He Will Help You

Good Morning,

Psalm 37:5 (NRSV)
Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.
Psalm 37:5 (NLT)
Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.

I've sometimes wondered why God hasn't done maybe just a bit more in my life when I thought that I kind of needed some help. I questioned God about this, but I didn't question where the fault may lie...in me.

We read today that, like most things, there is a sort of give and take that goes on between us and God. We want God to help and act in our lives? Well, how about we commit our ways, everything we are, to Him first? You think maybe that might make a difference? It certainly seems that way to me...and in my life.

I have to admit that in some ways I don't commit EVERYTHING to the Lord as I should. Probably most of us fall a bit short in this area, as well. We might want to commit everything to the Lord, but we're human beings and there are some things we kind of hold back and keep in our own control. What that "something" we hold back in our commitment to God would be different for each of us. But, we probably know what it is. It's probably something we struggle with.

Today's verse of Scripture is good for me to read and understand; to hear the Holy Spirit speak to me through these words. I know I need to commit my everything to God. Then, when I do, God will do His part as well and act more in my life and help me more when I need it.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

A Live Worthy...

Good Morning,

Ephesians 4:1-2 (NIV)
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Ephesians 4:1-2 (AMP)
I THEREFORE, the prisoner for the Lord, appeal to and beg you to walk (lead a life) worthy of the [divine] calling to which you have been called [with behavior that is a credit to the summons to God's service, living as becomes you] with complete lowliness of mind (humility) and meekness (unselfishness, gentleness, mildness), with patience, bearing with one another and making allowances because you love one another.

Do I, do we, "live a life worthy of the calling" that we have received from God? Do I, do we, live my, our, lives with humility, meekness, unselfishness, gentleness, mildness, and with patience, bearing with one another, making allowances because we love one another?

In my life I wish that I could answer "Yes" to any of the attributes that we read today. I would love to tell you that I live a life that is worthy of God's calling on my life. It would thrill me to be able to say that I am a person who lives my life with true humility and gentleness. I can't tell you how happy I would be to say that I am patient and that I bear with my brothers and sisters with the love I ought to. Yes, it would fill me with true joy to honestly say "Yes" to these things. But, you see, I'm a sinful human being and I cannot really do that...not if I'm to be 100% honest with myself, with you, and with God.

Now, if I had some magic answer or some real insightful knowledge of how to gain these qualities, these virtues, in our lives, well, I'd already be doing that in mine. So, no, I don't have the "how" of really living my life with the characteristics that we read today. You've no idea how I wish that I could...both live my life like this and to tell you how to do it, as well.

Maybe I'm being too harsh on myself about this and probably being too harsh on those who read these words, as well. But, I have to tell you, God is speaking to me about this today and He speaks to me about it a lot. God is speaking to you, also, just as He's speaking to everyone through the words we read in the Bible. Perhaps we all have some of these qualities in our lives to one extent or another. And I know that there are none of us who are totally lacking in all of these things. However, I feel that the Lord would have us all look to see where we are failing somewhat and where we ought to be focusing in improving.

That's what I hear this morning. Look, be honest, ask God for His help.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Prayer

Good Day To All,

Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

I received the following note from my friend Joe Priester:

I hope this finds you well, and I would also humbly ask for prayer for something.
I have found out that my job is ending, and by 4/1 at the latest, maybe much sooner. I have no leads yet, but am blessed with having a couple recruiting firms helping me, and so am not too worried. But I need a hedge of protection from the saints, and would appreciate (covet) your prayer. If you feel inclined, and as you are led, please consider me in your prayer. Let me know if there is anything you want me to lift up for you as well.
Love,
Joe.

Joe's note to me led me to this verse of Scripture. Of course, we are to make our needs known to God and to ask Him to help us in our times of need and want. I think Paul's writing to the Philippians about prayer is so very appropriate today for any of us who finds himself with a need in our life.
Of course, I will pray for his need at this difficult time in his life. I would ask all of you to join me in praying that Joe will find a good job in a timely manner. Let our prayers go to the Lord and let us pray that God will guide Joe to the employment that is not only gainful in a financial way but also a job that is fulfilling to him, as well.
Thank you in advance for your prayers.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Knowing God

Good Morning,

1 John 1:1-4 (NIV)
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete.

I read these verses and my mind wished that I had been able to have actually seen, heard, and touched Jesus Christ as John did and wrote about.

You know what?...I do! Although you and I have not been able to physically do these things as John and the other Apostles did when Jesus was with them, we...yes, you and I...have had the experience of meeting Jesus Christ and in knowing the Lord each in our own time and place.

Our spirits and our hearts know God. We who have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior have a personal relationship with Him and we are, truly, able to see Him, in our minds eye, and to hear Him, as He speaks to us in so many ways, and to touch Him when we accept His body and blood in the Eucherist, the Lord's supper. Yes, each of us has had the honor and priviledge of knowing Jesus even as those who walked with Him knew Him. Differently? Yes. The same? In many ways. As importantly? Oh, that is a certainty.

Now, as we read the other words that John wrote down, we see that he "proclaims to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ." Just as John proclaims these things, it is also our responsibility to do the same and to proclaim to the world our knowledge and relationship with the living Lord God of the universe. And, just as it did John, this proclaiming of Jesus Christ to the lost should "make our joy complete."

Sometimes we sort of miss things when we read the Bible. We do that because we don't spend the time and effort to contemplate and meditate upon what God has set down for us through the prophets and those He chose to write the words we have been given. I missed, on first reading, what God was speaking to me...and to you?...today. We've got to stop doing that, you know? Just reading and not letting God speak to us through what we've read.

Yes, each of us has experienced God in our own, personal way. We know Him as He would have us to know Him. We hear Him when we take the time to listen to Him. We see Him in many ways. We touch Him as He wants us to do.

Glory to God!

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

"Have Life More Abundantly"

Good Morning,

John 10:10 (NIV)
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
John 10:10 (NLT)
The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
John 10:10 (NKJV)
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
John 10:10 (TEV)
Jesus said, "I have come in order that you might have life -- life in all its fullness."

We all know this verse of Scripture, I'm sure. Many have used this one verse of Scripture to begin whole congregations and denominations that preach a gospel of wealth and have called it "The Prosperity Gospel" message, talking about financial wealth and little more. So, when this verse crossed my desk this morning I looked at most of the many Bible translations to see what might be more closely meant by these words, more than simply having a lot of money.

The TEV translation says it most succinctly, I think, when we read, "I have come in order that you might have life--life in all its fullness." And also the NLT tells us, "My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life." The NKJV tells us, "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."

So, doe this mean that we should all pray for God to make us millionaires? Do we go to the Lord and point out that this verse tells us we ought to be financially wealthy? Are we to grab hold of these words and use them to claim huge monetary riches? I really don't think so. I also don't think that this is what Jesus was telling us at all.

As I prayed and thought about having life "to the full," "rich and satisfying," "more abundantly," and "in all its fullness," I believe that God spoke clearly about some of the things that were meant in this short Scripture. Jesus certainly wasn't speaking to us about being rich in financial ways. He was telling us so much more...so very much more.

It begins with how we think and feel about our lives and what it means to each of us individually to be rich and to have a full and satisfying life. Oh, there is just so much more to life than having financial wealth. So, now I would think that some would believe I'll go into all of the various ways we can be "rich" in our lives. No, not gonna do that! Why? Simply because what a rich and satisfying life might mean to me could be very different for you. What fills me with joy and happiness might not really work well in your life. What makes my life full and abundant could be really quite different for you.

You see, what God spoke to me about this is that I've got to look deep inside myself to see what He has placed there that makes my life full and complete...what makes me "wealthy"...what makes my life a rich one. You have to do the same thing. I can't tell you to do this or that, or to desire one thing or another, and that if you do then you will have all that this verse speaks to. It's not for me to say. God wants all of us to have a full, complete, rich, and abundant life...in whatever ways that are right for each of us as individuals.

Spend some time with the Lord today and ask Him to show you what will make your life more complete. He will.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Our Relationship

Good Day,

John 15:16 (NIV)
"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last..."

Just as Jesus chose the 12, God has also chosen each of us. Jesus chose those to follow Him as His closest friends and confidants. It is also true that God has chosen us...you and me and all who follow Jesus...to be His closest friends and His confidants, as well. We have been made privy to even more than what the Apostles had those 2,000 plus years ago. You see, we have the Bible, God's words to us, from which to learn and understand God's will and what He would have us to do in this age in which we live.

Jesus chose the Apostles to bear fruit that would last and God has chosen us to do exactly the same thing. We are commissioned by God and in His service to do His will.

When I think about this it rather boggles my human mind that the Lord God of the universe, the Creator of everything, would actually choose me, of all people, to do what He wants me to be doing and to produce the fruit that will last long beyond my short lifetime. I guess most of us would feel that way, you know, humbled that God would not only know who we are, but also choose us for His purposes. But, it's true. Nothing could be truer.

Then, as I tried to get my mind around this fact of God actually choosing me for His purpose and to accomplish His will, I had to then think about the relationship that I have with Him. That, I must admit, humbles me even more and even causes me some inward grief. I say that because I know that I probably don't have the relationship with the Father that I ought to have. I know that I don't spend enough time with Him. I know that I don't pray and talk to Him as He would like. I know that I fall very short of what He would have of me and from me. But then, am I not much like most of my brothers and sisters in Christ? Don't we all come up wanting in our relationship with God? At least from time to time?

Today I want to suggest that we think about this verse of Scripture that God sent our way today. He chose you. He chose me. We have work to do for Him and fruit to bear that will be lasting. Most of all, I want us all to give some thought as to our relationship with God, our Father...our loving and caring Father. When we do, I'm sure we'll all be the better off for it.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Words...

Good Day,

Ephesians 6:19-20 (NIV)
Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

This prayer, my friends, is one which I would ask you to pray for all who proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I would ask that you and I all would pray for our pastors and teachers who have been given the responsibility to bring God's words forth from the Bible and into our hearts and minds. I would also ask that we all pray for one another as it's the truth that you and I have also been given the honor and privilege, as well as the huge responsibility, to speak the Gospel message as we go about our normal, daily lives.

Although I don't stand in a pulpit and preach with my words, I would ask that you pray for me that I would write only what it is that I hear God speak to me in these messages each day. I ask for and covet your prayers for this ministry that it may continue and prosper and that what God has to say through me would touch exactly those to whom He wants these words to touch.

Let us all pray, as Paul also writes, continuously, that God's message would be heard and understood as He wishes.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Troubles

Good Morning,

James 1:2-3 (NIV)
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

Who among us actually embraces trials and troubles that we encounter almost daily? How many of us actually become joyful when problems crop up and we have to deal with many kinds of challenges in our days? I would say that the answer to both of those questions is probably, not many of us. No, we would much rather our lives be smooth and trouble free, I think, especially in the world in which we live these days. However, that simply isn't going to happen. Not to you. Not to me. Probably not to any of us. That is, of course, simply because the world is the way it is and living in it brings about almost constant, daily trouble for us to deal with.

Now, the HOW that we go about dealing with our troubles, that's the crux of what we read in today's verse of Scripture, I think. God is telling us that we ought to embrace the troubles that come and face those troubles with joy in our hearts. Why? Well, because we're told here that when we do face our troubles directly and allow the Lord to work in and through us when we do, then we will "develop perseverance" in our lives and further troubles simply won't be as difficult to handle. The Lord is with us as we walk each day, be assured of that. He's there for us to call upon and to help us in our daily lives. He has promised that to us. God has promised us, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." (Deut. 31:6)

You see, with God walking with us each step of our lives, then we ought not to face our trials with anything BUT joy, because God will show us the way and assist us along His path. The perseverance and patience that we gain does only good in our lives because it teaches us how we can always depend on the Lord to help us and guide us. Each trouble we face, no matter how challenging, gives God the chance to show us His love and then how we can live through anything...with Him.

Yes, it's a difficult passage of Scripture to us, I know. Yes, it's tough to face troubles joyfully. However, knowing that God is with us and will always be with us, that should make it just that much easier.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Give Money?

Good Morning,

Matthew 5:42 (NIV)
Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

We've discussed this verse of Scripture in the past. We've talked about how literally we ought to take Jesus' words about giving to those who ask of us. The pro's and con's of giving to people have been tossed back and forth with arguments on both sides of the issue. What we've talked about has ranged from "Yes, we ought to take Jesus words here exactly as He said them and give to all who has of us," all the way to, "Well, we need not to give to those to those who ask because the money will probably go to feed some addiction or other." Now, I would imagine that the exact answer would like somewhere in the middle of these two sentiments. Then, as often happens, while I was once again asking for the right answer, I received the following story. Oh, the "David" in the story isn't me, by the way...

David had just bought some juice and bagels to bring to a breakfast meeting in Northern Virginia. He drove out of the shopping center parking lot and noticed a woman looking through the trash.
"I sensed that I should stop and offer her a bagel," David said, "but I reasoned that it was my own thinking and not the Holy Spirit, and I didn't want to be late for the breakfast. "When I got to the meeting, I sat in my car and said a short prayer for the woman. I did this to confirm that I had made the right decision and ease my guilty conscience. I then felt like God was saying that the prayer for this woman was fine, but why hadn't I let him work through me to reach out to her? "I drove back to the shopping center, praying that she would still be there. She was nowhere to be seen. I prayed that I was sorry to have missed this opportunity, but that I would do better next time. Then, I saw her at a bus stop. "I drove behind the bus stop, and asked if she wanted a bagel. She said no... money. I was caught off guard by this response, but opened my wallet and gave her $20.00. she thanked me, and asked God to bless me. She said she would pray for me. "I apologized for not stopping when I first saw her, and told her that I had been convicted to come back. We talked for about 20 minutes. Her name was Goldie and she was from Iran. She had been homeless for 15 years. She had been separated from her husband and children and was looking for them. She then told me what it was like to be homeless and about how people treated her, how they would make fun of her and tell her to go get a job. She asked about me and my family. "She said that when she saves up enough money she treats herself to a cheap hotel to bathe and get a good night's sleep. When that happens she prays for the people who have helped her and for their families. As I drove away she waved and yelled 'goodbye.'"

We can think many things about many people and how they are living and what they are doing. But, we need to remember that we can also be very, very wrong in the thoughts that we might have about them.

I think that the bottom line today, and what God wants me to understand, is that I really don't have the authority to judge and to make certain determinations about people. That's God's job...not mine.

After reading this, I thought it important for all of us to understand.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Matthew 5:16

Good Afternoon,

Matthew 5:16 (NIV)
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:16 (NLT)
In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

I'm sorry that yesterday there was no message and that today's is so very late. I think that we've got that "killer" flu! Well, not killer maybe, but, oh Lord, it's bad. So, today there's just this beautiful verse of Scripture sent along to me by my friend Alan for all of us to contemplate.

Please keep us in your prayers that this illness we've come down with will quickly pass. It's really bad when we're both sick at the same time!

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Orphans and Widows

Good Morning,

James 1:27(NIV)
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world

I'm not going to go into a long, drawn out message about what this verse means or what God wants us to do in regard to the words that He gave James to write. Not today. Not at this really devastating time. Today, there are widows and orphans in numbers that boggle the mind in Haiti. To say that they are in distress would be a massive understatement. Today, we have the opportunity to live out a "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless."

What I'm going to do, being obedient to what I hear from the Lord, is to ask everyone who reads these words to search their hearts and ask God what they should do in regard to helping the earthquake victims in Haiti. This is between you and God, my brothers and sisters. All I ask is that you listen to that still, small voice that speaks into your mind and heart and spirit. Then, be obedient.

If anyone has a question or needs any direction as to what organization or charity to give, please ask me. I have done some homework on this ever since the tsunami disaster some years ago.

Open your hearts, please. Then, be as generous as you can be. It is our responsibility as Christians. Let all of us show that pure and faultless religion we have through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Take An Accounting

Good Morning,

Matthew 6:19-21(NIV)
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

As I read these verses this morning I was challenged to look about to see if there were "treasures" that I might be storing up here on earth and just what those "treasures" might be. I guess because for the past few years one wouldn't say that I've been well off financially that there really aren't very many "treasures" that have been stored up. But then, like most people, there are things...just things...that I have which I don't really need and also some things that I don't even use. What's sad, is that there are also some things that I don't have any idea why I even have them. But all in all, I don't have a lot of "treasure" that's been stored up. Now, honestly, I can say not because I've been obedient to the Scripture verses we read today but because of my financial situation. I wish I could honestly say that if I had more money I'd still not have much stuff..."treasure"...however, I don't know that for sure.

We have this section of Scripture come to us from time to time, I think, so that we will stop and take stock of just exactly where we are storing our "treasures" and to see just what our "treasure" really is. It's good for us to do that. I believe we need to do that on a regular basis, lest we get caught up in the things, "treasure", of this world rather than keeping our eyes and minds and efforts ought to be...on the things of heaven...on Jesus.

Here's the thing: If we find take a regular accounting of ourselves and where we focus; on what "treasure" is more prevalent in our lives, then we are much less likely to fall into that worldly "treasure" trap that is so enticing and such a huge temptation for most of us. The contrary is true, of course. If we DON'T take that regular accounting then we WILL find ourselves easily trapped into the desires for earthly, worldly "treasure"...which is no treasure at all.

Some of us have been more blessed financially than others. Some of those who have been hugely blessed have their focus correctly on the things of heaven and on Jesus Christ. We need to be thankful for them and that they have their eyes fixed on the Lord and on the work of God here on this earth. Some of those who have true financial freedom, however, aren't so well focused. For them, we need to pray.

Now, just in case some might think that I'm "picking" on the well to do, that's not the case. There are some of us who aren't very well off financially but are able to have their eyes and focus directly on the things of heaven and on Jesus Christ. It's a bit more difficult, perhaps, but still happens and happens often. Then, unfortunately, there are those who aren't well off financially and are even struggling to make ends meet and they do NOT have their eyes on Jesus and the things of heaven and of God. They, even in their want and need, have their focus on earthly "treasure" and the things of the world. For them, we also need to pray.

Let's be thankful today that we have this reminder from the Lord that we ought to take some time to look inside to see where our focus lies. Are we, as we should, storing up for ourselves treasures in heaven? Or, have we fallen into the enemy's trap of storing up treasures on earth? Be honest with yourself.

"Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace"

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Because of His great love...

Good Morning,

Ephesians 2:4-7 (NIV)
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

I think that we need this reminder we read today in Ephesians every once in a while. Sometimes we tend to forget, or at least don't bring to mind, some very important things that are given to us in the Bible. This especially happens when our lives have become difficult and we face challenges or problems what seems like every day. So, it's very good that we are reminded of God's love and all that He's done for us.

You know, our Lord didn't come to do all He did AFTER humanity had confessed its sins and repented of them. No, Jesus came so that we could be saved in spite of our sin and our sinning ways. "But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions." This is so very important for us to remember...every day.

Am I a sinner? Are you? The answer, of course, is yes, we are sinners. So, does this mean that God doesn't love us and care about us? Of course NOT! Nothing could be further from the truth. But, even though we sin and are sinners, God still loves us and shows us mercy. Today's verses tell us that very clearly. God shows His love and mercy by "making us alive with Christ." Something else we sometime forget is the fact that there's more to being alive than just having a heart beat and breathing in and out. We've been made alive in our spirits and our very being. That, my friends, is even more important than the heart beat and breathing! Being alive with Christ in our spirits is what being alive really is.

I say that because of what we read, "And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms." This is the ultimate goal for you and for me. This is what awaits us at the end of this journey on the earth.

We will be shown "the incomparable riches of His grace," when we finally reach heaven. Then, not only will we see all of this but we will experience it and be in the presence of the Lord God of all.

So, I'm thankful today for this reminder that has come our way. "Because of His great love for us..." That's what we all need to have firmly in our minds and our hearts and our spirits...all the time.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Here Am I

Good Morning,

Isaiah 6:8-9 (NIV)
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?"
And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"
He said, "Go ... "

The words we read, that were written so very long ago, still ring true today. You see, God still calls and asks the same questions of His children today, in January of 2010, that He did when speaking to Isaiah thousands of years ago.

So, who is it that God is calling? Who would it be that should go to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ? To whom would God give this awesome responsibility to spread His Good News?

Too many of us think that it would be those "ministers" or "preachers" or "pastors" that are called for this work...you know, those who might be sent and who would go to do God's will. I think that most of us would fully understand that it isn't only the job and work and going of those who are ordained to be leaders in our various congregations that are given this work. No, it is you...it is me...it is every child of God who answers Him and is willing to say, as Isaiah did, "Here am I. Send me!"

At one time or another every one of us has heard that still, small voice whispering in our heads, or perhaps have heard from God more clearly and directly through one of our brethren, the call from God, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" How we answer that call, God's request to go, determines much of how we live our Christian lives. On the one hand, we can refuse to hear God's call to us to go. Nothing adverse will happen to us if we don't acknowledge the urging of the Holy Spirit to go and spread the Gospel. We just, well, we just sort of plod along, attend our weekly worship services and try to live a "decent" life. Now, on the other hand, we can awaken that which has been sparked inside us and not only accept that we have heard from the Lord but also do exactly what Isaiah did and say, "Yes, Lord. I hear your voice. Send me!"

What will happen when we "go" and do as God asks? Well, I don't know, to tell you the truth. What happens in your life will be different than what happens in my life. After all, your acceptance of what God wants of you will be different than mine. You may be called to become one of those who are ordained by one denomination or another and do "official" work in a local congregation. I may be called to do sort of what I do each day, but more. Some will work in a homeless shelter and spread God's word, His plan of salvation, to those who are in great need. Others might just be called to go out and speak up wherever they find themselves; speak of Jesus Christ. I have no idea what any of us might really be led to do once we have conceded that God is Lord over our lives and then we go.

The first thing in all of this, of course, is to listen when we think we hear that voice, the voice of the Holy Spirit. Because if we don't take the time to listen, then we will not hear. If we do not hear, we cannot go. So, we must all listen in our prayer time and in our study time when we read the Bible. We must listen when we speak to brothers and sisters in Christ because God will use their voices to speak to us. We must always be diligent and attentive to hear what God would have for us to do and to where He might want us to go.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

No Fear!

Good Morning,

Psalm 118:5-6 (NIV)
In my anguish I cried to the LORD,
and he answered by setting me free.
The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?

I read these words and realized that all of us...even you and I...were in some anguish until our cries were heard by a gracious and loving God and we were set free by accepting Jesus Christ into our lives as Lord and Savior. Once we did, of course, then we had the Lord with us, as we read that David did, and our fears should have been alleviated because, again like David, there's not much people can do to us when we have God with us.

But, do we, really, express our praise and gratitude enough because of what has happened by God setting us free from, well I guess it would be from ourselves and the sin in our lives? The truth rings clear today in that God is the answer, through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, for the fears we have and to attain the freedom we want. Yes, it's that simple.

God hears our cries for Him, even when we don't know that we're crying out to Him. He hears us when we don't know Him but still cry out for something...He knows that He IS that something we cry for, even when we don't. God sent the answer to our cries in the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He, Jesus in our lives, is how we garner true freedom.

And as far as being afraid? Well, if we know, and we should, that at the end of our journey we will have attained an eternity in heaven with God, what in the world do we have to be afraid about? Really! Think about it. Yes, we might go through some difficulties and hard times and even physical problems in this life. Most of us (all of us?) are fully aware that we will have many challenges as we walk the earth. But be afraid? Oh, no, not us! For we have God with us. We have the promise of heaven. We have all that Jesus told us we would have. We are, as Paul wrote, conquerors, "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

As we go about our business today and do what it is we do, please, let us not forget that we are free. Free from fears that may bind up unbelievers, but not us!

Let us remember also to thank God for all He does in our lives and for His ultimate sacrifice on the cross.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Pray For The Persecuted

Good Afternoon,

Hebrews 13:3 (NIV)
Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.

We in the United States don't have to be concerned about being placed into prisons or, as we read in the King James, put into bonds of any kind because of our belief in Jesus Christ. That's not so in some other places on this planet. To this very day we have brothers and sisters who are being persecuted because they will publicly profess their Christianity.

Today's verse of Scripture is, I believe, a call for all of us to pray for everyone who is oppressed or tyrannized because of their confession of faith in the Lord.

Let each of us offer up our prayers for all of our brothers and sisters in the Lord.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

God's Words

Good Morning,

Isaiah 55:8-13 (NIV)
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,"
declares the LORD.
"As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
You will go out in joy
and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and hills
will burst into song before you,
and all the trees of the field
will clap their hands.
Instead of the thornbush will grow the pine tree,
and instead of briers the myrtle will grow.
This will be for the LORD's renown,
for an everlasting sign,
which will not be destroyed."

Without even giving any conscious thought as to the meaning and reason for these verse of Scripture, I was thrilled simply in the beauty of the words as they flowed into my mind. It seems that I could almost hear God speaking these words and, thus, feel the emotion that He had when He spoke them to Isaiah. Such, very often, is that which we read in the Bible...clear, direct, explicit, and yet beautiful to read and feel. For this I am so very grateful to God.

I am also grateful to Him for what He has to teach us in His word. What I hear this morning speaks to me about how His word never returns to Him empty. Yes, of course there is much more in these verses, but the fact that what God has to say...in the Bible, by way of those who preach the Gospel, you and I as we hear Him and tell of what He says, so many ways He speaks...what He has to say to us goes out and does as He would have it do. As is put here today, "Will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it."

So, that brings us to this day and age in which we live. You see, we have a responsibility when we hear from God. We have the responsibility to be His mouth in speaking the words that He gives us from time to time. He doesn't speak into our hearts and minds so we would sit and simply be glad that we've heard from God and just enjoy that marvelous feeling deep inside. No my friends, that really is only the first part of hearing from God. Wonderful, certainly, but we can't let it just sit inside. We've got to get it out to where it will do what God wants done with it.

Does that mean that every one of us must get up in the pulpit and begin to preach to a congregation? Does it mean that all of us must sit down at our computer or pencil and pater to write a book? No, of course not! What it does mean is that we are to take that which God gives us in however He chooses to speak to us, His very word, and let Him guide us as to how we are to sow that seed He has provided. It could simply be that we speak to someone in the line at a grocery store. Maybe it's to make a phone call to a friend or relative or acquaintance and let God use us with that person. Perhaps we are to speak up in a small group from our local congregation or even to those gathered in a lunch room at our workplace. Or, just possibly, it IS that we are to write a book or speak to a large congregation. After all, we should never minimize how God might choose to have His words spoken.

Let us this day bask in the beauty of God's words to us in these verses of Isaiah. Then, let's think about how God might be speaking into our lives so that we can then use His words that we've heard to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ and God's ultimate plan of salvation for a lost and hurting world. That, after all, letting people know about Jesus Christ, is what it's really all about, isn't it?

Let none of us fail in our responsibility to speak what God has spoken to us.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Serving One Another

Good Morning,

1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.
1 Peter 4:10 (NLT)
God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.

What we have to think about today is how we are doing what this verse says we ought to be doing. What that means is: How, exactly, are we...each of us individually and then all of us corporately through our local congregations...how are we serving one another and showing the love of Jesus Christ to each other and the world?

I guess I could ask myself that question by simply looking inside and asking myself what I've done today, yesterday, and in the recent past that has helped other people, especially my brothers and sisters in Christ. How have I used the gift or gifts that God has given me to benefit others? You, of course, are the only one who can also answer that for you.

We've talked of Spiritual gifts in the past and I would like to think that most of us recognize in what way God has gifted us. We're pretty much aware of how we can best be of service, and show the love of Christ, to other people. Now, maybe I don't really have to add "the love of Christ" in this because, if we're serving...truly serving...then God's love will show through us in our service.

So, short message today as it's just simply about how we are carrying out what God would have us do through the gifts He has granted. The way and ways in which we share our giftedness is how we share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We share the Gospel by showing God's love, really, and that's how people will care to know more about our Lord.

Am I sharing as I should? Are you? Are we?

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Bartimaeus' Question

Good Morning,

Mark 10:51 (NIV)
"What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked him.
The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see."

I'm sure that most of us are familiar with the account written in Mark about blind Bartimaeus and his encounter with Jesus. Normally when we read this story we focus on the fact that Bartimaeus didn't quiet himself when told to but called out even louder to Jesus. Today, however, let's change that focus on the simple question that Jesus asked of Bartimaeus..."What do you want me to do for you?"

Bartimaeus knew exactly what he wanted of Jesus, his sight returned to him. So he was quick to answer, 'Rabbi, I want to see." Pretty simply put and very straight forward, don't you think? I would guess that the response to Jesus' question would be the same for almost any unsighted person. Bartimaeus knew exactly what he wanted Jesus to do for him and didn't hesitate for even a moment.

The question that comes to mind today, though, is..."What do YOU want Jesus to do for you?" After all, we read in John 14:14, "You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it," so, we have Jesus permission to ask Him, don't we? So, if we have that permission...and we've just read that we DO...then, what would you, or I, or any other believer in the Lord ask?

Some things that we might ask for could be very easily ascertained. I mean, if a person was paralyzed, or like Bartimaeus was blind, or had some other physical infirmity, then we might be reasonably certain that the person would want that healed and be brought back to what we might consider normal. Some might ask for Jesus to make them financially well off, or at least stable to the point of being comfortable financially. There are many things that we could ask for from the Lord.

Here's my question: What, really, is important enough to ask Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior to do for me (you)?

I'm not going to give you my answer. But, know that it isn't for wealth or even health, okay? And, it's none of my business what your answer is to that question. That's between you and God.

All I'm doing today is asking you what is the most important thing in your life that you would want Jesus to do for you. Give it some thought. Remember, once we have accepted Jesus into our lives, then our lives should be about Him.

"What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus might be asking all of us. He can do it, you know.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Unity

Good Morning,

John 17:22-23 (NIV)
I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

In the most agonizing moments of His life, as He awaits Judas to be given over to the authorities to suffer and die, Jesus offers prayer to the Father. Not a prayer for Himself. He offers a prayer for His disciples, for you, for me, and for all humanity. So, what does He want from God in His prayer? He wants unity in His Church. He wants love in His Church.

So, what have we done even after hearing His prayer to the Father? Even now that we are so much more educated and informed about Scripture? What have we done? Well, what we haven't done is to become more united, in direct opposition to what Jesus wants for us.

Does that make you uncomfortable? It certainly does me. I mean, I will admit that even though I have this passion for unity in the Church among all Christians, I still have my prejudices and dislike for some of the ways of those who are different from me. I don't mean racial differences or national differences or anything like that, what I mean is differences in ways of worship or the ways that some gather for their services. I guess that means I'm as human as everyone else and, probably, just as guilty in not doing more to try to unite believers.

Then the question arises, "What can I do? What can one person, not even a pastor or any kind of leader in a congregation, what can I do?" The answer is simple. I can put aside those minute details that mean so little and simply accept other Christians just the way they are and without any "put downs" about how they worship or congregate. I can love all my brothers and sisters in Christ, no matter where they might meet on a Sunday, Saturday, Wednesday, or any other day. I can do more to understand those differences I might have with some and focus more fully on those things we have in common. Yes, there are, truly, things I can do in order to unify the Church much more than it is today.

So can you. No matter what congregation you belong to or go to for worship services, don't ever take the attitude that your "way" is the ONLY way that is right for worship and dogma. It isn't. Whether extremely "conservative" Baptist or ultra "liberal" Pentecostal...or anything in between or beyond...we all have something in common: Jesus Christ, the fact that He came to be born, live, and die in order that we ALL might be saved. THIS is what is important and THIS is what we ought to be focusing all our energy upon.

Hey, it's OK for people to raise their hands in worship! It's fine to sit and listen to Hymns with a piano the only instrument! Beautifully dressed choirs are good! One person with a guitar singing contemporary worship is more than acceptable. A preacher with a 20 minute message is all right, as is a minister who needs an hour or more. Praying with hands clasped or hands in pockets...it makes no difference. Speaking in tongues or not...a very minor detail in the grand scheme of things (some do, some don't, so what!?).

If you and I, just the two of us, will put aside the differences and simply not speak badly about other denominations or congregations who are different from us, if we will do that and be much more accepting of any disparities that we see, then we, you and I, can be two people who will stand out a bit in the fact that WE are different...different in a good way.

It can start with just a few. People will notice. It would be a very good thing.

Please read all of John 17 and hear Jesus prayer for us.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Don't Be Weary

Good Morning,

Galatians 6:9-10 (NIV)
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Galatians 6:9-10 (CEV)
Don't get tired of helping others. You will be rewarded when the time is right, if you don't give up. We should help people whenever we can, especially if they are followers of the Lord.

The Christmas season is officially over. How do I know that? Well, all of the advertisements I'm receiving in my newspaper is not filled with the "storage" season and soon to be replaced by the blanket and sheet season. So, that's how I know that the Christmas season is now over. Okay. So, I'm being a bit facetious about it. I'm sure you caught that. However, it is truly unfortunate that for many people, even many very good people, the Christmas season IS over and they've gone back to being more "normal" about living their daily lives. I guess that we are all sort of like that, aren't we?

During the season of Christmas our hearts seem to be more deeply touched by those who are have needs in one way or another. It seems that during the time when we're putting up colorful lights and decorations our hearts are more easily touched and our eyes more clearly see that there are true needs that we can help with. We do more, it seems, when we see the embellishments of Christmas all around us because we are reminded more distinctly of Jesus and His coming as Lord and Savior. But then, that time of celebration and the more easily opened hearts of people does, unfortunately, come to an end.

Today we read a verse of Scripture that is pretty clear about how we ought to live our lives all the time, even when the "season" for doing good and being more aware of need has past. "Let us not become weary in doing good," or as the CEV reads, "Don't get tired of helping others." Even if we don't go on to read that there are rewards or a harvest that is to be reaped because of doing the right things, doesn't it seem that just DOING the right thing for people is enough of a reward in and of itself? But maybe I'm a bit Polly Anna-ish about this. Perhaps I'm not a realist in this world and am more of what might be called a "bleeding heart" when it comes to the needs of others. You know what? I am...a bleeding heart, that is. At least I've hears some say that of me...and of my wife and how we sometimes do what we do.

"Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people," and the CEV, "We should help people whenever we can."

Is this not clear direction from God? Isn't this what God wants us to do? Shouldn't we be going out of our way to look for ways that we can do good and help people? Even for those who might not be believers, doesn't it seem just the right thing to do for humanity? To help? To do good?

Bringing it back around to the fact that the Christmas "season" is over, shouldn't we act all the time like we do when we're thinking about Christmas? Shouldn't we have that "Christmas Spirit" all the time?

Okay. The "message" part for today is over. Here's some reality, though. It's cold out side. There are people who have no roof over their heads and no warm clothes. There are people who are hungry. There are people who are truly in need. Here it comes now, the tough part...WHAT HAVE YOU DONE FOR THEM? That's it. Think about it. If God speaks to you about it, obey. If you don't hear God speaking to you about it, please examine where your heart is at this point in time. Sorry to appear harsh this morning, but it's what I'm hearing from the Lord. Got to get off this computer now and go DO something. Care to join me?

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Proverbs

Good Morning,

Proverbs 1:1-7 (NIV)
The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
for attaining wisdom and discipline;
for understanding words of insight;
for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life,
doing what is right and just and fair;
for giving prudence to the simple,
knowledge and discretion to the young-
let the wise listen and add to their learning,
and let the discerning get guidance-
for understanding proverbs and parables,
the sayings and riddles of the wise.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

I know that at some time during December I mentioned that it would be a very good idea to read the Book of Proverbs, one chapter per day, during January of this new year. I know that I sent along a message that said why we ought to be doing that...I think it was in early December. But, I also know that we all need a reminder from time to time and today is just that sort of reminder.

I took my own advice...or, um, maybe God's advice?...and have been doing exactly that, reading Proverbs one chapter per day. I wanted to take this moment in time to just mention once again the why that we should do this small task. That would be what we read in today's Scripture verses: The reasons WHY we ought to read, and then maybe re-read, what God has for us in the Book of Proverbs that He gave to us through Solomon.

These first seven verses of Proverbs tells us pretty clearly why it's a very good idea for us to read this Bible book. Look at what God says, the reasons to read what Solomon wrote down. Take a moment and read these short verses again, please. I think that you will agree that the words we read are more than well worth the time and effort that we will spend in reading them.

If for no other reason, if we gain nothing else at all in our efforts, God tells us that He will impart wisdom to those who will read and comprehend what He has caused to be written. Think about it. Is there more that one can ask for than to have true wisdom? Doesn't it make sense that if one is truly wise then he or she will also have so much more in life? It certainly does to me.

So, want to get a lot out of life and to be considered someone who is discerning and knowledgeable? Then, I would suggest you start by reading the Book of Proverbs. Then, take the next step by carrying out and living the instructions that are there. If we will do this, my friends, I absolutely believe that our lives will be changed and that we will be blessed beyond anything we could imagine.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

God's Grace

Good Morning,

Titus 2:11-12 (NIV)
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.

Today's verse of Scripture comes close on the heels of a marvelous sermon given by Pastor Bryon at Journey Church last Sunday. Actually, I've been leaning on his message all week which I mostly remember as being based on 2 Corinthians 12:9, "But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." What I found for myself during this past week and after contemplating and praying about what Pastor Bryon gave in his message, was that God's grace is, truly, sufficient and that His power is made perfect in our weakness.

Today, we read something else about God's marvelous grace: That it not only brings salvation, but also helps us to "say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age." That, my friends, is a magnificent revelation to many of us! We don't have to rely on our own power and strength to help ourselves to lead the kind of lives we want to live. That same grace from God that loved us enough to send Jesus for our salvation, that very same grace will help us and give us strength and power to overcome "ungodliness and worldly passions" even in this evil world in which we live.

I don't know about you, but for me, well, this is absolutely wonderful! Putting these two sections of Scripture together and allowing them to speak into my life has helped me immensely in my mind and in my spirit.

As Pastor Bryon taught so clearly last week, God's grace is sufficient for us to overcome whatever it is that's bothering us or tempting us or keeping us from living a truly godly life. God's grace is sufficient to lift us up so we can live a self-controlled life, no matter what's going on in the world around us.

Let us rejoice that God's love and grace abounds, even this very day!

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

The Strength of My Heart

Good Morning,

Psalm 73:26 (NIV)
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.
Psalm 73:26 (NLT)
My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak,
but God remains the strength of my heart;
he is mine forever.

I have to admit (confess?) that there are days when, like so many of my brothers and sisters in Christ, that I don't feel well physically, and worse...not so great spiritually. So, I can fully empathize with the writer of this Psalm when he speaks these words. You probably can, as well, I would wager. From time to time we all have failing health and weakness of spirit. It's a normal part of being alive, I think. However, if we will examine ourselves deep down inside, we will see and feel what David must have when he wrote, "But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever (He is mine forever)."

On those days and during those times of our health not being what it should or during those seasons when our own spirit seems down and wanting, that, my friends, is when we must search more deeply and find God, His Holy Spirit, who lives in us and is the true strength that we can call upon during those difficult days.

I think that today, thanks to my friend Alan causing this verse of Scripture to "cross my desk," God wants us to remember what He is telling us in these words.

No matter how we feel physically or how downtrodden we might be in our spirit, God is there for us. God is always there for us, have no doubt. "He is mine forever," isn't just some saying that is pleasing to the ear. "God is...my portion forever," is what the Lord wants us to know and, therefore, is reminding us this very day.

He is, truly, the strength of our hearts and is always there...ALWAYS!...no matter how we feel or what we're going through.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David

Not Alone

Good Morning,

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (NIV)
There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

2010.

It looks a little weird, doesn't it? But, after all, it's only a number and by itself has little or no significance. However, it is a new year and we all, well at least most of us, look on a new year with various opinions, ideas, desires, anticipations, and the like. One thing, though, that has remained the same for me for many, many years is the Lord guiding me back to these verses in Ecclesiastes. Both as a reflection and a realization on what has transpired and what will be coming during this next year.

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." The are, truly, brilliant words with profound meaning. Yes, truly, there is a time for everything. None of us knows, with certainty, almost anything about what we will go through and experience in the coming days, weeks, and months of 2010. We might think we know, but, as has happened every year of my life, nothing is certain. During each year we live through many various experiences, events, and encounters which will shape our lives in some way. We don't know what they will be. We don't know how we will respond or react to them. Only God knows what will happen in the future and only He knows exactly when those things will occur. The best we can do is to prepare ourselves to meet what God presents to us in the most positive way we can.

So, how do we face an uncertain future? First and foremost, we face it hand in hand with Jesus Christ; with God by our side and filled with the Holy Spirit. That is the most important thing that we need to do in these times which can hold anything under the sun. We need to go forward with God. The second thing that we need to do is to live each day with good partners in our lives. That can mean a loving spouse and it could also mean true, caring friends. But, I think that it mostly means living the days God gives us in the company of our Christian brothers and sisters, members of God's Holy Church, in our local congregations. We really can't do this living life thing efficiently by being alone.

As I read these verse of Scripture yet again on another New Year's Day, I could see the many things that can...and will in some way...come for all of us. Indeed there is a time for everything on this earth that God created. Everything.

No matter what we face or go through...births and deaths; illness and well being; tearing down and building; weeping and laughing; mourning and dancing; gathering and scattering; and all the rest that we read in these verses...no matter what, we must not do it alone.

Remember, throughout the coming days of 2010, we first and most importantly walk with and commune with God, then with close partners and friends, and, finally, with our local community of Christian brothers and sisters.

Yes, a time for everything...but not alone.

Love, peace, and blessings,

David