In His Word 5-31-10

Today in the United States we are remembering our fallen soldiers, the heroes who made our country strong and safe to live in. What better day to remember the things that God has done for us?

Draw me, we will run after thee: the king hath brought me into his chambers: we will be glad and rejoice in thee, we will remember thy love more than wine: the upright love thee. Song of Solomon 1:4

He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. Psalm 91:15

That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; to perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant; the oath which he sware to our father Abraham. Luke 1:71-73

Now the house was full of men and women; and all the lords of the Philistines were there; and there were upon the roof about three thousand men and women that beheld while Samson made sport. And Samson called unto the LORD, and said, O Lord God, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me, I pray thee, only this once, O God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes. And Samson took hold of the two middle pillars upon which the house stood, and on which it was borne up, of the one with his right hand, and of the other with his left. Judges 16:27-29

He said to us that if we call on Him He will answer us. He will show us things we have not known, but we have to keep our eyes open. We have to keep our ears open to hear what the Spirit is saying to us. Sometimes God gives us direction but we choose not to listen to him. We think we know better than God about what we need. We harden our hearts to His guidance and then cry out to Him for help in our time of need. Who are we to ask God for help then ignore the answer just because it is hard?

I look at Samson. He had so much; strength, good looks, and God’s favor. Yet he gave it up because he chose to listen to his personal feelings over God’s guidance. Because of this he suffered great things. Once he realized he had been duped, he prayed for forgiveness and the Lord executed His vengeance on those who mocked Samson and Himself. God did not leave Samson helpless in the prison and the torment. He came through for him when he cried out for help.

Sometimes when God is using a situation to create a stronger bond of relationship with us or to teach us about His will in our lives, we turn a deaf ear to it. We become self-indulged and cry out for Him to fix things instead of staying in the trial He has given us. We try to get the answers to the lesson without reading the material, or staying in the learning situation. We just want it to be how we want it, and life is not like that.

Throughout the Word of God, we read of times when people had to sacrifice self for God’s purpose in their lives. Esther was willing to risk her life as queen in order to submit to God's plan to save the Jews. Ruth gave up her home and people to accept God and his people. Samuel's mother promised that if God would give her a son, she would let him be raised by the temple priest.

David ran from King Saul for years before God placed him on the throne. He had to give up his best friend to accept God’s plan for him. Think of the pain he must have gone through. Saul, whom he had thought of as near to his heart, suddenly hated him. Suddenly Saul was telling lies about him and trying to spear him! Then he set out to totally annihilate him, but God had other ideas. Though David suffered the sorrow of loss, he gained in following after God’s plan and keeping himself right with God.

So what can we learn from these people’s stories? To trust God, no matter what we are going through. To know that He is in control even if we think it is the people we are dealing with that are the problem. One more scripture, one more day, and we can get the strength to continue and grow through the heartache or the confusion that we have been placed in. Whatever it is that we are going through as children of God, we have to realize that God has a hand in it!

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Ephesians 6:11-13

Do you ever feel like you have been duped by the devil and got caught up in your own emotions over a situation? God knows. He knows you did not put on your armor before going into battle; he knows you responded in the flesh and not by His Spirit.

Our soldiers go into training before going into battles. They follow a battle plan so that they can hopefully walk away whole. Sometimes they come home with permanent battle scars that tear their lives apart. Sometimes they come home with scars that will heal. A lot of times it is all a matter of perspective. If they give it to the Lord and realize the bombs and bullets had a greater purpose, then God can do something good from it. But we need to remember, just like soldiers do, it is not about me! It is about God’s will, the greater purpose in our lives. God will work all things together for good, even the things we think are rubbish. Even when we think no one cares what we are going through, God can work it all together for good for those who are the called according to His purpose.

So let’s stop fighting the war for ourselves. Let’s get into our battle armor before going into war and get on our knees. When we kneel before the Lord, our God and maker, there is a humbleness of spirit that is not there when we stand before Him. Let’s stop wrestling against flesh and blood and get into battle position against the enemy today! When God is for us, no one and nothing can stand against us!

Dear heavenly Father, help us to put on our armor and wear it right. Direct us in what we should say and do, and help us to keep our hearts and minds right before You. Let us remember that nothing man can do to us will prosper, but You will come through for us. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Suggested readings: Ephesians 6:1-24; Isaiah 12:1-6; 1 Corinthians 1:1-31; Galatians 1:1-24 and Hebrews 9:1-28.

In His Word 5-24-10

What are you doing with your new garment? When we come to Christ and accept Him as our Savior, He helps us to shed our old man and put on a new one. In a sense, we put on a new garment. Yet, we keep putting on the old dirty garments by going back to the muck and the mire. We claim we are tired of trying to do good and we get impatient with God for taking too long. We forget what He has done for us. We need to stop right there and get back on track today. Since God is for us, nothing can stand against us! He is doing a good work in us and He will complete it until the day Christ returns.

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Galatians 6:9

I waited patiently for the LORD; And He inclined to me, and heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth—Praise to our God; many will see it and fear, and will trust in the LORD. Psalm 40:1-3

This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:17-23

Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all. Colossians 3:9-11

Today’s scriptures could stand alone, but I have a few thoughts to address here. God gave us new life in Christ. He cleansed us at that instant from our past deeds and hurts. But we do not understand that, so we retrieve things that God has removed from us as if it were one of those sticky-toys the kids play with. They throw it at a wall and pull it back off. The sticky-toy gets all nasty looking, full of fuzz and dirt and who knows what else. Each time they throw it against the wall it comes back in worse condition. So why bother taking it back? They are enjoying the grossness of it all!

So, why would you want to put on that old man again after Christ removed it from you? Why worry about the things you used to worry about? Why concern yourself with the cares of this world? Why let things that concerned you as a child influence your walk with Christ today? Let it go. Let go of the old man; let go of the old garments; toss the sticky-toy in the trash!

Build upon what He has given you. Christ gave you new life; build upon it with new things. Create a new you - Extreme Makeover, God Edition! God wants to work in your life as never before. He wants to direct your path. He wants to create in you a clean heart and renew a right spirit in you.

Do you know what is really cool? He wants to do it today. He wants to draw you into His presence that He can show you great and mighty things you did not know. He wants to allow you to glean from His Word today. He wants you to know Him. He already knows you better than you know yourself. All He asks is that you seek Him and allow Him to change you.

Let go of the sticky-toy. The offence that was stuffed in your face yesterday is gone. Start with a clean heart today.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

Forget the diet you goofed on over the weekend. Forget that the laundry is not finished. You can get back on the path today, right now. Let’s do it! Let’s throw off the things that hinder us today and focus on God and doing His will, doing what is right in the sight of God, not man. Let’s make this day a good day, a new beginning. After all, it is true what they say, "Today is the first day of the rest of your life!"

Dear heavenly Father, help us to put that new man on today and leave the tattered garments in your care, that you may remove them as far as the east is from the west. You know best what to do with them, Lord. Help us to continue in Your Word and renew our minds daily. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Suggested readings: Psalm 51:1-19; Colossians 3:1-25; Ephesians 4:1-32; Galatians 6:1-18; Psalm 40:1-17.

In His Word 5-17-10

The song in my head this morning as I arose has the chorus, “...got to wake up, got to wake up the world.” That is what woke me up this morning. Our God is amazing and has a great sense of humor. He knows what to wake me up with. I woke up in a good mood even though I am still tired enough to go back to bed. The sky is cloudy but the birds are singing a song to me today.


It is supposed to rain today. Rain is good, even if it is a little annoying, because it reminds us of God’s goodness. It reminds us that the gardens will be able to drink and produce new life. Even though we have to change our plans from out of doors to inside buildings, we can trust that God reigns in the rain!

I would rather wake up to the sunshine streaming through my window and shining on my face, with all well in the world. But this is not the world we live in. We live in a world that needs to truly wake up to what is going on around them and get right with God. Today, while there is time, make your heart right with Him. I write this to Christians and anyone reading this. These weekly articles are just to make you feel good, but to give you something to think about. We all need to be sure we are right with God every day.

Then Noah built an altar to the LORD, and took of every clean animal and of every clean bird, and offered burnt offerings on the altar. And the LORD smelled a soothing aroma. Then the LORD said in His heart, “I will never again curse the ground for man’s sake, although the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth; nor will I again destroy every living thing as I have done. “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease.” Genesis 8:20-22

Noah’s heart was right with God, he survived the most horrific flood, as did his household.

Amaziah was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Jehoaddan of Jerusalem. And he did what was right in the sight of the LORD, but not with a loyal heart. 2 Chronicles 25:1-3

Amaziah did what was right in the sight of the Lord, but he did not have a loyal heart. His heart was not in the right place. If you read further in 2 Chronicles, you will find out that He did not heed the words of the Lord in his life.

Thus Hezekiah did throughout all Judah, and he did what was good and right and true before the LORD his God. And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, in the law and in the commandment, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart. So he prospered. 2 Chronicles 31:20-21

Hezekiah’s heart was right with God, he sought Him in all he did. God prospered him because he sought him with all his heart. God reigned in Hezekiah’s life and it was good.

My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah. Psalm 62:5-8

Throughout history, in the books of the Bible and in biographies, we can find people whose heart was right with God. They looked to Him as their beginning and their end. These people have lead countries, worshiped in His temple, helped hungry people and led nations into battle. We can see the good things God did in their lives. They made it through their struggles because they kept the faith, keeping their mind on God and His purpose for their lives. We also read about people who did what was right in their own eyes. What a rude awakening when they lose everything!

We need to cry out to God every day. Beginning and end each day with prayer, and I mean real prayer. It's not the length of time spend in His presence but the quality time spend there that matters most. Begin by asking God to make your heart right. Ask Him to direct your day and to guide you in your steps. Then allow Him to do so. Think on a scripture as you go through your day. Contemplate what it is all about. Ask, seek, find. It really is that easy.

Lord reign in us today! Direct our course. Give us wisdom where needed and guide our words. Help us to speak life, not death; and to encourage, not tear down. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, oh Lord. In Jesus' name, amen.

Suggested readings: Psalm 62:1-12; 2 Samuel 7:1-29; Kings 3:5-24; Romans 6:1-23; Colossians 3:1-25.

In His Word 5-10-10

For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:8-10

Where are we sowing today? Are we sowing to our flesh or to the spiritual things in life? Are we looking to please ourselves, to be happy in the way the world sees happiness? Or are we looking to God our Father for true happiness that comes with unbelievable peace and unending joy?

What do we settle for in life? You may say, "I have the perfect life! I have a wonderful home, and a family that serves the Lord. We want for very little." And yet, there are times when we all get tired. We all have suffering; we all have sorrow. So what is the point of sowing in gladness if we are to reap in sorrow?

And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter. And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech. And, behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said unto the reapers, The LORD be with you. And they answered him, The LORD bless thee. Ruth 2:2-4

According to the Law of Moses, it was the practice for every farmer to leave grain that fell to the ground during harvest and not let it be gathered, so that the stranger and the poor could come through and gather what they needed. When Boaz saw that his workers had left some grain to be gleaned by the poor, he spoke blessings on his reapers. Are you reaping what the Lord has put before you to gather? Or are you deciding where to go on your own?
I believe the Lord has set before us each a path to follow. Some of us, however, tend to step to the side to see the sights and some think we know a better way. If you have ever read Hinds Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard, you will understand this a little bit more. We are given a path to follow and yet we choose to do what is right in our own eyes, as Israel did so many times in their history. Read what happened when they chose to follow themselves over what was right in God’s eyes. Look to God each day to find out what He wants you to do.

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand. Psalm 37:23-24

When we follow what He has ordered for our path, then we will be blessed. If we come into trouble He will guide us through it. If we trip and take a tumble, He will lift us up and send others to help us make it to safety. Even though it is a humbling experience, He will send helpers to keep us on the right path. But it is up to us to walk in godly counsel. We need to choose whom we listen to. There are many false teachers and false prophets who will come in these days, but with the discernment of the Lord we will be able to tell whom to listen to. Many are well meaning, but are ignorant of the truth. We must be cautious of our counsel. As Pastor Vega has said, “Don’t go looking for parking lot counselors.” Look to God for your guidance.

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Psalm 1:1-3

God would not have put this scripture in the Word if it were not possible for us to listen to the wrong people and be led astray. Personally, I would rather listen to God and be that tree planted by the rivers of living water, drinking of His goodness all the days of my life. I knowing that when hard times come my way, I will be able to stand knowing my God is with me. Sure, we all struggle with things, but struggles can be used of the Lord to strengthen our walk with Him. You just need to look to Him at all times because He will never let go of you. He will never let go, not in the bad times and not in the good times. So many of us think that if all is well we do not need to keep checking in with our Boss to get direction. But we do!

There is a song that says over and over, “Oh, Lord you never let go, through the calm and through the storm… Lord, you never let go of me.” We can thank God that He is there with us, even when we walk out into the storm on our own. Our God will not leave us nor forsake us, but our job is to follow after Him.

Dear Heavenly Father, help us to follow you today, to walk in the steps that you set out before us. Give us eyes to see, and ears to hear, what your Spirit tells us to do. Block things from our ears and eyes that you would rather we stay away from. Give us clear direction for today. In Jesus' name, amen.

Suggested readings: Psalm 37:1-40; Psalm 1:1-6; Hebrews 13:1-25; Philippians 3:1-21; Psalm 35:1-28.

In His Word 5-3-10

"Come unto me all who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest." This portion of a verse is quoted over and over by Christians. Today we are going to take a closer look into it. We are going to read the rest of the scripture on it.

All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him. Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:27-29 (KJV)

"My Father has given all things to me. The Father is the only one who knows the Son. And the only ones who know the Father are the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to make him known. "Come to me, all of you who are tired and are carrying heavy loads. I will give you rest. Become my servants and learn from me. I am gentle and free of pride. You will find rest for your souls. Serving me is easy, and my load is light." Matthew 11:27-29 (NIRV)

What kind of rest are we talking about here? I thought of this question the other day while I was reading and praying. He did not say, "I will let you sit and put your feet up and be lazy." We often think of resting as kicking back with a nice cold iced tea and relaxing, or curling up with a good book. Do we really think that’s what God will do for us? WIll He tell us to skip that heavy load and kick off our shoes?

I don’t think that is what He was talking about. When we are resting in Him it is not always a physical rest. Looking at the scripture, He says to us that we are to take His yoke upon us. Yokes are for use on an animal of burden to make the load easier to pull. It has a circular shape at the top, then usually a couple of horns to attach things to. It is placed over the neck of a beast of burden to assure that the load is evenly pulled on all sides, thus keeping the animal from having to put forth too much effort. Once a yoke is put upon the animal, the load is evened out around his body. The owner or task master will place a yoke upon the animal and lead it through the task. We have seen these used in movies about the old west when the oxen pull the plow or the covered wagon.

So what does this have to do with us? Jesus said to take His yoke upon us. This means we are to submit to His will in our lives. If an ox just got to roam around it would walk back and forth on the plowed field and ruin it for planting. In one movie I saw, the person leading the ox had a heart attack and fell. The oxen tried to keep going and eventually dragged the man a few steps before he stopped. Without the leadership of the farmer the animal did not know where to go. Without the leadership of God we will wander aimlessly through life without purpose.

If we are the oxen, what did He place us here to do? Are we going to bring people to a new land, helping them start over in life like the beasts that pulled the wagons to new lands? Or are we going to be the ones who plow the fields and make way for seeds to be planted? He said His burden is light and will bring rest to our souls. Wwhatever it is He has for you to pull, it will be light to your soul.

My soul will be rested if I am doing what God wants me to do with my life. If I am constantly complaining and grumbling how will I find rest? I won’t. I will grow weary instead. So what does this tell us about how we are to look at our burdens?

Should we always look at burdens as something we can't wait to have removed? Would we be unlatched and sent to roam for a while in an open field to feed ourselves. Even when the farmer put the oxen to pasture, he always knew they would be ready when he needed them again. Are you ready when God needs you or do you get distracted with the cares of life?
We will never find rest for our souls until we take His yoke upon us. We must find the way to submit to His will in our lives. Until then we will struggle to figure out what we are to do.

Dear Heavenly Father, help us to find rest for our souls. Help us today to walk in Your will, being tuned in and available to you. Rig us up with your yoke and lead us to our purpose. In Jesus' name, amen.

Suggested Readings: Matthew 11:1-30; Philippians 4:1-23; 1 Timothy 6:1-21; 2 Corinthians 7:1-16; Hebrews 4:1-16.