Trusting in God's timing, and wake up call.

Today's reading: "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him." Psalm 37:7

I guess I have much to learn about waiting on Jesus. There is much going on in my life right now. Just when I think I am okay, I am not okay, and then I feel restless, and thoughts pop inside my brain like fireworks. I feel caught off guard to say the least. But, I am remaining prayerful daily, about everything. One of the new things that is really helping me each day is when I rise in the morning is saying, "Good morning God!" He is the creator of our days and our nights. What a better way to get the day started than to acknowledge God and his goodness. 

Right now, I know God is at work. It would seem there is something I must wait upon Him for, that only He can provide. Today, I let myself lose sight of God's timing on things, and realize now that I need to trust in God's timing, because it is always right. One of the things we, as Christians, do, is start doing things before asking God if it is His will for us to be doing something. For me, it was a matter of impatience. Impatience is caused by fear, and not being in control. I had to surrender what I was feeling to God today, and share with Jesus my heart. I keep thinking about what my pastor has said about loving others by being salt and light, if I by nature am trying to love an individual, it must be out of selflessness and a pure heart. Whatever I am holding on to, if I keep thinking and dwelling on things contrary to God's will, only seeks to hinder my walk.

There is another matter that is on my heart, not just for the one I love, but others too. There are battles raging in our lives as Christians. Each day is a battle between the Spirit and the flesh. Each day, we must choose to follow Christ and reject the world.  But, Paul tells us in Romans 5:1 -5 " Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2  through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was give to us." (NKJV)  I once heard Pastor Greg Laurie of Harvest Christian Fellowship say that the word "justified" means "Just as if it never happened." Through Christ, we have peace with God and our faith in Christ is reason we have peace. I love the fact that it says that "hope does not disappoint." I know where my hope is. I think if you know your faith is in Christ, you can definitely have hope.

On a different note, when we face things each day in our walks, we need to take our anxieties before God (Phil. 4:6), to let him have our troubles, and to ask him to strengthen us for the times ahead. I struggle with anxiety, a lot. For some reason as I have gotten older, I have seen much happen in my life. I don't know why I get anxious, other than what I have seen on television, and the happenings l see around me, but I am confident and believe that I can take it to God, and he will put my mind and heart at ease.  I do believe the times are only going to become tougher on us believers, and we must not veer from the truth. In Ephesians, regarding our daily battles, we are to renew our minds daily,  to take off (deny) our old selves which is corrupt, and put on the new self which was created by God through his righteousness and holiness (paraphrased-Eph. 4:20-24)

Yes. we must be still and know that God is in control, that He has a plan for each of us, and we must trust Him. I think by trusting Him, it means doing what He says for us to do. What do you think He is saying to you today? How is God speaking to your heart? Are there things troubling you that you need to surrender? Give them to Him. He is the God who heals (Jehovah Rophe-Ex. 15:26). He is our Peace (Jehovah Shalom-Judges 6:24). He is our provider (Jehovah Jireh- Gen. 22:14).

As I close this entry for today,let God's peace rule in your heart. (see Colossians 3:15).

My prayer today is: Jesus, I want to be still and wait on Your timing. I believe You are at work in our lives. Please let your grace be sufficient for today, and help me to give you my anxious thoughts. I believe you are my peace and my healer, and I am thankful for the things you are now doing in my life. Thank you for the wake up call that I needed. Those close to me, I lift up to You and pray that your will be done, that healing, too, will take place. Where relationships are struggling and friendships need mending, please bring restoration and newness. Let Your love fill our hearts today, and renew our minds so that we may focus on doing what is right. Thank you for the renewed love You have put in my heart. Thank you for always providing. I love you Lord, and I praise Your holy name, Amen.

On love.

Today's reading: " 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8a Love never fails." 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a (NIV)

Let me start this entry by saying that love is not an easy thing. Love is a great thing. But what kind of love is it that matters most? There is the love you have for family, a brotherly-sisterly love, this is Phileo. There is the love of deep friendship where iron sharpens iron and full of affection from a pure heart, this is Storge. There is the love one has that is physical and romantic, this is Eros. There is the love that God has for us, which is by choice, this is Agape'. This last love can be exemplified by Christ's work on the cross, His ultimate sacrifice. All of these kinds of love are important, but only in the context that God has designed love for.

The world has an obscured kind of view on what love should be, and often, that falls under the eros love, phileo love or storge. C.S. Lewis can be quoted as saying,"To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable." -The Four Loves

I have been learning from 1 Corinthians, that I need improvement in some areas, as I know others do, too. Lately, I feel like I have fallen short in many ways, yet I know that God is good. One of the risks of loving someone is putting your heart out there, and taking a risk. One of the things I think very important is to be real and honest with someone about how you feel. It is a huge risk because the consequence is rejection. Sometimes when you love some, you have to let them be, to heal. Other times, when you love someone, you have to learn to communicate without prejudice or without judgement. Sometimes you have to be clear of what your expectations are when you love someone. Ultimately, when you love someone you have to place your love in God's hands to shape.  As far as friendship love there is a limitation to how friendship is received and reciprocated, as it is, too, with romantic love. When we love someone as Christians, we are to love with a pure heart. (See 1 Timothy 1:5)

I am no expert on love really, other than what Jesus is teaching me day by day. Jesus' example to us of true agape' love was done on the cross. Whenever you want to see an example of agape' love, look at how Jesus interacted with people throughout the gospel. Jesus tells us that, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13-- How do you love someone who is unlovable? How do you love someone who is hurting? How do you love someone who has rejected you? Look to the passage above in 1 Corinthians 13, and ask God to show you where you need improvement. I know I need improvement.

I can only say this as I write, that I want to be loved with a love that is real, with a love that is pure and godly, that does not remind me of my faults or shortcomings, that believes I can be better than what I am now. I know that I want to love and be loved with trust, kindness and humility. I want know God's perfect love in His perfect will and know that I can, too, do the same. Through Christ's love in our hearts we find true healing. Until we recognize Jesus as the source of that love in our hearts we cannot love any other way.

My prayer today is: Jesus, I want to love like You do. Also, You know my heart's desire regarding love. Today, my heart aches. Please forgive me for not walking true to this path. Help me to be patient to be kind, and not jealous. Help me to protect and trust, being ever hopeful, knowing that in Your perfect will, love never fails. Help me today to not be proud or self-seeking. Help me to forgive as You have forgiven me. Help me to continue to walk according to Your word, and let my actions be spoken with love from a pure heart. Jesus, also, I lift up those close to me who are hurting also, who need time to heal, to seek Your face, to be made whole again. Above all, please let Your will be done and be glorified. In Your name, Amen.

1. Blue Letter Bible. "Paul's Epistle - 1 Corinthians 13 - (NIV - New International Version)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2011. 29 Jun 2011.  http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=1Cr&c=13&t=NIV
2. Reference: http://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/1069006.C_S_Lewis
3. Blue Letter Bible. "Dictionary and Word Search for '"Greater" AND "love"' in the NIV". Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2011. 29 Jun 2011. < http:// www.blueletterbible.org/search/translationResults.cfm?
4. Criteria=Greater+love&t=NIV >

Is There Garbage in Your Life?

Today's reading: "Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit with in me. Do not cast me away from your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your Salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit." Psalm 51:10-12

Is there garbage in your life? I was recently watching some television programs on people who hoard belongings in their home to where every square inch is covered and smothering the individual in a manner that is not liveable. Sin can be like this, too. It is easy to justify the things we put into our hearts, but it doesn't make it right. Sometimes people hold on to things in their lives because they don't know how to let go of the things they are possessing. I have a storage unit, and it makes me think about all of the things I have held on to for years. Sin can have a hold on you for years, too.

The sad truth is that sin keeps you in bondage, it turns friends and family away from you, it blinds you to what must be done in your life, and it grieves the Holy Spirit. I often wonder why we hold on to things. What comfort does it bring?  Does it bring any joy in my life? I have to say that holding on to things can really weigh you down. There is no satisfaction or comfort in things. Additionally, holding on to those things in your heart, whatever those things be, take you away from the truth, and obscure reality. 

This weekend made me think about all of the things I have hoarded in my heart. You know, sometimes we just are not honest with ourselves. Until we actually recognize how dishonest we are in our own hearts, we cannot change. When sin creeps at your door, garbage piles up. Take that garbage and throw it out, and do not return to it. In 1 John 1:9 it says, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."  Also, in James it says, "Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed." James 5:16 

No one can give you a clean heart, but God. It is through Jesus that we can have a renewed spirit, and walk in the hope of salvation. Draw near to Him, and He will draw near to you.(Jms. 4:8) This is my desire, to walk in Christ with a renewed heart, a heart that is clean and have thoughts that are heaven bound. I have had junk in my heart that has been carried for too long. Today I give it to Jesus. I am encouraged by this last thought, "... God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble." James 4:6 Lastly, in Proverbs it tell us, "Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones." Proverbs 3:7-8

My prayer today is: Jesus, help me to not be wise in my own eyes. It is easy to become arrogant and proud when I think I am able to do things my way. Please forgive me for my pride. There has been junk in my heart, and lately it has shown. Please go through my heart and clean house. Today, I choose to do the right thing and follow You in the mercy of You. I lift up the other people I know who have been holding on to things too. Help each one let go of the burdens that hinder their walk, and let them fall to the ground. Lift them up and fill their spirit with Your grace. Give to us clean hearts, and help us to pray for one another that we each might find that healing in Your love. In Your name, Amen.

Sometimes the truth is hard to face.

 I did not write any entries for Friday through Sunday this last weekend. My intention is to write this blog to encourage others, but it turns out I really needed encouragement, too. Over the last few days, it has been difficult to write anything.  Also, my desire is to write this blog on a daily basis if I can, but there are things happening right now that I may only get a few days a week to write, but I am going to try. When I write this blog, my intention is not to preach, though it may sometimes appear that way. I am no better than anyone else. I admit, I am just a sinner learning to be more like Jesus, and walk in the grace and knowledge of Him.

Something that stood out to me this weekend was that I am very knowledgeable of the Bible, but I am still learning to commit it to heart. I want to walk rightly in Christ. If I stumble, all of us do, please do not judge me too harshly. Please pray for me to overcome some of the personal fears and struggles I have had to face. Please remember that a person who encourages is not judgmental or critical. Love the person who is struggling as Jesus would love that person, and continue to be salt and light.

Jesus, please help me to walk rightly in You. It is easy to sink in the water when I am not keeping my eyes on You. Help me to walk in truth and love and be real to those around me. I know sometimes hearing the truth about things in our lives hurts, so, please help me to face the obstacles and things that have hindered my walk so that my heart may be renewed in You. In Your name, Amen.

See yourself as God sees you.

Today's reading: "As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in your likeness." Psalm 17:15

I think almost all people go through some sort of self-esteem issue albeit one's weight, looks, skin, teeth, hair or lack thereof, or what someone might think of him or her. I think of all the people I have seen that are focused on the outward appearance of their lives that they miss the real point. Often times we look in a mirror, and do not like what we see. It begins like this and it festers. But, you have to know that God is not one to judge your outward appearance, but the attitude of your heart. I am comforted by this thought found in 1 John 3:2-3, "Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purified himself, just as He is pure."

I think that as we begin to grow in Christ, we can see just how much God loves us. I know I struggle with self-image. I want to be Christ-centered and not self-centered, yet it is a daily challenge to put self on the bench and Jesus on the the throne of my heart. See Mark 8:34. Also, when I think about seeing my life the way Jesus sees it, He sees a much bigger picture than I do.

As an artist I understand how to look at art. Most art is meant to be viewed from fairly close-up. On the other hand, there are many paintings that require one to step back a few paces and see the image in its entirety. In my case, my nose is often up against the canvas. It's kind of difficult to see all that is taking place if one doesn't remove his or herself from the artwork and really examine what is going on. Many times what people show on the outside isn't what is happening on the inside.

In 1 Samuel 16: 7, it says, "...For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." I think it is important to realize this because, it is the difference between King Saul and King David when it came to being a king that God ordained for the people, and a king, though he sinned, became a man after God's own heart. David was repentant whereas Saul was not. Another thing to consider when you think about how God sees your life is remember the moments where Jesus showed great compassion. For me it always comes back to the woman at the well, and seeing how Jesus revealed her heart as well as showing her who He was. (See John 4: 1-26 for in depth).

How do you see yourself? Are you struggling to make sense of who you are in Christ? God is looking for those will worship Him in spirit and truth. (John 4:23-24) Take time to think about how God sees you. I think you will find that God is working in your heart. Take care to stay in the Bible today. Remember His promises and His love. Learn and grow in the knowledge of His grace.

My prayer today is: Jesus, I lift those of us up who do not feel good about ourselves. Help us to see just how much we are valued in your sight. In Psalms 139:14 it says we are, "...fearfully, and wonderfully made;..." Help us to realize this whole heartedly, without doubt. Jesus you are our shield and we trust You. (Psalm 18:30) Jesus, be glorified, and Your will be done. In Your name, Amen.

Comfort in Scripture

The following is just from a little 2" x 3" card I carry. It Says, "God Cares For You." Do you agree? I tend to struggle with anxiety. So, when I am having a bad day, or am feeling just a bit off, I have been learning to seek God's comfort through scripture.

Here are some scripture verses you can read  that will provide you comfort when you read them-

Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. -1 Peter 5:7

Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.- Matthew 11:28

Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.- John 14:27

For the Lord comforts His people and will have compassion on His afflicted ones.- Isaiah 49:13

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.- Psalm 23: 1

 Psalm 147:3

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. - 

When I pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.- Isaiah 43:2

The Lord will keep you from all harm-- He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.- Psalm 121:7-8

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace. - Numbers 6:24-26


As you read some of these verses, think on how God might bring comfort to you today, and how you might pray for someone else who needs comfort, too.

Jesus, help us to seek you each day through the Bible. Help us to take our burdens to You. You have a plan and a way that is right for our lives. Thank you Jesus,  for being our shield and our safety. Thank you for the knowledge of grace You have provided today. Help us to commit Your Word to heart and live in Your will. In Your name, Amen.

True Freedom.

Today's reading: " Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed." John 8:36 (NKJV)

Freedom is something we have all experienced in America in one form or fashion. We are free to choose what we say,  what we listen to, what we do, what we wear, where we can go (within reason). I think we have made freedom an ambiguous term, as our civil liberties are conditional, and I do not think that we are truly free anymore. This is not a political commentary, just an observation. When I think about freedom in America, we are more free than people in other places in the world. Also, though we may be more free than others in the rest of the world, we are still in bondage. 

We are in bondage to materialism. We are in bondage to money. Our personal debts are evidence of bondage as we have become a nation of debtors. Yet, I do not want to focus on money, desires, materialism, or the evident struggle our great nation is going through. I want to examine what it means to be free in Christ. What do you think it means, to be free in Christ?

Jesus told the Jews who He was speaking to, who believed what He said in John 8:31, that, "If you abide in My word, your are My disciples indeed." Part of being free in Christ in contingent on our belief in what He says is true, and receiving Jesus to be the Truth in our lives. Jesus continued speaking, saying "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:32-- We know that Jesus is the Truth because he tells us in John 14:6 "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." 

I don't think there is anything else we can do to gain God's favor, or receiving healing in our lives, or freedom except when we come to Jesus, and ask Him to work in our hearts. Healing does not come from reading a self-help book, except one, the Bible. Freedom and healing come from Jesus. It comes from recognizing sin in your life. If you don't know what sin is, it is missing God's righteous expectation of us to live according to what He has commanded us.  In James, it tells us this about sin, "Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin." James 4:17 Jesus is the only one who can set us free from the bondage of sin. The stuff I mentioned in the beginning, I believe, is the result of sin running rampant in our lives. Whether we acknowledge it or not, sin keeps you from being free.

Do not let yourself be deceived by things the world says. The person in the world will say there is nothing wrong or, "There is no need to worry, everything is all right." It is this kind of deception that many will fall away from God, and seek to do their own thing, to try and cover up their sin. Even believers stumble when pride comes in to the picture. A believer in Christ who does not listen, and do what the Bible says, is not free. At the beginning of this entry, I mentioned that Jesus said if we "abide" in His word, we are free. What does it mean to abide? Some translations might use the word "remain."

Don't let your heart be hardened when God speaks to you. This is another reason that we fall in to bondage, and into sin, is that we harden our hearts. It is one of the reasons the people of Israel journeyed through the desert for 40 years. And, another consequence of what happened to Pharaoh in Egypt. You cannot be free if you have a hardened heart. You cannot be free if you are in sin. You cannot be free if you have unforgiveness towards another person. 

The freedom that Jesus gives us is to worship Him with all our hearts. It is a freedom that removes the weight of the world. It is a freedom that empowers us to walk with hope and a renewed spirit. If you are walking in Christ, He has made you free. You are healed spiritually. You don't have to do anything else to be free. You only need to ask Jesus to bring that freedom in to your life. If you have Jesus living in your heart you are free to love others as Jesus has loved you. You are free from the law of sin and death. 

My prayer for today is: Jesus, true freedom comes from You, and only You. Help us to see the conditions our lives have brought us. Help us to abide in Your words, to let your truth dwell in our hearts. Forgive us for our pride. Forgive us for seeking to do things our way. Help us to remember You are our source, our provisioner, our banner, the Truth. Help us to love one another and help each other in need. Let your grace be evident in our lives, and let us learn wisdom from seeing how you lived. In Your name, Amen.

Born of Water and Spirit.

Today's reading: 'Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God."' John 3:5

I am a bit behind in my personal study time, but I have been reading the gospel of John and working through the John MacArthur workbook on Unleashing God's Truth: One Verse at a Time. It is a lot to absorb. There have been times I wish I had a Bible study buddy. Actually, I have felt this need for a long time, for accountability and growth. You know, when you work out at the gym and are exercising, motivation on your own seems to lag often. And, if you had a partner to workout with, it would make time exercising more productive and conducive towards growth. I just think things are better done in pairs. Has it ever made you wonder why God chose two of each animal to board the ark back in the days of Noah, aside from procreation? Just a thought.

In the beginning of John 3, Jesus is talking about "water" in a way that implies the need for cleansing. He was using Old Testament imagery to emphasize the need for purification. This is one of the side notes in my study. Jesus, also continues to allude to in John 3:6 that, "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." During this time Jesus was telling Nicodemus that he needed to be "born again," that is, to have a spiritual rebirth. Additionally, Jesus used the example of the wind in comparison to the Spirit in verse 8, so as to show how the Spirit works. You cannot see the wind, but you know it is there. Nicodemus had a difficult time with this, I think, but he was starting to come around to believing what Jesus was saying to him. One fact that showed that Nicodemus was receptive to his encounter with Jesus was, he believed that no one could do the things Jesus was doing unless he was sent from God. This is important to remember.

If you re-read John 3, what are the things that result from a sincere belief in Jesus? (see vv. 12, 13, 16, 18 and 36 for reference). As I did this study, my response was first, that Jesus will reveal heavenly things to us. Secondly, we will one day be in heaven with Jesus. If you are unsure about this, remember the guy on the cross that asked Jesus to remember him. Thirdly, through our faith in Jesus, we have have the hope in His promise to us for eternal life. Fourthly, let me answer this carefully; if we are in Christ, then we will not be judged. As I said, let me answer this part carefully. I don't think we will be judged in the same way as the unbeliever will be judged. I guess a better word for 'judged' is the word 'condemned.' If we are in Jesus, we do not stand condemned. I think it is at this point that many people get turned off by Christianity because they hear only the word "condemn," and neglect to see that Jesus came so that no one would perish but have everlasting life. (see John 3: 16-17) I think it is at this point of decision that people become their worst enemies. Just so you know, God does not send people to be condemned, people condemn themselves through their unbelief.

The above mentioned, all stems on what you come to believe about Jesus. In other words, you are faced with a crisis of belief; and which way will you choose to go? If you believe the whole story of why Jesus came, you will understand that God takes no pleasure in condemning anyone, but He does relinquish Himself from us if we continually choose to deny him and not believe. This leads to my last response because, without faith in Jesus, we will face God's wrath. Although God is long suffering, that does not mean He does not get angry. Have you seen the way the world runs today? God is a holy God, righteous and true. The world is black as sin, and dying because of spiritual bankruptcy. You think our economy is bad, try having no economy of the heart.

Just a few words in closing about water. Water cleanses, it quenches thirst, and it gives life. Jesus is the only living water that can cleanse us and make us clean. He is the only one who can take away our thirst. And, Jesus is the only one who can give us new life.  Remember  today to thank God for the living water that He has given you in Christ, the newness of life you have in Him through his cleansing of your heart. Thank God for his goodness and His awesome love and for bringing into you a new spirit. 

My prayer for today is: Jesus, thank you for loving us, for giving us new life. Thank you that we no longer have to be thirsty in the world, but that we can hunger and thirst for your righteousness. Fill us with your Holy Spirit, and revive us. Rekindle our love for you in a way that is like no other. Fill our hearts with your peace.  Continue to work in our hearts to make us clean. Let us decrease that you might increase.(See John 3: 30) In your name, Amen.

Who's Your Daddy?

Today's reading: "Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him." 1John3:1

This entry is for both Saturday and today, Father's day. I was thinking about the importance of fathers in our lives, as I know there are persons who have had to grow up without a father in their life, or have experienced the loss of their father. There are those who have fathers who are estranged, difficult, in prison, work long hours. There are many things fathers are in this world. Our earthly dads have either been a part of our lives or they haven't. Our dads have made every effort to help raise us to be good people or they haven't. I think they just do the best they can.

I am fortunate to have my father in my life. It has not been an easy journey in the role of father and son, but I love my dad. I did not always see his reasons behind things when I was growing up, but I don't think he did a bad job. My dad is supportive of me. He is patient. I think that is a mercy God has given him in his older years. God knows I push the envelope sometimes. Also, my dad has been there for me when I have needed help most. I know my dad is not perfect, but I see God at work in his heart. He has grown much in the last few years. We both have had to struggle this last year after experiencing loss. I have been blessed to see my dad be a good father, and a faithful husband. He and my mother were married 44 years. 

During the time my mother was going through her cancer, she was bed ridden. It was definitely something that was painful to watch, and is still painful to recall, but I saw how faithful my dad was to serve and love my mom. At times, I think dad was so tired, but God gave him the strength to keep on serving. In a situation like this you just cannot think about yourself. Thank you dad for loving mom and being there for her. Thank you for being my dad, and loving me. You are an inspiration. Keep on walking for Jesus. Happy Father's Day.

Now, something a little more different.  Isn't it great! We are children of God. God loves us very much. It is because of His great love that we can call Him "Abba," which means "Father," and more intimately, "Daddy."  in Galatians 4:6 it says, "And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, "Abba, Father!"  Also, in Romans 8:15 it tells us that we are "adopted".  When you receive Jesus in to your heart, you become His. John 1:12 affirms this, "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:" Additionally, I believe that if you have received Jesus in your heart the Holy Spirit works in you to teach you and help you understand what it means to be a child of God. We are told, in Romans 8:16 it says that, "The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God."

You know, if you do not have a relationship with your dad, or have lost your dad or do not have someone who is close to you like a dad, God hears your heart's cry. He knows what you are feeling today.  In Psalm 68:5 it tells us God is a, "A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling." 

I think the key today is to remember who Jesus is in your life. Remember that He loves you. You are His child and are precious to Him. Do you have a relationship with the Father? Are you reading the Bible daily and praying? Are you doing what the Bible says? Live today in a way that brings glory and honor to the Father. If you are stumbling, know this, you can go boldly to Him, and ask forgiveness. God will be graceful to you if you are humble before Him.

My prayer for this weekend: Jesus, please let us all honor You today through our obedience to your Word. It is not about us, but bringing glory to You. You are holy. You are awesome in Your power. Jesus, help those who do not have relationships with their dads, to seek Your face, and Your love. You are good, God, and Your love endures forever. Jesus, also help those who are grieving to find comfort in You. Shower Your grace upon these individuals and let Your peace rule their hearts. Thank you Jesus for loving each and everyone of us. Thank you for Your kindness, and Your tender mercies. In Your name, Amen.

Boundaries or Walls?

Today's reading: "For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself." Galatians 6:3 (additionally Gal. 6:1-5 for more in depth reading.) 

I have been doing some serious thinking and reflecting on my own spiritual inventory, lately. I don't think that I need a self-help book to tell me that there are things in my life that need to be repaired. All of us who are in Jesus come to Him broken. It is up to Him to fix us and to restore us and make us better than we were before we knew Him. I know many people who go to counseling or a therapist or those that read self-help books to make their lives seem better. Although I am not going to be dismissive here and say that one should not seek that help, there are those who are legitimately in need of help, but I am saying that as Christians, the answers we seek are in the Bible. God's word is sharper than any two-edged sword. Hebrews 4:12 says this, "For the word of God [is] living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." God's Word has the answers we need to grow in our lives. 

Boundaries are just lines for building walls. I have known a few people who have claimed that they were co-dependent, and that they have needed to establish boundaries. As Christians, I cannot agree with the notion of boundaries when we are called to be transparent to one another, to be real. Boundaries are imaginary lines, lines that establish protocol behavior, designed to keep people out or hide something. At least that is how I understand it. Boundaries are just a precursor to building  walls to alienate those close to you, or to keep someone at arms length so that he/or she will not hurt you.

It is my opinion that we ought not to have boundaries because Christ did not have boundaries. He did not need them. He is the Truth, and He does not need to hide things. Boundaries imply selfishness, and self-centeredness. As Christians we are not to be self-centered, but Christ-centered which comes from putting Jesus on the throne of our heart.

Being a Christian is not about being religious, but having a relationship with the true and living God. Jesus knows we need to change, and He will make those changes in our lives as we are willing to give those areas in our lives to Him. It is not about us or anything we can do on our own. It is about recognizing the power and love of Jesus Christ at work in our life. In 1 John it says that, "Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgement; because as He is, so are we in this world. there is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us." 1 John 4:17-19 If you are abiding in Christ, walking truthfully according to the Bible, you know that Christ's love dwells in your heart. It is His love that casts out your fear, that empowers you, heals you and emboldens you to do His will.

For the individual walking in Christ, remember that we are free in Christ. He is the source of out strength, our healing, our freedom. John 8:32 tells us that "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." You are not free when you establish boundaries. A square has four sides. A triangle has three sides. A Pentagon has five sides. I know this is abstract, but if you look at those shapes as boundaries on each front of your life they are walls waiting to be built up. Building walls is a defense mechanism to keep people out of your life. Boundaries are restricting and enclosing, they shut you off from reality and the truth. 

Being a Christian is not about us being religious but obediently following Jesus. We must not blame others for things we have allowed to transpire within our lives. Instead, we must learn to forgive those who have hurt us, take responsibility for our own part in believing the lie that allowed us to let others have power over our lives. If you think it is wrong to be codependent, you are mistaken in that we are totally codependent on Jesus to be our banner, and life giver. Are you having issues in your daily life? Are there old hurts that just seem to not go away? Do you see things in a distorted way that has made you forget that we must rely on and trust Jesus as the means of change in our our heart? Are you trying to make changes in your life by your own means, through the flesh? Are you just creating boundaries to hide from sin? If so, you are probably not alone. If you want to see genuine change in your life, true healing then "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up." James 4:10 

My prayer today is: Jesus, please help us all to see that we need you every moment of the day, that we need not establish personal boundaries in ways that make us selfish. Help us all to be peaceable and open to your will. Let us not walk in a way that is self-centered but Christ-centered. Help us to live truthfully, being real in every way. Life is not about making us better people, but being better people through Christ's love and service to others. Help us to speak the truth with a kind heart and let no ill words come forth from our lips. Let us continue to rely upon you, our provider, our life giver, and deliverer. In your name, Amen.

Blue Letter Bible. "Paul's Epistle - Galatians 6 - (NKJV - New King James Version)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2011. 18 Jun 2011. < http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Gal&c=6&t=NKJV > 

Blue Letter Bible. "Dictionary and Word Search for '"Word" AND "sharper" AND "any"' in the NKJV". Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2011. 18 Jun 2011. < http:// www.blueletterbible.org/search/translationResults.cfm?
Criteria=Word+sharper+any&t=NKJV > 

In Brightest Day, In Blackest Night....

Today's reading: "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light." Ephesians 5:8

Okay, so I am a huge Green Lantern fan. If you have not read about Green Lantern in the comics (not to be confused by the Green Hornet--a different hero,) there is a movie about him in theaters this weekend. I know this is a bit of a worldly stretch, but I want to use the example of how the world is full of darkness, and how Jesus is the one true light. In the comics Hal Jordan becomes earth's protector through a ring powered by a huge green power battery, a green colored lantern. Really what gives Hal Jordan his power is his ability to overcome great fear. Green is the color of will power, powered by the green lantern. What I am getting at here is that Jesus is our power battery. He is the true light in our life. For example in John's gospel it says, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men." John 1: 1-4 NKJV

Through Jesus we have the power to overcome the daily obstacles we face. That which empowers us is our belief in Christ and His ability to strengthen us. In Philippians 4:13 it tells the believer, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Just remember the source, Jesus is your strength.

As we walk each day, our thoughts on what we read in the Bible, which in a sense is our green lantern ring, be filled by the Holy Spirit, let us walk with "...love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith." 1 Timothy1:5

My prayer for today is: Jesus let your will be done in our lives today. Let our hearts be filled full from the light of your Word, and help strengthen us when we face battles. You are the true light, the light that gives us life. Thank you for Your kindness and love. Help us to be lights to those who have yet to know you Jesus. In Your name, Amen.

In the News and Nothing New.

I have been watching the news. I can only imagine what must being going on in people's minds. It is a sad state of affairs in our country right now. I think as a people we know politicians lie. Secretary Gates has said as much, that it is the nature of doing business.  I am saddened by what I have heard in the news, and it is one of the reasons I cannot watch too much television or news. 

I wanted write an entry for today, but I cannot find the words I want to share with you about what is on my heart. It is a difficult time for many people. 

I am just going to ask that you would pray for me today, and reflect on God's goodness. He is at work, and the Spirit is moving. It is time for us to be still and know our God is present. 

Jesus- be at the center of our hearts today. Forgive us for our pride. I know nothing is hidden from You. Help me to continue walking in the truth and promises of Your Word. Thank you for your compassion. I pray for those that might think they are in control, and ask that you would reveal yourself in their hearts to realize they are not in control. Be glorified. In your name. Amen.

When you are exhausted.

I was not going to write a whole lot tonight. I didn't really even have a verse for today's reading set aside to discuss, although, I was considering Philippians 4:13. Today was a physically challenging day for me as I was getting rid of things from my storage unit...books mostly, and I am far from done. All of the lifting and moving and reshuffling has really left me sore and tired and weary. Yet, I am joyful, and glad to be alive because I have Jesus.  There is an application to this little story somewhere, I know. Oh, here it is: firstly, if your life is cluttered, start clearing out the things that are bogging you down. Often times, holding on to things can get in the way of your walk with Christ.

As Christians, do we really need to hold on to things? I ask this because, I have struggled with getting rid of things I worked hard to purchase ( I have collected Star Wars figures and toys, comic books, and other memorabilia most of my life,) only to see just how impoverished and broke I am. I live in a small room at home, I am thankful to have, yet there is no space to keep my things. I have a storage unit I keep many of my belongings, and there is a third place I keep things also, so it makes me feel spread out, thin, and unable to manage the belongings I have. I think part of the problem that lies with me is my emotional attachment to things. I am thanking God regularly for showing me this because I really need not have an emotional attachment to things. Having things in and of themselves is not wrong unless it begins to take the place of God. I don't think that is the case with me, but I am asking God to show me anyhow. As Christians we ought to have a spirit of contentment, a desire for heavenly things and not things of this world.

The Bible tells us in Matthew that, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal." Matthew 6:19. Also, Matthew 6:20, Jesus continues to tell us that, "but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither  moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal."  We need to commit to heart what Jesus says, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:21

Even though tonight I feel physically exhausted beyond means, I feel exhaustion in my spirit from trying to hold on to things that give little comfort or joy at all. And, if I relied on those things to bring me comfort or joy then it is problematic, because that means that I am becoming idolatrous, and I don't want idolatry in my life. Through the Old Testament and New Testament there are matters and consequences for those who were idolatrous. My desire is to be thankful for God's provision in my life through Christ Jesus.

There is no true satisfaction in material gain. Some people in the world have nothing, and we who live in the United States have been blessed many times over, but that only lasts so long, I think. If you have toilet paper, soap, tooh brush, tooth paste, clean water, nice clothes and shoes,  you are doing pretty good. Be prayerful for those in the world who have been hit by disaster either in the United States or abroad, and pray that God will provide for the needs of people who are hurting and going without right now due to impoverishment or natural disaster. The major earthquake that hit Japan in March is barely mentioned in the news, and I wonder how many people are just living life "business as usual"? Ask God to give you a heart for people, that needs will be met, and through these tough times Christ will shine his light in to each persons heart.

I know this is going to be difficult to read. It is difficult for me to write about, but idolatry is a very serious offense before God. I think it is very important to remember this from Exodus when God spoke, He said, "You shall have no other gods before Me." He, also continued to speak, saying, "You shall not make for yourself a carved image-- any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth;" If you think about this carefully, there is a reason why God doesn't want us worshiping idols. It is because we were created to worship Him. I believe having an idolatrous heart makes God jealous. If you want to hurt God, worship other gods (just know there are consequences.) (Exodus 20: 3-5) God tells us in verse 5 that we are "...not to bow down to [idols] nor serve them. For [He] the Lord [our] God, [is] a jealous God...."* (*please note brackets [] were used to indicate a tense change only for context in this thought and no changing of meaning is made. Where it notes [idols]the word is "them", where it notes [He] the word is "I", where it notes [our] the word is "your", and where it notes [is] the word is "am")

I hope that in this entry I have made some sense. I hope I didn't ramble on. I am tired, yet I feel this is very important to address. If you are tired remember to rest. Rest not just sleeping a good night's sleep, but by giving your worries, your anxieties, all the things that have concerned your mind, and give them to Jesus tonight before you do go to sleep. We must learn to rest in Jesus. He is our peace. Jesus tells us in Matthew 11:28, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (See Philippians 4:4-8 for more on this anxiety stuff. I know I need to commit it to heart-memory.)

My prayer for today is: Jesus, when I am tired to the point of exhaustion in my life, help me to have the strength, not just physically, but in my spirit as well, to keep going. Help me to focus not on material gain, but heavenly things that are more important. Forgive me for not making you first today. Please be the first thing on my mind as I awake tomorrow, and the first in everything else, too. Jesus, I pray for those in our country who have been hit with calamity and loss. Also, I lift up the peoples who are hurting and experiencing loss in other countries too as a result of the earthquakes and other disasters. Please help us to be content in our belongings and remember to share with those in need. Thank you for your continued grace and mercy in my life. Thank you for loving us through the work you did on the cross and your promise to return for us one day. Help all of us to develop attitudes of thanksgiving and kindness towards one another. Be our peace and our rest. In your name, Amen.

Who's approval are you seeking?

Today's reading:  "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ." Colossians 3:23-24


When I was a boy I used to enjoy sharing my artwork with family members and friends of mine. I liked the compliments and sometimes the encouragement. I often felt the need to please others, thinking that people would like me if I gained their approval. As I grew older so did this need to please and find approval. In some ways, as I reflect on my young adulthood to my mid-life now, that need for approval from others crippled me. Really, it stunted me in developing other important qualities in my life and attitudes towards others, and being able to make clear decisions on my own. Yet, all is not lost. What has been learned can be unlearned. 


Much has changed in my life in the last several years. For example, before I lost my job in 2007, I was working as a drafter in a civil engineering firm. We created residential design plans. In my office I learned that some people were quick to approve, and then others just dismissive or indifferent. I think to compensate for a certain lack of confidence I felt like I had to explain myself all of the time. It was part of that need to gain approval and avoid disapproval. It was part of that fear that I was going to do something wrong, and not good. Explaining myself really did not matter because people I worked with saw it as a weakness and not a strength, and I automatically lost favor with them. Did it really matter. No. On the other hand,I had my supervisors who I really felt I needed to please and do a good job. I wanted to hear the words, "well done." What had I been trying to gain? I think this is a question we all must ask when we work with other people. What is more important, approval from people or God?

Yet, it is important how we present ourselves to others because, as Christians we ought to work in such a way that God is glorified and our workmanship approved by Him. Anytime we work or do something we ought to do it for God, and through that shine a light in people's lives. If they see how God is working in our lives and our diligence, it won't be their approval that matters but their desire to know who Jesus is, who works in us.
 
Now, I am not saying it is wrong to have approval from others, but God's approval is more important. One of the things Jesus tells us is this: "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me." Mark 8:34b. Luke says it a little differently. He quotes Jesus saying, "And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple." Luke 14:27 What does all of this mean? If you want to seek God's approval, I think it means learning to become obedient to the Word of God. It means putting aside your old life that you lived and following Jesus. You will find that when you follow Jesus, many who called you 'friend' may distance themselves from you. It might make you very unpopular to be around. It could get really lonely. Deny your "self", and accept Jesus' way.

Did you know that in Timothy, it says that to live a life that is quiet, filled with peace, godliness and reverence are things that are good in God's sight, and that He approves? (See 1Timothy 2:1-5) God desires this so that we can come to the saving knowledge of Jesus in our life. I have heard it said that you cannot please God if you are disobedient, so it is equally important to remain in Him. Jesus tells us that "If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full* (*some translations use "complete".) John 15:10-11.

My prayer today is: Jesus, help me not to worry about pleasing people, but glorifying you through loving and serving people. Help me to do the things required of me without complaint, but with thanksgiving in my heart. Help me to continue abiding in your will and seek your Word. Help me to love those who are hard to love, and serve those who I might normally overlook. Help me to be diligent in matters of labor and compassionate through your love. In your name, Amen.


P.S.

This entry was not an easy one for me to write. 

Guard the Temple.

This is for Friday's and Today's reading: "Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?" 1 Corinthians 6:17 (NKJV)

I think where many christian fail today is guarding the temple. Even though we live in a world where there are all sorts of temptations, there really is not a good excuse for us to stumble. Yet, we do stumble. What do you do when you are faced with temptation? This can be any sort of temptation. I am not speaking specifically towards any one kind of temptation in particular. I know my limitations. I think that is important to recognize. I know that by myself, I am weak, and it is all the more important for me to trust Jesus to help me through each moment. He is my strength. This body we live in, it is home to where Jesus lives.

There is not anything you can hide from Jesus. In fact, He knows everything about you. He knows your strengths, weaknesses, limitations, what makes you tick and sometimes I think that what He sees going on ( I am speaking about my heart, here,) makes him sad and disappointed. What kind of things do you hide in your heart? If you consider your heart Jesus' home, then there are many rooms, and closets, and furnishings. In my own life, I think Jesus is nudging me for Him to be the new interior decorator. I do not think that He likes how his dwelling place is furnished.  Sound a little silly? I hope not, because this is a a serious matter. 

When you chose to receive Christ as your Lord and Savior, He came in to your heart. Your heart is His home, and your body is the temple that protects the heart. You must be on guard. Protect your thoughts. The Bible tells us in 1 Thessalonians 4:4 "that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor." I think it is important to know this, that one, we need to learn to have self-control. Jesus gives us that ability. Secondly,  through that self-control, we honor our bodies before God. I think it is a daily process, especially concerning sanctification. Also, it is important to recognize when you fail, that God is not through with you yet. In 1 Thess. 4:7 it also tells us "...God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness." 

If you are uncertain of what it means to be holy, it has nothing to do with you, except being willing to let God change your life through Jesus. To become holy is to be "set apart" in Christ. So, how will you guard your body, since it is the temple of the Holy Spirit? What things can you do to ensure that you will not stumble? Remember to focus on how Jesus lived. Jesus backed himself up with scripture. Reading your Bible and praying are your first line of defense to guarding the temple. If you are not doing this, then your defenses are down. Are you regular in fellowship? This is also another line of defense. We need fellowship, not only to hear the Word of God taught in church, but to listen to how God is speaking to our hearts, and to be encouraged and supported by other believers in Christ.

You never know what God is going to do if you miss out on fellowship. You could be a blessing to someone, or someone might just bless you that day. So, we have reading the Bible, praying, fellowship at our dispense, and memorizing scripture can be added to reading your Bible, but it really is another line of defense. In the Psalms, David asks how one can remain pure of heart? The response given was to hide the Word of God in his heart. Scripture memory is vital to us as believers in Christ.

Today, are you struggling to guard the temple? Take time to reflect on God's goodness, His love, and ask Him to reveal the weak spots in your armor. Ask Him to strengthen your heart and resolve to live a life that is pure in heart. Let Jesus be the peace in your heart today. Let him clean your heart out. If there is junk hiding, give it to Him to throw away. He will change your life in such a way that you won't miss the junk you throw away.

My prayer today is: Jesus, help me to be more alert and able in you to stand up against the temptations each day throws at me. Help those who need to let go of things that are holding them back. Lift the junk from their hearts and give each a renewed heart and spirit that will guard the temple. Thank you for loving each of us, not for anything that we have done, but for what being valued in your sight. Help us to honor you with our bodies, and to continue being sanctified and made holy in you. Amen.

Be Salt and Light

Today's reading: <13> "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.<14>You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. <15> Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand and it gives light to all who are in the house." Matthew 5:13-15 (NKJV)

Salt has distinctive properties. First, it has flavor. When you eat your meals salt in moderation amplifies flavor. Yet, too much and it can really ruin a good dish. Also, it can make you sick if you have too much salt or it can raise your blood pressure. What am I saying here? I am saying that as salt you bring flavor to people's lives, but be gentle and in moderation, not imposingly. Secondly, salt is a preserver. In times past, salt was used to preserve meat and foods that spoiled. It kept things from rotting too quickly. As a believer in Christ, as salt, you are a preserver to those who are perishing. People who do not have a relationship with Jesus are dying. Without a relationship with Christ, one does not have the same hope in salvation that we have. As you encounter people, you will see the sin nature, but be salt through the love of Christ and be a preserver. Thirdly, salt is a cleanser. If you have ever scraped your knee or had a sore throat, salt in water cleanses a wound. Sometimes it stings. Often times people that are hurting don't want to be cleansed in such a way because they know it will sting. I think one who recognizes they are wounded will seek to find any means to stop the pain, and there are ones who have done everything else, and finally accept that what can make them cleansed will only hurt a moment. Salt is flavor, it is a preservative, and it is the cleansing nature of the truth of God's word which brings healing and an eternal perspective.

Light, also has distinctive properties. Light is bright, and through brightness reveals things. With light one can see things not previously seen. I am an avid fan of the CSI shows, and one thing for certain is the ultraviolet light (UV) always brings to the surface evidence committed in a crime. In the same way, light makes known our shortcomings and reveals evidence our fallen nature. Another property of light is warmth. Light from the sun gives off heat. Or, the heat from a campfire at night keeps one both warm, and generates luminosity.  If you think about it, light can do many things. Lastly, even though this can obviously go on infinitely, Light also provides clarity; it illuminates and helps one to see. I guess that is one reason I really like flash lights. They help me to see in the dark and keep me going where I ought to walk. The Bible says in Psalm 119:105 "Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path." Not only do we need light in our own lives, but we need to be that light that reveals, warms and keeps away the darkness.


My prayer for today is: Jesus, help me to continue to be salt and light in people's lives. I know no one person is perfect and each are all at different points in their lives. Help me to be the light that reveals the truth in a person's heart and bring flavor through encouragement and your Holy Spirit. Forgive me for the areas in which I have fallen short today, and help me to be cleansed by your love, your grace and tender mercies. In your name I pray, Amen. 

Yesterday's News.

There is no blog entry for June 8th. One of the reasons I am writing this blog is to just ask for prayer. Right now, I have been out of work since August 2007. I keep watching the news, and all it does is provoke fear in my mind, and angst.

I read an article in the June 2011 edition of AARP Bulletin regarding employment, titled "When Any Job Must Do," by Carole Fleck. Visit here to read:  http://www.aarp.org/work/job-hunting/info-06-2011/underemployed-workers.html 

In her article it speculates as to why so many people are out of work and having a tough time getting hired. Additionally, the persons mentioned in the article are working more than one job just to make ends meet. The author mentions that it is easier to find a job when people are working. That might explain one of the reasons I never hear from employers, because I have been out of work too long. They think that I have no skills or am inept or don't have anything to offer. Companies do discriminate on this basis and there is no law against it at this time, which is unfortunate and sad. But, with an economy that has an estimated 9.1 % of people unemployed and more falling into this everyday, finding any job right now would be like winning the lottery. For more information see: http://www.tradingeconomics.com/united-states/unemployment-rate

It is my hope that those of us not working now will remain steadfast and continue to seek God's provision during these troubling times. Remember to thank Him today for the good things in your life and for the struggles, too. Ask Him to show you what He would have you do, and join Him. God loves you and He is with you through this all of the way. Jesus be our peace. In your name, Amen.

 

God is always greater.

Today's reading: "You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." 1 John 4:4

We must remember in all things, our struggles, our battles, our victories belong to God. It is by Him that we live or die, that we succeed or endure. Our faith in Christ is what makes us strong to get through each day. It is not faith in and of itself, but the glorified power of Jesus working in our lives reflecting His love to be a testimony to others who will soon come to believe in the Son of God. Jesus is our victory.

As we walk today in Christ, let us remember to "Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how to answer each one." Colossians 4:5-6

Jesus is the source of our hope. We trust in the promises that He has given us to live each day. Know this, that you are not alone. Nothing can truly tear you down if you are firmly planted and steadfast in Him. Jesus knows our hearts, hears our prayers, feels our pain, strengthens our resolve to get through each day on a world where we are now strangers.

In closing today, I want to reflect on Psalm 33:20-22 "Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in Him, Because we have trusted in His holy name. Let Your mercy , O LORD, be upon us, Just as we hope in You."  

You can't go wrong with Jesus. If things are appearing to be difficult, don't give up. Don't lose heart today. Remember the source of you hope that protects you. Remember to wait upon Jesus. His timing is perfect. If at first you don't hear from Him, maybe He is just waiting for you to be still. Remember to let Him be in charge of your day, of your heart. Remember to ask that His will be done, and that He be glorified. Ask Him to help you have a heart that desires what He wants you to have. Continue to walk in the grace and knowledge of Him who has died and risen from the grave, and loves you.

My prayer today: Jesus, today all I ask is that you help me to see where you are working and join you in that work. If I need to be still first to hear your instructions in my heart, please help me to be calm and ready. In your name. Amen.

You are accepted.

Today's reading: "And this is the commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment." 1 John 3:23 

God accepts us and loves us just the way we are, but He wants to believe in Him. I know this to be true in my life. He desires change, and that will happen as I begin to trust Him more through obedience and discovery of who Jesus is in my life, as I read the Bible.


Belief is a tricky thing. For most people it is not an easy task to believe. For many it is easier to not believe something than to really believe the truth. In my walk in Christ, I have discovered there are two types of people. There are those who believe Jesus is the Son of God, and there are those who do not. In layman's terms we call that denial.

Belief and unbelief are two things constantly warring against one another in this world, and how you believe is important. And, more importantly, how you believe is the foundation of what you believe. Have you heard the story about the the man who built his house in the sand? What happened to it? And the man who built his house upon a rock? What happened to his home?(See Luke 6:45-49 for more on this passage).

Also, I want to mention that people will believe what they want to believe. I have observed that when people recognize the truth in their life, they don't always like what they see and they change the rules about how they believe. If something makes us uncomfortable about what we believe, we often will change what we believe to be true to suite our lifestyles. There is definitely a danger in doing something like this and Jesus called the Pharisees on this matter in Matthew 5: 17-22. My pastor talked about something like this yesterday in church, and I think this is something important to remember.

For those of us who have received Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we know the Truth. We know Jesus is the Truth because He has told us so. The following verse is important to remember: "These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God." 1 John 5:13  

I often wonder if it is sufficient to just know the truth? Here, I mean knowledge, and I am often proved wrong. We must believe the truth, and we must believe in who Jesus is, otherwise why believe? Our belief in Jesus as Lord and Savior of our life is crucial because He is the foundation for the home He builds within our hearts, it is the hope for our salvation. I have other thoughts regarding these matters and will hopefully revisit them again sometime soon. But, I will end here for now.

My prayer today is: Jesus, please search my heart and examine it closely. Show me where I need to change and to grow. Help me to walk with an undivided heart, a heart that believes the truth and promises of the Bible. Guide me through Your Word today, and pray for those who do not believe that they might be open to believing in You. In Your name. Amen.