Category: Book

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Don’t Quit – Don’t Give Up – Don’t Give In

Don’t quit – Don’t stop – Don’t Give Up – Don’t Give In

“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” Philippians 1:6

We all feel like giving up at one time or another but with God’s strength we can and will go forward to victory.

God has given us His power to overcome and be victorious in the things of life. Not our power but His. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead has been made available to us.

“ God put everything under Christ’s power and made him head over everything for the church. 23 The church is Christ’s body. It is filled with him. He makes everything complete in every way.” Ephesians 1:22-23 ERV

“Christ’s love is greater than anyone can ever know, but I pray that you will be able to know that love. Then you can be filled with everything God has for you. 20 With God’s power working in us, he can do much, much more than anything we can ask or think of. ” Ephesians 3:19-20 ERV

“ I say this because all of God lives in Christ fully, even in his life on earth. 10 And because you belong to Christ you are complete, having everything you need. Christ is ruler over every other power and authority.” Colossians 2:9-10 ERV

“ So what should we say about this? If God is for us, no one can stand against us. And God is with us. 32 He even let his own Son suffer for us. God gave his Son for all of us. So now with Jesus, God will surely give us all things. 33 Who can accuse the people God has chosen? No one! God is the one who makes them right. 34 Who can say that God’s people are guilty? No one! Christ Jesus died for us, but that is not all. He was also raised from death. And now he is at God’s right side, speaking to him for us.” Romans 8:31-34 ERV

We aren’t supposed to do life on our own!

God has made His power available to us through Christ. Don’t give up, don’t quit – lean into the power of God through your relationship with Jesus.

“ But the Lord said, ‘My grace is all you need. Only when you are weak can everything be done completely by my power.‘ So I will gladly boast about my weaknesses. Then Christ’s power can stay in me.” II Corinthians 12:9 ERV

The Father’s great love for us is more than enough to strengthen us in any situation. Don’t give up, Don’t give in, Don’t quit. His grace is sufficient!!

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This Is the Day

So many different readers in different time zones so some of you have been up for quite a while. Some of you are energetic and ready to charge into the day or already have. Others are enjoying a quiet morning.

When I got up, I said “Lord, I’m waking up tired. I have You and my coffee and that’s a good start to any day”.

“Lord, I thank you for answering my prayer. I thank you for saving me…24 This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be happy today! 25 The people say, “Praise the Lord! The Lord saved us!” Psalm 118:21-25 ERV

This is a day to praise the Lord. There is never a day that the Lord isn’t with us. He is here to give us strength when we feel weak, to share in our joy filled moments, to calm our fears and to give us a reason to praise.

“ I know how to live when I am poor and when I have plenty. I have learned the secret of how to live through any kind of situation—when I have enough to eat or when I am hungry, when I have everything I need or when I have nothing. 13 Christ is the one who gives me the strength I need to do whatever I must do.” Philippians 4:12-13 ERV

Take time in prayer to tell the Lord what is most important to you and what is most concerning. Let Him handle your cares and you go about the day thanking Him for all He’s done, is doing and will do.

“Lord, I know you will do what you have promised.  Lord, your faithful love will last forever.
You are the one who made us, so don’t leave us!” Psalm 138:8 ERV

This is the day the Lord has made – REJOICE!

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Encourage One Another

Another morning up before the dawn but one thing is for certain dawn will come. God set in motion the rotation of the earth around the sun. The sunrise will start each morning and the sunset will close each day.

Tides will ebb and flow. Fall follows summer and then comes winter and the new life of spring. All are part of the Father’s grand design.

And each morning brings a new opportunity to be encouraged in God’s word.

“We must hold on to the hope we have, never hesitating to tell people about it. We can trust God to do what he promised. 24 We should think about each other to see how we can encourage each other to show love and do good works.” Hebrews 10:23-24 ERV

“ So when God wanted to prove for certain his promise to his people could not be broken, he made a vow. 18 God cannot tell lies! And so his promises and vows are two things that can never be changed. We have run to God for safety. Now his promises should greatly encourage us to take hold of the hope that is right in front of us. 19  This hope is like a firm and steady anchor for our souls…” Hebrews 6:17-19 ERV

Years ago I used to sing a song written by John W Peterson, It Took a Miracle.

“My Father is omnipotent

And that you can’t deny

A God of might and miracles

It’s written in the sky.

It took a miracle to put the stars in place

It took a miracle to hang the world in space

But when He saved my soul cleansed and made me whole

It took a miracle of love and grace.”

The greatest miracle of all is the Father’s amazing love extended to each and everyone of us. His plan for our new birth – restoration full and complete.

I certainly enjoy the proofs that He gives us each day to let us know He’s still here, still reaching out, still loving. His love never fails and we see that in the consistancy of His creation.

“Our Lord, you are King! Majesty and power are your royal robes. You put the world in place, and it will never be moved. 2 You have always ruled, and you are eternal. 3 The ocean is roaring, Lord! The sea is pounding hard. 4 Its mighty waves are majestic, but you are more majestic, and you rule over all. 5 Your decisions are firm, and your temple will always be beautiful and holy.” Psalm 93

God’s promises are certain. Nature is proof of that. He cannot lie. He will not break His word!

His word gives hope and that hope encourages us and holds us steady in life’s storms, just like an anchor. Then we are instructed to encourage others who appear to have no hope.

We can point them to the One who never fails, who never gives up, whose love is everlasting and who is faithful to a thousand generations. Yes, let’s encourage one another with God’s word!

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Fall for Jesus

I love this time of year. Autumn, Fall, Harvest. It’s great!

Instead of focusing on the “scary” things, we can enjoy the rich harvest that God has produced in our lives.

Many have been haunted by their pasts and it can leave them paralyzed to face the future. We have all done things that if brought to light would either embarrass us greatly or ruin our reputation and cause close friends and family to walk away from us.

But that is the fear that the Lord came to free us from.

“But now [in spite of past judgments for Israel’s sins], thus says the Lord, He Who created you, O Jacob, and He Who formed you, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed you [ransomed you by paying a price instead of leaving you captives]; I have called you by your name; you are Mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned or scorched, nor will the flame kindle upon you. 3 For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;” Isaiah 43:1-3a AMP

Do you see the first line of these verses, “in spite of past judgements for sins”?

The Lord redeems us from our past and gives us hope for the future! He knows all that we have done and are going to do and He loves us! He wants us to stay close to Him so that He can be our constant source of peace and joy. He wants us to keep our thoughts so focused on Him so that we can’t be plagued by our past. Now that’s freedom!

“God, you give true peace to people who depend on you, to those who trust in you.4 So trust the Lord always, because in the Lord Yah you have a place of safety forever.” Isaiah 26:3-4 CEV

When we fall at the feet of Jesus, we are washed of our sins and enjoy a harvest of His unconditional love and forgiveness.

“I say this because I know the plans that I have for you.” This message is from the Lord. ‘I have good plans for you. I don’t plan to hurt you. I plan to give you hope and a good future. 12 Then you will call my name. You will come to me and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” Jeremiah 29:11-12 ERV

“You will teach me the right way to live. Just being with you will bring complete happiness. Being at your right side will make me happy forever.” Psalm 16:11 ERV

“16 “This is the agreement I will make with my people in the future, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts. I will write my laws in their minds.” 17 Then he says, ‘I will forget their sins and never again remember the evil they have done.’ 18 And after everything is forgiven, there is no more need for a sacrifice to pay for sins.” Hebrews 10:16-18 ERV

Our heavenly Father doesn’t like people trash talking His kids! Everything is forgiven.

When we fall in love with Jesus, He gives us an abundant life!

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Don’t Look Around – Look Up

Don’t look around, look up!

For years, I have loved looking at the clouds. There’s just something about them that draws me in. The landscape below may be barren and mundane but there’s a majesty in looking up.

There’s a good Biblical lesson in that.

When Daniel was in the lions’ den he wasn’t counting lions, he was looking up to the One who delivers.

When David was facing Goliath, he wasn’t looking around at all the soldiers who weren’t joining the battle, but he was looking up to the Rock of his salvation.

When Peter was on the sea he was looking at Jesus who was walking on the water of his storm but when he looked around at the waves he began to sink.

I’ve been reading through some of the smaller books in the Old Testament, Ezra and Nehemiah. Some Jews had been released from captivity and sent back to Jerusalem with a specific task, rebuild the wall around the city.

Ezra and the Jews faced so many interruptions, malicious reports and threats of danger. They didn’t complete the job, but they made a good start. Enter Nehemiah. He also faced threats. Listen to his advice:

“Our enemies were saying, ‘Before those Jews know what has happened, we will sneak up and kill them and put an end to their work.’ 12 On at least ten different occasions, the Jews living near our enemies warned us against attacks from every side, 13 and so I sent people to guard the wall …14 Then I looked things over and told the leaders, the officials, and the rest of the people, ‘Don’t be afraid of your enemies! The Lord is great and fearsome. So think of him and fight for your relatives and children, your wives and homes!’15 Our enemies found out that we knew about their plot against us, but God kept them from doing what they had planned. So we went back to work on the wall.” Nehemiah 4:11-15 CEV

“…the wall was completely rebuilt. It had taken 52 days. 16 When our enemies in the surrounding nations learned that the work was finished, they felt helpless, because they knew that our God had helped us rebuild the wall.” Nehemiah 6:15-16 CEV

Where’s your focus today? Are you looking around at your circumstances or are you looking up to your Savior and your God?

“I look to the hills! Where will I find help? 2 It will come from the Lord, who created the heavens and the earth. 3 The Lord is your protector, and he won’t go to sleep or let you stumble…7 The Lord will protect you and keep you safe from all dangers. 8 The Lord will protect you now and always wherever you go.” Psalm 121 CEV

I think we often spend so much time wondering what other people will think, seeking approval or others’ opinions instead of looking up and seeing what the Lord has to say. It’s good to get advice but it should be godly advice.

Don’t look around at the circumstances. Look up and trust the Lord!

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Every Day Promises

Knowing that God is in control and that He is working things out even/especially when you can’t see what’s going on is a great place of peace and comfort.

I’ve been asked why I post this blog every day. My answer is simple; God is an everyday God and His promises are for each day. The people He used in the Bible were everyday people, with ordinary occupations and real-life problems. They had discouragement, disasters, and disappointments.

“Every day, you are kind, and at night you give me a song as my prayer to you, the God of my life…11 Why am I discouraged? Why am I restless? I trust you, Lord! And I will praise you again because you help me, and you are my God.” Psalm 42:9-11 CEV

Even in the most discouraging times, they trusted God and they rejoiced in God when they saw the victory. It was an everyday walk.

I want you to know there isn’t a day or even a moment when the Almighty God isn’t with you and He wants you aware of His presence and His power. He’s your Father and He loves you unconditionally.

He delivered Noah in the flood, David from Goliath, Daniel from the lions, Joseph in Egypt, Paul in prison, the thief on the cross and He won’t quit with you!

“12 Great blessings belong to those who are tempted and remain faithful! After they have proved their faith, God will give them the reward of eternal life. God promised this to all people who love him. 13 Whenever you feel tempted to do something bad, you should not say, “God is tempting me.” Evil cannot tempt God, and God himself does not tempt anyone. 14 You are tempted by the evil things you want. Your own desire leads you away and traps you. 15 Your desire grows inside you until it results in sin. Then the sin grows bigger and bigger and finally ends in death.

16 My dear brothers and sisters, don’t be fooled about this. 17 Everything good comes from God. Every perfect gift is from him. These good gifts come down from the Father who made all the lights in the sky. But God never changes like the shadows from those lights. He is always the same. 18 God decided to give us life through the true message he sent to us. He wanted us to be the most important of all that he created.” James 1:12-18 ERV

Sometimes we get things backwards. Sometimes we say God is testing me or putting me through this trial to see what I’m made of. God doesn’t do that. When the trials, tests and temptations come, they come from our own making or the influence of Satan in the world. God steps in to give us the strength to win the battle.

Let God lead you into victory today and thank Him for all the good and perfect gifts that He has provided.

“The Lord is on my side, and I am not afraid of what others can do to me.” Psalm 118:6 CEV

I’m still camped out in Psalm 23. I’m learning to sit at the table the Lord has prepared for me, even in the presence of my enemies. The key to peace is keeping focused on Him.

He promises me and you, that He will never leave or abandon us!

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Seek His Face

I’ve been looking at the reactions of the people that encountered Jesus as I read through the book of John.

Some are moved by what Jesus did and others by what Jesus said. I asked myself, which one am I? Do I need to see a miracle to have my faith bolstered or am I willing to let my life be changed by the simplicity of His word?

Remember the Samaritan woman? Her life and the life of her town were changed by the words of Jesus.

” Many of the Samaritan people in that town believed in Jesus. They believed because of what the woman had told them about him. She had told them, ‘He told me everything I have ever done.’ 40 The Samaritans went to Jesus. They begged him to stay with them. So he stayed there two days. 41 Many more people became believers because of the things he said.

42 The people said to the woman, ‘First we believed in Jesus because of what you told us. But now we believe because we heard him ourselves. We know now that he really is the one who will save the world.’” John 4:39-42 ERV

And then there was the man at the pool who had been lame – His life was changed by the words “take up your bed and walk”.

Look at this example in John 6. These folks had followed Jesus and He had his disciples feed them with a boy’s lunch.

“So they gathered up the pieces that were left. The people had started eating with only five loaves of barley bread. But the followers filled twelve large baskets with the pieces of food that were left. 14 The people saw this miraculous sign that Jesus did and said, ‘He must be the Prophet who is coming into the world.’ 15 Jesus knew that the people planned to come get him and make him their king. So he left and went into the hills alone.” John 6:13-15 ERV

It wasn’t the words that Jesus spoke that changed the people; they wanted to see more signs. He had filled their bellies but they hadn’t let Him fill their hearts.

As a loving parent or grandparent we like to provide for the needs of our children and grandchildren but we don’t want that to be the motive for the attention they give us.

I will ask you a question that needs to be asked and answered on a continual basis.

Here’s the question.

What is more important to me, seeking the hand of God (his provisions) or seeking His face (relationship)?

The amazing thing is that when we seek His face, we will be blessed by His promises and provision.

In my lifetime I have seen some real miracles. But what has made more of an impact than the miracles is the daily relationship that I have with the Lord.

“O Lord, listen to my cry. Show loving-kindness to me and answer me. 8 You have said, ‘Look for My face.‘ My heart said to You, ‘O Lord, Your face will I look for.‘” Psalm 27:7-8 NLV

Meet with the Father face to face today. It will change your life!

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Life in Christ is Real

It’s hard for me to put in words what’s on my heart this morning. It’s so much a part of me, in fact, it’s my very purpose, it’s all consuming.

I wrote in my journal this morning. “Father, you’re love amazes me! I am beyond words – overwhelmed by your love and peace. I want everyone to experience what You and I share. It isn’t a preaching – it’s real life in Christ!”

“ Once we were also ruled by the selfish desires of our bodies and minds. We had made God angry, and we were going to be punished like everyone else.

4-5 But God was merciful! We were dead because of our sins, but God loved us so much he made us alive with Christ, and God’s gift of undeserved grace is what saves you. 6 God raised us from death to life with Christ Jesus, and he has given us a place beside Christ in heaven. 7 God did this so in the future world he could show how truly good and kind he is to us because of what Christ Jesus has done. 8 You were saved by faith in God, who treats us much better than we deserve. This is God’s gift to you, and not anything you have done on your own. 9 It isn’t something you have earned, so there is nothing you can brag about. 10 God planned for us to do good things and to live as he has always wanted us to live. This is why he sent Christ to make us what we are.” Ephesians 2:3-10 CEV

God isn’t wanting us to live the life He planned for us because He is a dictator and He certainly doesn’t want a horde of religious robots.

He has planned an abundant and full life for us; one where we experience the abundance of his love, his provision, his mercy, his grace and his peace.

“ A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so everyone would have life, and have it fully.” John 10:10 CEV

Our heavenly Father wants us waking up every morning thanking Him for the miracles of the day before and looking forward to walking in constant communication with Him in the day that is ahead.

He is our loving Father! He shows compassion and forgiveness without hesitation.

“So you will be saved, if you honestly say, “Jesus is Lord,” and if you believe with all your heart that God raised him from death. 10 God will accept you and save you, if you truly believe this and tell it to others.

11  The Scriptures say no one who has faith will be disappointed, 12 no matter if that person is a Jew or a Gentile. There is only one Lord, and he is generous to everyone who asks for his help. 13  All who call out to the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:9-12 CEV

This is real life in Christ. Knowing that the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross paid for our sins – all of them and it gave us a brand new life, free from guilt.

“Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person. The past is forgotten, and everything is new. 18 God has done it all! He sent Christ to make peace between himself and us, and he has given us the work of making peace between himself and others.” II Corinthians 5:17-19 CEV

This life in Christ is real!

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Words of Life

Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me! Where did that ever come from – it sure wasn’t the Bible!

I remember hearing that and saying that when I was a child but it’s far from the truth. Words can hurt or they can heal. Words can bring life or death, it’s up to us to decide.

Not every bad or dirty word is a cuss word. Words of criticism, gossip, ridicule, slander, embarrassment are all “bad’ words. Words that twist the truth to make me look better or less responsible for a wrong doing are “bad” words. Blaming someone else for my mistakes or faults are bad words.

“When you talk, don’t say anything bad. But say the good things that people need—whatever will help them grow stronger. Then what you say will be a blessing to those who hear you.” Ephesians 4:29 ERV

Disagreeing with someone or correcting them aren’t bad words unless they are meant to hurt or ridicule.

“Everything in the Scriptures is God’s Word. All of it is useful for teaching and helping people and for correcting them and showing them how to live. 17 The Scriptures train God’s servants to do all kinds of good deeds.” II Timothy 3:16-17 CEV

God’s words are useful and good. They instruct us, they encourage us and they correct us. The words we speak should be the same.

Have you been saying bad words? Have relationships been broken? Have you been hurt by words? Words hurt but words can also heal.

“By the power of his own word, he healed you and saved you from destruction. 21 You should praise the Lord for his love and for the wonderful things he does for all of us.” Psalm 107:20-21 CEV

“Your words can be as satisfying as fruit, as pleasing as the food that fills your stomach.21 The tongue can speak words that bring life or death. Those who love to talk must be ready to accept what it brings.” Proverbs 18:20-21 ERV

I need to remind myself daily to speak words of blessing and words of life! When I do, I show that I am learning from my Father!

Let your words be sweet and honest. Let them bring life. Have a wonderful weekend!

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Reflect the Light

The last couple of evenings Dave and I have sat on the patio enjoying the cool evenings! It has been wonderful to smell the fresh air, see our surroundings turn slowly from night into day and rest in all that God has done and is doing in our lives.

As the sun was setting, I was reminded once again to reflect the light. The light of God’s love.

And the greatest of these is love! God’s love for us is beyond amazing. Jesus said to us that the greatest commandment was to love the Father and then love our neighbors.

“… So the Pharisees had a meeting. 35 Then one of them, an expert in the Law of Moses, asked Jesus a question to test him. 36 He said, ‘Teacher, which command in the law is the most important?’

37 Jesus answered, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and most important command. 39 And the second command is like the first: ‘Love your neighbor the same as you love yourself.’ 40 All of the law and the writings of the prophets take their meaning from these two commands… None of the Pharisees could answer Jesus’ question. And after that day, no one was brave enough to ask him any more questions.” Matthew 22:34-46 CEV

The Pharisees were trying to test and even trick Jesus into a wrong answer; they were looking for something that would discredit him to his followers and better yet, something that would give them reason to prosecute him and silence him in public.

What Jesus did with his answer was discredit the Pharisees.

By giving the answer that He did, Jesus proved that their heart’s motive was anything but love. If they weren’t walking in love toward Him, their neighbor, they weren’t keeping the greatest commandment. He went on to correct them in their thinking about the Messiah as well. No wonder they decided not to ask Him anymore questions.

The Pharisees had all the outward trappings of religion and righteousness but their hearts were wrong. It was a self-righteousness and it was religion instead of relationship. Jesus was talking about a living relationship with the Father. As we spent time loving the Father we will reflect His love to others.

The moon has no light source in itself but it reflects the light of the sun. In the same way, as we spend time absorbing the Father’s love we will reflect that love to others. We can’t give what we don’t have – so as we receive more and more love from the Father we are able to love others more.

“Stay joined together with me, and follow my teachings. If you do this, you can ask for anything you want, and it will be given to you. 8 Show that you are my followers by producing much fruit. This will bring honor to my Father. 9 ‘I have loved you as the Father has loved me. Now continue in my love.'” John 15:7-9 ERV

The fruit we produce is love, joy, peace, gentleness, kindness, patience, goodness, faithfulness and self control. There is no law against this kind of fruit; in fact, it fulfills the law.

Father, I desire to love You with all that I am and then to reflect Your light, Your love to those around me today.

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