WHOM THE LORD COMMENDS

2 Corinthians 10:18  For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.
   Recently a child stated "Look what I did," the parents glowed in approval, they then began to clean up the mess, he had shaved the dog. Not much to boast about, many are doing the same in the Name of Jesus, how, I am so glad you asked?
   "Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith," Hebrews 12:2 He alone has done the work of redemption we are merely recipients. "The one who boasts let him boast in the Lord," 2 Corinthians 10:17 we are a strange creation we live as if, we have accomplished anything. Like a project in art class that takes a life of its own, it brags on its ability, when the thing was merely a thought in the mind of the student.
   Too many have taken to instruction today and the emphasis is own their ability, be careful, "To whom much is given, much is required." Luke 12:48 The one who belongs to Christ by the cross and blood of redemption is simply the servant of the Most High God.
    We most certainly should, "Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong," 1 Corinthians 16:13 we will soon give an account. Not I, not you,"But whom the Lord commends."
Heavenly Father help us to look up, let us see what You see, may all we do be what You desire in us. Amen

THE VEIL

Isaiah 25:7 (NKJV) 7 And He will destroy ... the covering cast over all people, And the veil that is spread over all nations.
  There is a tendency to ignore the deep things of God, the extravagance of our surroundings is little observed, marred by the intrusion of man made structures. Looking up we can observe an endless sky, filled with the over abundant air supply that sustains life, cast your gaze on the ocean and you are mesmerized by the expanse and the abundance of water. Take in the night canopy and you cannot take your eyes off the unnumbered stars, bask in the sun and find your self overwhelmed with its warmth and light.
   Why then do we struggle so with the mercy and love of a Creator God, a covering has been cast over the heart, minds and eyes of Gods children? A day is coming when The Redeemer of all mankind will appear and remove like a warm blanket the false security that has hindered so many from acknowledging God. You and I however, must be prepared, we must trust this Savior of all mankind, with our whole being, leaving no stone unturned every vice must be cast at Messiahs feet. As Jesus enters the heart made clean by His presence, a glimpse of the Glory that is coming is revealed and looking around at creation will take your breath away. Are you ready, I pray you are?
Heavenly Father come quickly, remove the veil and let us worship You as You intended. May our lives be a sweet fragrance to You, let us praise and thank You with all our being? Amen

BECOME RICH

2 Corinthians 8:9 (NKJV) ... that you through His poverty might become rich.
   For most we do not know financial wealth, it is often considered and some do long for the money that will solve every trouble. However, wealth has never satisfied every problem, it always brings with it more worry. For the very few, riches is a gift to be shared and there is where most come up short.
   God created all things therefore He alone owns all, everything a person may possess belongs to God, it then is on lone to us, because we cannot truly posses anything. Jesus brings to you and I all the riches of heaven and earth through the life and death He alone revealed. Philippians 4:19
   We become really rich in one way only, that is in the possession of our destiny, when we can control who and what we will be forever. That is something no one has ever purchased, bartered, traded or worked for, this gift of forever is in the hands of One, and only He can give it to whom He chooses.
    Jesus left the riches of Glory to enter the poverty of men, and made a way for all to receive eternal life with Him. That is, He gave His life, and all He possesses, that you and I may receive all of His Kingly riches. The moment we ask Jesus to forgive us of our sins and be the center of our lives we inherit the wealth of eternity. Wow, I want that, now, do you?
Heavenly Father You give that we might live with You, what more could we desire? In You alone is life everlasting a gift beyond measure, may we give all we desire away that all You offer we may posses? Thank You, for the Gift of Jesus and Lord, thank You for loving me so much, You died and walked out of the grave to prove I too can live with You forever. Thank You. Amen

THE WORKS OF GOD

John 9:3 (NKJV) ... Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him. 
   A question is asked, "Who sinned," that is the wrong question, the question should be, "How will God handle this?" Perspective is everything, not who's to blame, but what is the solution? How do we begin to think this way, I am so glad you asked?
   The Bible shows that God has power over every thing, Jesus walks among men and proves that He alone can alter the distorted views of all who challenge the Creator. Blind men see, the lame walk, skin diseases are healed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the Good News is preached, Jesus is the answer to all things common to man. Matthew 11:4 
  In Mark 5:35 the sad news is brought and a question raised, "Your daughter is dead, why trouble the teacher any further," and there is the problem. He is not teacher, He is The word, He is not the fix for my trouble, He is the answer for all problems, He is not a good man, He is God, Jesus alone made the way for me to enter into a relationship with God.
  Jesus says, "The works of God should be revealed," is there a better way for God to reveal Himself than to help those who are helpless, to heal those who cannot be healed, to give life where there is death. Trust Him today, He is waiting for you to give Him your all by faith, believe He is the answer and you too will see the works of God revealed.
Heavenly Father, You love where it does not exist, You give where nothing can be given, You heal where there is no healing, thank you, for loving your creation. May we sing praise to You today, let all we do today be for your Glory, give us a heart overflowing so others may see You? Amen

REDEEMED OF THE LORD

Psalm 107:2 (NKJV) 2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy,
   Faced with difficult circumstances we often retreat, there are two choices however, and we miss the most important choice when we hide. What should I do, I am so glad you asked?
  When trouble knocks at your heart, the temptation is great to close the curtains of life and sit in the dark. While out visiting one night, we knocked on a door, the occupants of the house opened, a lady surveyed the group and declared "On no, the take back man is here!" Laughing, the mood changed as they were invited to church and their fears were calmed.
   Trouble has a way of catching up to us, many times it is deserved because we have been disobedient, often it is just the circumstances of life. When life has provided an opportunity to see God remove the stumbling stone, don't hide give praise to God. Praising God, will remove first the fear and second it will set in motion the Creator who is waiting on us to recognize He alone has all authority over every situation. Take a moment and read 2 Corinthians 7:9-11 discover the secret to trusting God in everything.
   Have you been redeemed by the blood of Jesus, have you sincerely asked him to come into your life, have you allowed God room in you're living to become everything you need? If you will trust Him with your whole being, He can remove the enemy that longs to destroy you. Trust Him, Praise Him, Exalt Him, He will make a way for you! "Let the redeemed of the Lord say so."
Heavenly Father let every trouble remind us of the opportunity to let you work through us. May all the things that cause fear in our lives be opportunities to Praise You. Let our eyes look to You when we can see nothing else, may we look up when everything seems hopeless. Help us trust You always. Amen

NOW IS THE DAY

2 Corinthians 6:2 (NKJV) ... Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
   While talking to an aged gentleman, I asked him where he would spend eternity, he answered, "I don't know." His conversation grew serious and he asked if I would come by his house and talk with him and his wife, I did and they both received Jesus into their hearts. He looked at me through tears and said, "Today is the day."
   Over the years I have spoken to many people about our Lord and Savior, some have immediately pushed through and received Christ while others have waited for a "Better time." So many are waiting, for what, these days are more difficult to live in, the times have changed so drastically in the last 20 years, why are people prone to wait?
   The optimism of a human causes him to miss the opportunity of eternity, the choice is entirely ours, we can choose to serve God or self. In Matthew 8: 18-22 Jesus challenges men to follow Him, excuses are made and you are left with the distinct impression they waited for a "Better time."
    Our verse declares "Now is the accepted time," there is no better time, today we must acknowledge Jesus is Lord and trust Him with everything in our lives, there is no promise for manana.
Heavenly Father You are all we need, may this day bless You and may all we do be for You. We know our time is limited help us to see those around us are in need of a Savior, help us to share with others your love for all men. Let us be light where darkness rules and may every breath count for You. Amen

FOR WE KNOW

2 Corinthians 5:1 (NKJV) 1 For we know ... we have a building from God ... eternal in the heavens. 
  There is much confidence in what we believe, we swagger like sports jocks, when victorious, we exchange knowing looks when, declared winners, we exalt our selves, when a goal is accomplished. Why so much doubt and misunderstanding about the things of God, I am so glad you asked?
   Our bodies referred to in Gods Word are frail at best, "Clay jars," but they contain an extraordinary power that comes from God. Does that apply to everyone, yes, God has put within each person a portion of His Spirit? Listen to the ancient preacher, Ecclesiastes 12:7 (NKJV) 7 Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, And the spirit will return to God who gave it, we are created for Gods purposes.
   However, what happens to everyones gift from God, your spirit, depends entirely on the choice you make. For the soul that has been redeemed, by the precious blood of our Savior, there will be eternal life with God, for the unfortunate soul that lives to itself, there will be eternal life without God (Hell).
   Do you know confidently that you belong to the Creator through His Son, bought with blood that is absolutely pure. You can, trust Him with your whole heart today, declare to Him, you know He is the only way into eternity, let Him have all of your life and you too, will say confidently, "I have a building from God!"
Heavenly Father our lives are given to us by You, we are just dust waiting to return to the ground. Help us today, to let all our fears and worries go and to accept what we have been given as from your hand. Let our lives be lived so that we have nothing to regret, when we stand in your presence. May all You have planned for us be accomplished, that others may see You. Amen