A Crucial Choice to Make

Life is filled with choices. Every day we are bombarded by choices we have to make. Some are made with little hesitation or consideration while others may require time to think. All choices result in consequences—some of which have serious implications.

I am reminded of the situation that took place as Jesus was hanging on the cross. The Scripture tells it like this: “Then one of the criminals hanging there began to yell insults at Him: ‘Aren’t You the Messiah? Save Yourself and us!’ But the other answered, rebuking him: ‘Don’t you even fear God, since you are undergoing the same punishment? We are punished justly, because we’re getting back what we deserve for the things we did, but this man has done nothing wrong.’ Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom!’” (Luke 23:39-42).

You have two men convicted of the same crime, receiving the same punishment, confronted with the same crucial choice to make—but two very different choices are made. Can you see yourself in what is taking place in this scene? Can you see yourself confronted by the fact of your own sin, the consequences for that sin and the choice you will make?

The one man’s heart was hard. He refused to recognize his impending death and coming judgment—choosing rather to rebuke the only means of his eternal salvation. How often have you done the same thing by your refusal to make the right choice concerning your eternity?

The other man displayed remorse; he understood his situation and how he got there. He understood he was condemned to everlasting punishment because of his past choices. But, he recognized that Jesus had something much better for him. He chose Jesus. He chose eternal life.

The hardened man slipped into eternity without a Savior choosing rather to face his judgment and to receive his just sentence of eternal separation from GOD in an eternal hell. Whereas, the other man recognized Jesus as his only means of eternal salvation and turned his heart and life over to Him at that very crucial moment in time. To this man, Jesus responded: “I assure you: Today you will be with Me in paradise” (v. 43).

Today is a crucial day for you! The Scripture says: “Today is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2 NLT). You have a crucial choice to make today. Putting off such a crucial decision to another day that may never come, is a gamble with eternal consequences you don’t really want to face. Recognize Christ as your Savior. Choose life today through Jesus Christ by making Him the Lord and Savior of your life.

Scripture Reading: “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved….For everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved” (Romans 10:9,10,13 NLT).

Prayer: Father in heaven, today I find myself faced with the most crucial decision I will ever have to make. I realize my situation, my sin and the eternal consequences for my sin. I recognize today I am lost and in desperate need of a Savior. Today, I choose Jesus. Jesus, I surrender my life to You. Come and take control of me by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Cleanse me with Your shed blood and bring me into a right relationship with the Father above. Thank you for dying for me and for saving me. I love you!…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!

Reeling from a Difficult Situation

Have you ever been going along in life doing the right thing, living the right way and then all of a sudden, BAM!—someone close to you, someone you really trusted turns on you with a vengeance? They begin persecuting you through their lies, gossip, and deceit? You find yourself reeling from the difficult situation that you have fallen into, unaware of what has really taken place?

I recall a similar situation that happened to me a number of years back. Several area ministry leaders had joined with me to help the needy in the inner-city. We were feeding, clothing and housing a great number of people. With the help of several area churches, I started a ministry center and shelter to increase our capability of reaching the growing number of people. I also started a church focused upon these “street people.” The ministry grew tremendously and the church was running well over a hundred people three or four services a week.

Then, all of a sudden, BAM!—the brothers who were so close to me became upset by the progress and growth of the new ministry center. They began to accuse me of hurting their ministries with this new ministry. The talk began to circulate; a great deal of criticism and talk began going on behind the scenes from some of these so-called brothers. I began to feel so alone. The enemy’s attacks increased but GOD continued to prosper the work until their influence began to reach city hall which opened up a whole new set of issues.

As I consider all this, I think about how Joseph must have felt. His brothers turned against him and sold him out. His owner in Egypt, whom he had served so well, had him imprisoned on false charges. He had to have felt so alone imprisoned in a foreign land and yet we find he really wasn’t alone. The Scripture tells us: “the Lord was with Joseph and extended kindness to him. He granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden” (Genesis 39:21 HCSB). In his darkest hour, Jesus was there with him.

In your darkest hour, Jesus will always be there. When it seems everyone has turned against you, Jesus will be there. Use those moments to draw close to Him and to find your security within Him. Draw your strength from Him. The dark of the night will soon dawn a new day as Jesus brings you out in a victorious way.

Scripture Reading: “The Lord was with Joseph and extended kindness to him. He granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. The warden put all the prisoners who were in the prison under Joseph’s authority, and he was responsible for everything that was done there. The warden did not bother with anything under Joseph’s authority, because the Lord was with him, and the Lord made everything that he did successful” (Genesis 39:21-23 HCSB).

Prayer: Father in heaven, life can get so lonely at times. People can be so cruel at times. Understanding why can be more than I can know. Those who seem to be so close become so far. The gossip, the talk, the hurt and pain can be overwhelming at times. LORD, I pray that You give the me the ability to stand strong, to stand firm and to simply know that You are always there and You are working out the victory that is on its way for me. Thank You, LORD! I love You!…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!  

The Battle is the Lord’s

Serving GOD in today’s world can be extremely difficult at times. It seems as though the people around about us simply aren’t interested in hearing what we have to say nor are they concerned with what their future holds. It seems everyone is living for today and who cares about tomorrow.

Oftentimes, when you try to do things right in your life, those around you begin to speak negatively about you—trying to discourage and dishearten your attempts at living right. Too often it seems to be me against the rest of the world—do you feel that way sometimes?

About ten years ago, I had established a ministry focusing upon homeless people, addicts, street-people—people with life-controlling problems. The LORD prospered the ministry tremendously as we focused heavily upon the personal needs of the individual rather than following a bunch of rules and regulations. Many lives were being changed for good, Praise GOD!

However, the leaders in the city we were in at the time were not pleased with what was taking place. I was accused of drawing needy people from across America to our city because I was offering a free service for them.

The city began its process of shutting our ministry down through their various departments. After two years of struggles with the city, they finally won out and forced us from the location where we at. Many times during that two-year struggle, I felt so alone. I held on as long as I possibly could but eventually lost the battle. Overcome with exhaustion from the struggle, I entered into a dark time in my life. I simply gave up on everything for a time. I felt totally defeated.

While reading Jeremiah recently, I realized that no matter how difficult things may appear, we are never really going it alone in our battles. The LORD is always there. Jeremiah is a great example of this.

The LORD gave Jeremiah this command: “Now, get ready. Stand up and tell them everything that I command you. Do not be intimidated by them or I will cause you to cower before them. Today, I am the One who has made you a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls against the whole land-against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the population. They will fight against you but never prevail over you, since I am with you to rescue you. This is the Lord’s declaration” (Jeremiah 1:17-19 HCSB).

Jeremiah was told to go and stand before the wicked king and the hostile people and speak truth. He was assured of the LORD’s presence and power. He was assured that they would fight against him but in the end he would win!

The same words stand true for all GOD’s people. The battle is His. The struggle is His. Stand up, be strong, speak truth! In the end, we will win by the power of Almighty GOD!

Scripture Reading: “You are my King and my God, who decrees victories for Jacob. Through you we push back our enemies; through your name we trample our foes. I put no trust in my bow, my sword does not bring me victory; but you give us victory over our enemies, you put our adversaries to shame. In God we make our boast all day long, and we will praise your name forever” (Psalm 44:4-8 HCSB).

Prayer: Father, my struggles in this life often overwhelm me. Too often, I find myself trying to go it alone rather than putting my trust in You and in Your ability. I pray that You will help me to understand You are always there for me regardless of the situation I may find myself in. I need You, Lord, to encourage me in those times when the outside forces are overcoming me. Help me to trust in You! The battle is Yours, Lord!…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!

Life’s About Godly Living!

As King David neared the end of his life, he stepped back to assess his past. He certainly had an array of accomplishments he could brag about. He could’ve talked about the giant, the building of the greatest kingdom on earth, all the psalms he had written—he certainly had a list of accomplishments he could’ve patted himself on the back for. But, for him, what it came down to was simply the importance of having lived a Godly life.

Consider his words found in Psalm 37:23-25: “The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand. Once I was young, and now I am old. Yet I have never seen the godly abandoned or their children begging for bread” (NLT).

His life began as a simple poor shepherd boy but GOD moved him to the most prominent position in the world. He had no military training or experience, yet he defeated the giants that arose before him. His education was limited but we still read and relish his Psalms and writings today.

David understood the importance of Godly living. In his final assessment of his life, he shared the importance of choosing Godly living over everything else. Those who do will find GOD leading and directing every aspect of their lives. The Godly will not stumble and fall by the wayside nor will they ever find themselves abandoned by Him. David is most remembered today by the phrase “a man after GOD’s own heart.”

When you step back and assess your own life, what do you see? Do you see a life spent stacking up a list of great achievements or do you see a life spent seeking to be Godly? Do you live your life telling everyone about all the great things you have done or do you spend your time glorifying GOD for all He has done? When it comes down to your final moment here on this earth, what will really matter? As you slip into eternity one day, what will matter most?

What matters most is how you have lived for the LORD. Living Godly is what life is truly all about! What will matter are the accomplishments you have allowed Him to perform in and through you. Step back and assess your life while you still have time—make necessary adjustments, redirect your motives and intentions, put GOD first in what you have left.

Scripture Reading: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the LORD and turn away from evil” (Proverbs 3:5-7 NLT).

Prayer: Father in heaven, I find as I look back on my past that I have spent a great deal of time trying to make a name for myself. I realize now that is not what it’s all about. I realize I am here to glorify You. I am here to point others to You not to what I have done. My achievements are insignificant and valueless in comparison to Your greatness. Help me to realign my thinking so I quit attempting to become great choosing rather for others to see Your greatness displayed in and through me. I love You and thank You for the work You continue to do in me. Please don’t stop!…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!

As You Prepare to Graduate!

It seems a great deal of your life is spent mapping out your future. In school, you are encouraged to be looking to your future. As you enter college, trade school or the work force, you begin putting into motion the thoughts and planning you have worked up over your past formative years.

But as you take a good, hard look at the world from outside the classroom, you begin to realize that things are a bit different than you had expected them to be. Employers aren’t knocking down your door trying to get you on-board. In fact, finding a meaningful job can be quite difficult at times. Frustration can set in. Discouragement can arise as you realize things aren’t as easy as you had thought they would be.

The problem with our world today is that we have been forced away from the main thing. You have been duped into believing that your education is going to take you to great places only to discover otherwise. When the federal government forced schools to adopt policies which eliminated GOD from the classroom, students were forced to accept their fate—that being that it is all up to you to make your future.

You must get back to truth. You must realize that there is a divine course of action going on in this world that will not be changed regardless of what man should decide to do. GOD has a plan that will be fulfilled. He also has a plan for you. He said: “Indeed, my plans are not like your plans, and my deeds are not like your deeds, for just as the sky is higher than the earth, so my deeds are superior to your deeds and my plans superior to your plans” (Isaiah 55:8-9 NET).

When you leave GOD out of the equation, you are left one wondering around, stumbling in a sea of untruth attempting to bring some order to the disorder—trying to plan for a future without a revelation of GOD’s true intent for you. Our world has disregarded GOD’s truth. We have been forced to accept the lie that this is it.

Hear me out, this is not it! GOD has great plans for those who will follow after Him. Those plans will probably look much different than you had imagined but GOD sees beyond today. He knows your tomorrow. He knows the potential of what you can become if you will only submit yourself completely over to following after His will.

As you prepare to graduate, choose GOD above all things! Choose His will, His path, His direction as you move forward into a world that lies unknown before you, but known well by the One who holds your tomorrow in His hands!

Scripture Reading: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil” (Psalm 3:5-7 NLT).

Prayer: Father in heaven, as I prepare to graduate and move on in life, I pray that I will be ever mindful of You and of Your plans for my life. I pray that my heart and mind will remain steadfast upon You as I step into a world that is overwhelmed by ungodliness. Help me, LORD, to stay in Your Word and to assimilate it into my everyday life regardless of the challenges that may come. I trust in You to bring guidance and direction to all that I do. I love You!…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!

Crushed to Perfection

I remember watching a pottery-maker skillfully create beautiful vessels out of a lump of chaos some years back. The artist would take a lump of clay, plop it on the potter’s wheel and before long an object of beauty and creativity would begin to appear.

But, there were times he apparently didn’t like what was happening and he would crush the vessel back into a lump of clay and start over. He was determined to create a vessel that he considered to be beautiful and perfect. I realized quickly that he was willing to crush his almost finished creation in order to create vessels of perfection.

As I was thinking about this, I began reading what the LORD had told Jeremiah concerning His people. He told Jeremiah to: “Go down to the potter’s shop, and I will speak to you there. So I did as he told me and found the potter working at his wheel. But the jar he was making did not turn out as he had hoped, so he crushed it into a lump of clay again and started over” (Jeremiah 18:1-4 NLT). When you consider He is talking about His own people, the actions seem a bit drastic? But GOD is willing to take drastic measures to create perfection.

I then considered the words of Solomon written in Ecclesiastes. Speaking about GOD, he said: “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end” (Ec 3:11 NIV). I began to understand we serve a GOD who is not content with mediocre. He will take His creation and crush it over and again until He is satisfied with the outcome.

I began to consider my own life. I thought about all the times I ventured off on my own—doing my own thing. Have you ever been there? You begin to think you can do this thing called life on your own, only to find you really mess it up?

I would finally venture back to GOD and He would crush me back to a lump and begin once again shaping and molding. Life has taught me that GOD is not satisfied with mediocre. GOD desires to create beauty and excellence in all things. When you fail to be all GOD has created you to be and yet adopt an attitude of satisfaction, you are living outside GOD’s will and desire.

GOD is willing to take you as you are and crush you in order to bring out complete perfection in you. Quit being satisfied with less than the best. Allow GOD to do His work in you in order to create perfection and beauty.

Scripture Reading: “The LORD rewarded me for doing right; he restored me because of my innocence. For I have kept the ways of the LORD; I have not turned from my God to follow evil. I have followed all his regulations; I have never abandoned his decrees. I am blameless before God; I have kept myself from sin. The LORD rewarded me for doing right” (Psalm 18:20-24 NLT).

Prayer: Father, I know my life is not always pleasing to You. I know You seek to create something beautiful out of my life but I often find myself content to be less than the best I can be for You. Please forgive me. Please take my life, crush it if necessary, and bring forth an object that You consider to be beautiful and useful. I give myself over to Your will. Thank you, LORD, for loving me and caring about me even when I venture away from You. Thank you for drawing me back. I love You!…In Jesus’ name…AMEN!

One Piece at a Time!

Anyone who has ever put a large puzzle together realizes quickly the intense struggle of finding just the right piece out of that mess of pieces. Only one piece will fit into each slot but when that piece is found the whole of the picture becomes a bit more defined. Children will often get frustrated and try to force pieces where they don’t belong only to discover the picture is never revealed.

Our lives are much the same way. We are born into this world with the pieces of life thrown out on the table. As babies and young children, our parents have the responsibility to begin bringing order to the pieces—separating out the border pieces from the rest—laying a foundation for our life.

As we grow, we begin to slowly take over the lead in putting the pieces where they belong. We make mistakes and get frustrated and try to force pieces where they don’t belong as we allow the world’s influence to begin to trickle into our thinking.

Inside, we feel a tug from the Holy Spirit trying to get us to listen up and allow Him to step in and offer help by surrendering control of ourselves over to Jesus Christ. Some will soften their heart, listen and allow Christ to take over; others will continue to demand to do it on their own.

Those who follow Christ find He always knows where the pieces go. As He is allowed to take over, He begins to bring order as He creates a life filled with blessing and opportunity. However, those who determine to go it on their own find the struggles continue to intensify. Life becomes more difficult. Frustration builds as the pieces just don’t seem to fit.

While those who surrender to Christ continue to see the beauty of the picture of life developing before them; those who refuse become so frustrated by it all they eventually throw the pieces in the trash and storm off never discovering that GOD had something great for them.

GOD desires to speak life into you today. He wants you to hand control of yourself over to Him so He may establish you according to the special plans He has designed you for. He wants to take you and put your life together piece by piece—one piece at a time. His word to you is this: “I know the plans I have for you…plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11 NLT). Let go and let GOD take control of you today!

Scripture Reading: “When you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you, says the LORD” (Jeremiah 29:12-14 NLT).

Prayer: Father in heaven, I have struggled through life trying to find answers, trying to find a path of satisfaction, trying to overcome the continual struggles and yet it all only seems to get more complicated. I try to fit another piece of my life’s puzzle into place only to discover it’s not the right one. Frustration has overwhelmed me. I have often heard You trying to offer help but have refused time and again, choosing rather to go it on my own. I have created a mess and I need Your help today. Father, cleanse me and purify me from my sins and selfish pride. I repent of my willfulness and the destruction it has brought to my life. Please take control of me today and create within me a clean heart and a right spirit according to Your will. Thank You!…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!

Strayed Too Far?

Have you ever messed up really bad? You made some bad choices and ended up on a path you never intended to be on? Maybe you are on that path right now? You have been wondering down it for some time, wishing you could find the way back onto the right path? The struggles you are now going through—the complications you never expected—the lack of peace and security you once felt—they have become your life!

Jesus told a story about a young man with a dream to do life his own way. He came from a nice, secure home environment. He had everything he could ask for. Yet, there was this spirit of wildness in his heart that dreamed of getting more out of life. Maybe that’s you?

So, he took an early inheritance and headed out into the world. Things were going great until he woke up one morning to realize everything he had was gone. He had partied life away and now the party had taken his life away! He failed to realize all that he was losing along the way until all of a sudden, it was all gone!

That’s how Satan operates in your life if you allow him to. He makes life great as he draws you slowly away from the truth and then one day, you wake up to find you have lost everything—including life itself. Discouragement, depression, heartache and total despair—you traded in happiness and security for this! In your heart, you feel you have strayed too far to ever find the right path again.

But, there is good news; there is a Light at the end of the tunnel; there is a way out and a way back.  Jesus continued by saying: “So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him” (Luke 15:20 NLT). The story Jesus was sharing didn’t end in despair. The man came to his senses and returned to his father who was filled with love and compassion.

It doesn’t matter what you have done or even what you are doing right now. What matters is what you do about it before it takes your life. GOD is a loving Father waiting for you to come back to Him. His arms are open and His heart is filled with love and compassion for you. Run to Him today and re-discover the life He has for you.

Scripture Reading: “Seek the LORD while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the LORD that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously” (Isaiah 55:6-7 NLT).

Prayer: Father, I have strayed from Your path. I have followed my own way for much too long and now I find myself entrapped in the life that my choices have given me. Please forgive me. Please cleanse my heart and life and draw me back into Your arms of love and compassion. Help me to follow after You in all things and in all ways. I love you!…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!