Ecc 3:1 To every thing thereisa season, and atime to every purpose under the heaven:
What is this thing about TIME?The hour class for all of our lives has been turned over and the sand is running out (time is running out).How do we spend our time? Do we squander it with things that avail nothing, things that are meaningless in the grand scheme of things?
We have all been given the same amount 24 hrs. Twelve light and twelve dark or there about, give or take a few, I want to spend the time that I have remaining bringing glory to a great God and King.
I admit, I’ve wasted plenty of time in the past; I refuse to waste the future! What will you do?
Mat And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.
It’s a beautiful thing to steal away by yourself to pray. Jesus did this very thing, the scripture reveals that he went alone to pray.
How often do you get into a place alone to talk to the Lord?Perhaps you don’t have a mountain, but what about that private place to just have that special time alone with God to pour your heart out to him.
Don’t miss this precious time with the Master! He has the answer to all of your questions and he is waiting for that sweet communication with him.
Mar And were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.
Whatever you need for God to do for you my friend, one thing must be clear in your heart, and in your mind, he is able to do all things well! He knows what we need and he knows how to do it.
I remember preaching a message some time ago, the message was concerning our prayer life, about 90% of our prayers are giving God instructions.
“God, this is what I want you to do and this is how I want it done, and this is when I want it!” …What about praying that his will be done? He knows what we need, and he knows how to do it for us. …I trust him!
Rom For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
When I was a child, my mom liked to make breakfast food for dinner every now an then. I remember one night in particular when she had made breakfast after a long hard day at work. On that evening so long ago, my mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage, and extremely burnt biscuits in front of my dad.
I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed! Yet all my dad did was smile at mom and ask me how my day went at school. I don’t remember what I told him that night, but I do remember watching him smear butter and jelly on that biscuit and eat every bite!
When I got up from the table that evening, I remember hearing my mom apologize to my dad for burning the biscuits. I’ll never forget what my dad said: “Honey, I love burnt biscuits”.
Later that evening, I went to tell my dad good night and I asked him if he really liked his biscuits burnt. He looked at me and said, “Your mom put in a hard day at work and she’s real tired. Besides that – a little burnt biscuit never hurt anyone!”
Heb 2:4God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?
Do we have a miracle working God or what?I am so thankful that God is pouring out his miraculous power in these last days to them that believe.
When we step from the confines of the flesh and into the realm of the spirit this is where things begin to happen that the carnal mind can not comprehend.
If you need a miracle today, God is waiting to give it to you by stepping into the realm of faith, don’t go by what you see with your eye or hear with your ear, stand on the word of God and trust him for all he is waiting to do.
Joh 14:27Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
We certainly live in a day and hour where we could stand some more peace. Seems like trouble on every side, trouble at home, work, our families and the list goes on and on.
As you read you’ll find there is the so-called peace that one gets from the world which is really just a façade, then there is the peace one gets from God.
The comfort in the scripture is don’t be troubled and don’t be afraid God will take care of his people.
When you’re praying this week, ask for God to impart unto you the peace that passes all understanding and he’ll do it for you!
Psa 106:4Remember me, O LORD, with the favour that thou bearest unto thy people: O visit me with thy salvation;
Trust the Lord and he will remember you, we are his obligation when we serve him and live for him. In fact, he said;Isa 49:16Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.
See! He can’t forget us, he knows exactly where we are at my friend, praise be unto his name.
Job 1:12And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.
When you look back over the course of your life and you know that you did something and now it’s time to pay for it, you realize that you really had it coming to you anyway.
Think about what Job suffered! Never, not even once, did he deserve what had happened to him, did you ever feel like that? No doubt we’ve felt this way many times.
But as you read about Job, he was just minding his own business, when the bottom seems to fall out.
But if you will look close, you’ll find that he passed all of the tests with flying colors.
Are you retaining your integrity with God even though the enemy is HOT on your trail? Are you going to stand the test and be like Job? I hope so! Because there will be untold blessings for you, if you do.
If you’re reading this, God gave you a precious gift and that being today, you have lived another day to give him thanks for allowing you to do so. What can we do with today in order to make a difference so that tomorrow will not just be a carbon copy of today?
Can you live your life different; perhaps change something that would really make a marked difference to the glory of God? I hope so! At least that’s my hearts desire, I don't want to stay the same, I want God to draw me closer.
Jud Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
We’ve all heard the statement “Keep it in the road!” especially those of us that do a lot of driving. The saying obviously means to stay out of the ditches. You know there are areas of life that we need to stay out of also. The enemy would love for us to fall in the ditches of life, we must stay on track, knowing that God wants to help us in every way.
What a wonderful admonition we have been given in the verse above, to keep oneself in the love of God, think about it, would anyone really want to be outside of the love of God?
This is an on going effort, not just a one time thing, but in the love of God and the mercy of God, for how long? Yes, continually my friend.
My prayer is that whatever God has to do to me to keep in that place, I’m willing for that to be done, and I know for me, I've come too far to lose out now. Remember, keep your self in the love of God.
Psa 102:2 Hide not thy face from me in the day when I am in trouble; incline thine ear unto me: in the day when I call answer me speedily.
Have you ever taken a moment to think about how precise God's timing really is?
Many times we want things in such a hurry, we want God to do things speedily, but he has a way of coming through for us at just the Right Time!
I can't say that I like it that way, or at least the flesh don't like it that way, but one thing for certain, he's always ON TIME!
You may be in need of something today that is very important to you, you may also become very tense, wondering when will it all take place, I speak today from experience, God's timing is way above our thinking or understanding, but he is faithful to us in such a marvelous way.
Trust him my friend and he will give you the desires of your heart, but remember! It’s always in his perfect timing.
Psa 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. Psa 23:2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. Psa 23:3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Psa 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Psa 23:5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Psa 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Phi I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Do we have the faith and confidence we need in our own ability? Can we do the things that need to be done in our lives?Not talking about just anything, but those things that are really important.
God has a special way of helping us through our situations in life and giving us a great sense of accomplishment after we have reached our goals.
After all, the Word teaches us that we can do ALL things through Christ, what it takes is a little self encouragement and determination to succeed and overcome, are you ready to make it happen? I am praying that my blog readers, regardless of what you are going through, that you will be victorious and then find a place to BRAG about what God did for you and through you.
I am excited about what God is doing in my own life, that does not mean that I understand it all or even like it all, but I do know this, after the refiners fire, I shall come forth having a strength that I would not have had otherwise.
Think about it, how is what we are going through today going to change your tomorrow?
Once you know the Word, nothing else will suffice!
The Word, The Word, The Word!
The Spoken Word, the Living Word, the Written Word, the Word of God!
Nothing comes even close, read it, fall in love with it, and then live it!
Joh 1:1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Joh 1:2The same was in the beginning with God.
Joh 1:3All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
Joh 1:4In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
Joh 1:5And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
Joh 1:6There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
Joh 1:7The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
Joh 1:8He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
Joh 1:9That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
Joh 1:10He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
Joh He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
Joh 1:12But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
Joh 1:13Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
Joh 1:14And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Job 13:15Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.
One thing about Job, he never bobbled or faltered not even once, he stood his ground in the midst of all of his turmoil.He knew that God would eventually take care of him if he just held on.
What kind of problems are you going through? Are you willing to hang on to see what God is going to do on your behalf?It has always amazed me and I will admit, many times it may seem like he doesn’t come when we want him to, but he’s always on time!
Who do you know that has a track record like God? Let me answer for you! NOBODY!!
Psa 138:7Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.
Psa 138:8The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.
Just think! God made us with his own hands or by his own efforts if you will, that alone tells me that he will take care of those that love love him and live for him.
When you make something with your own hands you have a tendency to take better care of it, in other words, you take a little pride in your creation.
God made us and I know he will take care of his own, simply because we are made by God, fashion by his own loving hands.Praise be unto God!!
1Sa 30:6And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.
… so tell me again, what is it called what you’re doing?
Psa 30:5For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life:weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
The following is a very wise and true statement given to us to realize this in NOT the end.
"When one door closes another door opens; but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us."
~ Alexander Graham Bell
You may have difficulty for a moment, but my friend, as soon as a door closes on you, start looking for that next door to open, and it will, I promise.
What a way to live, a life of total trust in Jesus to supply those things to you and I that are needful for us to live from day to day.
Jer 32:17 Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:
Why is it at times we feel as though we don’t know if God can do whatever it is that we put before him?We look at our set of circumstances and it seems so monstrous to us, yet there is nothing to hard for God.
Sometimes we put ourselves through so much agony wondering if we can even receive that in which we desire, or have need of.
God desires to help us in every situation that we find ourselves in, regardless of what it is or how we got there, IF we have the right attitude and spirit about the matter.
Let’s put our trust and confidence in God, to do what seems as though it was impossible, because we know, those things that are impossible with man, are possible with God.
My God can do anything! God is on the throne, not on the spot! Trust him and see if what you are facing is not something that God can give you the victory in and in a mighty way.
·1Pe Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
Fire can produce destruction or it can be used to bring forth strength.
We’ve all seen buildings destroyed and consumed by fire, when it’s done, many times it leaves nothing in its path.
It’s amazing how quickly fire can leave behind such utter devastation.
Fire can also be used for a purging process, a cleansing if you will; even a strengthening can come from the extreme heat and fire.The refiner’s fire can be so useful; I believe that in the days ahead we are going to see this type of refining like never before, in fact, it’s already happening.
I am so glad that I know that after the intensity, if we stand the test, we can come forth as PURE GOLD!
Rom So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
I have often heard it said, I’ll wait until later to explain this or that, but the best time to put an issue to rest is before it ever gets started or takes root.
Why is it that many folks think they can hide from the profound truth?The scripture above lets you know that you WILL give an account to God!!
Some people think they don’t have to answer to anyone and maybe they don’t, but guess what? You will answer to God!
If you listen intently, if you have studied the Word of God, you can hear folks twist the Word to fit themselves or their reason for doing something.
Well! It says in the bible, “ the trust will set you free!”NO!! That is NOT what is says! It says, John And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
You must first KNOW the truth before it will be of any benefit to you. This my friend, is why we must realize that the best time to face the truth is Now!
I am so glad that God is a God of Mercy, if you make a mistake you simply face the truth and come clean before God; you always stand a much better chance when you do.
Don’t put it off! Face whatever situation you are dealing with now, you’ll be glad you did.
1Jo There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
Keep yourself free from FEAR and know that God will be with you and strengthen you in every way as you put your trust in him.
One must always stay out of the darkroom of fear, because it's here where the negative thoughts try to develop in your heart and mind and work their best to bring you discouragement and doubt as to what God can do.
Jam Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
I am so thankful for the many blessings of God, these blessings come in many forms.
It’s sad to think that there are those that only think that blessings come in monetary form, in fact, a lot of people think of blessings as some sort of “Good Luck” you know, kind of like a rabbits foot or some other foolish way of thinking.
Well! you can have your luck; I’ll wait on the blessings of God!
His blessings are innumerable to those that love him and serve him!
Mat Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
D. L. Moody told the story of a man who was crossing the Atlantic by ship. He was terribly sick and confined to his cabin. One night he heard the cry “Man overboard!” “Man overboard!” He felt that there was nothing he could do to help, but at second thought, he said to himself, “I guess I can at least put my lantern in the porthole.” He struggled to his feet and hung the light so it shined out into the darkness.
Sometimes we think there is no-thing we can do, but what an act of unselfish giving in a time of desperation, are you shinning your light or are you like others that would rather just blow your horn?
“And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Galatians 6:9”
Have you been doing some things that are really meaningful, but yet, it seems as though you really aren’t making any head way? …Join the crowd my friend!
The scripture above is teaching us again to stay the course, don’t give up! regardless of how difficult the task!
Notice what it says, for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.That to me is just re-affirming that NO season last forever, even though it may seem like we have been in the midst of a particular battle for some time, at some point, there has to come an end .
We must hang on to God’s unchanging hand!…I thank God for his Word! It’s like a medicine to me and gives me the strength to fight every day and to forge ahead through whatever may come my way.
Trust me my friend! I am praying with you every day, I have to trust that my blog readers are doing the same for me, and you should!! That’s in obedience to Scripture,
Pray one for another that ye may be healed… I’ll let you go and look it up, but trust me it’s in there!
Isa 46:4And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.
We all face difficulties and troubles that are not easy to deal with, the load gets very heavy and sometimes even overwhelming. We ask ourselves the questions as to what we should do and how do we carry this load by ourselves, the answer my friend is this!
No one can carry us or care for us like the Lord!He said in his Word that he would deliver us, do you trust him today?
Will we stand and rest assured that God will do for us what he said that he would do?
I look forward to his sweet and timely deliverance in his precious name, may you find strength in the very same way.
Job My friends scorn me: but mine eye poureth out tears unto God.
Speaking from personal experience, there’s nothing like TRUE friends, those that will stand by you when times get rough. Just to hear encouraging words from those that you know and appreciate can make such a difference, even in the midst of a bad situation.
It can be so life changing, when you have the confidence that even though they may not be doing anything at that particular moment concerning your dilemma, just knowing they stand readily available as though they could change the matter is so comforting.
Job spoke of those so-called friends that came out to scorn him, rather than to be an encouragement to him in the verse above, of course we all know, who needs friends like that?
Notice what he continues to say in the very same verse, he cried out to God because he knew that God would hear the cry of his heart and that he would not turn away, now that’s a comfort.
May I say to each and every one of you today, that’s what we have in Jesus! A Friend, a true friend, I’m reminded of the song “What a friend we have in Jesus!”
If you are faced with a situation as described above, let Jesus be that friend to you today and know that you can pour out your tears unto him, he cares for you!
Luk 11:33No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light.
Are you being everything that you need to be as far as being a living witness for Jesus?
When you are in the company of friends or even strangers are you talking about the goodness of God and all that he means to you? Or are you one of those secret agent kind of folks?
Everywhere we go, we need to be doing our very best to spread a little joy and cheer in the hearts and lives of people that we meet.
We need to keep our conversation uplifting and encouraging, because you just never know when you meet someone, just what kind of a day they might be having.
Let your LIGHT shine like a BECON in the night, folks will be blessed because of it.
Psa 118:24This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
This is a day like none other, the reason, yesterday is gone forever, tomorrow is not yet here, all we have is today, perhaps that’s why it’s called the “PRESENT”.Today is your gift, what will you do with it?
Mat Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.
Here we find Jesus doing some major (house) cleaning within a person’s life, some real soul searching if you will.
I don’t know about you, but I want to make sure that everything in my heart and life is absolutely right, and to have God work me over, it's okay with me.
The verse above says; he will thoroughly cleanse his floor, just like cleaning everything out in your own literal house, he’ll keep everything that is good but everything else must GO!
In all of this, there must be a willingness to have this cleansing to take place, it must be desired.
Are you willing for God to walk down the avenues of your soul and get rid of every thing that is NOT like him?Now is the time, that great day is fast approaching, we must always be willing to be followers of Jesus Christ.
Have a great day, and remember, his FAN is in his hand and he is doing the cleansing of one’s heart and soul, ARE YOU READY?
1Co Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
I don’t know how many of you have made some goals for the new year, but we all need to have some sort of aim in life to achieve things that we have not yet had opportunity to apprehend.
Most people make plans, or set goals that somehow just fall by the way side and are never accomplished simply because one takes his or her eye off of the goal.
If we are ever to accomplish or receive the prize, we will have to stay the course, stay focused, one must never relent.
Setting your sites high is a good thing, but we must be realistic, we must use good wisdom.
I have always set achievable goals first, then worked my way up, this helps to build your confidence and will ultimately help you to conquer whatever you set out to do.
Remember, goal setting takes practice; the more you practice the closer you get to your target, …then! Bulls eye! You get the prize.
Luk Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.
When you think of all of the things in life that have a tendency over time to fade away, the simple things like paint, clothing and even pictures, somehow they lose their luster.
Sometimes even relationships fade or diminish over time, this is why I have always been someone that cherishes and values friendships, there is nothing like a true friend, in fact, the bible says; Proverbs 17:17A friend loveth at all times, what a truth that we have here.
Think about this, we have been given something that will NEVER fade, or ever change and that my friend is blessed Word of God.
We can rest assured that his Word will abide; it’s a comfort to us, a strength, a road map, a source of direction when we are wavering hopelessly, it’s unchanging, and for this we can be grateful.
Read the Word often and you’ll find the strength that you need and you’ll also find that it’s something that never fades away.
Jam Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
Did you ever notice that when we are blessed with things from God they are always fitting, never getting things that we just simply don’t need, but always timely and always right.
It’s not like getting another neck tie or another pair of socks that you just really don’t even need.
God knows exactly what we need and even when we need it, whether we realize it ourselves or not, what a blessing to serve a God like this.
Trust him today to supply all of your needs and he will!
