Foe, Follower, Friend, Filled

     When we accept the risen Lord, Jesus, He gives us the gift of the Holy Spirit.

And you were included with Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit. Ephesians 1:13a

     The Holy Spirit gives us the power and the strength to live as Christians and what a gift it is!!! Do you remember when Jesus told His disciples they would do even greater things when He was gone? How could that be? It made absolutely no sense to them. In fact, when He spoke of His death and resurrection, they did not understand any of it.

“Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in Me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” John 14:12

At first His disciples did not understand this. Only after He was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about Him and that these things had been done to Him. John 12:16

     Those “greater things” are done through the power of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is freely given as we place our complete trust in Jesus as Lord. Once we are saved believers, the Holy Spirit will never leave us. We can fall away, or keep Jesus at a distance, but the Holy Spirit will keep doing His work in us.

     Let that news give you freedom from doubt today. Fill up with the Spirit. Drink and eat from the Word of God. Fill to overflowing and watch the great things you will do, as we step out into the world with the radiant joy of Jesus.

And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. Acts 13:12

Father,

Fill us with the Holy Spirit. Help us to feel Your deep joy that only comes from You. Fill us with the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22) What a gift to do the works of Jesus.

In His name we pray,

Amen

Foe, Follower, Friend, Filled

     Did you know most of the world’s religions recognize Jesus? Not as Lord, but as a good man. They believe He walked the earth. Many around the world, including the United States will agree. He was a great teacher, a moral man, a life worth following. He can be our friend.

     Be careful of the New Age teachings that are combining the religions of the world. Jesus told us about a time like this, in the last days, where there will become a one-world religion and a one-world government. Things are beginning to fall into place.

     Jesus did walk the earth as a man. He was a good man, the only perfect man. The Son of God. And yes, He is our friend. Remember the Sunday School song, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus?” I still love that song and sing it to our grandson.  Jesus called many followers His friends.

     As our Lord, He is closer than our best friend, closer than our spouse, closer than our family. He is in all and through all and surrounds all. Don’t stop at the man. Jesus. He is the resurrected Lord. He is alive!

He is not here. He is risen, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay. Matthew 28:6

     Come and see! He is risen! Without the suffering on the cross, without His resurrection, we can only see Jesus, the man. But He paid the price for us. He defeated death, and there is simply no other way.

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through Me.” John 14:6

     We can never be strong enough, moral enough, loving enough to measure up to the the man, Jesus. We all need the resurrected Christ to find our way to the Father. Let your belief soar to the heavens. Jesus has the words to eternal life. (John 6:68)

Father,

We thank You for sending Jesus to be the perfect man, for His willingness to face the cross, and for His defeat of death. He is Lord and Savior and there is no other way. Be with us as we stand on the faith.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Foe, Follower, Friend, Filled

     Are you following Jesus? Sometimes we keep Jesus at a safe distance. We believe He exists, but we don’t want to get too close. What if He wants to change us and our ways? What if we don’t fit in anymore? The world will be against us. What does Jesus say to this?

If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated Me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That’s why the world hates you. John 15:18-19

     If you don’t fit in with the crowd, if you are up against persecution, be comforted. Jesus has chosen you! You belong to Him and you will be blessed.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10

     Do you remember the story of the woman who had been bleeding for twelve years? She had been to several doctors, spent all of her money and she was losing hope. Until she began to follow behind Jesus amidst the crowds. She was determined to catch up to Him. Finally, she edged her way closer until she touched the hem of His gown. Jesus immediately turned to her:

But Jesus said, “Someone touched Me. I know that power has gone out from Me. Luke 8:46

     When she caught up to Him and knelt before Him, Jesus blessed her.

Then He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace. Luke 8:48

     Catch up to Jesus and kneel before Him. Have faith. He will heal your soul.

Lord,

If we are keeping a safe distance, bring us closer to You today. Even if the world around us seems to be moving farther and farther from You, we long to be close and touch You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Foe, Follower, Friend, Filled

     Before we know Jesus, we are enemies of God. God cannot look at sin, (Habakkuk 1:13) and as we all know, none of us can claim to have no sin. (1 John 1:10) We were once lost and now we are found. Have you accepted Jesus as Lord? This week we will follow some of the mistaken beliefs about Jesus.

     Many who claim to be Christians are, as Jesus called the Pharisees, (the religious leaders of His day) “white-washed tombs.”  (Matthew 23:27) Jesus recognized their hearts. From the outside, they were doing everything right. They followed the rules. They prayed. They fasted. They gave one-tenth of their income. And yet, Jesus knew the truth.

     Some of us put on our Sunday faces, sit in a pew each week, do good deeds and claim to be Christ-believers, but we are far from Him, following man-made traditions. Jesus quoted this verse from the book of Isaiah:

The Lord says, “These people come near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is based on merely human rules they have been taught.” Isaiah 29:13 (see also Mark 7:6)

      Let’s check our hearts this week. Do we believe Jesus is Lord? Have we turned our lives over to Him in humility and repentance? Our insides will be cleanses forevermore! He died for us.

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9

Therefore, I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:3

Jesus,

Transform our lives as we call you, “Lord.” We want to live by the Holy Spirit. Show us how to pass the true message of the Gospel around the world. You long for everyone to come to You.

Amen

Freedom and Hope

     As we lay our burdens at the cross, giving everything to the One with the answers, we can feel a sense of freedom. We will find freedom from the fear that binds us, freedom from the addictions that hold us in prison, freedom from the sin that holds us captive, freedom from fear of death, freedom from the wounds of our past, freedom to forgive.  The world around us no longer holds us earth-bound. Our residence is heaven-bound. 

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 6:1

     That yoke of Christ we spoke of earlier in the week is a yoke of freedom. Jesus eases our burdens and lessens our loads. The yoke of slavery to the world is what holds us captive.  We are slaves to it without Jesus. Satan likes nothing better than to keep us from our God-given purpose in Christ. He seeks to hold us down, captive to the world. The devil’s schemes fall into three areas of temptation.

For everything in the world-the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life-comes not from the Father, but from the world. 1 John2:16

     What a gift we have in Christ! He offers us hope in every situation, a way out of every temptation, a new life transformed and made new.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has gone. The new is here. 2 Corinthians 5:17

     Made new! Free and saved forever! Christ has the answers to our burdens now and to eternal life, the way to move us through into new life, and hope.

Jesus,

Thank You for the gift of freedom from the world. You have already set us in the heavenly places, our true home. Use us through our temporary lives and keep us standing firm in the freedom You offer.

Amen

Carrying Burdens/Hope

     The God of hope is available. Hopelessness is all around us. Suicide rates are up all over the world. Drug overdoses have become an epidemic in our country as we look for ways to alleviate pain, anxiety and fear. Medications are necessary and worldly help is necessary in the form of counselors and rehabilitation facilities. The hope available from God may be the most necessary of all.

     Teen Challenge is a Christian drug and alcohol rehabilitation program. Their success rate is much higher than most. Christ is in the center of all they do. The testimonies of former patients move the heart. Lifting ourselves up to Jesus and giving ourselves to Him completely can be the beginning of a truly transformed life, a life of hope, a life of freedom.

     Many of these addicts choose to help others with the love of Christ. The following verses speak of the amazing blessings we have to offer when we are first given compassion and hope from God.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5

     Each one of us will suffer through trials and tribulations in our lives. Each story is unique and Jesus will not let one of our stories go to waste. He uses our experiences for good and for His glory. We are able to speak into the lives of others. Pass it on. Play it forward. Pray for hope. Provide comfort and compassion.

Father,

Thank You for giving us compassion and comfort through the trials of life. Bring hope to the hopeless, life to those who have lost their way, and use us to do Your will.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Carrying Burdens/Time

     Getting involved in the lives of others takes time and sacrificial love. Our culture tells us to be independent. We can do it all on our own. We can be anything, do anything. We are strong and able.

     Life does not always go according to our plans. We need humble hearts to be used by God in the lives of others. Tom lived in our neighborhood. He was born into a dysfunctional and troubled family. His daily bike rides through the parking lot of our church led him to our ministering angel on campus, our maintenance guy, Denny. Denny took Tom under his wing.

     Chatting with him for long periods of time brought out the best in young Tom. Soon, at a very young age, he began attending church. The pastors, the kids and other parents grew to love this very special child.

     His faith grew in Christ and his faith grew in humanity. He would grow into a handsome, hard-working young man, now a husband and a father of two girls. I had the privilege of connecting with him at Denny’s funeral and he was moved to tears as he spoke lovingly about this mentor, this man going out of his way to give hope to a child.

     What a beautiful story. Tom took hold of the faith through others able and willing to share his burdens, to offer hope and love in a fragile and sometimes frightening world.

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. John 15:12

And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifice, God is pleased. Hebrews 13:16

Jesus,

You command us to love one another as You have loved us. Only with Your Holy Spirit, can we move into the lives of others. Show us how and when to bring hope, Your eternal hope to others.

Amen

Carrying Burdens/Prayer

     Never underestimate the power of prayer in alleviating burdens. Prayer moves the hands that move the world. Giving everything to Jesus in prayer brings us a sense of relief and peace. Jesus loves it when we communicate with Him and ask Him to intercede in our lives and in the lives of others. Lift it all up in prayer, even before stepping out to help.

     The Holy Spirit will begin His work in the lives of those for whom we pray. About fifteen years ago, the inside of our home was destroyed by the smoke from a fire in our lower level. It was devastating. We lost many of our material possessions and were out of our home for 7 months as it was rebuilt.

     Our daughters were young teenagers at the time. You can try to imagine starting over with new clothes, of rebuilding our house from bare studs and the impossibility of going through the inventory of all we lost in order to give long, endless lists to our insurance company. Each item brought a fresh sense of grief and loss.

     Our pastors came by as we sat at our neighbors home immediately after the firefighters left, and one of them stood in our smoke-filled home with our family and prayed. Our church family prayed as well as our friends, each spreading the word. We had church communities all over the country praying for us. The fellowship of believers moves mountains.

     I physically, emotionally and spiritually felt the power of those prayers. I had not, and have not since that time, experienced anything quite like it. Strength was poured into me and the overwhelming sense of love was felt by all of us.

     When sharing the burdens of others, pray. Pray first, pray last and pray consistently. God’s hand is available to do His work. Pray at all times, in every situation.

Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. Do that and stay alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints. Ephesians 6:18

     Our Father in heaven is there, ready to give us peace in the midst of the storm.

Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and He delivered them from their distress. He made the storm be still and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad that the waters were quiet and He brought them to their desired haven. Psalm 107:28-30

     Ask for prayer. Pray for yourselves, your family, your friends and for all who are burdened. Believe He will calm the storm, lifting your burdens as He carries you out. Pray!

Pray continually. 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Father,

The power of our prayers is real. You stand ready to listen and to work. Remind us to pray continually as we share in the burdens of life.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Burdens and Loads

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

For each one should carry their own load. Galatians 6:5

     The verses above may appear to be contradictory, but as we take a closer look at the Bible, they do make sense. How do we carry our own load and carry each other’s burdens In God’s view, we are to take responsibility for our lives, to take care of ourselves as much as possible, to be mature, living with honor and integrity.

     But the law of Christ asks us to share the burdens of life with each other. Throughout our lifetimes, we will be burdened over and beyond what we can handle. We may be burdened with grief, burdened with worry, burdened with care-giving, burdened with fear, burdened with a health crisis. We are called to share those burdens. Christ gives us this example.

Come to Me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11;28-29

     A yoke was placed over the necks of two oxen in the days of Jesus, which would allow them to share the work. Jesus shares in our burdens and gives us rest for our souls. We are to follow his example of sharing the burdens of others.

     Ask for help when you need it. Give care when given the opportunity. The burdens of life may be lessened, as we share in the tough times of life.

Lord,

Your example teaches us to share our burdens. Teach us how to be responsible for ourselves, how to share life with others, and how to ask for help when our burdens become too heavy to carry alone. Keep us humble and gentle in heart as we move out into the world today.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Finding The Ways and The Will of God

Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ to whom be glory forever and ever. Hebrews 13:20-21

     As we take apart the verses above, there are precious words for us, words to consider as we walk out the door day by day. Our God is a God of peace. He will calm our nerves, take away our anxious thoughts, as we learn to trust Him.

     God raised Jesus from the dead and that very power of the Holy spirit now lives within us as believers. He equips us with everything we need. I love the reminder stated in the last part of the verse. HE works it out in us. Relax into those words and let Him take over. Continue to receive His love, His Word, His guidance and He will work out what is pleasing to Him. Let the glory belong to Him for everything good.

Jesus,

Teach us Your ways. Work in us what is pleasing to You. Guide us away from the patterns of this world. Help us to rise above it all as we focus our sights on You. Wrap your loving arms of peace around us.

Amen

    

Finding The Ways and The Will of God

     The world is moving so fast with new technology offering us 24/7 connections to media, to friends, to music, and television. We take the world with us wherever we go. We are beginning to hear about the damage to very young children as their brains are moving quickly from one screen to the next. There is no time for reflection, for imagination, for creativity.

     The Bible reminds us not to be conformed to this world. We are to be in the world, but not of the world. Not so easy these days. Finding time to read the Bible, to sit down and pray to our Lord and to ask for His ways, will give us peace and joy in a chaotic world. This next verse is a good one to keep close to our hearts as we maneuver the world swirling around us.

Do not conform 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. Romans 12:2

     The only way to renew our minds is to follow God’s ways and His words. Be transformed. Test all things and find God’s perfect, pleasing and good will. I want that above all else. How about you?

Lord,

You know the days in which we live. Give us quiet moments with You. Show us Your perfect ways. Renew our minds to be like Jesus.

Amen

Finding The Ways and The Will of God

Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise, but as wise making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.  Ephesians 5:15-17

     Wisdom is mentioned over and over again throughout the Bible. Many verses in the book of Proverbs have to do with Godly wisdom vs. foolishness. Be very careful how you live. What does that mean? The only way to understand is to know the word, and to understand how God cares about the kind of people we are, more than what we do.

     Let Godly wisdom guide you as you make decisions against the ways of the world. Stay true to God’s word. Our God is pure and holy and He desires us to represent Him wherever we are and whatever we do.

     Be wise. The days are evil. Walk in the Word. Be careful. Ask Him for Godly wisdom and allow His word to light your path.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105

Father,

Thank You for Your word. It gives us what we need to live and shines light on the way we should go. It is alive and active. It delights the soul. It gives us You. Allow the Holy Spirit to teach us as we read and study and take action with the wisdom that comes from You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Finding the Ways and the Will of God

     God’s will, His desire is that every single human being would recognize and know the Son. Listen to the words of Christ.

“For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life and I will raise them up on the last day.” John 6:40

     God’s will is for everyone who believes in the Son to have eternal life. What a gift! God’s will is always pleasing and perfect for each of us.

    God loves all of us. Pray for those you love, for your friends and family, for your neighbors and for your enemies to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus and His gift of eternal life. It is God’s will. He will provide the opportunities. His Holy Spirit will shine through you as you light up the world around you.

In the same way let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:15

Father,

We thank You for Your gift to the whole world. We know You yearn for everyone to believe in the risen Christ. We pray for the unbelievers. Shine through us today

In Jesus name,

Amen

Finding the Ways and the Will of God

     What is God’s will for us? Is it specific? Is He the one to pick out our spouse, our house, our jobs? The Bible does not give us the answers to those questions. But the Bible does give us parameters to follow, what is right and what is wrong in His sight.

     God wants only the best for us. The Holy Spirit of God living within us will assist us in teaching us God’s Word and in making us more and more into the image of Christ. There is really nothing about a very specific and detailed plan laid out for each one of us. We live by God’s rule book and make our own choices!

     Of course, along the way, we will make both good and bad choices. We are human, after all. But, looking back, I see how God uses even my poor choices and weaves them together with the good to fulfill His will. Wow!

     Here are specific verses about the will of God that pertain to all of His children. We can incorporate them into our daily lives.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

     We can rejoice that we know Jesus, we can acknowledge His presence around and within us by praying to Him all day long and we can give thanks to Him no matter what. After all, He died for us and He will get us through it all. His perfect will guides us home.

Lord,

We have the freedom to give our lives to You. You work out the good and the bad and somehow, through Your miraculous Holy Spirit, You sanctify us more and more into Your image. We rejoice in You, we pray to You and we give thanks everyday in all things. Let Your will be done.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Possibilities

     Is is possible to be still? To find peace? To build trust in our God? To finally and forever find our souls at rest in Him and His protective arms? It is when we know Him. Over years of relationship with Jesus, miracles begin to take place.

     The Holy Spirit will take our hand and lead the way. Our lives can be lived in response, and in obedience to His call. Our footsteps can be taken on solid ground and a direct path. The path will eventually lead right to heaven.

     Be confident in Jesus and His Spirit that lives within each and every believer. He is willing and able to take the reins of our lives. Turn to Him as you wake each morning and ask for His guidance, for His words, for His peace to be upon you throughout the day.

     As our constant companion, we can lose fear and worry. When the tough times return, we know He never sleeps. His promises are eternal and they are for our lives right now.

     Our lives are in His capable hands. Living in step with Jesus brings about great blessings and our greatest desire will be to please Him, rather than ourselves and others. All of His promises are true His Word is truth and He will continually sanctify us, moving us closer and closer to Him.

Now O Lord God, You are God and Your words are truth and You have promised this good thing to Your servant. 2 Samuel 7:28

Sanctify them in the truth. Your word is truth. John 17:17

     Listen for His voice. Hear His promises. Let Him take the lead and you will be filled.

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:25

Lord,

Keep us in step with You throughout the days ahead. Don’t let us get too far ahead, or too far behind Your lead. Your promises are true and we trust You. We trust Your protection, Your presence and Your promise of peace. Fill our thoughts with You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Peace

     Are you finding rest this week? Listening to the truth of who God is, His ability to protect us from harm, His willingness to fight our battles and to help us be calm, allows us to find peace.

     Finding that peace does not come naturally to our pride-filled, independent, busy selves, does it? Some vital verses written by Paul to the city of Philippi can help us with the means to find that peace. These are great verses to memorize and take out again and again, as a reminder when we are anxious.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your needs known to God, and the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

    God’s formula for us!

·       Don’t worry

·       Thank Him as you bring your needs to Him. He is already working!

·       Tell Him everything

·       He will give us peace that passes understanding.

     After the verses above, Paul lets us in on another spiritual secret. When we fill our minds with what God sees as good, we can keep our minds from the evils of the world. What should we think about each day?

Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Philippians 4:8

     All of these attributes describe our Jesus. He is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, praiseworthy, excellent. Think on that. Think about Jesus. Fill your thoughts with Him and He will bring peace.

Father,

What a difference between the thoughts of God and of man. We are deluged with all of the things God hates. The world around us is filled with greed, pride, immorality, filthy language, disrespect and irresponsibility. Teach us to focus our thoughts on what is lovely and pure. It is Jesus.

Amen

Stillness

     In a busy world, we often find it difficult, if not impossible to find stillness, as we move, as we work, as we plan, as we plug in, as we fill schedules, as we care for our families, as we perform household chores. Life moves along as God calls us to be still

     Knowing Him takes time. Learning to trust Him takes experience. Finding intimacy takes stillness. Even when we are in the midst of something frightening, we can be still and watch Him work.

The Lord will fight for you. You need only to be still. Exodus 14:14

     Are you waiting and watching for answers to prayer? God asks us, once again, to be still.

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Hm. Psalm 37:7a

     To understand just who He is, we are asked to be still.

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10a

     God is in control. If you are in the midst of a storm, remember, Jesus can calm the waves. He gives us peace.

He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. Mark 4:19

     Be still. Know that He is God. Let Him calm the storms within your spirit. Let Him fight the battle that is raging around you. Be still and wait patiently. When we know Him and His ways, we can rest.

Lord,

Your promises sooth our weary souls. We trust You to handle it all. Being still before You brings us calm.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Protection

     As we learn to trust our God in every situation, we can seek refuge in Him. He is our protector. Caring for our grandson reminds me of his need for protection. He relies on his parents and those who love him to feed him, to change him, to understand when he needs sleep. We are there as he sleeps and as he rises, ready to nurture, to love, to comfort, to sustain him through his days.

     What a privilege to watch him grow, to celebrate with him as he learns, to see his spirit, his brain, his body all growing day-by-day. Yet, even this deep love pales in comparison to the love our Father in heaven has for us.

     He, too, loves to nurture us, to protect us, to watch over us from morning ‘til night. He never sleeps. He is available to His children. Count on Him, just as Gavin counts on others to care for him. We pray he always feels safe and secure, knowing he has so many people surrounding him with deep love. And best of all, he has a heavenly Father to protect him along the way.

     Psalm 121 is a song of comfort, of the knowledge of our God watching over us, of the deep love and availability of God. The entire Psalm hs 8 verses. Take in these wonderful words of Scripture as we praise our protector.

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. He will not let your foot slip-He who watches over you will not slumber. Indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you-the Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun will not harm you by day nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm-He will watch over your life. The Lord will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore. Psalm 121

     He is watching over you, whether you rise or whether you sleep, both now and forevermore. Such promises allow us to feel protected, secure and loved. Your heavenly Father loves you.

Lord,

We come to You today knowing you will protect us. You watch over us and give us all we need. Teach us to love with that same sacrificial love as we care for one another.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Trust

      God loves it when we reach out to Him. Whether we are busy, or struggling, dealing with pain, or just getting through our ordinary days, He longs to be a part of it, all of it We end up worrying, fretting, moving through the days, trying to figure everything out all on our own.

     He is there. We just need to ask. It can be a simple prayer on the way to work, “God I can’t see the way. Help me,” or “Jesus, give me peace right in this situation,” or, “Give me the right words.”

     As we release our burdens to Him, and ask for His guidance, we CAN trust Him to work. He is working ahead of us, making a plan, finding people, finding answers, getting us through the pain with His love and His word, giving comfort and compassion.

     When the dark clouds are hovering nearby, seek His light and His hope beyond it all. His light WILL reappear, often in the most unexpected ways. His love will wash away any fear because He has conquered everything for us and He understands.

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are, yet He did not sin. Hebrews 4:15

     The one and only sinless man, tempted in every way, the one who suffered all of those temptations, the trials, the horrors of evil on His very own shoulders for you and me. He gets it. He is above all else and He can and will figure it all out, all of it, because He understands.Trust Him.

Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:8

Surely God is my salvation. I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord Himself is my strength and my defense. He has become my salvation. Isaiah 12:2

Father,

Give us the ability to trust You with every fiber of our being, no matter what. Even when we can’t see the road ahead, we look to You as You make a new way for us.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Testimonies/You!

     There are as many stories as there are believers. Each story is precious to Jesus. He continually searches the earth for anyone ready to hear His voice, to accept His gift, to be His forever.

     God sees the heart. Some of us met Him as young children and have remained close throughout lives. Some of us met Him after struggling with abuse or addiction or abandonment. Still others of us hear a message at church one day that touches us in a way we have never experienced and we see Jesus clearly for the first time and give our lives to Him.

     The humble need for a Savior is our common bond. The realization we don’t want to move through this life one minute longer without His presence, without His love, without our eternity being secure.

     I pray you have a testimony about Jesus. If you are a believer, you do! Our intimate and personal stories of a loving Savior can change lives. Our hope is tangible, our joy undeniable, our peace amidst chaos to be sought. Prasie Him without shame. Speak His name with confidence. Share His love with honor.

     He is worthy. He is the Savior of the world. His name is above all else.

My mouth will speak in praise of the Lord. Let every creature praise His holy name forever and ever. Psalm 145:21

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12

Therefore, God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name. Philippians 4:12

Lord,

We pray for people to hear about You. Let us find opportunities to speak Your name, the name above all names, the name of Jesus with others, to save souls while there is time. We love You.

Amen