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Jul

09

Be still and know that I am God

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   For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him ~ Psalm 62:5

         The Lord speaks to us through his word and, sometimes, if we really listen, we can almost hear the subtlety of a still, small voice. His word instructs us often just to be still.

Be still and know that I am God ~ Psalm 46

           It’s not always easy to hear his voice in a world filled with distractions and noise. With all that goes on in our busy lives, taking time to be still is something we need to plan before life’s cares entangle us. Allowing our Creator to take prominence in our hearts and minds as we struggle to silence the chatter is sure to be a balm for whatever ails us.

To be still before the Lord is not always a physical position or something to do in the midst of a silent moment. To be still also means to let your ways yield unto his…to mentally put everything else aside and let the Holy Spirit lead.

As we are only strong in the Lord’s strength, taking the time to consider his ways above and beyond our own can only lead to opening ourselves up to the direction of the Holy Spirit. Isn’t this the place we all yearn to be?

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him ~ Psalm 37

Jul

02

Independence Through Christ

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“If my people which are called by my name shall humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land…” 2 Chronicles 7:14

We know God has always had a special relationship with the nation of Israel. When King Solomon dedicated the temple and prayed to the Lord, in turn, the Lord responded to say that if the people kept his commandments, they would receive prosperity; if not, they would not be blessed but would receive the punishment of hardship and banishment from the land.

The New Covenant we have through Jesus is not about a nation but more of a promise to God’s faithful children—the church. Our promise is not necessarily the prosperity of wealth, although it could be, but more so the fulfilment of being prospered spiritually through the Holy Spirit. The temple now resides in us, the believers.

Being humble and hungry for the Lord’s will to be done doesn’t start through our strength; it starts with seeking the Lord’s face, so that we can become instruments to further his plans and purposes here on earth.

As America celebrates Independence Day this week, we are reminded of the blessings we’ve been given and give thanks to the many who fought to allow this nation to stand. Though we are a great nation of freedom and liberty, remember, we are only truly free through the blood stained cross of Christ.

Jun

26

He’s alive!

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Our Lord and savior Jesus is amazing. While some wanted him to die and set up a cross on which to hang him on that fateful day, he defied even death and rose three days later from the grave.

What he endured while on that cruel Roman cross was what each one of us deserves. Though because of his perfect plan of redemption for the sins of mankind, he underwent the suffering so we wouldn’t have to.

Pierced, bruised, and crushed—like an innocent lamb led to slaughter. Many would have passed out from only a portion of the pain Jesus suffered. That was the fate of our beloved savior. And so underserved.

The compassion of God is truly greater than anything we’ll ever come to know. The more we dwell upon the flogging…the stripes upon his back…the nails in his wrists…and the crown of thorns on his head, along with the mental anguish from the brief separation from his Father, while he bore our sins, we can more fully understand the magnitude of his suffering. Though because of this miraculous feat, all believers are now set free spiritually from everything that besets our souls forever.

By His stripes we are healed. The greater meaning of it all, we’ll understand in heaven, but for now, we can rest in the truth of God’s word that these things were designed from the beginning for good. All praise, glory, and thanks to God!

Jun

22

Father of fathers

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In the month of June, we set aside a special day to celebrate and honor all men, both young and old, who have earned the distinguished title of Father. A father is more than just being a Daddy or passing down DNA. The task of fatherhood is a great sacrifice, as all fathers can attest.

There is no official instruction manual for fatherhood, no protocol to follow, for each child has different needs to be met. Though the instruction book for life—the Bible—has everything one needs to accomplish the job. What better example to follow than our heavenly Father who, by his grace, has given his children more than what is deserved.

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord ~ Ephesians 6:4

Maybe your biological father was absent or less than fatherly. Even so, remember that you have another father—one whom you may not presently see. Another absent father? No, he is very present, even more than if he were standing beside you. The love of this father, our Lord, is incomparable to any other.

To our earthly fathers: We are grateful for all you’ve done for us. Thank you for your sacrificial time, devotion, and love. To our Lord:  Thank you for going above and beyond in sending your son to die on our behalf. May every day be Father’s Day in our hearts toward you, Lord.

 

Jun

12

Ever exalted one

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When the Jews were released from their many years in captivity under the discipline of the Lord by way of the Assyrians, the Babylonians, and also after coming out from slavery through Pharaoh in Egypt, there were so many reasons for God’s people to be joyful and shout aloud to him in their Promised Land.

 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms ~ Psalm 95:2

Like King David was committed to praising God after God delivered David from the hands of his enemies, and through his deliverance, he learned to fear the Lord and not to fear man, we, too, should praise our Lord without ceasing at every opportunity and every turn.

At all times, in every situation, and even through our trials as well as our bliss, praising the Lord is never out of season. Let’s follow the example of David and have our lips filled with God’s praise—always.

Oh, magnify the Lord with Me, and let us exalt His name together ~ Psalm 34:3

Jun

04

From God’s eyes

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As we look at the world through our own limited perspective, it’s not always the view God sees. At even a casual glance, everything the Lord has made here on earth and all that is in it speaks of his divine intelligence. We may take it for granted, but to observe a honeybee dance upon a cluster of sunflowers, or a bird forage for a worm, or a colony of ants diligently building their homes in the sand…there’s an order, a divine order in everything and all for God’s purposes.

God created everything under the sun and made it beautiful in its season. His creation exists as he saw fit to make it, and we who are in it have one purpose—to glorify Him and love our neighbor as ourselves.

Whether in adversity or prosperity, one way or the other, all things of God truly work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose ~ Romans 8:28.

One day, we’ll look back and see the tapestry the Lord has created in each of our lives. Like Joseph’s coat of many colors, God’s divine providence will reveal the picture that was there all the while, if only we had the perspective to fully understand and appreciate all that is divine.

 

May

28

The Greatest Love

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America, the land of the free, is a concept our founding fathers brought forth on this continent that all men should be free from tyranny. They acknowledged their Creator as God, thus paving the way for America to become a blessed nation of freedom.

This Memorial Day, we celebrate our war veteran serviceman and heroes who paid the price and sacrificed so much for our country. We salute them all for their valiant efforts to ensure the safe keeping of our land and its liberty.

With as much gratitude as the distinguished servicemen of our nation deserve, and with as much honor as we can bestow, there’s another brave soul whom we salute…not so much with our hands but with our hearts. Our savior Jesus made the ultimate and distinguished sacrifice to save our souls. The price he paid was the willing offer to give up his own life in obedience to his Father in an effort to bring new life and restoration to the believer.

Thank you, Lord, that we have liberty to worship you in this great land because of the sacrificial efforts of so many… the greatest being your Son.

…and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty” ~2 Corinthians 3:17

May

22

What’s your GPS today?

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In the course of our lives, there are so many directions to go. Some ways are better than others. Some roads lead us to despair and others lead to joy. As we travel, we’ll find a lot of detours that may lead us astray. The roads leading to the pride of life do not stop once we are saved. In fact, these temptations may appear stronger even when we’re walking with the Lord.

The ways of the Lord are not just arbitrary rules and regulations to keep us reigned in; rather, it’s a relationship tethered by a mutual love and powered through the Holy Spirit—our helper—for our protection. It’s a commitment to God. 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. Otherwise, when we find ourselves in a ditch and wonder how we got there, we can only ask ourselves:  Whose directions led me here? We can cry out to the Lord so save us, but seeking him first would have been the ultimate route to take.

Show me your ways, Lord; teach me your paths ~ Psalm 25:4

May

14

Praise for all mothers

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Next to Jesus, there is no other love like a mother’s love. Mothers are God’s special gift to this world. How blessed are those who have been nurtured by a Godly woman—one who takes the responsibility of raising her children under the guidance of her heavenly Father.

A Godly mother is often focused on her offspring’s needs and not so much for her own concerns. Her love often extends beyond herself to the point of sacrificially giving away her last dollar or the last piece of bread…driving to the ends of the earth, or staying awake throughout the night, if necessary, to protect her children and make sure they are safe. She gives and gives until it’s time to give again. Her heart is like a cornucopia of love.

Today, all mothers—grand, foster, and surrogate—are being celebrated. You are a blessing to your children and they are blessed to call you Mother.

Whether here on earth or at home with the Lord, we remember you today and every day with our utmost love and appreciation!

May

08

The same yesterday, today, and forever

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In the first chapter of John, we read: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. It’s a great and marvelous mystery that even before time began, Jesus was there.

Under the Old Testament law, the presence of God dwelt in a cloud between the cherubim that covered the mercy seat in the Ark of the Covenant. Now, the fullness of his presence dwells in Jesus, our Redeemer.

Through our fragile humanity, emotions can pull us in different directions, sometimes as often as the wind blows. It’s human nature. So, in our limited understanding, it’s hard to conceptualize the awesome nature of God—the trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—who doesn’t change and remains in a constant state of stability.

It’s not so much a matter to consume and comprehend through logic but more of a respectful understanding through our faith. For how can the limited mind of man claim with any authority the processes of an immeasurable God? It’s impossible. But with God, all things are possible.

Hebrews 1:10-11 states: “…You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the works of Your hands; they will perish, but You remain… You are the same, and Your years will not come to an end.”

 God…the same yesterday, today and forever!