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