Friday, September 30, 2016

Sheep Business

Believe it or not for a short time in my life I was a shepherd! Okay, not in the traditional sense, but I did own and care for two pregnant ewes for six months. I learned a lot about them. First of all, sheep are pretty helpless and really do depend on their owner for all their needs. Secondly, sheep aren’t very bright. They could turn their face to the corner of the stall and start crying (baaa-ing), because they thought they were lost. So then I read what Jesus said in John 10:10, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep."

Hmmm I guess that says a lot about our relationship, and the sheep/shepherd one. We depend on Jesus for all our needs, and without Him we’re lost. I’m glad He loves and cares for us aren’t you?
I just want to be a sheep. Amen?

Thursday, September 29, 2016

The Question


I love the conservation that takes place at the beginning of the “Lazarus” story. We usually miss it because we want to get to the part where a man who had been dead four days hops out of his tomb! Okay that’s pretty spectacular, but the truth found earlier in Jesus’ discussion with Martha is life-changing for all of us. Jesus said in John 11:25, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies." Then He asks her if she believes.
Every person is asked that same question. Do you believe in Jesus as your Lord and Savior? Your answer chooses your eternal destiny.
The choice is yours. To be born once and die twice, or be born twice die once.
Amen?

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Pray Today


Today is See You at the Pole™. This global day of student prayer began as a grass roots movement with ten students praying at their school. Twenty-six years later, millions pray on their campuses on the fourth Wednesday in September. See You at the Pole™ is a prayer rally where students meet at the school flagpole before school to lift up their friends, families, teachers, school, and nation to God. See You at the Pole™ is a student-initiated, student-organized, and student-led event.
In 1990 when youth ministers in Texas first challenged young people to meet on a common day to launch their school year in prayer, one of the concerns what how to help those who wanted to pray together find each other. It was noted that virtually every school has a flagpole, and the flagpole provided an easy-to-identify place to gather. Also, one issue that the teenagers were praying about was the spiritual health of their country and their leaders, in obedience to 1 Timothy 2:1–2. "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness."
Even if you can’t meet at “the pole” today remember to pray. Our schools, communities, and country needs it.
Amen?

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Remedy


I saw this in a quote recently. It really helps to be reminded when you are going through the storm who to keep focused on. Amen?



Our God is not only greater, but He is the absolute greatest. Even in the midst of trouble, instead of praising your problem and magnifying it, give praise to your God, magnify Him, and watch Him stand up and step in on your behalf. Hallelujah!  



Like the old hymn reminds us:

O soul, are you weary and troubled?

No light in the darkness you see?

There’s light for a look at the Savior,

And life more abundant and free!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face, And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace.

Thank you Jesus for never taking your eyes off of us, and walking with us through the storms of this life. Amen?

Monday, September 26, 2016

Someone’s Knocking at the Door

The way, truth, and light is how Jesus describes Himself on the night of betrayal. This gives all of humanity clear directions on the way to God. He is truth. The Light that comes from Him illuminates and clarifies how we can be in the right relation with God. Jesus said in John 10:9, "I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved." We are given the opportunity to enter through this gate in to the kingdom of God!

The Christian faith is much easier to understand than any other religion. We all have sinned and separated ourselves from the Lord, but God loves us enough that we can be forgiven.

Jesus, the Way, provides the only entry door to Heaven. We just have to open it. He’s knocking.
Amen?

Sunday, September 25, 2016

Give Me Light


The Bible is uses the example of dark and light to symbolize the ways of God (light) and the ways of evil (dark). Darkness contributes to our lost-ness, and confusion. Light allows us to see things: clearly, distinctly, openly, truthfully, and eternally. Jesus said John 8:12; " I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness."
When my kids were little we always made sure we had “night lights” on so they wouldn’t stumble if they awoke in the dark. If we are Christ followers we can always have His light reflected in us. It can keep us and others from falling.
Amen?

Saturday, September 24, 2016

Importance


What is the most important thing in your life? The answer to this question can be found in how you live your life, spend your time, thoughts, and money on. Seriously, think about what someone would say is most important to you judging by these criteria. We might be surprised by the answer. Jesus said in Mark 8:36, "What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?"
Stuff and titles don’t impress God. Our love, faith, and obedience puts a smile on His face. We all have a limited amount of time here on earth. Doesn’t it make sense to focus on things that last and truly make a difference?
What the world offers is momentary. God's gift is eternal.
Amen?

Friday, September 23, 2016

Loving Bread


I admit that I really love all kinds of bread! Trying to limit my gluten has been tough. I like eating all breads – white, wheat, hard, soft, loaves, buns, pumpkin, garlic, sweet, banana, muffins, raisin, rolls, dumplings, rye, flat, bagels… - any way and any taste I really do enjoy them. There is one though that I don’t have to ever worry about consuming too much.  Jesus said in John 6:35, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry." Be filled with Jesus!
Being filled with God must have been what the psalmist was thinking in Psalm 34:8 which says, Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. When we obey the great commandment to love the Lord with all we have then He becomes a part of us as believers filled with His Spirit.
Consume the Word – Be filled with the Holy Spirit - satisfaction guaranteed. Amen?

Thursday, September 22, 2016

Just Believe


Everyone is personally responsible for their behavior and choices. So what do sinners do? They sin, and we shouldn’t be surprised by that. God's Word say's in Romans 3:23, "for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." The remedy for sin is a Savior!

Romans says that if we do not turn from our sins and seek forgiveness that it will lead to death. But praise God for His promise in chapter 10. But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. 11 As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” 12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Everyone needs a Savior. Praise God for Jesus Christ! Just believe.

Amen?

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Do Likewise


What’s so hard about the Truth?



The problem is focus. We lack kingdom minded foundational type of focus. This lack of focus does not mean that there is a lack of intention. We are at an all-time high of busyness, great intentions, and availability of information and resources.



Jesus came to earth to fulfill the work of the father in saving people from their sin. He came to live His life, and to give up His life in order that we might have salvation. This alone allows us to live abundant lives! He left the church (that He called in to being) to fulfill what He began on earth.



The Great Commission tells us what to do. The Great Commandment shows us what to obey. Remember that Jesus’ focus was on one thing – the kingdom of God. Let’s do likewise.


Amen?

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Love Like That

The world will tell you many things that are not true like: there are many ways to heaven or that there is no God. Jesus said in John 15:26, "When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father He will testify about Me." The Holy Spirit speaks the truth. The only way to God, the Father is through Jesus Christ the Son.


So why do “we” have a hard time grasping this? There are probably many answers to this but boils down to what’s called free will. In His infinite wisdom and great love God lets us choose what to believe!

This has led to disappointment. From the beginning he gave Adam and Eve one rule. That should be pretty easy… but they broke it and sin came to humanity. I have thought many times why didn’t God just make us obedient with no choices. But then what kind of love would that be?

Today let’s try to love God like He loves us. It may be impossible but it will be a journey of a lifetime.

Amen?

Monday, September 19, 2016

Samson


The theme of this week’s hero’s life would be one of: Reset, Do-over, reboot, and start-again. God’s promise to Abraham is finally being fulfilled. But after many years in their homeland, the Israelites find other invaders also want the land. Of all their opponents, the Philistines are the fiercest and to confront them, the Israelites need a new kind of leader.  God sends them Judges, like Samson who is blessed with immense strength but who is tested when his strength is removed at the hands of his betraying lover Delilah. His eyes were gouged and he was taken captive. Samson compromised his devotion as a Nazarite and lost his hair, his strength and his victory. But God… is still in the restoration business.
He became repentive of his sin and evil ways. Samson prayed to God to restore him. God answered that prayer in Judges 16:28-30, “Samson called unto the LORD, and said, O Lord God, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me, I pray thee, only this once, O God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes. And Samson took hold of the two middle pillars upon which the house stood, and on which it was borne up, of the one with his right hand, and of the other with his left. And Samson said, Let me die with the Philistines. And he bowed himself with all his might; and the house fell upon the lords, and upon all the people that were therein. So the dead which he slew at his death were more than they which he slew in his life.”

Praise God for new beginnings, forgiveness, and tomorrows. Amen?

Sunday, September 18, 2016

Church Priority

Sundays Can Surprise You! Psalm 122 is a short psalm - take a couple of minutes and read it today. It is a great testimony by David on how important going to church should be in our lives. This may come as a shock but: Sunday was meant to be the best day of your week!

David gives six great reasons why he wanted to go to church.

1. He wanted to go to church because he liked being with God’s people (v. 4a). “That’s where my tribe goes.” 
2. He wanted to honor God (v. 4c). “I want to go to church to praise the name of the Lord.”
3. He wanted to do what God asked him to do (v. 4d). “I want to go to church because the statutes given to Israel told us to do that.”
4. He wanted peace for those who love God (v. 6). He just wants good things for God’s people.
5. He wanted peace because God’s people were his family and friends (v. 8). “For the sake of my family and friends,” he says.
6. He committed himself to the prosperity of the house of God (v.9)

How to Make Sunday the Best Day of Your Week:

1. Decide to let Sunday be the best day of your week.
2. Invest in your Sundays. 
3. Take your next step, whatever that is.

Make Sunday a priority - it is the best day of the week. Amen? 

Saturday, September 17, 2016

Go to Church

Think of a name. Any name. A friend, a relative, or a co-worker. When was the last time that person visited a church? Maybe they haven't been to church in a long time. Maybe they've never gone to church.
Have you ever thought about asking that person to come with you to church? Here's your chance. Tomorrow is National Back to Church Sunday. It's dedicated to welcoming friends and family to worship in God's house.  Thousands of churches across America invite guests to hear about God's love. Last year, over 26,100 churches participated and together gave out more than 7.5 million invitations to church! It's exciting to be part of such a huge outreach.
So have you thought of someone you can invite? Don't worry about feeling nervous. We all do. But remember that God has placed that person in your life for a reason; He can give you the courage and the opportunity to ask.
It’s not as hard as it may seem. Did you know that most people who have dropped out of church haven’t lost their faith in God—they simply fell out of the habit of going to church? Some moved, had a change in life circumstances, or had a falling out with their former church and simply drifted away. Most often, life just became too busy. This means many of them are open to returning to church.
Will you pray for that person God has placed on your heart?
Let's see what He can do!
I hope that we will see attendance increase in churches across America. If the person that you've been praying for isn't there - keep praying for and inviting them! Amen?

Friday, September 16, 2016

B2C Homecoming

This Sunday, September 18th is Back to Church Sunday in over 65,000 churches around the country. We  held this event at Hopewell last year and it was a great day. This year we are trying something different. We are adding Homecoming with a special service followed outside with great food, games, contests, prizes, and live music. If you can't get the world inside the walls of the church then the church must come outside!

The Lord leads us to greater things if we will just follow Him. I heard a message recently by Louie Giglio about taking steps. He said there are three things to consider: 1. Life is short. There should be an urgency about our Christian lives. 2. God is big. He should be our only focus and drive. 3. Take the next steps. It's the only way to get here to there, across the room, or to the top of the mountain.

I love this quote, "The man at the top of the mountain was not placed there." We have to follow God in all we do. Even if it means doing things differently.
Amen?

Thursday, September 15, 2016

Going Fishing

Over time as you study God’s Word you will discover that there is a deeper meaning to almost everything Jesus says. As He called His disciples He was specific in His choices and clear about His expectations. In Mark 1:17 Jesus said, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men”. Many of us were taught the Jesus used this language because many of His students were previously fishermen (of fish) and now they would catch people with the life saving truth of Jesus. This is a good explanation but it goes much deeper than that.
You see people of that time would have known the qualities of a great fisherman. Jesus did to and knew these same qualities would be needed in sharing the Gospel. I was recently reading an article by O S Hawkins who said that following Jesus means you’ll be expected to fish! Those same “fishing traits” are what God looks for in His followers today.
Four traits of a real fisherman (and follower of Christ):
1. They are positive. Every day is a good day to catch a fish (or witness).
2. They are persistent. They will never give up until they catch a fish (or share the Gospel).
3. They are patient. They (both) will try different methods to reach the goal, and wait as long as necessary.
4. They are passionate. They (both) hate to lose one! Fishing, (following, evangelizing) is their life.

Jesus still uses ordinary people to do things extraordinary for His kingdom and glory. Amen?

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Bringing Jesus

This coming Lord's day is Back to Church Homecoming Sunday at my church. Everyone is encouraged to invite the unchurched and "haven't seen you in awhile" to come. It's going to be a great day. Our hero, Andrew would be all about inviting everyone he knows and meets. John 1:40-42 shows us his passion; Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. 41 The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). 42 And he brought him to Jesus. 

If he was with us today I think these might be some of his closing words of encouragement:

1. Look for Jesus throughout the day. Christ sightings are all around us - have an open heart, mind, and eyes to His  presence.

2. Look for opportunities to introduce others to Jesus. Friends or strangers - everyone needs Jesus!

3. Look for ways to show Jesus’ power to the world. Greater is He that is in you, believer, than anything this world can do.
Who do you need to invite to church next week?
I'm excited to see who God will lead you to today. Amen?

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Let Them Know


Most of us have heard of Jesus’ disciple Peter, but if it wasn’t for his brother they might not have met. You see this week’s hero is Andrew who brought Peter to Jesus. The God theme of his life might be to “Go out and eagerly share the good news about Jesus Christ”.
Look at some of Andrew’s encounters with Jesus:

First to follow Jesus. (John 1:35-40) (Told his brother, Peter, could this be the Christ?)

Called to be a fisher of men. (Matthew 4:19)

Sent out on a mission to the Jews to preach “the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, and cast out demons. (Matthew 10:5-8)

Informed Jesus that several Greeks wanted to see him.     (John 12:20-22)

Told Jesus of the boy with five loaves of bread and two fish. (John 6:8, 9)

Was present when Jesus appeared to the disciples after the Resurrection. (John 20:19-25)

Was present for the Great Commission when Jesus sent his disciples to all nations. (Matthew 28:16-20)

Witnessed Jesus being taken up into heaven. (Acts 1:8, 9)

Andrew believed in Christ and wanted everyone else to know Him too. May we have that same kind of enthusiasm for sharing the Gospel. Amen?

Monday, September 12, 2016

Picking


Do you remember being a kid at recess or gym class when two people chose who would be on their team? Some of us may have been good athletes who were the pickers or always chosen first. Others may have been in line praying not to be picked last. As believers I am so glad we don’t have to go through all that drama, because Jesus said in John 15:16, " You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit - fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name."
There are no last picks in God’s family – we’re all equally wanted, cherished, and love. In return we should “play hard” for God bearing fruit by sharing the Gospel and serving in the name of Jesus. Then we will know and ask for the things of God. That’s a win in my books.
Temporary things don't last but God is eternal. Bearing fruit gives us hope for today knowing we’ll be spending eternity with Him.
Amen?

Sunday, September 11, 2016

Never Forget


9/11 – Never Forget
We shall never forget. We shall keep this day sacred. We shall keep the events and the tears in our minds, memories, and hearts. And take them with us as we carry on. – Anonymous
I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.  “All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. - Isaiah 41:9-11
It is in our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light. – Onassis
I ask that your minds may be opened to see his light, so that you will know what is the hope to which he has called you, how rich are the wonderful blessings he promises his people, 19 and how very great is his power at work in us who believe. This power working in us is the same as the mighty strength 20 which he used when he raised Christ from death and seated him at his right side in the heavenly world. 21 Christ rules there above all heavenly rulers, authorities, powers, and lords; he has a title superior to all titles of authority in this world and in the next. – Ephesians 1:18-21
We here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain - that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom - and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth. - Lincoln
Jesus said, “When the crowds heard about it, they followed him. He welcomed them, spoke to them about the Kingdom of God, and healed those who needed it”. Luke 9:11 (GNT)
Always remember but go forward in Christ.

Saturday, September 10, 2016

Love Hate Relations


If you are ridiculed for what you believe know you are in good company.
Jesus said in John 15:18, "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first." This word “hate” is thrown around a lot these days. Here is the dictionary definition: intense hostility and aversion usually deriving from fear, anger, or sense of injury. No surprises here, but let’s look deeper.
Hate isn’t a dislike or a preference. It is a personal choice to have intense hostility towards someone or something. In christianese we say things like, Hate the sin, love the sinner. But if we unpack that statement we shouldn’t be surprise that sinners would hate us. So once again Jesus isn’t surprised and warned us a long time ago.
Instead of getting in debates over wordly things let’s follow the Great Commandment that says LOVE God with all we have and treat the world as we would want to be treated. Hate is easy – love takes courage. Be brave today!
Amen? 

Friday, September 9, 2016

Eye On the Prize


There is a great passage in the Old Testament about Moses giving some of his final words of instructions to Israel.  “In spite of this, you did not trust in the Lord your God,  who went ahead of you on your journey, in fire by night and in a cloud by day, to search out places for you to camp and to show you the way you should go. When the Lord heard what you said, he was angry and solemnly swore:  “No one from this evil generation shall see the good land I swore to give your ancestors,  except Caleb son of Jephunneh. He will see it, and I will give him and his descendants the land he set his feet on, because he followed the Lord wholeheartedly.” Deuteronomy 1:32-36
So God kept His promise to Caleb. Even Moses was not going to the Promise Land. There is much we can learn here. If Caleb were with us today these might be his closing words of encouragement:
1. Let your labor honor God! For forty years he labored in the desert, and kept faithful and obedient.
2. Join God’s army! Caleb didn’t follow the crowd. He kept his focus vertical.
3. Be an overcomer in the Lord! Only two people who left Egypt made it in to the Promise land, and Caleb was one. As Paul said much later, “Keep your eye on the prize, which is Jesus Christ.
Amen?

Thursday, September 8, 2016

Godly Living


Today we will pick up the God story of Caleb 40 years later. We don’t hear much about him during this in between time outside of his faithfulness, God’s promise to him, and being the leader of his tribe. Things change though as Israel finally enters the Promise land, and we see now that 80 year old Caleb is still trusting his God.
Now the people of Judah approached Joshua at Gilgal, and Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite said to him, “You know what the Lord said to Moses the man of God at Kadesh Barnea about you and me. I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the Lord sent me from Kadesh Barnea to explore the land. And I brought him back a report according to my convictions, but my fellow Israelites who went up with me made the hearts of the people melt in fear. I, however, followed the Lord my God wholeheartedly. So on that day Moses swore to me, ‘The land on which your feet have walked will be your inheritance and that of your children forever, because you have followed the Lord my God wholeheartedly.’
10 “Now then, just as the Lord promised, he has kept me alive for forty-five years since the time he said this to Moses, while Israel moved about in the wilderness. So here I am today, eighty-five years old! 11 I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I’m just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. 12 Now give me this hill country that the Lord promised me that day. You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but, the Lord helping me, I will drive them out just as he said.”  13 Then Joshua blessed Caleb son of Jephunneh and gave him Hebron as his inheritance. 14 So Hebron has belonged to Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite ever since, because he followed the Lord, the God of Israel, wholeheartedly. - Joshua 14:6–14
We can learn a lot about faithfulness from this man. Caleb’s faith was based on the Lord’s promises, Godly living, and the secret of long life. May we learn from his example. Amen?

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Culture Counters


We first hear of this week’s hero, Caleb, in Numbers chapters 13 and 14. We really don’t hear much about him until 40 years later. After God’s people were freed from captivity in Egypt they sent spies in to the promise land. Caleb was chosen as his tribe’s representative. When they came back only Joshua and him had the faith and courage to go forward.



Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.” Numbers 13:30



Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had explored the land, tore their clothes. Numbers 14:6



But because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it. Numbers 14:24



Caleb had enough faith in God to counter his culture. When everybody was saying we can’t, he and his Godly friend said we can’t but God can! A great lesson here in trusting God and having Godly friends.

May we always seek God’s way and be blessed by faithful friends. Amen?

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

God's Business


Jesus has made everything we need to know available to us. He said in John 15:15,
"I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you."
So Jesus is saying we can and need to know and be about doing the Master's Business. How do you learn God’s will and ways? Spend time with Him by watching, learning, reading His Word, and asking questions through prayer.
We need to stop making excuses and putting our own agendas first. Be a God’s way not my way person. Through the Holy Spirit you can know God’s business – Jesus promised. That’s good enough for me.
Amen?

Monday, September 5, 2016

Working


I like Labor Day. Hopefully you are not too busy to stop and think what this day means. It’s a day to honor workers! I think God honors our work for Him. Here are the seven verses in the New Testament that contain the word, “working”. Read and learn the essence of how work plays in to God’s kingdom.

In his defense Jesus said to them, “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working.” John 5:17

There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. 1 Corinthians 12:6

I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. Ephesians 3:7

having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead. Colossians 2:12

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, Colossians 3:23

I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis. Colossians 4:13

You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. James 2:22

Keeping working for Jesus. Amen?

Sunday, September 4, 2016

Problem Solving

We all have problems. King David, a man after God's heart had plenty of them. Some were self imposed, but others were cast upon him. It was during one of these times that he wrote in Psalm 34:1-9:
I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together. I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing. - David

This is a great model for all of us. Even when we are facing a crisis or even death we should:
1. Tell of His greatness
2. Give Him praise and glory
3. Encourage others
4. Rely and trust in God
5. Know where your true salvation comes from
6. Fear God not man (or the things of this world)
7. Experience God in new ways (even in your pain and sorrow)
8. Accept his protection and provision
9. Be strong and courageous
10. Do not be afraid Christ is always with you

Accept God's promise and apply them to your life every day. Amen?

Saturday, September 3, 2016

Changes Happen

It is true that God never changes, but God is also a God of new ideas, of innovation. God is a God who uses change. We must pray for new visions. We cannot be content with what is. We must crave what can be. That which holds our attention will determine our actions!
If you want to be distressed - look within. If you want to be defeated - look back.
If you want to be distracted - look around. If you want to be dismayed - look ahead.
If you want to be delivered - look up! When we focus our attention upon the Lord:
Setbacks will become springboards! Obstacles will turn into opportunities! Barriers will turn into blessings! Cowards will become courageous!


We can learn from Moses. Hebrews
11:27 tells us: " By faith he left Egypt not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured, as seeing Him who is unseen." Those last words are words which should instruct us. Moses’ eyes were on God and he was able to endure. The Living Bible says: he " kept right on going!" Moffatt’s translation says, " He never flinched."

Moses had staying power - even with all the changes that challenged him. That power is available to all of us.
 
Moses kept his eyes on God, not the obstacles. He endured in his eighties, in his nineties, and on into his hundreds. He endured despite the contempt of Pharaoh, the stubbornness of the Hebrews who grumbled, maligned him, complained, and rebelled. He endured amidst the criticism of those closest to him. He fixed his eyes on the Lord, and never looked back.

You and I can do the same! We can endure by fixing our eyes on our Lord, and allowing His changes to happen in our lives. Amen?

Friday, September 2, 2016

Renewed

God is calling His church to have a renewed vision. We must have a passionate and clear vision of what God has called us to do and of what we need to be. Too often we have taken our feet off the pedal and looked too long in the rear view mirror at past glories.

Someone has said: “When we have more memories than dreams, life is over." When we have greater memories than dreams we will never make a difference in changing our world for God. We must know where we are going and what we are going to do!  We must dream great dreams! The challenge before us is to aim high. Low aim is a crime - it’s a sin!

God told Isaiah in Isaiah 43:18-19:
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
You and I can do the same! We can endure by fixing our eyes on our Lord. God calls us to be courageous:
Even when the evil seem to prosper
Even when the wicked seem to be winning
Even when the pressure seems to be unbearable
Even when the critics won’t shut up
Even when big people act contemptibly small.
Even when we feel as though we’re all alone
Even when a lie is called truth, and the truth is called a lie.


As you stand on the edge of a new change, a new challenge, a new commitment -- look at Christ! Whatever it is you are facing - look at Christ! With our eyes on Christ we can go forward fearlessly, and know that the things which are shaken will only reveal the Eternal and Unmovable God! Bring on the changes -- world do your worst!

God uses ordinary people totally committed to Him to make a difference in a changing world. One person can make a difference!

What is He calling you to do today?