Category: Encouragement

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Pray for Our Leaders

Years ago I had the sweetest thing happen. I had been teaching a ladies morning Bible Study at our church. We had such a wonderful group of women attending, one was a young newly wed. She had recently given her life to Christ. She was so hungry to learn from God’s word.

That particular morning I had made a comment similar to this. “If you listen you can hear God’s voice anywhere; while you’re cleaning bathrooms, washing dishes or hanging out the laundry.”

She came up to me when the Bible Study was over and said she wanted to tell me what she learned that morning. She said that she had never considered the fact that I had to do housework. She had only imagined me studying – reading my Bible and praying but not doing housework. We both got a good laugh and I asked her if she thought the Lord sent angels to clean for me. We laughed again.

I think there are quite a few people out there who never really think that their pastors or leaders face life’s challenges like normal people. They somehow think that because they are pastors or teachers that life is easier for them.

No!

I was reminded of all this while reading in Acts today. The Lord ministered to Paul with these words.

“During the night, Paul had a vision. The Lord said to him, “Don’t be afraid, and don’t stop talking to people. 10 I am with you, and no one will be able to hurt you. Many of my people are in this city.” 11 Paul stayed there for a year and a half teaching God’s message to the people.” Acts 18:9-11 ERV

Paul was out on the trail, going from city to city, preaching the message of Jesus. It caused no small stir in most of the towns he went too. He was dragged into court, thrown into jail, beaten with whips, and stoned on many different occasions. His calling was not without opposition and challenges. Paul needed the Lord’s encouragement and also the prayers of those he was ministering too.

Don’t be afraid, don’t stop, I am with you! Those were the Lord’s words.

I’m also reading in the book of Joshua each morning. The Lord said the same thing to him.

“Joshua, I will always be with you and help you as I helped Moses, and no one will ever be able to defeat you.

6-8 Long ago I promised the ancestors of Israel that I would give this land to their descendants. So be strong and brave! Be careful to do everything my servant Moses taught you. Never stop reading The Book of the Law[b he gave you. Day and night you must think about what it says. If you obey it completely, you and Israel will be able to take this land.

9 I’ve commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t ever be afraid or discouraged! I am the Lord your God, and I will be there to help you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:5-9 CEV

Be strong, be brave, don’t be discouraged. I am with you!

We need to be praying those words for the ones in authority and leadership. Our prayers bring them strength.

“First of all, I ask that you pray for all people. Ask God to bless them and give them what they need. And give thanks. 2 You should pray for rulers and for all who have authority. Pray for these leaders so that we can live quiet and peaceful lives—lives full of devotion to God and respect for him. 3 This is good and pleases God our Savior.” I Timothy 2:1-3 ERV

Pray for our pastors and their families. Pray for those who are in a place of authority and leadership. Ask the Lord to bless them. They face the same daily struggles we do. They have challenges with raising families, budgets, automobile and home repairs; life in general. Then they also have the responsibility to hear from the Lord and share his message with us.

The Lord probably won’t send an angelic cleaning lady but our prayers can help lighten the load.

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Mark the Moment

When Dave and I came to Rio Rico five years ago we noticed that many of our neighbors’ homes and homes in other areas were marked by large stacks of rocks in their yards. The proper term for these piles of rocks is “cairn”.

For hundreds and even thousands of years they have been used as trail markers, burial markers and monuments to designate a specific event. When I asked a couple of neighbors why they had stacks of rocks in their yards the answer was simple, “we have lots of rocks and we like how they look”. No particular reason other than aesthetics, they are yard art.

However, I remembered a time when the Lord had the children of Israel make a stack of stones and it was a memorial to His faithfulness. The Israelites were crossing the Jordan River and entering their “promised land”. This was the place the Lord had promised Abraham, Isaac and Jacob that He would give to the Jewish people. This morning I was reading in Joshua and came across those verses again.

“Joshua chose twelve men; he called them together, 5 and told them:

Go to the middle of the riverbed where the sacred chest is, and pick up a large rock. Carry it on your shoulder to our camp. There are twelve of you, so there will be one rock for each tribe. 6-7 Someday your children will ask, “Why are these rocks here?” Then you can tell them how the water stopped flowing when the chest was being carried across the river. These rocks will always remind our people of what happened here today.

8 The men followed the instructions that the Lord had given Joshua. They picked up twelve rocks, one for each tribe, and carried them to the camp, where they put them down.” Joshua 4:4-8 CEV

Twelve stones. One for each tribe of Israel. These stones would be a remembrance for their children, grandchildren and all future generations that the Lord had kept His promise and brought them to this land.

When we came to our new home we felt we had come to the Lord’s promised land. It had taken us seven years to sell our home and make it back to Arizona. God was faithful and brought us here.

There is now a stack of seven stones under the mesquite tree in our front yard. To the passers-by it’s just another stack of stones but to me it is a reminder of the seven years it took us to get here. It’s a monument of God’s faithfulness and abiding love. Each time I walked to the mailbox, each time I walk to the neighbors, each time I take Glory out for a walk I see that stack of stones and I remember.

Do you have something special that you need to be reminded of? Is there a time that you prayer for something specific and it took a miracle of God to see it happen? Have you made an indelible mark in your memory of God’s faithfulness? Is there something you can do to that will be a physical memorial your children or grandchildren? Is there some sort of keepsake that reminds you of God’s provision that can be handed down through the generations or maybe it’s just a stack of stones in the yard?

Make a monument to the Lord’s provision.

“Then Joshua told the people: Years from now your children will ask you why these rocks are here. 22-23 Tell them, “The Lord our God dried up the Jordan River so we could walk across. He did the same thing here for us that he did for our people at the Red Sea,[g 24 because he wants everyone on earth to know how powerful he is. And he wants us to worship only him.” Joshua 4:21-24 CEV

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Who’s In Charge

Sitting here this morning, there are so many things on my mind and in my heart. Praying for my children and grandchildren, their friends who need direction, healing for the friends of friends and for our nation and our government and those who rule our land. So many things around us are going contrary to what Jesus said was the kingdom of heaven and what God has designed for us.

Jesus also lived in a troubled world. The governmental rule was anti-God. The Romans, who ruled over the nation of Israel preached Caesar as God and his word as infallible. They were living in political slavery when Jesus was born. I find it interesting that God the Father didn’t use Jesus to rescue the Jews from the Romans in a similar way that he used Moses to rescue the Jews from the Egyptians.

Jesus went throughout all the towns and villages preaching to them the good news of the kingdom of heaven and with that message he demonstrated the power of God by doing miracles.

“Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages. He taught in their synagogues and told people the Good News about God’s kingdom. He healed all kinds of diseases and sicknesses. 36 Jesus saw the many people and felt sorry for them because they were worried and helpless—like sheep without a shepherd to lead them. 37 Jesus said to his followers, “There is such a big harvest of people to bring in. But there are only a few workers to help harvest them. 38 God owns the harvest. Ask him to send more workers to help gather his harvest.” Matthew 9:35 – 38 ERV

He also sent out his disciples, preaching the same message and they too, did the same miracles. “As you go, announce that the kingdom of heaven will soon be here. 8Heal the sick, raise the dead to life, heal people who have leprosy, and force out demons. You received without paying, now give without being paid.” Matthew 10:7-8 ERV

Peter was preaching in the book of Acts and gave this testimony of Jesus and his ministry. “You surely know what happened everywhere in Judea. It all began in Galilee after John had told everyone to be baptized. 38God gave the Holy Spirit and power to Jesus from Nazareth. He was with Jesus, as he went around doing good and healing everyone who was under the power of the devil. 39We all saw what Jesus did both in Israel and in the city of Jerusalem. Jesus was put to death on a cross. 40But three days later, God raised him to life and let him be seen. 41Not everyone saw him. He was seen only by us, who ate and drank with him after he was raised from death. We were the ones God chose to tell others about him.” Acts 10: 37-41 ERV

The corruption of the government was always on Jesus disciples’ minds and they wondered when Jesus would take control and change things. Here are Jesus last words to his disciples.

“While the apostles were still with Jesus, they asked him, “Lord, are you now going to give Israel its own king again?” 7Jesus said to them, “You don’t need to know the time of those events that only the Father controls. 8But the Holy Spirit will come upon you and give you power. Then you will tell everyone about me in Jerusalem, in all Judea, in Samaria, and everywhere in the world.” 9After Jesus had said this and while they were watching, he was taken up into a cloud. They could not see him, 10but as he went up, they kept looking up into the sky.” Acts 1:6-9

Today, many are asking the same thing. When Lord are you going to do something about our government leaders and those in power? Things are not good, that is for certain! But we are hopeful and can trust God. He has a plan, He is working.

Jesus final command to the disciples is for us as well. We receive power from the Holy Spirit and are to be witnesses in our home town (Jerusalem), in our country (Judea), to our neighboring countries (Samaria) and then into the whole world. And what are we to preach – the same thing the disciples did. The kingdom of heaven is at hand and we can minister with the same power and authority that they had.

So today, we are called to be witnesses for the kingdom of God. “He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.” Luke 1:32-33 ERV

Your kingdom come, your will be done!

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I’ve Been Thinking

It’s kind of a standing joke at our house when either Dave or I make this statement; “I’ve been thinking”. Sometimes what comes next is sweet, sometimes its expensive and it always means things will probably change.

Thinking…

Thinking is just another word for considering. As I was thinking about what to share this morning this passage in Hebrews came to mind.

“We have all these great people around us as examples. Their lives tell us what faith means. So we, too, should run the race that is before us and never quit. We should remove from our lives anything that would slow us down and the sin that so often makes us fall. 2 We must never stop looking to Jesus. He is the leader of our faith, and he is the one who makes our faith complete. He suffered death on a cross. But he accepted the shame of the cross as if it were nothing because of the joy he could see waiting for him. And now he is sitting at the right side of God’s throne. 3 Think about Jesus. He patiently endured the angry insults that sinful people were shouting at him. Think about him so that you won’t get discouraged and stop trying.” Hebrews 12:1-3 ERV

You know Jesus had to get past considering the persecution in His future and look to the joy that was waiting on the other side! Remember when He was in the Garden of Gethsemane and prayed “if it’s possible let this cup pass from me”? Jesus was 100% man and knew He was going to be separated from God, carrying the sins of the entire world (past, present and future) and in His humanity this caused Him the greatest stress, even to the point of sweating blood.

How was He able to willingly lay down His life and not give in to calling the angels to rescue him or even striking everyone with blindness so he could escape such an ordeal? He looked to the joy that was beyond the cross. He considered or thought on the victory to come. The joy of His creation no longer living subject to Satan, the joy of providing salvation for us through His death, the joy of renewed relationship as it was in the garden when God first created man – the joy of victory!!!

“O, victory in Jesus, my Saviour forever. He sought me and He bought me with His redeeming blood. He loved me ‘eer I knew Him and all my love is due Him. He plunged me to victory beneath the cleansing blood.” These are the words of an old hymn with a dynamic message.

“Clearly, it is not angels that Jesus helps. He helps the people who are from Abraham. 17 For this reason, Jesus had to be made like us, his brothers and sisters, in every way. He became like people so that he could be their merciful and faithful high priest in service to God. Then he could bring forgiveness for the people’s sins. 18 And now he can help those who are tempted. He is able to help because he himself suffered and was tempted.” Hebrews 2:16-18 ERV

Yes, Jesus truly knows what it’s like to be tempted and experience the testings of daily life and He did it all for us. He is the example of living victoriously.

CONSIDER JESUS!

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Boldness

Yesterday I told you the story of a man who had been crippled from birth. In a matter of moments, he was healed and walking around in the Temple with Peter and John praising God for His marvelous power.

This miracle caused no small stir. People were excited and the religious leaders were upset, to say the least. They came to break up the crowd that had gathered to hear this man’s story. They arrived with the head of security – really?

“The apostles were still talking to the people, when some priests, the captain of the temple guard, and some Sadducees arrived. 2 These men were angry because the apostles were teaching the people that the dead would be raised from death, just as Jesus had been raised from death. 3 It was already late in the afternoon, and they arrested Peter and John and put them in jail for the night. 4 But a lot of people who had heard the message believed it. So by now there were about five thousand followers of the Lord.” Acts 4:1-4 CEV

Later in this chapter we are told that Peter and John were brought in before the council to defend themselves and that the man who had been healed was there too. Can you imagine his dilemma in all of this. Begging at the Temple gate, no problem. Get healed and praise God, gets you hauled into court, big problem!

Peter spoke boldly to the council.

“The officials were amazed to see how brave Peter and John were, and they knew that these two apostles were only ordinary men and not well educated. The officials were certain that these men had been with Jesus. 14 But they could not deny what had happened. The man who had been healed was standing there with the apostles.

15 The officials commanded them to leave the council room. Then the officials said to each other, 16 “What can we do with these men? Everyone in Jerusalem knows about this miracle, and we cannot say it didn’t happen. 17 But to keep this thing from spreading, we will warn them never again to speak to anyone about the name of Jesus.” 18 So they called the two apostles back in and told them that they must never, for any reason, teach anything about the name of Jesus.

19 Peter and John answered, “Do you think God wants us to obey you or to obey him? 20 We cannot keep quiet about what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:13-20 CEV

I love the response! We can’t keep quiet about what we have heard and seen God do.

This should be a mandate for each of us as Christians. What have we seen God do in our lives? How many times have we been in trouble, hurting, sick, desperate and God has come through to deliver from whatever danger we have faced? We have to be bold – bold as a lion, and tell of what God has done.

“The wicked are afraid of everything, but those who live right are as brave as lions.” Proverbs 28:1 ERV

Where did these men get this boldness? Just a few weeks prior they had been out in fishing boats, going back to their old lives. They didn’t know what to do or where to go because Jesus had been crucified, now they are standing before the religious council saying “we won’t back down”.

Jesus had given them a final instruction before going back to heaven.

” 4 While he (Jesus) was still with them, he said: Don’t leave Jerusalem yet. Wait here for the Father to give you the Holy Spirit, just as I told you he has promised to do. 5 John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit…8 But the Holy Spirit will come upon you and give you power. Then you will tell everyone about me in Jerusalem, in all Judea, in Samaria, and everywhere in the world.” Acts 1:4-8 CEV

Before Jesus started his earthly ministry the Holy Spirit descended from heaven, like a dove, and empowered Jesus to do the work God intended for him to do. Jesus knew the disciples needed this same power and that’s why He told them to go to Jerusalem and wait. Wait, they did and the Holy Spirit came as Jesus said, bringing power and boldness. They became witnesses to the world, telling them about the saving power of Jesus.

Bold as a lion!

When Peter and John left the council they went back to the other followers of Jesus and told them what happened. They all joined together and prayed:

“When the rest of the Lord’s followers heard this, they prayed together and said: Master, you created heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them… 27 Here in Jerusalem, Herod and Pontius Pilate got together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel. Then they turned against your holy Servant[b Jesus, your chosen Messiah. 28 They did what you in your power and wisdom had already decided would happen.

29 Lord, listen to their threats! We are your servants. So make us brave enough to speak your message. 30 Show your mighty power, as we heal people and work miracles and wonders in the name of your holy Servant Jesus.

31 After they had prayed, the meeting place shook. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and bravely spoke God’s message.” Acts 4:26-31 CEV

We should all pray such a prayer! “Lord, make us brave to speak your message in this day, in this time. Our desire is to be a bold witness for you. Bold as a lion!”

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I’m Going Fishing

Have you ever been through a time of crisis? I mean the gut wrenching, heart breaking, all hope is gone, kind of crisis.

It could be the death of a loved one; the end of a marriage you were trying to save; an attack that devastated your health and physical well-being or perhaps it was a financial situation that left you destitute.

Seeing the news of the last few days, I find myself praying for those who are losing everything to the floods, tornados, and snow storms. Homes are gone with everything that was in them; the livelihood of farmers and ranchers are lost; entire towns are being evacuated. What to do?!

I hope you will find comfort in this. I want to tell you about a man who had lost all and was fearful that he would be arrested and possibly killed. He went fishing. Yes, fishing! He went back to what he knew before his life was turned upside down. He went fishing. Some friends went with him.

“3 Simon Peter said, “I am going out to fish.”

The other followers said, “We will go with you.” So all of them went out and got into the boat. They fished that night but caught nothing.

4 Early the next morning Jesus stood on the shore. But the followers did not know it was Jesus. 5 Then he said to them, “Friends, have you caught any fish?”

They answered, “No.”

6 He said, “Throw your net into the water on the right side of your boat. You will find some fish there.” So they did this. They caught so many fish that they could not pull the net back into the boat.

7 The follower Jesus loved very much said to Peter, “That man is the Lord!” When Peter heard him say it was the Lord, he wrapped his coat around himself. (He had taken his clothes off to work.) Then he jumped into the water.” John 21:3-7 ERV

You know the background to this story. Peter and the others had been following Christ for three years. They left everything to be one of his disciples. They saw Jesus do miracles; they did miracles. They believed Jesus was the Messiah, God’s Son, and then they saw Him die. The Pharisees and religious leaders hated Jesus and his disciples. They were on the “Most Wanted” list.

Jesus had appeared to the disciples a couple of times after His death and yet, here they were. Floundering from their loss. They were emotionally undone. Where should they go from here? In true Peter fashion he declared “I’m going fishing”. I’m going back to the familiar, back to what I know. I’m finding something that will distract me and I’m going to a place of comfort.

Wow!

Some of us crawl into bed and pull the covers over our heads. Some find comfort in alcohol or drugs, they need to forget. Others find consolation being with others who have also experienced the same type of loss.

I want you to notice something from this story. In their loss and desperation the disciples didn’t go seeking the Lord. They went fishing and the Lord found them. He not only found them, He helped them catch a boat load of fish, cooked them breakfast and served them hope!

“The other followers went to shore in the boat. They pulled the net full of fish. They were not very far from shore, only about 100 yards.[b 9 When they stepped out of the boat and onto the shore, they saw a fire of hot coals. There were fish on the fire and some bread there too. 10 Then Jesus said, “Bring some of the fish that you caught.”

11 Simon Peter got into the boat and pulled the net to the shore. It was full of big fish—153 of them! But even with that many fish, the net did not tear. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and eat.” None of the followers would ask him, “Who are you?” They knew he was the Lord. 13 Jesus walked over to get the bread and gave it to them. He also gave them the fish.

14 This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his followers after he was raised from death.” John 21:8-14 ERV

We can trust Jesus to meet us in our time of crisis. He sees the hurt and brings comfort. He sees our fear and brings peace. He hears our cries for help and comes quickly to our aid.

“Jesus came to Nazareth where He had grown up. As He had done before, He went into the Jewish place of worship on the Day of Rest. Then He stood up to read. 17 Someone handed Him the book of the early preacher Isaiah. He opened it and found the place where it was written, 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on Me. He has put His hand on Me to preach the Good News to poor people. He has sent Me to heal those with a sad heart. He has sent Me to tell those who are being held that they can go free. He has sent Me to make the blind to see and to free those who are held because of trouble. 19 He sent Me to tell of the time when men can receive favor with the Lord.” Luke 4:16-19 NLV

This was Jesus life mission; healing, saving, restoring and forgiving those who were without hope and purpose.

“For because He Himself [in His humanity] has suffered in being tempted (tested and tried), He is able [immediately] to run to the cry of (assist, relieve) those who are being tempted and tested and tried [and who therefore are being exposed to suffering].” Hebrews 2:18 AMPC

Maybe you have “gone fishing” because of the overwhelming circumstances in your life. If you look around, you’ll find that Jesus is there. He’s come to bring comfort and assistance.

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Past Present Future

God can use our past to shape our future!

Do you believe that? We all have things in our past that are painful, things we would like to forget. It’s amazing – those things that we think almost too tough to bear can be used of God to propel us into a future of blessing.

The children of Israel were went to Egypt to escape a famine. Their brother was second in command of the whole country. Then a new pharaoh took over, saw them as a threat and enslaved them. They went from being independent ranchers to making bricks for the pharaoh (probably used in the construction of the pyramids). But I think they also must have been taught other skills, fine skills, as well. Let me show you.

When we read Exodus 25-31 we find the instructions that the Lord gives Moses for the construction of the Tabernacle, His mobile home, and also for the items of worship to be used in it. God even gives instruction for the clothing of the priests. This is all very elaborate.

The items were to be made from acacia wood covered in gold, the fabric was fine linen with purple, red and blue wool. The priest’s breastplate was encrusted with fine stones in settings of silver. The incense and anointing oil were of the finest quality.

Now maybe your mind doesn’t work like mine but I had to ask, where did these brick makers get all this good stuff and where did they learn to be skilled craftsmen?

The lampstand for the Tabernacle was to be engraved from one piece of gold weighing 75 pounds. It wasn’t just a lampstand but was decorated with flowers which were also to be carved from the same piece of gold. Amazing! (By-the-way, Jesus said he was the light of the world)

“Make a lampstand of pure gold. The whole lampstand, including its decorative flowers, must be made from a single piece of hammered gold 32 with three branches on each of its two sides. 33 There are to be three decorative almond blossoms on each branch 34 and four on the stem. 35 There must also be a blossom where each pair of branches comes out from the stem. 36 The lampstand, including its branches and decorative flowers, must be made from a single piece of hammered pure gold.” Exodus 25:31-36 CEV

And then there are the curtains:
“Furnish the sacred tent with curtains made from ten pieces of the finest linen. They must be woven with blue, purple, and red wool and embroidered with figures of winged creatures. 2 Make each piece fourteen yards long and two yards wide 3 and sew them together into two curtains with five sections each. 4-6 Put fifty loops of blue cloth along one of the wider sides of each curtain, then fasten the two curtains at the loops with fifty gold hooks.” Exodus 26:1-6 CEV

I could go on and on but I would have you read it for yourself. The questions that come to mind are; where did they get the gold? Easy, Moses told the women that they were to go to their Egyptian neighbors and ask for all their gold and silver and fine goods before they left Egypt. They were so eager to get rid of the Israelites that they gladly complied.

But now answer these. Where did they learn about refining and carving gold; what about weaving the fine linen; or embroidery with gold thread or dying wool? Did you know that linen is made from flax – it would take a lot of flax to produce ten curtains fourteen yards long and two yards wide. And the flax would first have to be planted, then harvested and finally spun.

The Israelites must have served as apprentice to the Egyptian goldsmiths, silversmiths, weavers, etc. I was reading on the internet that some of the finest linen produced came from the tombs of the pharaohs in Egypt.

Now let me say again that God can take our oppressive past and use it for our blessing. They were able to use the things they learned as slaves to build a house of honor for the Lord.

What skills and talents did we develop in harsh conditions that we can now use to bring God glory? Remember, God took a religious zealot like Saul who arrested and had the early Christians killed, changed his life on the road to Damascus, gave him a new name (Paul) and had him be the message of God’s grace to the whole world.

“Christ Jesus our Lord was very kind to me. He has greatly blessed my life with faith and love just like his own. 15 “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” This saying is true, and it can be trusted. I was the worst sinner of all! 16 But since I was worse than anyone else, God had mercy on me and let me be an example of the endless patience of Christ Jesus. He did this so that others would put their faith in Christ and have eternal life.” I Timothy 1:14-16 CEV

The Father isn’t wasteful – not with time, with experience, with talents or with people. He will use what we give Him and He will take our mess and turn it into His message.

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Circle the Wagons

Did you watch the old westerns on television like I did? Those shows like Wagon Train with settlers coming West, looking for a new and better life really drew me in. There was always an element of danger, the unknown. Would they be attacked by Indians, find dry watering holes or be overcome by inclement weather?

The one thing we could count on was some time in the show we would hear the wagon master give the order “circle the wagons”.

With the wagons in a circle the pioneers could fight off attacks from all sides. They worked together as one, they had too for their own survival. Or with the wagons circled, a fire could be built in the center and the warmth would fill the camp. A camp of circled wagons kept out unwanted late-night predators and brought a sense of peace and comfort to the weary travelers.

At the start of this new week you may feel like circling the wagons. You know some of last week’s problems are still hanging around; so are some of last week’s predators, the enemies who would like to see you destroyed. Start your week like King David, he started his morning with this prayer.

“I have a lot of enemies, Lord. Many fight against 2 me and say, “God won’t rescue you!” 3 But you are my shield, and you give me victory and great honor. 4 I pray to you, and you answer from your sacred hill.

5 I sleep and wake up refreshed because you, Lord,  protect me. 6 Ten thousand enemies attack from every side, but I am not afraid. 7 Come and save me, Lord God!
Break my enemies’ jaws and shatter their teeth, 8 because you protect and bless your people.” Psalm 3 CEV

David was starting a new day and he saw that his enemies were many, however, he committed his life, his thoughts, his heart to God. God was his shield of protection against his enemies; God was his glory and the one who put him in the place of leadership as king. God was the lifter of his head; the one who reminded him to look up and find help.

David wouldn’t have been king if God hadn’t of chosen him. We wouldn’t be in relationship with God, the Father, if HE had chosen us. David said, as he remembered all of this, he was able to lay down and sleep and wake up sustained because his hope was in God.

The Apostle Paul gave us a similar encouragement when he was writing to the Romans.

“What can we say about all this? If God is on our side, can anyone be against us? 32 God did not keep back his own Son, but he gave him for us. If God did this, won’t he freely give us everything else? 33 If God says his chosen ones are acceptable to him, can anyone bring charges against them? 34 Or can anyone condemn them? No indeed! Christ died and was raised to life, and now he is at God’s right side,[a] speaking to him for us. 35 Can anything separate us from the love of Christ? Can trouble, suffering, and hard times, or hunger and nakedness, or danger and death? 36 It is exactly as the Scriptures say,

‘For you we face death all day long. We are like sheep on their way to be butchered.’

37 In everything we have won more than a victory because of Christ who loves us. 38 I am sure that nothing can separate us from God’s love—not life or death, not angels or spirits, not the present or the future, 39 and not powers above or powers below. Nothing in all creation can separate us from God’s love for us in Christ Jesus our Lord!” Romans 8:31-39 CEV

If God is for us, and we know that He is because He gave Jesus to die for us, who can be against us? In all these things we have been made more than conquerors through Him that loves us.

Our loving God and Father is better than any wagon master. He has encompassed us with this love and protection. Now we can go out and take new land – let’s get those wagons rolling!

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Refresher Course Needed

For the last number of days it has been on my heart to repeat a blog posting I did about a year ago. I try to avoid reposting what I have written before but when I do, I usually update it a bit by adding a new Scripture or two and some new thoughts. It’s hard to believe that I have been sharing most every morning for over eight years now. At first, it was an occasional posting on Facebook, maybe two or three times a week but for the last four to five years it’s been a daily ministry. What a joy!

It’s important that we keep God’s word constantly before us. His word is our rock, our foundation, our eternal hope. We can all use a refresher course from time to time. God tells us specifically to remember all that He has done.

I hope this teaching ministers to you again. I know it has certainly encouraged me.

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 I found myself 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

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. 3 The Lord forgives our sins, heals us when we are sick, 4 and protects us from death. His kindness and love are a crown on our heads. 5 Each 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.

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Keep Looking Up

Hope and excitement. Child like expectation!

There are days that we lose that hope because of what we see happening in the world around us. What should we do?

Keep looking up!

This is the instruction we receive from Jesus, King David and the Apostle Paul.

“You were raised from death with Christ. So live for what is in heaven, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Think only about what is up there, not what is here on earth. 3 Your old self has died, and your new life is kept with Christ in God. 4 Yes, Christ is now your life, and when he comes again, you will share in his glory.” Colossians 3:1-4 ERV

Do you see that? Keep thinking about heaven…so, let’s do just that. Think about heaven for just a minute or two. Close your eyes right now, see Jesus sitting at the right side of our heavenly Father. They have prepared this perfect place for us. The Holy Spirit is praying for us – constantly. It’s what He does.

“In certain ways we are weak, but the Spirit is here to help us. For example, when we don’t know what to pray for, the Spirit prays for us in ways that cannot be put into words. 27 All of our thoughts are known to God. He can understand what is in the mind of the Spirit, as the Spirit prays for God’s people. 28 We know that God is always at work for the good of everyone who loves him.[a] They are the ones God has chosen for his purpose,” Romans 8:26-28 CEV

This is such an encouragement.

King David knew what it was like to live in perilous and godless times. He constantly faced physical battles and also emotional ones. He kept looking up – he found his hope and victory in turning his eyes upward.

“Gates, proudly lift your heads! Open, ancient doors, and the glorious King will come in. 8 Who is the glorious King? He is the Lord, the powerful soldier. He is the Lord, the war hero. 9 Gates, proudly lift your heads! Open, ancient doors, and the glorious King will come in. 10 Who is the glorious King? The Lord All-Powerful is the glorious King. Selah” Psalm 24:7-10 ERV

Lift up our heads – no, that doesn’t mean to turn our head up but it is an attitude of the heart. Turn our focus heavenward. Looking up is looking beyond ourselves and looking to someone higher, looking to God the Father. “ Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. 10 Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.” Psalm 24:8-10

Are you looking up today? Are you looking beyond yourself and finding God’s directive on how you should function today? It’s easy to get discouraged and even depressed with all the world’s happenings and Jesus knew that these days and times we are living in would be taxing to our mental peace and could make us heart sick. He gave us this command.

“There will be special things to look for in the sun and moon and stars. The nations of the earth will be troubled and will not know what to do. They will be troubled at the angry sea and waves. 26 The hearts of men will give up because of being afraid of what is coming on the earth. The powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with power and much greatness. 28 When these things begin to happen, lift up your heads because you have been bought by the blood of Christ and will soon be free.” Luke 21:25-28

Don’t let your heart fail or become fearful – keep looking up. Lift up your head for your Redeemer is near!

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