When I have an appointment I try to prepare the best I can so the meeting will be successful. I lay out my clothes the night before, do some research on the topic and person I am to meet, I make sure I am going to be on time (as an act of respect) and I don't let anything distract me because my mind is "fixed" on what I have to do. "Fixed" means: firmly positioned, not subject to change or variation. Psalm 57:7-9, "My heart is steadfast, O GOD, my heart is steadfast...I will sing praises to YOU..." I once read how the scribes "prepared" themselves to copy the Scriptures. When it came time to write GOD'S name, they would bathe themselves and remove all impurities before they would write HIS name. Then the LORD impressed upon me, that I prepare myself better for the world than I do to go to Church (another appointment, if you will) or even to pray to HIM. So today, let us truly "prepare" ourselves to go before HIM. Fix our hearts on what we will and will not do before we encounter temptations. Prepare our hearts to seek the LORD. Let our commitments be strong, let us sing Praises and let us "focus" our thoughts on goodness and faithfulness of the LORD. I want to be prepared because I HAVE AN IMPORTANT APPOINTMENT.
Psalm 139: 23-24 Isaiah 43:1 GOD IS GOD!
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Sometimes situations expose us to the "old life" we once lived. You are introduced to a person that can give you more work for your business, and promises of how wealthy they will make you. Your existing business consists of people who can't pay but need the same kind of help as the wealthy. TEMPTING? NOT REALLY! James 2:6-10, "...Are not the rich the ones who oppress you....? ...for whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for it all." It is just a reminder of what JESUS has given us, something we could never do on our own. It is a reminder of who we are (we are HIS) and what is important (the Royal Command that "You shall love your neighbor as yourself"). Now we shout Praises, because there is no war within us, as to who we are. Sometimes we just need a little reassurance!
Psalm 139: 23-24 Isaiah 43:1 GOD IS GOD! Have you ever awaken and just know everything is going to be alright. No reason, nothing special happened, you just knew! This is one of those "few" days that we experience so infrequently, but we want it to last and even happen over and over. It is just a "closer walk with HIM". A routine life becomes an adventure, walking becomes skipping and we even click our heels in the air (if only in our minds) as we walk. James 4:8, "Draw near to GOD, and HE will draw near to you..." Isn't that like taking ONE STEP FORWARD, but GETTING TWO STEPS CLOSER?
Psalm 139: 23-24 Isaiah 43:1 GOD IS GOD! Matthew 16:18, "...and on this rock I will build my church..." This is one of the most controversial and debated passages in all of the Scripture. We are not going to become divided as to meaning or interpretation; we are going to be united by the power and freedom of its origin. The only way the Church could have lasted for centuries and withstood the "gates of hell" is to have had an infallible foundation. That foundation is TRUTH. The Truth is, none of us is greater than the other or there would be a hierarchy (a pyramid if you will) established so we would know our place in this pyramid, and how many "greater Saints" lie between us and GOD. The Bible tells us that GOD has no favorites and that each of us has a personal relationship with HIM. By our confessions (as well as Peter) HE has made us all honored instruments of making known the Gospel and establishing each of us a distinguished deliverer of the WORD in JESUS' Church. Relying upon JESUS (THE TRUTH) is the immovable "Rock" of our FAITH; The Rock is our strength and stability. We are not some "pebble" in a pyramid far removed from GOD; We are a part of the "ROCK" of TRUTH which dwells within.
Psalm 139: 23-24 Isaiah 43:1 GOD IS GOD! The shortest verse in the Bible is: John 11:35, "JESUS wept." The least verse in the Bible, yet inferior to none. JESUS weeping shows HIM as a friend, a tender friend. JESUS reveals HIMSELF to us in a way that makes our expressions of Love more tender and meaningful. I once read, "Nature confesses that she gives the tenderest of hearts, by giving them tears". So brief, so tender, so beautiful, IT IS GOD.
Psalm 139: 23-24 Isaiah 43:1 GOD IS GOD! Matthew 6:25-27, "That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life...Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?" One thing I have come to realize (after being smacked over the head over and over) is that GOD provides. HE provides when I ask, HE provides when I don't ask, and it's always better than I dreamed; I just have to get out of the way and let HIM provide. I am living proof that GOD uses absolutely desperate times to really draw us near; the times when I am down to my last penny or my last inch of Faith, HE comforts me in ways that only HE can. HE has also taught me in these times not to cause others to stumble because of my fears or lack of Faith. HE revealed to me that when someone makes a promise they don't keep, just know that HE is in control and it will be in HIS timing. HE further revealed if someone has promised to pay, don't keep reminding them; they know, you know and GOD knows (sometimes we Christians believe we are Biblical by holding them accountable instead of trusting GOD and just forgiving) so quit running to the post office looking for the check! Perhaps I finally realized that these sins (broken promises) are sins against GOD. I have been forgiven for so much (more than most can imagine) that GOD has changed my heart toward others. I could actually "cause someone to stumble" by causing them to try to fulfill a promise or do something they just can't do! When we have received so much Mercy (and I could never forgive enough for what I've been forgiven), how can we not Glorify GOD by being Merciful? I wonder which Glorifies GOD most; HOLDING SOMEONE "ACCOUNTABLE" OR FORGIVING AND TRUSTING GOD? Don't get me wrong here, I still wake up every morning wondering how HE is going to provide; and I am always so amazed. Perhaps we can start a life of AMAZING GRACE!
Psalm 139: 23-24 Isaiah 43:1 GOD IS GOD! Both satan and GOD have to have our permission and commitment to use us. Surprised? GOD can't change us if we don't surrender and want only HIM. We keep sinning because we choose to. Romans 8:13, "...but if by the SPIRIT you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live." By the SPIRIT and You..it takes BOTH, GOD'S POWER and YOUR PERMISSION AND WILLINGNESS! If you are waiting for GOD to take away all of your bad habits and sins, by sending a bolt of lightning to strike you and cleanse you; it just isn't going to happen! The only lightning you're going to get is if you STAND IN THE RAIN WITH A KITE!
Psalm 139: 23-24 Isaiah 43:1 GOD IS GOD! Does it seem like, if it is no one thing then it is another? Does the "rapid fire" of uncertainty have you worn to your lowest resistance? Then as if these things weren't enough, catastrophes strike the ones you love! Galatians 6:2, "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of CHRIST." Letting yourself or others hide when we are hurting won't heal us and growing isolated only lets the infection grow. The best way to tend to open wounds is with open arms because when Love's got a hold of you, there isn't a lie in the universe that can pull you apart from JESUS. Do you think that GOD does not know about your circumstance today? Do you think, Just Maybe, HE lets you be here to GLORIFY HIM with love, because you are the ONE that will make the difference in someone's life. Think of it like this; you are a soldier in GOD'S Army standing in ranks just before battle. GOD calls you out of the ranks and says to you: "You are the only one I choose for this battle, I need you to go forth and GLORIFY ME!" Can you imagine the "Rush" of excitement, faithfulness and love that comes over you. HE wants me to do this! ME! Your situation no longer creates fear and it is NO BURDEN, you go forth with Open Arms and GREAT EXPECTATIONS! AMEN!
Psalm 139: 23-24 Isaiah 43:1 GOD IS GOD! You are really busy and have made commitments for the day; someone asks you to pray with them and just sit for awhile; would you? (1) Explain how busy you are and give them the name of a preacher to call (2) Give them a quick hug and tell them everything will be alright, (3) Give them a quick "GOD BLESS" and move on; or (3) Even though you don't like to pray out loud, you stay and pray with them; and even though you don't know what to do, you stay anyway; and finally, even though your responsibilities are many you know that this is the time and place you are supposed to be. 1 Peter 4: 10, "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another..."We get these little "POP QUIZZES" all the time and they are usually "multiple choice"!
Psalm 139: 23-24 Isaiah 43:1 GOD IS GOD! Philippians 2:14, "Do all things without grumblings ...that you may be blameless and ...without blemish..." A Brother in CHRIST asked me the other day, "How do you feel when you are around someone who complains or criticizes all the time"? I usually think, "Please just enjoy and accept the moment". He went on to say, "you usually just want to get away from them". I guess it is like being at the dentist and they are drilling around a "nerve". They hit the nerve every little bit and you become more and more tense (unless you have the gas) until "wham" they hit it "big" time and you just have to say something! If you do have to respond, say it in LOVE. If you have to respond or even comment, use GOD'S words. HIS words are powerful and always bring HIM Glory. So today, bring HIM Glory, don't be one of those people that you yourself don't like, don't MUMBLE AND GRUMBLE.
Psalm 139: 23-24 Isaiah 43:1 GOD IS GOD! |
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December 2015
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