Friday, August 21, 2015
Planning and deliverance
Proverb 21:31 (NKJV)
The horse is prepared for the day of battle,
But deliverance is of the LORD.
++++++++++++++++++
Just two short lines, but a strong reminder of God's working in our lives.
We are making plans, but the real direction must come from God.
He will deliver us.
Just another reminder to TRUST HIM!
The horse is prepared for the day of battle,
But deliverance is of the LORD.
++++++++++++++++++
Just two short lines, but a strong reminder of God's working in our lives.
We are making plans, but the real direction must come from God.
He will deliver us.
Just another reminder to TRUST HIM!
Thursday, August 20, 2015
Understand and Obey!
Nehemiah 8:10-12 (NKJV)
10 Then he (Ezra) said to them, "Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our LORD. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."
11 So the Levites quieted all the people, saying, "Be still, for the day is holy; do not be grieved."
12 And all the people went their way to eat and drink, to send portions and rejoice greatly, because they understood the words that were declared to them.
+++++++++++++++++++++++
Hear, understand, then obey! We have visited this situation before. When the people heard the word of God with understanding, they then obeyed. They found joy in the LORD!
Today, we can do the same. We must receive the word of God, seek understanding, and then obey it! Then we can have the joy of the LORD!
God loves us and wants to bless us. But He also holds us accountable to His word. He has revealed Himself to us. We must accept His message and act on it. When we as followers of Jesus hear His word, but refuse to obey it, it creates a barrier between Him and us. He still loves us, but we have built a barrier against that love. Obedience is the key to receiving all He wants for us!
May God grant you many blessings in response to your obedience!
10 Then he (Ezra) said to them, "Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our LORD. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."
11 So the Levites quieted all the people, saying, "Be still, for the day is holy; do not be grieved."
12 And all the people went their way to eat and drink, to send portions and rejoice greatly, because they understood the words that were declared to them.
+++++++++++++++++++++++
Hear, understand, then obey! We have visited this situation before. When the people heard the word of God with understanding, they then obeyed. They found joy in the LORD!
Today, we can do the same. We must receive the word of God, seek understanding, and then obey it! Then we can have the joy of the LORD!
God loves us and wants to bless us. But He also holds us accountable to His word. He has revealed Himself to us. We must accept His message and act on it. When we as followers of Jesus hear His word, but refuse to obey it, it creates a barrier between Him and us. He still loves us, but we have built a barrier against that love. Obedience is the key to receiving all He wants for us!
May God grant you many blessings in response to your obedience!
Friday, August 14, 2015
TRUST AND OBEY!
I Corinthians 16:13-14 (NKJV)
13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.
14 Let all that you do be done with love.
+++++++++++++++++++
Simple but profound. 19 words, 5 commands!
As we read the Bible, when we see a command, we can assume the ability to obey! So we can stand fast, in love, and depend on God to lead, direct, and provide in out daily lives.
"Trust and obey" is the way a song puts it. So that is my thought for the dayL
TRUST AND OBEY!
13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.
14 Let all that you do be done with love.
+++++++++++++++++++
Simple but profound. 19 words, 5 commands!
As we read the Bible, when we see a command, we can assume the ability to obey! So we can stand fast, in love, and depend on God to lead, direct, and provide in out daily lives.
"Trust and obey" is the way a song puts it. So that is my thought for the dayL
TRUST AND OBEY!
Thursday, August 13, 2015
Where is your trust?
I Timothy 6:17-18 (NKJV)
17 Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.
18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share.
+++++++++
You probably do not consider yourself rich, but compared to world economies, the poorest American is rich. In fact in the USA, we have so much that sometimes we think we do not need God! But God is the one who we need to trust, not any riches we may or may not have!
Trust in God and not in things. When we trust Him, then we can do good for others. If we do not trust Him, we want to hoard all we have for ourselves.
Give God thanks for all He has done for you and seek His direction for the use of what He has provided!
17 Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.
18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share.
+++++++++
You probably do not consider yourself rich, but compared to world economies, the poorest American is rich. In fact in the USA, we have so much that sometimes we think we do not need God! But God is the one who we need to trust, not any riches we may or may not have!
Trust in God and not in things. When we trust Him, then we can do good for others. If we do not trust Him, we want to hoard all we have for ourselves.
Give God thanks for all He has done for you and seek His direction for the use of what He has provided!
Monday, August 10, 2015
For the next generation!
Psalm 78:5-7 (NASB)
5 For He (God) established a testimony in Jacob,
And appointed a law in Israel,
Which He commanded Our fathers,
That they should make them known to their children;
6 That the generation to come might know them,
The children who would be born,
That they may arise and declare them to their children,
7 That they may set their hope in God,
And not forget the works of God,
But keep His commandments;
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
God's word must be shared from generation to generation.
That way each generation will know the works of God, place their hope in Him, and keep His commandments.
If it is true (and I think it is) that our nation was built on Christian principles based on the Bible, why do we now have a generation trying to deny the very existence of God and any absolutes He might have. The only conclusion is that someone forgot to tell!
And we in the church can bemoan the fact that we have lost a generation or two, but what we must do is be sure we pass it on, so we will not be part of the problem.
So everyone: tell your children and grandchildren. See that your church is passing on the great messages about God and not just some fairy tales! Someone has said that it just takes one generation for a nation to turn away from God.
That seems to have happened, but the opposite is also true. The present generation must pass it on! Since many adults did not have it passed to them, it is the task of the church to not only pass God's word to the next generation, but also to this generation.
Many people feel that Sunday School is just for kids. We must shout it from the roof top, "Sunday School is for Everyone!!!"
Quite a challenge for the church today, but God's words demands it, and God enables it!!!
5 For He (God) established a testimony in Jacob,
And appointed a law in Israel,
Which He commanded Our fathers,
That they should make them known to their children;
6 That the generation to come might know them,
The children who would be born,
That they may arise and declare them to their children,
7 That they may set their hope in God,
And not forget the works of God,
But keep His commandments;
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
God's word must be shared from generation to generation.
That way each generation will know the works of God, place their hope in Him, and keep His commandments.
If it is true (and I think it is) that our nation was built on Christian principles based on the Bible, why do we now have a generation trying to deny the very existence of God and any absolutes He might have. The only conclusion is that someone forgot to tell!
And we in the church can bemoan the fact that we have lost a generation or two, but what we must do is be sure we pass it on, so we will not be part of the problem.
So everyone: tell your children and grandchildren. See that your church is passing on the great messages about God and not just some fairy tales! Someone has said that it just takes one generation for a nation to turn away from God.
That seems to have happened, but the opposite is also true. The present generation must pass it on! Since many adults did not have it passed to them, it is the task of the church to not only pass God's word to the next generation, but also to this generation.
Many people feel that Sunday School is just for kids. We must shout it from the roof top, "Sunday School is for Everyone!!!"
Quite a challenge for the church today, but God's words demands it, and God enables it!!!
Saturday, August 08, 2015
The BIBLE and worship
Nehemiah 8:5-6
5 And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up.
6 And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. Then all the people answered, "Amen, Amen!" while lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.
+++++++++++++++++++
((I hope all of you know that the words above the line are the Scripture. The words below the line are simply my comments. Don't ever confuse them! Thanks.))
In Nehemiah, we see the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. After the walls were rebuilt, Nehemiah and Ezra led the people in spiritual renewal.
The people had gathered and asked Ezra the priest to read from the Law of Moses. If you read the chapter, you will find that he read all morning (6 hours) while the people listened! How would you like a church service like that?!?
The result of hearing the Word was two fold. First they worshiped. Then in the rest of the chapter they obeyed by observing the Feast of Tabernacles.
We need to be faithful to read and study the Word of God and respond accordingly. Since most of us have multiple copies of the Bible, we might not have to stand for 6 hours to listen to someone else read. Our pastor would like that, but his audience would probably dwindle!
However you hear the Word of God, respond with worship and obedience. How about joining others tomorrow in church to worship?
5 And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up.
6 And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. Then all the people answered, "Amen, Amen!" while lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.
+++++++++++++++++++
((I hope all of you know that the words above the line are the Scripture. The words below the line are simply my comments. Don't ever confuse them! Thanks.))
In Nehemiah, we see the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. After the walls were rebuilt, Nehemiah and Ezra led the people in spiritual renewal.
The people had gathered and asked Ezra the priest to read from the Law of Moses. If you read the chapter, you will find that he read all morning (6 hours) while the people listened! How would you like a church service like that?!?
The result of hearing the Word was two fold. First they worshiped. Then in the rest of the chapter they obeyed by observing the Feast of Tabernacles.
We need to be faithful to read and study the Word of God and respond accordingly. Since most of us have multiple copies of the Bible, we might not have to stand for 6 hours to listen to someone else read. Our pastor would like that, but his audience would probably dwindle!
However you hear the Word of God, respond with worship and obedience. How about joining others tomorrow in church to worship?
Friday, August 07, 2015
Partnership
Philippians 1:3-6 (NKJV)
3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.
4 always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy.
5 for your fellowship (partnership) in the gospel from the first day until now,
6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
9 Two are better than one,
Because they have a good reward for their labor.
10 For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.
But woe to him who is alone when he falls,
For he has no one to help him up.
++++++++++++++++
Paul was well aware that he needed partners in the ministry God had given him. He always had traveling companions to assist him in sharing the word of God. And he also saw that those in the churches that he started were also his partners.
The OT writer had learned the same thing. Each of us need to be working with others.
Who is your partner, as you share with others? Who has helped you in your growth in the Lord?
This is one reason that God established the church and the importance of our being involved in a local church. Your pastor is the leader, but he needs partners! Will you be a partner???
3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.
4 always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy.
5 for your fellowship (partnership) in the gospel from the first day until now,
6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
9 Two are better than one,
Because they have a good reward for their labor.
10 For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.
But woe to him who is alone when he falls,
For he has no one to help him up.
++++++++++++++++
Paul was well aware that he needed partners in the ministry God had given him. He always had traveling companions to assist him in sharing the word of God. And he also saw that those in the churches that he started were also his partners.
The OT writer had learned the same thing. Each of us need to be working with others.
Who is your partner, as you share with others? Who has helped you in your growth in the Lord?
This is one reason that God established the church and the importance of our being involved in a local church. Your pastor is the leader, but he needs partners! Will you be a partner???
Thursday, August 06, 2015
Be prepared for temptations
Luke 4:1-4 (NKJV)
1 Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,
2 being tempted for forty days by the devil. And in those days He ate nothing, and afterward, when they had ended, He was hungry.
3 And the devil said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, command this stone to become bead,"
4 But Jesus answered him, saying, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God'"
++++++++++++++++++
The tempter is still at work today. He tempts us to doubt God's care and promises. When we question God's care, we then take things into our hands and really mess it up!
The victory is still the same. In all three temptations (vs. 1-12) Jesus response is to quote Scripture. We today need to face temptation the same way. -- A word of warning: We cannot wait till temptation comes to run to the Scripture. We must be daily in the Scripture so that when temptations come, God through His Holy Spirit can remind us of His promises.
Question: Have you fed on God's word today? If not, there is still time. Be prepared!!!
1 Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,
2 being tempted for forty days by the devil. And in those days He ate nothing, and afterward, when they had ended, He was hungry.
3 And the devil said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, command this stone to become bead,"
4 But Jesus answered him, saying, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God'"
++++++++++++++++++
The tempter is still at work today. He tempts us to doubt God's care and promises. When we question God's care, we then take things into our hands and really mess it up!
The victory is still the same. In all three temptations (vs. 1-12) Jesus response is to quote Scripture. We today need to face temptation the same way. -- A word of warning: We cannot wait till temptation comes to run to the Scripture. We must be daily in the Scripture so that when temptations come, God through His Holy Spirit can remind us of His promises.
Question: Have you fed on God's word today? If not, there is still time. Be prepared!!!
Wednesday, August 05, 2015
Trust in the LORD!
Proverbs 3:5-8 (NKJV)
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the LORD and depart from evil.
8 It will be health to your flesh,
And strength to your bones.
++++++++++++++++++++++
When we trust the LORD, He will not only provide for us, but will give us wisdom to make proper choices. Most of our problems come from poor choices we make. Why do we make such poor choices? We do not consult the LORD! We depend on our own wisdom!
So today and the days ahead, I will try to consult Him and then trust Him in everything!
This morning that has meant sitting on our front porch and reading His words. This afternoon that means sitting with the family of a friend while he is in surgery for a knee replacement.
Tomorrow is another day, but I know He will lead and provide! All is to be for His glory!
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the LORD and depart from evil.
8 It will be health to your flesh,
And strength to your bones.
++++++++++++++++++++++
When we trust the LORD, He will not only provide for us, but will give us wisdom to make proper choices. Most of our problems come from poor choices we make. Why do we make such poor choices? We do not consult the LORD! We depend on our own wisdom!
So today and the days ahead, I will try to consult Him and then trust Him in everything!
This morning that has meant sitting on our front porch and reading His words. This afternoon that means sitting with the family of a friend while he is in surgery for a knee replacement.
Tomorrow is another day, but I know He will lead and provide! All is to be for His glory!
