September 1, 2010
Jeremiah 22:16
He defended the cause of the poor and needy, and so all went well. Is that not what it means to know me?" declares the LORD.
I love God! And because I love Him, I love to study the Bible! I could spend hours a day going from verse to verse, comparing Greek and Hebrew, finding ways that God's wisdom is woven throughout the Word. When I study I get to know Him better... better, but not fully. God is alive and very present in the world. He is an actual being - present on the earth. He's not isolated to one location but is Omni-present (all, ever-present).
Here is a mystery: God is close to the broken hearted, therefore, when we turn our focus and energy towards those in need we walk into a place that's very close to the heart of God. He is with those who are suffering! I enjoy learning about Him in the Word. But I love living with Him in the world; going where He is at work and being His helper. I will always give myself to study - it helps me know the truth. But to really know God requires more than study - it requires me to go to the place where He is at work.
August 23, 2010
The Kingdom of God is at Hand – Jesus is coming SOON!
Are you ready? Get yourself ready – make the necessary changes.
Seek First the Kingdom! This is no time for maligned focus. Be eternity minded! Quit trying to perfect this life into a form of heaven - it’s not. It’s the world! Set your heart on things above and keep it set. Simply stated: Love God more than life!
Be in the Word! Lies and fear will increase; you must be grounded by the Truth of God’s Word and the Faith that springs from hearing that Word. Cling to Christ – the living Word and depend on Him wholeheartedly. Make His Word - your words.
Pray! "Pray in the Spirit and with understanding." "Pray without ceasing." Pray for each other continually.
Encourage One Another! The enemy is seeking to wear out the saints – to tear them down, to bring division and discouragement. Now, more than ever we’ve got to speak life and strength into each other.
August 21, 2010
II Chron 19:11
... Deal courageously [be strong and do], and may the Lord be with the good!
Pray daring prayers. Surrender all your concerns and crises To God. Believe that He is at work within you, freeing you up to forget about yourself & go to work for the good of others. Then "Deal courageously... " II Chron 19:11.
Prayer will prepare you to be His hands & feet, His smile, provision & healing, His messenger to someone in need. Effective prayer doesn't just move the hand of God - it should also move you.
August 19, 2010
Proverbs 21:25
The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever leans on, trusts in, and puts his confidence in the Lord is safe and set on high.
Isaiah 8:13
The Lord of hosts--regard Him as holy and honor His holy name [by regarding Him as your only hope of safety], and let Him be your fear and let Him be your dread [lest you offend Him by your fear of man and distrust of Him].
God alone possesses all power and wisdom! He is the embodiment of goodness. And the wonder of it all - He employs His strength on our behalf! It puts the mind on tilt and boggles the imagination! He pours out power in all forms: grace, favor, wisdom and every perfect gift needed for life and godliness because He loves us! His perfect love inspires and drives Him to our rescue! Amazing love - how can it be!
With a love like that to lean on; with a Father like that to depend on; with a wonderful, merciful, kind King like that to worship - why would we bow to anyone else?
Fear of man is literally like bowing our lives down to the opinion and power of mere mortals - people, no different than ourselves. We were created to live powerful, beautiful, free lives; enjoying the sweet security given by God Almighty. Don't fear people and forget God! He loves you completely! Instead, forget about public opinion and fear the Lord; you will find yourself enjoying Him, enjoying your life and even enjoying other people like never before!
July 30, 2010
Romans 8:35-39
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?... No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
For 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.
There is a powerful place to live, where your heart is so enamored with God that kings, heroes & even enemies are all leveled to mere mortals; where earthly treasure seems cheap and trite. It is a place created by the revelation of God's great love. Nothing has impacted my life like the knowledge that I am dearly, deeply & completely loved by God. My greatest delight has & always will be the liberty I have in Christ.
For decades I lived my life cowering before people I perceived as powerful; then God straightened my sights by lifting my head. I spent 30 days studying the Word, soaking in the truth that God loves me. I meditated on it day and night. I took it to heart and it transformed my life. My heart literally dances within me when I see those who used to intimidate me. I almost laugh at the thought of how I used to feel in their presence. Now God alone is great and Jesus alone is Lord. It's a wonderful place, a powerful place to live. I am free to love all people and serve all people equally. I love Him because He first loved me!
I dare you to do spend 30 days soaking in love! You will never be the same!
July 24, 2010
Jeremiah 9:23&24
This is what the LORD says:
"Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom
or the strong man boast of his strength
or the rich man boast of his riches,
24 but let him who boasts boast about this:
that he understands and knows me,
that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness,
justice and righteousness on earth,
for in these I delight,"
declares the LORD.
There is nothing on this earth that has the right to our confident trust but God alone. Knowing God - really knowing Him is the essence of true living. In Christ we are promised this intimacy; the closest, sweetest relationship possible with the Father. By the Holy Spirit we are taught and given knowledge, through the written Word, so that we can know and trust the Father fully. The adventure and thrill of a lifetime is found in knowing Him.
Solomon was told by his father, David, (Prov 4:7) "in all your getting, get understanding." This is wise counsel from one generation to another. The greatest achievement in life is to know and understand the heart of God. We will have no greater fulfillment, no greater glory on this earth than the experience of pursuing and growing in the knowledge of God. Those who seek Him, find Him. And those who find Him are forever changed!
July 19, 2010
John 1:16&17
From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 2:8
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God
Proverbs 3:34 & James 4:6
He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble.
God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.
This week I spoke to a dear young person who was touched by a youth evangelistic outreach called "The 99". This young man, who had been saved for several years, was shaken by the images of hell. He fearfully considered his own life and questioned his salvation. When I inquired about his concerns it became clear that he had developed the idea that he was responsible for his salvation. He gave credit to Jesus Christ for the origin of his faith, but had the idea that if his behavior was perfect he remained saved. He had totally forgotten about grace.
It's very easy, even for seemingly very good reasons, to pick up a sense of responsibility for our salvation, as if to say "Jesus did such a great work - I should really do my part and take it from here". This reasoning may also suggest "If Christ died to save me, then shouldn't I live up to His gift? Should I work to become perfect, worthy of His redemption?" It sounds noble, doesn't it? However, if we could work ourselves up to perfection it was unnecessary for Christ to have come to save us. We cannot save or keep ourselves. But, Praise God - He can!
This is the reason we give such jubilant and unending praise to God! Only He can save, heal and deliver to the uttermost - even to the completion of His good work in us. Yes! We will do our utmost to co-operate with Him; we must hate what is evil and cling to good! But He alone is the Savior, the Redeemer - forever! Oh, Praise Him! Praise Him! Praise the God of grace!
July 18, 2010
1 Cor 14:1a
EAGERLY PURSUE and seek to acquire [this] love
[make it your aim, your great quest]...
If I were able to pass along only one compelling message to my children it would be this:
Don't limit yourself to love based on your preferences. Anyone can do that. That kind of love is shallow. You want more out of life than that! Go deeper! Find out what very few people ever discover - the mystery of Divine love.
"Eagerly pursue and seek to acquire [this] love [make it your aim, you great quest]".
Acquire and become a distributor of God's perfect love. It will take great effort on your part; requiring you to lay down your life. It will demand of you - diligence and an ever-listening, teachable heart, heeding the prompting of the Holy Spirit. It will require much of you BUT it will also reward you beyond comprehension.
A life consumed by the love of God transforms the heart into a state of perpetual awe; energized by grace; overflowing in faith. The greatest secret to a fulfilling life is found first in God's great love for us individually and secondly, in the realization that it is NOT in being loved by others that we are satisfied but rather in giving love that we find true joy. As God's love flows in and through our hearts, our joy is made full.
July 15, 2010
2 John 1:6
And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.
Would like to have the assurance that you will reach your potential and fulfill God's plan for your life? Living life to the fullest is the dream of every human being. God has given us the key to living life well. Every directive set within the Word is His guidance prompting us toward His perfect will - seeking to position us right in the middle of His very best. Obedience to His wise instruction creates positive change within us and in our circumstances. Obedience brings blessing - not because it's earned but because it positions us in His will where His blessing resides. Fulfilling the will of God is simple, but not easy.
Since the beginning of time God has communicated with man, in detail, His commandments. To learn them all and practice them would be a taxing, complicated weight - praise God for Christ Jesus. Jesus provided the new covenant, taking away the sin of the world and weight of the Law. He communicated in simple terms the heart of the Father concerning all commandments. To sum it all up God's desire is that we would live our lives like Christ, who went around doing good whenever he could. Matthew 7:12 says very simply that we are to be good to people. That's God's command for us.
Fulfill the will of God - life up to your potential. Learn from the Father about the wonders of love and become Love's ambassador. You will find yourself day after day, living the good life and enjoying it fully as you obey the Father, living as a distributor of Love.
July 7, 2010
Exodus 15:26
He said, "If you listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you."
Deut 30:19&20
... Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life...
1 Sam 30:10
... "Speak, for your servant is listening."
There is no greater experience than hearing the still small voice of God as He gives direction, correction or the expression of His love. God is always ready to give us the exact wisdom or encouragement we need at any given moment. He is always ready to speak. Are you ready to listen?
Before the lie has one moment to jump into your thoughts... remember that He has already promised that His "sheep know His voice and the voice of another they will not follow". Yes, you can hear His voice! You may not be acutely aware of it, but you are able to hear Him. He promised! And He never breaks a promise.
Open your heart and mind to Him and thank Him for His love. Thank Him for speaking into your life. Then, listen for the voice of wisdom; listen for the messages of hope and love. God is speaking and He is talking directly to you. Open up your heart and listen!
Make a quiet place in your day today and every day. Meditate on this promise - God speaks to His people. He wants to talk to you. He's calling you to listen. Open His Word - the Bible. Open your heart - Listen! Enjoy!
June 29, 2010
Proverbs 14:23
All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.
Acts 20:35
In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "
1 Cor 4:12
We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it;
Last Sunday marked a special day - my Mother's birthday. She is an amazing lady, constantly helping people around her community and within her church. One of the most significant accomplishments my mother has made is her endowment of a hard work ethic, successfully imparted to three children. Those are pretty amazing odds - three for three! That work ethic has been the backbone of success in our lives.
In a day when "Easy Street" is constantly crowded, those individuals who will go the extra mile, do the hard thing and give their best to whatever they are called to do - those people are leaders! When we develop a lifestyle where we are willing to lead ourselves, doing what's right regardless of how much it costs or any sacrifice suffered, we become worthy of the responsibility of public leadership.
There are unfortunate examples in our world of individuals who have become lax with their self leadership. Never let that be said of us; let us be excellent at what is good and give whole hearted devotion to all our efforts. Work from deep within, empowered by your heart and your hand will have the strength to do great things.
Give yourself to few tasks but to those tasks give your whole self.
June 26, 2010
A prayer for my children and their generation:
I pray that you will have the creativity required to conceive a God size dream - never limiting God.
I pray that you will have the courage required to see it through – despite challenge, trial or the change it will require in you.
And, I pray that you will have the compassion required to keep the dream pure – all for the sake of love; for the glory of God and the good of humanity.
1 Cor 2:9-10
"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived
what God has prepared for those who love him"
but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit...
June 24, 2010
Before you read the following verses, slow yourself down. Be willing to contemplate the concepts within each verse. Allow yourself the time to respond, being moved and motivated by the love of God. May His heart become our heart. May we move passed a concern for our own righteousness, trusting Him for it and may we enter into the compelling compassion of God for a broken world.
Psalm 116:5
The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion.
Psalm 145:9
The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.
Matthew 9:36
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
1 Peter 3:8
Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.
June 19, 2010
Romans 13:8
[ Love, for the Day is Near ] Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.
Romans 15:7
Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
1 Peter 1:22
Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.
John 13:35
By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
Hidden in an inconspicuous place in my office at work, I have a quote from Mother Teresa that inspires me each day.
"They may not remember what you said or what you did; but they will remember how you made them feel."
I work everyday for Christian organization that serves the general public, caring for those in need. I am aware that many people I speak to each day may have heard of God but they do not know God.
As I do my work, I am soberly aware that I have the choice to be a stepping stone or just another hard rock on their path. What I do or say is really pretty insignificant compared to what I offer their soul. So, with that in mind I make this challenge to myself and you: Let's constatnly keep our goals and motives in the fire. Burn off the useless and let God make us use-full to this world. Let's "Get real" - so that people will "get" God. Here's a few firey questions:
Do I just try to be impressive? Do I want to be the hero? Do I want to sound smart and wise? OR, do I want them to get a glimpse of mercy and bring a sense of grace into their lives with the hope that they will "taste and see that God is good"? Do I personally fill my own heart with His Word and cling to Him as my hope - so that when I'm leading others I have a cycle of love already in motion?
I encourage you today - dive deep into God's love for you. Freshen up in His wonderful grace and then jump right into your schedule, full of strength and inspiring hope. Be good to people, loving them unconditionally. Let that love flow unhindered through you. Be that stepping stone that lifts them closer to God. It will change the landscape of people's lives!
May 30, 2010
Isaiah 9:6
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
This morning as I was on my way to church I found myself singing the old classic "Let There be Peace on Earth". When I realized what I was doing I began to think about "peace". On this Memorial Day weekend we celebrate the men and women who have served our country, ensuring liberty, securing peace. I thought of the words of that timeless song and considered the line "let it begin with me". World peace - Does it begin within my heart? It sounds believable. But world peace comes only from one place - the heart of God.
Simply stated, world peace is formed one heart at a time and this inner peace is only possible through the person of Jesus Christ. His peace is perfect; it alone is capable of curing the world of strife. Jesus told his disciples that His peace was not like the peace common to this world. His peace surpasses all human comprehension.
So how does a person possess world changing peace? By receiving the love of God and allowing that love to heal and restore their soul. It's not the dream of just the good hearted - it's the will of God for the world. When God sent His Son the angels proclaimed the purpose of His coming with these great words. "Peace on earth, good will toward men."
Let there be no doubt in your heart. It is God's will and purpose that the world would know His peace. We can be instruments of that peace and living examples of it's reality. Receive fully the grace and goodness of God - let His peace saturate your heart and soul. Yes! Let there be true peace on earth and let it be ignited by God's peace within me.
May 23, 2010
2 Corinthians 9:8
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
There is an amazing peace that sweeps over my mind every time I make the choice to entrust every thing to God. Life has a way of throwing multiple challenges along our path and in order to walk it out with courage we have to have our head on straight - we have to be thinking right.
God's goodness is our source of strength. No matter what curve is just ahead, we can walk through it with courage and wisdom. God gives us an unending supply of grace to walk it out. We can live confidently, knowing that He will give the answers and the provision we need for each moment. The greatest key to living well is to trust God to provide what's needed and to trust Him for whatever is missing.
Don't try to figure out what God only knows. Don't try to do what God alone can do. Don't try to speed up the clock or turn back time. Trust God - everything you need will be provided.
April 24, 2010
Micah 6:8
He has showed you, O man, what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
When I was young I wanted to be more beautiful. As I got older I realized beauty may impress but it doesn't impact the world, so I decided I wanted to be more powerful. Once again time provided perspective & I saw that power does not make the world a better place. I believe I have finally found a worthy goal. I want to be more merciful. Mercy is beautiful & it creates an open door to show the world the power of God.
April 15, 2010
Psalm 71:21
“Increase my greatness (my honor) and turn and comfort me.”
What a prayer - what an amazing example of the heart we are to have in life. David said, “Increase my greatness (my honor) and turn and comfort me.” I find it fascinating, the combination of those two requests. But as I consider it, greatness is costly and honestly, painful. No one follows God, reaching their potential, becoming worthy of honor, without great personal cost. No wonder David asks quickly for comfort on the heels of the request for greatness.
As I look at my own life and consider the picture God has put in my heart - the vision He has called me to live out - I am tempted to shrink back because of the fear, intimidation, personal risk/cost and commitment it will require. Greatness is an all or nothing call; it's all in or all out. There is no middle ground.
I pray that none of us will surrender our potential for the sake of security or the small comforts of a self-lead life. I pray that we will dare to live like kings – living on the edge, going to war, claiming the mountain, governing well for the sake of many; instead of settling for the pleasure of one. The cost may seem great at the start but the rewards far outweigh the sacrifice and the result will be this: we will finally live up to the title we have claimed; living like the King of kings, we will truly be Christians.
March 30, 2010
Psalm 107:19,20, 29,30
Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble,
and he saved them from their distress.
He sent forth his word and healed them;
he rescued them from the grave...
He stilled the storm to a whisper;
the waves of the sea were hushed.
They were glad when it grew calm,
and he guided them to their desired haven
Have you ever been in a season of life - a long season of life - where it seemed like nothing was moving in the right direction? Has it seemed like Murphy's Law is stronger than the law of gravity? Do you wonder if it will ever end?
You're not alone and you're not the first person who has felt that way. Thousands of years ago men and women who had their hope in God faced the same kind of opposition you and I are facing today and God proved Himself faithful in their lives - you can hear the sigh of relief in these words written by David almost four thousand years ago.
It may feel like the struggle will never end but do not fear; everything, even hardship, only endures for a season. Don't faint, don't give up or give in. Stand strong and keep looking up - the horizon is about to break into view. The storm will calm and God Himself will bring you into a safe harbor of hope - just don't abandon ship along the way.
March 21, 2010
Titus 3:14
Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives.
One of the most powerful moments we can ever experience in our lives is the time when we hear God's instruction and engage ourselves in His work. God is always at work redeeming, providing for, healing and saving humanity. The thrill of a lifetime is ours every time that Divine purpose flows through us. God gives us the honor of being His ambassadors. The thrill truly is ours as we live closest to God in those moments when we step into His will and busy ourselves in His work.
Everyday we have opportunities to be His hands and feet in the present moment. By His grace (His ability in us), we become the redeeming voice of hope for another person; the open hand providing for the needs of a brother, the healing prescription of kindness for a broken heart; the messenger of saving grace. These are daily necessities and are always around us.
I encourage you today; position yourself to hear God's call: be humble, merciful and hopeful. Meditate on His goodness and His promises for life. Rise and shine with that hope - making yourself available for the amazing moment when God gives you the privilege of being His minister in your world. Find where God is working and busy yourself in that work - you will be continually satisfied with the fruitfulness that comes from working with God.
February 17, 2010
Isaiah 58:10&11
... if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry
and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness,
and your night will become like the noonday.
11 The LORD will guide you always;
he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail.
God is so good! He openly shares all the secrets required to living the good life. Sometimes His ways are in complete conflict with human instinct. It seems purely logical that if I focus on myself I will be well cared for, yet the world is filled with unhappy self-focused people. That's no secret.
God's remedy - turn the focus outward. Look around to those who are in need and meet those needs. God promises that those who live generous, selfless lives will flourish; they will have Divine guidance and be strong and well supplied. Now that's a promise worth pursuing.
February 6, 2010
II Corinthians 8:9
For you are becoming progressively acquainted with and recognizing more strongly and clearly the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ (His kindness, His gracious generosity, His undeserved favor and spiritual blessing), [in] that though He was [so very] rich, yet for your sakes He became [so very] poor, in order that by His poverty you might become enriched (abundantly supplied).
Always remember that God gives grace for growth. As you reach to become all you can be in Christ, remind yourself often that salvation from start to finish is the work of God, done by grace. You were saved by grace and you will be changed by grace. It's a process and He is faithful to complete it.
January 16, 2010
Psalm 40:16 - The Message
But all who are hunting for you—
oh, let them sing and be happy.
Let those who know what you're all about
tell the world you're great and not quitting.
Check yourself today... are you happy? Think about it; you know God loves you and He really is faithful to every detail of your life. If happiness seems to be a little out of reach right now, take the time to re-fuel and refresh that source of inner strength. Take the time to dig into the Bible and find the truth that convinces you that God is great and He loves you.
When you go hunting for good news you are going to come out feeling good - happy! Allow yourself to be moved by the wonderful thought that He really cares and He's really there for you. Let that happiness fill your heart and flow out of your life, in praise, songs, laughter and even happy conversation as you give testimony to the goodness of God!
