"Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord." 2 Pet. 1:12
These were the words of Peter salutation to those who had placed their faith in Christ.
What a meaningful prayer; that those who had been born again through faith in Him could not only anticipate, but also experience the joy of personally knowing God through His indwelling in the person of the Holy Spirit living in their heart.
The residence of Him in your heart guarantees this!
As you go through this day, do not fail to celebrate this truth.
It is a fact....attested to by the living Word of God.
Do not discount the fact that
YOU ARE SOMEBODY;
A CHILD OF GOD!
Friday, October 30, 2015
Thursday, October 29, 2015
October 29
"Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you." 1 Pet. 4:7
On whom else than God can you cast every anxious thought with the assurance that it will be totally understood?
The gospel song that has endured through the years, because of its truth, is that God is a Personal Savior.
We've sung these words in church and planted them in our heart, because we realize that life sometimes becomes a place where we have never walked before.
At that time we need to count on someone who has preceded us and left us with the reminder that truly our God is with us.each step of the way.
If you have yet to enter this place, you can count on the fact that somewhere along the way you will.
It is at that time that Peter had in mind when he reminded us in the verse, above, to cast all our cares upon Him, because He cares for us.
Because you are traveling the road called "life" you will one day need to remember this.
Plant it in your heart and treasure it on the day it becomes a need.
On whom else than God can you cast every anxious thought with the assurance that it will be totally understood?
The gospel song that has endured through the years, because of its truth, is that God is a Personal Savior.
We've sung these words in church and planted them in our heart, because we realize that life sometimes becomes a place where we have never walked before.
At that time we need to count on someone who has preceded us and left us with the reminder that truly our God is with us.each step of the way.
If you have yet to enter this place, you can count on the fact that somewhere along the way you will.
It is at that time that Peter had in mind when he reminded us in the verse, above, to cast all our cares upon Him, because He cares for us.
Because you are traveling the road called "life" you will one day need to remember this.
Plant it in your heart and treasure it on the day it becomes a need.
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
Oct. 27, 2015
"Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but for the interests of others." Phil. 2:4
The apostle Paul was in no way encouraging any brother or sister in the Lord to become meddlesome in the affairs of others.
But he surely was asking each of us to consider what we could have one for another that would have profited him or her and made their day more blessed.
Whose soul has been lifted and life made a little better because of the genuine interest shown by you for them?
It may take a moment of time to place that call, write that note, or perhaps drop in for that cup of coffee,but if it results in someone's burdened being lifted or heart encouraged, it will be well worth the time and effort.
We do have a word from the Bible concerning this that we call the Golden Rule; "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
It really works.
Try it and see.
The apostle Paul was in no way encouraging any brother or sister in the Lord to become meddlesome in the affairs of others.
But he surely was asking each of us to consider what we could have one for another that would have profited him or her and made their day more blessed.
Whose soul has been lifted and life made a little better because of the genuine interest shown by you for them?
It may take a moment of time to place that call, write that note, or perhaps drop in for that cup of coffee,but if it results in someone's burdened being lifted or heart encouraged, it will be well worth the time and effort.
We do have a word from the Bible concerning this that we call the Golden Rule; "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
It really works.
Try it and see.
Friday, October 23, 2015
Oct. 25, 2015
"....so that in everything He might have the preeminence (supremacy)." Col. 1:18b
Is Jesus SUPREME in your life?
Or, to put it another way, is He LORD?
You may think it's just a "play on words", but far from it.
When Jesus is LORD, there is no question but that He is Savior.
The difference is known by how greatly He is in control of your being.
Is He the last word; the final AUTHORITY in your decisions?
It make all the difference in the choices one makes, and most of all in the peace you have in your heart THAT YOUR WALK IS PLEASING TO HIM.
Some may choose to call this a "clear conscience",
And that is fine....-IF- Jesus is LORD.
ONLY you know.
Is Jesus SUPREME in your life?
Or, to put it another way, is He LORD?
You may think it's just a "play on words", but far from it.
When Jesus is LORD, there is no question but that He is Savior.
The difference is known by how greatly He is in control of your being.
Is He the last word; the final AUTHORITY in your decisions?
It make all the difference in the choices one makes, and most of all in the peace you have in your heart THAT YOUR WALK IS PLEASING TO HIM.
Some may choose to call this a "clear conscience",
And that is fine....-IF- Jesus is LORD.
ONLY you know.
Thursday, October 22, 2015
Oct. 22, 2015
"Praise be to the Lord, our God, our Savior, Who daily bears our burdens." Ps. 68:19
How do those who do not have a personal relationship with God manage the complexities of life?
One of the great comforts of knowing Him personally through Jesus Christ, and the indwelling Holy Spirit, is being able to cast on Him the cares of life knowing that all things are going to ultimately work out well because He is in control.
That's because He is our personal Savior.
As David said in the verse above, it is He who bears our burdens.
And it does not matter what the burden may be, nor the shape or form in which it may come.
One of most freeing choices we can make is to allow Jesus to be Lord of our life.
He accepts that responsibility the instant we invite Him to take control and guide our daily steps and decisions that come with the territory.
Here's the promise, "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shalll be added unto you." Matt. 6:33
That's "all-inclusive".
How do those who do not have a personal relationship with God manage the complexities of life?
One of the great comforts of knowing Him personally through Jesus Christ, and the indwelling Holy Spirit, is being able to cast on Him the cares of life knowing that all things are going to ultimately work out well because He is in control.
That's because He is our personal Savior.
As David said in the verse above, it is He who bears our burdens.
And it does not matter what the burden may be, nor the shape or form in which it may come.
One of most freeing choices we can make is to allow Jesus to be Lord of our life.
He accepts that responsibility the instant we invite Him to take control and guide our daily steps and decisions that come with the territory.
Here's the promise, "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shalll be added unto you." Matt. 6:33
That's "all-inclusive".
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Oct. 21,2015
"My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip--He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you--the Lord is your shade at your right hand." Ps. 121:2-4
I read something that caught my attention.
It said, "God works the night shift".
Psalm 21 agrees, as you see above.
Sometimes it might as well be high noon instead of midnight on those occasional nights when sleep just will not come.
It's so comforting to know when those nights come that God is wide awake with me, but more than that, He is watching over me.
Tonight, regardless of how it goes with your sleep, just remember that God is also wide awake.
Perhaps.... that's why you are.
He just may need to have an audience with you.
Make sure you listen.
I read something that caught my attention.
It said, "God works the night shift".
Psalm 21 agrees, as you see above.
Sometimes it might as well be high noon instead of midnight on those occasional nights when sleep just will not come.
It's so comforting to know when those nights come that God is wide awake with me, but more than that, He is watching over me.
Tonight, regardless of how it goes with your sleep, just remember that God is also wide awake.
Perhaps.... that's why you are.
He just may need to have an audience with you.
Make sure you listen.
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Oct. 20, 2015
"For our light and momentary things are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Cor. 4:17-18
A 'fix' each night on the six o'clock news is not a sin, but it can become a hindrance to seeing what lies beyond the news; the plans of God for this world and all in it who believe and trust in Him for life beyond this moment in history.
It is not necessary to be a scholar of the Bible to realize that a power far greater than man rules the universe.
That "unseen" power is God.
There's never been a time when He was not.
There never will be.
That's why He's called eternal.
Whatever we've seen of His existence here is as nothing compared to what shall be seen of Him eternal.
A 'fix' each night on the six o'clock news is not a sin, but it can become a hindrance to seeing what lies beyond the news; the plans of God for this world and all in it who believe and trust in Him for life beyond this moment in history.
It is not necessary to be a scholar of the Bible to realize that a power far greater than man rules the universe.
That "unseen" power is God.
There's never been a time when He was not.
There never will be.
That's why He's called eternal.
Whatever we've seen of His existence here is as nothing compared to what shall be seen of Him eternal.
Monday, October 19, 2015
October 19, 2015
"The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace."Rom. 8:6
Can you understand just a bit better why so much of mankind today is focused on death as you read what the Apostle Paul wrote in the brief verse shown above?
Tonight as the TV news unfolds so much of it will report war, murder, suicide and carnage caused by one group at war with another.
This is because the Prince of Peace is either completely rejected or perhaps unknown by a majority of mankind today.
He cannot grasp a life of love and peace, because he has never known the one true God and His Son, Jesus Christ.
Sinful man's roots are deep in the son of Adam known as Cain who rose up and killed his very own brother all because of jealousy and envy. His mind was filled with death.
And so goes it today for all who follow in his steps.
Pause. Thank God you know better.
All because of John 3:16. Think about this, and praise God that you do.
Can you understand just a bit better why so much of mankind today is focused on death as you read what the Apostle Paul wrote in the brief verse shown above?
Tonight as the TV news unfolds so much of it will report war, murder, suicide and carnage caused by one group at war with another.
This is because the Prince of Peace is either completely rejected or perhaps unknown by a majority of mankind today.
He cannot grasp a life of love and peace, because he has never known the one true God and His Son, Jesus Christ.
Sinful man's roots are deep in the son of Adam known as Cain who rose up and killed his very own brother all because of jealousy and envy. His mind was filled with death.
And so goes it today for all who follow in his steps.
Pause. Thank God you know better.
All because of John 3:16. Think about this, and praise God that you do.
Friday, October 16, 2015
Oct. 16, 2015
"Cast your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you." I Peter 4:7
Is there a better reason for casting all your anxiety on God than that His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He cares for me?
The lyrics of the old Gospel song, "He's my personal Savior", came to mind when I pondered the question.
Since His eye is on the sparrow, I know He cares for me.
He IS just that personal.
He gave his life for me, and I know that one day He is coming back to take me home to heaven.
WHAT A THOUGHT!!
Your's, too to claim when you know He also lives in your heart,too.
What a thought ABSOLUTELY!!!
Is there a better reason for casting all your anxiety on God than that His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He cares for me?
The lyrics of the old Gospel song, "He's my personal Savior", came to mind when I pondered the question.
Since His eye is on the sparrow, I know He cares for me.
He IS just that personal.
He gave his life for me, and I know that one day He is coming back to take me home to heaven.
WHAT A THOUGHT!!
Your's, too to claim when you know He also lives in your heart,too.
What a thought ABSOLUTELY!!!
Thursday, October 15, 2015
Oct. 15/15
"Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but for the interests of others." Phil. 2:4
At the end of the day who has profited because you cared?
Whose need has been met?
Whose burden has been lifted?
Whose heart had been lightened?
Whose soul has been encouraged.....
all because you cared?
I'm reasonably certain these may not have been the same things Paul had in mind as he wrote Philippians 2:4.
But they could have been!
At the end of the day who has profited because you cared?
Whose need has been met?
Whose burden has been lifted?
Whose heart had been lightened?
Whose soul has been encouraged.....
all because you cared?
I'm reasonably certain these may not have been the same things Paul had in mind as he wrote Philippians 2:4.
But they could have been!
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Oct. 14 2015
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord you are serving." Col. 3:23-24
Me, in sacred work?
That surely appears to be how the Holy Spirit meant for Paul to write these words to the people of Colosse.
Notice that he said specifically, "It is the Lord you are serving."
Kind of puts a new perspective on your work, doesn't it?
But that's great, because we know that nothing we ever do that honors Him will be a waste of time or strength.
Here in the middle of October, in the middle of the week, is a good time to realize you are right in the midst of working for the Lord.
Somewhat challenges you to do your best, doesn't it?
Me, in sacred work?
That surely appears to be how the Holy Spirit meant for Paul to write these words to the people of Colosse.
Notice that he said specifically, "It is the Lord you are serving."
Kind of puts a new perspective on your work, doesn't it?
But that's great, because we know that nothing we ever do that honors Him will be a waste of time or strength.
Here in the middle of October, in the middle of the week, is a good time to realize you are right in the midst of working for the Lord.
Somewhat challenges you to do your best, doesn't it?
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Oct. 13/15
"If anyone is ashamed of Me and of My words in this adulterous generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His Father's glory with the Holy Angels." Mk. 8:38
Ashamed of Jesus?
Who?
It's a good question.
The answer is far from being pleasing to God even in the "BIBLE BELT".
It is just about impossible to miss seeing this when comparing the number of cars at the shopping mall or sporting complex compared to the number parked around the churches.
Does God notice this?
What do you think?
I checked, and yes, it is still there, "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy." Ex. 20:8
Ashamed of Jesus?
Who?
It's a good question.
The answer is far from being pleasing to God even in the "BIBLE BELT".
It is just about impossible to miss seeing this when comparing the number of cars at the shopping mall or sporting complex compared to the number parked around the churches.
Does God notice this?
What do you think?
I checked, and yes, it is still there, "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy." Ex. 20:8
Monday, October 12, 2015
Oct. 12. 2015
"Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." 2 Cor. 3:17b
You know the difference!
Where God's presence is, there is a definite atmosphere.
And this "presence" is not limited just to a religious gathering.
One can be totally alone and know HE is there.
Perhaps it is most often in that kind of solitude when you have sensed His presence; that still, small voice that whispers in your mind.
As Paul said in the Scripture verse, above, it is most often in this very Quiet Times that one senses God's presence and the genuine desire to worship Him.
Once you experience this, you long for it again.
"Breathe on me, breathe on me, Holy Spirit breathe on me. Take thou my heart, cleanse every part, Holy Spirit, breathe on me." (Edwin Hatch 1835-1889)
You know the difference!
Where God's presence is, there is a definite atmosphere.
And this "presence" is not limited just to a religious gathering.
One can be totally alone and know HE is there.
Perhaps it is most often in that kind of solitude when you have sensed His presence; that still, small voice that whispers in your mind.
As Paul said in the Scripture verse, above, it is most often in this very Quiet Times that one senses God's presence and the genuine desire to worship Him.
Once you experience this, you long for it again.
"Breathe on me, breathe on me, Holy Spirit breathe on me. Take thou my heart, cleanse every part, Holy Spirit, breathe on me." (Edwin Hatch 1835-1889)
Friday, October 9, 2015
Oct. 9. 2015
"You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in the Lord forever."Isa. 26:3
The state of "perfect peace".
Heaven is surely such a place.
So was Eden one day.
Everything in harmony with God.
What a thought.
And the reality of it is absolutely obtainable today.
Yes, even in this world.
Jesus Christ as Lord in one's life is the way.
He said said so, "I am the way, the truth, and the life". John 14:6
The state of "perfect peace".
Heaven is surely such a place.
So was Eden one day.
Everything in harmony with God.
What a thought.
And the reality of it is absolutely obtainable today.
Yes, even in this world.
Jesus Christ as Lord in one's life is the way.
He said said so, "I am the way, the truth, and the life". John 14:6
Thursday, October 8, 2015
Oct.8,2015
"If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all." Isa. 7:9b
What a thought for our day!
Statistics showing diminishing numbers from mainline Christian denominations is a sad but true reflection of Christianity in America in this twenty-first century.
We can pretend it is not so, but those "statistical facts" reveal the contrary.
Isaiah's words reveal the reason behind the decreasing numbers of congregations, churches, even entire denominations.
America no longer stands firm in her faith.
And the dire consequences will usher in a time, and much sooner than expected, when America no longer stands at all for the faith of our fathers.
No one likes "gloom and doom",
But God has spoken.
Let Him be heard.
In your heart, and in your home.
What a thought for our day!
Statistics showing diminishing numbers from mainline Christian denominations is a sad but true reflection of Christianity in America in this twenty-first century.
We can pretend it is not so, but those "statistical facts" reveal the contrary.
Isaiah's words reveal the reason behind the decreasing numbers of congregations, churches, even entire denominations.
America no longer stands firm in her faith.
And the dire consequences will usher in a time, and much sooner than expected, when America no longer stands at all for the faith of our fathers.
No one likes "gloom and doom",
But God has spoken.
Let Him be heard.
In your heart, and in your home.
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
Oct. 7, 2015
"In the last days the mountain of the Lord's temple will be established as chief among the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore. Isa. 2:1, 4c
Of course this is prophecy yet to be fulfilled, but it is the Word of God, and it shall be fulfilled.
From this Old Testament prophecy written by Isaiah seven hundred years before Christ we look right into the future when, thank God, ALL nations on earth will acknowledge and worship Him.
Be encouraged with these words of God spoken through His prophet Isaiah.
In this day when the Bible is disdained, neglected, and many times totally rejected it is good to focus on "the rest of the story" and know that Jehovah will be God, and Christ will rule.
IT IS WRITTEN.
It will come to pass.
Believe it....
and as proof that you do... receive it by making Christ Lord....
THE ONLY WAY to eternity with God.
Of course this is prophecy yet to be fulfilled, but it is the Word of God, and it shall be fulfilled.
From this Old Testament prophecy written by Isaiah seven hundred years before Christ we look right into the future when, thank God, ALL nations on earth will acknowledge and worship Him.
Be encouraged with these words of God spoken through His prophet Isaiah.
In this day when the Bible is disdained, neglected, and many times totally rejected it is good to focus on "the rest of the story" and know that Jehovah will be God, and Christ will rule.
IT IS WRITTEN.
It will come to pass.
Believe it....
and as proof that you do... receive it by making Christ Lord....
THE ONLY WAY to eternity with God.
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
October 6, 2015
"I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go. and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you." Gen. 28:15
SAID....
DONE!!
Jews and Christians will not be overcome by Satan.
That is precisely how to read this promise of God.
What a comfort to know that regardless of the boasts and threats that leap from the lips of endless tyrants, God has already declared them absolutely defeated. He, and those whom He has chosen will overcome Satan regardless of whom he has duped and coerced to be his spokesmen.
Jews and Christians will not succumb to Satan.
Take heart!
Paul wrote, "No. I am convinced that neither death or life, nor angels or demons, neither the present or the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor ANYTHING ELSE in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Rom. 8:38
"Stand up, stand up for Jesus, ye soldiers of the cross; Lift high His royal banner; it must not suffer loss. From victory unto victory His army SHALL HE LEAD, till every foe is vanquished and Christ is Lord indeed." George Duffield, Jr.
SAID....
DONE!!
Jews and Christians will not be overcome by Satan.
That is precisely how to read this promise of God.
What a comfort to know that regardless of the boasts and threats that leap from the lips of endless tyrants, God has already declared them absolutely defeated. He, and those whom He has chosen will overcome Satan regardless of whom he has duped and coerced to be his spokesmen.
Jews and Christians will not succumb to Satan.
Take heart!
Paul wrote, "No. I am convinced that neither death or life, nor angels or demons, neither the present or the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor ANYTHING ELSE in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Rom. 8:38
"Stand up, stand up for Jesus, ye soldiers of the cross; Lift high His royal banner; it must not suffer loss. From victory unto victory His army SHALL HE LEAD, till every foe is vanquished and Christ is Lord indeed." George Duffield, Jr.
Monday, October 5, 2015
Oct. 5, 2015"
"Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He will strengthen your heart; Wait, I say on the Lord!" Ps. 27:14
What a promise; that from God Himself one will receive strength.
When I was a child there was a common saying; "Weight broke the wagon down."
I now realize that the word my "advisors" were giving me was not the same one David had in mind when he wrote the twenty-seventh Psalm.
No one ever 'out-waits' God.
We can put our trust, or confidence, in Him continually with full assurance that our wait, no
matter how long, will bring forth the best results.
I confess I have not always remembered this, but at the same time I certainly confess I wish I had.
David was right when he wrote this Psalm.
Waiting is not easy. It takes faith, and it takes courage, but the more it is practiced the stronger becomes our faith.
That's worth the wait!
What a promise; that from God Himself one will receive strength.
When I was a child there was a common saying; "Weight broke the wagon down."
I now realize that the word my "advisors" were giving me was not the same one David had in mind when he wrote the twenty-seventh Psalm.
No one ever 'out-waits' God.
We can put our trust, or confidence, in Him continually with full assurance that our wait, no
matter how long, will bring forth the best results.
I confess I have not always remembered this, but at the same time I certainly confess I wish I had.
David was right when he wrote this Psalm.
Waiting is not easy. It takes faith, and it takes courage, but the more it is practiced the stronger becomes our faith.
That's worth the wait!
Friday, October 2, 2015
October 2, 2015
"Examine me. O Lord, and prove me; Try my mind and my heart." Ps. 26;2
What a request!!!!!!!!
David beseeching God to examine him, both mind and heart.
What a thought; that one's desire to be in right relationship with God would cause him to ask God to give him His personal examination to check out his spiritual condition, both mind and heart.
But what more perfect way to know exactly how one stands with God than to ask Him to "exmaine" his heart mind, soul, and spirit; the whole 'nine yards'?
It takes both faith and courage to make such a request, but what better way to know that our ways are the ways of the Lord, and that because this is true He is guarding our steps day by day.....because we asked Him to do so.
That's the picture of one whose mind is stayed on God.
I am reminded of the hymn, "When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word, what a joy He sheds on our way. As we do His good will, He abides with us still, and with all who will trust and obey.." (John H. Sammis)
What a request!!!!!!!!
David beseeching God to examine him, both mind and heart.
What a thought; that one's desire to be in right relationship with God would cause him to ask God to give him His personal examination to check out his spiritual condition, both mind and heart.
But what more perfect way to know exactly how one stands with God than to ask Him to "exmaine" his heart mind, soul, and spirit; the whole 'nine yards'?
It takes both faith and courage to make such a request, but what better way to know that our ways are the ways of the Lord, and that because this is true He is guarding our steps day by day.....because we asked Him to do so.
That's the picture of one whose mind is stayed on God.
I am reminded of the hymn, "When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word, what a joy He sheds on our way. As we do His good will, He abides with us still, and with all who will trust and obey.." (John H. Sammis)
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