You Can Run, But You Can't Hide

      "If we say we have no sin, we are fooling ourselves, and the truth is not in us."  (1 John: 1:8)

There is no way to justify sin in our lives; no way to just gloss over them.  Sometime, when we go to God with our sin, all we want is a covering; an easy way out.  How can God heal what we deny?  How can He touch what we cover up?

      What does God have to say about all this dodging around sin in our lives?

God will come to you when you lead a blameless life.  You must not look upon evil things of this world, and have nothing to do with such them that do.

Our God reins over all.  It is our Lord who made you and you are His child.  Our Lord is great and is worthy of all our praises.  The splendor of His holiness causes the world to tremble; In His great name, all the earth all will bow down.

When your foot starts to slip, and anxiety is great within you, in His great mercy He is always there in His great love to support you and bring consolation to your soul.  How great is our God.

God's Signiture

"Before I made you in your mother's womb, I chose you", (Jeremiah 1:5)

It's no acccident that you are in the world; you are a gift to the world.

We are't the only creatures with flesh, blood, and heart.

What makes us special is God,s signiture on our lives.

We are His works of art;  created in His image to do good.

We are significant not because of who we are, but because of whose we are.

The Powerful Sight of God

What does worship me to you?   In Psalm 34:3,  O, magnify the Lord with me and let us exalt His name together.  Worship is the act of glorifying Gold  Enlarging our vision of Him changes our perception  of Him

"Holy, Holy,  Holy,  Lord, God Almighty".  That says it all.

One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I might dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord .and to seek Hm in His temple.  For in the day of trouble , He will k33 me safe in his dwelling.



























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Who Made You God, the Judge?

It is so easy to be the judge when its you that's been hurt.  Some will rehash the same hurt every chance they get with anyone who will listen.

One question?  Who made you God, the Judge?  "Vengence is Mine" declares the Almighty.  I will repay".  (Hebrew 10:30).  "Wait for the Lord, and He will make things right", (Proverbs 20:22).

You are assuming God can't do it when you take over.  Revenge is irreverent.....to forgive someone is to display reverence.

Forgiveness is not saying the other guy was right, it's stating that God is faithful and will handle it justley.

That, my friend, is called trusting God.  The Bible says He is our refuge our strength an ever-present help in trouble.  Who are we to fear.  Not even if the earth gave way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam.  There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the Holy place where the Most High dwells.

He says to us, "Be still and know that I am God", (Psalm 46:10)

Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self controlled set your hope fully on the grace to be given when Jesus Christ is revealed.  How great is our God.  Do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.  But just as He called you is Holy, so be Holy in all you do.

Since you call on a Father who judges each mans work impartially, live your lives in righteousness.  For you know is was not with perishable things such as silver and gold that your were redeemed from the empty way of life, but with the precious blood of Christ

Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth, love your brothers, love one another deeply from the heart.




1 Peter 1   Chris Tomlin   Max Lucado   Psalm 46

When does Salvation Come?

"Those who believe in the Son have eternal life, but those who do not obey the Son will never have life", (John 3:36)

Salvation comes when we look to Christ, embrace Him, and run to Him out of our love.  You finally decide to stop going through the motions, and say, "Lord Jesus now, I don't want to go another day without You".

You finally realize God  the Lover, God the Giver, God the Savior, erased clouds of doubt and took you just the way you were.  Now you think of God alone; your great Almighty One, who looks after you.

But, there are some who do not believe; they don't trust the promise.  If they would only try; test it.  But  God is as polite as He is passionate and He will never force His way in.  There choice.

It's sad because His love reaches the heavens, His faithfulness just as high; His righteousness is like the mighty mountains and His justice like the great deep.  Both high and low amoung men find refuge in the shadow of  His wings.  For with God there is the fountain of life and love.

My blessed Savior lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.  He put a new song in my heart.  May your love and truth always protectd me.

Thank you for Your amazing grace.  There was nothing I cou;ld do to make You love me more...and there is nothing I can do to make You love me less. O, how you love me, and did before the foundations of the earth.  You chose me.  Praise Your Holy Name.  Your great Name...Jesus



  Psalm 36   Natalie Grant   Chris Mullins   Max Lucado   David Crowder Band  Francesa  Batinelli

Soul Forgiveness

More than any other emotion the unwillingness to forgive imprisions the soul.  Do flames of fire boil within you when you have been mistreated?

Insttead of harboring that resentment, why not free yourself?  Yes, you were mistreated, but why not be the one that says, "they mistreated my Savior, but all he ask was for their forgiveness".

(1Peter 2:20)  "If you suffer for doing good, and you are patient, then God is pleased".

David says in Psalm 123 "I will lift up my eyes to You on the throne.  till He shows us mercy".  King Soloman says his fruit is better than fine gold, walk in the pathes of righteousness, along the paths of justice.  The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.  Hatred stirs up dissection, but love covers all wrongs.

If you harbor anger inside of you, fights and quarrels result.  You want something but you can't get it.  Why not try asking God?  If you ask and you do not recieve it is because you have the wrong motives.
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.




Max Lucado   Psalm 123   Proverbs 8   Proverbs 10   James 4   Bebo Norman

The Body of Christ

How beautiful the body of Christ.  The supreme miracle occurs, the Son of God becomes man.  The word is made flesh.  He that had existed from eternity in the glory of the Father, He was the agent of creation.  In this humanly body he takes all flesh upon himself.  That is why His life, death, and resurrection are events that involve all men.  It is sinful flesh he bears though he is without sin (11Corinthians 5:2, Hebrews 4:15)

The earthly body of Jesus underwent crucifixion and death.  He took on all sinful flesh so that it was  our  infirmities and all our sin that He bears to the cross. We are crucified with Him, only to rise again in a glorious new body.  A body with sinless perfection, O, how wonderful to know I have been made perfect by being washed in His precious blood.  How worthy is the Lamb.



Dallas Holm   Twila Paris  Hillsong   Detrick Von Bonhoeffer  Various Scriptures

Secure for Eternity

You took your first step the day you confessed Christ as the Son of God.  He gave you the Holy Spirit to hold on to, and a rope for encouragement; His Word.

Your first few steps were confident and strong, step by step you said you would follow, but all of a sudden you fell.  As you fell, you felt out of control with no one there to pull you through.

All of a sudden you felt a strong grip and saw Jesus holding on with a comforting smile. You knew He would never let go.

After all, who can separate you from the love of Christ?  Know one, for in all these things you are more than a conqueror.  For Jesus has convinced you that neither life nor death, angels of demons, the present or the future, neither  any powers, height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate you from the love of God, that is in Christ Jesus your Lord.

After all, you were chosen by Him.




      Max Lucado   David Crowder Band   Romans 8  Rich Mullins 

Greed Unlimited

Jesus had a definition for greed.  He called it the measuring life by possessions.  Greed equates a persons               worth with a persons purse.

You got a lot---you are a lot.   You got a little ---you are little,

Greed is not defined by what something costs, but what it costs you.  If anything costs your faith or your family, the price is too high.

One man pretends to be rich, yet has nothing.  Another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.  A mans riches may ransom his life, but a poor man hears no threat.

He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker.

The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position.  But the one who is rich should take pride in his lowly position, because he will pass away like a wild flower.

Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabbily clothes also comes in.  If you pay special attention to the one wearing fine clothes and say,"here is a fine seat for you" and say to the poor man, "you stand there, or sit by my feet".  Have you not discriminated against yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?

Listen, my dear brothers, hasn't God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith, and to inherit the kingdom to those who love him?

I come on my knees, to bow down before You.  Bringing all that I am, just wanting to know You.  Seeking Your face and not only Your hand.  I find You embracing me---just as I am.



James 2   Big Daddy Weave   Max Lucado   Proverbs 14

A Glance into Hell

There is no fear of God before his eyes.  For in his own eyes he flatters himself too much or to detect his sin.  O, how the evildoer lies fallen, unable to rise.

"Don't be afraid of people that  can kill the body, but cannot kill the soul.  The only one you should fear is the one who can kill that can destroy the soul and the body in hell", (Matthew 10:28)

Hell's misery is deep, but not as deep as God's love.  To understand hell is to pray more earnestly and to serve more diligently.  We have a high stakes mission before us.

And for the lost, find out the meaning of this message.  Get ready, this plane won't fly forever.  "Death is the destiny of every man, the living should take this to heart"(Eccles. 7:2),  By their fruits you shall be known.  Not everyone that says to our God, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of heaven.

There is no use prying into the hearts of others.  All we need do id wait until the tree bears fruit, and we shall not have to wait long.  Jesus tells us men cannot keep up appearances long.  The bad tree is cut down and thrown into the fire.

Confessor and doer are separated from one another.  If love is absent, it is the most serious, most incredible satanic possibility.  How will Jesus accept them?  "I have never known you".

If we follow Christ, cling to His word, and let all else go, it will see us  through the day of Judgement.  His word is His grace.

If we rely on our own good deeds and do not rely on His outrageous grace, the glance into hell will become a reality.

Complete Assurance

How great is our God; how we shout out His holy name--Yahweh, God of all the earth, we rest in Your arms.  I live says the believer.

Because of His amazing grace I am acquitted before His Judgement seat.  I now live in His loving kindness, His light, and His love.

Gone are the chains of sin; I have been set free.  I am righteous before God even, as He is righteous.  The entire goodwill of God embraces me.

A the blessedness and peace of God raises me and lifts me higher.  It is the air I breathe and the joy of it all.  There is no sin in me, and I have ceased entirely to commit it.

I have a good conscience and know I am walking in His ways and doing His will.  I know that my life is fashioned in accordance with that whether I walk or stand, sit or lie down, am awake or asleep; every deed I do and think, is within His will.

My guilt is forever wiped out, and it is impossible for me to incur fresh guilt which cannot be expiated.  I am preserved by His grace and am forever His.

Death cannot harm me, for I have eternal life and am eternally redeemed from the wrath to come.  The evil one has to flee and the world no longer wears me down, because of Your great name, my Jesus.

Who can separate us from the love of God?  If He be for us, who can be against us?


Natalie Gray   Chris Tomlin   Phil Wickam

The Silence of God

John once ask Jesus, Are you the one who is to come or should we expect someone else?  John had been listening for an answer to his earthly problems, while Jesus was busy solving his heavenly ones.

You might think of that the next time you hear the silence of God.  Just think what He has done for you:  He did for you what you could not do for yourself, He rescued your soul from death.

So, set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.  For you died and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.  When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you will appear with Him in Glory.

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,  God adds to these perfect love.

What makes this love so beautiful to behold, is the outrageous grace of  God, and the perfect gift at the cross.

All the condemned feel no shame;.  Every fear has no place;  All the weak find their strength; at the sound of the great name of Jesus.


"All the World Praise the great Name of Jesus"

Love in the Spirit

Surrendering does not come natural to me.  So, please hold me Jesus, and love me in the Spirit of your grace.

Then I heard His voice, "All you need to know is all the faith and love springs from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven.  Now, always love in the spirit and walk worthy, for I gave myself battered and bleeding on a Roman cross so you may have life eternal and be reconciled by My Holy blood.

My Savior rescued me from the dominion of darkness, and like sunlight shining at midnight and by His grace, He made my life beautiful, beautiful.

But sometimes there is a raging sea out in front of my; trying to pull me in.  So, let the waters rise, if You want them to, I will follow you.  I have put my trust in you before, I will trust you now.



Colossians 1   Rich Mullins   MIKESCHAIR   Jeremy Riddle   Francesca Battistelli

Once Bound---Once Released

"Christ's love is greater than anyone can ever know, but I pray that you will be able to know that love", (Ephesians 3:19).

Knowing God and knowing His love for you, is so important in becoming a child of the King...  Now you find yourself separated from His love.  Even through the storms of life; even through the darkest night, love has come to rescue you.  You no longer have to be bound by chains of guilt and shame.  A new day has begun when you find life.  It wasn't right that spikes pierced the hands that formed the earth, or was forced to hear the silence of His Father.  God sat in silence while the sins of the world were placed upon His Son, and He did nothing while a cry a million times bloodier than John echoed in the black sky: " My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?"

Was it right? No.

Was it fair? No.

Was it love? Yes.

When the work of Christ was done on the cross, the veil of the Temple was torn from top to bottom indicating man no longer was separated from God.  Know that all of us who were baptized into Christ, just as He was raised from the dead through the Glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

So, by now dying to what once bound you, you have been released from sin so that you may serve in the new way of the Spirit.

By the word of the Lord were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of His mouth.  I once was bound in sin and death staring me in the face, now I am once released and reconciled by the blood of the Lamb who takes away my sin and loves me forever.

MercyMe  Jeremy Camp  Max Lucado  Romans 7  Psalms 33

The Promise of God's Rest

Do you ever just get so tired of searching for what is real in this world and what the truth of the matter really is?

Dose God really know me and care about how I live?

Does He have a plan for my life even though I continue to sin?

How can He use me after all that I have done and my rejection of His will?

You should memorize 1 John 1:7. "The blood of Jesus, God's Son, cleanses us from all sin.".  In the Greek, this means you are always being cleansed.  The cleansing is not a promise for the future, but a reality in the present.  Let a spot of filth land on the heat of God's child and the filth is wiped away.  If you are full of guilt and shame, run to Jesus and from the basin of His grace, He scoops a hand full of mercy and you are clean once more.  And what is amazing, you and I can do the same; because He lives in us and has forgiven us, we can forgive others.

When you became a Christian you entered into the rest of His comfort and assurance.  Since then make sure you know the promise of His rest and be carful you have not fallen short of it.  It must have been combined with faith and obedience before you could ever enter in.  Instead you are probably floundering around trying to figure things out on your own and that can be terrifying.

The word of God is living and active.  Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates dividing soul, spirit, joints, and marrow; it judges the thought and attitudes of the heart.  Nothing in all of creation is hidden from God's sight, but everything about you is uncovered and lay bare before the eyes of Him that you must give account.

Allow yourself to approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that you may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Are you tired and run down from chasing after the things of this world?  The more you chase, the more frustrating your life will become.  Run to Jesus and profess to Him by faith that you need God's grace to fall down like rain and to enter into:

"The Promise of God's Rest".

Trust in the holy Lamb of God and seek His kingdom first, and all these things will be added unto you by His grace and outrageous love for you.

Max Lucado  Chris Rice  Hebrews 4  Chris Mullins  MercyMe

Cast into the River of Life

"Then Jesus went about a stones throw away from them.  He knelt down and prayed" (Luke 22:41).

Did you know that the final prayer of Jesus was about you?  The passion he would enter into was for you.  Before He went to the cross, He went to the garden and spoke with His Father and prayed about you.

God couldn't turn His back on you because He saw you and one look was all it took.  Right there in the middle of a world which isn't fair, He saw you cast into a river of life you didn't request.  He saw you betrayed by those you love; He saw you with a body that grows weak, and a heart full of loneliness.

In the garden, Jesus made a decision.  He would rather go to hell for you than go to heaven without you.  Holy is the Lamb that takes away the sins of the world.

Praise be to Jesus, for in His great mercy he has given you new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish.  Though you do not see Him you love and believe in Him and are filled with inexpressible and glorious joy.

Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus is revealed.  Since you call on a Savior that judges each man's work, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear.  For you were not redeemed by precious things like gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.  He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake.

Far back in time, Jesus knew you before this earth ever revolved around the sun.  He loved you with an outrageous love then and knew that you would turn your back on Him and go your own way.  He knew that you'd need a Savior.  he never gave up on you and knew He would have to go the way of the cross.  Look into the heart of Jesus and there you are.  And you may ask Him, "Why did you have to die that horrible death, and suffer so much?"  And He will tell you that He didn't have to, He chose to because of you.  He knew you were going to be:

"Cast into the River of Life"

and couldn't swim out by yourself.  So He plunged in; became flesh and delivered you from the storms of life, and by His blood reconciled you to Himself.  Because He couldn't stand to see you in Satan's clutches, so He smiled when you surrendered to Him.

Jeremy Riddle  Among the Thirsty  1 Peter 1  Max Lucado  David Crowder Band

Conflict of the Spirit

"There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Him the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death", (Romans 8:1).

Why do I have conflicts going on inside my mind you might ask? It's because you also have within you the old sinful nature which may weaken your new nature in Christ.  Are you living according to the old nature, or according to the new Spirit?

Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on that of which nature desires, but those who live in accordance with the Spirit, have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.  Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God, but those who live by the Spirit have a life of peace.

Therefore, you have an obligation to live a life according to the Spirit.  The choice is yours to make; will it be peace or conflict?

The Spirit of God will help you in your weakness.  For instance, you may not know what you ought to pray for, but the Spirit intercedes for you with words you cannot express.  Nothing can separate you from the love of Christ, not hardships, persecutions, or dangers of the old nature.  Paul says, "I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord", (Romans 8:38).  No wonder we are considered more than conquerors.

God knew that you would have conflicts because that old nature is always lurking about.  He knew you couldn't handle it by yourself, so He designed a way that seemed strange to us, the mystery of the cross.  He sent His Son to become flesh and rescue your soul from death.  The hand that reaches out for you has been pierced with nails.  The voice that cried out, "My God, My God why have you forsaken Me?" says to you, come and follow Me, and I will give you mercy and grace to receive life everlasting.

By His great name, Jesus, He will send His Spirit to protect you and teach you the will of God for your life.  Walk in the way the Spirit leads, and you will never have to wonder what it would have been like if you had just given more of yourself.

So, sing to Him a new song for the earth is full of His outrageous love for you.  Let Him be your hiding place form the old nature within you that keeps you in a state of conflict and confusion.  Be still before the Lord and wait patiently on Him.

Jesus gave you His Spirit so there would be no conflict in your heart.  Rest in Him alone.

Romans 8  Psalm 37  Natalie Grant  4HIM  Selah

A Reason to Believe

Remember that at one time you were separate from Christ, without hope, without God in the world.  You lived in your sins and transgressions and followed the ways of this world and the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.  We were like that at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinning nature.  We were, by nature, children of wrath.

But, He can set you free from this prison you and the powers that be on this earth have built around you.  God knows your heart and your ways.  Your days are like a breath; your days like a fleeting shadow.  Ask God to show you the way you should go...  He will answer you and show you a new day that bursts from the heavens above.

God realized that you would need a Savior and a Spirit from above to transform you into a new creation.  So, out of His mercy and love for you, He sent His Son to suffer and die on a Roman cross.  By believing on the power of the cross and trusting in the blood of Jesus to save you, and reconcile you unto Himself.  He will reach down from heaven and touch you, and give you a reason to believe.

God will raise you up with Christ and seat you with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of His grace, expressed in his kindness to you in Jesus.

You see it is by grace you have been saved through faith in Jesus---and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God---not by works, so that no one can boast.  For you are God's workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Once you were far away, but now you have been brought near by the blood of Jesus.

At the cross He beckoned me, and as I saw Him hanging between heaven and earth, I became so lost in love that I became "sweetly broken, wholly surrendered", He was so bruised and crushed, yet he reached out and said "you are forgiven". I was taken in by His outrageous love for me, through His crucifixion and death, He gave me:

"A Reason to Believe"

He gave me all He had, now I will give Him all I have; with honor and love.  Bless me with your Spirit Lord, so that I may know You and Jesus Christ, and be filled up with the Holy Spirit.  All that I need is to be with you in the Holy depths of Your heart.

MercyMe  Jeremy Riddle  Psalm 144  Ephesians 2, 3  Rod Stewart

Created to be Like God

I know I was created by God, however, in my wildest dreams could I ever imagine that I was created to be like God.  That's a tall order, so here are some starting points:

To know love that surpasses knowledge that I may know the fullness of Him.

Put off my old self to be made new in the attitude of my mind.

Put on the new self in true righteousness and holiness.

Be very careful of how I live---making the most of every opportunity.

Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness but rather expose them.

Be slow to anger and rich in love, being gracious and compassionate.

Uphold the cause of the oppressed and give food to the hungry.

Watch over the alien and sustain the fatherless and the widow.

The tall order is to be imitators of God; therefore, there must not be a hint of sexual immorality, impurity, or greed, because these are improper for God's holy people.

If I live like that, things around me will start to change; my life will become beautiful because of who I am imitating.  Instead of always asking for God's blessings, I can be the one who is used by Him to bring blessings to others without realizing it.

But I don't know where to begin; I feel the world caving in around me.  I try but I can't control this fear inside; so where do I go from here?

As I pray I hear a distant voice "Be filled with the Holy Spirit"...

"Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead,

and Christ will shine on you.".

After all, you were:

"Created to be Like God".

Isaiah 26:19, 60:1  MIKESCHAIR  Psalms 145, 146  Ephesians 3, 4, 5

Francesca Battistelli

A Light Has Dawned

You may be wondering, "What am I doing here in the middle of this hopeless mess called life?  What's the use, why am I here anyway?  Does anyone really care?".  Your life is going around in circles and seems to lead nowhere.

Fact is, you are not alone.  Most people, including Christians are in the same boat with you, waiting for something to happen.  They don't have a clue about why they are here and much less God's will for their lives and are spiritually bankrupt.

My question to you is, where are you looking, up or down?  Most are looking toward the earth and see only darkness and distress and fearful gloom.  However, if you are willing to look up for a change, there will be no more gloom and fearfulness.  You, among those who continue to look down, will see a great light shining though you feel like you have been living in the shadow of death, "A Light Has Dawned".  You finally realize that only God has all the answers for your life.

A new day has begun as you realize, Jesus saves.  You will rejoice when you know that you can trust in Him and not be afraid anymore.  You will feel like shouting out, "The Lord, the Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation!".

Everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible.  Isaiah 26:19 says, "Wake up, O sleeper, rise form the dead, and Christ will shine on you.".  You need to grasp how wide and long, and high and deep is the love Christ has for you.

Jesus knows about your struggles, and knows that they are not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  He has got you covered with a full set of armor that will protect you.  You can stand firm with your belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness in place; and the shield of faith.  Then, most importantly for anyone experiencing struggles, take up the helmet of salvation and sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Now, you will not feel alone with life's problems and you can call out "Hold Me Jesus" and He will be right there.  He will let His light shine on you, giving you grace and understanding.  And you will know your new happiness and freedom are there because:

"A Light Has Dawned"

And now you can see Jesus.

Proverbs 1-4  Ephesians 3-5  Rich Mullins  Bebo Norman  Isaiah 9 and 12

Springs Without Water

You come to the Lord in your hour of deep need, abandoning your good works, you realize that human strength won't save you.  So you look to God in desperation.  The purposes of a man's heart are deep waters, but your springs have run dry.  You know that your heart is not pure and you are not free from sin.

You sometimes feel that God has forgotten you, but you remember God is good and upright and guides the humble in what is right.  All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful.  Your eyes should be ever on the Lord for He will guide your life.  Wait for the Lord, be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

Isaiah tells you, "Come now, let us reason together, though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow", (Isaiah 1:18).  The Lord is ready now, are you?

Identify your problem---maybe it is bitterness about someone or some event that's happened in your life.  Bitterness is a sin and can devastate you.  Do you have something against a brother?  Forgive him even if he was wrong, because without forgiveness only bitterness remains.  "There is no torment like the inner torment of an unforgiving spirit" (Ray Burkhaulter).

Whatever your problem, you must start by praying and confessing to God what sin in your life is holding you back and destroying you.  My good friend Ray Burkhaulter put this in an unusual but provacative way.  His definition of prayer is "you get ahold of God"..  I have never heard it put that way as a definition, but I don't think you could say it any more succinct.

Get ahold of God, and get going.  He will teach you by the work of the Holy Spirit what you should do.  But by all means, do something.  Bitterness is a dry stream and will not satisfy.

If you trust God and ask for grace to heal, it will be like sunshine breaking through storm clouds, you will witness the work of our Almighty God.  Suddenly the waters will rise and you will no longer experience---

"Springs Without Water"

in your life.  God loves you with an outrageous love---after all you are His beloved child.

Psalm 25-27  Isaiah 1  Francesca Battistelli  Max Lucado  Proverbs 20

Ray Burkhaulter

So Lost in Love

"He humbled Himself and was fully obedient to God, even when that caused His death---death on a cross", (Philippians 2:8).

When human hands nailed Jesus' hands to the cross, it was not the soldiers who held his hands steady.  It was God, His Father, who held the hands of Jesus steady.  Those same hands who built the mountains and formed the oceans; that designed the dawn and crafted each cloud.

Take a stroll out to the hill; out to the cross where, with holy blood, the hand that placed you on the earth wrote the promise, "God would give up His only Son before he would give up on you."

God's Son, who is the radiance of His Father's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by His powerful word, after providing purification for our sins by a bloody death on the cross, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.  He was so lost in love for us that He gave up His entire self...

When God brought His firstborn into the world, He said, "Let all God's angels worship Him.  He makes His angels winds His servants flames of fire.  And to His Son said, Your throne will last forever and ever.  Your Father, has set You above everything, and anointed You with the oil of joy."

We had better pay attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.  For if the message spoken by angels was binding and all disobedience will receive its just punishment, how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation.  He suffered death, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.

For this reason He had to come in the flesh in order that He might become a merciful Savior.  Because He Himself suffered.  He was placed on a Roman cross and as the soldiers began to drive the nails through His hands, His Father reached down and held His hands steady.

God would give up His only son before He would give up on us.  Oh, what love He has for us, I can barley take it all in...  I am so lost for words to express my gratitude, I'm so:

"Lost in Love"

Thank you for the price You paid.  What a priceless gift You gave as You called me into undeserved life with You for eternity.  What a Savior!

Jeremy Riddle  Hebrews 1 and 2  Max Lucado  Hillsong  Psalm 15

The Mercy of His Touch

Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man and said, "Be healed" (Matthew 8:3).

Oh, what power comes from a godly touch.  We display that power when we reach out to:

Help the poor and oppressed.

Hold the hand of someone who is dying.

Brush away the tears of the lonely.

Be a father to the fatherless.

We reach out to these because we have inherited the mercy of His touch.  But some of us forget.  Our hearts are good; it's just our memories are bad.  We forget how significant one touch can be.  Jesus never forgets.

The Lord weighs the heart and searches out its inmost being.  Some crave evil and his neighbor gets no mercy from him.  When mercy is shown it brings joy; if no mercy is shown it brings terror to the evildoers.

So set your hearts on things from above, for now you are alive in Christ.  Show God's mercy by being compassionate, kind, humble, gentle, and patient to others...  Wrap these virtues in love and you bind them together in perfect unity; it is your Savior you serve...

Do you remember when you were lost; enslaved by sin?  But by the kindness and love of God your Savior appeared and saved you, not by righteous things that you had done, but because of the mercy of His touch.

I remember when at the cross Jesus called for me.  I saw His body so bruised and crushed and became so lost in love, to know He suffered and died just for me.  He called me into life and I was reconciled by His blood and redeemed by the power of His love for me.  It makes me want to cry out, "Hold Me Jesus" forever.

You may ask, "What does the Lord require of me now that I am His?".

Seek Justice---treat everyone the same no matter what; help the poor and oppressed.

Love mercy---show everyone the kind of mercy your Savior had for you.

Walk humbly with your God---do as Jesus did, accept the will of the Father for your life.

This and this alone will show that you have received the "mercy of His touch".

Micah 6:8  Psalm 16  Jeremy Riddle  Rich Mullins  Colossians 3  Titus 3  Proverbs 21

Fountain of Life

It wasn't the Romans who nailed Jesus to the cross, and it wasn't spikes that held Him there.  He was convinced that it was necessary to become sin, and the wrath of God be poured down, not on creation, but upon the Creator.  God could have stopped this at any time; but He didn't because He rather give up His Son than give up on us.

No matter what you have done, or how far you have fallen, it's not too late.  You can throw off that sin, let it go---and be free.  What makes a Christian?  A Christian is not perfection, but forgiveness.

Even if you're guilty of the seven things God hates, which are; haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness that pours out lies, and a man who stirs up dissention among brothers, He will forgive you.

God says, "I love those who love me, and those that seek Me find Me, and blessings crown the head of righteous.  The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life".  With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.  And those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength, and will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

God will not let you down.  You can be assured that He who began a new work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion; express the same unity with your brothers.

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:  He made Himself nothing, taking on the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.  And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled himself and became obedient to death---even to death of the cross.

Therefore, you can be assured that your citizenship is in heaven, and Jesus will meet you there and make your lowly body be like His glorious body.  You do not have to be anxious for anything, for the Lord is near, and His peace will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.  Now you can rejoice in His great name, for you have drawn water from:

"The Fountain of Life"

Max Lucado  Proverbs 6-8-10  Isaiah 12-40  Natalie Grant  Philippians 1-2-3-4

Going Through the Motions

 "My God, I want to do what You want.  Your teachings are in my heart",(Psalm 40:8).

Is this you?  You want to know God's will for your life, but where is the fire in your heart?  Do you realize that most Christians:

Do not have a prayer life at all, much less pray in the Spirit like the Bible teaches.

Do not witness.  They talk about Jesus to friends, but never reach out to the lost.

Do not desire Christian fellowship with others at church.  So, they rarely attend.

Do not study the Bible.  They may read a few verses, but study?  No.

Do not give to the Lord as He has given to them---Not their time nor money.

Do not care or even think about the poor and oppressed.  What are they to me?

Live like they did before they became Christians---no evidence of a new creation.

Never worship their Lord---do not even know how to and really don't care.

This is a short list that makes me wonder if they are Christians at all.  The Bible says that many are called, but few are chosen.  The natural man has no desire for the things of God and shows it in their lifestyle.

God knows if there is a fire in your heart.  Proverbs 20:27 says, "The light of the Lord searches the spirit of a man; it searches out his inmost being".  You may fool real Christians, but you cannot fool the God who created the Universe.  Do you seek the Lord for what He can do for you, or for what you can do for Him?  Check your heartbeat---what causes it to get excited---worldly pleasures or the desires of God?

If you are still wondering about the will of God for your life, let me ask a simple question.  What ignites the fire in your heart?  What is your passion---Missions, singing, teaching, or whatever?  Pray in the Spirit and God will answer you and put a fire in your heart that will not go out.  Just stop---

"Going Through the Motions"

and get back into the heart of God's will and say, "My God I want what You want!".

Max Lucado  Proverbs 20  Psalm 40  Matthew West

A Future Hope

"We know that when Christ comes, we will be like Him, because we will see Him as He really is", (1 John 3:2).

when you arrive in heaven, something glorious will happen---a final transformation will take place.  You will be just like our Savior.  That is an awesome event, because you will be one of the greatest blessings there.  You will be God's work of art---even the angels will look upon you in awe.  At last your future hope will be complete---you will have a heart like Jesus.

You will love with a perfect love.

You will worship with a radiant face.

You will hear each word God speaks.

Your heart will be pure, your words like jewels, and your thoughts like treasures.

You will fulfill your life's future goal---you will be like Him.

The Lord has set apart the godly for Himself, and will hear you when you call to Him.  You are already beautiful to Him, and are His beloved, so, you should walk worthy according to your calling, and He will place on you a crown of beauty---and you will be a jewel of splendor in the Lord's hand.

Praise be to the God and Father of the Lord Jesus Christ.  In His great mercy He has given you new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade---kept in heaven for you.  Even angels long to look into these things.

God judges each man's work impartially, so live your lives as strangers here.  You once led an empty life with no future hope, but have been redeemed by the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without a blemish or defect.  You have been chosen by God for,

"All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;

the grass withers and the flowers fall,

but the word of the Lord stands forever."

All of this assuring you "A Future Hope" is waiting.

MercyMe  Max Lucado  Proverbs 22  Psalm 4  Isaiah 61-62  1 Peter 1-2

Reflections in the Water

Proverbs 27:19, "As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man".

As you peer into the waters of your life, what reflections do you see?  Do you see a face that radiates the love of God, or one that is lonely and confused?  Maybe you see a raging ocean of doubt in front of you.  When you consider that He created the heavens; the moon and stars that He set in place---how could He be mindful of you?

Are you thinking---I want to get started and not wait one more day---I don't want to look back and say, "What if I had given Him everything?".  But storms of doubt cloud your mind.  Just call on His great name, and like sunlight shining through---He will rend the heavens and come down and lift you up for He has never forsaken those who seek Him.  Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God but ours, who will act on behalf of you if you wait for Him.

You can know for sure that Jesus has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand---with angels, authorities and powers in submission to Him.  If you speak, you should do it as one speaking the very words of Christ---if you serve, do it with the strength God provides.

You must humble yourself under God's mighty hand, so He may lift you up in due time.  Cast all your anxieties on Him because He cares for you.

Be self-controlled and alert---for your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour, so resist in faith.  The Lord your God will restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

Jesus is the one you should turn to---for He gives us the grace our hearts always hunger for.  Jesus our almighty infinite Savior rescued the souls of men.

So let the waters rise, He will be right next to you---He is always within reach and knows your fears.

Now as you look at your reflection in the water, your face will radiate the love of Jesus---and your heart will reflect the desire to be with Him.

Set your heart on heavenly things, and others will see the same---

"Reflections in the Water"

MIKESCHAIR  Proverbs 27-28  Psalm 8-9  Selah  Isaiah 64  1 Peter 3-4-5

Matthew West  Francesca Battistelli  Natalie Grant

The Eyes of God

You know the eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch over the wicked and the good.  The wicked on just assumes he is immune, and in his thoughts there is no room for God.  He believes nothing will shake him, and he will always be happy and never have trouble.  He says to himself, "God has forgotten: he covers his face and never sees."

The Lord is in His holy temple; the Lord is on His heavenly throne.  He observes the sons of men; his eyes examine the righteous, but the wicked his soul hates.  He will rain fiery coal and burning sulfur on them and a scorching wind will be their destiny.  God loves justice and upright men shall see his face.  He esteems the ones who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at His word.

God has given us everything we need for life and godliness.  For this reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness, knowledge, and to knowledge self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.

God's eyes see everything.  But, you might ask, "Isn't that just on man's opinion?".  The bible says that the word of God that men wrote is true, and you would do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.  For the Bible never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

So, you can run, but you can't hide from the eyes of God.  Much more than just seeing your life, He sees and knows the secrets of your heart.  This being factual, you need to turn your eyes and focus on Jesus.  See Him crucified on the cross, doing for you what you can't do for yourself.  Why did Jesus have to do this?  Because the eyes of the Father looked at a world full of sin, and knew His Son must pay the price for our sins.  No one else could do that for you.  So, out of obedience to His Father, and outrageous love for you, He drank deep from the cup which contained our sins and washed us clean as snow and redeemed us by His precious blood.  Can your eyes behold Him there on the cross, crying out, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they are doing." God is love; but He is also just.  So, the next step is up to you.  He is waiting for you, but don't wait too long for His grace and mercy will end the day of our lord arrives and He comes to take His children home.  Then they will see Him through---

"The Eyes of God"

and you will be left behind saying, "Now I see, now I understand".  But it will be too late, because you kept looking through the eyes of the World.  There is another pair of eyes that will see you and welcome you into his everlasting torment.

Top Gun  Proverbs 15  Psalm 9-10  Isaiah 66  2 Peter 1  Jeremy Riddle

Guard Your Soul

When was the last time you let God really grab hold of you---Just surrendering all your time just for Him and Him alone listening for His voice?  Our Savior needed time to spend with His Father, and made an effort to do so.

"Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed"  (Luke 5:16)

Jesus spent time regularly; praying and listening to God.  Mark says, "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed.

If Jesus, the Son of God, needed to make time to listen and pray, wouldn't it be wise for you to do likewise--and therefore, guarding your soul?  I believe we need more time in the early morning lonely places, to be with Jesus--praying in the Spirit and listening.

I believe this is wise because, "In the paths of the wicked lie thorns and snares, but he who guards his soul stays far from them", (Proverbs 22:5).  Staying far from the desires of this world, means staying close to Jesus.

Just listen to the Psalmist--"Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of simmers or sit in the seat of mockers.  But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His word he meditates day and night", (Psalm 1:1-2).  Once again this will "guard your soul".  "For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous". (Psalm 1:6).

Paul must have "because he knew Jesus, and was convinced that He is able to guard what he had entrusted to Him in that day".  (2Timothy 1:12) paraphrased.  Paul let Jesus---

"Guard His Soul"

because he put his trust in God alone.  It would be wise to rise up before daylight, find your lonely place, and praise His great name.

Max Lucado   Psalm 1     Proverbs 22    Natalie Grant   Aaron Shust    2 Timothy 1    Isaiah 59  

  

The Heart of Worship

"Come, let's worship Him and bow down.  Let's kneel before the Lord who made us",

(Psalms 95:6).

In over two thousand years we still haven't fully understood what it is to worship our Lord.  During prayer we still struggle to find the right words and fumble over scripture.  When do we kneel; when do we stand?  Worship is a daunting task.

God gave us the Psalms, a praise book for His people, to remedy this... This collection of hymns and praises have one thing in common, a heart hungry for God.  The variety of the book should remind us that worship is personal.  Each of us worship differently, but we all should worship.

When we worship Him with our heart and soul, we reach a higher place where the Spirit of Gad takes over.  "Worship he Lord in the splendor of His holiness; tremble before Him, all the earth.  Let the heavens rejoice, let the sea resound; let the fields be jubilant, and all the trees of the forest will sing for joy"... Oh, Your love is a song; a symphony.

We should praise His great name and glorify the Lamb of God; as we lift up our hands toward His Most Holy Place.

"He is clothed in splendor and majesty and wraps Himself in light.  He makes the clouds His chariot and rides on the wings of the wind".

We should worship our Lord because He assures us that our citizenship is not of this world.  We are eagerly awaiting a Savior from heaven, who will transform our lowly bodies so they will be like His glorious body and take us home with Him.

We all should have...

"The Heart of Worship".

Because "the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus".  Amen...

Chris Tomlin  Philippians 4  Switchfoot  Matt Redman Dallas Holm  Twila Paris

Psalms 28  95  96  104  Max Lucado

I Lift Up My Hands

What do you think of people who claim to be Christians, who sometimes lift up their hand or hands when they sing worship songs or pray?  I come from a fundamental Baptist background, so I never witnessed that until I was an adult.  I remember the first time I saw it happen; I was confused.  Am I supposed to be doing that?  It seemed more spiritual so I lifted my right hand during the next song.  My family looked at me like I was crazy, so I put my arm down rather quickly.

It was explained to me that they were just charismatic and they did that to appear to be more holy than us. I kept my hands down until one morning in prayer, I was so lost in love for my Savior that my hands and eyes were lifted up and I was worshiping Jesus.  Since then, when I feel it, I do it.  But some only do that at times when there are others involved.  That's all right, the Lord knows what's in our hearts, and I am not saying it is required by all.  All have the choice of how they worship their King.

King David exclaimed in Psalms 28,"To You I call, O Lord my Rock.  Hear my cry for mercy as I call to You for help, as I lift up my hands toward Your Most Holy Place.  Praise be to the lord, for He has heard my cry for mercy.  My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song".  Now that is worship!

How about at night and you are alone?  Psalms 134 says,"Praise the Lord all ye servants who minister by night in the house of the Lord.  Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the Lord".

You might add quickly that I have been quoting only Psalms and it is poetry in the Old Testament.  Oh, you think your Theology has got me now.  Well, who would you say is the Theologian in the Bible who wrote more on worship and church order?  You are right, it is the Apostle Paul.  Read Philippians a time or two to remind your self; especially chapter 4,"Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice".

"I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing".  Sound like Paul? Well, it is him all right; explaining to his beloved Timothy about church order in his first letter to him; chapter 2:8.

No one taught me about lifting up my hands in praise and worship; no one that is except God in His magnificent grace, working through my faith and trust in His Son, allowed the Holy Spirit to minister to me through the Word.  Isn't it amazing?  I did not even know what was going on, but God did.  How beautiful, the body of Christ, and because of His outrageous love for me:

"I Lift Up My Hands",

and worship my Savior.

King David  Jeremy Riddle  Twila Paris  Paul of Tarsus  And Me

Dark Nights-Troubled Waters

As you pray, it's easy to have a mind that never rests.  So you wonder:

About the power of prayer

About the starving children

About Christians in cancer wards...

These are some tough questions for the heart to deal with.  Sometimes you're tempted to throw in the towel.  The disciples must have felt this way in the storm.  All they could see in the dark of the night were troubled waters.

Then a figure appeared, walking on the water.  They, like you, almost missed the answer to their prayers. God is our light in our dark nights, even though our dark nights are as numerous as the stars if we will look for them.  At times like these we cry out "hold me Jesus", walk on out troubled waters.

God hears the desire of the afflicted, defends the fatherless and the oppressed.  In the Lord, you can take refuge and flee like a bird to your mountain of faith.  He is righteous and is on His throne watching after you.

You must set your minds on things above for your life is now hidden with Christ in God.  Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts and be thankful as you sing spiritual songs to Him: his love is a song, a symphony of our blessed hope.  Whether in word or deed, do it all in His great name;  and like sunlight shining through dark nights; He will make your life beautiful.

For the grace of God that brought you salvation teaches you to say no to worldly passions, and to live a self-controlled life, while waiting on the blessed hope-the glorious appearing of Jesus as He:

"Shines on your darkest night and walks on your troubled waters"

And Jesus promises to be with you always, even till the end of the ages.  Worthy is the Lamb.

Max Lucado  Francesca Battistelli  Amy Grant  Psalm 10:11  Proverbs 20  Rich Mullins

Colossians 2  Hillsong  Titus 2

My Prayer from Scripture

I will give thanks to the Lord of righteousness and sing praises to the Lord most High.  Let the light of Your face shine upon me O Lord.  You have filled my heart with joy!  I can lie down at night and sleep in peace for You alone, O Lord, can keep me safe.

In the morning, O Lord, You hear my voice as I lay my requests before You and wait in expectation.  Just the sound of you Mighty name, Jesus, makes my heart melt with love for You.  Search my mind and my heart, O Lord.  You are my shield from the things of this world; my righteous Judge.

When I consider the work of Your hands, I wonder, who am I that the Almighty sovereign God would even consider me?  I ask for forgiveness when I give You less than I should.  I am getting back to the Heart of Worship for it is all about you Jesus, all about You.  I may not have much, but what I have I give to you precious Savior; You gave all You had for me.  Because of you Jesus, I can stand before God Your Father and instead of my sins of darkness, He will see me purified and holy because of the blood you shed for me.

Because of Your mercy and grace, I am able to deny myself daily, pick up my cross and follow You.  I am no longer afraid of facing the death of this world I must endure, because I know Jesus and am persuaded that He is able to do that which I have committed unto Him against that day.  For this same Jesus will come for me in like form that He ascended into Heaven, and will take me home, so that I may be with Him always for eternity.  Thank you Jesus, for having mercy on me, and lifting me up from the gates of death.

Your touch is like a fire unto my soul.  A fire from God the father that will never go out, because of the blood You shed and the price You paid to reconcile my soul unto You.

Thank you, Jesus for your outrageous love and the amazing grace extended to me by the Holy Spirit.  As I walk through this world, may I do so in a manner worthy of you Jesus, my Savior.

2 Timothy 1:12  Psalm 1-9  Luke 9:23  Matt Redman  Ray Boltz  Max Lucado

Colossians 1  Acts 1:11

A Strong Tower

"Come to Me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads, and I will give you rest."  Matthew 11:28

As long as Jesus is one of your many options, He is no option.  As long as you can take Him or leave Him, you might as well leave Him for He will not be taken half-heartedly.

But when you mourn and get to the point of sorrow for your sins, and there is not other name you can call, then cast all your hurts and fears upon Jesus.  He is a strong tower.

Understanding is a fountain of life for there is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.  Therefore, when the storm clouds come, run to Jesus for He is always there for you.

Know you serve and awesome God and He is on His throne.  God esteems the one who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at His word.  Don't listen to those who exclude you because of His great name, just glorify the Lord and they will see your joy and will be put to shame.

Paul came to Jesus with much fear and trembling in weakness so that he could rest in God's power. For:

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard,

no mind has conceived,

what God has prepared for those who love Him"---

But God will reveal it to you by His Spirit.  Thus you can understand what He has freely given you.

"Wonderful merciful Savior; precious redeemer and friend, You offer hope when we have hopelessly lost our way.  You are the one we pray to; You are the One we adore.  You give us what our hearts always hunger for; grace, as we kneel before Your throne."

As the storm clouds rise may You be our only option.  For Jesus you are:

"A Strong Tower"

And we can do all things because it is Jesus who gives us strength...

1 Corinthians 3  Chris Rice  Proverbs 17  Isaiah 66  Philippians 4:13  Selah

Natalie Grant  Francesca Battistelli  Max Lucado  Need to Breathe

Living the Carefree Life

Jesus said not to lay up treasures in this world, but to build your treasure chest in heaven.  For where your treasures are, there is where your heart will be also.  Earthly treasures will soon fade, but a treasure in heaven lasts forever.  Study Matthew 6.

The fact is, if you love the world you cannot love God. (Matthew 6:24).  It is impossible to serve two masters.  By trying to love Him and the things of this world, you will eventually turn your eye away from the Lord.  Look deep into the life of one who tries to serve both.  What you will invariably find is that their minds are of this world.

They do not witness.  Let the church folks handle that; its none of my business.

They do not pray in the morning.  I'm too tired and don't need anything today.

They are not involved in the church.  I am not interested, they don't need me.

They do not study the word of God.  I prefer John Grisham books: easier to read.

They do not give money for the work of God.  I've got an RV and TV to pay for.

They do not care for the poor and oppressed.  Let the government do it.

They are not interested in the blood Jesus shed.  Video games are bloodier.

They do not want to follow Jesus.  Because they are not into self-denial.

The Bible says to seek first the kingdom of God.  Most are more concerned about their own worldly castles.  Fellowship with Jesus comes first and all else follows.  If we have Christ we literally have all things.  Jesus tells us to deny ourselves and follow Him.  (Luke 9:23).  In other words, deny the world and it's fading treasures.

One day we will meet Jesus face to face.  I will cast my crowns at His feet and cry out praise to Him, and in my heart will glorify my Savior who suffered on a Roman cross just so I could be with Him eternally.  We will reach out in love for each other.

Jesus may ask you why you never followed Him to the cross of forgiveness and redemption.  Why you let Him hang there in suffering and shame as He died so that you might live.  What did you spend your time doing on this earth?  You will bow before Jesus and confess Him as Lord.  The one you didn't have time for while you were:

"Living the Carefree Life".

What waits for you now is eternal punishment; suffering in the fire of hell.  You chose it.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer  William H. Clay  Any one preaching Jesus and Him crucified.

In the Valley of Oppression

"You should be a light for other people.  Live so that they will see the good things that you do and will praise your Father in heaven".  (Matthew 5:16)

Tread lightly when walking through the valley of the oppressed.  For the one who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.  Do you feel anything in your heart for the ones who need your help: who need your love?  It is the desire of God, that you bring good news to the poor, to bind up the broken hearted, and to comfort all who mourn.  By doing so, God says you bestow on them a crown of beauty; a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.  And you will be called oaks of righteousness.

You should live in harmony with the poor and be sympathetic.  Love as brothers being compassionate and humble.  It is God's desire that we seek justice for the oppressed, showing them the mercy of our hearts.  But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior may be ashamed of their slander.

Are you keeping a blind eye to all the oppression going on around you, disregarding their pain and suffering?  Are you hiding in your safe places thinking that is not my concern?  If so, your reward from God will be of this world, not from the heart of the Father.

In every heart there is a candle; some shining bright and some dark as coal.  How does your candle measure up?  Do you feel convicted to change and be what God desires you to become?  Pray to your God to send His Spirit to ignite the fire in your heart.  Become a light in the darkness of the oppressed and the poor.  Seek out the ones wandering in hopelessness and confusion.  Take out your candle and "light up your world".

It is my prayer that as Christians, we ask to be lead by the Spirit of God to walk:

"In the Valley of Oppression"

That they may see the light of Jesus in the darkness of their world...

Max Lucado   Proverbs 14   Isaiah 61  1Peter 3   Cory Nelson   Phil Fletcher

Kathy Troccoli Michael Orndorf

Don't just stand there--Do something!

My Jesus, My Savior

The One, who with a towel and basin washed my feet, is King of the universe.  Fingers which created the mountains, now cleans my feet.  The One, whom all nations will kneel, now kneels before me--Only hours before His own death.

Separated from a holy God, bearing guilt and shame--until the veil was torn; I was captivated; no longer bound with shame which was left at an empty grave.

Though I sometimes stumble and fall short of your ways--I find You, by grace embracing me, just as I am.

When I get down and feel like I'm just going through the motions--there You are breaking through the dark making my life so beautiful again.  You never give up on me.

There are days when I feel the best of me is not enough--That is when He comes, takes me by my hand, and tells me,  "By grace, I can make you what you ought to be".

I ask myself, "Am I giving enough; am I doing enough?"  He says, "I gave My life my all for you; everything I do is for you".

He knew by grace I would need a Savior.  So He left the splendor of the heavenlies and became flesh.  Who would have thought that a man could rescue my soul from hell?  Because of my sins, He wept in the garden, and by grace, gave Himself up to crucifixion on an old rugged cross.

To the cross will I forever cling because there He was bruised and crushed for me.  O, how great is Your wondrous love.

I will glorify the King of Kings; I will glorify the lamb, the Lord of Lords, who is the great I am.  By his saving grace, I will bow before His throne.

My Jesus, my Savior there is no one like you.  For all the days that I have left I want to praise You for your wondrous love.  May by Your grace I never cease to worship Your holy name.

Thank you Jesus for pouring out God's grace like rain upon my heat.

Ray Boltz   Twila Paris   Darlene Zscheceh   MercyMe   Jeremy Riddle  Aaron Shust

DC Talk   tobyMac   David Crowder   Big Daddy Weave   Selah   Rich Mullins

Max Lucado   Francesca Battistelli   Among the Thirsty   Todd Agnew

Before God's Throne

When you recite the "Lord's Prayer," and you say, "Thy Kingdom come," you have just asked the Messiah to come into your world; A world meaning your heart, marriage, your fears, and doubts.  This is a bold request for God to occupy every corner of your life.  Who are you to ask such a thing?  You are a child of the King, so go boldly.

Lift up your eyes to the maker of mountains you can't climb.  And there in the midst of it all, He will hear your voice speak, while you rest in His holiness.  Then you will see those mountains are not that high.

The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on you.  Your prayers please Him, and He loves you when you pursue righteousness.  When you approach His throne, you become a crown of splendor in his hand, and your God rejoices over you.  Pretty awesome you might say.  He makes something beautiful, beautiful out of your presence.

Just think, you are in the presence of Jesus, who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand--with angels, authorities and powers in submission to Him.

Clothe yourself with humility which comes before honor because;

"God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble".

Cast your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.  Stand firm in the faith, and the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will make you strong and bold.

Welcome to the glory of your king, The God of creation is ready to meet with you.  As you reach out to Jesus with trembling hands, rejoice and praise His holy name.  It is because of His great name, you can boldly take your place:

"Before God's Throne"

I thank You Jesus for the priceless gift you gave me.  In this life, to the cross I will cling, and in Your arms seek rest.  For You are my Savior and because of Your outrageous love for me, saved me from an eternity in hell.  Worthy is the Lamb.

"Let us, then, feel very sure that we can come before God's throne where there is grace".  

                                                                   (Hebrews 4:16)

Mercy Me   Max Lucado   Isaiah 62, 63   Proverbs 15   Hillsong   Big Daddy Weave

Natalie Grant   Jeremy Riddle   1 Peter 4, 5   Francesca Battistelli   Bebo Norman

You Never Know

"No one has ever imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him". (1 Corinthians 2:9).

Imagine the day of Christ comes and you are there with the redeemed, although you may feel it's just you and Jesus.  He comes up to you and with a loving smile says, "I am so proud that you let me use you.  Because of you others are here today.  Let me introduce them to you".

The first was a neighbor who you didn't think even liked you.  "I was watching you", he says, "and because of you I am here".  It's not long before you are surrounded by a circle of souls: some you know, most you don't.  You will probably feel like Paul felt, "I am so proud of your faith".  (1Thessalonians 2:19).

Last night a friend came over for a Bible study with my wife and me.  One thing he said stuck with me.  "I live my life so that people who used to know me can now see that I am different and want what I have".  This tough looking Vietnam Vet bearing scars of this world loves others, and by his life testifies of the love he has for his Savior Jesus.  You never know.

When I was young in my life as a Christian, I was asked to teach a group of boys from across the tracks ages 10-11 that our outreach bus brought in.  They were poor and rough brought up basically like me.  I would find knives in their pocket and they would threaten me at first.  But in time I won them over and we had a good study time, I soon became a role model.

I was being taught Evangelism Explosion, a witnessing program that was to enable me to present the gospel to people.  So, I felt a good place to start was with the parents of my boys.  I asked Joey if it would be okay with his dad, Joe, a rough truck driver and single parent, if I came and talked with him.  Eventually we set up a time for me to meet his dad.  After introductions, I began to present the gospel to him.  He was very nice, but his eyes were glued to the television.  I decided he was going to hear the gospel one way or another, so I would move my chair between him and the television.

I got through and asked him to pray the sinner's prayer with me.  He wouldn't say a word but I prayed anyway.  The next Sunday Joey ran up to me so excited.  I thought this is great, I got through to his dad after all.  Joey looked at me with tears in his eyes and told me that he had listened to everything I had said to his dad, and believed and prayed the sinner's prayer.  With me.  He had talked to the pastor and was going to be baptized that morning. He wasn't the only one with tears in their eyes.  He smiled and said, "Teacher, I am a Christian saved by Jesus".

I don't know whatever happened to Joey, I just hope Jesus let's me see him in heaven and says to  me," I'm so glad you let me use you".  Joey and I will meet with smiles not tears.  And Joey will say, "Because of you I'm here," as we rejoice with our Savior:

"You Never Know"

Bill Clay   Phil Davis   Max Lucado

Counterfeit Heart

Since the hedonist has never seen the hand that made the universe, he assumes there is no life beyond the here and now.  He has no concern for the eternal for he is more concerned about satisfying his passions than knowing God.  In Romans 1:21-22 Paul says, "Their thinking became useless and their foolish minds were filled with darkness.  They said they were wise, but they became fools".  Something was wrong with their hearts.

The incomplete joys of this world will never satisfy the heart.  When you loose your ultimate source of meaning and hope, it breaks your spirit.  You end up living in "spiritual adultery", which is loving and desiring something more than God".

The problem with living that way is when you die, your hope perishes; all you expected from your life comes to nothing.  However taking the right path leads to immortality.  But, since your sin has separated you from God, He has hidden his face from you and will not hear.  Justice is far from you and righteousness does not reach you, you look for light but all is darkness and you walk in deep shadows.

One day the music will end and you will realize that the music of the world is not enough.  You go looking for much more to fulfill your life.  Know that God is searching your heart and knows if it is counterfeit.

God, in His great mercy can give you a new hope; a living hope. What He has for you will never perish.  It's a new life in Jesus Christ.  Though you have not seen Him, you will learn to love Him for what He did by shedding His blood on the cross out of His outrageous love for you.  What a priceless gift, you are save by God's grace through faith and trust in Jesus, who gave up everything for you.  Even angels long to look into these things.

You need to prepare your heart for action and set your hope fully on the grace to be given to you.  Do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.  Run to Jesus asking Him to forgive you and to give this new life to you because you love him and believe He died for you.  By Jesus' blood you are reconciled if you mean this with all your heart.

"All men are like grass and all their glory is like the flowers of the field, the grass withers and flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever".  (1Peter 1:24-25).  Do you really believe in Jesus and love Him?  Or do you seek Him with a

"Counterfeit Heart"

Max Lucado   Proverbs 11   Isaiah 59   Matt Redman   Jeremy Riddle   1Peter 1

Tocqueville 1870   Timothy Keller   Chris Rice

God's Expectations

God's word tells us plainly what He requires of you; seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8)  When you break that down it means to have a true walk with God, you must seek to help the poor and oppressed out of the mercy of your heart.

Proverbs 22:2 says that God made the rich and poor; they are alike in His eyes.  Is there a Biblical precedent that would say we are to help the poor who don't want to become Christians?  Yes, in one word, "God".  God's goodness is spurred by His nature, not by our worthiness.  God doesn't give you only what you remember to thank Him for.

God's thoughts are not like ours, neither are His ways our ways.  By doing good to all people, you will go out in joy, and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you.  O, Your love is a symphony my Lord.

If you are trying to please men, then you are not a servant of Christ, for God does not judge by external appearance.  You should serve your brothers in love for the Bible says, "Love your neighbors as yourselves".  You can make your life beautiful by serving God as you serve the poor and oppressed.  Doing anything else is just going through the motions of self righteousness.

Jesus does not show favoritism; He wants you to seek justice for all men.  If a man comes into your meeting wearing gold and fine clothes and another comes in wearing shabby clothes, do you discriminate against the latter?  Do you give the rich man the best seat and sit by him, while telling the other to just stand there?  If so you indeed have discriminated among yourself and become a judge with evil thoughts.  God has chosen the poor of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised them.

Let's suppose a brother is without clothes and food.  If you say I wish you well but do nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?  Like when faith by itself is not accompanied by action, is dead.  A man is justified by what he does, not by faith alone.  As the body without the Spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

So what does my Lord require of me; but to serve my brother justly out of my love of mercy, and by doing so, walk humbly with my God.  God is love, but God is also just.  These are:

"God's Expectations".

James 2   Galatians 5  Jeremy Riddle   Max Lucado   Proverbs 8   Isaiah 56

Francesca Batistelli   Matthew West

Braveheart

"Christians actually do have within us a portion of the very thoughts and mind of Christ". (1Corinthians 2:16).  How could we ever have the hope of having the heart of Jesus?  If you are in Christ, you already have the heart of Christ.  If you have given your life to Jesus, He has given His life to you.  As Paul says in Galatians 2:20, "Christ lives within me".

All Christians know how courageous Jesus was on His way to death on the cross.  And He says to us, "Pick up your cross daily, and come follow me".  We were made to be like Jesus.  So, where are you men of courage; hiding out by a television, a hobby, a job, or just plain laziness and non-caring.  Does your heart need to reignite its passion and your fighting spirit need an overhaul? Shout out, "Lord give us brave hearts" so we can serve You.  Give us hearts that beat to praise You.  That's what God wants to hear from us.

God holds victory in store for the upright, He is a shield to those who are blameless, and protects the way of His faithful ones.  Let love and faithfulness never leave you and write them on the tablet of your hearts.  And you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.

If you will just wake up and clothe yourselves with strength, He will put His words in your mouth and cover you with the shadow of His hand.  And all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.  For by the power of our Lord Jesus Christ He will transform your lowly bodies so that they will be like His glorious body.  Now that's exciting!

Oh Lord we thank you for the cross:  Now we are ready to bear ours daily.

We thank you for the pain you endured:  We will suffer ours for You.

What a priceless gift You gave by your grace.  We, by your grace, will follow You.

You called us out of death, and into life we will live for You.

You broke the chains that held us in our shame.  We are free to do Your will.

Jesus to You my heart I do give, and this I ask of You--Make it by Your grace:

A Braveheart.

Oh, my soul.

Proverbs 3   Jeremy Riddle   Isaiah 52   Hillsong   Big Daddy Weave   Max Lucado

Casting Crowns   Luke 9:23