Kristi Wilson | Kristi's Morning Devotional

May 8, 2018

My Strong Place

This morning I have been focusing my thoughts on trust. Trusting the Lord is a progressive action or at least I found that to be my experience.

I’ve been reviewing the life of King David from the time he was a shepherd for his father to his life as King of Israel. He took trusting steps all along the way.

He mentions two occasions where he knew God was with him while taking care of the sheep.

“But David said to Saul, “There were times when I was taking care of my father’s sheep that wild animals came to take some sheep from the flock. Once there was a lion and another time, a bear. ³⁵I chased that wild animal, attacked it, and took the sheep from its mouth. The wild animal jumped on me, but I caught it by the fur under its mouth. And I hit it and killed it.” I Samuel 17:34-35 ERV

And because of these two trusting steps, he knew that he could face Goliath and that God would give him the victory.

“³⁶I killed both a lion and a bear like that! And I will kill that foreigner, Goliath, just like them. Goliath will die because he made fun of the army of the living God. ³⁷The Lord saved me from the lion and the bear. He will also save me from this Philistine.”

Saul said to David, “Go and may the Lord be with you.” I Samuel 17:26-27 ERV

That was just the start of it. The same man, King Saul, who sent David out to face Goliath, became jealous of him and soon started hunting him. Each time Saul got close the Lord protected David.

“He said, “The Lord is my rock, my strong place, and the One Who sets me free. ³He is my God, my rock, where I go to be safe. He is my covering and the horn that saves me, my strong place where I go to be safe. You save me from being hurt. ⁴I call upon the Lord, Who should be praised. I am saved from those who hate me.” II Samuel 22:2-4 NLV

In these verses we see David placing his complete trust in the Lord. You are my Rock, he says. That phrase reminds me of where we live. We are surrounded by rocky mountains. Climbing to the top you could see your enemies coming for miles. You would be protected. A secure place, a place you could trust.

This kind of unwavering trust is available to everyone.

“The poor can run to you because you are a fortress in times of trouble. ¹⁰Everyone who honors your name can trust you, because you are faithful to all who depend on you.” Psalm 9:9-10 CEV

I think it would be a good idea to keep a “trust” journal. You know a place where we write down the times we know God has been there to be our fortress, our rock, our high tower. Then when worry comes or stress tries to overwhelm we can look back and remember that God is FAITHFUL and can be trusted.

“Some people trust the power of chariots or horses, but we trust you, Lord God. ⁸Others will stumble and fall, but we will be strong
and stand firm.” Psalm 20:7-8 CEV

I find it’s also good to look at people in the Bible who encountered tremendously difficult situations and saw God deliver them. People like Noah, Daniel, Joseph, Elijah and Elisha, Peter, and Paul.

The Bible tells us that God is no respecter of persons, He doesn’t play favorites so if He delivered these people we can trust Him to do the same for us.

When we trust we will be in a place of peace.

“You will keep the man in perfect peace whose mind is kept on You, because he trusts in You. ⁴Trust in the Lord forever. For the Lord God is a Rock that lasts forever. ” Isaiah 26:3-4 NLV

I’m looking out my patio window now. The sun is coming up and I see one of those rocky mountains. It is a daily reminder that God is a Rock. He is my Rock.

Today I am determined to take another step forward. I will trust Him!

“He who lives in the safe place of the Most High will be in the shadow of the All-powerful. ²I will say to the Lord, “You are my safe and strong place, my God, in Whom I trust.” Psalm 91:1-2 NLV

May 7, 2018May 7, 2018

God Knows Your Name & Your Need

I have a list with the names of family, friends and acquaintances in my prayer journal.

I began talking to the Lord about the different names on that list this morning. Some of you I know have personal needs and so I was praying about those. But then I came to some of your names and I didn’t know what particular need there is in your life.

As I was hesitating in what to pray I felt the Lord say “It’s ok. You know their names, I know their needs.” I love that about God. He knows all about us.

“When you pray, do not say the same thing over and over again making long prayers like the people who do not know God. They think they are heard because their prayers are long. ⁸Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. ” Matthew 6:7-8 NLV

Look at the Apostle Paul. In the letters that he wrote to the different churches he always let them know that he was praying for them.

“I thank God every time I remember you.” Philippians 1:3

“In our prayers we always thank God for you. He is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Colossians 1:3

As I said, sometimes we know how to pray for a specific need and other times we just need to let the Holy Spirit direct our prayers because we lack the understanding for what is needed.

“Also, the Spirit helps us. We are very weak, but the Spirit helps us with our weakness. We don’t know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit himself speaks to God for us. He begs God for us, speaking to him with feelings too deep for words. ²⁷God already knows our deepest thoughts. And he understands what the Spirit is saying, because the Spirit speaks for his people in the way that agrees with what God wants.” Romans 8:26-28 ERV

A couple weeks back I had sent a friend a text early in the morning to tell her that I was praying for her. She responded back and gave me some specific needs that were immediate.

We were in the truck and on our way to an area where there was no cell service. Her text was the last that came in for several hours. I was disappointed that I didn’t get a chance to tell her that I was now praying specifically for those needs.

The Lord reminded me that although I couldn’t communicate with her that I could certainly pray on her behalf and that He wasn’t limited by a weak cell signal. He was moving to meet her needs.

God is so good!

What a privilege it is to pray for others. What a joy it is to know that our God isn’t deaf but He hears and answers our prayers.

^”I write this letter to you who believe in the Son of God. I write so that you will know that you have eternal life now. ¹⁴We can come to God with no doubts. This means that when we ask God for things (and those things agree with what God wants for us), God cares about what we say. ¹⁵He listens to us every time we ask him. So we know that he gives us whatever we ask from him.” I John 5:13-15 ERV

We have God’s word so we know what He wants for us and we can pray for those things to come about in our lives and the lives of our friends and family. We can even join in prayer for those we don’t know personally. Again, all we may know is a name but God knows their need.

Jesus is our example for life. He took every spare moment to pray. The night he was arrested and taken to be crucified He was in the garden praying. He was praying for himself and his followers and he was praying for us too.

“I pray not only for these followers but also for those who will believe in me because of their teaching.” John 17:20 ERV

We are those who have believed because of the teaching of His disciples. Jesus prayed for us and now that He is in heaven He continues to intercede on our behalf.

Prayer is conversation with the Father. When someone we know or love comes to mind let’s talk to the Father about them.

Remember, we know their name and He knows their need.

May 4, 2018

What Do You Desire Most?

What’s the one thing you desire most? Think about that one.

Some would say a forever home. To others it may be restored health. Still others would like to go on a long leisurely vacation, all expenses paid. Finding the perfect mate. The job at the top of the corporate ladder. I told you a few days back that I would like a Cinderella evening and I’d also like to catch a blue marlin. Wish list items.

But what do you desire the most? What is the one thing you really, really want?

I would have to say that my one thing, is to honor and serve the Lord. I’m not saying this to be pious or religious. It is my true heart’s desire. I have learned through the years that when I am serving the Lord all the other things, the wants and the wishes, pale in comparison.

However, many times my days are so wrapped up in my own pursuits that the Lord is put somewhere further down the line. Just bein honest folks – if we aren’t honest with ourselves we can’t and won’t serve the Lord the way we know we should.

“LORD, teach me your laws, and I will always follow them. 34 Help me understand your teachings, and I will follow them. Obeying them will be my greatest desire. 35 Help me follow your commands, because that makes me happy. 36 Give me the desire to follow your rules, not the desire to get rich. 37 Don’t let me look at worthless things. Help me live your way. 38 Do what you promised me, your servant, so that people will respect you. 39 Take away the shame I fear. Your laws are good. 40 See how much I want to obey your instructions! Be good to me, and let me live.” Psalm 119:33-40 ERV

King David had a “one thing” mentality. The Bible says that David was a man after God’s heart. He wanted to serve God will all his natural ability but that wasn’t enough, he wanted more. He knew he needed God’s help if he was truly going to follow God’s word.

David didn’t just sit by each day and have harps playing in the background, eating grapes and contemplating the greatest and vastness of God. His life was full – he had a kingdom to run, he had wives and children, there were enemies to defeat and battles to be won. Yet his priority was God’s word – he wasn’t seeking wealth or power – but those things came to him. He was “seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things were added to him.”

David was living the very life that Jesus taught about. He was living example hundreds of years before Jesus delivered the message.

I’ve heard people say, “I don’t really study the Old Testament, there isn’t much in there for me.” Well, that’s all that David had! In fact, he had the first five books of the Bible and then the book of Job; the rest of it was being written as he lived it and after his death. He took God’s command to Joshua seriously – meditate in the book of the Law day and night and then you shall be prosperous and have good success.

Jesus said “For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.” John 6:38

Have you ever sat and looked at a single day in the life of Jesus? Talk about a full schedule? From the time He got up until late at night he was busy. His daily life was filled with walking, sailing, healing, teaching, facing his critics and then raising the dead. When he took time to pray and be alone, people would seek him out and interrupt his prayer time. He had learned the Scriptures from his youth and was living them out each and every day.

I’m not saying that all we do is study God’s word all day long. What’s important is that we live what we read. Reading one verse and living it all day will have more of an impact on our lives and the lives of others than reading chapters and walking away and not having it change us.

“Don’t let me look at worthless things. Help me live your way.” vs 37

There was a time that David looked at worthless things and it got him into a lot of trouble. He was up on his roof top and looking down he saw Bathsheba – he committed adultery and murdered her husband all because he was looking at the wrong things. He knew firsthand how destructive it can be to take your eyes off the Lord. It begs the question “what worthless things am I looking at”?

Lord, my heart’s prayer is this – don’t let me look at worthless things but let me focus on You.

Like David, our goal should be to live in a way that people know we are depending on the Lord, trusting Him and making God’s way known to the people around him. He was God-minded and his “one desire” was to know God more.

Let me make David’s words my own – one thing have I desired. I desire you, Lord.

Don’t just read the Word today – live it!

May 3, 2018

Like Pieces of A Puzzle

I am one of those people who love to do jigsaw puzzles.

You start out with a thousand pieces and you have an image on a box, let the fun begin. I do think it’s fun. I remember when I was little my mom and dad would have friends over to visit for pie and coffee and there would always be a card table set up with a puzzle.

They would talk and put the puzzle together. It was a time of building relationship. As I became older and had a family of my own I enjoyed, and still do, putting together puzzles with family and friends. My daughters and I usually start a puzzle when they arrive for the weekend and hopefully finish it before they leave. It’s a great time to talk and share our lives.

I have a friend that shares my love of puzzles and she and I look forward to the time we spend around the table hunting for pieces, working together, and catching up.

The thing you have to remember about a jigsaw puzzle is the image was created first. Then, originally, a jigsaw was used to cut pieces in such a way that they would fit together and recreate the Master Design.

Some people I know think of the Bible as a puzzle. There are thousands of pieces and they think they know what it should look like but often times are surprised by the image that they find. Some think they will find an angry God while others believe they will see a God who is absent and unresponsive. However, quite the opposite is true!

When the pieces come together we find a loving God who is intimately involved in the smallest of details. He works everything out so that the final picture reveals His love and grace.

This morning I was reading in the book of Job. It’s not a book I spend a lot of time in but this morning I was caught up in the intricate way that the Lord described creation. The Lord asks Job:

“How did I lay the foundation for the earth? Were you there?⁵Doubtless you know who decided its length and width.⁶What supports the foundation? Who placed the cornerstone, ⁷while morning stars sang, and angels rejoiced?

⁸When the ocean was born, I set its boundaries⁹and wrapped it in blankets of thickest fog. ¹⁰Then I built a wall around it, locked the gates, ¹¹and said, “Your powerful waves stop here! They can go no farther.” ¹²Did you ever tell the sun to rise? And did it obey?… ¹⁹Where is the home of light, and where does darkness live? ²⁰Can you lead them home?…²⁴From where does lightning leap, or the east wind blow? ²⁵Who carves out a path for thunderstorms? ³¹Can you arrange stars in groups such as Orion and the Pleiades? ³²Do you control the stars or set in place the Big Dipper and the Little Dipper? ³³Do you know the laws that govern the heavens, and can you make them rule the earth?” Job 38 CEV

You really need to read through Job 38 and 39. The Lord’s planning and thoughtfulness in the act of creation is absolutely amazing! And then my reading took me to Proverbs 3. Watch how the puzzle pieces go together.

“God blesses everyone who has wisdom and common sense. ¹⁴Wisdom is worth more than silver; it makes you much richer than gold. ¹⁵Wisdom is more valuable than precious jewels; nothing you want compares with her…¹⁹By his wisdom and knowledge the Lord created heaven and earth. ²⁰By his understanding he let the ocean break loose and clouds release the rain. ²¹My child, use common sense and sound judgment! Always keep them in mind. ²²They will help you to live a long and beautiful life. ²³You will walk safely and never stumble; ²⁴ you will rest without a worry and sleep soundly. ²⁵So don’t be afraid of sudden disasters or storms that strike those who are evil. ²⁶You can be sure that the Lord will protect you from harm.” Proverbs 3:13-24 CEV

God used his wisdom in creation. He set boundaries for the oceans and the seas. He set rules for rain and snow. He set the course of the stars. And now He is blessing us with wisdom so that we can have a long and beautiful life.

Are you beginning to see the picture? God gave us everything that we need for living on this planet at creation. He thought of every detail and He is blessing us with wisdom which is far more valuable than gold.

Now before I finish up this morning I want you to know that I am far from having all the pieces put together in the puzzle of God’s word but I do know that the more I read it, the more I look at it and study the shape of the pieces I am finding how they all fit together.

The last piece that I want to add to the puzzle this morning comes from Luke. This is a piece of protection that fits nicely with the verses in Proverbs.

“Five sparrows are sold for just two pennies, but God doesn’t forget a one of them. ⁷Even the hairs on your head are counted. So don’t be afraid! You are worth much more than many sparrows.” Luke 12:6-7

Do you see it? God designed the whole course of creation. It was His wisdom and knowledge that made it all work together. He didn’t create the animals before He made land, they would have drown. He didn’t create plants before light; they would have froze. He created every detail that gives the sparrows their flight. He cares for them no matter how insignificant they seem but He cares for us so much more. It all fits!

From creation until the end of the world God is showing His love and protection for us. Now that’s the big picture.

Our God is an Awesome God!

May 2, 2018

Vocabulary of Silence

Have you ever said something and wished you hadn’t? I’m sure we all have.

When our kids were little we used to practice the vocabulary of silence. The meaning of this was don’t say something that is unkind, cruel, sarcastic or untrue. And it wasn’t just a rule for the kids, Dave and I were subject to it as well. Sometimes we would have a very quiet home.

“All of us do many wrong things. But if you can control your tongue, you are mature and able to control your whole body…My dear friends, with our tongues we speak both praises and curses. We praise our Lord and Father, and we curse people who were created to be like God, and this isn’t right...Are any of you wise or sensible? Then show it by living right and by being humble and wise in everything you do. ¹⁴But if your heart is full of bitter jealousy and selfishness, don’t brag or lie to cover up the truth. ¹⁵That kind of wisdom doesn’t come from above. It is earthly and selfish and comes from the devil himself. ¹⁶Whenever people are jealous or selfish, they cause trouble and do all sorts of cruel things. ¹⁷But the wisdom that comes from above leads us to be pure, friendly, gentle, sensible, kind, helpful, genuine, and sincere. ¹⁸When peacemakers plant seeds of peace, they will harvest justice.” James 3:2, 9, 10, 13-18

Learning to control what we say is a godly principle. In the book of Proverbs we are told that the tongue has the power to bring life or death. God created the universe and everything in it by His words. Yes, words are powerful.

“God’s Son has all the brightness of God’s own glory and is like him in every way. By his own mighty word, he holds the universe together. After the Son had washed away our sins, he sat down at the right side of the glorious God in heaven.” Hebrews 1:3 CEV

Do you remember the little saying we learned as kids? Sticks and stones can break my bones but words will never hurt me. Oh but they do! Words leave a lasting hurt that sometimes take years to heal.

“Sharp words cut like a sword, but words of wisdom heal. ¹⁹Truth will last forever; lies are soon found out.” Proverbs 12:18-19 CEV

If God, who is perfect, can forgive and love, not just us but, everyone who is living and has ever lived with all of our sins, our failures, screw ups and out and out vulgar living then we should be able to love and forgive those who live in our home, work on our job and are acquainted with on a daily basis.

God is not just asking us to do this but He is telling us we need to do this to be an example of Him. He’s never tells us to do anything that we aren’t able to do because it’s His strength and His character that are living in us.

He has forgiven us of everything! I know that all of my sins have been forgiven and even, according to Hebrews, forgotten, never to be remembered again – this is so overwhelming. Think about that for a moment.

” God loves you and has chosen you as his own special people. So be gentle, kind, humble, meek, and patient. 13 Put up with each other, and forgive anyone who does you wrong, just as Christ has forgiven you. 14 Love is more important than anything else. It is what ties everything completely together. Each one of you is part of the body of Christ, and you were chosen to live together in peace. So let the peace that comes from Christ control your thoughts. And be grateful. 16 Let the message about Christ completely fill your lives, while you use all your wisdom to teach and instruct each other. With thankful hearts, sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. 17 Whatever you say or do should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, as you give thanks to God the Father because of him.” Colossians 3:12-17

Because we are a part of the body of Christ, we should work together to be a display of His love to the world around us. Did you notice that this peace we are told to live in comes from Christ when we let him control our thoughts?

I love verse 17 – WHATEVER you say or do, do it in the name of the Lord. If we are going to say or do something that wouldn’t represent the Lord, then we shouldn’t! I know some days my world is really quiet because I’m holding my tongue until I can say something that would be representative of what Jesus would say if He were speaking through me. Yes, very quiet indeed! And some days are filled with repentance for saying things before they were filtered with love.

Stop and think where you would be without God’s amazing love. Now let that love and forgiveness flow through you to those around you as His representative.

“But I am giving you a new command. You must love each other, just as I have loved you. ³⁵If you love each other, everyone will know that you are my disciples.” John 13:34-35 CEV

May 1, 2018May 1, 2018

Dis Has To Go

We have been given the opportunity to be free of “dis”. What is dis?

Dis: a Latin prefix meaning “apart,” “asunder,” “away,” “utterly,” or having a privative, negative, or reversing force.

I was praying for some of you this morning and it was in my prayer. I was praying against “dis”couragment, “dis” aster, “dis”respect, “dis”placement.

So I said, “Lord it appears that you have given us so many wonderful things and our enemy is stealing what you have provided. This shouldn’t be.” And this verse came to mind.

“The robber comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy. I came so they might have life, a great full life.” John 10:10 NLV

So I began to look at some “dis” words. Words that are stealing, killing and “des”troying our lives.

Dis-appoint Dis-courage Dis-aster Dis-obedience Dis-content

Dis-trust Dis-respect Dis-lodged Des-pair Dis-illusioned

Des-truction Dis-associate Dis-card Dis-able Dis-turb

Dis-gust Dis-miss Dis-dain Dis-tort Dis-ease Dis-cord

God desires that are lives are “dis”less. He wants us to be filled and overflowing with His love and goodness.

“With all my heart I praise the Lord, and with all that I am I praise his holy name! With all my heart I praise the Lord! I will never forget how kind he has been. ³The Lord forgives our sins, heals us when we are sick, ⁴and protects us from death. His kindness and love are a crown on our heads. ⁵Each day that we live, he provides for our needs and gives us the strength of a young eagle.” Psalm 103:1-5 CEV

I encourage you today to make your life a “dis” free zone. If any of those words above have been trying to infiltrate your life grab your Bible and look up the verses for “dis” removal. If you can’t find them on your own you can always email me and I’ll be glad to help you find some.

It’s time that we start living the life God intended; one that’s full of courage, contentment, respect, ease, obedience and trust.

April 26, 2018

What Does It All Mean

Do you remember the days of Jr. High English when you had to diagram sentences? Ok, does that show you how old I am?

Well, if you remember that then this next sentence will require that you get a legal pad or larger, turn it sideways and begin diagramming.

The Apostle Paul was writing to the “saints” in Colossae and to us “saints” who live in the world today. Don’t get hung up on the word saints. In the Bible a saint was anyone who had found new life in Christ. So…you are a saint!

“This is what we pray: that God will make you completely sure of what he wants by giving you all the wisdom and spiritual understanding you need; that this will help you live in a way that brings honor to the Lord and pleases him in every way; that your life will produce good works of every kind and that you will grow in your knowledge of God; that God will strengthen you with his own great power, so that you will be patient and not give up when troubles come. (end of the 1st sentence)
Then you will be happy and give thanks to the Father. He has made you able to have what he has promised to give all his holy people, who live in the light. God made us free from the power of darkness. And he brought us into the kingdom of his dear Son. The Son paid the price to make us free. In him we have forgiveness of our sins.” Colossians 1:9-14

Paul prayed that God would make us sure, not just sure, completely sure of what God wants by giving us wisdom and understanding, all the wisdom and spiritual understanding that we need. This wisdom and understanding will help us live a life that honors and pleases the Lord in EVERY way.

This wisdom and understanding will cause our lives to produce GOOD works of every kind. This wisdom, understanding and good works will cause us to grow in our knowledge of God.

Then Paul prayed that God will strengthen us with power, but not just power, His great power so that we will be patient (have endurance) and not give up when trouble comes.

Now that we have endured and not given up we will give thanks to our Father because He has made us free from the power of darkness (this was His promise to us) and brought us into His Son’s kingdom where we have freedom and the forgiveness of sins.

WOW!!!

Thank you Mrs. Morgan for teaching me to dig through subjects, predicates, nouns, verbs, direct objects, indirect objects, adjectives, adverbs and prepositional phrases. In doing this, I learned how to study out the word of God and to know that every word has meaning and purpose.

God doesn’t waste words – In the beginning He said, “Light be” and light was. So when you find a couple of verses filled with so many words – take time to find the meaning packed in each one. It’s there you will find the wonderful message of God’s love, His wisdom, understanding and strength!

April 25, 2018

Warm Coals Bring Comfort

How many of you have been camping? Maybe you camp in a tent or just in a sleeping bag on the ground but one of the best parts of being out in nature is the campfire, right?

I have to admit that I enjoy the coals more than the fire. I always seem to sit on the wrong side and end up with my eyes filled with smoke. But once the fire has burned down and the embers are glowing that’s when I like to move in close. I find it warm and comforting.

These days fires like the ones I described are recreational. In the past 15-20 years fire pits have become common place in backyards. Kind of like bringing the camping experience home. But years ago fire was essential to every home’s well being.

Fires were needed for heat and for cooking. They gave light and provided a way to kill germs and sterilize wounds. Without fire, early settlers would be overcome by the cold.

There are a couple of Scriptures in the Bible that talk about coals of fire that I think have been misunderstood. They are basically the same verse, first written in the Old Testament and then repeated in the New. These verses were used hundreds of years apart but both groups of people understood their meaning.

“If your enemies are hungry, give them something to eat. And if they are thirsty, give them something to drink. ²²This will be the same
as piling burning coals on their heads. And the Lord will reward you.” Proverbs 25:21-22 CEV

“Dear friends, don’t try to get even. Let God take revenge. In the Scriptures the Lord says, “I am the one to take revenge and pay them back.” ²⁰The Scriptures also say, “If your enemies are hungry, give them something to eat And if they are thirsty, give them something to drink. This will be the same as piling burning coals on their heads.” ²¹Don’t let evil defeat you, but defeat evil with good.” Romans 12:19-21 CEV

Putting coals of fire on your head was a customary way of carrying your fire with you. Since fire was such a necessity for life and many peoples were nomadic they would take a few coals put them in a metal dish and transport them to the next location. Many times this meant wrapping the in container in cloth while they carried them on their heads.

What a wonderful example of how we are to treat those who are unkind to us. We are to feed them, give them water when they are thirsty and give them coals for warmth to sustain them when their fire has gone out.

Plain and simple we are to keep a loving and giving attitude even with our enemies and God will avenge any evil that has been done to us. I guarantee you He can do a much better job than we ever could.

We are to follow of the example of Jesus. He didn’t curse the Roman soldiers who were charged with His crucifixion nor did he condemn Judas for betraying Him. He even preached forgiveness to the thief hanging on the cross next to Him.

I encourage you today don’t speak evil of those who have wronged you. Don’t try to exact revenge. Let God handle your situation. Don’t be defeated by evil.

Is there someone you can give “coals of warmth” to today?

April 23, 2018

What Time Is It?

I’m late, I’m late for a very important date!

We seem to be a people obsessed with time. Everything is scheduled; appointments must be kept. No room for variance. Heaven forbid that something or someone interrupts our schedule.

Sun dials, sand timers, church bells striking the hour, and now probably the last thing many see each night is the clock on the dresser and alarms are set for morning rising.

I’ve hear it said that time is the most valuable commodity. When it’s lost it’s impossible to get it back. No one person has any more time than another. Wealth can’t buy it and poverty can’t deprive us of it.

The important question is what do we do with the time we have. Do we use it wisely or do we waste it? With the recent passing of Barbara Bush many have referred to a speech she gave at a college graduation. She talked about the important things in life, time. Time spent with loved ones, time invested into their lives far outweighs the time that is spent making a deal or gaining another step up the ladder.

If we follow the example that Jesus gave we will be more concerned with people than with things. He had time to play with the children, talk to a beggar, heal the blind and provide emotional healing to the outcast. He had time for all these people because He first took time to spend with His Father.

“Jesus healed many of those who had different kinds of sicknesses…The next morning Jesus woke up very early. He left the house while it was still dark and went to a place where he could be alone and pray.” Mark 1:34 & 35 ERV

What time is it for you? Since we are connected through the internet it may be early morning – midday or perhaps you are reading this in the evening but whatever time it is it is time to praise the Lord!

“I will sing praises to you, my source of strength. You, God, are my place of safety. You are the God who loves me!” Psalm 59:17 ERV

You could be in a time of trouble, a time of fear, good time, dinner time, party time, time of loneliness, time of sickness or time of concern. No matter, it is time to praise the Lord!

Why? Because He is Lord of all and Lord over all and all who trust in Him will never be ashamed! Just so you know, all those times listed above – I’ve been there and the thing that ALWAYS brings me through is praise time! Remembering that my heavenly Father is bigger than anything here and that He has a plan for me to prosper and have good success gives me reason to praise.

“I will praise the Lord no matter what happens. I will constantly speak of his glories and grace. 2 I will boast of all his kindness to me. Let all who are discouraged take heart. 3 Let us praise the Lord together and exalt his name.

4 For I cried to him and he answered me! He freed me from all my fears. 5 Others too were radiant at what he did for them. Theirs was no downcast look of rejection! 6 This poor man cried to the Lord—and the Lord heard him and saved him out of his troubles. 7 For the Angel of the Lord guards and rescues all who reverence him.

8 Oh, put God to the test and see how kind he is! See for yourself the way his mercies shower down on all who trust in him. 9 If you belong to the Lord, reverence him; for everyone who does this has everything he needs. 10 Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those of us who reverence the Lord will never lack any good thing.

11 Sons and daughters, come and listen and let me teach you the importance of trusting and fearing the Lord.” Psalm 34:1-11 TLB

Did you notice these verses are relational? King David wasn’t just focusing on his situation. No, he was taking time with others. Telling them what he had learned and experienced. He was investing in those around him and telling them of the goodness of God.

What time is it? Time to look up and be glad. Time to invest in the lives of those we love.

April 22, 2018

Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

Have you heard the expression let sleeping dogs lie?

Interesting concept – but the idea behind it is one of cowardice. It creates the image of trying to sneak in and get something before you can be met with resistance.

We as Christians should be living offensively. Moving forward regardless of the obstacles and resistance.

“Do something, God! Scatter your hateful enemies. Make them turn and run. ²Scatter them like smoke! When you come near, make them melt like wax in a fire. ³But let your people be happy and celebrate because of you. ⁴Our God, you are the one who rides on the clouds, and we praise you. Your name is the Lord, and we celebrate as we worship you.

⁵Our God, from your sacred home you take care of orphans and protect widows. ⁶You find families for those who are lonely. You set prisoners free and let them prosper, but all who rebel will live in a scorching desert.” Psalm 68: 1-5 CEV

In another version of this Psalm the first words are “let God arise”. God is not a sleeping giant that we have to wake to come to our defense. No, instead He is always on point, always looking for ways to help us. He’s there even before we cry out for help.

“For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him…” II Chronicles 16:9a NKJV

God is always looking for ways to help us. The problem is we aren’t always looking for or to Him. We try to do things on our own and then after we’ve exhausted all our other resources we call out to God. Or we even blame Him, “why isn’t God helping me or why did He let this happen?”. When in all truth we haven’t asked Him to help us.

Remember, we are told to “ask and it shall be given, seek and we will find”. It’s silly to blame God or make it His fault, if we aren’t asking. In one of the verses that I quote often we find that the Father is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him by faith.

To let God arise means we elevate Him in our own eyes; in our estimation we lift Him to a place of priority. He is the creator of heaven and earth and there is no one higher. Until we let Him rule in our hearts, we aren’t letting Him “arise over our situation and scatter our enemies”.

Let God arise today!