God’s Goodness!

As you feast on God’s goodness today, see Jesus in every little corner of your life. Notice the burn down in your heart as you have fresh revelations of His love and favor. Savor this moment, for Jesus paid a great price for that burn. 

 “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” Luke 24:32 

When was the last time you really experienced the presence of God? I mean more than just head knowledge but a time you really felt His presence? You see, we were meant to know God, not just know about Him. Isn’t that the way it should be with someone you love? Isn’t real love more than a “head” knowledge? Love was meant to be experienced, not just studied. It’s the same with God. Stop and close your eyes, focus on a time you really felt the presence of God. When you get that image, relive it again in your mind. Do you remember what it was like? Did your heart burn within you? 

Paul writes, “And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” He says that knowing God’s love surpasses knowledge. If that doesn’t warm you up, what will? We were meant to experience God or as Paul says it, “be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” I pray that today you will be conscious of His presence and have a deep and meaningful relationship with Him.

Sit quietly and think of a time when you felt the presence of God. Perhaps it was in church or a night of worship, or while vacationing in natures beauty. Perhaps it was an answer to prayer or a realization of truth. Was it a devotional time and God spoke to you? Fix your mind on that experience and sense what it felt like. As you begin to recall the experience let it seep into the present moment. Invite God to make His presence known to you now. Welcome Him, focus on His love for you. As you meditate on His love let Him warm your heart and surpass your knowledge. Affirm, “I experience the love of God.”

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We should always pray and never give up!

I love this parable of the persistent widow how she never gave up praying. Have you ever had your back against the wall ? Where you thought you would never get out of a horrible situation you were in. Emotionally, you were a mess. Maybe that is where you find yourself at this moment, then this passage should speak to you to pray and never give up. 

“One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up.” Luke 18:1 

Maybe you are praying and waiting. And you are crying, then pray again. Where you continue to pray and fight the feeling to give up over and over again. Remember what Jesus said to do, “Knock and keep knocking, ask and keep asking, seek and keep seeking.”

So let me encourage to surrender everything to the Lord and seek Him with all your heart continue to pray some more and know that God has not forsaken you. His love is sufficient even in the worst of the times.God never promised you or I perfect pain free life, but He did promise He would never leave us. 

Keep thinking about Jesus’s life, walking from town to town, no where to lay His head, all the way to the cross. And He did it so we could pray to Him. I know many who are reading this are going through horrible struggles, perplexed and hurting. Today know this. Jesus was very specific in the stories He told. He was purposeful because He wanted us to know this one thing, pray and never give up.

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Have a wonderful day as you remain in His presence always praying and never giving up. Love you all.

Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord!

We must make every effort to firmly stand; and yet, we must realize that we cannot stand in our own strength. The ground is solid only because of Christ. He IS the rock upon which we have been set – the Rock of our Salvation. 

“Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58

Whenever we feel unworthy or unable to follow – whenever we feel we can no longer stand – we have surely begun to look to our own strength rather than God; “Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ” (2 Corinthians 1:21). He alone gives us the strength. We have trusted Him to lift us out of the pit; and now that we are His child, we must continue to trust Him to strengthen us and be the stable Rock of our life.

The solid Rock is no place to tremble, no place to fear. He will remain solid for all eternity; and, as we stand on Him, He will accomplish through us what we are unable to do in our own strength. He is our new life, our strength, our identity, and all our self-worth. He is our comfort when we grieve and He is our guiding light when we have lost our way. Let’s honor our Heavenly Father as we continue to stand. Let’s bring Him glory as we resolve to stand firm on the Rock! 

God’s way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless!

These words are part of a song of praise King David sang to God. Several times in his life David ventured out to do things his own way. Yet time after time he found that walking down God’s path was not only the best way, it was the perfect way. We obviously must learn this same lesson. We are given many options – many roads to travel as we seek a better way – but His narrow road is the only way to true life…the only road to peace and true contentment. 

“As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him.” 2 Samuel 22:31 

 

Living by God’s way requires constant renewal of faith and trust. It first requires faith in Jesus for the forgiveness of sin, and then complete trust as we continue down His path. While God’s way is definitely perfect, it’s not always easy to understand.(I believe we all can relate to this) His way will often conflict with what we just “know” is best. in our minds. In times of apparent conflict are the times to humbly increase our faith and better learn how to trust Him.

The world’s way will continually do battle against this trust. Jesus said, “do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear” (Matthew 6:25). The world’s way says we will soon be hungry and naked; but God’s way says that as we trust Him with all our heart, and lean not on our own understanding( Proverbs 3:5), we will soon find rest and peace; “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33). God’s way is to follow Him, walking side by side, no matter how great the burden.

God has given each of us unique and wonderful gifts. But our gifts must be used along His path and for His glory, or they become nothing but “filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6). Let’s stop seeking our way, with our goals and our desires. Instead, let’s daily release to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and boldly follow where He leads. Let’s trust and walk each and every step according to His perfect way.

Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen!

In order to experience the power of God, we have to be willing to step out in faith, even when it seems there is no way and no solution to the problem at hand and our strength is gone. God will strengthen us as we go. He is the Way Maker and the only thing that really matters is the fact that God sends us.Have a wonderful day as you exercise your faith and have the confidence that what you hope for will actually happen. Love you all. 

 “Faith is the confidence  that what we hope for will actually happen., it gives us assurance about things we can not see.” Hebrews 11:1

A powerful life is fueled by the kind of faith that steps out in obedience and lets God worry about whether or not we come back. At the center of every challenge is an opportunity for trust in God to work.  Every problem contains a concentrated opportunity and offers the option of stepping out in faith. 

Faith is built upon trust. God wants us to trust Him – even when we do not understand what is happening or can explain the circumstances. Even when nothing makes sense and everything seems wrong. It is easy to trust Him when the seas are calm and the skies are clear but the strength of our faith is measured in the midst of a raging storm. A crisis always reveals what is really inside. What life does to us depends on what life finds in us. Faith is a deliberate choice to believe God, to walk through our fear, knowing we can trust Him every step of the way.

Believe God’s truth not the Lies of Satan!

All of life is a choice of who you will believe. Life is a battle between believing the truth or swallowing lies. And because the nature of our hearts is to doubt the truth and believe deceptions, it takes a deliberate effort to embrace God’s truth as non-negotiable. If we don’t keep our minds in the truth of the Scriptures on a daily basis, we become easy marks for our constant foe, the devil, who is both “an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14) and “the father of lies.” Deception. It is the devil’s specialty. The Bible says, “He deceives the whole world” (Revelation 12:19). And he deceives the whole world through lies. Has he deceived you? “He is a liar, and the father of lies.” John 8:4. 

Believe God’s truth not the Lies of Satan!

I hear from people often who have been deceived by the devil into thinking that (1) God is not good, (2) God does not really love them, and (3) God cannot really be trusted.  Those are perhaps Satan’s three greatest lies … and so many people, Christians included, subconsciously believe them, to one degree or another. Why is that?

All of us have a strong tendency to evaluate God’s goodness, love, and plan for our lives based on current circumstances. If things are going well for us, we tend to see God in a positive, biblical light. But, if things suddenly go south (we encounter job loss, health loss, marriage and family trouble, or a myriad of other things), we start to question the goodness of God and the promises in His Word.

Circumstances are a faulty means for evaluating God and His character. Job’s wife fell into that trap. As she viewed all of the tragedy that had befallen her and Job, she surmised that God wasn’t good, He didn’t love them, and He was not worthy of their trust. Her circumstance-driven response to Job was “curse God and die” (Job 2:9). Sadly, many follow her advice as they cannot seem to reconcile their trials and hardships on one hand with a good and loving God on the other. The devil steps in at that moment to say, “The reason this equation doesn’t compute in your mind is because God is not good, loving and kind. The pain of your trials is real and undeniable, but the goodness of God is obviously a cruel, sadistic joke. Better to just curse God and die.”   

The truth of the matter is this: God is good, regardless of bad circumstances. God loves you and me, regardless of the storms that may pour into our lives. God has a good plan for us, regardless of what it might look like right now. God knows what He is doing,  quit judging the product before it is finished. Trust God and His Word. The cross of Jesus Christ is God’s permanent reminder to you and me that He is good, He loves us, and He can be trusted. The devil’s lies or God’s truth: which one will you choose to believe today?

Why Did This Happen God?

​Why Did This Happen God? We’ve all asked this question at one time or another, right?  We often find there are things in life that happen which we JUST don’t understand. I think we can all say we have had our share of circumstances where we could question God on things that have happened in our lives or around us. We could say, “Why did this happen, God?” With all our studying of the scriptures and what we believe the Bible teaches, we still have times where things that have happened just don’t make sense; deaths, illnesses, accidents, relationship breakdowns, and the list goes on. We believe we know why some of these happen, but there are other areas where we just draw a blank. No matter how diligently we study the Word and seek God for answers, we often come up blank or assume the WORST, that God has failed us. So, if you have any area in your life that just makes no sense, a “Why, God?” area, please leave it alone. God in His time will give you the answer even if it is on the other side after your life on earth ends. Do not let the incomprehensible get in the way of your love walk with Jesus! 

” For now I see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known”. – 1 Corinthians 13:12
Without getting into ALL the theological debates of our often futile attempts to explain these things, I would like to personally share how I recommend dealing with these “Why, God?” areas in our lives. I feel this will HELP and ENCOURAGE some of you.
How I have dealt with this is so basic and practical, yet it has helped me stay in love with my LORD; therefore, I ask you to NOT take this answer too lightly. In spite of my knowledge of the Word of God, I have learned to acknowledge that God is all-knowing and I am not. He is God and I am NOT! I see through a spiritual glass or mirror (Thank God, I see!), but ever so darkly, dimly. Now, in ALL my knowing, I ONLY know in PART a fragment of the Truth, but Praise God, the day is coming when I will get to the other side and I will see clearly, knowing even as I am known! (1 Corinthians 13:12)

I pray that today that you do not get angry or bitter with God concerning things that happen in your life or around you; even if, because of your theological beliefs, you’re convinced that you are SO RIGHT and God is so wrong. Let me submit for your consideration that your THEOLOGY IS WRONG if it justifies your anger or bitterness with God. It may not be until you get to the other side that you will fully understand how or why something has happened. But when that day comes, whether in this lifetime or on the other side, you will surely see that God was ALWAYS just. All things will then make sense and you will see that all anger and bitterness toward God was unfounded. You will then wonder how you could have been so foolish or blind as to think that being angry or bitter with God was appropriate.

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Have a wonderfully blessed “Love” day. Love you all.

When you have Doubt!

​It is in our discouragement—even despair—that we begin to question God. “What did I do wrong?”, “Lord, did you call me to this place of confusion?”, “Where is my joy and hope?”, “Are you even real or just a figment of my imagination?” Left to its natural conclusion, doubt crushes our faith in Christ. Fortunately, faith does not have to take a leave of  absence when we are frustrated and fatigued. It is in your confinement that Christ wants to remind you of His great power. So cry out to Him in your confused circumstances, and He will earnestly listen in love.  

When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples to ask him, “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?” Matthew 11:2–3

It is okay to be in doubt, but not to remain in doubt. What doubt challenges your faith in God? Is it His provision, His promises, His presence, His character, or His care? When these questions assault your confidence in Christ, take a step back and review His track record. The reality of your salvation sets you on the productive path of peace and forgiveness. Answered prayer over the years is proof enough of His love and concern. 

Furthermore, use this temporary time of distrust to go deeper with Jesus. The pressure you feel on all sides is your Savior’s way of soliciting your attention. When in doubt, seek out the Lord, learn to love Him completely, and discern more fully His profound promises. Use doubt to dig deeper into the truth of Scripture; marinate your mind. “Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him” (Psalm 34:8). 

When in doubt, stay steadfast in seeking your Savior. Wait on Him, especially when you wonder what is next. Where there is true faith there may be a mixture of unbelief; so remain faithful, even when questions manipulate your faith. Perseverance will one day free you as a stronger and more-committed follower of Christ. See Jesus for who He is. Doubt dissolves in His reassuring presence. Doubt starves to death when it is not fed. 

Make the Most out of each Day!

​The biggest trap we all fall into is taking a day in our life for granted. We get so used to waking up in the morning, day after day, week after week, month after month, year after year, that we simply take today for granted expecting that there will be a tomorrow. It is God who will determine when each of us has completed our journey here, and there will be no more tomorrows. 

“We are here for only a moment, visitors and strangers in the land as our ancestors were before us. Our days on earth are like a passing shadow, gone so soon without a trace.” 1 Chronicles 29:15

 

The point of this message is to drive home the fact that tomorrow is not promised to us, even though we often assume it will come. Today, right now, is the only thing we can be assured of. That is why I want to encourage you to make the most of today. Don’t treat it as simply “another day.” The fact is each day is unique unto itself. This day can be as special as you want to make it. I know that many of you are going through some difficult times in your life, have many pressing issues that you are dealing with, fighting tremendous battles. DON’T LET THE DAY-TO-DAY TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS OF LIFE KEEP YOU FROM MAKING TODAY SPECIAL!

 

How do you make today special? First, you start it in prayer and the Word. Nobody should even get out of bed without talking to the Lord. Talking with Jesus should be the very first thing you do when you wake up. Personally, I don’t get out of bed until I have spent time in prayer, conversing with the Lord, and then spending time in the Word. Before my feet even hit the ground, I have had a good talk with Jesus and spent some time in His Word.

 

You can never imagine the strength, the encouragement, the peace and joy you have when you start your day with Christ and His Word. It helps you focus on the fact that no matter what may be going on in your life, no matter what the day may bring, you are not alone.

 

I pray that you will never take even one day of your life for granted again. EACH DAY IS SPECIAL! When it is over, it is never coming back, so make the most of it. God is going to hold us accountable for how we use the time that He has graciously given to us. Never forget, our purpose in this life is to serve and glorify God with our lives. We can never get so busy with our lives, so focused on what we want to do, that we forget to fulfill our purpose by serving the Lord and bringing glory to His name through our lives each day.

In Me You May Have Peace!

It is natural for each of us to want every day to be a good day. It is natural to want health, harmony, and happiness. Life does have many good days; however, there are also some days that aren’t so good. Christians get sick. Christians struggle. Christians suffer. Yes, it’s true that Jesus told us, “In this world you will have trouble.” But that’s not the end of the story. He went on to say, “But take heart! I have overcome the world.” In other words of you’re a believer, even though we will face difficult times before we get to heaven, we should be encouraged by the fact that our union with Christ will enable us to overcome whatever comes our way. The Lord has given us the privilege of prayer, and the power of His promises, along with a host of other resources, to help us face our troubles with hope in our hearts. Let’s make the most of these heavenly resources, so that we may be a beacon a hope to others, and become all God created us to be! 

 “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and tribulations. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”  John 16:33 

 

 

What things had Jesus told His disciples? He had told them about the dark times that were ahead. He had told them about His crucifixion and going away. He had told them that there would times when they might feel abandoned by Him. He had told them about their own suffering. He had told them about the hard times in life. But He had also told them that He would always be with them. He had told them about how the Holy Spirit would live within each of them to comfort and to guide. He had told them that He be preparing a special place in heaven, just for them. He had told them that He would one day come again and take them from this difficult world. He had told them that He had a special plan for how He would use them to bring glory to the Father. He had told them that even though life might sometimes look bleak, there is always hope. He had told them that their suffering was only for a season and that in the end they would share with Him in His victory.

 

Jesus did not hide from them the fact that they would suffer. He warned them about the realities of life. But He also promised them peace in the midst of pain. “You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace.” The peace Christ promised them would not come because there would be no problems. The peace Christ promised them would come because they had confidence that He was in control.

 

Perhaps you are currently going through a difficult time in your life. Perhaps it seems as though all peace has been taken out of your life. I will not be so foolish as to tell you to forget your problems. But I will encourage you to not forget the promises of Christ and to daily draw your strength from Him. Jesus has told us that He will never leave us nor forsake us, and that His grace will always be sufficient for our every need.