Friday, November 30, 2012

WHO DO YOU HAVE YOUR FAITH IN TODAY?

Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. (Romans 4:20, 21 NLT) I've been thinking lately of all the blessings in my life and the many promises God had made and fulfilled to me over the years. Admittedly, my life didn't exactly turn out as I planned it, but I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I'm where God wants me to be. To be sure, some seasons we're a lot harder than others but God has always brought me through and has always provided the needed strength to face every obstacle. One of the promises made to me over the years was that "my latter years would be greater than my former years." I'm not sure exactly what that means but I'm filled with anticipation of the future for my life, my family and my church. I think I understand a little more about Abraham now I'm a little older. Whatever life brought his way only made him trust in God more and more. His faith grew stronger and stronger and he wanted to give all the glory to God. Abraham wasn't a super faith man but just a man like you and me who believed in a super God. He believed that God plus nothing was everything! Abraham knew that and gave glory to God. Ask yourself these questions today - Who do you have your trust in today? Are you fully convinced that God is able and willing to touch your life? Are you thankful for what he has already done for you? Your God is so willing to come alongside your life right now. Call out to Him and let Him be God for you and your situations today!

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

A PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

We always thank God for all of you and pray for you constantly. As we pray to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thessalonians 1:2, 3 NLT) Last night (Tuesday) I was finishing up a meeting with our church council when a young man wandered into the meeting thinking that he was attending a AA meeting that he had been court ordered to attend. (This happens on a regular basis as it used to be a place where they met on a regular basis.) After explaining to him that they no longer met there but that we had Celebrate Recovery - I took him across the street to meet some of the men who were finishing up their Bible Study. I then introduced him to Pastor Ron who then shared his experience of how he overcame drugs and alcohol. We then prayed together and invited him back and we all went our separate ways. I went north on Seventh Street and Pastor Ron went east on Hercules. I made a few phone calls when I received a phone call that Pastor Ron had been in an accident. He and another car collided in an intersection causing Pastor Ron's vehicle to roll a number of times. I turned around and hurried to where we thought he might be. When I arrived, his car was upside down with all the windows blown out and Pastor Ron was sitting outside of his demolished car. Thankfully, he and the occupants of the other car we're all fine. Pastor Ron went to the hospital and was released about 4 AM this morning. As I read this passage - "We pray for you constantly" - I was struck by the fact of how much we depend on one another's prayers. I am thankful today for this man in my life and that God's grace was with him last night. As God puts us or others upon your heart - don't ever neglect to thank God for them and to pray for them. Your prayers mean so much and they go to the very heart of God. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

JESUS IS WAITING FOR YOU TODAY

Then he returned to the disciples and found them asleep. He said to Peter, “Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour? Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!” (Matthew 26:40, 41 NLT) If you are like me in any way - one of the things that is constantly under attack in my life on an on-going basis is my time with Jesus. It seems that there are many excuses and barriers that hone in on my special time set apart for Him. Jesus nailed it with his disciples when He said, "The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak." I want quality time with my Lord but my flesh wants to stay in bed and get an extra ounce of sleep and stay warm a little longer. If we want to grow and be strengthened in The Lord - we "must" carve out time with Him everyday. It is there that we gain new strength and courage for the journey ahead. May I encourage you to make this a priority today? May I encourage you to just sit at His feet and to listen to Him speak. Jesus is/has been waiting for you. Go to Him and hear what He has to say to you today.

Monday, November 26, 2012

THE SIN THAT IS HOLDING YOU BACK TODAY

But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. (Matthew 23:12 NLT) One of the things that all of us has to deal with in life is pride. It's a disease that effects community life and families alike. It comes in and raises its head in our personal lives and becomes the barrier to our growth in Jesus and with others. It makes you take offense personally and it causes you to hold on to bitterness and unforgiveness about the past. It feeds sin and keeps God away from touching our lives. The book of Provers tells us that we need to hate pride with a vengeance. It tells us also that pride "goes before our destruction." It is something that God absolutely hates. Either we deal with this issue or we will be humbled by God Himself. (sometimes very publicly). I think that it is interesting that often God brings situations in our lives to keep us humble - failures, sickness, lack of resources, etc. Those gentle prodding's can lead to greater rebuke if we don't heed their warnings in our life. Notice what the Apostle Paul had to say... "even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud" (2 Corinthians 12:7 NLT). Perhaps, instead of complaining about your "thorn" you should be thankful today that God has allowed it to be there to keep pride back and so that you would live humbly today. My prayer is that you would let go of your pride and humbly let Jesus lead and guide you today.

Friday, November 23, 2012

WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO DO FOR YOU TODAY?

Two blind men were sitting beside the road. When they heard that Jesus was coming that way, they began shouting, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” “Be quiet!” the crowd yelled at them. But they only shouted louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” When Jesus heard them, he stopped and called, “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus felt sorry for them and touched their eyes. Instantly they could see! Then they followed him. (Matthew 20:30-32, 34 NLT) I was struck this morning as I read this passage about the willingness of Jesus in reaching out to us in order to meet our needs. Think this through with me as two blind we're alongside a road begging for money to help them out for the day. They then heard that Jesus was coming their way. Jesus, the one who did all the miracles that they had been hearing about was now coming their way. They began to cry out for His attention and they were not going to be denied. Against the protest of the crowd, they cried louder and louder. Jesus, hearing their cries, comes over to them and says, "What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus, feeling sorry for them reached down and touched their eyes so they could see. Two things stand out to me about Jesus 1) Jesus heard their cry and 2) Jesus felt sorry for them. Your cries are not missing your Saviors hears today and He has compassion and mercy for what you are going through today. Press through any roadblocks and barriers today and keep calling out to Jesus because He is listening to you right now and saying "What do you want me to do for you?" He is ready and willing to surround you with His love and mercy today!

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

WHAT ARE YOU AFRAID OF TODAY?

Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm. (Matthew 8:26 NLT) Why are you afraid of today? What has grabbed your heart with fear? What person or situation has caused you to not move forward with your life? Today, Jesus wants to step into your boat and with one word - you can have peace. Today, you can walk away from that fear and walk in the confidence of God's presence. You don't have to fear any man or any situation. There is nothing that can take His peace away from you - whether it be financial worries - health concerns - relational problems - job related, etc. You are God's child today and He has PROMISED you His peace. Accept it. believe for it and walk in the confidence of receiving it. the reality of fear is this: FEAR - F - alse E - vidence A - appearing R - eal. Have a great Thanksgiving and may Christ fill/ permeate your life with His great and overwhelming peace!

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

YOU CAN HAVE PEACE TODAY!

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. ...(Matthew 5:43-46 NIV) I was saddened as I watched the news this morning of Israel and Hamas fighting with each other. The war between the two has escalated and sadly many innocent lives are being destroyed or ruined. I am equally sad as I deal with so much conflict in families in the High Desert. Word bombs and hateful things are being thrown back and forth and sadly, innocent lives (especially children) are being hit the hardest. I was praying over a situation yesterday and The Lord prompted me to tell a family in conflict that they have the power within them for this conflict to cease if they really want it to. By the power of Christ within them - they have the power for this conflict to be over! In our own strength - none of of us have this power but with Christ - all things are possible. Whatever situation or mountain you are facing today - if you are filled with Christ - you can overcome and see the victory before your eyes. Don't allow the enemy to lie and condemn you. Take your God given authority and declare victory today. Pray for peace and pray for help and and strength that comes from the hand of God. He wii see you through and will carry you to hat place of victory today!

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

ARE YOU RUNNING YOUR RACE?

You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? (Galatians 5:7 NIV) I've watched the Christian walk of multitudes of people over my lifetime. Some walk so slow that they never keep up. Others just plod along and stay in the race. And others start out fast and get out in front of everyone only to lose strength for final stretch and fall out of the race. I've seen it all! It's so sad to me to see people who "have once tasted of the goodness of The Lord" to fall away and disengage from their relationship with God and with the church. Paul refers here to a race here that is interrupted by something/ someone and they are soon diverted in another direction. How tragic! What is keeping you from running your race today? What is keeping you from going all in with God? You were running a good race. Who / what cut into your race? Perhaps this is a reminder today to you - your team needs you. Get back into the race while there is still time. The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few. Click "like" if you agree.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

ARE YOU TROUBLED TODAY?

I took my troubles to the Lord ; I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer. (Psalms 120:1 NLT) In all my years of ministry I have never seen so many people with so many troubles. It could be financial, relational, spiritual, mental, and the list could go on and on. David didn't qualify this verse by saying that God only helped certain types of troubles but that He was available to answer the prayer for every trouble we might have. There are some who translate this word trouble with the word "distress." It's not just stress but "distress." People are troubled and distressed. As Christians we have the great privilege of taking our troubles to A God who hears and answers us. As Christians we can also point the way to others who are trying to find rest from their troubles also. If you are experiencing trouble today - call out to God and ask Him to help/ deliver you today. He so loves you and wants to bring you the things you need in your life. God is waiting to hear from you right now.

Monday, November 5, 2012

HOW TO LIVE A FULFILLED LIFE

Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you. (Psalm 37:4, 5 NLT) On Friday night we had a night of prayer and worship at the church. It was a great time of being in the presence of The Lord for an extended time together. I was so taken by one of my grandsons who stood by me for almost an hour in worship and praise. As I would look down at him from the corner of my eye I would see his little hands lifted to Jesus as he worshipped along with me. He was delighting himself in The Lord. As I would go and pray with others - he would go with me and stand right beside me and put his hand out to pray with them also. I can't think of a better way to raise our children and grand children than by getting them to the house of The Lord and being in His presence. Yes, sports and hobbies and activities are all important but nothing is as important as being in God's house and learning to delight ourselves in The Lord. It is the true key to living a successful life on earth. It is the key to a truly fulfilled life. May I encourage you today to make being with Jesus a high priority today? His promise is this: As you trust Him He will help you in every and all aspects of your life. That's a promise we can all stand on today.

Friday, November 2, 2012

DON'T GIVE UP EVER!

For I have stayed on God’s paths; I have followed his ways and not turned aside. I have not departed from his commands, but have treasured his words more than daily food. (Job 23:11, 12 NLT) Job was facing one trial after another. Even his friends had let him down and we're heaping criticism and condemnation upon him. Job had every reason to give up and curse God, but he didn't. Instead, he dug deep into what he knew about God and had learned over about Him over the years. He stayed on God's path and hung on to what He knew to be true. The faith that had got him this far was the faith he trusted to take him to the end. Your trial, whatever it might be, is nothing compared to God and His power. You might be feeling like giving up and throwing in the towel but don't give up - ever! Your God who brought you this far will be faithful to carry you to the end. You can trust Him today and every promise spoken in His Word. Take His Words and treasure them in your heart and watch the victory that God has in store for you today!