December 3rd-’To Enjoy Not Endure’

Daniel 11:2-35

I John 3:7-24

Psalms 122:1-9

Proverbs 29:1

 

(Psalms 122:1)

I often laugh with others about my early memories in reference to church.  I remember at first waking up under the chairs seeing people dancing and praising God.  This was some 3 hours into the service, they had the preaching and altar call and they were ‘going out with a shout’!  Then as I got older my attention span got much shorter.  I remember hearing my mother clear her throat that meant ‘I’m watching you son, and if you don’t shape up really quick I’ll put you back into place’.  I don’t think that has to be explained, Lol.  But church literally as a child was a spanking morning and night, and if I was really ‘blessed’ one or two during the service….but yet I still grew up with such a love and desire for God’s House.

 

The passion my parents (and others around) held towards God’s House became contagious to others around.  It wasn’t long before I myself was living with the same passion.  I loved to go to church but more than that….I loved to be involved in church.  My philosophy was this –‘if I was going to be there – I was going to be as much of a part as possible’.  Leading praise and worship at the age of 10 years old, working with the children’s ministry, youth ministry, singing in the choir, cleaning, setting up…whatever was needed….I loved God’s House.

 

To hear David write about His gladness to be in God’s House is not foreign to me- but rather very much understood.  It saddens me greatly to see so many today who have chosen not to possess that same passion, but yet at best consider church to only be an option.  There’s no excitement, the passion has gone, and it’s become all about what I can ‘get’ instead of what I can ‘bring’ to God.

 

I urge every one of you to fall in love with God’s House.  There is no finer place to be and no greater environment to raise (nurture) your children in.  Pass on to them the importance of God’s House as my parents did to me.  Church is a place to ‘enjoy’ and never should have been a place to ‘endure’.  Love His House!

December 2nd- Don’t Have To Look Far

Daniel 9:1-11:1

I John 2:18-3:16

Psalms 121:1-8

Proverbs 28:27-28

 

(Proverbs 28:27)

So many are looking for that specific ‘ministry’ opportunity that they fail to see the countless opportunities around them, in looking for that ‘one’- they can so easily overlook a multitude.  It’s amazing how many more people we can impact by accident by just living our daily godly life.  It’s often the smallest things that make the most lasting impressions and bring about the greatest results.

 

One thing I love so much about God is that He doesn’t expect more from each one of us than what we are capable of giving.  To be a witness for Christ must be redefined.  Yes, it is someone who shares God’s Word with another and brings them to Christ…..but it’s not just that.  A kind word, the smallest of gestures, holding a door open, just giving a warm smile can also be labeled as being a witness for Christ.

 

In a world where everyone is fighting for position, trampling others down or knocking them out of the way just to gain ground – a society where it becomes all about self instead of others….a Godly witness for Christ can really stand out.  Just to make that special effort to make people feel important and loved goes a long way.  Each one of us possesses the ability within us to impact someone else’s world.

 

Jesus tells us that in doing such (reaching out to others) there is great reward for us.  It’s when we function in such a Godly role that we will find the greatest fulfillment in our lives.  It truly is more ‘blessed’ to give than to receive.  There is a world with the touch of your fingertips waiting to be embraced by you.

 

From the smallest to the greatest – not one deed for Christ goes unnoticed…in fact Jesus tells us that ‘we in touching others are really touching Him!  Today you don’t have to look far to see a need, but the question is this – ‘are you willing to meet it’?

December 1st- Love That Produces

Daniel 8:1-27

I John 2:1-17

Psalms 120:1-7

Proverbs 28:25-26

 

(I John 2:5-6)

When you really truly love someone, everything you strive to do or say is only to bring that person joy and contentment.  To desire anything contrary to that is almost unthinkable.  You’ll find yourself almost totally consumed with their feelings and your own take a second place (back seat)…but that’s ok, you’re in love and that’s all that matters!

 

Many of us could easily put a face to that type of selfless love.  We know what it is like to have someone ‘just that special’ in our lives…that one that gave us those warm fuzzy feelings, but what about God?  Why can we not testify to the same kind of feelings in regards to Him?  Why have we invested so much into temporal relationships at the expense of that which is eternal?

 

I remember as a child in church watching people with tears rolling down their face as they passionately worshipped God.  There was no question about their commitment and love relationship they had with God….in fact their relationship challenged my life.  I remember asking God to have that kind of level of intimacy in my relationship with Him- I wanted what they were experiencing.  I discovered soon that I could have that- but it came at a cost!  It wasn’t found in a  casual ‘bless me’ relationship (commitment) to God….it was only found in total true surrender!  Many have never experienced this ‘depth’ in relationship with God because so much other ‘stuff’ takes priority.  As a result they never fully love Him, and therefore never fully walk in obedience to Him.

 

In having a Pastor from India stay in my house last month I realized how far I had wondered away from that place – it wasn’t for one second that I didn’t love God, nor was it that I didn’t spend time with Him in prayer, or reading.  I was doing all of that….but had somehow lost that ‘true intimacy’.  Hearing that Pastor rise at five o’clock in the morning to spend hours in prayer, having Him to step into my car and before conversation put his head down and thank God in prayer – put me to shame.

 

You see…when we truly love Him (again) our lives will display the change.  We won’t have to any longer talk about it, as we’ll be ‘walking’ in it – people will see the love, and be motivated by it!  Relationship with Him is truly ‘a love that produces!

November 30th-’His Personal Touch’!

Daniel 7:1-28

I John 1:1-10

Psalms 119:153-176

Proverbs 28:23-24

 

(I John 1:1-2)

Here John recalls about the life of Jesus, but he does so in such a personal way.  It wasn’t a Jesus we just heard of, or one who was promised to come – in his own words he talks about the one they ‘saw’ and ‘touched’….He was such a personal God.

 

The same can be said of today.  God never intended to be only known as a historical figure, an image on a stain glass window, or the person in a story book, but that’s unfortunately what religion has made Him.  There is no level of intimacy or experiencing a personal relationship….it’s all just become prayer, rituals and meaningless acts.  We have got to get back to the personal touch!

 

In the same way John records (or writes of) his encounter with Christ, being so personal and ‘touchable’ – God desires that same relationship with us.  He’s not just someone we can know of, He’s someone we can fully know.  The old song goes as such- ‘to know, know, know Him….there is no substitute to a love relationship with God.  Don’t allow religion to rob you of relationship.

 

The reason Christ came was to give us life (John 10:10) – but that life is only through Him.  By that I mean it’s only entered into through relationship with God.  Don’t settle for being a distant acquaintance when you can be a face to face friend.  I love that so much about God- I can come to Him at any time, and know He is really available to hear my cry.  He’s a Savior we can ‘touch’, one we can ‘see’, a God we can experience everyday in our lives.

 

Don’t allow religion to destroy what God desires by relationship.  Boldly come to Him and know He desires that personal touch.  God is so awesome…and He longs to be your Best Friend!

November 29th- ‘He’s Not Slack’

Daniel 6:1-28

II Peter 3:1-18

Psalms 119:129-152

Proverbs 28:21-22

 

(II Peter 3:9)

When it come to the ‘promises’ God has promised each one of us, I’m sure many question if they will ever become a reality.  It seems like we hold on and hold on, but never fully embrace them.  Can I remind you today, ‘If God spoke it…it will come to pass’!  His timing may not be ours, but it will always be right on time.

 

The King James says it this way –‘God is not slack’ what that means is the Lord is not slow concerning His promises.  Whether we realize it or not, God is being patient for the benefit of us.  To receive the Promises of God prematurely can produce more harm that good.  A gun can be used as a powerful tool when placed in the hand of someone who knows how to handle it.  Place that same loaded gun in the hands of a young child….now it’s become a lethal weapon (and that’s not good!).  The promises of God are to produce blessings in our lives; we just need to have God’s timing to accompany them.

 

God doesn’t want to see harm come upon any of us, He receives no glory from a soul that becomes disillusioned and even destroyed.  God desires to wait till the perfect time when every promise will only produce good….and no harm.  But here’s the thought –‘is He waiting on us’?  How sad would it be to one day realize that you were the reason your promises never materialized.  Perhaps it’s time to stop pointing the finger else where and start soul searching….don’t let God be waiting on you!

 

God’s promises are there available to each one of us, just make sure you are available to them.  He’s not slow, slack or untrue to His Word.  It will come to pass…..just don’t let it pass by!

November 28th- ‘Play Now Or Pay Now’?

Daniel 5:1-31

II Peter 2:1-22

Psalms 119:113-128

Proverbs 28:19-20

 

(Proverbs 28:19)

I love how this proverb reads in the New Living Translation-“hard workers have plenty of food; playing around brings poverty”!  The question is –are we paying now or playing now?  Many choose to play when they most definitively need to be paying.

 

During our early years of life we are developing, constructing and building the foundation for our future.  It’s important to note that a building will only be as strong as its foundation is sound.  Many take their early years as opportunity to play and thus build nothing for their future.

 

I believe in life God desires (wants) us to have fun.  I have as much fun in life as any….but yet I know when to play and when to pay.  School work, college courses, late nights studying, and working any job possible to make it through definitively is not fun undertakings – in fact it can be very hard.  But if we ‘pay’ now and do what is required we’ll be able to ‘play’ sooner than we think!

 

It’s time to take life seriously.  Realize you’re not going to be young forever, and what may appear to be ‘cool’ and what everyone else is engaging in now- can often be a severe regret later.  I know a young lady who married her musician sweetheart at the age of 18.  At that age it was cool to go into certain clubs and ‘gigs’ and say- “I’m with the band”!  But, now that the age of thirty that life style has lost it’s appeal, he is still a musician and she’s really unhappy.

 

It may be miserable at the time- but get your playing and paying in order.  Knuckle down, build a career and choose your friends carefully….perhaps pay now….but get ready to enjoy your play time too.  Get your life in perspective, prioritize and build for the future.

November 27th- ‘Just A Mouth Piece’

Daniel 4:1-37

II Peter 1:1-21

Psalms 119:97-112

Proverbs 28:17-18

 

(II Peter 1:20-21)

Today there are so many people that want a word from God.  Many are so desperate that they turn to man and hang upon every word he may say….but yet label it as God?  I’m not sure if most of us would want to really hear from God!  We say we do, but the truth can be a big pill to swallow.  When God speaks, He speaks right to the heart of man.  He doesn’t worry about offending, or candy coating the facts….the truth is all He can relay.

 

The Bible, however, clearly shows us that it’s only the truth that will set us (make us) free.  If we want to hear the truth, God will speak it to us.  We have to be so careful today.  There are many ministers out there who are suppose to be ‘prophesying’ in God’s name, where all it is their own fabrication and lies!  They use their position to manipulate people and give them false hope.  When things don’t fall into place as they ‘predict’ –most find themselves angry at God… “How could He let me down and not come through for me”? 

 

Prophesy is not man, but from God. It will never contradict His Word, neither will it not be confirmed.  Many people get a word and don’t wait to have it confirmed.  I personally believe that prophesy (true) will confirm to your spirit that which God has already been dealing with you on.  There may be some exceptions, but it’s usually an audible connection to that which you sense internally.

 

Stop running around trying to get man to speak into your life….when God has something to say – He’ll say it!  But until that time keep living the Godly life and maintain the course.

November 26th- ‘Pre-Qualified’

Daniel 2:24-3:30

I Peter 4:7-5:14

Psalms 119:81-96

Proverbs 28:15-16

 

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego are known as the boys who went through the fiery furnace – but what was it that qualified them, or perhaps better said, what brought them to that place?  It was their total unwillingness to conform and bow to the world.  They made the statement “we may burn but we’ll never bow”!

 

Through out their lives we see a powerful stance against the world’s systems.  They were taken from their homes, brought to a distant land, taught foreign beliefs and systems….but yet through it all they maintained their faith in God.  Being presented with the King’s finest food they chose rather to eat ‘lentil’ soup and drink water – they were unwilling to defile any part of their lives.  As a result God increased their wisdom and understanding to the point of them being promoted.  But one day would change their lives and the kingdom forever.

 

The image stands high above the people, the music plays – all bow down save 3 young men.  Given another chance they still refused….they were ready for the test.  They were unwilling to compromise but stood firm for what they believed.  Brought before the king, they still didn’t bow through intimidation- they maintained their faith in God.  Having the opportunity to say one last thing before their death sentence, they wasted not one breath.  “King we may stand now before you, but our lives are surrendered to one greater than you.  He is so great that even if He doesn’t come to our rescue we will not desecrate His ‘name’ –even if today we die- let it be known what we believed in”! (Paraphrased)

 

So often, we just label them as the ‘boys’ who went through the fire that we fail to expand on, why?  The why here is so important, no matter what, they made a stand, no matter the outcome they were determined in their faith.  Yes, they had to endure the fire, but all it did was burn off their ropes and set them free as they walked around with the 4^th man – Christ!

 

We will face trials and tribulations – so make sure you are pre- qualified to make it through.

November 25th- ‘Make Up Your Mind’

Daniel 1:1-2:23

I Peter 3:8-4:6

Psalms 119:65-80

Proverbs 28:14

 

(Daniel 1:8)

In the face of being put to death for the fact of just disobeying the orders of the king – Daniel was willing to take that chance.  What may be viewed as ‘taking a chance’ by man was taking a step of faith for Daniel.  He had a confidence in His God that seldom others experienced….this confidence only came through relationship.  As a result of His commitment to God (and His ways) God was totally committed to Him.  What may have been something of smallest importance to others was so important to Daniel.  No matter what, he purposed that he wouldn’t ‘Bow to the things of man’-he would not allow anything that may defile him to be allowed to enter.  The food which they wanted them to eat was of highest quality – it was all the very best…fit for a king.  But not for Daniel and his friends.

 

Instead of ‘feasting’ on the world’s best, he desired the best from God.  What may have appeared to be a sacrifice on mans behalf turned out to be a blessing from God.  When put to the test and not allowing those things that may defile them (those things against their beliefs and customs) Daniel and ‘the Boys’ came out on top.  Through having godly purpose and commitment they were able to excel above all the rest.  It’s time that we make our minds up and have godly purpose.  We tend to be so ‘wishy washy’ that we don’t even know what we think and why we even think it?  If we don’t stand for something…..we will fall for everything!  It can be a scary prospect to make a stand contrary to everyone else – but when you make that stand in God, you won’t have to stand alone.

 

To live with a heart felt purpose is so important.  When you really believe in something you will really believe in that something!  Even when being put to the test through God you will come through the fire a greater person.  Today make up your mind – it’s either all Him…..or nothing at all!

November 24th- ‘Healing Water’

Ezekiel 47:1-48:35

I Peter 2:11-3:7

Psalms 119:49:64

Proverbs 28:12-13

 

(Ezekiel 47:9)

In this passage Ezekiel saw the temple of God.  Flowing out from the temple was a river.  At varying distances the river measured different heights.  Starting first, being ankle deep, it proceeded to be waters that were over his head- rivers to swim in.  He then observed that as the river flowed out it brought life to that which was barren and dead….in fact everything it touched spring back to life.

 

What a beautiful picture of our Salvation experience.  The temple, of course, is Christ Jesus, our source.  From Him flows healings and blessing too numerous to even begin to mention- but here’s the problem, how often do we stop at only a little when we can be totally consumed?  Yes, being ankle deep we’re still in the river (so to speak) – but does the river have us?  I never can quite fully understand why people paddle around in God, just being satisfied with the ‘little’ when there is so much more?  When we limit God in our lives – we literally limit our existence.  We may be saved, but why dance on the fringes when you can plunge into His greatness?

 

Ezekiel records that as the river began to grow deeper and deeper, but it wasn’t until it was a river to swim in, that healing came.  Could it be that many of us find ourselves still bound because we don’t want the fullness of God?  We want enough to wear the label of Christian, but willfully choose not to live in a way fully honorable to God.  Could it be that as a result of this choosing we never fully embrace His life giving flow?  I believe the answer is yes.  We may experience moments – but we have got to live in His continual working power.

 

God has so much in store for each one of us – to settle for anything less is to rob yourself!  Get into His Healing River and be swept away.