Israel's Here to There

Today let’s Look at Israel’s Journey in the Here to There Process:

1. The Beginning - So Israel set out with all that was his, and when he reached Beersheba, he offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac. And God spoke to Israel in a vision at night and said, “Jacob! Jacob!” “Here I am,” he replied. “I am God, the God of your father,” he said. “Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. I will go down to Egypt with you, and I will surely bring you back again. And Joseph’s own hand will close your eyes.” Genesis 46:1-4 – There was a great famine in the land. God provided salvation through Joseph in Egypt. 
Now Israel lived in the land of Egypt, in Goshen, and they acquired property in it and were fruitful and became very numerous. Genesis 47:27 
When Jacob finished charging his sons, he drew his feet into the bed and breathed his last, and was gathered to his people. Genesis 49:33

2. The Problem - Genesis 50:24-26 – ²⁴ Joseph said to his brothers, "I am about to die, but God will surely take care of you and bring you up from this land to the land which He promised on oath to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob." ²⁵ Then Joseph made the sons of Israel swear, saying, "God will surely take care of you, and you shall carry my bones up from here." ²⁶ So Joseph died at the age of one hundred and ten years; and he was embalmed and placed in a coffin in Egypt. When Joseph died they were to take him back to the land God had given them. They should have returned home as well. God had to make Egypt (“Here”) uncomfortable (slavery) so that they’d want to leave if given the chance again.

3. The Promise fulfilled -Joshua 21:43-45 - Look at what happened when Israel arrived There!  ⁴³ So the LORD gave Israel all the land he had sworn to give their forefathers, and they took possession of it and settled there. ⁴⁴ The LORD gave them rest on every side, just as he had sworn to their forefathers. Not one of their enemies withstood them; the LORD handed all their enemies over to them. ⁴⁵ Not one of all the LORD's good promises to the house of Israel failed; everyone was fulfilled.

How about you? Have you ever ignored God’s prompting to leave “Here” and step into the unknown in faith?

Perhaps you were so consumed with life (life on your terms) that you missed His prompting?

The reason God puts us through this cycle is to make us more Christ-like. Each time we go through the cycle our hearts become more in tune with God’s which makes it easier to hear His voice, obey His command to leave “Here” and trust in His love and provision to get us “There”.

God still speaks to us today. Are we listening? 

Here to There

One truth about the Christian walk is that God loves us too much to keep us the way we are. He continues to mold us into the image of His Son Jesus Christ. This is a never ending process until He takes us to be with Him into eternity.  For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.  Philippians 1:6

Here to There concept…

Here is where you are at right now – spiritually, financially, in relationships, career, education, mentally, emotionally, and faith walk with Jesus Christ. God does not want you to get comfortable “Here” because He wants to bring you to a place where you will be more like Christ. That place is “There”. “

There is where you should be. Not always where you want to be, or where your friends tell you. It’s not even in some cases where you thought you would ever go. But it’s God’s place for you. And once you arrive I promise you will thank God for bringing you “There”. The toughest part is neither “Here” nor “There” but “The Land Between”.

The Land Between is neither here nor there. It is a place you must go through to: heal, experience, learn, and grow. This is the place of uncertainly, the place where God’s chisel is most active. It can be an extremely difficult and painful place but God gives you the strength, peace, comfort, wisdom, - everything you need for the journey if you Trust Him.

From “Here” to “The Land Between” to “There” is a never ending cycle while we are this side of heaven. Our “Theres” eventually become “Heres” and then God will move us to “The Land Between”. We are either in a trial, coming out of a trial or going into a trial and that pretty much defines our cycle.

We need to open our eyes, minds, and heart to what God has in store for us. We must be honest with ourselves on where we are and why. Amen?

Growing Church

Today we'll look at the story of the Sower of Seeds in Luke 8, and what it should mean to the church.

While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after town, he told this parable: ⁵ “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds ate it up. ⁶ Some fell on rocky ground, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture.⁷ Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. ⁸ Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown.”

Jesus tells us that it is what happens when we share the Gospel.

The seed is the word of God. 12 Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. 13 Those on the rocky ground are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. 14 The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. 15 But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.

It has a Seed Rejection ration of 75%! To improve on a 25% success rate we must plant more seeds! We should plant more seeds but according to Jesus our conversions will remain at the same percentage. My thought is, Why not try to be more strategic in our seed planting?

Strategic seed planting would involve working the soil in advance. In other words:

1.     Engage in conversation about your faith.

2.     Pray, pray, pray for who and when we are to share the Gospel with.

3.     Live out your faith for all to see.

4.     Know the Word of God and share it accurately and truthfully.

5.     Be sensitive to what someone is telling you. They might not be saying no, but have question.

6.     Continue to be involved in the lives of new believers.

7.     Be ready always to share the Good News of Jesus.

Let's plant the seeds of the Gospel in good soil. Amen?

In Memorial

On Memorial Day we honor and remember those who have given their lives for our freedom. One great freedom is to worship God without the intervention of the government. We should never take that for granted or treat it carelessly.

As Christ followers we need to remember and understand about what the Bible has to say to us. Knowledge of God's Word is the key to understanding His will and plan for us. It will transform you and allow you to live in His perfect will.

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.-Romans 12:2

Seek His wisdom and purpose for your life. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is -Ephesians 5:17.

You will be able to pray with confidence to ask boldly for His promises and desires for your life. This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 1 John 5:14

Seek first and always the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Amen?

Following Commands

Once I was using the ATM at my local bank. It’s set up like a lot of banks with a set of glass doors to the machine and then another set in to the bank. I always watch the people coming in while I’m making a withdrawal. I saw this man coming in the door at a pretty good clip. He comes in the first set of doors and turns right behind me and runs right in to the glass wall!

He falls to the ground hard, and his file and papers going flying. I turned and helped him to his feet. As I picked up his papers I asked if he was okay. He replied, “What happened?” I told him he ran in to a wall. He said, “That’s impossible, the man from the bank told me to come through the doors and turn right and I’d be at his desk.”  

Well, he was okay and went on through the second set of doors to his appointment. I thought now there is someone who takes instruction literally!

Even though it was kind of funny I can appreciate someone taking and following directions. Jesus said, “If you love me then obey my commands”. Makes you think. If God spoke literally to us and told us to go and do this or that, would we?

Wait a minute, I think He did.

Be wise and faithful – obey God's Word.

Joy in the Lord

Today joy is so often thought to be the very opposite of faith, but joy is something much deeper and much more lasting. Look at Isaiah 9:1-4: Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future, he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan— The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor.

Isaiah gives us three significant things about God in which we can rejoice.

1. Rejoice That God Lives

2. Rejoice That God Cares

3. Rejoice That God's Plan Is Invincible

To be sensitive to the Holy Spirit must mean that we will be more sensitive to people and their pain; to be more sensitive to people ought to make us more open to God and his purposes.

Know and live the Lord’s joy. Amen?

Way to Go

The world has asked since the beginning, What is truth? God has answered that question, but we sometimes have a "hearing problem". Consider Proverbs 12:15, The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.

The world tells you that, If it feels good do it”

The Bible teaches Morality there is a right and wrong 

                   

The world gives you an evolving Definition of “Family”

God Created the Family A man then a woman and He said It was good!   

    

The world engages in Cover –ups (It’s only a lie if you get caught)

Jesus Christ uncovered our sin and died on a cross offering Forgiveness and Salvation to the world.

              

The world says Life leads to Death (You live then you die)

Jesus said Death leads to Life (Victory over death) 

  

The world will tell you that there are, Many ways, No truth, and life is short.

Jesus said, “I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life       

His Way is well defined. His Truth never changes, His Life is eternal!

Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord.  Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart— they do no wrong but follow his ways. Psalm 119:1-3

Know and follow the Truth. Amen?

Time to Stop

A number of years ago I was at a bookstore trying to find my next reading “treasure”. As I was looking at a book I heard an employee next to me talking to a woman who had “borrowed” one of the stores carts. She had loaded it with items. The employee told her she wasn't suppose to use it, and would take her books to the front where she could pay for them later. The woman strongly resisted saying, ‘You can’t have them. Somebody will steal them.”

That person left and shortly another employee came to relieve her of her cart but met the same resistance. It was getting a little weird, so I went to the other side of the store where the music is displayed. After laying down a cd I was looking at, a hand quickly reached in front of me grabbing the music disc, and putting it on her cart. Yes, the woman had followed me! I went down further and she reached in front of me again grabbing the item I was looking at. I quickly went down the row over to the next aisle, and within seconds she was standing at my side.

I asked, “Can I help you?” She replied, “I ran out of ideas of things to put on my cart so I will take things you are interested in.” I prayed quickly and looked her in the eye, “You need to stop this behavior.” She looked down and said, “I will, I promise, I am sorry.” She left her cart and walked away. I guess that was a hobby of hers to go around picking up all sorts of things, and then leaving without buying. The employees certainly were glad she was gone.

I thought about this later and came to the conclusion that this is like our relationship with God sometimes. We get busy doing all sorts of things that really don’t help others, but we don’t know how to stop. If we are in the Word and listen to the Holy Spirit we will be convicted to end this “sinful” behavior. It’s freeing when we’re told to stop! We can promise God that we will stop, say we are sorry, and then change our behavior. That’s cool. I think they call it repentance and forgiveness.

Do you need to “stop” certain behavior, thoughts, or words today?

Confess bad behavior (your sin) and ask forgiveness. Amen?

True Faith

Why is faith in the one true God so important to our daily walk? God makes great restoration promises to His people, but in Jeremiah 29:5-7.  5 “Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. 6 Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. 7 Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”

He lets them know they will not be returning to their homeland. Many times we want things to be “just the way they were”. But God has other plans which are better for us. We need to have faith in that.

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. - Hebrews 11:6

Are you seeking God?

Seek the truth with all your heart and you’ll find God.

True Hope

Once the people understood that Jeremiah had been telling the truth they realized there was as much hope as doom and gloom in it. Jeremiah 29:10-14 gives us a foundation of hope for the future.

God’s Word – (We have the Bible to guide us)

This is what the LORD says:

Completion of exile (God forgives but there are always consequences from sin)

When seventy years are completed for Babylon,

God’s promise (Future hope = Present hope)

I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place.

God’s plan (God is in control)

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord,

God has our future in mind (He wants good things for His children)

Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Our response to God’s goodness (We must react to His goodness and love)

Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.

Cause and Effect (We must seek God with all we have)

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Godly outcome (He holds the future)

I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”

Apply God’s promises to your life.

Turn with Hope

In the midst of our trials and struggles it is good to hear someone say, “It’s going to be okay.” The problem is that we think that “being okay” is the way it used to be. So many times when we come out of trials in life normal isn’t normal any more. Being all right doesn’t look like it used too.

This “false hope” is as old as time itself and can cause a lot of damage. This happened in Jerusalem after the Babylonians had taken over and removed people and valuables to Babylon. A false prophet named Hannaniah told the people left what they wanted to hear. “In less than two years everything will return to normal”.  Meanwhile God had the true prophet, Jeremiah wearing a wooden animal yoke to show the bondage.

Look what happens in Jeremiah 28:12-17, ¹² After the prophet Hananiah had broken the yoke off the neck of the prophet Jeremiah, the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah: ¹³ “Go and tell Hananiah, ‘This is what the Lord says: You have broken a wooden yoke, but in its place you will get a yoke of iron. ¹⁴ This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: I will put an iron yoke on the necks of all these nations to make them serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and they will serve him. I will even give him control over the wild animals.’” ¹⁵ Then the prophet Jeremiah said to Hananiah the prophet, “Listen, Hananiah! The Lord has not sent you, yet you have persuaded this nation to trust in lies. ¹⁶ Therefore this is what the Lord says: ‘I am about to remove you from the face of the earth. This very year you are going to die, because you have preached rebellion against the Lord.’” ¹⁷ In the seventh month of that same year, Hananiah the prophet died.

What false prophets do we hear from today, and how can you recognize them?

Always live by the truth – even when it’s hard and not popular. Amen or Oh-me?

Your Responsibility

Have you ever heard the story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody?

There was an important job to be done and Everybody was asked to do it.  Everybody was sure Somebody would do it.  Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it.  Somebody got angry at that, because it was Everybody's job.  Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn't do it. The final result was that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done.

Today, more than ever, somebody needs to be responsible for the mission of church - making disciples. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”- Matthew 28:18-20. 

Everybody is responsible, so church it's time to get busy and not count on anybody else. Amen?

Be about God's work today and always. Amen?

Right Choices

Abraham Lincoln said, “My concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side, for God is always right.”

Joshua said something like this many years ago;

But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” - Joshua 24:15

Things like this don’t change much over time. We are all faced with choosing the Lord's way or our way of doing things.

What have you chosen -the things of this world or the things of God?

Make the best choices – choose God and ask Him for wisdom for the rest of your life decisions.

Amen?

Your Time

Do you ever wonder why you were born at this time, to the family you are in, the area you live in, or your purpose? A long time ago a whole race of people were about to exterminated. A queen's Uncle confronted her with these words; 

 For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” - Esther 4:14 

Maybe part of the answer to the above question for a believer is -Now is your time. It is time to speak the truth of God to the world around us. Call sin - sin, and lies - lies. Jesus came to save us from our sin, and everyone else as well. 

How can they respond  to the Truth if we do not share? 

The evil one is not afraid to spread lies.  

Why should we be afraid to spread the truth?

 This is your time to make God smile.

Amen?

Time Use

The Bible teaches us how Jesus expects us to use time:

·         We follow God’s timetable, not our own – Despite being bombarded with choices between good, very good, and best, Jesus stayed so closely aligned with the Father that he always made the right choice of what to do and when to do it. Following Jesus means focusing on the eternal not the temporal.

·         We look toward eternity, not just the momentary – Jesus always had the end in mind.. Even as he died, he said, in a sense, “Father, forgive them. They don’t see the end of time and so they don’t know what they are doing. They don’t understand who I am.” We must get our eyes and attention off the “petty” distractions around us and remember there is only one of the purposes we cannot do in heaven – evangelism. Our focus must be on telling others about Jesus.

·         We believe that God is always right on time – Timing was so critical to Jesus and his mission that he even died right on time. When the Roman guards came, expecting to break his legs and hasten his death, they found Jesus already dead. It was finished, and finished in time to fulfill the prophecy that none of his bones would be broken. Following Jesus takes faith.

God used precision timing in the life of Jesus and his timing is just as precise in your life! Always follow, look to, and believe in God’s timing.

Amen?

Turn Over Control

What does it mean to be filled with the Spirit?

The filling or controlling of the Holy Spirit is a profound reality in the believer's life and understanding it can change your life. “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit” - Ephesians 5:18

God has commanded us "be filled with the Spirit." God commands it. Being continually filled with the Spirit is not an option for the believer but a biblical mandate. The idea "to be filled" is plural in this passage. The context of this passage is addressing husbands and wives, children and parents, employers and employees; the command is addressed to every believer. The verb is also present tense, indicating that it's an ongoing command: "Constantly, moment by moment, be controlled by and filled with the Spirit."

Believers have tremendous responsibilities that they must fulfill. We should look at the obligation for our life of worship. It is to be alive with joy and the reality of Christ; this is the overflow of the Spirit-filled life (v. 19; John 4:24). We have an obligation in our marriage life (Eph. 5:21, 25). Love and submission cannot be displayed apart from the power of the Spirit.

Ephesians 5:18 is God's reminder that we are to use our time and opportunity wisely. While Christians should want to be filled with the Spirit to have power in serving, they often want to be filled to have pleasure in living. They see the Spirit-filled life as a source for enjoyment rather than a force for employment. Acts 1:8 tells us that we are given the power of God to preach the gospel; our opportunities are a reason to be Spirit filled.

Look today for opportunities to be Spirit led and “preach the Gospel” to the world around you.

Continuing Prayer

There are a number of things that stand out to me as I study God's Word - Relationship, Obedience, Faithfulness, and Ongoing prayer. 

Prayer involves, listening, speaking, and applying.

 Prayer develops faith by encouraging reliance on God.

 Prayer is not difficult – but simple with everyday words like “please”, thank You”, and “praise You” at its heart.

Prayer brings us closer, bonding us as children of God.

Prayer often does not change the situation as much as it changes my heart, attitude, and response to that reality.

 Praying the words of Jesus is a strengthening spiritual practice.

Even in our fallen world we can have new hope through Jesus.

Stay in continual communication (prayer) with God.

Amen?

Word Praying

Praying and inserting self in to God's Word can be very eye opening. It can also remind you that He really cares for you. Try it right now using Psalm 121 as your test. I love this exercise, because it makes God’s Word personal. Just insert your name in the blanks.

I lift up my eyes to the hills. Where does _______________’s help come from?

_______________’s help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.

God will not let _______________’s foot slip.

He who watches over ______________ will not slumber or sleep.

The Lord watches over _______________,

The Lord is his/her shade on his/her right hand.

The sun will not harm _______________ by day nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep me from all evil. He will preserve my soul.

The Lord will watch over _______________’s coming and going.

Both now and forevermore.

I pray this in the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Pray and speak God's promises - know you are on God's heart.

Amen?

Develop Vision

Happy Mother's Day! Godly Mothers want their children to know God’s plan and purposes for their lives. Just like the Old Testament prophesy that came true at Pentecost. “And afterward,   I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Joel 2:28

Do you have a vision for your life?

Do you pray for your children that they will know God's plan?

Life is way too short and you are way too important to God and the plans He has for your life for you to not have a vision for your life.

4 things to help develop a vision for your life:

1. Know yourself.

2. Develop your strengths

3. Learn from other people

4. Benefit others

What vision does God have for you?

Always seek God’s vision for your life, and your children. Amen?

Persistent Praying

To Have Hope We Must Keep on Praying. That’s called being Persistent. 

Why be persistent?  

Let’s be honest sometimes we ask ourselves the following questions. How come my answers sometimes don't come immediately?  Why should I keep on asking when God doesn’t seem to be answer?"  

Here are seven things to consider when we must keep on praying:

1. Keep praying because it will help you focus on God. God wants you to remember that He alone is the source of your answers to prayer. The Bible says in Philippians 4:19, "And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."

2. Keep praying because God wants you to see Him alone as the source of your needs. When we have to pray about something over and over, who do we look to?  We look to the Lord.  Persistent prayer focuses our attention.  Have you discovered that we like to look to everybody else to solve our problem except the Lord?  We look to our friends, we look to our family, we look to counselors, we look to the government, we look to anybody -- except the Lord. God often delays an answer to force you to focus on Him. 

3. Keep praying because it clarifies your requests. A delayed answer a lot of times gives me time to clarify what I really want (or need). Time separates deep longings from mere whims.

3. Keep praying because God might delay the answer to test you. It's not that He doesn't want to give it to you; He wants to know if you really want it.  Do you want it enough to keep praying? Jeremiah 29:13 "You will seek me and find me when you seek for me with all your heart."  Nothing worthwhile is accomplished with half-hearted prayers. 

4. Keep praying because it will prepare you for the answer. God usually wants to do more than you are praying for. Surprise! God wants to do it greater and He needs time to get you ready for it. There are changes God wants to make in you. Ephesians 3:20 "Now glory be to God, who by his mighty power at work within us, is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes." 

5. Keep praying because, "Prayer changes things."  It is God who does the changing, but prayer changes you.  God is more interested in you than He is in circumstances. Often as soon as you've made the change in your life the doors of heaven open and the answer comes.  Expect a miracle.

6. Keep praying because it will strengthen and develop your faith. A mark of maturity is how long can you wait.  Galatians 6:9"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."  God’s saying, "Hang on! Be patient!  Don't give up!  Look up!"

7. Keep praying because God wants to stay in an ongoing dialogue with you.  Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. -1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Be encourage to take time daily focusing on God, reading His word and talking to Him.  Spend time with God daily to know Him better. 

Be persistent in your relationship, conversation, and application with God and His Word. Share His hope with the world around you.

Going Through

The ultimate restoration is being in the right relationship with Jesus Christ. Being with Him in heaven for eternity is the reward for our salvation. The problem is until then we live in a fallen broken world where there is much hurt and pain. James writes to the Christ follower on how to handle life's brokenness.

 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.  Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.  And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.  Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.. - James 5:13-16

Keep praying - the Lord hears you. Tap in to God's power and righteousness. He'll see you through this world and in to the next.

Amen?

Warning Sign

The first sign of the deterioration, decline and self-destruction that signals disobedience is a loss of one’s intimate relationship with the Lord. 

Regardless of how strong you think your walk with God might be, anyone may slip by not paying sufficient attention to God’s word daily. A wholehearted devotion to God is necessary, and we cannot divide our loyalties between God and other things. Look at Jeremiah 23:11-12. Even people who consider themselves church leaders can get off track.

“Both prophet and priest are godless; even in my temple I find their wickedness,” declares the Lord. “Therefore their path will become slippery; they will be banished to darkness and there they will fall. I will bring disaster on them in the year they are punished,” declares the Lord.

Be warned - stay off those slippery slopes! Amen?

Now Live

God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage. Paul teaches us the right way of living for Jesus.

 “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” - Galatians 2:20

Meditate on these words today.

What does this look like in a believer's life?

Do others see Jesus in you?

Praise God for His eternal hope!

Amen?