God Never Moves Without Purpose Or Plan

There is much sorrow in my heart regarding my Grandmother's passing. I feel I must be strong for my whole family. I see my mother and my heart mourns for the "what ifs" she must be facing. Yet in the distance in my distraught heart, I hear "Where there is no more pain or sorrow." That is where my dear Gram is. How faithful the LORD is to us His children. God gives strength to the weak. And dear friend, I feel very weak and through it all I can feel God's hand guiding me. He has given me the ability to be strong. I believe that God is going to use my Grandma's passing to touch my Pop's heart. What an opportunity to speak my Savior's name and purpose to those around me. In truth, I am sad that my Gram has left us on my Birthday. However, she is HOME! Home with a sound mind! Home with no more pain! Home with Jesus! I miss her greatly, but there is no better place that she could be. No better place than at Jesus' Feet. Thank you all for your prayers. You will never know until perhaps in glory how much your prayers and concern have touched our hearts. Mrs. Rogers said God was going to do something great today and to let her know what that is. Well, My dear Mrs. Rogers it is this: that God has given us so many people that Love us and Care about us. All of your prayers have been that special something that has helped bring us through this day!

My Testimony

I grew up in a Religious home but there came a point in my life when though I was religious I realized that my life was not any different from anyone else. My first year out of my “religious bubble” is when I went from a Christian School to a public school. We had moved from New Jersey to Pennsylvania. Since we did not know of any Baptist Church in the area, we were out of Church for a year. During my Seventh grade year, I found myself making fun of others who said they were a Christian. I started doing the things I had been taught that were wrong. I had no conviction or guilt over the things I did. What good was my religion if I had no change in my heart? My parents realized that my brother and I were not acting as we should. We both started cursing and though we hid it, there were times when we would slip and curse around our parents. My mother began looking for a Baptist Church for us to attend. She came across a sign for a Baptist church which also had a school. We began attending church services regularly and my siblings and I were enrolled into the school. I was again able to “blend” in. But something seemed to be missing. I made a mental check list of all things I needed to do as a Christian. I was doing all those things on my list but still there seemed to be emptiness in my heart. There came a point when I realized what was missing. I had gone to church all of my life and yet there was a vital ingredient missing. Being a good person, going to church and even being a “Baptist” was not enough to fill the emptiness in my heart. My problem wasn’t with the things I did or didn’t do. My problem was with my heart. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.” ~ Jeremiah chapter 17, verses 9 & 10. In the Word of God we are told that God puts it in every heart to know God. God wants a personal relationship with each one of us. But our sin causes a breech between God and ourselves. When I was eight, I knew I needed to be saved. (Note: “saved” and “salvation” are Biblical terms referring to the forgiveness of sins by God and the rescue of a person from the power and penalty of that sin. This is God’s requirement for everlasting life.) On Sunday, February 24, 1986, I was sitting in my Sunday school class and I wanted to be saved. So I was taken in the back room with a handful of kids. Someone prayed over me. I went away believing that I was saved. However I wasn’t. My life was empty. Empty means containing nothing; having none of the usual or appropriate contents. My so called Salvation testimony did not have any of the appropriate ingredients. For a person to be truly saved, they must have brokenness over their sin. I had never realized the greatness of my sin. If I was the only person on this earth, Christ still would have come and died for ME! My sin put Christ on the cross! “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” ~ Psalms chapter 51, verse 17. On October Twenty-ninth 1992, I yielded my life to God. I went into my room and tried to sleep, but could not! My heart was so heavy. I finally admitted that I was not saved and that I indeed was lost. I began to think of what Christ went through for me, and realized He did all these things so I could be saved. All those “good things” I had been doing were nothing but filthy rags. My little check list meant nothing to God. My being a good person meant nothing. I was a good person destined to spend an eternity separated from God in Hell. “But we are all as a unclean thing, and all our righteousness are as filthy rags.” ~ Isaiah chapter 64, verse 6. In Bible days, a filthy rag was hung on a post outside the gate of the city. A leper then would use that rag. He would take the rag and wipe away his puss, and hang the rag backup on the post for someone else to use. If that is what my righteousness or good works looked like, how did God see my wickedness? “For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” ~ Romans chapter 5, verse 10. I was an enemy of God. My sin caused a great gulf between myself and God, and my good works could not bridge the gap. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” ~ Romans chapter 3, verse 23. And the ONLY thing that could save me was the Christ’s death on the Cross! Before this His death held no value to me. It was just something I knew HE had done but it never meant anything to me. I NOW wanted God and I was ready to give Him everything… every area of my life I turned over to Him. I finally could not pray anymore. All I could do was look up and trust. It finally became clear; I had not been placing my trust in God. I had been asking God to save me and forgive me, but at the same time I was trying to think of everything that I had to do. Again I was using a mental check list, and this is not how God wanted me to come to Him. Finally, I saw Salvation as a gift, and not something I had to work to receive. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” ~ Romans chapter 6 verse 23. I had been making Salvation very hard, when it is really quite easy. Once I stepped out by faith, and admitted that I was lost, I then had godly sorrow over my sin. “For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.” ~ 2 Corinthians chapter 7, verse 1. When I finally saw myself as God saw me, then all I needed to do was trust. “That if though shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” ~ Romans chapter 10, verses 9 & 10. After I had stopped praying, I looked up to the ceiling and I knew that the LORD had saved me. A peace rested in my soul. My prayer was not a perfect prayer, but my heart attitude was the one God required… a broken contrite heart willing to yield everything to Christ. Since that day I have had a personal relationship with God. I can talk to Him daily and hear from Him through His Word. I do not have emptiness in my heart, but rather my heart is full with Peace. I now want to do things that please the LORD and not because someone tells me to do them. “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” ~ 1 John chapter 5, verse 3. I have personal convictions which I never had before I received Christ. I am so very glad the LORD saved my soul!!!

"What Are You Thankful For?"

A few weeks ago, we handed out a flier in Master Club. The flier was an announcement for a special night coming up on November 18th. On the flier, I asked the kids to write something they were thankful for. They then were to bring it back on that night. Last night, we had our special thanksgiving night. Most of the kids brought back their paper and those who didn't filled out one when they arrived. Here are some things that the kids wrote: I am thankful for... "Family, Friends, Shelter" "God" "Jesus Christ" "My Home" "My Mommy" "My Mom and Dad" "The Food that is provided for us" "Friends" "Master Club" "The True God" "For the Soldiers that support our Country" I am very thankful for the Master Club kids. And to The Parents that bring their children to Master Club, so that they can learn more about our Blessed Savior, who gave His life for them. Dear Master Club Parents, You know what I am thankful for... your kids. Each one of them holds a special place in my heart. It takes a lot of work to get these games ready for your kids. And I'll admit sometimes I get a little overwhelmed, but then I see the look on your kids faces when they step up those stairs, and I realize that a little effort goes a long way. So to you parents I say thank you. Thank you for the opportunity to serve your kids. They are truly a delight! Are you thankful for your kids? Have you told them? Praying for your kids, Miss Jen Byerly Ps. There is a bulletin board in the Peter Room with all your kids "Thankfuls" on it. Take time to take a look.

"Thankfulness"

I am thankful for my friends and family For all the Things God's Given to me. I'm am thankful for Life that's free. I am thankful for My salvation. I am thankful for God's creation. I am thankful for my Heavenly mansion. Are you Thankful my friend, As Thanksgiving day is near? Have you Thanked The LORD the creator for all that's dear? For the ONE who died for you have you shed a thankful tear? Remember this: God has been so good to us. He has given us many promises. He promises never to leave us nor forsake us. He promises to keep us in His hand and no one shall ever pluck us out of it. When things look to hard, and life has you down, look up my dear friend! God wants good things for us. He truly loves us! "This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you." ~ John 15:12-14.

Trust and Obey

Read Jeremiah 32 to better understand this Devotional. Jeremiah did what God said and bought his cousin's field. Only to find out that the land was shortly to be overthrown by the Chaldeans. Jeremiah cried out to God. He told the LORD that he did what God had asked of him. It was almost like Jeremiah was saying "Why God?" God's Answer to Jeremiah's cry was this: "Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?" ~ Jeremiah 32:27. Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you had obeyed God, but it wasn't turning out like you thought it would? And you found yourself asking God why? It is almost as if we obey God because we believe He is going to reward us for our obedience. Yet we should be obeying Him because we love Him. We shouldn't question God. However, we are fallible. Even Jeremiah questioned God. God knew this would happen. Look at the LORD's Reply. He said, "Behold, I am the LORD." The name Lord or Jehovah means the Existing One. God was telling Jeremiah, "I am the one in charge." God then said, "The God of all flesh." The LORD was reminding Jeremiah that He is the creator and that Jeremiah was nothing but flesh. The LORD went on to ask a rhetorical question. "Is there any thing too hard for me?" He told Jeremiah basically this, "Look, I am the LORD, the Existing One. Do you think you know more than me? You are nothing but flesh and I Am the One who created all flesh. Do you really think there is anything too hard for me to do?" How about you child of God? Are you asking God why? Are you obeying Him because of what He will give you? Or are you obeying because you love Him? All The LORD wants from His own is for them to Trust and Obey!

"The Past"

I cannot go back and undo wrong deeds done. Looking back I find that I'm dwelling under the sun. We cannot turn the clock to become young again, None can change their past, no not even one man. Remember Lot's wife, who with one glance she died. Don't reflect on hurts or the tears you have cried. Remember God promises He will with us dwell, He is by my side and I know all is well. Know this little heart, God Loves THEE! Our God will forgive all your iniquity. Set thine heart on His Highway! Cleave to God's Hope this very day. "The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee." ~ Jeremiah 31:3

"Vessels - Valor or Vanity"

I came across this verse a while back "What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory," ~ Romans 9:22-23. During this short life of mine, I've seen many people fall. I grew up with three older siblings who left my parents house as young teenagers. I've seen them make a lot of wrong choices. And I've learned from their mistakes. We all have made bad choices at one point or another in our lives. God can use those choices to mold and shape us. "But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour." ~ 2 Timothy 2:20. No one wants to be a vessel of dishonour. But God can use vessels of dishonour to teach otheer vessels. And even vessels of dishonour can be broken and molded again. "And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it." ~ Jeremiah 18:4. The key to being changed is this "Be yielded to the Potter's hand." As Children of God, we are to be holy vessels. But too often the World calls our name and we answer that call. We run to the World by listening to its music, its movies and its method of thinking. The World's philosophy penetrates our minds and consumes our being. Music plays a big part in brainwashing Christians. The sad sappy love songs make us long for a relationship. It's girl wants boy / boy wants girl themes cause us to dive into shallow relationships or worse. Everywhere we turn, the lights are flashing ... huge neon signs are telling us what we absolute must to have to live. The Word of God simple says: "Be ye holy, even as I am holy." Today, I am saddened at the lack of concern we, as Christians, have for the things of Christ. The more we listen to the world music, the harder it is to listen to good Christian music. And We find ourselves thinking like the World. God took me out of the gutter when he saved me, why would I ever want to go back there? Why would I want to think that way again? Why are there so many boarder-line Christians? What is missing here? The Christian that yields their life to Christ is broken and molded into a vessel of honor. That Christian is a vessel full of valor. But the Christian that runs back to the World is a vessel of dishonor. They are full of vanity and pride. Dear friend, which one are you? "Now set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God; arise therefore, and build ye the sanctuary of the LORD God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and the holy vessels of God, into the house that is to be built to the name of the LORD." ~ 1 Chronicles 22:19.

"Which in His times He shall Shew"

Have you ever wanted to rush God's timing? Did you ever think God was taking His good old time and you wished He hurry up? Have you ever thought that you could help the LORD by doing your own thing. When we rush God's timing and when we take things in our own hands, we are ultimately saying to God, "I don't trust you, Lord." 1 Timothy 6:15 says, "Which in His times He shall shew, who is blessed and only Potentate, the KING of kings, and LORD of lords." In truth, We Can Trust The LORD with Our LIfE!!! O foolish Christians, are your times in your own hand? O foolish Christians, Alone? Do you think you can stand? Weary friend, You act as if you are your own Master, Not trusting God? You're setting yourself up for Disaster. Can you not trust the Great, Almighty Maker? Can you not see the Works of Our Wonderful Creator? The LORD hath made all things beautiful in His time. You think you can do much better than this God of mine? Trust in the LORD will all thine heart, the Bible does say. Are you still resting in you, or will you Go God's Way? O Dear Friend, God knows so much better than you. Let go, let go! Trust your life with the God who's TRUE!

"Speaking Things They Ought Not"

Ever find yourself saying something you shouldn't? Ever realize that the conversation your involved in has turned to gossip or backbitting? Have you ever walked away from a conversation and thought "Lord, Why did I say that?" In 1 Timothy 5, Paul addresses how the older and younger widows are to conduct themselves. Look at Paul's description of the older widows. "Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work." These older widows are praised for their good works. Paul proceeds to say that the younger widows need to remarry because they are prone to gossip and being busybodies. He wants them to remarry so that they "give none occasion to the adversary"... "For some are already turned aside after Satan." Look at the difference between the older widows and the younger. The older haven't let their circumstances get the better of them. The haven't become so ripened with age that they are rotten. No, instead they have used their time wisely to help others. Those older women knew that complaining about their circumstances wouldn't change anything. Instead, they were uncomplaining servants. The younger widows that "turned aside" allowed their circumstances to consume them. They were bitter and hateful. They weren't loving servants. They were cold, uncaring, cynical women. The Bible says in Philippians 4:4, "Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice." And Philippians 4:8, tells us what we should think about so that we will change what we talk about. "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." 1 Thessalonians 5:8 says, "But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation." Someone once said, We never PRAY for People we Gossip about and we never GOSSIP about people we Pray For. And let me add... We never really Pray for people that we don't love with God's Love. If your tongue is out of Control... there is a problem with your heart. Where is your first love? Have you left Christ to pursue other dreams? When you get overwhelmed by your circumstances look at the characters in the Bible who faced great challenges. Look at those who overcame like Daniel. Daniel never complained, nor did he get bitter or critical because of his circumstances. Instead, He just obeyed God and continued where God put him. He did this without compliant. The attitude opposite of complaining is praising. Will you ask the LORD to help you reflect on His Blessings this week?

"More Than a Head Knowledge"

For a long time in darkness I wandered, Truth had no meaning the longer I pondered. I did my duty and had my check list, But there was no light found in the midst. Then one day, I saw my eyes held no light, They were closed and black as the night. I finally yielded my ways to the LORD, Putting my complete trust in God's Word. More than a head knowledge now it is clear, No more doubts, nor darkness; no more fear. Now I can see; the light of truth did heal, And I know, I know, Yes, I know it's real! Dedicated to all those that recently have come out of the darkness and into the Light.

Dreams.... hopes... wishes and waiting?

Waiting... waiting is a huge part of the Christian Life. We have to wait on God for a lot of things... Such as, answers to prayer, God's timing, the right mate...etc. God wants us to wait, but while we are waiting, we should be loving others with God's love. In this time of waiting, we should not be pinning away or having self piety parties. This is a time when God wants to use us and direct us. While listening the radio today, I heard Phil Vischer tell his testimony on what happened after he lost "Big Idea"... He said his dream was gone. Everything that defined him as who he was had been taking away from him. He wrote about his experience after losing VeggiTales in his book "Me, Myself, and Bob"... One of things he says: "Sometimes God asks you to give up your dreams. He tests you to see if you love your dream more then God." Phil said that when "Big Idea" was gone, he realized that the only thing that matter was His relationship with God. His dream defined him, but God took his dream away to show him that his relationship with God was suppose to be the only thing that defined him. I read 2 Thessalonians 5:5 this morning and the words leaped off the page at me. "And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ." And the LORD Direct YOU(r). Where is the Lord directing me? Where is He leading me? Am I listening? Or am I trying to do things my own way? Look at the rest of that phrase. And The LORD direct your hearts. God's needs to have our hearts. He needs to be our first love. Sometime we get ideas in our heads that the LORD may give us but He might require us to give those ideas back to Him. Christ needs to be our everything. God wants to direct your hearts into the Love of God. He wants you to rest and wait patiently on Christ. Let God take over in your heart. Yield your dreams my friend!

Ye Careless Women - Isaiah 32:10

What does it mean to be careless? Webster's 1828 Dictionary states that carelessness is having no care; heedless; negligent; unthinking; inattentive; regardless; unmindful; followed by of or about; as a careless mother; a mother careless of or about her children, is an unnatural parent. When I think of carelessness I think of a house disorderly and un-kept with trash everywhere and a stink that penetrates the whole house. I recently was in Florida. One day, the Florida Newspaper showed pictures of a house so full of trash that it was amazing that anyone had actually lived there. Yet someone had lived there, a Floridian woman. I have never seen a house so atrocious in my life. Cigarettes were piled two or three feet high. There was not one part of the house that was not covered with pizza boxes, old food, dirty diapers and cigarettes. The Newspaper also took pictures of the bathroom and kitchen, these rooms looked the same as the rest of the house, except for a few more items.... Cleaning Products! Seems that this woman had good intentions of cleaning her house, but never got around to it. CARELESSNESS! That house was in disarray because of that woman's carelessness. This was a physical home, but here is my question to you: "How is your Spiritual House?" When is the last time you or I did some spring cleaning in our lives? Have we gotten careless? It is so easy just to let sin slide... a thought fester. You know, that lady didn't one day have huge mounds of trash appear in her house. No, it was just neglecting to clean up one thing and then neglecting to clean up another... until her house had three feet of trash all the way around it. We need to check and guard all our thoughts. One at a time. If we get careless over time they will pile up. That house so full of junk was beyond an easy clean. The only way to get the stink out of that house would be to gut it and start anew. Someone once said, "Keep Short Accounts With God." This means that you need to confess your sin as soon as you do them. But can I challenge you not to just keep confessing your sin on a daily basis, but to guard against carelessness? Keep so close to the LORD and capture every thought. Apply Philippians 4:8 to your life and you will begin to clean out the mess in your heart. "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Beware of Carelessness!

"He hath made every thing beautiful in His time"

Everything Beautiful in His time? Are you facing something that you wish was over or maybe your facing something you wish had never taken place? Everything? Can every thing be beautiful in God's Time? I know when I face a trial, I try to find a way out of the trial. I put my effort into fixing the problem and fail to depend on God to wait it through. Proverbs 19:21 says, "There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand." Did you know that the trial you are facing is there for a reason? God is working and has a purpose for bringing that trial into your life. "My Times are in Thy Hand." This little phrase became very precious to me in 2002. I was in Prague at the time. I had been there three months, and of course I wanted to stay longer. I did everything in my power to make that happen. But to no avail I had to return home. The day before I left, I came across this phrase in Psalms 31:15. "My Times Are In Thy Hand." I returned to the states the first week in April. Upon arriving at home I learned that my older sister was very ill. She passed away three weeks later. I know that God wanted me to leave Prague. I didn't know at the time why... but I left trusting Him, knowing that He had everything in His control. God knows what is best for you. Have you placed your life in His hands? In the darkest of times, He will be right there... showing you the beauty of His Holiness. "And surely He has lead me along, and been more than my heart could every bear." ~ Bro. Lester Roloff. Take Heart, My Friend, Everything is Truly Beautiful in His Time!

Blurry Vision

For those of you who where contacts, have you ever put your contacts in and they were blurry? No matter how many times you tried to clean them with solution, you still could not get them to be clear? In the Christian Life, we can often have blurry vision. In Ecclesiastes, we find Solomon having a very strong case of blurry vision. One doesn't have to read very far in the book of Ecclesiastes to see that Solomon was very overwhelmed with the gift of wisdom that God had given him. In Chapter 1 - Solomon had an un-thankful spirit. He saw the Wisdom that God had given him as a burden. The Wisdom that he had probably brought a huge burden, but instead of giving that burden over to the LORD, he tried to drowned it out. In Chapter 2 - Solomon is drowning out his burden with mirth. In verse 9 of chapter 2, He states, "also my wisdom remained with me." He could not get rid of it. In verse 17, he comes to a place where he says "Therefore I hated life." His vision was blurry because he was looking at life under the sun, instead of looking at life through the eyes of the Son. Solomon had all the wisdom one could ever need or desire, yet he forgot where the origin of that wisdom came from. He even forgot why he had asked for it. How terrible everything is when we have blurry vision. When we get our eyes off of Christ. Remember Peter? He was doing fine walking on the water that is until he took his eyes off of Christ. All of a sudden the waves looked too high. The sea was over whelming and Peter began to sink. When we look to our self and our own reasoning, we find that the waves look too high for God to overcome. The Darkness is darker then any natural storm. There are no silver lines and no day-breaks. The unclouded day will never been seen. And as Peter, we begin to sink into the sea... all because our eyes are off of Jesus. My Friend, Take Heart! Look Up! Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith! Don't settle with blurry vision! Go to the Great Physician and get your vision fixed!

Your Idols May Be Broken And Cease....

Idols? I don't have idols. There are no statues in my home to which I worship. I don't worship gods. I don't worship any god but the true God. I don't have idols, I don't place anything thing above God.... Or do I? Webster's 1828 Dictionary Definition States: "1. An image, form or representation, usually of a man or other animal, consecrated as an object of worship; a pagan deity. Idols are usually statues or images, carved out of wood or stone, or formed of metals, particularly silver or gold. 2. An image. 3. A person loved and honored to adoration. The prince was the idol of the people. 4. Any thing on which we set our affections; that to which we indulge an excessive and sinful attachment." Anything on which we set our affections... Do I set all my affections on the LORD God? Or are there things in my life that God doesn't have any control over? Do I place my friends, my family, and my own selfish desires over the LORD's will? Does my LORD have my affections or does someone else have them? I could be doing so much in the name of the LORD and it not be for the LORD. "I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love." ~ Revelation 2:2-4. This church was diligent for the LORD. In all appearances, they looked to be on fire for the LORD. But God knew their heart. He knew they had left their first love. They were busy doing but it seems they started doing the work with the wrong motives. Motives such as: Duty, The Praise of Men, Image, Self-righteousness, etc. Have you left your first love? Can you say that you are setting your affections on things above? Or are there things in your life that you have placed above Almighty God? I hope we will all purpose that our idols be broken and cease.

"If Thou Shalt Confess..."

In my devotions this morning, I was reading in Romans Chapter 10. In my reading, I came across verses that are used individually in the Romans Road. In many Christian circles, the Romans Road is often the main used witnessing tool. Some may even go so far as to think that the Romans Road is the ONLY witnessing tool. However, there is something that doesn't seem to set right with me when someone uses just the Romans Road. And today, I think I have come to understand why. I used the phrase that these verses are "used individually" because the Romans Road plucks out a verse from one chapter and another from another chapter. It takes these verses out of their chapter and in reality out of their context and these individual verses make up the Romans Road. Romans 10:9 says, "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the LORD Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." This verse is one of the verses used in the Romans Road. This verse is also used as a rebuttal to the question "The Sinner's Prayer is not found in Scripture." Now bear with me, I am going somewhere with this. I believe that the Sinner's Prayer is very dangerous to use. I believe that often the Sinner's Prayer becomes in the minds of the lost and even in the minds of the saved... a Magic Prayer. Have you ever heard someone say, "I'm saved because I prayed the Sinner's Prayer." or "The Sinner's Prayer just confirms what is already in the persons heart."... ? These are things often said to justify why the Sinner's Prayer is a very good and needed thing. "Well, it says in the Bible, "If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the LORD Jesus"... I always like to tell people, God gives the words to say. I don't have to give them the words to repeat. "Well, where is that in the Bible?" Today, I found exactly where "That" is in the Bible. I didn't have to look far, it is right above the verse that is often used to confirm the Sinner's Prayer. "But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is the word of faith, which we preach; That if though shalt confess with thy mouth the LORD Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." ~ Romans 10:6-10. God gives the words. God puts the words in the heart and gives the words to say. How easy it would be, if we all could have thousands of people pray the prayer and get saved. Just repeat after me and 1-2-3 your a Christian. But I'm afraid that too often this method is used and "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." ~ Matthew 7:22-23. Salvation is not complicated. God does the saving. He is the one that gives faith and repentance. But too many people are concerned with "fruit" that they lead many who do not even understand into a prayer and they never truly received Christ. "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." ~ Matthew 7:13-14. Remember our responsibility is to go and tell... we are not given the command to save. God does the saving!

"In Thy Presence"

During Singles Class this past Wednesday night, I was struck with the idea that on God's Path there is so much to look forward to. At one point in the class, we expounded upon Psalms 16:11. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in Thy presence is fulness of Joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore." Q: What do we find in this path? A: We find Life, Joy, Pleasures... But stop and think for a moment. What else do we find? ... How about God's Presence. God walks with us, when we follow His path. He doesn't just leave it on our own to find out where His will is.... He goes with us every step of the way. In Proverbs 4, God says that "I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths. When thou goest, they steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble." God goes with us. He guides us. Such a simple truth. But in this day, when the world with all its glitter calls our hearts to stray, we need to be reminded of this simple truth daily. Sometimes in this Christian life, we think we need something more than a Sunday School answer to help us live. But it is those Sunday School answers that hold the most truth. Read My Bible and I will grow? That's so clique! Maybe So, But IT IS THE TRUTH!!!!! The Bible Clearly says we are not to be of the World. We are not to envy the world. "Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways." ~ Proverbs 3:31. You might say that you would never do ____ fill in the blank. But do you envy the world? Do you watch certain things and find yourself wanting ......? It all starts in our mind. What we dwell on will effect what we do. This is a simple truth that we who have grown up in Christian homes have heard time and time again. Yet it is a truth that we often ignore. We entertain worldly thoughts and then we proclaim... "I WILL NEVER DO THAT!" Are you so sure? How is your thought life? If we don't start with the simple truth of being in God's Word, we will not be able to walk on God's Path. And if we aren't on God's Path... We are on a path that leads to the way of the wicked. "But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble." ~ Proverbs 4:18-19. "Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away." ~ Proverbs 4:14-15. A good beginning to walking on God's Path is by reading a chapter in Proverbs every day. Those who want to walk on God's Path usually are walking on God's Path because they have purposed to do so simply by seeking God in His Word and Praying.

"But Thou Art The Same...." ~ Psalm 102:27a

Over years people change. You and I change. We can change for the good or for the bad. We can grow more sweet or become more bitter with time. Time plays a important part in our change. Time causes us to grow older physically and mentally. Circumstances tend to change us. People tend to change us. Sin changes us. We are a constantly changing people. Here are some Things about our Unchanging God. God is not bound by Time. Time can not change Him. Circumstances do not change God. There has never been a circumstance that has taken God by surprise. People cannot and do not ever change God. God is without sin. Sin can never change God. God is always the same. He was the same since before the beginning of time and He will be the same beyond the end of time. So Why Does It Matter That God Never Changes? 1. Friends and even Family come and Go but God Never Leaves us. "Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee." ~ Deuteronomy 31:6. 2. There is not one person that is good all the time and yet God is always Good. "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." ~ Jeremiah 29:11. 3. People make promises and break them. There has never been a promise that God has relinquished on. PROMISES SUCH AS: * "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us," ~ Ephesians 3:20. * "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it." ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24. I can't help but think of that Hymn Every Promise In The Book Is Mine. Just stop and reflect on the goodness of God today. Lift praise up to Him for being a wonderful God that is always the Same!

A Simple Truth Found in a Simple Psalm

How often have we heard this Psalm especially around Thanksgiving. I remember growing up and memorizing this Psalm every November in my Elementary years. Psalms 100 ~ "Make a Joyful Noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations." In reading this Psalm, I began to reflect on how often I neglect to give thanks and praise to God. Someone once said "Thinkfulness is Thankfulness." There is two roads that we can take when it comes to Thanksgiving. The first road is the one of Unthankfulness. When we are not Thankful, we are in return unthankful people. The end of unthankfulness can be found in Romans 1. Romans 1 speaks of a people whose minds are darkened and God gave them up to a reprobate mind. The start of their demise is found in Romans 1:21 ~ "Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened." There is a second path of Thankfulness and that is the road so often not taken. "O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him." ~ Psalms 34:8. The Bible says, that the LORD IS GOOD! When was the last time I praise the LORD for His Goodness. Here are some practical tips to walk down this road of Thankfulness: * Remember Your Salvation * Reflect on the Thankfulness Scriptures * Remember the Past Victories * Receive others by Edifying and Serving them * Renew Family Blessings * Rest in Spiritual Decisions

"What a Good God!"

Psalms 92:15 says, "To show that the LORD is upright: He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him." Our God is a Righteous God. When I first read of this verse I thought of the passage where the LORD talks about how even worldly fathers want to give their children good things. "If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?" ~ Matthew 7:11. The LORD wants to give us good things. Psalms 92:15 - Reminds me that God has good things prepared for us along the way. No matter where God guides us... He not only goes with us but so does His goodness. I love this Quote: "God will surprise you your whole life long, if you just stay on the Old Path." So often when I do things my own way, I fail to see His everlasting goodness. When I think God is taking to long to give me what I want, I begin to think I know better then God. Yet everything God does or brings into my life is for a purpose. Even better yet the things God doesn't bring into my life is for His divine plan. Someone once said, "Has it ever dawned on you that NOTHING ever dawns on God." So when you think things aren't happening in your timing... When you feel like God doesn't care and your life is falling apart... Remember God is still a GOOD GOD who wants good things for His Children and it is always for OUR GOOD and for HIS Glory!

The Pillars of memorial

"And he reared up the pillars before the temple, one on the right hand, and the other on the left; and called the name of that one the right hand Jachin, and the name of that on the left Boaz." 2 Chronicles 3:17. Have you ever wondered why those names for the pillars? Did Solomon choose Boaz to honor his great great grandfather? Who was Jachin? I was pondering this very thought and began searching the name Jachin. Much to my surprise, I found that I was asking the wrong question. The names of the pillars were not named to honor man. Rather, the pillars' names cause the people to reflect and glorify God. On the right was the pillar named Jachin. When the people read that name, they were instantly reminded that the LORD established them as His people. When they looked to the left pillar, they read the name Boaz. They were reminded that in the LORD is strength. All the splendor that Solomon would accomplish would only be through the strength of the LORD. These pillars were set up for a reminder of who God is and what He had done for His people. However, the people and even Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, would forget that. The truth is we all forget. We forget that it is the LORD who has established us. We forget that it is in His strength that we live. When we look to the right hand or to the left hand let us reflect on who our God is. He is the One that has given us the life we so foolishly claim as our own. We are bought with a Price. We belong to Him. Are we living like it?

The Past, The Present and the Future....

The Past ~ Sometimes the past seems to enshroud me. Like a thick cloud that won't fade. Mistakes and Memories and faces come into the mind as if they were but yesterday. People I've said goodbye to and those who I never had a chance to penetrate into my heart. The Present ~ When times like these come in, my days are spent in reflection. Hours spent in regret and shame. And I become useless for the cause of Christ. The Future ~ Days of reflection cause my future to be bleak and uncertain with no where to turn and no place to run. I sink in despair with no hope. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> But in the stillness of my soul whispers the old hymn... In Times Like These (Ruth Caye Jones - Mother Jones) In times like these, you need a Savior In times like these you need an anchor Be very sure, be very sure Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock This Rock is Jesus, Yes, He's the one This Rock is Jesus, The only One Be very sure, be very sure Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock In times like these you need the Bible In times like these o be not idle Be very sure, be very sure Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock This Rock is Jesus, Yes, He's the one This Rock is Jesus, The only One Be very sure, be very sure Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock In times like these, I have a Savior In times like these, I have an anchor I'm very sure, I'm very sure My anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock This Rock is Jesus, Yes, He's the one This Rock is Jesus, The only One I'm very sure, I'm very sure My anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock With Christ as my Guide The Past ~ is in the Past. Friends can be found there, Memories can hold such joy, and reflection can cause me to go forward. The Present ~ is a new day of life. The LORD is here beside me, and He will guide me. The Future ~ is full of Hope and Faith... Trust and Resting in the arms of my Savior. And there is no fear in His arms. "For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly." ~ Psalms 84:11.

With Just One Touch

With just His hand, He touched a dying land. With just one touch, He did so much! The Lame could walk and the Blind could see. The dead were quickened and the devil made to flee! Christ took Wisdom and understanding and sealed it into a willing heart. He gave strength to the weak and power to those falling apart. With just one Word spoken, the bind of sin was broken. With Just a finger, The power of His spirit did linger. Christ blesses all who are on His side. He gives hind's feet so they do not slide. He provides forgiveness to all who call, And picks up all those who fall. With just His hand, He lifts up those who are on sinking sand. With just one touch, He did so much! Our cup He continues to fill every day, And Joy Our Savior gives for us today. To Know Him Better, He draws us near. Our every cry He does wait to hear. With Just a Word He does say, He Guides us along the way. With Just a finger still, He points us to His will. In a bottle He places every tear, Near the LORD, we have nothing to fear! He Knows thee by name, cleave to the LORD! Remember He is near, Stay in His Word!

For My Good and for HIS Glory!

In a basic 1700’s home, the mother was known as the weaver. She taught her daughters who were called spinners. The mother would pass her trade down to her daughters. When one of her daughters would marry, that daughter would become the weaver in her home and pass the skill onto her daughters. A daughter who remained single beyond the conventional age for marrying was known as an old spinster. Spinster is not a term we hear often in our society and even the term old maid isn’t often used. However, in Christian circles today marriage is the highest of callings. At Christian Colleges, women are prepared to make good wives for their husband; while the men prepare for the ministry. By the time a girl is ready to graduate at the age of 22, she should be ready to settle down and marry. And a ring should presently reside on her finger, while she prepares for that big day. The day she has waited all her life for. Yet if this young woman is still single at 22, she begins to regret her circumstances. She sees the “good” of all her friends around her. Couples are constantly lined out her window “talking” and yet she sits sadly inside waiting for her prince charming to come her way. By the age of 24, if this woman still remains unmarried, she begins to question what is wrong with her. She finds herself discontent and uneasy. She has remained at the college, hoping and waiting for some man to notice her. She constantly feels as if she is getting older and time is not being kind, stripping her of beauty while younger beautiful girls constantly are entering college and taking away her chances of ever finding true happiness. She pines away, discontented with her life and in truth discontented with the path that God’s has given her. She has regrets. She regrets being now 26 and unmarried. She has spent what she feels is a life time waiting.... waiting.... waiting. But then one blissful and happy day, he comes! They get married and now at 27 she is married and.... content... Or is she? She has spent the past 10 years wanting nothing but this. Yet now that she has what she has wanted all this time, she doesn’t feel the sense of contentment. Maybe she thinks if I have children, I’ll be content. She feels that she is getting older and needs to have children now because she doesn’t want them when she’s in her 40s. If only she had gotten married sooner... if only.... She has regrets. As woman today, we are encouraged to marry. It is our highest calling after all. Or is it? How does a woman wait on God’s timing and still be content with her life? How does she wait and yet have no regrets with what God has put before her. Why is it that we must wait patiently for the LORD to do what He desires in our lives? What is His desire for our lives? Is it to get married? Is that His ultimate goal? At college it was stressed, that this is God’s plan for every young lady’s life. However, that is a wrong thing to stress. Revelations 4:11 says, “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” God created us for His pleasure. He has a glorious individual purpose and plan for our lives. The LORD is making us to be more and more in His image. He takes us through purging and fiery trials to root out wickedness in our lives. We need to accept that God is up to something in our lives and that is ultimately for our good and His glory. Romans 8:28-30 says, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.” God’s not done working on us. In God’s timing, He will bring the right man into your life but only when God knows that it will bring you closer to being what He has you to be. So how can I say at 31 and single I have no regrets? I know that God has guided my life. I can look back on my single season and know that I couldn’t have done anything different to change the state of my singleness. This is exactly what God has planned for my life and it is for My good and for His glory. How about you, dear friend, do you have regrets? Do you regret where God has brought you and what He has or hasn’t put into your life? Remember that no hurt is too deep that God can’t reach down and heal you. God’s love doesn’t always keep us from trials but it is a love that keeps us through them. Apply the healing ointment: The Word of God – Psalms 107:20 says, “He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.” God’s Word is true – God keeps His promises. God’s Word is the truth that we should live by. I love this quote: “A Bible that is falling apart usually is in the hands of one who isn’t.” So my dear friend, don’t worry if by others’ standards you’re an old spinster. By God’s standards you are exactly where He wants you and it is for YOUR Good and HIS Glory!

"Like a River Glorious"

Frances Havergal has to be one of my favorite Hymnist. She understood what it meant to give up all and follow Christ. She understood the true meaning of putting Christ above all... all family, all friends, and all her plans. And she understood where she could find true peace of mind and soul. She did not blame God for her sickly circumstance or her singleness. Instead she gave her life to Christ. In full and glad surrender I give myself to Thee, Thine utterly and only And evermore to be. 24 December 1873 The article below is taken from http://www.continuingcofe.org/havergal.htm: It is hard to put into words the motions of the soul, and Frances was experienced with the pen. Let us be satisfied to know that she was brought into a deeper relationship with Jesus, to a fuller knowledge of His grace, and a more perfect trust in the grace of God. For her the time from the end of 1873 to her death was the most peaceful part of her life, and when she lay dying she rested in the finished work of her Saviour Jesus, Whose blood alone could make her acceptable to God. Her love for the Saviour shone through from the moment of her conversion to the moment she died. Her life of obedience is before us as an example of complete consecration to God. These are the things she sought to declare in words and song, as she who was ‘Kept for the Master’s Use’ gave herself in full and glad surrender to the One who had bled and died for her. Like a river glorious Is God’s perfect peace, Over all victorious In its bright increase; Perfect, yet it floweth Fuller every day; Perfect, yet it groweth Deeper all the way. Stayed upon Jehovah Hearts are fully blest, Finding, as He promised, Perfect peace and rest. Hidden in the hollow Of His blessèd hand, Never foe can follow, Never traitor stand; We may trust Him fully All for us to do; They who trust Him wholly Find Him wholly true. Stayed upon Jehovah Hearts are fully blest, Finding, as He promised, Perfect peace and rest. 1878

"Who Am I?"

In the Word of God there are a few men who said “Who am I?” Moses said, “Who am I?” in Exodus 3:11. “And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?” But a few chapters over in Exodus 6, Moses doubts God and gives excuses. Moses said, “I am not....” He doubted what God could do with him. When I like Moses say but LORD, I am not, or I can’t... then I am full of self and pride. But when I say who am I... I am emptied of all that I think self can or cannot do. The attitude of “Who am I?” is an attitude of “I am NOTHING!” “This is not an attitude of “it’s all about me” but rather it is the attitude of “it’s a privilege and not a right.” When we say “Who am I?” to the LORD, He says to us “I will make you.” All through the Bible, God makes people into things they are not. David said “Who am I?” three different times. The first time was in 1 Samuel 18:18. “And David said unto Saul, Who am I? and what is my life, or my father's family in Israel, that I should be son in law to the king?” David said, “Who am I about my marriage?” The right perspective on marriage realizes that there are three groups: the me group, the my family group, and the my spouse’s family group. The right attitude is I don’t deserve this person. The attitude is of a humble sincere spirit before God. The second time David said, “Who am I?” is found in 1 Chronicles 17:16. “And David the king came and sat before the LORD, and said, Who am I, O LORD God, and what is mine house, that thou hast brought me hitherto?” David said, “Who am I about my ministry?” David was lost in God through humility. To be lost in God a person must lose their identity. He must increase but I must decrease until there is nothing left of me and Christ has filled my cup. He has consumed my entire being. Thirdly, David said “Who am I concerning my money?” But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.” ~ 1 Chronicles 29:14. David embraced the fact that God told him no regarding building the Temple. David set his affection on God even thou he had to step down in position and let his son build the Temple. The result of his attitude was that the people offered willing and it caused them to rejoice. Our Attitudes affect others! What we say can cause others to rejoice or become bitter. Daivd’s attitude could have led the people to an uprising against God and against Solomon (God’s Man – God’s new King). But instead David’s “Who am I” attitude lead the people to a humble spirit. Are you asking God “Who am I?” Or are you tell God who you are?

God's Higher Calling Despite Adversity

Trouble and Anguish have taken hold of me: yet Thy commandments are my delights.” ~ Psalms 119:143 “Moses and Daniel and prophets of old they were trusting God I’m told and He drew nearer to their troubled souls. Trials are worth more then gold. Through fire and water if that’s where HE leads I am willing go, if more like Jesus I’ll be, trials are worth more then Gold.” I wonder how many songs that I have sung that proclaim this same message and I wonder how willing I am to go through adversity? Could I say as Job said in the mist of trouble? “The Lord gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD:” ~ Job 1:21b. This was Job’s first reaction to adversity. What I wonder is our first reaction to trouble and trials? I know what I want to do when trials come that seem so over whelming and that I can’t bear them. I want to wallow, to have self pity and others attention. “Woe is me!” is the attitude I find myself content to have. God’s Higher Calling is not just for the strong, the well, the financially set, and the emotionally stable. God’s Higher Calling is for the weak, the sick and the poor and the emotionally unstable. Two years ago I ended up getting Bell's Palsy along with Lyme's Disease.“The upright shall dwell in Thy presence.” I had no idea what would unfold on that day, but my Abba did. “But ye that did cleave unto the LORD your God are alive every one of you this day.” ~ Deuteronomy 4:4. My first understand of all this was that God has a purpose. I did not know what that full purpose was, but was I willing to trust God with this? Was I cleaving to the LORD? I had to remember that God’s got me! I knew I was in His hand. “Nothing ever takes God by surprise.” I once heard this saying: “Has it ever dawned on you that nothing ever dawns on God.” So how does one face adversity? How is one supposed to live when all strength seems to fail? Joshua 1:9 ~ “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” A friend gave me this verse to dwell on. I’m so thankful that God gives us the right kind of friends that encourage us with scripture. The Word of The LORD was so precious to me over those days when I was ill. It has been no small matter that every day my devotions had a verse about being “quickened.” The word “quickened” means to be made alive; revived; vivified; reinvigorated. God gives us the strengthen we need to face each day. He gives us the direction in which to go and guides our steps along the way. Is it any wonder that Job was able to say? “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.” ~ Job 13:15. God’s Higher Calling seemed so clear to me that Friday morning, but by the next day I found myself wallowing in Self pity. My thoughts were something like this: “Should I rest and not do those things I know are required of me?” That night, I dreamed of the “Pattern on the Mount.” I dreamed that Moses decided to build the tabernacle his way instead of God’s. What might have seemed like a silly dream really wasn’t to me. My way right then would have been that the Bell’s palsy would be gone and that I would be instantly healed. But God’s way for me was that the Bell’s palsy would remain. That Sunday morning in my devotions the LORD gave me this verse: “Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons;” ~ Deuteronomy 4:9. God wants us to continue to go up higher even when we don’t feel like it. “You don’t want any adversity such as “Bell’s Palsy” to stop you from serving Don’t do what you just feel like… reach for God’s Higher Calling in the midst of adversity.” ~ Journal entry, August 5, 2007. Little do we know what adversity waits around the corner. We do not know what tomorrow holds. What we do know is that whether the trail be cancer, blindness, bankruptcy, the death of a loved one, or Lyme disease… etc, we need to not quit on God. I have this quote written in my Bible from a guest speaker that preached a few years back. “I don’t want my last years, my last months, and my last weeks to dishonor God in any way for whom I’ve lived for all these years.” ~ Bro. Henderson. We are to live for God even in the mist of trials and troubles. If we quit serving, we will stop going forward for the LORD and sadly, we will find ourselves moving backwards away from His plan and purpose. God understand our adversity and our trials. I keep having this verse echo in my heart: “Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” ~ Luke 12:27. We don’t have to worry about all that will unfold with the adversity that stands before us. The LORD has us in His hand, all we must do is cleave to Him. I didn’t have to worry about when the LORD’s going was to heal me, I knew that in His timing and if He willed it He would. “As you exercise God’s Higher Calling you’ll find your faith increasing. Cleave to God! On this path continue to trod! Seek God’s face! Despite adversity run God’s race! Purpose to do God’s Will! Seek His purpose daily still. Keep fast in prayer! Casting to God all your care! Don’t quit on God! Persevere! Continue to faithfully trod!” ~ Journal Entry, August 5, 2007. Remember this: “God is in Control!” Nothing can happen without God’s being in control! On August 8, 2007, I received a phone call from the Doctor’s office that confirmed that I had tested positive for Lyme disease. It was not something I wanted, but God knew that I would get Bell’s Palsy and I would have Lyme’s. He had a divine purpose in it all. “Will you let God use this situation to fulfill your purpose that Souls may be reached?” ~ From Sunday Night’s Message, August 5, 2007. August 8 Confidence Not Misplaced "The LORD God will help me" (Isaiah 50:7). These are in prophecy the words of Messiah in the day of His obedience unto death, when He gave His back to the smiters and His cheeks to them that plucked off the hair. He was confident in divine support and trusted in Jehovah. O my soul, thy sorrows are as the small dust of the balance compared with thy LORD's! Canst thou not believe that the LORD God will help thee? Thy LORD was in a peculiar position; for as the representative of sinful men -- their substitute and sacrifice -- it was needful that the Father should leave Him and cause Him to come under desertion of soul. No such necessity is laid upon thee: thou art not bound to cry, "Why hast thou forsaken me?" Did thy Savior even in such a case still rely upon God, and canst not thou? He died for thee and thus made it impossible that thou shouldst be left alone; wherefore, be of good cheer. In this day's labors or trials say, "The LORD God will help me." Go forth boldly. Set your face like a flint and resolve that no faintness or shamefacedness shall come near you. If God helps, who can hinder? If you are sure of omnipotent aid, what can be too heavy for you? Begin the day joyously, and let no shade of doubt come between thee and the eternal sunshine. ~ From C. H. Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Devotional. “Why LORD?” Written in 2002 after my Sister passed away Sometimes in life we face difficulties and trials. Truth is we all have stories of heartache and pain. Many times we ask God: “Why, Why me Lord?” Sometimes the only answer we receive from the Lord is simply this: “Just Trust me.” In our human heart we cannot understand why God would allow these things to happen to us or to others around us. The pain that enshrouds our heart seems to choke out any understanding or peace that we so long to have. The statement “Trust the Lord,” seems to be something that is easy to say but harder to do. People that say this to us sometimes can make us feel like they have no idea what we are facing. They could not possible understand our situation. God’s grace seems so far and distant. We can feel alone and rejected. We just don’t see what the Lord is doing. If our eyes could be open to the spiritual realm, we would see that God has turned up the furnace of trials in our life to work out the dross that has been building up. We would see that every time we cry, God gently works on us and cries with us. God says: “Trust me, I have everything under control.” He hears our distant reply: “No, Lord! I don’t know what you are doing and the pain is too much for me to bear.” God has not truly left us; he is ever present with us. However, we still yell out: “Why me, Lord? ... Why?” The Lord is in control. He is the Great Potter molding us into vessels of honor. He is the Great Gardener pulling out the weeds that don’t belong in our lives. “What a privilege it is to know that … I am a field under heavenly cultivation ~ not a wilderness but a garden of the Lord, walled by grace, planted according to a divine plan, worked by love, weeded by heavenly discipline, and constantly protected by divine power.” ~ Charles Spurgeon. We might think, “Sure this sounds all good and easy, but this thing that I am going through no one understands.” It’s true that I might not have gone through the trial that you are going through and you might not have gone through the trial that I am going through, but God knows our pain. He suffers with us. He bears our burdens. “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” ~ 1 Peter 5:17. This means that he takes our pain upon Himself. He removes it from our heart, and places it on His and in return He replaces our fears with peace. Just as a loving father protects his child, so the Lord protects us. “Yet the LORD will command his loving kindness in the day time, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.” ~ Psalms 42:8. In times of adversity and heartache, we need to continue to remind ourselves that God is in control and that He loves us and cares for His children. Remember God always gives us the strength we need when we tap into it. “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” ~ 2 Corinthians 12:9. Practical Application: Get alone with the Lord, even when you don’t feel like it. In times of trouble keep key verses with you. Remind yourself of this truth every time you begin to question… “Why Me?” Why me Lord? Why did you allow me to hear the Gospel? Why out of Billions did you reach down your hand to me? Lord, when I think about how narrow the road is to heaven and how broad that road to Hell is, I have to question… Why. Why did you allow me passage on the narrow road? Is it not but for the Grace of God? Ask God to use this trial to reach the lost around you. Remember: Keep on Keeping on and Don’t quit on God! I did not understand all that God was doing when I had Bell’s palsy, but one thing that is always sure; God’s design for our lives is to live in His Higher Calling. There is no other way to live. “It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn of Thy statutes.” ~ Psalms 119:65. If you know someone going through affliction pray for them fervently. Take time to pray for them and take your eyes off of your own problems. When you pray count how many times you ask for things for you and how many times you ask of things for others. I thought of Heaven today And all of its Beauty and Splendor. And longed to go away To see My Savior so lovingly tender. I long for a place where no more sin May plague this heart of mine. A place where fear and worry are not kin And where truth and light forever Shine. The more I thought on Heaven’s Light The closer my heart drew near to Thee. I thought of that moment when I behold Thy Sight, And tears my eyes will no more see. Then I reflected on This, my Life And why I’m here today. Living, breathing, and yes facing strife, But praying all the way. Will there be prayers up in Heaven, LORD? And Will I cry in prayer over a soul? Will my heart break in two as I cry over Thy WORD? Will I rejoice in prayer as one is made whole? Father, will I have compassion And seek your face in prayer? Or will Heaven be in another fashion, A different type of Care? I long for Heaven that is true, But today my LORD showed me That Prayers on earth may be few But Prayers on earth must be. So I shall be content here, To pray and seek and live. For others are very near And my all I must willing give. My Friend Take heart! Don't wallow in Self Pity. Don't Criticize others. Don't Blame God. Take Heart! Look To Christ! He has a purpose. Watch what you say!