On the Horizon – A Devotion

Habakkuk 3:3-4 (NLT)

I see God moving across the deserts from Edom, the Holy One coming from Mount Paran. His brilliant splendor fills the heavens and the earth is filled with his praise. His coming is as brilliant as the sunrise. Rays of light flash from his hands where his awesome power is hidden.

 

Benjamin Franklin said, “Early to bed, early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.” His statement holds much truth every other day, but when on vacation it certainly can be set aside for a few days of rest and relaxation. However to my children, the wonders of a new day in a new place seems to toss them out of bed at a ridiculous hour considering the constant activity of the day before combined with a very late night. Yet that is the case as the morning turns to twilight and they are perched at the edge of our bed. Ready for all that this day holds and filled with excitement their grins would be infectious if my eyes were open however their words are shaking me from a dream. One eye open reveals a faint hint of sunlight beginning to scatter the darkness. Convincing the kids to give me just a couple minutes to wake up, I close my eyes in hopes they bought it and contemplating another hour of sleep, but my eyes open to search the horizon again for that hint of light. Transfixed by the thought of daybreak and the beauty of the sun that will soon burst its light through the sky, I cannot help to think about Jesus and begin our morning conversation. Not to be deterred there is once again a demand for my attention by my offspring, so I rise to meet the challenge of smiling on the outside when the inside is not quite there yet. As we take a stroll outside to survey the morning, my youngest says, “Mom look!” On the horizon of a beautiful sunrise emerging, hot air balloons begin to rise with the sun. We all race upstairs to the balcony to see the image more clearly. It is breathtaking. They seem so close to the sun! It is in that moment that I am writing to you.

Habakkuk the prophet saw images of God in his prophecies. In Habakkuk 3, he describes God on the move. Eloquently he depicts an image to which I can relate. “His Brilliant Splendor fills the Heavens and the earth is filled with His Praise. His Coming is as brilliant as the sunrise.” The sun arrives each morning full of hope that a new day is emerging and yesterday is far behind. It is a new beginning that radiates light. Each new day as the sun approaches the darkness must fade away and submit to its power. There is renewed energy and excitement when there is hope! As the sun, spills over the horizon how could one not see an image of God and His Son, Jesus Christ in its arrival. Its power is overwhelming! The law of nature that is represented in creation prevails and cannot be altered or changed by man in anyway were the awesomeness of the sun is concerned! An image of Almighty God and His Unchangeable Truth beckoning you to arise and greet Him, it is just another way for your Father to say,” Greet me on this new day of this new thing I am doing in your life!”

The people who arose this morning to meet the sunrise had an expectation. They expected a fabulous sunrise that would be full of splendor and wonder. They knew that if they got up before the sun and prepared their equipment then traveled the distance to the meeting place that in just a little while, they would be overwhelmed by the beauty and majesty of the sun announcing a new day! These individuals made the commitment and were blessed by it! People who arise and face each day anticipating God will find Him. Those who expect to be blown away by His Goodness and Splendor will not be disappointed. When you prepare to meet the Lord in your life and make way for Him, He will arrive just as you had hoped that He would. When you make an effort to meet Jesus, He will never miss that appointment. When the Lord arrives, He will blow you away with His Goodness, Grace, Love, Beauty, Glory and so much more!

This morning as the sun now shines just over the horizon, I see the Lord moving! As He fills the Heaven and earth, I will shout His Praise! His Glory is brilliant and filled with splendor! Awesome power is certainly hidden in His Nail Scarred Hands waiting to be released on my behalf as I embrace the full potential of this day! With all that is within me, I praise the Lord. Like a hot air balloon greets the sunrise, my soul rises to meet the Glory of the Lord in His Awesome Presence. It is in our Praise that we meet Jesus in the air! Won’t you join me there…

Lamentations 3:22-25 (NLT)

The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!” The Lord is good to those who depend on him to those who search for him.

Look for Jesus today! Look to the Son to fill your life with the Light of His Great Love! His Glory will fill your life and leave no part untouched or unchanged! It is a promise from the One whose faithfulness is like the morning sun! He is your inheritance! He is your hope! Depend on Jesus and look for Him and His Goodness will fill your life! Praise the Lord today and meet Him as He enters your life and spills forth His Grace to overtake the darkness that has tried to take over! The Lord will chase it away all the while replacing it with His Power, Light and Love!

Skin Deep – A Devotion

Psalm 103:1-5 (NLT)

Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!

 

Did you know that when you were born your Heavenly Father swaddled your entire body in a protective outer covering? Knowing that in this sinful world you would encounter disease, God tightly wrapped you in a layer of epidermis which is your outer layer of skin. It shields your inner body from the harmful things in the environment around you. Though originating deep within the basal layer of your skin, these cells push to the outer layer and then are shed at an amazing rate. Every minute this production is taking place. Millions of cells are being released in exchange for healthy new skin to cover your body. Your body is constantly renewing its protective covering. It is not done through a process developed by man though many pharmaceutical and cosmetic companies would like you to think they perfected it. It is a perfect system in place by God – our Creator. Another representation of His Great Eye for detail when it comes to His Creation in which with each new day, there is renewal. Could it be that it is only yet another process to show His Children His Design for renewal, restoration and righteousness? Maybe…

The impurities of this world attack the outer covering of your body daily. Harmful and toxic things which we come in contact with that could kill us but have no effect because we have a protective covering in place that is constantly renewed. Sickness and disease are held back from our complex internal body and far away from the organs which would be devastated by direct contact. Every minute God is producing more and more of this protective covering. However, there are some people who choose not to take advantage of this powerful defense. Instead, subjecting their bodies to unfiltered UV rays from the sun and burning up the cells deep into the ones produced for tomorrow, next week and years to come. God has placed an amazing automatic process in place that somehow man once again allows to be interrupted by worldly infiltration. God wants to renew your covering of His Love today! He wants you to experience a victorious life that is new day after day not the same old thing. Will you allow Him to continue His Process of renewal in you today?

When the outer cells of the epidermis die and are cast off from the body, it makes room for the new skin that is stronger and healthy. The dead cells must be removed in order for the new cells to take their place. God also has new things for you in this process of renewal and restoration, however; if you cannot let go of yesterday’s covering and blessing then today’s “new thing” cannot take its rightful place. Every day is your day of renewal. God’s Covering is designed to change each and every day for the new challenges in your life with Jesus Christ. When Jesus died and rose again, He insured that sin would not penetrate your life anymore and that no further sacrifice would be needed. His Spirit created an internal wellspring that continually renews and restores His People each and every day from within. However, yesterday’s failures, defeat, hurts, tears and worries seem to be holding up the process. It is time to throw off the past which is anything before this very moment and allow God’s Process of renewal to operate in your life beyond the physical innate process which He has created in your skin. He wants to go beyond skin deep. God is looking for a heart that is renewed each day to resemble His Glory! Everything you need for this process comes with your salvation. However, it is totally up to you whether you activate it in your life! Be renewed every day! It’s His Plan! It’s His Purpose! It is His Design for your life! Anything else is unnatural to the Will of God and opens us to problems and situations the Lord never intended for His Children.

Renewal wraps layers of spiritual coverings over us that will keep us from the sickness and disease of our mind, soul and body from yesterday while giving us safe passage into our future. Submission sounds like a demeaning word to many as it circumvents pride and the flesh loves pride. To submit to the process of the Father for renewal has a positive effect and could never be negative. David said, “Let me not forget the good things that He does for me.” Could it be that we have many advantages in Jesus Christ that we simply forget to use? Our body processes operate because God automated our brain to do so. Our Spirit can automate our mind and soul to accept the renewing God has for us as well when we seek the things of God! With the renewal process completely operating in your life, your body, mind and soul function at optimum capacity and you too will sing with the Psalmist, “Let all that I am praise the Lord!”

2 Corinthians 4:16-17 (NLT)

That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!

 

Don’t give up! God’s glory wants to live in you today! You are His Temple! It may just be time for a little spiritual renovation and God has placed His Spirit in you to do the job! Yesterday’s troubles will simply fall off when you accept God’s renewal through Jesus Christ! It is an effortless process to those who willing seek the Lord through His Word, Prayer and Worship! A lifestyle that sets forth the process of renewal! Be renewed today! Allow God’s Plan to operate in you! He will wrap you in His Presence and restore your hope! Your faith will become radiant and on fire. It just takes leaving yesterday in the past and grabbing hold of every promise God has left in the future!

Insulted Christians – A Devotion

Romans 12:10-12 (NV)

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

 

It was a feel good article crossing the internet waves that sparked the firestorm of comments to follow. Boy falls sixteen floors through a parking garage roof to concrete floor and miraculously lives with only a few broken bones and some internal injuries but expected to recover. In the next to the last paragraph, a housekeeper who witnessed the fall commented, “God must have been with him. He’s got an angel looking after him, that’s for sure.” After a long account of how he fell, how far he fell and the extent of his injuries, it is the comment of one witness whose words gave glory to God for saving this young man that instigated pages of arguments about God. The heart of each person clearly magnified in their anger. All pounding a housekeeper’s “ignorance” in thinking that God was great. After all, the boy still hit the ground and was injured. He didn’t just jump up and brush off his clothes and keep walking. With God under a profound verbal attack, naturally Christians would enter the debate. Sadly as each person became insulted it became evident that God would not get the proper representation from His People that day as their insults and cuts elevated to the level of those who do not know Him at all.

I must admit, I became angry at their words. They were attacking my God who has been ever so faithful in my life. His Love is overwhelming yet they hate Him. I could feel the heat rising from within and ready to do battle, God’s Spirit moved me to go higher in thinking to a place that saw the people attacking God as those He has placed in our path to share the Gospel with and offer gentle invitations. They are clearly not the enemy. They are the hurt and desperate. All people with absolutely no hope who are full of anger and dissatisfaction rising that comes from a lack of knowledge that will one day lead them to the door of hell. Suddenly, my anger turned to distress as many Believers set out to change their mind only to become insulted and begin to assault them verbally back. God does not need a defender. He is all-powerful! God needs people that represent His Gentle Loving Nature and His Quality Character that makes Him the perfect choice for eternity! Why would the world want to follow a God whose people are just as quick to assault them as the world? They wouldn’t!

Romans 12 is a wonderful reminder of God’s Purpose and Stand for His People in every situation in life. Christians should never be insulted by the attacks of others on God or even themselves. Insults are only verbal. It is our choice to receive such abuse or reject it as useless, idle chatter to no effect. An insult is not a direct threat. It is an opportunity to be offended if we so choose. Therefore, it is just as easy to walk away with no action at all. But God says to be “devoted in brotherly love.” When we are devoted, we are attached. One another does not mean just to love those qualified by the title “Christian” or “Believer”, so it is not exclusive but inclusive of every person who you encounter even those who do not share your passion for the Lord. It is “attached” and “committed” love that cannot be severed or moved by simple words. “To honor one another above” ourselves is challenging especially when people are disputing the validity of the foundation of our lives. But the truth is a fact and needs no qualification. It is because it is true. It will prove itself. God will prove Himself because He is Truth! In doing these things and maintaining these attitudes, the Word of God tells us to be full of “zeal” and “fervor” serving the Lord. So not only do we take these insults but we are to be excited about it. Zeal is enthusiasm. Fervor is often misrepresented, however; it has a dual meaning. One definition is intense heat. This is a physical description. Christians are to embrace fervor as to be filled with great warmth and earnest feelings (love) for those who God loves. Patience in affliction can be tough, yet it is exactly what the Father is calling for. With this in mind, there should be no insulted Christians just those enthusiastic to have an opportunity to share the Love of God in profound opposition to so many people that need their Savior!

John 13:34-35 (NLT)

“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

 

If you really want people to know that you are a follower of Jesus Christ, then love them! It was the only commandment added by Jesus Christ and of significant importance. He gave us proof that we are Children of God, that we are Christians and that we it will be the mark of the Believer – to love one another. Infectious love cures hurt, desperation, anger and often ignorance. It really is the search of mankind in their human lifetime. Everyone wants to be loved completely and unconditionally! It is our job to love even the most unlovable. Jesus commanded it of His People! Put down your battle sword and choose love for those who insult and offend you today! Jesus loves them! He longs for an introduction that your love and great character could make possible! Give it a try! No more insulted Christians! Let’s just be enthusiastic loving Believers!

Stuck on Jesus – A Devotion

Proverbs 17:24 (NLT)

Sensible people keep their eyes glued on wisdom, but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth.

Distractions are a part of life. With limited time on this earth, it is often the little things that may divert us from our present plan or course of action. Those little foxes (Song of Solomon 2:15) that spoil the vine. They are the diversions that enter your life that will not ultimately destroy you, but will hinder and elongate the journey by stealing your time and attention. Recently in prayer, I asked God to remove the distractions in my life and the Holy Spirit stopped me. In my mind, I began to visualize some of the faces of my preoccupation and I realized in that moment that it would take away many people that I love if God totally removed them from my life. A distraction itself is not as dangerous as our propensity to give it our attention. Immediately I realized God impressed the need for me to focus more than the need for distractions to go away. See those people are not the problem just my inability to keep my eyes glued on Jesus Christ and His Plan for my life.

Distractions are not always bad. The word distraction itself has multiple meanings ranging from mental distress and derangement to that which amuses and entertains. God did not prohibit fun in His Children’s life. In fact, it was His Plan that our joy would be full (John 17:13). The problem is when we tend to allow distractions to take us off course and out of faith in situations where they cause us to be confused about our faith or consumed by anything but Jesus Christ! Only those things that are harmful require removal and God will take them away when we release them to Him! However, everything else in life has its proper place. Entertainment and amusement have their place in the life of a Christian as long as they do not take the place of faithfulness.

If distractions are not the problem, then it must be one’s ability to keep focused that is the problem. The focus is defined as the central point of your attention, attraction or activity. No matter what is happening in the world around us when Jesus Christ is the center of our life, the other things take their proper place. Things that once stole your attention no longer fascinate you anymore because Jesus is not there. As we grow in righteousness, coming in closer proximity to God with each step there is less room for those things that try to get in the way. However, the enemy longs to keep you from reaching that point with the Lord so it is in those “all hell breaks loose” times that our attention is the primary target as satan tries to pull us off course with destiny.

Super glue is a wonderful invention. It is a staple in our home and has rescued many items from the garbage can. However, super glue is really tricky to use. This clear, thin liquid does not reflect the power in its substance when it dries. It runs all over the place until it begins to dry then it becomes immovable. I have learned the hard way that it is vitally important that I keep the glue only on that which I desire to be bonded. However, there are times when it has ended up on everything included my fingers which become instantly inseparable. The broken object has been left behind in my desperation to unglue myself. Our focus and attention have the bonding power of super glue. It is up to us to keep it stuck on the Lord and not on the world because it has the habit of running all over the place and getting stuck in all the wrong places. But when we focus on the center point of life – Jesus Christ – and “glue” our attention to our Savior, we will not allow distractions to take us off course. Distractions are a part of life that we rarely have control over, however; our focus is our responsibility and we have a choice of where we place it! Ask the Holy Spirit to “glue” your attention to wisdom. Truth that is found in the Savior! The world is full of distractions but eternity is only filled with Glory of God! It is time to focus!

Philippians 3:12-14(Message)

I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.

There are many days when life seems to be running in fifty different directions with pieces being pulled off by everyone and everything that you come in contact with. The distractions make it seem impossible to “have this all together.” Jesus understands that this happens and waits patiently for His Children to regain the Mind of Christ. He knows that the enemy throws everything imaginable in front of you to trip and interrupt your journey of righteousness. He still waits. Affix your attention to the Savior once again today. The closer you become bonded to Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit acts as a filter pointing out the things that are in the way and those things that simply need to be reordered. Never give up in your faithful pursuit of Jesus Christ! He never gives up on you! Glue your eyes to the goal of eternity and never look back!

Full Residency – A Devotion

Romans 8:6-11 (Message)

Obsession with self in these matters is a dead end; attention to God leads us out into the open, into a spacious, free life. Focusing on the self is the opposite of focusing on God. Anyone completely absorbed in self ignores God, ends up thinking more about self than God. That person ignores who God is and what he is doing. And God isn’t pleased at being ignored. But if God himself has taken up residence in your life, you can hardly be thinking more of yourself than of him. Anyone, of course, who has not welcomed this invisible but clearly present God, the Spirit of Christ, won’t know what we’re talking about. But for you who welcome him, in whom he dwells—even though you still experience all the limitations of sin—you yourself experience life on God’s terms.

 

As my Suburban rolls through the neighborhood which is alive with activity, it becomes a beacon for all the children to follow in hopes that it contains our daughters. Part of the crew that runs the sidewalks and streets from house to house playing, laughing and make-believing their peers long to include them in the daily adventure. I almost feel like a movie star’s chauffer or maybe the ice cream truck driver as their bikes and scooters fill the rear view mirror. When the truck comes to a stop, it is quickly surrounded by smiling faces trying to peer in the tinted windows. As I open the car door, they all say in unison, “Can the girls play?” Many times they will begin to call them by name. Imagine their dismay on days when the objects of their affection have different activities and are not inside the vehicle. “Sorry guys they are at a party” generally completely deflates the crowd. The highly anticipated arrival has led to disappointment. I am the mother of their friends and they believed that they would be with me because they are supposed to be! The children followed our vehicle not in hope of the one they could see – the driver – but in hopes that my girls were in the car with me as they are most of the time. They had an expectation that would go unfulfilled. In the same way when they ring the doorbell, they expect our children to be inside our home because they live here. We have identified them and cared for them as our own and people expect them to be a part of our family!

People expect Christian’s to be filled with the Spirit of God! They are not looking for Believers who just talk about God but when they come looking for Him and asking for the Lord that He will be present. Just as the little people in our neighborhood expect our girls to be with us because we have acknowledged them as our own, others expect you to be filled with God all the time. The Spirit of Christ is who they seek when they respond to your identity in Jesus! The children knock on our front door because they know our girls live here. It is their dwelling place. When seekers enter your life, they expect to find Jesus Christ there. He should inhabit your life to the extent that you are filled with His Presence. As a parent, it is my personal responsibility to care for my children. As I nurture, educate, love and promote their development, they begin to identify me as a parent. When the world sees me caring for them, they identify me also as a parent. Naturally, they expect my children to always be with me or within my care. When I love Jesus Christ! When I seek to know Him more and live as His Child, it comes with an expectation. When I say that I love Jesus Christ to other people, they expect my life to reflect his inhabitants. Our yard on any given day is filled with bikes, toys and scooters atop a driveway of magnificent sidewalk chalk masterpieces, it confirms that our children live here. Our lives on any given day should be a reflection that Jesus Christ lives in us. Can others identify you as a Christian? Do your actions promote the understanding that you love Jesus Christ? When others approach you, is it clear that your life is changed by His Presence and that He dwells in you? If it doesn’t, it should! The Word of God says that when God takes residence in your life, you should not be thinking as much of yourself as you are Him. Think about it, if you have children you know that your life is completely changed when they arrived on the scene. How much more should it be when the King of Glory arrives? Your life should become a beacon that makes other pursue you for the Jesus Christ in you! It’s not you they will be after but the Jesus in you! How will they come if they don’t know?  

Being a parent is the most awesome thing I have ever experienced. It certainly will take the focus off of self and project it to another. How much more worthy is Jesus of such attentiveness? Our home is filled with joy, laughter and love with the presence of our children. God will bring complete joy, love and happiness to those who allow Him the rights of full residency! The world knows that we are proud parents. Their pictures are in our home and office as well as the countless stories shared of their successes, failures and funnies. There are so many ways we acknowledge that we have children. But does the world know that we are Christians? Does your home and life reflect the Presence of God who resides there?

Philippians 1:27 (NLT)

Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News.

 

Good News today my friend you are not alone! You have a roommate named Jesus who will fill your life with love, joy, peace and happiness that will be evident to the world, if you will but invite Him in! Acknowledge your Savior today as a member of your family! Let Him not only live in your home, but your job, chores, responsibilities and life! The Lord is ready to move in! Just say the word today and He will come in!

Passionate Life Abandonment – A Devotion

Mark 10:17-24 (Message)

As he went out into the street, a man came running up, greeted him with great reverence, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to get eternal life?” Jesus said, “Why are you calling me good? No one is good, only God. You know the commandments: Don’t murder, don’t commit adultery, don’t steal, don’t lie, don’t cheat, honor your father and mother.” He said, “Teacher, I have—from my youth—kept them all!” Jesus looked him hard in the eye—and loved him! He said, “There’s one thing left: Go sell whatever you own and give it to the poor. All your wealth will then be heavenly wealth. And come follow me.” The man’s face clouded over. This was the last thing he expected to hear, and he walked off with a heavy heart. He was holding on tight to a lot of things, and not about to let go.

There is a brave group of men and women who have committed their life to earth conservation joining a group known as the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. Their plight is documented in the Discovery Channel show, “Whale Wars.” Its mission statement makes clear their commitment. “Our mission is to end the destruction of habitat and slaughter of wildlife in the world’s oceans in order to conserve and protect ecosystems and species. Sea Shepherd uses innovative direct-action tactics to investigate, document, and take action when necessary to expose and confront illegal activities on the high seas. By safeguarding the biodiversity of our delicately-balanced ocean ecosystems, Sea Shepherd works to ensure their survival for future generations.” These professionals and activists have united as a team leaving behind their families and lives to fight for the environment. Over the past 20 years, they have fought for a variety of different animals in many cases making an impact. Their plight is not a docile one but a passionate abandonment with a commitment that goes beyond society’s normal outrage to sometimes violent action to proclaim their cause and change the world.

The commitment of these men and women is quite remarkable. In the testimony of one member, he indicated that the vessel he had contributed to the cause was his life work of four years. To complete this fast moving trimaran would allow activists to reach the opposing fleet with stealth speed with the intention of coming between the helpless whales and harpoon boats. This particular boat had set the world speed record for circumnavigation. The captain stated that he had mortgaged his home to 95% just to complete it. It was his life. In January of this year, a Japanese ship intentionally turned into the path of the much smaller vessel cutting it in two and eventually sinking the vessel. In an interview following this event, the captain with tear-filled eyes spoke of the tragedy. He told the interview that he had given his all for the whales. He went on to say that he would give his own life to stop the senseless killing of a whale. He would die for one whale. His words were penetrating. His eyes made it clear that although everything he owned had been sacrificed for this cause. He knew that he still had more to give and would not be detoured. Monetarily he had given his all, but his passion required more.

The words of this activist penetrated my heart in an instant. He was willing to give his life for his cause without reservation. Later, he would be imprisoned in his journey to save wildlife. He stands true to his conviction and preserve his perception of justice. Yet as Christians, who are blood bought and Heaven bound, we have less passion for humanity than some people do about animals. It is devastating but true. A man who wanted eternal life approached Jesus with the thought that he had done everything necessary to enter God’s Kingdom. He knew all the rules. He participated in all the ceremonies and rituals of Judaism. He love God with his heart and head, but he didn’t love God with his entire life! This man like those who are a part of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society was a good person, however; he did not possess the passion of these conservationists to fulfill the Lord’s mandate. Jesus asked this man to abandon his life in order to follow Him. The man could not do it! His life was too important to Him. How important is your earthly existence today? Do you possess passionate abandonment for fulfillment of the mandate of Jesus Christ?

We have a mission statement that is waiting to be fulfilled. It goes something like this – “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.” As Christians, we are far from reaching this goal set forth by our Savior. Sadly, there are not many willing to walk away from their earthly life to obtain an eternal one. Disobedience does change this commandment or nullify its purpose. Our passion for Jesus Christ is overshadowed by people who completely give their lives to the animals of God’s Creation when Christians are not as concerned with man himself. How often are those who call themselves Christians living lives that require enduring opposition or violently defending their faith while taking the Good News to the world whatever the cost? It would not be a bad thing to be uncomfortable for Jesus Christ in the name of radical obedience to the one who gave His Life for you!

Colossians 3:1-2 (Message)

So if you’re serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that’s where the action is. See things from his perspective.

 

A simple textbook knowledge with a closely adherent nature to the rules and regulations of Christianity is not the life that Jesus Christ intended for you! His new life is just that new. Not warmed over and dictated by dos and don’ts but a passionate love affair that spans a lifetime and is not about the same things the world is all about! It is about His Kingdom and being where He is. It is about a passion for the things of God and longing for His Glory that averts our attention from our puny little earthly existences but rather causes us to run away from normal life and embrace the supernatural life we have been given. It is not evident in this world, but it is coming! Time for a perspective change – found in the Word of God and Warmth of His Presence! What is it that Jesus is asking of you today? When are you going to do it? Where is your passion? Is it time to redirect it? Good questions for a great life in Jesus Christ!

The Itch – A Devotion

Acts 19:11-12 (NLT)

God gave Paul the power to perform unusual miracles. When handkerchiefs or aprons that had merely touched his skin were placed on sick people, they were healed of their diseases, and evil spirits were expelled.

Ever notice when you get an itch in one place, once you scratch it another one takes its place until you are furiously scratching all over. If someone mentions head lice, it is an automatic response to scratch your head. The mere thought of a tiny bug nestled in one’s hair will cause a physical response. There is a particularly contagious ectoparasitic skin infection caused by a tiny mite that burrows itself into the skin. Scabies is an infection also known as sarcoptic mange or figuratively called the itch. It causes perfuse itching across the entire body as the creatures crawl around laying eggs that hatch every three to ten days and repeating the process. When left untreated, scabies can cause a variety of secondary infections. It is commonly misdiagnosed as an allergic reaction and often mimics the symptoms of dermatitis, lice or fleas. The actual cause of the problem is overlooked by the symptoms produced that mirror other irritants. Itching causes scratching and constant scratching opens the door to skin becoming broken and infection. How many times do people allow other things to get under their skin throughout the day? Little things that go undetected in light of all the major issues in life yet they linger and multiply without being noticed. The irritation caused by hidden sins or overlooked anxiety cause a barrier that does not allow for the life changing experiences that God has waiting for us because we are caught up being irritated.

The enemy is hoping that he can plant something under your skin to distract you from all that God wants to do in your life today! If he can irritate you long enough to steal your joy or cause anger and strife to rise up, sin often follows in our humanness. It is then that we lose sight of the wonder of God at work in our life and become focused on the parasitic problem, though superficial, l is taking our eyes off of the Lord. What is under your skin today? Maybe you are thinking, “What’s the big deal? Everyone has a bad day!” This is certainly true. However, when we allow our bad day to consume our being the enemy plants little irritants all over our body, mind and spirit.

God has empowered us with exactly the same ability as Paul. We are destined to perform unusual miracles when operating in outstanding faith. Faith that rejects anything that attempts to violate our flesh in order to penetrate our being! People are waiting to be healed just from a skin-to-skin contact with the God in you! However, just as people often contract scabies from another person infected by these mites. By sharing linens, beds, bathrooms and life through contact or close proximity, it happens. The irritation that has overcome one person is passed on to another simply by interacting. Instead of being a joy and blessing, we have become a hindrance to Godliness in the life of another! The truth is what is in you comes out of you! It permeates the being of another person and remains there to have an effect. What that effect will be is totally up to you! One must choose to operate daily in the Spirit of God and wash off the sin and iniquity that attempts to linger. It is absolutely imperative that we examine our heart daily and place it next to the model of Jesus Christ to insure that we are operating under the anointing of our Savior and not the pestering of satan. When the responses of our mouth, do not match the Words of the Lord, it is time to stop talking and reacting to the irritations in our life and dive into faith to remove the residue of junk that is causing the problem.  You will have an effect on others. It is an automatic occurrence. The only choice you have is whether it is a good or bad experience. Will you leave them discontent, irritable, dissatisfied and letdown? Or will you choose to leave them encouraged, healed, enlightened, saved, sanctified and righteous?

Romans 1:10-12 (NLT)

One of the things I always pray for is the opportunity, God willing, to come at last to see you. For I long to visit you so I can bring you some spiritual gift that will help you grow strong in the Lord. When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours.

Human contacts and connections all make exchanges. Sin can produce very unfavorable gifts left for others. God longs for His People to have productive relationships that make positive exchanges to build up the Body of Christ not tear it down. Whatever is eating you up and making you irritable can destroy what God is doing in someone else’s life when it was God’s Plan for you to be pivotal in their encounter with their Savior! The choice is yours today. Roust those sins that are attempting to infect your testimony by causing reactions rather than responses. Refuse to allow your struggles to go on another day! Revive your Spirit to overcome your lack of faith! Get around other Christians committed to growing in God’s Word and allow it to flow from their life into yours miraculously. In turn, your life will become miraculous! What is in them will most assuredly rub off on you! Come on give it a try! Walk away from infectors and become infused with the Love of God today!

Is This Thing On? – A Devotion

Matthew 12:35-37 (NLT)

“A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.”

You’ve heard it before. A speaker does not realize that the microphone is on so they make a comment not meant for a group of people to hear in “private” conversation which becomes scrutinized by the public. They are called “hot mike blunders” and there is a long list of prestigious members of this elite group including Jesse Jackson, Ronald Reagan, George Bush and Dick Cheney just to name a few. Words spoken in what was thought to be private company but broadcast to the world turned into embarrassing moments. Ownership of our words is a responsibility of everyone. Words spoken in private tend to truly reveal authentic feelings and ideas of a person more so than the carefully chosen ones used in public. It is human nature to put our best foot forward when interacting with large groups of people, however; it is in the quiet company of a confidant that the heart of person is revealed.

Politically correct conversation will certainly advance one’s standing with other people but not necessarily in God’s Kingdom. God chooses to look deeper than the superficial words carefully selected for the world. He is looking for genuine hearts that spring forth life in each and every word that is spoken. The Lord is evaluating our communication for love and sincerity. It makes one wonder how many “hot mike blunders” may have been revealed in our conversations today? How many words, though out of the earshot, would have offended God? Maybe you are thinking that God does not have the time to listen to every single word that every single person speaks, right? Do not be fooled He absolutely does! In fact, not only does He listen to them but God keeps them on account as well.

God is looking for His Goodness in the lives of His People. Obviously words are very important. There is life and death in the mouth of man (Proverbs 18:21) simply exacted by his chosen words. Just because others cannot hear the things that are spoken in private to another does not mean that God has not taken account of them. In fact, He has done just that! Our heart produces a treasury. It is a storehouse of good or evil. It is important for people to understand that God considers every single word spoken by man powerful and judges it accordingly. Those words that you really didn’t think about but just allowed to slip out of your mouth may condemn you in the end. The Bible says that you will be held accountable for “every idle word you speak.” Idle talk is that of no real worth, significance or meaning. It is banter that is meaningless or senseless. God says He not only hears it all but takes it all seriously. Think back on the words spoken to get a laugh at the expense of another, gossip or attention-seeking. God is listening and putting them on account for you! Therefore, it pays to be sure that you are always aware of the words escaping you that they are an asset rather than deficit!

To be effective and righteous people, we must implement ways to monitor the words which we speak. The obvious first step is to carefully think about each word before it is spoken. Your brain must be on full alert when your mouth begins to open that what spills forth is pleasing to God! Random words and careless thoughts are dangerous. Imagine if during creation, God just randomly spit out phrases and ideas with no real plan or purpose. What a mess this world would be? Had the speakers mentioned before not spoken the words that were overheard in error, there would not have been the backlash that they endured for their mistakes. Your guideline for communication is the Word of God! Fill your heart, mind and soul with the Word. When we speak the Words of Jesus Christ, we will never go wrong in God’s eyes! As there was absolutely no evil in Jesus, it is eliminated as a byproduct of our communication when we choose to follow His Example. You will never go wrong using the language of love portrayed by our Savior! Think of it as if you are wearing a microphone twenty four hours a day that broadcasts each and every word that is spoken directly into God’s Throne Room where He credits each one accordingly. What is your account balance today? Is God pleased with what He is hearing or were there words that brought shame to the light of His Love? Just remember, the microphone is on and the volume is always turned up!

Proverbs 15:28-29 (NLT)

The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words. The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayers of the righteous.

Be prudent in your speech as you carry on with life! The words that you speak are important to God so speak carefully. If the majority of your conversations would not stand the test of pure communication before Jesus Christ, it indicates a far deeper problem in a wicked heart. A life filled with improper idle words can become barriers in your prayer life as it leads to unrighteousness. When we move from right-standing with God, the Blessing of God is removed from our life! Begin listening and evaluating each word that you speak! Measure them to the Word of God and swallow those that would lead to unrighteousness! Remember God is always listening! He is waiting to hear your praise, love and adoration evidenced through wholesome communication! God’s Love for you draws His Attention to you! Let His Love pour out of you today!

Enough of God – A Devotion

Psalm 42:1-2 (Message)

“A white-tailed deer drinks from the creek; I want to drink God, deep draughts of God. I’m thirsty for God-alive. I wonder, “Will I ever make it arrive and drink in God’s presence?”

Six months apart from a grown child may not seem like a long time, but put that same child in the Middle East carrying a machine gun and suddenly the distance is consuming. Our son is in the midst of his first deployment as a member of the United States Army. When the word “deployment” first was uttered, it was futuristic but it became current in no time. His call to duty would carry him 7,000 miles away from those who love him. It would be the duty of his family to pray for him, support him and love him from afar. From the day that he left, the calendar was marked for his return on furlough. It will be the first glimpse of our son fresh from the desert sand and pounding sun with only the occasional video visits across the globe with grainy picture and slow connections. Today will be the day that our boy steps off the plane and into his families loving arms. To say that as his mother I am ecstatic would be an understatement to say the least. Time will not change my love for him and deep concern as he puts his life on the line for his country. God’s peace is vital to a successful, productive year in his absence. The anticipation our family is feeling cannot be described in words. Even though we have talked to him, visited online with a living picture and probably had more in depth conversations than when he was home, there is something about being in his presence that is overwhelming. I want to touch my first born, hug him and remind him that I love him face to face. Eager anticipation keeps the moment of his return ever before me. To see with my eyes the faithfulness of God in caring for him in the midst of a war is staggering. Tears are just behind my eyes to think in hours, he will be safe in our home. The wait has seemed endless and I times I could not help but wonder if the moment of his arrival would ever get here when once again I would be in his presence?

David expressed the same longing in Psalm 42. As a white-tailed deer drinks from the creek, to satisfy a thirst or longing, David wants to drink in the Presence of God. It is not just enough to know God but David longs to experience God again and again. His desire for the Lord is so great it has become a need that must be quenched. His completeness depends on making this connection with God and experiencing God-alive. Just as a mother, the images on the computer screen are not enough. I have to see my child for myself to be satisfied. It reminds me of the end of each pregnancy. Each child was preparing to enter the earth. It was only a matter of time before I could hold the baby, hug the baby and care for the baby. I could watch them grow and develop and savor their little lives. However, as labor approached it became my focus. When would the work begin to bring an end to the tiresome wait? I knew that once this process was over. My longing was a product of my love for the child. All the effort, created an even greater longing to be with my baby. Now while I wait to see my son, the same emotions fill me. As I thank God for this opportunity to spend time with our son, my thoughts drift to David when he tells God of his deep longing to be in His Presence. It raises the question, is my desire to experience God-alive in my life or am I satisfied living with God afar? I am not satisfied with my son thousands of miles away so why should I ever settle for a distant relationship with my Savior and Lord? Do I long for the Lord as I do my child? If not, I should! I am thirsty for God but do I have an unquenchable desire that can only be filled with His Presence. Lord, stir up a greater desire to spend each day in your Presence and long for you when we are apart! Close proximity to Jesus Christ is imperative to successful Christian living, but passion for God is the mark of a successful relationship with Him! My passion for my family and friends should never equal that of my love and desire for the Lord. My exuberance for the Presence of God should overtake any desire for man that could ever develop in my lifetime including the longing of a mother for her child. Lord, stir a fire in me today that will cause an unquenchable thirst that can only be satisfied in your Presence!

Psalm 63:1-4 (Message)

God—you’re my God! I can’t get enough of you! I’ve worked up such hunger and thirst for God, traveling across dry and weary deserts. So here I am in the place of worship, eyes open, drinking in your strength and glory. In your generous love I am really living at last! My lips brim praises like fountains. I bless you every time I take a breath; my arms wave like banners of praise to you.

Can you get enough of God? If so, it is time to work up a passion for the Lord! God’s generous love for you should be enough to evoke an overwhelming love response in return. It should stir your heart to long for His Presence in your life! It should make you want to know Him more. Distance should create a deep longing and desperation for a return to the Savior! Are you thirsty for God today? Do you pant for more of His Presence? Absence truly makes the heart grow fonder when the relationship that has developed is fueled by great affection and passion! Where do you stand today? While I am certainly not above waving my arms wildly overhead to get the attention of my son as he enters the terminal, I am even more compelled to wave my arms as banners of praise as I long to close the distance in my love affair with Jesus!

Alone in the Crowd – A Devotion

Mark 5:24-29 (NIV)

A large crowd followed and pressed around him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.

The story of the woman with the issue of blood who was healed simply by touching Jesus’ garment is familiar to many Christians. She was a woman who bled continuously to the point of hemorrhaging with an infirmity that had placed her in the company of many physicians and drained her financial resources. Instead of experiencing relief from this condition, it only seemed to worsen with time. Since the woman was probably of Jewish decent, her problem would label her unclean and isolate her from the community in which she lived. As she pressed into the crowd that day, she was desperate. Her isolation drove her to her final hope – Jesus Christ. She had heard the great stories of the miracles that He had performed. Her faith grew as she focused on her last option to becoming whole. She had nothing to offer Him in return just her desperate heart. She had given everything for nothing in return. The crowds surrounding Jesus probably did not notice the woman as she stooped in her weakness to make it through the throng of followers to her Savior. She was probably pushed aside by those who would not give up their position next to the Lord. Yet she pressed into the crowd more deeply. She was on a mission to connect with Jesus Christ and nothing would stop her this day. Her loneliness had to end. Her days of being alone in her pain and illness had taken its toll. Even in the midst of a crush of human contact somewhat rough and abusive, she continued to move through the crowd physically tossed but emotionally secluded. Her issue had driven her to the point of total abandon driven by mad intensity to reach her Savior. No longer could she live in this condition. Isolated by her issue, she still felt alone in the crowd.

Ever feel alone in the midst of a multitude? There are days when despite being surrounded by family, friends, co-workers, acquaintances and absolute strangers, people still experience loneliness. The problem is not the proximity to people but a lack of connection. Loneliness was never God’s intention for His People. In fact in Genesis, God Word says, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.” We are creatures made to co-exist and be reliant on helpers throughout life. However, situations, circumstances or “issues”, if you will, have the ability to isolate us from those who are diligently trying to help us or others altogether. In fact, God makes helpers who are just right for us. But those “issues” begin to invade our life, a byproduct of sin and suddenly doors to productive relationships begin to slam shut. Our mood is not compatible with man. We become disheartened with God until in desperation, we seek Him once more! He is a good Daddy ready, willing and able to come when you call! However, in the midst of a crowd how do you explain being alone? It is the absence of a true connection where exchanges are being made. The woman in our story was exhausted physically and emotionally. She had tried everything and everyone that she knew to find the answer to her problem. Sound familiar? We try to find people to fit our needs rather than allowing Jesus to heal the weakness or infirmity and then establish relationships! It is time to deal with our issues and walk into the Presence of Jesus Christ by faith to reclaim our identity in the crowd. We are defined by our relationship with Jesus Christ and gain good partners by developing His Character! What are you waiting for? Reach out and touch the Hand of your Savior today! Just to skirt into the edge of His Glory will change you forever! People are not the answer to becoming comfortable in life! Jesus is the key component to a productive life of relationships and feeling like an active part of living rather than a spectator!

Are you alone in the crowd today? May I ask, “What is the issue?” Issues are something that flow out of our life! As vessels of God’s Glory, it should be good things emanating from us! These are the things that attract others. Issues point to questions that are in need of decisiveness. Are you undecided about your salvation or righteousness? If you are alone in the crowd today, chances are it is time to make new choices and find Jesus in the crowd to guide you beyond the masses into His Presence to grow in your relationship. Confidence attracts people, not the lack there of! Let your faith reach out and touch your Savior today! He will touch you in return!

Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)

“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Feeling a bit alone in the crowd today? Press in and reach out for your Savior! He longs to not only comfort you but heal those issues that result in failed relationships and lost connections! God did not create you to be alone! He has helpmates for you! It all starts inside you! Let go of that which is holding you back from growing close to others! Look in the mirror and evaluate the person looking back at you! Don’t get discouraged, but be determined to be all that God has called you to be and reach out to Jesus! In this position, you will never be alone!