I'M COMING OUT!

7-13-2009. . . .I’m Coming Out!

Although it is impossible to control the many afflictions that we have to endure in life, it is encouraging to know that we will not be devastated, defeated overcome by any of them. We will emerge out of them all! “A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.” ( Ps 34:19 NIV) We have not a promise to be kept from afflictions, but rather a guarantee to be delivered in them, through them and out of them! So when your going through gets tough and discouraging, just remind yourself and declare, ‘I’m coming out!


Prayer: Lord, thank you for the assurance of deliverance from all my afflictions. Strengthen to endure my afflictions until deliverance comes. Amen!

John 16:33. . . .These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. KJV

GOD IS ANGRY!

4-29-2010. . . . GOD IS ANGRY!

God is a judge who is perfectly fair, and he is angry with the wicked every day. Unless they repent, he will sharpen his sword and slay them." (Ps 7:11-121 TLB) You don't have to get mad at your haters or even try to get even with them! Just simply remind them, God is angry with you everyday and if you don't change, He is going to get you! I cannot even imagine God, the Awesome. . . .the Almighty. . . .the Sovereign God, being angry with me, not just for a moment, but 'everyday'. When you go to bed at night, He's angry. . . . when you get up in the morning, He's angry. No matter what you do or where you go, He's angry! While His eye of favor is upon the righteous, He fairly gives the wicked their just reward. "Arise, O LORD; Save me, O my God! For You have struck all my enemies on the cheekbone; You have broken the teeth of the ungodly. (Ps 3:7NKJV) There's not an orthodontist on earth who can fix that!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for being a shield for me, my glory and the lifter up of my head! How I love you Lord. The thought of you brings me joy and your joy is my strength! Amen.

BE STILL!

4-28-2010. . . .Be Still!

 In the modern world in which we live it is easy to become occupied and preoccupied with any number of activities, events and endeavors. These involvements keep us in such constant motion that sometimes we can’t tell if we are going are coming. In the hustle and bustle of your life, remember to reserve some time to ‘be still’. In those moments of stillness you will be able to discern and receive God’s instruction and direction. ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." (Ps 46:10 NIV) Motion and movement are not indicative of presence. Elijah witnessed the Wind, the Earthquake and the Fire (motion & movement) but the Lord’s presence was not in them. After these however, he heard a ‘still small voice.’ (ref. I Kings 19:11-12) Don’t let your preoccupations and occupations keep you from acknowledging that God is in control and he has everything under control. So go ahead . . . .do what you do, but in all your doing, ‘Be Still.’

Prayer: Lord, You are the Lord and Mighty God! All things are in Your control and under your control. Help me never become so preoccupied or occupied that I don’t have time to be still and know that you are God. Amen!

Isa 45:5-7. . . . I am the LORD, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God. I will strengthen you, though you have not acknowledged me, so that from the rising of the sun to the place of its setting men may know there is none besides me. I am the LORD, and there is no other. I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the LORD, do all these things. NIV

THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIP!

4-27-2010. . . .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) 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.Don’t be afraid to connect with others in order to achieve a common goal. In the farmilar 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 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 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

DO GOOD!

4-26-10. . . .Do Good!

“Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.” (Prov 3:27 NIV)   What a thought provoking verse of scripture. Would you ever really consider withholding good from anyone, let alone those that deserve it?  To do so, especially when it is in your power to act would absolutely be out of character for a believer. In fact, one would set themselves up for a boomerang effect. What you send out will return to you. Certainly, we expect good from others and even more so from God. The consequences for doing otherwise is unacceptable. “Do good, O LORD, to those who are good, to those who are upright in heart. But those who turn to crooked ways the LORD will banish with the evildoers.” (Ps 125:4-5 NIV) Today, seek out as many people as you can and do good to them. It does not have to be something big. Perhaps a genuine warm smile. . . .a timely kind word. . . .taking a little extra work for yourself to lighten a co-workers load. They will receive good and you will feel good!

Prayer: Lord, you are good and you do good! Help me to do good always especially when it is in my power to do so. Holy Spirit, direct me today to opportunities of doing good to others. Amen!

Heb 13:16. . . . And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. NIV

AN ADANTAGE!

4-23-2010. . . .AN ADVANTAGE!

"Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD." Proverbs 18:22 KJV  It is not good that the man should be alone, so  God made a helper suitable to him!   A man can certainly choose to be alone, and that's okay!  However, should a man choose a woman to be his wife, he receives unto himself a special blessing from God.  God literally gives him an advantage (favor)  in life!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the bblessing of a loving mate!  What a blessing it is!  Amen!

Prov 18:23. . . .The man who finds a wife finds a good thing; she is a blessing to him from the Lord.  TLB

SAFEGUARD YOUR ONENESS!

 SAFEGUARD YOUR ONENESS!

"For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh."  (Eph 5:31 KJV)  While the text mentions specifically father and mother, (primary family) the leaving and cleaving is not limited to them only.  The equation to make one includes a man and his wife.  Involvement and/or interference from all others is prohibited!   Safeguard your oneness!

Prayer: Lord, Bless every marriage union with your intended oneness!  Amen!

John 17:21. . . .My prayer for all of them is that they will be of one heart and mind, just as you and I are, Father-that just as you are in me and I am in you, so they will be in us, and the world will believe you sent me. TLB

KEEP YOUR COMMITMENT PURE!

4-21-2010. . . .KEEP YOUR COMMITMENT PURE!

“Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral. (Heb 13:4-5 NIV)  The sacredness of marriage should always be held in high esteem, especially when tempted with outside distractions. The commitment is made not only with each other, but also with God! Keep the commitment pure!

Prayer: Lord sanctify every marriage union with you purity. Amen!

Heb 13:4. . . . Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. KJV

YOU FOR ME & ME FOR YOU!

4-20-2010. . . .YOU FOR ME AND ME FOR YOU!

“Like a lily among thorns is my darling among the maidens.   Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest is my lover among the young men. I delight to sit in his shade, and his fruit is sweet to my taste. (Song 2:2-3 NIV)   Maidens, they are a plenty…..and trees, a wide assortment.  Yet, among the plenty and in the mist of the assortment is the special one you choose! Like a lily among thorns or a an apple tree in the mist of a forest, the chosen one is distinguished from the many and preferred above all others. You for me & Me for you!

Prayer: Lord, when it comes to selecting a mate, thank you for giving us choices. Although there be many and sometimes even a plenty, give us insight and wisdom to select only one and there with be eternally content. Amen!

Song 2:2-4. . . ."Yes, a lily among thorns, so is my beloved as compared with any other girls." "My lover is an apple tree, the finest in the orchard as compared with any of the other youths. I am seated in his much-desired shade and his fruit is lovely to eat. 4 He brings me to the banquet hall, and everyone can see how much he loves me. TLB

LET WHAT YOU SAW REMAIN WHAT YOU SEE!

4-19-2010. . . .LET WHAT YOU SAW REMAIN WHAT YOU SEE!

“My beloved is a bouquet of flowers in the gardens of Engedi. How beautiful you are, my love, how beautiful! Your eyes are soft as doves'. What a lovely, pleasant thing you are, lying here upon the grass, shaded by the cedar trees and firs." (Song 1:14-17 TLB)   What is your description of the one you love?  Is she/he yet pleasant and a bouquet of flowers in your sight? Love is a blessing to be preserved, should never be allowed to grow cold to the degree that the vision you once had of each other blurs, and grows dim.  Let what you saw remain what you see!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for creating man for woman and woman for man! Make our eyes single in sight for the one you give to us as a mate! Amen!

Song 1:15-16. . . .How beautiful you are, my darling! Oh, how beautiful! Your eyes are doves. How handsome you are, my lover! Oh, how charming! (NIV)

GROW TO THINE OWN END!

4-16-2010. . . .GROW TO THINE OWN END!

“…Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn. (Matt 13:30 KJV) Although wheat and tares (weeds, thistles) may grow together, their final purpose is completely separate! One to destruction (burned by fire) the other to usefulness and purpose! Contend not with the tares that grow with you in your field…….Grow to thine own end!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for planting me firmly and securely in place. Although weeds and thistles may crop up, their end and purpose is unlike mind! So with patience I grow! Amen.

Ps 37:1-3. . . .Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.  For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. KJV

TAKE NOTHNG FOR GRANTED!

4-15-2010. . . .TAKE NOTHING FOR GRANTED!

“He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth; And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man's heart.”( Ps 104:14-15 KJV)  All God’s creation is interrelated for the purpose of growth! Therefore, take nothing for granted. Although the connection and interrelationship be not obviously apparent, their purpose is for growth!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for all creation and the interrelationship of all things! Help us to appreciate and to appropriate those things needful for our daily growth.

Ps 104:14-15. . . . He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for man to cultivate--bringing forth food from the earth: wine that gladdens the heart of man, oil to make his face shine, and bread that sustains his heart. NIV

OF COURSE, WE SHOULD!

4-14-2010. . . .OF COURSE, WE SHOULD!

“But grow in spiritual strength and become better acquainted with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” ( 2 Peter 3:17-18 TLB)  What are your life goals and aspirations? What are you striving for and hoping to achieve in life? Success, wealth, fame, acceptance or something else? There is nothing inherently wrong with any of those things if living on earth was our final destination. If heaven then is our final destination, shouldn’t we now have goals and aspirations, which will prepare us for eternal life? Of course, we should. Take the apostle Peter’s advise; ‘Grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ’!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for making grace and the knowledge of you available to us. Help us to have these as our daily goals and aspirations as we prepare to live with you forever. Amen!

1 Peter 5:10-11. . . . But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, establish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. KJV

GROWING AND FLOURISHING!

4-13-2010. . . .GROWING AND FLOURISHING!

“But the godly shall flourish like palm trees and grow tall as the cedars of Lebanon. For they are transplanted into the Lord's own garden and are under his personal care.” (Ps 92:11-14 TLB) Have you seen it….can you feel it? It’s happening! You are growing and flourishing because of where you are planted. The brief moments of uneasiness we sometimes experience in life is simply God pruning and caring for those planted in His garden!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for being our caretaker. We are growing and flourishing daily because we are planted in your very own garden. Thank you! Amen.

Isa 61:3. . . .To all who mourn in Israel he will give: beauty for ashes; joy instead of mourning; praise instead of heaviness. For God has planted them like strong and graceful oaks for his own glory. TLB

GOT MILK?

4-12-2010. . . .GOT MILK?

“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:” (KJV 1 Peter 2:2) We heard very early on in our younger days, ‘Drink plenty of milk If you want to grow strong bones a healthy body!’ That principle worked in the natural; the same principle can be applied and will work in the spiritual! If you what to grow strong in the spirit, desire the sincere milk of the word!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the daily nourishment of your word. By it and through it I am strong. Amen!

1 Peter 2:2. . . .Now that you realize how kind the Lord has been to you, put away all evil, deception, envy, and fraud. Long to grow up into the fullness of your salvation; cry for this as a baby cries for his milk. TLB

HOW GLORIOUS IT WILL BE!

4-9-2010. . . .HOW GLORIOUS IT WILL BE!

"Now we live in the hope of eternal life because Christ rose again from the dead.  And God has reserved for his children the priceless gift of eternal life; it is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay."  (1 Peter 1:3-4 TLB)  Because Christ rose again from the dead, we now live everyday in expectation of eternal life kept safely by God for us!  How glorious it will be when we receive it at His hand and live with Him forever.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the expectation of eternal life.  It is fuel to our spirit as we fulfill your divine purpose here on earth!  Amen.

1 John 2:25. . . .And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life  KJV

WHERE IS THE POWER?

4-8-2010. . . .WHERE IS THE POWER?

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. (Matt 28:18 KJV) Where is the Power? Think for a moment. Jesus declared, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth!”   Therefore, He has all power. . . . .He lives within every believer. . . . therefore, All power resides within every believer!   To know this is to know Victory!

Prayer: Lord, all power in heaven and in earth is with you. Thank you for bring your power within me. Give me now wisdom in accessing and utilizing your power properly and for your glory. Amen!

1 John 4:4. . . . Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. KJV

ANSWER AND OBEY!

4-7-2010. . . .ANSWER AND OBEY!

“He died once for all to end sin's power, but now he lives forever in unbroken fellowship with God. So look upon your old sin nature as dead and unresponsive to sin, and instead be alive to God, alert to him, through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Rom 6:9-11 TLB) Although, we died to sin and it’s influence, we are very much alive and alert to God! He calls – we answer and obey His commands!

Prayer: Lord, you have complete influence over our lives! Help us to remain alert to you call and to obey swiftly! Amen.

Job 14:15. . . .Thou shalt call, and I will answer thee: thou wilt have a desire to the work of thine hands. KJV

IT'S NOT TRUE!

4-6-2010. . . .IT’S NOT TRUE!

“For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. (1 Cor 15:15-19 NIV)   Imagine being still in your sins and lost, without help or hope! What a horrible thought indeed and a worst state to be in if it were true. Thanks be to God that it’s not true. Christ is risen from the dead and has made it possible for all who believe in Him, to rise again too!

Prayer: Lord, I can’t imagine being still in my sins, lost and separated from you! Thank for making it possible for us to never ever be in that state ever again. Amen!

1 Cor 15:20-24. . . . But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. NIV

HE LIVES!

4-5-2010. . . .HE LIVES!

“ . . . Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. (Rev 1:17-18 KJV)  HE LIVES!!!! Notice here that Jesus didn’t say, I was dead, but now I live, He declared, “I am He that liveth and was dead!” For those who still don’t believe, Jesus verified that He was indeed dead, but behold, I am alive forever morel. He Lives – He Lives – Christ Jesus Lives Today!

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the Son of God, Thank you for dying for all my sins, Thank you that you did rise from the grave and are alive forever more! Thank you for saving me!!!! Amen.

Rom 10:9-10. . . .That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. KJV

IF HE COULD, SO CAN WE!

4-2-2010. . . .IF HE COULD, SO CAN WE!

“One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, "So you're the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself-and us, too, while you're at it!" But the other criminal protested. "Don't you even fear God when you are dying? We deserve to die for our evil deeds, but this man hasn't done one thing wrong." Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom." And Jesus replied, "Today you will be with me in Paradise. This is a solemn promise." (Luke 23:39-43 TLB) Even in the mist of His own pain and agony, Jesus yet loved and forgave! If He could do it, then, (in spite of our own pain and agony) so can we!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your example of love and forgiveness. Lets us never be so caught up in our own pain and agony that we fail to follow your example. Amen!

Matt 18:21-22. . . .Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. NIV

IT'S NOT ABOUT US!

4-1-2010. . . .IT’S NOT ABOUT US!

“Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." (Matt 26:39 NIV) While it is okay to articulate our feelings concerning our impending unpleasant future, opting out of destiny however, is not a wise choice. After all, its really not about us, (our will) it’s really about Him! (His will)

Prayer: Lord, everything in life is not pleasant; in fact, some things are completely undesirable though they be your will! Nevertheless Lord, not as I will, by thy will be done!

Matt 26:42 . . . . Again he left them and prayed, "My Father! If this cup cannot go away until I drink it all, your will be done." TLB