Aren't you glad that the word "whosoever" is found in John 3:16? I know that I am. Because this means that I am included!
This means that the avenue into eternal life is not dependent upon ethnicity, gender, nationality, social status, eye color or any of the other things that distinguish humans one from the other!
YOU are among the "whosoevers" that Jesus died for. You can be saved. But you have to receive Him as Lord and Savior. Have you done this? Have you repented of your sins and placed your faith in Him for salvation?
If not, then why not right now? This moment could be the greatest moment of your life. He has promised to receive all those who come to Him in faith, believing that He is the very Son of God!
God bless.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Hope Is An Anchor!
The last few verses of Hebrews 6 speak of a hope that will serve as an anchor of our soul. We certainly need this anchor today! Issues all around us are militantly working to keep us in a state of agitation ans hopelessness.
This "hope" is the promised future which is ours in Christ! A future that is free of sin, sickness, travails of life, and all of the issues that strive to rob us of our peace today.
We are told to "lay hold" upon this hope- to seize it, as a drowning person would grasp a life line. This requires of us a conscious choice and effort. We must press through all of the obstacles that would detract us from the Lord, and place our trust fully in Him.
As we allow Him to do so, the Lord will establish this hope firmly in our souls, and this hope will be a stabilizing factor when the storms of life rage against us!
This sounds like something worth pursuing to me!
How is your hope today? Do you have a blessed assurance that all will ultimately work together for your good? Or, are you tossed about with fears and doubts regarding he future?
Jesus says "Come unto me.... and I will give you rest." (Matt. 11:28).
May hope and peace be your portion as you walk in His will for your life.
God bless.
This "hope" is the promised future which is ours in Christ! A future that is free of sin, sickness, travails of life, and all of the issues that strive to rob us of our peace today.
We are told to "lay hold" upon this hope- to seize it, as a drowning person would grasp a life line. This requires of us a conscious choice and effort. We must press through all of the obstacles that would detract us from the Lord, and place our trust fully in Him.
As we allow Him to do so, the Lord will establish this hope firmly in our souls, and this hope will be a stabilizing factor when the storms of life rage against us!
This sounds like something worth pursuing to me!
How is your hope today? Do you have a blessed assurance that all will ultimately work together for your good? Or, are you tossed about with fears and doubts regarding he future?
Jesus says "Come unto me.... and I will give you rest." (Matt. 11:28).
May hope and peace be your portion as you walk in His will for your life.
God bless.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Not So Hot
It would seem that one of the various strains of flu has made it's way int o my body! This is manifested in a general state of feeling really bad, and in the way that my brain is refusing to function clearly!
That being said, I think that today's entry will be brief. I in fact, it ends here!
God bless.
That being said, I think that today's entry will be brief. I in fact, it ends here!
God bless.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Why Can't I Just Be Happy?
Isn't this one of the great questions of life? Everyone seems to be looking for happiness, yet, happiness, if ever found at all, seems to be short lived! What is wrong?
The fact is this: Happiness will never be found as a result of seeking happiness; rather, happiness is a by-product of living a useful life in the will of God.
I would encourage everyone to read the book of Ecclesiastes with a prayerful, open mind, and allow the Lord to speak to you as you read. In this book we have an autobiographical look into the life of king Solomon, a person who had the material wealth to do absolutely anything that he desired. And, he did.
The end result of every pursuit was that he came up empty! Nothing could deliver the desired end result of genuine, lasting happiness.
At the conclusion of this book, Solomon concluded that the whole duty of man is to seek the Lord. and to do His will. This, my friend, is the true well-spring of happiness.
The truth is that we are created to walk in fellowship with the Lord, and in harmony with His eternal purposes. To do otherwise is guaranteed failure!
The truth that real freedom comes only through total surrender to God and His plan is a seeming contradiction that causes many to stumble; but, to those who will receive it, this is the pathway into the satisfying life that everyone genuinely longs for!
Why not take Him at His word today? If your quest for happiness seems to be all in vain, why not turn to God with all of your heart, place it all in His hands, and experience the reality of a deep seated assurance that, come what may, everything is going to work out! That is happiness!
God bless.
The fact is this: Happiness will never be found as a result of seeking happiness; rather, happiness is a by-product of living a useful life in the will of God.
I would encourage everyone to read the book of Ecclesiastes with a prayerful, open mind, and allow the Lord to speak to you as you read. In this book we have an autobiographical look into the life of king Solomon, a person who had the material wealth to do absolutely anything that he desired. And, he did.
The end result of every pursuit was that he came up empty! Nothing could deliver the desired end result of genuine, lasting happiness.
At the conclusion of this book, Solomon concluded that the whole duty of man is to seek the Lord. and to do His will. This, my friend, is the true well-spring of happiness.
The truth is that we are created to walk in fellowship with the Lord, and in harmony with His eternal purposes. To do otherwise is guaranteed failure!
The truth that real freedom comes only through total surrender to God and His plan is a seeming contradiction that causes many to stumble; but, to those who will receive it, this is the pathway into the satisfying life that everyone genuinely longs for!
Why not take Him at His word today? If your quest for happiness seems to be all in vain, why not turn to God with all of your heart, place it all in His hands, and experience the reality of a deep seated assurance that, come what may, everything is going to work out! That is happiness!
God bless.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
A Great Falling Away
In 2 Thessalonians chapter2, the apostle Paul referenced a great falling away prior to coming of the Lord, and the revealing of the Antichrist. Could we be living in just such a time?
I can only speak from personal observation, but in my 36 years of being a disciple of Jesus Christ I have never seen such a low spiritual tide in the Church. Allow me to list just a few of the issues that lead me to this conclusion:
There is little burden for the lost
Prayer is little more than a token thing- a religious formality
Entertainment has taken center stage in the Church
Biblical holiness is considered archaic- there is little difference from the world
There is little reverence for God. It's all about being "casual"
Comfort and convenience has replaced commitment
These are a few reasons (among many others) to be very concerned for those who profess salvation!
It is past time to call the Church back to a Biblical faith which confronts all of the "whosoevers" that come to Christ with the reality of a radical change in lifestyle, and a radical coming out of the world to a separated life of holiness and commitment!
By God's grace, may we not be among the masses who will fall away from the faith as the end approaches!
God bless
I can only speak from personal observation, but in my 36 years of being a disciple of Jesus Christ I have never seen such a low spiritual tide in the Church. Allow me to list just a few of the issues that lead me to this conclusion:
There is little burden for the lost
Prayer is little more than a token thing- a religious formality
Entertainment has taken center stage in the Church
Biblical holiness is considered archaic- there is little difference from the world
There is little reverence for God. It's all about being "casual"
Comfort and convenience has replaced commitment
These are a few reasons (among many others) to be very concerned for those who profess salvation!
It is past time to call the Church back to a Biblical faith which confronts all of the "whosoevers" that come to Christ with the reality of a radical change in lifestyle, and a radical coming out of the world to a separated life of holiness and commitment!
By God's grace, may we not be among the masses who will fall away from the faith as the end approaches!
God bless
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Are We Looking For Him?
The writer of Hebrews says that "unto them that look for Him shall He appear...". The question is: Are we looking for Him? Do we have a heart-felt expectation of His coming for His Church?
The Bible holds forth one truth that is positive evidence of such anticipation; 1 John 3:3 says "And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure."
So, here's the fact of the matter: If we aren't living a pure life, then, regardless of protests to the contrary, we are not looking for the coming of the Lord, nor are we prepared for this event!
This is the time to WAKE UP! There will be no 2 minute warning prior to His coming! The Bible speaks of this event as coming as a thief in the night, at a time unexpected by most.
Yet, we have been warned. Time and time again, God has faithfully sent messengers of His word to tell us that we must be living a prepared life!
As I write this on a Saturday morning, I am well aware that, if the Lord delays His coming, tomorrow will find thousands of professes Christians who will attend a service, be stirred by the music, have their "worship" time, then leave the sanctuary to engage in things that prove that their heart is not in fellowship with the Lord!
Folks, it's time to break up the fallow ground, repent of all ungodliness, embrace holiness and live as those who truly have a hope of eternal life! As those who are anticipating their entrance into His glorious presence!
My prayer is that all who read these words will ultimately and eternally be saved!
God bless.
The Bible holds forth one truth that is positive evidence of such anticipation; 1 John 3:3 says "And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure."
So, here's the fact of the matter: If we aren't living a pure life, then, regardless of protests to the contrary, we are not looking for the coming of the Lord, nor are we prepared for this event!
This is the time to WAKE UP! There will be no 2 minute warning prior to His coming! The Bible speaks of this event as coming as a thief in the night, at a time unexpected by most.
Yet, we have been warned. Time and time again, God has faithfully sent messengers of His word to tell us that we must be living a prepared life!
As I write this on a Saturday morning, I am well aware that, if the Lord delays His coming, tomorrow will find thousands of professes Christians who will attend a service, be stirred by the music, have their "worship" time, then leave the sanctuary to engage in things that prove that their heart is not in fellowship with the Lord!
Folks, it's time to break up the fallow ground, repent of all ungodliness, embrace holiness and live as those who truly have a hope of eternal life! As those who are anticipating their entrance into His glorious presence!
My prayer is that all who read these words will ultimately and eternally be saved!
God bless.
Friday, October 16, 2009
I Wonder How The Prophets Felt?
Do you ever try to warn people of the end result of their choices only to be rejected and ridiculed? Its amazing how people can simply refuse to consider the consequences of their choices in this life.
I know that the Lord is faithful to bring conviction to hearts, but it seems that folks just shake it off and go along their merry way to destruction! Truly, the god of this world has blinded the minds of those who believe not!
A greater marvel, however, is how those who have known the Lord, have tasted of His goodness, and have know the joys of sins forgiven, can backslide into a lifestyle of carelessness and sinfulness, living as if the Lord no longer means what He so plainly tells us in His word.
Some time back, I joined a popular social networking site and was able to connect with a lot of people, some of whom I haven't seen in quite a while. I must confess that I was saddened by some of their words, their discussion of TV, movies, books, etc. that they enjoyed. My disappointment at this was such that I cancelled my account.
Oh, I made a few comments regarding these issues, but found that they really weren't welcomed.
I would read of these same people "praying for revival", having "awesome worship services", "loving the Lord with all their heart"; and, frankly, I wonder how such can be so blind to their real spiritual state!
I think that many of us who Love God and seek after holiness have a little bit of an understanding of how the prophets of old must have felt. They were called to proclaim righteousness to the people of God, yet the people had no heart foe holiness- in fact, they saw no wrong in the way that they were living.
I implore all who read these words to search your hearts! Jesus emphatically warned us "be not deceived." Don't be among those who profess relationship with the Lord, but, sadly, they will hear Him say, "Depart from me, you worker of iniquity; I never knew you."
Those who have an ear, may the hear.
God bless.
I know that the Lord is faithful to bring conviction to hearts, but it seems that folks just shake it off and go along their merry way to destruction! Truly, the god of this world has blinded the minds of those who believe not!
A greater marvel, however, is how those who have known the Lord, have tasted of His goodness, and have know the joys of sins forgiven, can backslide into a lifestyle of carelessness and sinfulness, living as if the Lord no longer means what He so plainly tells us in His word.
Some time back, I joined a popular social networking site and was able to connect with a lot of people, some of whom I haven't seen in quite a while. I must confess that I was saddened by some of their words, their discussion of TV, movies, books, etc. that they enjoyed. My disappointment at this was such that I cancelled my account.
Oh, I made a few comments regarding these issues, but found that they really weren't welcomed.
I would read of these same people "praying for revival", having "awesome worship services", "loving the Lord with all their heart"; and, frankly, I wonder how such can be so blind to their real spiritual state!
I think that many of us who Love God and seek after holiness have a little bit of an understanding of how the prophets of old must have felt. They were called to proclaim righteousness to the people of God, yet the people had no heart foe holiness- in fact, they saw no wrong in the way that they were living.
I implore all who read these words to search your hearts! Jesus emphatically warned us "be not deceived." Don't be among those who profess relationship with the Lord, but, sadly, they will hear Him say, "Depart from me, you worker of iniquity; I never knew you."
Those who have an ear, may the hear.
God bless.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
When Our Will Is Not His Will
While talking with a fellow minister today, I remarked on how most Christians will readily say that they are willing to submit their will to the Lord. I believe that they are being honest when they make such statements.
However, when we are confronted head-on with a situation that requires us to relinquish our plans and go with the will of the Lord instead, that is where the conflict begins! But this is the arena in which true faith is proven! Will we trust and honor the Lord if it requires of us that we lay our will aside?
I have found that, at least in my interactions with church people, that when push comes to shove, MOST are unwilling to pray, as Jesus did, "Nevertheless, not my will, but thy will be done."
At this point people begin to make statements such as, "I prayed about it, and I feel that I am right."
It's commendable that we pray, but when the Lord's will is known, there is really nothing to pray about! It is simply a matter of obedience!
The longer that I serve the Lord, the more I realize that "many are called, but few are chosen." Sadly, the truth is that God has only a remnant among the multitudes who profess to have a relationship with Him. We are in a time when "every man does that which is right in his own eyes.", and, because judgment is not immediately forthcoming, people begin to think that disobedience isn't really so bad in the eyes of God.
Remember, Jesus is as a landowner taking a long journey. He left His servants with clear directions, and warned them that His return would be unexpected. He further taught of the dire realities that would be in store for those who chose to do other than He had directed.
Well, He is coming! He will reward the faithful, and He will punish the disobedient!
Which group will you & I be among?
God bless.
However, when we are confronted head-on with a situation that requires us to relinquish our plans and go with the will of the Lord instead, that is where the conflict begins! But this is the arena in which true faith is proven! Will we trust and honor the Lord if it requires of us that we lay our will aside?
I have found that, at least in my interactions with church people, that when push comes to shove, MOST are unwilling to pray, as Jesus did, "Nevertheless, not my will, but thy will be done."
At this point people begin to make statements such as, "I prayed about it, and I feel that I am right."
It's commendable that we pray, but when the Lord's will is known, there is really nothing to pray about! It is simply a matter of obedience!
The longer that I serve the Lord, the more I realize that "many are called, but few are chosen." Sadly, the truth is that God has only a remnant among the multitudes who profess to have a relationship with Him. We are in a time when "every man does that which is right in his own eyes.", and, because judgment is not immediately forthcoming, people begin to think that disobedience isn't really so bad in the eyes of God.
Remember, Jesus is as a landowner taking a long journey. He left His servants with clear directions, and warned them that His return would be unexpected. He further taught of the dire realities that would be in store for those who chose to do other than He had directed.
Well, He is coming! He will reward the faithful, and He will punish the disobedient!
Which group will you & I be among?
God bless.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
God's Presence
The Bible plainly tells us that the Lord never changes! Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever! We also know that He is not willing that any should perish, but that all come to repentance.
With that being said, why do we see so little evidence of His presence today? Oh, I'm not talking about the high-powered "worship" times that get people worked into a frenzy. I believe that there is more flesh than spirit in most of those times.
I'm talking about God's presence that changes lives, that instills a hatred for sin and a desire for holiness in the life of the believer! A "new creature", "born-again" reality that marks a person as God's own!
The answer is that God has never changed! But people have cast aside the clear teaching of Biblical salvation, and have constructed a theology of "sleazy grace" that enables them to profess a belief in God while denying the power thereof!
Revival was never meant to be a future "maybe"; it is meant to be an ever-present reality as we live with and for Him day-by-day!
I have a great burden for "christians" who think nothing of lying, or treat church attendance lightly, or are entangled in relationships that the Bible says is wrong- and the list goes an and on and on!
Please hear this, beloved: Jesus really is coming again; and, He is coming for those who are looking for Him!
All who are truly in that number are embracing holiness, eschewing evil, and endeavoring to honor the Lord in all that they do!
Are you in that number?
God bless.
With that being said, why do we see so little evidence of His presence today? Oh, I'm not talking about the high-powered "worship" times that get people worked into a frenzy. I believe that there is more flesh than spirit in most of those times.
I'm talking about God's presence that changes lives, that instills a hatred for sin and a desire for holiness in the life of the believer! A "new creature", "born-again" reality that marks a person as God's own!
The answer is that God has never changed! But people have cast aside the clear teaching of Biblical salvation, and have constructed a theology of "sleazy grace" that enables them to profess a belief in God while denying the power thereof!
Revival was never meant to be a future "maybe"; it is meant to be an ever-present reality as we live with and for Him day-by-day!
I have a great burden for "christians" who think nothing of lying, or treat church attendance lightly, or are entangled in relationships that the Bible says is wrong- and the list goes an and on and on!
Please hear this, beloved: Jesus really is coming again; and, He is coming for those who are looking for Him!
All who are truly in that number are embracing holiness, eschewing evil, and endeavoring to honor the Lord in all that they do!
Are you in that number?
God bless.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
How To Keep The Fire Burning
If you have been a Christian for much time at all then you know what it's like to go through periods of spiritual lethargy. Times when spiritual disciplines become tedious, the Bible seems dry, prayer seems mechanical- most who read this will know exactly what I'm getting at.
The Bible tells us that we as individuals will never have to endure any type of unique trial, but such things as we struggle with are common to all. In other words, you're not the only one to have ever felt this way!
So, how do we deal with these times? Are we just supposed to "let it run it's course"? ABSOLUTELY NOT!
Faith is a fight! A conflict between flesh and spirit! Our flesh may grow weary in well doing, but our inner man is to be renewed day by day!
How are we to realize this renewal? Look at David's approach to such in Psalm 103: "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name."
Sometimes we have to give ourselves a pep talk. We have to remind our self that God is still God! That His promises are still "Yea, and amen"; and His benefits are worth enumerating to our selves!
As we set ourselves to think upon His goodness unto us- His amazing grace toward us- we will sense a renewal of purpose and of spiritual zeal stirring in our hearts!
Never give in to despair! Fight the good fight of faith, and stir up the gift that is in you as you recount His goodness in your life!
And, don't wait until tomorrow. Why not start right now?
God bless.
The Bible tells us that we as individuals will never have to endure any type of unique trial, but such things as we struggle with are common to all. In other words, you're not the only one to have ever felt this way!
So, how do we deal with these times? Are we just supposed to "let it run it's course"? ABSOLUTELY NOT!
Faith is a fight! A conflict between flesh and spirit! Our flesh may grow weary in well doing, but our inner man is to be renewed day by day!
How are we to realize this renewal? Look at David's approach to such in Psalm 103: "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name."
Sometimes we have to give ourselves a pep talk. We have to remind our self that God is still God! That His promises are still "Yea, and amen"; and His benefits are worth enumerating to our selves!
As we set ourselves to think upon His goodness unto us- His amazing grace toward us- we will sense a renewal of purpose and of spiritual zeal stirring in our hearts!
Never give in to despair! Fight the good fight of faith, and stir up the gift that is in you as you recount His goodness in your life!
And, don't wait until tomorrow. Why not start right now?
God bless.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Called Out
As I peruse the current Church landscape, I am tremendously concerned that there is so little distinction between the Church and the world around us. My wife and I have had opportunity to visit several churches during the last few months, and usually leave feeling disappointment over the experience.
I remember when one could visit almost any church and leave afterwards with a sense of having been in the presence of the Lord. Music would point to Him as One worthy of praise, and the preaching would be soundly established upon the Bible.
Not so today! Music is typically used to stir the emotions and to make the attendees feel good. The "preaching", if it can be called that, has more in common with pop psychology than with the word of God! Usually, the whole "experience" is structured to enhance one's self-esteem, and to equip one to realize their potential. This is not necessarily bad, but neither does it equate to the soul-searching, probing proclamation of God's word which is needed to effect eternal change in the lives of the hearers!
Beloved, we are called out of the world so that we might be holy vessels of His glory, revealers of His light which can lead lost souls to safety! If we choose to live as the world then we will never be instruments of change in the world!
May we embrace holiness as a lifestyle, and may we, by so doing, see His glory manifesting in our services once again! I hunger for such reality today.
God bless
I remember when one could visit almost any church and leave afterwards with a sense of having been in the presence of the Lord. Music would point to Him as One worthy of praise, and the preaching would be soundly established upon the Bible.
Not so today! Music is typically used to stir the emotions and to make the attendees feel good. The "preaching", if it can be called that, has more in common with pop psychology than with the word of God! Usually, the whole "experience" is structured to enhance one's self-esteem, and to equip one to realize their potential. This is not necessarily bad, but neither does it equate to the soul-searching, probing proclamation of God's word which is needed to effect eternal change in the lives of the hearers!
Beloved, we are called out of the world so that we might be holy vessels of His glory, revealers of His light which can lead lost souls to safety! If we choose to live as the world then we will never be instruments of change in the world!
May we embrace holiness as a lifestyle, and may we, by so doing, see His glory manifesting in our services once again! I hunger for such reality today.
God bless
Friday, October 9, 2009
No Victory Without A Battle!
For the last few days I have written about the problems that fell David's lot, as recorded in 1 Samuel 30. There, we find him and his men in some of life's most trying circumstances.
The lesson that we can take from this is that, if we will stay faithful to the Lord, He will work all things together for our good!
We see that David fought through the depression, the sense of loss, the misplaced blame of his men and all the other emotional battles that were threatening to overwhelm him, and he followed the direction that the Lord gave him!
As a result, we find that, not only did he rescue his family and regain all of his possessions, but he took the spoils of the Amalekites as "interest"! He ended up with much more than he had prior to his loss!
This will be the eternal reality of all who will remain faithful to God and his calling in our life. We may not necessarily be rich in the material things of this world, but we have an assurance of unimaginable blessings throughout the endless ages!
So, do not allow the enemy to defeat you through discouragement, weariness nor hardships! The battle is on, and, at times, the going is extremely difficult; but the truth is that we cannot lose as we follow the Lord!
Victory is assured to all who will simply refuse to grow weary in well doing! We can do that!
God bless.
The lesson that we can take from this is that, if we will stay faithful to the Lord, He will work all things together for our good!
We see that David fought through the depression, the sense of loss, the misplaced blame of his men and all the other emotional battles that were threatening to overwhelm him, and he followed the direction that the Lord gave him!
As a result, we find that, not only did he rescue his family and regain all of his possessions, but he took the spoils of the Amalekites as "interest"! He ended up with much more than he had prior to his loss!
This will be the eternal reality of all who will remain faithful to God and his calling in our life. We may not necessarily be rich in the material things of this world, but we have an assurance of unimaginable blessings throughout the endless ages!
So, do not allow the enemy to defeat you through discouragement, weariness nor hardships! The battle is on, and, at times, the going is extremely difficult; but the truth is that we cannot lose as we follow the Lord!
Victory is assured to all who will simply refuse to grow weary in well doing! We can do that!
God bless.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Fighting The Good Fight
As we continue our consideration of David's response to his challenges, as recorded in 1 Samuel chapter 30, we find that after he had wept over his sense of loss, and after he had encouraged himself in the Lord, he sought the Lord's direction as to what he should do next.
The answer from God was that he was to pursue the enemy, engage him in battle, and recapture his family and his belongings.
So, David and his men set out. They soon overtook the Amalekites, and the battle was joined. We gather from the narrative that the battle began in the evening and lasted until the evening of the next day. This was an exceeding long time to stay engaged in rigorous combat, but victory or defeat for many people hung in the balance!
If we are to know the victory that the Lord has for us then we will, of necessity, develop a "warrior mentality" that will engage the enemy and refuse to give up until the battle is won! We may say that this sounds hard, but then, whoever told us that life is easy?
The fact is that there are eternal rewards or losses in the balance! We are called to war a good warfare! To fight a good fight! We are promised that if we refuse to grow weary in well doing, that in due season we shall reap!
As we read this account of the life of David, he is just days away from ascending to the throne as king over all of Israel! What if he had stopped at this juncture?
There is a valuable lesson here for us all! God's promises are true! Adversity does not negate His word! If we press o we will know all of His fullness in our lives!
May we be found fighting the good fight of faith!
God bless.
The answer from God was that he was to pursue the enemy, engage him in battle, and recapture his family and his belongings.
So, David and his men set out. They soon overtook the Amalekites, and the battle was joined. We gather from the narrative that the battle began in the evening and lasted until the evening of the next day. This was an exceeding long time to stay engaged in rigorous combat, but victory or defeat for many people hung in the balance!
If we are to know the victory that the Lord has for us then we will, of necessity, develop a "warrior mentality" that will engage the enemy and refuse to give up until the battle is won! We may say that this sounds hard, but then, whoever told us that life is easy?
The fact is that there are eternal rewards or losses in the balance! We are called to war a good warfare! To fight a good fight! We are promised that if we refuse to grow weary in well doing, that in due season we shall reap!
As we read this account of the life of David, he is just days away from ascending to the throne as king over all of Israel! What if he had stopped at this juncture?
There is a valuable lesson here for us all! God's promises are true! Adversity does not negate His word! If we press o we will know all of His fullness in our lives!
May we be found fighting the good fight of faith!
God bless.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
What Does God Want?
I have been sharing about David's response to tragedy as found in 1 Samuel chapter 30. He was living as a fugitive, his goods had been stolen, his family kidnapped, and his men were planning to stone him!
In the midst of this, David encouraged himself in the Lord his God!
Then, he sought the Lord's direction. Should he go after the enemy, or should he let go of the situation. Such times are a true indicator of our desire and willingness to receive the will of the Lord. It seems that we are always ready to fight for what is ours, and there is a time when we must do that; but, there are also times when the Lord will say to us "Just let it go, and trust me." That's hard!
But the very essence of faith is trusting that God knows best and that He is working toward bringing us into eternal blessings!
So, as you are going through whatever life has brought your way, and as you seek the face of God for wisdom, do not simply ask the Lord to validate your ideas and to help you fulfill all of your own plans! Ask Him, in sincerity, what He would have you do, then trust Him for the grace and the power to carry it out.
His will always proves to be the best choice.
God bless.
In the midst of this, David encouraged himself in the Lord his God!
Then, he sought the Lord's direction. Should he go after the enemy, or should he let go of the situation. Such times are a true indicator of our desire and willingness to receive the will of the Lord. It seems that we are always ready to fight for what is ours, and there is a time when we must do that; but, there are also times when the Lord will say to us "Just let it go, and trust me." That's hard!
But the very essence of faith is trusting that God knows best and that He is working toward bringing us into eternal blessings!
So, as you are going through whatever life has brought your way, and as you seek the face of God for wisdom, do not simply ask the Lord to validate your ideas and to help you fulfill all of your own plans! Ask Him, in sincerity, what He would have you do, then trust Him for the grace and the power to carry it out.
His will always proves to be the best choice.
God bless.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
David's Example
In my last post I shared a little bit from 1 Samuel chapter 30, pertaining to David's extreme situation. I want to take this passage farther today.
As I stated yesterday, David & his men, when confronted with the overwhelming reality of all that had happened, lifted up their voices and wept till they could weep no more. There is a time when this is exactly what is needful.
However, there comes a time when we must rise up in our faith, come up from our weeping posture, and begin to look ahead! Certainly this is difficult at times, but it can make the difference between ultimate victory or defeat!
The sixth verse of this chapter tells us that "David encouraged himself in the Lord, his God."
This is always an option that we have before us! We aren't told exactly how David went about this, but I believe that he began to revisit times of God's past faithfulness in other hours of need. We know that God gave him victory over a lion, a bear, and over the fearful giant, Goliath. Each of these events were times of divine intervention in David's life!
How about you? Are you faced with challenges that threaten to overwhelm you?
Then, learn from David: Begin to think about all of the times when God has shown Himself mighty in your behalf! Call to remembrance the times when you didn't think that you would make it- but God came through for you!!
He's still God! Nothing is too hard for Him! And, He still loves you!!
May you be encouraged to face the future with your faith firmly established in the One who will never fail!
God bless.
As I stated yesterday, David & his men, when confronted with the overwhelming reality of all that had happened, lifted up their voices and wept till they could weep no more. There is a time when this is exactly what is needful.
However, there comes a time when we must rise up in our faith, come up from our weeping posture, and begin to look ahead! Certainly this is difficult at times, but it can make the difference between ultimate victory or defeat!
The sixth verse of this chapter tells us that "David encouraged himself in the Lord, his God."
This is always an option that we have before us! We aren't told exactly how David went about this, but I believe that he began to revisit times of God's past faithfulness in other hours of need. We know that God gave him victory over a lion, a bear, and over the fearful giant, Goliath. Each of these events were times of divine intervention in David's life!
How about you? Are you faced with challenges that threaten to overwhelm you?
Then, learn from David: Begin to think about all of the times when God has shown Himself mighty in your behalf! Call to remembrance the times when you didn't think that you would make it- but God came through for you!!
He's still God! Nothing is too hard for Him! And, He still loves you!!
May you be encouraged to face the future with your faith firmly established in the One who will never fail!
God bless.
Monday, October 5, 2009
A Time To Weep
Throughout this week I want to share some thoughts from 1 Samuel chapter 30 which will help us navigate the times of trouble that will surely come our way.
In this chapter we find David and his men returning to Ziklag, which was there home during this particular time, only to find it in ruins and all of their family members had been taken captive.
Realize that at this point in David's life he had been anointed to be king over God's people, but was living as a fugitive; and now, this tragedy overtakes him!
You see, it doesn't matter what our calling might be, we will meet with some major storms in this life. Jesus said that the fool built upon the sand; the wise built upon the rock, yet storms came into both lives!
So, what do we do in such times? How are we to handle such disappointments and tragedies?
There come those times when we need to give vent to the emotions that are welling up from within. This chapter tells us that these mighty men of war lifted up their voices and wept until they had no more power to weep. The Lord made us with feelings and emotions that need expression at times, and there is a time to weep.
This is nothing to be ashamed of. These were might warriors, yet, when the occasion called for it, they were not afraid to openly express the grief that the felt!
Tomorrow I hope to unfold this passage a little further, but, for today, I believe that some need to know that weeping is not necessarily a breech of faith: It is, rather, a God-given expression of pain and disappointment that can have a cleansing effect as we allow it to flow within the boundaries of Scriptural teaching.
As for the rest of the Church- we are told to weep with those who weep.
Be assured that there are brighter days ahead as we seek and serve the Lord.
God bless.
In this chapter we find David and his men returning to Ziklag, which was there home during this particular time, only to find it in ruins and all of their family members had been taken captive.
Realize that at this point in David's life he had been anointed to be king over God's people, but was living as a fugitive; and now, this tragedy overtakes him!
You see, it doesn't matter what our calling might be, we will meet with some major storms in this life. Jesus said that the fool built upon the sand; the wise built upon the rock, yet storms came into both lives!
So, what do we do in such times? How are we to handle such disappointments and tragedies?
There come those times when we need to give vent to the emotions that are welling up from within. This chapter tells us that these mighty men of war lifted up their voices and wept until they had no more power to weep. The Lord made us with feelings and emotions that need expression at times, and there is a time to weep.
This is nothing to be ashamed of. These were might warriors, yet, when the occasion called for it, they were not afraid to openly express the grief that the felt!
Tomorrow I hope to unfold this passage a little further, but, for today, I believe that some need to know that weeping is not necessarily a breech of faith: It is, rather, a God-given expression of pain and disappointment that can have a cleansing effect as we allow it to flow within the boundaries of Scriptural teaching.
As for the rest of the Church- we are told to weep with those who weep.
Be assured that there are brighter days ahead as we seek and serve the Lord.
God bless.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Interruptions
To my regular readers, I apologize for the lack of consistancy in posts over the last few days but, as we all konw, things unexpectedly happen!
Yesterday, I started the day with a toothache. Went to my dentist and was told that I needed a root canal! Hallelujah!!
Went to the endodontist, was numbed, drilled, mutilated- only to be told that the tooth was cracked and could not be saved!
Was sent to a third dentist who yanked the offending tusk from my upper gums, and, finally, was able to go back home.
Things happen!!
The good news is that their has been absolutely no pain! Blood, but no pain. And, the offending molar is no longer a problem for me.
This interruption actually proved to be a break in my plans which allowed me time to focus upon a portion of God's word that He has impressed upon my heart for this coming Sunday, and I have been given deeper understanding of the passage (1 Samuel 30:1-6). Perhaps I'll post some of these insights in coming days.
For now, I simply want to encourage you to recognize that your interruptions have not taken God by surprise, and He will bring forth something good from it as you keep your focus upon Him and His will for your life.
God bless.
Yesterday, I started the day with a toothache. Went to my dentist and was told that I needed a root canal! Hallelujah!!
Went to the endodontist, was numbed, drilled, mutilated- only to be told that the tooth was cracked and could not be saved!
Was sent to a third dentist who yanked the offending tusk from my upper gums, and, finally, was able to go back home.
Things happen!!
The good news is that their has been absolutely no pain! Blood, but no pain. And, the offending molar is no longer a problem for me.
This interruption actually proved to be a break in my plans which allowed me time to focus upon a portion of God's word that He has impressed upon my heart for this coming Sunday, and I have been given deeper understanding of the passage (1 Samuel 30:1-6). Perhaps I'll post some of these insights in coming days.
For now, I simply want to encourage you to recognize that your interruptions have not taken God by surprise, and He will bring forth something good from it as you keep your focus upon Him and His will for your life.
God bless.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Serve The Lord WIth Gladness
I've been tied up with projects that have kept me from posting as much as I'd like, but I do want to take the opportunity, while I have a minute, to encourage you in your walk with the Lord.
I know that Satan is as a roaring lion, and that times are hard; but I also that God is good, and that He has promised to complete His good work within us.
So, serve Him with gladness today! Who knows? This could be the very day that Jesus Christ descends t receive His saint unto Himself!
God bless.
I know that Satan is as a roaring lion, and that times are hard; but I also that God is good, and that He has promised to complete His good work within us.
So, serve Him with gladness today! Who knows? This could be the very day that Jesus Christ descends t receive His saint unto Himself!
God bless.
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