(Psalms 1:1-3 NLT) “Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.”
Our motives are at least as important as our actions. Two men can do the same thing, one with a righteous motive and one with a wicked motive and only one be justified by God. When we feel compelled to take action it is good to examine the reasons why. Have you ever been corrected by someone placed over you who does it in such a way as to make himself look better? Take the same situation; have ever been corrected by someone who is sincere about seeing you do better? Which one was right? How did you feel after each situation? Which one made you want to work harder and which one hindered your work? Which one do you want to follow? This passage in Psalms is talking about taking a stand for righteousness, even if you’re the only one. This person’s strength is renewed by the Lord, bearing fruit and prospering in all they do not just because of his actions but his motives as well. The word “delight” gives insight to this person’s heart, he loves nothing more than to please God and God is faithful to bless His servant.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Faithful steps
Sometimes the smallest things have the greatest purpose. Doing what is right by loving your neighbor, helping without being asked, being thoughtful of other’s needs, in the same way reading scripture and practicing time alone with God through prayer and meditation, all these things impact your situation more than you realize. Why, because by doing these things you are saying, “God I trust you to take care of me.” You effectively place your life in God’s hands as you remain faithful to the things He has given you to do. Opposing that is a life that is stratagized, controlled, and well laid. This life can appear to be the very bases of success but inside there is a gaping hole because this man has set his life apart from God. You see God created everything.
(Psalms 89:11 NLT) “The heavens are Yours, and the earth is Yours; everything in the world is Yours--You created it all.”
Yes, the rich man, the self-made man has many resources he has laid up for himself but in comparison to what belongs to God it is nothing!
(Luke 12:13-20 NLT) “Then someone called from the crowd, "Teacher, please tell my brother to divide our father's estate with me." Jesus replied, "Friend, who made Me a judge over you to decide such things as that?" Then He said, "Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own." Then He told them a story: "A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. He said to himself, 'What should I do? I don't have room for all my crops.' Then he said, 'I know! I'll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I'll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. And I'll sit back and say to myself, "My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!"' "But God said to him, 'You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?'”
When we’re busy ourselves for the gain of riches we lose the essences of the very thing we are trying to improve upon. It’s a hunger that cannot be satisfied, meaning nothing we obtain will satisfy us for very long but God says, come and drink and thirst no more (John 4:14). He made us to have relationship with Him and nothing can replace that. In the act of laying down our concerns and coming to rest at the feet of Jesus something happens beyond our control – the blessings of God flow and these blessings cannot be measured!
(Psalms 89:11 NLT) “The heavens are Yours, and the earth is Yours; everything in the world is Yours--You created it all.”
Yes, the rich man, the self-made man has many resources he has laid up for himself but in comparison to what belongs to God it is nothing!
(Luke 12:13-20 NLT) “Then someone called from the crowd, "Teacher, please tell my brother to divide our father's estate with me." Jesus replied, "Friend, who made Me a judge over you to decide such things as that?" Then He said, "Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own." Then He told them a story: "A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. He said to himself, 'What should I do? I don't have room for all my crops.' Then he said, 'I know! I'll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I'll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. And I'll sit back and say to myself, "My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!"' "But God said to him, 'You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?'”
When we’re busy ourselves for the gain of riches we lose the essences of the very thing we are trying to improve upon. It’s a hunger that cannot be satisfied, meaning nothing we obtain will satisfy us for very long but God says, come and drink and thirst no more (John 4:14). He made us to have relationship with Him and nothing can replace that. In the act of laying down our concerns and coming to rest at the feet of Jesus something happens beyond our control – the blessings of God flow and these blessings cannot be measured!
Monday, July 25, 2011
Insight enough for Thankfulness
No matter what season we are going through in our life there is reason enough to show gratitude, for even in the valley God is with us. We are loved and protected even though we are not perfect; it was this way with Jacob. Though he tricked his brother and had to run away because of his brother’s great anger God loved Jacob and protected him. Jacob was over his household and this is what he told them,
(Genesis 35:3 NLT) “We are now going to Bethel, where I will build an altar to the God who answered my prayers when I was in distress. He has been with me wherever I have gone."
Thankfulness is the response of a person who has insight into their own need for a Savior full of grace and mercy and it brings us into communion with the Father when we need Him most! Living with in a state of thankfulness is not just for the times when we are in the valley but mountaintops as well. Yes, there are times when Father God will lead us through the deep forest of faith where we are tested in order to bring us to the mountain of courage. Here He shows us a humble footpath leading upward and though it is treacherous at times we sense there is purpose in it and that we are not alone; we have come too far to turn back now. In this time the faith that was gained proves to be good and necessary, this experience too we will find is necessary for where He is leading us next but before that comes rest. As we reach the end of the footpath we come the summit of peace. In the awe of it all we look around, hardly able to believe this place exists. Then we look out over the valley where we once were and see evidence of God being with us. For many times we were close to pitfalls and snares that could not have been navigated without an experienced guide. At that moment it all comes together and all the questions why seem so small and remote. Looking the other direction we see places that we have not yet gone but somehow we know standing in this place we will endure whatever comes our way. Through it all what we are gaining a rich relationship and love with the One who guides us. All of this is possible because of a thankful heart!
(Colossians 2:7 NLT) “Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”
(Genesis 35:3 NLT) “We are now going to Bethel, where I will build an altar to the God who answered my prayers when I was in distress. He has been with me wherever I have gone."
Thankfulness is the response of a person who has insight into their own need for a Savior full of grace and mercy and it brings us into communion with the Father when we need Him most! Living with in a state of thankfulness is not just for the times when we are in the valley but mountaintops as well. Yes, there are times when Father God will lead us through the deep forest of faith where we are tested in order to bring us to the mountain of courage. Here He shows us a humble footpath leading upward and though it is treacherous at times we sense there is purpose in it and that we are not alone; we have come too far to turn back now. In this time the faith that was gained proves to be good and necessary, this experience too we will find is necessary for where He is leading us next but before that comes rest. As we reach the end of the footpath we come the summit of peace. In the awe of it all we look around, hardly able to believe this place exists. Then we look out over the valley where we once were and see evidence of God being with us. For many times we were close to pitfalls and snares that could not have been navigated without an experienced guide. At that moment it all comes together and all the questions why seem so small and remote. Looking the other direction we see places that we have not yet gone but somehow we know standing in this place we will endure whatever comes our way. Through it all what we are gaining a rich relationship and love with the One who guides us. All of this is possible because of a thankful heart!
(Colossians 2:7 NLT) “Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Worship in Surrender
Lord, you have brought me to this place so that I may worship You. Sometimes this place is surrounded by storms, sometimes the path is treacherous, but this place is always filled with peace! Amazing as that is I know it’s not because of the space but because where You are is holy and because of You I find my only true rest. Like king David said, “For You are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me.” In this place I can feel the passion of the Father’s heart for me, in this place the lies of the enemy dissolve and melts away and I am free to listen to Your instruction. Too many times I’ve tried to make it on my own and as many times I have missed the mark yet You wait for me and I know You long for me to lay it down so that I may know Your purpose.
Father teach me to pray, may my prayers be an extension of my heart and may my heart yield to the molding of the Master’s hand. Lord, at times I allow fear to control me but it’s then I realize my gaze is no longer where it should be... (Job 22:23-30 NLT) “If you return to the Almighty, you will be restored--so clean up your life. If you give up your lust for money and throw your precious gold into the river, the Almighty Himself will be your treasure. He will be your precious silver! "Then you will take delight in the Almighty and look up to God. You will pray to Him, and He will hear you, and you will fulfill your vows to Him. You will succeed in whatever you choose to do, and light will shine on the road ahead of you. If people are in trouble and you say, 'Help them,' God will save them. Even sinners will be rescued; they will be rescued because your hands are pure." This advise was given by a well-meaning friend in time of trouble and though in the end the friend was rebuked what he spoke here is still true. How do I “clean up” my life? Surrender.
God you said that You would bless those who are poor and realize their need for You, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs! I understand now when Peter said, “Then wash my hands and head as well, Lord, not just my feet!” If I must be brought low so that You can lift me up then so be it. Who am I to argue with the One who gave me life? Surrender that comes in battle brings pain and suffering but surrendering in worship to the Lord God is sweeter than honey and brings new life and purpose! Today I will dwell in the house of the Lord and peace will be mine, not because of anything I have done but because of the treasure I have found in You, O Lord. Be blessed, for I am Yours!
Father teach me to pray, may my prayers be an extension of my heart and may my heart yield to the molding of the Master’s hand. Lord, at times I allow fear to control me but it’s then I realize my gaze is no longer where it should be... (Job 22:23-30 NLT) “If you return to the Almighty, you will be restored--so clean up your life. If you give up your lust for money and throw your precious gold into the river, the Almighty Himself will be your treasure. He will be your precious silver! "Then you will take delight in the Almighty and look up to God. You will pray to Him, and He will hear you, and you will fulfill your vows to Him. You will succeed in whatever you choose to do, and light will shine on the road ahead of you. If people are in trouble and you say, 'Help them,' God will save them. Even sinners will be rescued; they will be rescued because your hands are pure." This advise was given by a well-meaning friend in time of trouble and though in the end the friend was rebuked what he spoke here is still true. How do I “clean up” my life? Surrender.
God you said that You would bless those who are poor and realize their need for You, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs! I understand now when Peter said, “Then wash my hands and head as well, Lord, not just my feet!” If I must be brought low so that You can lift me up then so be it. Who am I to argue with the One who gave me life? Surrender that comes in battle brings pain and suffering but surrendering in worship to the Lord God is sweeter than honey and brings new life and purpose! Today I will dwell in the house of the Lord and peace will be mine, not because of anything I have done but because of the treasure I have found in You, O Lord. Be blessed, for I am Yours!
Friday, July 22, 2011
No Idols
(Leviticus 19:4 NLT) "Do not put your trust in idols or make metal images of gods for yourselves. I am the LORD your God.”
God’s Word warns us not to make idols for ourselves many times and instantly my mind says, “Whew, I’m glad I don’t have to be concerned about that, after all there are no golden calves in my house or yard!” But what of those things in my heart or the things that fill my thoughts throughout the day? O, to be single minded and whole hearted in my following after the Lord, my God!
Do you ever wonder why it is so hard to concentrate on things that you know are important? I find most people, one time or another have put so many things on their plate they become distracted from their true purpose. Just as spending money indicates to true condition of our hearts, the way we spend our time tells of the thoughts we have filled our minds with. Here is a revealing question – with an honest heart can I say the way I spend my time (and money) is pleasing to my Heavenly Father? We all have times when the answer would be “no” but that’s not the end of the world it just means we need God to help us change, we’ve tried living life ourselves and it doesn’t go well without Him. Those who realize that and make the life-change to trusting God’s leading are blessed because the Holy Spirit has revealed what is right to them.
(Matthew 6:33 NLT) “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.”
God’s Word warns us not to make idols for ourselves many times and instantly my mind says, “Whew, I’m glad I don’t have to be concerned about that, after all there are no golden calves in my house or yard!” But what of those things in my heart or the things that fill my thoughts throughout the day? O, to be single minded and whole hearted in my following after the Lord, my God!
Do you ever wonder why it is so hard to concentrate on things that you know are important? I find most people, one time or another have put so many things on their plate they become distracted from their true purpose. Just as spending money indicates to true condition of our hearts, the way we spend our time tells of the thoughts we have filled our minds with. Here is a revealing question – with an honest heart can I say the way I spend my time (and money) is pleasing to my Heavenly Father? We all have times when the answer would be “no” but that’s not the end of the world it just means we need God to help us change, we’ve tried living life ourselves and it doesn’t go well without Him. Those who realize that and make the life-change to trusting God’s leading are blessed because the Holy Spirit has revealed what is right to them.
(Matthew 6:33 NLT) “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.”
Sunday, July 17, 2011
The Lost Son (Luke 15:11-32)
Father God does not cause bad things to happen because of one’s disobedience but rather it is the disobedience that because of the law of sowing and reaping trouble becomes the neighbor of the disobedient. However, Jehovah is a great God and His love is beyond comprehension. It is because of this great love for us that He is able to use that which the enemy has intended for destruction for our own good! Yes it was the prodigal son’s actions and the effects of which that brought him to the brink of destruction but it was also the very thing that allowed him to hear God’s Holy Spirit call him back to the Father because prior to that his heart was filled with pride, thinking he knew better than anyone else what was best for his own life. I hate to say it but we do the same with God. O, it starts out innocent enough you’ve had a hard day so you don’t read your Bible or you watch TV instead of invest time with you wife and children, honestly you’re looking for an easy way out, an escape but that is wrong. What makes it even worse are those who recognize your faults and are more than glad to point them out to you. Even worse than that are those who pretend to care but instead stir up trouble by making it their business to tell others how you don’t measure up, blind to their own shortcomings (Matthew 7:3). I believe this person has paid a great price and will not fully be aware of it until the end though its not because God isn’t speaking to them too. Things like this only push us further away, making us feel isolated and unforgivable but God has a plan and He is bigger than all of that. Ultimately, we too are turned back to the Father because of the desperation we face living in our own strength. In the act of coming home we find that God has been waiting and watching for our return and the first thing we see is Him running towards us with arms open wide!
Why is it wrong to look for an escape from a life that is difficult at times? Because the difficulties are there to point us towards God, so that we might trust Him and see His deliverance but by looking and finding an escape we short-circuit God’s plan for our lives. Yes life can be difficult but if we hold onto Him we have His promise that He is making us into something we cannot be on our own and that something has great purpose in God’s story!
Why is it wrong to look for an escape from a life that is difficult at times? Because the difficulties are there to point us towards God, so that we might trust Him and see His deliverance but by looking and finding an escape we short-circuit God’s plan for our lives. Yes life can be difficult but if we hold onto Him we have His promise that He is making us into something we cannot be on our own and that something has great purpose in God’s story!
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