Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.  Psalm 119:105

In the way of righteousness there is life; along that path is immortality.  Proverbs 12:28

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1

(Paul writes) Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst (because he killed Christians). But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. 1 Timothy 1:15-16

Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place (God’s presence) by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.  Hebrews 10:19-23

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.  Psalm 16:11

(Jesus said) I say to you that many (believers) will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.  Matthew 8:11

In him (Jesus) and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.  Ephesians 3:12

Thank you God!!!

Nuggets of Wisdom   … spread the Word

I am reading a book by Bob Buford titled, “Stuck in Halftime.” Excellent book I would recommend it for anyone who is getting to be “my age.” As I was reading this book the other day this caught my eye. Think about this throughout the day and let me know what your thoughts are…

“This is what the second half is all about: a convergence of who you really are and God’s plan for your life. You are designed to be the happiest and most content when those two themes merge into purposeful action.
For people who are followers of Christ, this might be best understood as opportunity management versus what Dallas Willard calls “sin management.” According to Willard, most Christians are more worried about sin than opportunity.”

So throughout your day look for opportunity rather than dwelling on the latest sin you are trying to conquer. Look for opportunities to join in with the Master, Jesus Christ. Ask Him how you can find the MANY, MANY, incredible snapshots of His handy work, they can be found in the people you meet and the wonder of His creation. Dwell in His presence, enjoy His yoke, laugh, talk, and find true happiness while walking with Him today, no matter what you are facing. Remember, Jesus loves you! — This I know!
Ron

In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days (now) he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.  Hebrews 1:1-3

AMEN!!!

Image Credit: NASA, ESA, CXC and the University of Potsdam, JPL-Caltech, andSTScI

Isaiah writes, “See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create, for I will create Jerusalem to be a delight and its people a joy. I will rejoice over Jerusalem and take delight in my people; the sound of weeping and of crying will be heard in it no more. Isaiah 65:17-19

Prophesy Fulfilled …

John writes, Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:1a, 3-4

The angel who talked with me had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city, its gates and its walls. The city was laid out like a square, (cube) as long as it was wide. He measured the city with the rod and found it to be 12,000 stadia (1,400 miles) in length, and as wide and high as it is long. The wall was made of jasper, (diamond) and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass (transparent gold).  On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there.  Revelation 21:15-16, 18 & 25

I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. Revelation 21:22-23

He who was seated on the throne (God) said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”  

Revelation 21:5 

AMEN!!!

Nuggets of Wisdom … spread the Word

From one man (Adam) he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.  Acts 17:26-27

King Solomon writes, I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God. I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that people will fear him.  Ecclesiastes 3:12-14

No one can redeem the life of another or give to God a ransom for them—the ransom for a life is costly, no payment is ever enough—Psalm 49:7-8

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified (make right with God) by his blood, (shed on the cross) how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!  Romans 5:8-9

No temptation (or trial) has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.  1 Corinthians 10:13

Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29

AMEN!!!

Nuggets of Wisdom … spread the Word

The Lord said “Come follow me, along the shoreline.”

I got into my boat and rowed across the river. I jumped out of the boat and hauled the boat up unto the shoreline and dropped my anchor. Picked up some stones and threw them into the river before heading out to sit down with the Lord.

I was like a child throwing stones but hauling the boat to higher ground and securing it with an anchor that was maturity. The Lord says in his word “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3)

The child in this story is so relaxed around her Father she can throw stones in the water before approaching the throne of God. Mary sat at her Lord’s feet listening while Martha was distracted with preparations. (Luke 10:40) Mary knew that sitting at the Lord’s feet was more important than the busy work of Martha. The Lord is calling us to rest; it is written “Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. ⁶He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.” (Psalm 62:5-6) Only find rest in God alone. Do not find rest in other places. The Lord wants us to be like this child in obedience, playfulness, and diligence. The Lord wants that relationship with an open heart to love our papa, daddy God with a freedom of a child. We are to find rest and security in the arms of God without worry; as like a child.

The boat represents ‘our vessel’ which abides with Jesus Christ and hauling our vessel to higher ground leads us to security. David talks in Psalms about higher ground:

• Psalm 18:33 He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables (aids)me to stand on the heights.
• Psalm 27:8 for in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set (puts) me high upon a rock.
• Psalm 61:2 from the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faith; lead (steer) me to the rock that is higher than I.  

What is David doing in these Psalms that causes God to make a way for David? David is boldly coming to the throne to call on God; so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:16) David is making known to God his prayers of help, come rescue me. David is not trying to do all this on his own. He seeks God’s help and God knows David’s heart and takes him higher.

We know taking a boat to higher ground keeps the boat from drifting in the water. But, pulling the anchor out and dropping anchor secures the boat from wind, rain, and erosion. The anchor is used outside the boat to keep it firm in the water or to drag the boat along the shoreline. Some ships can use up to four anchors; but for my skiff I had one anchor. How many anchors does it take to anchor you?

The anchor represents God and being rooted in Him. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. (Hebrews 6:19) Are you firm and secure in Christ or are you anchored in yourself or are you drifting along the shoreline with no aim insight? Has your anchor become a woman and man or a want? But whatever the case when we finally appear to Jesus Christ holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—²³ if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. (Colossians 1:22-23) If you continue in your faith anchor yourself in God. Jesus Christ death and resurrection sealed your claim to the throne. (2Cor.1:22)

Who is our anchor of faith?

Our faith should be rooted and established on a sure foundation. (Isaiah 28:16) Jesus Christ is that guaranteed foundation that stands firm, sealed with this inscription: The Lord knows those who are his, and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.” (2Tim.2:19)

The Wise and Foolish Builders

“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord, and do not do what I say? ⁴⁷I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. ⁴⁸He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. ⁴⁹But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete. (Luke 6:46-49)

If we are not standing; we are not rooted in Christ Jesus.

If you lack a sure foundation the word says that if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹°For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. ¹¹As the scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” ¹²For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile-the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:9-13) Jesus Christ needs to be Lord in all areas of your life: spiritual in home and church; finances; wife and children; education; leisure; and career. Seek first the kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33)

The river represents the Holy Spirit in my life. After Jesus Christ died on the cross Jesus gave up his Spirit. Jesus Christ promises that He would send someone to help us. (Luke 24:49)  It is written “but when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. ¹⁴He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. (Luke 16:13-14)

Drink from the living cup

“If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. ³⁸Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” (John 7:37b-38) The stream of living water is the Holy Spirit. Find your security in God’s strength, mercy, peace, joy, love and honor. For there is no one more pure and Holy as our God, Lord Jesus Christ; we can find rest here in the arms of God.

The Lord wants to open our hearts to hear the word so that we can grow into His likeness and overcome the world. Jesus Christ wants us to have a foundation that will stand the test of time.

Thank you, God for your gracious mercy that you sent your son to die for us. Thank you, Lord for your outstretched arms in surrender to your Father, making our foundation sure. Thank you, Father for sending the Holy Spirit who guides, teaches, convicts, and loves.

I pray that your children will go boldly before the throne room calling on your name. I pray your people will learn to sit at your feet Lord and learn from you. So that they will be stand firm and secure in times of troubles. In Jesus Christ name I pray. Amen.

Paul writes, But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth.  2 Thessalonians 2:13

Jesus said, When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me.  John 15:26

Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth. (you worship God through the Holy Spirit according to God’s truth revealed in the scriptures) John 4:23-24

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29

Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.  Jeremiah 29:12-13

AMEN!!!

One day soon we will rise up to meet you in the clouds. One day soon we will be sick no more. One day soon we will see Jesus and everything will be made right. One day soon we will be face to face…

While we wait for that day let us be the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  (Matthew 5:14) We need our lights to shine through the darkness of this world. There are many people who do not know Jesus Christ; and our light should bring forth hope to the outsider looking in.

For you were once darkness

⁸For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light ⁹(for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) ᶦ⁰and find out what pleases the Lord.ᶦᶦHave nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. ᶦ²For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. ᶦ³But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, ᶦ⁴for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” ᶦ⁵Be careful, then, how you live ⎯ not as unwise but as wise, ᶦ⁶making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. ᶦ⁷Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. (Ephesians 5:8-17)

Do not allow the woes of this world darken your candle; leave this world behind and focus on what pleases the Lord. I know what it is like to struggle with the troubles of my flesh; wanting more out of life. “Bless me, Lord… I am ready to take that big step; Lord…money is tight… I will take this job and I will take that job to make ends meet…no waiting…no watching…no praying…I know what the Lord wants for me…but my view of the cross was small. This life is not about me it’s about Jesus Christ.

And find out what pleases the Lord

The Bible tells us how we can please the Lord. Lord says in verse 8 live as children of the light. Children of the light live in the Lord. Our habitation is inside of Jesus Christ and it is His light that shines through us. We are not the shiny lights that light up the night. No. The Lord’s light, lightens the world. In verse 9 it says (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) this fruit of light is void of darkness. When we seek Jesus Christ righteousness, goodness, and truth we step away from the temptations of this world and our light is not darkened. We make choices to live for Christ or ourselves every day we wake up. If you decide this is the life you want to live and you seek God’s face diligently; God will show up BIG. But, if you choose fruitless deeds of darkness that will be your stumbling block. It is written “are there not twelve hours of daylight? A man who walks by day will not stumble, for he sees by this world’s light. ᶦ⁰It is when he walks by night that he stumbles, for he has no light.” (John 11:9-10)  The day represents the light and night represents darkness in these verses. God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all. ⁶If we claim to have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. ⁷But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin. (1John 1:5-7)

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

If we claim to have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. Expose your darkness to God’s truth and receive healing in the light. When you live for Christ the Holy Spirit that lives in you convicts your heart or a better word is exposes your sin to the light. We repent, the conviction hurts for a few seconds, minutes, hours, days, it depends on you and them it is gone. Realize this: We all have fallen short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23) None is perfect. We all, do not deserve anything from God; especially me. If you want to please the Lord walk in the light as He is in the Light. (1John 1:7)

“Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

You who live in darkness it’s time to wake up from your sleep. Do you not know the hour we are in? Do you not see the times are evil? The word says the hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. ᶦ²The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. ᶦ³Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immortality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. ᶦ⁴Rather, clothes yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature. (Romans 13:11-14)

Come to the well

There is a song that has been popping up in my head all through my writing today, “the well” by Casting Crown.ᶦ The words go like this: I have what you need| But you keep on searching| I’ve done all the work |But you keep on working| When you’re running on empty| And you can’t find the remedy| Just come to the well.

We are all searching for something that will fill this heart of ours. We will fill it with everything but nothing will fill it. Then, we will think we are broken and we are the problem or we think the other persons are the problem. We are constantly looking at spending ourselves out for that one thing that will make us feel good; but we do not fill the need.

ᶦYou can spend your whole life| Chasing what’s missing| But that empty inside| It just ain’t gonna listen|
When nothing can satisfy| And the world leaves you high and dry| Just come to the well| And all who thirst will thirst no more| And all who search will find what their souls long for| The world will try, but it can never fill| So leave it all behind, and come to the well| So bring me your heart| No matter how broken| Just come as you are| When your last prayer is spoken| Just rest in my arms a while| You’ll feel the change my child|

God sent His Son

My eyes wanted everything; but my heart wasn’t satisfied. Do you know what I am talking about? We will always want to be satisfied in the flesh with things that are unclean. We are the children of the fallen Adam we do not know any better. But, God knew this about us and that is why He has mercy on us. God created a plan to save us from destruction.  God sent His one and only son to be born from a virgin… Jesus was his name…He grew up before him like a tender root…He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him…He was despised, and we esteemed him not…he was crushed for our sins; the punishment that brought us peace²…Jesus took upon Himself the responsibility for all of our safety…each one of our sins and sicknesses were place upon Jesus…the nails pierced his hands and feet…each one of his disciples deserted and fled…alone on the cross…Jesus died for a greater purpose then we can comprehend…third day…resurrection and life…

What will please the Lord is for you to come out of the darkness and into His light. Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 13:14)

How can you dispel darkness?

Repent and believe on Jesus Christ and receive salvation. Pray for the Holy Spirit to come live inside so that you can put on the armor of light. (Romans 13:12)

One day soon we will rise up to meet you in the clouds. One day soon we will be sick no more. One day soon we will see Jesus and everything will be made right. One day soon we will be face to face…

Thank you

Thank you, Father for the light that pierces the darkness within my heart so that I grow closer to you. Thank you, Father for your ever encompassing power over my ever need and making me lie down in green pastures. Thank you, Father for the family of God who prays and listens to the prompting of your voice; to step up to what you are calling them to do. Thank you, Lord for surrendering to die on the cross and to rise so that we your children can live a life without shame.

Pray

I pray that your children of light will walk in righteousness, goodness, and truth. I pray that they will live the risen Christ life with victories. I pray that they will pray so that they will not fall into temptation; the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.³ I pray for your lost children let them not resist you but to repent and believe on you. I pray this In Jesus Christ name. Amen.

ᶦ “The Well, Come to the Well, Casting Crowns, 2011 Sony/Atv Tree Publishing
² Isaiah 53:2, 3, 5
³The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41b)

~from the Love of God

In Romans 8:37-39 the word captures Jesus Christ undying love for us. No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. ³⁸For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, ³⁹neither 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.

We might run from his love but He runs after us. Apostle Paul was persuaded that God’s love for us can endure anything. In the word its says, where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? ⁸If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. ⁹If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, ⁱ⁰even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. (Psalm 139:7-10)

God’s love is bigger than you can imagine

We can do our own thing but God’s love is bigger than anything we can imagine or hope for. Lately, I had three songs running through my head and one of them is Mark Schultz’s, “Your love never fails” the lyrics are beautiful they describe me perfectly. “I know I still make mistakes/But you have new mercies for me every day/Cause your love never fails… You stay the same through the ages/your love never changes/There may be pain in the night but joy comes in the morning…”  Recently, my laptop came down with a cold and I call out to the Lord for help and then I called my Asus support and they told me that my computer caught a bug which I already knew and them He told me what to do. During this ordeal the song “your love never changes” kept coming to me. The Lord gave me this song; though I am struggling with this new problem which to me is HUGH. My God is supporting me through this hard time and surrounding me with His love. I got fearful that I lost everything on my computer. But still through my fear and sometimes frustration the words of my Lord came through “I AM the Spirit deep inside you/I AM the Word upon your heart/I AM the One who even knew you/Before your birth, before you were. What am awesome God that He cares for me to reach out to me in song? Do you have that relationship with the Lord?

Are you going through tough times to where you see no end in sight? Call out to Jesus Christ He is standing beside you waiting to hear you cry. Lord have mercy on me…I have been far away but I am turning now…I need you to infuse me with your love. I want to hear your voice in my heart. I do not want to be alone anymore with my secrets that hold me captive to the enemy; for I want you in my life.

Know this; that Jesus Christ the son of the Living God was sent many thousands of years ago to be born. Jesus Christ took on human form for one reason only that we the sinful race can live a life of victory. Jesus Christ was sentenced to death on a tree for a sin He didn’t commit. They cried, “crucified him, crucified him” and picking up a cross we the sinful race sent him to die a sinful death on a cross we made for Him. Laden with sin His own Father God turned his back on His only son Jesus Christ because he was laden with our sins. Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.  Jesus Christ surrenders to His Father because they made a way for us to live a life that would be guilt-free of sin. Jesus Christ rose from the dead on the third day and is seated at the right of the Father God.

Hold on to the promises

Another song that I have been singing is from Santus Real “hold on to the promises, Jesus is alive”. Jesus Christ life holds many, many promises that we as believers can hold on too like:

• Nothing can separate us from the love of God. (Romans 8:39)
• Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:1)
• We are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37)
• The Lord is risen. (Luke 24:34)
• At least there is hope for a tree: if it is cut down it will spout again, and its new shoots will not fail. (Job 14:7)
• For if you forgive men when they sin against you your heavenly Father will also forgive you. (Matthew 6:14)
• I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. (Proverbs 8:17)
• Don’t be afraid of them, because the Lord your God himself will fight for you. (Deut. 3:22)
• ⁸If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. ⁹If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, ⁱ⁰even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. (Psalm 139:7-10)

The Lord Jesus Christ tore the veil separating the sinful world and Jesus Christ world when He died on the cross. When we repent, ask Jesus Christ into our life, and we are Baptist in spirit and water we are cemented together forever in Jesus Christ. The veil of separation is open, walk with confidence to the throne room of Christ and talk. Share your heart with him.

Whenever I feel afraid I will trust in you. (Psalm 56:3) The word says you are my hiding place. You will always fill my heart with songs of deliverance. (Psalm 32:7) When we are in desperate need of God; He will surround us with songs of deliverance. The Lord surrounded me with songs this week; I desperately needed him. Jesus can do that for you, too. Repent, believe on Jesus Christ.

Pray with me

“Heavenly Father, have mercy on me, a sinner. I believe in you and that your word is true. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God and that he died on the cross so that I may now have forgiveness for my sins and eternal life. I know that without you in my heart my life is meaningless.

I believe in my heart that you, Lord God, raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Please Jesus forgives me, for every sin… (Name each sin to the Father) I have ever committed or done in my heart, please Lord Jesus forgive me and come into my heart as my personal Lord and Savior today. I need you to be my Father and my friend.

I give you my life back and ask you to take full control from this moment on; I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ.” Amen.

I thank you Father that when things fall apart, like computers and face book pages doesn’t work to our liking your love still remains. That you surround us with songs of deliverance that support us and deliver us from the evil one; so that we can proclaim to the world that we are love by the one who created us. Thank you, Father for the prayers that go out to your saints that resound in all the earth. We stand and proclaim that you are Lord and King that we will not stop until all is saved. Thank you, Lord, Father God.

I pray, for the ones who read this post that they will hear your quiet whisper to come home; you are missed. Repent and believe. For the Lord has a song for you; He sings to you every day but you do not hear. I pray Lord take off their blinders and unstop their ears so they see of your wonders and hear the love you have for them. In Jesus Christ name I pray. Amen.

I worship in a large Methodist church and during the Lent season as with most other churches the church had lots of activities centered related to the Lenten Season.  This year I found myself involved in three separate skits or dramas all within a week of each other.   Each role I was asked to play were different and distinct from each other.  On the Friday before Good Friday I played Jesus.  We were reenacting the Last Supper with the goal of teaching and preparing our third graders for their first Communion as part of our annual Communion Discovery event.  The following Sunday which was Palm Sunday I played the role of Pontius Pilate where I gave a five minute monologue to older members of our congregation on why I was innocent in the death of Jesus Christ.  On the following Thursday (Maudy Thursday) I gave a monologue with 11 other men as I played James the Son of Zebedee one of the disciples at the Last Supper.  To prepare for these roles I grew a beard and mustache during the month of March.  This look is out of character for me but worked well for the dramas.  When people outside of church would ask why I wasn’t shaving I usually said I gave it up for Lent.  Then I would tell them about my church activities and this became a good way to share the gospel with those who know me but may not know Jesus.

Playing these diverse roles got me to thinking about the roles we play in everyday life as Christians.  How do people know you’re a Christian?  What roles do you play that distinguishes you from the crowd and lets those around you know you are a believer?  In a prior life I was an accounting consultant which required me to perform work for our client’s.  These client assignments would last from two weeks to two years at a time.  What I found interesting is that the Christians seem to be able to find each other pretty easily.  It never took me long to find the Christians at a new client.  As a matter of fact my most rewarding client relationship I ever had was my association with a client who supervised my work and yet we were of different gender, race, age, and culture.  Once we found out that we were both Christians however I found this common bond very powerful and working for this client and performing the work for this large corporation became much more pleasant and as I said rewarding.  Listed below are four roles I think we are asked by God to play if we are to be considered Christ followers:

Laborer:  Early in the Bible God calls us into labor.  In Genesis 1: 28 God calls man to have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.   Man then names all the animals giving Man is first task to perform.  Jesus later tells us in John 14:12 Most assuredly, I say to you he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also: and greater works, than these he will do, because I go to My Father.   So Jesus left specific instructions that the work he started he expected us to finish.  This of course can take many forms.  This work could be physical like building or repair homes like they do for Appalachia Service Project or Habitat for Humanity.  It could be spending time with a child reading a book about Jesus or being a Sunday school teacher.  It could mean serving on committees using your expertise to lead a Christian organization.  Maybe you have been blessed financially and you are able to give of your money to fund God’s work.  You might be a singer, actor, or speaker that God uses in some way.  Whatever your work looks like to you God has called you for his purpose.  Romans 12:5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.  This chapter goes on to talk about we all have different gifts in different measure but how no matter what your gift is we are to labor or use this in fellowship with others for his purposes not ours.

Obedience:   A mark of a Christian is their obedience to God.  The  Bible asks us to do things like pray for our enemies, put others before ourselves, tithe our incomes, keep sex within marriage, and other what some may consider radical ways to live our lives.  These things we would never do if this was totally our decision.  However for those who carry the Holy Spirit in their heart we will do or attempt to do many of these things because we want to be obedient to God.  Jesus is looking for more than words of our belief.  He is looking to see those words lived out in our lives.  We trust that like a good Father the ways of the Lord are better than our ways.  We may not see this or understand it at the time but we do what is contrary to our nature in faith knowing that God knows more than we do.  Belief and obedience goes hand in hand.   You are My friends if you do whatever I (Jesus) command you. John 15:14. This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it. 2 John 1:6.  Christians show their love for God and are promised blessings when we play the role of obedient follower.

Victorious:  Christians play the role of victors not victims.  We know deep inside that even when things don’t look good in this world that we are victorious.  Christians never lose hope and we know how this movie of life ends.  For I consider that the suffering of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18.  Sure we have our Good Fridays but we know our Easter Sunday is coming.  For the Lord your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory. Deuteronomy 20:4.  One of the most loved verses on victory comes from Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through him who strengths me.  When others see us as victorious this is something they want to have.  Everyone loves a winner and our God is the ultimate winner.  It is good to be on His team.

Excellence: In our role we need to strive for excellence in all that we do.  To be the best we can be.  The way of the lazy man is like a hedge of thorns, but the way of the upright is a highway. Proverbs 15:19.   In this role we are called to higher thoughts. Paul in Romans 8:6-8 says for to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God,for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. We show this role in our work. The Bible says in Colossians 3:22-23 Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eye service as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.   Our goal is not a mediocre or survival type of life but to thrive and excel in our lives while here on earth.

Did you notice what the first letter of each of the four roles of Laborer, Obedience, Victorious, and Excellence spell?  LOVE.  These four roles may be the building blocks but the foundation is LOVE.  As stated in my earlier Blog the Bible or the Word of God is the Book of Love.  It teaches us how God loves us and how we are to love others.  Without love our faith is nothing.  To extend love to others even when we don’t feel like it is the most challenging and yet the most required of all the roles we Christians play.  For those who can play this role God has promised a great reward.  You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all  your mind. Matthew 22:37. The second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Matthew 22:39.God calls us all to be Obedient to this his greatest commandment.  So remember even when you think no one is watching you are on stage.  You may be called a father, brother, mother, sister, child, employee, grandparent, but how you fulfill those roles is how you will be judged for eternity. God desire that our actions be a reflection of a pure heart.

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He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms. Then he (Jesus) opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.  Luke 24:44-45

You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me,  John 5:39

Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.  John 7:38-39

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life (light=truth, darkness=error).”  John 8:12

Then Jesus cried out, “Whoever believes in me does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me (God). The one who looks at me is seeing the one who sent me, (when you look at Jesus, you’re seeing God). I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. John 12:44-46

I know that his (God’s) command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.” John 12:50

All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.  John 6:37

For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day (of your life).”

Jesus is the Light of the World, AMEN!!!

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Nuggets of Wisdom … spread the Word

Burning inside my heart is a flame that will not be blown out; it continues to revive me. My strength is not my own but it belongs to a higher power that has consume me. This power has a name and His name is Jesus Christ. He has been called other names, a few are: El-Shaddai, O Most Holy One, I AM, and Yeshua. My Father has been called other names by fools but to me He is Lord.

To me my Lord is a conquering hero who has won over my heart. My heart was once hardened because of my resistance to my Lord’s advances. The word says it does not, therefore, depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy. For the Scriptures says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden. (Romans 9:16-18)

My heart was bitter towards God and I resisted His love; and I pushed Him away. I thought “How can I love you when you didn’t save me from my attackers. How can you be love? When, you allowed this to happen to me; I was just a little girl.” The Lord then hardened my heart as He did for Pharaoh. In Exodus 5:2 Pharaoh says “Who is the LORD, that I should obey him and let Israel go? I do not know the LORD and I will not let Israel go.” Pharaoh in his words to Moses and Aaron were of ‘do not know,’ unbelief and ‘I will not,’ defiance to God. My words were just as revealing as Pharaoh’s in my own skepticism and cheekiness; we both resisted the Lord’s advances. Further in my reading in Chapter 7 of Exodus and verse 3 the LORD says but I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and though I multiply my miraculous signs and wonders in Egypt, ⁴he will not listen to you. This is God’s mercy not our desire. God used Pharaoh to demonstrate His power throughout the world. But, thank you Lord that Jesus Christ didn’t leave me in my own sin to die like Pharaoh died in the bottom of the Red Sea.

The Lord hardened my heart so that He could show me His power and love for me. The Lord had to take me down to the bottom of the Red Sea ‘to the surrender of my life’ so that He could raise me up into His life. So, when I say if you hear his voice do not harden your hearts (Hebrews 3:8); do not resist. For when you resist Him the Lord will then have mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden. Please learn from my mistakes and hear his voice do not harden your hearts.

The reason we get second chances in life to be redeemed was because of God. “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” ᶦ⁷For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. ᶦ⁸Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” (John 3:16-18)

God gave us a wonderful gift to live a life without guilt and shame. The shame of our past, present, and future sins was taken on a cross and nailed there. When I look to the cross I see the words shame, angry, rape, unforgiveness, and bitterness written in bold letters into the wood. We do not need to carry them with us wherever we go. Jesus says in His word “come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)

Come, if you hear my voice, do not harden your hearts. (Hebrews 3:8) “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. ⁷If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen Him.  (Matthew 14:6-7)

Thank you, Lord for your death and resurrection so that my arms are not empty. Thank you, Lord for your compassion and mercy for me through hard times. Thank you, Father that I can call you Abba my Father.

I pray for your lost sheep that they will not resist your advances and will turn and embrace the promise of your death and resurrection. I pray that they will repent and believe on you, Jesus for everlasting life. Bring them home, Lord that they may learn of your will for them. Protect them and guide them in everlasting truth; in Jesus Christ name I pray. Amen.

Deliver me from my enemies, O God; protect me from those who rise up against me. ²Deliver me from evildoers and save me from bloodthirsty men. ³See how they lie in wait for me! Fierce men conspire against me for no offense or sin of mine, O Lord.  

⁴I have done no wrong, yet they are ready to attack me. Arise to help me; look on my plight! ⁵O Lord God Almighty, the God of Israel, rouse yourself to punish all the nations; show no mercy to wicked traitors.       Selah  

⁶They return at evening, snarling like dogs, and prowl about the city. ⁷See what they spew from their mouths—they spew out swords from their lips, and they say, “Who can hear us?” ⁸But you, O Lord, laugh at them; you scoff at all those nations.

⁹O my Strength, I watch for you; you, O God, are my fortress, ¹°my loving God. God will go before me and will let me gloat over those who slander me. ¹¹But do not kill them, O Lord our shield, or my people will forget. In your might make them wander about, and bring them down.

¹²For the sins of their mouths, for the words of their lips, let them be caught in their pride. For the curses and lies they utter, ¹³consume them in wrath, consume them till they are no more. Then it will be known to the ends of the earth that God rules over Jacob.       Selah

¹⁴They return at evening, snarling like dogs, and prowl about the city. ¹⁵They wander about for food and howl if not satisfied. ¹⁶But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. ¹⁷O my Strength, I sing praise to you; you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God. ∽Psalm 59

David was anointed King by a prophet when King Saul disobeys God’s word. The problem is that King Saul isn’t giving up his throne and David is on the outside looking in. One moment Saul is friends with David and the next he is hunting him to kill him. In this instant, Saul has sent his men to watch David at his home and then kill him. 1Samuel 19

Imagine being watched like David is being; see how they lie in wait for me! Fierce men conspire against me…  David hadn’t done anything to deserve this treatment. But, still they wait … Imagine his family and what he is experiencing wanting to protect his love ones. Who do you turn to?

David turns to God for help for God is a great warrior. God is a season warrior who has fought many battles and won. God’s resume is long when dealing with the enemy He has no recorded defeats. Who are you going call to go to battle for you? God, I will call on God.

God is a master mind

God is a master mind in helping David: David’s best friend is Saul’s son Jonathan. Jonathan warned David to run and hide for his father, Saul was hunting him. David’s wife Michal is the daughter of Saul the enemy of David was used to lower her husband out of his house to flee Saul’s army. God‘s infinite power goes beyond what we consider absolute. David seeks God first in prayer.

‘Deliver me, protect me, and rise up against me’ David’s words are precise when calling on God; his champion to battle for him. King Saul best beware of David calling on God to surround him with protection; because David has God on his side. King Saul has murder on his mind and God abhors men cover in violence. (Malachi 2:16)

God hears David in his throne room “I have done no wrong… Arise to help me… O Lord God Almighty, the God of Israel, rouse yourself to punish…show no mercy.”  David knows from past experience concerning Saul that the Lord did indeed deliver him from Saul’s hand. (1Samuel 18) But, still he makes his petition known to God that he needs help. Show no mercy to wicked traitors. David knew these men and fought with them on the battle field and now they hunt for him.

Apart from God’s light you are in darkness

They return at evening like dogs prowling and sniffing to find his sense. Evil men do their work at night where they commit their acts of violence. Apart from God’s light you are in darkness and Saul was in darkness. (Ephesians 4:18) The king’s men seek to satisfy their cruel master’s desire they surround David on all sides waiting to devour him like Satan. If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31) But, God hears their whispers at night and laughs. God hears all things; you cannot hide in darkness he will find you. (Psalm 139:11-12)

⁹O my Strength, I watch for you; you, O God, are my fortress, ¹°my loving God. God will go before me and will let me gloat over those who slander me.

I like the King James Version for verse 9 says because of his strength will I wait upon thee: for God is my defense. Saul’s men strength alone is more than David but David has God and God strength alone will keep him safe. God has a strong tower that David can find refuge from his enemies. God will go before David and make a way for him. He will give streams in the desert a road in the wilderness; God will make a way. We can count on Him to make our defeats become victories in front of our enemies. The Lord will give us the words; he will calm our nerves; and he will help us look into our enemies’ eyes with confidence.

¹¹But do not kill them, O Lord our shield, or my people will forget. In your might make them wander about, and bring them down.

David is speaking from a place of a soldier whose prayer is not to kill them; but keep them around so that a lesson can be learned. We forget so easy and having an advisory around keeps us on our toes going to the Father for help. We stay in our relationship with the Father under his shield being protected when Satan our enemy is prowling around.

¹²For the sins of their mouths, for the words of their lips, let them be caught in their pride. For the curses and lies they utter,

Our mouths get us in trouble and that is what David is praying for; let them be caught in their pride/sin. We want our words to be pleasing not full of boasting and pride for one self. The word says “the tongue of the wise commends knowledge, the mouth of a fool gushes folly (Proverbs 15:2). The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. (James 3:6) Our mouth, lips, and tongue belong to the Lord and if we use it to slander, gossip, and joke about others it will take us to a place far from God. Saul was in that place with David and the odds weren’t on his side.

¹³consume them in wrath, consume them till they are no more. Then it will be known to the ends of the earth that God rules over Jacob.       Selah

Consume them in wrath, consume them til they are no more. David could hear their whispers night after night and knowing these men will not give up until David is found and annihilated. David cries out to God consume them in wrath, consume them til they are no more. David is thinking of his children and wife and what are they going through. Let this come to an end God; no more sleepless nights. My enemies are not changing they are still looking for me wanting me dead. They are void of feelings and of guilt. They thirst for my blood they won’t give up until I am dead. Consume them in wrath…Then it will be known to the ends of the earth that God rules over Jacob. Selah.

¹⁴They return at evening, snarling like dogs, and prowl about the city. ¹⁵They wander about for food and howl if not satisfied. ¹⁶But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. ¹⁷O my Strength, I sing praise to you; you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God.

In the evening the king’s soldiers will return with their prowling, bad mouthing and their filthy habits but David will be in his Father’s house. David will be in God’s stronghold surrounded by God’s men and rejoicing in song “but I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble…

Do you want the victory that David had with God?

• David turned to God and sought his face in prayer.
• David poured out his heart to the Lord holding nothing back.
• David waited for the Lord to lead him.
• David step out in faith
• David praised his God.

Thank you, Father

Thank you, Father that we can pour out our heart and you listen; and you are faithful to answer. Thank you, Father that you grow us into a Christ center individual whose focus is on victory.

Thank you, Father for David who shows us how to reflect your heart; so that we can reflect your glory.

I Pray

I pray for your people who want to be more like you in every way. Help them to pray like David so that they will see God’s awesome power in their lives. Deliver them, protect them, and save them from their enemies. Consume their enemies in your wrath O’ God my King. In Jesus Christ name I pray. Amen.

~God will make a way, where there seems to be no way. He works in ways, we cannot see. He will make a way, He will make a way. He will be my guide hold me closely to his side with love and strength for each new day. He will make a way, He will make a way. My roadway in the wilderness you lead me. Rivers in the desert will I see. Heaven and earth will fade but his word will still remain and He will do something new today. O God will make a way, where there seems to be no way…¹

This song ‘God will make a way’ was singing away in my heart the other morning and it gave me hope that all would be well with me. Sometimes, we cannot see how God can make some situations turn out, ok. But God made a way by making a new covenant with the house of Israel. (Hebrews 8:8)

The only reason that God can make a roadway in the wilderness or rivers in the desert for us; was to send his son Jesus Christ to die a sin filled death for us. We have this abundant life for one reason and Jesus Christ is the reason. We sometimes think we are making the decisions but it is God in the background orchestrating everything. We forget who Jesus Christ is? We make him out to be this insignificant person we see once a week at church and we forget what He has done.

When I was being baptized in water my Pastor told me that once he dunks me in the water I needed to raise myself up. I thought you got to be kidding how was he expecting me to do that? When it was time I gave it to the Lord and up I came and it was the power of the Holy Spirit that bought me out of that water. I was standing at the edge of a drop off in the pond and no way could I have done it without the Lord. Jesus Christ made a way for me.

God sent His only son Jesus Christ to be born in the flesh; Jesus did many things in God’s name during his ministry like raising Lazarus from the dead² and feeding 5,000 with two small fish and five small barley loaves³; Jesus was stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted⁴, by His own Father; died a sinners death for our sins by hanging on a cross⁵; and rose after three days in a grave⁶. Can you imagine doing all that on your own? God made a way for his son, where there seems to be no way.¹

He will be my guide hold me closely to his side with love and strength for each new day.¹

In the scriptures Jesus Christ references His Father as living and abiding in Him. I and my Father are one. (John 10:30) Another scripture says: ²¹That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.²²I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: ²³I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. (John 17:21-23)

We need to abide in Christ as He abides with His Father so that He will make a way for us¹. In his word He says “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. ²⁹If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. (Galatians 3:28) We who are called sons and daughters of the King are heirs to His grace. When we cry out in prayer for needs He is there interceding for us to His Father. (Hebrews 7:25) Behind the scenes of our life the Lord is orchestrating His will in our life making straight our path to Him. (Proverbs 3:5, 6)

The Lord commands us to “remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. ⁵I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

For us to remain in Him and be held closely to his side with love and strength Jesus needs to live inside of us. When Jesus died on the cross He gave up His spirit and that spirit lives in each believer who has asked for it. (Matt. 27:50) The disciples had been praying for days and one day a great wind filled the room they were sitting in. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that settle on each one and all were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues. We all will have different stories of our conversion with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:1-4) The Holy Spirit will be the power you need to abide with Christ. If you are not abiding and struggling to stay pure maybe you are lacking the Holy Spirit guiding hand. Or maybe you have ignored the quiet whisper of the Holy Spirit and you need to repent of your sin and be renewed. Either way look to God and He will make a way.

Repenting and believing in Jesus Christ is the first step in making streams in the desert. Asking the Holy Spirit into your life seals⁷ your faith with God; this produces fruit⁸ in your life. But if you choose neither you will be ⁶like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. (John 15:4-6)

Heaven and earth will fade but his word will still remain and He will do something new today. O God will make a way…¹

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.” (1Peter 1:24, 25) Apostle Peter was saying here that although the earth and people will disappear the word of God abides forever. The word of God is Jesus Christ in John 1:1 …the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Apostle John is saying that Jesus Christ is the Word of God and that God spoke to us through his son Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ will live forever.

When we think all is lost and things can’t get any better read the words of the Lord that stand forever they should encourage you.

• The Lord’s compassion is new every morning. (Lamentations 3:22, 23)
• Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. (Ezekiel 18:31) Repent and believe and He will make a way for you.
• There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most high dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. (Psalms 46:4, 5) God’s river flows continually covering you with his grace.
• “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty…All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. (John 6:35-37)
• …being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6)
• For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is a gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8, 9)

Believe! That God can make a way for you when all things look hopeless. The word says “do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. (John 14:1) Trust in me; meaning Jesus Christ.

God will make a way, where there seems to be no way. He works in ways, we cannot see. He will make a way, he will make a way.¹

Trust that God is in control of your life. I know sometimes it’s hard to really put all your trust there. But, remember this is the Lord in His mercy raised Lazarus from the dead and healed a multitude of people. He cared so much for you that He gave up His life for you. Jesus Christ took His own life on the cross and raising on the third day so that God could make a way, where there seems to be no way. He works in ways, we cannot see. He would make a way, He would make a way.¹

Thank you, Father that you make a way in the desert for us when we struggle with this life. Thank you, Father that you cared enough to find a way for us to sin no more. Thank you, Father that your word will stand forever and that your name is written in the stars for generations to come.

I pray that your people who are called by your name will trust you enough to abide in your mercy as you Lord abide in God. That they will read your word and trust what it says so that they will continue to abide in you and grow into your likeness. I pray that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ-to the gory and praise of God⁹. In Jesus Christ name I pray; Amen.

¹God will make a way, WOW worship 2000, Integrity/Marantha
² Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead, John 11:38-44
³ Jesus feeds the five thousand, John 6:1-15
⁴ Surely he took up our infirmities…Isaiah 53:4b
⁵ God did by sending His son in the likeness of sinful man. Romans 8:3
⁶ Jesus raised to life after three days. Matthew 16:21
⁷ Marked in him with a seal. Ephesians 1:13
⁸ Fruit of the Spirit, Galatians 5:22
⁹ Thanksgiving and prayer, Philippians 1:9-11 NIV

“Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty? They are higher than the heavens above—what can you do? They are deeper than the depths below—what can you know? Their measure is longer than the earth and wider than the sea.  Job 11:7-9

“This is what the Lord (Jesus) says—Israel’s King and Redeemer, the Lord Almighty: I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God. Who then is like me?  Isaiah 44:6

The heavens praise your wonders, Lord, your faithfulness too, in the assembly of the holy ones. For who in the skies above can compare with the Lord? Who is like the Lord among the heavenly beings (angels)? In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared; he is more awesome than all who surround him. Who is like you, Lord God Almighty? You, Lord, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you.  Psalm 89:5-8

He who forms the mountains, who creates the wind, and who reveals his thoughts to mankind, who turns dawn to darkness, and treads on the heights of the earth—the Lord God Almighty is his name.  Amos 4:13

“Look, he (Jesus) is coming with the clouds,” and “every eye will see him, even those who pierced him”; “I am the Alpha and the Omega,”says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”  Revelation 1:7-8a

John writes, When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever!  Revelation 1:17-18a

AMEN!!!

Image Credit: A solar prominence sequence was captured in extreme ultraviolet light on Mar. 16, 2013.

Credit: Solar Dynamics Observatory/NASA › View associated video