“High and Lifted Up”
Scripture:
Psalm 25:1, 2
To You, O LORD, I lift up my soul,
O my God, I trust in You. (NKJ)
Observation:
Whether we are face down, pleading our case before the LORD, or our hands and eyes are lifted high into the heavens, praising and glorifying God’s awesomeness, it is our soul that truly cries out for fellowship with God. For there is no One, or anything in all existence, that can satisfy the longings of our souls (Psalm 107:9), but the One who was and is and always will be; the LORD our God.
Application:
The LORD is our omnipresent Father who provides everything we need; our omnipotent Savior who has saved us from our own destructive behavior; and our omniscient Spirit who guides us in truth all the way to Heaven. He is our Creator, our Provider, and our faithful Redeemer
(1 Corinthians 9:6). If it were not for the outpouring of His gracious favor, we would either cease to exist, or wished we didn’t. If it were not for His loving mercy we would be left to our own demise, which would fail us miserably against the prince of the power of the air. We have, in our God Jehovah, everything we could possibly dream of and much, much more. And when we pray to the One who has given us the breath of life and the hope of Heaven, let your soul be lifted high into His mighty arms, for it is there in His Holy Presence that you will find the peace and comfort that exceeds all understanding. It is when you lift up your soul as high as you can that you leave all your troubles and fears behind to meet the God that gave it all for you. Your Father in Heaven will meet you wherever you are, my dear friends, but the higher you lift your soul, the closer you come to the One who created you in His image, to be served by His majestic angels (Hebrews 1:14).
Prayer:
O LORD, how my soul longs for that day when You return to take us Home. Because of Your incredible mercy and grace we can once again, call you Father. Thank You for rescuing us from ourselves and certain doom. You are an awesome God, and I praise You above all else for who You are and all that You have done.
Amen
Sunday, October 23, 2011
“Light Message”
Scripture:
1 Thessalonians 5:14, 16
Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid.
Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.
No matter what happens always be thankful,
for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. (NLT)
Observation:
As disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, it is His great commission that we spread the message of God’s Light (which has been so graciously shined upon our lives) with those who live in darkness (Matthew 28:18-20). This life-saving Truth that we carry in our hearts is for everyone to hear and heed, for without it there can be no peace or joy for anyone living in this dying world that is groaning for truth, for healing, and most desperately, for some blessed hope with which people can base their lives on.
Application:
Sadly, many lost souls of the world are depending on their governments or other people to give them their basic needs or dreams, rather than depending on their Creator and Provider. Many people, as I did, discover just how hopeless this life becomes without God’s direction and provision, because when we trust and rely on the world’s array of empty promises we will inevitably find ourselves dissatisfied or discouraged, bitter or resentful, and angry at the God who loves them even when they disbelieve in His existence. This is why, as believers in Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior—the ones who carry His Message of Hope—we must not hide in the Truth that saves while we look forward to that great and awesome Day when Jesus comes for the Church, His Bride. For when this day suddenly arrives, we know that all hell will break lose and many lost and hopeless souls will loose their lives violently and forever (2 Thessalonians 1:7, 8)—including many that we know and love. Even though we are limited in our individual abilities to touch the masses, God is not, for God is Light (1 John 1:5). Even though His Church in the western world is luke warm at the moment, I believe there is revival in the air. We are God’s chosen people and we are all a functioning part of His Church body, called to work together in unison to shed some much needed light in this dark and damned world. There are so many lost and struggling to survive souls who are longing for Hope and finding none. Let us shine for the hopeless so they, too, can avoid that terrible day when God’s final and just wrath will be poured out from Heaven upon this earth and all those who live by it.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, help understand the importance of spreading Your Good News to those who live in darkness and to those who are deceived that they are living in Your Light. Please give me both the wisdom and the strength to do Your will, for the very life of Your people are at stake.
Amen
Scripture:
1 Thessalonians 5:14, 16
Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid.
Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.
No matter what happens always be thankful,
for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. (NLT)
Observation:
As disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, it is His great commission that we spread the message of God’s Light (which has been so graciously shined upon our lives) with those who live in darkness (Matthew 28:18-20). This life-saving Truth that we carry in our hearts is for everyone to hear and heed, for without it there can be no peace or joy for anyone living in this dying world that is groaning for truth, for healing, and most desperately, for some blessed hope with which people can base their lives on.
Application:
Sadly, many lost souls of the world are depending on their governments or other people to give them their basic needs or dreams, rather than depending on their Creator and Provider. Many people, as I did, discover just how hopeless this life becomes without God’s direction and provision, because when we trust and rely on the world’s array of empty promises we will inevitably find ourselves dissatisfied or discouraged, bitter or resentful, and angry at the God who loves them even when they disbelieve in His existence. This is why, as believers in Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior—the ones who carry His Message of Hope—we must not hide in the Truth that saves while we look forward to that great and awesome Day when Jesus comes for the Church, His Bride. For when this day suddenly arrives, we know that all hell will break lose and many lost and hopeless souls will loose their lives violently and forever (2 Thessalonians 1:7, 8)—including many that we know and love. Even though we are limited in our individual abilities to touch the masses, God is not, for God is Light (1 John 1:5). Even though His Church in the western world is luke warm at the moment, I believe there is revival in the air. We are God’s chosen people and we are all a functioning part of His Church body, called to work together in unison to shed some much needed light in this dark and damned world. There are so many lost and struggling to survive souls who are longing for Hope and finding none. Let us shine for the hopeless so they, too, can avoid that terrible day when God’s final and just wrath will be poured out from Heaven upon this earth and all those who live by it.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, help understand the importance of spreading Your Good News to those who live in darkness and to those who are deceived that they are living in Your Light. Please give me both the wisdom and the strength to do Your will, for the very life of Your people are at stake.
Amen
Sunday, October 2, 2011
“Never Ending”
Scripture:
Colossians 3:3, 5, 17
For you died when Christ died, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.
So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you.
And whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus, all the while giving thanks through Him to God the Father. (NLT)
Observation:
Our merciful God graciously came into this darkened, sin-filled world as a man of flesh
(1 Timothy 3:16) so that He could justly satisfy His anger against man’s rebellion and bring atonement to His creation (Romans 5:11). The only just way God could accomplish this reconciliation between Himself and mankind was by taking on flesh and blood, thus, becoming the Perfect and Pure, Final Sacrificial Lamb of God, and by doing so, He broke the power of sin and death so that we could stand blameless and not guilty before Him, receiving His eternal forgiveness.
Application:
God planned for our salvation before the Beginning of creation (Ephesians 1:4), not only to proclaim His Glory, but to also give us hope in spite of our inherent sinful nature, which desires to disobey and rebel. Our loving and Sovereign God stepped out of the Glory of Heaven to do what only He could do, so that we would be able to stand holy and righteous before Him—the Holy and Righteous God. God wants all of His people to be able to live in His Presence for Eternity, just as He did when created Adam and Eve. But God must be God; He can be no one else; He is perfectly holy and just and it is impossible for Him to be otherwise. Therefore, the Almighty God Himself cannot be in the presence of sin, much like darkness and light cannot exist at one time. It is because of God’s unchangeableness and His great love for us, that any sin-filled person who has sincerely accepted the merciful covering of Christ Jesus, has the Promise of complete forgiveness; to live forever Face to face with Jehovah, the God of Glory. There is no greater offer, nor is there a better promise in existence, my dear friends, with which we can truly rejoice over, and stake the very life of our eternal soul on. This gracious Promise of God, standing on its own, is reason alone to humbly bow ourselves before the only true and living God, glorifying His Mighty Name in thanksgiving and honoring Him by living in His Light so that we may be that beckon of light for anyone that is hopelessly lost in this dark and unforgiving world—that one person who is desperate for hope and searching for the One true meaning and purpose of this difficult life, so they, too, can escape the terrible consequences that living in darkness brings and live in the Light that gives Life a glorious new beginning—One that will never end!
Prayer:
Please help me remain close to You, O LORD, so my life will show the world there is hope for anyone who will humble themselves before You and let you be God. For You, my God, are the only hope we have if we are to experience life to the fullest—the Hope that never changes, nor ever ends.
Amen
Scripture:
Colossians 3:3, 5, 17
For you died when Christ died, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.
So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you.
And whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus, all the while giving thanks through Him to God the Father. (NLT)
Observation:
Our merciful God graciously came into this darkened, sin-filled world as a man of flesh
(1 Timothy 3:16) so that He could justly satisfy His anger against man’s rebellion and bring atonement to His creation (Romans 5:11). The only just way God could accomplish this reconciliation between Himself and mankind was by taking on flesh and blood, thus, becoming the Perfect and Pure, Final Sacrificial Lamb of God, and by doing so, He broke the power of sin and death so that we could stand blameless and not guilty before Him, receiving His eternal forgiveness.
Application:
God planned for our salvation before the Beginning of creation (Ephesians 1:4), not only to proclaim His Glory, but to also give us hope in spite of our inherent sinful nature, which desires to disobey and rebel. Our loving and Sovereign God stepped out of the Glory of Heaven to do what only He could do, so that we would be able to stand holy and righteous before Him—the Holy and Righteous God. God wants all of His people to be able to live in His Presence for Eternity, just as He did when created Adam and Eve. But God must be God; He can be no one else; He is perfectly holy and just and it is impossible for Him to be otherwise. Therefore, the Almighty God Himself cannot be in the presence of sin, much like darkness and light cannot exist at one time. It is because of God’s unchangeableness and His great love for us, that any sin-filled person who has sincerely accepted the merciful covering of Christ Jesus, has the Promise of complete forgiveness; to live forever Face to face with Jehovah, the God of Glory. There is no greater offer, nor is there a better promise in existence, my dear friends, with which we can truly rejoice over, and stake the very life of our eternal soul on. This gracious Promise of God, standing on its own, is reason alone to humbly bow ourselves before the only true and living God, glorifying His Mighty Name in thanksgiving and honoring Him by living in His Light so that we may be that beckon of light for anyone that is hopelessly lost in this dark and unforgiving world—that one person who is desperate for hope and searching for the One true meaning and purpose of this difficult life, so they, too, can escape the terrible consequences that living in darkness brings and live in the Light that gives Life a glorious new beginning—One that will never end!
Prayer:
Please help me remain close to You, O LORD, so my life will show the world there is hope for anyone who will humble themselves before You and let you be God. For You, my God, are the only hope we have if we are to experience life to the fullest—the Hope that never changes, nor ever ends.
Amen
Saturday, October 1, 2011
“Lips for God”
Scripture:
Colossians 1:13-14
For He has rescued us from the one who rules in the kingdom
of darkness, and He has brought us into the Kingdom of His dear Son.
God has purchased our freedom with His blood and has forgiven all our sins. (NLT)
Observation:
No one who has sincerely accepted God’s gift of salvation should ever let this incredible, life saving truth be silenced from their lips (Psalm 30:11-12). Without the goodness of Jehovah from above and without His abundant mercy and grace towards us, where would we find the peace and joy that comes with knowing the promises of God (2 Peter 1:4) and what lies ahead for us after our earthly bodies are spent?
Application:
Those who are without the Wisdom of God directing their life-journey usually live in great fear of the unknown—not knowing what lies beyond this short life. Unfortunately, there are many confused and prideful people that put their hope in denying the reality of hell and desperately believing the lie that if an all loving God and a perfect Heaven do exist, then everyone, no matter how they have lived this life, are heaven bound. There are also many lost people who hope this life is all there is and therefore, they will consciously escape the consequences of their actions. This is why, as believers in Christ, we must hold steadfast to our faith that God is who He says He is and will do what He says He will do, because without a firm grip on this Truth, we will shift back and forth, unsteady and unsure, causing our weakness of faith to look foolish in the eyes of others, giving Satan an advantage that he will surely use to deceive the weak and misinformed who are searching for some answers and hope. Staying grounded in God’s Word, by walking in His Presence, and by living and loving like Jesus is the key to God’s will, my dear friends, which will not only bless us (and those we touch) richly in this life, but also in the everlasting life to come! Never forget God’s Abundant Mercy and be ever so thankful for His Amazing Grace. Let Him know how you feel, then let the world know (Psalm 47:1)
Prayer:
Help me, O LORD, to never forget or take for granted the wonderful things you have done for us, Your people. Even when we doubt You and Your existence, You continually pour out Your mercy and grace in the hope of bringing everyone into Your Holy Presence. Thank You for being You.
Amen
Scripture:
Colossians 1:13-14
For He has rescued us from the one who rules in the kingdom
of darkness, and He has brought us into the Kingdom of His dear Son.
God has purchased our freedom with His blood and has forgiven all our sins. (NLT)
Observation:
No one who has sincerely accepted God’s gift of salvation should ever let this incredible, life saving truth be silenced from their lips (Psalm 30:11-12). Without the goodness of Jehovah from above and without His abundant mercy and grace towards us, where would we find the peace and joy that comes with knowing the promises of God (2 Peter 1:4) and what lies ahead for us after our earthly bodies are spent?
Application:
Those who are without the Wisdom of God directing their life-journey usually live in great fear of the unknown—not knowing what lies beyond this short life. Unfortunately, there are many confused and prideful people that put their hope in denying the reality of hell and desperately believing the lie that if an all loving God and a perfect Heaven do exist, then everyone, no matter how they have lived this life, are heaven bound. There are also many lost people who hope this life is all there is and therefore, they will consciously escape the consequences of their actions. This is why, as believers in Christ, we must hold steadfast to our faith that God is who He says He is and will do what He says He will do, because without a firm grip on this Truth, we will shift back and forth, unsteady and unsure, causing our weakness of faith to look foolish in the eyes of others, giving Satan an advantage that he will surely use to deceive the weak and misinformed who are searching for some answers and hope. Staying grounded in God’s Word, by walking in His Presence, and by living and loving like Jesus is the key to God’s will, my dear friends, which will not only bless us (and those we touch) richly in this life, but also in the everlasting life to come! Never forget God’s Abundant Mercy and be ever so thankful for His Amazing Grace. Let Him know how you feel, then let the world know (Psalm 47:1)
Prayer:
Help me, O LORD, to never forget or take for granted the wonderful things you have done for us, Your people. Even when we doubt You and Your existence, You continually pour out Your mercy and grace in the hope of bringing everyone into Your Holy Presence. Thank You for being You.
Amen
“Simply True”
Scripture:
Proverbs 1:32-33
For the turning away of the simple will slay them,
And the complacency of fools will destroy them;
But whoever listens to Me will dwell safely,
And will be secure, without fear of evil. (NKJ)
Observation:
In the first chapter of The Book of Proverbs, King Solomon, the son of David, gives us a clear picture of where we should look for sound and reliable wisdom which brings true purpose and meaning to this difficult life and why it is so critical for every person to have the ability to discern the foolishness of manmade, worldly wisdom (which leads to death and destruction) from the only true Wisdom that brings life to the fullest (1 Kings 4:29-30). God’s wisdom is both concise and made simple for everyone to understand.
Application:
When people live their lives guided by the wisdom of God they experience the kind of satisfaction and joy that is unknown to those who pursue the ways of the world, because God’s people know where the Lord is leading them (Psalm 73:24). By heeding the words of God’s wisdom we are able to learn life’s truths and teach our children what is right and just and fair so they, too, can learn how to live a life that brings honor and glory to God, and in return, God will surely honor and glorify them as well. When people simply reject God’s Way and live only to satisfy their own selfish needs and feelings the end result is anything but glorious and honorable, for the wisdom of this fallen world only leads to death and destruction for all those who heed its call of sinful living. When wise people walk alongside of God, listening and meditating and following His wisdom for life, they walk this life-journey in peace knowing they are safely walking in God’s presence; having no fear in knowing that God will never withhold His sovereign power to fight the evil that threatens them and consumes the foolish people of a world gone astray—a world which groans daily for its redemption and restoration from Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior.
Prayer:
Thank You, O God, for Your Wisdom in the Truth of Your Word, for without it we would be lost and without hope. The wickedness of this evil and perverse world is always ready to devour anyone that turns his back on You. You are our Protector from evil and with You at our side there is no reason to fear those things which can destroy our souls.
Amen
Scripture:
Proverbs 1:32-33
For the turning away of the simple will slay them,
And the complacency of fools will destroy them;
But whoever listens to Me will dwell safely,
And will be secure, without fear of evil. (NKJ)
Observation:
In the first chapter of The Book of Proverbs, King Solomon, the son of David, gives us a clear picture of where we should look for sound and reliable wisdom which brings true purpose and meaning to this difficult life and why it is so critical for every person to have the ability to discern the foolishness of manmade, worldly wisdom (which leads to death and destruction) from the only true Wisdom that brings life to the fullest (1 Kings 4:29-30). God’s wisdom is both concise and made simple for everyone to understand.
Application:
When people live their lives guided by the wisdom of God they experience the kind of satisfaction and joy that is unknown to those who pursue the ways of the world, because God’s people know where the Lord is leading them (Psalm 73:24). By heeding the words of God’s wisdom we are able to learn life’s truths and teach our children what is right and just and fair so they, too, can learn how to live a life that brings honor and glory to God, and in return, God will surely honor and glorify them as well. When people simply reject God’s Way and live only to satisfy their own selfish needs and feelings the end result is anything but glorious and honorable, for the wisdom of this fallen world only leads to death and destruction for all those who heed its call of sinful living. When wise people walk alongside of God, listening and meditating and following His wisdom for life, they walk this life-journey in peace knowing they are safely walking in God’s presence; having no fear in knowing that God will never withhold His sovereign power to fight the evil that threatens them and consumes the foolish people of a world gone astray—a world which groans daily for its redemption and restoration from Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior.
Prayer:
Thank You, O God, for Your Wisdom in the Truth of Your Word, for without it we would be lost and without hope. The wickedness of this evil and perverse world is always ready to devour anyone that turns his back on You. You are our Protector from evil and with You at our side there is no reason to fear those things which can destroy our souls.
Amen
“Gracious Mercy”
Scripture:
Psalm 6:1-2
O LORD, do not rebuke me in Your anger,
nor chasten me in Your hot displeasure.
Have mercy on me, O LORD, for I am weak;
O LORD, heal me, for my bones are troubled. (NKJ)
Observation:
It is never an easy task to break the old habits of sinfulness, for it is simply our nature to oppose God (Romans 8:7). Nor is it easy to admit our weakness to resist the nature to sin by our own power alone. I find that the closer I am drawn to the Lord, the more I learn about my own inherent weakness to restrain from sin and how easy it is to fall prey to its temptations without much thought or struggle. And when I, once again, mindlessly fall short of God’s standard, I am made even more aware of my weaknesses and how desperate I am for God’s mercy and grace.
Application:
It is obvious that without God’s gracious mercy I would justly receive the condemnation I deserve. What a blessing it is that we can seek God’s forgiveness and gain yet, another chance to do it right. It is never easy living a righteous life in this ungodly world that demands our conformity to its ways. We cannot escape the temptations to find pleasure in the things that God despises, for it surrounds us from every side, beating on the door of our frail human weakness; relentless to gain entrance and get a foothold on our lives. If we are to win the battles for our minds and souls, we need God’s Power and Wisdom, for without them, we are no match for the powers of darkness that rule this world. No matter how good or godly we aspire to be, we will always sin and deserve God’s rebuke; not so much for condemnation, but for conviction and sanctification (Jeremiah 10:24) to keep us from being crushed and defeated. When we humble ourselves before God, sincerely seeking His incredible transforming Power, God’s amazing grace will always be sufficient for all our needs. When your heart is right with God, my friends, He gives abundantly the mercy and grace you do not deserve and cannot earn (Titus 3:4-6), for Jehovah our God is both a loving and faithful God… even when you are not.
Prayer:
How thankful I am, dear LORD, for the mercy and grace You so freely give. Because without You in any life, there is absolutely no hope for true joy; for the the salvation you offer us is something that we can never earn or deserve.
Amen
Scripture:
Psalm 6:1-2
O LORD, do not rebuke me in Your anger,
nor chasten me in Your hot displeasure.
Have mercy on me, O LORD, for I am weak;
O LORD, heal me, for my bones are troubled. (NKJ)
Observation:
It is never an easy task to break the old habits of sinfulness, for it is simply our nature to oppose God (Romans 8:7). Nor is it easy to admit our weakness to resist the nature to sin by our own power alone. I find that the closer I am drawn to the Lord, the more I learn about my own inherent weakness to restrain from sin and how easy it is to fall prey to its temptations without much thought or struggle. And when I, once again, mindlessly fall short of God’s standard, I am made even more aware of my weaknesses and how desperate I am for God’s mercy and grace.
Application:
It is obvious that without God’s gracious mercy I would justly receive the condemnation I deserve. What a blessing it is that we can seek God’s forgiveness and gain yet, another chance to do it right. It is never easy living a righteous life in this ungodly world that demands our conformity to its ways. We cannot escape the temptations to find pleasure in the things that God despises, for it surrounds us from every side, beating on the door of our frail human weakness; relentless to gain entrance and get a foothold on our lives. If we are to win the battles for our minds and souls, we need God’s Power and Wisdom, for without them, we are no match for the powers of darkness that rule this world. No matter how good or godly we aspire to be, we will always sin and deserve God’s rebuke; not so much for condemnation, but for conviction and sanctification (Jeremiah 10:24) to keep us from being crushed and defeated. When we humble ourselves before God, sincerely seeking His incredible transforming Power, God’s amazing grace will always be sufficient for all our needs. When your heart is right with God, my friends, He gives abundantly the mercy and grace you do not deserve and cannot earn (Titus 3:4-6), for Jehovah our God is both a loving and faithful God… even when you are not.
Prayer:
How thankful I am, dear LORD, for the mercy and grace You so freely give. Because without You in any life, there is absolutely no hope for true joy; for the the salvation you offer us is something that we can never earn or deserve.
Amen
“Wisdom for Life”
Scripture:
Psalm 1:1-2
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
And in His law he meditates day and night. (NKJ)
Observation:
There is no doubt that God blesses those who are faithful to Him. There is also no doubt that those who follow the sinfulness of this wicked world will, one day, regret their choices (Proverbs 28:20). When our life-journey is under God’s gracious direction—when we follow His commands—our lives are, indeed, filled with blessings that bring joy.
Application:
While walking in obedience to the only true and Holy God, we learn to avoid the crafty and sin-filled devices of this wicked world, which if unabated, will trap us in the abyss of darkness that it so boldly embraces. God’s Word teaches us and His Holy Spirit empowers us to not only be gracious with those who have chosen to follow the world’s ungodly ways, but to also be a witness to God’s goodness and healing touch, rather than conforming to the ways of the world in order to be accepted among them. Even though we, too, are sinners by nature and continue to sin, we have been set apart from the wicked by the blood of Christ (Ephesians 2:13). And by the power of His Spirit we are able to discern the company we keep so that we can remain justified by God’s grace and continue growing in our sanctification to live and love like Jesus (2 Peter 1:3). God’s people find no rest, nor pleasure in the company of the atheist and his scornful mocking of God and Christianity, of Heaven and Hell, and of sin and eternity, because God’s people have learned a much better philosophy that brings life to the fullest. Take heed, my friends, for the seat in which the scoffer sits is dangerously close to the gate that leads into eternal Hell. You must stay clear and flee from its grasp, because this seat of evil, that seems comfortable enough, will eventually swallow up those who wallow in it. Our gracious and loving God knows the way of the righteous even though it is often engulfed in fog and darkness. He knows that we all live under the cloud of storms and affliction, but still—He knows the hearts of those who truly love Him and seek to follow His Way. Embrace your Savior, dear ones, and He will surely embrace you in return, blessing greatly your life-journey with Him. This… is His never ending and never changing Promise!
Prayer:
Please empower me, O LORD, to listen only to your voice, for You are the Shepherd who knows us each by name. Help me embrace Your Truth as the way of life so you can bless my life-journey in ways that bring everlasting joy.
Amen
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