LEARN QUICKLY!

12-31-2020. . . .LEARN QUICKLY!

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.  Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:6-7 NIV)  

No man is an island and no man stands alone.  Don't allow pride to stand in the way of promotion!  Humility before God is demonstrated through our humility and submission to those He has placed in authority over us.  This teaching process places us on a fast track to promotion.  The quicker we learn, the shorter the length of the lesson!  Learn quickly and don't become a candidate for remedial training!

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for our process to promotion.  Although at times we may become impatient, help us to humbly submit to the process and to those you are using to perfect us through it.  Amen!

 Prov 16:18. . . . Pride goes before destruction and haughtiness before a fall. TLB

WE NEED GOD!

2-30-2020. . . .WE NEED GOD!

2 Chron 7:14-16. . . . then if my people will humble themselves and pray, and search for me, and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear them from heaven and forgive their sins and heal their land.  I will listen, wide awake, to every prayer made in this place. TLB  

In times like these, we need God!  In fact, there is never a time that we don't need Him.  The people with the ability to contact God are those that are connected to God!  If there is to be change in the world, the people of God must call on Him to make it happen!  He's waiting to hear from us and He is willing and able to help us!

PRAYER: Lord, we need you!  The world needs you!  You, Lord, are our shield; our glory and the lifter of our heads.  Lord send your peace and be our peace.  Amen!

Heb 4:16. . . . So let us come boldly to the very throne of God and stay there to receive his mercy and to find grace to help us in our times of need. TLB

A LOVING HEART AND A WILLING MIND!

12-29-2020. . . .A LOVING HEART AND A WILLING MIND!

"Stay always within the boundaries where God's love can reach and bless you. Wait patiently for the eternal life that our Lord Jesus Christ in his mercy is going to give you. Try to help those who argue against you. Be merciful to those who doubt.  Save some by snatching them as from the very flames of hell itself. And as for others, help them to find the Lord by being kind to them, but be careful that you yourselves aren't pulled along into their sins. Hate every trace of their sin while being merciful to them as sinners." (Jude 21-23 TLB)  

It is a great thing that we are saved, but what about the countless others that are not?  If we sit back in the comfortable confines of our sanctuaries expecting that they will one day just come running through our doors, we are sadly and most regrettably mistaken.  Those in sin are usually very comfortable being there until someone is bold enough to shine the light in their darkness. (Remember how it was when we were there?)  We have been given several options to reach them; we simply must have a loving heart and a willing mind to do so!

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for saving us!  It is your will that no one be lost.  Help us to have a mind and a willing heart to come out of our comfort zones to reach the lost.   Amen!

2 Peter 3:9. . . . The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. KJV

PERSISTENTLY AND CONSISTENTLY FAITHFUL!

12-23-2020. . . .PERSISTENTLY AND CONSISTENTLY FAITHFUL!

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.  And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.  And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,  Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.  And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us."  (Luke 2:8-15 KJV)  

At a time when everyone else in the country was busy with the affairs of the world, the lowly shepherds were found steadfast and unmovable; persistently and consistently keeping watch over their flocks by night.  Their faithfulness positioned them to be favored!  The greatest announcement from heaven to the world was delivered first to the faithful shepherds.

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for favoring faithfulness.  Help us to be like the shepherds in being persistently and consistently faithful.  Thank you for your precious gift to us!  Amen.

1 Cor 4:1-2. . . .Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.  Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.   KJV

ONLY JESUS CAN!

12-22-2020. . . .ONLY JESUS CAN!

Acts 4:122. . . . Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. KJV

 "Santa Claus can't bring Salvation. . . .Only Jesus Can!"  He's the only reason for the Christmas Season!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the true Christ of Christmas, your only begotten Son, Jesus. Through Him alone comes salvation.  May all the world receive your great gift.  Amen!

Acts 4:11-12. . . .For Jesus the Messiah is (the one referred to in the Scriptures when they speak of ) a 'stone discarded by the builders which became the capstone of the arch.'    There is salvation in no one else! Under all heaven there is no other name for men to call upon to save them."  TLB

PREPARE FOR GREATER!

12-18-2020. . . .PREPARE FOR GREATER!

"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." ( Phil 3:13-14 KJV) 

Nothing more can be done about the things in our past; that includes the good things as well as, the not so good things.  There is however, much to be done about what lies ahead of us!  Although, there may be giants in the land, (obstacles, things to overcome) we are well able to achieve if we set our minds to press forward no matter what.  The prize is ahead of us not behind us!  Prepare for greater!  

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the opportunity to enter into another new year.  We will not be detoured by obstacles or hindrances that may appear in our way.  In You we press ahead toward the prize!  Amen.

Heb 12:1-2. . . . Since we have such a huge crowd of men of faith watching us from the grandstands, let us strip off anything that slows us down or holds us back, and especially those sins that wrap themselves so tightly around our feet and trip us up; and let us run with patience the particular race that God has set before us.   Keep your eyes on Jesus, our leader and instructor. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterwards; and now he sits in the place of honor by the throne of God.  TLB

A MIND AND A WILLING HEART!

12-20-2014. . . .A MIND AND A WILLING HEART!

"Stay always within the boundaries where God's love can reach and bless you. Wait patiently for the eternal life that our Lord Jesus Christ in his mercy is going to give you. Try to help those who argue against you. Be merciful to those who doubt.  Save some by snatching them as from the very flames of hell itself. And as for others, help them to find the Lord by being kind to them, but be careful that you yourselves aren't pulled along into their sins. Hate every trace of their sin while being merciful to them as sinners." (Jude 21-23 TLB)  

It is a great thing that we are saved, but what about the countless others that are not?  If we sit back in the comfortable confines of our sanctuaries expecting that they will one day just come running through our doors, we are sadly and most regrettably mistaken.  Those in sin are usually very comfortable being there until someone is bold enough to shine the light in their darkness. (Remember how it was when we were there?)  We have been given several options to reach them; we simply must have a mind and a willing heart to do so!

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for saving us!  It is your will that no one be lost.  Help us to have a mind and a willing heart to come out of our comfort zones to reach the lost.   Amen!

2 Peter 3:9. . . . The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. KJV

NO NEED TO FEAR!

12-16-2020. . . .NO NEED TO FEAR!

Ps 46:1-3. . . . God is our refuge and strength, a tested help in times of trouble.  And so we need not fear even if the world blows up and the mountains crumble into the sea. TLB 

In a time of need, what good is it to have someone present with you that proves to be unable or more often then not, unwilling to help!   God is not only present with us, but He is both willing and able to help us.  Therefore, there is no need to fear when God is near!

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for always be present with us!  You are willing and well able to help us in our times of need!  Thank you for your inexhaustible capability.  Amen!

Ps 48:14. . . . For this great God is our God forever and ever. He will be our guide until we die.  TLB

12-15-2020. . . .THE BEST HANDS!

"My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me. (Ps 31:15KJV) 

 "You're in good hands with Allstate," is the slogan of this well known insurance company.  The implication is that there is no need to worry about anything because with Allstate, you're protected.  To an even greater degree, the same can be said of being in God's hands.  We have no need to worry or fear anything or anyone.  We are not only in good hands, we are in the best hands.

PRAYER:  Lord, your hands are the best hands and we are thankful to be in them!  Amen.

Job 23:10. . . .But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

KJV

WE NEED GOD!

2-11-2020. . . .WE NEED GOD!

2 Chron 7:14-16. . . . then if my people will humble themselves and pray, and search for me, and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear them from heaven and forgive their sins and heal their land.  I will listen, wide awake, to every prayer made in this place. TLB  

In times like these, we need God!  In fact, there is never a time that we don't need Him.  The people with the ability to contact God are those that are connected to God!  If there is to be change in the world, the people of God must call on Him to make it happen!  He's waiting to hear from us and He is willing and able to help us!

PRAYER: Lord, we need you!  The world needs you!  You Lord are our shield; our glory and the lifter of our heads.  Lord send your peace and be our peace.  Amen!

Heb 4:16. . . . So let us come boldly to the very throne of God and stay there to receive his mercy and to find grace to help us in our times of need. TLB

ALL THIME FRIENDS!

12-10-2020. . . .ALL TIME FRIENDS!

"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." (Prov 17:17 NIV) 

True friends never let you down, but are always there when we are!  Thank God for all time friends!

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for being a friend that sticks closer thanany brother.  Thank you also for early friends that mimic you!  Amen!

Prov 17:17. . . . A true friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need. TLB

NEVER YIELD, PUT UP YOUR SHIELD!

12-9-2020. . . .NEVER YIELD, PUT UP YOUR SHIELD!

In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan.  (Eph 6:16 TLB) 

NEWS FLASH!!!!!!  We are in a battle!  The enemy, Satan, is not playing.  He is constantly shooting a barrage of fiery arrows at us.  Those arrows may come in many forms and take on different shapes. Nevertheless, no matter how many fiery arrows may come, or in whatever form or shape they may take, we can and will quench them all with our shield of faith!  We never yield, we simply put up our shield!

Prayer: Lord, we are determined to fight the good fight of faith.  We will never yield in spite of being constantly fired upon by the enemy!  Faith is our shield!  Amen.

1 Tim 6:11. . . .Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.  NIV

DON'T MISS HIS MESSAGE!

12-8-2020. . . .DON'T MISS HIS MESSAGE!

"Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place." (2 Chron 7:15 KJV) 

Let us daily lift our voices unto the Lord!  He is always watching and listening with great anticipation of hearing from us.  He not only wants to hear from us, but He also wants to say something to us!  Don't miss His message!

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for always being available to us.  Help us to seek you daily with open hearts, minds and ears to hear what you have to say to us.  Amen!

Jer 33:3. . . .Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. KJV

WE SHALL OVERCOME!

12-4-2020. . . .WE SHALL OVERCOME!

"I have told you all this so that you will have peace of heart and mind. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows; but cheer up, for I have overcome the world." (John 16:33 TLB)   

Although, at times it may seem like we have to face one trail right after the other, it is not out of the norm of what Jesus predicted would happen.  He gave us advanced notice so that when it happens, (and happen it will) we will not be thrown or overly disturbed by it. We can remain settled and at peace knowing that as He overcame, we too shall overcome!

PRAYER:  Lord, thank you for giving us advance notice of the things we will face in this world.  We confidently endure knowing that because of you, we shall overcome.  Amen!

1 Peter 4:12-13. . . .Dear friends, don't be bewildered or surprised when you go through the fiery trials ahead, for this is no strange, unusual thing that is going to happen to you.  Instead, be really glad-because these trials will make you partners with Christ in his suffering, and afterwards you will have the wonderful joy of sharing his glory in that coming day when it will be displayed. TLB

WORK ON SAINTS!

12-3-2020 . .WORK ON SAINTS!

"My enemies will fall back and perish in your presence;  you have vindicated me; you have endorsed my work, declaring from your throne that it is good.  (Ps 9:3-4 TLB)

As challenging as it may be, pay no attention to the many naysayers that have no problem expressing their venomous opinions and judging our call, charge, and commission. God himself puts his stamp of approval on us (the anointing) and we have no need for man's approval, affirmation or sanction.  God vindicates His anointed and declares our works good!   So, Work on Servants!

PRAYER: Lord, you alone have called us and qualified us to do what we do.  Help us to look only to you for approval and vindication from the accusations of our enemies.  Amen! 

Ps 27:1-3. . . .The Lord is my light and my salvation; he protects me from danger-whom shall I fear?  When evil men come to destroy me, they will stumble and fall! Yes, though a mighty army marches against me, my heart shall know no fear! I am confident that God will save me. TLB

THE LESSON IS OURS TO LEARN!

12-2-2020. . . .THE LESSON IS OURS TO LEARN!

"There is a saying, 'Love your friends and hate your enemies.' But I say: Love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!  In that way you will be acting as true sons of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust too."  (Matt 5:43-45 TLB) 

If we are honest, this is one of the hardest biblical imperatives to carry out.  The last thing we want to do is be good to someone who is being a low down dirty dog to us; let alone pray for them! However, as true sons and daughters, we are called to do exactly that!   The lesson is ours to learn and not so much for the benefit of our enemies.

PRAYER: Lord, your ways are best and will benefit us greatly if we follow them.  No matter how difficult it may be, help us to follow your ways concerning our enemies.  Amen!

Matt 5:46-48. . . . If you love only those who love you, what good is that? Even scoundrels do that much.  If you are friendly only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else?   Even the heathen do that.  But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.  TLB

THEIR DEEDS WILL NOT SUCCEED!

12-1-2020. . . .THEIR DEEDS WILL NOT SUCCEED! 

"Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:  But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way."  (Matt 13:24-25 KJV) 

Always expect the enemy to be the enemy and to do what enemies do.  It should come as no surprise that they often do their dirty work behind our backs.  Fret not however. . . .their deeds will not succeed!

PRAYER:  Lord, thank you for giving us wisdom to know our enemies!  Thank you also for being in control and our strong tower against all of them.  Amen.

Isa 54:17. . . . No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.  KJV

THANKS-GOD'S WILL FOR US!

11-25-2020. . . .THANKS-GOD'S WILL FOR US!

 "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (1 Thess 5:188 KJV)

Giving thanks to God in every thing is His will concerning us.  Admittedly however, we may find ourselves in circumstances and situations that we may not readily feel thankful to be in.   In fact, our preference would be not having to deal with them at all. Nevertheless, the knowledge that God is working in every situation and circumstance for our good, is cause enough to connect with His will concerning us and simply give thanks.  Don't fight it, flow with it; and remember, it is His will so give thanks!

Prayer: Lord, in everything we give you thanks for it is your will concerning us.  Help us in the difficult times to remember this quickly and not struggle against your will. Amen!

Ps 30:11-12. . . . You turned my wailing into dancing;you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,  that my heart may sing to you and not be silent.  O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever. (NIV)

TWO GOOD REASONS!

11-24-2020. . . .TWO GOOD REASONS!

"O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever." (Ps 136:1 KJV)

Need reasons to give God thanks? Psalm 136:1 offers two! First, give thanks because 'He is Good.' It is an undeniable fact that, God is good and he does good!  The good God does is constantly and consistantly directed toward us! Secondly, 'His mercy endures for ever.'  Where would we be if it were not for His great mercy!   His mercy keeps us so that His grace can reach us! While there is certainly a plethora of other reasons to give thanks, these two are  a good place to start!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for being good and always doing good. Thank you also for your mercy without which we would be consumed. Thank you Lord, thank you! Amen.

Ps 97:12. . . . Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.KJV

IN THE ARMS OF HIS PEACE!

11-20-2020. . . .IN THE ARMS OF HIS PEACE!

"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don't forget to thank him for his answers. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:5-7 6 TLB) 

It is easy to become anxious and uneasy about the unknown and things that are beyond our control. However, if we remind ourselves that God is in control and He has everything under control, we will be able to release our hearts and minds into the settling arms of God's Peace.  It is far more satisfying than our need to understand.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for giving us your peace to keep us free from worry, calm and steady in in the most unsettling moments.  We rest daily in it's embrace. Amen!

Isa 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. KJV

BEING IS HAVING!

11-19-2020. . . .BEING IS HAVING!

"Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend."  (Prov 27:17 KJV) 

Don't be so quick to label someone a friend. Wait for the day of adversity and see how and where they position their self.  Only a true friend will stand with you in the good times and the bad times.  They will comfort us and if need be, lovingly correct us, but will never turn their backs on us!  To be this kind of friend is to have this kind of friend.

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for true friends.  Though they be few in number, their presence in our life is a blessing.  Amen!

Prov 17:17. . . .A true friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need. TLB

11-18-2020. . . .FRIENDS AND ASSOCIATES!

"A true friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need." (Prov 17:17 TLB)  

Just because we call people our "Friend" does not make them one indeed.  The proof of a real friend is not in their ability to love and stand with us when things are going well, but in their unfailing, unchanging love and stand with us when our world has turned upside down.  It is then our eyes open to see the difference between our friends and mere associates. 

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for being a friend that sticks closer to us than any brother.  Help us to be that kind of friend to those with whom we are connected.  Amen!

 Prov 18:24. . . . There are "friends" who pretend to be friends, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.  TLB

NOW THAT'S AN AWESOME GOD!

11-13-2020. . . .NOW THAT'S AN AWESOME GOD!

"You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe. Every day was recorded in your book!  How precious it is, Lord, to realize that you are thinking about me constantly! I can't even count how many times a day your thoughts turn toward me. And when I waken in the morning, you are still thinking of me!"  (Ps 139:16-17 TLB) 

 God is completely engaged and intimately involved in every detail of our life.  It is mind blowing to think that He can be God in all His God-ness to me, (a 24/7, 365 job) without taking away or depriving any of His full God-ness to everyone else!  Now that's an awesome God worthy of all our praise!

PRAYER: Lord, we thank you for being the awesome God you are!  Amen.

Ezek 34:30-31. . . . In this way they will know that I, the Lord their God, am with them, and that they, the people of Israel, are my people," says the Lord God. "You are my flock, the sheep of my pasture. You are my men and I am your God, so says the Lord." TLB

GREATER AFTER THIS!

11-13-2021. . . .GREATER AFTER THIS!

So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses.   After this lived Job an hundred and forty years, and saw his sons, and his sons' sons, even four generations. (Job 42:12 &16 KJV) 

No matter what we have to go through, there are two things that are for certain; there is a beginning and an ending to it!  It's really not a matter then, "what we go through," but "how we go through!"  Unwavering faith in God's providential care will ultimately result in victory and greater blessings. Remember, it may be challenging now, but expect greater, AFTER THIS!!!!!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your love and providential care that always results for us in victory and blessings! Through the intensity of our current dilemmas, help us always remember this and not weaver in our faith.  Amen! 

Job 23:10-12. . . . But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.   My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.   Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.  KJV