Thursday, July 30, 2015
God appears in your routine
Luke 5:1-5 (NKJV)
1 So it was, as the multitude pressed about Him (Jesus) to hear the word of God, that he stood by the Lake of Gennesaret,
2 and saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen had gone from them and were washing their nets.
3 Then He got into one of the boats, which was Simon's, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat.
4 When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, "Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch."
5 But Simon answered and said to Him, "Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net."
++++++++++++++++++++++
For the fishermen, it was a routine day. True, they had not caught any fish last night, but another night is coming, so they are cleaning and preparing their nets for the next night's work. Along came Jesus and asked to borrow a boat from which to teach the multitudes.
This was to change the life of the fishermen. After teaching, Jesus instructed them to put out into the deep for a catch. It seemed useless, but they did that and caught so many fish that two boats began to sink.
As I read this and other appearances of God in the early chapters of Luke, it occurred to me that in most cases God appeared in the routines of daily living.
So it is today! Do you expect God to appear in your routine? If you do, you will see Him in the friend who needs a word of encouragement. Perhaps in the stranger who just needs a friendly smile.
However, God speaks to you, are you ready to respond even if what He says does not make common sense? Let Him come into your routine. It will change your life!
1 So it was, as the multitude pressed about Him (Jesus) to hear the word of God, that he stood by the Lake of Gennesaret,
2 and saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen had gone from them and were washing their nets.
3 Then He got into one of the boats, which was Simon's, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat.
4 When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, "Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch."
5 But Simon answered and said to Him, "Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net."
++++++++++++++++++++++
For the fishermen, it was a routine day. True, they had not caught any fish last night, but another night is coming, so they are cleaning and preparing their nets for the next night's work. Along came Jesus and asked to borrow a boat from which to teach the multitudes.
This was to change the life of the fishermen. After teaching, Jesus instructed them to put out into the deep for a catch. It seemed useless, but they did that and caught so many fish that two boats began to sink.
As I read this and other appearances of God in the early chapters of Luke, it occurred to me that in most cases God appeared in the routines of daily living.
So it is today! Do you expect God to appear in your routine? If you do, you will see Him in the friend who needs a word of encouragement. Perhaps in the stranger who just needs a friendly smile.
However, God speaks to you, are you ready to respond even if what He says does not make common sense? Let Him come into your routine. It will change your life!
Saturday, July 25, 2015
God's word leads!
Psalm 119:105 (NKJV)
Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.
+++++++++++++++++++
God's word gives direction to life (light on my path) ,
but also gives step by step leadership (lamp for my feet)!
As we daily seek God through His word, He will lead us in setting
priorities and direction to our life. Then He will lead us
step by step in following His direction.
Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.
+++++++++++++++++++
God's word gives direction to life (light on my path) ,
but also gives step by step leadership (lamp for my feet)!
As we daily seek God through His word, He will lead us in setting
priorities and direction to our life. Then He will lead us
step by step in following His direction.
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
Confession and forgiveness
Psalm 32:1-5 (NKJV)
1 Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven,
Whose sin is covered.
2 Blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity,
And in whose spirit there is no deceit.
3 When I kept silent, my bones grew old
Through my groaning all the day long.
4 For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me;
My vitality was turned into the drought of summer.
5 I acknowledged my sin to you,
And my iniquity I have not hidden.
I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD."
And You forgave the iniquity of my sin.
++++++++++++++++++++++++
David tells about the struggle that was his while he refused to confess and repent. It was when he turned to God in confession that he received forgiveness and real freedom.
In I John 1:8 we are told that if we say we have no sin, we lie and deceive ourselves, and call God a liar! In the next verse we are assured of forgiveness when we confess.
Both the Psalmist and John knew of the need of confession and the joy of forgiveness!
1 Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven,
Whose sin is covered.
2 Blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity,
And in whose spirit there is no deceit.
3 When I kept silent, my bones grew old
Through my groaning all the day long.
4 For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me;
My vitality was turned into the drought of summer.
5 I acknowledged my sin to you,
And my iniquity I have not hidden.
I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD."
And You forgave the iniquity of my sin.
++++++++++++++++++++++++
David tells about the struggle that was his while he refused to confess and repent. It was when he turned to God in confession that he received forgiveness and real freedom.
In I John 1:8 we are told that if we say we have no sin, we lie and deceive ourselves, and call God a liar! In the next verse we are assured of forgiveness when we confess.
Both the Psalmist and John knew of the need of confession and the joy of forgiveness!
Friday, July 17, 2015
REPENT!
Psalm 85:1-7 (NKJV)
1 LORD, You have been favorable to Your land;
You have brought back the captivity of Jacob.
2 You have forgiven the iniquity of Your people;
You have covered all their sin.
3 You have taken away all Your wrath;
You have turned from the fierceness of Your anger.
4 Restore us, O God of our salvation.
And cause Your anger toward us to cease.
5 Will you be angry with us forever?
Will You prolong Your anger to all generations?
6 Will you not revive us again,
That Your people may rejoice in You?
7 Show us Your mercy, O LORD,
And grant us Your salvation.
+++++++++++++++++
Repent again! The nation of Israel had turned from God, experienced judgment, been forgiven, only to repeat the cycle over and over.
The first verses of this psalm describe God's forgiveness and restoration of the land.
The next verses ask forgiveness and restoration again.
Forgiveness and Restoration comes after repentance.
Our nation stands at this point today. As a nation we have turned away from God.
When a nation turns from God, there will be judgment. People don't like that idea, but if we believe the Bible, we can come to no other conclusion.
So, our nation needs to Repent Again! God has promised to heal our land when His people turn from their sin (repent) and turn to Him. (2 Chronicles 7:14).
This psalm ask God to revive us and show us mercy and grant salvation. This will come only when His people repent and turn to Him!
This is a national need, but must start with each individual.
Now is the time! Time may be short! So, America, REPENT AGAIN!
1 LORD, You have been favorable to Your land;
You have brought back the captivity of Jacob.
2 You have forgiven the iniquity of Your people;
You have covered all their sin.
3 You have taken away all Your wrath;
You have turned from the fierceness of Your anger.
4 Restore us, O God of our salvation.
And cause Your anger toward us to cease.
5 Will you be angry with us forever?
Will You prolong Your anger to all generations?
6 Will you not revive us again,
That Your people may rejoice in You?
7 Show us Your mercy, O LORD,
And grant us Your salvation.
+++++++++++++++++
Repent again! The nation of Israel had turned from God, experienced judgment, been forgiven, only to repeat the cycle over and over.
The first verses of this psalm describe God's forgiveness and restoration of the land.
The next verses ask forgiveness and restoration again.
Forgiveness and Restoration comes after repentance.
Our nation stands at this point today. As a nation we have turned away from God.
When a nation turns from God, there will be judgment. People don't like that idea, but if we believe the Bible, we can come to no other conclusion.
So, our nation needs to Repent Again! God has promised to heal our land when His people turn from their sin (repent) and turn to Him. (2 Chronicles 7:14).
This psalm ask God to revive us and show us mercy and grant salvation. This will come only when His people repent and turn to Him!
This is a national need, but must start with each individual.
Now is the time! Time may be short! So, America, REPENT AGAIN!
Thursday, July 16, 2015
Send it ahead!
Ecclesiastes 11:1 (NKJV)
Cast your bread upon the waters,
For you will find it after many days.
+++++++++++++++++++++++
This is an OT version of the Golden Rule as recorded in Matthew 7:12: "Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets."
There is a current saying: "Pay it ahead". When someone does something for you and you try to repay them, they often say "Pay it ahead." They mean do something good for someone else.
But this verse and Jesus' instruction in Matthew, tells us to do good before someone does it for you. We don't have to wait for someone to do something for us, for us to do something good.
As we move through life, we will find various opportunities to do something for others. The Bible says that if we will do so, then we will receive good. That should not be the goal when we do something good, but is a result.
So I have reworded the phrase. Instead of "Pay it ahead", lets "Send it ahead."
You may have seen this in a negative way. A person may be stingy with all he has, and not express caring for anyone. When he is old, he will have no friends and no one to come to his aid in time of need.
How much better to invest your life in the life of others and then you will receive dividends all your life, as God leads others to minister to you!
So my friends, "Send it ahead!" Watch to see who you can help today!
Cast your bread upon the waters,
For you will find it after many days.
+++++++++++++++++++++++
This is an OT version of the Golden Rule as recorded in Matthew 7:12: "Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets."
There is a current saying: "Pay it ahead". When someone does something for you and you try to repay them, they often say "Pay it ahead." They mean do something good for someone else.
But this verse and Jesus' instruction in Matthew, tells us to do good before someone does it for you. We don't have to wait for someone to do something for us, for us to do something good.
As we move through life, we will find various opportunities to do something for others. The Bible says that if we will do so, then we will receive good. That should not be the goal when we do something good, but is a result.
So I have reworded the phrase. Instead of "Pay it ahead", lets "Send it ahead."
You may have seen this in a negative way. A person may be stingy with all he has, and not express caring for anyone. When he is old, he will have no friends and no one to come to his aid in time of need.
How much better to invest your life in the life of others and then you will receive dividends all your life, as God leads others to minister to you!
So my friends, "Send it ahead!" Watch to see who you can help today!
Thursday, July 09, 2015
Speak to encourage!
Colossians 4:5-6 (NKJV)
5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.
6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
++++++++++++++++
Salt is both a seasoning and a preservative. Our speech should be the same, always encouraging! Within the family of God we should be encouraging in our speech. But Paul says our speech towards others should also be encouraging.
Think before you speak! Speak to build up and to glorify God!
5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.
6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
++++++++++++++++
Salt is both a seasoning and a preservative. Our speech should be the same, always encouraging! Within the family of God we should be encouraging in our speech. But Paul says our speech towards others should also be encouraging.
Think before you speak! Speak to build up and to glorify God!
Tuesday, July 07, 2015
Depend on God!
Psalm 31:1-5 (NKJV)
1 In You, O LORD, I put my trust
Let me never be ashamed;
Deliver me in Your righteousness.
2 Bow down Your ear to me,
Deliver me speedily;
Be my rock of refuge,
A fortress of defense to save me.
3 For You are my rock and my fortress;
Therefore, for Your name's sake,
Lead me and guide me.
4 Pull me our of the net which they have secretly laid for me,
For you are my strength.
5 Into Your hand I commit my spirit;
You have redeemed me, O LORD God of truth.
+++++++++++++++
"Rock, fortress, strength" all are words of power. When we can accept God as such, then we can trust Him, in the face of any enemy and in any circumstance.
Indeed, He is one to be trusted! Let Him lead and direct you.
1 In You, O LORD, I put my trust
Let me never be ashamed;
Deliver me in Your righteousness.
2 Bow down Your ear to me,
Deliver me speedily;
Be my rock of refuge,
A fortress of defense to save me.
3 For You are my rock and my fortress;
Therefore, for Your name's sake,
Lead me and guide me.
4 Pull me our of the net which they have secretly laid for me,
For you are my strength.
5 Into Your hand I commit my spirit;
You have redeemed me, O LORD God of truth.
+++++++++++++++
"Rock, fortress, strength" all are words of power. When we can accept God as such, then we can trust Him, in the face of any enemy and in any circumstance.
Indeed, He is one to be trusted! Let Him lead and direct you.
Monday, July 06, 2015
Wait (Trust) on the LORD!
Psalm 26:11-14 (NKJV)
11 Teach me Your way, O LORD,
And lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies.
12 Do not deliver me to the will of my adversaries;
For false witnesses have risen against me,
And such as breathe out violence.
13 I would have lost heart unless I had believed
That I would see the goodness of the LORD
In the land of the living.
14 Wait on the LORD;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say on the LORD!
++++++++++++++++++
Wait on the LORD! In the bible "wait" is often used. It is not a passive word, it is an active word. It involves going on with life, depending on God to provide the need.
We face various trials and storms in our life. How we respond to them will determine all our future. If we respond with futility, we may well waste our life. If we respond with faith in our God who we trust, He will provide.
Of course trusting in Him involves first establishing a relationship with him through faith in Jesus Christ. He was the one who gave His life on the cross to make our relationship with God possible.
Trust Him, move ahead, and see God at work in your life.
It may not happen the way you want, but it will happen in a way that will provide for you and bring glory to God. That should be our first desire!
11 Teach me Your way, O LORD,
And lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies.
12 Do not deliver me to the will of my adversaries;
For false witnesses have risen against me,
And such as breathe out violence.
13 I would have lost heart unless I had believed
That I would see the goodness of the LORD
In the land of the living.
14 Wait on the LORD;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say on the LORD!
++++++++++++++++++
Wait on the LORD! In the bible "wait" is often used. It is not a passive word, it is an active word. It involves going on with life, depending on God to provide the need.
We face various trials and storms in our life. How we respond to them will determine all our future. If we respond with futility, we may well waste our life. If we respond with faith in our God who we trust, He will provide.
Of course trusting in Him involves first establishing a relationship with him through faith in Jesus Christ. He was the one who gave His life on the cross to make our relationship with God possible.
Trust Him, move ahead, and see God at work in your life.
It may not happen the way you want, but it will happen in a way that will provide for you and bring glory to God. That should be our first desire!
Saturday, July 04, 2015
Repentance leads to Forgiveness
Joshua 7:13, 8:1 (NASB)
13 "Rise up! Consecrate the people and say, 'Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow, for thus the LORD, the God of Israel, has said, "There are things under the ban in your midst, O Israel. You cannot stand before your enemies until you have removed the things under the ban from your midst."
....
8:1 Now the LORD said to Joshua, "Do not fear or be dismayed. Take all the people of war with you and arise, go up to Ai; see, I have given into your hand the king of Ai, his people, his city, and his land."
++++++++++++++++
After the great victory at Jericho, where God gave the city to the people, they had a resounding defeat at Ai! Why? Joshua blamed God. God answered. There is sin in the camp! He gave the directions to find and rid the camp of sin. After they followed His directions, God gave Ai to them! Repentance brought forgiveness.
The same is true today. Some (not all) of the things that happen to us are because of sin in our lives. God wants us to turn from the sin, accept His forgiveness (I John 1:9) and experience His fulness in our life. If things are not going according to plan, let God search your heart to see if there is sin in your life (Psalm 139:24). If there is, repent and ask for and receive forgiveness.
13 "Rise up! Consecrate the people and say, 'Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow, for thus the LORD, the God of Israel, has said, "There are things under the ban in your midst, O Israel. You cannot stand before your enemies until you have removed the things under the ban from your midst."
....
8:1 Now the LORD said to Joshua, "Do not fear or be dismayed. Take all the people of war with you and arise, go up to Ai; see, I have given into your hand the king of Ai, his people, his city, and his land."
++++++++++++++++
After the great victory at Jericho, where God gave the city to the people, they had a resounding defeat at Ai! Why? Joshua blamed God. God answered. There is sin in the camp! He gave the directions to find and rid the camp of sin. After they followed His directions, God gave Ai to them! Repentance brought forgiveness.
The same is true today. Some (not all) of the things that happen to us are because of sin in our lives. God wants us to turn from the sin, accept His forgiveness (I John 1:9) and experience His fulness in our life. If things are not going according to plan, let God search your heart to see if there is sin in your life (Psalm 139:24). If there is, repent and ask for and receive forgiveness.
