(2 Samuel 23:9-10 NIV) “Next to him was Eleazar son of Dodai the Ahohite. As one of the three mighty men, he was with David when they taunted the Philistines gathered at Pas Dammim for battle. Then the men of Israel retreated, but he stood his ground and struck down the Philistines till his hand grew tired and froze to the sword. The LORD brought about a great victory that day. The troops returned to Eleazar, but only to strip the dead.”
If our lives are given to us by The Creator of all Life then who are we to give up when faced with opposition? All the work of God has purpose and I for one am excited to see what He has planned for my life. Yes there will be difficulties and trials and yes as long as I try to control my life I will fall short of God’s plan but if I will trust Him enough to give Him control then the possibilities are endless! I use to wonder what “giving my life as a living sacrifice” looked like but I know now it is simply knowing God by spending time with Him (because I want to), reading His Word on a daily basis, consistent prayer, and a heart filled with worship and thankfulness. A life that is lived this way is a life that is prepared to hear God speak, it is a life that is kept pliable and open to doing God’s will. This life is pleasing to the Father of Lights and if I do nothing more than please my Heavenly Father then in this life I have done enough.
(Hebrews 12:2-3 NIV) “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
Don’t lose heart for the night is darkest just before dawn. Every morning brings with the sunshine new hope and the reminder of God’s love for His children. There is purpose in all that you face and when is all is said and done you will stand before God. Each battle you overcome here below will be a jewel in the crown above and on that day you will lay your crown at Jesus’ feet because the ultimate goal is not what you will receive but in knowing the Savior of all mankind, the real prize is in Him!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Fliers, Runners, and Walkers
(Isaiah 40:29-31 NIV) “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Following Christ and believing He is good doesn’t keep us from experiencing different seasons in our life but it does enable us to go through each situation victoriously! In each person’s walk with Jesus there will be times when they experience blessings beyond explanation. Things seem to just fall into place and there is forward momentum with little resistance. Other times you may not be flying and you are aware of the cost but there are still great strides to run your race. Still other times the enemy presses in and opposition seems to be from every side but Christ gives strength that comes from deep inside propelling you to the mark. Don’t compare yourself to others who may be doing better or you might get discouraged. Don’t compare yourself to others who are struggling for pride comes before a fall but don’t be frozen with indifference either for the Father’s heart is filled with compassion. Jesus said, “If you have seen me then you have seen the Father” (John 14:9) and if Jesus lives in you then you will be moved with compassion that comes from the heart of the Father. When a brother or sister asks for help, as a follower of Christ we are compelled to help them, not only that but Jesus said to love our enemies! (Matthew 5:47 NLT) “If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that.”
So be glad in the Lord for this day He has given. If you are flying high above the earth in His goodness or if you are walking through the valley with darkness all around be mindful for God is with you! You are living in an age of grace – God is with you and you are covered in the love of Jesus! No longer must we go to the temple and see what God’s will is by means of a priest for Jesus intercedes for us in the throne room of God and He sent the Holy Spirit to live within each of our hearts! So be bold, I pray that God increases your territory for His glory, so that others might come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and the work He has done so that they too may have relationship with Him.
Following Christ and believing He is good doesn’t keep us from experiencing different seasons in our life but it does enable us to go through each situation victoriously! In each person’s walk with Jesus there will be times when they experience blessings beyond explanation. Things seem to just fall into place and there is forward momentum with little resistance. Other times you may not be flying and you are aware of the cost but there are still great strides to run your race. Still other times the enemy presses in and opposition seems to be from every side but Christ gives strength that comes from deep inside propelling you to the mark. Don’t compare yourself to others who may be doing better or you might get discouraged. Don’t compare yourself to others who are struggling for pride comes before a fall but don’t be frozen with indifference either for the Father’s heart is filled with compassion. Jesus said, “If you have seen me then you have seen the Father” (John 14:9) and if Jesus lives in you then you will be moved with compassion that comes from the heart of the Father. When a brother or sister asks for help, as a follower of Christ we are compelled to help them, not only that but Jesus said to love our enemies! (Matthew 5:47 NLT) “If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that.”
So be glad in the Lord for this day He has given. If you are flying high above the earth in His goodness or if you are walking through the valley with darkness all around be mindful for God is with you! You are living in an age of grace – God is with you and you are covered in the love of Jesus! No longer must we go to the temple and see what God’s will is by means of a priest for Jesus intercedes for us in the throne room of God and He sent the Holy Spirit to live within each of our hearts! So be bold, I pray that God increases your territory for His glory, so that others might come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and the work He has done so that they too may have relationship with Him.
Monday, April 26, 2010
A sense of awe
(Isaiah 40:26 MSG) Look at the night skies: Who do you think made all this? Who marches this army of stars out each night, counts them off, calls each by name --so magnificent! so powerful!-- and never overlooks a single one?
You don’t have to look very far to realize the earth and all of creation points to the marvelous work of the Creator. Creation itself is witness to the fact of a Creator. From the smallest insect to the largest creature each life is full of wonder. It would be harder to disbelieve than to believe. The book of Job tells of a righteous man who loved God yet God allowed Satan to test him. Though Job did nothing wrong he lost everything but his life. Towards the end Job questioned God’s purpose, this was God’s response…
(Job 38:1-7 NIV) “Then the LORD answered Job out of the storm. He said: "Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge? Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me. "Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone-- while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?”
Job regained his sense of awe and was greatly rewarded far beyond what he had before. We are to never forget God’s authority, even though He is our closest friend and He knows the inner most workings of our hearts, He is still God!
(Proverbs 1:7 NIV) “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.”
When the Bible speaks of fearing the Lord it refers to having the highest regard and reverence for Him. Only then will we begin to understand the things He would have us know. By keeping your sense of awe you stay connected to God’s direction, without it you are left to your own devices. Look at the condition of the world today for many have set out on their own in seek of knowledge but their path leads to destruction. Those who know God, their path is illuminated and leads to life abundant and eternal.
You don’t have to look very far to realize the earth and all of creation points to the marvelous work of the Creator. Creation itself is witness to the fact of a Creator. From the smallest insect to the largest creature each life is full of wonder. It would be harder to disbelieve than to believe. The book of Job tells of a righteous man who loved God yet God allowed Satan to test him. Though Job did nothing wrong he lost everything but his life. Towards the end Job questioned God’s purpose, this was God’s response…
(Job 38:1-7 NIV) “Then the LORD answered Job out of the storm. He said: "Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge? Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me. "Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone-- while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?”
Job regained his sense of awe and was greatly rewarded far beyond what he had before. We are to never forget God’s authority, even though He is our closest friend and He knows the inner most workings of our hearts, He is still God!
(Proverbs 1:7 NIV) “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.”
When the Bible speaks of fearing the Lord it refers to having the highest regard and reverence for Him. Only then will we begin to understand the things He would have us know. By keeping your sense of awe you stay connected to God’s direction, without it you are left to your own devices. Look at the condition of the world today for many have set out on their own in seek of knowledge but their path leads to destruction. Those who know God, their path is illuminated and leads to life abundant and eternal.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Learn to laugh
(Proverbs 17:22 MSG) A cheerful disposition is good for your health; gloom and doom leave you bone-tired.
Some lean toward the side of melancholy, some are deep thinkers and enjoy time alone but to always be gloomy tells others something is out of alignment. Instead of leading others to Christ this person pushes people away! If we believe God is in control and God is good, if we believe that all things work together for good to those who love God (Romans 8:28) then we need to learn to laugh in the face of trouble. Have you ever done all you can do and it still not be enough, then in the midst of striving the Holy Spirit reminds you that God is in control and you just begin to laugh? Others will see you and wonder what’s going on – they cannot understand it. Jesus said, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid.” (John 14:27 NLT)
Today practice laughing though trouble surrounds you and do not forget that God’s joy is your strength. (Psalms 28:7 NIV) “The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.”
When the law was read to the people of Israel terror was struck in their hearts and because of sin they began to weep but Nehemiah told them not to, in fact he said this, (Nehemiah 8:10 NIV) “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
This is a wise lesson and a key ingredient to living a Godly life. So when people come against you do not do likewise but return to them the love that God has given you and draw your strength from God’s joy that passes understanding. If you are called by God to be set apart from the world then expect God to show you a different way to live. The right thing doesn’t always feel natural and therefore we choose to be obedient regardless of our feelings, only then will God’s blessings flow. The children of Israel did not feel like rejoicing but were told to do it anyway. It was only after being obedient that they were blessed. You want a healthy life – God says be cheerful!
Some lean toward the side of melancholy, some are deep thinkers and enjoy time alone but to always be gloomy tells others something is out of alignment. Instead of leading others to Christ this person pushes people away! If we believe God is in control and God is good, if we believe that all things work together for good to those who love God (Romans 8:28) then we need to learn to laugh in the face of trouble. Have you ever done all you can do and it still not be enough, then in the midst of striving the Holy Spirit reminds you that God is in control and you just begin to laugh? Others will see you and wonder what’s going on – they cannot understand it. Jesus said, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid.” (John 14:27 NLT)
Today practice laughing though trouble surrounds you and do not forget that God’s joy is your strength. (Psalms 28:7 NIV) “The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.”
When the law was read to the people of Israel terror was struck in their hearts and because of sin they began to weep but Nehemiah told them not to, in fact he said this, (Nehemiah 8:10 NIV) “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
This is a wise lesson and a key ingredient to living a Godly life. So when people come against you do not do likewise but return to them the love that God has given you and draw your strength from God’s joy that passes understanding. If you are called by God to be set apart from the world then expect God to show you a different way to live. The right thing doesn’t always feel natural and therefore we choose to be obedient regardless of our feelings, only then will God’s blessings flow. The children of Israel did not feel like rejoicing but were told to do it anyway. It was only after being obedient that they were blessed. You want a healthy life – God says be cheerful!
Friday, April 23, 2010
How's your prayer life?
(Psalms 55:1617 MKJV) I, even I, will call to God, and Jehovah will save me. Evening and morning, and at noon, I will pray and cry aloud; and He shall hear my voice.
What does praying mean to you? The Pharisees used it as an opportunity to show how much knowledge they had of the law but were their prayers effective? (Matthew 6:5 MKJV) “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, They have their reward.”
Some pray only when faced with great opposition, like the student who prays right before a test is handed out but does it change the outcome of the test? Prayer is meant to be so much more! The ability to come before the Creator of all life and offer our thoughts, concerns, and requests is mind-blowing! Jesus said, he is the only way to the Father! (John 14:6 MKJV) “Jesus said to him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father but by Me.”
If you know Christ, if you have relationship with the Savior of mankind then you have a friend in God. In this life there will be opposition and heart-ache. We all face these things some will fill the emptiness with stuff, some will be brought to their knees, and some still will find hope beyond all of their hopes and dreams. Prayer isn’t a “have to” it’s a “get to”. It is an honor to walk out your days here on earth with the One who has redeemed your soul, knowing that one day all of God’s children will be called home and on that day you will be able to say I know Jesus and then to see him face to face will be overwhelming and the reward of all that you have endured will be met in that moment!
When Jesus went up in the clouds, after His resurrection, He told how He must return to the Father but He said, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled.”
(John 14:12-19 NIV) “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. "If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever - the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.”
Sometimes prayer is pouring out your heart to God, sometimes it is being silent in His presence but know this He is with you! Draw closer to Him and He will draw close to you. Walking with Christ is not for the weak but I say for the strong for it is in Him true strength is found!
What does praying mean to you? The Pharisees used it as an opportunity to show how much knowledge they had of the law but were their prayers effective? (Matthew 6:5 MKJV) “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, They have their reward.”
Some pray only when faced with great opposition, like the student who prays right before a test is handed out but does it change the outcome of the test? Prayer is meant to be so much more! The ability to come before the Creator of all life and offer our thoughts, concerns, and requests is mind-blowing! Jesus said, he is the only way to the Father! (John 14:6 MKJV) “Jesus said to him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father but by Me.”
If you know Christ, if you have relationship with the Savior of mankind then you have a friend in God. In this life there will be opposition and heart-ache. We all face these things some will fill the emptiness with stuff, some will be brought to their knees, and some still will find hope beyond all of their hopes and dreams. Prayer isn’t a “have to” it’s a “get to”. It is an honor to walk out your days here on earth with the One who has redeemed your soul, knowing that one day all of God’s children will be called home and on that day you will be able to say I know Jesus and then to see him face to face will be overwhelming and the reward of all that you have endured will be met in that moment!
When Jesus went up in the clouds, after His resurrection, He told how He must return to the Father but He said, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled.”
(John 14:12-19 NIV) “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. "If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever - the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.”
Sometimes prayer is pouring out your heart to God, sometimes it is being silent in His presence but know this He is with you! Draw closer to Him and He will draw close to you. Walking with Christ is not for the weak but I say for the strong for it is in Him true strength is found!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
You need discernment
(Hebrews 5:12-14 NLT) You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God's word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn't know how to do what is right. Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.
The maturity of your spiritual life has nothing to do with how long ago you accepted Jesus as Savior but instead with how much you practice His presence! Those who MAKE time to read His Word, pray, worship, and be obedient are the same that are growing and learning to live by faith. I like what Bob Gass said, “You’ll never have real discernment as long as you’re ruled by reasoning.” Your mind cannot understand that of the spirit and therefore will always be opposed to walking by faith but it is by faith that you make progress on this spiritual journey. No wonder God tells us in Hebrews this, (Hebrews 11:5-6 NLT) “It was by faith that Enoch was taken up to heaven without dying--"he disappeared, because God took him." For before he was taken up, he was known as a person who pleased God. And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him.”
As we walk by faith God, through His Holy Spirit gives us discernment, it is how He leads His people but those who are saved and do not have it are as babes who need milk. My friend God wants to take you places that are unknown but whether you get there or not is up to you – will you live by faith or cling to temporary things that bring comfort for but a day? One day all will pass away and only what was done for God will remain, we spend many of our resources investing for tomorrow hear on earth but what happens after that is gone? Have we invested in eternity? I am with you and though I love God with my whole heart I can still give more!
Lord, help me to separate the temporary from the eternal in my daily walk with you. When I hear you call me to step out of the boat and come to you help me not to fear the stormy waters but to step out in faith and when I operate in faith give to me discernment so that I may know which way to go. I know discernment comes through spending time with You, help me not to forsake or trade my time with You for anything! When I’m weak O, Lord carry me for I can walk this path if you are with me. In Jesus name I pray, amen.
The maturity of your spiritual life has nothing to do with how long ago you accepted Jesus as Savior but instead with how much you practice His presence! Those who MAKE time to read His Word, pray, worship, and be obedient are the same that are growing and learning to live by faith. I like what Bob Gass said, “You’ll never have real discernment as long as you’re ruled by reasoning.” Your mind cannot understand that of the spirit and therefore will always be opposed to walking by faith but it is by faith that you make progress on this spiritual journey. No wonder God tells us in Hebrews this, (Hebrews 11:5-6 NLT) “It was by faith that Enoch was taken up to heaven without dying--"he disappeared, because God took him." For before he was taken up, he was known as a person who pleased God. And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him.”
As we walk by faith God, through His Holy Spirit gives us discernment, it is how He leads His people but those who are saved and do not have it are as babes who need milk. My friend God wants to take you places that are unknown but whether you get there or not is up to you – will you live by faith or cling to temporary things that bring comfort for but a day? One day all will pass away and only what was done for God will remain, we spend many of our resources investing for tomorrow hear on earth but what happens after that is gone? Have we invested in eternity? I am with you and though I love God with my whole heart I can still give more!
Lord, help me to separate the temporary from the eternal in my daily walk with you. When I hear you call me to step out of the boat and come to you help me not to fear the stormy waters but to step out in faith and when I operate in faith give to me discernment so that I may know which way to go. I know discernment comes through spending time with You, help me not to forsake or trade my time with You for anything! When I’m weak O, Lord carry me for I can walk this path if you are with me. In Jesus name I pray, amen.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Keep on keeping on
(1 Corinthians 15:58 NLT) So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.
Today I feel the weight of responsibility as a husband, father, and even what one would consider a “Christian” ~ meaning I know in God there is joy and His joy is our strength but I guess selfishly I’ve been waiting on God to move in a certain area of my life and I have seen no movement. I try to move on my own and I feel something holding me, as if He is saying, “Wait.” Part of me wants to be free from all this spiritual growing and get on with my life. It’s not that I doubt His purpose in all of this but I feel I need a mountain top experience soon. The only thing I can do is “keep on keeping on” knowing that He is good and my deliverer is coming soon.
God, I pray that you will replenish me from the inside out. Refresh my soul and bring strength to my spirit so that I might endure to the end of this test. Also renew my mind for it is centered on self-preservation but your Holy Spirit reminds me that my salvation lies not in my hands but yours. Now help me do what feels unnatural and trust you with my whole life. Lord, give me your dream for my life. Allow me to glimpse the grandeur of your purpose and tell me how you have a plan for my life. Help me forget, just for a moment, all the other voices so that I will have a clear connection to the only one that matters in the midst of all of this haze. Lord, carry me away in your arms, even if only for a short while for I need to reconnect with you this day. I will wait upon you for you are my all in all and in you I am complete. Thank you Lord for making me your son for I am in need of nothing outside of you. Only in Jesus can I come to you and let my needs be known, thank you for that. Amen.
Today I feel the weight of responsibility as a husband, father, and even what one would consider a “Christian” ~ meaning I know in God there is joy and His joy is our strength but I guess selfishly I’ve been waiting on God to move in a certain area of my life and I have seen no movement. I try to move on my own and I feel something holding me, as if He is saying, “Wait.” Part of me wants to be free from all this spiritual growing and get on with my life. It’s not that I doubt His purpose in all of this but I feel I need a mountain top experience soon. The only thing I can do is “keep on keeping on” knowing that He is good and my deliverer is coming soon.
God, I pray that you will replenish me from the inside out. Refresh my soul and bring strength to my spirit so that I might endure to the end of this test. Also renew my mind for it is centered on self-preservation but your Holy Spirit reminds me that my salvation lies not in my hands but yours. Now help me do what feels unnatural and trust you with my whole life. Lord, give me your dream for my life. Allow me to glimpse the grandeur of your purpose and tell me how you have a plan for my life. Help me forget, just for a moment, all the other voices so that I will have a clear connection to the only one that matters in the midst of all of this haze. Lord, carry me away in your arms, even if only for a short while for I need to reconnect with you this day. I will wait upon you for you are my all in all and in you I am complete. Thank you Lord for making me your son for I am in need of nothing outside of you. Only in Jesus can I come to you and let my needs be known, thank you for that. Amen.
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