The Messenger

Mal 3:1a Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me….

Because He is faithful He sends His messengers to give words of hope or warning. The messenger comes in various forms and God uses them to communicate to us what we need. The messenger most often will speak through the Word of God. The Bible is God’s message to us. Within the pages of its cover hold the word of eternal life and eternal damnation. Hope and warning is given to all who seek Him in His word. The Messenger is also the man of God, or women of God that proclaims His truth without fear or favor of men. The messenger can also be a friend of a foe who speaks the truth. The truth spoken by a foe may be intended to hurt, but God can use them to reveal or heal. Lastly, God uses circumstances in our lives and the Holy Spirit speaks to us that there is a message for us to learn and be drawn closer to Him. Let us open our hearts to the message that God has for us.

Wonderful Things of God

Isaiah 25:1 Lord, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.

The wonderful things of God are seen everyday in our lives, even when things don’t always seem to be wonderful. When everything in life appears to be going wrong it is hard to see the wonderful things that God is doing. In spite of the circumstances, God is good and every good things comes down from the Father above. We may not always get what we want or what we thing we need, but He who knows best provides for the things we need. Let us look beyond our troubles and start to see what God is doing. Praise Him for all things, for those who love Him, all comes out for good.

All Things Created

Col 1:17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

His name is Jesus. Before the world was created Jesus, one with the Father, and the Holy Spirit, created the heavens and the earth. All things were made by Him and for Him. He made man in His likeness. Man was made to have fellowship with Jesus, given a free will to choose to love and worship the Creator. Sin has warped the nature of man and put within man a desire to please the self-nature of the human heart. Jesus came to earth to redeem man from this nature, but man must make a choice to deny self and believe in the redemption power of Christ. Satans, the enemy of God, does everything he can to keep man from believing. the struggle to believe is real because sin reigns within the heart of man. The choice is still ours. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved…Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.”  We were made to live in Christ, but we must choose to do so.

Repent and be Converted

Act. 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.

Repenting is to be sorrowful for wrong doing and to turn away from doing it again. Many people will often be sorry for their behavior, but find themselves repeating the offense. They have not truly repented, but seek only to be relieved from the guilt of doing wrong. The process of true repentance requires a conversion. All things passed away and all things become new. A born again experience in Christ. Being converted is more than just changing religions or a mind set, it is a change of heart. The heart is the centrality of man’s passions and desires. From the heart rise the issues of life. A true repentance, will convert the heart from doing what is wrong to doing what is right. This is the center of the teaching of Bible Holiness. The heart is made new through the blood of Christ that blots out our sins, and Holy Spirit indwelling the believer to live a life that is truly repented. 

Ponder On Jesus

Luke 2:19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

Christmas activities are coming to an end. Potlucks, church dinners, recitals, parties, programs, caroling, and white elephant gift exchanges. All were done in the spirit of the Christmas season. Christmas Eve and Day will wrap up the festivities of this special occasion. But, have we taken the time to ponder the reason for the season. Yes, we know the real reason, but do we really ponder the wonderful love of God. God, who so loved the world, sent His Son to earth to live and die among us. To be the everlasting gift of salvation. The gift of forgiveness, the burden of sin is gone, our sins cast into the sea of forgetfulness. His Spirit given to us to abide in us, and lead us on this earthly journey. Ponder the gift of hope, love, joy and peace. Ponder and think on Jesus. Like Mary, let us take time to ponder these things in our heart.

Look To The Lord

Micah 7:7 Therefore I will look unto the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me.

We have a habit when things start to look bad to look to the Lord for help. Sinners often will partition the Lord when things spiral out of control. Unfortunately, they often forget God after the unfortunately event has past. God is pleased when His sons and daughters cry out to Him in time of need and distress. His desire is for us to look to Him for help. It is our hope that God will not only hear our cry, but will meet our need. It may require us to wait and be still. but He is the God of our salvation and we but need to trust Him. Look to Jesus, and see what He desires to do for you. 

My Father's Business

Luke: 2:49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?

What is your business? What do you find yourself being busy about? We are all busy taking care of business. This is a heart searching question. What are the priorities in my life that keep me busy from day to day? What business occupies my time that I don’t take time to be about my Father’s business? As I event journal from day to day, I find that work consumes much of my day. I spend a lot of time preparing myself to be the best teacher I can be. Being good at what I do is important to me. To be fair to myself, this is what God called me to do. I’m about doing by Father’s business, doing what He called me to do. But everyone needs to work and some people work because they are just try to survive to pay the bills. My Father’s business goes beyond the 50-55 hours I put in each week. Then there is the cares of life the also consume hours of our day. Cleaning, repairing, cooking, shopping, and washing are all things that keep us busy. When do we find time to be about doing our Father’s business. Most of us are not called into full time ministry, but we all have some part in contributing to building the kingdom of God. We all have work that we can do to be about our Father’s business.  

We May Never See

Deut 34:4b …I have caused thee to see it with thine eyes, but thou shalt not go over thither.

As promised, Moses was not permitted to enter into the promise land. Yes, he dropped the ball and he paid the price, but God would not leave him without consolation. God open his eyes to see the inheritance that would be granted to his seed. For whatever reasons, we may never realized the fruit of our labors. We toil in the fields before us, sowing the seed of God’s love and Christ’s forgiveness. We may never see the harvest in our day. We take consolation in knowing that God will be faithful, and His word will not be sowed in vain. Yes, the harvest is ready, and some are gathering, but the seed must be buried before there is a harvest to reap. Moses was faithful to sow the seed of deliverance, Joshua took them into the promise land.

Failure to Believe

Luke 1:20 …because thou believest not my words,…

Failure to believe God sometimes has dire consequences. For Zacharias, it was going speechless, for Peter in was sinking into the water, and for Moses it was not being able to enter into the promise land. The spectrum of unbelief is only know by God who knows the heart of man. How often have we come to the threshold of trusting God and fail to walk on the water. Fear of the unknown, fear of being wrong, and fear what others may say or think. The failure to believe is the inability to trust God and cast away fear. Fear is the enemy of believing. Let us cast away fear by embracing God’s love. For Love will cast out fear, and when fear is God, believing is made possible. 

Loved By God

Lam. 3:22.23   It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not…They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

Life happens and it is not always good, then I recall to my mind, that I am loved by God. He will not leave me or forsake me. Problems of life consume us, and it seems like we are always climbing out of discouraging places. Morning brings a new day with a new hope that God will take us through whatever we are going through. He will not forsake His own. His love is from everlasting to everlasting. To those that love Him, He will watch, His mercies are not depleted. When it seems that we are all alone, He is there to comfort and meet our needs. 

Delivered From Sin

Roman 7:24-25 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?…I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

The battle wages within the hearts and minds of man. The desire to do what is right, and the desire to do what is wrong. Good vs evil, love vs hate. This is the true battle of the ages. Born in sin, under the influence of the carnal flesh, we are blinded and hindered to spiritual law of God. We attempt in our humanity to live righteous, but find that we don’t have the power to always do what is right. Whether we are unbelievers or believers the battle is always before us. The answer to this problem is made plain. Who will help us win this battle against sin? Jesus is the answer. In Christ we surrender who we are and accept Him into our lives. Even as believers, we must see that it is only through the power of Christ that we overcome evil. Jesus promise that He would send the Holy Spirit in His fullness and through the Spirit we would be led into all truth and be filled with His divine love.  Love will cast out all fear, love will defeat evil and hate. It is not in the power of our will, but in the power of His love and grace that we overcome evil with good, and hate with love. 

The god of this World

2 Corinth 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

Blinded by the god of this world, people live in darkness. Satan who was cast out of heaven desires to keep people blinded from seeing the light. He is the god of this world, cultivating the carnal nature of mankind to live after the flesh. Satan is doing all he can to keep people occupied with the things of this world. The pleasures and entertainments of our culture have consumed the lives of people that there is no time to muse on truth. Lest the light of Christ penetrate the hearts of people, the god of this world is at work sowing the seed of disbelief and relevance of God’s word. Christ came to open the blinded eyes of man, but man must want his eyes open. Jesus is the light that is able to pierce the darkness and Satan is doing all he can to keep the light from shining. 

Fellowship in Christ

Ecclesiastes 4:9, 10 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour… For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.

Never go on a hike alone, never go swimming alone. Such advise is often given to those who seek out adventure or extracurricular activities. It is smart and safer to have someone else with you. Not good if you go alone and you fall on a hike trail, and are not able to get up and walk. Such is the advise given to us in this passage. Traveling this journey of life was not meant to be a solo walk. There are times that we might have to stand alone as David did in the face of the Giant, but it is God’s intention that we walk together as one. fellowshipping together as believers. Jesus, said that where 2 or 3 are gathered together…He will be there with us. In the beginning God said, it is not good for man to be alone. Such is God’s plan to fellowship one with another, encourage each other in the most holy faith. If a brother falls, to reach out in love and lift them up. 

The Self-Made Man

Psalm 100: 3 Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

The self-made man is know as a person who successfully rises to the top without the aid of inherit wealth. From rags to riches, against all odds the self-made man perseveres to achieve wealth, power, or popularity. Such a man or women is praised and used as examples that anyone who does not quit in the face of failure can make something of their lives. No doubt, such tenacity plays a part in the earthly success of individuals. But for a Christian, the reality is we can do nothing without the help of God. We were made from the clay of the earth and our lives depend on the mercy of God who gives us breath. We can strive all we can to rise to the top, but ultimately true success comes when we have submitted ourselves as clay in the hands of the potter. Allowing Him to mold us and make us into a vessel that will honor and glorify Him. The true self-made person knows that he/she can do all things, but knows that it is only through Christ that our achievements are truly realized. We our not are own, we are bought we a price. We are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. May our lives glorify Him in everything we do.

House Built On The Rock

Matt. 7:25 …A wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

The measure of wisdom is determine on the source of truth. Jesus, the spoken word is the foundation of all that is true. The house we our building is the life we live in this earthen vessel. The choices we make in life will determine whether we have been wise or foolish. Does our “house” still stand when the testing of life assault us? If we have lived our lives in Christ, then we can be assured that our foundation will not crumble beneath us. He is the rock in which we have built our life on. Other foundations may look solid and have deceived many. Jesus, who the rock in which we build our house is the only sure foundation that will not crumble when the storms of life hit. Build your house on Christ, the solid Rock and you will not be sorry.

The Comforter

 John 14:18, 20 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you…At that day you shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you… you know him; for he dwells with you, and shall be in you.

The promise is given to believers. The Comforter, who is the Holy Spirit makes it possible for us to live in His word. For He is the Spirit of truth and lead us into a deeper relationship with Christ. He leads us to help us find who we really are. Our identity is found in the person of Christ. We have left the ways of the flesh. By the Holy Spirit, the flesh has been crucified and put to death. In the newness of life, The Holy Spirit dwells within us. He is not just with us, but He is the power that lives within us to give us power over sin and fear. He is the Spirit of love that will cast out all fear. This is the comfort given to believers, that Christ dwells in us and we in Him. 

Under His Wings

Psalm 91:4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

The protection of God to them that love Him is shown to us in scripture by the way a mother bird protects their young. Shelter from the storms that come, and safe from predators, the mother bird wraps her wing around her own. The devil is out seeking to destroy God’s children in any way he can. God’s children, whether they be adopted in the family or His by creation, the devil desires to keep them from putting their trust in God. God does not play favorites, but to those who draw near to Him, seeking His wing, He draws them in. Under His wings we can know that we our safe, and no harm will come to them that put their trust in God. As a born again child of God, we can be assured that in Christ we our shielded and protected from becoming prey to the enemy of our soul. May we always abide under the feathers of His wings.  

Love One Another

John 13: 34,35  A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another… By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

The golden rule, the thread that is woven into the hearts of all believers. Love, the theme that is the hallmark of God’s word. Love the goes beyond mere affection, desire, and passion of the flesh. In a world that is filled with hate and selfish gratification for the things of this world, it is rare to see true love. This is how Christian are marked. The image of Christ is stamped in their heart, and the love of Christ indwells the believer through the infilling of the Holy Spirit. “…The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”(Roman 5:5) Such love is not possible in the flesh. The love of the flesh is limited and given to man by God, but God’s love goes deeper and is divine. This is the love that can only be found in Christ and through Christ. Let us live in Christ so that we may love as Christ loves.

Hold on to God

Heb. 10:23  Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised.

Hold on to the Hand of God. Don’t let go! When doubts and fear surround us, and hope begins to dim, hang on. God has promise not to let go of us if we waver not in our faith. Believe that He is able to take us through our trails and tribulations. During times of testing and discouragement, He wants us to hold on in faith, that which we have seen and heard, that which changed our lives from darkness to light. He who gave His life, shed His blood that we may have newness of life. We need not travel alone, Let us unite together as one, hold each other up in prayer, and encourage one another in the most holy faith.

The Good Shepherd

Ezekiel 34:12, 16  As a shepherd seeks out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep…I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick:

All we like sheep have gone astray. The good Shepherd seeks out the sheep to gather them under His protection. The sheep are so easily lead away by other shepherds that don’t really care about the well being of their sheep. Satan tempts the sheep by showing greener pastures, but fails to reveal that there are wolves that linger near by.  Sin is enticing and gratifies and bring temporary pleasure to the flesh, but the end always ends up in destruction. The Good Shepherd in love and mercy will seeks out the lost, the broken in heart, those that have been trapped by sin’s allure. Let us hear the call of the Good Shepherd and let Him bind us and make us whole again.

Good Reputation

Phil 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

A good reputation is characterized by the good things people think of us. We mean what we say, and we say what we mean. Honest in business, and the willingness to treat others fairly.  A bad reputation is determine by the negative opinion that others have of us, normally based on the deeds and actions we do. The habits we form in life are seen by others, which form an opinion that can leave a good or bad reputation of our character. Making yourself of no reputation is to do what is right regardless what others may think of you. Jesus sat and ate with the Publicans, had no regard to his reputation. He was a friend to sinners, making himself of no reputation to the religious leaders of that day. It is important that we guard our reputation, but what others think of us should not hinder us from doing what is right. People may not always understand, but God who knows the heart, is pleased. Don’t worry what man thinks of you, but be concern what God thinks of you. We should always seek a good reputation in the sight of God.

Let All Bitterness Be Put Away

Eph. 4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

People normally become bitter and full of malice when they are treated wrongly. It is the natural reaction of the carnal nature. It is difficult to understand the behavior of other people. Those who seek to hurt others do so out of self preservation or selfish intent. Desiring to fulfill or satisfy a personal need. The carnal heart cares not who it hurts, only thinking of self and protecting one’s ego, even at the expense of doing wrong or hurting someone else. Bitterness, a sin that destroys the very fiber of one’s character can easily begin to fester in the heart toward one who has wronged us. We feel it is our right to be bitter, or angry. Having ill will toward someone who is treating you unfair or hateful is what is expected. To the natural man, this is how we deal with people who don’t care and are self centered. How is it possible to let all bitterness be put away? How can we keep from lashing back in anger and speaking back maliciously? It is only by the grace of God and a heart purified by faith by the Holy Spirit that this is made possible. Even as Christ forgave us, He gives us grace to forgive and love others. “With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.”

The Gift of God

Eph. 2:8,9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:..Not of works, lest any man should boast.

As good and kind as we try to be, it is not the key that unlocks the door to eternal life. By no fault of our own, we are all born in sin. The fall of Adam and Eve place the curse of sin on all humanity. At birth, lays within us an enmity against God that refuses to submit to the will of God. But God has also put in each of us a desire to know Him. The struggle between good and evil is the conflict of ages. The victory over evil cannot be achieved by doing or being good. Sin must be removed, sin must be cast out, sin must be destroyed. All our goodness and righteousness is but filthy rags, it will never be able to make us clean and fit. God so loved humanity, that He sent us a gift, His only Son, Jesus Christ to earth. His life paved the pathway giving us an example how to live good and righteous, but that example was not enough. The gift of God was to provide a way to remove sin. The propitiation was made, Christ died on the cross and shed His blood for our sin. By this grace are we now able to come boldly into God’s presence. This gift of God is only obtained through faith in believing that Jesus died for our sins and through His blood we are made clean. It is this grace that gives us the earnest desire to do good works and to live a life that is pleasing to Him. Doing what is right and good is product of our faith. Faith ceases to exist when our deeds become evil. It is the lost of faith that separates us from God, manifested by our works. No amount of works will save us without believe and accepting Jesus as our propitiation for sin.

Peace in Conflict

Roman 5: 1 Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

A world without conflict will always evade us. Peace is an illusion that we continue reach out to grasp, but always out of our reach. War and conflict go back to the beginning of time, before the foundations of the earth were created. Satan, the arch angel is heaven stood in opposition to God, exerting his will over the will of God. The root of all conflict begins when man is unwilling to submit to its Creator. Peace is never found when man refuses to believe God and trust that He is Lord of all. Christ came to bring peace. Peace in the midst of conflict. The war and battle may rage all around us, but the God’s peace can abide in the heart of man. Coming to terms with our sin and turning to the one who is able to forgive us of our sin, we are made right in the sight of God, and God who reconciles us to Him gives us peace that passes the conflict of this world. Wars and rumors of war will continue till the end of time, but real peace need not evade us. Reach out to the prince of peace, Jesus Christ, the God of peace. 

Helping Hands

Prov. 3:27 Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.

We don’t own anything. We are all stewards of the things we have. God who gives us strength, life, and opportunity to be willing to give to those who are in need. God loves a cheerful giver, one that gives because giving is an extension of God’s grace. Helping hands reaching out to people that are not able to help themselves. Giving because God puts a desire in our hearts to reach out to the less fortunate. “I have shewed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.”(Acts 20:35) Such is the life style of those who love God with all their heart and their neighbor as themselves. Let us open our resources, and show the love of Christ, not in word only, but also in deed.

Prayer is Always in Order

Nehemiah 1:11 O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper…

In time of crisis, praying for God’s intervention is always in order. Nehemiah was facing a situation of dire need. The walls and gates of Jerusalem were in ruins, and it appear that all efforts to build the walls again was being resisted. Nehemiah realized that all that had befallen Israel was because they failed to obey God’s commandments, yet he beseeched God to have mercy and once again come to their aid. How often do we come short and need to fall on our knees and ask God to once again rescue us. God has the power to keep us from falling, but the devil is mean and shows no mercy. It is possible to fall from the favor of God, but it is not God’s desire that we be cast away. “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father..” Such is the prayer of Nehemiah, “I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy”. Prayer is always in order, and never inappropriate or a waste of time. Let us make prayer a priority in everything we do.

Fix Our Heart On God

Psalm 57:5,7 Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let thy glory be above all the earth… My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.

Many people are fixed on the things of this world. Fixed on this temporal life. Pleasure, power, or personal gain occupied our time and attention from the time we wake till the time we lay our heads on our pillow. On the other spectrum, there are those that are fixed on their problems, trails and disappointments in life. Life is not fair, and their heart is fixed with bitterness toward all that seem to have it better and ultimately toward God. Life happens, and it is not always fair, but what is fair is that we all have a choice to fix our heart on Jesus, and lift up our heart in praise. Exalt the Name of Jesus. “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a Name which is above every name” Where our treasures, so is our heart. Who do you treasure in life? Fixed your heart on God and praise Him for all He has done.

Even in Old Age

Isaiah 46:4 And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.

Time quickly passes and the hairs of my hair are now peppered with gray. In my youth I gave my heart to Jesus. My hair jet black and full. To this day, He has not forsaken me. Even as the years have pass He has led me each step of the way. The gray hairs are more abundant and my years are numbered. I may have 20 or 30 years left if God wills. From the womb, He made me, in life, He sought me out as a teenage boy. Through the trail and hard times He carried me, and in that day when when life on this earth comes to an end, He will deliver me into the bosom of the Father. Jesus, lover of my soul and keeper of my heart.

Bow The Knee

Phil 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

Many see Christianity as an arrogant religion. Those who claim the Name of Christ proclaim that Jesus is the only way to have have eternal life, in other words, get to heaven. Such teaching flies in the face of those that think that there are many ways to have eternal life after death. That the path to heaven is made possible by having faith in what you believe, and to follow its teachings. Jesus, says, “I am the way, the truth, and life, and no mans comes to the Father except through me.” This declaration of Christ has portrayed the followers of Christ as bigots. Not willing to accept or tolerant the belief that obtaining eternal can be achieve by other means other than through Christ. It is the foundation truth of Christianity that Jesus is God, who came in the flesh and dwelt among us. He being fully God and fully man died for the sins of humanity that we might have access to the Father. I stand not in judgement of others who claim otherwise, but to believe in Jesus, is to believe that what He is is truth. Ultimately, every religion will bow the knee and acknowledge that He is Lord, and the only way to have eternal life. 

The Whole Armor of God

Eph. 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

The devil is out like a roaring lion walking about seeking whom he may devour. Both Paul and Peter realized that there is an enemy out there who wants to destroy everything that is good and righteous. Satan hates Gods and everything that is holy. Satan despises  anyone who will stand for truth and do what is right regardless of the circumstances. Peter tells us to be vigilant, on our toes, be alert that we not be taken unaware. Paul admonition us to be ready to fight and defend what we believe to be true. Put on the armor of God. Have faith that God is able to deliver, protect our minds again false doctrine, gird ourselves with living lives that our unspotted by the world, and stand up for truth when Satan and those who follow him seek to twist what God says. And above all, take the Word and use it not only to defend but to defeat the enemy. We live in world where the prince of the air rules in the minds of all who rejected God’s truth. He uses whatever means he can to destroy the kingdom of God. Let us stand strong in the face of our adversary, not in our own strength, but by putting on the whole armor of God.

Plucked Out of the Fire

Zach 3:2  And the Lord said unto Satan, The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?

From the flames of sin and destruction, God reaches into the fire and pulls us out. He calls us to walk in His ways and to take up the banner of righteousness. Plucked out of the fire of selfish living, and the life of sin, He has a purpose for each one of us. The charge is given to us to let our light shine in a world that is dark with sin. We stand against the evils of our day and show others the path that leads to eternal life. We offer hope to the world that there is a better life. In Christ we have hope and through Christ we can make a difference.

Abide in Love

John 15:10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.

Love flows from the Father through the Son and to them that follow in His footsteps. Love continues to flow one to another as we allow the love of Christ to work in our lives. One of the commandments of Jesus is to abide in His love. As the vine abides in the branch, so are we to abide in Christ. A sign of His love abiding in us is that we keep and walk in His truth. Failure to abide in His truth is evidence of our lack of abiding in His love. For a person who is in love, will do all they can to bring pleasure to the one they adore. This is the foundation of holy living, or living a sinless life. Is it possible to live a life without sinning? It is possible to always decide that love will win over what is wrong? Can we who are earthen vessels, made from the clay of the earth choose to love Him in every decision we make? Such is possible if we are filled with the  Holy Spirit, who will guide and lead us into truth. The promise of the Father given to us, the Comforter will come and He will abide with those who surrender all to follow Christ. 

Under His Wings

Ruth 2:12 The Lord recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust. “Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings” 

We are faced with many predators in life, the greatest of all is the attacks on Satan to cause our faith in God to be abandon. God, like an eagle has His wings stretching out over us protecting us from any harm that comes our way. Each day as we wake and head out into a world that despises all that is holy and right, God has promised to keep us under His wings. Staying under His wings we have come to trust that where He leads, He will take care of anything we might face. Ruth came to trust the God of her mother in law Naomi and believed that God would meet her needs. She garnered the attention of Boaz, and Her trust in God gave her favor in his eyes. God looks after His own, and those who trust Him, He will protect and keep.

Opportunity

Gal. 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Opportunity is a window of time given to us by God to do something good. Such opportunity often go unnoticed because we are too occupied with making sure that all our needs are being met. We get busy with legitimate things in life and fail to look for those windows of time when we can do something good for someone else. We sometimes have to go out of way to make those opportunities happen. Sacrifice may be involved when the window of time is open, and we need to be willing to say yes to the Holy Spirit as He whispers to us to seize the moment. May God help us to be alert and take advantage of those times, He desires us to be a blessing to others, let us be aware of our surroundings and do good to all men.

The Still Small Vocie

1 King 19:12 And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.

God reveals Himself in various ways. There are times that He comes as a burning bush, or an angel of light. We like to see God in a demonstrative way. Without a doubt, we know we have heard from God and we are assured that He is in control. But often it is in the quiet times of our day that God chooses to make Himself known. He speaks in a still small voice within our hearts and mind. His word reveals to us his love and care and His desire to be our guide and shield. Our conscience is pricked by the Holy Spirit warning us of spiritual danger ahead. It is in the stillness of our day that we are able to listen to the small voice that shows us the way we should go. We live in a busy world with so much to do. Finding time to get alone can be a challenge for some, but we must make time if we are going to hear the still small voice of God.

Legacy to Remember

2 Tim 1:5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.

Let those that follow behind us find us faithful. The song writer must have been referring to Lois and Eunice. They left a godly example for Timothy to follow. They held on to their faith in spite of the circumstances they faced in their day. The faith passed down from generation to generation. A legacy of hope given to son and grandson. Such is the desire of all who follow Christ. As time moves on and the sun begins to set on the horizon of life, what is the legacy we leave behind? How will we be remembered? There are a lot of good things in life that have been accomplished, but it is our faith in Christ that will last for eternity. The things of this world will fade away, my hope is built on nothing less, that Jesus Christ and His righteousness. A legacy of love, hope and faith.

Be Sober, Be Vigilant

1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

There’s a part we play in keeping our hearts right before God. As Christians and followers of Christ, we have a responsibility to make every effort to be vigilant and aware of the enemies attack. We don’t want to carelessly walk into one of Satan’s traps due to our failure of letting our guard down. The defeat of the enemy can only be accomplished by God’s might and power.  He is our sword and shield and very help in time of trouble. But failure and defeat often comes when we allow our will to deviate from what God wants us to do. Being sober is to be aware of the temptations around us and to flee the very appearance of evil. It is the grace of God that is able to strengthen us in time of need, when our will power to do what is right is being attacked, we need to lean on Him for help. It is only the grace of God that we our able to be established and settled, but He must have our willingness to be sober and vigilant. 

The Battle Is Not Ours

2 Chronicles 20:17  Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the Lord with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the Lord will be with you.

The battle we fight is not flesh and blood. The enemy that Jehoshaphat faced was an army that sought out to destroy the people of God. Today, there may be enemies that carry weapons of destruction and seek to destroy the very fiber of our freedom, but the real battle is a spiritual warfare. The principality and powers in high places, the world not seen by human eyes. Satan seeks to destroy the spiritual fiber of our soul. The battle is against the forces unseen that desire to pull us down and forsake the ways of God. We face the battle of fatigue and discouragement. Becoming weary in well doing as we seek to live out our lives to please Him. We our constantly up against the philosophies that govern this world. A philosophy that leaves God out, or relegates Him to a position of convenience. The battle to maintain a standard of living that requires a careful Godly walk. To live circumspectly, to trust and obey His Word. Without the Spirit of the Lord, the battle is lost. We need Him every moment, everyday if we are going to win this battle. 

The Fingers of God

Psalm 8:3.4 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?

The psalmist sees the Almighty as a artist, sculpting with His fingers the universe. The Creator of heaven and earth calls into existence the suns of the universe, the stars in the heaven are made for His pleasure. He has ordained the creation of the moon to help light the earth at night. He has gifted man with the intelligence to peek into the vastness of space. We have but scratch the surface of the vastness of His creation. The fingers of man have invented and constructed things of marvel. but it is God who can take what is not and make it into something that is. Who is man, but once again the fingers of God forming him from the dust of the earth. He is molding man into His image. We our the clay in the Potter’s wheel willing to let God make us into the vessel of His desire. The same God who with His fingers creating the worlds, wants to make us a vessel of honor, ready to be used for His pleasure.

Suffering

2 Corinth 1:7 And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.

To suffer, means to experience pain and loss. The pain may be physical, emotional, or even mental. The loss may be due to evil demised, unfortunate events, or the death of a loved one. Christian are not exempt from suffering. Sin has scared this world of all that his pure and good. The consolation of Christian is that God give the grace help us endure the suffering we bare. And through suffering we are able to emphasized with those who also suffer, and give them comfort. When bad things (suffering) happen to good people, it is an opportunity for lovers of God to show forth God’s love and goodness. God is good and He does all things in His time and for His purpose. Like Job, who am I to question the almighty and His ways. Accepting suffering is not easy, but it is what God desires. Yes, we are encourage to ask God to relieve us of our suffering, and He is able. But, ultimately, like the 3 Hebrew children that were thrown into the fiery furnace. It it be God’s will, He can and will bring us through our suffering. 

Suffer Persecution

2Tim 3:12- Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 

Through time and history, the church has faced persecution from all that fight against God and the claims of Christ as God. Followers of Christ are seen as bigots and intolerant for they claim that Jesus in the only way to God the Father.  The church has suffered persecution from all those that oppose a God that requires obedience to a moral law. In the face of evil, John the Baptist darned to cross the immoral behavior of the daughter of Herod, for this he was beheaded. We stand today in a world with a philosophy that ever man is doing that which is right in his own eyes. If you dare show any intolerance or judgement of their behavior you are labeled as narrow minded and are ridiculed for your faith. In America, persecution may not show up as physical beating or elimination, but the faith of believers who stand up to truth is belittled and mocked. All those who live godly in Christ will be attached and judged by those who claim that they are tolerant of all people except Christians. With grace, Christian need to stand firm for truth, yet show to the world the love of Christ that is able to bring peace and forgiveness to the hearts of men.

Solid Foundation

Luke 6:48  He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.

Our lives are like a house. How it weathers the storm or the span of time will depend on the foundation that it is built on. When a house is built, it is important that the ground beneath it is solid and stable. No matter how elegant the exterior the house may be, if the foundation is not solid, it will fall and crumple when the the floods of water start to assault the house. How do we know our lives are built on something solid? Jesus says, that the person that will do the things that He say is the person that has a solid foundation. Jesus, says, I’m the way, the truth, and the life, through Him we come to the Father. He also says, if you love me, keep my commandments. Giving our lives to Him, having our sinned forgiven, and following His Word will assure us that we our building our lives on a solid foundation.

He Will Meet Our Needs

Matt. 6:32 For after all these things do the Gentiles seek: for your heavenly Father knows that ye have need of all these things.

Eating, drinking, and shelter are natural instincts of human nature. Yet, Jesus says, not to worry about such things. I believe there is a deeper truth here than what is implied. Our spiritual needs should supersede our temporal needs. This body will die and pass away, but the spirit of this body will live for eternity. It is a step of faith to believe what you cannot see. Eternal life is beyond understanding. We live each day for food and shelter. We work each day to provide for the needs of the flesh and its comforts. We worry how we are going to make ends meet. There is a responsibility on our part to work. God has given us strength, talents, and a brain to accomplish many things, but our love and affections should be to first seek the Kingdom of God. We must do our best, and trust God to do the rest. At the end of our resources, He give us what we need when we need it. 

Taste of the Lord

Ps. 34:8 O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

You don’t know until you try it. I have never met anyone who gave their lives to Jesus and later in life regretted doing so. We often try things because others who have tried it have had a good experience. There are something in the world that we know by other’s experience that it is best not to even try. We know that doing so often ends bad. Smoking, drinking, drugs, and various forms of immoral behaviors. But, drinking at the fountain of living water, taking a bite from the bread of Life, feasting at the table of the Lord is always done with satisfaction. It never leaves a bad taste in your mouth. Come and dine and see that the Lord is good. Taste of Him and your life will be filled with joy and satisfaction.

Give All To Jesus

Luke 23:46 46 And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: 

Resigned to the will of God. I give it up and place my life into your hand. Jesus, the God-man gave up His earthly life, made himself willing to be the supreme sacrifice for sin. There on the cross, He speaks some of His final words, “Father, I offer up my life” A very intimate prayer that implies a close relationship with God the Father. We must come to a place in our lives where we come to the end of ourselves and submit everything to God. In His love and mercy, He forgives us of our unrighteousness and makes our heart clean from those sins we have committed, but now entreats us to give it all up. Our desires and wants, all that we hold dear to our hearts. Into His hand we commit “self” to let God do what He desires. “Commit thy way unto the Lord, and He will direct thy path”  

One Offering

Hebrew 10:12.14  But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;…  For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

Them that are set apart, believing that Jesus died on the cross to forgive us of our sins, He hath made them perfect in heart. Because of Adam’s transgression, all born into this world are born with sin, but God sent His son to be the one offering to redeem man from his sinful state. We have not yet arrived, and we are a work in progress. Perfect in heart, with a singleness toward the will of God. But we are earthen vessels, prone to weakness and failures. Our body and mind, and emotions are imperfect and subject to breaking down. God takes this vessel, fills it with His Spirit and uses it for His purpose. He is the potter, we are the clay. He is molding and making us into His perfect will. We need to keep are hands off the wheel and let Him do what He must to make us what we ought to be. 

Jesus' Out Stretched Hand

Mat. 14:31- And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

We sometimes have faith to step out, but when things get tough our faith starts to waiver. We believe God will take care of the situation, but the circumstance around us tell us a different story. We step out, but then the winds and the waves around us make us wonder if God is really directing our path. Peter, a man of many words took the first step, but his lack of faith to keep walking inspite of the knowing that Jesus was right there caused him to sink into the waters. Peter’s struggle of faith was due in part because he had yet to experience the fullness of the Holy Spirit. After Pentecost, Peter still had to deal with his impulsive and somewhat brash personality, but his faith in what God could do was resolute and fearless. We all face things in our lives that cause us to wonder if God is really in control, but we must remain resolute in our faith and determination to keep our eyes on Jesus. But if for whatever reason we do falter, He will always be there with an out-stretched hand to pull back up. 

Everlasting Life

John 6:40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life:

No one is predestined to spend eternity in hell. It is the will of God that every one come to the knowledge of Christ. Life with a purpose is to find fulfillment in Christ. Whatever the trail or hardship we may face in life, we can have contentment in knowing that Jesus knows our every step and will be with us all the way. It is His desire to give us everlasting life. Life beyond this earthly walk. The body will perish, but the essence and soul of man will live on beyond the grave. Understanding and comprehending everlasting life is difficult to grasp. We have finite minds and limited capabilities. There are those with great imaginations that can provide us a visual of what it might look like, but we really can’t wrap our minds around the idea and concept. It is suffice to say, that our will be changed from mortality to immortality. We will see Him in all of His glory. Until then, let us feast of the bread of life. Let us taste and be satisfied in knowing that Jesus can fill every longing of heart for He is everlasting life.

From Crisis to Crisis

1 King 17:18- And she said unto Elijah, What have I to do with thee, O thou man of God? art thou come unto me to call my sin to remembrance, and to slay my son?

When things go from bad to worse, we wonder why the test when we are trying to do our best. We are quick to question God and find ourselves wanting to have answers. Many times we don’t get the answer and must rely on trusting God that He knows what is best for us. What is best for us is not always pleasant, and we are left to making a choice to complain or seek God and rest in Him knowing that He has all things in His control. The widow women just came through a crisis and God delivered her, but it was not too long that she faced with another one. We all have experience times in our lives when we live from one crisis to another. It is in time like this that we hold on to God and believe that He will see us through. God may not always answer our prayers the way we want Him to, but He will provide the grace to help us through the crisis and come through with peace knowing that God will do what is best.

Helping Hand of God

Nehemiah 6:9 For they all made us afraid, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it be not done. Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands.

It is through His grace and strength that we are able to overcome the obstacle and difficulties that we face each day. The world will press us to do things that will take us down the wrong track. We must stay focus on the job that God has given us to do. Whatever that may be if God said it should and can be done, we need to trust Him that He is able to help us see it through. 

Ask, Seek, Knock

Mat. 7: 7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

Ask, seek, and knock is the formula that Jesus gave to those who were concern about having their needs provided. As we commit our will to God, asking becomes more God center and less self center. Our needs are more about asking God to help others. That does not mean we don’t ask Him for personal needs. Food, shelter, and safety are things that allows us to feel secure and cared for. God cares about our well being, and wants us to look to Him during our time of need. 

Life is Not Fair

Isaiah 58:10 - And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noon day:

There are those that are born with a silver spoon in their mouth, and those that don’t have the luxury of even having a spoon. Jesus said the poor will always be, but it does not mean that we are not to show kindness by helping those who are not able to help themselves. The road is more difficult to the person how is not born into wealth, or means. In this respect, life is not fair. Fairness is really a relative word. Many suffer from illness, death can strike at a young age, the breaks for a successful career may never come, getting out of poverty may never happen in one’s life time. But all have one thing in common. We are all made in the image of God, and the love of God is given to all humanity to them that are willing to open their hearts to Him. Such is God’s desire for those who are His people, to reach out in love and kindness and rescue the perishing, help the helpless, give of your blessings to others. Through the acts of selfless giving, others will see that there is a God who cares. Life is not fair, but we all have the opportunity to show kindness to those that are less fortunate. 

To Heal Or Not To Heal

Mark. 8:25 After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.

The man from Bethsaida the home town of Andrew and Peter. He was a blind man, probably not from birth, he knew what trees looked like. As Jesus entered the city, the people brought this man to Him believing that Jesus could restore his sight. Healing from God is brought about by faith. When and how this healing is done is given to the Master to decide. For some reason, unknown to man, Jesus touched this man’s eyes twice before complete healing was done. Jesus could have just spoken the word, or rub some mud on his eyes. He could have told him to go wash his eyes out with water, but he choose to give partial healing before giving full healing. As a person who believes in the doctrine of sanctification, I would like to think that this was Jesus’ way of saying, it will take two works of grace to complete the work of full salvation. But, I think this is stretching out the scriptures to fit my doctrine. The reality is God does things in mysterious way that we always don’t understand. Sometime he heals completely and sometime not at all. He told Paul that His grace was sufficient to handle the throne in his flesh. Whether God heals or does not heal, we must still trust Him that He knows what is best, and rest that God is good and will work all things out to fulfill His purpose. 

My Father's House

John 14:2  In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

This world is not my home, am only passing through. In my Father’s house, Jesus has gone to prepare us a home. Mansions that will blow us away. Many songs have been written about these mansions that Jesus is preparing for us in heaven. They say that, “home is where the heart is”. That the physical structure is not what is important about heaven, yet it was important enough for Jesus to mention that there will be a dwelling place when we get there. We all look forward with anticipation to someday enter our Father’s house. As wonderful as this is, the true joy is knowing that Jesus will be there. He will be what makes heaven home. That is where the heart is, to be with Him and see him face to face. This world will is full of troubles, but Jesus has made it possible for each of us to be trouble free. He invites us through the cross to give our lives to Him, forsake the temporal things of this world. hold loosely to this earthly home, and keep our eye set on our Father’s home.

Temporal vs Eternal

2 Corinth 4:8,9-  We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

Troubled, perplexed, persecuted, and cast down. Not exactly a wonderful life. We daily face things in our lives that stress us out. The cares of life and the responsibilities we face each day alone can cause our blood pressure to rise. We worry about things we don’t understand and are unable to fix. Then there are those that are set against us for our faith and belief in adhering to the commands of God to live holy and righteous lives. We become discouraged of our inability to do the work that God has called us to do. Cast down and defeated in spirit. The temptation to “Throw in the towel” and quit trying knocks at our door. But, we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. The things that we face here on earth are temporal, they will fade away with time, but the things that really matter are those things we hold true in our heart. those things that are eternal. Our faith in God, the glory of the cross, and eternal life through the cross. For all things that happen are for our sake, that God’s grace will work through us to the glory of God.

Two Edged Sword

Hebrew 4:12  For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

The two edged sword cuts through with precision, such is God’s word that is able to reveal the nature of the heart and the deep need of the soul. Able to search the heart and expose the intend of people’s motives. The sword, the word of God is powerful enough to change the lives of people. With precision, it can discern what the heart’s needs are in order to be what God desires. His word is the person of Jesus. It is Jesus who looks into the heart of man and sees the condition of sinful man. Jesus who reveals His love to man is powerful enough to take a broken heart and make it whole again. He breaks open the heart and then makes it new. Jesus, the Word of God is the sword we need to change lives.

Being Perfect

Leviticus 19:2 Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the Lord your God am holy.

God’s standard of living is to live holy lives. In the OT this meant that the people of God were to be separate from the nations around them, they were not to worship the gods that other nations worshipped. They had special laws that they needed to follow to maintain a life that was holy unto the Lord. The laws of holy living had more to do with keeping the statues given in the ten commandments and ceremonial rituals given to them for worship and sacrifices for sin. Since the death of Jesus, the ceremonial law of sacrifices is no longer required. Jesus made the supreme sacrifice for sin, paid the ultimate price by shedding His blood on the cross. The command to be holy after the death of Christ, goes beyond the keeping the commandments. The love of God in Christ now written on the tables of our heart. Jesus tells us to; “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” mat.5:48. This perfection supersede the written law and is only made possible by the indwelling presence of Jesus in our lives. With man, living and being holy is impossible, but with God, all things are possible.

How Great Is Our God

Job 41:21  His breath kindleth coals, and a flame goeth out of his mouth.

it is uncertain when the book of Job was written. It is suggested that it was written somewhere around 500-600 BC, but it also seems that the content itself was pre historic. Such is the mystery of this dragon like character. One that is so formidable that there is no man that can stand against it. In context of the scripture, this creature is no match for man, but not for God. He who is greater than all, can defeat even the most fierce animal that is assume to exist. How great is our God, how great his is name. He who creates all things and controls the cosmos of the heavens knows what we face and the trails we are up against. We may not understand everything than happens and why it happens, but we can put our trust in a God who does. He who laid the foundation of the earth is able to help us overcome the forces of evil and life circumstances that we face from day to day.

Be Still Before God

Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

We live busy lives, from the time we get up to the time we lay our head to rest we have things that need to get done. If you are a working person that needs to be at work on a schedule time, your life is centered around the clock. Work and responsibilities keeps our minds focus on the task at hand. Where is there time to be still? Most of us will not find stillness unless we make time for it in our day. For some, it is waking up before the sun rises, for others, it is after the lights are off and we reflect on our day. God is not restricted to meet with us by our schedule. He is omnipresent and can meet with us wherever we are, but there is virtue in putting aside the earthly things of life, and taking time to be still before Him. In the stillness, we worship Him for who He is and what He can do, When we get still before Him and muse on the things of God, He can speak to us in that still small voice. Getting to know God will require us to find time to be still before Him. Let us examine our lives, and find time to be still. 

We Can Do Nothing

John 5:19  Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself…

Helpless we are without the help of God. Jesus, the God-man relied on the help of his Father to achieve the work He was sent to do. It was not the will of the God man, but the will of the Father that Jesus sought. How much more, human flesh do we need to trust God to be the one to do the work that needs to be done. We are but His instruments doing His will to build the Kingdom of God. Without Him, our efforts are futile, and worthless. The commission is to go into all the world, but He promise that He would send the Comforter to enable us to carry out His work. We our vessels in the hand of God to do with as He pleased. Makes us, molds us, and uses us for His glory. 

My Help Come from God

Psalm 121: 1,2 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. 

Getting help when you need it is not always available. There are times when I could use some help lifting or moving something heavy, but everyone I know is busy or not available. It times like this, I either have to be creative or just wait for another time. Calling for help recognizes that we cannot do things in our own strength, we need someone else to give assistance. During times of trial or difficult hardship, we often cry out for help. Our hearts our broken with grief at the passing of a loved one, we find ourselves in a place where we our financially in need of funds, we have just been given the pink slip dismissing us from our jobs, or we are told that we have a serious illness,  the list goes on. Where can we go to get some help? Our emotions have been depleted, and our spiritual life is on the edge. On a hill far away in time, hangs the Savior of the world, Jesus who came to this world to give us salvation and the help to overcome the tough times in our lives. I will look to Jesus, a helper in time of need. He is all I need. As the beggar cried out to Jesus to help him by restoring his sight, I cry out to Him, “Jesus, from whence comes my help, you are able to help me through, for I am weak, but you are strong”.

God is Against Evil

1 Peter 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.

The character question, do I choose to do good or do I choose to do evil. This should be a no brainer. Choosing to do good or live righteous is given with promise that the Lord will watch over those who do good, and He listens to the prayers of those who choose to live a life that follows His commandments. Choosing to do that which is evil or forbidden in God’s word is to have the wrath of God to face. This is pretty harsh when we think that God is love, pours out His grace, and desires to show mercy. Hard to think that this kind of God is against those who refuse to follow His ways and choose to do evil. God is holy, and the very nature of God is against that which is unholy, or evil. He is also a God of forgiveness and will not turn anyone away that will humble themselves before Him and confess their wicked ways. He desires fellowship with His fallen creation and has provided a way to have fellowship with Him. The cross has bridged the gap between sinful man and a Holy God. To those that refuse to turn from their wicked ways and do what is right, will face the judgment of the Lord for their choices. As long as we have breathe, we have a choice to do right or do evil. God does not make that choice for us. We decide if we will walk with God and do good, or abide in sin and do evil. 

Pour Out His Spirit

Isaiah 44:3  For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring. 

There are seasons in our lives that we go through dry spells. We continue to do what is right and follow the Lord in all things. We tarry before Him and pray for showers of His presence. then the clouds of shower begin to fall. It is just like Jesus to pour out His Spirit out to them that tarry before Him. He know just what we need and when we need it. 

Found in Christ

Phil 3:9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

Many are lost in the perception that they are good people because they go to church and follow a set of liturgical rituals. Their righteousness, or sense of goodness is founded in keeping rules that govern behavior. Following a code of conduct is good, but one can still be spiritually lost if they have not come to knowledge of faith in Christ. To be found in Christ is to have fellowship with Him. Good meaning people often say, “It is not a religion, but a relationship”. Good theology, is better worded, “My religion is having a relationship with Christ, and daily fellowship with Him”. Our relationship with Christ will influence our behavior. The commandments of God are not disregarded, but they now take on a new meaning. We now keep His commandment to love Him with all our heart and love our neighbor as ourselves because that is how Christ lived His life. To be found in Christ is to live in Christ and follow His example of pleasing the Father. Perfection is not found in what we do, but in whom we place our faith. We are lost without Him, but can be found in Him when we put our faith in God.

To Die is Gain

Phil 1:21  For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Dying is not something one longs for. We do all we can to avoid the crossing of that river. In our old age, am told that there comes a point when one is ready to let go. suffering and pain overtakes the desire to live much longer, but in our youth and years of vitality, we seek to stretch out our days on this earth as long as we can. The fear of death is soften knowing that this world is only temporary and that our soul will live on forever. Living in Christ on this earthly journey prepares us for the gain we will receive when our bodies are laid to rest. It is a win -win situation for those who serve God. As long as God gives me breath, I will live for Him. For living in Christ is to have everlasting life, eternal life in the kingdom of God has begun. When it is time to depart this world, there is heaven to gain, and seeing Jesus face to face is all that matters.