Joshua 22:5 (KJV) 5 ..., to love the LORD your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and to cleave unto him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.
People are looking for things that make life better, a way to improve our living conditions, that which will ease the stress of everyday living.
Joshua gives the exact recipe for Godly living in an earthly house, he simply repeats the instructions given by God. He has however something that most people do not, he is filled with the desire for God and surrounded by the presence of God.
He has learned the secret many are searching for, faith has replaced searching, and absolute trust has possessed his being. Joshua knocked on God's door, He answered and the rest is history.
Wouldn't you like to know you are walking with God, you can, simply ask forgiveness of living your way, and ask God to live His way in you. Ask Jesus to become the center of you're living and He will fill you with all you need.
Heavenly Father, thank you for the work of saving me and let my life be consumed with serving You. May our thoughts be your thoughts and all we do be your doing. Amen
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Monday, July 18, 2011
AGAIN AND AGAIN
Psalm 78:41 (NKJV) 41 Yes, again and again they tempted God, And limited the Holy One of Israel.
God's word is an opening into the failure of many lives the successes are there, but they are tempered with tremendous struggle. 1 Corinthians 10:11 says, they are "examples," meaning we can observe their lives and how they interacted with God's plan for them and see what He expects of us. The Bible gives us guidance, instruction, and warnings for the life we live in the flesh.
Preparing the servant of the most high God for eternity, is a moment by moment reminder of how we must live, not by natural thinking but heavenly light. John 8:12 (NKJV) 12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." The Lord says, He is light, I need that illumination to see His will for me, He also says, "You are the light of the world," Matthew 5:14 (NKJV) by receiving Him (Jesus) into our selves we become light to others.
When we do things our way, we limit God's plan for the world, how can we hinder God, He will not force you and I to do anything against our will. We may choose to do anything we wish, however as with everything we do there are consequences for our sins against God.
Learning from the experiences of others is time honored and once was passed from generation to generation by family ties, there is an enemy destroying the fabric of our family units, it is limiting God's message to others. We must trust Him today with every area of our lives and let the lives of those gone before enrich us with their truth, through Him. How, trust Jesus, tell Him you are a sinner, ask Him to come into your life, He will right the wrong and you will no longer limit God!
Heavenly Father, confusion is in the hearts of many, help us to be light that leads others to You. Let us learn the deep truths that will light the next generation for You. May we learn by the examples You have given and trust You with living? Amen
God's word is an opening into the failure of many lives the successes are there, but they are tempered with tremendous struggle. 1 Corinthians 10:11 says, they are "examples," meaning we can observe their lives and how they interacted with God's plan for them and see what He expects of us. The Bible gives us guidance, instruction, and warnings for the life we live in the flesh.
Preparing the servant of the most high God for eternity, is a moment by moment reminder of how we must live, not by natural thinking but heavenly light. John 8:12 (NKJV) 12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." The Lord says, He is light, I need that illumination to see His will for me, He also says, "You are the light of the world," Matthew 5:14 (NKJV) by receiving Him (Jesus) into our selves we become light to others.
When we do things our way, we limit God's plan for the world, how can we hinder God, He will not force you and I to do anything against our will. We may choose to do anything we wish, however as with everything we do there are consequences for our sins against God.
Learning from the experiences of others is time honored and once was passed from generation to generation by family ties, there is an enemy destroying the fabric of our family units, it is limiting God's message to others. We must trust Him today with every area of our lives and let the lives of those gone before enrich us with their truth, through Him. How, trust Jesus, tell Him you are a sinner, ask Him to come into your life, He will right the wrong and you will no longer limit God!
Heavenly Father, confusion is in the hearts of many, help us to be light that leads others to You. Let us learn the deep truths that will light the next generation for You. May we learn by the examples You have given and trust You with living? Amen
Saturday, July 16, 2011
HE ENDURED
Hebrews 12:2 (NKJV) 2 ..., who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, ....
The average person is apt to think Christianity is a stroll in the park, or tea cup religion, "I will add to my beliefs," the things that make me happy, with pinky extended "life is good!" What does this mean, I am glad you asked?
We have only to read the Bible to find God's warriors endured hardship and suffering to pave the way for todays pretty christianity, 1 Peter 1:10-21 they payed the price of life and respect of men to present themselves living sacrifices Romans 12:1. Sit down for a few minutes with Hebrews 11:1-40 to discover their lives meant nothing as long as God's will was being accomplished. Read Paul's second letter to the 2 Corinthians 5:1-8 and know that we are pilgrims here, we have no country in which to lavish luxury so that we feel good. Read the testimony of early church historians to find these martyrs gave all, nothing was as sacred to them as there heavenly home.
Step back in time with the Israelites, 2 million strong were headed for their great adventure to "the promised land," they wanted luxury, along the way blaming God for their sinful attitudes. How many of the original group actually went in 2, that is .00000001 percent of those who went on the trip. The rest died outside the promised land, statistically speaking, "How should we then live?" Jesus said in Matthew 7:14 "The gate is narrow that leads to life, and few find it."
Jesus died a horrible, death with few followers, His mother stood near as He took His last breath, (oh everyone considered her a liar), as He cried out to God, "Why have You forsaken Me," many went home grieved proclaiming, "this truly was God!" Luke 23:48
But wait, I am being a little hard, isn't there some things we can embrace and God overlook, ask Lazarus! Luke 16:20-31
Heavenly Father, I hear the wake up call, let us walk as those who have no home, help us to stand against this enemy of complacency, let our hearts be tuned to Your will. Father let us too despise the shame and walk as those who are alive from the dead. Amen
The average person is apt to think Christianity is a stroll in the park, or tea cup religion, "I will add to my beliefs," the things that make me happy, with pinky extended "life is good!" What does this mean, I am glad you asked?
We have only to read the Bible to find God's warriors endured hardship and suffering to pave the way for todays pretty christianity, 1 Peter 1:10-21 they payed the price of life and respect of men to present themselves living sacrifices Romans 12:1. Sit down for a few minutes with Hebrews 11:1-40 to discover their lives meant nothing as long as God's will was being accomplished. Read Paul's second letter to the 2 Corinthians 5:1-8 and know that we are pilgrims here, we have no country in which to lavish luxury so that we feel good. Read the testimony of early church historians to find these martyrs gave all, nothing was as sacred to them as there heavenly home.
Step back in time with the Israelites, 2 million strong were headed for their great adventure to "the promised land," they wanted luxury, along the way blaming God for their sinful attitudes. How many of the original group actually went in 2, that is .00000001 percent of those who went on the trip. The rest died outside the promised land, statistically speaking, "How should we then live?" Jesus said in Matthew 7:14 "The gate is narrow that leads to life, and few find it."
Jesus died a horrible, death with few followers, His mother stood near as He took His last breath, (oh everyone considered her a liar), as He cried out to God, "Why have You forsaken Me," many went home grieved proclaiming, "this truly was God!" Luke 23:48
But wait, I am being a little hard, isn't there some things we can embrace and God overlook, ask Lazarus! Luke 16:20-31
Heavenly Father, I hear the wake up call, let us walk as those who have no home, help us to stand against this enemy of complacency, let our hearts be tuned to Your will. Father let us too despise the shame and walk as those who are alive from the dead. Amen
Friday, July 15, 2011
THE WAY OF THE RIGHTEOUS
Psalm 1:6 (NKJV) 6 For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the ungodly shall perish.
The way of man is not hard to follow, look at what he does, observe the interests of people, the large majority are seeking pleasures for self. "God wants me to be happy," is the self taught theme, however we find no such teaching in scripture. What does God expect of the righteous, I am glad you asked?
"The Lord knows the way of the righteous," the evidence is in their walk, their desire for the things of God, His will in their lives, and the direction He has planned, before the foundation of the world.
So what does the Lord know about the righteous, they are blessed, and have no desire to live like others. The desire to be satisfied with God and His instruction is enough, there is a hunger for His word. The righteous are observed by others and fruit is produced, others are attracted to the source of Life. They are the picture of joy and satisfaction in living for God, there is no other source of pleasure, simply trusting God.
What gives you pleasure, what attracts your attention, what is produced by your life style? Jesus says, "If you knew the gift of God, ...He would give you living water," John 4:10, that water produces the righteous life God knows. Does He know you?
Heavenly Father, You know our hearts and You are the source of life, help me to trust You and nothing else. I want Your gift to be my joy always. Amen
The way of man is not hard to follow, look at what he does, observe the interests of people, the large majority are seeking pleasures for self. "God wants me to be happy," is the self taught theme, however we find no such teaching in scripture. What does God expect of the righteous, I am glad you asked?
"The Lord knows the way of the righteous," the evidence is in their walk, their desire for the things of God, His will in their lives, and the direction He has planned, before the foundation of the world.
So what does the Lord know about the righteous, they are blessed, and have no desire to live like others. The desire to be satisfied with God and His instruction is enough, there is a hunger for His word. The righteous are observed by others and fruit is produced, others are attracted to the source of Life. They are the picture of joy and satisfaction in living for God, there is no other source of pleasure, simply trusting God.
What gives you pleasure, what attracts your attention, what is produced by your life style? Jesus says, "If you knew the gift of God, ...He would give you living water," John 4:10, that water produces the righteous life God knows. Does He know you?
Heavenly Father, You know our hearts and You are the source of life, help me to trust You and nothing else. I want Your gift to be my joy always. Amen
Thursday, July 14, 2011
SIGNS AND WONDERS
John 4:48 (NKJV) 48 ..., "Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe."
The religion of most people is one of belief in God, however belief, does not produce salvation and escape from the judgment of God. Listen to James 2:19 (NKJV) 19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe--and tremble! What then is the answer to religion and belief, I am glad you asked?
The heart is the seat of emotions, from God's perspective, He sees the focus and intent of the heart of people. Science may insist, that is not where thought takes place, however, without the heart and the continuous beating no other function in the human will exist.
My nature and the heart beat go hand in hand to expose what I believe. By nature we demand proof of senses or we will not respond. Meaning if I can touch, taste, see, smell, or feel it I can believe it, God requires that faith instead of sense be our guide. That causes a problem because we are trained from birth to obey the sense to live and remain safe in this life, the denial of the obvious is where we run head on into God's plan for man. God's gift to people is in Ephesians 2:8 (NKJV) 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, correct discernment, is necessary to supply the need for faith to act.
Jesus says, "You must believe," many say I do, however their actions say differently, the refusal to trust God with every area of the life we live is the evidence, we do not believe, we only accept. That is not going to give us eternal life, we must have faith that sees God working Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV) 6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, our faith in God is the key. Do you believe God will rescue you from judgment and sins consequences, He will, if you ask in faith, His Son to forgive you and come into your life!
Heavenly Father, may we set aside the sense of knowing my way will work and trust You in faith, to work through us. Let Your breath oh God fill our lungs and let us breath Your life to others. Amen
The religion of most people is one of belief in God, however belief, does not produce salvation and escape from the judgment of God. Listen to James 2:19 (NKJV) 19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe--and tremble! What then is the answer to religion and belief, I am glad you asked?
The heart is the seat of emotions, from God's perspective, He sees the focus and intent of the heart of people. Science may insist, that is not where thought takes place, however, without the heart and the continuous beating no other function in the human will exist.
My nature and the heart beat go hand in hand to expose what I believe. By nature we demand proof of senses or we will not respond. Meaning if I can touch, taste, see, smell, or feel it I can believe it, God requires that faith instead of sense be our guide. That causes a problem because we are trained from birth to obey the sense to live and remain safe in this life, the denial of the obvious is where we run head on into God's plan for man. God's gift to people is in Ephesians 2:8 (NKJV) 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, correct discernment, is necessary to supply the need for faith to act.
Jesus says, "You must believe," many say I do, however their actions say differently, the refusal to trust God with every area of the life we live is the evidence, we do not believe, we only accept. That is not going to give us eternal life, we must have faith that sees God working Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV) 6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, our faith in God is the key. Do you believe God will rescue you from judgment and sins consequences, He will, if you ask in faith, His Son to forgive you and come into your life!
Heavenly Father, may we set aside the sense of knowing my way will work and trust You in faith, to work through us. Let Your breath oh God fill our lungs and let us breath Your life to others. Amen
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
SHALL WE WHO DIED
Romans 6:2 (NKJV) 2 ...! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?
Living in the world it is easy to consider, God will over look little sins, things that are easily categorized as innocent, not noticed, that is just not true on any level of thinking. God hates sin and He will not allow sin in His heaven. What then should we do, I am so glad you asked?
Consider the origin of sin, where does it come from, God's word says in Romans 3:23, "All have sinned,"that only says, we are sinners, where does it originate, in Matthew 15:19, Jesus says, "From the heart,"yet that is only the store house of sin. Where is its birth, Jesus says, in Luke 10:18 "Satan fell from heaven" in a flash like lightning, because of pride? Sinful pride, according to a dictionary is • the quality of having an excessively high opinion of oneself or one's importance : it is the absence of moral value and completely self serving.
The writer to the Romans says, "We who died to sin," how can we line in it, that is an impossibility, because, we are dead to that self absorbed living. The body that has died will no longer interact with the bodies of the living, because it ceases to exist as intended, it is in the state of dissolving. So then how can we continue to sin if we are dead to it, the truth lies in who we think is in control of our lives, if we belong to Christ, He must be the King on the throne of our living. The person then who does not have Jesus as their savior from sin, is subject to sin, sinful influences and its consequences. Who is in control of your life, only you know, however, so do those around you?
Heavenly Father, help me to live so that others see Jesus, no matter the cost. Let me not cause another to stumble, or slip. May I carefully examine what I do and say, so that those around me see You and nothing else? Help me to stand when everything around me says give up, may I be sensitive to any form of sinfulness and seek forgiveness immediately. Amen
Living in the world it is easy to consider, God will over look little sins, things that are easily categorized as innocent, not noticed, that is just not true on any level of thinking. God hates sin and He will not allow sin in His heaven. What then should we do, I am so glad you asked?
Consider the origin of sin, where does it come from, God's word says in Romans 3:23, "All have sinned,"that only says, we are sinners, where does it originate, in Matthew 15:19, Jesus says, "From the heart,"yet that is only the store house of sin. Where is its birth, Jesus says, in Luke 10:18 "Satan fell from heaven" in a flash like lightning, because of pride? Sinful pride, according to a dictionary is • the quality of having an excessively high opinion of oneself or one's importance : it is the absence of moral value and completely self serving.
The writer to the Romans says, "We who died to sin," how can we line in it, that is an impossibility, because, we are dead to that self absorbed living. The body that has died will no longer interact with the bodies of the living, because it ceases to exist as intended, it is in the state of dissolving. So then how can we continue to sin if we are dead to it, the truth lies in who we think is in control of our lives, if we belong to Christ, He must be the King on the throne of our living. The person then who does not have Jesus as their savior from sin, is subject to sin, sinful influences and its consequences. Who is in control of your life, only you know, however, so do those around you?
Heavenly Father, help me to live so that others see Jesus, no matter the cost. Let me not cause another to stumble, or slip. May I carefully examine what I do and say, so that those around me see You and nothing else? Help me to stand when everything around me says give up, may I be sensitive to any form of sinfulness and seek forgiveness immediately. Amen
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
MY STRENGTH
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NKJV) 9.., "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." ...
The life of a believer in Jesus Christ is often difficult at best, what I mean is the struggles of living seem to compound and give way to more intense searching for relief. Why, I am so glad youasked?
The writer to Corinth is describing personal affliction allowed by God on His faithful servant, being full of God's Holy Spirit and walking with Him is not without difficulty. The presence of God in the believers life allows the one who wholly trust his creator, the privledge of knowing our Father is in control, He is in the drivers seat, NOT my co-pilot. The very power of almighty God, is filling us moment by moment, yet the way seems clouded, it is right here that God is perfecting in His treasures the trust that we can do nothing without Him.
Paul writes, God's Strength is made perfect in our weakness, looking at my earthly father, I cried, "daddy help me I am falling," he grabbed me just as my strength failed. The picture of not being able to fix the problem and trusting completely in Jesus, the failure in myself to stop tragedies and to help another when there is no help in me is, God doing it through me. He knows what I need and when I need it, that is suffucent to meet the difficulty head on.
God says, to the weary, "My grace is sufficient," wow, He has a plan and all I need do is look up and He will meet that problem and put it in its place.
Heavenly Father, I need You, the world seems all too stressful, help me to see as You see, let the things that distract become dim while I look to You. You know what is best for me, I thank you for all You are doing and trust You to walk me through to the end. Thank You. Amen
The life of a believer in Jesus Christ is often difficult at best, what I mean is the struggles of living seem to compound and give way to more intense searching for relief. Why, I am so glad youasked?
The writer to Corinth is describing personal affliction allowed by God on His faithful servant, being full of God's Holy Spirit and walking with Him is not without difficulty. The presence of God in the believers life allows the one who wholly trust his creator, the privledge of knowing our Father is in control, He is in the drivers seat, NOT my co-pilot. The very power of almighty God, is filling us moment by moment, yet the way seems clouded, it is right here that God is perfecting in His treasures the trust that we can do nothing without Him.
Paul writes, God's Strength is made perfect in our weakness, looking at my earthly father, I cried, "daddy help me I am falling," he grabbed me just as my strength failed. The picture of not being able to fix the problem and trusting completely in Jesus, the failure in myself to stop tragedies and to help another when there is no help in me is, God doing it through me. He knows what I need and when I need it, that is suffucent to meet the difficulty head on.
God says, to the weary, "My grace is sufficient," wow, He has a plan and all I need do is look up and He will meet that problem and put it in its place.
Heavenly Father, I need You, the world seems all too stressful, help me to see as You see, let the things that distract become dim while I look to You. You know what is best for me, I thank you for all You are doing and trust You to walk me through to the end. Thank You. Amen
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