Yea and Amen! (Reposted from 4-14-09)

4-14-09. . . . Yes! And Amen!

Ever had someone make a promise to you only to have them break their promise later? Remember how it made you feel? Remember the disappointment and yes, even the pain and hurt that resulted. Those who have experienced this pain, hurt and disappointment more than once or twice at the hands of unreliable co-workers, friends and even family members, probably don’t put a lot of stock in promises made by people anymore. In fact, someone saying ‘I promise’ automatically raises red flags and puts you on alert. No need to be on alert or no such red flags need be raised when it comes to the Lord. “. . . . The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; . . .( 2 Peter 3:9 KJV) God cannot lie. . . .If He said it, He will bring it to pass. “. . . . When a man takes an oath, he is calling upon someone greater than himself to force him to do what he has promised or to punish him if he later refuses to do it; the oath ends all argument about it. God also bound himself with an oath, so that those he promised to help would be perfectly sure and never need to wonder whether he might change his plans. He has given us both his promise and his oath, two things we can completely count on, for it is impossible for God to tell a lie. Heb 6:16-18 TLB) Just think of it! Every promise recorded in the word of God can be appropriated in our lives through Christ Jesus! You might consider it a 'company benefit!' As believers we are in the Lord’s company both figuratively and literally. “. . . . For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen. . .( 2 Cor 1:20 KJV)


Prayer: Thank you Lord for every promise made to me! May every promise fully manifest in my life today and always, Amen.

2 Peter 1:2-4 . . . . Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. KJV

God Is Looking for You!

5-8-2009. . . . God is Looking for You! (Reposted)

You recall the story in the Bible where Jesus was compelled to go through Samaria and there, seated on a well, He has a conversation with a woman of Samaria? There are many things to glean from their interesting conversation, but the thing that struck me the most was when He addressed her question concerning worship. “But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.”(John 4:23 KJV) From this statement we can conclude that there are two types of worshippers; those who worship ‘in spirit and in truth’ and those that don’t. Does God really care? Absolutely! It matters to Him so much that He ‘Seeketh’. . . .Goes after. . . .Is drawn to. . . . the one as opposed to the other. What kind of worshipper are you? God knows and He is either looking (Seeking) for you. . . .Going after you. . . .are being drawn to you! If God is looking for you, let your worship expose your hiding place.

Prayer: Lord, I worship you in spirit and in truth! May my worship always cause your eyes to focus and see me! Amen.

Ps 29:1-2. . . . Give unto the LORD, O ye mighty, give unto the LORD glory and strength. Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. KJV

Full Access!

6-26-2009. . . . Full Access! (Reposted)

Most us have experienced attending an event or function that required a ticket or a pass for admittance. Depending upon who you were or perhaps who you knew would determine your level of access. A regular invited guest would often receive a limited access pass. A VIP (very important person) however, would receive a ‘full Access’ pass. “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” (Rev 3:20 KJV) Question: with Jesus being a ‘VIP’ in fact, the most important person, what access have we granted him? Does Jesus have full access to our lives or is there certain areas where we restrict His access. We don’t have to be afraid or ashamed of the dark areas of our lives that we would prefer to keep Him out of. It is exactly those areas He wants access to! Allow Him in! He loves us enough to cover us and perfect us. He does not want access to condemn us, but to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Grant Him full access today!

Prayer: Lord I love you and I know that you love me! Although there are areas of my life I’d prefer you not see, I trust your love for me and therefore, grant you Full Access. Amen.

John 15:10-14. . . .If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. KJV

The Power of Partnership!

6-24-2009. . . .The Power of Partnership!

Independence has it’s place. . . .personal accomplishment is a good thing and a worthy goal to pursue. Greater still however, is the power of partnership. “Two can accomplish more than twice as much as one, for the results can be much better. If one falls, the other pulls him up; but if a man falls when he is alone, he's in trouble. Also, on a cold night, two under the same blanket gain warmth from each other, but how can one be warm alone? And one standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer; three is even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.” (Eccl 4:9-12 TLB) Don’t be afraid to connect with others in order to achieve a common goal. In the familiar narrative of St. Mark 2, the man sick of the palsy would never have gotten to Jesus were it not for the four who carried him, which were also a part of a larger group that had come to seek Jesus for his healing. As a result of their partnership, they were able to achieve their goal even in the face of unforeseen challenges. They overcame the challenge of not being able to enter into the house where Jesus was ministering because of the crowd that had gathered. Together, (in partnership) ‘they’ not just the four, uncovered the roof (a feat not easily accomplished with only four) and lowered the man with the palsy down into the house where Jesus was. Just think how much more each of us can accomplish if we simply decide to partner with others for a common goal! T-ogether. . . .E-veryone. . . .A-ccomplishes. . . .M-ore! T. E. A. M.!

Prayer:. . . . Lord, thank you for wonderful and capable people who are willing to partner together to achieve a common goal. Bless our effort as we advance You kingdom here on earth. Amen!

Matt 18:18-20. . . ."And I tell you this-whatever you bind on earth is bound in heaven, and whatever you free on earth will be freed in heaven. I also tell you this-if two of you agree down here on earth concerning anything you ask for, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together because they are mine, I will be right there among them." TLB

THE ME GOD KNEW!!!!

4-3-2009. . . . The Me God Knew!!!!

Who do men say that I am? (for context read St. Matthew 16:13-20) You can’t ask just anybody this question and expect to get an unbiased answer!!! Who we are is not and cannot be defined by the opinions of the general populous! Neither by the select few who are privileged to hold a position within our inner circles. Flesh and blood is incapable of providing this revelation! At best, a glimpse is barely possible. The Father alone knows. As we seek Him daily, He will give us fresh revelation of who we are so the world then, can be the beneficiary!

TODAY'S PRAYER: Cause me to be who you ‘knew’ before you formed me!

Jeremiah 1:4-5… The Lord said to me, "I knew you before you were formed within your mother's womb; before you were born I sanctified you and appointed you as my spokesman to the world." (TLB)

A Friend of God!!!!

4-1-2009. . . . A Friend of God!!!!

"And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God." (James 2:23 KJV) Abraham was called ‘a friend of God’. If God were interviewed today and were asked, what kind of friend is (insert your name)? What would His answer be? After careful and honest consideration of what you think God’s answer would be, if you’re pleased, good for you! Stay consistent and improve. If on the other hand, you find you’ve come short of the measure of being ‘a friend of God’, be encouraged! Start today; this very second. . .do something about it! There is nothing we can do about our past but there is plenty we can do to improve today.

PRAYER: As a direct result of my concentrated efforts, may the answer God gives about me today be better than His answer yesterday!

Ps 138:8 The LORD will fulfill [his purpose] for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever--do not abandon the works of your hands. (NIV)

GROW!

8-21-2009....GROW!

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. “ (2 Peter 3:18 KJV) Two very note worthy aspirations we should ensure are being achieved in our lives. The first, ‘Grow in Grace’! Grow in the free and unmerited favor and love of God! That’s what grace is. How does one grow in God’s favor and love? There are several ways, but the primary way is through obedience! Obedience pleases God and he responds to obedience with favor. “If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:” (Isa 1:19 KJV) Secondly, ‘Grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ’. We deceive ourselves if we think we know all we need to know about Jesus Christ! We know, He is the Son of God and our confession of such secures our salvation. That’s a good thing, but there is much more! The exciting thing is, He wants to reveal Himself more and more to us, but usually, we are preoccupied or to busy to take the time to allow Him to do so. As a healthy plant will soon wither and die if it does not receive the necessary nutrients to help it grow, believers too can expect the same result if we fail in our aspirations to daily grow in God’s grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your favor! I want to know you more and more each day. Fill me complete as I hunger and thirst for the knowledge of you. Amen!

Prov 3:20-22. . . .By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew. My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion: So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck. KJV

ON SCHEDULE!

8-20-2009. . . . On Schedule!

By now most us are likely well into our day. Many have well planned schedules and arduous agendas set for ourselves. Question: was God included in the plans or is He just along for the ride? On the reverse side of things, God always includes us in His agenda. In fact, our schedule and agenda is really His. “Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! It is amazing to think about. Your workmanship is marvelous-and how well I know it. You were there while I was being formed in utter seclusion! 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!”( Ps 139:14-16 TLB) Take a moment during your busy day and ask God, am I where I am supposed to be and doing what I am supposed to be doing?

Prayer: Lord, thank you for always keeping me on your mind and for scheduling every moment of my life before I was born. Help me to daily follow your agenda and not get caught up in my own. Amen.

Ps 139:17. . . .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! TLB

A CHALLENGE!

8-19-2009. . . .A CHALLENGE!

What is our response to people we don’t like or particularly care for? Do we at all cost avoid having contact and interaction with them except when it is absolutely necessary? On occasions when it is unavoidable and we must interact with them, what is our attitude toward them? Does it facilitate and promote peace or perpetuate continued animosity? Jesus says, “Love your enemies! Do good to them! Lend to them! And don't be concerned about the fact that they won't repay. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as sons of God: for he is kind to the unthankful and to those who are very wicked.” (Luke 6:35 TLB) Challenging? You bet! However, if we put ourselves in the position of being ‘the enemy’ (and truth be told, someone actually views us that way) I’m certain we’d want them to follow Jesus’ command with a quickness. So then, why not do unto others what we would have them do unto us!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for loving me completely. Help me in my areas of challenge to do as you have commanded me to do. Empower me to win more enemies than I make. Amen!

Gal 6:10. . . .As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. KJV

8-18-2009. . . .USE IT AND PROSPER!

God gives us many things one of which is 'the ability to produce wealth'. "But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today." (Deut 8:1818) Does this mean that every person is suppose to be rich beyond measure? Hardly. It does mean however, that each of us has the God-given ability to produce everything needed to sustain ourselves and to be able to bless others. It begins with being a good Steward over the resources we have and receive; ensuring that we always honor God with our substance and the firstfruits of all our increase. The result will be that our barns will be filled with plenty! (Prov. 3) In other words, 'Increase'. You have the power to get wealth. Use it and prosper!

Prayer: Thank you Lord for giving me the power to produce wealth. As I demonstrate my good stewardship let the power to produce wealth manifest. Amen!

Prov 3:9-10. . . .Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.KJV

PERFECT HEARTS AND WILLING MINDS!

8-17-2009. . . .Perfect Hearts and Willing Minds!

King David wisely advised his son Solomon, to . . . "know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts. . . (1 Chron 28:9KJV) We would do well to follow the same wise advise. Whatever is in our hearts and minds is not hidden from God. Spoken or unspoken, He knows it all. Let us examine our hearts and purify our minds today and serve God with perfect hearts and willing minds!

Prayer: Lord, you search me and know me. There is within me that is hidden from you. May your search of my heart and mind yield only that which is pleasing unto you! Amen!

Ps 139:23-24. . . . Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. KJV

THE MINISTRY OF AFFLICTION!

8-14-2009. . . .The Ministry of Affliction!

“It is good for me that I have been afflicted” (Ps 119:71a KJV) I am not certain that on the front end, many of us would agree with David’s perspective. I pray however, that all of us attain to the same objective once we emerge from the crucible of affliction; “that I might learn thy statutes.” (Ps 119:71b KJV) We can only do better as we learn better! God’s correction is never to hurt us but to help us. “I know, O Lord, that your decisions are right and that your punishment was right and did me good. ( Ps 119:75 TLB) Advice: Go through it and get through it. You’ll be better for it!

Prayer: Lord your statutes are the foundation of my life. Thank you for the ministry of affliction. Amen.

Ps 18:30. . . .As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him. KJV

TRUST IN GOD!

8-13-2009. . . .TRUST IN GOD!

At our best, we’re all a work in progress. At our worst, well. . . . let’s not talk about it. Our best intentions sometime fail leaving in their wake disappointments, hurt feelings, misunderstandings, disruptions, confusion and a plethora of other things. Even our closest friends and family are not exempt and can let us down. Be ready to be forgiving and understanding! Most importantly, remember these words: “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.” (Ps 118:8 KJV)

Prayer: Lord, my trust is in you! Strengthen and fortify me against the times when human kind fails me! May my heart be big enough to forgive quickly and my mind focused enough to remember I too fail! Amen.

Ps 37:3-5. . . .Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. KJV

USE YOUR KEY!

8-12-2009. . . .Use Your Key!

The proportion of one’s faith will determine the effectiveness of Gods word in one’s life! “For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. (Heb 4:2 KJV) God’s word will not return to Him void, it will accomplish what He pleases and prosper in the thing whereunto He has sent it. (Isa. 55:11) We must do our part and activate it by faith. Much like a shinny new car, it is ready and able to transport you from point A to point B and beyond. However, the car will never move until you use the key and start it up. If you want to see the full manifestation of God’s word in your life, use your key! Activate it with your Faith!

Prayer: Lord, your word is true! I believe and receive it’s full manifestation in my life by faith! Amen.

Heb 11:6. . . .But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. KJV

GIVE HIM A PRAISE!

8-10-2009. . . .GIVE HIM A PRAISE!

Recently while in a nostalgic moment, I began to reminisce about many circumstances and situations in my past. Many were pleasant memories, but some were not so pleasant. In fact, some were very bad and could have and perhaps, should have cost me my life. If not from the very circumstances themselves, certainly by God for my willful acts of sin and disobedience. Then a question came to my mind. Why am I still here? The answer was simple, His mercy! “It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. (Lam 3:22-23) Needless to say, I immediately lifted both hands and began to worship, praise and thank God for His mercy and compassion towards me. In case you are in need of a reason to give God praise today, have your own nostalgic moment. I’m certain it won’t take very long before you discover, His mercy has kept you too! At that moment, give Him a Praise!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your mercy, compassion and grace. Had it not been for you, I would not have made this far. I will bless and praise your name forever! You are worthy of all praise!

2 Cor 1:3. . . .What a wonderful God we have-he is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the source of every mercy, and the one who so wonderfully comforts and strengthens us in our hardships and trials. And why does he do this? So that when others are troubled, needing our sympathy and encouragement, we can pass on to them this same help and comfort God has given us. TLB

TH ATTITUDE OF BEING!

8-10-2009. . . .THE ATTITUDE OF BEING!

If there is ever a question about what our attitude toward life should be, we need only review St. Matthew 5 where Jesus makes it crystal clear.

> Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
> Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
> Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
> Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
> Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
> Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
> Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
> Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
> Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. (Matt 5:3-12 KJV )

If we adopt this as our ‘Attitude of Being’ we won’t often be thrown by people or circumstances. In fact, happy we will be now and a great reward awaits us in heaven. Admittedly, this is easier to say than to do, but it’s not impossible. If it were, Jesus would not have taught it. So believers, don’t just read about it, lets be about it!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for giving me clear directions concerning my attitude toward people and life. Through you I can do all things. Amen!

Ps 12:6-7. . . .The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever. KJV

WHAT A NAME!

8-7-2009. . . .What A Name!

Ask the name of anyone you know and even people you don’t know and I assure you that none will answer, ‘I AM that I AM’! "And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you." (Ex 3:13-14 KJV) Wow! What a name! I can’t imagine what Moses thought or felt when He heard God’s response to his question. I only know that when I think about it, I am filled with awe! When I think about it, I am drawn into a posture of worship. . . .that is, the complete surrender of my mind, soul and spirit. It is only in this position that one can truly experience the fullness of, I AM! I’ll say it again. . . .What a Name!

Prayer: Lord, the thought of who you are as contained in your name ‘I AM’ fills me with awe! You are so awesome yet you delight to have fellowship with such a worm as I. I am so grateful to you for that. Amen!

Ps 19:1-6. . . . The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof. KJV

NO OBSTRUCTION!

8-6-2009. . . .No Obstruction!

Is there anything or anyone obstructing your view of God? Before giving the obvious standard quick answer, allow for just a moment of thorough examination. Career. . . .Family. . . . Wealth. . . .Material possessions, any one of these things while good, could become an obstruction or worst, an idol! For the prophet Isaiah, the obstruction was king Uzziah. “The year King Uzziah died I saw the Lord! He was sitting on a lofty throne, and the Temple was filled with his glory. (Isa 6:1-2 TLB) His loyalty and service to the King was admirable, but when the king died, Isaiah was able to see the Lord without obstruction. No matter how admirable, honorable, or even what may be a normal part of life, let nothing or no one obstruct you from seeing God as He Is.

Prayer: Lord, my priority desire is to know you and to see you clearly without obstruction or distraction. Draw me nearer to thee daily. Amen!

Deut 4:23-24. . . .Take heed unto yourselves, lest ye forget the covenant of the LORD your God, which he made with you, and make you a graven image, or the likeness of any thing, which the LORD thy God hath forbidden thee. For the LORD thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God. KJV

PRAISE HIM!

8-5-2009. . . .PRAISE HIM!

Morning, Noon and Night, ‘Praise’ should be a continual action in our life. “Praise him from sunrise to sunset! For he is high above the nations; his glory is far greater than the heavens.“ (Ps 113:2-4 TLB) Praise focuses our attention on God and God’s attention on us! As we lift our praises to Him, He receives our praise and responses to us with His blessings and favor. We don’t praise Him for the sole purpose of obtaining blessings and favor, we praise Him simply on the basis of His worthiness. “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” ( Rev 4:11 KJV) Fulfill the purpose for which we were created! PRAISE HIM!

Prayer: Lord, you alone are worthy of my praise! I offer you my praise continuously; the fruit of my lips giving thanks unto your name! Amen!

Heb 13:15. . . .By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. KJV

GUARD YOUR GOOD NAME!

8-3-2009. . . .GUARD YOUR GOOD NAME!

‘A good name will go before you, but a bad name will follow you!’ What thoughts are engendered in people’s minds when someone mentions your name? Does the mention of your name bring smiles or frowns; happy thoughts or unhappy thoughts? Your name identifies who you are. Don’t let your behavior and actions cause unwanted negative adjectives to be attached to your name. “A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth. (Eccl 7:1a KJV) Guard your good name!

Prayer: Lord, your name is above every name! Help me to always guard my good name so that I am a good and worthy representative of you! Amen.

Eccl 7:1. . . .A good reputation is more valuable than the most expensive perfume. TLB

BE KIND!

7-31-2009. . . .BE KIND!

Of the many things people could say about you, is one of them ‘He or She is a Kind Person?’ Friendly, warm-hearted, generous and understanding. Being kind and showing kindness does not cost us anything, but it could mean everything to the one on the receiving end of it. The world has enough mean, selfish, evil, insensitive, uncaring and unloving people in it. Don’t be one of them! Be kind! “Stop being mean, bad-tempered, and angry. Quarreling, harsh words, and dislike of others should have no place in your lives. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God has forgiven you because you belong to Christ." (Eph 4:31-32 TLB)

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your loving kindness and for the opportunity of life. Help me to be a kind person and to show kindness at all times. Amen!

2 Peter 1:5-9. . . . For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. NIV