall surely be put to death. Leviticus 24:17 (NKJV) and, He who leads into captivity shall go into captivity; he who kills with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints. Revelation 13:10 (NKJV) 
     The Word is delivered by God to believers, it is practiced by believers, it is fulfilled by believers, it is the Life of the believer, the world cannot understand that which is not for the lost. When men take their eyes off God and begin to embrace the fallen world system they become enamored with the sins of futility. Jesus points to the problem, For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. Matthew 15:19 (NKJV), the heart is the seat of mans sinful actions, not inanimate objects, not mental instability, not even the other person, it is the individuals responsibility. (Note: no sin is greater than another.)
     Are you confused about how to live, just look at Jesus, He is the only example God gives? All will stand and give an account before God, no one who deliberately sins will escape God's judgment.
Heavenly Father many presume You are not going to judge sin harshly, help us to live as those alive from the dead, those who have put away foolish thinking. Help us Lord to obey with lives that prove You Are. Amen

HE ESTABLISHED

Proverbs 3:19 (NKJV) 19  The LORD by wisdom founded the earth; By understanding He established the heavens;
  The writer to the Romans penned, "Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man--and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. 1:22,23," sadly the human race has not changed in over 5000 years, there still is the pretense of wisdom to the exclusion of God. The base things are worshipped and the All Wise Creator is ignored. God Himself said, "Therefore know this day, and consider it in your heart, that the LORD Himself is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other." Deuteronomy 4:39 (NKJV)
    We indeed need heavens help there is no other way, Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6 (NKJV), just knowing is not enough, we must have Him living in our being. Jesus does not enter in to our lives without confession of sin and the  request of His presence. Have you asked Him to enter in?
Heavenly Father we know we need You, help us to seek with all our hearts the One who grants Eternal Life, because He is! Amen

MORE VALUE

Matthew 10:31 (NKJV) 31  Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
   A man in prison sat with his head in his hands listening to the Gospel, after the message was over he still had not moved. I asked, "Are you ok," he responded "I am lost in this place, nothing but a number, my mother does no even know where I am, God probably doesn't know." Asking him to look up, I explained, "God does know and He cares for you more than those little birds you hear outside, he looked hard into my eyes and questioned, "What do I need to do?"
   Romans 10:9,10 says, "if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.  For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. The man replied, "I can do that," and he prayed for God's Salvation, asking Jesus to forgive him and come into his heart. Through heavy tears he blurted out, "This is what Jesus meant, when He said He came to set the prisoner free!"
     Salvation can be received by anyone anywhere, but there must be the desire for forgiveness and cleansing more than any other thing. Have you been set free from your fears?
Heavenly Father we are free to be all You desire for us, help us to live as those set free form the prison of self serving. Amen

THE NEWS

Matthew 9:30-31 (NKJV) 31  But when they had departed, they spread the news about Him in all that country.
     A little girl was told she was going to Disney World as a gift from Santa, she was warned by her parents to, "Tell no one, it is a secret." Friends soon called and exclaimed they had heard the good news and congratulated all. The parents curious about how so many heard of the coming trip asked their daughter if she had shared with anyone, she replied, "I told all my dolls, one of them must have left the phone on."
     Two blind men cried for mercy to be healed, Jesus asked, "Do you believe, I can do this," they answered yes, so Jesus replied, Let it be according to your Faith." We too may cry out for our needs to be met, however our requests must be surrounded with the Faith that sees God, as the One who meets all needs. Then like the two blind men, it will be too difficult for us to keep silent about the Great Mercy of our God. Have you trusted the Great healer with all your fears, He is able?
Heavenly Father in You all we see and everything we can't see exists. Thank you for giving to us life that may we give all honor and glory to You. Amen

DO NOT HINDER

Genesis 24:56 (NKJV) 56  And he said to them, "Do not hinder me, since the LORD has prospered my way; send me away so that I may go to my master."
     A child on Christmas Day was trying to open a gift, it was wrapped entirely with packing tape, a little cruel, maybe, but it was the gift he hoped for.
    God often sends us on mission, when we begin to minister the desire to go unhindered is evident, there is anxiety to some extent and the confidence we have done His Will, pushes us forward. Abraham  sent one of his own, to accomplish a goal, when the plan was complete, it was time to leave. Tarrying over the finished work often ruins the intended results.
     If you belong to Jesus, redemption is complete, but the work of Grace is unfinished, what has He called you to do today?
Heavenly Father help us to follow through in the mission You have assigned, help us Lord to be consistent, faithful, and willing. May every step move us closer to the goal You have established. Amen

KEEP YOU

Proverbs 2:10-11 (NKJV) 10  When wisdom enters your heart, And knowledge is pleasant to your soul, 11  Discretion will preserve you; Understanding will keep you, 
   Thinking back on youth many things come to mind, especially the spontaneous fun we enjoyed, I sometimes laugh out loud at the antics of our family and the growing we did together. However when I began to mature life seemed to take on a more serious mood and the things once very funny seemed to me foolish, "When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 1 Corinthians 13:11 (NKJV) I now realize we are far too serious in day to day living, in order to enjoy the things in creation, we must first learn to enjoy God.
    If you have not looked at the way others see you, there may be a deficiency in the way you appear or express yourself, it may conflict with real christianity. Matthew 7:3 Wisdom must enter us before we are really wise, just as the Lord Jesus Christ must enter us before we are truly saved. The two go hand in hand, to experience redemption we must be washed clean by the Blood of Christ, to be wise God must enter in and show us His Way.
Have you trusted in your ability to know Him, or completely relied on Him to show you His Salvation.
Heavenly Father we are hopelessly lost without You, we need your touch in the power of Jesus to know You. Help us today to look at how we may bless those around us and not curse, help us to love and not defile, help us Lord to do your will your way. Amen

TAKE HEED

Matthew 6:1 (NKJV) 1  "Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. 
    A fierce battle, between ancient kingdoms, resulted in the capture of Abraham's nephew, with all their possessions. When Abraham heard he went out to rescue Lot, his efforts were successful and all was recovered. The story then reveals Abrahams heart, the king was thankful for the missions success and Abraham was offered all he wanted of the plunder, yet he said, "I have raised my hand to the LORD, God Most High, the Possessor of heaven and earth, 23  that I will take nothing, from a thread to a sandal strap, and that I will not take anything that is yours, lest you should say, 'I have made Abram rich'-- Genesis 14:22-23 (NKJV)
     This man of God revealed his heart belonged to God, he would not dishonor or deny God, in private or public he was the Lord's. The light often reveals wrong ideas and wrong motives, but, "What we do in the dark is really who we are!"
Heavenly Father help us to live every breath as if You would appear and take your servants to be with You. May we like Jesus, give Glory and Honor its rightful place, at your feet. Amen

SET APART

Psalm 4:3 (NKJV) 3  But know that the LORD has set apart for Himself him who is godly; The LORD will hear when I call to Him.
    The psalmist seems to brag of his relationship to God, the Truth has entered his mind, emotion and will, the fact is, obedience leads to a relationship with the Creator. Deuteronomy 6:5 He carefully reminds the hearer, there is a walk that man must walk, to find Eternal Life. Have you like the psalmist, trusted in The Savior, Jesus Christ, to eliminate any doubt that He sustains the believer? You can know you belong to God, however you must first trust His Word to redeem you.
Heavenly Father let us hear and obey, help us to walk in the Light, You have given, that others may see You. May all our efforts today exalt You. Amen

RECONCILED

Matthew 5:24 (NKJV) 24 ... First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 
    One complained, "My family won't listen to me, my brothers and sisters reject everything I have to say about God," then the complainer verbally chastised the waitress for forgetting a napkin.
     A man spoke to a group, "No one is exempt from self examination, every detail of our lives is scrutinized by those around us, if we smell of smoke we have been close to the fire!"
     "Offenses must come," Matthew 18:7 be careful that you are not the reason, another will not see Christ.
Heavenly Father we look up and see the extravagance of your Love it is bountiful, help us Lord to be like You in all we do. Amen

SINNERS

Proverbs 1:10 (NKJV) 10  My son, if sinners entice you, Do not consent.
   A man in jail said, "The other guys egged me on, they told him me, I couldn't rob the store, you know what preacher they were right." Pier pressure does not have to be a problem for us, we must refuse to participate. However the desire to be accepted is a powerful human emotion, that needs to be controlled.
   In Matthew 4:1-11 Jesus is tempted beyond the boundaries of human flesh and spirit, yet He sets the example for staying the course and saying "NO." The enemy of man wants above all else to be worshipped as a god, he is neither loving or merciful, yet many fall to temptations of self serving and excessive sinful living by the character quality of pride.
   What has captured you, what vice of the flesh holds your soul, I pray there is none and you have given to Christ every area of your life.
Heavenly Father may our living be captured by the Life of Jesus. May we in every step walk as He walked. May our lives match the life of the One who gave every thing that I might live. Amen

WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?

Genesis 4:10 (NKJV) 10  And He said, "What have you done? The voice of your brother's blood cries out to Me from the ground. 
     That moment when we realize, our actions were not good, when we discover there was no real thought just knee jerk response, guilt. A man sought out one he had harmed 40 years before, an action had taken the others health and the offender could no longer bear the burden, guilt had done its job, conviction brought the desire to seek forgiveness.
     Not so with Cain, he brazenly walked as if God did not see or know the deed, even confronted by the Creator, he callously replied, "Am I my brothers keeper," yes in deed we are and we will be held accountable for refusing to share our Faith in God with others. Ezekiel 3:17-21
    Has God spoken to you, have you responded appropriately, have you acknowledged God has the only Word we will ever need, have you given Him your entire being, have you trusted Jesus Christ as the Savior of your soul? Friend you must or you face Eternity without hope.
Heavenly Father in You alone is the Way of Life, may we look in this year to You only, let every other thing become nothing in our estimation. May your Love be our Love for all man kind. Amen

PLANTED

Psalm 1:3 (NKJV) 3  He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper. 
   A dad promised his son, "We will go fishing when the rain stops, I won't let anything get in the way," the phone rang and he was called to solve a crises at work. Later the dad found his son in his room sullen and disappointed. "Son, there are times when I must help others but I still love you and I will not let that replace you," the boy replied, "Dad if you love me take me fishing." So father and son went fishing in the middle of the night.
    God's promises to us are more than father and son they are so much more than the will to please others, they are the substance of the life we live in this flesh and the Eternal Life to come. The God of all creation, says if we will place Him first in our lives He will pour blessings into our living. We will drink from the waters of Life, there will be multiplication, we will endure and we will increase in our territory. That is a promise we can count own, He will be with us in all we do. Have you trusted him with the big and little things in your life, He cares.
Heavenly Father I know You love me, I know you love those around me. Help me to be Jesus to all I come in contact with, let them see You and nothing else. Amen