The Christian Woman Blog

Dealing with Adversity

2009-02-12T20:06:00.001-08:00

"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." (Philippians 4:11)

One of the hardest things for many of us to deal with is adversity. For some reason, Christians have come to believe that their lives will run smoothly and trials and tribulations will not come nigh them if they live a good life. Nothing, however, could be farther from the truth.

Adversity is to become our friend, not our enemy. Adversity, trials, hardships, brokenness, etc., are tools God uses to reshape, remold, and fashion us after His image. This is why Paul said in Philippians 4:12-13, "I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Paul's sufferings and adversities were not unlike ours . . . he lived in the flesh and dealt with the flesh on a daily basis. Yet, regardless of the degree of suffering, Paul knew that his source of strength was in Christ.

Where is your source of strength today? Is it in Christ as Paul so beautifully explained, or are you having a difficult time maintaining stability in the midst of adversity? If you are having difficulties, just remember again Paul's words . . . "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Surely this includes trials, temptations, adversities, hardships, and brokenness. Recognize these things as God's work in your life, and don't despise what God is doing . . . allow Him to have His perfect will to perfect all things which concern you! Amen!

Father, teach me to submit to Your will for my life, to be content in whatever situation I find myself, and to grow through adversity. Lord, total submission means allowing You to have Your way in Every area of my life . . . help me to give myself totally to You for there is where I will find perfect peace even in the midst of trials and hardships. Thank You, Lord, for loving me enough to give me the strength and courage to endure adversity. Amen!

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9)

The Mystery

2009-02-11T19:34:00.001-08:00

"For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh." (Ephesians 5:31)

Today is our Wedding Anniversary! On February 12, 1972 we were united in marriage having entered into a covenant with one another and with God making a formal and public commitment to love, honor, and cherish each other in the good times and in the bad. And believe me, having raised six children has given us the opportunity to experience both the good times and bad! We praise God for His faithfulness through it all.

Since that memorable day our lives have been woven together time and time again to the extent that although we are uniquely individual, we are also uniquely one. It's a mystery how this happens. Paul said in Ephesians 5:32 that the mystery is akin to the relationship between Christ and the church. During the course of our marriage, we have taken on attributes and characteristics that belong to each other. We think alike, we act alike, we respond alike, and more so as time passes.

I can remember as a young girl, there was a family two houses up the street from us. They were unusual just like our family—they had adopted children. Our mothers would occasionally get together for coffee while we played together. The families stayed close all through my childhood until I married and moved away. The mothers would often share their stories of people who didn't know that we were all adopted would comment on how much we looked like our mothers. I can remember them laughing to the point of tears at times; they would just get so tickled.

When I was about eight years old my mother took me to the dentist for a regular check-up. He had been the family dentist for many years and knew the family well . . . at least he thought he did. After my check-up, he turned to my mother and told her that he felt so sorry for me—my teeth were just like hers. He went on to explain how often he could tell immediately which parent passed down the genetic code for teeth, their shape, size, color, etc. Being the wise woman she was, she just let him talk. On the way back home, she laughed and laughed. The dentist never even knew that I was adopted. I was my mother's daughter and he thought he could prove it by the characteristics he witnessed.

This is the same mystery with the church. The more we spend time with the Lord, the more closely we will resemble Him, being woven together as one, intertwined, and inseparable.

Take some time today and examine your life. Do you bear a family resemblance to your "Betrothed"? Is your life more like Christ than like your old nature? Can He be seen in every aspect of your life? Are people convinced by your behavior that you belong to Him?

Father, I want to be more like You; I long to have people see You in me as my flesh fades in the glory of Your presence that surrounds me and dwells within me. Lord, just as I take on some of the attributes and character of those with whom I am close, my desire is to be like You and even more so with each new passing day. Father, let Your character, Your integrity, Your love, Your compassion, Your mercy . . . let Your life be seen in me so that all will know that I am part of Your family as they see You in me. In Jesus' name, amen!

"And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder." (Matthew 19:5-6)

Boundless

2009-02-10T18:51:00.001-08:00

"And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear." (Isaiah 65:24)

How can mortal mind begin to comprehend the ways of our Lord? He has no bounds; there is no limit to His understanding and knowledge. There is no place He hasn't been or anything He hasn't considered! He knows all, past, present and future.

That's an interesting thought: He knows everything past, present and future. Some would want to attribute this type of time-transcending knowledge to those with "psychic powers", the enemy's counterfeit for the omniscience and omnipresence of the Most High God.

God is eternal, not bound by segments of time. God is omnipresent; He exists everywhere at all times, including in our past, in our present, and in our future. He's present in yesterday (He knew us personally before we were born). He's present in today (He has personal knowledge of or a personal relationship with us today). And, He's present in tomorrow (He's already there in our tomorrow as He is not constrained by time). So, when the Lord says, "before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear" we know that He has already heard the call and seen the need before we even knew it existed. It's true, "your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him." (Matthew 6:8)

Let faith arise in your hearts. There is no situation that can befall you of which He is not aware and in which He has not already intervened. He has eternity in the palm of His hands. Hallelujah!

Father, You are more wonderful and glorious and Your ways are so much higher and awesome than I had ever imagined. Lord, each day as I read Your Word and I meditate on You I see a greater depth of Who You are than I had ever seen before. Lord, thank You for loving me so much that You would make provision for my needs before I even realize I have them. You are truly amazing to me and Your love and provision is overwhelming and humbling. All I can say is, "Thank You, Lord!" Amen!

"But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him." (Matthew 6:6-8)

Fountain of All Comfort

2009-02-09T17:18:00.001-08:00

"From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I."
(Psalm 61:2)

No matter where we are, no matter how far we are from home, we can cry to Him for help and He'll hear our cry. Wherever we are, we have access to the throne of grace where we will find help in the time of need. That's a promise, one that will lead us to the Rock every time there's a need. One commentator said, "That which separates us from our other comforts should drive us so much the nearer to God, the fountain of all comfort."

No matter how overwhelmed our heart may feel at times, it must be lifted up to God in prayer. There is no other solution for life's problems, and He's always there with arms opened wide; many times He's waiting for us just to ask for His help.

The next time you're at the end of your rope, or your circumstances seem to be swallowing you up, or problems are overwhelming you, be sure to run to Him in prayer . . . no amount of wishing and hoping and positive thinking will rescue you like the arm of the Most High reaching down and guiding you to the path of deliverance from your situation.

Remember, if He leads you to the rock (and He will), you will be on top of your problems and see your circumstances from a far different perspective. This Rock is Christ, and we are safe if we are in Him.

Father, thank You for reminding me that You are always near, that I can, at any moment, reach out to You and You will concern Yourself about my business. Father, I must confess that many times I am overwhelmed, but I thank You and praise You for the assurance that there is a Rock that is higher than I. It is Your desire to meet my every need regardless of where I am, what the situation is, and how difficult the circumstances are. Lord, thank You for all You've done . . . Amen!

"The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower." (Psalm 18:2)

Show and Tell

2009-02-09T05:28:00.000-08:00

"I thought it good to shew the signs and wonders that the high God hath wrought toward me." (Daniel 4:2)

God is good . . . there's no doubt about it. He's constantly working on our behalf, showing Himself strong in our weakness, making provision for us when we are lacking, shining a light on our path when we are blinded. Our God never ceases to amaze us with His wisdom and grace!

As a wife and mother, nothing pleases me more than hearing my husband or children tell others about the special things I do for them or how much I mean to them, and I'm sure that fathers/husbands feel much the same way. But, how often do we tell others about the special things the Lord has done for us or just how much He means to us? He is the Lover of our Souls . . . He loves us with an everlasting love. His love cannot be matched, not even by the love of a spouse or children or a parent, yet we find it so hard to tell others what He really means to us.

Make a conscious decision today to speak of His wonders, tell of His love, and show His goodness through your testimony of His greatness! Faith will arise in your heart and the Lord will be glorified through your conversation.

1 Peter 1:15 says, "But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation." What better way to be holy in all manner of conversation than to declare His works and tell of His wonders to the world.

Father, forgive me for not freely telling others of Your wondrous works in my life, of Your everlasting love for me, and of Your goodness and mercy. Lord, help me to open my mouth and show forth thy praises; help me to order my conversation aright by sharing Your love with the world. There is none like You, O Lord, in all the universe. You are worthy to be praised. Amen!

“Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people. For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods.” (Psalm 96:3-4)

© Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

Are You Hungry?

2009-02-05T17:40:00.001-08:00

"Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled." (Matthew 5:6)

Righteousness . . . to bear the image of God, to be made the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, to have the whole man renewed in righteousness so as to become a new man; to have an unparalleled interest in Christ and the promises of God. This is righteousness!

We must truly desire these things, we must "hunger and thirst" after them as one who is hungry craves food and drink, as one who cannot be satisfied with anything else. We must have an attitude that cries, "Please give this to me or else I will die!"

Hunger and thirst are appetites. We consume what we need for the moment, but yet before long we experience the same "emptiness" which drove us to hunger and thirst initially. We must stay filled with His righteousness, continually drinking from the Well to replenish and be refilled, again and again and again.

Those who "hunger and thirst" will do labor for their supply. This indicates they will not only desire the spiritual blessings, but take pains to receive them.

Are you hungry and thirsty? Are you replenishing your supply by running to the Source for meet and drink? Are you continually drinking from the Well to be refilled again and again and again?

Test your "hunger" and "thirst" levels. If you do not have an appetite craving His righteousness, His presence, His blessings, then you need to run to the Rock of your Salvation and renew your commitment to Him today, asking that He fill you with a "hunger" and "thirst" for Righteousness. Then you will be filled! What a promise! What a provision! What a Lord!

Father, I do "hunger" and "thirst" for your righteousness. I see myself as in a dry land where my thirst is yearning to be quenched and my hunger craving to be filled with Your righteousness. Father, forgive me for not seeking after you with a hungry heart and help me to see that You are the only One who can fill My heart to overflowing with your blessings. Father, fill me up to overflowing. Amen!

"Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD" (Psalm 118:19)

Are You Blessed?

2009-02-04T17:52:00.001-08:00

"Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake." (Matthew 5:11)

Everyday people face ridicule for the sake of Christ. It comes in many forms but the source of the attack is the same in ALL cases. This has been the scheme of the enemy since the time of righteous Abel; it has been ongoing from the Old Testament times and it is continuing throughout the Church age. Persecution comes in many ways, but it always has the potential to make you stronger. God allows us to go through persecution so we will seek Him more, so He can reveal Himself to us in greater measure, and so we will see a greater extent of His great mercies toward us.

There is an attitude in many Christian communities today that we as Christians are to live above ridicule, poverty, defamation, etc. The Word of God is full of examples of some of the strongest men and women of God enduring torment, ridicule, defamation, and affliction. But, then why are those who suffer in such manner "Blessed" according to our verse today?

If you encounter such opposition in your daily life, friend, count it a blessing that you are found worthy to suffer persecution. Stand firm, and take the example of our Lord as He stood in front of His accusers, and be silent. Allow God to fight the battle for you as He says, "Vengeance is mine, saith the Lord, I will repay." The battle is the Lord's, not ours.

Endure persecution and be blessed, for this life shall quickly pass; any form of persecution is a small price to pay for the glory that awaits us in our eternal home.

Father, help me endure whatever persecution comes my way, whether it be ridicule, name-calling, false accusations, misunderstandings, or whatever. Lord, help me to excel in virtue regardless of what men say to me, thinking about me, or do to me. Help me to remember that vengeance is Yours and the battle is Yours! Father, be glorified in my life, my attitudes, my actions, my words, my thoughts, and my deeds. Amen!

"For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake" (Philippians 1:29)

Take Control!

2009-02-03T19:17:00.001-08:00

"Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name." (Psalm 103:1)

Sometimes our emotions are far from being responsive to God in praise. But the Psalmist makes it very clear that we do have control over our emotions, that we can deliberately turn our despair into praise and bless the Lord.

David asked himself a question, "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance." (Psalm 42:5) If you can inquire about your soul's disquieted state, it would seem to indicate that you could change it by an act of your will. For the most part, we are not victims of our emotions; our emotions are subject to us. They are a choice.

Emotions in and of themselves are not bad; however, they can be a tool in the hand of the enemy to hide the victory we have in Christ and to distract us from enjoying the benefits of being joint heirs with Him, accepted in the beloved.

The next time you are feeling low, defeated, or less than the victorious Christian you are, take control of your emotions and begin to bless the Lord by letting praise pour forth from your lips. Deny yourself the luxury of focusing on the negative that surrounds you and touches your life. Change your focus and your thoughts toward the goodness of God and all He has done for you. Make a conscious effort to think on that which is full of truth, that which is honest and just and pure. Think on things that are lovely and of a good report. And, if there be anything worthy of praise . . . think on these things. (Philippians 4:8) Soon you'll find yourself, and all that is within you, caught up in praising Him for He is Holy, Righteous, and Worthy of all our praise.

Use your emotions for His glory and soon you will ask yourself, "Why were you so disquieted?"

Your hope is anchored in God, your joy is complete, and blessing the Lord with all that is within you is your response.

Father, Your name is Holy. Your name is Wonderful. Your name is Worthy to be praised. When my soul is disquieted, when I'm overwhelmed with the world and its problems, help me to break forth into praise and adoration of the One whom I love more than anything . . . Jesus my Lord and my Saviour . . . the Holy, Righteous, Anointed One. Amen.

"I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth." (Psalm 34:1)

Is God Really For Us?

2009-02-02T20:43:00.001-08:00

"What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)

"If God be for us, who can be against us?"

Is God really for us? How many times have we asked ourselves that question when things don't go our way or when we see things happen that we don't understand, especially after we've prayed about them?

The fact is, God is not only FOR us, He's reconciled TO us. He's not against us, He's in covenant WITH us, He's working FOR us on our behalf. All that He is and all that He has; all that He does and all that He plans to do is for us! Even when it seems that His acts are against us, you can be assured that they are for us.

So, if all this is true, who can really be against us? Who can stand in the face of the Almighty God and dare to challenge Him in His dealing with us? Nothing . . . no one . . . can prevail against Him regardless of how great, strong, malicious, or evil they appear to be.

Who dares to fight against us while God Himself is fighting for us? The enemy may try his hardest . . . do his worst in this world to undermine the power of God, but we must remember that he is conquered . . . principalities and powers are spoiled and disarmed, and triumphed over in the Cross of Christ! The enemy is a defeated foe and the victory is won! It's already done!

If God is for us . . . and He is . . . no one or nothing can stand against us; God is in control.

Father, forgive me for allowing fear of what the enemy can do to me take my focus off what You have already done! Thank you, Lord, for Your sacrifice on the cross, for conquering principalities and powers, for defeating the enemy and winning the victory for us! Help me remember, Lord, that You are for me and NOTHING can stand against me because You are in control! Hallelujah!

"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."
(Isaiah 41:10)

How Important is God’s Presence?

2009-02-01T20:42:00.001-08:00

"And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence." (Exodus 33:15)

"If your presence will not go with me, don't send me!"

Moses, a man who knew the importance of the presence of God, who found safety and security in the presence of God, who realized there was a price to be paid for the presence of God, was determined not to go forward without the presence of the Lord!

When was the last time we told the Lord, "If your presence doesn't go with me, I won't go"? That's exactly what Moses was saying . . . he was convinced that he didn't want to go anywhere that God wouldn't be with him. He understood just how important God's presence was in accomplishing anything he set his hand to.

The Old Testament word for "presence" means essentially, "the face". It speaks of intimacy, of closeness, of knowing. Moses wanted to see God face-to-face wherever He led him!

The presence of God is precious as we pursue Him or seek Him out. 1 Chronicles 16:11 tells us to "Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually." The word "seek" means to search out in worship and prayer!

Adopt a Moses-like attitude and be stubborn! Let God know you will go nowhere that He doesn't lead, that you want His presence to be with you everywhere you go, in everything you do, at all times! A familiar commercial ad on television tells us not to leave home without a specific credit card . . . adopt the same tenacity when it comes to the presence of God -- Don't leave home without it! In fact, don't do ANYTHING without the presence of God going before you, going with you, and surrounding you! Seek His face and know that His presence is near!

Father I'm so aware that many, many times I go about my daily routine totally oblivious to Your will for me, not having spent the time to seek Your face and invite You presence! Forgive me, Father, because I long to be like Moses . . . I long to know that Your presence is with me wherever I go. And, if it's not, Lord, give me the courage to stay still until I know that You are with me, leading the way! How I long to dwell in Your presence, Lord, knowing that You are with me and that You have prepared the way before me! Father, it is You whom I seek, it is You whom I love, it is Your presence that I need, every hour of every day that I live! In Jesus' name, amen!

"When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek." (Psalm 27:8)

Bride or Prostitute?

2009-01-31T15:33:00.001-08:00

The Question that Changed My Life
by Dr David Ryser

A number of years ago, I had the privilege of teaching at a school of ministry. My students were hungry for God, and I was constantly searching for ways to challenge them to fall more in love with Jesus and to become voices for revival in the Church. I came across a quote attributed most often to Rev. Sam Pascoe. It is a short version of the history of Christianity, and it goes like this:

Christianity started in Palestine as a fellowship; it moved to Greece and became a philosophy; it moved to Italy and became an institution; it moved to Europe and became a culture; it came to America and became an enterprise.

Some of the students were only 18 or 19 years old—and I wanted them to understand and appreciate the importance of the last line, so I clarified it by adding, "An enterprise. That's a business." After a few moments Martha, the youngest student in the class, raised her hand. I could not imagine what her question might be. I thought it was self-explanatory.

Nevertheless, I acknowledged Martha's raised hand, "Yes, Martha." She asked such a simple question, "A business? But isn't it supposed to be a body?" I could not envision where this line of questioning was going, and the only response I could think of was, "Yes." She continued, "But when a body becomes a business, isn't that a prostitute?"

The room went dead silent. For several seconds no one moved or spoke. We were stunned, afraid to make a sound because the presence of God had flooded into the room, and we knew we were on Holy ground. All I could think in those sacred moments was, "Wow, I wish I'd thought of that." I didn't dare express that thought aloud. God had taken over the class.

Martha's question changed my life. For six months, I thought about her question at least once every day. "When a body becomes a business, isn't that a prostitute?" There is only one answer to her question. The answer is "Yes." The American (western) Church, tragically, is heavily populated by people who do not love God. How can we love Him? We don't even know Him; and I mean really know Him.

We have made the Kingdom of God into a business, merchandising His anointing.

This should not be. We are commanded to love God, and are called to be the Bride of Christ--that's pretty intimate stuff. Are we lovers or prostitutes?

I was pondering Martha's question again one day, and considered the question, "What's the difference between a lover and a prostitute?" I realized that both do many of the same things, but a lover does what she does because she loves. A prostitute pretends to love, but only as long as you pay. Then I asked the question, "What would happen if God stopped paying me?"

For the next several months, I allowed God to search me to uncover my motives for loving and serving Him. Was I really a true lover of God? What would happen if He stopped blessing me? What if He never did another thing for me? Would I still love Him?

I still catch myself being disappointed with God and angry that He has not met some perceived need in my life. I suspect this is something which is never fully resolved, but I want more than anything else to be a true lover of God.

So what is it going to be? Which are we, lover or prostitute? there is no substitute for unconditional, intimate relationship with God. And I mean there is no palatable substitute available to us (take another look at Matthew 7:21-23 sometime). We must choose.

Dr. David Ryser-

Pillow Talk

2009-01-29T19:45:00.001-08:00

"I am my beloved's, and his desire is toward me." (Song of Solomon 7:10)

Some of the most intimate conversations we have with our spouses occur while we lay in bed, in a darkened room, quiet, and nestled in the warmth of the covers. The children are asleep, the phone is done ringing for the day, the television is quieted, and the house is at peace.

Intimacy in today's world is immediately equated with sex. However, true intimacy can more easily be related to communion and communication with unguarded truthfulness. More simply put, pillow talk!

The Father wants intimate moments with us, times of communion and communication with unguarded truthfulness. He wants to hear from us our most private thoughts, our concerns, our joys, our fears, our victories, our praise, our disappointments, and our loving words of intimate worship. Yet, we so thoughtlessly neglect this awesome privilege as we get caught up in our daily lives.

When was the last time you enjoyed "pillow talk" with the Father? When was the last time you snuggled up close to him, nestled in the warmth of His presence, and shared the most private thoughts and intents of your heart? Don't you think it's time for a good, intimate conversation with Him?

"I am my beloved's, and his desire is toward me." Yes, His desire is toward you so make time for your "pillow talk" now. Don't wait until you're too tired to talk, don't wait till you're too tired to listen. Intimacy with the Father is not an option, it's a privilege we dare not take for granted!

Father, I'm ready to spend some "intimate" time with you. But first, Lord, please forgive me for not desiring You with all my heart, mind, soul, and strength. You ARE my First Love, You ARE the Lover of my Soul, You ARE the One I long for, You ARE all I need. Father, put a hunger deep in my soul for intimacy with You; help me never to neglect our time together. Help me to realize just how much Your desire is toward me. Father, I commit myself to You once more; I'm ready for "pillow talk" with You. Amen!

"The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee." (Jeremiah 31:3)

What Did You Say?

2009-01-28T20:59:00.001-08:00

"Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth." (Psalm 46:10)

Not long ago I heard a story about a young man and an old preacher. The young man had lost his job and didn't know which way to turn. So he went to see the old preacher.

Pacing about the preacher's study, the young man ranted about his problem. Finally he clenched his fist and shouted, "I've begged God to say something to help me. Tell me, Preacher, why doesn't God answer?"

The old preacher, who sat across the room, spoke something in reply--something so hushed it was indistinguishable. The young man stepped across the room. "What did you say?" he asked.

The preacher repeated himself, but again in a tone as soft as a whisper. So the young man moved closer until he was leaning on the preacher's chair. "Sorry," he said. "I still didn't hear you." With their heads bent together, the old preacher spoke once more. "God sometimes whispers," he said, "so we will move closer to hear Him."

This time the young man heard and he understood. We all want God's voice to thunder through the air with the answer to our problems. But God's is the still, small voice—the gentle whisper.

Perhaps there's a reason. Nothing draws human focus quite like a whisper. God's whisper means I must stop my ranting and move close to Him, until my head is bent together with His. And then, as I listen, I will find my answer. Better still, I find myself closer to God.

Father, help me to be still and listen intently by moving in closer to You. Lord, my relationship with You is more important to me than anything. Help me to stay at Your feet, learning of You, listening to You, worshipping You. Remind me, Lord, that there is no place I'd rather be than at Your feet, in Your presence, snuggled in close to You for it is in that place of intimacy that I'll hear Your still, small voice guiding me and directing me in the path You have prepared for me. Father, I love You . . . forever. Amen.

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me" (John 10:27)

Today Is One of Those Days

2009-01-27T20:51:00.001-08:00

"Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all." (1 Chronicles 29:11)

There are some times when our hearts just cry out, "Worship Him!" Today is one of those days.

You don't feel like worshipping Him? Well take a minute and consider: MERCY, FORGIVENESS, SALVATION, ETERNAL LIFE, FAITHFULNESS, etc. Now, do you feel a little more like worshipping Him?

Good!

Take a look at the verse for today again . . . "Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all."

Here's a picture of God's greatness . . . unspeakable, unfathomable, unmatchable! He is more than we could ever expect Him to be. He is greater than great, higher than high, holier than holy, mightier than mighty. He is sovereign over all, totally in control of everything. Nothing is too small for His care; nothing too big for Him to handle.

Are you facing some particularly big difficulties right now? Put on the garment of praise and shed that spirit of heaviness, lift up your eyes to God, and worship Him with all that is within you. Before long, the size of your problem will be nothing compared to the greatness of the Most High God!

Father, there is none like You in all the earth. You are mighty, You are holy. You are wonderful, You are glorious. You alone are God; there are none other. I ascribe greatness to Your name, O Lord. All power and glory; all honor and praise are Yours for You are the author of life itself and nothing can compare to You. Father, I worship You with all that is within me. Be exalted, O God, in the heavens, on the earth, and in my life. I love You. Amen!

"Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness." (Psalm 48:1)

God and God Alone!

2009-01-26T20:24:00.001-08:00

"For the kingdom is the Lord's: and he is the governor among the nations." (Psalm 22:28)

God is in control in our nation, our cities, our jobs, our school systems. Although the economy is not good, our family and friends are losing their jobs, the prices are rising, we serve a God who is "governor among the nations." No matter how things look in the natural, God is in control. He and He alone.

There is no power in heaven or on earth that can match the power of God. No principality or power can usurp His might and His sovereignty over all. There is no reason to fear … our God is THE "governor among the nations." He and He alone.

Wickedness may abound, yet God is in control. Unemployment may rise, yet God is in control. Prices of food and necessities may increase exponentially, yet God is in control. Family and friends may rise up and curse God, yet God is in control. Governments and committees and councils may fail, yet our God, the "governor among the nations" is in control. He and He alone.

Regardless what we face—disease, financial crises, family problems, loss of income, abandonment, rejection, pain, emotional turmoil, persecution, or whatever else may be going on in your life, our God is the "governor among the nations" and He is in control. He and He alone.

Do you live in fear? Are you afraid of the future? Do you see evil in the days growing worse and worse? There is no one or nothing out of God's governing power. Rest in the fact that the end of history is already written and the Kingdom of God prevails because the King Himself has won the victory.

Let the peace of God reign in your heart—the peace that passes all human understanding. There is nothing God cannot do; He is the "governor among the nations" and there is nothing too difficult for Him. God is in control…He and He alone!

O Sovereign Lord, help me to put my trust in Your governorship over all that concerns me. Remind me moment by moment that there is nothing too difficult for You; that You are Lord, the "governor among the nations." You and You alone! Help me to find peace in knowing You are in control. Because of Jesus and in His name I pray, amen and amen.

"I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed." (Daniel 7:13-14 KJV)

Fear Him in Truth

2009-01-25T20:28:00.001-08:00

"Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you." (1 Samuel 12:24)

The MERCY of God is one attribute that everyone finds easy to live with. If we're honest with ourselves, we often think, "God is merciful, He'll understand" when trying to ease our conscience when faced with a difficult decision. Even those that have not made Jesus Lord of their lives count on God's mercy thinking that He is too "good" to allow them to be eternally separated from Him because they never made a commitment to Him.

The FEAR of God, however, is another story. Our relationship with the Lord is nothing to be taken lightly. It is a serious duty we are called to time and time again throughout scripture. To fear Him is to honor Him, to reverence Him, to count Him worthy of our undivided love and adoration. We must be filled with truth and sincerity, godly conversation, true worship . . . not in show only or in meaningless empty words, but in everything we are, everything we say, and everything we do.

We cannot afford to present ourselves as being divided; as the world looks on they need to see single-mindedness, direction, integrity, love, devotion . . . all attributes that will point them to the Source of our entire being.

Let the world see that we are bound to Him in SERVICE because of all the wonderful things He's done for us . . . we could never hope to repay him through our works, but we are compelled to work for Him because of our love and gratitude.

Fear Him in truth with all your heart.

Father, let me never take for granted Your mercy which You have extended to me through your Son, Jesus Christ. Help me never forget Your benefits. Put a guard over my mouth, Lord, that nothing be said that would rob You of the glory and reverence due Your name. Be with me today, Lord, and help me fear You with every word, act, and deed, with every fiber of my being . . . all honor and glory is yours oh Lord, because of Who You are . . . my God and my King. Amen.

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever." (Psalm 111:10)

Reflecting the Light

2009-01-22T22:28:00.001-08:00

"Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him." (John 9:3)

The thing we desire the most—to please our Heavenly Father, to live a life which stands out as being contrary to the ways of the world. Just as the moon has no light in and of itself, we cannot truly "shine" without reflecting the glory of the Lord in all we say and do. We have no ability to shine on our own; we only reflect the light of the Sun.

The blind man was not responsible for his situation because of any sin in his life. His parents were not held accountable, nor his grandparents, etc. He was blind so the Father could be glorified in his life.

Ask yourself a question: Why am I the way I am? The answer is simple: So the Lord might be glorified through our lives. God, the Creator, in His omniscience, knew exactly what you needed to be in order to complete His plans for all of creation.

The next time you look in the mirror, be sure to understand that God made you to be who you are. Praise Him because you are "fearfully and wonderfully made" in the likeness of His image so He might be glorified in you.

Father, my desire is that You would be glorified in my life, that I would become content in who You made me so I could fulfill Your purposes in my life. Lord, help me to appreciate my uniqueness and to use every one of my shortcomings to bring glory to You in some way. Thank you, Lord, for making me special, after Your image, for Your glory! Amen!

"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me." (John 15:4)

No Greater Name

2009-01-22T06:40:00.001-08:00

"Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:9-11)

Sometimes less is more. Today's thought may be few in words, but the words used hold more than all the words mankind has ever uttered or even thought of! There truly is no MORE—no greater name than the Name of Jesus.

There is no other name by which a sin-sick soul is healed.

There is no other name by which we can be saved!

The Name of Jesus . . . there is no other Name which evokes such authority yet imparts such unspeakable love and mercy!

The Name of Jesus . . . above all other names, above all principalities and above all powers!

The Name of Jesus, that precious Name, will forever be our banner . . . in battle, in victory, in sweet retreat, in triumph!

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus . . . there IS something about that Name!

When doubt or fear overwhelms you, just begin to speak the Name that is above every name . . . the Name of Jesus!

When we think of Jesus our thoughts should be enormous, without boundary, inexhaustible, incomprehensible, unmatchable, and unfathomable.

May today's few words be the richest words you've ever read … the name of Jesus is more than enough! Amen!

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus; there is something special about Your name. As my lips speak forth Your Name, my heart is overjoyed at the awareness of Your presence. Oh, how I love the Name of Jesus; it is as honey on my lips, sweet, pure, and nourishing to my soul. May my mouth ever show forth Thy praise and my heart sing of Thy goodness today and every day, Jesus. Amen!

"By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see." (Acts 3:16 NIV)

Consider His Image

2009-01-19T19:54:00.001-08:00

"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them." (Genesis 1:27)

Please forgive me for my obvious passion for the unborn . . . but with the anniversary for the landmark court decision popularly known as Roe v. Wade this week, I can't think of a better time to explore the value of mankind in the eyes of a Holy and Righteous God.

God created man in His own image. God values human life so much that He made us as the image of Himself. What does that mean? Go look in the mirror. What do you see? You see the image of who you are. You see the image of your person reflecting back at you. This is what God did when He created man—He made man as a reflection of Himself. Before the fall, before sin entered the world, man was the express image of God reflecting Himself. Man was perfect, sinless, and he walked daily with the Lord in the garden. There was nothing separating God from man. Go look in the mirror again – there is nothing separating you from your image. What you see is the exact image of who you are; this is the value God placed on man!

Abortion, the procedure that kills untold millions of unborn children each year, destroys the image of God. Let me say that again . . . abortion destroys the image of God. Abortion says, "The image of God is meaningless to me!" Abortion says, "The image of God is a problem that must be dealt with!" Abortion says, "The image of God is inconvenient and I have no room in my life for the image of God!"

In this country we have an ongoing battle on behalf of the unborn versus those who consider the unborn nothing but a "product of conception". In other countries, things are so much worse. For instance, in Romania 7 out of 8 babies are killed before they are born. In China, a family is allowed only one child and abortion is all too common. A medical missionary to China states that it's not uncommon to find women who have had upwards of thirty abortions because it's being used as birth control.

Cain slew Able and the voice of innocent blood cried out to God (Genesis 4:10). Can you imagine the deafening roar of the blood of the innocents as it cries out from the earth to the Creator? It's a horrible sound that reaches the Throneroom of a Righteous and Just God.

Take some time today. Write your legislators, call your pregnancy center and volunteer, make a plan to somehow make a difference. Get your family involved; teach your children the value of human life. Minister God's love and forgiveness to those who bear the scars of abortion. We can't just sit by and allow this atrocity to continue without stirring up some passion in us to be part of the solution to this worldwide problem. Pray and ask what you can do and then do it.

Father, give me a burden to pray for the unborn like never before. Teach me how to teach my children and loved ones about the value You place on human life. Help me to put action into my passion and use me for Your glory. Give me the opportunity to minister Your forgiveness, love, and mercy to those who bear post-abortion scars. Let me feel Your passion, Father, and give me the courage to get involved. Protect the unborn, Lord, and reveal Your purpose and passion for human life to us all. In Jesus' name and by the power of His might I pray, amen.

"… for in the image of God has God made man."
(Genesis 9:6b)

Three Good Steps

2009-01-18T20:32:00.001-08:00

"But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works." (Psalm 73:28)

Draw nigh to God, put our trust in the Lord, that we may declare His works. Interesting verse.

God's divine order would have it that we first and foremost cultivate our relationship with Him, for without it there is no foundation for trust and there is no passion for the testimony of His works. It is a good thing for man to carefully pursue and secure a relationship with God, above all things. As God draws near to us, we must run to meet Him, thus drawing near to Him. It is not only our duty; it should be our desire to have an ongoing and ongrowing relationship with Him.

The next step, however is putting our trust in the Lord. By putting our trust in the Lord, we proclaim that we will never seek after other gods, we will never prostitute our faith by allowing generic gods to infiltrate our spiritual life. Whom do we serve? Whom do we trust? Whom do we acknowledge in all things? The King of kings and the Lord of lords, the Lord God Almighty. Trust Him with all that is within you and your heart will remain steadfast, never wavering, never seeking after false gods.

Finally, when we have drawn near to Him and placed our trust and faith in Him, a bold declaration of His wondrous works becomes second nature to us. It becomes easy to speak of His goodness and His mercy when we personally have a firm grip on Him.

Next time you feel the urge to testify of God's goodness, go ahead. Boldly witness. Be confident that God will use your testimony to produce fruit in the life (lives) of those with whom you are sharing. Don't hesitate. God is glorified when we declare His works with the boldness that comes from drawing near and putting our trust in Him.

Father, as I consider today's verse, I find that many times I'm distracted and don't take the time to draw near to You as I should. Forgive me, Lord, and help me to change my ways. Help me to build my faith and trust in You so that I can boldly declare Your works to all I come in contact with. Father, I truly want to praise Your name through my words, my deeds, my life . . . that You alone would be glorified! Amen and Amen!

"Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up." (James 4:8-10)

By His Hands, For His Glory

2009-01-15T20:17:00.001-08:00

"O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me." (Psalm 139:1)

Many people have the fear that if they ever revealed to someone what they were really like, that person would reject them. There are many people who go through life thinking there is no way anyone could ever know them intimately and still love them. However, God knows us, better than we know ourselves. And, He loves us more than we could ever imagine!

God is omniscient . . . He is all knowing. And He knows all things about everything, and He knows them perfectly. He knows what we need before we pray. He knows and understands our suffering. He never misunderstands us or anything. We stand naked and open before Him. There is nothing He doesn't know.

Because He is omniscient, we have to remember that His ways are better than our ways. We must trust Him and be obedient to His Word because He knows what is best for us. All that is required of us is total trust and obedience.

Take a few moments today and consider the things that you have hidden away hoping that you won't have to deal with them ever again. God already knows they are there and He wants you to know it's okay; you don't have to hide anything away in the secret recesses of your heart. He has already made a way for you to deal with them. If it is sin, it's under the blood; if it is shame, He's already dealt with it.

If you're hiding shortcomings, He knows all about them. After all, He made you who you are and the way you are—you are fearfully and wonderfully made, by His hands and for His glory.

Are you hiding FROM Him or are you hidden IN Him? Search your heart today.

Pray with me: Father, sometimes it is so hard to comprehend the love You have for us. It's hard for me to understand how You could love me after everything I've done. I stand before You right now and ask You to forgive me for limiting Your power in my life by not acknowledging Your omniscience. Forgive me for hiding from You; help me to live a life hidden IN You. Father, help me to "comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God." (Ephesians 3:18-19) Amen and Amen!

"Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain." (1 Cor 3:18-20)

What About Today's Deposit?

2009-01-14T19:45:00.001-08:00

"So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." (Psalm 90:12)

The Psalmist prayed: "Teach us to make the most of our time, so that we may grow in wisdom."

What do you do with your time? Have you ever stopped to think about how much time you waste doing "nothing"?

Imagine there is a bank that puts in your account $86,400 every morning. If you don't spend it all by that night, the bank will take it away from you. What would you do? You would spend every single penny of that $86,400. Every one of us has a bank account like that; it's called "time". Every morning we are given 86,400 seconds. Every night the balance that we did not spend or invest wisely is written off as a loss. There is no going back, and you can't borrow against tomorrow. Each of us has to live on today's deposit. Most important is that we invest it to get the most out of health, life, service, and ministry.

Since we are at the beginning of a new year, wouldn't it be wise for us to take account of how we spend our time? Are we using it so that we might ultimately "grow in wisdom"? Are we using our time to do service to the Kingdom of God? Are we using our time to grow in faith, to increase our knowledge of Him, and to minister God's grace to all we come in contact with each day? Do we take the time to dedicate each day totally to Him for His use?

Today is the day to examine our lifestyles and our motives. Are we wisely using the gift of "time" that God has given us, or are we wasting it looking for pleasure that is fleeting and will only last for a moment? If we find that we're falling short in wise investments, now is the time to make a quality decision to change. With God's help, your time will become a precious gift you can present as part of your "reasonable service" to Him.

Pray with me: Father, when I look at my days, I find that there is so much time wasted doing things that have no real meaning, that produce no ministry, that are just discarded. Forgive me for wasting such a precious gift as "time". Lord, help me to redeem my wasted time by showing me ways to use my time more wisely, to be a productive Christian, to exhibit a servant's heart in all I do. Lord, I long to live a life pleasing to You: in all I say, in all I do, in every aspect of my life. Thank you, Lord, for showing me how important my time is to You. Amen!

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." (Romans 12:1)

Unconditional, Uncompromising, Unfailing

2009-01-13T19:54:00.001-08:00

"The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee."
(Jeremiah 31:3)

God is love . . . and His love is perfect!

How many times do we doubt God's love for us? If you're like most, every time things go wrong or prayers aren't answered they way we suppose they should, the first thing that goes through our minds is that God must not love us as much as He loves others. This is nothing but a trick of the enemy to blind us to the fact that God's love is not only PERFECT, it is EVERLASTING, it shall NEVER FAIL, it is CONSTANT, it NEVER WAVERS!

Nothing can separate us from the love of God. His love draws us into communion with Him, into an increasingly intimate relationship whereby His love grows within us. He wraps His bands of love around us and draws us closer and closer to Him, very much to His pleasure! The closer we come to Him, the less we will be distracted by this world.

Allow His Spirit to draw you with His bands of love into that "secret place" where you will enjoy His presence beyond measure! And the next time the enemy attempts to tell you that the Lord doesn't love you, simply ignore it and thank the Lord for His unconditional, uncompromising, unfailing love!

God is love, and His love is perfect in every way!

Father, thank you for your perfect love. Thank you that I don't have to fear losing Your love because it is an everlasting, unfailing, unwavering love that you have toward me. Lord, You proved Your love for me through the sacrifice of the Spotless Lamb, Jesus Christ. How could I ask for more? Forgive me for sometimes doubting Your love. I will remember that it is constant; I don't have to earn it, and I cannot lose it. Hallelujah! You are truly awesome and Your love is indeed AMAZING! Amen!

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us." (I John 4:18-19)

An Act of Thanksgiving

2009-01-12T20:24:00.001-08:00

"There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God." (I Samuel 2:2)

Hannah's song of thanksgiving was an awesome testimony of her thankfulness for the gift she had been given. She was barren, prayed for God to bless her with a child, and when He did, she could not contain her praise to Him. She was overcome with joy, and her heart was full of tribute to the Holy One . . . the Lord, God Almighty.

We ought not cease to give praise to our Maker for all He has done for us. Praise is our tribute and we are unjust if we do not pay it. Praise should be continually on our lips for the gift of salvation so full and free.

Hannah's act of thanksgiving was to give the child she so longed for, the thing she valued most, the manifestation of her strongest desire, back to God for His purposes.

How have you shown your praise for all He has done for you? What have you given as a token of your thanksgiving? Think about it. What thing in life do you hold most dear? Could you – would you offer it back to God with a heart full of praise for all God has done for you?

There is none holy as the Lord...He is worthy of ALL our praise!

Holy is the Lord God Almighty; there is none like You in all the earth. My praise is due You for all You have done. But, even if You never do another thing for me, my lips will never cease to give you honor and glory for the precious gift of new life you have given me through the shed blood of Jesus. Lord, as Hannah gave back to You the very thing she loved most, I give to you my life as a tribute to the new life which You have given me. Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord, to thee. Amen!

"But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel."
(Psalm 22:3)

Fear Will Turn the Softest Heart to Stone

2009-01-11T20:23:00.001-08:00

"For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened." (Mark 6:52)

How easy it is to forget! Psalms 103 admonishes us to "forget not all His benefits" yet the disciples, even though they had been with Jesus when the loaves and fishes were multiplied and He fed the thousands, they soon forgot this obvious miracle when fear gripped their hearts in the midst of the storm.

We are so much like the disciples . . . we so soon forget His benefits! We forget the wondrous works He performed yesterday when today's problems seem to grip our hearts! It's almost as if our hearts become hardened because of fear . . . fear will turn the softest heart to stone! Fear is a killer . . . a killer of faith and hope . . . a killer of trust in God's unchanging hand!

The next time you're faced with circumstances beyond your control, quickly turn to God's Word as a testimony of the great things He has done for countless others in the face of danger, heartache, overwhelming circumstances, etc. Then quickly think about His goodness toward you and your family in the recent past and how He worked everything out for your good according to His promises in Romans 8:28, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

Do you love Him . . . are you a part of His purpose on this earth? Then, this promise is to you . . . everything will work together for good! Don't fear, and never forget the work He has already done in your life. Remember the miracles of yesterday and it will be easy to trust Him for His protection today, no matter what the situation is! He's real . . . He changes not . . . He's working on your behalf!

Father, help me remember the testimonies You have built in my life when life's circumstances seem to overwhelm me. Lord, I don't want to forget Your benefits . . . I don't want to appear to have a hardened heart, but I want to hold on to Your unchanging hand! Lord, the things You did yesterday serve only to prove that You will never leave me nor forsake me and that You're working all things together for good because I love You! And, Lord . . . I Love You! Amen!

"Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's."