GOD Came Through!

Do you ever wonder if GOD even hears you when you pray? Have you found yourself so distraught over a particular situation that you have just given up all hope of any relief? Where is GOD? Why isn’t He listening? Why isn’t He doing something?

Isaac found himself in a similar situation. The Scripture says: “Isaac pleaded with the LORD on behalf of his wife, because she was unable to have children. The LORD answered Isaac’s prayer, and Rebekah became pregnant with twins” (Genesis 25:21 NLT).

It’s important to remember that GOD’s promise to raise up a great nation was to come through Isaac. Isaac’s parents, Abraham and Sarah, had waited beyond their years of child-bearing for the fulfillment of GOD’s promise, but GOD came through and Isaac was born.

Now, Isaac finds himself in a similar situation. I’m sure Isaac had been praying for a child for a long time. But, something different happened here. He got real serious with GOD. The Scripture says he pleaded with the LORD and GOD came through—in great abundance.

James gives us some great instruction concerning this matter when he says: “Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure” (James 4:2-3 NLT). We receive from GOD when we get serious with GOD—when our heart and motives are right.

Too often, we are flippant in our prayers and petitions. We ask half-heartedly because we really aren’t convinced of GOD’s ability to answer and meet our need. Isaac didn’t give up. He knew GOD was a GOD of miracles and was capable of fulfilling His promise. So, he prayed and GOD came through.

Today, you have unmet needs—sickness, financial situation, trouble with your kids, whatever the need may be—it is time to get serious with GOD and then watch GOD come through in a supernatural way. James shared this important thought: “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results” (James 5:16 NLT). Confession plus prayer equals wonderful, supernatural results!

Scripture Reading: “Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will tell you what he did for me. For I cried out to him for help, praising him as I spoke. If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. But God did listen! He paid attention to my prayer. Praise God, who did not ignore my prayer or withdraw his unfailing love from me” (Psalm 66:16-20 NLT).

Prayer: Father, I know You hear me when I pray even when I pray amiss. Help me to trust in You. Help me to follow Your Word. Help me to align myself with You instructions so I may truly experience Your greatness in and through my life! I have needs today and I pray that You take these burdens, lift them from me and help me to be strong. I know You will come through for me as You always have and for all that I am so grateful to You…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!   

Peace in the Midst of Every Storm!

We are living in tumultuous times! The extremes of society are applying a heavy burden of stress on so many. Suicide numbers have sky-rocketed. Individuals desperately seeking counseling and medication from psychiatrists are at an all-time high. The rapidly rising numbers of assaults and murders across our nation puts people on edge. What is going on? What can a person do to find peace in the midst of every storm?

In the midst of a crisis situation, the Psalmist discovered the only means of peace. He wrote: “LORD, my heart is not proud; my eyes are not haughty. I don’t concern myself with matters too great or too awesome for me to grasp. Instead, I have calmed and quieted myself, like a weaned child who no longer cries for its mother’s milk. Yes, like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel, put your hope in the LORD — now and always” (Psalm 131:1-3 NLT).

In the midst of the storms around about us; in the midst of your own personal storms, there is a rock that is sturdy, unfaltering and strong. There is a peace that passes human understanding. There is a shelter that will not falter or give way. His name is JESUS! The Psalmist understood the exceeding abundance of abilities manifested through JESUS.

The Psalmist did not have to concern himself with matters which were too big or too heavy or too burdensome; he simply handed them over to the LORD and found peace like a baby suckling milk from its momma. Too often, we take our eyes off of the only One able to carry our load and place them upon ourselves. We allow ourselves to become encumbered by burdens we should never have to personally bear as children of the KING.

The storms of life may gather; they may howl and cast terrifying lightning bolts all around you. They may tempt you to terror in the light of their threats of bringing overwhelming damage and destruction to your life. But, in the midst of it all, you can find peace! In the midst of every storm that gathers around you, you can find safety and security—through JESUS CHRIST your LORD!

The world would tell you that you are all alone to face these impending terrors, but GOD says: “be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you” (Deuteronomy 31:6 NLT). Rest in GOD today. Hand Him your storms and He will take care of them as you learn to simply rest peacefully in His sheltering arms.

Scripture Reading: “But now, O Jacob, listen to the LORD who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior” (Isaiah 43:1-3 NLT).

Prayer: Father, the storms of trouble have surrounded me. I find myself overwhelmed at times by troubling things I simply cannot handle. Today, I desire to learn to trust completely in You. I pray You would show me how so I may experience the peace that only You can give. As I face the world today, may I know that my GOD is going before me and You, LORD, will not allow me to be overtaken by these terrors that rage around me, but I will go forward carrying Your peace everywhere I go. Thank you, LORD…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!

Choosing What is Right Regardless of the Consequences!

Have you ever found yourself faced with a decision that could have serious implications? You know what the right thing to do or say is but you also know in so doing you face the possibility of maybe losing your job or a friend or something else. What do you do? It’s definitely a tough call.

Most every day our faith will be challenged. We will be faced with issues and decisions that require a departure from the crowd’s choice if we intend to do or say what we know is right. In the business-world, you will be asked, and too often, forced to say and do things which you know are wrong, maybe not seriously wrong, but still wrong. So, where do you draw the line? What do you do? You need that job; you don’t want to anger a friend—what do you do?

It’s hard to confront this dilemma due to its often serious ramifications, but I believe we have an obligation to GOD to choose what is right regardless of the consequences. Consider the challenge these men faced: “Nebuchadnezzar said to them, ‘Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you refuse to serve my gods or to worship the gold statue I have set up? I will give you one more chance to bow down and worship the statue I have made when you hear the sound of the musical instruments. But if you refuse, you will be thrown immediately into the blazing furnace. And then what god will be able to rescue you from my power?’” (Daniel 3:14-15 NLT).

Simply put, do what I tell you to do or else it’s going to get real serious for you guys—serious to the point of death. Now, I don’t believe any of you will be challenged as seriously as these three guys were, but your faith will be challenged.

So, what did they do? The easy way out would have been to simply say, “Ok, I’ll bow down on the outside but, inside I continue to stand! It’ll be ok, GOD understands my situation.” But, without hesitation, these men chose the tough road as they replied: “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.” (vv. 16-18).

For their refusal to bow, they were thrown into the furnace; but, GOD delivered them from it and they came out untouched by the flames. In addition, GOD received the glory and honor for their faithfulness. Certainly, it’s tough in today’s world to take a stand and just say “NO!” There is almost always an easier out but choosing what is right regardless of the consequences is GOD’s design and purpose for His people.

Scripture Reading: “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell….Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven.” (Matthew 10:28,32-33 NLT).

Prayer: Father, it is often tough in today’s world to stand up for what is right. It is so much easier to follow the crowd and go along with what I am being told to do. But, GOD, I know that dishonors You. I desire to honor You in all I do, so I pray You would give me the strength today to follow You and to do what You have called me to regardless of the consequences the world may deliver to me. I seek to do Your will, O, Lord always…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!

You Are Special!

You may not see much when you look at yourself in a mirror. You may wish that you were someone else. You may not like the way you look; but I am here to tell you: You are a one-of-a-kind!

When you look into the mirror, you are viewing an individual that is unlike any other that has ever been, is now or will ever be. You are special! GOD put special effort into you from the very moment of conception, fashioning you into the person He desired you to be. He placed His purpose into you; He wove His plan into every cell in your body. He was carefully considering every moment of your life as He delicately created and fashioned you in your mother’s womb.

Consider the words of the Psalmist for a moment: “You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed” (Psalm 139:13-16 NLT).

It’s interesting to think that out of the billions and billions of people that have walked the face of the earth, you are totally unique. You have markings in your eyes, your fingerprints, your DNA, your tongue that are all totally unique to you. How does GOD do such marvelous works time and time again? Truth is, it is beyond human comprehension, but as science continues to move forward and make more discoveries the truth of the Psalmist become more real.

You may feel you have no real value. You may consider yourself to be worthless or useless, but GOD sees you in a whole different light. GOD doesn’t create junk; He doesn’t create useless objects; He creates beauty and purpose and that is what He created in you! You are special!

You are no accident. You are not a mistake. You are special and regardless of what others may think, you are of extreme value to your Heavenly Father! Quit trying to impress people. Quit trying to receive praise and acceptance from others. GOD’s praises and acceptance of you is constant. Live your life for Him. Discover your real reason for being and enjoy being who GOD made you to be!

Scripture Reading: “How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!” (Psalm 139:17-18 NLT).

Prayer: Father, too often I fail to recognize how special I really am to You! I begin to consider what others think about me and then I try to better myself so others see something more impressive in me, something that is not really me. Today, I want to please You! I want to make You the desire of my heart and I desire to only be found pleasing in Your sight. Continue shaping and making me, LORD, according to Your will and purpose!…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!

The Least Probable Choice!

Have you ever felt like GOD could never use someone like you? You look at your life, your past, where you’ve come from, the situations that you were brought up in and you simply feel like GOD could never use such an individual as you? You seem to be the least probable choice?

The Scripture relates a similar incident to us. It says: “After Jesse presented seven of his sons to him, Samuel told Jesse, ‘The Lord hasn’t chosen any of these’” (1 Samuel 16:10 CSB). Samuel the prophet had been sent by GOD to appoint GOD’s next choice for king of His people. The top seven sons were brought out, one of which should have surely been the right one, but none fit the bill.

The Scripture continues: “Samuel asked him, ‘Are these all the sons you have?’ ‘There is still the youngest,’ he answered, ‘but right now he’s tending the sheep’” (v. 11).

Jesse’s response was, “Sure, there’s still the youngest, the most insignificant, the least likely to be chosen out in the field tending to the family’s sheep.” Samuel told Jesse to go get him. When David arrived, the LORD told Samuel, “Anoint him, for he is the one” (v. 12). The one deemed least likely to be chosen was GOD’s choice!

No matter how insignificant you may feel today, in GOD’s eyes you are worth everything—you were worth the life of Jesus on a cross and you will continue to be of great value to Him always. He has a plan for you. You were born for a reason, you have purpose!

Stop trying to live up to the world’s standards. The world’s standards are often deceiving and misleading. Rather, set your sights on things above—on the things of GOD. Seek to live to please Him. Discover His purpose and plan for your life and live in the glory that He has for you! The world might see you as the least probable choice, but GOD calls you the one!

Scripture Reading: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us” (Hebrews 12:1 NLT).

Prayer: Father, I have wasted too much time trying to please people, trying to be something according to this world’s standards only to discover I always seem to fall short. I ask You, Lord, to help me to reset my focus, to understand that my purpose is found in You. Help me to desire You because You first desired me and paid the price for my sins so I could become Your child. Although I seem to be the least probable choice, You see me as a great probability and for that and all You do for me, I say “Thank-You!”…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!

Designed for GOD’s Purposes!

GOD has created you for something spectacular! He designed you with a special plan and purpose programmed into your being. He has placed you where you are right now to begin to fulfill His purpose. He has created you to be a person of IMPACT!

What me? I really don’t think so. I’m just a simple person. GOD could never use someone like me. He has those special people He has specifically called like pastors and preachers and missionaries. I’m just little old me going about my daily routine, living life as best I can.

Well, that’s pretty much the way Moses felt as well when GOD spoke to him from the burning bush. GOD said: “Look! The cry of the people of Israel has reached me, and I have seen how harshly the Egyptians abuse them. Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You must lead my people Israel out of Egypt” (Exodus 3:9-10 NLT). GOD told him, I have called you for a purpose; the time has come to fulfill that purpose.

Moses responded: “Who am I to appear before Pharaoh? Who am I to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt?” (v. 11). Moses saw himself as a simple shepherd tending sheep out in the wilderness. He had no idea of the potential locked up inside of him waiting to be loosed under the anointing and power of GOD. After a time of struggling with GOD to try to get out of his assignment, Moses finally relented and, of course, we know the great and mighty acts GOD carried out through him.

GOD desires to do the same mighty works though all of His children. But, we sit back and argue about our inabilities and personal struggles and problems, never getting around to finally submitting to GOD and simply letting Him be GOD in and through us. He will take your inabilities and turn them into great abilities. You must simply submit and say, Yes, LORD! Whatever You will for me, I will do.

Can you imagine the impact that could be made upon our world if all Christians simply followed through on what GOD has designed each to do? What about you today? GOD has called you; how will you respond? Will you respond? Allow the potential locked up in you to be loosed by the power and Spirit of GOD today and watch Him perform great and mighty works through you!

Scripture Reading: “Ask of Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance and the ends of the earth Your possession” (Psalm 2:8 CSB).

Prayer: Father, I realize I have not served You to my full potential. I know I do not impact my world as I should with the love and message of Jesus Christ. I pray today for the willingness to simply put my life into Your hands, to be used by You in mighty ways. I believe You have me where I am for Your purpose, help me to step into it and live it out in and through my life. I praise You for all You plan to do through me…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!

It’s All About Me!

We live in a very “me-centered” society. Certainly, it is most often referred to as “self-centered,” but the idea becomes more personalized by using “me.” And, until we personalize the concept, we will continually fail to respond as the LORD would desire for us to do.

Because we are born with the attitude that it is all about “me,” ridding this idea from our lives can become a complicated matter. With this attitude, everything we set out to accomplish in life is based upon what I can gain, what I can achieve, who I can become.

John the Baptist came along with a different response which established a precedent for all of us that is totally opposite from our current line of reasoning. He said: “He (Jesus) must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less” (John 3:30 NLT). So totally out of line with what we are brought up believing about ourselves.

The “me-centered” attitude not only hurts the individual to whom it belongs, but brings hurt to those around that individual as well. Families, homes, churches, governments—have all been brought down and destroyed by individuals exhibiting the attitude that “It’s all about me!”

Believers, this attitude must be done away with. Jesus showed a better ways when He said: “Don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need” (Luke 12:29-31 NLT).

Jesus teaches that the “me-centered” attitude belongs to unbelievers. True believers will set their sights on pleasing GOD by seeking after Godly things that hold eternal value. A true believer will look beyond what “I” need and seek to fulfill what others need. A true believer will follow the example of John the Baptist and become less as Jesus becomes greater.

Contrary to the world’s opinion, the most important things in life are not things. Those who chase after things will always come up short and lacking. Jesus told us the most important thing in life is the kingdom of GOD. Then, everything else will fall right into place.

Scripture Reading: “Trust in the LORD and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you” (Psalm 37:3-5 NLT).

Prayer: Father, I realize the world has heavily influenced my thinking at times, I realize that too often I tend to desire according to what I think I need rather than what You know I need. I pray You would cleanse my heart, my mind and my motives. Help me to seek after You and Your kingdom. May my desires and longings be for all that pleases You. Forgive my selfishness…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!

Loving Discipline!

Early in life, we begin learning there are consequences when we disobey. We learn very quickly that, “No, hot!” means if you touch it, you will get burned and, unfortunately, it usually takes the action to learn the true meaning behind the warning. As we grow older, we learn that life is filled with rules, many of which are meant to protect us from more serious consequences. And, just as we did as little kids, we tend to push the envelope only to discover the pain that follows.

Why do we have all these rules? Why do we have to follow them? Simply put—consequences! As we look into GOD’s Word, we find it too is filled with rules. We can notice quickly that those who were obedient to GOD’s rules were blessed; but, those who chose to disobey discovered the consequences for their actions.

Rules are established as protective measures. The Bible instructs us in the ways that are good and profitable for our own personal and spiritual protection as well as to make us good citizens within our communities.

When asked what the most important commandment was, Jesus responded: “‘you must love the your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Mark 12:30-31 NLT).

As we learn to obey these two commands, we discover we are actually fulfilling every other command in the Bible. However, when we disobey, we discover there are consequences. The writer to the Hebrews tells us: “No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way” (Hebrews 12:11 NLT).

Through these consequences, GOD is lovingly disciplining us in order to lovingly pull us back to Himself. Rather than writing us off for our disobedience, He draws us back unto Himself that we may once again enjoy pleasures and the excitement of right living.

Scripture Reading: “The LORD is in his holy Temple; the LORD still rules from heaven. He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth. The LORD examines both the righteous and the wicked. He hates those who love violence. He will rain down blazing coals and burning sulfur on the wicked, punishing them with scorching winds. For the righteous LORD loves justice. The virtuous will see his face” (Psalm 11:4-7 NLT).

Prayer: Father, I know I often push the envelope just to see how far I can go and I learn very quickly of the consequences. I feel you lovingly nudging me back while at the same time allowing me to suffer from what I have done. Help me, LORD, to remain faithful to You. Help me to follow You and Your path always and forgive me when I fail You. Keep me ever close to You…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!

Distorted Understanding!

How often do you find yourself seeking after something that will satisfy your desires? Inside, you know there has to be something more to life; something more to attain; something more to add to what you already have? You find yourself searching but always coming up short of total satisfaction. The things that should bring this satisfaction always seem to come up short.

Consider the searching of the wealthy; they will spend great sums of money buying every new toy that comes along, only to discover they need another. New cars, new boats, new homes—you name it; they will buy it attempting to feel satisfied but never attaining it.

I am amazed at the number of extremely popular, and wealthy, musicians and actors who commit suicide. They search for some meaning, some fulfillment, some happiness—only to come up empty. Soon, they find themselves heavily involved in drugs, alcohol and partying—again coming up dry! So, what’s the problem?

The problem is that has created a distorted understanding of our reason for being. The world tells us to go out and make the very best of what we have. But it never totally satisfies. Because, we were not created to pleasure ourselves but rather to bring pleasure to our Creator, GOD! Consider the words of Revelation 4:11: “Our Lord and God, You are worthy to receive glory and honor and power, because You have created all things, and because of Your will they exist and were created” (HCSB).

True satisfaction comes when our distorted understanding becomes clear and we begin to fulfill His purpose for our lives rather than attempting over and again to personally define our own purpose. The Psalmist wrote: “For He has satisfied the thirsty and filled the hungry with good things” (Psalm 107:9 HCSB).

When we learn to focus on Christ and His will for our lives, we will discover satisfaction for our souls. The longings that once sought after personal pleasure will be replaced by the pleasure and satisfaction of being in the will of GOD.

Scripture Reading: “The LORD helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads. The eyes of all look to you in hope; you give them their food as they need it. When you open your hand, you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing. The LORD is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness. The LORD is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth” (Psalm 145:14-18 NLT).

Prayer: Father, I have spent many years trying to find pleasure in all this world has to offer, only to come up short every time. As I read your Word, I discover my pursuits have been in vain as my vision and understanding has been clouded and distorted. I desire to do Your will and to live within Your plan and purpose for my life, knowing that satisfaction will only be found as I do so. Please take away the desires I have now and replace them with a desire and longing after You only…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!

Peace of Mind When Peace Ceases to Exist!

We are living in very chaotic times. The world around seems to be in the worst state of turmoil it has ever been in. The constant threat of terrorism and world economic problems creates a state of despair for so many. Finding some sense of peace of mind seems almost impossible.

Yet, faced with very similar circumstances, Paul was able to say: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done” (Philippians 4:6 NLT). While the world about him was collapsing, Paul found peace to carry him through. He prayed, told GOD what he needed and thanked Him for what he already had.

He continued by saying: “Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus” (v.7). You aren’t going to understand the peace that will flow over you, but it will definitely be there. And, not only will you sense peace and assurance but your heart and mind will also find complete protection from what could be serious consequences from worry and the fear it produces.

Paul tells us where our focus should be in these situations in order that complete calmness and peace is allowed to overwhelm us. He says: “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise” (v.8). Focus on the truths of GOD’s Word and His promises. Set these things as your main focus of thought.

And finally he writes: “Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you” (v.9 NLT). Then you take the ideas you have focused upon and make them a daily life practice and from there you will discover GOD’s peace overshadowing you in all situations and circumstances. You will find you have discovered peace of mind when peace around you ceases to exist.

Scripture Reading: “Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you” (Luke 12:27-28 NLT).

Prayer: Father in heaven, as I look around me today, I see a world that is falling apart. I see so many people having so many problems. Protect me from the worry these things bring. Help me to focus upon You and Your mercy and grace. Help me to recognize You alone can protect my heart and mind. Keep me safe within You today, I pray…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!