Simply Praise
1 Ch. 29:13 “Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.
(A monthly meditation considering our God)

Jesus; What A Gift!

“One starry night long ago, a Father’s gift was bestowed, upon a world who lie in darkness. In humbleness came the gift, frail as a new born baby. What joy the angels there proclaimed! Heavenly host are singing. Peace on earth good will toward men! Life anew He’s is bringing.”
This time of year can provide painful memories for me that if not checked find their way into my thoughts and that tends to drag me down. This can be dangerous! Struggles like these are not uncommon during this time of year. But we can be assured, and I am, that Jesus is greater than any heartache these thoughts might produce. Now for me, knowing His presence and His Spirit is living in me is the greatest gift of all. Yes seasons come and seasons go, just as people, friendships, love and such. But the one constant joy in my life has been, and always will be, Jesus. The one gift I never want to take for granted or exchange for something else. Yes, this time of year can be difficult for me and perhaps it’s the same for you. Its OK to cry, and feel and long for better days. But its important to remember Jesus isn’t a baby anymore, and He’s not dead, He is alive! And life anew He brings. What greater gift could anyone ask for. If you’re like me, and find yourself struggling with thoughts and emotions. Please hold on! In Hebrews 13:5b Jesus promises, “I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.” May this be true of us towards Him.
Oh Lord of peace, comfort our souls, let us not fret o’er tomorrow. But help us lay our burdens down, and You, our refuge be. Help us fix our eyes on You, and hold us securely. Lead us through the struggles that would rob us of our joy, help us face each challenge knowing You are with us. (D.E.M)

Joyful Confidence (Book Of Prayers)

You, Lord, are all that I have, and you give me all that I need; my future is in your hands. How wonderful are your gifts to me; how good they are. I bless you, Lord, because you guide me. In the night also you instruct my heart. I am constantly aware of your presence; and, knowing that you are near, I cannot be shaken from my faith. So my soul is joyful, and I feel completely secure, under your protection. I am confident that you shall never abandon me. You show me the path of life, which leads to eternal bliss.

Teach Us (To) Pray

“And it came to pass, that, as he (Jesus) was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us (to )pray, as John also taught his disciples.” I was listening to a podcast recently on Luke 11:1-13 and the emphasis was on verse 1 where the disciple ask the Lord to teach us (to pray), not (how) to pray. And I never got that until now. You see I know how to pray, but I don’t always do it. I find that I am not seeking, and knocking as I should be, and I don’t know about you, but all I can do is share my heart. So as I thought on this verse and asked, why don’t I pray as much as I used to? it dawned on me that its not that I don’t believe God can do miracles, I know He can do all things. Its more like, why would He be concerned with my trivial trials. There are so many people who have greater needs than mine. I think it stems from discouragement. Like the constant waves that crash against the Cliffside, eventually there is a wearing away. I may not have what most would consider “Trials” but there are things that I face day by day that wear down my heart and burden my soul. There are even things that cause me to withdraw into an attitude of “whatever”. These can bring about a hindrance in ones desire to pray. Obviously, prayer is one of those things that to us, doesn’t seem to come naturally. It is something we need to be taught. Not just (How) to pray, but even greater, (To) pray and that, without ceasing! as the Word of God instructs us to. 1 Thessalonians 5:17. So, my prayer is - Lord, teach me to pray, no matter if I think its trivial or not, and to do it without ceasing. Amen D.E.M.

We Will Remember Thy Love More Than Wine

We remember thy love, O Jesus, as it was manifest to us in thy holy life, from the manger of Bethlehem to the garden of Gethsemane. We track thee from the cradle to the grave —for every word and deed of thine was love — and we rejoice in thy love, which death did not exhaust; thy love which shone resplendent in thy resurrection. We remember that burning fire of love which will never let thee hold thy peace until thy chosen ones be all safely housed.
Charles Spurgeon

For friends

Be pleased, O Lord, to remember my friends, all that have prayed for me, and all that have done me good. Do thou good to them, and return all their kindness double into their own bosom, rewarding them with blessings, and sanctifying them with thy graces, and bringing them to glory.

Clinging To the Gospel

How can we love life, when it holds so much bitterness and brings so much sorrow? Indeed, how can we call the daily struggle true life, when it brings physical pain and spiritual sadness in equal measure? Yet people cling to sinful activities as a source of comfort. They grasp desperately at the passing pleasures and vanities of the world. They do not readily abandon the desires of the body and the lusts of the eye. Lord, strengthen me with heavenly courage, that I may fight against pleasures and vanities that harm the soul. I do not expect or ask trials and sorrows should cease. I ask only that, in your strength, I resist the temptation to seek consolation in sin. For I know that only by clinging to the gospel of righteousness, and by grasping at your eternal grace, can I ever experience true and lasting joy.
Thomas A’ Kempis
1380-1471

Just One

Over the hill is a small cottage with its thatch roof and cobblestone walls decorated in a blanket of fresh winter snow. The warm glow emanating from the frosty windows gave the sense of peace to the wayfaring man who gazed from across the meadow, just beyond the frozen brook. He wondered about the people who lived there. He wondered, did they love? He imagined sitting in front of the warm fire as night pressed on. He imagined joy as the morning sun peered in, lighting up every corner.
He imagined the faces of children waking up with Christmas cheer singing songs with happy hearts. But His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of soft cries. As the wayfaring man drew closer to the cottage, the cries grew louder. For all that he imagined from the distant view, was not what was before him. The fire grew small, too small to warm the people who sat around the hearth. There are no merry voices to welcome the morning sun. Winter’s cold and sorrow touch upon every one, except for the wayfaring man who gazed into the sky, whispered up a prayer, then knocked upon the door. Silently he turned to be seen no more. When the door was opened what treasure did they see. Stacks of wood and food enough for winters needs. This was truly an act of God! Said the smallest of them all. With agreement and hearts of joy, their voices lifted in praise, they sang until the morn as the sun break in with its golden rays. Every darkness fleeing because of the love one man gave. D.E.M


The God Of Your Heart

Read Psalm 147:1-11; The God of the galaxies is also the God of the brokenhearted. That’s what David tells us in verses 3 and 4: “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name.” The contrast we see in these two verses—between the heavens and the broken heart—ought to encourage us. God made the heavens. He spoke and it was done. His creation stood steadfast. The God who made the heavens is concerned about your broken heart. Others may not be concerned, but God is. He’s not so far away that He doesn’t know your heart is hurting. He’s not so great that He can’t stoop down to you when you are pained, weeping and looking for help. Yes, the God of the heavens is the God of your heart. The God who numbers and names the stars knows your needs. He knows all about you, and thus He is able to meet your every need. The God who controls the planets in their orbits is able to take the pieces of your broken heart and put them together again. He will heal your broken heart, provided you give Him all the pieces and yield to His tender love. “Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite” (v.5). His love and understanding are limitless. His power is great. He can do what needs to be done. The One who set the galaxies in motion is the same One who addresses your needs. There is no limit to God’s love, His understanding or His power. Perhaps you have a broken heart today. Give Him the pieces and let Him heal your heart. (Prayer, Praise & Promises, Warren Wiersbe)

A Psalm of David

O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! Who hast set thy glory above the heavens. When I consider thy heavens, the works of thy fingers, the moon and stars which thou hast ordained; what is man, that thou art mindful of him? And the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honor. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou has put all things under his feet. O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! Psalm 8:1, 3-6,9

The Christmas Thing

My grandmother sat
On Christmas morning
Mending overalls.
A tall tree glittered,
A hen was roasting,
And the room was merry
With dolls and balls,
So why was she mending
Overalls?
The air is magic
On Christmas morning
And it isn't a time
For doing chores.
We had given her
A brooch that glittered
After anxious searching's
Of ten cent stores
So why was she working
At everyday chores?
I didn't know then
But I learned much later
That Christmas magic
Goes through and through
The fabric of living
Love, threading her needle,
Made mending
The Christmas-thing to do.
Jane Merchant

'Twas The Night Before Christmas

So on with the coat, the gloves, and the cap
Out in the cold about ready to snap.
I went to K-Mart and stood in that line
From 8:35 'til a quarter past nine.
'Twas the night before Christmas and as I looked round my tent,
I couldn't believe all the money I'd spent
For trains and dolls, for trinkets and toys
Some for the girls and some for the boys.
I looked round once more to be sure things were right;
The kids were all in bed for the night.
I set up the track for the train I bought Ted,
The train went round twice and the battery went dead.
I put on my cap, my gloves, and my coat;
I went to Ames and over to Zayre.
You guessed it my friend, no batteries there!
As I left the store a thought came to me,
I had one in the remote of the color TV.
Well, I placed that remote in my wife's favorite chair
I was ready for Christmas with hours to spare.
When out came my wife and punched that remote
And then said to me, "The TV's broke!"
As I came to the checkout, my heart leaped with glee --
There was that one lonesome battery just waiting for me.
When from my behind I seen this hand slip
And grab that battery with a real tight grip.
I wheeled around and what did I see?
This giant of a man glaring down at me.
Well, I remembered an ad I had seen on TV
Buy a Big Mac, get your batteries free.
So, I bought me a burger I didn't want...
They were out of batteries, so on with hunt.
I finally found one at Servi-Star,
Paid for my purchase and made for my car.
When I entered the door of my humble shack,
My wife said, "What's this battery for I found in a sack?"
I was out there in the press, the push, and the greed
To buy me a battery I didn't even need.
At last I relaxed in my easy chair,
When this still small voice came out of somewhere.
“You're ready for Christmas with toys, tinsel, and tree
You've got it all together, but what about me?"
I fell on my knees and cried, "God, what have I done?"
I got caught up in the madness and neglected your Son.
The best gift of all you've given for free
Your Son, Jesus Christ, for sinners like me.
You sent Him to suffer the shame and the loss,
To shed his life's blood for me on the cross.
Well friend, I'll never forget ere I rest 'neath the sod,
The greatest of gifts is given by God.

Pastor Jim Kamerer

We Will Be Glad, and Rejoice in Thee

O sweet Lord Jesus, thou art the present portion of thy people, favour us this year with such a sense of thy preciousness, that from its first to its last day we may be glad and rejoice in thee. Let January open with joy in the Lord, and December close with gladness in Jesus.
Charles Spurgeon

November 2009 Simply Praise

Simply Praise
1 Ch. 29:13 “Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.
(A monthly meditation considering our God)

Openness Before God

Lord, I have writer’s block. What do You want said? You have been faithful in every issue, and I trust You will be in this one also. I don’t want to ask why, only trust the who. You Jesus are the Who. You give and take away, You build and tare down. There are so many things I don’t understand that You do or allow. But I am learning to trust You, and worship You in the midst of all my doubts, and trials, and tears. You are so much more than I can ever imagine. My heart feels almost as though it would break for wanting to be near Your side. Yet I feel so unworthy to even mention Your name. Your Holiness overwhelms me, Your beauty is indescribable, Your Majesty can not be matched. What is man, that You would be mindful of him? Lord, my views of You are too small, my faithfulness faulty. When I really take the time to meditate on You, Just You! I am undone. I feel ashamed that I have not given You the love and communion and fellowship You are so deserving of. Woe is me! For I am undone; because I am a man (woman) of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of Hosts. (Isaiah 6:5) Who is worthy of praise? You are Jesus! Who deserves all glory and honor? You do Jesus. I pray I never loose the wonder of that reality. When my tears fall from the pain of trials, when my heart aches from aloneness, when my nights are troubled by dreams and fears, I will call out to You Jesus! My comfort. You give and take away! Blessed be Your name! There is a day coming when all things will be made new. Where every wrong will be made right, and every tear will be wiped away. Oh Lord, I long for that day. Come quickly! D. E. M.

In Everything I Praise You (When I’m on My Knees; Anita Corrine Donihue)

Your decisions for my life are right, O Lord, for You are my Father. You care for me. You are the Potter. Shape me as You would. Teach me Your lessons, that I may be worthy of being Your child. Help me to be pliable clay so You can form me the way You please. I have no fear of Your plan, Lord. Instead, I put my trust completely in You. I may not understand why things happen the way they do. I may even cry out in difficult times, when I don’t see the reasoning of it all. Yet I will let You purify me in Your loving way. Make me like silver and gold as You refine me and skim away the dross and impurities. At times this is difficult, but I must trust You and obey, because You know what is best for me. When the trials come, help me draw closer to You. I know You, Lord Jesus, suffered too. Through each struggle, I will strive to remain true. Afterward, as You have promised, I will share again the wonderful joy You have waiting for me. I praise You in everything, Lord, that the will of God will be accomplished through me.

Thanksgiving Message

Read Psalm 73:1-28; Asaph begins by standing true in what he believes about God, but he slips because he starts to look at neighbors and becomes envious. He wonders why the wicked prosper. When he loses his praise, he starts stumbling and suffering. He should have sought answers by looking up, not looking around or within. Asaph understands the end of the evil ones. The key question is not “Where are you?” but “Where are you going?” Are you taking the broad road that leads to destruction or the narrow road that leads to life (v.20)? The psalmist looks to God and makes several discoveries. First, he discovers that we can be thankful for the guarantee of His presence. His name is Immanuel, which means “God with us” (Matt.1:23; Isa. 41:10; 43:2; Ps. 23:4). Second, we have the grasp of His hand. We see God’s powerful hand in creation. We see His gentle hand lead us beside the still waters. And we see His pierced hands on the cross as He dies for us. Third, we have the guidance of His counsel. God’s commands and commissions are for everyone, but He knows each of us personally. He knew us in the womb and has arranged for us the lives He wants us to live. Live one day at a time and walk one step at a time (Prov. 4:18). That counsel comes from the Word of God and through prayer. Finally, we will have the glory of His heaven. As Christians, we know we are going to heaven because of price Jesus paid on the cross (1 Thess. 5:10), the promise He made (John 14:2-3) and the prayer He prayed (John 17 :24). We may not understand completely today, but we have a future glory (1Pet.1:3; 2 Pet. 1:11; Phil. 4:4). As a Christian, you have much for which to be thankful. God is with you. When you find yourself becoming frustrated by the world’s inequalities, stop, look up and give thanks to God for His blessings. (Warren Wiersbe)

The Baffling Call Of God (My utmost for His Highest; Oswald Chambers)

“And all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man shall be accomplished...And they understood none of these things.” Luke 18:31, 34. God called Jesus Christ to what seemed unmitigated disaster. Jesus Christ called His disciples to see Him put to death; He led every one of them to the place where their hearts were broken. Jesus Christ’s life was an absolute failure from every standpoint but God’s. But what seemed failure from man’s standpoint was a tremendous triumph from God’s, because God’s purpose is never man’s purpose. There comes the baffling call of God in our lives also. The call of God can never be stated explicitly; it is implicit. The call of God is like the call of the sea, no one hears it but the one who has the nature of the sea in him. It cannot be stated definitely what the call of God is to, because His call it to be in comradeship with Himself for His own purposes, and the test is to believe that God knows what He is after. The things that happen do not happen by chance, they happen entirely in the decree of God. God is working out His purposes. If we are in communion with God and recognize that He is taking us into His purposes, we shall no longer try to find out what His purposes are. As we go on in the new Christian life it gets simpler, because we are less inclined to say—Now why did God allow this and that? Behind the whole thing lies the compelling of God. “There’s a divinity that shapes our ends.” A Christian is one who trusts the wits and the wisdom of God, and not his own wits. If we have a purpose of our own, it destroys the simplicity and the leisureliness which ought to characterize the children of God.

Psalms

(119:75) I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me. (119:71) It is good for me that I have been afflicted: that I might learn thy statutes. (119:66-67) Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments. Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word. (119:50) This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me. Amen.

Learning To Let Go

Dear Father, I have done all I can to help. Yet I see my loved one’s unwise decisions. I know I need to let go, but my love makes it impossible. Are You teaching me that by letting go I can show even greater love? I realize my helplessness in solving another’s problems. So, Lord, I place this one of mine in Your hands. I know You love each of us more than we can imagine. My dear one is no exception. Grant me strength to stand up for what is right but to keep on loving. When unkind remarks hurt, let me not turn away, but merely step aside and give some space. Help me not to take the problems back by manipulating, fixing, or condemning, but to lend words of encouragement. Teach me to be a comforter, not a crutch; to care, not to control; to listen, not demand my own way; and to cherish the good moments of each day. I will not grieve for the past, but look to the future in hopeful anticipation. Father, thank You for taking my fear and replacing it with Your pure love. Protect us with Your angels and guide with Your Spirit, that we will not fall to evil and harm.

Burned Out

Lord, I let myself get caught up in doing too many things. I’m burned out, so burned out I don’t want to go anywhere or do anything. Bitterness and resentment are creeping in. Forgive me, Lord, and heal me. During this time of weakness, let me wait on You. Renew my strength, Lord, that I, too, can mount like the eagle. Please clip my wings just a little to keep me nearer You, to learn my limitations. Let me put Your will first in my life, not the will of others. Give me the strength to say, “No thank you,” in a loving but firm way. Help me not to feel guilty. Perhaps I’m cheating others from the chance to serve. Grant me wisdom in setting the right priorities: You first, family second, and others next. Somewhere in there show me how to take time for me. You are the Holy One of my life. I wonder, as You run an entire universe, how can You be concerned with the likes of me? I praise You, O Lord, that You consider me a treasure and that You love me with Your unconditional and everlasting love. Give me time to mend. In Your own time, send me forth to work again for You. But for now, help me to lie back and absorb Your healing strength.
(When I’m On My Knees pg.95)

Healing

Give ear, O Lord, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications. In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee; for thou wilt answer me… Teach me thy way, O Lord; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name. I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore…. O turn unto me, and have mercy upon me; give thy strength unto thy servant….Father, I am broken. I seem to be filled with absolute emptiness. I have nothing to offer You but pieces of my life. Pick them up, I pray, and use them. Help me submit, while You arrange these pieces in a new way. I understand Your way is best. You are the Master Craftsman and know my very being. Thank You for the miracle You create from my shattered life. Thank You for how You are making me into a beautiful new vessel to be used for You. In Jesus’ name, I pray.
(When I’m On My Knees pg.93)

Grace Alone

Not saved are we by trying, from self can come no aid;
‘Tis on the blood relying,
Once for our ransom paid
‘Tis looking unto Jesus,
The holy one and just;
‘Tis His grace that saves—
It is not “try” but “trust!”
Anonymous

The Potter

Lord, it makes no difference what comes my way. What really matters is for me to be within Your will. Help me become soft and pliable so You can mold me the way You know I should be.
The potter’s wheel spins ‘round and round’. Gentle fingers form the soft clay into the master’s desired creation. To the potter, there is purpose in each turn.

At times my life seems to be spinning. Slow me down, Lord. You are the Potter of my life. Let me heed to Your molding so I can be a product of Your perfect plan.
Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use? Romans 9:21 NIV


Have Thine own way Lord!
Have Thine own way!
Thou are the potter;I am the clay.
Mold me and make me after Thy will, While I am waiting Yielded and still

Adelaide Addison Pollard

Be joyful always;
Pray continually;
Give thanks in all circumstances,
For this is God’s will
For you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV

When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared. Proverbs 3:24-26 NIV

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7NIV

October 2009 Simply Praise

Simply Praise
1 Ch. 29:13 “Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.
(A monthly meditation considering our God)

Seeing God

This issue started out backwards for some reason. Usually God gives me the first story, then the rest of the issue follows. But not this month, this month God started from the back and worked forward. I’m learning not to ask “Why”. I’m learning that I don’t have to have all the answers up front to know God is Sovereign over all things. I’m learning that God has plans and purposes that I might not ever know while here on earth. But I do know, God controls everything! Even the painful dark days, that seem to never end, still there is purpose in them. Job said, “What? Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this Job did not sin with his lips”. Evil doesn’t necessarily mean sinful, but rather something bad, disastrous, or painful. God does not tempt with evil, but does bring things into our lives that reveal our hearts and draw us near to Him or turn us away from Him. God said Job was righteous, and the things that Job suffered in one day are astounding to me. “Yet he sinned not with his lips”. He did not charge God foolishly. I must admit that my heart and lips have not been so kind to My God, and for that I ask His forgiveness. There is a hymn by William Cowper (1731-1800) “Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, but trust him for his grace; behind a frowning providence, He hides a smiling face. His purposes will ripen fast, unfolding every hour; the bud may have a bitter taste, but sweet will be the flower. Blind unbelief is sure to err, and scan his work in vain; God is his own interpreter, and he will make it plain.” I have come to see that it is God who is worthy of praise in all circumstances. Even the ones I just don’t understand. D.E.M

In Everything I Praise You

Your decisions for my life are right, O Lord, for You are my Father. You care for me. You are the Potter. Shape me as You would. Teach me Your lessons, that I may be worthy of being Your child. Help me to be pliable clay so You can form me the way You please. I have no fear of Your plan, Lord. Instead, I put my trust completely in You. I may not understand why things happen the way they do. I may even cry out in difficult times, when I don’t see the reasoning of it all. Yet I will let You purify me in Your loving way. Make me like silver and gold as You refine me and skim away the dross and impurities. At times this is difficult, but I must trust You and obey, because You know what’s best for me. When the trials come, help me draw closer to You. I know You, Lord Jesus, suffered too. Through each struggle, I will strive to remain true. Afterward, as You have promised, I will share again the wonderful joy You have waiting for me. I praise You in everything, Lord, that the will of God will be accomplished through me. (When I’m On My Knees)

Extreme Focus

Me Ling was young when she was arrested for her Christian activities in Communist China. During times of interrogation, the police would torture her to try to force her to betray friends in the underground church. At first Me Ling was extremely fearful, and she could not see the purpose that God had for her in that terrible place. But then she remembered the teachings of her pastor who had said, “Real suffering lasts only a minute, and then we spend eternity with our awesome Savior.” when asked how she was able to keep from going crazy during those terrible times, she replied, “When I closed my eyes, I could not see the angry faces of the men or the instruments of pain they were using. I kept repeating the promise of Christ to myself: ‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God’ (Matthew 5:8). I also found that when I purified my heart of the fear of men, I learned to really see God. I took courage from all the others who had gone before me and focused on him until everything else faded away. When the officials learned of my defense, they taped my eyelids open. But it was too late because my vision was secure.”
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:2
From The Voice of the Martyrs Extreme Devotions page 115.

A Shelter in the Time of Storm

The Lord’s our Rock, in Him we hid--
A shelter in the time of storm;
Secure whatever ill betide—
A shelter in the time of storm.
O Rock divine, O refuge dear—
A shelter in the time of storm;
Be Thou our helper ever near—
A shelter in the time of storm.

(By, Vernon J. Charlesworth)

As sure as God puts His children into the furnace of affliction,
He will be with them in it.”
Charles Spurgeon

Vision And Darkness

“An horror of great darkness fell upon him.” Genesis 15:12. whenever God gives a vision to a saint, He puts him, as it were, in the shadow of His hand, and the saint’s duty is to be still and listen. There is a darkness which comes from excess of light, and then is the time to listen. Genesis 16 is an illustration of listening to good advice when it is dark instead of waiting for God to send the light. When God gives a vision and darkness follows, wait. God will make you in accordance with the vision He has given if you will wait His time. Never try and help God fulfill His word. Abraham went through thirteen years of silence, but in those years all self-sufficiency was destroyed; there was no possibility left of relying on common-sense ways. Those years of silence were a time of discipline, not of displeasure. Never pump up joy and confidence, but stay upon God (cf. Isaiah 1:10,11). Have I any confidence in the flesh? Or have I got beyond all confidence in my self and in men and women of God; in books and prayers and ecstasies; and is my confidence placed now in God Himself, not in His blessings? “I am the Almighty God” —El-Shaddai, the Father God. The one thing for which we are all being disciplined is to know that God is real. As soon as God becomes real, other people become shadows. Nothing that other saints do or say can ever perturb the one who is built on God.
(My Utmost for His Highest;
Oswald Chambers)

Days of Trouble

Read Psalm 102:1-11
One day I phoned a friend of mine who is in the ministry and asked, “How’s it going?” His quiet reply was, “Well, I’m having one of those days.” The next time you’re having one of those days when everything seems to be going wrong—your plans are falling apart, you don’t feel well, there are problems and burdens, and it seems as if all of the forces of the enemy are against you—read this psalm. “Hear my prayer, O LORD, and let my cry come to You. Do not hide Your face from me in the day of my trouble” (vv.1-2). What kind of a day was the psalmist having? A day of trouble. In fact, he compares himself to a lonely bird. “I am like a pelican of the wilderness; I am like an owl of the desert...I am like a sparrow alone upon the housetop” (vv.6-7). That’ s the way he feels—like a bird alone on a housetop. He wants to go into the house and enjoy some fellowship, but he’s alone. His enemies were reproaching him (v.8). But in a day of trouble and reproach, he says, “I’m going to change this by the grace of God.” And it becomes a day of prayer. He tells God how he feels and what he sees. He cries out, “God, You are the only One who can change things.” God can change things for you also. He may not change the circumstances on the outside, but He does change your feelings on the inside. Then the day of trouble becomes a day of triumph. Everyone has days of trouble. When circumstances entrap you and trouble closes around you, pray to the Lord. He knows how to turn your trouble into triumph. Although He may not answer your prayers the way you expect, He will do what is best for you and for His glory. (Warren Wiersbe)

On A Hill Far Away

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross, the emblem of suffering and shame; and I love that old cross where the dearest and best for a world of lost sinners was slain. So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross, till my trophies at last I lay down, I will cling to the old rugged cross, and exchange it someday for a crown. Oh, that old rugged cross, so despised by the world, has a wondrous attraction for me, for the dear Lamb of God left His glory above to bear it to dark Calvary. So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross, till my trophies at last I lay down, I will cling to the old rugged cross, and exchange it some day for a crown. In the old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine, a wondrous beauty I see; for ‘twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died to pardon and sanctify me. So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross, till my trophies at last I lay down, I will cling to the old rugged cross, and exchange it someday for a crown. To the old rugged cross I will ever be true, its shame and reproach gladly bear, then He’ll call me someday to my home far away, where His glory forever I’ll share. So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross, till my trophies at last I lay down, I will cling to the old rugged cross, and exchange it someday for a crown.
(George Bennard 1941)

I love this song, when I read the words and think of their meaning I cry because I’ll never really understand all that Jesus suffered on my behalf. So I’ll cherish and cling not just to the cross, but to the One who died upon it, yet rose again, and lives forever. Jesus!

Psalm 23

The Lord is my Shepherd
I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
He leadeth me besides the still waters.
He restoreth my soul:
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley
of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil:
For thou art with me:
Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the
Presence of mine enemies:
Thou anointest my head with oil;
My cup runneth over:
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
Al the days of my life:
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Looking Good

When the enemy comes, prowling around, we need to be prepared. Are you ready to battle this one out? (Eph. 6).
1.SMARTE 6. SAFIRFA
2.AWHTR 7. IAGNKM
3.DOOMNIAITN 8. DEBEIECNO
4.RUNETATEC 9. YLDOBL
5.ROMPIES

1. —— (——) —— —— —— ——
2. —— (——) —— —— ——
3. —— —— (——) —— —— —— —— —— (——) ——
4. (——) —— —— —— —— —— —— —— ——
5. —— (——) (——) —— —— —— ——
6. —— —— (—— )—— —— —— ——
7. —— —— —— —— —— (——)
8. (——) —— —— —— —— —— —— —— ——
9. —— —— —— (——) —— ——
The only defense.
Answer:—- —- —- —- —- —- —- —- —- —- —-


Singing In The Storm

The storms of life surround me, but I will not be tossed to and fro. I am anchored in Your steadfast love. A song of praise wells up from my heart. I will sing praise and glory to Your name, while You carry me through this, another storm. You alone know the answers and the outcome. I take comfort in Your mighty presence. I turn into the wind, unafraid, ready to face each day head on, flanked with Your power and wisdom. In the peak of the storm, when I feel I can hold on no longer, I will call on Your name for peace. I will trust in You and will not feel afraid, as I nestle into Your protecting hands. How is it that You have such mighty power, that the tempest in my life cease their crashing winds at Your command? How is it that You can calm my raging seas of circumstances and emotions and bring my life into Your control with Your powerful, yet hushed voice? Even now, I hear Your whisper, “Peace, be still. Know I am God.” When the storm subsides, my song of praise for You will echo throughout the ages from generation to generation, telling of Your mighty works and deeds. Thank You, dear Lord, for Your help and peace. (Anita Corrine Donihue; When I’m On My Knees)

Simply Praise September 2009

Simply Praise
1 Ch. 29:13 “Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.
(A monthly meditation considering our God)

Overcoming Shame

Just recently I was faced with a question to which I could not answer. This troubled me for days. “How do I overcome the feeling of shame when its right there staring me in the face?”. Even though I had repented and God had restored me from my stepping into sin nearly three years ago, and even though I was putting those things behind me and pressing toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Phil.3:14), shame crept up on me like a thick fog limiting my view. This drove me to my knees for answers. What is shame? Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary gives this definition: SHAME— A negative emotion caused by an awareness of wrongdoing, hurt ego, or guilt. Then I thought, “who is accusing me?” Job 1:7; Job 1:9; Job 2:5; Zech 3:1-2; and Luke 22:31, all conclude, it’s Satan. Rev.12:10b states, “for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night”. Isaiah 50:6 says, “I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.” When I understood what God was revealing to me, that by carrying my shame, thinking my shoulders were equal to the task of such a load, I was making Christ’s sacrifice of little importance, all I could say was, how foolish my heart and mind. Jesus Christ took all my sin and shame. Heb. 12:2 says,” Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God”. When you and I carry burdens of guilt and shame beyond the point of repentance and redemption, we are not fully trusting or believing in the precious blood of Jesus nor His sacrifice. Instead what we are doing is believing the lies of the accuser. O Christ what burdens bowed Thy head! Our load was laid on Thee; Thou stoodest in the sinner’s stead, didst bear all ill for me. A victim led, Thy blood was shed; Now there’s no load for me. So the answer to overcoming the feeling of shame is through the blood of Jesus, accepting that I have been redeemed. Bearing shame and scoffing rude in my place condemned He stood; sealed my pardon with His blood: hallelujah! What a Saviour!...( italics from pg.198 Knowing God) Isaiah 53:6 says, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all”. We are all guilty of sin. But when we truly repent (and I mean truly!!), than all of our guilt and shame is covered by the blood of Jesus, and all our sin is cast as far as the east is from the west. What peace we often forfeit and oh what needles pain we bare, when we do not carry everything to God in prayer.
(DEM)

Christ the Way Out for the Sinner

Hear that wretched man crying out, “For what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I”. In that up and down life, resolving and failing, at last he cries: “O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me?..I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” What is the way out for the wretched man? It’s an apprehending of Christ, not his struggles, his resolution, his efforts in making up his mind that today he is going to be better, and coming back and having to repent at the end of the day. No, no! it is our faith-hold on Christ which is the way out, the positive ground of victory. You try that way. God honors His Son, and God honors our faith in His Son. “It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again.” triumphant. And, “Christ in you.” “...the head of all principality and power.” This, for the unsaved, is a necessary fact. If we had been converted on the strength of this we would have been stronger believers from the beginning. If only we had known this when first we were saved we would have leaped into something that came to us many years afterward. Oh for the preaching of salvation to the full. You get a different kind of convert altogether when you carry the work of Christ to its full issue; when it is not only preached that your sins will be forgiven and you will go to heaven and not hell—perhaps a little more than that. But it is infinitely more than that, and if only we preached the fullness of Christ’s work, we would have converts that went ahead, apace, and reached maturity much sooner than the majority are doing. Glad and regretful, confident and calm, then through all life and what is after living thrill to the tireless music of a psalm. Yea; through life, death, thro’ sorrow and thro’ sinning, He shall suffice me, for He hath sufficed: Christ is the end, for Christ was the beginning: Christ the beginning, for the end is Christ.
(The Refiner’s Fire)

Grow Up In Me

O My people, I have purposes for thee that embrace eternity. Before the creation of the worlds, I planned for thy redemption, for it is written of the Lord Jesus Christ that He was the Lamb foreordained before the foundation of the world. (1 Peter 1:20) Yea, and I have manifested Him to you, so that ye have believed in Him and have been born again not of corruptible seed but of incorruptible, even that which liveth and abideth forever. So then, now that ye are in Christ, ye have My life abiding in you, and ye have become a new creation. Grow up in Me now, so that ye may develop in the process of time into the full stature of a men and women—even unto the measure of the fullness of Christ. (Eph.4:13) For I have not purposed simply to bring you into My family and have you remain as babes or children. I am concerned with your maturity: your growth in wisdom and knowledge of things pertaining to Myself; with the perfection of your ministry; and with the producing of the fruits of the Spirit in your life. And so to this end, I have provided for you the ministries and gifts of My Holy Spirit. As ye receive these by faith, and as ye walk in these by faith, so that I am allowed to manifest Myself through you in this way, ye will find that ye will grow in Me,. Yea, grow in grace and in your knowledge of Me, and ye will find the fruits of the Spirit will begin to appear in thy life quite naturally, even as apples appear on the apple tree, though the tree takes no thought and experiences no effort or anxiety. Commit to Me thy sanctification. Bring thy thoughts into captivity and let thy mind be under the control of the Mind of Christ. Do not curb the impulses of the Spirit within you, neither refuse to allow Me the freedom to manifest Myself through you by means of the gifts. Ye may resist Me, because ye feel unworthy or ‘unready’ to be used. This is a delusion of mind. I do not use you when you ‘feel prepared’ but when I need you and you are yielded. Even as I use you, ye will discover that in the process of being used, I shall do a work in you yourself to the edification of your own heart and life. So then, ye block the way to your own spiritual development if ye hold Me back when I would minister through you. (Ephesians 4:12 & 16) Indeed, if the time should ever come that ye ‘feel ready’, I would then be completely blocked by your pride, and would be forced to use someone else.

The God of the Second Chance

The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a women caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this women was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the women still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Women, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” John 8:3-11 This women’s story, like ours, was unfinished. We do not know how she lived the rest of her days, but what we do know is that she experienced the gift of the second chance. Jesus could grant her forgiveness because He was on His way to the cross; soon He would die for sinners, this women included. There, her shame, like ours, would be taken away. “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2, emphasis added). Jesus endured shame so that we can be free from its stain and power. No one has to be bound by a past that has been forgiven by the Lawmaker and Judge of the universe. Many a women, humiliated and shamed, has discovered that Christ alone stands by her. Friends walk out.. She is abandoned, desolate, branded, and forsaken. The accusers carry their whispers into the church. But in the presence of Jesus she finds a listening ear, a compassionate heart, and forgiveness. Jesus doesn’t listen to our accusers. He already knows our sin and waits for us to come into His presence voluntarily. In love and compassion He speaks the same words He did so long ago, “Neither do I condemn you.” No sin is too great to be forgiven. With the same authority He sets us free to begin again by saying, “Go now and leave your life of sin.” No one else can give us that kind of help and hope.
For This
I’ve been looking for a fire to burn my sin away. I’ve been looking for a flood to cleanse my vilest ways. I’ve been looking for a knife to cut out my iniquity.
I’ve been looking for a death to die to set my spirit free. My shame is not my glory instead it is my noose.
Held tightly by the reigns of sin it will not let me loose.
But now I see my search as vain and in sheer futility,
For I’ve been looking to remove what’s stained the whole of me.
What hope have I of future love—knowing what I know?
The stench of my sin is vast and foul; I deserve the lowest of the low.
Yet even as I ponder, I am adding to my shame, For have I not found the fire, the flood, the knife—is it not plain? Have I forgotten the price ’twas paid to remove the debt I owe? Could it be that I’ve ignored the grace that I’ve been shown?
For on the cross my sin was burned,
my transgression washed asea.
My wicked heart was carved anew—a death to set me free!
Sorrow no more, oh heart of guilt—your Savior has redeemed.
Your sin has been removed and cleansed, washed under Calvary’s stream.
Hope in God for He has bought what you could never buy.
You’ve been forgiven, changed, renewed!
For this the Savior died.
Anonymous

All who have been involved in sexual sin can find forgiveness and cleansing in the presence of Jesus. To all He says, “Go and sin no more.” who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? It is Christ Jesus, who died— more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. (Romans 8:33-34)
(Jesus Lover of A Women’s Soul)

The Rock of Refuge
O sometimes the shadows are deep,
And rough seems the path to the goal,
And sorrows, sometimes how they sweep
Like tempests down over the soul.
Refrain
O then to the Rock let me fly
To the Rock that is higher than I
O then to the Rock let me fly
To the Rock that is higher than I!

O sometimes how long seems the day,
And sometimes how weary my feet;
But toiling in life’s dusty way,
The Rock’s blessèd shadow, how sweet!
Refrain
O near to the Rock let me keep
If blessings or sorrows prevail,
Or climbing the mountain way steep,
Or walking the shadowy vale.

William Gustavus Fischer (1835-1912)

Romans
8:1-2

There is therefore now no condem-nation to them which are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

Gone Is The Night

One day I traveled a toilsome road
Over the hills of despair;
One day I carried a weary load,
Cumbered with toil and with care.
The burden that once I carried is gone, is gone
Of all my sins there remaineth not one, not one.
Jesus, the Savior, hath ransomed me,
Bearing my sins upon Calvary,
Giving me glorious liberty;
My burden of sin is gone.
Gone is the night with its shadows drear;
Morning hath dawned upon me.
Gone is the burden of anxious fear;
Freedom my portion shall be.
No more the burden of guilt is mine;
No more in bondage I dwell.
Unto my glorious King divine
Jubilant praises shall swell.

(Words & Music: Haldor Lillenas, 1923)

Psalm 139:1-6

O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsetting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compasset my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.

Psalm 51

Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, and thee only, have I sinned and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightiest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. Behold I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise. For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem. Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine alter.

Simply Praise August 2009

1 Ch. 29:13 “Now therefore, our God, we thank thee,
and praise thy glorious name.
(A monthly meditation considering our God)

Untangle Me

I watched a movie tonight and there was a line that really stuck in my head. “I don’t want to fear anything except Almighty God”. I don’t think I fear God as much as I used to. I think that in some respects I have gotten too comfortable in my ways. When I was little I had a respectful fear that if I did wrong and Jesus returned, I’d be left behind. That fear kept me from a whole lot of sin. There was another scene in the movie where a young man washed the feet of his friend, who had taken a beating for a boy who wanted out of a gang. I got to thinking, “when was the last time I washed anyone’s feet in such a Christ like fashion?” My answer would have to be “never”. There are several people I admire greatly in our body, who’s feet I would gladly wash because of their faithful service and love for God. Would I be so glad if God asked me to wash the feet of someone I thought unworthy? To fear God in such a way as to actually “DO” what it is He asks, comes from a heart that has tasted and seen that the Lord, He is good. One of the factors I believe, in losing the fear of God, is the entanglement of the world. By that I mean taking on the ideas and ways of those around me, who, perhaps know the Lord but are yet carnal in their thinking, or those who don’t know Him at all but their way of thinking is so persuasive, that I or you, can fall victim to the lie. Over time, if this is not dealt with and repented of it will result in disrespect toward God. I can say this because I have experienced this. But thank God, He loves you and me so much that He chastens and leads us to repentance and holy fear. We can wash the feet of those around us by esteeming them “as better than ourselves”, showing the love of God in simple gestures of kindness and words of encouragement. But what if …..? Well, that’s where I pray, “Lord, help me!” I don’t want to fear anything or anyone except Almighty God. My prayer, “untangle me Lord from the things of this world, that I may not be consumed in its deceptiveness or ripped apart by its lies.” Amen... (D.M)

Scripture

Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 3:7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. Proverbs 10:27 The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened. Proverbs 19:23 The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil. 1Timothy 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.


Why does Elisha call two bears to maul a group of kids?

2 Kings 2:23-24 is a fascinating and in some ways worrisome passage, especially as it is represented in many translations of the Bible. There is a more reasonable explanation for the violent event than simply removing things from their context and imagining that Elisha simply used a couple bears to kill some children who were mocking him. It's important to note that at this point in history, the northern kingdom of Israel has taken upon itself the identity of Canaan. Centuries earlier, Joshua had led the people of Israel out of the wilderness, over the Jordan, and into the land of Canaan at God's mandate. Israel was simultaneously reaping the promise of blessing with which God had privileged them and acting as the arm of God's divine judgment against a people who had set themselves up as the enemies of God. As God judges all men, so he here judged the civilizations residing in the land of Canaan (doing so in the earthly realm as a pedagogical tool for future generations) and Joshua acts as his divinely appointed hand. The inhabitants of Canaan perished because they had positioned themselves as the enemies of God. A few hundred years after Joshua's conquer of Canaan, the kingdom of Israel split into two separate nations, the Southern Kingdom of Judah (which comprised Jerusalem and the temple—where ordained worship of God occurred) and the Northern Kingdom of Israel. As the Northern Kingdom had no ordained center of worship, its newly founded king, Jeroboam, decided to create two—rather than risk Israelites heading into the Southern Kingdom in order to worship and falling under Judah's power. To counter Judah's prominence as the center of worship, Jeroboam set up altars in both Bethel and Dan. And yet here he begins to reverse Joshua's accomplishment by inviting the Northern Kingdom to take on the identity of Canaanites rather than as the people of God. In Dan and in Bethel, Jeroboam crafts golden calves, intentionally reminiscent of that prepared by Aaron on Sinai, and invokes Sinai's peculiar Aaronic benediction saying, "You have gone up to Jerusalem long enough. Behold your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt" (1 Kings 12:25ff). Jeroboam invites the Northern Kingdom to forego worship of God in Jerusalem and sets precedent for them to worship crafted gods, as the Canaanites had. A couple more centuries pass and the Northern Kingdom has fully embraced its identity as being a nation who will have nothing to do with the God who had brought them to the land they inhabit. They have, for all intents, become the enemies of God every bit as much as the Canaanites had been before them. It is into this land and before this people that the story of Elisha insinuates itself. Elisha, like Joshua before him, is operating as the hand of God on earth. He renders judgment and offers mercy as God does. And it is in this capacity as God's servant that he comes to Bethel, one of the centers of pagan worship and headquarters of the enemies of God. And out of the city come the servants of the temple, the officials and leaders of idolatrous worship, to call down curses on Elisha and to threaten his life. These are the self-proclaimed enemies of God and they threaten the life of God's own envoy and servant. It is little wonder they meet with a bad end. But how are we to know that these are servants of the temple? Most translations describe them as children or young men. The word Hebrew translated here as "children" (na'ar) often means official or servant and doesn't necessarily even refer to age at all. Mephibosheth's servant Ziba is referred to as na'ar (2 Samuel 16:1), yet he has fifteen sons. The man that Boaz has positioned as boss over his fieldworkers is na'ar—not a position one grants to children (Ruth 2:5-6). The word na'ar is translated as "servant" over fifty times (roughly a fifth of the times it appears in Scripture). Not only were these men servants of pagan deities, they heard of Elisha's approach and came to meet him with threats. It had been big and recent news that Elisha's mentor Elijah had just vanished from the face of the earth. While Scripture records that he had been taken up to heaven alive and in a chariot of flame, many at the time believed that this was merely a cute story to cover up Elijah's death. In saying "Go on up!" They are both mocking what they presume to have been the death of Elijah and a threatening similar fate (death) to Elisha. These truly are the enemies of God and Elisha. They have willingly taken on the identity of those who Joshua, God's divine hand, was commanded to conquer. They have chosen to be conquered by their choice to oppose the army of the Lord. And so it now seems less drastic, that Elisha should pass judgment on those who, as enemies of God, are threatening the life of the earthly hand of God.

(blueleterbible.com)

Fiery Sermon : A Sermon without a word

A member of a certain church, who previously had been attending service regularly, stopped going. After a few weeks, the preacher decided to visit him. It was a chilly evening. The preacher found the man at home alone, sitting before a blazing fire. Guessing the reason for his preachers visit, the man welcomed him, led him to a comfortable chair near the fireplace and waited. The preacher made himself at home but said nothing. In the grave silence, he contemplated the dance of the flames around the burning logs. After some minutes, the preacher took the fire tongs, carefully picked up a brightly burning ember and placed it to one side of the hearth all alone then he sat back in his chair, still silent. The host watched all this in quiet contemplation. As the one lone ember’s flame flickered and diminished, there was a momentary glow and then its fire was no more. Soon it was cold and dead. Not a word had been spoken since the initial greeting. The preacher glanced at his watch and realized it was time to leave. He slowly stood up, picked up the cold, dead ember and placed it back in the middle of the fire. Immediately it began to glow, once more with the light and warmth of the burning coals around it. As the preacher reached the door to leave, his host said with a tear running down his cheek, “Thank you so much for your visit and especially for the fiery sermon. I shall be back in church next Sunday.” We live in a world today, which tries to say too much with too little. Consequently, few listen. Sometimes the best sermons are the ones left unspoken.
Anonymous

Pleading for and with Youth

Sin has undone our wretched race;
But Jesus has restored,
And brought the sinner face to face
With his forgiving Lord.

This we repeat from year to year
And press upon our youth;
Lord, give them an attentive ear,
Lord, save them by Thy truth!

Blessings upon the rising race!
Make this a happy hour,
According to Thy richest grace,
And thine Almighty power.

We feel for your unhappy state
(May you regard it too),
And would a while ourselves forget
To pour our prayer for you.

We see, though you perceive it not,
The approaching awful doom;
Oh tremble at the solemn thought,
And flee the wrath to come!

Dear Saviour, let this new-born year
Spread an alarm abroad;
And cry in every careless ear,
"Prepare to meet thy God!"
William Cowper
1731 - 1800

Psalm 119:9
Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way?
By taking heed thereto
According to thy word.

Psalm 67:1-7

God be merciful unto us and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us; Selah. That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations. Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee. O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon the earth. Selah. Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee. Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us. God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth.

No Excuses

The next time you feel like GOD can't use you, just remember.
Noah was a drunk
Abraham was too old
Isaac was a daydreamer
Jacob was a liar
Leah was ugly
Joseph was abused
Moses had a stuttering problem
Gideon was afraid
Samson had long hair and was a womanizer
Rahab was a prostitute
Jeremiah and Timothy were too young
David had an affair and was a murderer
Elijah was suicidal
Isaiah preached naked
Jonah ran from God
Naomi was a widow
Job went bankrupt
Peter denied Christ
The Disciples fell asleep while praying
Martha worried about everything
The Samaritan woman was divorced, more than once
Zacchaeus was too small
Paul was too religious
Timothy had an ulcer. .AND
Lazarus was dead!
And Don't forget
Jesus Helped them all!!!!
Anonymous

Insufficiencies of Human Religion

Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil. Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few. For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool’s voice is known by multitude of words. When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay. Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it was an error: wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands? For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities: but fear thou God.
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. Matthew 12:36-37 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

a Ministry of Calvary Chapel Vallejo

Simply Praise July 2009

Simply Praise
1 Ch. 29:13 “Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.
(A monthly meditation considering our God)

Keeping Balanced In An Unbalanced World

The scales of this world are unbalanced, ever leaning toward the flesh. The weight of sin bringing the world closer to final judgment. The lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life ( 1John 2:16 ). Be careful little eyes what you see! Today there are so many things to look at. We joke about being distracted by shinny objects. But truth be told we are drawn by the lust of our eyes. I’m not talking about everything we see, but that which feeds our flesh and sinful desires. The lust of our flesh manifest in many ways, from indulging in actual sin to indulging in what might not be considered sin for some, but done in excess can and does fall under the category of sin. Like wasteful spending, or overeating. All these things tip the scale further and further away from a balanced life in Christ. And its not just what we see that tips us away, but also our pride. We think we can handle more of the world then we actually can. That watching movies or reading books, or spending more time having fun, or working is not going to effect our relationship with Christ. Oh that is such a deceptive lie from hell. For example: my mother loved reading books, si-fi books. And when I tried to talk to her she would rarely put the book down. She was so wrapped up in the book that I couldn't get through. So if we are so wrapped up in stuff, how are we going to respond when God speaks to us? Chances are we won’t, and we will miss out. And the scale tips further! There are needful duties that we must do to live, and I am all for having fun and enjoying the life God has given. This world is full of wonderful, and beautiful things to behold and partake in. So don’t label me anti-fun. My point is, that when the time spent doing those things far outweighs the time spent with Jesus, in His Word, in prayer, in cultivating our relationship with Him, then we have become unbalanced and the scale is tipping towards being dull of hearing, and carnally minded.
Dear Father, help us today to hear your voice, help us remain balanced in this unbalanced world that we may grow ever closer to Your heart and be children You delight in. Amen.

Peace
music by George W. Chadwick, words by Sarah Williams, Twilight hours 1868

Because I knew not when my life was good,
And when there was a light upon my path,
But turned my soul perversely to the dark,
O Lord, I do repent.
Because I held upon my selfish road,
And left my brother wounded by the way,
And called ambition duty, and pressed on,
O Lord, I do repent.
Because I spent the strength Thou gavest me
In struggle which Thou never didst ordain,
And have imperfect life to offer Thee,
O Lord, I do repent.
Because I was impatient, would not wait,
And thrust my willful hand across Thy threads,
And marred the pattern
drawn out for my life,
O Lord, I do repent.

(Heartfelt words that touch my soul, does it touch yours?)

What Might Have Been

Read Psalm 81:1-16, Life is made up of things that were, things that are and things that might have been. We find all three in Psalm 81. First, we find the things that were (vv.1-10). The psalmist talks about the God of Jacob and says, “Let’s get our orchestra together. Let’s get our trumpets and lets sing to the Lord. He gave us a statute. He delivered us from Egypt.” he reflects on and rejoices in the past. But the things that were did not last long, because the people rebelled against the Lord. Next, we see the things that are. “But My people would not heed My voice, and Israel would have none of Me. So I gave them over to their own stubborn heart, to walk in their own counsels” (vv.11-12). The things that were brought rejoicing. The things that are spoke of rebellion. The people of God rebelled against Him. They wouldn’t listen to Him, call upon Him or obey His Word. So they lost all that He had for them. Finally, we see the things that might have been (vv, 13-16). “Oh, that My people had listen to Me, that Israel would walk in My ways! I would soon subdue their enemies, and turn My hand against their adversaries. The haters of the LORD would pretend submission to Him, but their fate would endure forever. He would have fed them also with the finest of wheat; and with honey from the rock I would have satisfied you.” What might have been? Victory, satisfaction, joy, the finest honey out of the rock. Don’t rebel against God and thus miss the blessings He wants to give you. Dwelling on past failures only turns life into regret. If you have failed the Lord, come back to Him and pray for forgiveness. Dedicate yourself to Him and start experiencing those things that might have been. God has the best plan for you.

Blinded by the Cross

"It makes my eyes hurt said one member." "I can't see the pastor or the choir" said others. "I wonder how many visitors are turned off and don't return because of this" spoke the pastor as he turned toward the huge stained glass window in the shape of a cross. "The motion has been seconded and the I's have it." said the pastor. "We will find a way to filter out the glare from the window." I sighed as I looked up at the magnificent cross that covered the wall of the sanctuary behind the pulpit. No, I did not fight against changing the window. The decision would be what the majority wanted anyway and I was not in the majority. The first thing I saw when I entered into this church building was the cross. It was beautiful. I purposely sat in the area where the light glared. I loved to look to the front of the church and not see the pastor or the choir but only the cross blinding me. I wanted to be blinded by the cross. When I would stop and talk to people I would see the reflection of the cross in their eyes. You just could not say anything unkind when you see the cross in the eyes of others. You could not hide from the cross. As I came into the sanctuary several days after the business meeting the room appeared dim. A plastic coating had been applied to the cross. The glare was gone. As I looked around the sanctuary I saw things that I had never noticed before. I noticed places where the walls needed to be repainted. I saw the dust on the light fixtures and the dirty corners where the walls reached up to the ceiling. I was able to see my friends faces more clearly. I no longer saw the cross but I saw the imperfections that had been hidden by the glare. I thought about the places in the Bible where God is compared to light. I thought about Moses as he was blinded when he got to see God as He passed by. I also thought about bringing a sweater for there was now a chill in the once warm spot. How strange that a simple window could say so much. Our imperfections can't have been because of the Cross. How many times do we filter God's light so we can be comfortable?

Author unknown

Come Children

Come, children, learn to fear the Lord
And that your days be long,
Let not a false or spiteful word
Be found upon your tongue.

Depart from mischief, practice love,
Pursue the works of peace;
So shall the Lord your ways approve,
And set your souls at ease.

His eyes awake to guard the just,
His ears attend their cry;
When broken spirits dwell in dust,
The God of grace is nigh.

What though the sorrows here they taste
Are sharp and tedious too,
The Lord, who saves them all at last,
Is their supporter now.

Evil shall smite the wicked dead;
But God secures His own,
Prevents the mischief when they slide,
Or heals the broken bone.

When desolation, like a flood,
O’er the proud sinner rolls,
Saints find a refuge in their God,
For He redeemed their souls.
Isaac Watts, The Psalms of David, 1719

There is so much we can learn from those who have gone before us, if we would only listen and heed.

A Little Interaction With The Word

1.Jesus uses the phrase "I am the ________" seven different times in the Gospel of John (for example, "I am the Way"). Name two of the remaining six phrases. John 6:35; John 9:5; John 10:9; John 10:11; John 11:25; John 14:6; John 15:1.

2.What was Balaam's sin?
greed
rebellion
lust
envy (Jude 1:11 KJV)



3. How do you increase your faith? or How does one come by faith?
by taking chances
by quoting God's Word
by living right
by hearing God's Word
(Rom 10:17 KJV)


4. Use the following words to complete the verse (in KJV):
grace
strength
weakness

"And he said unto me, My ________is sufficient for thee: for my ___________is made perfect in _________. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

Wisdom

One of the greatest things in life to learn is that God is always in control of our lives, we must learn the lessons of our trials and acquire a higher level of understanding.
We must be willing to Humble ourselves so that our Creator can more easily guide us into His Wisdom to choose Right from Wrong.
We must endure hardships to appreciate what we have and we must be more Willing to share our blessings with others who are less fortunate. We must learn to develop a meaningful relationship with God and learn to trust His decision in our lives.
We must learn to Pray, and to make that Prayer sincere and heartfelt, For God knows our hearts and minds and He cannot be fooled.
We must through all of this expect God to be faithful to His Word, because God cannot lie.
By Lessie Myles


Beatitudes For The Home

BLESSED are the husband and wife who continue to be affectionate and considerate, loving after the wedding bells have ceased ringing. BLESSED are the husband and wife who are as polite and courteous to one another as they are to their friends. BLESSED are they who have a sense of humor, for this attribute will be a handy shock absorber.
BLESSED are they who love their mates more than any other person in the world and who joyfully fulfill their marriage vows of lifetime of fidelity and mutual helpfulness to one another.
BLESSED are they who attain parenthood, for children are a heritage of the Lord. BLESSED are they who remember to thank God for their food before they partake of it, and who set apart some time each day for the reading of the Bible and for prayer. BLESSED are those mates who never speak loudly to one another and who make their home a place where seldom is heard a discouraging word". BLESSED are the husband and wife who faithfully attend the worship service of the church and who work together in the church for the advancement of Christ's Kingdom. BLESSED are the husband and wife who can work out problems of adjustments without interference from relatives. BLESSED is the couple who has a complete understanding about financial matters and who has worked out a perfect partnership with all money under the control of both. BLESSED are the husband and wife who humbly dedicate their lives and their home to Christ and who practice the teachings of Christ in the home by being unselfish, loyal, and loving.
Author Unknown

Prayer

Lord, as we Thy Name profess,
May our hearts Thy love confess;
And in all our praise of Thee
May our lips and lives agree.

Make us resolute to do
What Thou showest to be true;
Make us hate and shun the ill,
Loyal to Thy holy will.

May Thy yoke be meekly worn,
May Thy cross be bravely borne;
Make us patient, gentle, kind,
Pure in life and heart and mind.

Gracious Savior, heav’nly Friend,
On Thy grace our souls depend;
Let that grace our needs supply
While we live and when we die.

Edwin P. Parker, 1889

Hosea 10:12
Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.

June 2009

Simply Praise
1 Ch. 29:13 “Now therefore, our God, we thank thee,
and praise thy glorious name
(A monthly meditation considering our God)


The House of the Lord

Psalm 122:1; I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD. I am one of those who finds great joy in being in the house of the Lord, waiting and anticipating to hear from the Lord, blessing God’s heart with songs of praise and adoration, and gathering together with my Brother’s and Sister’s in Christ to worship the True and Living God. What joy and what a privilege it is to come together in His name. But my heart also breaks because there is such an indifference these days to gathering together and hearing the Word of God. Church is more of a social event to which we come not so much to bless God, but rather to bless ourselves. We have become a nation and people who can’t sit still. We have so many things that entertain us that sitting through a church service has become “boring” and so we blame the Pastor, or Worship team, or Teachers for not keeping things “fresh” and “exciting”. Its as if the goal is to entertain everyone for an hour and a half, and so fulfill the quota of the week for “spirituality”. If I have offended you it is only to stir your heart and mind to the reality of the times in which we live. We live in an ever changing world, but God does not change! His word does not evolve with the times. God is the same yesterday; today and forever. And He will not be mocked, or toyed with. We cannot deceive Him, or fool Him. He knows us better than we know ourselves. He knows when we are sincere and when we are not. As in 2 Tim. 4, the time is coming when sound doctrine will not be tolerated. But rather there will be a drawing to teachers who, with enticing words, will turn away many from the truth. We are so primed for that right now it scares me. That’s why it is so important for us to watch and pray and be alert and know the scriptures. Hebrews 10:25 says, “not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. What day is that? It is the day of the Lord’s return. I was and am glad when they say, come let us go into the house of the Lord. How about you?

Holding Fast

Forsaking fellowship is a sure way to give place to discouragement. This discouragement festers where God’s people are not exhorting one another. Many people go to church if they feel they “need it” at the time. But our motivation for fellowship must be to obey God and to give to others. We can go to church looking to encourage someone who needs to hang in there against a tide of discouragement. As the day of Jesus’ return draws nearer, we should be more committed to the fellowship of God’s people, and the assembling of ourselves together. (David Guzik) Blue Letter Bible

Cleanse the Sanctuary

Thus saith the Lord unto His people, come ye out of thy drowsiness. Yea, rise up and put on thy strength, O Zion; for the night is far spent. The day is at hand.
My people shall be a holy people, saith the Lord. But ye have gone in your own ways; ye have not considered it nor paused to take inventory. Return unto Me, and I will restore thee. Put away that which defileth and that which draweth away thine attention from Me, and I will walk again in thy midst as I walked in the midst of My people of old.
Yea, I will walk in thy midst in power and glory, and by My hand shall be wrought miracles. My power shall be manifested; My Name shall be glorified. For ye shall walk in newness of heart. With freshness of spirit shall ye serve Me; for I shall revive thee and bless thee, and pour out My Spirit upon thee, and thou shalt know that it is the Lord. He it is that healeth thee and forgiveth thy transgressions, that setteth thee upon a rock and establisheth thy ways.
With a WHOLE HEART have I commanded that ye love Me, and that ye serve Me with UNDIVIDED LOYALTY. Ye cannot serve two masters. Purge out, therefore, the old leaven, and make clean the vessels. CLEANSE THE SANCTUARY, and bring Me thy sacrifices with pure hearts and clean hands. The sacrifices of contrite hearts I shall not despise.
For I long after thee with a love that embraces Eternity. Though thou goest astray, I will surely draw thee back. Though thy love grow cold and thine heart indifferent, if thou shalt listen, thou shalt surely hear My voice. When thou turnest to Me, I shall bridge the gap. For though ye have strayed, I have not left thee. Whenever ye return to Me in love and confession, lo, I am there in the midst of thee.
“For My people have committed two evils; they have forsaken Me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water. Jeremiah 2:13”. (Come Away My Beloved, by Frances Roberts)

Change Your Church, O God

Change your church,
O God to be
More the church you long to see,
More the people you have claimed,
More the children you have named!
Change your Church
Renew us, Lord,
Till we all reflect your Word!
Make of us a shining light
Ever pleasing in your sight!

God, revive us by your love;
Send your Spirit to reprove!
Take away sin’s awful blight,
Help us all to do the right!
Cultivate us, God, so we,
Grafted to your vine, may be,
Thriving best, within your care,
Blossoming, your love to share.
God, review our urgent schemes!
Guide our vision, mold our dreams!
As we,toward your future move,
All our being, God, improve!
May we, by Christ’s love,be warmed!
Bless your church,by faith reformed;
Hastened by your Spirit’s pace:
God renew us by your grace.
John A. Dalles 1992

John 15:4 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 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.


Can the World See Jesus in You?

Do we live so close to the Lord today,
Passing to and fro on life’s busy way,
That the world in us can a likeness see
To the Man of Calvary?
Can the world see Jesus in me?
Can the world see Jesus in you?
Does your love to Him ring true,
And your life and service, too?
Can the world see Jesus in you?
Do we love, with love to His own akin,
All His creatures lost in the mire of sin?
Will we reach a hand, whatso'er it cost,
To reclaim a sinner lost?
As an open book they our lives will read,
To our words and acts giving daily heed;
Will they be attracted, or turn away From the Man of Calvary?
{Leila N. Morris 1917)

I like to read the lyrics to old songs, the message of the gospel usually is very clear. It also makes me think of the person who wrote it. What was their life like at the time? This song I like because it asks the question, “Can the world see Jesus in me?” We should be asking ourselves that question daily. Also, does my love ring true? “As an open book they our lives will read”. That line just gets to me, because my life doesn’t always speak of Jesus. It sometimes reads of “flesh” and “Self”.O that my love for Jesus would ring true, and my life and service too. Can the world see Jesus in me? Will they be attracted, or turn away from the Man of Calvary? So I ask the question to you? Can the world see Jesus in you?

Daniel’s Prayer:
Daniel 9:3-19 KJV

And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes: and I prayed unto the Lord my God made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments; We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments; Neither have we hearkened unto thy servants the prophets, which spake in thy name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land. O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto thee, but unto us confusion of faces, as at this day; to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and unto all Israel, that are near, and that are far off, through all the countries whither thou hast driven them, because of their trespass that they have trespassed against thee. O Lord, to us belongeth confusion of face, to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers, because we have sinned against thee. To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him; Neither have we obeyed the voice of the LORD our God, to walk in his laws, which he set before us by his servants the prophets. Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law, even by departing, that they might not obey thy voice; therefore the curse is poured upon us, and the oath that is written in the law of Moses the servant of God, because we have sinned against him. And he hath confirmed his words which he spake against us, and against our judges that judged us, by the bringing upon us a great evil: for under the whole heaven hath not been done as hath been done upon Jerusalem. As it is written in the law of Moses, all this evil is come upon us: yet made we not our prayer before the LORD our God, that we might turn from our iniquities, and understand thy truth. Therefore hath the LORD watched upon the evil, and brought it upon us: for the LORD our God is righteous in all his works which he doeth: for we obeyed not his voice. And now, O Lord our God, that hast brought thy people forth out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand, and hast gotten thee renown, as at this day; we have sinned, we have done wickedly. O Lord, according to all thy righteousness, I beseech thee, let thine anger and thy fury be turned away from thy city Jerusalem, thy holy mountain: because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and thy people are become a reproach to all that are about us. Now therefore, O our God, hear the prayer of thy servant, and his supplications, and cause thy face to shine upon thy sanctuary that is desolate, for the Lord’s sake. O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousness, but for thy great mercies. O Lord hear, O Lord forgive; O Lord hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God: for thy city and thy people are called by thy name.

Upon This Rock I will build My church:

Samuel Wesley wrote of the church that Christ was her one foundation. But he realized that the teaching of Christ on the endurance of the church meant that the church will never be vanquished. The church will endure throughout time and at the end of time will still be clearly in place. Mid toil and tribulation and tumult of her war, She waits the consummation of peace forevermore; Till with the vision glorious, her longing eyes are blest, And the great church victorious will be the church at rest.
“The Great American Century, Thomas Kinkade”

If the devil were to write his beatitudes,
they would probably go something like this:

1. Blessed are those who are too tired, too busy, too distracted to spend an hour once a week with their fellow Christians -- they are my best workers.
2. Blessed are those Christians who wait to be asked and expect to be thanked -- I can use them.
3. Blessed are those who seek worldly pleasures instead of seeking the will of God -- they are my missionaries.
4. Blessed are the trouble makers -- they shall be called my children.
5.5Blessed are those who murmur and complain and have no joy they really make my work easy.
6. Blessed are those who are focused on the minister's mannerisms and mistakes -- for they get nothing out of his sermons.
7. Blessed is the church member who expects to be invited to his own church -- for he is a part of the problem instead of the solution.  
8. Blessed are those who gossip -- for they shall cause strife and divisions that please me.  
9. Blessed are those who are easily offended -- for they will soon get angry and quit.
10. Blessed are those who do not give their tithes or offering to carry on God's work but will spend it selfishly on themselves -- for they are MY helpers.
11. Blessed is he who professes to love God but hates his brother and sister -- for he shall be with me forever.


The above may be humorous to a degree, but in reality it rings all to true. And we would do good to ask ourselves if we are encompassing any of these be-attitudes. And if we are, than we need to repent and ask God to forgive us, and change our hearts. Let’s not give place to Satan, but rather labor in love for Christ, sake, who gave His life for us that we may live.

May 2009 Simply Praise

Pondering

Last month I shared about the need to draw near to God, and that still remains my deepest need as always. But I find that doing so isn’t as easy as saying it. There are a lot of things that get in the way. Not necessarily sin, but rather distractions, business, and such. Doing things, which have there time and place but tend to draw attention away from God and onto “self” or other “selves”. Either way I am being drawn away from God and my relationship with Him. There is a song that says; “People don’t crumble in a day, it’s a subtle chipping away”. I like that thought because it’s true. There are so many “things” that have to get done, or so many TV programs to watch, that reading the Bible gets pushed aside like yesterdays newspaper. And as day slips into day it gets easer to say; “I’ll read later; or, I’ll finish my study after this show is over; or, I’ll just do it after I’ve finished doing all the other things I need to accomplish. But the sad truth is I don’t, and another day slips away. Proverbs 4:23-27 says, “Keep your heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Put away from thee a forward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor the left: remove thy feet from evil.” These verses say a lot concerning being drawn away. And how, if you should find your self in the same spot I have found myself, to either avoid it or get out of it. “Keep your heart” with ALL diligence, that is very important, because out of the heart are the issues of life. Now if that doesn’t prick your heart a bit, then perhaps you are where I had found myself, and you too need to ponder the path of your feet. I pray that as the days we are given come, that we would really take another look at the direction our feet are going and make all the necessary steps in getting ourselves back on the right road. Through Christ alone is this possible. Keep your eyes on Jesus, He is the Way! Ponder that awhile.


Guide

Be Thou my guide, through life’s treacherous way.
Be Thou my Rock, on it will I stay.
Be Thou my might; grant me strength anew.
Be Thou my map; gently lead me through.
Be Thou my song, so I will not fear.
Be Thou my stay; keep me safe and near.
Be Thou my grace; firmly clasp my hand.
Be Thou my guide, to the promised land.
(When I’m On My knees)

The Way, the Truth, the Life

At times, Father, my ways haven’t been Your ways. After I strayed from Your path, I slipped and fell, soon realizing what disaster I’d gotten myself into. Then with Your help, I struggled to faltering feet and got back on the right course. Then You gave me direction and sound judgment. Thank You for being my Way. You gave me Your Word. In it You show me truth, and through Your truth I’ve been set free. Day by day I study Your scriptures. Your Word helps me know right from wrong. Through it Your Holy Spirit, advises me in making wise decisions. It cautions me against sinful traps. Thank You for being my Truth. Because of Your certain way and guiding truth, You lead me into joyous, abundant life. When circumstances are difficult and unsure, I still have a deep inward joy filled with victory only You can provide. Not only do I experience a victorious life here on earth, I look forward to life eternal with You in heaven. Thank You, Lord, for my life.
(When I’m On My Knees)

Jesus saith unto him,
I am the way, the truth, and the life:
No man cometh unto the Father,
But by me.
John 14:6 KJV

Resting In His Way

When my weary body fails me, and my mind is filled with strife, when the world is pressing round me, and I cannot deal with life, when I’ve taken on the burdens, far more than I should share, I cry with broken spirit, “Lord, don’t others even care?” in my darkest midnight hours, I hear You calmly say, “You must take My yoke upon you. You must rest within My way.” Than my many cares I gather and I lay them at Your feet. Where I let Your love surround me, as my every need You meet.
(When I’m On My Knees)

Show me thy ways, O LORD;
teach me thy paths.
Lead me in thy truth, and teach me:
for thou art the God of my salvation;
on thee do I wait all the day.
Psalm 25:4-6 KJV

Seeing Beyond

Read Psalm 73:18-28
“You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory” (v.24). Asaph wrote this verse after he had gone through a period of doubt, and it was a wonderful conclusion to his sever depression. He came out of his experience with several certainties. First, God holds us. “Nevertheless I am continually with you; You hold me by my right hand” (v.23). The wicked may have violence, bounty, prosperity and a full cup of apparent blessing. But we have God, and He holds us. Second, God guides us. “You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory” (v.24). That’s the important thing—the afterward. What is going to happen afterward? We can be sure that we will be with Him forever. It makes little difference what happens to us materially and physically in this life as long as we have riches in the next life. Some who are rich in this world will be poor in the next world. But many who are poor in this world will be rich in the next world. ” (v.26).Third, God strengthens us. “My flesh and heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Fourth, God helps us in every stage of life. “But it is good for me to drew near to God” (v.28). Wherever we are, whatever we’re going through, we must draw near to God. “I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all Your works” (v.28).
The promise of an eternal home in heaven with the Lord encourages you in this life. God purchased you with a great price, and He keeps and protects you through everything. What assurances you have!
(Prayer, Praise & Promises,) Warren Wiersbe.

Thank Jesus for the cross, and the promise of eternity with You, guide our every step that we may walk worthy of Thy name.

A Light In The Darkness

Read Psalm 119:105-112 You probably know the following well, but read it aloud as though you were hearing it for the first time. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (v.105). What lessons can we learn from that statement? The world is dark. It is in a constant state of moral and intellectual darkness. We have more education today and less wisdom. People make foolish decisions. The world is also dark spiritually. Satan has numbed people’s minds. They don’t want to see the light of the glory of God in Jesus Christ. The way is definite. How do we make it through this dark world? God has marked out a definite path for each one of us, and we don’t have to be afraid of where it leads. It is a path of life, blessing and righteousness. Our walk is deliberate. As we take each step, we see more of what God has for us. Sometimes I would like to have a spotlight that shines for miles down the road. But God says, “You’re going to learn to walk by faith. You’re going to learn to walk by patience, by My promise.” The Word is dependable. That lamp of the word will not go out, and it will not lead us astray. When you read your Bible and let its truth shine on your path, God will show you what He wants you to do.
Because your walk is by faith, you can see ahead only a step at a time. Be encouraged that the way is definite and deliberate and that God’s Word is dependable. Let it be the light of life that guides you as you walk through this dark world today.
(Prayers, Praise & Promises, Warren Wiersbe)

Walk On With Me

My child, the path of duty is before thee. It may look rugged, but it is the only way of divine blessing. Choose out some other way, and ye shall find only disappointment and frustration of soul. Weariness shall overtake thee on the smoothest road, if it be not the pathway of my ordained will. Be not deceived by doubts, and be not detained by fears. Move into the center of My purposes for you: ye shall find there are glorious victories waiting for thee, and recompenses far exceeding every sacrifice. Be obedient: ye shall bring joy to My heart. Neither the applause nor the scorn of men should be of any consequence to thee. My approval is reward enough, and without this, any other satisfaction is not worthy of thy pursuit. Walk on with Me. I shall be very near to give thee support and encouragement, so ye have nothing to warrant thy fears. They shall vanish as ye obey.
(Come Away My Beloved)
Frances Roberts


Distraction Of Antipathy

“Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us: for we are exceedingly filled with contempt.” Psalm 123:3. The thing we have to beware is not so much damage to our belief in God as to our Christian temper. “Therefore take heed to thy spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.” The temper of mind is tremendous in its effects. It is the enemy that penetrates right into the soul and distracts the mind from God. There are certain tempers of mind in which we never dare indulge; if we do, we find they have distracted us from faith in God. And until we get back to the quite mood before God, our faith in Him is nil, and our confidence in the flesh and human ingenuity is the thing that rules. Beware of “the cares of this world,” because they are the things that produce a wrong temper of soul. It is extraordinary what an enormous power there is in simple things to distract our attention from God. Refuse to be swamped with the cares of this life. Another thing that distracts us is the lust of vindication. St. Augustine prayed-”O Lord, deliver me from this lust of always vindicating myself.” That temper of mind destroys the soul’s faith in God.”I must explain myself; I must get people to understand.” When we discern that people are not going on spiritually and allow the discernment to turn to criticism, we block our way to God. God never gives us discernment in order that we may criticize, but that we may intercede. (Oswald Chambers)

Mind, Heart and Will

Here is a good prayer for you today. “Teach me Your way, O LORD; I will walk in Your truth; unite my heart to fear Your name” (v.11). The whole person is wrapped up in this prayer. First, we see an open mind. “Teach me Your way;..I will walk in Your truth.” is your mind open to God’s truth? Do you really want Him to teach you His way? He revealed His ways to Moses and to the Israelites. He will do the same for you also. We need people today who will say, “Lord, I have an open mind. I want You to show me Your way and truth.” But that’s not enough. We need to have an obedient will. The psalmist makes a promise in verse 11: “Lord, if You show me Your way, I will obey it.” Jesus said, “If anyone wants to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority” (John 7:17). Finally, we see a united heart. “Unite my heart to fear Your name.” A united heart is wholly fixed upon the Lord. A divided heart is dangerous. Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon” (Matt.6:24). James 1:8 says a double-minded man is unstable in all of his ways. If you want God to guide and bless you today, follow the example of this prayer. Give to Him an open mind and say, “Teach me.” Give to Him an obedient will and say, “I will do what You want me to do.” And give to Him a united heart. Fear His name, and you’ll end up praising Him, and enjoying His blessings. (Is your mind open to the truth of God’s Word? Does your will respond to truth and obey it? Is your heart undivided, fixed upon the Lord? Today, dedicate your mind, heart and will to God.) Warren Wiersbe….


Trust God with your obstacles. He can help you in the hopeless places, the high places and the hard places.