Time Marches On

"When the Lord Almighty makes a plan, no one can stop it. When the Lord raises his hand to punish people, no one can stop it." Isaiah 14:27

A subject that seems to be on the rise is end times. Books and movies are not ceasing to be written and produced to depict how the world will come to an end. Everyone wants to claim to know how the future will unfold or unravel to its demise! If only they would look into the book of Revelation, would they discover that our Almighty God has everything set into motion. And as a matter of fact, He knew how this would end at the time of creation.

My husband referenced in one of his sermons about time. It helped me to view time in a new and simple way. Time is marching like a parade. God sees it all taking place from a bird's eye view. Just imagine a helicopter over the Macy's parade. The pilot can see the front of the parade all the way to the back.

So, looking at time in this manner allows us to know that God has foresight of what's ahead of us. I'm sure if we could see what He sees, our lives wouldn't be filled with so much carnality. We may actually have an unction to share the Word. To lead the lost onto a new path away from the destruction that lies ahead.

If you feel that you are headed down the wrong pathway of life, today's the day to make a change. Invite Jesus to become your Savior and Lord today. If you are at a loss for words, allow me to lead you...

Jesus,
I no longer want to be dependent upon my own strength and wisdom, but I want to fully rely upon you. I invite you into my heart and life. I accept the blood that you shed for me on Calvary for the remission of my sins. Let your blood cleanse me and make me whole. Help me to live for you everyday and to share your love.
In Jesus name,
AMEN

Believing that you have been saved, share your testimony with someone. It's only through the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony that we are saved.

Black & White

"What sorrow for those who say that evil is good and good is evil,
that dark is light and light is dark, that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter."

Isaiah 5: 20 (NLT)

For whatever reason, when I read the above verse, I thought about "Black and White", a song recorded in the '70's by Three Dog Night. "The ink is black, the page is white, together we learn to read and write. . . " The main theme of the song talks about black and white culture uniting in harmony. But, I don't think that is why I made a connection.

When we hear someone say, "That is black and white to me", or "That is just as clear as the nose on my face", a statement has been made that should be very clear. No questions asked. It's either right or it's either wrong. However, in this verse, there seems to be controversy because what should seem very obvious has been turned around to be the opposite.

There are things in our society today that are not what they once were. Abortion once was illegal---now, it's a woman's choice. You used to need "just cause" for a divorce---now, you just need to have "irreconcilable differences". Christian values that were once upheld are now being "held down" because we might offend someone. It's like looking through "rose-colored glasses"---things will appear in a better light than they really are. "When we make excuses for our actions, we break down the distinction between right and wrong.  If God's Word is not being taken as the standard, then moral choices will appear fuzzy." (Life Application Bible).  Allow  God's love to be definitive in your life---no more grey areas! 

Clean Hands & A Pure Heart

13-17"Quit your worship charades.
I can't stand your trivial religious games:
Monthly conferences, weekly Sabbaths, special meetings—
meetings, meetings, meetings—I can't stand one more!
Meetings for this, meetings for that. I hate them!
You've worn me out!
I'm sick of your religion, religion, religion,
while you go right on sinning.
When you put on your next prayer-performance,
I'll be looking the other way.
No matter how long or loud or often you pray,
I'll not be listening.
And do you know why? Because you've been tearing
people to pieces, and your hands are bloody.
Go home and wash up.
Clean up your act.
Sweep your lives clean of your evildoings
so I don't have to look at them any longer.
Say no to wrong.
Learn to do good.
Work for justice.
Help the down-and-out.
Stand up for the homeless.
Go to bat for the defenseless.
Isaiah 1:13-17 Message Bible

I believe these verses are fairly straight forward, and there are two things that I gain from them. First, it appears to me that God would rather see us perform acts of love all the time than to talk about love in church while hurting people in the world. God doesn't fall for false pretenses. He knows who we are both inside and outside the church doors. He wants us to love Him, to love others, and to show it in our actions.

The second thing that I gain is an understanding that God can choose not to hear our prayers. If we don't have clean hands and pure hearts, we can pray all night long and He may choose not to hear us. I think this would be one of the most important arguments you could have as to why we should seek purity. Without answered prayers, we are at a loss. And without purity, we may not have answered prayers.

Search your heart today. Are you living what you speak? Are you the same person inside the church as you are outside of the church? Do you love people on Sunday and hurt them on Monday? These are tough questions. We are all guilty of failing in this way at some point of time. Ask the Lord today to help you have clean hands and a pure heart.

Isaiah's Vision

¹ In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. ² Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. ³ And they were calling to one another:
"Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty;
the whole earth is full of his glory."

⁴ At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.

⁵ "Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty."

⁶ Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. ⁷ With it he touched my mouth and said, "See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for."

⁸ Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?"
And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"

⁹ He said, "Go and tell this people:
" 'Be ever hearing, but never understanding;
be ever seeing, but never perceiving.'

¹⁰ Make the heart of this people calloused;
make their ears dull
and close their eyes.
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
hear with their ears,
understand with their hearts,
and turn and be healed."

¹¹ Then I said, "For how long, O Lord?"
And he answered:
"Until the cities lie ruined
and without inhabitant,
until the houses are left deserted
and the fields ruined and ravaged...

Isaiah 6:1-11 NIV

In a very turbulent and yet prosperous time for Isaiah's country, the King who had led them into prosperity had died. The people had to feel at a loss because their earthly King had died. Surely, even Isaiah felt at a loss. Yet, when Isaiah saw heaven in his vision, God made sure He saw that there is still a King on the throne, the one true King was on His throne. No matter what is going on in our earthly lives, our King is still on His throne! That's wonderful news!

As soon as Isaiah sees this vision of the King, he instantly feels shame for his own sins. The first thing he says is that his lips are unclean and the lips of everyone he lives with is unclean. The angel then picks up a piece of coal and places it on his lips. After studying this verse, I found an interesting comparison. When you think about hot coal touching your lips on Earth, you would immediately think that it would burn your skin! It would burn the flesh off of your lips and it seems that would make it more difficult to speak. Yet, the truth of the matter is that in spiritual terms, God can never use you if you don't first lose your flesh. Flesh has to be sacrificed in order for God to truly work in you. That's the truth of the matter. Whatever form that flesh is given to God, it has to be completed before God can send you on your destiny.

Finally, God asks who He can send to talk to these stubborn people. Why would God ask such a thing? Obviously, He knows everything. God always asks that question. God will not ever force us to "Go" for Him. God asks if there are any volunteers. He waits for people to be willing to go. Yes, their refusal to go may delay a Kingdom agenda. Or, it may cause one person to miss out on their destiny while it is given to someone else. In the end, God will always accomplish what He set out to do. But, it is up to us to be willing to be used in this plan.

I suppose after being brought to heaven through a vision, having his lips cleansed, and then volunteering to go on a mission for God, then one might think Isaiah would receive some great and grand adventure. Well, in God's terms, it was a great and grand adventure. In our terms, it looks like a very difficult path to follow with little gratitude. God was already set on judgment after having dealt with the rebelliousness of the people for some time. He told Isaiah to go and preach to the people, but he also told him they wouldn't listen. He sent him on a mission where Isaiah's preaching itself would drive the people further away from God. God already knew the ultimate end was that they would perish and only a remnant would remain.

After hearing all of this, Isaiah had to ask God, "How long?" The answer was basically, until it was finished, until the people had perished, until the worst had come.

What can we learn from this part of Isaiah's life?

-No matter what happens in life, God is still on His throne.

- Stubbornness and rebelliousness will always reap judgment. God is a righteous judge.

-We can not truly be used by God without first sacrificing flesh.

- We must be willing to work for God. He will not force us to do so.

-When we accept our assignment, sometimes it will be difficult and painful. Yet, it will be essential to God's plan. Sometimes, all that remains is all that was meant to remain.

My advice today is simply to seek God in prayer and see how these lessons can apply to your own life.

You Want Me to Do WHAT??

"When the Lord first began speaking to Israel through Hosea, he said to him, 'Go and marry a prostitute, so that some of her children will be conceived in prostitution. This will illustrate how Israel has acted like a prostitute by turning against the Lord and worshiping other gods.' " 

(Hosea 1: 2, NLT)

Have you ever prayed, "God, use me"?  Most of us probably have.  Hosea, the prophet, must have prayed such a prayer.  How did God answer that prayer?  God told Hosea to go and marry a prostitute, an adulterous woman.  That doesn't seem like something God would want anyone to do.  But, apparently, God needed someone to carry out  an illustrative message.  And, if that wasn't enough, her name was Gomer.  Hosea must have thought God had a sense of humor! 

As the story continues in Chapter 1, Gomer conceives three children---two sons and a daughter.  As I wrote in yesterday's post, names in Biblical times had a meaning.  God speaks to Hosea each time as to the names of the children.  The first son, Jezreel, signified God breaking Israel's military power in the Jezreel Valley (vs. 4-5).  The daughter, Lo-ruhamah—‘Not loved’—"for I will no longer show love to the people of Israel"  (vs.6).  The second son, Lo-ammi—‘Not my people’— "for Israel is not my people, and I am not their God"  (vs. 8).  Now, the entire family has become a part of this analogy of Israel. 

Hosea must have had a listening ear and a willing heart to hear the voice of God and obeyed.  "God often required extraordinary obedience from his prophets who were facing extraordinary times.  God may ask you to do something difficult and extraordinary, too.  If He does, how will you respond?  Will you obey Him, trusting that He who knows everything has a special purpose for His request?  Will you be able to accept the fact that the pain involved in obedience may benefit those you serve, and not you personally?"  (Life Application Bible)

Not Just Any Name

"For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

(Isaiah 9: 6, NIV)

Sue.  Bill.  Jack.  Jill.  What's in a name?  In Biblical times, a name meant everything.  It represented something.  It stood for who you were.  Jesus was not only "Jesus", but He was referred to by many other names.  If your life is in turmoil, He brings you peace.  If you have nagging questions, He gives you counsel.  If you need a Daddy, He'll be your Father---forever! 

Today's scripture is often heard quoted at Christmas time, but it applies throughout the year.  Whatever your need may be, just call upon the name of the Lord. His name will be that for you! Jesus---name above all names!  Watch the video below as it shares more names with you:

Make Room

"The woman said to her husband, "I know that this is a holy man of God who passes by our house all the time. Let's make a small room on the roof and put a bed in the room for him."  2 Kings 4: 9-10

I can still recall the excitement I had during the months I was preparing for each of my babies to be born. Their rooms were ultimately at the top of the list to be completed before their arrival. We set up their cribs, hung the curtains, arranged their clothes. I wanted to make sure everything was prepared for this soon-to-be bundle of joy! I realized that I was carrying something precious and that it deserved nothing less than the best I could offer.

The Shunammite woman in today's reading realized that someone "precious" was passing by her home everyday. She sensed that the presence of God was on his life, so she wanted to create a space in her home to cultivate the presence of God. In excitement, she went to her husband and talked him into building onto their house.

Our physical body is described in scripture as being a temple. In Romans 12:1, it urges us to "offer our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to the Lord; this is our spiritual act of worship." Just as the Shunammite woman offered her services unto the man of God, let us offer ourselves in service and worship to our God.

Click here to purchase the One Year Chronological Bible

'Plumb' Straight

"Then he showed me another vision. I saw the Lord standing beside a wall that had been built using a plumb line. He was using a plumb line to see if it was still straight. And the Lord said to me, “Amos, what do you see?”  I answered, “A plumb line.”  And the Lord replied, “I will test my people with this plumb line. I will no longer ignore all their sins."    (Amos 7:  7-8, NLT)

Based upon some carpenters' workmanship, I sometimes wonder if they know what a plumb line is used for---lol.  Here is a description I just read:  "A plumb line is a length of string that has a weight tied to one end.  When the string is held up with the weighted end hanging down, gravity ensures that the string is perfectly vertical.  If a structure is 'in line' with the plumb line, it will be sturdy and function well.  If the building's walls are out of line and not straight, they may eventually collapse".

"The same holds true in the spiritual realm.  God's Word is our spiritual plumb line.  Just as we can't argue with the law of gravity, we can't change the spiritual laws revealed in the Bible.  We should measure our life by the plumb line of God's Word.  When things don't measure up, it is important that we admit there is a problem and start rebuilding accordingly.  It may just be that we need to look closely at the measuring devices we are using."  (footnote, Life Recovery Bible)

Cry Out Louder!

14 Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then the LORD God Almighty will be with you, just as you say he is. 15 Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts. Perhaps the LORD God Almighty will have mercy on the remnant of Joseph. Amos 5:14-15

The footnote in my Chronological Bible today labels Amos 5:1-15 as a "Cry Against Injustice." This reminds me of something I saw on a popular TV Show, "Dirty Jobs", in which Mike Rowe protests "Cry Out Louder!" He makes this reference with some satire referring to the many "dirty jobs" he visits on a daily basis. Nevertheless, I can't help but wonder if Christians need to "Cry Out Louder"?

Have we become too comfortable? Have we decided that we cannot change anything? I think it has become too easy in this "land of milk and honey" to leave everyone alone as long as they are not bothering your own house. The way things are going, I believe there will come a day where I doubt any of us will be able to escape the damages done by today's actions. It's easy to believe that in small town, USA we are safe. For now, we are fairly safe. It won't always be that way. Unless we cry out to God in desperate prayer, unless we speak up and stand for what's right, unless we decide to lead the change, our day will come.

In the following verses, Amos speaks on complacency:

Woe to you who are rushing headlong to disaster! Catastrophe is just around the corner!Woe to those who live in luxury and expect everyone else to serve them!Woe to those who live only for today, indifferent to the fate of others!Woe to the playboys, the playgirls, who think life is a party held just for them!Woe to those addicted to feeling good—life without pain! those obsessed with looking good—life without wrinkles!They could not care less about their country going to ruin. Amos 6:3-6 (Message Bible)

What brave man delivered these messages of prophecy to the nation of Israel? Amos was but a shepherd from the small town of Judah. Still, Amos became a voice of change for areas both small and large during his day. Instead of making excuses to God, he simply obeyed and God used him.

Could you be like Amos today? Is God asking you to speak up? Maybe it's time to "Cry Out Louder!"

Father, help us today to make a stand against injustice. Help us to bring change in the most powerful way we can---through prayer. Help us to be a "voice crying out in the wilderness". Even in this small town, show us how to be a forerunner against injustice in our country. Open our eyes and let us awaken to see what is really going on around us. Let us speak and act with wisdom and grace, and yet, with a boldness that can only come from You. We ask that you strategically place us in positions where we can be most effectively used by You. Let our hearts and minds become one, and don't let us be discouraged by our demographics or location. Help us to understand that we are only a vessel---we just have to be willing to be used by You. In Jesus Name- Amen

Election Year

They set up kings without my consent;
they choose princes without my approval.
With their silver and gold
they make idols for themselves
to their own destruction. Hosea 8:4 NIV

It's an Election Year! I have not always been as concerned about politics as I am now. However, this year I have found a deep and strong passion for wanting the right person in political positions. Current events cause me to have concern with the direction we are heading as a country and as a town. I have grown to wonder about the agenda of those who have been placed in positions already.

Have you prayed about your vote? Do you plan to vote at all? In this verse, it proves that God does care who we put in a place of authority. And, He wants to be asked about these decisions. Politics play a large role in the direction of America and even our own town. These decisions will have an impact on our daily lives; some of them in momentous ways.

I sometimes wonder how many people we have allowed to take these roles without asking for God's approval? What consequences have we reaped for these decisions? Do we base our vote on our own personal agenda? Or, do we base it on God's principles?

Perhaps you don't vote at all, feeling as if someone else will make the decision anyway.  It is our Christian duty to play our part in praying for and placing the right person in this role.  We can't possibly know every candidate personally. The very best we can do is to make an attempt to line their political priorities up against the Bible and finally to pray for wisdom. Don't forget that God does know everything about every candidate. We may not understand it, but we can allow Him to guide us to the right decision.

This year, take time to pray about your vote. Then, go and do what is right by placing that vote. We don't want to live in a country where Kings have been set up without God's consent or in a town where princes are chosen without His approval, simply because we didn't do our part.

In the Hands of an Angry God

"Then the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest. He stood before the people and said, "This is what God says: 'Why do you disobey the LORD's commands? You will not prosper. Because you have forsaken the LORD, he has forsaken you.' "     (2 Chronicles 24: 20, NIV)

 It was just this week that I made a statement about God's hand of protection being removed from the United States.  Earthquakes in California.  Oil spill in the Gulf.  National unemployment rate at over 9%.  Natural disasters happening on a regular basis.  How can God continue to bless a nation when, as a whole, we have turned our backs on Him?  Why should He continue to bless us when so many lives are so far from Him?

Things have not really changed over the years.  Things that happened during Biblical times are still happening today.  They may appear to look differently, but "sin is sin", irregardless of whether it occurred back then or if it's happening in 2010.  There were Godly kings; there were evil ones.  People chose to serve God, or they served themselves.  They worshiped Asherah poles and idols; we worship money and power.

The text today finds the people of Judah abandoning God, even though they had been blessed and living in prosperity.  God wants to give them another chance before dispelling judgment, so he speaks through Zechariah.  But, as a result, Zechariah is stoned to death.  We can bring the words of life to those around us, but if they are unwilling to listen, we may feel as though "stones are being thrown" at us.  We, as Christians, must pray on behalf of this nation like never before.  However, justice, instead of blessings, will come if we don't adhere to God's Word.

What Not To Be As a Leader

1 Kings 21:1-29; 1 Kings 22:1-35

In today’s reading, we have a painted picture of the leadership of Ahab and Jezebel. Have you ever wondered why Ahab and Jezebel had to always be so manipulating? The answer is revealed when Ahab goes down to visit Naboth who has a vineyard right next to Ahab’s palace. Because the vineyard was right next to the palace, Ahab wanted that vineyard for himself. So, he tries to persuade Naboth to give him that particular vineyard in exchange for a better vineyard. Naboth declared, “The LORD forbids that I should give the inheritance of my fathers to you!”

Ahab and Jezebel had to manipulate people because they couldn’t move them. They couldn’t move people because they only cared for themselves and set out with selfish motives in order to build their own kingdom. They would use people just to get ahead, at any cost. When they didn’t get their way, they would pout and complain. Just as Ahab did when Naboth refused his offer, "he went home, lying on the bed, complaining and refusing to eat" (1Kings 21:4). This is what not to be as a leader!

We are the body of Christ, and if you are saved by the grace of Jesus Christ, you have an anointing. With an anointing, you are a leader in some form, whether you realize it or not. Therefore, we must be leaders who have charisma; leaders who think about the concerns of others before thinking of themselves. God has already planted charisma in us all, so as a leader, you must be willing to pour it out on others. After all, it’s all about the love of Jesus Christ. What is love? Love is putting others before yourself.

How Great!

Praise the Lord O my soul. O Lord my God you are very great! You are clothed with splendor and majesty. He wraps himself in light as with a garment; he stretches out the heavens like a tent."   Psalm 104:1-2

I love it when I am reading the book of Psalms and run across familiar lyrics, such as Psalm 104:1-2. If you have ever heard of the worship song, "How Great is our God", you will know that these verses were used as the lyrics. It makes me wonder how David's melodies differ from the melodies that we use today when we incorporate Psalms into our modern songs.

I feel that it is difficult to share with you today the greatness and splendor of God with my own words. My words would pale in comparison to His greatness!  But, I do want to share this worship video with you. Take a few moments to reflect on the sovereignty of our God.

How Great is Our God Video

When Little is Much

"Elisha said, 'I wonder how I can be of help. Tell me, what do you have in your house?' 'Nothing,' she said. 'Well, I do have a little oil'." (2 Kings 4: 2, The Message)

A widow approaches Elisha, the prophet, and tells him that her husband has died, leaving her with some unpaid debts. Now, the creditor is on the way to collect. Elisha tells her to take her two sons, go to the neighbors and collect all the jugs and bowls they could find. Take them home and fill each container with the oil. They filled everything until there were no more jugs available. Then Elisha says, "Go sell the oil and make good on your debts. Live, both you and your sons, on what's left." (vs. 7)

Sometimes, we are like that widow. We look at what we have, and our first response is "Nothing". Then, we look again, and we do realize we have something, but it doesn't seem like much. It may be money, possessions or talents. And, we start telling our self that God surely wouldn't want that---it's such a small amount. But, God does want it! Big or small, it's important to Him, when it's given in faith, and it's all we have. He can take something small, and bless it many times over. Out of our lack, God supplies the greatest. So much so, that it's full to overflowing!

God, take what I have, however small it may be, and bless it abundantly to supply for my needs, and to be able to bless those around me. Amen!

King of Kings

My readings today go between 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles. Sometimes I like to read what comes next, and I seem to notice a pattern here. Page upon page, chapter upon chapter, I see a history of Kings and leaders. Some were good, some were not. Each were important enough to be included in the holiest of books, but each had their own flaws. Each had a part in the plan, way upon way, decision upon decision. Each left their mark on the world they lived in. Because they were in charge of matters, in charge of people, each of them had an effect on those around them. Like a domino, each choice fell upon the life of another and each action created a reaction in one form or the other.

It reads much like an American History book, citing the effects of each American President. Just like those in Biblical times, each one has had their place in the plan. Each has had their own flaws; each has left their mark on the world they lived in.

Today, I hear much talk on the news about our current President and the other world leaders. It doesn't matter so much if I think he is making good choices. It doesn't even matter if the other leaders think he is making good choices. Whatever choice he makes is going to have an effect. Like a domino, each action will create a reaction.

This seems disheartening to me, seemingly as if this merry-go-round of choices will either help or harm, but will never truly heal. The truth of the matter is, if we relied on the leaders of our own world, disheartened is the best emotion we could hope for.

But wait, there is a living King of Kings, and to this day, He still reigns. We can find ourselves thankful that, regardless of what our worldly leaders are doing, our true King made the ultimate decision long ago. Long ago, on a rugged cross, our King made the choice to bear something He did not deserve, just to save us. And one day, our King of Kings will make His appearance again. Perhaps, one day soon. When that day comes, every worldly government and structure that we have put our faith into will crumble before our eyes. On that day, the day the dominoes fall for the final time, the day that each action produces a final reaction, every single person, rich or poor, will know there is but one true King.

Glory to the King of Kings! Through You only, do we find true peace, true healing, true destiny, true wisdom, true Life!

Come Back America

But there's also this, it's not too late— God's personal Message!—"Come back to me and really mean it! Come fasting and weeping, sorry for your sins!"
13-14Change your life, not just your clothes. Come back to God, your God.And here's why: God is kind and merciful. He takes a deep breath, puts up with a lot,This most patient God, extravagant in love, always ready to cancel catastrophe.Who knows? Maybe he'll do it now, maybe he'll turn around and show pity.Maybe, when all's said and done, there'll be blessings full and robust for your God!
15-17 Blow the ram's horn trumpet in Zion! Declare a day of repentance, a holy fast day.Call a public meeting. Get everyone there. Consecrate the congregation.Make sure the elders come, but bring in the children, too, even the nursing babies,Even men and women on their honeymoon— interrupt them and get them there.Between Sanctuary entrance and altar, let the priests, God's servants, weep tears of repentance.Let them intercede: "Have mercy, God, on your people! Don't abandon your heritage to contempt.Don't let the pagans take over and rule them and sneer, 'And so where is this God of theirs?'"

Joel 2:12-17 Message Bible

Sweet Somethings

"Do you love me because I am beautiful, or am I beautiful because you love me?"- Cinderella

or

"Tinkerbell: You know that place between sleep and awake, the place where you can still remember dreaming? That's where I'll always love you, Peter Pan. That's where I'll be waiting."

Oh, those sweet nothings!  But, what are "sweet nothings"?  An answer found on thiscouldbehuge.com:  "Sweet nothings are the flattering comments made between lovers. They can be thought of as terms of endearment. Sweet nothings are also inessential words of affection that express your positive feelings of love for a person. While sweet nothings are superficial, they do carry a lot of meaning to the person hearing them."  After reading that explanation, with terms like "inessential" and "superficial", would you rather hear a "sweet nothing" or a "sweet something"?

The prophets of Baal have been killed, and Jezebel has sent a message out to the prophet, Elijah, that he will be killed just like they were.  So, Elijah goes on the run.  We find him hiding out in a cave when God asks Elijah what he was doing there.  Next, came the following from 1 Kings 19: 11-12 (The Message):  "Then he was told, 'Go, stand on the mountain at attention before God. God will pass by.' A hurricane wind ripped through the mountains and shattered the rocks before God, but God wasn't to be found in the wind; after the wind an earthquake, but God wasn't in the earthquake; and after the earthquake fire, but God wasn't in the fire; and after the fire a gentle and quiet whisper."   And, then God spoke in a quiet voice, giving Elijah instructions on what to do next. 

Sometimes we look for God in the big things.  We want to hear a loud, booming voice.  But, often it's in the quiet, still voice that God speaks to us.  Are you listening for God?  Step away from your noisy, busy lifestyle and listen quietly and expectantly for His guidance.  God wants to whisper "sweet somethings" in your ear!

When I Get to Where I'm Going

Ecclesiastes 7:8 "The end of a thing is better than its beginning."

A Minnesota town with a volunteer fire
department has this slogan,
"We'll know where we're going when we get there."

The first chapter of Ecclesiastes focuses on rejoicing on the end of a thing instead of it's beginning. Have you ever heard the phrase, "When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice"? Death, to many, is a sad and dreadful event. But, just a few moments soaking up the wisdom of Eccl. 7 will open your eyes into seeing death as being more precious than the day you were born.

The story about the Minnesota town made me smile when I first read it. But so true! When Christians get to where they are going, they will know it. We know what we are looking for---it is the burning eyes of our Savior longing for His bride!

The Silver Cord

"Remember your Creator in the days of your youth . . . Remember him—before the silver cord is severed, or the golden bowl is broken; before the pitcher is shattered at the spring, or the wheel broken at the well, and the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it."   (Ecclesiastes 12: 1a, 7-8, NIV)

An 18-yr. old student dies in a fatal auto accident one week before graduation.  A 25-yr. old single mother of two dies shortly after being diagnosed with terminal breast cancer.  A 33-yr. old entrepreneur collapses and dies while on his morning jog.  Situations like these and more can be heard of from friends or family, and can be read about in your local newspaper.  And, if this is not enough, young people are taking their lives at an unprecedented rate.  The age of those committing suicide are tumbling into the 10-12 yrs. old adolescents.

Death doesn't have an age criteria.  From the newborn infant to the elderly grandparent, ". . . it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment" (Hebrews 9:27, KJV).  That's why it is important to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ at a young age.  We don't know when our time on this earth will be up.  So many young people think they have "all the time in the world".  But, for some, that is not true. 

God loves each of us, and wants us to accept His gift of salvation through his son, Jesus Christ.  Salvation isn't just for adults.  It isn't just so we can get a "ticket into Heaven".  We were created to worship God, even in the days of our youth.  Consider your life as a precious resource to be used wisely and not squandered away.  Live today as though it could be your last! 

Double Portion

9 When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, "Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?" "Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit," Elisha replied.
10 "You have asked a difficult thing," Elijah said, "yet if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours—otherwise not." 2 Kings 2:9-10

My first intention when I started this blog post was to encourage you to have faith to reach out and ask for your own "double portion". I was going to say, "Go ahead.  Just ask for it." However, further study on the life of Elisha, has sent me another direction for this post. It seems that it would be an injustice to encourage anyone to ask for a "double portion" if they have not first prepared for it.

I think so many times in life, we want to skip to the best parts of the Bible . . and life. We want the reward, but we don't want to offer anything to receive it. Receiving something too soon in our lives could do more damage than good. As Aaron Sharlow says, "Nothing is free in the Kingdom of God. Nothing." Everything has a price. Either we pay the price or Jesus pays it, but somebody has to pay for it. Salvation is a gift paid for on our behalf, but the growth that comes after that requires payment from us.

Before Elisha reached the point in his life where God allowed him to receive the "double portion" anointing, he had to pay a price out of his own life in order to grow. If for no other reason, he had to grow his faith. Miracles such as Elijah's did not occur without great faith. It would be no different for Elisha.

Elisha had to face enemies and defeat them. He had to come face to face with the spirit of Jezebel. He had to learn to fully rely on God in everything he did. He had to learn to serve. He had to sow seeds and plow the field. He endured trials and hardships. And, most of what Elisha learned, he did so walking right next to Elijah. Elijah was his teacher and Elisha willingly served him and learned from him, until God's chosen time to pass on the mantle.

It's easy to want the great and miraculous things of God. These are the exciting parts that fill church pews and put a bounce in a Christian's step. Yet, if we had any idea how great God's power really was, I don't think we would ask for it so lightly. Power in the wrong hands can be devastating. If we want the anointing, we must also want to do the homework.

In conclusion, prepare yourself, study, learn, grow, increase your faith, surrender yourself fully to God, and THEN go ahead and ask for your "double portion."

If you look at it this way, it sheds new light on the phrase, "You're not waiting on God. God's waiting on you." Your blessings are sitting there at their appointed destination and always have been. God's just waiting on you to get there.

Let It Go

^1-3 Joram son of Ahab began his rule over Israel in Samaria in the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah. He was king for twelve years. In God's sight he was a bad king. But he wasn't as bad as his father and mother—to his credit he destroyed the obscene Baal stone that his father had made. But he hung on to the sinful practices of Jeroboam son of Nebat, the ones that had corrupted Israel for so long. He wasn't about to give them up. II Kings 3:1-3 Message Bible

Have you ever felt like Joram? Have you ever said, "But God, I have come a long way. I don't do what they do." Or, have you said, "But God, I don't do what I used to do." Sometimes we hear the Lord asking us to give up something more, to rise to another level and all we want to do is make a list to God of all the things we have already done. Unfortunately, God isn't interested in lists. He knows your spiritual resume already. He only asks for obedience.

The Bible says Joram was better than his mother and father. Since his mother and father were Ahab and Jezebel, this actually wouldn't be hard to do. Still, in God's sight, he was not good because there were things he just wouldn't let go of. There were old sins that he just couldn't seem to part with. It seems as if Joram felt he had done enough.

When a person is a new Christian, the Lord will treat them as the "baby Christian" that they are. He doesn't expect them to change everything in one day. Over time, He will ask more and more from a Christian.

As you seek Him, you will desire to give Him more and more of yourself. This can be a very rewarding and natural progression, if you let it be. Then, there will come a day that He asks for that one thing which you have no desire to part with. That's when people often decide they have done more than the ones before them, more than the other people they know, and it is just too much to give up that "thing."

Is God asking you to let go of something today? Is He trying to raise you to a new level? Ask the Lord to reveal to you the hidden places of your heart. Ask Him to shed light on anything you are holding back from Him. The blessing is always worth the sacrifice, in the end.

"Little Foxes"

"Catch all the foxes, those little foxes, before they ruin the vineyard of love, for the grapevines are blossoming!"   (Song of Solomon 2: 15, NLT)

Sometimes it's not the big problems that give us the most trouble---it's the small irritating ones, or "little foxes".  When small problems add up, a BIG problem is the result.  I enjoy watching Joyce Meyer, and have heard her talk about the small things that her husband, Dave, does that irritates her.  For example, he leaves the light on in the closet, or he won't push his chair back under the table.  Like Joyce says, those things are minor, and even though they may be a pet peeve, she has learned to just turn off the light or push the chair back under, and not become angry with Dave like she once did. 

Here in the Song of Solomon (or Song of Songs), we have a love story unfolding, from courtship to marriage, between King Solomon and a beautiful, peasant woman he met while visiting some royal vineyards.  This book is comprised of seven poems, many of which are quite descriptive.  The lover and the beloved have spoken of their love for one another, and they want anything that could potentially cause problems between them to be removed.

"The 'little foxes'  are an example of the kinds of problems that can disturb or destroy a relationship.  The 'little foxes' or irritations must not be minimized or ignored, but identified that, together, the couple can deal with them."  (footnote, Life Application Bible)

What are your "little foxes?  What is your spouse doing that irritates you?  Be open and honest with another, and don't allow those small irritations to become a great source of friction in your marriage. 

Got Hope?

Proverbs 23: 17-18, “Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord. There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off!"

Being zealous for the Lord is not always easy.  It seems that sometimes we have to take the long way around in order to make right decisions for our lives.  And, in our hearts, we sometimes do envy sinners in such a way, that it will cause us to make unwise decisions.  We like to say, “Well he/she did it this way and they turned out ok?”  But, were they zealous after the Lord, truly searching for the will of God in their lives, being wise and righteous before Him?  Our envy makes us feel like the good people finish last. I am learning that we are not finishing last; we are running a different race!  Racing for the Lord, running after Him, to obtain His presence in our lives!

The Lord wants to give us hope.  For too long, we have walked around full of doubt and confusion.  If we doubt, we are not walking by faith.  And, confusion is just a form of fear.  Remember that the Lord does not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and a sound mind (2Tim 1:7).

My favorite passage of scripture in the Bible, Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the thoughts I have toward you, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you future and a hope!” What a promise! Listen, He has thoughts of peace about you and not evil thoughts. We too often let bad circumstances justify our future. That’s our stinking thinking. He has thoughts of peace.  He doesn’t look at the past. Why? To give you a future and a hope!  Continue to be zealous for the fear of the Lord.  There is a future, and there is hope!  Your hope will not be cut off!

Training Wheels

"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."

(Proverbs 22:6, KJV)

I often hear Christian mothers quote this scripture. She has a wayward son or daughter, and she needs the reassurance, that one day, they will come to know Christ as their Savior, or return back to Him if they have left the path. She knows she has trained her child in the ways of the Lord, but along life's journey, the child made some unwise choices, and they are now far from what was taught to them as a child. The mother needs comfort and hope. She needs to know that God still has His watchful eyes on them, and is wooing their hearts to Him.

Seeds get planted along the way. They may come in the the form of a bedtime story. It may be a Sunday school lesson. The child hears the lessons spoken of in the Bible. He/she knows right from wrong. Parents have a responsibility to train up their children to follow the right path, but when that child becomes an adult, they must release him/her into the Lord's hands. It doesn't mean you stop loving or caring for that child, but now the adult child has some choices to make. They can either adhere to what was taught to them, or go a separate way. Trust the Lord to take care of them.

God, I pray for parents everywhere who are brokenhearted over their wayward children. I pray you give them peace and reassurance that You are watching over them. I pray that their son/daughter will come to know You in a personal way, bringing back to their remembrance the things taught to them when they were younger. Amen!

Rescue Me!

Hot-tempered people must pay the penalty.
If you rescue them once, you will have to do it again.

(Proverbs 19:19, NLT)

Throw out a lifeline! Sometimes, that is what we do. We think we are helping someone by rescuing them from their problems, but in essence, we may only be enabling them or making it worse.

We often hear the term "rescue" in terms of recovery. A loved one is caught up in alcohol or drug addiction. We want to intervene, or rescue---to save them from further harm. The following excerpt is from the Life Recovery Bible. Read what it has to say about rescuing:

"If we rescue friends from their problems once, we will probably rescue them again and again. They will become used to being rescued and will live irresponsibly without suffering the consequences of their behavior. We may even become codependent, addicted to the pattern of avoiding our own needs and gaining a sense of importance by helping others in their need. This harms us and the people who need our help. Though it is painful to do, we must let others feel the effects of their choices. The pain of those experiences may bring them to admit their problems and seek help."

There is nothing wrong with helping a person out in their time of need. But, if it becomes a habit, re-evaluate what is really going on. Don't allow yourself to become part of the problem instead of the solution. The only one who can truly save someone from themselves is Jesus Christ.