Let's Walk Together

You and me. Hand in hand. What else could there be? It's such a day for fulfilling the simplest of things. Think about your favorite things. Now take today and go do it! A walk in the park. A walk through the snow. Take the dog. Take the cat! Say a sweet hello to all those you pass by. Be happy! Be glad! This is a day for the simple folk... to frolic and flutter and carry on so! Enjoy it! Have at it! Rejoice! Have fun with the simple things in life today.

Snow's Coming!

The warning came. The snow was coming. There would be lots of it. It arrived a day early but they weren't wrong. A gentle rain, a light flurry, a heavy wet snow. It's stuck to the ground and now the limbs on trees are heavy with snow and swaying in a breeze. Look! It's snowing some more! First there was an inch or two then six and when we woke up there was about 12 inches layered on the rail to the deck... more is coming down now. What do you do in the storm?

Praise the Lord! Hallelujah! When we know the Lord we know the storm is nothing too big for Him. We will be well taken care of by the Lord and we can rejoice and be glad adhering to the warning that came. We were ready.

There's another warning given to us about what's coming. You will find this warning in Matthew 24:44 of the Bible. What does it say? He's coming! Who's coming? Jesus! And it also says to be ready.

Arriving Late

Sometimes something arriving late can be a good thing. Not always but in some cases. What about a Christmas card? The day after Christmas the postman delivered the mail and amongst all the junk mail lie a white envelope with a return address on it I knew. Yes, it was a late Christmas card. One I had been expecting... arriving a day late. Any sparkle? The card itself had no glitter or sparkle but rather a simple little message of Christmas. Now the contents on the inside held the sparkle for as I opened it... out came a financial blessing! Is it any wonder the goodness of a Christmas card sent late?

One should never give up but keep expecting... you never know the struggle one may be facing on the other side to get the job done... you should always know that God is working behind the scene in your favor!

The Glitter

Many cards I received this Christmas like Christmases past have lots of glitter and sparkle on them. It brings the picture on the front of the card to life. The snow, the trees, the house, church or star simply sparkle, drawing attention to them. Do you have that sparkle? Are you glittering in a world that cries out in the darkness for your attention? When our light is lit we will sparkle and glitter in a world that needs the Savior and He will often come to them through us.

Christmas Joy

... it lingers long after the day has passed into the next day and the next... the next... and so on it goes into the new year. Only God can fill hearts with this kind of love and the joyful praise that fills our lives through the year. It all comes from the celebration we have found in our salvation through the Savior... His birth, death, and resurrection!

Merry Christmas 2010

Happy Birthday Jesus! I thank you God for sending Jesus to us that we not be condemned in our sin but rather have life more abundant forever and ever! What a Christmas gift and He's here with us today living big in each one of us who will receive that gift from you God. May those who haven't yet accepted your gift see the Light today and receive it. Thank you for the angels that sang and announced Your birth to earth! ... the shepherds who heard... the wisemen that brought their gifts... and your gift of Jesus! We give you praise, glory and honor Lord! Not just today but everyday as You gave us Him who guides and leads us through! Joy to the world! God bless you everyone and Merry Christmas!

Shepherds

Shepherds have a lot to do with Christmas... they were the first to hear the good news. Even today there was a front page article in USA Today about shepherds and how they live much today during the Christmas Season herding their sheep just as they did back when Jesus was born. I was impressed with the news USA Today carried. They even included Luke 2:8 and 9a on the front page with the article. How's that for front page news and recognizing Christmas with Jesus' birth!

"Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them..."

It goes on to say this in Scripture, "and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you. You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" So it was..."

Luke 2:8-15

So the shepherds talked it over among themselves and without missing a beat they left to go see this child born to be King. When they arrived in Bethlehem they saw Jesus and without a second thought they spread the good news of what they were told by the angels and what they had seen with their own eyes, a Babe lying in a manger for they knew.

What did they know? It's a heart thing. Even today. We may not see the Babe for real lying in a manger, but what we can see is the love of God. The world even comes alive this time of year because of love and joy and peace and giving! These are from God through Him - Jesus - and we can know like the shepherds did that He is the One true living God and receive Him as King! Our King! When we do, we know it in our heart and then we, too, go and share Him with others.

Happy Christmas Eve Day to you!

2010

Wow! What can I say? It has been since July that I've written on this supposedly daily blog for journaling and sharing with whoever is out there and wants to read it... I have no excuses. I just stopped. I thought about it awhile and kept saying I had to get back to blogging... needless to say, I never did... until now.

Now that it is the night before Christmas Eve 2010 I choose to write. But what? It took me so long to figure our how to get into my blog to write I've forgotten what was on my mind!

I do know this: the first seven months of my blogging were a blessing and although I haven't been blogging, the last five months have been a blessing as well. We'll start again tomorrow - it just seems as if Christmas Eve would be a better day to begin again. Hopefully, I'll be able to get back into this blog network! Toodle do for now.

Sweet sleep and good night.

Rejoice and Again I Say Rejoice!

Don't you just want to rejoice and shout for joy every time you think about Jesus! I heard a sermon a few months ago about joy and at the time it didn't sink in but I had the CD and listened to it a couple of times in the last week and what a revelation I received! This, and a chapter on joy in a book I'm reading (that points you to The Word), simply put, helped me see that joy is a command. Never thought of joy as a command before. Philippians 4:4 is one place we read about joy and Paul does state his comment about joy in a commanding sort-of-way. Also in I Thessalonians 5:16 we read another command to rejoice. It simply says, "Rejoice always..." If you read on to verses 17 and 18 you see the command to "pray without ceasing" and "in everything give thanks." Maybe you have looked at those verses as a command before but I hadn't - WOW!

I don't know about you, but I'm not always rejoicing. That has changed as of right now. This CD by Mark Hankins that I was listening to took me to Leviticus and The Feast of Tabernacles. In verse 40 of chapter 23 God adds to His instructions to Moses, "...and you shall rejoice before the LORD your God for seven days." Could you imagine the difference in our world and our lives if we would just start by rejoicing for seven days?! Joy is contagious and I believe once we'd start we'd not stop for nothing because the joy of the Lord is our strength and we delight in Him!

On a scale from 1 to 10, 1 being a low-level rejoicing and ten being the highest level of rejoicing, where are you on the scale? Mark Hankins says if you have trouble just smiling you are at level one. His comment for level ten? Only one He could think. That was David and he was at level 10 with joy. What did David do? He was so delighted in having the ark of the LORD brought to the City of David that he "danced before the LORD with all his might." That's a number ten joy according to Mark Hankins and I agree with Mark. David was so filled with joy and delight that his shouting and dancing and "leaping and whirling before the LORD" embarrassed Saul's daughter, Michal, to the point of her despising David in her heart. That didn't bother David. He simply put on some music and danced some more!

Let's dance!!!

II Samuel 6:1-23

Vision, Victory & Breakthrough!

Here's a new look at these three words, which I myself just learned. Actually it's a basic in our belief system of Christianity but a new way of looking at it and hearing it. It's helping me apply it!

Go after the vision (goal, dream, plan God gave you) by thinking and speaking the victory (The Word) and you will breakthrough the lie (whatever lie the devil is telling you) and get to the other side where the reward lies! This is God's promise to you and the means or how to.

II Corinthians 4:18, Hebrews 11:1, Genesis 3:1, Psalm 37:4-5, Hebrews 11:6

The Source & The Scriptures

There is only one source for all things we have in this life. We may think it's our job (I don't know why, but some do), our mom or dad or someone else in our life, or our checkbook, savings account or IRA (Lord help those who believe that); maybe even our ministry or charitable deeds, or "things" (having and getting possessions trap many), but those aren't really our source. There is only one source. We have those things because of the Source. He is the God of the Universe. The One True God of the Bible. Without Him there would be nothing. Without Him we would be nothing. How do people in the world get along without Him? I guess in my own question lies the answer. People are in the world. When you know Him as your Source you aren't in this world you are living in another world - that world? It's actually a kingdom. A kingdom set up by God and run by God and blessed by God. It's the kingdom of God we live in! It's so unlike the world. Praise the Lord for that!

With the Source comes the Word. The Scriptures are the means and the how to. They indicate, convey, represent our purpose and position in life and bring about the values and importance of what our life is all about. The Scriptures give instruction, correction and encouragement. We are to trust God as we live in His kingdom and look to the Scriptures - His Word -to know the means and the how to for life. It's as simple as that so why not move from where you are today - are you hung up in the world? - and move into the kingdom of God - where He will be your Source and the Scriptures will be your means - have you read them? Begin today to let life -His life - become your life and your truth and your way of doing your daily business. It's the God kind of life and it's what life is all about - don't miss out on it!

John 3:17, John 14:6, John 10:10

God's Perspective of Our Trials

The perspective God has of our trials found in Romans 5:2-5 and James 1:2-4 is that good come out of a trial. We trust God as we are going through the trial and He provides for us throughout the length of the trial and rewards us in the end of the trial - this is after our perseverance, patience and putting our hope in Him. God guarantees good results for His people. We simply believe Him. That's faith.

James 1:5-8, Romans 8:28, 4:20-21,

Keep Believing

Even if you don't have the answer...God does.

Influenced Dreams

Think about it. Have your dreams been influenced? From the time we are born we have had dreams spoken over us. Not always dreams, but a word or two. That word could be for the worst or best in us. Parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and others have said we should do this or we could do that or not and things like we'd be best at such and such. Of course there's our own dreams and desires to pursue. It's fortunate when our own line up with what we've been told but that's not always the case. Often we break out on our own to pursue these dreams whether they be agreed upon by those who love us or not.

Someone else has influence over our dreams. Especially the believer. Something happens to a Christian when they dream. It's not long before our dreams and desires match His. Why is this? The Word is given to instruct us in what is right and the Holy Spirit to guide us into what is right. The relationship we have with Jesus grows and as it does we find ourselves knocking, asking and seeking more. More of what? Him. As we do... find more of Him... we find our dreams... influenced dreams by the One who loves us and knows what is best for us. Following these dreams we find success of a different kind. We find a treasure beyond the world's view of success.

It's like Dorothy sang in The Wizard of Oz. Somewhere over the rainbow there lies a place... a place of dreams... a place where the pot of gold is in the streets of Heaven and the sound of music rings true to the end of this life... eternal life. May you discover your dreams in Him today.

Let God direct your dreams and those dreams will come true. He's the God of the possible.

Matthew 7:7-14, Psalm 37, Luke 1:37-38, Matthew 19:25-26

One Dream for All

What has God called us to do? We may each have our unique personality and temperaments and we may each have a specific calling in the way we are to serve God, but we are all called to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Yes, it is our dream! Whatever desire God has placed in you and called you to, it is to share Jesus His Son with others. This is true no matter what you do or where you are or how you do it.

Matthew 25 tells us that Jesus is coming in all His glory and the holy angels with Him. When He and they come, we will all be gathered together and He is going to separate us one from another - every nation - He will separate the sheep and the goats. How will He decide this? this separating of sheep and goats?

Verses 34 to 46 give us that answer. You see, the King will say to those on His right, "Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world..." So now you will also see where the blessings came from or rather why they came to us - we are and will be blessed in this same way we are divided on His right and left. "Come..." He says and He goes on to say, "I was hungry and you fed Me, I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me." Wow, isn't that something! Do you remember the beggar? the homeless? the stranger? the widow? the orphan? the hitch-hiker? the neighbor? the member in your church? Do you remember feeding them? clothing them? visiting them? helping them? I hope so. I hope you remember them well and what you did for them. This is how God is going to determine your destiny. This is whether as a nation, as a people, as a person, you will be placed on His right or sadly on His left. Note this well for this is how we are to dream and respond to the dream - all of us - and this is how we will find our success. Live the dream for Jesus!

Speaking of Dreams

Have you found yourself thinking too much? Overwhelmed with all the circumstances and situations you are facing? Tired of trying to figure it out? Even tired of the dreams? Dreams you believe God has promised to you but because it's taking so long for them to manifest you just are down-trodden? Ready to quit?

DON'T!
DON'T QUIT!
DON'T EVER GIVE UP!

Here's why. This could possibly be the answer you've been looking for!

HEAVY BURDENS - YOU'VE BEEN CARRYING TOO HEAVY A LOAD! This is when you're too stressed out and you know it! You feel it and you're going down fast, but wait! Having too much care can come from something good. It's not always a bad thing that causes a burden. Having too much care can be when God calls you to do something that is beyond yourself and you've got overwhelmed with the heavy care of it to where it even causes fear or bitterness or anger. Get rid of it now! Not the dream. The burden!

Cast your care on Him for He cares for you! (I Peter 5:7)

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke (The Word of God) upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke (My Word) is easy and My burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)

Heritage of Dreams

Our ideas, hopes, goals and dreams are something we are given by God. As we grow in Him we will develop over time His same desires. Our dreams become a realization because of our partnership - God plus us!

"Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart." - Psalm 37:4

Our future is secure when we are "hooked up" with Him! We have this heritage.

Purpose in the Race

Purpose is that we are all to be saved. God wants none to perish.
Purpose is that we are all called to be a witness for Jesus. We don't all do it.
Life is about Jesus. We are nothing without Jesus. It's all about Him.
He must increase, but we? We must decrease.
We are planted of the Lord that He may be glorified.
To God be all the glory.

John 3:16-17, Luke 8:38-39, John 5:14-15, John 15:5, John 3:30, Isaiah 61:3b

It's Hard to Run the Race

Running is hard work. Running and running and running is especially hard. I like so much what Paul says in Philippians 1:12. He says, "But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel..." Nothing - not even being in prison - slowed Paul down as he went about spreading the Gospel. Each new adventure brought new opportunities for his witness to others. If you think you've had it tough, read about Paul. In II Corinthians 12:23-29 he gives an account (prompted, yet reluctantly to boast of his experiences as a servant of Jesus Christ) of all that he had been through in his lifetime and that he was still alive and well and serving the Lord! Paul's experiences and examples encourage us to be bolder in our witness for Jesus Christ.

Listen to this from the New King James Version, "For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; to the weak I became as weak that I might win the weak, I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. Now this I do for the gospel's sake, that I may be partaker of it with you. (I Corinthians 9:19-23). Paul would go to any length - without violating Biblical morality - to enter the world of others and lead them to salvation.

Read these verses again from the Message. And run, run, run, and run. Don't stop. It's all worthwhile. It's all for Jesus. Hard work? Yes! Now go after it. You must follow your dreams - they are what God has placed in you and called you to do!

Run the Race

So now you're in the race. You're off and running. But wait... what am I running for? What race am I in? Does this race have any purpose?

Paul uses many examples of an athlete as he teaches. One of those is found in I Corinthians 9:24-27. It's a race with great reward. The race is the Lord's race. He has placed you in the race with His purpose in mind. Do you know what that is? To run you must know your purpose and be committed to it. Otherwise? You won't run. You will lag. You may even choose to drop out. Running is hard work. And in this race you run and run and run. To keep going you must have purpose and commitment. Don't be disqualified by breaking any rules in this race! Use all that is within you to go forward and take the crown!

God has called you. You know that He has. Pray to know what for - your purpose. Then be committed to run in the race and win!

Matthew 28:19-20

Oh! How I Love Jesus!

It's okay with me to not be me! I'd rather be Jesus than me! I'd rather people see Jesus in me than me! Who am I? Nothing without Him! I can die to self. But why is it "self" keeps appearing? It's a difficult training I put myself through so that I - like Paul - will win my race having done all and been all to reach the finish line, my life complete in Him.

Matthew 16:24-27, Luke 14:26-33, Philippians 1:21, I Corinthians 9:24-27, Philippians 3:12-16, II Timothy 4:7

Character and Attributes

An attribute is a quality or characteristic inherent in or ascribed to someone or something. Wouldn't this be the glory of God seen in our lives? Remember character is the combination of qualities or features, traits, abilities, reputation that distinguishes one person - in God and in us, God in us! - And that person is of noble status and/or a well-known person. We even found that it is an attribute determined by a gene - isn't our DNA that of the Lord Himself once we have chosen to be one of His and have given our lives over to Him? We are called a royal priesthood. Isn't this where our moral and ethical strength comes from? Isn't it the joy of the Lord that causes us to be who we are both morally and ethically? It's supposed to be how we solve any situation or circumstance in our lives. It's supposed to be how we live among others and get along in this world. It's supposed to be how we make choices in our lives. It's simply supposed to be how we conduct and live our entire lives!

We are to seek, search pursue and work hard at working out, and training ourselves and committing to place those same attributes of the Lord God and what we see in Him into our very own lives.


I Timothy 4:7-8, II Timothy 3:16, I Peter 2:9, John 17:13, Nehemiah 8:10

Character

God's character - this is our standard. So, what is character?

According to The American Heritage College Dictionary it is 1.) The combination of qualities or features that distinguishes one person, group, or thing from another 2.) A distinguishing feature or attribute, as of an individual, group, or category. and get this one 3.) Genetics A structure, function, or attribute determined by a gene or group of genes! and 4.) Moral or ethical strength. 5.) A description of a person's attributes, traits, or abilities... it also says reputation, status or role, a notable or well-known person! Now that's my God and so much more so is He! But I give you those definitions for us to see what we are looking for in the Lord to model our lives by.

If you would remember - or rather, let's review - righteousness. Other than that for which we can be thankful to Jesus for, His righteousness, it is also our inner moral conformity of our character to the character of God! And the acts that flow from a righteous moral character! All this because we know how much God loves us and in turn we act in harmony with our obligations to God out of our love for Him! It is our responsibility to live as such for Him! It is also how we act with other people and for the same reason; our love for the Lord.

Shall we then model our lives after the Word of God and be all that God desires of us? I say, "yes!"

Psalm 15:1-5, Psalm 106:3, Luke 6:43-45, Luke 8:15, Romans 12:17-21

Righteousness His Way

Righteousness is an absolute quality of God and only God. He acts in harmony with His moral nature. It is God's character and attributes that are the standard by which righteousness is measured. It is how we are to live our lives.

What is righteousness?

Righteousness is (using the Revell Concise Bible Dictionary) the declaration by God that a person is righteous in God's sight, not by virtue of that person's acts but by virtue of his faith in Jesus! He is our righteousness!

However, Old and New Testaments reveal that righteousness is acting in harmony with one's obligations to God and to others - it is the inner moral conformity of one's character to the character of God, and the acts that flow from a righteous moral character. Yes! In my wording I have said that it is doing the right thing because it's the right thing to do and doing it right. Basically, because I am a Christian, that means that you do the God thing because it's the God thing to do and you do it how God would do it!

Jesus is our example - He is the Living Word. When we read His Word, which He gave to us before His leaving this earth along with the Holy Spirit, we read exactly what our life should look like and we read that it should be for real - just as He was, is, and will be when He returns! He wants us to get it right and to choose to do it right - God's way! But what do we do? We choose our own way so much of the time to only find out that it was the wrong way! It's time to live a godly, righteous life and start doing the right thing because it's the right thing to do and do it right - all for the glory of God!

This is God's standard that we are to follow. It's the quality of His righteousness. His character. His attributes. It's all wrapped up in God who loved us so much He sent His Son to die for us that we could have that relationship again in the Garden with Him. Praise the Lord!

Romans 3:21-26, Romans 1:16-20, Psalm 4:1, II Kings 19:15,

Teacher and Discerner

The Holy Spirit teaches us all things. Jesus said so and in John's Gospel we are introduced to the Holy Spirit and why He was sent to us. The Holy Spirit is our source of true spiritual understanding. It is the Holy Spirit that enables us to live by the truth. He teaches us how to compare spiritual things with spiritual. As we are spiritual beings He interprets the spiritual to us. It is through the Holy Spirit that we are able to live the Christian life.

John 14:26, John 16:8-13, I John 2:27, I Corinthians 2:13, I John 4:6

Comforter, Helper and Guide

The Holy Spirit is our Comforter - He comes alongside us to comfort, give consolation or encouragement and to help. Jesus tells us in John 15:25, "when the Helper comes... He will testify of Me. And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning." The Holy Spirit helps us witness about Jesus. It is through the power of the Spirit we go about this witness in a world of haters, mockers, and persecutors. The Helper brings to our remembrance all things Jesus has told us in His Word. We don't have to live our life alone - Praise the Lord! - We have been given the Holy Spirit to comfort, encourage, and help us! He is our Guide for life! He guides us into all truth!

Acts 9:31, John 15:26, John 16:13-14

Ask for Him

"Yet you do not have because you do not ask." - James 4:2

The Holy Spirit is the best gift the Father gives to us. The Spirit Filled Life Bible says that "our primary needs are spiritual, and a proper relationship with God through the Holy Spirit is the ground of assurance that He (Father God) will provide both spiritual and material needs." Look at Luke 11:9-13. You will see that Jesus is speaking and asks questions regarding human parents; how they give to their children. They don't deceive them and neither does God. In fact, we can expect the Father to bless us with His best all the time! With the gift of the Holy Spirit being the best gift God gives to us, we are reminded of the priority God places on our spiritual need over our material need.

Look at verse 13. It says, "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!" Jesus first began this teaching on prayer (verses 1-4) and about persistent (verses 5-8). In verse 9 He tells us we must ask. When we ask He says, "it will be given to you." Verse 10 says, "For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened."

Praise the Lord! Ask for the Holy Spirit. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you live for Him! Continue to ask, seek, and knock. You'll find you do it His way! His way for our life is righteousness!

The Holy Spirit at Work

The Holy Spirit is to be at work in us. God's ultimate objective is for us to have a longing for Him and a desire to glorify Him and please Him. This is the object, aim, purpose, and goal, of the Spirit's work in us. The Holy Spirit leads us into a longing desire for the Lord and His desires becoming our desires. The Holy Spirit is the One responsible in wooing us to the Lord that we become one of His children. As disciples of Christ we are to then walk in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit just as Paul, Barnabas, and the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria did!

John 14:16-17, Romans 8:14-17, Acts 9:26-31

A Fuller Experience

"I'm born again, filled with the Holy Ghost, baptized in the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues!" Have you ever heard that before? It's true and it's Biblical. Some people get born again and when you are born again you have the Holy Spirit residing in you to comfort, teach and guide you into a holy life - others get born again and besides being given the Holy Spirit within they gain a fuller experience by being baptized in the Holy Spirit and this experience comes with the evidence of speaking in tongues as well as living a holy life.

In Acts 19:1-7, Paul finds a group of men who are basically unaware of the development of Pentecost and have not experienced this baptism. Their conversion experience - or could we say their being born again (baptized by John the Baptist) was with the knowledge that a fuller experience with the Holy Spirit would come but without the realization that it had come. So Paul takes care of this by leading them into a fuller experience with the Holy Spirit by re-baptizing them.

With the coming of the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements came the demonstration of the baptism in the Holy Spirit. The baptism in the Holy Spirit is an experience that provides the believer with spiritual power for intensified service. Shouldn't we all long for this fuller experience in our Christian walk?

The Holy Spirit is a gift from God. Speaking in tongues is a gift. It is a sign or one evidence that the presence of the Holy Spirit is in you. This assures the believer of a living witness within. It is not himself that has the power but Christ in you - the hope of glory!

Acts 10:44-47, Colossians 1:27

The Holy Spirit

Do you know Him? We speak of God throughout the world and throughout the world we introduce others to Jesus, but how many of us truly know and understand the Holy Spirit whom Jesus left with us when He left earth? We often neglect the Holy Spirit unknowingly throughout our lifetime; mostly due to lack of knowledge. We hear about Him and read about Him as wind and fire but He's not the wind or fire; He is a person. We ought to get to know Him and learn from Him. Jesus gives Him to us for specific purposes - to comfort, teach and guide us through our journey as a Christian. He resides in us for such purposes - let us get to know Him.

Mark 1:8, Acts 1:8; 2:4, 19:2-7, John 15:26

Free Indeed

Free your heart of your possessions and do not seek for security in your wealth. Place it all in the hands of the Lord and trust Him to take care of you!

Matthew 19:21-26, John 8:33

Eternal Results

Our use of our financial resources does have eternal results - or not. We put to use or service our material wealth for the kingdom and not for personal selfish ambition or gain. Our possessions are to be used for the kingdom, as is our money. All riches belong to God and come to us from God. Although we have the tithe and God asks only for that 10%, He does expect us to live for Him. That means that all we have otherwise would be used for Him and for His glory as well.

You may ask "how?" Let me give you one personal example I remember well from some years ago. I truly wanted to buy a brand new car off the lot; not a used car or not even to have the Lord give me a car! I might add that He had given and blessed me with several cars prior to this. But this time, my husband took me to buy a brand new car and I picked out everything on it! Doing this truly was a blessing from the Lord and I remember the day well. I remember the car! It was a beautiful teal green/blue Chevy Camaro with the new body style of 1995 and it could move. Now I had entered into an agreement with the Lord prior to this purchase. As I prayed I told the Lord I would use my new car for Him and I would take people to church who didn't have a ride... one problem came up in my mind after I bought the car and thought about my promise to God... this is a Camaro, a sports car with basically only two seats because in the backseat you sat with your knees in your lap! That didn't matter to God, He sent me someone to take to church and I did. My husband drove, our friend sat in front in the other bucket seat, and I sat in the back! But I have to tell ya it was worth it! We had that car ten years and then gave it away to someone in need! Praise the Name of Jesus!

Be a good steward of all that you have. Your possessions, your money, your time, your talents... whatever it is you have remember that it came from the Lord to you so you are to use it by giving it back to Him - that He be glorified!

Do you have a nice home? Use the gift of hospitality and invite people over for dinner or Bible studies. Do you have an extra bedroom that someone can use? Is your closet is too full and holding a variety of sizes? Give them away to someone in need. What's your hobby or talent? Think about how you can bless others with what you do. Ask the Lord. When you do, he'll show you. When you do, you'll be the one blessed in it! You'll be the one with eternal rewards.

Luke 16:1-13

Why Possessions

"And He said to them, 'Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.'" - Luke 12:15

We are not any more important to God with the things we have than with the things we do not have. We should acquire things - possessions - so that they can be used for the kingdom and not for our own selfish intents and purposes. We are to use what He blesses us with for His glory! It is all part of kingdom living!

Treasures

Where are your treasures? In the bank? In your home? In your car? Or in vacations? Trinkets? Hobbies?

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal;" (Matthew 6:19)

Have you ever been robbed? When you have you know how your mind dwells on the fact that someone has been in your home and gone through your personal belongings, picking through them to find your treasures. Or maybe it was your car or your office; the feeling is still the same. Some people get angry, some hurt, others dwell too long on the feelings or fear - is life worth any of those emotions over what-so-called treasures will be but dust?

"but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:20-21)

Take a heart check? Where are your treasures? Are they in the things of this world or on heaven-bound so-called "things?" Remember your heart follows your treasures... ponder that thought for a moment. Your heart follows your treasures. That helps you to see whether you are in the world even as a Christian. And as a Christian we are to leave the world and the things of the world behind moving forward with the God-kind-of-things! Put your treasure where you want your life to be. Don't allow your personal possessions to consume you and your affections or loyalty but rather choose those heavenly treasures from the Word of God and the treasure that is found in the Lord Himself.

The Bible does teach us God's blessings and approval of having wealth. However, we find many places in the New Testament that also caution us to have a right heart attitude and motive when it comes to wealth, money, and possessions. Our true devotion is for the Lord.

Romans 12:1-2

More Miracles

As we looked at Acts 16:18, let's now look at the whole encounter developing around this verse of Scripture. Beginning at verse 16 read through to verse 34. After loosening the girl possessed with a spirit of divination, Paul and Silas were imprisoned. This doesn't sound like much fun or a good thing for them. But, what man intended for bad God turns to good.

Paul and Silas look to God - their Source! - He is their source of strength, righteousness, joy and peace! They begin to pray and sing, rejoicing in the Lord their God and the prisoners listen to them. Couldn't do much else I guess but plug their ears, but they don't, they listen instead!

Then there's an earthquake. Was this natural? Maybe so, but it was still God! He answered their prayers and their singing by opening up the prison doors! But wait! Paul and Silas don't leave! What? The prison keeper is wondering the same thing as he wakes and sees them still in the prison cell.

All this to get the prison keeper's attention? Yes! He asks Paul and Silas what he can do to be saved! Imagine that. He not only gets saved but his entire household! That's a miracle even more than the earthquake!

Paul and Silas? They get let go.

Genesis 50:20, Romans 14:17

The Activator

We do have the keys. Yes, thank you, Jesus! Along with the keys we must remember that Jesus is the Activator. He is the one who has set in motion or made it all possible for us. Without Him we have no power because the power comes from Him within us. He alone is the One who does the miracles - He saves! He heals! It is in His Name that demons flee and demonic spirits are cast out! It is in His Name and through Him that we have the blessings from God!

Keys and Miracles

Miracles are performed by God as an indicator that God is present and His kingdom is alive and well on earth today. In Matthew 12:29 we read, "Or how can one enter a strong man's house and plunder his good unless he first binds the strong man?" Jesus did this to satan when He came to earth - Jesus bound satan, defeating satan which loosed the rights for kingdom living and set man free from his born sin! Hallelujah!

Jesus has given us this right to do so on earth today. We, as His church with the keys given us can take the strong man or let him have his way. God wants us to claim the earth for the kingdom of God! Binding and loosening are part of our lifestyle in the kingdom.

Our example, one of many, can be found in Acts 16:18. "And this she did for many days. But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, "I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her." And he came out that very hour."

With this example given by Paul we see how to bind "something" on earth. There was a demon present in the life of this woman and Paul cast it out. The demon was forbidden to be a part of the woman any longer. The demonic spirit no longer had reign or control over the woman's life. We could say she made a lifestyle change here for the kingdom of God!

What are you allowing to control you? Are you willing to let go of the things holding you back? Let God be first in your life. Take hold of the keys He has given you. You have them. Use them. Let His power and authority reign in you today! Let His miracles be present in you and with you - all for His glory!

Using the Keys

One definition of a key is a means of access, control, or possession. This is what Jesus is handing over to us. Through His life, death and resurrection He made the way open for us to take access, have control, and/or take possession! We are not to doubt the truth when given to us with our eyes opened to it! Take the keys! With authority in the Name of Jesus - your new name - you can have on earth what is in heaven and heaven can be found within the lives of His people here on earth! Praise God!

When you bind something you forbid it and when you loose something you give it full reign or permit it to take place. We have been empowered by the Holy Spirit to do what Jesus did on the earth when He was here! It is our responsibility to live for the kingdom! It is our responsibility to provide for His kingdom! It is our responsibility to empower kingdom life here on this earth! Jesus alone has provided this and it is through Him only. The keys are ours - let's use them!

Matthew 12:29, Acts 16:18

Keys

Keys can get you in, they can lock you in and they can lock others out. We've heard it said that when Jesus closes one door He opens another for us, right? He has they keys. Now in Matthew 16:19 we see He will give us the keys. What do we do with the keys? Read on in verse 19 of Matthew 16 and you will see it says, "and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." Jesus is passing on to us - His church - His authority - the control to bind and loosen on earth! Jesus is the Activator, we simply release or implement what He has already done by Calvary's Cross in His life, death and resurrection! Glory to God! What a Savior!

Mathew 18:18

Having the Keys

"And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven..."
~ Matthew 16:19

As a Christian you have the keys. Jesus has given you and me the keys of the kingdom. Keys represent authority. You have been given authority. Authority in the Name of Jesus! Hallelujah!

Luke 10:19

God's Time

According to our story of Jesus' transfiguring on the Mount in Matthew 17, we see that Peter, John and James are told to "tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man is risen from the dead." (verse 9) In The Gospel of Luke it simply read that they "kept quiet." (9:36) Now we know why they kept quiet. They were being obedient to the Lord. He gave them a command and they adhered to it. Although the conversation with Jesus, Moses, and Elijah was regarding the death that Jesus was to accomplish at Jerusalem and although they didn't completely understand what it was all about, they obeyed the Lord. God had a set time for His plan. He has a set time for His plan today. Jesus is returning! We are to be obedient servants today in the same way Peter, John and James were then. It's all in God's time.

Ecclesiastes 3:1, Revelation 1:3c

Peter's, James' and John's Moment Alone

When reading in Luke 9 about Jesus and his transfiguration on the Mount put you in His presence at that moment. Just as He took Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray, He also took you (verse 28). Now read through to verse 36.

Aren't we so much like Peter, James and John? Unlike Peter we might not have said a word or maybe like Peter we would have said too much by thinking too much! In a moment like this - in the presence of God Almighty - we sit, we focus, we remain glued to Him, taking and absorbing all that we can of the moment; often without a word. Should we speak we would seek to be sure it is a right time to speak making sure of our words and that they be few. Better to say nothing when it's not clear what to say. Often listening is better but for some, those who are like Peter may find it difficult. We learn. And in such a moment like this we can then see, by looking back at the moment, and discover and learn more.

Peter, James, and John were quiet. They were awestruck and humbled. They told no one. This was a moment with God that was beyond their wildest dreams and imagination - but that is what God and only God can do!

A Time Alone

Jesus went up on the mountain to pray... this time He takes Peter, John and James with Him. They are alone with God.

Jesus prays... His appearance changes... His face is altered, shining like the sun, and His robe becomes white and glistening.

Two men are now with Jesus... and Peter, John and James! Why it's Moses and Elijah!

What are Peter, John and James doing? They are heavy with sleep... about to miss this! But wait... they wake up. It's about time! They see His glory and the two men who stand with Him.

Peter says, "Master, it is good for us to be here..."

Yeah, Peter, you should have stopped right there! He was right, you know, it was good that they were there.

But wait... a cloud comes... and a voice from out of the cloud... It's God Himself! He is saying, "This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!" When He is done speaking we find Jesus is alone. Where are Elijah and Moses? Gone. Where are Peter, John and James?

In moments like these you definitely want to be awake, not sleeping. In moments like these you are struck numb and silent. In moments like these you worship Him. In moments like these you find yourself in absolute adoration and awe of whose presence you have been in.

Luke 9:27-36, Matthew 16:28 - 17:9

Alone with God

There needs to be times when you simply get away and get alone with Jesus. Jesus did. He found times to get away and sit with His Father. We need to sit. Make a time where there is just a place for you and God and you just sit. Sit with Him until you know the time is done and you can move. This could be a comfy chair in a quiet corner in your own home or maybe you have to go to a hotel for that same place but if you choose it could be down by the lake or river or ocean if you live by one. Could be any time of night or day. Maybe it's by a campfire after dark where you can begin to talk with God gazing at the stars up in the sky that He made. Could be the early morning watching the sun come up. The idea is to simply take the time and be with your Father. These are precious, glorious and revelation times, times of refreshing and times of peaceful consultation. Why miss something so valuable to living life on earth when its as simple as stepping out the back door and going to a favorite place of yours or sitting in your favorite place wherever it may be and enjoying His company? Praise the Lord.

Matthew 14:23, Mark 6:45, John 6:15-16, Matthew 6:6, John 6:29

His Little Lambs

Are you being slaughtered? Lambs are slaughtered. Yes. We know our Savior who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross of Calvary for us. He asks no more of us but to endure life even when being sent to the slaughter... and we are to do so with joy in our hearts! His joy, which is what strengthens us! His joy is our knowing Him and living for Him, doing whatever it is He has for us. The Word tells us we are His sheep and we have been sent - sent out into a world of wolves! That's right, wolves. What do the wolves do to sheep? They eat them, if they can. They eat them alive! Unless, of course, the sheep become wise!

Matthew 10:16, Luke 10:3, Hebrews 12:2-8, Philippians 2:14-16

No Fear

What we have is a reverent fear - we are in reverential awe of God. Father knows best and it is best for us to continue in this fear of the Lord. We do not fear men. We obey the Lord. By our obedience we show Him our love.

Mathew 10:16-39

The Meditation of My Heart

"Let the words of my mouth and
the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer."
~ Psalm 19:14

Our thoughts and words are to be consistent with God's Word and His will. We are to speak and use our words to delight the Father. When we speak from our heart we show our true inner person, inner feelings, and deepest thoughts of our inner self. Our heart can be the most deceitful thing in the world. When we know Jesus and have taken on the character of God we will show kindness and love to Him and to others. What we speak shows our heart and what we believe and think of God. Godly living will require change - change in your speech, conduct, and thinking. Learn to speak and think only in ways that will please the Lord.

Psalm 51:15, James 1:21-28

Perfection

For You will light my lamp;
The LORD my God will enlighten my darkness.
For by You I can run against a troop,
By my God I can leap over a wall.
As for God, His way is perfect;
The word of the LORD is proven;
He is a shield to all who trust in Him.
For who is God, except the LORD?
And who is a rock, except our God?
It is God who arms me with strength,
And makes my way perfect.

~ Psalm 18:28-32

The Best Place

It was pride that first caused man to fall. Man fell because he chose his own way over and above God's way. This is wrong thinking, yet man is still doing so today. It's not our way and we are not the one who is to be in the spotlight! God has a way for us to live so that He is in the spotlight through our living our lives righteously. Yes, we are called to live righteously and we can. Righteousness is simply living with a right standing before God. We find that in Christ Jesus. In Him we have righteousness but it is for Him that we choose to live it out! We do the right thing because it's the right thing to do and we do it right! You could also say it this way, we do the God thing because it's of God and we do it God's way. Our righteousness is a right standing with God that comes in those two parts - in Christ we are righteous because He is righteous and secondly we live a righteous life. No pride, no arrogance, no rudeness, no wrongdoing - NO! - We live humble, Christ-glorifying lives! It is up to God whether or not He would choose to lift us up, promoting us to a higher place. Until the time which He should do such, we are to choose the lowly place.

Luke 14:7-14, Proverbs 4:4-7

Thoughts

His thoughts. They are not like our thoughts. We can be the deepest thinking person or a genius, but God is higher in thought than this, of course. Not one of us can even begin to imagine what the thoughts of God are like. Or His ways. Oh, but those times when He plants a thought in us - one of His very own - to guide and direct our lives. We must listen! We must grasp hold of what it is He has given us and move with it! Without delay! When heaven opens up and the voice of God speaks we get this minute taste of what God is thinking... but oh there is so much more! Our part is to take what we get and not miss out in it. Meditate in it, ponder it, rejoice in it and walk in it. As we walk in the first part we will receive what more He has for us. This is how we live and move and have our being - in Him. Let His thoughts and His ways come to you, as they will. No more - just as they will. Exalt Him. Lift up His Name today!

Isaiah 55:8-9, Acts 17:24-31

What's Next

Throughout our lives there are many seasons. Each season brings something new with it. Like Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer. In the Summertime life is alive and full of flavor, in the Fall things begin to change and although vibrant with color one is aware that there's a crisp newness in the air, Winter brings in a cold often seemingly dry Season but Springtime comes along and we begin to awake again with all life! Our lives are much like this. At times in our lives we are full of life and tasting every flavor but a new season comes along and we may be vibrant but we wear down to a seemingly drier mode before something new awakens us again.

Often this comes in different stages of age in our life. We change like Seasons as we grow from childhood through the pre-teen stage and teenager to adulthood. It's in adulthood we may recognize the seasons more. Yet, this is not the only time for seasons. We should be looking to the Lord for His Seasons. With Him we could see even the Winter days of our lives as alive! God will keep us content and in His peace even during the storms whether they be Winter storms or Spring or Summer rains. We can choose to breathe in the crisp newness of the vibrant Fall or the clear awakenings of Springtime any time in our lives. Even in the cold of Winter choose to seek Him. Choose His season every day of your life and live it to the fullest with your eyes on the One who created you and loves you and knows the plans He has for you!

Deuteronomy 28:1-14, Jeremiah 29:11-13, 33:3, Isaiah 55

In Humble Adoration

In the "Preface" of the Practice of Godliness by Jerry Bridges, he says that humility deals largely with our relationship with God. It is part of our sternness with ourselves, yes, and our tenderness toward others, yes, but largely it relates to how we deal with our Lord. I can't wait to get into the book and learn more, but as I read Psalm 113, Majesty and Condescension of God, I could relate to this song of Hallel in all humbleness toward my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. For His name is to be praised and He is high above all nations - His glory above the heavens! For one to only think upon God's plan for salvation in sending Jesus, Himself to earth is to bring one to his knees in humble adoration.


Lord, thank you for your love for sinners that You would send Jesus to save us and bring us back into your grace. Praise the Lord!

Psalm 113

Put on Humility

His humility. Jesus humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death. It is His character and we, too, shall show humility to all men. When we are clothed in humility we will be pleasing to God and to others. Having put humility on each day we shall find riches and honor and life.

Philippians 2:8, Colossians 3:12, Titus 3:2, I Peter 5:5, Proverbs 22:4

Great Strength

His strength. We have the strength of the Lord. His joy. His strength. It is ours. The joy of the Lord is our strength. It is His battle. We aren't fighting. We are living. We live and move and have our being in Him.

Acts 17:28, Proverbs 18:10

Get Wisdom

His wisdom. God's Word tells us "a wise man will hear and increase learning." We are to become wise as we go through life. We are to become well rounded in learning. We should know things that pertain to life so that we can live wisely. Wisdom is the principal thing. Be wise. Be God-wise.

Proverbs 1:5, 4:5-7, 8:11

Sweet Peace

His peace. Sweet Jesus - sweet peace. Jesus is our peace. He came in peace. He came to bring peace. He gives peace to all who choose Him. And to all who choose His peace they will have His guard over their hearts and minds. He is to rule in us through peace. Be thankful for His peace. Let Christ dwell in you and abide in you with all wisdom. This is our peace that comes in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 2:14, Philippians 4:7, Colossians 3:15

Unspeakable Joy

His joy. You cannot describe it - it's unspeakable! There are no words to truly explain the joy one has when they have the joy of the Lord. It's something one can only feel on the inside of them although it does show on the outside. This is the joy that sustains you in the midst of any circumstance. This is the joy that gives you the peace that passes all understanding. You must know Him. The joy is found in Christ.

Romans 15:13, I Peter 1:6-9, 4:12-14, Psalm 16:11

You Create the Atmosphere

Creating the atmosphere of contentment is your responsibility. In the presence of the Lord is peace. In His presence is joy. Contentment comes when you choose to be at peace with all. Contentment is found in choosing to rejoice in life no matter what's going on around you. It's something anyone is capable of having if they so choose it. It's when you choose to please the Father. It's when you choose His way. You find contentment, peace and joy when you choose to find it.

John 16:33, 14:27, II Timothy 2:22, John 15:11, 17:13, Colossians 1:10, Matthew 7:7-8

Quite Content

"I've learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I'm just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, whatever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am." - Philippians 4:11-13

Alive in Christ

As we become alive in Christ Jesus and realize He is Ruler of the Universe as well as Ruler over our life, we will find content in life. If you are a born again child of the Living God then you know this to be true. If you are a born again child of the Living God and haven't experienced this contentment - His contentment - in your life then it is possible that you have become complacent or possibly have a God-given character already placed in you that He is in position to develop in you if you would be willing to allow Him to do so.

What is His character? Galatians 5:22 and 23 give us a list of the characteristics of our Lord in the Fruit of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control. When we receive Jesus Christ into our lives as our Savior, along with the Holy Spirit given to us, God places these characteristics in us. As we grow in Christ He develops them in us. When we work out our own salvation we will cooperate with God and see them develop in us! Hallelujah!

Our salvation should express to others around us that know us and to all those in the world that don't know us a progression of Christian living and an upright character. We should not remain the same - with salvation comes change! We become alive in Christ and as we read His Word and know His character we adopt that same character for our lives and live a lifestyle of godliness and contentment.

Philippians 2:12, I Timothy 6:6, Philippians 4:11-13

Ruler of All Mankind

"Everything in the heavens and earth is Yours, O Lord, and this is Your kingdom. We adore You as being in control of everything. Riches and honor come from You alone, and You are the Ruler of all mankind; Your hand controls power and might, and it is at Your discretion that men are made great and given strength. O our God, we thank You and praise Your glorious name..." - I Chronicles 29:11-13a - The Living Bible

Terrifically Alive

"The smallness you feel comes from within you. Your lives aren't small, but you're living them in a small way... Open up your lives. Live openly and expansively." With God you can do this! He wants you to be alive to those around you so they see Him and desire Him. You are the one to bring Him alive to others so that they will experience the life you have in Him as well.
Be "terrifically alive" today!

II Corinthians 6:11-13, 9 - The Message

People are Watching

Whether we like it or not, people around us are always watching. Some want to see us fail and others are cheering us on in a positive way. Whichever it is we must remember that we have a special goal and vision for life given us by God. We are one of God's very own and He is the One we want to exemplify. So like Paul in II Corinthians 6 we are a willing vessel to take on whatever comes our way; be it hard times, tough times, bad times, beaten up, jailed, or mobbed. As we work hard, work late, work without eating, we keep a pure heart, clear head, steady hand, and show gentleness, holiness and honest love in all we do! This was not only Paul's lifestyle; it was Jesus' example for us. It should be how we live our lives and what we hold onto in our lives as well - the Truth.

II Corinthians 6:4-7, II Corinthians 11:21-33, Isaiah 53

Having It All

Here we go. See if you can relate.

"... immersed in tears, yet always filled with deep joy;
living on handouts, yet enriching many;
having nothing, having it all." - II Corinthians 6:10 - The Message

So often we weep forgetting that the greatest joy - the Lord giving us the Holy Spirit - is already planted in us and we simply need to let His joy in us grow through the tears.

We may get the hand-me-downs and the handouts for living but don't you see the blessings from God in them and don't you see through the years the many lives you have touched by just being you?

We truly have it all even though the world tells us we have nothing! His name is Jesus!

Isaiah 51:6, I Peter 1:22-25, Matthew 24:35, II Peter 3:10-18

True to Our Word

Whose word? Yes, our word, when we are honest and truthful. When we have the Word of God on our lips and as our foundation. The Word of God written to each one of us in the Bible is our basic instruction book for living our lives. Using it is when we are speaking true to our word. We speak the Word and it does not go out into the atmosphere void, it is put to work by ministering angels who are about doing the word of the Lord! Hallelujah!

Now we read in our text of II Corinthians 6:8, in The Message, "... true to our word, though distrusted; ignored by the world, but recognized by God." We are true to the Word and we read it, obey it, speak it, use it, and live it even when those around us may not agree with it or us! They don't understand. We are trusting in the Lord and not ourselves or this world and we are to be trusted but many will not trust... they are not at the place we are. Although ignored many times by the world and the people around us, we know that God sees and rewards us in a way no other can imagine until they are where we are.

The Word is our final authority in all we do. Be true to your word - do the right thing because it's the right thing and do it right! God sees.

Psalm 103:20-21, Proverbs 3:4-6, Hebrews 11:6

Setting Things Right

Paul says in II Corinthians 6:7 as ministers of God we are to show it "by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left" or as the Message Bible puts it we should be, "doing our best setting things right." From verses 4-10 we have a letter of recommendation from Paul in what price we pay, just as he paid, as a minister of the gospel. Some hardships are imposed by others; some are the results of disciplines we choose. Either way we are to put right what is not right. We do so according to II Timothy 2:25, which says a servant of the Lord goes about doing so, "in humility correcting those who are in opposition." The Message says, "a teacher who keeps cool, working firmly but patiently with those who refuse to obey." And, we ask why? Yet if we read on we have our answer. Again from the Message, "You never know how or when God might sober them up with a change of heart and a turning to the truth, enabling them to escape the devil's trap, where they are caught and held captive, forced to run his errands." (See verse 25 continued and verse 26).

Lord, help us to be corrective in humility and love.

I Thessalonians 5:14-15, Galatians 6:1-5

No Getting Frustrated, Throwing Up Your Hands in Desperation, Wondering

Often times God has a plan that we don't understand. He will allow us to go through circumstances and situations we'd like to get out of and we often get frustrated about. We throw up our hands in desperation crying out to the Lord "this isn't fair" or questioning God with a "why, God?" We wonder and reason and can't relate to what is happening sometimes until we are looking back but in II Corinthians 6:2 and 3we read "we give no offense in anything." The Message Bible says this, "don't frustrate God's work by showing up late, throwing a question mark over everything we're doing." God doesn't get frustrated but we can frustrate the work God is doing on earth by not being alert and ready for the opportunities He places around us with the people around us. We can be one who is constantly trying to figure out God or questioning what He is doing instead of trusting and participating in His work even when we don't understand the whole picture. He does. He knows the big picture of what He is doing, you can be sure of that. He is often working behind the scenes on our behalf and we don't even know it, but he does. He knows all things, sees all things, is in the midst of all things, and has all the power to do all things. And, this power He has passed on to those who love Him. We simply are to trust and obey.

Psalm 71:5, Romans 6:16

No Squandering of Life

Paul says to us in II Corinthians 6:1 not to "squander one bit of this marvelous life God has given us." Most times we haven't heard it put so nicely and instead we've heard it put this way, "don't waste your life." But that doesn't come across to me as well as Paul's words. Squander does mean "not to waste" but it puts a positive emphasis on it for me to share with you because it not only tells us to not waste our life but that there are "things" out there in this big wide world that God has for us and we could miss those marvelous opportunities in our lives! So as I look at this verse I want to remember that I could miss out on the extravagant possibilities and opportunities available to me by not getting up out of my lazy boy (or girl), not getting out from behind the TV, not getting out of my comfort zone whatever it might be and not reaching up and out when I could to the plans God has for me. He does have plans for my life or I wouldn't be here. He makes no mistakes so don't think that way either! Today make this your prayer and wait to hear what God's answer might be then grab hold of it!

"Lord, help me today to know what your purpose and plans are for my life. I want to be part of your plans and the big picture in this lifetime of mine while I am here on this earth. I am here to be your servant. Help me also to hear from you. Thank you, Jesus."

Jeremiah 29:11, 33:3, I John 3:22

Staying at Our Post

Companions as we are in this work with you, please don't squander one bit of this marvelous life God has given us. God reminds us, I heard your call in the nick of time; the day you needed me, I was there to help. Well, now is the right time to listen, the day to be helped. Don't put it off; don't frustrate God's work by showing up late, throwing a question mark over everything we're doing. Our work as God's servants gets validated - or not - in the details. People are watching us as we stay at our post, alertly, unswervingly... in hard times, tough times, bad times; when we're mobbed, working hard, working late, working without eating, with pure heart, clear head, steady hand, in gentleness, holiness and honest love; when we're telling the truth, and when God's showing His power; when we're doing our best setting things right; when we're praised, and when we're blamed, slandered, and honored; true to our word; though distrusted; ignored by the world, but recognized by God; terrifically alive, though rumored to be dead; beaten within an inch of our lives, but refusing to die; immersed in tears, yet always filled with deep joy; living on handouts, yet enriching many; having nothing, having it all.

- This excerpt is complete in its entirety from The Message at II Corinthians 6:1-13

Imagine

Isn't it simply amazing that one such as God Almighty would care about one such as you or me? For wasn't it shortly after God created man that he went and failed Him by disobeying? Aren't we still displaying disobedience to Him today? But there was always one... one with a remnant... Moses, Abraham, Noah, Joseph, David... Peter, Paul, James and John...one who loved God... one...are you one? If the Bible were being written today, would you be one? God has chosen you and me to be one today. One who will rise up and be counted among His own. One who will rise up and be His king glorifying the King of kings His Son. God loves us as His own Son... as His own sons and daughters. He's given to us the same rights to operate His kingdom on this earth as Jesus had when He was here on earth. And more! Can you imagine? We need to imagine it. When you can see it, you will believe it and when you believe it you will do it!

I Peter 2:9, II Corinthians 6:18, Mark 11:23-24

Jesus Wants You to Love Him

"If you love Me, keep My commandments." - John 14:15

"This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." - John 15:12

"No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us." - I John 4:12

"We love Him because He first loved us." - I John 4:19

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son..." - John 3:16

Jesus loves you and me!

Obedience Matters

Jesus loves you. Your obedience matters... it matters to God. He longs for you to be obedient because He knows about obedience. He knows obedience shows your love. He tells us in His Word "when you love Me you'll obey My commandments."

Jesus loves you and He loved you so much so that He obeyed His Father unto death for you! Oh, but the marvelous end to that story is that He lives for you! Yes, today He and the Father and the angels and all of Heaven are rooting for you as you make your journey Heavenward and home! Hallelujah!

While placed here on this earth we have many opportunities to be obedient. Like Jesus in Luke 2:51 we are first taught to obey our parents. We're taught to obey all those in authority over us; CEO's chiefs, and presidents and those we love; parents, spouses and our elders. Obedience matters. Respect, honor, reverence and love are found in obedience. I believe it's a rare quality today, obedience is.

Our first love and obedience are to be given to the Lord Jesus Christ who is King - Jesus is King! He is King of kings and Lord of lords! May you and I show the Lord how much we love Him in our obedience to Him.

Colossians 3:20, Hebrews 13:17, I Peter 2:17

Jesus - Again Our Example

Jesus with His parents one day went to Jerusalem. It was for the Feast of Passover and this is what they did every year. So, it wasn't the first time for Jesus' to do this, go to Jerusalem. And, be in the Temple. This time was different, however, as when His parents left, "the child Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem." (MSG) Why? The focus so often is on Jesus being left behind and His parents having to go back and find Him. Hallelujah! They did find Him - but He wasn't lost! He was there in the Temple among the teachers listening to them and asking questions. Hear this, "And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers." His parents may have been somewhat anxious to find Jesus but Jesus answered them "Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?"

Like Jesus we are to be about our Father's business! We need to be sitting among the great teacher's of our day and listening to them and asking questions. Who knows that we aren't one of the great or will be... We are growing (or should be if we aren't) like Jesus - "Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men."

And the rest of the story? Jesus went home with His parents and the Bible tells us He "lived obediently with them." (MSG)

Luke 2:41-52

Wisdom - It's the Principle Thing

The Bible tells us in Proverbs to "Get wisdom! Get understanding!" We are not to forsake "her" - wisdom - why? She preserves us! We are to love her - wisdom - and she will keep us. How can wisdom preserve us and keep us? Let's look at the other side of wisdom first - the other side of wisdom is being the fool. What happens to the fool? "The fool will be servant to the wise of heart." (Proverbs 11:29b) Again you may ask why? Proverbs 1:7 says, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." This then tells me to get in the Word and become more knowledgeable in it and grow in wisdom and understanding of God's ways that I not be a foolish person but a wise woman (or man - in my case it would be a woman). Wisdom supplies, supports, maintains, manages, retrains, prevents, reserves, saves, protects, takes care of and takes charge of us! The Bible tells us to "not enter the path of the wicked and not walk in the way of evil. Avoid it; do not travel on it. (Proverbs 4:14-15) Turn away from it and pass on." Do not be the fool - Get wisdom! Get understanding!"

Proverbs 4:5-13, Luke 2:52

Walk in Wisdom

"See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things in God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God." - Ephesians 5:15-21

Righteousness Actively Rejects Wrongdoing

It does! Righteousness does actively reject wrongdoing! The Lord does - we should do the same! We are the righteousness of God - our place is to reject wrongdoing! We are to bring out the sin of darkness by our light shining brightly in the dark place of sin. Expose it for what it is. We live for the glory of God and His righteousness!

Psalm 38, Proverbs 4:18, Ephesians 5:8-14

What They See Does Matter

Do you bring glory to God in your parade? We are to bring honor to God in our speech and conduct. I know I myself have some work to do in these areas, how about you?

The Spirit Filled Life Bible at Psalm 2:12 in Truth-in-Action has a great thought that I want to share with you. It reads, "Godly living is radically different from the way we learned to live while in the world." We are not to do business as usual! We're learning a new and different way to live in this world around us. It's called His way, God's way of living is extremely different living!

Because living God's way is unnatural to us, we need help! God gave us the Holy Spirit for such help. It begins by renewing our mind - our thinking - to what God says in His Word. This will change our speech and our conduct. Through Jesus Christ we are saved but through our "working out our own salvation" we become the Christian on parade and an example of Christ to this world.

"Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him" - Psalm 2:23b

Philippians 2:12-19a

It's a Parade

Christians are on parade. Yes, whether you like it or not, as a Christian you are in the parade for the Lord Jesus! How? Why? What for? Let me answer those questions for you.

Although we may not want to be seen, God wants us seen. He wants us to stand out in the crowd or the room we enter. Not that we be seen but that He be seen. It's not for people to be checking us out and it's especially not for Christians to be checking each other out on Sunday morning; no, rather it's for the display of God's glory!

We are to be the salt of the earth according to Matthew 5:13. Do you know what salt can do? Salt will add flavor, salt will cleanse, and salt can also be an irritant! So here's how it relates to us as a Christian:

We add flavor in this world - God's Word - the message of salvation.

We bring to the world the Light of the World - Jesus and He cleanses! He came into this world to heal and cleanse the leper and sick - we come to do the same.

And, yes, there is often irritating circumstances - not for us so much as there is for the person who sees us in the crowd or in the room and through us the Holy Spirit brings to them conviction that leads to repentance. What they see or should see in us is the love of the Savior, the blessings of a holy and godly lifestyle that they long for but don't know how to live until we bring them the message of Jesus Christ. Don't let anyone fool you. People long for Him without knowing that they do - many want to say something but don't - so don't you be shy or ashamed to share the message of salvation with them!

Don't let the world or people of this world bring you down to their level - oh, no, we are above, remember, and not beneath, not the tail but the head! We are heirs to the Throne, children of God bringing light and salt to the earth! T.D. Jakes says that our mind has to be free. He says, "People will try to control your mind. They'll try to make you think like they think; so that you stay on the level they're on." But we know better, don't we? We have the power within us to save a nation! Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!

Salt also preserves. We are preserved, destined heavenward! Heaven is our home and Jesus has preserved us until He comes again for us and takes us home!

II Timothy 1:7-10, Psalm 2, Matthew 28:18-20

At Your Feet We Fall

We sang this song at my mid-week worship and I want to share it with you because it's just 4 you today - I know not where it comes from or who it is written by but here are the words - you will have to put your own melody to it:

As we seek Your face, may we know Your heart,
feel Your presence, acceptance, as we seek Your face.

At your feet we fall, Sovereign Lord,
we cry holy, holy, at Your feet we fall.

Jesus, draw me close, closer Lord to You.
Let the world around me fade away
Jesus, draw me close, closer Lord to You,
for I desire to worship and obey.

Let today be that day and make every day a day you seek His face and fall to your feet before Him!

The Head and Not the Tail

"And the LORD will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above and not beneath, if you heed the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you today, and are careful to observe them."

The "head" - the head of the human body, the head of the line, what is principle or supreme, first, top, prince, the highest part, summit, beginning, foremost, leader, and chief. Just as the "head" of a company refers to it's chief and their leadership.

Above: on high, overhead, and heaven, heavenward; in or to a higher place, rank, or position, superior in, greater in; beyond the level or reach of!

Heed: to pay attention to; listen to and consider (ponder, meditate on)

Observe: to be or become aware of through careful and directed attention; to adhere to or abide by; to keep or celebrate; to conform to.

I am a Christian. I am the head and not the tail. I am above and not beneath for I heed the commandments of the Lord and observe them. I am a doer of the word and not a hearer only!

Deuteronomy 28:13, James 1:22

Living Above and Not Beneath

Christianity is a rare a marvelous lifestyle. As a Christian we are to live above and not beneath - anything - our circumstance, our fear, our need and especially above the non-believer! We are a light to them that shines bright in the world of darkness. We are not about seeking after those things that we need because we know that the One and True God we serve is faithful to His Word and the Covenant to provide for us what we need. Therefore, we are about Him! We seek after Him! We live on earth for Him! He not only knows and meets our needs - He knows the desires of our heart! We don't have to be anxious or in need of anything because we know He is our provided and it will be provided to us in our time of need. We lack nothing. The Lord God is our provider! We are devoted to God. It is not necessary for us to be anxious or worry, our God is a big God and He knows our need! We seek the King of kings! We live for the King's glory!

Psalm 37:3-4, Matthew 7:8-9

What or Whom Do You Seek After?

It's all in what or whom you seek. Let me take the liberty here in Matthew 6:25-33 and use the words "seek after" for the words "worry about."

Therefore I say to you, do not seek after your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?

Which of you by seeking can add one cubit to his stature?

So why do you seek after clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you. O you of little faith.

Therefore do not seek after these things, saying, "What shall we eat?" or "What shall we drink?" or "What shall we wear?" For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Me? Rob God?

It all belongs to God. God wants you to give His tithes and your offerings. The first 10% of all that is God's He wants you to give back to Him - first. He allows you to keep the remaining 90%. Not only do you get to keep it, He will protect it and bless it for you! Hallelujah!

For those of you who still don't get it - that it all belongs to God - and you think you are working for a living and making your own money... you need to change your thinking. Think of it this way - we, you and I, work and labor to produce our seed. God gives seed to the sower. Wow! God blesses us with a job to work and labor and then when we are paid we are to use it as our seed to plant in the kingdom! Get it? Are you ready? Take your money and plant (put) it in the kingdom! How? Tithes and offerings! Anything over and beyond the 10% is considered an offering. Things like giving to missions, orphans, widows, your neighbor and other charitable causes or deeds - for the kingdom!

God even tells us to test Him in this. Have you tested Him yet? I have found that in this test when we are faithful, He is faithful. He cannot lie. He is always faithful. We must learn to be faithful and trust Him. He will do what He says and you will be blessed and the enemy will cry over it. Why? Because you are not only a child of God but you are putting into practice the number one principle of what God means when He says "seek first the kingdom of God."

Malachi 3:7-12, II Corinthians 9:10, Matthew 6:33

Will You Participate in the Test?

All won't participate or even agree with this "money" principle from the Bible or the test from God in Malachi 3. They just can't grasp it. Why? One worldly reason is they "work for a living." Did you know a child of God isn't supposed to "work for a living?" If you do, whom do you think gives you the job? Who do you think placed you where you are in the company? The store? The city? The world? A biblical reason is found in I Corinthians 2:14, which says, "But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." This simply means that as one's own inner thoughts are known only to himself, so the mind of God is known only by God's Spirit. One must have the Spirit of God living in him. This is the Holy Spirit brought to us by Jesus Christ upon our receiving Him as our Savior and Lord. It is through the Holy Spirit we can know God and have such godly wisdom and revelation of the Word of God. The Holy Spirit interprets spiritual things to spiritual people.

In Malachi 3:7 we read, "... You have gone away from My ordinances and have not kept them, return to Me, and I will return to you." If you have never known God or have read and heard about Him but never knew so-to-speak what to do about it or "with Him," let me help you. God the Creator of the Universe meant for us to be His children on this earth and to live according to His plans allowing Him Kingship while we were to have the rulership. When Adam and Eve messed it up for the rest of the people born, God sent His Son to live and die for us. Then there was a Resurrection Day! After His death He arose to Heaven and sits now with the Father God and intercedes on our behalf. When you accept this and Him, you become a child of God - Jesus is your big Brother and you are given the same rights as Jesus as an heir to the Throne. If you haven't ever accepted this love from God before, you can do it now. Simply say, pray, this:

"Father I believe this and accept Jesus into my life. Have Him come into my life and allow me life as you promised in your Word. I accept Jesus as my Savior and big Brother and will live, as He is my example and the Holy Spirit leads me. Thank you that He is now my Lord and I am saved."

Now that you are saved, and in the family of God, you have Spiritual discernment of spiritual things having "returned to Me." So go ahead, try God - test Him in this- take the money you have and use it for the kingdom of God. Begin to tithe (give 10% to the storehouse/church) and give offerings (anything over the 10% tithe) where the Holy Spirit leads. See if God doesn't bless you and favor you with an overflow of His goodness - He will pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it - when you give in this way and never stop giving!

I Corinthians 2:7-16

Will You Participate in the Test?

Malachi 3:7-12

Yet from the days of your fathers you have gone away from My ordinances and have not kept them. "Return to Me, and I will return to you," says the LORD of hosts. But you said, "In what way shall we return?" "Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, "In what way have we robbed You?" In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse for you have robbed Me, even this whole nation. Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this," says the LORD of hosts, "If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, so that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field," says the LORD of hosts; "And all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a delightful land," says the LORD of hosts.

A Few Good Men

Money! Money! Money! Money! Moooooooooo-ney! It all belongs to God! It all belongs to God! It's not yours. Since it doesn't belong to you be thankful you have some! God has given it to you to use. Learn to be responsible with it. Use it where it will grow and be a benefit or blessing. What you do with it, how you spend it, is what the Lord is honing in on so that He knows where He can strategically put more of it to bring about His kingdom and the last days. He's looking for a few good men (women). I want to be one of them, don't you?

Malachi 3:7-12

The Faithful Steward Benefits

There are benefits for the faithful steward - the one who is faithful in handling his money and possessions bringing glory to the Lord. Hallelujah! Here are three that I learned from the story of the talents (and from the Crown Financial Study I took):

1. You will have more intimate fellowship with the Lord - Matthew 25:21 says, "enter into the joy of your master." Now if your master is money I don't believe you'll find this joy. The joy comes from your master being Jesus Christ - He is Joy! In this verse the master said to the servant who had been faithful with his finances that he would enter into this joy. It was the master who said this and he was happy to have this servant on his team because he was faithful! Jesus is our Master - or so we should choose Him and not money or possessions to rule over us. When we are faithful and choose Him we will enter into His joy as we fellowship with Him.

2. Your character will be developed - God uses money as a test to refine our character. He wants us to become more Christlike - like His Son Jesus. Our money choices will either mold us into a person who strives after getting it, saving it, spending it, or giving it. In this way it can either be a blessing or a curse. We either master our money or it will be master over us.

3. It brings financial order - as we learn and grow in the application of God's principles, especially with our finances, we begin to handle our money more wisely. We start saving for our future or more importantly to build the kingdom. Whenever an opportunity should arise we will have the funds available to give as God directs when it does. We will get out of debt and owe no man anyting but love. We shall lack nothing. We will be blessed to be a blessing to others!

The opposite of these principles are true as well. If we waste our money and possessions, God just may remove us as a steward of His. Remember the rich man whom Jesus asked an account of his stewardship? (Luke 16:1-2) We must be faithful in the little things to earn the responsibility of much more. "Small things are small things, but faithfulness with a small thing is a big thing."* God knows whom He can trust with greater responsibilities. Hopefully you are one He can trust.

Psalm 34:9-10, 84:11-12 and Proverbs 11:25

*Crown Biblical Financial Study, Life Group Manual, page 25.

Being Faithful

You want to be put in charge of many things? Be faithful. Be faithful with what you have and with what you are given in this life. These "things" come from God. They belong to God. You are simply the one responsibly for them. As head of his home, the husband is responsible for his wife and family. The wife also, but it is the male whom God has put as the head. We are each responsible for how we handle our money and take care of "our" belongings. This is so very true and most are unaware of it. In the end of time... your life... when Christ comes again (and He is!), you will be accountable for these things and every idle word you have spoken!

Look in your Bible at the story of the talents (money) in Matthew 25:14-30. Here you will see that God is a reward to those who are faithful. This is true with whatever amount you are given! So whether you have been given much or little you are to be a good and faithful steward of it! Let me ask you, what does your home look like? Your office? Your room? Your car? These are "things" God has placed in your care and expects you to properly care for just as He expects you to do with your money. Many people dream of what they would do with a million dollars if they won the jackpot. It's not what you would do if you had "something" - it's what you are doing right now with what you have! Maybe it's only $100 or $10! Maybe it's not the home of your dreams or the car of your dreams, but are you being faithful and taking good care of what you've been given? We are to be faithful regardless of how much it is because God is entrusting us with it. He wants to see what you do with it. Your possessions... Are they clean? Neat? And tidy? Money... Do you hoard it? Spend it? Or sow it?

God gives to those He can trust... more. There are benefits or reward that come to the person whom God finds faithful.

Needs Versus Wants

"The Lord instructs us to be content when our basic needs are met. "If we have food and clothing, we will be content" (I Timothy 6:8, NIV). It is important to understand the difference between a need and a want. Needs are the basic necessities of life - food, clothing, and shelter. Wants are anything in excess of needs. God may allow us to have our wants, but He has not promised to provide all of them."*

*Excerpt taken from Crown Biblical Financial Study Life Group Manual, page 21.

Prosperity from Job

"He also opens their ear to instruction, and commands that they turn from iniquity. If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity."

Elihu is speaking about the goodness of God as he speaks to his friend, Job. We also are to hear the proclamation being made here and adhere to "instruction" from the Lord and "obey and serve Him."

This is the good life - a life without sin.

Job 36:10-11

Use of Worldly Wealth

Our use of material possessions and our being blessed by God is for the benefit of others. Like money, our possessions are an indicator or test of our relationship to the Lord. We must learn to handle money and possessions carefully and wisely so that we are not in a place where we desire them over the love of the Lord and our relationship with Him. With rulership remember we own nothing - it all belongs to God! It is stewardship God is rendering to us and in our stewardship we are to be responsible for God's stuff! Free your heart from possessing money and things and seeking security in these things. These are imposters' not true riches! As you are blessed and highly favored of the Lord your God, take what material wealth and the riches He bestows upon you and use them for the kingdom and not for personal gain. There are eternal rewards when your resources are used to bring glory to God.

Luke 16:13; Psalm 122:9

True Riches

Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon (the use of worldly wealth), who will commit to your trust the true riches?
- Luke 16:11

Heirs to the Throne

That's you and me! We are heirs to the Throne of God thanks to Jesus! As heirs we have to learn to live such, as heirs. We live without sin any more. We live with blessing and the favor of God! Hallelujah!

Practically speaking we are still responsible for our choice of living. Most of us have chosen without knowing it to live in mediocrity or maybe even poverty along with the rest of this world. We haven't yet grasp the thought or have the knowledge of where we are placed (in the kingdom) and where our responsibilities lie with the Lord. He does His part; are we doing ours?

I'm not necessarily speaking of financial means only when I talk about mediocrity or poverty. Where are the true riches anyway? They are not found in money. They are not found in having things or owning an abundance of things. They are found in Christ Jesus for it is He who is the True Riches. In other words, you can have very little in the eyes of this world in material blessings but yet be truly rich. On-the-other-hand you can have tons of money and material possessions and not have the true riches at all. Which will it be for you? One thing I know is that with the True Riches you also have the abundance of life!

Romans 6:6-7, 11, 14; Romans 8:13; Proverbs 12:2; Psalm 128; John 3; Luke 18:18-22; Luke 16:11; John 10:10

Sons and Daughters

From Kingdom Principles Study Guide by Myles Munroe, page 56:

"Jesus came that we might 'receive the full rights of sons.' This is legal language. They refer to legal rights and entitlements based on relationship of birth. We are sons and daughters of God. Sonship is our right by creation. Christ did not die to improve us; He died to regain and confirm us. The price He paid was not to make us worthy but to prove our worth. He did not come to enlist an army of servants. He came to restore the King's sons and daughters to their rightful position- rulership as heirs of His Kingdom."

Each day begin to think and live what Myles shares with us above. His book is revelation! The above has opened up our eyes and ears to see and hear that we are God's children, sons and daughters of God. This alone gives us value and worth but then to think that God the Creator of the Universe would send someone, not just anyone, but His own Son - who died for the cause - that we would be saved "to regain and confirm" the world for Christ! This is unthinkable at first until we receive His love and put our trust in Him. Still so above our thinking! God in Christ died for each one of us. We are restored to the Father as His sons and daughters and we have rulership! We are learning to live as heirs to the Throne!

That Nasty Ol' Sin

Sin is sin - in the Christian and the sinner - as Christians we are to choose not to sin. How are you doing? Can you see why the world sees no difference in the church and them now? Our lives are supposed to change and we are supposed to be different from the world, but are we? Are you? It's time to let go of those nasty ol' sinful habits and live for God!

Romans 6

"So what do we do? Keep on sinning so God can keep on forgiving? I should hope not! If we've left the country where sin is sovereign, how can we still live in our old house there? Or didn't you realize we packed up and left there for good? That is what happened in baptism. When we went under the water, we left the old country of sin behind; when we came up out of the water, we entered into the new country of grace - a new life in a new land!"

"That's what baptism into the life of Jesus means. When we are lowered into the water it is like the burial of Jesus; when we are raised up and of the water, it is like the resurrection of Jesus. Each of us is raised into a light-filled world by our Father so that we can see where we're going in our new grace-sovereign country."

"Could it be any clearer? Our old way of life was nailed to the cross with Christ, a decisive end to that sin-miserable life - no longer at sin's every beck and call! What we believe is this: If we get included in Christ's sin-conquering death, we also get included in his life-saving resurrection. We know that when Jesus was raised from the dead it was a signal of the end of death-as-the-end. Never again will death have the last word. When Jesus died, he took sin down with him, but alive he brings God down to us. From now on, think of it this way: Sin speaks a dead language that means nothing to you; God speaks your mother tongue, and you hang on every word. You are dead to sin and alive to God. That's what Jesus did. "

"That means you must not give sin a vote in the way you conduct your lives. Don't give it the time of day. Don't even run little errands that are connected with that old way of life. Throw yourselves wholeheartedly and full-time - remember, you've been raised from the dead! - into God's way of doing things. Sin can't tell you how to live. After all, you're not living under that old tyranny and longer. You're living in the freedom of God."

Romans 6:1-14 from The Message

We have Moved!

Yes, it's true! We have moved! As a Christian we move out of this world! We move into God's family and His kingdom! Praise the Lord! We are in a new Country and Jesus is Lord! We no longer have to be what the world says we are. Oh yes, sometimes we remain stuck in what the world says we are such as "sinners saved by grace" and that may be a true statement as far as the fact that we were sinners in this earth... once... but no more! We are all born into this world as sinners, yes, but God! And, that may be true because we don't discipline ourselves in the things/ways of God when we know we should - so sin comes along and we fall for it. But God! God has a plan for us! Because God sent His Son Jesus and we accept Jesus as our Savior we aren't living as sinners any more! We choose not to sin! He is Lord and He reigns in us because we choose to allow Him the reigns! Amen!

Let Him reign in you BIG time so that your light shines bright in this ugly world!

John 3:16; Romans 6:11; Matthew 5:16