Years End

Well here we are at the end of another year. What would make the highlights of 2011 in your life? What would make the low lights? The better question might be, just what did we learn through the easier times and the difficult times of 2011? Are we the same person that started 2011 or have we grown in grace and the knowledge of the Lord? It is always good to think back over your year and evaluate it. I hope and pray that we all are closer to the Lord and to our families and those in the body of Christ and our neighbors. The scriptural goal of our lives is to love God with all we have and are, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Blessings to you all. May we all have a blessed and fruitful New Year.

You Get Love

One of our young grandsons told his Mom, "Patience will lead you to God's heart and when you get to God's heart, you get love."

The Will of the Lord!

The will of the Lord is hard to find yet more precious than a gold mine.
It seems to evade me many a day so all I know to do is stand steady and pray.
And yet when it's path crosses mine I have no need to look behind, nor up ahead
the road to see, only to rest this day in His words, "trust in me".

Is our gentleness known unto all men?

In Philippians 4:5 it says, "Let your gentleness (moderation in KJV) be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand." Are we known as gentle people? Do people like to be around us because of our brokenness and gentle ways? In Psalm 18:35 David said, "Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath held me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great." God certainly has been gentle with all of us. When we have deserved to die, God has given eternal life through His Son. In the last part of Romans 2:4 it says, " the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance." Are we following God's example of gentleness and goodness?

His Time!

Psalm 55:6 says, "And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest." If you could fly where would you fly to? Do you think that you would find rest there? I think that if we haven't found rest right where we are, we won't find it by flying to a different place. Resting in the Lord is the result of having a heart full of God's peace, the kind of peace that enables us to wait patiently for God. God will move in your life and mine when it's His time.

The Future

Today is the beginning of yesterday's future. Aren't you thankful that the future only comes at us one day at a time.

Humbleness Needed

In our attempt to live life God's way, I wonder if we are taking note of our actions under the microscope of God's word. The sermon on the mount in Matthew 5-7 is a great starting place. How many Christians have you known who are poor in spirit, meek, hungering and thirsting after righteousness, merciful towards others, pure in heart, and peacemakers. You know the type, folks who are able to stand in grace when persecuted and reviled by others. We should all have all of the grace we need to do and to endure. Where does grace come from? It comes from God and is extended to all who humble themselves. Just how humble are we? Our lives and how we live them will testify of this matter.

A Blessed Man!

Psalms 1:1 says, "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly..." We are talking about a person that lives life God's way. One that delights in the law of the Lord, having hid the word in his heart, he knows what to do even in difficult situations that call for unorthodox actions. Unorthodox only in the sense that the world doesn't do it the righteous way. The world is ready to fight and lie in a heartbeat to defend or increase their perceived territory. Are we walking in the counsel of the ungodly?

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! I want to thank the Lord for saving my soul and making me a new creation where old things are passed away, and all things have become new. He gave me new life, a wonderful wife and four great children and I am very blessed by His love and actions in my life. How about you? What are you thankful for?

The gift of all gifts!

In Romans 5:18 it reads like this, "Therefore, as by the offense of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life." In Romans 6:23 it says, "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." With thankful and grateful hearts we give thanks for the gift of all gifts, eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ.

When God Knocks

Someone once said, "Now there's even a dial-a-prayer for atheists. You call a number and nobody answers." Psalm 14:1 says, "The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God..." We all know some who do not believe in God. Let's never forget to pray for them and live righteously before them, for we never know who will open the door when God knocks and who won't.

A Christian

We are told in IJohn 3:13 to, "Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you." The world hated Jesus and they will hate us, but for a brother to hate a brother is the sure way to abide in death. We are to love one another not just tolerate one another, or judge one another, or argue doctrine with one another. Some are of one persuasion and some from another, but we all best be of the persuasion that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. It would be much better if we weren't labeled with titles like Methodist, Baptist, Nazarene, Pentecostal, etc. but only known as Christians. When asked through the years of this matter, I have tried to answer that I am a Christian. What are you?

He's all I need

In Colossians 2:9-10 it says, "For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power." A song writer wrote, "He's all I need, He's all I need, Jesus is all I need..." Jesus, plus nothing is the way, the truth, and the life, and no one can come to the Father except through him. Jesus is all we need.

The Victory Has Been Won!

It has been a long three years for me since I found out that my PSA was 11.3 and that I had prostate cancer. Two months ago I had radiation seed implants, and three months before that I had a 3 month hormone shot which is tough stuff. Yesterday I went to the doctor and found out that I am doing really well and I want to praise the Lord for that. This morning the doctor's office called and said that my PSA was now 0.2 and I want to praise the Lord for that as well. I also want to thank those of you who have been praying for me and praise the Lord for your prayers and concern. Many months past the Lord spoke to my heart and said that the victory has been won but the battle wasn't over yet. I'm not sure that it is over just yet but I'm closer now than I was and all the more Christlike for it. The victory has been won. PTL

Alone

Jesus speaking in John 12:24 says, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit." Is our life bringing forth fruit and fruit that will remain? It is like falling in love, getting married, and having children and leading them to the Lord and they have children and do likewise. Or it is like leading someone to the Lord and discipling them and many years later they are living for the Lord and doing likewise. If we don't do this we abide alone.

Bent On Backsliding

In the Amplified Bible, in the book of Hosea chapter 11:7 it says, "My people are bent on backsliding from Me; though the prophets call them to Him who is on high, none at all will exalt Him or lift himself up to come." In the KJV it reads this way, "And my people are bent to backsliding from me: though they called them to the most High, none at all would exalt him." I'm wondering if the body of Christ is following suit by backsliding from God and refusing to worship and exalt Him. In my 68 years, I've seen the church go in circles just as a dog chases his own tail. Things are constantly repeating themselves as each generation makes the same mistakes. Many have gone before us thinking that they had found the formula in regards to walking with God. Some follow miracles or healing ministries, or deliverance ministries, or faith ministries, or word ministries, or etc. When Jesus was asked, "which is the great commandment in the law?", He answered, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." (Matthew 22: 36-40). Are we bent on backsliding or are we living life God's way? Each of us must answer this question and hopefully our answer will be that, "you God have the words of life and we will follow you."

Happiness and a Merry Heart

A couple of my favorites from Proverbs are Ch 17:22 it says, "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones." Proverbs 16:20 says, "He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he." Being happy with a merry heart sounds wonderful and it proves to be so when we experience it. Some Christians don't appear to have a merry heart and happiness. My wife and I met a Christian lady many years ago who was annoyed because our hearts were merry and we were happy. She told us, "Just wait, you won't be so happy once the devil gets after you." He has been after us for years and we still have God's grace to experience merry hearts and happiness. Hopefully we all are!

Lying Lips

Proverbs 12:22 KJV says, "Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight." Is God delighted with us? If we don't know for sure, we could always ask God to show us. We possibly know many who name Christ as Savior and Lord and are really serving the father of lies. We are told to speak the truth in Love. May the Lord help us all.

His Secret!

Proverbs 3:32 says, "For the forward is abomination to the Lord: but his secret is with the righteous." In Psalm 25:14 it says, "The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will show them his covenant." His secret is his counsel contained in his word, which he reveals to his own. The world does not get God's secrets but there are many Christians who don't get it either. Why not? Maybe they are not righteous and don't fear God. We all need the secret of the Lord being shared with us day by day. Is that happening?

God Is Always Faithful

Do you know the one thing that God will never do? He will never be unfaithful towards us. Deuteronomy 7:9 says, "Know therefore that the Lord thy God he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations; ..." We can always count on God the faithful one. While the world and other people are letting us down, remember that God will always be faithful.

doctrines of devils

I hope all is well with you and that you are growing in grace and the knowledge of the Lord. It keeps being brought to my attention just how many of our brothers and sisters are being deceived into believing that some unusual manifestations or prophecies are of the Lord. We are called to be like the Bereans who the Bible says the following of in Acts:17:11, "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." The very next verse says, "Therefore many of them believed...." What has happened to believers to cause them to fall for something that cannot be confirmed with the Word of God. God's word always has been and always will be the final authority in all matters and when we align our lives in accordance with the precepts of the word we will not be tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness whereby they lie in wait to deceive. ( see Ehpesians 4:14). Let's all be careful that we are believing and practicing what the Word of God has to say and not what someone else is saying that is contrary to God's Word. In I Timothy 4:1 it says, "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; ..." Hebrews 5:14 tells us, "But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who be reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."

What do we say?

Indulgence says, "Drink your way out."
Philosophy says, "Think your way out."
Science says, "Invent your way out."
Industry says, "Work your way out."
Communism says, "Strike your way out."
Militarism says, "Fight your way out."
Christ says, "I AM THE WAY OUT!"
Unknown

What do we say?

So does my heart!

The song goes like this:

Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so, little ones to him belong, they are weak but he is strong. Yes Jesus loves me, yes Jesus loves me, yes Jesus love me the Bible tells me so.

So does my heart.

Forty year wilderness experience

The Lord spoke to the children of Israel at the end of their 40 years in the wilderness these words found in Deuteronomy 8:1-2, "All the commandments which I command thee this day shall ye observe to do, that ye may live, and multiply, and go in and possess the land which the Lord sware unto your fathers. And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no."
The forty years in the wilderness was to accomplish four things in their lives. These things were:

1. Humble them - for pride causes people to fall
2. Prove them - that the just shall live by faith
3. To know what is in their heart - God shows us our heart's condition through his works
4, To see if they would keep his word or not - obedience is better than sacrifice

God still works in the lives of his children in similar fashion.Have you recognized His hand in your life in these ways?

God orders our steps!

Life seldom unfolds the way that we plan. When that begins to happen we need to focus on Proverbs 16:9 which says, "A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps." And Psalm 37:23 which says, "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord..." Let's not resist God's ordering of our steps.

The BIBLE!

The Bible is the only book whose Author is always present when one reads it. --- Unknown

Psalm 119:103 - 105 says, "How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." God's word means so much to us. It is hard to imagine life without it. His word is sweet to our taste, gives us understanding which helps us identify and hate every false way, and is a lamp that lights our path. Can we imagine life without God's word? Is God's word truly important in our lives? Do we do the word or do we just listen to it? Thank you God for your word.

How many do we know who are like this?

According to Philippians 3:3 we Christians who do the following, are the true circumcision:

1. Worship God in the spirit,

2. Rejoice in Christ Jesus.

3.Have no confidence in the flesh.

How many do we know who are like this?

Harvest field

Use me, God, in Thy great harvest field,
Which stretcheth far and wide like a wide sea;
The gatherers are so few; I fear the precious yield
Will suffer loss. Oh, find a place for me!
Christina G. Rossetti

May God place each of us in the field where good fruit will come forth.

A very small marigold!

I sat looking at the beautiful flowers in my wife's garden and marveled at how lovely the flowers were. Even though it was now the fall season and many flowers had faded, there were still flowers shining out their beauty for all to see. As I leaned forward in my chair I spotted a very small marigold sparkling forth with life. This was no normal marigold, this marigold was not even the size of an eraser on the end of a pencil and yet there it was in the front of the taller flowers being fully open and as beautiful as, if not more so than all of the other flowers. The gold with red center was striking in color enabling this very small flower to bless me as I saw it, the same way the rest of the flowers did. In God's kingdom we are all beautiful and a blessing to others, with no one to big and no one to small and everyone just right, (This thought came from a story that Chuck Swindoll wrote in his book, "Growing strong in the Seasons of Life". Hopefully we all will be able to see a very small marigold the same way we see the larger and more dominant flowers. I also hope we can see the grace shining forth in all of our brothers and sister as well . Blessings to you all.

It is like licking honey off of a thorn!

Someone once said, "living can be like licking honey off of a thorn." Jesus said in 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." As we walk with Jesus day by day, we will have peace in the midst of all the tribulation that the world throws at us. Jesus overcame it all and so can we through him.

Keep your eye on the mark!

I watched a teenager standing at the bus stop, only he wasn't standing, he was walking around and around in circles. I'm not sure what he was doing but he sure wasn't getting anywhere. Someone once told me "if a person aims at nothing in life, it is sure he will hit nothing." We need to keep our eyes on the mark in these difficult times.

In Hebrews 12: 1-4 we read the following words that will help keep us from going around and around in circles and help keep our eyes on the mark, "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood striving against sin." May the Lord help us all to keep looking unto Jesus who is the author and finisher of our faith.

A fork in the road

I remember the time that our family was traveling to Phoenix and we decided to take a different route. We have traveled from Colorado to Phoenix many times throughout the years and were looking for some different scenery. So off of our regular route we go and turned west at Walsenburg and were soon in the SW edge of New Mexico and were heading west out of Shiprock. We decided that we were going to cut across the Navajo nation. I chose what I thought would be a good route and headed south. We stopped for gas and I asked for directions and the attendant said to turn right at the fork in the road which had a sign. We came to a fork in the road and sure enough there was a sign written in Navajo on a scrap piece of wood. I stopped and we looked at the sign which didn't make sense to us, and decided that it just might be a sign for a family reunion for all we knew. I continued straight and sure enough, we had missed our turn which took us several extra hours to reach or designation. We did see a lot of new scenery on that trip, and all it took was a lot of extra time. The moral of the story? You decide.

We have been given a map to guide us throughout our journey here on earth. It is God's word, the Bible which is also a love letter to us from God. It has a simple plot with one hero, Jesus, one villain, Satan, and one purpose, showing us how to live our lives glorifying God and being victorious over Satan so that we receive eternal life. As we travel on this journey, let's follow the directions, which tell us that Jesus is the only way to get to God and heaven, and accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Are we checking our maps daily to refresh ourselves with the course that we should be on?

Thank you for your prayers. On Wednesday I received, through surgery, radiation seed implants into the cancer that is in my prostate gland. Please pray with us that the seeds will do their job. Thank you! Hope you have a good weekend. Blessing to you.

Four F's for our consideration!

The enemy of our soul attacks us many ways. Listed below are four ways he tries to get us off track.

1. Fret not thyself because of evil doers - This is found in Psalm 37:1. It is really easy to get our eyes off of God and on those who do evil. God is watching everyone and will judge all.

2. Fear not - Luke 12: 32 says, "Fear not little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the Kingdom." Once again we should keep our eyes on the Lord and not on those things in the world that are fearful to us for God will give us the Kingdom and all things that we need, and He never leaves us or forsakes us.

3.Faint not - Luke 18: 1 says, "And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint." He said for us not to grow weary with well doing for we will reap if we don't faint. The road can be hard and wearisome, but no cause to faint and give up.

4. Forget not - Satan wants us to forget God and all that He has done for us. In Psalm 78: 11 it reads, "And forgot his works, and his wonders that he had shown them." A familiar song says, count your blessings name them one by one, count your blessings and see what God has done... Do we view ourselves as blessed by God?

Set us afire!

Set us afire, Lord, stir us, we pray --- while the world perishes, we go our way
Purposeless, passionless, day after day, set us afire, Lord, stir us, we pray!

Unknown

The valley of death

I have often been asked to read the 23rd Psalm beside the bed of a hospital patient or nursing home patient. It was also requested often at the death of a loved one and then at the following funeral. It is very comforting but it is also challenging for us. Take verse 4 for an example, it reads like this, "Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." I have to walk through the valley of the shadow of death and so do you, we all do. As I take this walk I have to have no fear of evil and so do you, we all do. The way we make it through this death or near death experience is to know that we know that the Lord Jesus Christ is walking with us as our Lord and Savior. His rod and staff comfort us even as we face death. You would be surprised to know just how many people think that they won't die. Facing the reality of death is beyond them for they have no hope beyond the grave. They ignore death as though it will never happen to them. Some Christians, according to God's word, will be raptured from this earth to be with the Lord forever. Some Christians will be alive when Jesus returns for us but multitudes more will have gone to their grave with the hope of being resurrected and having a glorified body. It is important for all of us to be ready for death and/or the rapture. Are you ready? Do you know that you know that all is well with your soul? I hope and pray that we all do.

Who are we refreshing?

This hot summer sure has been hard to handle. It is always welcome when God sends us showers of refreshing. Our current weather report indicates that showers are on the way. PTL!
In I Corinthians 16: 17 -18 it says, "I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied. For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such." These three brothers showed up and refreshed Paul's spirit. In the Amplified Bible in verse 18 of the same chapter Paul said, "For they gave me respite from labor and rested me and refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Deeply appreicate and thoroughly know and fully recognize such men." If we, as Jesus said, have rivers of living water flowing out of our innermost being, we will be refreshing to those around us. Who are we refreshing?

Faith filled perspective

Having faith in God, sure gives us a proper perspective. Do you remember the story of David and Goliath? David had faith in God, and that translated into a perspective that caused him to know this about Goliath, this guy is so big I can't miss. David's confidence was in God for God had helped him slay a bear and a lion as he was shepherding his father's sheep, so he knew that God would help him slay Goliath. The outcome was that Goliath was killed by David. How is our perspective when we are facing our Goliath? Do we have faith filled experiences which allow us to know that when God is for us, who could be against us. God will take care of us that is for sure. Can we all say Amen?

Never give up!

Winston Churchill once gave the following nine word commencement address.
"Never give up."
"Never give up."
"Never give up."

In Revelation 21:6-7 we read, "And he said unto me, It is done. I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God and he shall be my son." Let's all be humble, patient, submissive, loving, and thankful children of God that never give up following the Lord.

Man's true needs

A man's true needs, amount to very little. If one have God, food, clothing, and shelter, he has all he needs.

Oh to be His hand extended

A song writer wrote the following chorus.

Oh to be his hand extended, reaching out to the oppressed.
Let me touch Him, Let me touch Jesus.
So that others may know, and be blessed.

I hope and pray that we are all touching Jesus thus making us capable of touching others for Him.

A Castaway

In his letter to the Church at Corinth, the Apostle Paul wrote in chapter 9:24 - 27, "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one the beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." It is important for us to be doers of the word not just hears which will lead us into self deception. We are in a race (battle) for the Lord so let's act accordingly. In I Corinthians 10:12 we read, "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall." I've seen many self deceived castaways in my years as a born again believer. Let's be careful lest we too become a castaway.

What is my life story?

We need to take a look at ourselves and discover why we are the way we are. What has happened in my life that has shaped who I am, why I act or react the way I do, why I believe the things I believe and live out in my life? People are reading our life story everyday. What are they reading? It could be a real testimony of God's grace or we could be grouchy or complaining and cause others to be confused and question our witness of being a child of God.

In Psalm 27:4 David said, "One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple." Do we desire similar things? Let me ask, what is our life story?

Lord, who?

Psalms 15:1 says, "Lord who shall abide in thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill? Do you know what his answer is? Verse 2 - 5 gives us this answer, "He the walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbor, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbor. In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoreth them that fear the Lord. He that swearth to his own hurt, and changeth not. He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. he that doeth these things shall never be moved." When the question, Lord who shall abide in thy tabernacle and dwell in thy holy hill comes up, all that know Christ should be able to say"I will."

Discouragement

How to keep discouragement out of our lives:

1. Remember what God has done for us - Psalm 126:3 says "The Lord hath done great things for us: therefore we are glad." Let's count our blessings as we remember that life isn't over just yet.

2. Recognize what God is doing - Matthew 21:42 says, "Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the Scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes." Jesus is alive and moving in our lives. Do we recognize his hand, provision, and voice in our lives?

3. Rejoice about what God will do - Joel 2:21 says, "Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the Lord will do great things." God is the giver of all good gifts, rejoice for He just keeps on giving and giving.

the father of lies

In John 8 verse 31 Jesus spoke to those Jews which believed on him and his words reproved them and hurt their pride. They began to accuse Jesus and said "we weren't born of fornication, we have one Father even God." Jesus then told them in verse 44, "Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it." We need to remember that the devil is the father of lies and the accuser of the brethren. He is quite busy in this very hour lying and accusing to cause division in the body of Christ. So many don't recognize his voice because they are immersed in today's culture and are used to hearing lies and accusations about others. We are to speak the truth in love and are not to speak lies. How will we identify those who are of the devil? They will be incapable of speaking the truth because they are listening to their father, "the devil, the father of lies".

Sharing with others

I do not ask for mighty words to leave the crowd impressed.
But grant my life may ring so true my neighbors shall be blessed.
I do not ask for influence to sway the multitude;
Give me a "word in season" for the soul in solitude.

Unknown


Lord help us to do unto others as we would have them to do unto us. Lead us to the right ones to share with and may your blessings be upon us as we do.

Mercy

In Ephesians 2:4,5 it says, "But God who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, by grace ye are saved." Praise God for His mercy toward us all. God is so merciful that He would that all were saved. Are we as merciful? Do we want all to be saved or just our family and the ones we like? In Matthew 5 Jesus was speaking and said in verse 7, "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy." I personally want more mercy flowing through me to others. Humans everywhere need mercy, love, and forgiveness. Just as a garden hose is used to water lawns and gardens, so should we water those around us. If we connect the hose to the faucet and turn on the water we are putting water where it will bring life. If we are connected to the Lord, He will turn us on to water the world with mercy, love, and forgiveness.

Rest

Once my hands were always trying,
Trying hard to do my best;
Now my heart is sweetly trusting,
And my soul is all at rest.
A. B. Simpson

Psalm 37:7-a says, "Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him:" It is important for us to learn to enter into the rest that the Lord has for us. Somewhere in the midst of our life, God has a place of rest for all of us. It is difficult at first to see the benefit of resting in Him while we can see so much that needs to be done. As we rest in Him and wait upon Him He will give us the green light when we are to move ahead. Living life one day at a time is really God's approach. This is the day that the Lord has made, we should rejoice and be glad in it. Lord, please help us all to enter into that sweet rest that you have for us.

God is at work!

I may not understand, Lord, but one day I shall see
Thy loving hand was taking pains to fashion me like thee.
Unknown

It is good for us to remember that God is definitely at work in our lives to make us into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. So we should be extra careful when things aren't going the way we would prefer, not to be resisting the Lord's will for our lives.

Three points of immaturity

In Hebrews 5:11 and following we find three points that indicate immaturity:

1. Dull in your spiritual hearing and sluggish, even slothful in achieving spiritual insight as found
in the Amp Ver. James 1:19 says, "Understand this my beloved brethren. Let every man be
quick to hear, a ready listener...." It is quite a shame to not be able to hear what the Lord
is saying. Are we seeking to hear what God is saying day by day?

2. The inability to share the word. Hebrews 5:12 speaks of those who should be teaching others
still need to be taught themselves. Hearing the word and doing it, insures growth in our
lives.

3. Poor diet. Hebrews 5:12 in KJV says in the latter part of the verse, "and are become such as
have need of milk, and not strong meat." Verse 13 & 14 continues by saying "For every one
that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat
belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses
exercised to discern both good and evil." We need to put the milk glass down and eat the
meat of God's word. Growing up, or maturing if you will, is sure hard on us all, but vitally
important.

A different world

The world we live in would sure be a much better place to live if folks just did it God's way. If we all aligned our lives with the precepts of God's word, life here would be like heaven. In James 1:19 it says, "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath." Imagine every man quick to hear. Most aren't even listening any longer than it takes them to think of something to say themselves. The Bible instructs us to hear the whole matter before we speak. How can we give a valid input without all of the facts before us? Let's be slow to speak, then we might have something of value to add. Finally, we need to be slow to wrath or to get angry. In this hour the world with all of it's confusion is putting tremendous pressure on all of us. People are living with short- fused tempers. Some have run others off of the road or taken a gun and shot at them because of what is called road rage. We Christians should be an example of Christlike living so that the world can plainly see the righteous way to live life. It would create a different world if all of us were doers of God's word.

What is important to you?

In the Amplified Bible in James 1:9-11 says, "Let the brother in humble circumstances glory in his elevation (as a Christian, called to the true riches and to be an heir of God); And the rich (person ought to glory) in being humbled (by being shown his human frailty), because like the flower of the grass he will pass away. For the sun comes up with a scorching heat and parches the grass; its flower falls off and its beauty fades away. Even so will the rich man wither and die in the midst of his pursuits." The footnotes on these verses in the Life Application Study Bible by Tyndale says, "The poor should be glad that riches mean nothing to God; otherwise these people would be considered unworthy. The rich should be glad that wealth means nothing to God, because wealth is easily lost. We find true wealth by developing our spiritual, not our financial assets. God is interested in what is lasting (our souls), not in what is temporary ( our money and possessions)." In Matthew 16:26 Jesus says, "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

Warm reassuring hugs

Lynn Floyd told the following story, One summer night during a severe thunderstorm a mother was tucking her small son into bed. She was about to turn the light off when he asked in a trembling voice, 'Mommy, will you stay with me all night?' Smiling, the mother gave him a warm reassuring hug and said tenderly, "I can't dear. I have to sleep in Daddy's room." A long silence followed. At last it was broken by a shaky voice saying, "The big sissy!" This is a really cute story and we all relate to receiving a warm reassuring hug that didn't seem to be quite enough. Scripture tells us in Psalm 61: 1-3, "Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy." God has been a shelter for us and will be as we cry out to Him for help. Do you need something beyond a hug? If so, I send this short devotional. God loves you!

Speaking like Jesus

Have you ever noticed that Jesus never talked about any personal possessions? He spoke of such things as:

1. My Father
2. My friends
3. My disciples
4. My Church
5. My name
6. My words
7. My sheep
8. My joy
9. My peace

How much would our conversations have to change if we spoke as Jesus did?

Pleasing God

In I Thessalonians 4:1 in the Amplified version it says, "Futhermore, brethren, we beg and admonish you in (virtue of our union with) the Lord Jesus, that (you follow the instructions which) you learned from us about how you ought to walk so as to please and gratify God, as indeed you are doing; that you do so even more and more abundantly -- attaining yet greater perfection in living this life." Nothing like an obedient child. The father and mother are really pleased by the obedience of the child. God is gratified and pleased by your and my obedience. Obedience brings blessing into our lives. Isaiah 1:19,20 KJV says, "If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it." God loves our obedience and He also loves our willingness as stated in the above scripture. God hates sin, so He hates our refusal to obey and our rebellion, in fact it is stated that those acts bring us to the place of being devoured with the sword. Our obedience brings blessing while our disobedience brings cursing or death into our lives. The choice is ours to make.

Strength

Proverbs 24: 10 says, "If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small." There is so much going on in life that we must be careful or we will be fainting because of all the evil surrounding us. Evil is getting worse and worse in all arenas of life. People have no guiding light to keep them on the path of righteousness so they do and say just what feels right to them at the moment. The solution to keep us from fainting when trouble has our address is found in Psalm 27:1 which says, "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid." In verse 5 of this same chapter it says, "For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock." When trouble knocks on our door we need to turn to the Lord Jesus Christ and he will be a very present help in our time of need.

The Choice is ours!

How has it gone for you lately? Have you sensed God's presence in your life? Is His word alive to you as it feeds your soul? Maybe things haven't gone well for you and God seems a zillion miles away and His word is putting you to sleep. What could be causing these problems? Could it be sin in your life? We are given the choice daily to choose to follow God or to follow Satan's leading or follow the lust of our own flesh. Are we consistent in choosing to follow God? The choice is ours and should reflect just where our hearts are. The children of Israel were told in Joshua 24: 15 "...choose you this day whom ye will serve." Will you choose with me to say as Joshua did, "as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." The choice is ours!

Come!!!

She stood in the doorway calling out to her children to come in out of the rain. After awhile with much pleading they were all in the safety of their home. It was then that mother said to them in the form of a question, "don't you have enough sense to come in out of a storm?" The children replied, "but mother, we were having so much fun and didn't want to stop."

They stood in the doorways of life calling to the people to come in out of the storm. They pleaded, begged, reasoned, prayed, and tried to persuade, but all to no avail. The people just wouldn't listen for they were having so much fun. Then the prophets wept over the people, for they would not listen, hear, or respond. They didn't believe they could lose their own soul by trying to gain the whole world, and after all "everyone was doing it." The allure and temptations of the world are real and powerful, ever enticing and snaring soul after soul. So the prophets cried out and will continue to cry out for the people to turn their backs on the world's so called joys and pleasures and come to the the Father's house - to come in out of the storm. Safe from the traps and snares and allurements, realizing that the world's glitter isn't the gold and silver of God's Kingdom. Are you in the storm? Come to the Father's house and you'll be safe and secure. Come for the Spirit beckons you. Come!!!

Mercy!

A most familiar portion of scripture from John 3: 16 says, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." God gave his Son to give us undeserved mercy, that is if we believe in him. I'm thankful for God's wonderful mercy for we all need it. It is important that we grasp this mercy issue. Everyone of us deserve to die for we all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. In Matthew 5: 7 it says, "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy." The next time we are tempted to sit in judgment on someone, let's remember to show mercy. I have heard many of us at times speak of one of our fellow sojourners in a less than merciful way. We will all need mercy extended to us many times in our lives so it is important to give mercy to others. Oh by the way, mercy means extending compassion to an offender. May God continue to have mercy on us all.

I look to thee

I look to thee in every need
And never look in vain;
I feel thy strong and tender love,
And all is well again:
The thought of Thee is mightier far
Than sin and pain and sorrow are.

Discouraged in the work of life,
Disheartened by its load,
Shamed by it failures or its fears,
I sink beside the road;
But let me only think of Thee,
And then new heart springs up in me.

Thy calmness bends serene above
My restlessness to still;
Around me flows thy quickening life,
To nerve my faltering will;
Thy presence fills my solitude;
Thy providence turns all to good.

Embosomed deep in Thy dear love,
Held in Thy law, I stand;
Thy hand in all things I behold,
And all things in Thy hand;
Thou leadest me by unsought ways,
And turn'st my mourning into praise.

Samuel Longfellow

What breaks our fellowship?

In the past week we had the blessings of visiting with some new friends as well as some that we have known for some time. When we are walking with the Lord we have so much in common and fellowship naturally takes place. In 1 John 1: 5-7 the Bible says, "This is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." What breaks fellowship? Walking in darkness is the answer. Lord help us all to continually walk in the light, and to praise you forever and forever.

The Highway Of Holiness!

Would we like to prosper as the King James Version says in Psalm 1. The amplified explains it a bit further by saying prosper and come to maturity. I'm referring to Psalm 1: 1-3 which says, "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he mediated day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." Being a doer of God's word keeps us on the straight and narrow road that leads to life everlasting. Hope to see you on that road. By the way, I believe that road is called the highway of holiness. (see Isaiah 35)

Renewed Strength!

Isaiah 40 beginning in verse 29, which is speaking of God, says "He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youth shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fail: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." These verses should encourage each of us. Just knowing that God will change and renew our strength and power as we wait, look for, and hope in Him. We have our part in this exchange. Are we waiting?

God is rich in mercy and love

In Ephesians 2 we read beginning in verse 1, "And you hath he quickened; who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But, God who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, by grace ye are saved:" As we gather with other Christians this Sunday let's all remember to praise God for his mercy and love whereby he loved us while we were rooted in sin and disobedience. Praise God that we are saved by grace through faith, we didn't deserve it but God gave it anyway. Oh the mysteries of God and his great love!

Let's pray

Do you have family members, friends, co-workers, neighbors, etc. who don't know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior? Perhaps we all do. I know that I personally have many who have been on my heart to pray for. Are we fervent in prayer for them? God desires that all come to Him through Christ for His word says that He would that all be saved. The book of James 5: 16 says, "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." Let's pray without ceasing.

Forever and ever!

We have just heard of the death of two different men. Both of whom we believe knew the Lord. May the Lord bless the families as they grieve their loss. Psalms 116:15 says, "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." In the Amplified version of the Bible this word precious can mean ( important and no light matter). It is important and no light matter when a believer goes to be with the Lord. Jesus told the thief hanging on the cross next to him who said , remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom, "today you will be with me in paradise". ( see Luke 23:43 ) I have often spoken of the death of a saint as graduation day, the day that we walk across the stage of this world for the last time only to enter into paradise where we will be forever and ever.

I was blind, now I see!

The gospel of John chapter 9 tells the story of Jesus seeing a man who was born blind. His disciples supposed that he was blind because of his sin or the sin of his parents. There are many in the body of Christ that suppose the same thing about someone who is sick or is having troubles. Jesus told them that he was not blind because of sin but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. So the Lord made clay and anointed his eyes with it and then told him to go wash in the pool of Siloam. The blind man went and washed and came back seeing. It would appear that this healing would be the occasion for rejoicing and glorifying God but not with these folks. Some said the blind man was healed while others said it wasn't him that was healed. So the man that was healed had to tell them, I am he. He was questioned by his neighbors and then the Pharisees questioned him. They all wanted to know how he was healed and who had healed him. The Pharisees wanted the man to say that Jesus was a sinner because he had healed on the sabbath, they also wanted his parents to say something bad about Jesus but they only said he was born blind but how he was healed and who did it they didn't say. They said, ask him for he is of age. The healed man said it all when he said, "Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know that whereas I was blind, now I see." You might find it interesting to read again John 9. I can't help but wonder why people have the hardest time receiving God's miracles. They ask questions and analyze it through and through and it seems that most never really believe that God worked in the situation. Let's be careful that we don't have a hardened heart toward God and his working in our lives as well as others. God's workings don't have to fit into our traditions and religion. You never know when God just might do a new thing.

He is always with us!

In Matthew 28: 18 -20 after Jesus was resurrected it says, "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." They are power filled words commissioning us to go and make disciples, baptizing them, and teaching them to be doers of the word. Now the last thing Jesus said is a wonderful blessing to all of us. He said, lo, I am with you always unto the end of the world. He is with us always both now and forever. Always is a long time, much longer than is measurable by man. Praise the Lord for he is always with us.

Life's storms

Matthew 7:24 - 27 says, "Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto 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. And everyone that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it." Let's look at three lessons we can learn from this story about life's storms.

1. Everyone is hit by storms. (v. 25, 27)

2. Everyone has the same instructions. (v. 24, 26)

3. Everyone who acts upon the instructions stands. (v. 24)

These principles were true and necessary when Jesus spoke them in the sermon on the mount, and they are true and necessary today. Are we hearing and doing the teachings of our Lord?

We are being watched

Matthew 5:19 says, "Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven; but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven." Modern Christianity seems to encourage picking and choosing which commandments we will obey. When we are converted and become as little children we hear our Father's commandments and we wouldn't even consider defying our Father's desires. When we do the Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin and we need to repent. Are we or do we know Christians who harbor bitterness against someone and yet bring gifts to the altar and want to worship the Lord? Maybe our sin is that we retaliate when someone strikes us or hurts us. Maybe we don't obey Jesus who taught us to love our enemies, and to bless those that curse us, and to do good to them which despitefully use and persecute us. Our actions or lack of action can be teaching others to do and not do the commandments of the Lord. We are being watched.

Kind and Merciful!

Luke 6: 35 - 36 says, "But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend; hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful." Being kind and merciful to the unthankful and to the evil are surely God's will for our lives for the word says so. What I'm wondering about is, how many of us have reached this worthy place and to what degree?

If it is in there, it will come out.

Jesus in speaking to some Pharisees said in Matthew 12: 34-36, "O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment." If our heart is full of evil things, evil things will come out when we speak. If our heart is full of good things, good things will come out when we speak. All of us like to be around the wise heart for out of it will come wisdom. Do folks like to be around us? Are we speaking words of faith or words of fear? May the Lord fill our hearts with his word.

Meeting with God!

In John 18:1,2 it says, "When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook of Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples. And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus oft-times resorted thither with his disciples."
A garden is a great place to meet God, but you can meet him just as well in a prison cell. Acts 16:25- 27 says, "And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed. And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled." The rest of this story tells how the prison guard got saved and his whole household. The place that we meet with God isn't near as important as the fact that we actually do meet with him daily.

God Is?

God is for us -- that is good
God is with us -- that is better
God is in us -- that is best
Unknown

Romans 8 :31 says, "What shall we say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?"
Hebrews 13:5 says, "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."
Colossians 1:27 says, "To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."
The Bible

Our anchor in times of tribulation.

On the subject of tribulation, Jesus said in 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." In Acts 14:22 we read the following about tribulation, "Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God." The word also tells us that tribulation worketh patience (Romans 5: 3) and patience is certainly needed and good for all of us. Tribulation will be a part of our lives. Most folks spend most of their lives trying to escape tribulation and trying to shelter themselves from it. It is impossible to escape tribulation. We must go through it at times and Jesus has promised to never leave us or to forsake us. He walks arm and arm with us through our times of tribulation. Someone once said that when we feel the stress of the storm, we learn the strength of the anchor. Jesus Christ is our anchor.

God is watching us.

I have noticed others doing it and I have done it many times myself. What I'm talking about is a father's eyes watching his children. They watch with happy hearts as their eyes are on an obedient son or daughter and they watch to insure that their children are safe. They can also watch with sad hearts as their eyes see disobedient children but be assured they watch both the obedient and disobedient children with love in their hearts. Children love to see their fathers watching them, it reassures them of his love for them. Jesus mentioned that sparrows are sold for very little yet not a one of them is forgotten before God. He then said that the very hairs of our heads are all numbered so we are not to fear for we are of more value than many sparrows. The song writer penned words that go something like this, "His eye is on the sparrow and he watches over me". Isn't it wonderful to know that God is watching over us.

The Angels at the front door!

Sunday afternoon the door bell rang and I answered it and there stood two women and a young boy and a young girl. They said that they were working with the Church group that had come from the Louisville, KY area to help in our neighborhood. They were here to offer me new batteries for my smoke alarms. I thanked them and assured them that I had recently changed mine but I really appreciated the fact that they had stopped by. Then they asked if I had any prayer requests. I told them that I had prostate cancer and would they please pray about that. Before they left they asked if it would be okay if they prayed for me right then and I said yes it would be. The youngest of the two women said to the other that she had better take this one for she was blown away with my situation because her husband had just come through prostate cancer treatment himself. The other woman prayed and let me tell you, her prayer was anointed and laced with the wisdom of the Lord. She prayed that I wouldn't miss out on this wonderful gift that God had given me and that I would have ears and eyes to hear and see all that God was teaching me in this hour. Needless to say, I was really blessed and then I closed in prayer for all of them. As we parted ways there were tears in our eyes and a love in our hearts for one another. Later as I thought on the visitors at the door, I decided that they must have been angels of the Lord. Perhaps not the type of angel that is in heaven but the kind that is in the body of Christ, the kind that loves God with all that they have, and loves their neighbor as themselves. I had been loved and blessed beyond measure and I praise God for sending angels to my front door.

House Churches!

In a recent church service that we attended a woman stood and told of a recent visit to see her relatives in China. She spoke of attending several church services and they were all house churches. They did some teaching in one home that had 10 people in attendance on Monday and by Friday evening there were 40 in attendance. She spoke of the revival that is going on there. She said that 3 of her relatives accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior while she was there, and all of this is taking place while the Government is limiting churches as to how many can gather in one service. There is a move of God there and it is happening through house churches. On a personal note, her testimony reminded us of our first ministry which was a house meeting or church as we considered it. It as well was full of life with many young people reaching out and evangelizing the community. I wonder if in these last days those who believe in Jesus Christ as their personal Savior won't be forced to meet in homes or other unique places. It will be interesting to see just how God will provide for his family to gather together to worship him. It is important for Christians to gather together (Hebrews 10:25) to study the word, pray, fellowship, worship, break bread together, and to serve. Are we open to the new that God may do in the days to come?

Pushing and Shoving!

It probably takes place in just about every public school cafeteria across the country. The cafeteria monitor shouts out to the children in line, "no pushing or shoving there is plenty for all", and what do the kids do? They push and shove. It's a me first attitude, the kind we saw last year on the day after thanksgiving that caused a security guard to be killed as he opened the door of a retail store. So many people rushed in to get the super bargains that the poor man was run over and killed. Such is the attitude of sinful man and it will get worse for the word tells us in 2Timothy 3:13, "But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived." It would be wonderful if each of us could be a part of sharing the gospel with some pushers and shovers. Even greater would be their coming to the Lord. There is work to be done and I doubt that anyone will be pushed or shoved out of this work line.

Sin Separates Us!

The world is running to and fro seeking how to get gain and amass a fortune. When is enough, enough? In Matthew 16:26 Jesus asked this question, "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his own soul?" Would we trade our souls for silver and gold or would it take power and fame or the satisfying of some other lust of the flesh? Day by day these exchanges are being made as one by one people decide to live separated from God for eternity. The god of this world is blinding eyes to hinder people from seeing just what is really going on. Remember, it is sin that separates people from God and from one another.

Walking in the light

I John 1:3 says, "That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ." We have probably all been with people who all seem to have some connection and common interest that we don't share with them and that can cause us to feel like outsiders. As Christians we should be able to fellowship with any other Christian, that is, if we are walking in the light as Christ is in the light, then we have fellowship one with another. The above verse indicates that we should be sharing those things which we have seen and heard, of the the Father and of Jesus Christ, with others so that we can have fellowship with them. Just think how wonderful it would be if every human on the planet was walking in the light!

Being with family

We have had company for awhile and visiting with our daughter, her husband, and the grandchildren was really good. Grandchildren are such a tremendous blessing and it is always great to see your children and fellowship with them. In Proverbs 17:6 it says this, "Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers." I'm grateful for our family and just wanted to say so. Blessings to you all.

P.S. Please pray for me as I will soon be undergoing radiation treatments for prostate cancer.

The greatest is always love!

As we celebrate Memorial Day this extended weekend let us all remember those who have given their lives so that we can live in a free nation. The following is from a headstone in Ireland, "Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal." From God's word, John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Jesus said in John 15: 12-13, "This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." The greatest is always love, let's be about loving others as God loved us.

It's time we told them!

Leslie Flynn told the following story. A Vermont farmer was sitting on the porch with his wife. He was beginning to realize how much she meant to him. It was about time - for they had lived together 42 years, and she had been such a help, a very willing worker. One day as they sat together, he said, "Wife, you've been such a wonderful woman that there are times I can hardly keep from telling you." Are there those in our lives that we need to thank for all their help and support? If so, it's time we told them.

In everthing give thanks?

In I Thessalonians 5:18 it says, "In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." In the Amplified Version it says it this way, "Thank God in everything - no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks; for this is the will of God for you who are in Christ Jesus - the Revealer and Mediator of that will." I have personally found this verse quite the challenge throughout my many years of following the Lord as a born again believer. As difficult as it is to do, it is possible with God's help. The bottom line of all that is important seemed to emerge out of Job's story when he said in Job 13: 15a, "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: ..." Could we with thankful hearts, say the same in the hour of need and desperation, "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him."

Raptured tomorrow?

Some are saying that the rapture of the church is about to take place tomorrow and yet on this very topic Jesus said in Matthew 24:36, "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only." The Lord is coming for those who are looking for his return. We should live everyday with an eye on the sky. Come Lord Jesus is our prayer.

Peacemakers!

In the book of James in Chapter 3: 13 - 18 we see these words, "Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? Let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom desendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace." We know that it is written in Matthew 5:9 these words, "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God." Are we called the children of God?

Battleground or Playground?

In time of war soldiers are hardly sitting around arguing about some of the things that the Body of Christ finds to argue about in the hour that we live. We live in such wealth that luxurious living and pleasure seeking have become the norm both in the world and in the Church. Just how has the luxurious living and pleasure seeking life style infiltrated the Church? Satan is the father of lies and has sold many well intended Christians the lie that we are God's children and deserve the best. Truth be known we all deserve to die for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Yes, we are God's children and He does indeed love us, but it is our place to be about His business; not worrying about living a trouble free life of ease, comfort, and excess. We are in a war and need to awaken to the fact that the enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy. This is no time for petty bickering and competitive spirits . We are serving the most high God and should be about dying daily to self and the serving part of our walk. We are living on a battleground not a playground.

Lying to the Holy Spirit

In Acts chapter five we find the story of a couple, Ananias and Sapphira, who sold a possession and decided to hold back some of what they got for it. Ananias took part of what they got and gave it to the apostles saying that it was all that they got for the possession that he and his wife had sold. Peter confronted him for lying to the Holy Spirit and he fell dead and was carried out and buried. His wife came to Peter and was asked how much they got for the possession they sold and she lied to Peter and fell dead as well and was carried out and buried. They didn't have to lie, they could have told the truth but they didn't. They wanted to appear as though they were as generous in their giving as some others had been. What a waste to lie to the Holy Spirit. In verse 11 of this same chapter it says, "And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things." If God were to judge in this same manner today we would have many more disciples sold out to the Lord in all areas of their life. Why, I even believe that we would have a great revival.

God's Timing!

Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8 says, "To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace." We humans sure can be impatient in waiting for God's timing in our lives. If we get to impatient we will move ahead of God's timing and will make a mess of things. Are we aware of what time it is in our lives? Ecclesiastes 8:5 says, "Whoso keepeth the (king's) commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment."

Love Is The Call

In II Timothy 3:1,2 it says, "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, ..." In the last days some men will love themselves so much that they will have no regard for other people or their feelings. They are everywhere in society and never more prevalent than driving down the same streets that we are. They have no sense of treating others the way that they want to be treated and the way they feel that they should be treated. They just do their own thing all the time. Some would say that they are narcissistic in personality which means that they are vain, conceited, having big egos, and extremely selfish. Some characteristics of those having narcissistic personality disorder are: Inflated sense of self importance, belief that they are special, have a sense of entitlement, take advantage of others, lack empathy, envious of others, and behaves in an arrogant and haughty way. We won't have to look far to find people with this extreme self love. Our call is to love God with all that we have and love our neighbor as ourselves, and as we do this, we will stand out to those around us because we will be so different than most of society. Love is the call.

Nothing To Fear!

Psalm 46: 1-3 says, "God is our refuge and strength a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah." When God is our refuge, strength, and present help in trouble we have nothing to fear, not even the horrible things listed in these verses. Nothing to fear, what an awesome thought, for God loves us and His perfect love casts out fear.

Fear Not Believe Only!

Jairus a ruler of the synagogue came to Jesus and fell at his feet asking Jesus to come to his house for his 12 year old daughter was sick and dying. As Jesus was going to Jairus' home, one of Jairus' servants came and told Jairus that his daughter was dead. When Jesus heard it, he said to Jairus in Luke 8:50, "Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole." If you have read this story then you know that Jesus raised her from the dead. He told her to arise and her spirit came again to her and she arose. This is a wonderful story of Jesus stepping in and stopping a storm for these folks. The point that stands out to me today is how Jesus told the father to fear not believe only. It would be good for all of us to remember Jesus' words when we are in any storm of life. I know that I need to fear not and believe only more and more all the time. May the Lord write this upon each of our hearts.

Do You Love Me More Than These?

In I John 2:15-17 it says, "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." Have we been able to hear the Lord when he asked us, do you love me more than this person or that object or that activity? Can we honestly tell the Lord that we love him more than anything?

A good mission report!

I recently received a mission report from a good brother who had taken a team of Christians to Port au Prince, Haiti which was rocked with an earthquake on 1-12-2010. When the team arrived 3-25-11 they found that the city appeared to still be in complete ruins. Their mission was to build a small building for a widow to live in, which they accomplished before leaving. While they were there they attended worship services where the Lord was alive in the hearts of the people. One young man told this brother that on the day the earthquake came, "God received much glory!" for it had caused many people to turn to the true and living God and have professed Christ as their Savior. When tragedy strikes, folks are moved to turn to God in new and fresh ways and as they do God meets them in the midst of it all. Haiti needs a revival and so does America. Which country is worse off, only God knows. Please pray that God would send revival around the world and that many would come to the Lord while there is still time. Thank you God that you are still moving in the hearts of people.

Fired Up!

In reading of the miracle that Jesus did when he cast the legion of demons out of a man, it is absolutely awful how this man was enslaved by Satan and how that caused him to live. This man had these demons for a long time. He was tormented to the place that he wore no clothing, sat crying and cutting himself with stones, had been bound with fetters and chains (although with superhuman strength he broke loose), lived in the tombs and not a house, and was so fierce that no man could pass close to the tombs. After Jesus had cast the demons out of him, the man sat clothed and in his right mind and wanted to go with Jesus. Who could blame him, but Jesus told him in Mark 5:19-20, "Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee. And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel." All men marveled and well they should have. When God takes the vilest of sinners and saves and delivers him, it is certain that his friends would marvel when they saw that he was totally changed. To be transformed by God fires one to the point that they just have to tell all who will listen. Was our salvation experience to the point that it fired us up? I do hope so. I also hope that we are still fired up.

A New Brother In The Lord, PTL!

It is exciting when you hear when someone has come to the Lord. I just read a letter from a good brother and friend who shared how he had been able to lead a man to the Lord recently. This new brother in the Lord is a man that he worked with in the 90's and is now a humble, growing, servant of the Lord. This made me think of God's word in Isaiah 55:11 where it says, "So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." I don't know how you feel to hear this great testimony, but it is a great encouragement to me personally. The Lord has laid on my heart many specific people who either need to be saved or need to return to the Lord. It is good to pray for others and testify to them of our resurrected Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Some plant, some water and God gives the increase. In the situation that I mentioned above, my friend was a significant part of planting, watering, and helping God with the increase. I hope and pray that God will use each of us in a similar way in the near future.

Would God laugh at a calamity in our lives?

God, in speaking about those who didn't respond to his calling them, those who set aside all of his counsel and would do none of it, said in Proverbs 1:26, "I will laugh at your calamity; ..." Man has a hard time submitting to God and his ways. The Bible makes it very clear that we are to live our lives the way God outlines throughout his word. Have you ever wondered what is going on in your life and why things are happening the way that they are? Have you sought the answers in God's word or did you look for answers in a popular Christian book? The Christian book might help some but it can also lead you astray, but not God's word. It is always best to trust your life to God and his word. I don't know about you but I for one never want to hear God laughing at a calamity in my life. I want God to be helping me all the time. I need him every hour, do you?

Good Cheer!

Jesus said that in the world we would have tribulation, but to be of good cheer because he has overcome the world. So many difficult things going on in so many lives, but be of good cheer. When our hearts are overwhelmed let's remember to pray, "lead me to the cross Lord." Happy is the man whose God is the Lord.

Are we looking?

The Pastor was speaking about heaven, about eternal bliss and the joys that are awaiting each person on "the other side". He paused for effect and asked, "How many of you here want to go to heaven?" All hands were raised except for an eight-year-old boy sitting in the front pew. The minister asked, "Don't you want to go to heaven, too, Son?" The boy replied, "Yes, but I thought you were making up a load to go right now." This boy's reply could express the way many Christians think. They want to go to heaven but not just now. Scripture tells us Jesus is coming back for his own. II Peter 3:12,13 tells us to be looking for and earnestly desiring the coming of the day of God. Are we looking?

We will rise again

This is the season where those who are born again are celebrating the life, death, and resurrection of their Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. Yes we believe that God raised Jesus from the dead and that when Jesus left this earth he told his disciples that if he went away, he would come again and receive us to himself. We are to be risen from the grave or raptured if we still are alive at his coming. Are we living as though we know that we will be raptured out of this world or be raised from the grave?

ten to one

In Luke 17 there is found a story of ten lepers which were standing a good distance from Jesus and they called out to him, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us." When he saw them he said, "Go show yourselves unto the priests." As they went as told they were healed. Out of the ten who were healed only one who was a Samaritan came back and with a loud voice glorified God, falling on his face at Jesus' feet giving him thanks. Jesus wondered where the other nine were who were healed, and said, there were ten healed, where are the nine, has only this stranger come back to give glory to God. Jesus told the Samaritan to arise, go your way; your faith has made you whole. This story makes me wonder about who will enter the Kingdom of God. Ten were healed but only one worshiped God and gave Jesus thanks. Do you suppose that for every ten that get saved only one worships God and gives Jesus thanks. So many want God to touch them and after he does they are on their way to other pastures. Are we grateful when touched by God to the point that we want most of all to give thanks and worship God? I pray that we are.

Biased Bigots or Loving Christians?

It saddened me to read the most recent newsletter from our neighborhood committee. Someone submitted a biased and inappropriate joke for the editor to print. The joke made me think about how God would view the situation. I found these words out of Leviticus 19:33-34, "And if a stranger sojourn with thee in your land, ye shall not vex him. But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God." God desires for his children to treat others the way we would want to be treated. He said we are to love others as we love ourselves no matter what country they come from. Heaven is more on my mind each and everyday.

Loving our enemies!

In Matthew 5:44-45 Jesus says, " But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and unjust." We are supposed to love our neighbors as ourselves. I can only speak for myself in saying that God is still working on me in this regard. I still fall in the wrong thought process in fretting about evil doers, but not to worry for God is still speaking to me and I am still listening. So in summary you now know how I am doing in this area, let me ask you, how are you doing?

Jesus' grandmother

Did you read about the little boy who returned home after his first Sunday school class? His mother asked, "Who was your teacher?' and the little boy answered, "I don't remember her name, but she must have been Jesus' grandmother because she didn't talk about anyone else." Does our conversation reflect our love of Jesus? Would our words give away our relationship with him?

Keeping It In Focus

It must be time for me to get my eyes checked again. It has become an annual thing and my prescription changes each year. It was so slight last year that I kept the same lenses. I have found that more light directed on what I'm looking at brings the best results. Hopefully a new prescription will put things back into focus. Just as I'm struggling to have focus when reading, at times some Christian folks struggle to keep life in focus. There are reasons that our lives get out of focus at times. The main reason is the enemy of our soul. In John10:10 the bible says, "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I (Jesus) am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. " Satan wants to steal, kill, and destroy. Jesus wants us to have abundant life, lets choose life. Another reason our lives get out of focus is that we don't do what it says in Philippians 4:8. It says there, that we should think of things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of a good report. Satan is the accuser of the brethren. He delights in getting us to think things about ourselves and others that aren't true or anything close to it. Being in the word of God and doing the word of God is a great source of strength and power. Hebrews 4:12 says, "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 joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." May the Lord help us all to keep our lives in focus.

Gather up the fragments that remain

In the story told in John 6 where Jesus fed 5000 by multiplying the 5 barley loaves, and 2 small fish. Jesus told his disciples in verse 12, "...Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost." To waste food, clothing, or any resource is such tragedy. A New England Proverb goes like this, "use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without". There is so much waste in life that can be avoided. In our lives we have many possessions that we aren't using that could be a huge blessing to someone who needs them. I have personally known several people who have several sizes of clothing in their closets. They keep them because they are sure that someday they will fit again, or because they gave a good deal of money for them, or just because they can. It is our choice how we deal with the abundance in our closets, wallets, or storage units. Perhaps we should look anew at what the Bible says about having 2 coats and seeing someone with none or seeing your brother have need and sending him away telling him that you will pray for him. Great blessings will be found in giving and sharing.

Thanks Be To God

The Apostle Paul wrote the church at Galatia and said in Ch. 1:3-4(KJV), "Grace be to you, and peace, from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father." Jesus gave himself that we might be delivered from this evil world that we live in, which is God's will for our lives. This present world has the alluring power of the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. All we should say is, " thanks be to God who causes us to live victoriously. "

Praise Ye The Lord!

Psalm 149:1 says, "Praise ye the Lord. Sing unto the Lord a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints." In Psalm 50: 1 it says, "Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary:..." As we gather with the body of Christ this weekend we will be praising God in the congregation of saints and in His sanctuary. This is what these verses instruct us to do. It is a privilege to praise God, so let's all do it with all our might.

One Drop!

Colossians 1:14 says, "In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins." It is awesome to have been redeemed by the Lord Jesus Christ through the shedding of his blood on Calvary, and to have even our sins forgiven. We have been reconciled to God by Jesus' actions. Scripture says that without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin (Hebrews 9:22). How much of the Lord's blood did it take? Was one drop enough? The Apostle Paul said that he was the chief of all sinners, and I lay claim on being second place in that respect. If the truth were known we were all great at sinning and we needed Jesus to lay his life down for each of us. In my life I have thought that it took a lot of Jesus' blood for my sins to be forgiven, but I now know that just one drop of that precious blood is all that is needed for even the vilest of sinners. I know people who need to go to Christ to receive redemption through his blood, and I pray for them regularly. Do you know some that need Christ? Please hold them up to God on a regular basis, for we don't know when Christ will return for the redeemed, but we do know that He will.

Do We Trust The Lord?

I remember it well, the pastor was asking for one of the youth to come up on the platform and to help him. A young man shyly went forward. The pastor asked him if he trusted him and he replied, "sure I trust you pastor". The pastor asked him to turn his back toward the pastor and to fall back and he would catch him. Before the youth took the leap the pastor asked him once again if he trusted him and he answered yes. Then the stage was set, the youth was to fall back and trust the pastor to catch him. On the count of three the young man fell back and down toward the floor of the platform he went. The pastor waited until just before he hit the floor and was just about to catch him when the young man fearing that the pastor wasn't going to catch him stepped back and caught himself. They tried one more time with the same results. I related to this example. There are times when God asks us to trust him and we say we will, but God lets us go farther than we feel safe and then we catch ourselves. Do we trust in the Lord? With all our hearts? I hope that we all do, for we will be given plenty of chances to prove it to the Lord and ourselves.

God's Goodness!

In Romans 11:22 it says, "Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou shalt be cut off." Praise God for his goodness for it leads us to repentance (Romans 2:4). It is so good to be in the arms of the Lord, basking in his goodness. Let us all walk in his light and be blessed by his goodness.

Give and it shall be given unto you.

Luke 6:38 says, "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again." Our motive for giving should be love, and when we do give, we lovingly receive in return.

Open Your Hand To The Poor!

In Deuteronomy 15:11 God says to his people, "For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land." In this town where we live there are people standing on the corners with signs in hand asking for help in their hour of need. It is a blessing to see so many reach out to help others. We Christians should be the most giving of all for God gave us his only son to be our savior. We of all people understand what it is like to be needy and yet have someone love us enough to meet our need. Let's all join in with the many that are helping others in this difficult economic hour.

Straining at gnats while swallowing camels

In Matthew 23:23 Jesus said, "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done and not to leave the other undone." Men like rules to follow and keep, for in doing so they feel righteous and justified. On one occasion, Jesus spoke that the greatest commandment is to love God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength, with the second part being loving our neighbors as ourselves.(Mark 12:28-31) It is very important that we not omit the greatest commandment of all. May God help us to correctly see so that we don't do as the scribes and Pharisees, who as Jesus said strained at gnats while swallowing camels.(Matthew 23:24)

Maturity!

Ann Landers once said, "Maturity is the ability to do a job whether or not you are supervised, to carry money without spending it, and to bear an injustice without wanting to get even." I've known several Christians who could grow greatly by heeding her advice. How mature are we?

Freedom!

In Mark chapter 7 Jesus was interacting with the Pharisees and scribes who were upset that his disciples didn't wash their hands before eating. In verse 8 Jesus said, "Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition." In verse 13 he said, "Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye delivered: and many such like things do ye." What are some of the traditions the church has taught through the years? Some might remember different churches stating that Christians shouldn't watch movies, play cards, go mixed bathing(men and women swimming together), dancing, using birth control, or wearing jewelry. In more modern times some have spoken out against premarital dating, watching television, church youth groups, Christmas trees, etc. The Apostle Paul wrote Timothy that in the last days some would depart from the faith giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils even forbidding to marry and commanding to abstain from meat. Our conduct should be to abstain from all appearance of evil, to be holy as God is holy, to not cause our brother to fall, love God and our neighbor as our self. It would be good for each of us to examine our own lives and see if we are in the faith. (II Corinthians 13:5) Works and traditions won't save us nor set us free, but Jesus will.

The Increase!

After Jesus healed the demoniac in Mark 5 and was about to leave, the healed man wanted to go with Jesus. Jesus told him in verse 19, "go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee." In the next verse it says, "And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel." When we do what Jesus says it will bring results to the degree that men will notice in a positive way. Remember some sow, some water, and God gives the increase.

The Word Choked Out?

In Mark chapter 4 as Jesus explained the parable of the sower to the twelve apostles he said in verses 18-19, "And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, and the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lust of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful." Let's watch and pray carefully that the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the lust of other things won't choke out the word that has been sown into our lives. David said it this way in Psalm 119:36-37, "Incline my heart unto thy testimonies and not to covetousness. Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way."

Let's Be Careful

In Mark chapter 1, Jesus heals a leper and tells him to say nothing to any man but to go and present himself to the priest for cleansing. So what does he do? You guessed it I'm sure. Verse 45 says, "But he went out and began to publish it much and to blaze abroad the matter, insomuch that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city..." What was he thinking to be so blatantly rebellious? There is no doubt that he was extremely excited over being healed. Lepers weren't allowed to be close to people so he hadn't been able to be close to his family, but was that an excuse to disobey Jesus. Certainly not! It limited Jesus and was very rebellious behavior. New Christians as well as those who have known the Lord for years have got to learn to yield themselves to God and his word. It is not debatable and not negotiable. We are talking submission here. So many times we are told to do something that we don't want to do or maybe we can't see why or we don't understand. But that is not the issue. We are called to walk with God in obedience to His Word. Let's be careful, for as Psalm 68:6 says, "God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry land." Rebellion doesn't fair well with God. Let's be careful!

One Fundamental

One of the fundamental things that God wants functioning in our hearts and lives is found in Matthew 7:12 and says, "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets." Do unto others what you want them to do to you. It seems simple enough but the question is, are we doing it?

Done or Well Done!

If we are doing our work as unto the Lord we will hear well done thou good and faithful servant. If we are doing our work the fastest way possible, to be done with it, we will hear only done. Which do we have our sights set on?

The time of these things is at hand!

In the first chapter of the book of Revelations in verse three we read, "Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand." Blessed is the one who reads the words of Revelations, blessed are those who hear the words and blessed are those who keep the words, for the time of these things is at hand.
The whole world is in upheaval and turmoil with wars, economic problems, internal strife in nations, relationships failing, etc. This is a difficult hour but we are not alone and we do have the word of God and his precious Holy Spirit to help us find our way. I hope that we are all in the word daily seeking what the Lord would have for us to be doing in this important time.

A Kept Heart Will Receive God's Blessings!

Proverbs 4:23 says, "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." It is mankind who looks at the outside of something or someone, but that is not God's way. He is constantly looking at your heart and mine to see if they are clean and seeking after Him. In Psalm 24: 3-5 it says, "Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation."

Deep Waters!

Someone once said, "God brings men into deep waters, not to drown them but to cleanse them." If this statement true, how long has it been since we were brought into deep waters? It seems that if we have a clean heart that would clearly testify that it wasn't long ago.

On The Right Course?

A sign on the back of a travel trailer read, "If I'm not headed west, stop me and turn me around". Would some loving and concerned Christian stop us and turn us around if we weren't head toward heaven? At times we all need help finding out what direction we are headed. Those are the times our compass is acting up because of some interference. Let's not let anything interfere with our arriving at our desired destination. Lord, please help us all.

Sun shine / Son shine

It was such a warm sunny day today and it isn't even Spring. We sat out and enjoyed the weather and all the people who were outside. When the weather warms and the sun is shining brightly, people just begin to gravitate to the outdoors. They go out to enjoy with much enthusiasm and excitement the sunshine and nice weather. It reminds me how people who come to the Lord act. When Jesus, who is the light to all the world, comes into our lives we become enthused and excited. Of course the difference between these two illustrations is obvious, those who are excited about the nice weather soon are back in their homes when the weather becomes cold and wet. The Christian on the other hand should be enthused to walk in the light and to have fellowship one with another no matter what the circumstance of their life. We should be the people on this planet that are known as the people of joy and yet something happens to the new and excited believer that causes their joy to wane. Let me remind us that the Light of the Lord never loses it's luster or brilliance. If the enthusiasm and excitement subside in a Christian's life guess with me as to who is causing the light to dim. We can stay in the light and warmth of the sun or go indoors where it dims. We can stay in the Light of the Lord and bask in His warmth and presence or we too can move to a place of darkness. The choice is ours to make. Let's walk in the light as He is in the light, and as we do, we can have fellowship one with another day by day no matter what season of life we are in. Let's all let the Son shine in.