FOR THE FAITHFUL!!!

THESE ARE SOME OF GOD'S PROMISES TO THE FAITHFUL:

Psalm 81:10
"I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt.
Open wide your mouth and I will fill it."

Psalm 81:13-14
"If My people would only listen to Me, if Israel would only follow My ways,
how quickly I would subdue their enemies and turn My hand against their foes!"

Psalm 84:11-12
"For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.
Lord Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in You."

Psalm 85:8
"I will listen to what God the Lord says; He promises peace to His people, His faithful servants— but let them not turn to folly."

Psalm 86:1-5
"Hear me, Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.
Guard my life, for I am faithful to You; save Your servant who trusts in You.
You are my God; have mercy on me, Lord, for I call to You all day long.
Bring joy to Your servant, Lord, for I put my trust in You.
You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to You."

Psalm 86:11
"Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness;
give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your name."

Psalm 32


New King James Version (NKJV)

The Joy of Forgiveness

A Psalm of David.

Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven,

Whose sin is covered.

2 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity,

And in whose spirit there is no deceit.



3 When I kept silent, my bones grew old

Through my groaning all the day long.

4 For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me;

My vitality was turned into the drought of summer. Selah

5 I acknowledged my sin to You,

And my iniquity I have not hidden.

I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,”

And You forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah



6 For this cause everyone who is godly shall pray to You

In a time when You may be found;

Surely in a flood of great waters

They shall not come near him.

7 You are my hiding place;

You shall preserve me from trouble;

You shall surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah



8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;

I will guide you with My eye.

9 Do not be like the horse or like the mule,

Which have no understanding,

Which must be harnessed with bit and bridle,

Else they will not come near you.



10 Many sorrows shall be to the wicked;

But he who trusts in the Lord, mercy shall surround him.

11 Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous;

And shout for joy, all you upright in heart!

Psalm 78:70-72

"He chose David His servant and took him from the sheep pens;
from tending the sheep He brought him to be the shepherd of His people Jacob, of Israel His inheritance.
And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them."

"WHAT EVER TASK GOD CHOOSES YOU FOR WILL PROSPER IF YOU CARRY IT OUT WITH INTEGRITY OF HEART!"

It is not because of your ability ...that God chooses you!
But rather, your integrity plays the greater role in His choice!
Therefore, if you are in any God-Appointed position, fulfill your duties skillfully!

Lay aside pride, selfish ambition & even personal agendas because that is not why you were placed in a position of authority!

"WE ARE CHOSEN TO BUILD GOD'S KINGDOM, NOT OUR OWN!"

Bread of life

Jesus made an incredible statement here that He is the bread of life. Is Jesus referring to physically bread here? I believe Jesus was addressing something much deeper than our food supply. Jesus was referring to our spiritual food here. I believe He was saying that He is our sustanance for not only our physical life but our spiritual one as well. Matthew 4:4 states "But He answered and said, "It is written, 'MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.'" In other words, we live our life according to the Word of God. God is our provider and source for everything that we need.

Psalm 71:18

"Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God,
till I declare Your power to the next generation, Your mighty acts to all who are to come."

What is the most important thing in your life?
What is your number one goal in life?
How far are you willing to go to achieve it?

Others may be willing to join you, but there will come a day when you must go further than they are willing or able to go!
That is when you must travel alone in order to achieve your goals!
The question is will you give up & settle for what you have,
Or will you have the courage to travel the unknown by faith!

"GOD HAS GREAT PLANS FOR YOU!"
"BUT ARE YOU WILLING TO FORSAKE EVERYTHING TO FULFILL THEM?"
"ARE YOU WILLING TO DECLARE HIS POWER TO THE NEXT GENERATION?"
"ARE YOU WILLING TO MAKE 'JESUS' YOUR THEME & NOT YOUR PERSONAL SUCCESS?"

"IT'S ALL ABOUT JESUS TO ME!"

Proverbs 28:9

Question:
"If I always ignore you, never paying attention to your conversation, never respecting your rules or wishes, then I approach you to place your finances at my full disposal;
WOULD YOU DO IT?"

I will be very forthright with you;
MY ANSWER WOULD BE A VERY STERN "NO!"
How about you?
How would you respond to such an unfair & disrespectful request?
Would you give this kind of freedom to access your benefits to such a person?
Probably not, huh?

Yet, Proverbs 28:9 says,
"One who turns away his ear from hearing the law,
Even his prayer is an abomination."

Have you taken a moment to examine yourself lately?
How is your current relationship with Jesus?
Are you in the Will of God for your life?
Or do you just want the benefits of heaven at your disposal?
Are you more interested in serving God or receiving His benefits?

Remember:
"GOD IS A DISCERNER OF OUR THOUGHTS & INTENTS!"

All this to say;
"OUR HEAVENLY FATHER DESIRES A RELATIONSHIP WITH US, NOT JUST OUR REQUESTS!"

DO NOT FEAR...

But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you... he who formed you... “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior" I am the Lord, and apart from me there is no savior. I have revealed and saved and proclaimed—I, and not some foreign god among you. You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “that I am God. Yes, from ancient days I am he. No one can deliver out of my hand. When I act, who can reverse it?” ~ Isaiah 43:1-3, 11-13 ~

Do you understand the significance of what God is saying? If you simply have faith in Jesus as your Savior, God's promises are yours! God, the one who created the entire universe, also created and loves YOU! He says you are His. No matter what happens in life, no matter how bad circumstances are, even in sickness or death, nothing can separate you from Him. One day everything will be restored to perfect, including people, and those who belong to Him will live forever in His glory. Wow, God is with you and loves you, and nothing can take that away from you. "No one can deliver out of my hand" says The Lord. God also says, " I have summoned you by name; you are mine"   

God has given you power!

 John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.

When you received Jesus in your life, He will empower you to live a victorious life in Him! Even to those that believe on His name! The name of Jesus is the most powerful name in the world! Just say the name Jesus, when you need a healing, Say the name Jesus, when you need a deliverance. Say the name Jesus when you need a touch! His name is above all names, the power and glorious name of Jesus Christ!

1 Peter 2:25

"For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls."

Does this verse apply to your life?
Not the part about going astray, because we all have!
Unless you are in a state of denial!
But have you returned to the Shepherd & Overseer of your soul?

"JESUS AWAITS YOUR ARRIIVAL!"

Proverbs 2:20-22

"Thus you will walk in the ways of the good and keep to the paths of the righteous.
For the upright will live in the land, and the blameless will remain in it;
but the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the unfaithful will be torn from it."

These are warnings from the Lord, not threats!
Warnings are given to help someone avoid future hardship!
But sadly, not everyone heeds these warnings & suffers the fate of the wicked & unfaithful!
Eventually, they are cut off from the land, even torn from it!

Today ask yourself:
"ARE MY STRUGGLES A TRIAL OF MY FAITH OR ARE THEY JUST THE RESULT OF MY DISOBEDIENCE?"

Be honest with yourself & then;
Learn to distinguish between the two!
Because sometimes God is trying to get our attention since He sees an obstacle that will soon become a hurdle in our personal path & He wants us to be able to overcome it!

"For the upright will live in the land, and the blameless will remain in it...!"
DON'T LOOK TO MAN FOR ANSWERS WHEN YOU ALREADY KNOW THAT:
"JESUS IS THE ANSWER!"

2 Timothy 1:7

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."

"THE ONLY THING THAT WILL EVER OVERCOME US IS THE THING WE FAIL TO CONFRONT!"
"FAILURE TO CONFRONT AN EXPOSED THREAT WILL ALWAYS RESULT IN FALLING VICTIM TO SUCH THREAT!"
"GOD WANTS US TO BE VICTORIOUS, BUT VICTORY IS ONLY GIVEN TO THOSE WHO TAKE ACTION!"
"BUT BE VERY CAREFUL NOT TO OVERSTEP THE ORDINANCES OF GOD!"
"FOLLOW GOD INTO VICTORY!"

Psalm 56:10-13

"In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise,
In God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me?
I am under vows to You, my God; I will present my thank offerings to You.
For You have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life."

Whatever you may be going through in life, I encourage you to:
"CONTINUE YOUR WALK WITH CHRIST!"
"CONSTANTLY SEEK HIS FACE!"
And when things get so tough that you feel you are at your breaking point;
"TRUST THAT GOD IS IN TOTAL COMTROL!"

Psalm 49:12-20

"People, despite their wealth, do not endure; they are like the beasts that perish.
This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings.
They are like sheep and are destined to die; death will be their shepherd (but the upright will prevail over them in the morning).
Their forms will decay in the grave, far from their princely mansi...ons.
But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead; He will surely take me to Himself.
Do not be overawed when others grow rich, when the splendor of their houses increases; for they will take nothing with them when they die, their splendor will not descend with them.
Though while they live they count themselves blessed, and people praise you when you prosper,
they will join those who have gone before them, who will never again see the light of life."

"GOD WILL REDEEM ME FROM THE REALM OF THE DEAD!"
"HE WILL SURELY TAKE ME TO HIMSELF!"
"Why?" You may ask;
"BECAUSE JESUS FILLS MY HEART!"

Everything in life has a purpose, even money!
"But the purpose of money is not to be chasing after it!"
There is no need to struggle to gain wealth because the only lasting wealth is Godly Wealth!
God will certainly provide comfort & luxury to His people if He so chooses!
"IT IS VERY DANGEROUS TO CLAIM THAT GOD IS BLESSING YOU FINANCIALLY, BUT YOU ARE SO FAR FROM HIM SPIRITUALLY!"

Yesterday, I had come from helping a brother in Christ who could not afford to pay me for my services, but God had placed it on my heart to help this single father of four children who works two jobs just to stay afloat.
Here, I thought I was the helping this gentlemen save some money, but when I got home I parked my vehicle & walked to the store. On my way back, God shared something with me that I want to share with you.
He told me:
"I WOULD RATHER YOUR HEART BE FILLED WITH JESUS THAN YOUR WALLET WITH MONEY!"
The Bible says;
"People who have wealth but lack understanding are like the beasts that perish."
"Our blessing is not the money God places in our wallet, those are comforts & luxuries intended for us to share with those in need, but His true blessing is HAVING OUR HEARTS FILLED WITH JESUS CHRIST!"

Psalm 44:2-7

"With Your hand You drove out the nations and planted our ancestors; You crushed the peoples and made our ancestors flourish.
It was not by their sword that they won the land, nor did their arm bring them victory; it was Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your face, for You loved them.
You are my King and my God, who decrees victories for Jacob.
Through You we push back ou...r enemies; through Your name we trample our foes.
I put no trust in my bow, my sword does not bring me victory;
but You give us victory over our enemies, You put our adversaries to shame."

"MY BOAST IS IN THE LORD, MY GOD!"
I have learned throughout my life that Jesus WAS & ALWAYS will be in control of my overall outcome.
I may push!
I may fight!
I may endure & gain the victory!
But Jesus is undoubtedly the overseer of my circumstance!

Guess what?
"JESUS IS THE OVERSEER OF YOURS TOO!"
Therefore don't put your trust in your strength or resources, because they will eventually fail you!
What you thought to be sufficient will one day be depleted!
"BUT JESUS IS EVERLASTING!" "HIS LOVE WILL NEVER FAIL!"
"IT IS THROUGH JESUS CHRIST THAT WE PUSH BACK THE ENEMY!"
"ONLY THROUGH JESUS DO WE GAIN THE VICTORY!"

"I put no trust in my bow, my sword does not bring me victory;
but You give us victory over our enemies, You put our adversaries to shame."

Psalm 34:4-10

"I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.
This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; He saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them.
Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes r...efuge in Him.
Fear the Lord, you His holy people, for those who fear Him lack nothing.
The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing."

I feel hard-pressed to ask one question:
"WHAT IS HOLDING YOU BACK?"

Don't ever let anything come between You & God!
You were meant to be shining with God's radiance!
You should be jumping for joy as a result from today's encounter, not yesterday's memory!

"GOD IS YOUR GOD TODAY & TOMORROW HE WILL STILL BE THE SAME GOD WHO DELIVERED YOU FROM WHATEVER BROUGHT YOU TO YOUR KNEES BEFORE!"
"GOD DOES NOT CHANGE!"

"TASTE & SEE THAT THE LORD IS GOOD!"
I will ask again:
"WHAT IS HOLDING YOU BACK?"
"RETURN TO YOUR FIRST LOVE!"

Psalm 37:34-40

"Hope in the Lord and keep His way. He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are destroyed, you will see it. I have seen a wicked and ruthless man flourishing like a luxuriant native tree, but he soon passed away and was no more; though I looked for him, he could not be found. Consider the blameless, observe the upright; a future awaits those who seek peace. But all sinners will be destroyed; there will be no future for the wicked. The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; He is their stronghold in time of trouble. The Lord helps them and delivers them; He delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in Him."

DEPENDENCY is the key to a healthy relationship with God!

"THE PROMISES OF GOD ARE NOT FOR EVERYONE!"
YES! You read that statement correctly! It is not a misprint!

"God's promises are only for those who depend on them!"
"Dependency is a demonstration of faith in God's Word!"
"Therefore, only those who take hold of God's promises by faith, become owners of said promises!"

Are you struggling with something?
Then go to God's Word, seek out His promise concerning your circumstance & take ownership of said promise!

Dependency has to do with influence & determination!
Does God's Word influence you to make the necessary changes?
Are you combining your faith with determination?

Psalm 37 says,
"Hope in the Lord and keep His way. He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are destroyed, you will see it."
"The Lord helps them and delivers them; He delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in Him."

NOW, WILL YOU TAKE HOLD OF THESE PROMISES OR NOT?
"VICTORY CAN BE YOURS TODAY!" "THE CHOICE IS YOURS!"

Romans13:7

"Give Honor To Whom Honor Is Due"

The men in my family taught me how to be a man of integrity!
The women in my family taught me what qualities to seek when looking for a wife!
My leaders in church lead me down the right path!
Today, I am who I am because you have been who you are!

One person today comes to mind!
My beautiful sister Damaris!
Strong til the end!
Tough when necessary!
But always a great example of love to me!
She is one of the major reasons I serve Jesus today!

A GREAT MOTHER!
A GREAT SISTER!
A GREAT MOTIVATOR!
A BEAUTIFUL EXAMPLE OF GRACE!

Lord, how I need thee. My true confession.

Having an ice cream cone with my wife this evening on the outside patio of a little ice cream parlor we enjoy. A young couple next to us were having a conversation and we couldn't help but over hear them as they were only a couple feet away. The young man was talking about someone who had cancer but was now in remission. His comment was this, "It's too bad he had cancer but now he gets to enjoy all the perks like Make A Wish" 

Now I understand what he was trying to say but when in public we really need to be careful how we speak, you see I have a 13 year old daughter who has battled cancer for 10 years, and still is. She has had her right scapula removed, her left leg amputated, over 25 major surgeries leaving major scars all over her body, and much more I won't mention. Yes, it is true she got Make A Wish and went to Disney World (and I thank God for them) she has also received lots of gifts and things she would not have otherwise received, but tell me, were these 'perks' worth the cost of losing her childhood, having to wear a prosthetic leg, having limited movement with her right arm, or all the pain and suffering of going through radiation and chemo four different times, plus all the countless medications she takes, not to mention the stress on her and all her loved ones. I was so angered I had to say something to Him, I was as polite as I could be but (here comes my confession) on the inside I was so angry I wanted to beat this young man. Now before you say, " I can understand why" let me say, "That feeling of anger was not justified and did not come from God" it came from me trying to keep my anger within myself and not giving it to God, it came from relying on my own strength to hold things together instead of God's strength. . I should have used that moment to educate this young man and show Him the love of God. Instead I was angry because he didn't see the pain and suffering that comes from this horrible disease. I think often times too, we see the so called fun that sinners are having and don't take serious the pain and suffering that is really underneath. I am spending time in prayer tonight, asking God to take this anger that until tonight I did not know was there. In some ways I guess I need to thank this young man as without the events of tonight I might have continued to carry this burden, instead I am giving it to Jesus, for His yoke is light. Jesus said, and still says, "Come all you who are weary and heavy-laden and I will give you rest" Matthew 11:28

Psalm 27:4a

"One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life..."

I don't know about anyone else but;
"I CAN'T GET ENOUGH OF JESUS!"

He completes every aspect of my life!
He consumes my heart!
He consumes my mind!
He guides my steps!
He holds my hand!
He is my Lord!
He is my Savior!

Best of all:
"HE IS MY FRIEND FOR ETERNITY!"

Does anyone else feel this way?

Psalm 31:14-15a

"But I trust in you, Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hands..."

Ask yourself;
"How is my relationship with Jesus?"

Even more, dare to be truthful with yourself & ask Jesus;
"How does He view your relationship with Him?"

"Many times we mistaken Ministry for Relationship!"...
We think because we are doing things related to God's Kingdom, that we are obviously in a close relationship with Jesus!
We deceive ourselves into believing that Jesus is pleased with us & that He is close to us because of our actions for His Kingdom's sake!
"THIS IS NOT TRUE, NOR IS IT ACCURATE!"

"JESUS DESIRES TO REVEAL HIMSELF TO US THROUGH INTIMACY!"
The truth is that:
"JESUS DOES NOT CONCERN HIMSELF WITH HOW MUCH WE DO FOR HIM AS MUCH AS HE DOES WITH WHAT HE CAN DO FOR US!"

Jesus desires intimacy, because intimacy reveals OUR TRUE SELF!
Jesus knows what we are really made of!
He knows what we lack! He knows what we desire!
Best of all:
"JESUS DESIRES NOTHING MORE THAN TO BE WITH US!"
"HE WANTS TO HOLD OUR HAND!"
"HE LONGS TO EMBRACE US!"

Ask yourself today:
"DO I MAKE JESUS FEEL LIKE A LONELY GUEST?"
"DO I KEEP JESUS OUT OF MY HEART ALTHOUGH I INVITED HIM IN?"
"DO I PUT MORE EMPHASIS ON GOD'S BUSINESS, RATHER THAN OUR RELATIONSHIP?"

REMEMBER:
"Relationships require relating to the other person!"

Psalm 20:1-8

Psalm 20:1-8
"May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
May He send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion.
May He remember all your sacrifices and accept your burnt offerings.
May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.
May we shout for joy over your victory and lift up our banners in the name of our God.
May the Lord grant all your requests.

Now this I know:
The Lord gives victory to his anointed.
He answers him from His heavenly sanctuary with the victorious power of His right hand.
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm."

TODAY, GOD JUST PUT IT ON MY HEART TO EXTEND A BLESSING TO HIS PEOPLE!
MY BROTHERS & SISTERS IN CHRIST!
GOD'S PROMISES ARE FOR YOU & FOR ME THROUGH FAITH IN HIS SON JESUS CHRIST!
"BE BLESSED TODAY & ENJOY YOUR VICTORY IN WHAT EVER FORM IT MAY COME!"

If you are not part of the Family of Christ, I encourage you today to join us in Eternity by ACCEPTING, BELIEVING & CONFESSING JESUS CHRIST AS LORD & SAVIOR OF YOUR LIFE!

Psalm 9:1-2

"I will give thanks to You, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all Your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing the praises of Your name, O Most High."

"WHAT SWELLS UP IN YOUR HEART?"
Is it excitement about a new job?
Are you overwhelmed with joy about a new relationship?
Do you feel happiness because everything is currently going well?

These are not trick questions!
YOU SHOULD FEEL EXCITEMENT!
JOY WAS MEANT TO BE EXPRESSED!
HAPPINESS BELONGS TO THOSE WHO ARE WELL IN HEART!

But I must ask you once again;
"WHAT SWELLS UP IN YOUR HEART?"

"Jesus must take priority in your heart! Or anything else blocks your view of Him! Everything else draws your focus away from Him!

If we really focus on the events that take place in our life, we will soon realize that God is the provider of them all!
GOD PROVIDES THE NEW JOB!
GOD FORMS NEW RELATIONSHIPS!
GOD CARES FOR THE WELL BEING OF HIS CHILDREN!

BUT HE DOES NOT INTEND FOR THOSE THINGS TO BECOME THE FOCAL POINT OF OUR HEARTS!
HE PROVIDES BECAUSE IT IS IN HIS NATURE TO PROVIDE!
THIS IS "WHAT" HE DOES!
BUT THIS IS NOT "ALL" HE DESIRES!

"GOD DESIRES FOR US TO FALL IN LOVE WITH HIM!"
"HE WANTS OUR HEARTS TO BE SWOLLEN WITH GRATITUDE!"
"HE WANTS US, NOT ONLY TO KNOW THAT HE PROVIDES ALL THESE THINGS FOR US OUT OF LOVE, BUT ALSO TO TELL THE WORLD OF HIS LOVE!"

This being said, I must ask you once again;
"WHAT SWELLS UP IN YOUR HEART?"

It's all Greek to me...

   1   Γίνεσθε  οὖν  μιμηταὶ  τοῦ  θεοῦ  ὡς  τέκνα  ἀγαπητὰ  2   καὶ  περιπατεῖτε  ἐν  ἀγάπῃ, καθὼς  καὶ  ὁ  Χριστὸς  ἠγάπησεν  ὑμᾶς  καὶ  παρέδωκεν  ἑαυτὸν  ὑπὲρ  ὑμῶν προσφορὰν  καὶ  θυσίαν  τῷ  θεῷ  εἰς  ὀσμὴν  εὐωδίας. 

1Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 

~ Ephesians 5:1-2 ~

For me, there is something about seeing the text in the original language that gives it a deeper meaning. I guess it reminds me this is not some new philosophy of man, but rather the ancient word of God. And what does it say? Walk in the way of love as Christ loved us. Love says, it's OK for that person to take my parking spot, love says, tonight I will not yell at my wife and kids, love says, put others above myself. 

Need to know what love would do in any given circumstance?

 

 

 

 

Jeremiah 6:16 tells us when at a crossroads "This is what the LORD says: "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for soul. 

And what is the ancient path...well go back to the original, the creator, it is the ways of God Himself!

And for something interesting, click or touch any of the Greek words to see it's original meaning.  

Job 42:12a

"The Lord blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the former part."

Are you going through a tough situation?
"GIVE IT TO GOD!"
Do your memories of "What Used to Be" haunt you?
"GIVE IT TO GOD!"
Do responsibilities weigh heavily upon you?
"GIVE IT TO GOD!"

Does life sometimes seem as if it can't get any worse?
Well I got some Good News for you!
The Bible says that:
"The Lord blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the former part."

The truth is that Job had a really tough part of his life in which he actually wished he had not been born!
Troubles came his way!
He lost everything he had!
He even lost his family!
And his friends came to crush, instead of comfort!
But through it all, he placed himself at the Mercies of God!

Job did not understand the reason for his trials, but he saw them through!
Basically,
"HE GAVE IT TO GOD!"
At the end;
"The Lord blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the former part."

With this, I would like to encourage you to "GIVE IT TO GOD!"
Whatever it may be!
"PLACE YOURSELF AT THE MERCIES OF GOD!"
"TRUST THAT GOD HAS A PLAN!"
"WHEN YOU CAN'T GO ANY FURTHER, DON'T GIVE UP, INSTEAD GIVE IT TO GOD!"
"GOD WILL CARRY YOU FURTHER THAN YOU EVER IMAGINED YOU COULD GO!"

2 Peter 2:1-3

"Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious."

Hard Labor...

During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.  

~ Hebrews 5:7 ~

To do something fervently is to labor at it. When was the last time you labored in offering up prayers with cries and tears? We so often want God to bless us or deliver us, but how often do we truly labor in prayer concerning our situation? 

The Lord speaks of this through Isaiah in Chapter 43.  ...you have burdened me with your sins and wearied me with your offenses...Yet you have not called on me...you have not wearied yourselves for Me...

The words in Isaiah hit me like a baseball bat between the eyes

Hebrews 5:7 also tells us God heard Jesus because of his reverent submission. When we humble ourselves and labor in pray with tears to the only one who can save us, He hears us. Isaiah also say's, of The Lord, "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;

I don't know about you but I got some problems in my life, and if Jesus needed to labor in prayer with cries and tears then I certainly know I do too! It's time for me to put aside all the distractions I call comfort and get back to what my Lord has called me to all along...Prayer. 

God Desires Intimacy!

DO NOT BECOME SPIRITUALLY UNTOUCHABLE!
BUT LET GOD'S GENTLE HAND TOUCH YOU!
LET GOD'S SOFT SPEECH REACH YOU!
LET HIS LOVING ARMS EMBRACE YOU!
BASICALLY,
DO NOT RESIST GOD'S LOVE FOR YOU!

2 Timothy 2:19-22

"Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart."

Piece of Advice:
"RUN THE BEST RACE POSSIBLE & NEVER EXPECT SOMEONE ELSE TO PICK UP THE SLACK!"
"WITHDRAWALS WILL NEVER SURPASS A PERSON'S DEPOSIT!"
Therefore, give it your all & reap an eternal crown!

1 Peter 1:24-25a

“All flesh is as grass,
And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass.
The grass withers,
And its flower falls away,
But the word of the Lord endures forever.”

"UNTIL WE TRULY RECOGNIZE OUR NEED FOR CHRIST, WE WILL REMAIN EMPTY!"
We can claim to have accepted Christ as our Lord & Savior,
We can attend every service held at our church,
We can memorize every scripture,
We can recite a good sermon,
We can even pray for those in need!

But the truth is that:
UNTIL WE TRULY RECOGNIZE OUR "OWN" NEED FOR CHRIST, WE WILL REMAIN EMPTY!

"EMPTINESS IS ALL THAT AWAITS THE NEEDLESS SOUL!"
Proverbs 27:7 says,
"Someone who is full refuses honey, but anything bitter tastes sweet to a hungry person."
"IF WE CLAIM THAT WE ARE FULL, THEN CHRIST CAN POUR NOTHING INTO US & WE REMAIN THE SAME!"
It is when we actually realize that all of our activities, all our contributions & all our achievements merit absolutely nothing in the face of Eternity!

"CHRIST IS THE ONLY ONE TO EVER EXPERIENCE ETERNITY!"
"HE INTENDS TO GUIDE US DOWN THE PATH THAT LEADS TO LIFE!"
"WE CAN NOT CLAIM TO KNOW A PLACE WE HAVE NEVER BEEN!"
"WE CAN NOT CLAIM TO LEAD A LIFE WE HAVE NEVER LIVED!"
"THEREFORE, LET'S STOP TRUSTING OUR ABILITIES TO GET US THERE!"
"INSTEAD, LET US TRULY RECOGNIZE OUR NEED FOR JESUS CHRIST!"

Colossians 1:21-23

Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of our evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.

1 Corinthians 10:13

"No temptation has seized you that isn’t common for people. But God is faithful. He won’t allow you to be tempted beyond your abilities. Instead, with the temptation, God will also supply a way out so that you will be able to endure it."

God will not allow people to be tempted beyond their abilities.  That is, there is no temptation that you should feel you are powerless against, because God would not allow you to be tempted by something you couldn’t resist.  If you’re being tempted, it’s something you are strong enough to resist.

Our faithfulness is not demonstrated by how easily we are able to bear the burdens that come our way.  Our faith is demonstrated by our recognition that we cannot bear the burdens ourselves and trust in the grace of God who bears them with us.

The cross reminds us not only of the brokenness of the world, but also reminds us that in those times of suffering and pain, we are not alone.  We encounter a God who stands with us in the suffering.  A God who is not apart from that burden and pain, but one who is in it with us. TIL THE END!

"NEVER HAVE CONFIDENCE IN YOUR ABILITY TO BEAR A BURDEN!"
"INSTEAD, PLACE YOUR TRUST IN THE ONE WHO SETS YOU FREE FROM ITS WEIGHT!"
"JESUS CHRIST!"

The rest of the story...

You've heard it said, ""Glory to God and peace on earth" we'll that's not the full text. Luke 2:14 tells us, ""Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." 

"Glory to God" is not a wish or desire, but an affirmation to who He is, God's character. 

"Peace on earth" is not a a physical peace or absence of war, but rather reconciliation with God and man. 

Concerning "to those on whom His favor rests" we find the answer in Romans 5:1-2 "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand..."

Does God's favor rest upon you? Have you been reconciled back into a relationship with God as your Heavenly Father? If not, the peace you have been seeking is only found in one place, and that is in Jesus Christ. 

Psalm 32:6-7

"Therefore let all the faithful pray to You while You may be found; surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them.
You are my hiding place;
You will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance."

"PRAY AS THOUGH GOD IS NEAR, BECAUSE HE IS!"
"PRAY ACCORDING TO THE PROPORTION OF YOUR FAITH, BECAUSE THAT IS WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE!"
Above all,
"PRAY WITH EXPECTATION OR DON'T EXPECT TO RECEIVE ANYTHING!"

2 Corinthians 12:15a

"And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you..."

"THERE IS NO TIME BETTER SPENT THAN IN THE SERVICE OF GOD'S KINGDOM!"
"THERE IS NO ACTIVITY WITH MORE SIGNIFIGANCE THAN THE PROCLAMATION OF GOD'S LOVE TO A DYING WORLD!"
"KINGDOM BUSINESS MUST BECOME OUR PRIMARY GOAL OR WE WILL EVENTUALLY MAKE IT A MEMORY WE SOON FORGET!"

In ministry, we will be stretched!
In ministry, we will feel the burn!
But the truth is that:
"SOMEONE HAS TO PAY THE PRICE FOR THOSE WHO CAN'T AFFORD IT!"
So today, I want to encourage you to do your part!
LET GOD STRETCH YOU FOR THE SAKE OF THE WEAK IN SPIRIT!
GO THAT EXTRA MILE!

Yes!
Maybe you might have to give up a few things that are very dear to you!
Maybe your family & friends will even hold it against you at times!
BUT ALLOW GOD TO STRETCH YOU!
JESUS' ULTIMATE DEMONSTRATION OF LOVE WAS WHEN HE STRETCHED HIMSELF OUT "WILLINGLY" ON THE CROSS!

"Ministry does not just benefit the one being ministered to!"
"It also benefits the one being stretched because through the process, that person is growing & maturing spiritually!"
"THE REWARD FAR EXCEEDS THE SACRIFICE!"

Proverbs 3:27

"Do not hold back anything good from those who are entitled to it when you have the power to do so."

"CHRIST CAME SO THAT EVERYONE COULD EXPERIENCE A NEW LIFE!"
"OUR JOB IS TO SHARE THAT INFORMATION WITH OTHERS!"

The question is:
"ARE WE?"

LOOKING FOR JOY IN YOUR LIFE?

If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as you please on my holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight and the Lord’s holy day honorable, and if you honor it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words, then you will find your joy in the Lord...Isaiah 58:13-14
What is a Sabbath Day? It is a holy day set apart for honoring God. Jesus the Christ came and fulfilled the law, Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath and in Jesus we are made holy priests, set apart for God. In Christ every single day of our lives is a holy day set apart for honoring God. The Sabbath is no longer a particular day of the week, it is a condition of the heart. So let's re-examine the text...

1. If you keep... from doing as you please on my holy day

2. if you call the Sabbath a delight and the Lord’s holy day honorable

3. if you honor it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words

4.   then you will find your joy in the Lord

WE ARE TO LIVE FOR CHRIST, TO DIE TO SELF, AND BE LED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT. 

BE AN EXAMPLE TO OTHERS, AN AMBASSADOR OF CHRIST. 

STOP POINTING FINGERS AND SPEAKING MALICIOUSLY, SPEAK WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT TO ONE ANOTHER, STOP DOING WHAT PLEASES THE SINFUL NATURE, AND WITH JOY, DO WHAT PLEASES GOD. 

THEN YOU WILL FIND YOUR JOY, NOT IN WORLDLY THINGS, BUT IN THE LORD! 

Luke 22:42

“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”

"WHY ARE YOU RUSHING IT?"
"GOD WILL GET YOU THERE, WHEN HE WANTS YOU THERE!"
Let Jesus' prayer become yours today!
Stop trying to do it your way & start letting God do it His Way!

Have you so quickly forgotten that God has planned good things for your future?
Has the memory of His great promises slipped your mind?

Jeremiah 29:11
"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."
Isaiah 26:3
"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are stayed on You, because they trust in You."

So I will exhort you once again:
"WHY ARE YOU RUSHING IT?"
"GOD WILL GET YOU THERE, WHEN HE WANTS YOU THERE!"
Let Jesus' prayer become yours today!
Stop trying to do it your way & start letting God do it His Way in your life!

Job 28:28

“The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.”

Do you consider yourself Wise?
Do you have Reverence for the Lord?
Do you consult with God before you make decisions?
Does He have the Final Authority in your decisions?
Or do you seek His advice, but don't heed it?
"THE FEAR OF THE LORD!" "NO OTHER WAY!"

Do you consider yourself a person of understanding?
Do you follow God's instructions for your life?
When He instructs you to read His Word, do you read it?
When you read it, do you apply it?
Or do you merely read it, but neglect it's instruction?
"TO SHUN EVIL IS UNDERSTANDING!" "NO OTHER WAY!"

Lamentations 3:21-22

Lamentations 3:21-22
"Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this:
The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease."

Confess it to your own heart!
Declare it to your own spirit!
Then, soon enough, it will become your 'WAY OF LIFE!'
You will believe it!
Then, you will eventually begin to rely on God's Everlasting Kindness!

Jeremiah the prophet, was going through a difficult season of his life!
Full of grief, heart ache, disappointment, regret, disbelief of his surroundings, etc.
But he somehow managed to find comfort in God's Unfailing Love!
Being a prophet, it is evident that he had a Very Close Relationship with the Lord!
I believe this was the major source of his comfort!

"JEREMIAH TRAINED HIS PHYSICAL BODY TO RELY ON HIS SPIRITUAL BELIEFS!"
"NO MATTER HIS PHYSICAL CIRCUMSTANCE, HIS MIND WAS FOCUSSED ON GOD'S DIVINE NATURE!"
"HE TRUSTED GOD'S MERCY & UNENDING LOVE RATHER THAN HIS CURRENT SITUATION OR OTHER PEOPLE'S OPINIONS!"
"HE SOUGHT REFUGE & SOLACE IN GOD'S WORD & PROMISE'S RATHER THAN IN EARTHLY & TEMPORARY PLEASURES!"
"HE UNDERSTOOD THE TIMES BECAUSE HE WALKED WITH GOD!"

That's where we come in!
Many times we get frustrated with our circumstances because we do not understand their significance.
But sometimes God just wants us to rely on Him for the outcome!

"GOD IS IN FULL CONTROL & BECAUSE OF HIS UNFAILING LOVE, HE ONLY WANTS THE BEST FOR HIS CHILDREN!"
Therefore, train yourself as Jeremiah did!
Above all, walk with God & enjoy the comfort of having confidence in His Never-Ending Mercy!