NEVER FORSAKEN!

9-29-2000. . . .NEVER FORSAKEN!

Ever had someone give up on you . . . .turn their back on you. . . .abandon you? Those of us who have experienced it can tell you, being forsaken is not a position or feeling to be coveted. It will leave you disappointed, discouraged and with many unanswered questions. While the possibility always exist that man will forsake us, no such possibility exist with God! After looking back over the years of his life, David accurately observed: “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. (Ps 37:25 KJV) From generation to generation, God will never forsake the righteous and will always provide for their every need!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for being a faithful God and never forsaking the righteous! I am grateful that I am your child and live in expectation and not in want. Amen!

Ps 9:9-10. . . .The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. NIV

NO EXEMPTIONS!

9-29-2009. . . .NO EXEMPTION!

The righteous are not exempt from life’s afflictions. We need only examine our past experiences to verify the truth of that fact. The advantage of the righteous however, is that we have the assurance of deliverance from every one of life’s afflictions. Knowing this on front end of keeps us from giving in or giving up when the pressure our trials and struggles intensifies. Therefore, hold on and go on. . . .Go through knowing you will get through! “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.” (Ps 34:19 KJV)

Prayer: Thank you Lord for being my help, strength and comfort in the times of my affliction. Deliver me surely but not before I’ve learned the lessons of the experience. Amen!

Ps 119:71-72. . . .It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes. The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver. KJV

STRENGTH IN WEAKNESS!

9-28-2009. . . .STRENGTH IN WEAKNESS!

“For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.” 2 Chron 16:9 KJV God is keenly aware of every person who is fully committed to Him and He is constantly seek out opportunities to show Himself strong on our behalf. Although being fully committed to suggest we are flawless; we are keenly aware of that not being the case. It is in those very areas of our weakness that seeks to and in fact, will manifest His strength. “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Cor 12:9 KJV

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your strength in my areas of weakness. It is through your manifested strength that I become stronger. Thy will be done! Amen.

2 Cor 12:10. . . . Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. KJV

GOD OUR KEEPER!

9-25-2009. . . . GOD OUR KEEPER!

“Shall I look to the mountain gods for help? No! My help is from Jehovah who made the mountains! And the heavens too! He will never let me stumble, slip, or fall. For he is always watching, never sleeping. Jehovah himself is caring for you! He is your defender. He protects you day and night. He keeps you from all evil and preserves your life. He keeps his eye upon you as you come and go and always guards you. (Ps 121 TLB) What more need be said! Go. . . . and remember, God is keeping you!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for this word today! Wow! I feel so safe and secure knowing that you never sleep or slumber, but you are always looking out for me and keeping me from all hurt, harm and danger. I love you lord! Thank again. Amen.

Ps 121:3-5. . . .He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. KJV

GOD OUR PROVIDER!

9-24-2009. . . .GOD OUR PROVIDER!

While it is true we may not have everything that we want, it is equally true that we do have everything that we need. We have God’s word on it. “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” ( Phil 4:19 KJV) If God supplied our biggest need which was salvation through the sacrificial death of His Son, Jesus the Christ, it stands to reason that any lesser need we may have is nothing for Him to handle. “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! (Matt 7:11-12 NIV)

Prayer: Lord, thank you for being my provider! You supply all my need according to your riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Give me wisdom daily in distinguishing my needs from my wants. Amen!

Eph 1:3. . . .How we praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every blessing in heaven because we belong to Christ. TLB

GOD OUR PROTECTION!

9-23-2009. . . .GOD OUR PROTECTION!

“ The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” (Prov 18:10 NIV) This powerful scripture does not suggest that believers (the righteous) are in some sort of continuous cat and mouse game where the enemy shows up to grab us and we take off running in fear back to the Lord. Rather, the statement is emphatic! The name of the Lord ‘IS’ a strong tower; therefore the righteous, having come into the saving knowledge of this truth quickly responds (runs) to it and is forever safe from all harm. There is no coming in and going out! We are in and remain in where we are protected and shielded by our God who is our protection. Be not afraid beloved, God is our Protection and the enemy can not reach us here!

Prayer: Lord, you are the joy and the strength of my life. My strong tower and protection. Therefore I rest in thee and remain forever safe! Amen.

Ps 61:1-4. . . .Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings. Selah NIV

GOD OF COMFORT!

9-22-2009. . . .GOD OF COMFORT!

Life is often no bed of roses and at times it can be downright uncomfortable! Yet, it is in those times of discomfort that God manifest Himself to us as ‘The God of all Comfort’. “... 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.” (2 Cor 1:3a TLB) No, He does not always immediately change our situations and circumstances, but more often than not, He changes us in the situations and circumstances! While all hell may be breaking loose all around us, He gives us a since of well-being on the inside that enables us to emerge with confidence and experience to share with others in their time of affliction and trouble. “…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.” (2 Cor 1:3b) TLB

Prayer: Lord, thank you for being the God of all comfort! You keep me from being unstable in difficult and uncomfortable situations. It is well with my soul. Amen!

Isa 51:3. . . .For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody. KJV

COMPASSIONATE GOD!

9-21-2009. . . .Compassionate God!

Never fails . . . .New every morning, God’s compassion! Deep awareness of the suffering of another coupled with the desire to relieve it. Our God is ‘full’ of compassion for us. “But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.” ( Ps 86:15 KJV) God is not oblivious to our suffering, but in fact, is intimately aware of it. Not only is He aware of it, but He has the desire and the power to give relief and release. Remember, “…His compassions fail not and they are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” ( Lam 3:22-23 KJV)

Prayer: Lord, thank you that you are a loving and compassionate God. This I recall to mind, therefore I have hope. That you for the coming relief and release. Amen!

Ps 111:2-5. . . . The works of the LORD are great, Studied by all who have pleasure in them. His work is honorable and glorious, And His righteousness endures forever. He has made His wonderful works to be remembered; The LORD is gracious and full of compassion. He has given food to those who fear Him; He will ever be mindful of His covenant. NKJV

CHOSEN!

9-18-2009. . . .Chosen!

For many years there was a sort of stigma attached to being adopted. As a result, some adopted children even developed self-esteem issues. While adopted children are minus the biological connection of their new parents, when you think about it, they have something that more than compensates for it. They are “Chosen”! Someone made a decision and said “I want you to be my child.” Wow, how wonderful! That is exactly what God did! He made us His choice! Adopted. . . . Chosen! “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. (Eph 1:3-6 KJV)

Prayer: Lord, Thank you for making me your choice! I am grateful and proud to be your adopted son and as such, privileged to call you Abba Father. . . .Daddy!

Rom 8:15. . . . For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.” KJV)

GLORY REVEALED!

9-17-2009. . . . Glory Revealed!

Remember falling down as a child and scaring your knee, leg arm or some other body part? Remember how it bled and hurt then finally, a scab was formed over the abrasion? For days and sometimes weeks you suffered the pain of the healing process. Then one day, almost miraculously, the scab fell off to reveal the bright and pink newly healed skin. It is at that point that one can say the suffering was worth it! You may be suffering right now perhaps from a fall or failure in life that has left you bruised, scared and going through the healing process. Be encouraged! Glory is being revealed in you! “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” (Rom 8:18 KJV)

Prayer: Lord, although I must sometimes go through the process of suffering, I remain thankful and encouraged because of the glory that you are revealing in me! Amen.

2 Cor 3:18. . . .And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. NIV

LIVE LIFE WITHOUT FEAR OF FAILURE!

9-16-2009. . . .Live Life Without Fear of Failure!

It has been said of old that “Nothing ever failed but a good try.” In life we will occasionally experience failure, but failure is not a cause to be or stay discouraged or discontented. Don’t get caught up in the trap of ‘I Can’t’! Failure is not final, but victory is sure! “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." (1 Cor 15:57-58 NIV) Now, live life without fear of failure!

Prayer: Thank you Lord for victory! Although I may at times experience failure, through you I can always begin again and experience victory afresh. Amen!

2 Cor 2:14. . . . Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. NKJV

PREVIEW OF COMING ATTRACTIONS!

9-15-2009. . . .Previews of coming Attractions!

God is not in the business of playing ‘hide and seek’ or ‘twenty questions’ when it comes to your life and future. He knows His plans and purpose for us and extends an invitation for us to know as well. “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. “ (Jer 33:3 KJV) There is no need to live in fear or uncertainty. Simply, ask Him and He will give you revelation and direction. He’ll give you previews of coming attractions!

Prayer: Lord, thank you that I can call on you with assurance of knowing you will hear and answer me. Thank you for revelation and direction. Let your divine plan and will be manifested. Amen!

Jer 29:11-13. . . . For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. NIV

Hear and Follow!

9-14-2009. . . .Hear and Follow!

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:..”( John 10:27 KJV) Our Savior, Jesus the Christ, knows all who belong to Him! Literally, as a Shepherd intimately knows every sheep in his fold, so the Lord knows us. Daily He speaks to us and is confident that because we are His sheep, ‘we know His voice’ and ‘follow Him.’ As we begin this week, stop. . . .take a moment and listen for the voice of the Savior . . . .heed His instructions and follow Him!

Prayer: Lord, you are my Lord and Savior. I listen daily for your voice of instruction and I’m committed to following your every command! Amen.

Rev 3:20. . . .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. KJV

VICTORS NOT VICTIMS!

9-11-2009. . . .Victors not Victims!

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” (1 Peter 5:8 KJV) Constantly on the prowl and relentless in his pursuit of an unsuspecting victim, our adversary the devil stands ready to pounce at the first opportunity. Although he prowls like a roaring lion, he is not a lion! Although his objective is to devour, he is powerless to do so unless we allow him access to us. The truth is, he is a defeated foe and if we follow the instruction to “resist him steadfast in the faith” he will have to retreat. Remember, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. We are Victors. . . .not Victims! Walk in Victory!

Prayer: Thank you Lord for giving me victory over the enemy. Empower me to continue enforcing that victory through my steadfast resistance in the faith. Amen!

James 4:7. . . . Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. KJV

What A Novel Idea!

9-10-09. . . .What A Novel Idea!

“Dear brothers, if a Christian is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help him back onto the right path, remembering that next time it might be one of you who is in the wrong. Share each other's troubles and problems, and so obey our Lord's command. If anyone thinks he is too great to stoop to this, he is fooling himself. He is really a nobody.” (Gal 6:1-3 TLB) How easy it is to stand on the sidelines pointing fingers and passing judgment about someone’s faults. At the end of the day it amounts to nothing more than wasted energy that benefits no one. Why not with that same energy, engage our love and compassion in helping that person back on the path of righteous remembering, that what we give is what we get! Hum. . . . . .what a novel idea!

Prayer: Lord, give me a humble and loving spirit especially when it comes to showing mercy and compassion to others. Forgive me for where I’ve fallen short and strengthen me to respond differently next time. Amen!

Jude 21-23. . . .Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. KJV

OUR DAILY BREAD!

9-9-2009. . . .Our Daily Bread!

". . . Give us day by day our daily bread. . . " (Luke 11:3 KJV) Our daily expectation is that God is going to provide what is needed to sustain and maintain our physical being. Without failure, He does. We testify with Daivd of having "never seen the righteous forsaken nor His seed begging bread!"(Ps. 37:25) However, we need not limit this daily prayer request to our physical needs only, for our appetites are not limit to such. The same God that satisfies our physical needs can satisfy our appetites in every other area as well. Jesus said, "I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. (John 6:35 KJV) Not simply "Bread for life" (physical) but also, "Bread of Life" pertaining to our total being; mental, spiritual and physical! We hunger and thirst for many things beside bread for nutrition. If we look to Him and in truth and honesty, make these desires known to Him, He will not only supply what is needed to satisfy them, but will also ensure that they are aligned with righteousness and holiness.

Prayer: Lord thank you for supplying all my need according to your riches in glory! Satisfy and supply my daily bread in every area. Keep me aligned with righteousness and holiness. Amen!

Matt 5:6. . . .Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. KJV

WALKING PARTNERS!

9-8-2009. . . .WALKING PARTNERS!

“Walk with me Lord, walk with me - - Walk with me Lord walk with me - - all along this tedious journey - - I want Jesus to walk”! Like so many other things in life, who we choose as walking partners is important. By walking partners I mean, those person we associate with on a regular basis. These persons are in a position to exert determinant influence on our lives. Direction, destination, momentum and purpose can all be affected by and through their influence. Gen 6:9 makes note that “. . . Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.” KJV Noah walked with God because of the influence of those who walked with him and before him. Noah walked with Lamech (his Father) who walk with Methuselah, (Grandfather) who walked with Enoch (Great Grandfather) who walked with God! Four generations of determinant influence. Who is being influenced by our walk and who’s walk is having a determinate influence on us? Think about it! Your destiny and the destiny of others depends on it!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for ordering my steps and delighting in my way! Guide me always in the paths of divine destiny so that my walk will have positive determinant influence on others. Amen!

Amos 3:3. . . .Can two walk together, except they be agreed? KJV

HOW SWEET IT IS!

5-1-2009. . . .How Sweet It Is! (REPOSTED)

“Life now is sweet and my joy is complete cause I’m saved, saved, I’m saved.” This wonderful refrain of an old hymn expresses the state of every believer! We are saved Immediately. . . .we are being saved Continuously. . . . and we will be saved Ultimately! From what are we saved? ‘Immediately’ from the penalty of sin! For the wages of sin is death;… (Rom 6:23a KJV) (Justification) We are being saved ‘Continuously’ from the power of sin! But now you are free from the power of sin and are slaves of God…. (Rom 6:22a TLB)) (Sanctification) We will be saved ‘Ultimately’ from the presence of sin! (Glorification) For all creation is waiting patiently and hopefully for that future day when God will resurrect his children. For on that day thorns and thistles, sin, death, and decay --the things that overcame the world against its will at God's command-will all disappear, and the world around us will share in the glorious freedom from sin which God's children enjoy. (Rom 8:19-20 TLB) Hallelujah! The old television star Jackie Gleason had a saying whenever he received or felt vindication for something that turned out his way. He’d smile and say, “How Sweet It Is!” When we think of our salvation, we can smile and happily exclaim the same! HOW SWEET IT IS!

Prayer: Thank Lord, for saving me and giving me eternal life! How wonderful it is to be your child and to one day come and live with you forever. I can never thank you enough! Bless your holy name. Amen!

Eph 2:8-13. . . .For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. KJV

As We Forgive! (REPOSTED FROM 6-11-09)

6-11-2009. . . .As We Forgive!

When it comes to receiving forgiveness most of go to the head of the line to obtain it quickly. However, when it is time to forgive others, do we move as quickly to the head of that line? Truth be told, the speed at which we extend forgiveness is usually proportional to the offence committed against us. If the offense is small, the time we take to forgive is short. . . . if the offense is great, the greater amount of time we take to extend our forgiveness. Admittedly, extending forgiveness at times is one of the more challenging things we do as believers yet, it is what’s expected of us! “ Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.” (Luke 17:3-4KJV) Jesus even included it in the model prayer He taught His disciples. “ Your heavenly Father will forgive you if you forgive those who sin against you; but if you refuse to forgive them, he will not forgive you. (Matt 6:14 TLB) As we forgive. . . .we are forgiven! Can we forgive even though we can’t forget? Yes! True forgiveness is extended in spite of what we remember. I can’t forget the offense, but my behavior toward the offender is no longer affected by what I remember. That is forgiveness! As we forgive. . . .we are forgiven! “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 freely forgiving me of my sins and loving me. Help me to love others in the same way extending forgiveness without hesitation or restraint. Amen!

1 John 1:7-9 . . . . But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. KJV