To Our Old Age

 Isaiah 46:4
Even to your old age I am he  and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear;  I will carry and will save.

I recently received a photo of myself, and had to take a second look. Surely that was not me? The years are beginning to show on my face. I’m aging to an old age. My hair is gradually turning gray, and my days on earth are becoming fewer and fewer. It is the way of all flesh, Time marches on and our days are numbered. “​The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they are fourscore years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.”(Psalm 90:10). I’m at threescore and almost five, and have found God to be faithful. For even in my old age, He has carried me through the valley of life and has brought me to this present day. I don’t know how many more days He will allow me to live, but this one thing I know, He will never leave me or forsake me. His promises are true and I choose to believe that He is able to do all things to His glory. Until He calls me home, I desire to live a life that is unspotted from the world, lifting holy hands, doing His work, and expect Him to return soon to receive the young and old who have given their hearts and life to Him

The Promise to Return

 2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

The Lord promised that someday He would return. Scoffers and unbelievers throughout time have doubted that Jesus will return to earth again. It has been a long time since this promise was made, and one can be tempted to doubt if His return will happen. But time is not relevant with God. God does not count time that way we do. A hundred years may seem like a long time, but to God it is but a vapor in light of eternity. It is God’s desire that everyone come to the knowledge of His love and grace. He patiently waits for His creation to turn their heart toward Him. God waits even for the scoffers to see their sinful ways and repent from their unbelief. Our present culture, especially in the US, has turned their hearts away from God. The concept of Jesus returning back to earth to rapture His church is viewed as religious fanatic idealism. But His promises are true, and someday He will split the eastern skies, and we who believe will be caught up in the air, and so shall we ever be with Him. He will not fail to keep His promise.

Shadow of Death

 Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me..
Walking through the valley of life we often find ourselves traveling through dark places. Places unknown and uncertain. The shadows of death are places where we fear for our lives or the lives of others, financial uncertainty, broken relationships,  the shadows that are cast in our journey cause apprehension of what the future holds and fear that we will not be able to handle the burden set before us. We are grateful for the support and prayers of others around us, but the pain is still real and we may fear that we will not make it. The enemy is tempting us to doubt God’s love and care for us. But in the mists of the dark shadow, God is there, He has promised never to leave us or forsake us. He is there in the good times and in the bad times. He is the Great Shepherd, and He will take care of His sheep. He will guide and protect us as we walk through the valley of the shadow of death.

God Sees & Knows You.

 Psalm 147:3,5
He heals the broken in heart, and binds up their wounds..Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.

Does God really understand what we are going through? The current world population is almost 8 billion people. Does He really care about you and me? I see the mass of people each day go about their daily life and routine, and wonder what God is doing in their lives. Luke says, “But even the very hairs of our head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.” The great power of God not only sees each person that walks this earth, but He knows everything about us, even the number of hairs on our head. Wow! How amazing is our God! He is the “Way Maker, Miracle worker, Promise keeper, Light in the darkness, healing the broken hearts and binding people’s wounds, My God, That is who you are!” We may feel insignificant and small in the eyes of others, but in the eyes of God, He sees and hears the cry of our heart and our desire to love and serve Him. He is not only an Omnipotent God , but He is also Omniscient, He knows what troubles you, He knows the burdens you carry, and what is causing your heart to break. Jesus says, “Fear not.” Cast your cares on Him, for Jesus cares about you. You are not alone, He will not leave you or forsake you.

Admonitions for the New Year

 Admonitions for the New Year

Philippians 4

Ten Admonition of the Lord

1. Stand Fast in the Lord

In the face of difficult times, hold steady

Hold on to the promise of God’s Word

2. Rejoice in the Lord

Overcome by rejoicing and praising God

Rejoice that your name is written in the Book of Life

3. Do all things in Moderation

The Balance life is to do all to the Glory of God

Conduct your life is a way that you reflect the image of Christ

4. Fret not- Don’t worry about “things”

Be anxious for nothing. Human nature is concern about human comforts

That “problem” you face? Let go and let God have it. “Fear not”

5. Pray that God will supply all your needs

Bring your request to God and trust Him to supply your needs

Ask anything in my name. He knows what is best.

6. Keep your mind and thoughts pure

The thermometer that guides your conduct in whatever you do.

“Let this mind be in you that is also in Christ Jesus”- 

7. Apply God’s Word to your life- Doer of the Word

Read the Word of God not only for inspiration, but for practical living

Let the Holy Spirit apply the truth to your heart, and follow.

8. Be content with your station in life

Understand, Life is a rollercoaster- Be prepared to make adjustments

If you are living in the will of God, be at peace with your situation

Happiness is an attitude. Attitude is a choice. 

Don’t let circumstances dictate your happiness

Contentment is gained when we put our trust in Christ to accept our circumstances

9. Don’t be a pessimist – Approach challenges in your life with confidence.  “I CAN”

Godly attitude will focus on what you Can do, and not “I Can’t”

God does use your strengths, but only when then are submitted to Him

In our weakness, He is made strong. Give Him glory.

10. Give liberally to the cause of Christ.

God does not need your money. He is the giver of all things

God has chosen through the sacrifice of giving to spread the Gospel

We miss a blessing from God, when we fail to help others or support those who are willing to give of their time to spread the gospel.

God’s Promises

1. He will supply all our needs
2. The Peace of God will be given to you
3. God Peace will be with you
4. He will keep your heart and mind
5. He will give us the strength to do His will- we can overcome any obstacle or adversity.
6. The grace of God will be with you. The favor of God. He will always be at your disposal when you need Him the most.