Lord, If You Are Willing

Psalm 119:133

Guide my steps by your word, so I will not be overcome by evil.

Psalm 119:133

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

Matthew 8:2

Suddenly, a man with leprosy approached him and knelt before him. "Lord," the man said, "if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean."

I love this man's faith and humility. He had no doubt that Jesus could heal him. He knew that all it needed was for Jesus to want to. I think all too often I approach you, Lord, like a spiritual vending machine. I just pop in a prayer and out comes whatever I want, or so I think. I forget to seek your will. Even Jesus prayed for YOUR will rather than his own.

Luke 22:42

"Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine."

Even when I do pray for your will, too often what I really want is my own. Lord, help me to really and truly, deep down want your will instead of my own.

2 Samuel 22:31

God's way is perfect. All the LORD'S promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.

Building My House on The ROCK

Psalm 119:133

Guide my steps by your word, so I will not be overcome by evil.

Psalm 119:133

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

Matthew 7:24-25

"Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won't collapse because it is built on bedrock"

Jesus, I want to be wise and follow what you teach. I want to build my house on the ROCK that can never be moved.

2 Samuel 22:2-3

The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.

2 Samuel 22:32

For who is God except the LORD? Who but our God is a solid rock?

Jesus, in doing what you taught I find my safety and sanity. Your way is perfect and all your promises prove true. 2 Samuel 22:31

2 Timothy 2:19

But God's truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: "The LORD knows those who are his," and "All who belong to the LORD must turn away from evil."

Isaiah 52:11

Get out! Get out and leave your captivity, where everything you touch is unclean. Get out of there and purify yourselves, you who carry home the sacred objects of the LORD.

I am no longer a captive to my sinful nature! You are calling me to come out of my captivity and purify myself by turning away from evil. I am now one of your sacred objects. Help me to keep myself pure by turning from evil and doing what you instruct in your word.

Lord, I am overwhelmed by how you have spoken to me once again in a fresh way using a verse that has long been familiar to me. You are awesome and mighty and worthy of all praise! You are the ROCK that is higher than I! In Jesus' powerful and mighty Name, amen.

Pearls to Pigs

Psalm 119:133

Guide my steps by your word, so I will not be overcome by evil.

Psalm 119:133

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

Matthew 7:6

"Don't waste what is holy on people who are unholy. Don't throw your pearls to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you."

Lord, here's yet another verse that has always mystified me. It seems to be closely connected with the verses before about judging others. It sounds like giving our "wisdom" to someone else in a judgmental way is akin to throwing our pearls to pigs. Could Jesus have been expressing a bit of sarcasm here?

A double meaning might be that once we have removed the log from our own eye and have clear spiritual sight, we shouldn't waste our efforts trying to share the gospel with people who are not open to hearing it. They will only attack you with arguments and tear down everything you say.

We need to instead be alert and watching for opportunities to share with those who are eager and ready to hear. We need to pray that God will give us those opportunities. We need to live in such a way that unbelievers can tell that we know Jesus so they will know who to come to with their questions.

Acts 4:13 NIV

When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.

How We Should See Money

Psalm 119:133

Guide my steps by your word, so I will not be overcome by evil.

Psalm 119:133

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

Matthew 6:22-23

"Your eye is a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is good, your whole body is filled with light. But when your eye is bad, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is!"

Lord, these verses have always confused me. Would you please help me to understand them?

Why are they here between verses about money?

After looking up the cross-references provided by my Bible: Matthew 20 and Mark 7:22, this seems to be a warning against becoming too focused on money. If we think too much about money, then it will cloud our spiritual vision. Depending on how we see and use money, it will either bring us spiritual sight and health or spiritual blindness and death. You want us to use money to help bring others to you.

1 Timothy 6:17-19

Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.

God's Intentions

Psalm 119:133

Guide my steps by your word, so I will not be overcome by evil.

Psalm 119:133

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

Matthew 5:43-44

"You have heard the law that says, 'Love your neighbor' and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!

Most of us assume that this is a contradiction of the old testament law found in Leviticus 19:18. But if you read it you will find nothing about hating your enemy.

Leviticus 19:18

Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against a fellow Israelite, but love your neighbor as yourself, I am the LORD.

Many of these old testament laws, which were intended to extend mercy, were twisted by human reasoning and tradition. They became instruments of revenge instead. Jesus was bringing us back to the mercy that was intended by the law and at the same time blasting the mindset that would misinterpret these laws for their own purposes.

Lord, help me to discern your true intentions in your word and not rely on the human reasoning and traditions that are so often attached to it, even my own. Your intentions tend toward mercy and grace leading to repentance. Please help mine to be the same. In Jesus Name, amen.

Accurately Handling the Word of Truth

Psalm 119:133

Guide my steps by your word, so I will not be overcome by evil.

Psalm 119:133

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

Matthew 4:5-7

Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, "If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, 'He will order his angels to protect you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won't even hurt your foot on a stone.' " Jesus responded, "The Scriptures also say, 'You must not test the Lord your God.' "

There's that TONE. Satan tends to use a hateful, accusing tone. Jesus NEVER uses that kind of tone. Satan also likes to twist Scripture and use it out of context which is exactly what he did here. That is why it is so important to know the Bible and to look for the whole counsel of God. We can't take isolated verses and apply them without knowing and understanding their context.

The verses satan tried to trick Jesus with are a perfect example:

Psalm 91

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High

will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

This I declare about the Lord:

He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;

He is my God, and I trust him.

For he will rescue you from every trap

and protect you from deadly disease.

He will cover you with his feathers.

He will shelter you with his wings.

His faithful promises are your armor and protection.

Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,

nor the arrow that flies in the day.

Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,

nor the disaster that strikes at midday.

Though a thousand fall at your side,

though ten thousand are dying around you,

these evils will not touch you.

Just open your eyes,

and see how the wicked are punished.

If you make the Lord your refuge,

if you make the Most High your shelter,

no evil will conquer you;

no plague will come near your home.

For he will order his angels

to protect you wherever you go.

They will hold you up with their hands

so you won't even hurt your foot on a stone.

You will trample upon lions and cobras;

you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!

The Lord says, "I will rescue those who love me.

I will protect those who trust in my name.

When they call on me, I will answer;

I will be with them in trouble.

I will rescue and honor them.

I will reward them with a long life

and give them my salvation."

If you were to read just verses 11 & 12 it sounds like a cart blanche to do whatever we want and God will protect us. But reading the whole psalm reveals that it is actually a call to trust God and to rely on him alone as our refuge. Very different from what satan was implying.

Digging even deeper, we realize that this psalm, which could be taken as a promise that Christians will never suffer from disease or trouble, is not such. Verses like 2 Timothy 2:3, 2 Timothy 4:5, Hebrews 2:10, Hebrews 2:18, 1 Peter 1:11, 1 Peter 4:13 and many, many others show use that Christians are called to suffer and even our Savior had to suffer.

Lord, help me to never take your words out of context or misapply them. In Jesus' Name, amen 

2 Timothy 2:15

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.

Hell Is a Real Place

Psalm 119:133

Guide my steps by your word, so I will not be overcome by evil.

Psalm 119:133

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

Matthew 3:11-12

I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am--so much greater that I'm not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, gathering the wheat into his barn but burning the chaff with never ending fire.

John the Baptist was the original fire and brimstone preacher. He warned people to repent or face an eternity of never ending fire. Hell is a very real place.

Revelation 20:14-15

Then death and the grave were thrown into the lake of fire. This lake of fire is the second death. And anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire.

 

Anyone who hasn't had their name recorded in the Book of Life or accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior will  be thrown into the lake of fire at the last Judgement. God doesn't want any humans to suffer this fate.

2 Peter 3:9

The Lord isn't really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.

You entrusted the gospel to us to share with others. This is a grave responsibility which we all too often neglect. People all around us are headed to a Christless eternity in a place of never ending torment. We have the only message that can prevent them from going there. Yet, we are too afraid to open our mouths and tell them. If we could really get a handle on the reality of hell, then we would feel an urgency to share the gospel with everyone.

Lord, please brand an image of hell into my mind and give me an urgency to share the gospel. Please give me opportunities to share and courage to speak. Put your words into my mind as I share. Remind me of all the verses that I am working so hard to memorize, because it's only your words that can draw people to you and guide them to salvation. In Jesus' name, amen.

You Speak Through Even the Stars

Psalm 44:5

Only by your power can we push back our enemies;

only in your name can we trample our foes.

Psalm 44:5

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

Matthew 2:1-2

Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, "Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him."

Lord, you use even the stars to proclaim your message. The magi recognized the message proclaimed there and it caused them to seek out the newborn king of the Jews. It even caused them to want to worship him. It had to be a powerful message to cause magi to want to travel so far to worship a child!

Lord, your message is still powerful! It is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes. (Romans 1:16) May people see you in me and hear your message from me so that they will desire to worship the same person the wise men traveled to worship: Jesus Christ!

Psalm 19:1

The Heavens tell of the glory of God. The skies display his marvelous craftsmanship.

(If you would like to know more about the message of the Star of Bethlehem go to:  www.bethlehemstar.net)

Your Plans Cannot be Ruined

Psalm 44:5

Only by your power can we push back our enemies;

only in your name can we trample our foes.

Psalm 44:5

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

Matthew 1:1 & 3

This is a record of the ancestors of Jesus the Messiah, a descendant of David and of Abraham...Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah (whose mother was Tamar).

This morning Tamar's name jumped out at me from this list. For some reason, I never recognized her here before. She is the one who was given to Judah's son as a wife. He died so she was given to his brother to continue his family line. He didn't want to make children for his brother so God killed him too. Then Judah was afraid to give her to his youngest son. When she realized this, she pretended to be a prostitute and Judah slept with her. Perez was one of the twins who resulted from this one illicit act and became part of Jesus family line.

There are others like Manasseh and Abijah who were were downright evil. Lord, you use all kinds of people to accomplish your purposes. It is comforting to know that even though by human standards it may look like all is lost and we have befuddled your plans beyond repair, your purposes can never be thwarted.

Isaiah 14:27

The LORD of Heaven's Armies has spoken - who can change his plans? When his hand is raised, who can stop him?

Your Healing Power

Psalm 44:5

Only by your power can we push back our enemies;

only in your name can we trample our foes.

Psalm 44:5

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

Luke 6:19

Everyone tried to touch him, because healing power went out from him, and he healed everyone.

Lord, you showed me a new perspective on this today that I've never really thought of. You are the one who created the heavens and the earth. You created the human race and you uniquely designed each one of our bodies. So you are the Great Physician. This I knew.

But what hadn't occurred to me is that Jesus had all that same power and as your child I also have access to it. Not that I can make commands and have you heal everyone and anyone. It's still up to your discretion. But I can make requests, knowing that the power who created the universe is able to do what I ask if it is your will to do it.

This just adds yet another layer to my faith. Please keep adding layer after layer until I'm so wrapped in faith that no doubt can get through. In Jesus' Name, amen.

The Law

Psalm 44:5

Only by your power can we push back our enemies;

only in your name can we trample our foes.

Psalm 44:5

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

Exodus 20:20

"Don't be afraid," Moses answered them, "for God has come to you in this way to test you, and so that your fear of him will keep you from sinning!"

Wow, Lord, you spoke directly to all the Israelites to give them the 10 Commandments/the law. This didn't seem to keep them from sinning for long. It doesn't for me either. But the reason you gave us the law was to point us to Jesus and to show us our need for him.

The law can never keep me from sinning. Only my love for Jesus and gratefulness for what he did for me can do that.

Romans 3:19-20

Obviously, the law applies to those to whom it was given, for its purpose is to keep people from having excuses, and to show that the entire world is guilty before God. For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are.

Good Intentions

Psalm 44:5

Only by your power can we push back our enemies;

only in your name can we trample our foes.

Psalm 44:5

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

Exodus 19:7-8

So Moses returned from the mountain and called together the elders of the people and told them everything the LORD had commanded him. And all the people responded together, "We will do everything the LORD has commanded." So Moses brought the people's answer back to the LORD.

It's much easier to say that we will do everything that the LORD has commanded than it is to actually do it. When life presses in and those other voices urge us do to what our sinful nature wants, it can be all too easy to give in. It's then that I need to turn to you, LORD for help. I need to press on to know you because that is what will equip me to have the strength to turn to you. It will also help me to know the other voices from yours.

Psalm 86:11

Teach me your ways, O LORD, 

that I may live according to your truth!

Grant me purity of heart,

So that I may honor you.

After I published this post, I listened to the message for today from our church. It compliments this post so well that I had to add it here:  Bold Witnesses For Christ

Good Advice

Romans 12:1

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice - the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.

Romans 12:1

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

Exodus 18:24

Moses listened to his father-in-law's advice and followed his suggestions.

Lord, may I always be willing to listen to and follow advice from godly people. Help me to be able to discern the good advice from the bad.

Proverbs 12:26

The godly give good advice to their friends, the wicked lead them astray.

Proverbs 15:22

Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisors bring success.

I'm Being Watched

Psalm 44:5

Only by your power can we push back our enemies;

only in your name can we trample our foes.

Psalm 44:5

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

Exodus 18:10-11

"Praise the LORD," Jethro said, "for he has rescued you from the Egyptians and from Pharaoh. Yes, he has rescued Israel from the powerful hand of Egypt! I know now that the Lord is greater than all other gods, because he rescued his people from the oppression of the proud Egyptians."

Jethro had been watching Moses for 40 years. He saw how God had been humbling and preparing Moses to become the leader of this newly born nation of His special people. Because of this, Jethro was ripe for the good news of God's deliverance. It caused him to worship in spirit and in truth. He basically gave his heart and life to God.

How many unbelievers are watching my life? Am I living in a way that will make them ripe for the Good News of the Gospel? Is my life one that will cause unbelievers to say, "I know now that the Lord is greater than all other gods!"

Lord, I may feel like I'm no one important, but people are watching my life everyday. Help me to lead a life that brings them to YOU! In Jesus Name, amen.

You Test My Faith

Romans 12:1

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice - the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.

Romans 12:1

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

Exodus 17:7

Moses named the place Massah (which means "test") and Meribah (which means "arguing") because the people of Israel argued with Moses and tested the LORD by saying, "Is the LORD here with us or not?"

Lord, in extremely difficult times it's easy to wonder if you are still with us or not. But you are always there, you never leave us. You allow us to go through these times to test us. You want to show us what's in our hearts. You already know what's there but you want us to know too.

James 1:2-4

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

1 Peter 1:6-7

So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold - though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.

Deuteronomy 8:2

Remember how the LORD your God led you through the wilderness for these forty years, humbling you and testing you to prove your character and to find out whether or not you would obey his commands.