in God's timing . . . .

As with a breaking of my bones, my enemies reproach me,
While they say to me all day long,
“Where is your God?” Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God. (Psalm 42:10-11)

Discouraged . . . it literally means one's courage has been taken! Well, where does courage or hope come from anyway? 

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)

God gives the believer a peace beyond human understanding in times of distress, uneasiness, and yes, even when facing depressing circumstances! We can do all things through Christ Who gives us strength. We are overcomers! We do have victory! But understand it comes in God's timing . . . not our own!

His words to Joshua stand true today: Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

God knows. He cares. He sees.

The righteous shall rejoice when he sees the vengeance;
He shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked,

So that men will say, “Surely there is a reward for the righteous; Surely He is God who judges in the earth.” (Psalm 58:10-11)

David was upset with those who wronged others . . . Rightly so! However, he left it up to God to deal with them. Though early in this psalm, he asks for harm to come to them, he realizes that vengeance is the Lord's! (Romans 12:19)

Things do not always go right for us. It seems as though the more We do to honor God and do right, the more we lose and those doing evil win! That might be true. However, God knows. He cares. He sees. He will have His justice one day!

That same David also wrote: Wait, I say, on the Lord. (Psalm 27:14) Listen to Jesus from the Sermon on the Mount . . . .

 You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.  For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? (Matthew 5:43-46)

I am locked and loaded and ready to battle with my King! What about you? merely words, but weapons.....continue to FIGHT!

Fellow believers . . . We are at WAR! We cannot hide our heads or keep our eyes shut. We cannot keep quiet any longer. Take up your weapons and right . . . if you truly are in God's army! 
Oh . . . It's time . . . I don't know about you, but I am tired of folks being left behind, lost, and confused by Satan . . . especially our youth! I am locked and loaded and ready to battle with my King! What about you?

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,  and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. (Ephesians 6:10-20)

We have heard these words of Paul before, but they are not merely words, but weapons! So important in fact , that he mentions this warfare again:

 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,  casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.(2 Corinthians 10:3-6)

pressures we face

Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity; For the Lord has heard the voice of my weeping. The Lord has heard my supplication;
The Lord will receive my prayer. Let all my enemies be ashamed and greatly troubled; Let them turn back and be ashamed suddenly. (Psalm 6:8-10)

Many times it seems as though the pressures we face are so intense, as if we were in a raging forest fire unable to see, breathe or even move!  We are unable to recognize the real cause and everything seems to be crashing in upon us. We can't seem to find our way out  . . . yet there IS a way out!

Our minds can play tricks on us and so can Satan! A good way to see trough troubles is to journal . . . write things out. It is exactly what David did. He writes about his struggles, fears, anxieties, loneliness and doubts . . . even about God! He is honest with himself, with God, and with the situation. It helped him process and it can do the same for you and me.

As a result we can step back and really see what is going on in life. Things slow down. We calm down. We can see God at work too. We have a HIS-tory and experience from which to draw. Grab a pen and paper, or a tablet, an iPad, even a phone and start dealing with pressures and allowing God to work through them with you! You are not in this alone!

Accountable to one another . . .

Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.  Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit. Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back,  let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins. (James 5:16-20)

I am indeed my brother and sister's keeper! As James writes above, we are instructed to confess to one another in order to be forgiven, relieved of guilt, and once again be in proper fellowship with God and one another!

There is much to be said of a relationship that can be opened and honest enough to share both strengths and weaknesses. We can learn from one another and hold one another accountable. Boy is this missing today . . . all over society! Listen to Solomon:

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.

For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up.(Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)

Let's begin to care and be acountable for one another. Care for our soul and the souls of others! Eternity rests upon it!!!!

Special!

For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb.

I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.

My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,  and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.
And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them. How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! (Psalm 139:13-17)

You and I are SPECIAL! No matter what anyone may say or do, God said it and we must believe it! God hand- made us and set out our life. Now if we only believe it and follow it!

Though we all face trials, tests, and struggles, we can and will overcome them victoriously! How . . . by trusting God and His designed plans! (Proverbs 3:5-6, Jeremiah 29:11) Anxious moments and worrisome plans are part of life but God wired us to be successful in and through these times. (Psalm 23:1-6)

If we just trust how God has made us . . .to OVERCOME fears and anxieties, not to allow them to consume us! We are special-made for special times! So go do some special things!

He cares for you

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 5:6-11)

What if you carried all your worries, stress, and anxiety around with you every day in a backpack. It would be much like an athlete running with a 20-30 pound weighted vest! Upcoming tests, interviews, meetings, deadlines, family illnesses,  disagreements, monies due . . . do we really think God is not aware of these issues in our lives?

He cares! He cares deeply for you and me! He does not want us to carry these burdens alone. He is personal. He knows us intimately. After all, He made us!!!!

I challenge you to write out you concerns and all your heavy burdens. Read them aloud to God and lay them down . . . at the cross, in your bible, or better yet, toss them in the trash! He's got this!

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

                    https://images.app.goo.gl/y2eqR7dSUZ4dsKCH6

life happens

Better is a little with righteousness, than vast revenues without justice. A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.              (Proverbs 16:8-9)

Decisions . . . Decisions . . . Decisions! Making plans . . . changing your mind . . . moving in another directions . . . new opportunities . . . sudden unexpected occurrences. Life is loaded with decisions, choices, and plans! Yet life happens in the middle of it all.

However, the Christ follower need not worry, stress or fear life's decisions. We make our best decisions based upon prayer, Godly advice and careful thought. Then we courageously trust God!

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;  and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus... (Philippians 4:6-7)

Groaning lately?

For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.(Romans 8:22-28)

Have you heard a whole lot of grumbling and groaning lately?  It's ok to groan, if it for the right reason! Oh, we groan about politics, about family and about finances. Kids groan about parents, their school work, their teachers, and their friends and relationships. Paul writes here that even nature groans . . . but for the right reason . . . in hope for the coming Savior!

Rather than groan about things of this world, which we know is getting worse and worse, why not groan with the Spirit as we read above? Groan for the things of God . . . run after His will for us and others. As we agree with God and seek His will, we will not be as concerned for the things which are passing away!

Matthew 24 reminds us that this world is winding down. . . .that things are getting worse. But there is Good News: it gets better . . . but after this world is gone! To those of us who love the Lord and are called, we can look forward with a hope and a purpose!

Jesus would say, "One, two three . . . all eyes on me!"

Things are NOT getting any better!

Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad. The righteous should choose his friends carefully, For the way of the wicked leads them astray. (Proverbs 12:25-26)

Bad days happen, let's face it! Bad things happen to good people all the time. We live in a world with sinners like ourselves but not everyone will admit it or care to change. Our earth itself is winding down as well. (Matthew 24:4-14)

Things are NOT getting any better, despite what scientists, doctors, and others may say. We will not live forever and neither will this earth. The only thing that can be saved is the soul!

By the way, what is the condition of your soul today?

Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) 

Jesus first!

Then a certain scribe came and said to Him, “Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go.” And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” Then another of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father. ”But Jesus said to him, “Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.” (Matthew 8:19-22)

I was reminded of my priorities SONday. Jesus was and is speaking very plainly in Matthew' writings, though it seemed very bit as confusing then as it does now. Jesus first! 

If we are to follow Jesus, it has to be all in or nothing at all. If we want to follow Him, like Him we should not be seeking worldly possessions or acclaim. He had no home. He had no possessions. He trusted God the Father to supply in every situation . . . in the wilderness, at a wedding feast, and upon the cross! Jesus was simply reiterating His earlier words:

 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (Matthew 6:33)

 Our heart, soul and mind must be fixed upon Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. (Hebrews 12:2) He must be our first, our only priority! He will take care of the basics!

Today, He just might say, "Trust me . . . Don't sweat the small stuff!"

Be blessed . . . . Happy . . . . HOLY!

Be blessed . . . . Happy . . . . HOLY!

Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;

But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and night.

He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.(Psalm 1:1-3)

 While the world may consider blessed to mean lucky, fortunate, or well-to-do, the bible translates blessed to mean happy! Blessed can also mean consecrated or holy, as in our Blessed Savior.

That being said, the verses above from the psalmist, give us some plain advice on being blessed, happy and thus HOLY!

• Listen to Godly advice
• Don't make it a habit to hang out with the wrong crowd (sinners)
• Take time in God's Word
• Focus upon it daily
• Be satisfied and content with what God provides.
  

In a day and age when everyone is looking for the perfect plan for success . . . for the believer, here it is! Here's to a blessed, happy, and HOLY life!

He was, is and always will be REAL!

Faith is a walk in the light....not a leap into darkness. It is placing complete trust in someone or something . . . in this case The Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was born, was crucified, and overcame death and the grave for anyone who places their trust in Him. He was, is and always will be REAL! I believe. Do you? 

Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.” And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Have you placed your complete trust in the One Who lives, yet died for you and me? Who else do you know who would willingly die for a stranger . . . the enemy? (Romans 5:8) Jesus would do it and did do it . . . even if it had been for just one . . . just for me . . . just for you!

Will you commit today to live for Him?

91:1....9-11 Peculiar numbers for a peculiar day

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.” (Psalm 91:1-2)

Peculiar numbers for a peculiar day . . . 9-11 . . . 9-1-1 . . . 91:1.

8:46 a.m. and 9:37 a.m. are times etched in the hearts and minds of so many. As we remember a most infamous day in our HIStory and honor those who served, sacrificed and are still suffering from the aftermath, we also call upon Him in Whom we place our ultimate trust.

In the wake of 9-11-01, I and many others can vividly recall the very moments we heard the reports and saw the videos. Many of you were in NY, DC, VA and PA that morning. Some have horrifying experiences of the actual events as they served in the aftermath or went through the horrific ordeal personally. Some even experience guilt because they could have or should have been there!

I pray for and yet honor each of you this day and in the days to come. You are heroes all!

Psalm 91:1 became a rallying cry for many in the many days following . . . in private services and yes, even in nationally publicized prayer and memorial services. However, as we have undoubtedly moved on, (and we must) let's never forget the One Who yet still is our refuge and fortress. Even as nations constantly monitor for threats, our only real security lies with our Rock, our Redeemer, our King amid Soon-Coming-Lord of all the armies! He is still God and we have eternal security in Him!

Never forget the day. Never forget the lives lost. Never forget the lives still with hearts left void. NEVER forget the God Who saves and shelters us yesterday, today and forevermore!

Worries. . . Anxieties . . . Fears . . .

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:6-9)

Worries. . . Anxieties . . . Fears . . . We create them and only we can fix them. However, we as Christ followers are not alone in this battle! What sets us apart from the world when it comes to worries and fears? It is our relationship with the One Who controls it all . . . God the Holy Spirit lives within us and joins with us in life's struggles!

In the world, yes we will have troubles. (John 16:33) Yet we read that worry will get us nowhere. (Matthew 6:27) So the answer is also in scripture.

Think on . . .meditate upon . . .  keep focusing on what we know to be true about God and His Word! After all, the world and its worries are temporary! There is MORE to life than this world! Trust in the promises of God rather than the lies of this world!