Category: Faithfulness

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Time To Come Home

I’m a big western movie fan. First it was John Wayne, followed by Tom Selleck and Sam Elliott. Thought I should explain that first thing, since you may be wondering about this morning’s picture.

In the movie Conagher, a lonely widow and a cowboy fall in love. It takes the cowboy the whole movie to find his way back to his lady love. She finds him in a saloon after a bar fight and says to him “Mr Conagher, it’s time for you to come home now”. That’s the scene that played through my mind this morning.

When I got up this morning there was a big prompting on my heart.

This is for those who believe they have wandered too far from God. For whatever reason you have been living life your own way. You have completely forgotten about God and may have even wondered if God is truly out there.

Now in the midst of trouble and difficult times you want to pray, you want to reach out, you want to ask God if He is really there for you but you’re afraid.

Afraid that He won’t answer. Afraid that He will reject you. Afraid that He doesn’t really care!

That’s a lie! God is there for you – be honest. He knows your heart before you call. He knows your doubts and your fears. He knows your weaknesses and your failings. He knows everything there is to know about you and He LOVES you!

“We are careful not to judge people by what they seem to be, though we once judged Christ in that way. 17 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.

19 What we mean is that God was in Christ, offering peace and forgiveness to the people of this world. And he has given us the work of sharing his message about peace. 20 We were sent to speak for Christ, and God is begging you to listen to our message. We speak for Christ and sincerely ask you to make peace with God.” II Corinthians 5:16-20 CEV

The reason God sent Christ to this earth was to make a way for us to be reconciled to God. Reconciliation is to make right, to put in balance. In Christ we are put in balance with the Father.

God, the Father, is waiting for us to come to him and when we do He rewards us with His love and grace.

“Without faith no one can please God. Whoever comes to God must believe that he is real and that he rewards those who sincerely try to find him.” Hebrews 11:6 CEV

God isn’t mad at you. He’s not holding your past against you but instead He is waiting for you with open arms. He’s here to welcome you home!

“20 The younger son got up and started back to his father. But when he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt sorry for him. He ran to his son and hugged and kissed him.

21 The son said, ‘Father, I have sinned against God in heaven and against you. I am no longer good enough to be called your son.’

22 But his father said to the servants, ‘Hurry and bring the best clothes and put them on him. Give him a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. 23 Get the best calf and prepare it, so we can eat and celebrate. 24 This son of mine was dead, but has now come back to life. He was lost and has now been found.’ And they began to celebrate.” Luke 15:20-24 CEV

If you’ve been wandering, It’s Time to Come Home! The Father’s waiting…

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Tell The Next Generation

I know I’ve told you this before, but Dave and I have three young grandchildren who live within an hour from us.

It’s great living this close and being with them as often as we can, in fact, they are going for a “sleep over” next weekend. Something they, and us, are very excited about. Yesterday, we spent the day with our grandson. He celebrated is 10th birthday just last week.

We went to the large aquarium in our area and then out to lunch. He said it was a best birthday and that’s what we’d hoped it would be. Making memories and sharing love is the legacy we want to leave with all our grandchildren, grown and littles.

I was reading one of my favorite Psalms, one that I share the second half with all you on a regular basis, but this morning it’s the first half of the Psalm that I’d like to share.

“I will praise you, my God and King, and always honor your name. 2 I will praise you each day and always honor your name. 3 You are wonderful, Lord, and you deserve all praise, because you are much greater than anyone can understand.

4 Each generation will announce to the next your wonderful and powerful deeds. 5 I will keep thinking about your marvelous glory and your mighty miracles. 6 Everyone will talk about your fearsome deeds, and I will tell all nations how great you are. 7 They will celebrate and sing about your matchless mercy and your power to save.

8 You are merciful, Lord! You are kind and patient and always loving. 9 You are good to everyone, and you take care of all your creation. 10 All creation will thank you, and your loyal people will praise you. 11 They will tell about your marvelous kingdom and your power. 12 Then everyone will know about the mighty things you do and your glorious kingdom.
13 Your kingdom will never end, and you will rule forever.” Psalm 145:1-13 CEV

If we tell our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren about our favorite things – fishing, camping, trips, ice cream, sports and vacations, we should most definitely tell them about our wonderful Lord and heavenly Father.

We tell them about Jesus, not in a condemning way, but we tell them of His wonderful love, mercy and grace. We tell them stories of what God has done in our lives so that they will know they can depend on Him in every situation. We tell them that God never wants them to be afraid, and He will never leave them alone.

Make it a point to tell the next generation of the Goodness of God!

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A Life Worth Living

Eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die. Ever heard that before? Did you think it was Shakespeare or some other poetic author?

It comes from Isaiah and was then quoted by Paul. People have been living with this idea of self gratification for a long time. I remember years back when Frank Sinatra’s song, I Did It My Way, and Peggy Lee’s hit in the late 60’s, Is That All There Is, echoed the sentiment above.

Paul the Apostle was writing to the Christians in Corinth about resurrection from the dead and the promise we have in Christ. He was writing to encourage them that there is so much more to life than living for a few days of gratification here.

This morning’s thoughts come from Paul’s letter to the Christians in Corinth. It’s his instruction on a life worth living from I Corinthians 15.

People will try to influence us away from what we know is right and good. It’s called peer pressure, and I quoted verse 33 to my kids on numerous occasions as they were growing up.

“ I face death every day. That is true, brothers and sisters, just as it is true that I am proud of what you are because of Christ Jesus our Lord. 32 I fought wild animals in Ephesus. If I did that only for human reasons, then I have gained nothing. If we are not raised from death, ‘Let us eat and drink, because tomorrow we die.’

33Don’t be fooled: ‘Bad friends will ruin good habits.’ 34 Come back to your right way of thinking and stop sinning. Some of you don’t know God. I say this to shame you.” I Corinthians 15: 31-34 ERV

If our only hope is getting all we can out of this life and not looking at eternity, we should eat, drink and be merry.

But we have more than that. We have this life and life eternal with Christ. Our hope is in Christ and the power of His resurrection. Living physically, there will be a physical death, but it is not something to be feared. For when we die physically, we will live on spiritually.

“It will be the same when those who have died are raised to life. The body that is “planted” in the grave will ruin and decay, but it will be raised to a life that cannot be destroyed. 43 When the body is “planted,” it is without honor. But when it is raised, it will be great and glorious. When the body is “planted,” it is weak. But when it is raised, it will be full of power. 44 The body that is “planted” is a physical body. When it is raised, it will be a spiritual body.” verses 42-44 ERV

We need to be mindful of the joy of living for the Lord.

“So, my dear brothers and sisters, stand strong. Don’t let anything change you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord. You know that your work in the Lord is never wasted.” verse 58 ERV

“ So if you eat, or if you drink, or if you do anything, do it for the glory of God.” I Corinthians 10:31 ERV

Our life’s work here on earth is to show the world that hope, joy and peace that a relationship with Jesus gives. We truly have a life worth living!

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Recovering What’s Been Stolen

For about the last week or so I’ve been dwelling on a heartbreaking event in King David’s life. Actually, this event occurred before he had been crowned king.

King Saul was ruthlessly pursuing David and trying to kill him and his men. David found favor with the king of the Philistines. (Remember, David had killed Goliath just a few years earlier, so this was quite amazing.) David and his men and their families lived in the town of Ziklag.

Achish, the Philistine king, was going to battle against King Saul. David and his 600 men volunteered to fight with them but the commanders of Achish’s army refused to fight with David, so Achish told David to take his men and go home.

In the 3 days it took for David and his men to return to Ziklag, his town had been attacked, burned to the ground and all the livestock plus the women and children had been stolen by the Amalekites. When David and his men saw what had happened to their families they were devastated, overcome with grief, immobilized by sorrow.

“Then David and the people with him cried out in a loud voice until they had no more strength to cry…6 And David was very troubled because the people talked about killing him with stones. For all the people were very angry in their sorrow for their sons and daughters. But David got his strength from the Lord his God.” I Samuel 30:4-6 NLV

Everything was lost. They were dejected, angry and ready to lash out. BUT, David drew on God’s strength and wisdom.

” 8 Then David asked the Lord, “Should I go after this army? Should I meet them in battle?” The Lord said to him, “Go after them, for you will catch them for sure. And you will be sure to save all the people.” I Samuel 30:8 NLV

David and 400 of his men went in pursuit of the Amalekites, 200 men were too weary to fight so they stayed behind. With God’s help, the Amalekites were killed and David “recovered all” that had been stolen.

“ David took back all that the Amalekites had taken, and saved his two wives. 19 Nothing was missing, small or large, sons or daughters, food or anything that had been taken. David returned with all of it. 20 And he took all the sheep and cattle. The people drove those animals in front of him, and said, “This is what belongs to David.” verses 18-20 NLV

Jesus said this about a thief, about the devil.

“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

And the Apostle Paul said this.

“Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord.” Romans 12:19 NLV

I was thinking about things that have been stolen – peace of mind, hope, security, joy, relationships, health, finances… Like David, we seek the Lord and He will fight for us. He will make the thief repay and He will bless us with a great full life!

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Don’t Compromise

Don’t ever, ever, ever compromise on the Word of God!

It is the only thing that is infallible, faithful and true – it will never change and the only time it seems to be void of power is when we fail to believe it but even then, it does not change. God’s word is a firm foundation for all who will stand on it.

When I was thinking about this topic I did a search of “don’t compromise your faith”. The following list came up first thing.

To avoid compromising your faith:

  1. Be solidly committed to God’s ways.
  2. Actively grow in your relationship with Him.
  3. Learn His truths.
  4. Rely on His power to help you walk without compromise.
  5. Trust in the Lord and acknowledge Him in all your ways.

Good advice for any time or generation. These line up perfectly with Scripture.

“My son, pay attention to what I say. Listen closely to my words. 21 Don’t let them out of your sight. Never stop thinking about them. 22 These words are the secret of life and health to all who discover them. 23 Above all, be careful what you think because your thoughts control your life.

24 Don’t bend the truth or say things that you know are not right. 25 Keep your eyes on the path, and look straight ahead. 26 Make sure you are going the right way, and nothing will make you fall. 27 Don’t go to the right or to the left, and you will stay away from evil.” Proverbs 4:20-27 ERV

“God is not a man;  he will not lie. God is not a human being; his decisions will not change.
If he says he will do something, then he will do it. If he makes a promise, then he will do what he promised.” Numbers 23:19 ERV

“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.” Matthew 7:24-25 KJV

and one final word of encouragement

“Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” Matthew 24:35

God’s word is trustworthy – all the time. No matter the circumstances or situations God and His word do not change. Trust Him and don’t compromise!

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Important – Take Notice

The Psalm I read this morning is one I have read the middle verses from probably a hundred times but this morning when I read it from the beginning it took on a deeper significance.

It was the Lord saying, “I notice you. You are important to me. Even when you think the things you do are mundane and insignificant, I notice. I see you”.

I don’t know how old David was when he penned this Psalm, but he was keenly aware of the Lord’s involvement in his life. I want to live each day with this same awareness of the Lord’s presence.

“You have looked deep into my heart, Lord, and you know all about me. 2 You know when I am resting or when I am working, and from heaven you discover my thoughts.

3 You notice everything I do and everywhere I go. 4 Before I even speak a word, you know what I will say, 5 and with your powerful arm you protect me from every side. 6 I can’t understand all of this! Such wonderful knowledge is far above me.

7 Where could I go to escape from your Spirit or from your sight?8 If I were to climb up
to the highest heavens, you would be there. If I were to dig down to the world of the dead
you would also be there. 9 Suppose I had wings like the dawning day and flew across the ocean. 10 Even then your powerful arm would guide and protect me. 11 Or suppose I said, “I’ll hide in the dark until night comes to cover me over.” 12 But you see in the dark because daylight and dark are all the same to you.

13 You are the one who put me together inside my mother’s body, 14 and I praise you because of the wonderful way you created me. Everything you do is marvelous! Of this I have no doubt.

15 Nothing about me  is hidden from you! I was secretly woven together out of human sight,
16 but with your own eyes you saw my body being formed. Even before I was born, you had written in your book everything about me.

17 Your thoughts are far beyond my understanding, much more than I could ever imagine.
18 I try to count your thoughts, but they outnumber the grains of sand on the beach. And when I awake, I will find you nearby.” Psalms 139:1-18 CEV

I pray those words touched you to your very core! “3 You notice everything I do and everywhere I go.“

The Lord takes notice of us. There’s an old hymn and the words say “My heavenly Father watches over me”. He does! He notices! We are important to Him.

I’m not as old as some but I am older than most and these thoughts that David penned bring such great joy and peace to my heart. I am important enough to my heavenly Father that He takes notice of everything I do and He listens to every word I speak.

“…Since the day you were born, I have carried you along. 4 I will still be the same
when you are old and gray, and I will take care of you. I created you. I will carry you and always keep you safe” Isaiah 46:3-4 CEV

On those days when you wonder does anyone even notice, does anyone even care – take heart. The Father does!

You are noticeably important to Him!

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God’s Love NEVER Fails

Absolutes! I love that God’s word is filled with absolutes. Always – All – Everyone – Whoever – Never. These are the words that jump off the page each time I read my Bible.

“Praise the Lord! He is good. God’s love never fails. 2 Praise the God of all gods. God’s love never fails. 3 Praise the Lord of lords. God’s love never fails. 4 Only God works great miracles. God’s love never fails. 5 With wisdom he made the sky. God’s love never fails. 6 The Lord stretched the earth over the ocean. God’s love never fails. 7 He made the bright lights in the sky. God’s love never fails. 8 He lets the sun rule each day. God’s love never fails. 9 He lets the moon and the stars rule each night. God’s love never fails.” Psalm 136:1-9 CEV

God’s love never fails!

Our actions don’t determine God’s love for us. The Apostle Paul wrote that even when we were sinners and alienated from God He loved us. Jesus said, “For God SO loved the world, that He gave His only Son”.

God’s love never fails!

“But God showed how much he loved us by having Christ die for us, even though we were sinful.” Romans 5:8 CEV

I had someone tell me once, “I’m not sure I even believe in God”. I think my answer may have shocked them. I said, “That’s ok, God believes in you and if you ask Him to show you that He’s real, He will”.

He shows us His reality and His love on a daily basis. It’s in every sunrise and sunset; it’s in the stars and the oceans, and the ebb and flow of the waves.

“Only God works great miracles. God’s love never fails.” Psalm 136:4

“God saw the trouble we were in. God’s love never fails. 24 He rescued us from our enemies.  God’s love never fails. 25 He gives food to all who live. God’s love never fails. 26 Praise God in heaven! God’s love never fails.” Psalm 136:23-26 CEV

There has never been a day in our lives that God hasn’t had love for us. He may not always be pleased with our actions, but He has never not loved us.

Praise God in heaven! God’s love never fails!!

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Safe and Secure

We had an interesting flight yesterday. We were about 10 minutes late taking off. Some people in the back of the plane would not take their seats.

After several stern announcements from the senior flight attendant, the issue, whatever it was was resolved and we were able to take off.

We had been flying for about 20 or 30 when we were told there was quite a bit of turbulent weather and the pilot was flying an alternate route to avoid it. Stay in your seats and keep your seat belts pulled tight.

Only when we were already late did we receive word that a weather front from Mexico to Las Vegas was the cause for our rerouting and that of a number of other flights.

We would be on the ground in Phoenix in another 20 minutes or so. We arrived safely and all was well.

One thing I noticed as the passengers were boarding was a family with 3 small children. Only once did I hear a small cry, I couldn’t turn around to see but I imagine that the mother was cuddling her child and diminishing any fears.

Now why would I tell you this story? Glad you asked.

“But I have learned to feel safe and satisfied, like a young child in its mother’s arms. People of Israel, you must trust the Lord now and forever.” Psalm 131:2-3 CEV

When we run into turbulence how do we handle it?

I can tell you how I did, I prayed. Things were beyond my control but not beyond God’s. No fear, just confidence that I was in a place of safety.

It’s little daily lessons like these that remind me of the Father’s constant protection and love.

Let me encourage you – feel safe like a child in its mother’s arms. No matter the circumstances God is holding you in His arms.

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Good Cheer

When we’re travelling it’s sometimes hard to write my morning devotional but I wanted to share this brief thought with you this morning.

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

God isn’t the one bringing tribulation into our lives, but He IS the one who brings us peace in the tribulation.

How can we have peace?

By knowing that God is there with us and through Him we overcome what this world throws at us.

“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.  I have called you by name; you are mine. 2 When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. 3 For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” Isaiah 43:1-3 NLT

Christ paid the price for our ransom. He didn’t purchase us to throw us on the trash heap. We are precious to Him, so precious that He willingly died for our redemption.

Today, I pray that you know peace and your lives are filled with “good cheer” as you go through any fires or floods!

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Excessively Wonderful

I love to worship the Lord! Not worship because of things that He has done, although those are many, but worship just because of Who He is!

One defintion in Merriam-Webster is excessive admiration for someone.

Excessive – our God is excessive. He didn’t just create 5 colors and quit – He was excessive. He didn’t just create 6 fish or 7 fruit or 8 vegetables. He created millions of stars, countless galaxies, hundreds of millions of people with individual fingerprints and unique DNA.

Excessive!

He gave us His Son who willingly paid the price for the sins of the whole world.

Excessive!

“My Lord, there is no God like you. No one can do what you have done. 9 My Lord, you made everyone. I wish they all would come worship you and honor your name.

10 You are great and do amazing things. You and you alone are God.

11 Lord, teach me your ways,
and I will live and obey your truths.
Help me make worshiping your name
the most important thing in my life.

12 My Lord God, I praise you with all my heart. I will honor your name forever!

13 You have such great love for me.
You save me from the place of death.

14 Proud people are attacking me, God.
A gang of cruel men is trying to kill me.
They don’t respect you.

15 My Lord, you are a kind and merciful God.
You are patient, loyal, and full of love.” Psalm 86: 8-15 ERV

Will you join me this morning in worship? Let’s show some excessive admiration and love to the One, the Only, Father God, creator of heaven and earth!

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