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Big Hands

28 Mar

Big Hands

Psalm 37:7-8 Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret–it only causes harm.

The one I love is suffering persecution. She had removed herself from the ways of the world, and rested in her faith to carry her daily. The world is threatened by the immoveable rock of the faith that Christ places in us. When we are pushed to lash out, and we withdraw, they do not understand but become threatened by the inner strength that they do not possess. Have you ever had that calm in the storm? Have you ever had someone approach you asking “why” or “how” you are handling that situation that others would “snap” on? This is one of the greatest opportunities to share you faith and love you ever will have when you face the trials of life in the strength and peace that only comes through resting in Christ’s hands as a child of God.

Many times I pray for God to hold us in His hands so that we may rest in that assurance that He has us there, bringing with it security and peace. Psalm 37:32-33 The wicked watches the righteous, And seeks to slay him. The Lord will not leave him in his hand, Nor condemn him when he is judged. We are told there that our Lord will not uphold the unrighteous in His hand with us, but allow them judgement for their deeds. We all have heard of God reigning down fire and destroying Sodom and Gomorrah, but do you remember how He delivered Lot from there just before destruction? All things pass through God’s hands and are in His control. 2 Peter 2:9 then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment. When you are facing big trials, know you rest in a bigger God that has you in His hands. The inner strength He gives you is the attainable strength that He can use you to reach others as a result of how you handle life’s many tribulations

 
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Posted by on March 28, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

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Bracket buster or Victory?

27 Mar

Bracket buster or Victory?.

 
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Posted by on March 27, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

Bracket buster or Victory?

27 Mar

If I could only let you in. This is a deeply personal devo to myself, but one that we all at some time can benefit from the trials that are game changers as we are enduring and many of you are too. I have been on a “high” recently emotionally, and with that comes the understanding of the attacks and trials that will come. Satan knows when to come after us, and God allows him to test our faith. I was with the Godliest man I know yesterday discussing these things, and even the book of James. I was counseling with a friend in the middle of their large trial later, while about to face my own. I was humbled beyond words with the prayers and concerns of my two best friends. Pslam 37 was given to me, and a great place to rest as a child of God. I choose God and allow Him to work in and through me however He pleases. I draw near to Him in prayer, Godly counsel, and His Word for the strength to endure. He has got this….and me and my family…..I KNOW.

 

Bracket buster or Victory?

John 6:35 And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.

The phone calls that change everything, stopping you in your tracks. You see life as you know and plan for it change in an instant. You hang up in disbelief, and wonder what is your next move. Mine for many a year would have been to a substance to numb myself, now it is to my knees in prayer for wisdom, comfort, and guidance. The large trials of life will come, and many times they come on the heels of happiness. 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Satan will ask God for permission to test your faith when you are full as a fattened calf; as in the story of Job 1:6-7 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. And the Lord said to Satan, “From where do you come?” So Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.”

Satan is an already defeated adversary if you claim victory in Christ. There is strength and peace in the assurances of being a child of God, the Creator and overseer of all things. God can and will allow these trials to strengthen you, and to use you to encourage others. James 1:2-3 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. God does not take the easy route in anything He desires. He will always take the right way however, many times beyond our comprehension, for He operates outside of our understanding and constraints of time. Isaiah 55:8 For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. He can turn what you feel is the worst thing to ever happen to you, into what He has designed as a blessing. Draw near to Him, and He will draw near to you. Rest in Romans 8:28 that He is in control all along the pathway of your life. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

 
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Posted by on March 27, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

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Is it Monday again already?

26 Mar

Is it Monday again already?.

 
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Posted by on March 26, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

Is it Monday again already?

26 Mar

Is it Monday again already?

1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

Uggg….Monday morning and back to work. Some of us have the blahs for returning to our duties for the week ahead. We may not like where we are and  at some point the drudgery enters in on any career. We wonder what our reward will be for our diligence in performing the tasks that lay before us. But what about the possibility of our eternal underlying work being judged every day? Every move, thought, action, or even lack of action is being watched by our “boss” and we will stand before Him in the pinnacle of review. 2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Very scary thought, but reality none the less.

We all have and do sin every day, and that will never change. But do we strive to be the best we can in all situations, and bring glory to Christ? Do we always reflect the negative, or do we look for the light in all circumstances and try to point them out? Those tugs you feel to do the right thing at hard times are God at work in you. He is trying to use you to reflect Christ that lives in you to others, to reach them. All your “works” that you do in your every day do not go unnoticed. Matthew 25:23 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ We must understand that we are not saved by these good deeds though for it comes only through Christ. Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

Our ultimate goal in life should be to live righteously as we can in a world far from God. To strive to attain an eternal paradise with our Creator and to have Him utter these words to us at our review. Matthew 25:His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant;” This is the only work that matters, for the only One whom matters, and your focus will last you eternally.

 
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Posted by on March 26, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

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Awe

25 Mar

Awe.

 
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Posted by on March 25, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

Awe

25 Mar

Awe

Psalm 33:Let all the earth fear the Lord; Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.

Much of what I have been listening to this week seems to have centered upon the reverent fear and holiness of God, and much about how it has been lost in today’s society and church. We want to claim the friendship of Jesus, but somewhere in that has the respect for Him lost? It gains much to pursue that relationship, but it must also be one that instills a holy fear and reverent awe of the Creator of the universe. He said in Exodus 3:14 And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.”; making a claim none other can utter, and one of the most powerful writings in the bible. That statement alone should point us to reverent holy fear of our Lord.

An understanding comes with that realization of who God is, and the byproduct should be  humility. How can we not become humble before Him? James 4:6-8 “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” When we approach God with that respect and holy fear that He deserves, He rewards it with understanding. Proverbs 9:10 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. When we begin to strive to keep Him elevated, and not prayer for open parking lot spots, He rewards us with a deeper understanding of His ways and His word. The Holy Spirit begins to reveal more, and the reverence grows as a result. The pathway to greater understanding and depth of your Christian walk is a direct result of your viewpoint of God. Humble yourself and give thanks for the One whom all blessings flow, for our time here, and the possibility of eternity with Him.

 
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Posted by on March 25, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

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Most Wanted poster?

24 Mar

Most Wanted poster?.

 
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Posted by on March 24, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

Most Wanted poster?

24 Mar

Wow……It is so hard to just start reading the book of Acts and not get drawn into the story and loose track of time. The book of Acts alone could easily be a best seller, or even a movie on it’s own. Any readers out there can appreciate the story and how it grabs you. I just couldn’t help but wonder, what would the angels of hell say about me? It is a piercing question when I think of all the known and unknown sin in 44yrs. They have had their highlights, but I also rest in the assurance of Salvation now, and the Light that lives in me, that dis-spells all that darkness. His light that can live within you can and will cover all your regrets past, present, and future. All you must do is humble yourself, repent, and accept Christ into your heart for eternal forgiveness. I pray that you too will draw near to God, and the angels of hell know they lost you for eternity.

 

 

 

Most wanted poster?

Acts 19:15 And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?”

Paul was in Ephesus on his second missionary journey and he had baptized about 12 men as disciples of Christ to aid him in spreading the Good News. Ephesus was a city filled with those who practiced magic, and many even using the name of Christ in doing so. They were held in high esteem, most likely wealthy, but committing great sins against God. I encourage you to read chapter 19 for the benefit of the entire story. God was performing miracles through Paul in unusual ways and reaching those who were lost through them. This event in verse 15 led to a great repentance, an expensive burning of magic books, and even a riot that followed afterwards. But in all of this God was glorified.

There is so much in this passage, especially a direct warning from God on using His name in evil works. But do you get the question too? Do you pretend to walk as a Christian, yet continue in sin even tarnishing the Name you claim? We all sin every day, we all need forgiveness every day, we all fail, but we all can strive to live more Christ like and glorify Him in all we do. Matthew Henry said, “This was written for a warning to all who name the name of Christ, but do not depart from iniquity.” These warnings are direct for great sins committed here. But don’t we desire to be so close to Christ that the angels of hell know our name too? You must draw near to Him, seek Him daily, pursue the teachings and revelations of Him in the Word, and maybe, just maybe you will have a Most Wanted poster at the gates of hell with your name on it. James 4:8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Strive to make today a better day, living more like Christ than the day before.

 
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Posted by on March 24, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 

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Naked at war

23 Mar

Naked at war.

 
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Posted by on March 23, 2012 in Daily Devotions

 
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