Category: Faith

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What Do You See?

Perspective! It’s important to keep a proper perspective when going through a tough time. If we begin to look to closely at the situation it will begin to seem overwhelming. It’s important to pull back and look at things the way God’s see them.

The children of Egypt saw a sea too big to cross; God saw a stream and damned it up. Saul’s soldiers saw a giant too big to conquer; David saw a man who was no match for God. Noah saw a world filled with corruption and a devastating flood; God saw a cruise ship of salvation.

What is your perspective? Do you see things as hopeless, do you see defeat?

“God, hear my cry for help. Listen to my prayer. 2 From a faraway land I call to you for help. I feel so weak and helpless! Carry me to a high rock where no one can reach me. 3 You are my place of safety, a strong tower that protects me from my enemies. 4 I want to live in your tent forever. I want to hide where you can protect me. Selah” Psalm 61:1-4 ERV

“I must calm down and turn to God; only he can rescue me. 2 He is my Rock, the only one who can save me. He is my high place of safety, where no army can defeat me.” Psalm 62:1-2 ERV

Satan saw Jesus as a dead man, buried in a tomb but God saw the resurrection!

Don’t be discouraged or disheartened. Put your hope in God!

“I pray that the God who gives hope will fill you with much joy and peace as you trust in him. Then you will have more and more hope, and it will flow out of you by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 ERV

What do you see? Keep a godly perspective!

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In A Nut Shell

Each day I am thankful that God has allowed me to share His word with you. I don’t know where I would be without the Father’s love or His wonderful love letter, His Word! In fact, I don’t even want to think about what my life would be like without Him.

In a nutshell – God’s Word has brought me forgiveness of sins, health to my body, peace to my soul, healing for my children. He has enriched my marriage, provided wisdom when my human intellect was lacking, protection in physical and emotional storms and safety in the face of danger. God’s promises let me know that He will always supply and He always has.

I saw in God’s word that He has made provision for more than just eternal life and that He wanted me to live victoriously while I was here on earth. That’s why I share with you.

“I would have been without hope if I had not believed that I would see the loving-kindness of the Lord in the land of the living. 14 Wait for the Lord. Be strong. Let your heart be strong. Yes, wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:13-14 NLV

All of God’s promises are the same. His Word is for everyone but we don’t all see the same results. Why? We must appropriate what God has given us; simply put we must believe it regardless of how we feel or what circumstances tell us we should believe.

There have been days that I wake up and don’t feel very saved; but my salvation isn’t founded on my feelings, it’s based on God’s love and Jesus’ sacrifice. There are days that I wake up and may not feel healed, but I am because it’s based on God’s promise and Jesus’ sacrifice.

“He forgives all my sins. He heals all my diseases.” Psalms 103:3 NLV

The circumstances said there wasn’t enough lunch to feed 5000 men with five loaves and two fish but the blessing of God flowed and there was more than enough. The medical world said nothing could be done for the woman with the issue of blood but just one touch brought healing to her body. Yes, the word of God changes our circumstances when we believe; it’s called faith! Not faith in ourselves, but faith in God’s unchanging, unfailing love.

Let the words of David’s Psalm be real in your life today.

“You can go to God Most High to hide. You can go to God All-Powerful for protection. 2 I say to the LORD, ‘You are my place of safety, my fortress, My God, I trust in you.‘ 3 God will save you from hidden dangers and from deadly diseases. 4 You can go to him for protection. He will cover you like a bird spreading its wings over its babies. You can trust him to surround and protect you like a shield...14 The Lord says, ‘If someone trusts me, I will save them. I will protect my followers who call to me for help. 15 When my followers call to me, I will answer them. I will be with them when they are in trouble. I will rescue them and honor them. 16 I will give my followers a long life and show them my power to save.” Psalm 91 ERV

The Lord placed a capacity for faith in our hearts. Even when our faith is the size of a mustard seed, that’s smaller than a nutshell, it’s a powerful force.

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How Far Is Too Far?

I’m sure that’s the question that the four friends of the crippled man were asking themselves. They had taken their friend, on a stretcher from his home and carried him through the streets of town.

Once they got to the house where Jesus was teaching, they couldn’t get in. The place was packed and it was SRO, standing room only, around the doors and the windows. Everyone wanted to hear this new teacher who had come to town.

He spoke like no one else, He spoke with authority. He knew the Torah and He lived it.

The friends had to re-evaluate their motives and their actions. In the next few moments, the decision was made. We’ll go to the roof!

Now, I’m not sure if you have seen those roofs but they were substantial. In the book of Acts, we see that Peter was on the rooftop of the house for his prayer time. These men had to accurately assess where in the house they thought Jesus might be and break through right above Him. There would be no second chance to get it right.

Now imagine the people in the house. Jesus is teaching and roofing materials begin to fall on you. Do you stay, do you panic? Jesus just kept preaching.

A sizable hole opens up above Him but wait, there’s more! A man on a stretcher is being lowered down, right in front of Jesus.

“Jesus was still teaching 3 when four people came up, carrying a man on a mat because he could not walk. 4 But because of the crowd, they could not get him to Jesus. So they made a hole in the roof above him and let the man down in front of everyone” Mark 2:2-4 CEV

Mark records that Jesus “saw their faith”. Not just the faith of the lame man but the faith of his friends, as well. Jesus spoke to him, forgiving his sins. This angered the religious leaders. They didn’t think anyone had the right to forgive sins except the high priest so Jesus made it easier for them.

He told the lame man you’re no longer lame. You’re healed pick up your bed and go home!

“8 At once, Jesus knew what they were thinking, and he said, ‘Why are you thinking such things? 9 Is it easier for me to tell this man his sins are forgiven or to tell him to get up and pick up his mat and go on home? 10 I will show you that the Son of Man has the right to forgive sins here on earth.’ So Jesus said to the man, 11 “Get up! Pick up your mat and go on home.”

12 The man got right up. He picked up his mat and went out while everyone watched in amazement.” Mark 2:8-12 CEV

My question today is how far would you go to help a friend come to Jesus? Or how far would you let your friend go to bring you to Jesus?

Let the Holy Spirit direct you in your relationships so that you can be a stretcher-carrying, roof-removing friend. The results will amaze you!

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Freedom

Each morning I rise with gratitude in my heart.

Thankful for God’s love, the sacrifice of Jesus when He paid the price for my sins and the Holy Spirit who dwells in me, guiding my life.

I’m also thankful for the freedom we have in this nation. So much to be thankful for, so much to appreciate. God has blessed us so much in this country of ours…its great to have these days of Independence, reflecting on the sacrifice of so many and remembering that the fireworks are a symbol of cannon fire and rifle blasts. The sounds of freedom!

I am eternally grateful for the freedom from the wages of sin. I have this freedom because Jesus chose to die for me! Unconditional love and a gift of mercy!

” In the past you were spiritually dead because of your sins and the things you did against God. 2 Yes, in the past your lives were full of those sins. You lived the way the world lives, following the ruler of the evil power] that are above the earth. That same spirit is now working in those who refuse to obey God. 3 In the past all of us lived like that, trying to please our sinful selves. We did all the things our bodies and minds wanted. Like everyone else in the world, we deserved to suffer God’s anger just because of the way we were.

4 But God is rich in mercy, and he loved us very much. 5 We were spiritually dead because of all we had done against him. But he gave us new life together with Christ. (You have been saved by God’s grace.)” Ephesians 2:1-5 ERV

Each day I am thankful for the “But God” that is in Scripture. “But God is rich in mercy, and he loved us very much”. God’s love is greater than our transgressions. His mercy and grace eliminate the penalty that we should have to pay for our sins. That freedom comes to us from Christ.

“ So if the Son makes you free, you are really free.” John 8:36 ERV

Free from a guilty conscience, free from past failures and shortcomings. Free from the power of sin and death.

“If you belong to Christ Jesus, you won’t be punished. 2 The Holy Spirit will give you life that comes from Christ Jesus and will set you free from sin and death. 3 The Law of Moses cannot do this, because our selfish desires make the Law weak. But God set you free when he sent his own Son to be like us sinners and to be a sacrifice for our sin. God used Christ’s body to condemn sin.” Romans 8:1-3 CEV

There it is again…But God. He set us free!

As our nation is set to celebrate our independence as a country, make it a day to celebrate your freedom in Christ!

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Dispelling the Darkness

This morning, I was reminded of a time a number of years back when my quiet time was interrupted by one of our dogs.

Cody was very upset and barking protectively as he stood at the back door. Not something I wanted at 3:15, especially since Dave was still sleeping. I jumped up to see what was causing Cody so much distress and there it was – another dog at the back door. He was staring Cody in the face! Before I could get to Cody, he charged the door and hit it with his nose as he was trying to get out.

I grabbed Cody and calmed him down, as I reached up to turn on the back porch light and make the dog on the patio disappear. Did I mention that our backyard was walled and there’s no way anything could get in. The other dog Cody saw at the back door was nothing more than his own reflection in the sliding glass door.

Turning on the light, reduced the reflection and life was calm!

Now as you smile or think what a dumb dog, let me ask you this, have you ever been bothered by things in the dark? Out camping when there are no lights but the camp fire and you hear a noise in the brush, walking across a dark parking lot, going through a darkened tunnel, or all by yourself in a strange place with little or no light? Ever been afraid and defensive? Me neither!

The enemy, our enemy, would like us to be afraid of the dark. The dark could be illness, financial pressure, relationship problems, world crises, depression and loneliness. Jesus has come to dispel the darkness and lead us by His light.

“But you are God’s chosen and special people. You are a group of royal priests and a holy nation. God has brought you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Now you must tell all the wonderful things that he has done.” I Peter 2:9 CEV

“And everyone who has seen me has seen the one who sent me. 46 I am the light that has come into the world. No one who has faith in me will stay in the dark.” John 12:45-46 CEV

“You used to be like people living in the dark, but now you are people of the light because you belong to the Lord. So act like people of the light 9 and make your light shine. Be good and honest and truthful, 10 as you try to please the Lord. ” Ephesians 5:8-10 CEV

I’m not sure what “dark” thing is trying to invade your life today but know this – when the light switch (God’s word and His presence) is turned on, it dispels the darkness, and you can walk safely in the light.

“Your word is a lamp that gives light wherever I walk.” Psalm 119:105 CEV

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At Peace in the World

There is unrest all around us but that doesn’t mean we have to be anxious or fearful.

Jesus told his disciples of a time when there would be wars and rumors of wars, pestilence and famine. A time when the hearts of men will fail them because of fear. But the message didn’t stop there. Jesus went on to say, Stand strong!

“Strange things will happen to the sun, moon, and stars. The nations on earth will be afraid of the roaring sea and tides, and they won’t know what to do. 26 People will be so frightened that they will faint because of what is happening to the world. Every power in the sky will be shaken.” Luke 21:25-26 CEV

Jesus message to us is never one of fear – it always focuses on faith and peace. The night before His arrest these were the words to His disciples.

“Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Don’t be worried! Have faith in God and have faith in me.'” John 14:1 CEV

Throughout the evening He continued to speak hope, peace and faith to them. Jesus knew what was coming. He knew it would be frightening and unnerving.

“  I give you peace, the kind of peace only I can give. It isn’t like the peace this world can give. So don’t be worried or afraid.” John 14:27 CEV

What Jesus was sharing with His disciples wasn’t a “head in the sand” mentality. Quite the opposite. A head in the sand outlook ignores what’s happening, a head in the world sees what’s happening and feels hopeless and helpless. But a head in God’s word sees what God says to do in turbulent times – fear not, have faith, be at peace.

“ I have told you this, so that you might have peace in your hearts because of me. While you are in the world, you will have to suffer. But cheer up! I have defeated the world” John 16:33 CEV

Jesus spent His last night, the last supper, telling His disciples about the Father. His message to them was one of God’s goodness.

In His final hour before arrest, Jesus spent His time telling the Father about His disciples. His final prayer was for us to know the Father’s love.

“ I am not praying just for these followers. I am also praying for everyone else who will have faith because of what my followers will say about me. 21 I want all of them to be one with each other, just as I am one with you and you are one with me. I also want them to be one with us. Then the people of this world will believe that you sent me… 23 I am one with them, and you are one with me, so they may become completely one. Then this world’s people will know that you sent me. They will know that you love my followers as much as you love me…25 Good Father, the people of this world don’t know you. But I know you, and my followers know that you sent me. 26 I told them what you are like, and I will tell them even more. Then the love you have for me will become part of them, and I will be one with them.” John 17:24-26 CEV

When fear strikes your heart, listen to the Holy Spirit. He will remind you to “be at peace, Christ has overcome the world”.

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Stand Strong

Stand strong this morning – yesterday may have been filled with frustration, unexpected delays, disappointments or even physical/financial set back-ups but today is a new day!

The Lord promises that His mercies are new every morning. Draw strength from God’s unfailing love and His infinite mercy.

Just like a solider who goes out to battle, you have been equipped with armour to sustain you and bring you through victoriously.

“To end my letter I tell you, be strong in the Lord and in his great power. 11 Wear the full armor of God. Wear God’s armor so that you can fight against the devil’s clever tricks. 12 Our fight is not against people on earth. We are fighting against the rulers and authorities and the powers of this world’s darkness. We are fighting against the spiritual powers of evil in the heavenly places. 13 That is why you need to get God’s full armor. Then on the day of evil, you will be able to stand strong. And when you have finished the whole fight, you will still be standing.

So stand strong with the belt of truth tied around your waist, and on your chest wear the protection of right living. 15 On your feet wear the Good News of peace to help you stand strong. 16 And also use the shield of faith with which you can stop all the burning arrows that come from the Evil One. 17 Accept God’s salvation as your helmet. And take the sword of the Spirit—that sword is the teaching of God. 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times. Pray with all kinds of prayers, and ask for everything you need. To do this you must always be ready. Never give up.” Ephesians 6:10-18 ERV

Get up, face the world and know that the Lord has chosen your armor and as you follow Him you will finish the fight standing victoriously!

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“The Lord Calms Our Fears”

Dave and I had an amazing weekend at the Grand Canyon. The beauty of the Lord’s creation is breath taking. It definitely reveals God’s greatness.

This morning, we will go back to Judges 6 and look at how the Lord revealed His greatness to Gideon.

 “Gideon,” the Lord answered, ‘you can rescue Israel because I am going to help you! Defeating the Midianites will be as easy as beating up one man.’

17 Gideon said, ‘It’s hard to believe that I’m actually talking to the Lord. Please do something so I’ll know that you really are the Lord. 18 And wait here until I bring you an offering.’

‘All right, I’ll wait,’ the Lord answered.” Judges 6:16-18 CEV

Gideon was sincere in his questions to the Lord. The Lord was patient and reassured Gideon that He would be his help.

Gideon went to make a meal for the Lord. He killed a goat, boiled it, made bread, baked it, then brought a bowl of broth, goat’s meat and a cake to offer to the Lord. I don’t know how long all this took but there was no microwave oven or air fryer so it took a while and the Lord waited.

When Gideon returned with the meal an angel had him put it on a rock and then the angel touched it with a staff and fire consumed it.

“Gideon realized that he had seen one of the Lord’s angels. ‘Oh!” he moaned. ‘Now I’m going to die.’ 23 ‘Calm down!’ the Lord told Gideon. ‘There’s nothing to be afraid of. You’re not going to die.’” Judges 6:22-23 CEV

Gideon was face to face with the Lord and saw His greatness. Remember, this is the same man who was threshing the wheat in a pit so he wouldn’t be seen by the Midianites who had been raiding his village. Fear was his middle name.

His people had been serving Baal and other gods for years. They had been rebellious, self-willed and had ignored God’s instructions. And now, the Lord had chosen this village, this man with his low self-esteem to be their delivered.

As the Lord’s instruction, Gideon went out that night with ten servants and his father’s second best bull and destroyed the altar of Baal. He used the wood to reconstruct an altar on the highest hill in town and then sacrificed the bull to the Lord.

“Gideon chose ten of his servants to help him, and they did everything God had said. But since Gideon was afraid of his family and the other people in Ophrah, he did it all at night.” verse 27 CEV

The next morning the town’s people and his father saw what he had done. The town’s people wanted to kill him, but his father stopped them by saying that Baal could defend himself if he really was a god. Gideon’s father changed his son’s name to Jerubbaal.

“That same day, Joash changed Gideon’s name to Jerubbaal, explaining, “He tore down Baal’s altar, so let Baal take revenge himself.” verse 32

Gideon’s story is one of conversion. His encounter with the Lord took him from serving Baal to honoring and obeying the Lord. The Lord’s words, “There’s nothing to be afraid of.” are also for us today.

When we depend on the Lord we will hear Him, “Fear not, I am with you”. Claim this day to be fear-free and trust in the Lord.

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A Word for the Wise

This morning, I was reading in I Kings. The book begins like this, “ King David was now an old man”.

David knows his life is ending. He has a son who wants to steal the throne from his brother Solomon. David’s advisors tell him what is being planned and David thwarts that plan by having Solomon immediately anointed king.

What a way to live your final days? David needed to prepare his son for life as the ruler of Israel. He gave Solomon this instruction.

“My son, I will soon die, as everyone must. But I want you to be strong and brave. 3 Do what the Lord your God commands and follow his teachings. Obey everything written in the Law of Moses. Then you will be a success, no matter what you do or where you go. 4 You and your descendants must always faithfully obey the Lord. If you do, he will keep the solemn promise he made to me that someone from our family will always be king of Israel.” I Kings 2:2-4 CEV

Do these words sound familiar? They did to me.

The Lord gave these words to Joshua many years before this.

“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 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 1:7-9 CEV

Joshua led the Jewish people as the conquered the Promised Land. David ruled the nation of Israel and made it a great nation that honored and served the Lord. Now Solomon was given the place of leadership – a passing of the torch or the mantle of leadership.

A few days back I showed you Solomon’s prayer when his father died. He asked for wisdom to be a good leader and the Lord not only blessed him with wisdom but also with great favor and wealth.

Now, look at the words of wisdom Solomon gives in the first few chapters of Proverbs.

“My son, do not forget my teaching. Let your heart keep my words. 2 For they will add to you many days and years of life and peace. 3 Do not let kindness and truth leave you. Tie them around your neck. Write them upon your heart. 4 So you will find favor and good understanding in the eyes of God and man. 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not trust in your own understanding. 6 Agree with Him in all your ways, and He will make your paths straight. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes. Fear the Lord and turn away from what is sinful. 8 It will be healing to your body and medicine to your bones.” Proverbs 3:1-8 NLV

Why read the Bible? Why study God’s word?

I know of no other place to find true wisdom, for these are the words of life!

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Make A List

I sit here thinking about eternity…eternity! That’s a very long time, I said to myself with a smile.

But what I thought about the most was those who will be in the Father’s eternal heaven. Think about this for a moment. Make a list of twenty people who you would want to join you on an island retreat – not like survivor – but a nice retreat. There would be no TV, internet or computers. Just good old-fashioned conversation and friendship. Being with them for a week or two is one thing but what about eternity.

Now think about God and the fact that He has invited us to spend eternity with Him. (Let that sink in.)

Eternity.

His perfect love – mercy – grace, perfect God invited us to live in His presence for eternity.

He made His list and it included all of our names. We’ve been invited but sadly, not everyone will accept His invitation. Some will reject His invitation, but He has made it open ended.

“God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die.” John 3:16 CEV

“Christ is the sacrifice that takes away our sins and the sins of all the world’s people.” I John 2:2 CEV

King David thought about this when he wrote:

“ You are making a table of food ready for me in front of those who hate me. You have poured oil on my head. I have everything I need. 6 For sure, You will give me goodness and loving-kindness all the days of my life. Then I will live with You in Your house forever.” Psalm 23:5-6 NLV

Jesus said to the thief who was on the cross next to His:

“Jesus said to him, “For sure, I tell you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” Luke 23:43 NLV

God the Father made His list of those He would like to spend eternity with and all of our names were on it.

“For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory.” Romans 8:29-30 NLT

“Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. 5 God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. 6 So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son.” Ephesians 1:4-6 NLT

Some of you who are reading this I have never met before, but I am excited to think that I will get to spend time in eternity getting to know you.

I’m so glad the Father put us on His list!

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