Follow Mary's lead

Luke 1:46
Mary said, "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.... The Mighty One has done great things for me - holy is his name."

Mary actually didn't say many words in the Bible. In this verse, she shows that she is wise beyond her years. This is her response to news that she is pregnant with Jesus. In her days, this was surely a death sentence. Either literal death or disownment by the family awaited her yet her response demonstrates her pure devotion and trust for God.

What would our response be if we got news of equal impact? I don't know about you but I would begin to scheme and figure out my own way out of the jam.

Today, we are faced with news of economic depression. Many of us are having difficulty in paying bills, lost jobs and hardships. Whatever it is, just take a moment to think about it. For just a few seconds, reflect on how dire your situation might be. Now take a deep breath.

Can you follow Mary's lead? Try it:

"My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.... The Mighty One has done great things for me - holy is his name."

What do your gifts reflect?

Isaiah 7:14
The Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

This is an amazing prophecy hundreds of years before Jesus was born. Its also amazing the way he came to be on earth as Immanuel, "God with us."

Its funny (or maybe not) how many in this season are consumed with what they should get for Christmas. We miss the whole point of the season in our fervency to check of items on a list and checking it twice.

As you think of giving someone a gift, I think we should be thinking of the greatest gift God has given us. That even while we were yet sinners, his gift of salvation through Jesus and the deposit of His power Immanuel within us is the greatest gift ever.

Nothing can match such gift but in commemoration of this graceful fact, we should think about what we give in this season. What good is accomplishing our list of gifts if none of the gifts we have to offer reflects God's greatest gift to us?

The time was just right.

Galatians 4:4-5
When the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.

Over 2000 years have gone by and the Jewish and Muslims are still waiting for a Messiah. What made 2000 years ago the perfect time? What if God had waited longer? Would today be different?

In my opinion, it was the perfect time. After years of suppression and violence the world had reached a time of relative peace and prosperity under Roman rule. The Roman Empire extended through much of the known world and created an infrastructure prime for God's Gospel.

Roman roads connected cities afar, a common language connected the Empire and a common law structure provided order in a vast society. While the Roman Empire was oppressive in many ways it was instrumental. I was like a drought that had stricken most of the known world and primed it for a great wild fire.

The time had fully come for God to light the match. The fire of the Holy Spirit spread through the Roman Empire. On a roman road to Damascus the fire hit Paul, an instrument of the Roman law who clearly had deep understanding of the land, the people and the system.

Soon the fire would spread through him. It was the perfect condition, the perfect time, God the chief architect like many other times was ready to clean the slate. This time, he was ready to put in place, his final solution to man's fallen state. He was ready to extend his great mercy and adopt us as his children to grant us inheritance of his kingdom.

The time was just right.

We get the straight story.

Hebrews 1:1-2
In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.

How fortunate we are that in these last days, we get the straight story! Straight from God within us, thank you Emmanuel.

Have you ever done a funny exercise where you line up a group of people and you start one story at one end then go down the line re-telling it to each other? By the time it gets to the last person, its a totally different story! Thanks be to God that we no longer have to rely on hand me down information.

God speaks to us personally through his Son. He speaks to us the simplicity of his love for us and his immense forgiving grace. The story is no longer discombobulated with traditions, regulations and rituals. Its clear, soothing and comforting.

I still love reading the stories of our forefathers and prophets, but it is great to know that God sent his glorious Son to save us and give us the straight story.

We should be in awe!

Hebrews 12:28
Since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.

When Jesus walked on earth and the people heard of "kingdom" they were waiting for him to be like King David and take over the government of Israel. Today, when most of us hear "kingdom" we also think in worldly terms as a form of rule over the people or country.

But in this verse observe that it says "we are receiving a kingdom" which is an internal reference. In other words, the Kingdom of God is within us. This is the fact that should bring us to awe.

So here is a question: Do you realize that the fullness of power in God's kingdom has been deposited in your inner most being?

We should be in awe!

Only God's love can help us!

Colossians 3:17
Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Yesterday we were at a line trying to get into Universal Studios. It was taking the attendants an unusually long time to process the people in and it didn't help that there were only two turn styles open.

These are the kinds of moments that the flesh can easily rise up. I started to make fun of the old guy who seem to take two minutes to scan each ticket. People in the line were getting upset and began swearing.

Todays verse is simple and pure common sense, yet at every corner there is potential failure to adhere to it. That is why we clearly need Him so much in our lives!

This verse also makes me think of that tv commercial of the sports fan who is hackling the umpires at a game. The he is shown at the gym trying to make a free throw and the basketball completely missed the rim as two janitors in the back laugh at him.

Jesus also focused in on this in Matthew 7:3 when he said "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?"

This all points us to God's love. Only God's love can help us fulfill today's verse. God's love saves us from our ways. God's love can give us the patience we need at long lines. God's love can give us peace that surpasses all understanding.

Lord, pour you love into us!

Only God himself can do it!

Colossians 2:6-7
Just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

In Ephesians 4:21 Paul echoes this message saying that if we are taught by Jesus we can put off our former conduct. In 2 Corinthians 5:17 Paul talks about how we are transformed into a new creature IN CHRIST. And back to today's verse, notice that he says you have "received" Christ.

What's my point? Do you think that you are the one that can make yourself good? Do you think it is up to you to be a good Christian? Do you think you any man can bring you to the fullness of your Christian life? As you are reading this, do you think I can help you come closer to God?

Paul follows this verse in Colossians with a stern warning about deceit, traditions of men and the basic principles of this world. The paragraph ends with verse 9 which is the ultimate point of this message.

Do you want a righteous and holy life? You can't do it! There are no checklists, traditions, 7 habits, Dr. Phil and Oprah shows that can help you be what God intends you to be.

Only God himself can do it! Only God can straighten the mess we are. He's waiting to get involved in our lives, we just have to get out of his way.

I thank him and I praise him.

Psalm 100:4-5
Enter [the Lord's] gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

For my 40th birthday my wife arranged a surprise party. When I walked into the house a crowd of about 40 people erupted and smiles and hugs were abound.

That level of joy captured in that moment is the same that we should have when we enter into his gates in prayer. I often start my prayers with this verse because it gives me a picture of boldly entering into the Father's throne room to ask for the things I need, knowing he is willing to help.

In other words, I thank him first for the thing I want from him, even before I receive it. I thank him and I praise him.

1 Timothy 2:1-2
I urge, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

Pray for Obama this verse says. It doesn't matter who you voted for now that the election is over the bible tells us not only to pray for Him but that we make requests to the Lord on Obama's behalf and give thanks to the Lord for placing Obama in authority over us.

To some, that might be enough to cause you to throw up but I'm just repeating what God tells us to do! But look at the promise we have from the Lord: do this and you will have peace in your life!

Now consider this: it doesn't matter how bad you think Obama will be as president. Please note that Paul was writing this under the rule of a very brutal Roman Empire that burned Christians alive every day.

So here it goes:

Dear Father, we lift up our new president in honor and we praise you for placing him in authority over us. We ask that you surround President Obama with godly men and women that will help him uphold your values and help him make decisions that are aligned with your will. Lord we ask you that you put a shield of faith around him to protect him from any fiery darts from the enemy. We ask you that through his presidency he will uphold the honor that you have so graciously bestowed upon this great nation. We ask this in the name of your son, Jesus Christ, amen.

Have you had your security briefing?

Ephesians 1:9-10
He made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment - to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.

Do you sometimes feel that God's will is a mystery to you? I would venture to say that many people in this world feel that way or are even completely oblivious to it. But this verse tells us the mystery is solved.

From our perspective its probably more accurate to say that the mystery is unfolding and in the day of Christ we will have the ultimate "a ha" moment.

In a much lesser extent I like to think of it as the experience President-elect Obama must be having today as he gets briefed by the CIA. Imagine what is running through his mind given all the foreign policy suggestions he gave not knowing all the country's foreign policy secrets.

Its real easy for anyone to speculate without knowing all the details. But God has given us his word which unveils the truths that clearly reveal his will.

Much like a new president when he given the keys to the country's secrets, when we open God's word, we have the knowledge we need to do the job He has intended us to do.

Its up to us to be briefed. To go into the secrecy of our closets and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the mysteries of God's perfect will and plan through his word.

Have you had your security briefing?

Dear Democrat friend

Congrats, I know you have been waiting for this day!

Just want to let you know that when you hear conservatives freaking out about Obama, I'm not one of them.

I believe he will make a fine president and surprise many. I really appreciated his speech last night and viewed it as very humbled in respect to the magnitude of his accomplishments. I hope his humility rubs off on others who would otherwise be prone to boast about the win.

As for my Republican friends, I believe it is a great thing for us. A wake up call for those who live in glass houses and often like to throw stones. My hope is that this experience gives us a dose of humility and causes us to refocus on what is good for the people of this country as supposed to ourselves. To focus on love and compassion as supposed to righteousness and judgment.

I hope and pray that Obama proves every doubter wrong. For those on the extreme religious right, the Bible says that God will use the foolish things of this world to confound the wise. Well, there is a lot of people who thought they were wise yesterday and are confounded today.

For those on the left I hope and pray that humility and love will reign in the minds as I'm reminded of how destructive pride can be.

This is a great moment for our great nation! God is sovereign and places all governing authority over us. If we trust him, them we have nothing to worry about and everything to be excited about!

Praise be to God!

Die to yourself

2 Corinthians 3:6
He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant - not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

I was having lunch one day with a muslim friend and I was questioning him about his faith. I asked him "so when are you going to make your pilgrimage to Mecca?"

His response was something like: "well I have a lot of things to work on to do that." I asked, "like what?" And he responded, "well I need to be better about my religion, be more compliant with my traditions and law."

Imagine that! Pilgrimage to Mecca, the ultimate experience for a muslim but you have check off all these things in a list before you feel worthy to go there. Sad to say but many Christians aren't much better than that!

How many Christians continue to check off all their religious tasks yet are far from living in the spirit? So consumed with their own legalistic effort by the letter of the law in contrast to living in the love of the spirit.

Our pride in following the law causes us to criticize those who are not as good as us. We throw stones at our brothers and sisters and somehow have a righteous attitude about it.

All to then later succumb to condemnation for failing to keep the letter of the law?

When are we finally going to die to ourselves and let Christ be the one who is our life?

No matter the outcome...

Romans 13:1
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.

No matter the outcome of the elections tomorrow, remember this verse. Yesterday I went to two different churches and it was as if the pastors had traded sermon notes. They both spoke about the words "In God We Trust" that is on our money.

The words are also boldly engraved above the vice president's chair in the Senate and many other important government places in our great country.

Bottom line: no matter the outcome of the election we have to trust in God. If your preferred candidate doesn't get elected then you must trust God in his decision. Notice that I said HIS decision not ours.

Yes we go to the polls and vote but God can control the hearts of people to vote one way or another to ultimately maintain his sovereignty over our government.

.So remember, no matter the outcome, it is time for joy in the knowledge that this country was founded on eternal values and no one man can "fundamentaly" change it without God.

Open your eyes.

Ephesians 1:18
I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints.

This verse is like saying: wake up and open your eyes, don't you realize that you already won the lottery and you have nothing to worry about?

Think about it, before we found Christ we were destined for eternal torment and punishment. Then for nothing we did or deserved he gave up his son to buy us the ultimate winning lottery ticket. The ticket that says, we are saved and every we shall ask in his son's name shall be given to us!

Watch out for the cute little kitten!

1 Peter 5:8-9
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

I find this verse to be very rich in wisdom. First we are to be vigilant because the devil is on the prowl. Some of us have a certain arrogance about the devil. We act as if he can't touch us yet it is clear that even in his defeat he still roams around looking for opportunity to harass those who falter in their faith.

And while he prowls like a roaring lion I imagine it can also be like someone bringing you a cute little kitten. "Awe, he is so cute!" A few weeks later he is growing fast. So fast that in a few months you realize that you have a full grown tiger in your house.

Its no doubt that everyone of us have experienced this kind of threat. While we don't want to give the devil any credit we must acknowledge his craftiness and be on the lookout. Not just for mean looking lions that prowl with a menacing look but be also in the look out for cute little kittens that can innocently gain access to you home only to wreck havoc a few weeks later.

And if it does happen, be sure that you are not alone in this world. Ultimately, the devil is defeated and knowing this truth can cut through his masquerades.

A Bold Attitude

1 Peter 1:24-25
All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever.

This doesn't seem like an uplifting verse. It basically says that we are temporal, at least our earthly bodies are.

Don't you ever wonder why men and women in the book of Genesis lived for so long? Noah worked on the Arc for 120 years! Abraham was over 100 when he had Isaac. And despite his big screw up, Adam lived over 900 years. Those people took a lot longer to wither than us! Why?

The life expectancy today has increased over the past few years. I was just watching the news the other day and they explained that we have more 100+ year old people than ever and by the year 2050 that figure will multiply considerably.

Despite this, this verse still holds the truth that our lives are relatively brief and any glory we manufacture for ourselves is short lived. If we focus on the eternal word of God then we begin to understand how Paul felt about his life. He said that he rather go to the Father right now but understood that for the benefit of the people he was teaching he would like to remain alive.

That's a pretty profound attitude if you think about it. It is an attitude of completely surrendering your life for his purpose. If you think about it, the easy way out is to go to the Father.
No more worries, trouble, pain, etc. But to remain for His purpose and endure persecution for the Gospel? That's a bold attitude!

Are we ready to commit to such attitude?

Where is your weapon?

Hebrews 4:12
The word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Long time ago I watched a documentary on Japanese katana swords. They explained how the steel is painstakingly folded hundreds of times to make some of the hardest and sharpest swords known to mankind.

What a picture of the word of God!
When I read this verse I picture the Lord as our master blacksmith folding and hammering his word carefully. With every blow of the hammer sparks fly. The sound is sharp as the hammer hits the molten metal placed on the anvil. All this careful craftsmanship to create a perfect weapon.

So where do you keep such weapon? Is is on a stand at your house collecting dust? Do you keep it in the trunk of your car? Perhaps you have it holstered to your side where everyone sees it?

Nevertheless, my point is, do you have it ready for when you most need it?

Oblivious to the truth

Proverbs 9:10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Let's look at the opposite if this verse: "Fearlessness of the LORD is the end of wisdom, and ignorance of the Holy One is unacceptance."

Wow, that really puts it bluntly doesn't it? Imagine the end of wisdom! What would life be without any wisdom?

Sounds pretty scary to me yet so many are oblivious to the truth.

Where you don't want to go.

Psalm 27:14
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

"I know what I want and I want it now" that's the cry of this world. Waiting on the Lord can be so hard.

That's what Abraham and Sarah thought when promised a child. They got tired of waiting so they took the matters into their own hands.

What happened as a result of Abraham's impatience? Ismael was born and with it a whole nation outside of Israel. The "Ismaelites" became the roaming bedouins who later followed Mohamed and Allah.

You just never know where your impatience will lead you and it is almost certain that impatience will always lead to a place you should not be or want to be in.

Fear is not all bad

Psalm 25:14-15
The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them. My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare.

I always used to have a hard time understanding why I would "fear God." I looked at it this way, "he loves me, why should I fear him?"

I think this was primarily based on the notion that fear is a negative thing. It is one of the devil's primary emotions to exploit.

But who authored fear? Why? Wouldn't life be easier if there was no fear? Did Adam have any fear in the garden before the fall? What positive can come out of fear?

The truth is that fear can be very positive. Those who have no fear, specially fear of God are at great danger. Fear is authored by God. He gave us such emotion so that it would cause us to humble ourselves before his glorious sight.

In Jeremiah 32:39-40 it says that God put fear in the hearts of the people of Israel so that they would not depart from Him. Fear of God makes us want to obey him. Lack of fear makes us rebel against him.

So we should be careful with any negativity towards fear lest we might dismiss fearing him!

Be constructive, not destructive.

Psalm 19:14
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

I wonder how many words we speak each day? It would be interesting to have some kind of gadget that clocks each word as you speak, something like a step meter.

How many words? Hundreds? Thousands? More? I wonder. What if the meter had the capability of discerning words that praise God and those that go against God?

What would be your rating? I don't even want to contemplate my score!

I'm not suggesting that we keep score, that's certainly something the devil would love to do to throw in our face. I'm suggesting that it is something should meditate on.

Once in a while, we should just take an hour or so to make a personal inventory of our word output. To think about the things we have said during the week and check the love meter to make sure our language is constructive, not destructive.

Our only true God?

2 Samuel 7:22
How great you are, O Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears.

This verse declares that he (Yaweh, Jehova) is our only God. Seems pretty straight forward and common sense. But why did Samuel have to say this? Why would Samuel have to say it again if he were alive today?

It is because we worship other gods and we don't even know it! It's normal for someone to be glued to the tv all day Saturday watching football. Watching 3 hours of soaps and sitcoms every day has become acceptable to many.

Contrast that with the time we devote to God. If anyone spends any more time than the customary Sunday morning at church you might be accused of being a holy roller. You want to talk to people about God instead of the latest football scores and people start to think that you think you are perfect and "religious."

So what's my point in all this? We say that we worship him and him only but the truth is that he is in completion with other gods in our lives. His truth trumps over everything in our lives yet we want to put him on hold so we can spend more time with the gods that give us temporary pleasures.

When will he be our only true God?

Stand tall on the mountain tops!

Romans 12:2
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is -- his good, pleasing, and perfect will.

Often, the world is like a bucket and we are water. We just simply pour right into the mold and take the shape of the bucket.

But rather than water we are called to be solid. Something you can't pour into the bucket despair and condemnation. Something that does not melt into the mold of pride and take the shape of greed and selfishness.

We've already been molded into the image of Christ. One that is continually made solid by His word. One that is tested and purified by God's will.

So look at yourself. Are you like water? Always pulled down by the gravity of the world, seeking the lowest resting point you can find, fitting into whatever mold catches you?

Or are you solid in His image capable to reflect His light as you stand tall on the mountains tops.

His plan for you.

Jeremiah 29:11
"I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Whenever I read or hear this verse I can't help but think of my dear friend George Jowi. George is from Kenya and there was a time in his life when this verse was the furthest thing from his reality. Over 60 of his childhood friends never made it past their teens. But God had a plan for him.

Today, he is in Dallas going through a master's program and is a living personification of this verse. He came to San Antonio an gave his testimony. I urge you to listen to his great message, it brings this verse to life.

Listen

His ways not yours.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

With all the economic turmoil, panic and uncertainty more people will be going to church to seek answers. Just like after September 11th, churches saw record crowds. The weary and confused searched high and low for an answer and as last resort consulted with God.

That's what happens when we try to lean on our own understanding as we think we can out clever our circumstances. Even though we got ourselves into a mess we are looking for someone to blame.

But as this verse says, we must acknowledge him in all our own ways. This means all our ways starting right now. Maybe you messed up in the past but just start right now. Do it His way not yours and before you know it, the blessing of God will straighten even the most dire situations.

His purpose prevails.

Proverbs 19:20-21
Listen to advice and accept instruction and in the end you will be wise. Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.

Today, you can use this verse and say "many are the plans in a politician's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." We live in times of uncertainty but we need to be confident that God will cause all things to work together for good to those who are called to his purpose.

So the question is, do you feel a calling for His purpose? Are you listening and accepting instruction so that you become wise? Wise to handle your mission from God?

Let's pray that God continues to give us instructions and reveal his purpose in our lives!

We must repent!

Deuteronomy 13:4

It is the Lord your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him.

Those are direct words to us. These are words that many would dismiss as religiosity. We live in a world of relativity and "fairness." You see, its not "fair" to look at someone in the eyes and say this verse to them.

"What do you mean I must follow and obey God? But I'm an American and this great country allows me to do whatever I want!" Unfortunately, this statement would not be an uncommon response to this verse. To us that are walking in accordance to His ways, it is an absolutely absurd statement.

But let me submit that us who are "saved," are being lulled into a state of slumber by these rumblings of "fairness." In the name of "fairness" our government wants to bail out people who willfully went against this verse. Playing God and over extending themselves. Now, its only "fair" for us to bail them out?

As a nation we need to repent, everyone of us! We've become creatures of comfort, a false comfort that is. We have gained an appetite for what's "fair" not what's right.

It is time that our "Christianity" to take a bold step towards the truth of this verse. A step toward the throne of grace that can help us in our time of need.

John the Baptist said in Matthew 3:2 "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!" Those words still apply to us today as we pray for God to make a move, we must repent.

He is God!

Isaiah 43:11-12
"I, even I, am the Lord, and apart from me there is no savior. I have revealed and saved and proclaimed -- I, and not some foreign God among you. You are my witnesses," declares the Lord, "that I am God."

He is God! There is no other than the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The one who promised us a life free from condemnation. A God who provides all that we need.

The question is, will we be his witness? Will we dare to proclaim him? Boldly, any time we see an opportunity.
Bo Lora
210-259-3020
-- sent via Blackberry

Solid footing

Isaiah 26:4
Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord is the Rock Eternal.

What do we put our trust in? Other people? Politicians? Doctors? Etc? Think about it. Often, we rely on everything but God and when all else fails, we cry out to him for help.

How backwards is that? Yet we continue to do it all the time. Why is it so hard to consult with him who thought so much of us that he gave up his only son? What is it that causes us to think we can do a better job on our own without his help?

Pride? Selfishness? Arrogance? Stupidity? Why are we so hell bent on building our houses on sand bars when the rock of Jesus Christ gives us such solid footing?

God is near

Isaiah 55:6
Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.

This verse is part of a great chapter which Isaiah talks about a life of abundance. It is evidence that people in the old testament could gain salvation through his grace.

At that point, they didn't have the luxury of the son of God killed for their sins. But they did have God favor and grace.

Today, even though we have salvation through Jesus, we can still thirst for God. This verse let's us know that while God is near, we need to seek for the Lord.

It makes me think that perhaps at some point it time, God may not be near?

Step by Step

Proverbs 27:1
Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.

Wow, what a profound verse in these challenging times when politicians do nothing but boast about tomorrow!

This verse was quoted by Pastor James in his letter to the scattered tribes of Israel. He was making a point about how life is brief and we need to think about how we life it.

I think the point of this verse is that we need to take life day by day. Always consulting with the Lord and letting him guide us through our lives step by step.

Enjoy your new life!

1 Peter 1:3
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

Various times through the Gospels Jesus made it very clear that he came here to earth to bring us life. Now here is something we really need to think about.

If he came here to give us life, what kind of life did God have in plan? To get the answer, we have to go back to Abraham. Jesus was the sacrifice which fulfilled the Abrahamic covenant. The Lord said to Abraham "In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed" Genesis 22:18.

On the cross, Jesus said "it is finish" and he was talking about this covenant. Finished, fulfilled, paid in full. That means the promises God made to Abraham and his descendants (us) are secured.

So back to today's verse; he has given us new birth, a new life. How should that life look like? Paycheck to paycheck? Totally stressed out? Down and out? Depressed?

Is that what God intended in allowing His only son to be killed for us? Of course not! His intention is for us to live a blessed life, with abundance till it overflows so we can be a blessing to others.

Your account is paid in full!

Matthew 5:11-12
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

As I read this verse, I can't help but think that Governor Palin must recite this verse every morning, maybe several times a day. Here we have someone who has been very open about their walk with Christ and now there is all kinds of attacks on her.

Yesterday I was watching the news in the lunch room. There was a guy next to me and he made a comment about politicians. I seized the opportunity to be a witness. I said: "the founding fathers of this country surely knew what to do when faced with the great challenge of forming this nation. They got on their knees and prayed to the chief architect of the greatest bailout." Then I looked at him right in the eyes and said: "he bailed me out, he is my salvation, what do you think?"

That was a bold moment, being that in corporate America God has been minimized but the Spirit was upon me. This gentleman's words surprised me, it was like a full force frontal attack. Now to get some context in the situation I must tell you that he was black.

He stood up and said: "if that's the case then tell me why I'm still a slave? Tell me why my grandfather who was born in 1930 slaved all his live because of his color?"

Wow. I was speechless. I thought, where is this guy coming from? Does he really think this stuff? Is he for real? He kept on talking about lack of opportunities and injustice. As if it was the fault of our forefathers who believed in God? Thoughts kept running through my mind... "Does this guy know that some of my relatives are as dark as he is???" But I said nothing in defense.

This guy does not obviously understand this verse as surely Martin Luther King Jr. understood it. Strength and justice are gained from humility and perseverance not from governmental bailouts.

So remember, next time you feel attacked, smile and rejoice with assurance of the reward that awaits you because your account is paid in full by the blood of Jesus.

Love is the answer.

Philippians 1:9-10
This is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ.

Today we definitely need God's help in the ability to discern what is good for us. This verse gives us the recipe for doing the right thing.

In my reading of the Screwtape Letters I encountered a profound concept that is very disturbing yet uplifting in knowing how the enemy works. Screwtape is telling his nephew that the past and present are focused on eternity. He says "the past is frozen and no longer flows and the present is all lit up with eternal rays."

His point is that they area they want to operate in is in the future. He goes on to tell him that the future is temporal and schemes such as creative evolution, scientific humanism or communism exploit the affections of men with the future. He says "hence nearly all vices are rooted in the future."

This really made me think about the situation today in America and how politicians like to tell us that they are the answer for America's future. However, today's verse tells us that love is the answer.

Love is the fuel that sparks the wisdom and depth of knowledge required to solve serious issues in our lives. It is His love through us that brings us together with a creative power no man can match on their own.

That's not the way to live.

John 3:20-21
Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.

Transparency is on of the keys to sound Christian living. When a good friend calls you on your "stuff," rather than getting defensive and scampering from the light that exposes you, you should find joy in that the Holy Spirit has spoken through your friend.

We need to welcome the light of the truth even when it hurts. If we do, we will find great joy in living an "exposed" life in which there are no feelings of shame and condemnation.

For those who do evil, they have to do more than double the work covering their tracks and averting shame.

That's not the way to live.

In God we trust

1 Corinthians 2:14
The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.

I can remember a time in my life when I thought that things of God where foolishness. That feeling is not uncommon in this world. You hear of people attacking the faith and even making fun of it. Trusting self is the basis of many growing religions yet it is so obvious to me that trusting self is a sure recipe for doom.

I don't mean that I don't trust myself. I mean that when my own trust for self is greater than my trust in God, I begin to head the wrong way.

I think that's why we have "In God we trust" on our money. It is a way to remember God when handling money. But with more markets trading money electronically, this intended message for monetary transactions is lost. You can now buy and sell most of the time without getting this vital message. No wonder the electronic pornography industry is the largest in the world!

Imagine if a law required the words "in God we trust" below the amount field in any credit card transaction screen. How would that affect the online buying habits of people who have strayed far from God?

I know, you don't have to tell me, this law would never pass!

The biggest bailout ever.

Matthew 6:33
Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

One of the grand daddy promises in all of the Bible yet do we really believe it? In a day when politicians are promising to relieve this country from the consequences of corrupted business practices I wonder, how far has this country drifted from seeking first his kingdom and his righteousness?

Today we seem to be worlds away from the time the founding fathers of this nation seeked the kingdom first and were bold about it. In the very first session of congress they took to their knees for three hours in the very first congressional session. They were about to embark in the building of the world's greatest country and they were obviously well aware of the truth in this verse.

Wonder what would happen if news reported that congress decided to pray all day today and seek His counsel instead of trying to figure out this economics mess on their own? I'm sure the liberal media would rise up to a new level of rhetoric.

If this country is really seeking a "bailout" why don't we consult with the architect of the biggest bailout ever, OUR SALVATION?

Weeping and gnashing of the teeth.

Hebrews 10:30-31
We know him who said, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," and again, "The Lord will judge his people." It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Wait a minute, is the author of Hebrews talking about our God the god of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob? The one who so loved the world that gave his only begotten son? Why would it be dreadful to fall into His hands?

In the context of this verse the author is talking about the same God. He is letting us know that as we know God for his agape love and comfort, we need to also be aware that he is the ultimate judge. His hands will pass judgment in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ and he will separate the true believers from the rest of the world.

As Jesus said (seven times), there will be "weeping and gnashing of the teeth" as many fall into a dreadful state of eternal torment delivered by the only one who is rightful in vengeance, our Father in Heaven.

So in view of this, it is dangerous to have a laxed mentality about living our lives under the Lord. We should listen to the words in Acts 3:19: "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord."

Our Lord who sanctifies.

1 John 2:1
My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense -- Jesus Christ the Righteous One.

God's will is for us to not sin. But this verse is clear in letting us know that God understands that a sinless life is difficult with our human flesh.

In my opinion, even though we sin, there is a difference between a "sinner" and one who believes this verse with a repentant heart. Jesus Christ is our redeemer and through his blood we are washed clean anytime our repentant hearts are with God.

David was a man after God's heart and though he committed great sins he knew how to come to the well of forgiveness and grace.

This is why I have a really hard time saying I'm a "sinner." That doesn't mean I think that I don't sin or that I boast that I'm "sinless". It means that I like to wake up in the mornings and be able to take a look at myself and say "Thank you Jesus for I am the righteousness of God." 2 Corinthians 5:21

In other words, if we trust Him, he sanctifies us. Paul's letters were not addressed to the "sinners" of Ephesus and Corinthn. In 1 Corinthians he writes: "to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints." Not called to be sinners!

In our walk with Christ, we sin as we experience collateral damage in the battlefield of the mind. But as this verse states, we have an intercessor in Jesus who vouches for us even when we don't deserve it!

Thank you Jesus our Lord Jehova Maccaddeshem, our sanctifier! Exodus 31:13

Have confidence in your requests.

Hebrews 10:35-36
Do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.

Carefully notice what this verse says; IF you do His will, you can bank on His promises.

This verse makes me think of the movie Bruce Almighty. Jim Carrey who played Bruce was all the sudden place in the position of being God. He went to his apartment and started to receive AOL emails (you have mail).

They were prayer requests and when he started reading them he was overwhelmed with the volume of requests. Finally, he figured out how to just auto-respond to all requests with yes.

Shortly after the world began to turn into chaos because everyone was getting whatever they wanted. People were winning the lottery left and right.

But God's prayer filter is much more sophisticated. If your request is not according to His will, it goes to the trash bin, hence unanswered prayers.

But with perseverance to do His will, you can have confidence that when you are walking with Him and in accordance to His will, your requests will be answered by His eternal promises!

True hope

Romans 5:3-4
We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

To really get the full scope of this verse, consider the divine perspective of "hope." In Hebrews 11:1 it says that "faith is the substance for things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

In other words, hope is activated by faith. However, before you get to hope, your faith is always tested. You have to endure thru the trials which gives you character over time then you are rewarded with hope.

With that said, we must understand that hope has a cost. Real hope is not a "feeling" you just float in and out of. You must hold steadfast to your faith to produce true hope. The kind of hope that surpasses all understanding.

So are you ready for the rains?

Joel 2:23
Rejoice in the Lord your God, for he has given you the autumn rains in righteousness. He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains.

In a farmer's life the autumn and spring rains are vital. Without one or the other the experience ultimate crop failure. So when the rains comes, he rejoices for there is chance for profit.

There is something very important that is unsaid in this verse. While the rains that God delivers are vital to the farmer's livelihood, his response to the rains is just as vital.

The farmer has to take the appropriate steps which must be timed right with God's blessings of rain. Otherwise crop failure is inevitable.

The same is true in our spiritual life. Many receive God's blessing and they are not be ready. They haven't prepared their soil with humility to be able to receive his rains. They didn't stand watch as the enemy came in the night and sowed seeds of weed and thorns in the field. They allowed distractions to rule them while they should have been working in the field.

So are you ready for the rains?

Be blessed with wholesome words.

Ephesians 4:29
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

This is another one of my favorite verses. Have a problem with a fouled mouth? Memorize this verse and the Holy Spirt will help you guard your it.

I remember when I was young in high school, I never said bad words. Instead, I said words like "gosh darn." Seriously!

But then I joined the Army and right there began my days of fouled mouth speaking. In fact, I made quite a sport of cursing. I go back and think of those days when my kids were young and I didn't even spare them from my hellish tongue.

But then one day I came across this verse and meditated on it for weeks and memorized it. It has become one of the weapons of my personal spiritual warfare.

Today, my flesh can certainly keep up with any sailor. But my spirit strives for words that build up my brothers and sisters. In a world full of profanity, it is always refreshing to meet someone who doesn't believe they need profanity for emphasis in their speech.

Speech without profanity is evidence of self-control (meekness) and when you can achieve this, you walk into a new level of walking in the spirit.

Matthew 5:5 says "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth."

TGIF?

Philippians 2:3-4
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interest of others.

Think about your work. Day in and day out, why do you do what you do? Are you trying to climb up the corporate ladder? What does that take? Some people claw their way to the top and many at the expense of others.

I ask again, why do you do what you do? When you meet your maker, will he say, you did ok in your job as an accountant, but I called you to be a marketer?

I ran into a lady in the break room today. She was complaining that today was such a long day and how we STILL had another day to go. She went on to say how short the weekend was going to be.

What a sad state to be in. I looked at her and told her, "wow I feel the exact opposite, I can't wait till next week!" Its sad because I think about how this lady would feel about hearing this verse?

How can we be helpful to others when we are in a desperate state of survival? When we are thanking God on Fridays for getting us away form the people we are to help?

If you can't say, Thank God Is Monday, then something is wrong with why you do what you do.

Let your light shine.

Ephesians 5:8
You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.

When you have been in a dark room for a long while, going outside can make you feel exposed. Your eyes are squinting and perhaps you even look for some shade to get a break from the brightness of the sun.

I think in the same way we subconsciously look for shade when the glory of God exposes us. Our flesh likes the shade, it doesn't like exposure to the light, the glory of God.

As we find a shaded tree thoughts of sitting down come to our minds and perhaps we find temporary comfort in some measure of darkness.

But we have to remember that the spirit world is not like that at all. The light is within us. We are the ones who shine because of Him who dwells in us. So when we head for that shaded tree, darkness will run from it.

If you are truly born again, then your light will "shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life." Philippians 2:15-16

Do You Love Me?

James 3:13
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.

I've heard before "better to be considered a fool than open your mouth and prove it." This is probably something the Apostle Peter heard often in his early years.

Foot and mouth disease such as Peter had is the result of arrogance that is brewed by false and skewed knowledge. People get puffed up in their pride and soon say things that don't have any chance in strengthening anyone let alone themselves.

It wasn't until the morning at the beach, days after the rooster had crow three times that Peter was finally humbled by the words from our Lord Jesus, "Peter, do you love me?"

The same is true today. Can you hear the voice of Jesus asking you "do you love me?" You see, most people worry about God loving them. But the real question is, despite yourself, do YOU love him?

Maybe God has to ask you two or three times as well? God will test our wisdom with this simple question. "Do you love me?" he asks.

And that morning when Jesus talked to Peter, it was Jesus himself who gave Peter the power to answer that question in love and humility from the wisdom he gained through fellowship in Christ.

Likewise, we should walk with Jesus with full assurance that we can answer that question without hesitation through the strength he give us. We gain this strength by being with him, learning from him and being humbled by him to the point where yourself is less and you can finally allow him to make you who he wants you to be.

I leave you with one of my favorite and simplest yet profound verses in the Bible:

He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less. John 3:30 NIV

The Agape Love of God

1 John 4:16
We know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.

You ask "how can I forgive my brother when they have done me wrong?" GOD IS LOVE.

What kind of love is John talking about here? The "agape" love of God. The kind of love that does not hate. This love is not confusion. This love is not chaos. This love is not war.

Agape love is peace. It is a resting place. It is safety. It is healing. It is beautiful.

But it is difficult for us to understand this. When we think of "love" we are more likely to of "phileo" or "eros" love.

Phileo is brotherly love where we get "Philadelphia," the city of brotherly love. Eros is where we get "erotic" from and it is a physical love. There is nothing wrong with eros because God created it for a purpose, but the devil easily perverts this kind of love.

But back to the theme of today's verse. The agape love of God is the blood of Jesus. Its pure, its cleansing, its life giving. The agape love of God is what sustains us through our trials and tribulations. Its the way we find peace in the midst of utter confusion and fear. It is how we find the strength to forgive those who have done us wrong.

Nothing evil and demonic can stand the agape love of God. He SO loved (agape) us that he gave his only son to die for us.

Let's return his awesome grace by getting serious about love.

Time for a cup of coffee.

Philippians 2:1-2
If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.

While this is Paul saying that he would be joyful if the people of Philippi did these things I believe the Lord also rejoices when we are like minded and of one spirit.

When was the last time you sat down with someone for a cup of coffee and talk about God? It seems like people often leave "God talk" for when they are at church. The unfortunate thing is that most people are high tailing it out off church to go watch a football game or eat.

So, isn't it time for a cup of coffee?

Worth more than anything money can buy..

1 Peter 3:8
Live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.

I just finished watching the movie "The Bucket List." I don't think the previews gave me a really good feel for the real theme of the movie.

Jack Nicholson plays a highly successful business man (Edward) who has everything. Everything but joy, the real joy Morgan Freeman (Carter) knew and lived all his life despite his lack of riches.

I think this was the real theme of the movie rather than going out with style before you kick the bucket. It really showed the contrast in these lives and Carter, as a man of faith taught Edward how to live in harmony (specially with his estranged daughter and grand). In a short three months they traveled the world and grew to love each other like brothers.

In the beginning of the movie Edward was not very compassionate and was quite arrogant. By the end, he was humbled and credited his friend for the best time of his life, a life with true joy.

So I hope we don't wait until a doctor says that we have six months to live to realize the truth in this verse. That the joy we find in life by living this verse, is worth more than anything money can buy.

Where is your help?

Psalm 121:1-2
I lift up my eyes to the hills -- where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

In trouble? Look up into the hills and you will see that help is not far away.

When Joshua was fighting the Amalekites, Moses was on a hill overlooking the battle. As he prayed to the Lord for help, as long as he had his arms up Joshua prevailed. When his arms got tired Joshua's forces would begin to loose. So Aaron and Hur held up Moses' arms and finally Joshua won the battle.

In the face of utter defeat, Joshua's help wasn't far away, it was on the hills. Likewise, He is there to help you, so look up on the hills.

We must remain confident.

Isaiah 46:4
[The Lord says,] "Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.

All throughout the ages God has made covenants and promises with his people and all His promises come through. Right in the beginning (Genesis 3:15) He promised that the serpent's head would be bruised by Eve's seed, that is Jesus Christ.

As promised, on the cross, Jesus gave the serpent a fatal blow to the head. Hebrews 2:14-15 says "Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death -- that is, the devil -- and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death."

In other words, in the face of a terrible circumstance, the Lord looked at Adam and Eve and promised them and their seed (us) deliverance from the bondage they fell into. He has delivered this promise in Jesus Christ and not matter what we have done, we must remain confident in He who will crush satan under our feet and forgive our iniquities.

The enemy has no chance.

Titus 2:2
Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love, and in endurance.

In the book I am currently reading, the Screwtape Letters, uncle Screwtape is teaching his young nephew who just began his career as a demon. He is talking about "patients" that are of the "despondent type" or people who are prone to be tempted to despair. Listen to what he says:

"You have only got to keep him out of the way of experienced Christians (an easy task now-adays), to direct his attention to the appropriate passages in scripture, and then to set him to work on the desperate design of recovering his old feelings by sheer will power, and the game is ours."

This is why today's verse is so important for us. If you are an "experienced Christian" then seek an inexperienced one and teach them. If you are inexperienced, then seek an experienced Christian you can learn from.

When we become temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, sound in our faith, in love with Christ, and have endurance in Him, uncle Screwtape and the enemy has no chance!

God's way.

Psalm 143:10
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground

There is a place northwest of San Antonio called Enchanted Rock. It is a massive granite dome where many go to enjoy a nice hike. You can go up the trail and it is an easy to moderate hike that will get your lungs going and you legs pumping.

Several times I've gone up the side of it where it is much steeper and challenging. There is a really weird effect when you climb up this way. The are a series of curvatures on the dome which makes it look like you are almost to the top. About the third time you make it to the "top" and you realize there is much more to go, you begin to wonder why you decided to do this "challenge."

Life is much like this. We can ask God to teach us and show us the easy "level" way but our pride gets in the way and we love a "challenge" so what do we do? We go at it alone then soon find ourselves in what seems to be a never ending climb.

God's way is the best way, it is the ONLY way.

Christ makes us perfect!

Colossians 1:28
We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we present everyone perfect in Christ.

Who said there is no such thing as perfection? This verse tells us we can help each other so that we can present everyone perfect in Christ.

In other words, if you are in Christ, no more, no less, you are perfect! What does this mean?

It means you don't mix Christ with a little new age here and there. It means Dr Phil & Oprah are not the answer. It means that when we figure out that God is in us, wanting to operate his power if we accept it, then we'll understand what being a mature Christian is.

Its realizing that when you are in Christ, it is no longer the old you who lives but Christ in you. And when you begin to accept that, the transformation work begins to make you more like Him who gave his life for you.

What's your purpose?

Matthew 28:18-20
[Jesus said,] "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to very end of the age."

This is an amazing passage of scripture. Commonly known as "The Great Commission," I think a deeper meaning of it is really lost in the usual interpretation.

For example, let's take the first sentence "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me."

What if you were in his shoes and these words came out of your mouth. And knowing this to be the absolute truth, what would be thoughts, actions and deeds?

Think about it. If you have ALL the power and authority in Heaven and Earth, what would you do? Would you bring world peace? Maybe you would create a new energy source. How about solve world hunger once in for all?

Now let's go back and turn our attention back to Jesus. Obviously, with all that power, being who he is, he would want to do the Father's top priority. He would be in tune with the Father's perfect will.

Isn't it interesting that when all the power in heaven is summoned, it is commissioned to help us go out and make disciples?

This really reveals what our number one purpose should be. To go out, share the Gospel with the lost, bring them to the miracle of baptism and then teach to do the same.

In a state of overflow.

2 Timothy 1:13-14
What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you -- guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

Ever gone to a seminar or conference and hear great stuff? You come back home all excited ready to apply the latest habits of successful people and before you know it, you are right back where you started. You forgot everything and your notes are lost.

It can be like that when you have a new revelation about God. Maybe you heard a great sermon or participated in a great bible study. But two weeks later you can't even remember the central theme!

Its a matter of the heart, because we have a hole in it. Every time we have a "good deposit" it begins to leak right away. Only the Holy Spirit can plug the hole in our hearts and before and after we get a good deposit we should ask him to help us.

When we get to the point where we have no leaking (or very little), that's when we find ourselves in a state of overflow. That's when the blessings of God flow out of us to bless others.

So next time you are about to learn something valuable, ask the Holy Spirit to repair your heart. To make it a sealed vessel to hold your "good deposit." Ask again, as you are leaving your conference, church, classroom, etc.

Where is your classroom?

Isaiah 48:17
This is what the Lord says -- your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go."
Do we all really think the Lord our God teaches us best? Think about it, how often are we in His classroom? Now let's ask a disturbing question; how often do we sit in the devil's classroom?

You would think that the devil knows best, his classrooms are filled to the brim. Loud music, lots of people, videos, PowerPoint slides, a multimedia extravaganza. And to top it all off, free booze, all you can eat buffet, over the top with pleasurable abundance. All to get you in the mood for learning! Yeah that is today's classroom!

But back to seriousness. Who teaches us best? Maybe its not as entertaining, but how about life saving? How about learning life changing things? Learning how to break from the bondage of the enemy.

Now that's the classroom you want to be in!

Do you feel God's love?

Psalm 119:64
The earth is filled with your love, O Lord; teach me your decrees.

From the Rockies to a beautiful morning by the Lake of the Ozarks to the white sandy beaches of Key West, just in our own country you can see and feel God's love. He so carefully crafted his masterpiece with love so that we have constant reminders of him.

But the fall of man clouded such beauty and evidence of His love and we deal with conflicting messages. As if God sometime doesn't love us as much. That somehow his desire for us falters and he let's his love diminish on earth in way of wars and pestilence.

That's why we need to continue to pray for God to reveal the truth to us. The truth of his eternal love for us and that if he gave up his only begotten son for us, why would he cheat us out of his love? We need to learn his decrees, and the fact that "all the promises of God in Him are yes and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us." 1 Corinthians 1:20

In other words, you don't see God's love around you? Then express it to others so they may see it!

Someone is watching you.

Proverbs 22:6
Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

This is a tough verse. As a parent of four, I wonder if I trained our children as well as I could have. I know that at times I trained them the wrong way!

One thing we have to keep in mind is that "training" is not always what we think it is. We think training is some kind of formalized instruction but the truth is that with children, training is happening all the time. Children watch everything we do and they learn from it, good or bad.

I remember when my first child was around a year old, he could say a few words. I was very young myself and as I drove around with him in the car seat any opportunity for road rage I would yell at the other driver and often used a common four letter word. I was quite surprised one day when someone cut me off and as I evaded the car who almost hit me my son yelled out that four letter word.

Even Paul warned young Timothy that people would watch him and learn. So he urged him to "set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." 1 Timothy 4:12

This is great advice for us as well.

Remember, someone is watching you.

Under His watch.

Psalm 95:6-7
Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care.

He is our Jehova Rohi, our sheppard and he cares for us. He knows every one of us by name and stands watch over us to fend off the wolves.

The sheep fold is a place that is bound by a rock wall and has one entrance. It provides safety to the flock and at night, the sheppard will lay down at the entrance which is as wide as he is tall. By laying down in this way he serves as a door which the sheep will not cross.

Jesus said, "I am the door" and he not only provides us a way to safety but keeps us protected.

Knowing all the terrible things that can hurt us, aren't you glad we are under His watch?

God is building a home.

Ephesians 2:19
Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household

This verse is the beginning of the end of one of my favorite chapters in the Bible, Ephesians 2. In this chapter Paul makes a clear declaration of who we are as "Christians." He tells us that as Christians we are no longer walking in accordance to this world and the spirit that works in the sons of disobedience. He explains that we are now dead in our transgressions and alive in Christ. He clearly shows us what our lives should look like if we are REALLY saved. I studied and meditated on this chapter for at least six weeks last year and God showed me things I never seen.

In a nutshell his shows us that we are saved by grace through faith, that we are brought near to the Father by the blood of Jesus, that Christ is our peace and in his fitting ending he proclaims Christ as our cornerstone. The cornerstone of a temple God is building. Here is the ending of the chapter in the Message version:

That's plain enough, isn't it? You're no longer wandering exiles. This kingdom of faith is now your home country. You're no longer strangers or outsiders. You belong here, with as much right to the name Christian as anyone. God is building a home. He's using us all—irrespective of how we got here—in what he is building. He used the apostles and prophets for the foundation. Now he's using you, fitting you in brick by brick, stone by stone, with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone that holds all the parts together. We see it taking shape day after day—a holy temple built by God, all of us built into it, a temple in which God is quite at home.

It's good to know that we are in His master plan. That we are significant and He is using us to build His great and mighty temple. One day, it will be finished. Jesus ill be there holding all of us in place glorifying the Father and praising Him who is the chief architect.

Diversity defined.

Galatians 3:28
There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Its amazing how thousands of years and millions of converts have gone by and still today, many Christians don't live by this verse. The founders of this country certainly knew this verse and penned our constitution in the spirit of this verse to create a country where we are all allowed to be all one in Christ.

But the devil is a master at perverting truth. Take this verse for instance. Surely as he studied it and wrecked his puny little brain and to come up with the idea of "diversity" as we know it today. Like he does so often, all you have to do is remove a couple of words to totally perverse the truth. So the devil tell us: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one."

Leaving out "in Christ Jesus" will always put us in peril and lead us down a slippery slope. Without the blood, this verse is an unending excuse to justify all things that exalt themselves above God. Its an excuse to claim diversity as a licence to do everything that is selfish and self centered.

According to this verse, diversity is not defined as a right for anyone to run away from God doing whatever they want. Instead, diversity is defined as an invitation to all kinds of people, righteous or sinners to come to the throne of grace and obtain His great mercy.

So remember, you are invited!

Start right where you are.

John 6:29
Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: To believe in the one he has sent."

In our faith walk, we tend to over complicate things. Our tendency is to make more out of "God's work" than it really is. Our pride gets in the way and we begin to believe that God's work is about building bigger buildings and programs.

It really is much simpler than that as this verse implies. Jesus also said "For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:30

God's work should not always be a great burden. The enemy urges us to make more of God's work than it really is so that we get weary and give up. The work is simple: believe and tell other about it. We don't have to wait until big plans are fulfilled. We don't have to wait till the building is finished or until we have enough volunteers for the program.

I'm not saying we should not have big plans, but don't delay your work for God, just start right where you are.

Perfect peace.

Isaiah 26:3
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.

When we fall out of trusting God our lives become anything but steadfast. We begin to hiccup through life as we struggle to make things happen on our own and soon after that, we begin to blame God for our mishaps.

But why not go with the perfect piece instead? This is a time for us to trust God. I spent a few minutes watching the Democratic convention as the crowd was getting fired up. But it was the same old rhetoric you hear from either side. "We can do it better than they can."

This is a time when we can find perfect peace by holding on steadfastly to His truth and not the promises of men. His promises can certainly deliver a peace that surpasses your understanding.

So what controls you today?

Romans 12:4-5
Just as each of us has a one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

Think about your hands. Two independent members yet they work in concert with each other to do great things. Maybe your hands can program the latest high tech application. Maybe they can safely drive a school bus full of children. Maybe they feed thousands of people. My point is that although they are separated, they work together to do God's work.

Likewise is you and I. Two separate independent people but controlled by the head, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Now think about this: what if one of your hands really started to work on its own. Rebelling against you. Your brain tells it to go left, it goes right. While your left hand is trying to pick up something the right all the sudden starts striking it.

That's a very dysfunctional picture but as hands of God, you and I can behave in the same way. This is why its really not about us. It is about the body and how we want to be part of God's work.

The only way we can be coordinated as a body is to plug into the command center of life that is our Lord Jesus. He is the brain that can sort through the incredible array of organs in his body. If we willfully submit to his commands, then we are comforted by the graceful movements of the body.

So what controls you today?

Are you in love with God's law?

Psalm 119:165
Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.

Did the Pharisees love the law? On the surface, it seems so. They seem to be all about the law. They seem to love the law to the point of self sacrifice and went through great lengths to comply with it.

But what we have to know is that the law they loved was not really God's law. Jesus clarified it for us when he said: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." Matthew 22:36-40

This is where they missed the essence of our verse today. They got hung up in the preversion of the law, corrupted by men and lost the purity of God's love in his law. Think about how you can go about today, in love with God's law?

On Sunday, it was an extremely busy day at church. After quite a few minutes of looking I found a parking space and as I pulled up to back into the space someone pulled into it. Now I know they saw my back up lights as I had already put it in reverse. The devil wanted me to get out and let him have it, "I had a right to get mad!" But instead I said to myself, God bless him and thank you for the better parking space you are going to give me! And sure enough, I ended up much closer to the church.

I had a chance to either hate God's law or love it. The law told me to love him and not harbor ill feelings, the counter response would have been to hate the law and go against it and get ugly. As a result, I loved it, I didn't stumble, praise God!

Does He hear you?

Psalm 116:1-2
I love the Lord, he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.

Do you know that the Lord hears you? He knows your pleas, he knows your problems, he knows your sins, he is the Lord Jehovah Shammah, the one who is present.

This verse reminds me of several debates I've had about the Lord hearing prayers. Does he hear ALL our prayers? What if your cry for mercy is not for something that is according to His will. For example, does he hear your cry to Him to win the lottery?

I think he hears my voice, as long I pick up the right phone!

Is your foot slipping?

Psalm 94:18-19
When I said, "My foot is slipping," your love, O LORD, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.

This verse makes me think of the wonderful song "Your Love Oh Lord" by Third Day which is based on Psalm 36:5-7:

Your love, oh Lord
Reaches to the heavens
Your faithfulness stretches to the sky
Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains
Your justice flows like the ocean's tide
I will lift my voice
To worship You, my King
I will find my strength
In the shadow of your wings

So let us give praise to our God who is there to support us and bring us joy anytime we feel like we are "slipping!"

Resist the enemy and he will flee!

Romans 8:32
He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?

Do you have doubts? Everyone can relate to doubting Thomas. For some reason, despite the Lord's greatness and the truth of His love for us we continue to fall pray to doubtful thoughts.

I've been reading a book by C.S. Lewis called the Screwtape Letters which is a clever expose of how the enemy works. Uncle Screwtape is an experienced demon who is writing his young nephew Wormwood who just started his demonic career.

In the first few chapters Screwtape is guiding Wormwood after learning that Wormwood's "patient" just converted to a Christian. Screwtape told Wormwood not to dispair because they had plenty of "converts" end up back with the "father below." About this time, war broke out in Europe and Screwtape learned that with the patient's age it was possible for him to be called up to service. This is what Screwtape told his young apprentice:

"We want him (the patient) to be in the maximum uncertainty, so that his mind will be filled with contradictory pictures of the future, everyone of which arouses hope and fear. There is nothing like suspense and anxiety for barricading a human's mind against the Enemy (God). He wants men to be concerned with what they do; Our business is to keep thinking about what will happen to
them."

So, as I read today's verse it is telling me, "why worry?" But we have to understand that we have an enemy who is hell bent on filling our thoughts with doubts and despair. If we learn more how this enemy operates, we can resist him and he will flee!

A song for you.

Psalm 42:8
By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me -- a prayer to the God of my life.

I remember when my oldest child was a baby. When he was cranky at night I would sing "Mary had a little lamb" and that would instantly make him feel better with a smile.

Had a rough day? Nothing like God's words in a song to calm you down and give you assurance that his hands are holding you and protecting you.

Take a seat please.

Psalm 16:8
I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

I was riding the bus the other day and it was standing room only. Shortly before getting on the bus I was thinking a could do some reading.
But as I entered the door, I almost didn't fit and there was hardly any handlebar to grab. I think of the uncomfortable feeling it was every time the bus changed speed or moved side to side.

This verse tells an opposite story of how God's mighty hand holds us strong and we cannot be shaken. Lots of people go through life like a bus rider with nothing to hold onto. The smallest change of speed or direction gives them that uneasy feeling of insecurity.

The same is for our spiritual ride, you can relax and take a seat on the mighty secure hand of our Lord or you can stand and try to balance yourself without His help.

Take a seat please.

The truth is black and white

1 John 5:12
He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.

Simple and clear, that's the message of the cross. It doesn't have to get all complicated, it's black and white, no gray areas. You are either with him or your not, either you have life or you don't.

Why then is it so easy for the world to blur these absolutes in our lives? While the truth is black and white, the lie seduces us with multi colors and grades where we find ourselves trying to paint our own picture which always ends up as a technicolor mess.

In the Book of James it says "count it all joy when you fall into various trials." In the original greek language the word "various" or "pokilos" (poy-kee'-los) can be translated as "various colors."

So as you see, we are best to stay aligned with the black and white reality of the thruth.

The blood of our solidiers.

Philippians 1:21
To me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

Who do you live for? Who will you die for? This verse makes me think of the thousands of young Americans who are in our military. I'm sure that many of them know this verse well, and they live and die by it.

They submit their lives for their country, "one nation under God." Every time they go out on patrol they go against the grain of self preservation and are willing to be in harms way for a cause much greater than them.

For those of us back in the mother land, we should think about this when we step out of our homes every day. We should think not only how we honor God but how do we make sure the blood of our soldiers is not shed in vein?

The freedom they secure is not freedom to do whatever the hell we want but the freedom to worship God with all our hearts, our minds, our souls and our strength.

Boasting belongs to Him.

2 Corinthians 10:17-18
Let him who boasts boast in the Lord. For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.

How many times do we have to be told? It's not about us! Even when we work really hard to achieve something, it is the Lord who empowers us and he is worthy of your boasting.

But in our world self boasting has become a staple of our daily diet. Day in and day out we scheme for ways to get the recognition we think we need to survive or get ahead in life. And this verse tells us that activities like that wont get us anywhere.

So look at everything you have accomplished in your life and realize that as Paul said, while we were yet sinners he gave his life for us. Therefore boasting belongs to Him.

Got empty?

2 Corinthians 7:1
Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out reverence for God.

If you were promised pure drinkable water would extend out a dirty glass? Of course not! You would clean your glass before someone started to pour the water in it.

What about when you want God to pour the Holy Spirit in you? Do you offer him a clean glass? Or have you even thought about it this way? I think this is what this verse is talking about.

It's like the woman in the old testament story where she received the miracle of vessels full of oil. Enough to pay all her debts and give enough to live her life. Her miracle relied on her ability to have EMPTY vessels.

We are often looking for a miracle ourselves but how often are we so full of the world's junk we leave no room for God's miracles? It's about time we ask ourselves a simple question.

Got empty?

OK Lord, less of me, more of you.

Romans 14:8
If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.

It's pretty clear, it's all about denying yourself, taking up your cross and following Him. But the world wants you to do the exact opposite. We are in a world that celebrates selfish ambition. We live in a world that teaches self preservation and indulgence as our primary need.

This is why Jesus confronted the rich young ruler. He didn't tell him to sell everything he owned because owning things is evil. He said it because he knew the young man's heart and he knew that the he was not willing to die to the Lord and give himself up.

Jesus doesn't come to our door every day telling us to sell everything we have. Instead he knocks to get into our hearts, souls and mind. When we reach the point when we can say, "OK Lord, less of me and more of you" that's when we find ourselves knowing that we belong to the Lord which comes with great benefit.

I love Matthew 5:5 "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth." but the message version really brings it to light:

You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less.
That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be
bought.

Is He welcomed at your dinner table?

Revelation 3:14,20
To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.

It's important to consider the context of this verse. This is addressed to "saved" people in a church that's was neither hot nor cold. Meaning, they were people that had become lackadaisical in their faith. These were the people that Jesus said if they did not change, he would spit them out!

Given that info, then we know this message is for believers. Not to say it is not applicable to unbelievers but i believe it is specifically addressed to those who say "I believe in Him."

So Jesus comes in to our hearts when we accept him, but the way I look at this verse gives me some impression that we can actually kick him out. Now He is faithful and begins to knock on our door immediately, wanting to get back in and have fellowship with us. But the people of the Church of Laodicea prove that our free will can actually limit God's access to us.

Our disobedience and willful rejection of God drowns the steady knocking at the door. While he is faithful and will continue to knock, it is really up to us to quiet the rumblings of chaos so that we can hear His yearning to come back in. t is up to us to hear, open the door and let him to eat at our table.

Consider your life right now, is He welcomed at your dinner table?

The Cross holds you together.

Ephesians 2:10
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Most of us are amazed when we find ourselves out in a remote area and we look at the night sky on a clear moonless night. Millions of brilliant stars, the occasional shooting star and the milky way are such great examples of God's workmanship.

But how about the human body? Some sources say we have up to 100 trillion cells in our bodies! These cells are constantly reproducing and replacing themselves. Our bodies are a highly advanced a self contained fuel processing machine that not even the smartest most well funded scientists can get anywhere close to reproducing!

Just think about the careful engineering and workmanship he endeavoured into to create the marvel of our own inner universe. And one of the most interesting things about this workmanship is what holds everything together. Think about it!!! 100 trillion cells! What is the glue that protects us from just melting into a puddle of biological goo?

Ever heard of Laminin protein? See what it look likes:

The Cross holds you together! Praise God!

To obey is better than sacrifice.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.

In my opinion, this is one of the greatest verses to memorize if you need the Holy Spirit's help with honoring God with your obedience. Think about it, just memorize the first sentence and repeat it to yourself every time you begin to light up a cigarette. Not a smoker? Repeat it when you are about to stuff that third Krispy Kreme donut in your face. Think of whatever challenges your free will and say this verse first and you will find that the Holy Spirit will assert himself and help you honor God.

King Saul lost his place as king because he was always looking for a way to offer a sacrifice to God that would make him look good. Samuel set the record straight by telling him, "To obey is better than sacrifice" 1 Samuel 15:22

So forget all those failed resolutions and promises to give up things and just fix your mind on the word that can help you. When tempted, just pray: "Thank you Lord that you have made my body a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in me, whom I have received from you my father in Heaven through you son Jesus Christ."

A great reason to rejoice!

Psalm 119:14
I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.

This verse makes me think of the countless people who turn out worse off after winning the lottery. They come to great riches yet they fail to recognize the responsibility behind it and soon find themselves completely bankrupt.

We know that God's grace is unending and that our salvation is secured when believe in Jesus in our hearts and confess that he is our Lord. But once we receive such saving gift what do we do with the riches in glory?

If we have a get-out-of-jail card attitude then our spiritual bank dwindles and we would soon be bankrupt just like many lottery winners. But as we follow his ways, and we have a zeal for his righteousness, our joy will surpass any natural riches which are temporary and we will be continually filled with the glory of God which is a great reason to rejoice!

He is always with me.

Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

The real question is what do we consider to be our trouble? We may think we are in trouble but relatively, it might not be so much trouble. Or what we might think as trouble could be keeping you from real trouble.

I remember one day in the seventies when my mom was in the Dominican Republic. She was coming home but missed her plane. I was troubled because I missed her but she told me that she would be home the next day. She was so late she didn't even go to the airport.

Little did I know that her flight was doomed minutes later. The plane crash landed in the shark infested ocean and there were no survivors.

Today, I write this frustated because God won't help me with my trouble! You see, I have the flu and for the last three days, I've felt miserable.

Then I think, what if he is keeping me from much bigger trouble. Maybe I don't need to be on the road today!

So this is a good time to remember, he is always with me, no mater what!

You ARE special to Him!

Luke 12:6-7
Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

The context of today's verse is not just Jesus telling us how special we are to God. He is giving us this verse as a word to remember that when we suffer while doing the work of the Father, he is there for us.

It goes right along with the words given to God's people in the wilderness: "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." Deuteronomy 31:8

In Matthew 6:26 Jesus also said "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?"

So remember, in a moment of despair, when you think all odds are stacked against you, he accounts for every single hair on your head and he will not forsake you. You ARE special to Him! He WILL empower you to do His work, just follow His guidance.