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Dec

14

Word made flesh

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What a marvelous mystery that God would condescend to earth…but to come here in the form of a baby who grew to be a man and live among us is astounding.

He left paradise for this? Is not his glory far too superior?

The mystery of it all is that he was here from the beginning of all time. The word in John 1:1 declares, “For in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” We know that the “Word” is referring to Jesus himself.

How unfathomable to comprehend the path that Jesus took to reconcile us to the Father. His obedience to the Father is mind blowing. The ways of our Lord certainly are not our ways, and the more we dwell in his word and contemplate his birth, the more we can appreciate the sacrifice of the suffering servant, who came to fulfill his father’s will—to save the lost and dying.

In you’re still searching…still looking…still seeking whatever it is you’re looking for…remember that all you need began with the birth of a savior. His name is Jesus.

Dec

05

Rejoice and be glad!

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 When struggles and trials seem bent on grabbing your soul to squeeze out your joy, rejoice in the Lord and count it all joy as the book of James states. Is it easy? It depends. Doable? Yes, absolutely.

When you rise in the morning and lie down at night and are consumed by personal struggles that plague you, count it all joy. Why? You have the Lord! Your trials and temptations are the chisel which conforms you to be more like Jesus…to make you stronger. Let Him do a good work in you by faithfully keeping your mind on Him.

The worldly panaceas offering relief from the cares and burdens are available in abundance, but they are only temporary crutches and don’t solve anything. For the children of God, the ones Christ calls his brethren, our solace is met at the cross. We don’t need artificial stimulants; they only make the issues worse.

The world is a battlefield for control of our mind. The combat skirmishes will always be here until we’re promoted to heaven, but there is assurance that in Him, our battles are already won. Our deliverance is met in Jesus. Rejoice, he’s on the throne! We are more than conquerors because of Him.

Nov

28

Are you on the right path?

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When traveling, vacationing, or just visiting a new place, knowing where you’re going will often save time and keep you on the right track.

In the course of our lives, there are so many paths to take while on this planet. As we walk, we’ll find the lust of the flesh, lust of the eye, and the pride of life do not stop once we are saved. In fact, these temptations often appear stronger when we’re walking with the Lord.

When confronted with any kind of situation where you think you’ve got it covered, how many times the wrong decision was made simply because we thought we knew best?

Walking with the Lord is not a set of arbitrary rules and regulations to keep us boxed in; rather, it is relationship tethered by a mutual love and bond fostered through the power of the Holy Spirit—our helper. It’s a commitment to God, and out of our love for him, we walk according to his precepts.

If we seek Him first…put His way above our own way, and trust in Him as we would our dearest friend, then He will lead us on the path we’re supposed to travel.

If you’re ever in doubt as to which way to go, remember, the road map is as close as your faith walk with God.

My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside – Job 23:11

 

Nov

20

The bounty is Christ

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When we stop to think about all that we’ve been blessed with as believers, having Jesus as our Lord and Savior is at the top of our list…our fruitful bounty. Everything else is but a garnish.

In America, our blessings are so abundant that even the poor are considered rich compared with many other nations around the globe. The word tells us in 1 Timothy 6:8 that if we have food and raiment, we should be content.

While gathered together with family and friends to enjoy food and fellowship this Thanksgiving holiday, let’s also take time to remember the ones who are suffering for their beliefs and pray God would abundantly bless them with his peace and provision.

With thanksgiving in their hearts, the early settlers gave praise and honor to the Lord for many things, most notably, a liberal harvest. William Bradford wrote:

“…And afterwards the Lord sent them such seasonable showers, with interchange of fair, warm weather as, through His blessing, caused a fruitful and liberal harvest, to their no small comfort and rejoicing. For which mercy, in time convenient, they also set apart a day of thanksgiving… By this time harvest was come, and instead of famine, now God gave them plenty … for which they blessed God.” 

May your Thanksgiving be a joyous reminder of all that is Jesus!

Nov

14

He will lead us

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As believers, we attempt to walk a path that is pleasing to the Lord. So far, in America our path to worship is still protected. We may have our struggles, and trials, but often our issues pale in comparison to what our brethren around the globe are facing. Their actual lives are often on the line.

Living for Jesus is not the world’s primary interest. To be one with God and walk the straight and narrow path is the opposite of what the world endorses. Live your best life today for tomorrow you may die is their mantra.

In the midst of David’s persecution, he sought the high road by seeking God’s path in Psalm 27 while dodging the enemies surrounding him, who wished to do him harm. Such as it is with the persecuted Christians around the world who suffer for their faith by the enemies of God.

In the midst of spiritual warfare, we join our hearts in prayer  while keeping in mind Matthew 5:44, “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…” and Romans 12:14, “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.” 2 Timothy 3:12 says, “…all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted…”

Although all of us who claim the name of Jesus will be victimized to some degree, we know our Lord remembers our frames and will not allow us to suffer beyond what we are able to bear through His strength working inside us. May those suffering servants around the world feel God’s grace poured out on them today, and may his spirit carry them into tomorrow.

Nov

07

Be Strong in the Lord

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Our nation was established to be under God always. The land of the free and home of the brave is the only one of its kind and was established first and foremost on the principle that only God holds the reins of power.

 On Veteran’s Day this week, we salute the courageous men and women who fought to preserve our nation and its sovereignty. America is fortunate to have a unique position in the world through the sacrifice of so many patriots, who’ve bled and died defending America’s liberty. One nation, under God, indivisible…

There’s another who gave up his life sacrificially and shed his blood for our liberty. Jesus committed the highest act of sacrificial love for not just America but for the world. He came to earth from his heavenly home to bridge the gap between his father and sinful man. His battlefield was the cross, and he died there to pay the high cost of our sins in order that we may have freedom and liberty in Him forever.

Thank you, Vets, for your strength and bravery. Thank you, Lord, for your selflessness in battling the war we could never fight alone. To God be the glory!

Oct

30

His all-sufficient grace

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Moses stuttered. Apostle Paul had vision issues. Jacob had a limp, and Leah was deemed ugly. Not to mention the sufferings of Job, John the Baptist, Joseph, Jeremiah…the list goes on…and there’s plenty more examples of less-than-perfect lives and life situations in the Bible. So many figures have suffered in the flesh, and yet the Lord used them mightily for his plans and purposes.

Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians that he’d rather boast in his weakness, so that the power of Christ can abide in him. Why? Because then he can be made perfect through the Almighty’s strength since his own efforts inevitably fail.

    To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.  Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.  But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong ~ Apostle Paul, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

How often do we believe things could sometimes be different in our lives…when we are just not satisfied or pleased with our lot in life…either with the way the Lord has made us or the cross we have to bear? We can compare ourselves with others and bemoan, or we can be filled with gratitude that the Lord has created us in His image and loves us beyond our imagination.

Oct

24

God’s ultimate protection

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Unfortunately, we know all too well about the hazards of life…the rough terrains, along with the unexpected pitfalls and fiery darts that can knock us down as we navigate our way around this big, spinning rock we call Earth. But God’s word tells us:

“All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose” ~ Romans 8:28

In a world where life is so much of a battlefield between good and evil, it’s comforting to know we have an advocate who can protect us. He’s no ordinary comrade or friend who has your back. He’s more than that. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the Rock of Ages, the Name Above All Names. God is our fortress and strength and a “very present help in times of trouble.”

The Almighty God and Creator of the universe wants to have a personal one-on-one with each of us as we travel through life. He wants to be our shield and deliverer. What better way to go than to yield our lives to Him—our creator—to find the ultimate direction? Like a father, he will withhold no good thing from his children. Even above and beyond the most sophisticated GPS system, God knows the better route to go.

Though we may encounter tribulation and trials, one after the other, the wise man sees beyond the storms of life, knowing God is in the midst of every suffering and is not immune to the cares and worries of those who belong to him. His strength will shield and sustain us—always. We serve an awesome God.

Oct

17

Deep waters

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Troubled on all sides? Temptations beckoning at the door? The Bible is full of stories where the heroes faced much more than the average person will encounter in the way of struggles, and their stories are living examples of how each one overcame them.

Like Job, David, Paul, Daniel, Joseph and many other saints from old, they leave us examples of their individual trials that run from devastating hardship to temptation to even unjust persecution. With their dire troubles—even unto death—they maintained an abiding faith as they rested in the spiritual arms of God.

Some by the fire and some by the flood…but all through the blood of Jesus we’re sifted and refined like choice silver and gold. Like all of them, we are given hope that as they survived their trials to tell the tale–only through the power of God—we are able, too.

But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles. They shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint ~ Isaiah 40:31

Oct

09

His love run deep

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The unfathomable depth of God’s love for humanity can be witnessed as far back as the Garden. Even after Adam and Eve sinned and God sent them away because their fellowship had been broken, His unfailing love remained as He provided for them by sacrificing an animal and clothing them with its skin.

 

Unlike worldly love that ebbs and wanes at its own discretion, God’s love comes from an unlimited source that stems from His true nature. In times of fear or uncertainty, it should be comforting to know that God isn’t far away. If we are abiding in Christ, there is nothing to fear because we are held in the palm of his hand. 

 

Today, Christ sits at the right hand of God after making the ultimate sacrifice. Those who’ve put their trust in Him are now clothed in the cloak of Christ’s righteousness. That is why believers should no longer have any worries, fears or doubts about the Lord’s love or his plans and provisions for our lives. Whether there’s famine, peril, nakedness, or sword, there’s nothing—at all—imaginable that can come between the Lord and His redeemed.