Don't Forget

A never before ridden colt

Would be the transport of the king

Hosanna in the highest

Would be the praise exclaimed by many

Schemes were set in motion

To betray the king in private

One final gathering in an upper room where

One disciple would deny and the other betray

“Please take this cup of suffering from me” but

“Your will be done not mine”

The cup of wrath is consumed and

30 pieces of silver and a kiss was the cost of betrayal

Arrested and led away yet

Innocent of all accusations

Beaten beyond recognition and

Made to don a crown of thorns

Crucifixion is the sentence given

A heavy cross pressed on gaping flesh as

Help came from a stranger ascending the hill

Nailed to that very cross

Mocked by so many yet

Mourned by a few

Paradise is offered then

Breath escapes His body

The veil is torn in two

Truly He is

3 days pass

The stone is rolled away

An empty grave is found

Sin is overcome for good

Victory is won

The enemy is defeated

He has paid the debt we owe

Accept this gift He so freely gives

He is alive! Hallelujah! He is alive!

No Shadow of Turning

 

As the sun relocates throughout the sky during the day the shadows created change in relationship to the sun. There is one point in the day where there is no shadow or varying. At 12:00 the sun is directly above head.
The bible states every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights who does not change like shifting shadows. Don't you get excited when you think about the fact that you serve a God that is never changing. This means that he is the same God that parted the Red Sea and muzzled the mouth of the fierce lions in the den with Daniel. He is the same God that healed the sick and lame and forgave their sins, he is the same God that honored the faith of the women with the issue of blood. He is also the same God that wept at the news of Lazarus' death but with his all powerful hand raised him from the grave.
This message today reminds us to look up to the father of lights who remains faithful even though we fail him daily. It reminds us to not waiver in our trust in him because he has an extensive track record and a heart that beckons us daily. Look up today for your God will never fail you, vary or change.

Father, I take comfort in the fact that you are a constant in my life. I believe that your word is true and I am thankful that you are always faithful. Help me to remember this especially when my circumstances seem hopeless. I will focus on your faithfulness today.

Amen

Trade Offs

A famished, starving Esau wanders into his brothers tent intrigued by the waft of Jacob’s stew. It is just what he needs to satiate his hunger. He asks for some of the meal and Jacob cunningly responds with a costly proposition; “Make me a trade: my stew for your rights as the first born.” In this moment Esau is confronted with a major decision. From the outside looking in, it would seem obvious that an inheritance would be far more valuable than a bowl of stew, but Esau's perception is clouded by his intense desire to be fed. His feelings and emotions tell him that nothing else is as important because in his words, “I’m starving, what good is a birthright if I’m dead?” He was only concerned with fulfilling his immediate desires without considering the impact on his future.

One thing we learn from Esau is that if we rely on our feelings we often lose out on our reward. Our feelings do not have logic. We often have to step out of our feelings to see the bigger picture. In those moments when the grand scheme eludes us we must learn to rely on the wisdom of God and trust that he has our best interest at heart. The ultimate goal is that our desires become the desires of God. David says it this way, “Delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.”

 

I believe this to mean that He will implant His will for your life in your heart and you will begin to desire and hunger for His will. His plans will be your plans, his purposes will be your purposes.  In our lives we are assured an eternal inheritance upon accepting Christ as our Lord and nothing can take that away. There are times when we encounter situations that require us to make wise trade offs. Always trust that if God is prompting you to let go of something he will replace it with something far greater than you could have ever imagined.

Father, help me to let go of my earthly desires and trust in your plan for my life. I surrender all I have to you for I know that you make beauty of ashes and will work all things together for my good.

 

Amen.

 

Genesis 25 : 27-4

Psalm 27 : 4

 

 

 

Wings As Eagles

 

I have never physically seen an eagle in flight, but I recently watched a breathtaking video of one soar so effortlessly through a cloud filled sky. The sight invokes feeling of wonderment. As I watched this video, the Holy Spirit gently reminded me that this is one of God's promises for me. The bible uses the physical prowess of the eagle to demonstrate the ease at which I can, with God's help, endure all trials and discouragements that I face.

The bible promises in Isaiah 40:31 that those who trust in The Lord for help will find their strength renewed. They will rise on wings like eagles; they will run and not get weary; they will walk and not grow weak.
There is an indirectly noted exchange that must occur for us to soar...we must relinquish control and release our trust, or as other versions of the bible word it we must wait.

During a storm the eagle recognizes the raging winds as a negative that will work in its favor. If the eagle were to fight against the overwhelming winds it would extend a tremendous amount of effort but the eagle realizes that when it simply extends its wings within the midst of the raging winds it can soar while conserving energy. I believe this is what is meant for each of us.

It is during those storms, when the winds and seas are raging and you see no hope of either forces ceasing in sight, that we must hold firmly to God's promises and extend our wings of faith and soar.

Be encouraged today as you ask God to restore or renew your faith in Him while strengthening your resolve to wait upon His perfect timing.

 

Power Verse: Isaiah 40:31

 

Father God, help me to rely on you especially when I’m in the storm because I trust that you strengthen my ability to soar. Remind me that it is You that always remains faithful. In Your name I pray, Amen.

 

 

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Imagine Siegfried without Roy, Peaches without Herb or Cheese Fries without cheese. I know I know, a stretch right but I had to get your attention. What do each of these things have in common? The latter is good but oh so much better when it is combined with the former. The bible says the same is true of faith and works. In chapter 2:14-26 of his book, James the half brother of Jesus, challenges us to really examine our claim to faith if our actions do not demonstrate what we say we believe. How can we truly walk out a life of faith in God if our works do not back it up? So here is one more…The body without a soul. We are considered dead if our body has no soul just as our faith is dead if we have no works. James goes on to say that faith by itself is not enough because unless it is accompanied by action, it is dead. So how can we practically demonstrate our faith through works? One thing you can do is find a simple way to bless someone else. Speaking a kind word or making a concerted effort to go out of your way to help someone in need plants a seed which in turn will reap a harvest. Secondly, showing forgiveness really challenges us to step outside of ourselves and rely completely on God. Forgiving is hard especially when you consider something as simple as the person that cut you off on your way to work or the physical assault you may have endured. Undoubtedly they do not compare but the act of forgiveness requires an action that releases you from the chains of the enemy. Finally, sharing the goodness of God with others requires action on our part. Yes we can be silent witnesses but nothing reaches to the heart of man like when you share how our heavenly father pursues us always, in hopes that we will accept his gift of life. So let’s get to work! Power Verses James 2:14-26

Test Taking Skills

We have all encountered some sort of major test in our lives. Some come as a total surprise or have been marked on the calendar to remind you to prepare for it. From chapter assessments to life threatening illnesses, we can relate all along the spectrum. 

We are going to be tested. We can not control the test but we can control our response to it. 

One of the most infamous accounts of testing in the bible, is the story of Job. Job was a faithful and righteous man of God who did what right in the sight of God and he prospered because of it. Satan met with God to express his desire to test Job for he believed Job was only faithful to God because of the blessings God had given him. Satan surmised that if his family, wealth and health were stripped from him, Job would curse God and turn away.

In this case we see that the purpose of the test is to shift the focus from God to the circumstance so that Job becomes so consumed with his condition that he turns his heart away from God. 

Then we have Saul, a man who orchestrated the persecution of many Christians. Apparently, God had been testing his conscience prior to his blinding encounter with the light of God on his trip to Damascus. God needed to get Saul's attention so He took away his sight forcing him to examine his heart. God tested the heart of Saul to propel him to a greater purpose so Saul, renamed Paul, could lead numerous people to God. 

In this case we see that the purpose of the test is to shift the focus from the circumstance to God in preparation for the mighty ways God intended to use Paul. 

Every test we encounter is not directly from God but we can choose to direct our focus toward God as he helps us to endure and develop our character for His greater purpose. The by-product of a test is what builds your character to lead people to God. Count it all joy. 

Power Verses

Gold and silver are tested by fire, and a person's heart is tested by the Lord. (Proverbs 17:3 GNB)

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. (James 1:2-4 NLT)

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