He is Able

 Ephesians 3:20
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us

What is God able to do? Paul was convinced as he prayed to God that He was able to strengthen the believer in the inner man, that faith would fill the hearts of all that followed Him. He prayed for God to establish all who name the Name of Christ to be grounded in love and to know of His love, and be filled with the fullness of His presence. God is able to open our understanding of who He is and what He is able to do if we ask. Maturity in Christ comes as we walk daily with Christ, live each day asking the Holy Spirit to guide our steps. Everyday is a new day to show others the love of Christ that dwells in our heart. It starts with a heart that desires daily to do what is right and live each day with love in our heart toward God and others.

All is Not Vanity

 Ecclesiastes 1: 2,4
Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity…One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abides forever.

We are here for a moment in time and then we pass away. All that we leave continues on. We are remembered by those we knew, and not forgotten by those who are close to our hearts, but life moves on for most people. We wake up, prepare our day for work, duties, responsibilities, and wonder what the day will bring. Many live for the material gain of this world, others live for love and a relationship with family and loved ones. What part of life is vanity? How do we make each day count for eternity? Yes, we all want a comfortable life, and to enjoy the things of life that bring joy and gladness, but lasting joy and gladness only come from knowing Christ, and living each day to please Him. We live not in vain if we live to be like Jesus. Let this earth pass away, but give me Jesus, only Jesus.

World of Trouble

 John 16:33
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Trouble-free days don’t come very often. A day when everything goes as planned and turns out the way you envision. Surrounded by those you love, no conflicts at home, work, or church. All the bills are paid and no one close to you is suffering from an illness. A little heaven here on earth. But we all know that’s a world of fantasy. Because in this world, we will have trouble. It is the nature of living. There is a time for all things to happen, a time to celebrate the birth of a newborn, a time to mourn the death of a loved one, a time to start something new, and a time for it to end, a time of healing and a time to suffer. Trouble is unavoidable on this side of heaven. Rain falls on the righteous and unrighteous. We cry out, “Why Lord?” For what purpose? The wisest man who ever lived wrote, “To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven:” And Jesus said, “Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” The trouble we face from day to day are taken noticed by the one who cares and understands the problems and difficulties we go through. He who commanded the sea to be still, is able to still our hearts during the storms of life. Trust Him, believe Him, hold on. He who lives in you is greater than he who lives in this world.

Give What You Have

 Acts 3: 6
Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.

We may not have a lot of money to give out and help everyone that crosses our pathway who has a need, but such as we have, God wants us to give. What do we have? We have the greatest treasure this world has ever known. A treasure far greater than silver and gold, far greater than the wealth of this world. Houses and land, riches untold grow dim in the light of eternity with Jesus. Jesus, the name I highly treasure. Jesus alone is all I need. God has seen fit to give me some of the things of this world, and I do enjoy some of these earthly treasures, but they will also pass away, and what is left is what abides in the heart. He is the one who can take a sinner and make him whole again. It is Jesus who changes a heart from hate to love. It is Jesus who heals the body and brings comfort to the soul. The world is blinded and lives in darkness. Such as we have, the light of Christ, let it shine as we journey this side of this world.

Looking Out for Others

 Philippians 2:4
 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

Jesus spoke similar words when he said to treat others the way you would want to be treated. Common phrases like, “I need to look after myself, because no one else will,” and “what’s in it for me,” are grounded in the carnal desire to please self without any regard to others. The golden rule of life in how we act can be summed up by putting Jesus first in our life, serving others in love, and taking care of our well-being emotionally, physically, and spiritually. The key to living each day with JOY is Jesus, Other, You. Living a life to serve is made possible when we realize that our service is towards God and not to man.  We are busy people with lots of responsibilities, but each day is given to us as an opportunity to serve others. Start each day and ask yourself, “How can I help someone today? Looking on the things of others and not just my own cares and burdens.

The Death of John the Baptist

 Matt. 14:10, 13
 And he (Herod) sent, and beheaded John in the prison… When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart…

The death of John the Baptist did not take Jesus by surprise; it was planned from the beginning of time that John would give his life for the Kingdom of God. He blazed the trail, prepared the way for the plan of salvation. Like Jesus, John was just a man in his 30s. Surely God could have given him more years and used him to spread the news. But, even John said, “He must increase, and I must decrease.” The impact of John’s death did not go unnoticed. As a man, Jesus desired to get away into the desert and possibly remember John and go to His Father and pray. Even though Jesus knew that John would die, He bore the burden of John’s death.  It is sad when someone dies at an early age, it is natural to ask “Why?” We contemplate all the possibilities and ask God to use such a tragedy for His purpose. Go to your desert place and pour your heart out to the one who knows your sorrow and pain, and trust Him in all things

Through the Eyes of Grace

 1 Thess 5:15
See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

The old saying, “I don’t get mad, I get even” is what Paul was referring to when he wrote down the word, see that none renders evil for evil. The human reaction to being wrong is to strike back. That is the carnal and natural man's response, but the spiritual man sees people through the eyes of grace, and follows that which is good. “Do good to those who persecute you.” The words of Christ, as He preached on the Sermon on the Mount. Turning the cheek towards those that despise and hate you because you stand for truth and seek to live as Christ lives is made possible because the Holy Spirit empowers the believer to love and forgive. This is not to say that we should not defend ourselves and our family from being hurt, but when situations are out of our control, we trust God to take care of us. Most people render evil because they have hate in their heart and sin causes them to hurt others. It is the grace of God that is able to change this heart, and we are the light of the world to show others there is another way to live. We can live to show love and kindness to all men, even in times when evil is being rendered to us.

Here Am I

 Exodus 3:4
God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here Am I.

It has been said that God does not want your money, He wants you! If He has you, then He has everything you possess, including your money. Some people are OK with just giving their money, but are not willing to say, “Here Am I.” When Jesus asked the rich young ruler to sell all he had and follow Him, He did not ask to give all his money to the synagogue, but wanted the heart of the rich young ruler. Yes, the young man was sad because He was not willing to sell out completely to the will of God. The call of God is made for every man, woman and child to listen to the voice and God to heed and do His will. When we say, “Here Am I”, we are surrendering everything to Him. The songwriter writes “All of my ambitions, hopes and plans I surrender into your hands.” This is the response that God desires to hear. Are we willing to open our hearts and say, “Here Am I”

In My Old Age

 Titus 2:2

That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience

How ironic that on my 62nd birthday this scripture was highlighted in verse of the day in Gateway. I often don’t read the scripture of the day, but did today. I don't know if I am considered to be an “aged man”, but I am no longer a young man in my prime. With age comes experience, and with experience hopefully some wisdom. Learning from successes and failures, we learn that it is often best to wait and see how God is moving, staying steadfast in our faith that God is in control. He orders the steps of a good man and keeps him in the way of righteousness. The influence of our life trickles down to our children and grandchildren. The impact we make may never be known in our lifetime, but let it be said of me that my faith was sound, and that I demonstrated love and patience towards others.