God's Witness

"Lord, the Lord Almighty, may those who hope in You not be disgraced because of me; God of Israel, may those who seek You not be put to shame because of me"- Psalm 69:6 (NIV).

You wonder if the silence of so many Christians is the fear of saying or doing the wrong thing? Let the Biblical scholars debate the evidence in Scripture, let highly educated preachers sway congregations from the pulpit, and let trained missionaries who know the language and culture of the people go to the foreign mission fields. You might make a mistake and become a stumbling block to someone needing salvation; worse, an embarrassment to God. Witnessing is not by your power. The Holy Spirit will help you: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses" (Acts 1:8a). The whole world will hear of Jesus, whether you witness or not. Jesus said, even if you remain quiet, the stones will cry out (Luke 19:40). Pray, as the director of music did in today's Scripture, and trust God's word to enable you. Embrace that you are God's witness.  

Just Say "No"

"For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age"- Titus 2:11-12 (NIV).

As a child, were you ever asked the following: "If everyone jumped off a cliff, would you jump off too?" That age old question is relevant in this present age. Our world is full of all kinds of temptations, but Christians must learn to discern truth from falsehoods and respond appropriately. The evil one will continue to try to deceive you. He'll use false teachers, perform wonders, and lead you down the easy path (Matthew 24:24). That easy path will take you straight to the cliff's edge. In the beginning, he deceived Eve, who convinced Adam to join in her in jumping off the proverbial cliff (Genesis 3:1-7). Scripture says that in the end of days, Satan will try to deceive whole nations, adding to his army, numbers like sand on the seashore (Revelation 20:8). Stay close to Jesus. The grace of God will teach you to say "No" to Satan's lies and to stay away from the cliff. 

But What About You?

"But what about you?" He asked. "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "God's Messiah"- Luke 9:20 (NIV).

In the movie, the Wizard of Oz, Dorothy defeated the wicked witch of the west by throwing a bucket of water on her. The witch's last words were, "Who would have thought a good little girl like you could destroy my beautiful wickedness?" I imagine the devil melting away, similar to the wicked witch's water baptism, each time we tell others the reason for our joy; each time we tell others we believe Jesus is the Son of God, the Messiah. We too are baptized, not by mere water, but by the blood of the Lamb of God. That baptism is pure grace and mercy to quicken us in love and to service. Scripture attests that the devil is defeated by the blood of Jesus Christ and by our testimony (Revelation 12:11). Jesus has done His part. The devil is waiting on your response to Jesus' question: "Who do you say I am?" So "What about you?" Take part in the victory. The devil will say, "Who would have thought a person like you could destroy my beautiful wickedness." 

Show Progress

"Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God"- Hebrews 6:1 (NIV).

Sometimes parents and schools have to make the best decision for an elementary school child who hasn't shown the expected progress. Do they promote him to the next grade, so he can move up with his classmates, or keep him back a year until he is ready? Friends, let me tell you, there is no such thing as "social promotion" when you stand before God. If you continue to remain in a lifestyle of sin, repent, sin, repent, you are crucifying the Son of God over and over again, subjecting Him to public disgrace among those who know you as a Christian (Hebrews 6:6). We are meant to show progress, to produce the crop of fruit intended to bring God glory (v.7). Grow and become mature in Christ by studying His word, seeking Him in prayer, joining other believers, go...live a life that will show progress.   

The Title Remains

"...and asked, "Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star when it rose and have come to worship Him"- Matthew 2:2 (NIV).

King Herod was upset to hear that the wise men from the east were looking for the King of the Jews. He was king of the Jews and he wasn't about to be unseated from his exalted position!  Yet, even though Herod took drastic measure the title remained. Each of the four Gospels say that the title, King of the Jews, was etched in an inscription nailed above Jesus' head on the cross. Then it was the Jewish leaders who were offended, they were the highly exalted leaders of the Jewish people, and asked Pilate to remove the title; but to no avail; the title remained. The title still remains. At the name of King Jesus, every knee shall bow, just as the wise men knelt before the infant King, just as His disciples knelt before the risen King, so shall we all one day kneel before the King of kings. The title remains. 

The Disciple Whom Jesus Loved

"One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to Him"- John 13:23 (NIV).

Being designated as a 'disciple whom Jesus loved' is a treasured endearment; and it's yours. Your heart longs to accept this, but an accusatory voice within keeps reminding you of your past mistakes and the sins that keep you stumbling along in this world. Being a confessed sinner means you still need Jesus; you still need a Savior...just as the disciple John did. This is the disciple whom Jesus loved: John asked Jesus for preferential seating alongside Jesus in His kingdom (Mark 10:37), he had enough of a fiery temper that Jesus called him a "Son of Thunder" (Mark 3:17), Jesus rebuked him for his attitude when a Samaritan village didn't welcome Jesus and John asked Jesus if He wanted him to call fire down from heaven and destroy them (Luke 9:54) and John wanted others to stop casting out demons in Christ's name because they weren't part of their group (Mark 9:38). John was a sinner in need of a Savior, just as you are; accept it. That truth means you are also a disciple whom Jesus loves; believe it.

Leave It

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God"- Philippians 4:6 (NIV).

The things we allow to bother us shrink in importance when taken to the Cross. There, Jesus invites us to lay them down where they pale in comparison to the blessings God has in store for those who persevere. Here is a segment of the lyrics to a great worship song, "Lead Me to the Cross": "Lead me to the Cross, where His loved poured out. Bring me to my knees, Lord, I lay me down. Rid me of myself, I belong to You. Lead me, lead me to the Cross" (Hillsong United). God went to great lengths to redeem you for Himself. Are you anxious? Take it, on your knees, to the foot of the Cross and leave it there. One last jewel from Hillsong's lyrics: "Everything I once held dear I count it all as loss." With that truth, trust the Lord by not picking it back up; leave it.

Thanksgiving List

"I will give thanks to the Lord because of His righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the Lord Most High"- Psalm 7:17 (NIV).

Thanksgiving church services usually sing Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing. The song is probably one of the most popular Thanksgiving songs. Part of the final lyrics are "Prone to wander, Lord I feel it. Prone to leave the God I love. Here's my heart, O take and seal it. Seal it for Thy courts above." Stress and depression can ruin holidays and hurt our health. I listened to someone, who had been through an immeasurable loss, say she stilled her heart by listing her blessings and committing them to memory. Each time her mind was prone to wander back to past injustices, pain, fear or loss, she started to recite her thanksgiving list until her peace was restored. Your thanksgiving list is a gift, because each blessing comes down from God the Father, who does not change (James 1:17). He has taken our hearts and sealed them for His courts above. That should be number one on your thanksgiving list.

Along With Him

"He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all--how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things"- Romans 8:32 (NIV)?

There is something in this familiar verse few detect: "along with Him." It is the powerful truth that Jesus is working alongside God, the Father, blessing us with every good thing. Jesus isn't sitting off on the sidelines waiting for the moment of His glorious return; He is busy advocating for us, personally aware of of our every need. It's more than that: Jesus is back where He has always been; where He was during creation itself; on the right hand of God, the Father Almighty. Have you ever stopped to wonder how God felt during Jesus' absence? For the first time, in all eternity, God, the Father, didn't have Christ Jesus seated beside Him.The reality of all of this: the redemptive plan for our souls was a huge sacrifice; more than we could ever imagine. What amazing grace, what undeserved mercy..."See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God" (1 John 3:1a)!

Fix Your Eyes

"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal"- 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV).

We are told to save for our future retirement. The time to save is now or we'll find ourselves lacking during our golden years. We need the same approach to our heavenly savings. Our eternal life is not some future endeavor to be thought about at some later date. No, the unseen eternal life we are promised is in the making now. Every good deed is a deposit in our eternal bank account. The status of your golden years will be decided when Jesus separates the sheep, to His right, from the goats, on His left. The sheep on His right will be given an eternal reward. How do you qualify to be placed to His right? It is reserved for those who fed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, proved shelter to a stranger, clothed the naked, visited both the sick and those in prison (Matthew 25:31:46). Individuals you care for may have had different faces, but the "unseen" true face is that of the Lord (v.40). You did it for Jesus. Fix your eyes on the eternal. 

His

"Remember the wonders He has done, His miracles, and the judgments He pronounced, you His servants, the descendants of Israel, His chosen ones, the children of Jacob. He is the Lord our God; His judgments are in all the earth"- 1 Chronicles 16:12-14 (NIV).

From the beginning of creation, God has lavished his love upon us. That unfathomable love, His love, endures forever; and it has never wavered. He's the same God who made Abraham into a great nation, brought the Israelites out of Egypt, parted the Red Sea and gave the promised land to them as an inheritance (Psalms 136:13-26). How great is our God! We are such an infinitesimally small part of God's overarching plan, yet He has never stopped loving each and everyone of us. "I have loved you with an everlasting love" (Jeremiah 31:3). His plans are set; nothing can stop the course of events that will eventually bring you into His presence. He is God! And you are His!

Spiritual Fruit

"But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also"- Matthew 6:20-21 (NIV).

Fruit is produced, harvested, and then carefully canned and stored away for later use. Each jar contains the carefully preserved fruit ready to fill the need of the person who opens the treasure, whether they are the producer or the recipient of the stored up gift. Similarly, fruits of the spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, are fruits that get stored up in the hearts of both the producer and the recipient. These heavenly treasures of spiritual fruit fill a great need in ourselves and in others, and they cannot be stolen from either of you. The time for harvest is now. Produce the fruits of the spirit and fill both your needs and the needs of others, both now and stored for later consumption. The shelf-life of spiritual fruit is eternal.  

Narrow Road

"But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it"- Matthew 7:14 (NIV).

Everyone wants the "Easy Button." Why choose the hardest way to go, when there is a much more simple...easy...road to take. Many ask, "What's the least I have to do to accomplish my goal?" If you choose the harder path you'll find yourself traveling alone most of the time, because as you look around most everyone else seems to be on the faster, easier path. Don't be fooled. The two paths don't end up in the same place. Your friends may even taunt you or plead with you to change your course, but be diligent. Scripture says, "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it" (v.13). Take the narrow road; there is life at the end. The adage is true that the best things are worth the wait. 

Blinding Effect

"The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God"- 2 Corinthians 4:4 (NIV).

The Pew Research Center released news that there has been an 8% drop among Americans who describe themselves as Christians in the past seven years. Jesus spoke of this blinding effect: "For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind" (John 9:39). Blind Bartimaeus cried out for mercy when he heard the Lord Jesus was near, even though he was being scolded to be silent. Two beautiful words follow: Jesus stopped. Jesus, knowing what Bartimaeus wanted, still asked him: "What do you want Me to do for you?" And Bartimaeus told Jesus he wanted to see. Bartimaeus' faith healed him (Mark 10:46-52). There is a very real spiritual battle raging over the spiritual sight of every human being. Don't allow the god of this age to blindside your faith by trying to pull the wool over your eyes: Jesus is near. 

Exercise for the Day

"I will give You thanks in the great assembly; among the throngs I will praise You"- Psalm 35:18 (NIV).

We need physical exercise, mental exercise and spiritual exercise. Each, once done, produces rewards of renewal and increased strength. Here is a spiritual exercise plan for your day: Don Moen wrote the lyrics to Give Thanks, a song many Christians know and love: "Give thanks with a grateful heart, give thanks to the Holy One, give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son. And now let the weak say, "I am strong," let the poor say, "I am rich," because of what the Lord has done for us." Giving thanks is a rewarding exercise that strengthens your inner spirit; it builds faith, trust and fills with hope. It's time to do your exercise for today: Raise your voice, raise your hands; give thanks and feel God's peace renew you.

Rebooted and Restored

"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness"- Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV).

Sometimes electronics don't work properly. Indicators are usually a symbol resembling a whirling tornado and the screen is frozen. The best solution is usually to do a complete shutdown, a reboot, before everything is restored. Like this electronic malfunction analogy, our life can feel like it needs a reboot: the car's engine is making strange gurgling noises, life is interfering with your plans, your job is not satisfying, the bathroom scales are convicting you over your food choices lately. In short, your life resembles a whirling tornado and you're throwing your head back, eyes shut, asking, "Why Lord?" Because of God's great love for you, He can reboot you to your proper settings; His compassions never fail. Bring your whirling tornado to the Lord. Be rebooted and restored. Jesus said, "I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).  

Give Generously

"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you"- Luke 6:38 (NIV).

No one likes to be taken advantage of; we want fairness. Even as children we watch our mothers filling our cups with a favorite beverage; we get down and eye the line to make sure the liquids are even, not favoring another's cup. Even into adulthood we don't want to give more than we get. We still seek the balance of fairness. That's not what Scripture teaches us though. We're to give a good measure; packing it down to give as much as we can; letting it spill over to the receiver. But what profit is that to the giver? According to Scripture, the same will be given back to us, not only in this life, but also the next. A heart that continues to protectively measure their giving is only shorting themselves. The Apostle Paul told us to remember something: "Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously" (2 Corinthians 9:6). Be generous and do it willingly, for God loves a cheerful giver (v.7).  

Intentional Living

"So, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God"- 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV).

Our life is to be lived intentionally: everything we say or do is to glorify God. Even though eating and drinking seem inconsequential, the fact is every action, minuscule or mammoth, is from Him, through Him and to Him (Romans 11:36). A life needs self-examination to determine if there is anything whatsoever that would dishonor God. Some are conspicuous, but others have to be fleshed out: the way we drive, the tip we leave our food server, when we are overlooked or out-performed, when we're pressed for time, etc. Emotions should not rule over us, because you can be certain they will betray you. Worse yet, our negative emotions ignite behaviors that dishonor the image of the One we bear. We are far from perfect, but we "press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called [us] heavenward in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14). Live your life intentionally, which requires periods of self-examination, confession, and contrition.

Distractions

"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain"- 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV).

Distractions, such as Christian persecution and discouragement, are weapons of evil, designed to pull you away from the work the Lord has given you. Do not be moved; stand firm. Elijah ran from Jezebel's threats of death after killing her prophets of Baal. God refreshed him, but then asked, "What are you doing here Elijah?" Then God sent him back to resume the work (1 Kings 19:1-15). Troubles, both in the world and personal, are but temporary. Keep your focus on the finish line set before you. The finishing will far outweigh any current turmoil (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). Helen Howarth Lemmel wrote a song to encourage: "Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace." Brothers and sisters, put away the distractions; your labor is not in vain. 

First Sight

"...and the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it"- Ecclesiastes 12:7 (NIV).

God made all things, but His pinnacle work was the creation of man. God formed the man from dirt and then breathed life into the man (Genesis 2:7); transferring part of Himself to His creation. God didn't speak man into existence; which, He certainly could have done. No, man was a hands-on project: God's hands formed the man and then God stooped down to breathe in His life-giving spirit, gifting man with an intimacy the rest of creation would never receive. An earthly father stares into the face of his newborn child, face-to-face, drinking in the wonder and the depth of love he feels for his child. During creation, God, too, was face-to-face with man, and, staring back, was His own image, reflected in the eyes of His child. Adam's first sight was his Heavenly Father, and God said it was very good (Genesis 1:31). We, mankind, have the life-giving breath of God inside of us until the day these bodies return to the dust and our spirit returns to God who gave it. When our eyes open, we will once again be face-to-face with our Heavenly Father. Our first sight will be our reflection in God's eyes and it will be very good.    

Time-Thieves

"Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is"- Ephesians 5:15-17 (NIV).

The ESV translation of verse 16 says, "making the best use of the time." Time. David echoed the same thoughts: "O Lord, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am! Behold, You have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before You. Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath (Psalms 39:4-5). We are here for only one brief moment, a mere breath, and this is our only chance to display good in this evil world. What are the "time-thieves" in your life? Is it television, the Internet, Facebook, Twitter? That list could go on and on. Think of the many minutes, hours, you spend each day and consider if they are being used for the Lord...or have time-thieves stolen from the few handbreadths God has given you to fulfill His purpose in you?     

Hijacked

"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You"- Isaiah 26:3 (NIV).

Little things can sometimes hijack our thoughts. I get a text with my bank balance each day. This morning's balance was lower than what my check ledger stated...by around $350. I went through cross-checking both the online bank account and my ledger and didn't see any discrepancies. My brain was whirling away trying to figure out where the problem existed. Those concerns had hijacked my time and some of my peace this morning. God promises to work all things out for me (Romans 8:28). That realization caused me to put my trust and focus back where it was before the text arrived: creating my morning devotion.  

Stormy Weather

"He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed"- Psalm 107:29 (NIV).

Our storms are teachable moments. Jesus' disciples followed Him onto a boat that led them into such a storm. While they labored to keep the boat from sinking, Jesus slept. Veteran fishermen, they probably felt they could battle this storm on their own. As the storm worsened, they eventually began to wonder why He had brought them onto this boat only to allow them to be defeated by the storm. Doesn't it feel like we go through some of our darkest storms alone, like Jesus is sleeping while we are bailing water? We struggle, grow weary and become downtrodden. The disciples finally stumbled to the Master, most likely on their knees, and asked Him to save them. How many times do we tarry in the storm, not asking for help? We must recognize and profess our need for our Savior in our lives before the storm saps us of our strength and possibly our faith. Jesus will still the storm to a calm sea (Matthew 8:23-26). Then we will marvel as His disciples did: "What sort of man is this? Even the winds and waves obey Him (v.27)! Your emergency check-off list should begin with: #1. Seek the Lord first, #2. Have faith He will save you, #3. Prepare to marvel. Our storms strengthen our faith and intensify our relationship with Jesus.

Mud Pit

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world"- James 1:17 (NIV).

My mother used to say, "You can't play in the mud without getting mud on you." Wise words! As Christians, we know where the "sin line" is drawn and crossing it becomes disobedience. The question Christians need to ask themselves is not where the line is drawn, but how close you stand to that line? Are you a "line-hugger?" Do you stand with your toes right up next to the line or do you take measures to ensure you won't be pulled over the line by the temptations of lies, lust...or leaning so far over you are either, in the mud pit before you are even aware of it, or being splattered by flying mud from those already playing in it? Wouldn't it be wiser to set yourself a great distance from that line? Do you want your white-clothed children playing on the plush grass-covered lawn of obedience or standing on the edge of the mud pit? Neither does God the Father. 

The Answer

"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest"- Matthew 11:28 (NIV).

How did our society become so consumed with work and driving ourselves to make a profit? It seems there is no answer. We get up before the sun rises and then stay up late trying to complete all our work. It's useless! "In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat-for He grants sleep to those He loves (Psalm 127:2). Jesus worked hard, as did His disciples, but He knew the importance of rest. One such day, so many people were surrounding them with various needs, they didn't even have time to eat. I've seen many give up their lunch breaks because of their work load. Jesus intervened, "Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest" (Mark :31). Burdens and cares are unavoidable if we are to exist in this world, but Jesus is the answer. He said, "Come with Me." Those precious moments with Jesus replace the world's hard and heavy yoke with the Lord's easy and light yoke. In the process you find rest for your soul (Matthew 11:29-30).  

Hand-Wringer

"They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord"- Psalm 112:7 (NIV).

Watching the evening news can make you feel anxious about this world: terrorism, earthquakes, disease, storms, abuse and cruelty...the list goes on and on. The morale decline of this world will continue. Christians are not to be hand-wringers. We are to show courage in the face of bad news or circumstances, letting the world see Who supplies our strength and courage (Psalm 27:14). The world takes notice of such courage in the face of crisis: those who take a stand when others flee; who stand firm in their belief when the battle does not appear to be in their favor. In fact, many times it gives onlookers courage. The same is true of the opposite: a hand-wringer can be just as contagious. The righteous are to be bold as lions (Proverbs 28:1). The One True God is with you. He says, "I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10). Jesus was never a hand-wringer and neither should His disciples be.  

Justified

"This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins"- 1 John 4:10 (NIV).

Do any people, known or even well-known, come to mind who committed such atrocities that it's hard to conceive God could forgive them and invite them in through the pearly gates of Heaven? What if they are evil up until the moment of their death, then they repent and accept Jesus into their heart? Scripture says, "If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved" (Romans 10:9). How can they be justified? The definition of the word justified, which believers are, can be remembered with this simple statement: "It's 'just-if-I'd' never done it." Jesus wiped our sins away...as far as the east is from the west. But, what if that death bed declaration was only self preservation? Don't underestimate God. He knows a man's motives (Proverbs 16:2). We aren't to act the part of the older brother in the story of the prodigal son. God demonstrated His love for all in this: "While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). Go into your Father's house and rejoice that a brother has returned home (Luke 15:31-32), wearing the same banner we all wear: Justified.  

Be Encouraged

"And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with Me that you also may be where I am"- John 14:3 (NIV).

"The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord" (Acts 2:20). Preceding the sun becoming black as sackcloth and the full moon turning the color of blood, there will be a great earthquake. The heavens will proclaim the return of Jesus by casting the stars down upon the earth. Every mountain and island will be removed on this fateful day (Revelations 6:11-14). Sounds frightening, but there will be a triumphant smile on every Christian face. We know what comes next! That day, the trumpet will sound and Jesus will descend from heaven with a commanding shout! The dead will rise and the living will be caught up together to meet the Lord in the air. "Therefore encourage one another with these words" (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18). 

Priceless

"Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being"- Genesis 2:7 (NIV).

There can be no stronger instinct than survival. We would, will and do fight to keep living. A bigger war exists than fighting to keep ourselves alive in this world. The Lord's Prayer says, "Deliver us from the evil one." This is the war worth fighting, because the evil one wants to destroy both our body and our soul (Matthew 10:28). We live in fleshly tents that will one day return to the dust; true, but we can throw off these perishable bodies and put on immortality (1 Corinthians 15:53). Our soul belongs to God; but, the soul who sins will die (Ezekiel 18:4), because, death is the punishment for sin. Eternal life can only be found in Christ Jesus our Lord; a free gift from God the Father (Romans 6:23). Jesus has already paid our sin debt. We are free to live the abundant life now and forevermore, when we accept Christ into our hearts. Earthly life is precious, but eternal life with Jesus is priceless. 

WWJD

"But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord"- Joshua 25:15 (NIV).

There comes a day when you have to choose what your beliefs are and who, or what, you serve. The world continues to entice us: super technology and social media; advanced, yet habit forming, foods and drugs; exciting, scintillating, entertainment; fast and reckless living and spending. The world offers a plethora of sensational distractions that could easily become elevated to things we crave, things we serve. The book, In His Steps, by Charles M. Sheldon, is a fictional story of a church that challenged its members to a one-year commitment to do everything as Jesus would do. How much of your life would change if you considered every aspect of your life, every choice you made, as to whether Jesus would do it differently or do it at all. We serve the Lord God by emulating His Son. "What would Jesus do" was not a passing fad, but a challenge to examine yourself, in every area of your life to determine what or who you are serving. Joshua made it clear who he and his family would serve. Do you?    

Actions Speak

"Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the Lord"- Leviticus 19:32 (NIV).

God mandates respect for elders (Ephesians 6:1). Sounds like the onus of action is on the younger people, but God has mandates for the gray-headed as well. An elder's actions speak God's sound doctrines. Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Older women are also to be reverent in their behavior, not gossipers and slanderers, or drinking too much wine. Our actions teach the younger brothers and sisters what is good and acceptable to God. We are to say "No" in this present age of ungodliness and "No" to worldly passions, while we all wait for the coming of the Lord Jesus. By redeeming us from this wicked world, God has set aside a people for Himself who are eager to do what is good (Titus 2:1-5, 11-14). Elders' actions should imitate Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1) and the younger, who have heard and seen the word of God in action, are to consider their way of life, and imitate the faith of the elders, learning to revere God (Hebrews 13:7).

Still There

"In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now He commands all people everywhere to repent"- Acts 17:30 (NIV).

Our pastor told the story of visiting a small church to preach one Sunday. He noticed and asked about a commode sitting in the vestibule area. The deacon told him that it had been there so long they didn't even notice it anymore. It had become part of the landscape, but it was still there. Sin is just as desensitizing. We become accustomed to its presence, and after being exposed to it for a length of time, sin makes its home with us, accepted by us. Don't be ignorant; sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:2). We have to identify those sins we've become desensitized to and repent. God said, "If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land" (2 Chronicles 7:14). Don't allow sin to become part of the landscape of your life, unnoticed, but it's still there. 

Careful Words

"A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of"- Luke 6:45 (NIV).

It is truly a wise person who acquires the art of listening; to be slow in responding (James 1:19). Many a lie has been discovered by remaining quiet while the liar spins his polished story. Peter listened as Sapphira lied about the money they received from the property they sold. She told the same lie her husband, Ananias, had told earlier. He was struck down by God, dead and removed, and she followed right behind him. Peter said they hadn't lied to human beings, but to God himself (Acts 5:1-10). Once the art of listening becomes habit, then the focus should be on what comes out of the mouth. Seek to speak words that build others up and give grace to those who hear (Ephesians 4:29). If lying is directed to God and not man, then words filled with grace are spoken to God as well. We must remember that on judgment day we will give an account for every careless word we have spoken (Matthew 12:36).    

Our Report

"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come"- Matthew 24:42 (NIV).

There's an event on my calendar for tomorrow. Tomorrow is the fall bird count, so I'll participate by counting the numbers and identifying the birds I see. I prepare by having my field glasses, notepad and pen handy, plus I will be alert. You can't turn in a good report if you aren't prepared and watchful. We don't know on which day the Lord will come, but we're to be watching. Scripture warns us not to allow our attention to be draw away by carousing, drinking and the worries about this life. That will make a bad report. The day of Jesus' return is compared to a trap suddenly closing with no escape. We need to persevere, always be ready, watching and praying, so that we may be able to stand before the Lord when He comes (Luke 21:34-36). We will want our report to be filled with the best possible for the King of kings.  

Believe

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away"- Revelation 21:4 (NIV).

We've all had to release someone into the clutches of death's cruel hands. Believers look on death differently than the unbeliever does. We believe Jesus is in control of life, death, and resurrection. Jesus promises that those who believe in Him, even though they die, will live again (John 11:25). God's love for us was the reason for sending His Son. Those who believe in Jesus will have eternal life with Him and will not be judged (John 3:16; 5:24). Belief is the key component to being saved from a life separated from God. We are to confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead (Romans 10:9). Jesus defeated the clutches of death's cruel hands. He has demonstrated the power of resurrection for those who believe. But those who refuse to believe who King Jesus is, and why He came, will die in their sins and face judgment one day (John 8:24). We don't deserve, nor can we ever earn, eternal life with God. We simply have to believe Jesus is the only Way, the absolute Truth and the crown of eternal Life. 

Clock Ticking

"Then you will call on Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart"- Jeremiah 29:12-13 (NIV).

When my ability to become pregnant was taken from me at age 23, I wasn't aware of the emotional strain and struggle that reality would have on me in the following years. I yearned for that little someone I'd never meet; the warm sweet kisses I would never feel; never hearing lips call me Mom; even all the messiness and chaos of raising a child. Those thoughts became a heavier weight over time. I needed that emptiness inside of me to be filled. Keep that in mind the next time you casually dismiss a woman's desire as her biological "clock ticking." It's an intense physical emotion. And you seek relief. That's the level of seeking I think God has in mind when he says to seek Him with all your heart. In fact, there truly is a clock ticking in each of us and His timing is perfect timing. Seek the Lord while He can be found; call upon Him. He is near (Isaiah 55:6). 

Praying Like a Three-Year Old

"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God's people in accordance with the will of God"- Romans 8:26-27 (NIV). 

We, as a people, needed, and still need, to learn to pray. Even after the Lord Jesus taught us how to pray, we still recoil if someone asks us to pray. Even our private prayers can leave us feeling like it's still not correct, still not enough. God is so holy, so pure, so totally awesome; how could our prayers ever measure up as worthy for His ears? Though hardly on the same scale as God and His child, look at an adult listening to a three-year talk to them. The adult's way beyond the three-old's linguistic capability, but they listen intently, trying to sort out what the toddler is trying to say and ready to give them what they request...if it's what is deemed necessary and good for them. Have you ever tried to get a shy three-year old to talk to you? You can't pull it out of them. They improve only through practice. Which three-year trait do you think God wants us to have? The next time a request is made for someone to pray, could you reject those thoughts that you aren't able to pray well? The Holy Spirit is there to help you in your weakness. God truly desires to hear our prayers.  

Press On

"Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us"- Romans 5:3-5 (NIV).

We have been promised that we will reign with the Lord if we endure (2 Timothy 2:12). Quitting is easy; but, staying the course is always rewarding. Even if you fail or falter at what you are asked to do, there is satisfaction in having completed the task. Did God put you in a demanding job, ask you to finish a college degree, stay with a frustrating marriage partner, stand your ground with an unruly teenager, place you beside neighbors who like to mow their grass at 6:30 AM on Saturday mornings; or did you lose something very precious to you: love, health, looks, finances, a family member. Believing God has everything under control, that nothing touches you before it goes through His hands, can make it hard to accept that He loves you with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3). Brothers and sisters, we have not been asked to drink the cup Christ drank for us. We have free will to choose to persevere or to quit. We have the example of Jesus who gave everything to purchase this freedom for us. You can make it; you can endure. Press on and into the arms of Jesus. They are wide open and waiting for you.

Trembling

""Has not My hand made all these things, and so they came into being?" declares the Lord. "This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at My word""- Isaiah 66:2 (NIV). 

I've heard people say that God has been quiet for a long time, but He really hasn't. He has been speaking clearly and persistently to us since the creation of His Holy Bible. God placed His words into the hearts of certain inspired men who wrote them down, giving us an open line of communication to hear God, to find wisdom, discernment and understanding. Yet, many Bibles sit on shelves, covered in dust, or put away and forgotten. I think of the frustrations I feel when I'm trying to contact someone and can't get them in this day and level of technology. Imagine how God feels. God's word foretells what is to come, what signs to look for and His love, grace and mercy for those who make up His church. How will the church respond to God appropriately if the members of the body are ignorant? Examine yourself: Who is first in your life? Who or what reigns supreme and unseated as the most important part of your daily life? Nothing in Creation should replace the Creator in your life. We need to humble ourselves, have true contrition and then tremble at the powerful word of God our Father.

Sow the Seed

"Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness"- 2 Corinthians 9:10 (NIV).

One single seed planted produces a stalk that yields, not only food for now, but also more seed for a greater harvest. Once buried, the original seed literally dies in order to sprout and produce more seed. Jesus said that if the seed is not sown into the ground to die, it remains a single seed. Through burial, the seed produces many seeds (John 12:24). Jesus' death, burial and resurrection planted the seed into your heart. You don't want to be like the servant whose master gave him the one talent, and when his master returned, was still holding just the one talent. He hadn't used it as it was intended; to produce more. The talent, or seed, is the good news of Christ Jesus' death, burial and resurrection. The message of salvation, the seed, not planted into others remains a single seed within you; a message you have kept hidden and then you have no increase to show when the Master returns. God has supplied the seed to you to sow into others. God will provide the harvest, the harvest of your righteousness.

Give Thanks

"For everything in the world-the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life-comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever"- 1 John 2:16-17 (NIV).

Christians desire to know God's will. Paul warned the church in Ephesus to be very careful how they lived. "Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery (excessive indulgence in sinful pleasures). Instead, be filled with the Spirit...Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Ephesians 5:15-20). God's will for us, in Christ Jesus, is to give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18): Thanks when we rise to the mountain top and thanks when we are in our deepest valleys. Our thanksgiving should spring forth from the deepest recesses of our heart, knowing our Lord Jesus Christ has redeemed us, will return for us and we will live with Him forever. Give thanks.

Song: "Give Thanks" by Don Moen:

Give thanks with a grateful heart

Give thanks to the Holy One

Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son

And now let the weak say, "I am strong"

Let the poor say, "I am rich

Because of what the Lord has done for us" 

Give Thanks.

Soaring On Wings

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint"- Isaiah 40:31 (NIV).

Joseph had been sold into slavery by his own brothers, thrown into prison, falsely accused for refusing to sin against God and then forgotten by those he helped when they were going through their own trials. While he languished in a prison cell, Joseph had all the ingredients for a big bowl of self-pity and hopelessness; but, Joseph's hope was appropriately placed in Almighty God, when many would have abandoned their faith as a result of their trials. Joseph would later tell his brothers, when God had restored and empowered him, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives" (Genesis 50:20). Every conquering army knows hope, and faith in God, needs to be eradicated before surrender and conquest happens. But the faintest spark of hope can easily reignite into a flaming torch, bodies become strengthened and the will restored...to rise again. Don't give up on hope in your storms. You will rise on wings like eagles.

Reaping

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up"- Galatians 6:9 (NIV).

Discouragement has a way of seeping into your life, almost unnoticed until you begin to sense your heart growing heavy. People with selfish motives and ambitions seem to joyfully thrive, while we labor and groan under a heavy load. Thoughts like these can lead to evil seeds planted in your heart. The Bible teaches us how to handle these raw emotions. Once we recognize discouragement, we are to be still and wait on God patiently; we are not turn to anxious thoughts, nor become angry (Psalm 37:7-8). So how do we fight against a world filled with lovers of self and money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient, ungrateful and unholy? We produce an abundance of fruit: love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (2 Timothy 3:2; Galatians 5:22). Don't become weary. You'll reap what you sow. Exercise your faith and you will reap at the proper time.

Bucket List

"Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody"- 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 (NIV).

A quiet life sounds boring in today's culture. We're always looking for excitement in our lives or planning some Adrenalin pumping activity to make our life more interesting. People feel they can't die without completing their personal 'bucket list' of heart stopping memories or else they've not lived their life to the fullest. Maybe that bucket list would win the respect of outsiders, but most are either momentary glances or no reaction at all. Many people are still searching for the one thing that will give their life that thrill, some meaning for existence, but those who have decided to follow Jesus have that yearning satisfied. The focus is taken off of themselves and placed on leading others, through a quiet life, to fill that void with the love of God the Father. Life eternal with our Heavenly Father is the ultimate bucket list fulfilled.   

Royalty

"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom"- Luke 12:32 (NIV).

Children love to play the part and dream of being a prince or princess, but that play is merely a dress rehearsal. We are sons and daughters of the Most High God. We are royal heirs of God's kingdom. Our adoption and the deed to the kingdom have been signed with the indelible blood of Christ Jesus. Examine yourself: Do you walk and talk like a royal? Is your self-esteem and confidence fueled by the knowledge of who your Father is? The devil has run of the earth right now, but you have diplomatic immunity. You are promised safe passage and immunity to the devil's lies. Hold your head high, throw your shoulders back, walk stately, and speak with assurance...even when the devil is threatening or intimidating. Nothing, and no one, can change who you are...you are God's child and heir to the kingdom. If you deny your royalty, you have weakened the message of the cross and made Christ Jesus a liar.   

Truly Life

"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life"- 1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV).

What does that mean to "take hold of the life that is truly life?" The proverbial man climbs to the highest mountain peak, seeking the wise old sage, to ask the all important question: "What is the meaning of life...true life?" The answer sounds like a riddle: If you give freely, you grow richer; but, if you refuse to give to others, you suffer great loss (Proverbs 11:24). Yet, who did Christ Jesus say had given more the day he watched worshipers drop their gifts into the temple offering box?...The one who put in the least! What? The proverb said to give more. Yes, but Jesus explains that the others gave "out of their abundance, but she [the poor widow]...put in all she had to live on" (Luke 21:1-4). She, in reality gave the most. She was laying up treasure for the coming age; she was building a firm foundation. The others were selfish, she was generous. Whether giving financially or in good deeds, it's not what we give, but how we give, that allows the giver to take hold of the life that is truly life.

Stop Struggling

He says, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth"- Psalm 46:10 (NIV).

Being still isn't difficult when all is going according to your plans, but being still during a time of chaos in your life is a test of faith. At midnight, while the tempest raged, Jesus walked above the whirling waters; He was taking a stroll in the middle of the storm, in the darkness of night. His disciples were obviously frightened. He recognized their fear and "immediately said to them; "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid"" (Matthew 14:27). Peter had the courage to step out of the boat, onto the crashing sea, but his faith faltered after only a few steps, his inner stillness evaporated, replaced by an inner struggle that began to pull him under the waves. Again the Lord's response was immediate. He reached out and caught Peter (v.31). He'll catch you too, every time you find yourself being tested and losing your stillness. Stop struggling. Being still allows God to fight on your behalf, with His power, to His exaltation; with only one requirement from you...to be still (Exodus 14:14). Jesus' assurance during the storm was "Take courage! It is I"; in other words, "Be still, and know that I am God".  

Forever

"and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age"- Matthew 28:20 (NIV).

My mother used to say, "Don't do anything you wouldn't do if Jesus were right there with you." She was speaking wisely, but it's a constant state. There is no place you can go and not be in the presence of God. He is with you at the highest heights and in the lowest lows; at every point of longitude and latitude on this planet or in this entire universe. You can't run from Him, you can't outrun Him; you can't hide from Him (Psalms 139:8-11). No, He is with you all the time, always. Not only will He not leave you, He will never forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). He alone will give you eternal life, you will never perish; and no one, or anything, will, or can, snatch you out of His hand (John 10:28). How long will this protective and loving coverage last? Forever!     

Big Empty Boxes

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want"- Philippians 4:11-12 (NIV).

We are instructed to receive God's message as a little child (Mark 10:15). Ask any parent what their children will be attracted to most, on Christmas morning, after all the gifts have been unwrapped and the room is littered with paper and big empty boxes. The gifts will soon be put aside and they will play for hours in the empty boxes. There's a promise of great gain in contentment and, after all, we came into the world naked and we'll not take anything with us when we leave (1 Timothy 6:6-8). The promise is that if we seek God, and His righteousness, above all other things, He will meet our needs (Matthew 6:33). God has assigned a life for us to lead; it's our calling, our assignment, while here on earth. Live that life (1 Corinthians 7:17). The secret is to live with the same contentment children would find in big empty boxes.

Stand Your Watch

"Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near"- James 5:7-8 (NIV).

There's the story of the long drought and farmers stood with limp arms groaning to one another about the uselessness of preparing the land when the rain was no where in sight. One farmer, however, was seen out plowing his field. When asked, he said he was preparing for the rain. Who had the greater faith? Which farmer would be found prepared? We should be like Habakkuk who was standing his watch, stationed on the ramparts, waiting to hear God's answer. The Lord's answer was there is an appointed time for His revelation "and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay" (Habakkuk 2:1-3). Brothers and sister, may Christ Jesus find us standing our watch and prepared for His revelation. Waiting isn't easy, patience runs thin, but, "From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God...who acts for those who wait for Him" (Isaiah 64:4).    

Wall of Encouragement

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing"- 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV).

I've seen the most beautiful sand castles destroyed by the relentless incoming tide. The next day, the beach doesn't show any indication one ever existed after all the time it took to create the walled fortress. That work was left alone to face the assault; however, rising floodwaters, in the Midwest, have had friends come together to build sandbag walls to protect their "castles" and homes were saved. You've heard it said that home is where the heart is. God did not create us to stand alone, but to lift each other up, stir up good works and encourage one another; thereby, building the protective wall around our hearts that keep corroding elements at bay (Hebrews 10:24-25). Solomon said friendship has a reward: the threefold cord that is not easily broken (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). And Who is that third cord member? Do you know the song: "What a friend we have in Jesus...Can we find a friend so faithful?" (Joseph M. Scriven, 1855). Keep building the wall of encouragement around the hearts of your friends...and allow them to work on yours. 

Patience

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer"- Romans 12:12 (NIV).

I heard someone say they asked God for patience and He gave them children. Children do take a lot of patience; after all, they are learning, experiencing, and testing the limitations set before them. Being God's children, I'm sure we test His patience on a daily basis. Just as a child will whine and question why he can't have or do his heart's desire, you as his parent know what's best for him and make decisions accordingly. God loves His children with a love that simulates what we know of the parent/child relationship, but it's so much more. His thoughts and ways are so much higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8). We know what's best for our children and expect, hope, they will learn to trust us. God wants our trust, too. Be joyful in the knowledge that God, the Father, is faithful.   

Fear Not

"He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed"- Psalm 107:29 (NIV).

The boat was in peril of being swamped and capsized. Drowning in the storm became a real fear for Jesus' twelve followers. Then He commanded the storm to stop. The disciples wondered what manner of man Jesus was that the wind and waves obeyed His voice (Matthew 8:23-27). The Man was the creator of the wind and the waves. Fear isn't wrong; after all, it was God who created us and fear was part of the package. We are wired with the ability to sense danger, fear, and flee to survive. The fear you shouldn't regard, according to the Bible, is the fear of God abandoning you, not the fear of your circumstance. God is with us, He will strengthen and help us. No situation is too much for our Heavenly Father; even the elements listen and obey. Have no fear that He will uphold you with His righteous hand (Isaiah 41:10), you are held and loved. Fear not.

Path of Life

"You make known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand"- Psalm 16:11 (NIV).

Our Heavenly Father holds eternal pleasures in His right hand. He has given us the needed wisdom to discover the path to get there, to be in His presence, when He gave us the Holy Bible. You've seen people who don't read the directions before assembling something complicated; or the person who won't ask for help when they are unsure of their internal compass. Did your mind immediately think of someone who fit this description? Well, my friend, go look in the mirror to see another, for we have all come up short (Romans 3:23). We have all gone astray (Isaiah 53:6). So how do we find the path of life to eternal pleasures awaiting us in heaven? There is only one way: Christ Jesus our Lord. He is the only way to get to the Father (John 14:6). You can't go around Him, over Him or under Him. You must go through Him. Jesus is the Path of Life.

Guidance

"Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it"- Isaiah 30:21 (NIV).

I love Siri on my iPhone. She tells me how far to go, how long before I'll get there and tells me to turn around if I get off course. We may not audibly hear God's voice like Isaiah, Elijah, Samuel and other prophets did, but God makes His message known to us through the written word. The Bible is our road map, inspired by God, to guide us along life's journey. Refusal to read it or obey gets us off the right path and into trouble: briers, pitfalls, quicksand and puts us in harm's way. Every traveler knows, to get where you're going, you need to check your map frequently. I wouldn't travel today without Siri's guidance, and I certainly wouldn't want to live this life without God's. 

Overwhelming Joy

"So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy"- John 16:22 (NIV).

The joy we will experience when we see Jesus is indescribable. MERCYME sings I Can Only Imagine: "Surrounded by Your glory, what will My heart feel? Will I dance for you Jesus, or in awe of You be still? Will I stand in Your presence, or to my knees will I fall? Will I sing hallelujah; will I be able to speak at all?"" That's overwhelming joy! When have you ever felt that kind of joy? Is it even attainable in this life? Well it is promised in the next, and no one can take that joy away from you. Let that thought stay in the forefront of your mind whenever you go through the valleys of grief, loneliness,sadness, sickness and injustice in this world. Fear not, Christ has overcome this world (John 16:33).   

Dueling Words

"Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone"- Colossians 4:6 (NIV).

Our words should be like salt, used to preserve, not tear down. Solomon said reckless words were like a thrusting sword: cutting, wounding, destroying. Instead, our words should bring healing (Proverbs 12:18). What's our excuse for brandishing a razor tongue: "I've been under a lot of stress," "Someone was unjust towards me," "They drew first blood." Brothers and Sisters, there will be a day, in which we will be held accountable for every careless word we have spoken...some will justify us, but some will condemn us (Matthew 12:36-37). What's even more destructive, James said our unbridled tongue makes our religion worthless (James 1:26). If you find yourself in a dueling match of words today, remember the tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit (Proverbs 18:21). 

GoOD Hands

"For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline"- 1 Timothy 1:7 (NIV).

Each of these gifts are intertwined, needing two to manifest the third. It takes both power and love to be self-disciplined, power and self-discipline to love...and with love and self-discipline comes power. These are gifts from God through the Holy Spirit, who enables us to fight off the temptation to feel powerless, unloved and unwilling to continue. Feeling powerless and unloved makes us unwilling to continue, feeling powerless and unwilling to continue compels us feel unloved...and with feelings of being unloved and unwilling to continue we become powerless. The one who strips us of our gifts whispers lies of condemnation and unworthiness. Do not be intimidated. Remember Christ's response, after His exhausting 40 days of temptation, to His tempter: "Away from Me, Satan!" (Matthew 4:10). We are not alone. We are gifted with the Holy Spirit, who is faithful. He will strengthen and protect us from the evil one (2 Thessalonians 3:3). God, the Father, sees us as both righteous and worthy. We are in GoOD hands.  

Never Ordinary

"He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters"- Psalm 23:2 (NIV).

The Good Shepherd provides our every need. The thought of green pastures was out of the ordinary for King David. Our mind thinks of lush green, carpet-like, pastures allowing sheep to eat all they want, while their lambs dance around them in merriment. Pastures in Israel are clumps of grass in various places, mostly on hillsides, and shepherds constantly moving their flocks to find more greenery. David's expression of green pastures was meant to convey abundance, out of the ordinary abundance, which God provides to those of His flock. We find all we need under the watchful eye of our Good Shepherd. His blessings are never ordinary; He is God. God goes before us; leading, supplying and protecting us. He will never leave us nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:8).

Being Mary

""Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed-or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her"- Luke 10:41-42 (NIV).

Both Martha and Mary were friends and disciples of Jesus. Prior to today's Scripture Mary had been working alongside Martha in the kitchen, but once Jesus began teaching Mary left Martha to hear what the Lord had to say. Jesus told Martha that Mary had made the better choice. Our busyness becomes an obstacle in our relationship with the Lord. Even if your life is a blessing to you and to others, our blessings should never give us an excuse to ignore an opportunity to sit at Christ's feet. We find Martha again, in John 12:2, busy preparing food, while Mary was anointing Jesus feet with costly perfume, six days before his crucifixion. Oh to be a Mary in a Martha world. 

Fire Is Catching

"I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in His holy people, and His incomparably great power for us who believe"- Ephesians 1:18-19a).

Being enlightened comes at a cost: your life irrevocably changes; you are new, the old is no longer...and it's noticeable (2 Corinthians 5:17). You become a light in a darkened world. Your friends may desert you; as well as your family. You may be excluded by your co-workers; you may even lose your job. Jesus told us He didn't come to bring peace, but to cause division (Luke 12:51). As His enlightened follower, you can't hide the Light that now burns inside you. That Light, whether flickering or flaming, illuminates and makes visible what was in darkness. People immediately realize they are part of that darkness and it makes them uncomfortable...and they want to put the Light out...which means you! Over 2,000 years ago Jesus said, "I have come to set the world on fire, and I wish it were already burning!" (v.49). Christians around the world, God's holy people, continue to burn. Fire is catching! 

Proverbs 31 Woman

""Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised"- Proverbs: 29-30 (NIV).

We pray to be the Proverbs 31 woman, to be held in honor by our husband and community, and to have our children arise and call us blessed. Some of the most noble women I know have reached that pinnacle, but there are others, just as noble, who despite their efforts, faith and example, appear to be trying to hold the incoming tide back with a broom when it comes to their family members. The true Proverbs 31 woman is the one who stands firm regardless of what the devil is throwing her way. Maybe her husband drinks too much, refuses to believe or attend church with her; maybe he is absent all together; her children are disrespectful, self absorbed and lazy. Her household may be in disarray, but her heart is moving in harmonious step with the Holy Spirit. There may be a Proverbs 31 woman right next to you, but from the look of things she goes unidentified. It is God who knows her heart. He is the Father who will hold her in high regard and welcome her home saying, "Well done good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your Master's happiness!" (Matthew 25:23).  

Son Baths

"In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun. It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is deprived of its warmth"- Psalms 19:4b-6 (NIV).

You can hide from the sun by staying in the shade, but the sun moves across the sky, so you have to keep shifting to stay within the shade. It's like the sun pursues you. This is a good reminder of the love of the Father. He shifts to bathe you in His warm light and love. You have to purposefully avoid His radiance by moving away from His light. But the Father, like the sun, is faithful. He will never stop pursuing you until you take that last breath, that last beat of your heart, and then you'll be face-to-face with the pure Light, the purest love. There is no excuse: nothing is deprived of His love. Lord bathe me today in the fullness of Your light.

Radical Life Shift

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord"- Romans 38-39 (NIV).

If God so loves us, and is for us, why should we be afraid of anything or anyone? If we can't understand His ways, why should we be concerned that we don't know what is really going on? I watched my grandson scrambling from one rock to the other, not realizing he was within feet of falling off the side of the porch. He was having a grand old time conquering his surroundings and being outdoors. His lack of concern radiated across his face. Oh to have the faith of a child and really believe we are loved and watched over (Matthew 10:15). How differently would we live if we really accepted that God Almighty, our Heavenly Father, loved us thus to catch us if we stumble? That would be radical life shift. It would be life lived more abundantly. That's why Jesus came (John 10:10).   

New Life

"We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life"- Romans 6:4 (NIV).

Jesus said we have to be born again in order to see the kingdom of God (John 3:3). That statement confused Nicodemus, but Jesus was speaking of a spiritual rebirth, not a fleshly rebirth (v.6). Rebirth is a new beginning; we become a new creation after Jesus gets hold of us (2 Corinthians 5:17). We still mess up our days: lose our temper, step over lines we shouldn't have, allow pride and judgment to smudge our testimony. But, the good news is that God's breathes new life into every new day. Each day is the first day of the rest of your life.  Matthew West's song, Day One, reminds us that God's mercy is brand new every morning: "Its day one of the best of my life. I'm marching on to the beat of a brand new drum. Yeah, here I come, the future has begun: Day one. Well, every single day Your grace reminds me that my best days are not behind me. Wherever my yesterday may find me; well, I don't have to stay there." Telling someone to have a nice day just took on new meaning.

Character Development

"For You created my inmost being: You knit me together in my mother's womb...My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be"- Psalm 139: 13, 15-16 (NIV).

Like a novel, each day of your life unfolds like the turning of a page; a page crafted by the most amazing Author. How exciting! Like every good novel there is a mixture of good and bad; sometimes great and sometimes worthy of trembling. When you stop to look back at the story, you begin to see how the plot has been intricately woven together to shape the character of the story: you. Your novel is of interest to others as well. Are you a good read to unbelievers? Meaning: Does your character reflect the Author's intent: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control? If not, then the comprehension of your own novel has escaped you and you are missing out on becoming the person God intended you to become.

Busy Believers

"Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings"- 1 Peter 5:8-9 (NIV).

Temptation comes from the the Father of Lies, the devil. He doesn't attack Christians in the same way he attacks non-believers. We can resist killing someone, committing adultery, stealing, etc. The devil is much more stealthy with Christians because he knows our weak areas. Maybe you find it hard to say no: it's a real need from someone; the church doesn't have anyone else to fulfill this role; your children have friends who are more involved in some area. These are genuine needs, but the devil is trying to make you put off prayer and reading God's word due to lack time in your day...precisely, the devil is doing everything he can to fill your every waking moment to keep you from those two powerful encounters. It is time to take stock of your day, your hours, your minutes. Where does time with your Heavenly Father fit into your day?

Jumping the Gun

"Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus"- Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV).

One of the most stressful moments of a race is waiting for the starting gun to sound. You are in the starting position, not moving. You appear still, but inside your muscles are flexed, your heart is beating strong, your senses are keenly searching for the signal, the sound, to run. You don't dare move before the sound or you have "jumped the gun." Being still is harder than it looks, but God asks us to wait, to not jump the gun (Psalm 46:10). We don't want to move forward on our own, because then it depends on our human will and exertion. No, as Christians we want to move on God's will and in His power (Romans 9:16). In our race, for the imperishable crown, and we are all running this race, we have to exercise self-control in all things or we run aimlessly: and lack of discipline can disqualify you (1 Corinthians 9:24-27). On your mark, get set...wait for the signal.

The Struggle

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose"- Romans 8:28 (NIV).

When Terry and I applied for the adoption of our first daughter, we didn't really have the funds for a private adoption. We felt pretty sure we could save it during the time we waited, which we were told could be a couple of years. We applied in June. A friend gave me a bag of baby clothes and I spread them out on the guest bed, so we could go in and look at them while we waited. Three months later, September, people broke into our home and robbed us. They took everything they could get their hands on, including bedding, our clothes, even the food in our freezer. Everything, that is,except the baby things. We felt so violated and filing the insurance was exhausting. The next month, October, we got the call that a baby was on the way, due to be born in March. Guess where the money came from for the adoption? Not only did we still have the baby items, but now we had the money; money we wouldn't have had if we hadn't been robbed. We welcomed Rebecca on March 6, nine-months from the date we applied. We couldn't see it in the midst of the struggle, but God had worked everything to the good. Praise the Lord!   

Putting It Together

"The Lord looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God"- Psalm 14:2 (NIV).

My grandson was intent on putting that plastic Easter egg together, but his hands couldn't quite fit it together. It wasn't going to happen because he had the tops of two different eggs. After enough tries, I attempted to show him, but was rebuffed. He even turned his back on me, intent on doing it himself. He hadn't asked for my help and didn't want it when offered. How many times do we struggle, instead of seeking God's help before making decisions, choosing courses of action or the words we will speak? I was willing to help my grandson, because I love him. God loves us infinitely more and sits waiting for us to seek Him. My grandson, in total frustration, finally came to me for help. His ordeal lasted longer than it needed to last, but I was still willing to pull out two bottom halves of eggs to show him. God is looking down; looking for those who have come to the understanding that we should, need to, seek Him. He can help us put it together.

Test of Faith

"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength"- Philippians 4:12-13 (NIV).

You prefer plenty and being well fed, but you should also meet the less bountiful days with joy. It's a test of faith. The testing of our faith produces steadfastness, which once in effect, transforms you, completes you, so that you are lacking nothing. Don't lose heart. Though your outer body wastes away, your inner self is being renewed day by day. These light momentary afflictions are preparing for you for an eternal glory that is beyond comprehension (2 Corinthians 4:16-17). Paul learned the secret of being content through it all. He realized he could endure whatever his circumstances by having faith in Jesus. It is Christ who gives the strength. Have faith that He is with you; He alone will uphold you with His righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10).