Thursday, December 31, 2015
What will you give?
Malachi 3:10 (NKJV)
"Bring all the tithes into the storehouse,
That there may be food in My house,
And try Me now in this,"
Says the LORD of host, "If I will not open for you the windows of heaven
And pour out for you such blessing
That there will not be room enough to receive it.
++++++++++++++++++
The tithe is 10%. There is no question about that.
The question is, "Are we required to give a tithe today?
After all, that was under the law and we are under grace!?!
+++All week, you have probably heard people say,
"What did you get for Christmas?"
+++I'm sure you ask, "How does that fit together!
Both indicate self centered reasoning.
Instead of asking what did you get, why not ask "What did you give?"
I guess that would meddling when we direct it to others,
but, as we begin the New Year, my challenge to myself is to ask myself:
What will you give?
The tithe -- 10%? How about time? influence?
As we begin a new year, my prayer is: "God, what do you want me to give?"
"What do you want me to do? How do you want me use my time?"
Hopefully, I can be obedient when He tells me!!!
To God be the glory!!!
"Bring all the tithes into the storehouse,
That there may be food in My house,
And try Me now in this,"
Says the LORD of host, "If I will not open for you the windows of heaven
And pour out for you such blessing
That there will not be room enough to receive it.
++++++++++++++++++
The tithe is 10%. There is no question about that.
The question is, "Are we required to give a tithe today?
After all, that was under the law and we are under grace!?!
+++All week, you have probably heard people say,
"What did you get for Christmas?"
+++I'm sure you ask, "How does that fit together!
Both indicate self centered reasoning.
Instead of asking what did you get, why not ask "What did you give?"
I guess that would meddling when we direct it to others,
but, as we begin the New Year, my challenge to myself is to ask myself:
What will you give?
The tithe -- 10%? How about time? influence?
As we begin a new year, my prayer is: "God, what do you want me to give?"
"What do you want me to do? How do you want me use my time?"
Hopefully, I can be obedient when He tells me!!!
To God be the glory!!!
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
Contentment from God!
Proverbs 30:7-9 (NKJV)
7 Two things I request of You
(Deprive me not before I die):
8 Remove falsehood and lies far from me;
Give me neither poverty nor riches ---
"Feed me with the food allotted to me;
9 Lest I be full and deny You,
And say, "Who is the LORD?"
Or lest I be poor and steal,
And profane the name of my God.
+++++++++++++
In Philippians 4:11, Paul said he had learned to be content in any
situation. This proverb tells us how we can do that. Depend on God to
provide for us and be content with what He provides. Too often we have a
list of things we want, and get upset when we do not get all we want.
Instead, we need to pray: "God give me what I need." Then we will really
be content!!! God loves us!
7 Two things I request of You
(Deprive me not before I die):
8 Remove falsehood and lies far from me;
Give me neither poverty nor riches ---
"Feed me with the food allotted to me;
9 Lest I be full and deny You,
And say, "Who is the LORD?"
Or lest I be poor and steal,
And profane the name of my God.
+++++++++++++
In Philippians 4:11, Paul said he had learned to be content in any
situation. This proverb tells us how we can do that. Depend on God to
provide for us and be content with what He provides. Too often we have a
list of things we want, and get upset when we do not get all we want.
Instead, we need to pray: "God give me what I need." Then we will really
be content!!! God loves us!
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
Our Refuge
Psalm 142:1-2, 5 (NKJV)
1 I cry out to the LORD with my voice;
With my voice to the LORD I make my supplication.
2 I pour out my complaint before Him;
I declare before Him my trouble.
...
5 I cried out to You, O LORD:
I said, "You are my refuge,
My portion in the land of the living.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
We live in an imperfect world,
therefore we will be offended from time to time.
When we are, we usually start complaining
to one another.
The psalmist brought his complaint to God!
When we do that, often He will change us.
Sometimes He will change the situation.
Whatever, when we remember He is our refuge,
we will find comfort in the midst of imperfection!
Depend on Him in every situation.
1 I cry out to the LORD with my voice;
With my voice to the LORD I make my supplication.
2 I pour out my complaint before Him;
I declare before Him my trouble.
...
5 I cried out to You, O LORD:
I said, "You are my refuge,
My portion in the land of the living.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
We live in an imperfect world,
therefore we will be offended from time to time.
When we are, we usually start complaining
to one another.
The psalmist brought his complaint to God!
When we do that, often He will change us.
Sometimes He will change the situation.
Whatever, when we remember He is our refuge,
we will find comfort in the midst of imperfection!
Depend on Him in every situation.
Saturday, December 26, 2015
The Main Thing!
John 3:16
For God so loved the world
that He gave His only begotten Son,
that whoever believes in Him
should not perish but have everlasting life.
++++++++++++++++++++++++
The Day is gone! The tree looks bare because of the absence of gifts,
and will soon be put into storage for another Day/Year!
But the main thing is still there/here:
God's love, mercy, grace,
And the unconditional invitation:
"whosoever believes in Him".
So let the celebration continue, each day of your life!
For God so loved the world
that He gave His only begotten Son,
that whoever believes in Him
should not perish but have everlasting life.
++++++++++++++++++++++++
The Day is gone! The tree looks bare because of the absence of gifts,
and will soon be put into storage for another Day/Year!
But the main thing is still there/here:
God's love, mercy, grace,
And the unconditional invitation:
"whosoever believes in Him".
So let the celebration continue, each day of your life!
Thursday, December 24, 2015
The Glory of the LORD!
Habakkuk 2:14 (NKJV)
"For the earth will be filled
With the knowledge of the
glory of the LORD,
As the waters cover the sea.
++++++++++++++++++++++
Habakkuk is a prophecy of doom and complaint.
In the midst we find this grand promise:
"The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord"
What better reminder of the victory we have in Jesus!
To God be the glory as we celebrate Jesus' birth!
"For the earth will be filled
With the knowledge of the
glory of the LORD,
As the waters cover the sea.
++++++++++++++++++++++
Habakkuk is a prophecy of doom and complaint.
In the midst we find this grand promise:
"The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord"
What better reminder of the victory we have in Jesus!
To God be the glory as we celebrate Jesus' birth!
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
A Savior for ALL!
Luke 2: 10-14 (NKJV)
10 Then the angel said to them (the shepherds), "Do not be afraid, for
behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.
11 "For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior,
who is Christ the Lord.
12 "And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in
swaddling cloths, lying in a manger."
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly
host praising God and saying:
14 "Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace,
goodwill toward men!"
++++++++++++++++++++
A Savior for ALL people. That is what it is all about!
10 Then the angel said to them (the shepherds), "Do not be afraid, for
behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.
11 "For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior,
who is Christ the Lord.
12 "And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in
swaddling cloths, lying in a manger."
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly
host praising God and saying:
14 "Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace,
goodwill toward men!"
++++++++++++++++++++
A Savior for ALL people. That is what it is all about!
Monday, December 21, 2015
When God TOUCHED you!
Mark 1:40-42 (NKJV)
40 Now a leper came to Him (Jesus), imploring Him, kneeling down to Him
and saying to Him, "If You are willing, You can make me clean."
41 Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and
touched him, and said to him, "I am willing; be cleansed."
42 As soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy left him, and he
was cleansed.
++++++++++++++++++++
This is just what we celebrate this week! The leper was considered
"Untouchable" in Jesus' day, but Jesus out of compassion, reached out
and TOUCHED him! He received healing immediately because he had come to
Jesus in faith.
God looked down on His creation and had compassion on them! Out of mercy
and grace, He reached down and touched us! In that touch He granted
forgiveness and life to all who would believe. Do have that life and
forgiveness? If not, why not today? Then you will have something to
celebrate.
For those without Jesus, Christmas is just another day, even if they get
the day off, they have nothing to celebrate
Trust God today and celebrate every day!
40 Now a leper came to Him (Jesus), imploring Him, kneeling down to Him
and saying to Him, "If You are willing, You can make me clean."
41 Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and
touched him, and said to him, "I am willing; be cleansed."
42 As soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy left him, and he
was cleansed.
++++++++++++++++++++
This is just what we celebrate this week! The leper was considered
"Untouchable" in Jesus' day, but Jesus out of compassion, reached out
and TOUCHED him! He received healing immediately because he had come to
Jesus in faith.
God looked down on His creation and had compassion on them! Out of mercy
and grace, He reached down and touched us! In that touch He granted
forgiveness and life to all who would believe. Do have that life and
forgiveness? If not, why not today? Then you will have something to
celebrate.
For those without Jesus, Christmas is just another day, even if they get
the day off, they have nothing to celebrate
Trust God today and celebrate every day!
Saturday, December 19, 2015
Jesus == Immanuel
Matthew 1:21-23 (NKJV)
21 "And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS,
for He will save His people from their sins."
22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by
the Lord through the prophet, saying:
23 "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they
shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us."
++++++++++++++++
As God revealed to Joseph His plans for him and Mary to be the earthly
parents of Jesus, He gave Him 2 names: Jesus == Savior, and Immanuel ==
God with us.
Indeed, it takes God to come to save us! He has done it. Have you
accepted His forgiveness???
21 "And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS,
for He will save His people from their sins."
22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by
the Lord through the prophet, saying:
23 "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they
shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us."
++++++++++++++++
As God revealed to Joseph His plans for him and Mary to be the earthly
parents of Jesus, He gave Him 2 names: Jesus == Savior, and Immanuel ==
God with us.
Indeed, it takes God to come to save us! He has done it. Have you
accepted His forgiveness???
Friday, December 18, 2015
The Glory of the Father
John 1:14, 18 (NKJV)
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
18 No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.
+++++++++++++++++++
Jesus became flesh that we might know the love, grace and truth of the Father. Indeed, that is something to celebrate!!
Merry Christmas to all!
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
18 No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.
+++++++++++++++++++
Jesus became flesh that we might know the love, grace and truth of the Father. Indeed, that is something to celebrate!!
Merry Christmas to all!
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Receive your gift!
John 1:11-13 (NKJV)
11 He (Jesus) came to His own, and His own did ot receive Him.
12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:
13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
+++++++++++++++++++++
As a whole, Jesus' own people rejected Him when He came. But some believed in Him and became children of God when they received Him as their Messiah/Savior. It is the same today. The world as a whole continues to reject Him, but those who receive Him, receive forgiveness and a place in the family of God.
Salvation is available to all, but only experienced by those who receive the gift of life through faith in Him.
Have you received this gift??
11 He (Jesus) came to His own, and His own did ot receive Him.
12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:
13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
+++++++++++++++++++++
As a whole, Jesus' own people rejected Him when He came. But some believed in Him and became children of God when they received Him as their Messiah/Savior. It is the same today. The world as a whole continues to reject Him, but those who receive Him, receive forgiveness and a place in the family of God.
Salvation is available to all, but only experienced by those who receive the gift of life through faith in Him.
Have you received this gift??
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Celebrate the LIGHT
John 1:6-8 (NKJV)
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
7 This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe.
8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
+++++++++++++++++
The Word was God,
...John was a man sent from God.
The Word was the Light that gives Life,
...John was sent to proclaim the message of the Light.
God sent John to tell about Jesus and his Life giving Light.
...He gives us the same task today!
Go tell someone why you celebrate Christmas!
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
7 This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe.
8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
+++++++++++++++++
The Word was God,
...John was a man sent from God.
The Word was the Light that gives Life,
...John was sent to proclaim the message of the Light.
God sent John to tell about Jesus and his Life giving Light.
...He gives us the same task today!
Go tell someone why you celebrate Christmas!
Monday, December 14, 2015
The life giving Light
John 1:1-5 (NKJV)
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 He was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.
4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.
5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend (overcome) it.
+++++++++++++++
The Creator has come to give Life! That's who/what we celebrate! Take time this week to thank Him for the light/life that He brings. Into a dark world He shines and the darkness cannot overcome Him!
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 He was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.
4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.
5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend (overcome) it.
+++++++++++++++
The Creator has come to give Life! That's who/what we celebrate! Take time this week to thank Him for the light/life that He brings. Into a dark world He shines and the darkness cannot overcome Him!
Friday, December 11, 2015
The time is right!
Galatians 4:4-7 (NKJV)
4 But when the fulness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law,
5 to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.
6 And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out "Abba, Father!"
7 Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
++++++++++++++++++
God had prepared the right time for Jesus (Messiah) to be born. The Jews were hungry for their Messiah, and the world was looking for a god who would give peace.
The Greeks had given the world a universal language through the gospel could be spread.
The Romans had given a peace and a road system over which the gospel could be carried.
I say Greeks and Romans, but we need to realize that it was all part of God's timing.
When it was right, God sent forth Jesus, that the Jews could have their Messiah, and the world could have a Savior.
The time is still right. If you have not trusted Jesus as your Savior, today is the time. If you do not have a relationship with Jesus Christ, then you have nothing to celebrate. How about joining God's family today. He will include you into His family today!!!
4 But when the fulness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law,
5 to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.
6 And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out "Abba, Father!"
7 Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
++++++++++++++++++
God had prepared the right time for Jesus (Messiah) to be born. The Jews were hungry for their Messiah, and the world was looking for a god who would give peace.
The Greeks had given the world a universal language through the gospel could be spread.
The Romans had given a peace and a road system over which the gospel could be carried.
I say Greeks and Romans, but we need to realize that it was all part of God's timing.
When it was right, God sent forth Jesus, that the Jews could have their Messiah, and the world could have a Savior.
The time is still right. If you have not trusted Jesus as your Savior, today is the time. If you do not have a relationship with Jesus Christ, then you have nothing to celebrate. How about joining God's family today. He will include you into His family today!!!
Thursday, December 10, 2015
Redemption through God's grace
Ephesians 1:3-8a (NKJV)
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,
4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,
5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,
6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, bu which He made us accepted in the Beloved.
7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace
8 which He made to abound toward us...
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Not a traditional Christmas passage, but this captures the reason for Jesus' coming. He came to give grace and spiritual blessings. In Him we have redemption through His blood!
Remember why we celebrate.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,
4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,
5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,
6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, bu which He made us accepted in the Beloved.
7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace
8 which He made to abound toward us...
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Not a traditional Christmas passage, but this captures the reason for Jesus' coming. He came to give grace and spiritual blessings. In Him we have redemption through His blood!
Remember why we celebrate.
Tuesday, December 08, 2015
Hear God's Word
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV)
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God,
and is profitable for doctrine,
for reproof,
for correction,
for instruction in righteousness,
17 that the man of God may be complete,
thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 2:15 (NKJV)
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God,
a worker who does not need to be ashamed,
rightly dividing the word of truth.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Are you happy, troubled, perplexed, seeking, joyful, etc.????
Whatever your state of mind, God has a word for you!
Seek Him daily in His word.
He will encourage and comfort you.
He may also convict and correct you!
Whatever, He has spoken and we must listen
in order to bring glory to Him and His good to us.
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God,
and is profitable for doctrine,
for reproof,
for correction,
for instruction in righteousness,
17 that the man of God may be complete,
thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 2:15 (NKJV)
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God,
a worker who does not need to be ashamed,
rightly dividing the word of truth.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Are you happy, troubled, perplexed, seeking, joyful, etc.????
Whatever your state of mind, God has a word for you!
Seek Him daily in His word.
He will encourage and comfort you.
He may also convict and correct you!
Whatever, He has spoken and we must listen
in order to bring glory to Him and His good to us.
Monday, December 07, 2015
God at work!
Psalm 30:11-12 (NKJV)
11 You (God) have turned for me my
mourning into dancing;
You have put off my sackcloth
and clothed me with gladness,
12 To the end that my glory may sing
praise to You and not be silent.
O LORD my God, I will give thanks
to You forever.
Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good
to those who love God,
to those who are called according to His purpose.
+++++++++++++++++++++
e are told that God is always at work in our lives. Some will tell you that when we trust Jesus as Savior that everything will be good! The Bible does not back that up!!! The Bible does say that God is at work in our lives, in all situations. The Psalmist caught the idea in this passage. God does turn our mourning to celebration. He walks through the valleys (troubles) with us and brings us through as better people.
So, if you are dealing with troubles and problems now, put your faith in God and see Him see you through and make you a better person in the process. He never promises that we will not have troubles. He does promise to always be there with us (who are trusting Him)!!! (See John 17:15, for Jesus statement.)
11 You (God) have turned for me my
mourning into dancing;
You have put off my sackcloth
and clothed me with gladness,
12 To the end that my glory may sing
praise to You and not be silent.
O LORD my God, I will give thanks
to You forever.
Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good
to those who love God,
to those who are called according to His purpose.
+++++++++++++++++++++
e are told that God is always at work in our lives. Some will tell you that when we trust Jesus as Savior that everything will be good! The Bible does not back that up!!! The Bible does say that God is at work in our lives, in all situations. The Psalmist caught the idea in this passage. God does turn our mourning to celebration. He walks through the valleys (troubles) with us and brings us through as better people.
So, if you are dealing with troubles and problems now, put your faith in God and see Him see you through and make you a better person in the process. He never promises that we will not have troubles. He does promise to always be there with us (who are trusting Him)!!! (See John 17:15, for Jesus statement.)
Saturday, December 05, 2015
God is at work!
Psalm 23:4-6 (NKJV)
4 Yeah, though I walk through the
valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For you are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in
the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD
Forever!
+++++++++++++
In the confused world in which we live
We must trust the Shepherd/Creator
Rather than the circumstances.
Regardless of what the world around us says,
There is still a God who loves us and will
Care for us as we trust Him.
So Instead of wringing your hands in fear,
Turn to God through faith in Jesus Christ,
And watch to see how He will work it out!
4 Yeah, though I walk through the
valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For you are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in
the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD
Forever!
+++++++++++++
In the confused world in which we live
We must trust the Shepherd/Creator
Rather than the circumstances.
Regardless of what the world around us says,
There is still a God who loves us and will
Care for us as we trust Him.
So Instead of wringing your hands in fear,
Turn to God through faith in Jesus Christ,
And watch to see how He will work it out!
Friday, December 04, 2015
GOD follows through on His word!
Psalm 19:7-11 (NKJV)
7 The law of the LORD is perfect,
converting the soul;
The testimony of the LORD is sure,
making wise the simple:
8 The statutes of the LORD are right
rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the LORD is
pure, enlightening the eyes;
9 The fear of the LORD is clean
enduring forever;
The judgments of the LORD are true
and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold
Yea, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by then Your servant is warned,
And in keeping them there is great reward.
+++++++++++++++++
Law, testimony, statutes, commandment, judgments...
Whatever you call it the Word of God brings life and great reward.
You must READ it and RESPOND to receive the benefits!!!
7 The law of the LORD is perfect,
converting the soul;
The testimony of the LORD is sure,
making wise the simple:
8 The statutes of the LORD are right
rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the LORD is
pure, enlightening the eyes;
9 The fear of the LORD is clean
enduring forever;
The judgments of the LORD are true
and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold
Yea, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by then Your servant is warned,
And in keeping them there is great reward.
+++++++++++++++++
Law, testimony, statutes, commandment, judgments...
Whatever you call it the Word of God brings life and great reward.
You must READ it and RESPOND to receive the benefits!!!
