December 31st- ‘A New Years Message’

Malachi 3:1-4:6

Revelations 22:1-21

Psalms 150:1-6

Proverbs 31:25-31

 

As we stand one day away from a New Year, what foundation have we laid for this next year?  Is it just going to be a continuation opportunity to produce greatness in your life?  I believe if we were to be totally honest with ourselves, we wouldn’t want our present position to be the foundation for a New Year.  A building can only be as strong and grow as high as its foundation will allow.  There is no greater foundation to build off of than that of a heart totally surrendered to God.

 

A New Year is a great opportunity for drastic change.  Don’t just plan for a short adjustment (a couple of months or so) but plan for a total transformation, ask God to give you a new heart.  When the Children of Israel asked for a king God reluctantly gave them what they asked for.  Saul was anointed and appointed to be that king.  As he walked away from the Prophet Samuel God’s Word tells us that God put (placed) a new heart within him (I Samuel 10:9).  God knew that He required such to be successful in what he was called to accomplish.

 

The same is so true in each one of us.  We have got to have the heart of a champion (God’s heart) within us to accomplish greatness in our lives.  To even begin to want anything less than that would be foolish to consider.  But having a new heart is not the end- it is still only a new beginning.  As we see from Saul’s experiences he allowed the heart of God slowly be removed from him.  God didn’t take it…but Saul surrendered it up!

 

That is why God’s Word instructs us to keep our heart with all diligence (Proverbs 4:23).  That word diligent there speaks of ‘straining every nerve’!  It’s not a passive response, but one that involves and requires much effort.  But when you read the end of the verse you will realize why it is of such great importance.  Out of the heart of man comes the boundaries of your life…..the size of your life is dependant upon the state of your heart.

 

With that thought in mind we cannot afford to lie anything except that kind of foundation.  If we choose to allow God to change our heart the outcome and our future will be altered for eternity.  Don’t go into another year unprepared…..prepare your heart and let God control it.

 

Happy New Year and God’s richest blessings to you, I pray that you have been challenged as we have traveled through God’s Word together and that you have both learned and grown in knowledge.  Make a commitment yet again to read through Gods Word and apply it to your heart- it will steer you on the right pathway through life.

 

God Bless,

“P”

December 30th- ‘More Than Just Money’!

Malachi 1:1-2:17

Revelations 21:1-27

Psalms 149:1-9

Proverbs 31:10-24

 

(Malachi 1:6-8)

The Book of Malachi so often now is labeled as solely being about Tithes and Offerings.  We skip straight to chapter 3 without reading and taking note to its other warnings and instructions.  Here in this passage we read about despising God’s name.  To despise something means to look down upon it.  That is a scary thought to consider that we could possibly belittle God in our lives.

 

Again, I have to interject this thought.  God’s Word was not written as a Book of suggestions, but rather as a detailed instruction manual to guide us through the perils of life.  To only consider it as such can have lasting implications; effects that can be eternal in nature.  The Prophet writes to warn us of offering defiled sacrifices.

 

Back in Biblical day’s man was required to offer up an animal (or produce) as a sacrifice unto God.  This sacrifice was not to be ‘marred’ or tarnished in anyway….but rather perfect!  Something of such perfect nature required greater sacrifice and cost from the one who offered it.  It would be tempting to offer (give) to God that of less value and keep the best for oneself.  This wasn’t just a temptation, but an action that the people of God had begun to do.  Now, instead of giving God their best, He was presented with their left overs.  That type of practice we wouldn’t even engage in when giving gifts to others….but yet it was good enough (and is good enough) for God!  Something is desperately wrong here!

 

A missionary in India watched as a foreign pagan worship ceremony took place.  On this day a lady would offer one of her children up as a sacrifice to their God.  The missionary watched as she held her twin boys in her arms.  One of the children was severely crippled and deformed where the other was strong and healthy….which child would she offer?  In the missionaries mind he knew what he would do, but as he watched he stood in total amazement.  The lady placed her healthy child upon the altar of sacrifice and not the crippled, deformed child.  After the ceremony with the help of a translator he asked the mother why?  She replied- ‘we only give the best to our god’!

 

I wonder what we would have done.  Perhaps what would we do right now?  It’s time to stop giving God second best and despising His name!

 

 

 

 

December 29th- ‘Come To The Rescue’

Zechariah 14:1-21

Revelations 20:1-15

Psalms 148:1-14

Proverbs 31:8-9

 

(Proverbs 31:8-9)

I loved to watch the old ‘western’ movies where it looked like all was lost, and then at the last possible moment in the distance was heard a ‘bugle’….help was on its way.  The Calvary came to those who thought their life was over, but that one sound (the bugle) brought them a new promise of hope.  The battle still wasn’t over there was still an enemy to face….but now there was a new strength and ability that flooded their person.  They knew that if they could just hold on for a few more moments victory would be assured.

 

It’s an amazing truth to realize that we can be that ‘bugle’ sound to many around us.  We may not even know that there is a ‘need’ and that all was nearly lost- to us it was just a kind word or a hand of hope.  But to them it was almost life itself.  We can never under estimate the power of reaching out to others.  The Bible instructs us to defend those (and speak up for them) who are unable to do so for themselves, to speak out for the poor and helpless.  In other words we should come to the rescue of any or all in need!

 

How often do we turn away and fail to recognize their cry for help.  Sometimes we are aware of the need, but don’t wish to be inconvenienced by their problems…..after all, we have our own cross to bear also!  It’s amazing how the smallest aid and assistance, can often be the most meaningful and powerful.  God’s never asked us to do anything we don’t have the ability to do.  We may sometimes need a gentle nudge, but it’s only to cause us to release the potential within us.  It’s time to consider others and realize God has placed you in their pathway for a reason.  Consider the opportunities God has placed before you everyday- opportunities to assist and help those less fortunate than yourself.

 

At school I wasn’t Mr. Popular, but I wasn’t Mr. Unpopular either.  Playing all the various sports and being very actively involved in school life I was pretty well regarded.  I used this influence to befriend those who were ‘prone’ to be left out.  I remember many times sticking up for those who were made fun of, and standing up for them.  I remember the gratification it produced to see them feel like they weren’t all alone, and that someone would come to their rescue.

 

There are hurting wounded people all around us.  God has called us to come to their rescue and speak up for them.  Don’t remain silent when you have the ability with your words to make a difference.

December 28th- ‘Praise The Lord’

Zechariah 12:1-13:9

Revelations 19:1-21

Psalms 147:1-20

Proverbs 31:1-7

 

(Psalms 147:1)

As we are rapidly approaching the end of one year and the beginning of another, there are seldom few greater ‘things’ we can take into this new year than the opportunity and ability to praise God.  It’s more than just a few words that accompany music, it’s much deeper than that and its rewards are life changing.

 

Over this past year ‘praise’ has probably been the most written about subject I have covered.  Over and over again it has emerged, and accompanied with it is great victory.  Satan has no answer to the praise of God’s children.  He can try to silence it (as he knows its power) but is unable to fully stop it.  Using any means possible he will distract us and make us feel there is no reason to praise – but if we  just sit back for a moment we will every time find reason to praise.  Yes, things may not be going as planned, but then that creates a great ‘invite’ to praise.  It’s praise that will turn our mourning into dancing, and our disarray into great hope.

 

May it never be said of your life that you didn’t know how to praise God.  Too not fully praise God, is not to fully know and love God.  When you even just begin to consider all the wonderful things God has provided for your life (even the trials that have brought you closer to Him) there has to be a praise that rings out from your life.  The Psalmist knew what he was talking about when he penned ‘how good it is to sing praises to our God’!

 

Having the ability to praise God is such an honor.  It’s an honor that we need to realize more in our lives.  Our praise should never be based upon the circumstances and happening of our life.  In the good times that would be great, but during the hardships and trials ……we would remain silent.  True praise is not about what He has done, but rather to give glory to who He is.

 

Just the fact that He is able should be reason enough to praise even if He chooses not to.  The Bible reminds us that no matter what through any circumstances we must give praise to our God.  The circumstances may not initially change, but you will change in the circumstance.  Praise changes the outcome every time….but remember you’ve got to be willing to do it!

 

Praise the Lord!

December 27th- ‘Frustrated Plans’

Zechariah 10:1-11:17

Revelations 18:1-24

Psalms 146:1-10

Proverbs 30:33

 

(Psalms 146:9)

Some times I wish that God would just shut down the enemy completely instead of allowing him to pursue me through out my life.  We all know he is well able to do that- but unwillingly we also must admit that in the long run it would do more harm than good to us.  To have satan’s plans aimed against us does more good for us than we often realize.  It keeps us on our toes and in the arms of God…..it helps us to maintain our position in God.

 

We are however, promise this- that God will frustrate the plans of the wicked (satan).  That which he intends to destroy us with and take us under; God can (and will) frustrate and turn it around for good.  We don’t only read of such accounts through out the entirety of God’s Word- but we also have first hand insight to this. We all have seen the plans of satan frustrated in our lives.  He thinks he has won the moment to realize he will never win the day!  Yes, there are times when it feels like we will never experience victory….but always ‘right’ in time God comes to our rescue.

 

I’m sure the Children of Israel wondered what God was doing when they found themselves completely surrounded.  Ahead of them was the Red Sea, on each side mountainous terrain they couldn’t cross, and behind them Pharaoh’s army.  Why would God deliver them to leave them in a hopeless situation?  God instructs Moses to lead the Israelites forward through the Red Sea which He miraculously parted – but Pharaoh’s army followed too.  “God what are you doing, I thought you would handle our enemies”?  He did, but not in the way they thought.

 

God came down and frustrated their pursuit by causing their wheels to fall off their chariots, and in doing so placed them exactly where He wanted them….right in the middle of the sea.  As the sea closed back, it totally engulfed Pharaoh’s army destroying every last one of them.  Too have only stopped their pursuit would have meant they would have lived to face another day, and would have had future opportunity to attack the Israelites.  But to let them pursue and then frustrate, brought a complete end to their threat.

 

We have got to trust that God knows BEST!  He uses the plans of satan to position him exactly where He wants, and then through frustration wins the day.  He will frustrate every plan aimed against you…..you will be victorious!

December 26th- “What Gift Do You Bring”?

Zechariah 9:1-17

Revelations 17:1-18

Psalms 145:1-21

Proverbs 30:32

 

(Christmas Story Part II)

The unchanged story continues with Mary accepting the call, Joseph also being visited by an angel takes Mary to be his wife, knowing that the child within her is from God.  They proceed to Bethlehem finding no room at any inn- and finally, Mary gives birth in a lowly stable.

 

Shepherds hear of the news and run to see the ‘Messiah’, the Savior of the World, and leave praising God for His faithfulness to mankind.  It wasn’t long after that we read of wise men (3 kings) that followed a star and were lead to an earthly palace.  Upon arrival they were surprised to find that no son had been born to the king….they were in the wrong place.  As they left the palace they once again saw the star which reappeared to them and lead them right to where Mary and Joseph were with Baby Jesus.

 

Arriving at the house each presented their gifts to God.  One gave gold, one gave myrrh and the third brought frankincense.  Each one of these gifts was symbolic to the life that Christ would live and each gift would play a part in his life’s mission.

 

Here’s the thought I want to bring today- ‘how many times do we come empty handed to God”!  Now understand this, God is not requiring for us all to bring great riches and wealth (a costly gift) as he knows we are unable to offer Him such gifts- but He does require us to give that which we do possess!  In our eyes it may not be much, but time and time again in the Word of God we see that even just a little given to God can be multiplied into greatness (much).

 

Every talent and gifting we all possess comes not through our parents, but from our Heavenly Father.  He is the source of everything we possess.  To live our lives reluctantly to surrender (or give back to Him) those things He has blessed us with, is to choose to live an empty life.

 

In our minds we consider that anything given is something lost.  We can’t hold onto it and give at the same time.  To give something means to let it go.  But let’s look now through His mind.  Through the action of giving we now have opened our lives up to receive the greatest outpouring from God.  Giving constructs a ‘conduit’ that He can use to pump great blessings into our life.  What we consider as loss is the beginning of great gain to God.

 

So today…..it may not be much, but God requires your all.  Why not give your gift to the greatest gift – and watch Him multiply it!

December 25th- ‘The Gift For Us’

Zechariah 8:1-23

Revelations 16:1-21

Psalms 144:1-15

Proverbs 30:29-31

 

(Christmas Story Part I)

I thank God that there is a story that has never had to change.  No matter the opposition and persecution it has faced and had to endure still the message ‘rings’ out the same- Jesus the Savior of the world came to be our Messiah.

 

What a day that must have been for many.  While just carrying out her every day mundane chores she was visited by an angel (messenger from God) and told of the task she was hand chosen to perform.  Here stood a ‘lowly’ handmaiden of God that was to be used to bring to birth the greatest Child that would ever be born- the incarnation of God (God becoming flesh).

 

The Bible doesn’t go into great detail about why she was chosen, but it does tell us that she had found favor with God (Luke 1:30).  There was something about Mary’s life that distinguished her, and elevated her above the rest – there was something that made her different.  We could speculate about what that was – but I know precisely what it wasn’t.

Mary wasn’t a heart hearted, unforgiving, mean, ill spirited, looking for the easiest pathway through life, type of person.  I believe everything she did was to the best of her ability- second best would never meet the standard…..she was a remarkable young lady that was chosen by God.

 

I’m sure it’s every one of our desires (or at least should be) to be chosen by God.  The Bible tells us that He has chosen the ‘foolish’ things of this world…..so that makes room for each one of us if we’re willing to accept the call.  Just because Mary was chosen was not the end of the story.  Mary too, (just like us) had to accept the call and be willing to be used by God.

 

Today the world is full of God’s choice, but unfortunately only few have chosen.  God has made a way (through His Son Jesus Christ) that every one of us has the ability and privilege to be used by God….we just have to accept His call.  How sad to go through life and never yield to the call of God.  Too live in such a manner is to choose to live life as a ‘mere existence’ instead of entering into the fullness of God.

 

Like Mary we may never fully understand why God would desire to use us…..but He does!  So it’s time to accept and live in that calling.  Let ‘newness’ of life be birthed from within you as you live for God.  This gift of God is for us….to flow out from us!

December 24th – ‘Take Care of Each Other’

Zechariah 6:1-7:14

Revelations 15:1-8

Psalms 143:1-12

Proverbs 30:24-28

 

(Zechariah 7:9-10)

The theme of God’s Word from beginning to end is all about relationships.  Most importantly about Gods desire to have a love relationship with us, His children.  It’s so sad that all around us we see so many ‘rifts’ and division….relationships are failing every where.  There are many reasons for this, but one major problem is selfishness.  People have become so consumed in ‘themselves’ that they often forget about taking care of others.  As Christians this has to change, as we will suffer in the long run, it will have an effect upon our lives.

 

We need to once again take on the Heart of God.  When Jesus walked on this earth it almost appeared that He was a ‘magnet’ that attracted all those who were sick, hurting and broken.  Of course, He wasn’t, but His kindness and love was made known to all around.  Amongst the religious system of that day (one that God intended to use to serve His people) – there was no love and compassion.  Most sickness’ were just ‘written’ off as the fault of the recipient.  It was obviously because of their sin and behavior that this ill fate had come upon them.  Instead of reaching out and helping those hurting – they had just become a righteous judge, condemning those in need.  Jesus was such a breath of ‘fresh air’ – He had compassion, He took time – He gave hope in place of despair.  He meets people at their place of need.

 

In the same way, now Jesus requires that from us.  We now are called to be His hands and feet reaching out (touching) a sick and hurting world.  Yes, there are plenty of opportunities for us to judge and even ‘write off’ people, but all they need is someone just to care.  There is no boundaries, (or limits) to what a little mercy and kindness can accomplish.  It can alleviate people above their brokenness and despair and give them a fresh ‘hope’ for life.  It truly is time for us to once again extend the kindness of God to this world.

 

So who has God brought across your pathway?  You know that annoying person that gets on your last nerve, that one who you try to avoid at any cost….could that be your God given mission?  When we begin to think (and see things) in that manner our attitude should completely change.  It’s not just about us….but us considering the needs of those around us.  Let’s make sure we take care of others.

December 23rd- ‘All Alone’

Zechariah 4:1-5:11

Revelations 14:1-20

Psalms 142:1-7

Proverbs 30:21-23

 

(Psalms 142:5-7)

The next King of Israel anointed, the choice of God and not of man, surely his life would be plain sailing and all effortlessly lock into place- running for his life, and having to flee without even time to grab a weapon, no time to spare.  Acting like a madman in the face of his enemies, finding himself all alone in a dark, damp, depressive cave…..this surely wasn’t God’s scripted plan?

 

The reality of life can sometimes catch us off guard.  We find ourselves in places we didn’t even think possible; places where we didn’t even have time to prepare for….this wasn’t what we were expecting in life?  I’m sure David felt exactly like that.  All he had done was to give his best.  Every task King Saul sent him on, he fulfilled in an excellent manner.  He should have been the hero of the kingdom….but now he’s the hunted.

 

Have you ever heard the saying- ‘when it rains, it pours’!  Well, I think David could have been the author of such sayings.  He’s fleeing for his life and ends up in a cave.  Once as a young man I had the opportunity to go ‘caving’ – apart from the (occasional) stalagmites and stalactites there wasn’t much else to see in that dark and damp environment.  It certainly wasn’t a place you would want to stay in….and add the fact you were all alone to that too, it certainly doesn’t paint a very appealing picture.

 

In that ‘place’- one out of control to David, he decides to take control.  He couldn’t change the circumstance naturally, so he changed the moment spiritually.  David turned to God in his despair.  So often, unlike David we try to do it all on our own- we think we can make the difference, but all we do is make it worse.  David began to confess that God was his refuge (his dwelling place) – no matter what he saw around him – he knew what was in him.  He began to claim that God was his reason for living and that God would be his rescuer and restorer.

 

Life is never fair – but God is always good.  There will be times we feel all alone, and that no one cares….but like David we need to remind ourselves how wrong that way of thinking really is.  The temporary ‘happening’ around us should not alter the permanent knowing (faith, belief) within us.  With God we are never alone!

December 22nd- ‘A Controlled Mouth’

Zechariah 2:1-3:10

Revelations 12:18-13:18

Psalms 141:1-10

Proverbs 30:18-20

 

(Psalms 141:3)

In life there are many things that are out of our control.  No matter how hard we try, or anything we strive to do….still we are powerless to their control.  However, that can also be a ‘cop’ out that we try to take advantage of, why?  Because there are also many things we can control….and our mouths is one of them.

 

To speak in an ungodly, uncontrolled manner results from an unrestrained, undisciplined heart.  It’s not the fault of the mouth, but rather the source it’s connected to.  Every one of us has control over that which leaves our lips – but here’s the problem.  Our words (that which we say) must be filtered and censored before it leaves our heart.  By the time it arrives in our mouths it’s often too late and cannot be stopped.

 

In this Psalm David is asking God to help him control what he says, and also to help him keep his mouth shut, (lips sealed) but his request is more than just for his mouth, but for his heart.  David was asking God to change his heart, so that his words would be controlled and all wrong would be removed.

 

The problem we have today in this world is that we want to deal with the symptoms instead of eliminating (and fixing) the root cause.  We want to try to ‘fix’ the cancers of our lives with band aids – instead of going under the surgeon’s knife and having them removed.  It’s almost like we enjoy the fact it’s not our fault, but really it is.  To fail to deal with the root, and just remove the leaves- is our fault (and no excuse) every time.  God’s Word reminds us that everything that proceeds from our mouths comes from the heart within us.  Therefore, when this heart is not ‘right’, then wrong words proceed from our mouths….our heart (good or bad) is the source of our words.

 

To only try and work on our mouth, therefore is like trying to stop a river that’s in full flow- to try and stand in its way would only result in us being swept away by its force.  But go to the beginning (the source) of that river while it’s just a trickle is where we will have our greatest success.  We have got to allow God complete access into our hearts.  It’s only then will we begin to see a transformation take place – not only will our mouth be ‘changed’ but every area of our lives.

 

Don’t deal only with the symptoms – let God redirect and change the source.  Now that’s the best way to control your mouth!