THE Indescribable Gift

 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! (2 Corinthians 9:15)

Have you ever tried to describe the best gift you ever received? As a child, maybe it was that toy truck under the tree that CHRISTmas morning. . . . the one you heard Santa putting together on Christmas Eve while you were sleeping.Perhaps it was the special Barbie or the life-like baby doll. For adults, it has to be the birth of that first child, or perhaps even the miracle baby! Whatever it may be, it was indescribable at the time! 

Well, concerning our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, have we forgotten just how special a gift He was, is and will always be? Has He lost His glitter and newness, like that childhood toy? Have we stuffed Him away in a box only to bring Him out for old-times-sake?

As we look back on CHRISTmases past as especial during this Covid-19 CHRISTmas, let's not forget the indescribable gift from God, Jesus Christ, Immanuel, God with us! He is the Lamb of God Who takes away your sin and mine . . .if we only believe and accept the indescribable gift!

GOD supplies every day!

 

 . . . speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 

always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 5:19-20)

Yes, we all gather around the table (or the games) and say what we are thankful for this year. Unfortunately, some do not even mention God as they thank the nurses, the doctors, the employers, the neighbors, etc. All well and good, but GOD supplies all the people and the resources every day!

So we are over Thanksgiving and now looking forward to CHRISTmas . . .yes CHRIST-mas! He still supplies all to us, according to His riches in glory!

While I pray for healing, jobs, the economy, and all to get back to some sense of normalcy, I pray the most for God to be blessed, for me to give Him what He is due, for the Church to be BOLD and be HEARD and SEEN, and for our Nation to repent and turn back toward Him as well.

Then, only then, can God Bless America! Thank You God for not giving up and still being merciful even in this time! Your grace is still sufficient!

Is God the God of all times or only when we need Him?

Is God the God of all times or only when we need Him?

May the Lord who gives peace give you peace at all times and in every way. May the Lord be with all of you.(2 Thessalonians 3:16)

 

Why do we expect God to answer us like a magical genie when we only call upon Him when we need Him? Do we not realize He is the Source of all resources? Yet we rely upon jobs, money, credit, friends, even the government for much of our needs, until they run out . . .then we call upon God! 

At Thanksgiving, with all the challenges we face in 2020, is it not time to place our faith in the Source of all things?

When you have time, take a listen to Dr. Tony Evans .  . . . a passionate voice during such challenging times!

https://youtu.be/-51FIFgX6WI

Be thankful . . .we have hope!

Thanksgiving 2020 . . . there has been a lot of struggles in 2020. What do we have to be thankful for this year?

It may sound trivial, but if we are breathing, we should be thankful. Many today are having trouble getting air into their lungs and many have stopped breathing altogether and lost their lives in 2020!  

If we still have a job we should be thankful as many have been laid off or let go for good in 2020.

If we still have a place to stay and food to eat, maybe not our favorite food but food nonetheless, than we need to be thankful. Many people are going hungry daily and some forced to live on the streets.

If we are going to school . . . even if it is virtual, we need to be thankful for all those who have made it possible.

If we have been blessed to not have contracted COVID-19, or even had it and survived, we need to be thankful.

Even if we have lost loved ones, yet hold on to life eternal with Jesus Christ, then we indeed need to be thankful!

If we have a church whose doors are opened and we can worship as a Body, then we need to be thankful!

Be thankful . . .yes be thankful. For those of us who know Christ, we have hope. We have hope in tomorrow. Hope that things will change. Hope that God cares. Hope that even in the midst of a pandemic, we can praise God and thank Him for what we do have and not dwell upon what we do not. We have a suffering Savior Who knows all our troubles and carries all of our burdens.

Good things will come......

 

Even in the darkness light shines on honest people.
    It shines on those who are kind and tender and godly.
5 Good things will come to those who are willing to lend freely.
    Good things will come to those who are fair in everything they do.
6 Those who do what is right will always be secure.
    They will be remembered forever.
7 They aren’t afraid when bad news comes.
    They stand firm because they trust in the Lord.
8 Their hearts are secure. They aren’t afraid.
    In the end they will see their enemies destroyed.
9 They have spread their gifts around to poor people.
    Their good works continue forever. (Psalm 112:4-9)

Yes, we are in challenging times. Yes, things seem a bit uneasy and unsure. What will tomorrow bring? God knows. He encourages us not to worry about tomorrow, (Matthew 6:33-34) but to seek Him first in all situations. We are to trust in Him! (Proverbs 3:4-6)

Even in the most challenging of days, we are to remain doing good . . . sharing what we have with others . . . . caring for the less fortunate . . . treating others justly with compassion and empathy! 

This is not the time to retreat as a CHRISTian, but to step up, step out and SERVE!

 

God’s goodness

 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever” (Psalm 107:1)

If you look up verses about thanksgiving in the Bible, there is actually only one reason given to thank the Lord . . . God’s goodness. Regardless of the situation, His goodness is enough for us. Whether we live in a homeless shelter and have nothing or live in a five bedroom home with all the luxuries, His goodness toward us is always worth giving thanks. 

However, sometimes our life experiences convince us otherwise. We have to be convinced of God’s goodness.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose”.(Romans 8:28) 

If we fail to believe that God is nothing but good to us then we can’t truly give thanks to him. Let's allow God into the places in our lives that we feel He has failed us and let him heal those parts of our hearts. If we believe God is always good and always working, then there are always things to for which to be thankful.

As Thanksgiving approaches. . . a rather strange Thanksgiving at that. . . remember that God is still good!

Without hope? Lord, RISE UP!

 The Lord is known to be fair by the things he does.

    Evil people are trapped by what they have done.

Sinful people go down to the place of the dead.
    So do all the nations that forget God.

But God will never forget needy people.
    The hope of those who are hurting will never die.

Lord, rise up. Don’t let people win the battle.
    Let the nations come to you and be judged.

Lord, strike them with terror.
Let the nations know they are only human beings.(Psalm 9:16-20)

Here we are, stuck in neutral it seems as a Nation. We seem to have gone backwards concerning the pandemic.  Our politics are in a state of confusion. Many people are running in fear getting tested for an illness for which they have no symptoms! With the Holydays approaching, many are still without jobs, without money and food, and without hope!

Well, as the psalmist wrote, those who forget God will be in need alright . . .in need of Him! Nations without God will suffer now and eternally! However, God will never forget those who cry out to Him in need! (Psalm 9:18) 

Lord, RISE UP! Revive us! Use us to meet other's needs as You meet ours. Let the lost see Your works and seek after You!

Lord, RISE UP

 

Giving from our own very need . . .

Sinful people borrow and don’t pay back. But those who are godly give freely to others. The Lord will give the land to those he blesses. But he will destroy those he curses. The Lord makes secure the footsteps of the person who delights in him, even if that person trips, he won’t fall.  The Lord’s hand takes good care of him. I once was young, and now I’m old. But I’ve never seen godly people deserted.  I’ve never seen their children begging for bread. The godly are always giving and lending freely.  Their children will be a blessing. Turn away from evil and do good.  Then you will live in the land forever.(Psalm 37:21-27)

How should those who know Christ act in such trying times? It is clear here in Psalm 37. We are to be generous and give freely without complaint. We cannot be selfish with so many in need. In fact, giving from our own very need will bring blessings.  

Recently, our after-school missions club led a drive to collect food for a few families in need within our school community. In less than a week's notice, they gathered enough turkeys, veggies, snacks, gift cards, cash, and more, not simply for a Thanksgiving meal, but food for several days! This is a great encouragement to me that people still desire to give . . . even when times are challenging! The psalmists wrote that the Godly are always giving and lending freely. They do it without groaning or complaining. It is a sign of faith that God will provide as we give. 

In these times of challenge and uncertainty, never stop giving, assisting, lending, or praying. As a missionary serving with my wife for twenty-three years now, we know God is able . . . Do you?

 

Here we go again!

 

Whoever rests in the shadow of the Most High God will be kept safe by the Mighty One. I will say about the Lord, “He is my place of safety. He is like a fort to me. He is my God. I trust in him.” He will certainly save you from hidden traps and from deadly sickness. He will cover you with his wings. Under the feathers of his wings you will find safety. He is faithful. He will keep you safe like a shield or a tower. You won’t have to be afraid of the terrors that come during the night. You won’t have to fear the arrows that come at you during the day. You won’t have to be afraid of the sickness that attacks in the darkness. You won’t have to fear the plague that destroys at noon. A thousand may fall dead at your side. Ten thousand may fall near your right hand. But no harm will come to you. (Psalm 91:1-7)

 Here we go again! We have to go back to even tighter restrictions due to another Covid-19 outbreak. We beg for a cure . . . a vaccine . . . a relief of some kind. We have had enough of this pandemic! Yet we as believers have something others do not!

God says He will protect us! He will certainly save you from hidden traps and from deadly sickness. As believers in the Creator God as Lord and Savior, we have more than a vaccine or drug . . . we have HIM! The worse thing to happen to us is death . . . and even that is victory! 

Rather than scream and plead for the government or scientists to hurry up with a vaccine, why not calm down, quiet down and seek God for peace and confidence? Why not trust in the One who created it all and is in control of it all to have His way in our lives and in the process of His timing? 

I realize it can be challenging. It can be frustrating. But in terms of eternity, time is on our side! Read the above verses again . . . We do not have to fear! We do not have to be afraid!

The Kingdom Come!

As believers, are we truly seeking God's Kingdom here on earth? Are we bringing His Kingdom and His policies to those who need to see and hear God, not political rhetoric and socially accepted opinions and beliefs? Are we Kingdom citizens or earthly inhabitants? In this case, the zip code of one's permanent residence really does dictate one's future!😔 

Now I tell you again with tears in my eyes. Many people live like enemies of the cross of Christ. The only thing they have coming to them is death. Their stomach is their god. They brag about what they should be ashamed of. They think only about earthly things.  But we are citizens of heaven. And we can hardly wait for a Savior from there. He is the Lord Jesus Christ. He has the power to bring everything under his control.(Philippians 3:18-21)

See Dr. Tony Evans' viewpoint. Don't blame me . . .take it up with God! https://youtu.be/d8zhVOl3zxI

The souls of Americans . . .

 

But you are the only true God. You are the only living God. You are the King who rules forever. When you are angry, the earth trembles with fear. The nations can’t stand up under your anger. (Jeremiah 10:10)

 Even after a full week, the U.S. is still at odds debating who won and who lost . . . . local and national elections. Well, I have good news . . .God is still in charge! He always wins because He is God!

While many throw around His name and title, few seem to embrace His position and authority. God is not out to get our votes, He wants our hearts and souls. Yes, He wants the souls of Americans, but also the Asians, the Africans, the Irish, the Jews, and everyone else. (Matthew 10:28, Matthew 22:37, Mark 8:36, Romans 12:2)

If we want to change the soul of America, it must start with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:7) and accepting things on His terms. We all will stand before Him one and all votes will be counted! 

What about you? Have you cast your vote?

So accountable . . . be like us or like us?

 

Jesus also gave them another example. He asked, “Can a blind person lead another blind person? Won’t they both fall into a pit? The student is not better than the teacher. But everyone who is completely trained will be like their teacher. (Luke 6:39-40)

Jesus is sharing with His disciples here in Luke 6 what is required for His followers. He is challenging them to be different than the rest . . . Similar to Matthew's writings (Matthew 5-6), Luke's are thought to be his recordings of Jesus' "Sermon on the Mount" or His later comments after coming down from the mountain. Either way, Jesus is letting His followers know the characteristics of the believer.

The words from Luke 6:39-40 remind me as a parent/teacher/coach/mentor that I am so accountable for the students under me. I must study and research first before teaching. I must also practice what I preach! However, before studying or teaching, I must have a heart for the kids! The old saying is true, people (kids) don't care how much you know until the know how much you care!

May I add that today's young people also want to see that you live out what you teach! They want to see that your walk adds up to your talk. It is a blessing for a parent to hear that their child has grown up to be just like them. Imagine the joy when a teacher hears that a student reminds them of the teacher . . . in character, speech, and heart! They may not have liked us much when we coached or taught them, but they now practice what they learned! They have become like us.

Are we modeling Christ-like character for our youth? Do our actions back up our words? Do we want our kids to be like us or just like us? There is a difference!

“Where is your faith?”

 As they sailed, Jesus fell asleep. A storm came down on the lake. It was so bad that the boat was about to sink. They were in great danger. The disciples went and woke Jesus up. They said, “Master! Master! We’re going to drown!” He got up and ordered the wind and the huge waves to stop. The storm quieted down. It was completely calm.

“Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples. They were amazed and full of fear. They asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the waves, and they obey him.” (Luke 8:23-25)

 Are things a bit stormy in your life at this time? How about in our culture? We don't quite know what to expect with the next day's news at this point. With the virus, politics, approaching holidays . . .

The disciples were in great danger in the middle of a storm and raging seas yet Jesus was sleeping in the boat! They yelled for Jesus. He woke up, demanded the storm to cease, and asked a simple question: “Where is your faith?” We do not see a response to the question, just another question.

Have you ever asked the question the disciples asked: “Who is this?" Who is this Jesus? If we truly know and trust Jesus, even in the middle of the storm, He is right here. Call Him! He can calm the storm. He can calm everything if He chooses. Yet He can also allow the storm to rage and simply calm you and me! 

In the middle of these stormy days, we can call on Jesus to calm us even if the craziness rages on . . .Rest in Him!

The gates of hell will never prevail against His Church!

Lord, your word lasts forever. It stands firm in the heavens.
90 You will be faithful for all time to come. You made the earth, and it continues to exist.
91 Your laws continue to this very day, because all things serve you. (Psalm 119: 89-91)

 Election 2020 . . .the dust has settled. Results are finally tricking in. Despite the politicians still talking, I am concerned with us . . .the folks who say we love God and believe scriptures, well until we come face to face with real issues!

Does President -Elect Joe Biden realize what he said the other night? "God loves you all. May God bless America and may God protect our church."

The gates of hell will never prevail against His Church! Yet some who profess to know Christ are compromising with the world and are twisting Scripture to suit their lifestyle. Many side with Democrats or Republicans, Socialists or Libertarians, Liberals or Conservatives.  

We must be better than that! We must get to know Scripture to watch out for false teachers to stand firm in the word of God. We must stand up to wrong and honor God! The devil will continually try to tempt us, but we must put on the full armor of God. 

Our Christian life will be an ongoing battle against sin. We must not become discouraged. We must continually renew our minds. We must never give in, compromise, or even change the TRUTH! 

It is God Who rules and over-rules and holds each of us accountable. He can use anyone at any time. Keep praying . . .keep standing!

God Omnipotent reigns!

The Lord rules forever.
    He has set up his throne so that He can judge people.
8 He rules the world in keeping with what is right.
    He judges all its people fairly.
9 The Lord is a place of safety for those who have been treated badly.
    He keeps them safe in times of trouble.
10 Lord, those who know you will trust in you.
    You have never deserted those who look to you. (Psalm 9:7-10)

When Abraham Lincoln was assassinated in 1865, future President James Garfield happened to be visiting in New York. Known as one of the president’s closest friends and most trusted political and military advisors, he was implored by city officials to address the agitated throngs that had gathered in the streets. He climbed aloft a scaffold and somehow won the crowd’s attention. He simply said, “My fellow citizens, the president is dead, but the republic lives — and God Omnipotent reigns.” To the astonishment of all, the mob quietly and quickly dispersed.

When the Nation was in sudden transition in 1865, the future President stood tall and proclaimed ,  "God Omnipotent reigns!" He still reigns today . . .as He did when David wrote these words. Charles Spurgeon's Treasury of David reads this way concerning verse 8: Whatever earthly courts may do, heaven's throne ministers judgment in uprightness. Partiality and respect of persons are things unknown in the dealings of the Holy One of Israel. How the prospect of appearing before the impartial tribunal of the Great King should act as a check to us when tempted to sin, and as a comfort when we are slandered or oppressed. 

God still reigns. He still rules. He still protects! This is a promise, a warning, and a comfort!

I wanted My name to become known everywhere on earth.

 What should we say then? Is God unfair? Not at all!  He said to Moses,

“I will have mercy on whom I have mercy.
    I will show love to those I love."(Exodus 33:19)

 So it doesn’t depend on what people want or what they do. It depends on God’s mercy. In Scripture, God says to Pharaoh, “I had a special reason for making you king. I decided to use you to show my power. I wanted My name to become known everywhere on earth.” (Exodus 9:16) So God does what he wants to do. He shows mercy to one person and makes another stubborn. (Romans 9:14-18)

What is going on in our Nation . ..our world? No one really knows but God! Yet for those of us who call Jesus Christ our Lord, Savior and soon-coming-King, we trust Him alone. We do not trust in kings, armies or other weapons, but we trust in the sovereignty of God. We may not always understand it, yet we trust Him! I urge you to read all of Romans 9. Paul writes to allow folks to understand a bit better the ups and downs of life in this world. He is willing to enter hell for the sake of his people, the Jews. (Romans 9:1-4) Yet they rejected Christ! Today, I am so passionate to see believers embrace His Word and make Kingdom decisions rather than the popular ones or even the politically correct ones. So many professed believers are signing on with this party or joining that movement or attending one function or another, taking sides with the red or blue . . .even purple. Yet for the disciple of Christ, there is only one side . . .His!

It is not for us to always know why, but we always should know WHO! Our role on earth as His people is to make Him known to all. Can we do that . . . so that some may be saved? (1 Corinthians 9:22)

A very simple faith . . .despite things!

 

May the God who gives hope fill you with great joy. May you have perfect peace as you trust in him. May the power of the Holy Spirit fill you with hope. (Romans 15:13)

Very simple faith . . .despite the uncertainty, despite the uneasiness . . .despite the nervousness . . .despite the uncounted votes . . .I have perfect peace! 

What about you? 

 More people that ever seem to have voted this election, either very early or even last evening. Still, the vote is not in . . . perhaps not until the end of the week. Lots of folks are a bit uneasy and uncertain. 

Who will win? What will happen? Where will we go from here? All questions have already been answered . . .YES they have!

God wins always. He will remain in control. It's up to the individual wear we will go from here . . .heaven or hell! 

I have this confidence and peace from His Word, which I trust above all words and promises. (Romans 8:16, Psalm 23:4, Hebrews 12:28, Philippians 1:6, John 10:28, Ephesians 4:30)

So relax. We have done our duty. Allow God to know do His . . . .♱

It is about HIM, not them or us!

 “He is the God who made the world. He also made everything in it. He is the Lord of heaven and earth. He doesn’t live in temples built by human hands.  He is not served by human hands. He doesn’t need anything. Instead, He himself gives life and breath to all people. He also gives them everything else they have.  From one man he made all the people of the world. Now they live all over the earth. He decided exactly when they should live. And He decided exactly where they should live. God did this so that people would seek him. And perhaps they would reach out for Him and find him. They would find Him even though He is not far from any of us. ‘In Him we live and move and exist.’ As some of your own poets have also said, ‘We are his children.’ “Yes, we are God’s children. So we shouldn’t think that God is made out of gold or silver or stone. He isn’t a statue planned and made by clever people.  In the past, God didn’t judge people for what they didn’t know. ➣But now He commands all people everywhere to turn away from their sins.  He has set a day when He will judge the world fairly. He has appointed a Man to be its judge. God has proved this to everyone by raising that Man from the dead.” (Acts 17: 24-31)

Ok . . .the day has arrived! It is Election Day 2020. This will no doubt be a day to change our world and the way we see it. However, it is NOT about us or them, who wins and loses, but about HIM!

Paul reminded the Greek philosophers of his day that there was Someone above the statues and gods they served and worshipped. This "unknown god" was God Almighty . . . the One Who rules and overrules this world! There is Someone over our government. He alone decides who wins and loses, and how long we will even exist. He allows us to participate in His creation through activities like voting. However, we as KINGDOM CITIZENS must be aware that we are to be voting for His agendas and policies, not people and parties!

God chose me long before I was even conceived, as He did all His children. Question today is: Have we chosen Him? 

  

Partner With God

 . . .until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes. The command to leave the stump of the tree with its roots means that your kingdom will be restored to you when you acknowledge that Heaven rules. Therefore, Your Majesty, be pleased to accept my advice: Renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed. It may be that then your prosperity will continue.”  . . . . At the same time that my sanity was restored, my honor and splendor were returned to me for the glory of my kingdom. My advisers and nobles sought me out, and I was restored to my throne and became even greater than before. Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just.And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.(Daniel 4:25-27,36-37)

“Kingdom voting is the opportunity and responsibility of committed Christians to partner with God by expanding His rule in society through civil government,” Evans explained. “It’s only to the degree that you include God’s person and God’s policies in society through civil government — as He defines it, not as you prefer it — that we can begin to see healing in the Church so that it can be modeled in the culture.The further God is removed from the life of an individual, from the life and definition of a family, form the life and definition of the Church, from the life and definition of the citizenry of a society, the more chaotic those entities become.” (Dr. Tony Evans)

Looking various scriptures the past few weeks and just yesterday at these verses concerning at the Kingdom of Babylon,  I see some clear instructions concerning our upcoming National election. I pray you too are seeking scriptures and God's guidance!