Category: Hebrews

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Love Covers

There are some things in life we just want to forget. Things we would feel better not having exposed – it’s wonderful to know that love covers!

A few years back I shared what the Lord was teaching me through these verses and here I am sharing it again.

“The words of good people are like a spring of fresh water, but the words of the wicked only hide their violent plans. 12 Hatred causes arguments, but love overlooks all wrongs.” Proverbs 10:11-12 CEV

In the King James version this verse says that love covers all sins. I’ve been taught if we have a heart of love we won’t expose someone else’s weaknesses or their wrong doing. We cover them. And this is a true teaching but it’s deeper than that.

This has to do with me and the Father. He loves me and His love covers my short comings and my wrong doings. He doesn’t come to you and tell you all the things I’ve done wrong. He doesn’t go to my husband or my kids or my friends and point out how many times I’ve missed it.

“God wiped out (blotted out) the charges that were against us for disobeying the Law of Moses. He took them away and nailed them to the cross.” Colossians 2:14 CEV

In the time when the Bible was written there was no mass production of text. Each page had to be copied by hand using pen and ink. To remove or cover something from that text meant the writer would take ink and dab it on the words that needed to be removed, blotting it out. The mistake or error was covered over.

He covers me – He covers me with His love and in His mercy He forgives and He forgets.

WOW!

Does that mean I don’t have to accept  responsibility for what I do wrong? Not in the slightest. If I drive drunk there are consequences. If I steal there are consequences. If I gossip or lie there are consequences.

However I have the Father’s promise that He will and has covered my sins and He won’t use my past failures to embarrass  or berate me.

“With one sacrifice Christ made his people perfect forever. They are the ones who are being made holy. 15 The Holy Spirit also tells us about this. First he says, 16 “This is the agreement I will make with my people in the future, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts. I will write my laws in their minds.” 17 Then he says, “I will forget their sins and never again remember the evil they have done.”

18 And after everything is forgiven, there is no more need for a sacrifice to pay for sins. 19 And so, brothers and sisters, we are completely free to enter the Most Holy Place. We can do this without fear because of the blood sacrifice of Jesus.” Hebrews 10:14-19 ERV

Since I have been forgiven I am instructed to follow Christ’s example in forgiving others.

“The time is near when all things will end. So keep your minds clear, and control yourselves. This will help you in your prayers. 8 Most important of all, love each other deeply, because love makes you willing to forgive many sins.” I Peter 4:7-8 ERV

As I do this I am keeping the command that Jesus gave to His disciples.

 “I give you a new command: Love each other. You must love each other just as I loved you. 35 All people will know that you are my followers if you love each other.” John 13:34-35 ERV

I am certainly glad that His love covers my sins!

“Now Father, show me how to cover and forget the sins of those who have wronged me.”

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Give Up the Throne

Moses was taught about God from a very young age. He was rescued from the Nile River and certain death by Pharaoh’s daughter.

All new born Israelite children were to be killed by order of the Egyptian Pharaoh. The Egyptians feared that the Israelites would revolt and take over power. It was population control.

Moses mother made a reed basket and set her son afloat in the Nile. When the Pharaoh’s daughter came down to the river to bathe, she found Moses and loved him instantly. She knew what he was and the order of her father but she rescued him and then hired an Israelite woman to wet nurse the child until he was weaned.

Moses was taught about God from a very young age while being nursed by his mother and being raised in Pharaoh’s court. When Moses should have been grooming for the throne, he was out seeking deliverance for his fellow Israelites. He killed an Egyptian and ran for his life to the desert. It was there that God found him and spoke to him from the burning bush.

” Moses grew up and became a man. He refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter…27 Moses left Egypt because he had faith. He was not afraid of the king’s anger. He continued strong as if he could see the God no one can see.” Hebrews 11:24-27 ERV

Moses was tending sheep on a desert hill top when he saw a burning bush. He was drawn to the site and went to examine it closer.

“One day, Moses was taking care of the sheep and goats of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian, and Moses decided to lead them across the desert to Sinai, the holy mountain. 2 There an angel of the Lord appeared to him from a burning bush. Moses saw that the bush was on fire, but it was not burning up. 3 “This is strange!” he said to himself. “I’ll go over and see why the bush isn’t burning up.” Exodus 3:1-3 CEV

God called to Moses out of the bush.  Are you seeing a pattern? It’s God who initiates communication with man. He did it then and He’s still doing it today.

“When the Lord saw Moses coming near the bush, he called him by name, and Moses answered, “Here I am.”

5 God replied, “Don’t come any closer. Take off your sandals—the ground where you are standing is holy. 6 I am the God who was worshiped by your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” Ex. 3:3-6

God told Moses that He wanted to use him to bring deliverance to the people of Israel. Moses didn’t see how he could be used by God and told Him so. God patiently reminded Moses that He was the “I AM” and that He would display His power at Moses’ command.

“But Moses said, “Who am I to go to the king and lead your people out of Egypt?” 12 God replied, “I will be with you. And you will know that I am the one who sent you, when you worship me on this mountain after you have led my people out of Egypt.”

 14-15 God said to Moses: I am the eternal God. So tell them that the Lord, whose name is “I Am,” has sent you. This is my name forever, and it is the name that people must use from now on.” Exodus 3:11-15 CEV

Notice the significance of God’s name. To Abraham He said I am God All Powerful and to Moses He simply said my name is I AM. I AM whatever you need. Is it strength, power, protection, provision – I AM!

Jesus said the same thing when He came to minister on earth.

I AM: the way, the truth, the life, the great physician, the door, the good shepherd, the light of the world, the Son of God.

I AM!

Moses still didn’t think God had the right man and told him so. God patiently reminded Moses again that He is the “I AM” and He would display His power. Moses persisted, he had a stammering tongue, he stuttered and wasn’t good a public speaking.

“Moses replied, “I have never been a good speaker. I wasn’t one before you spoke to me, and I’m not one now. I am slow at speaking, and I can never think of what to say.”

11 But the Lord answered, “Who makes people able to speak or makes them deaf or unable to speak? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Don’t you know that I am the one who does these things? 12 Now go! When you speak, I will be with you and give you the words to say.”

13 Moses begged, “Lord, please send someone else to do it.”

14 The Lord became irritated with Moses and said: What about your brother Aaron, the Levite? I know he is a good speaker. He is already on his way here to visit you, and he will be happy to see you again. 15-16 Aaron will speak to the people for you, and you will be like me, telling Aaron what to say. I will be with both of you as you speak, and I will tell each of you what to do. 17 Now take this walking stick and use it to perform miracles.” Exodus 4:10-17 CEV

God gave Moses everything he needed to be successful in his assignment. Moses went on to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and across the Red Sea. God was constantly speaking to him and giving him direction.

Once they were in the desert God wanted to speak to the people directly. He told Moses to have the people cleanse themselves and meet him at the mountain. He was going to give them all His instruction.

Really that’s all God is looking for, willing people. He wants us to be willing to talk with Him and obey His teachings.

“The New Way of Worship will not be like the Old Way of Worship I gave to their early fathers. That was when I took them by the hand and led them out of Egypt. But they did not follow the Old Way of Worship. And so I turned away from them. 10 This is the New Way of Worship that I will give to the Jews. When that day comes, says the Lord, I will put My Laws into their minds. And I will write them in their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be My people. 11 No one will need to teach his neighbor or his brother to know the Lord. All of them will already know Me from the least to the greatest. ” Hebrews 8:9-11 NLV

Moses gave up the throne of Egypt to follow God. We must be willing to give up the throne of ruling our own lives too.

Be encouraged today. Take time to listen. God wants to speak with us like He did back then.

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Walking with God

We saw yesterday that God came to walk with Adam in the garden.

Even though Adam and Eve sinned and had to leave the garden, God didn’t sever relationship with them.

Today we will meet Adam’s great (5X) grandson. His name is Enoch.

“ When Enoch had lived sixty-five years, he became the father of Methuselah. 22 Enoch walked with God 300 years after the birth of Methuselah. He had other sons and daughters. 23 So Enoch lived 365 years. 24 Enoch walked with God, and he was seen no more, for God took him.” Genesis 5:21-24 NLV

How’s that for an afternoon walk? Enoch walked with God and God was pleased with Him. God was so pleased with Him that during their walk one day he just kept walking straight into heaven with God.

“Because Enoch had faith, he was taken up from the earth without dying. He could not be found because God had taken him. The Holy Writings tell how he pleased God before he was taken up. 6 A man cannot please God unless he has faith. Anyone who comes to God must believe that He is. That one must also know that God gives what is promised to the one who keeps on looking for Him.” Hebrews 11:5-6 NLV

I can just imagine the conversation. Enoch and God out for a walk and Enoch seeing an elephant or a giraffe for the first time. Enoch says to God “that is the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen”. God says to Enoch “you think that’s great, come on over to my place and I’ll show you some real spectacular sites”. And Enoch said “I’m outta here”!

Like I said – that’s how I imagine it happened. Scripture doesn’t give us details. It just says that he was taken. Amazing!

Now you may not have been very familiar with Enoch but everyone knows the name of Enoch’s great grandson. It’s Noah!

“When Lamech was one hundred eighty-two, he had a son. 29 Lamech said, “I’ll name him Noah because he will give us comfort, as we struggle hard to make a living on this land that the Lord has put under a curse.” Genesis 5:28-29 CEV

Noah’s father not only gave him a name but he gave him a destiny.

“The Lord saw how bad the people on earth were and that everything they thought and planned was evil. 6 He was very sorry that he had made them, 7 and he said, “I’ll destroy every living creature on earth! I’ll wipe out people, animals, birds, and reptiles. I’m sorry I ever made them.”

8 But the Lord was pleased with Noah, 9 and this is the story about him. Noah was the only person who lived right and obeyed God. 10 He had three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth.” Genesis 6:5-10

Such a startling statement – Noah was the only person who lived right and obeyed God! By now the earth was quite populated and Noah was the only one who was obeying God.

The Bible tells us God was going to destroy man but Noah, a just or righteous man, found favor in God’s sight. God spoke to Noah told him the plan of salvation; an ark for Noah, his family and the animals. The Bible doesn’t say that Noah was calling on God, no, God was looking at mankind and Noah found favor with Him.

“Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight and was full of violence. 12 God saw how corrupt the earth had become, for all the people on earth had corrupted their ways. 13 So God said to Noah, “I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth. 14 So make yourself an ark of cypress wood; make rooms in it and coat it with pitch inside and out. 15 This is how you are to build it:” Genesis 6:10-15 NIV

God then went on to give Noah the dimensions for the ark. God also told him to bring in the animals and how many of each kind.  I don’t know Noah’s occupation before this but he was now a full time contractor.

“ I’m going to send a flood that will destroy everything that breathes! Nothing will be left alive. 18 But I solemnly promise that you, your wife, your sons, and your daughters-in-law will be kept safe in the boat” Vs 17-18

Noah received God’s word and went to work fulfilling what he had been told. He didn’t laugh at God or express the impossibility of the task. As Noah was building he was also preaching to his neighbors. Telling them to repent so they could be saved from the flood. No one listened. Can you imagine how discouraging that might have been? But Noah never faltered at his task.

“Noah was six hundred years old when he went into the boat to escape the flood, and he did everything the Lord had told him to do. His wife, his sons, and his daughters-in-law all went inside with him. 8-9 He obeyed God and took a male and a female of each kind of animal and bird into the boat with him. 10 Seven days later a flood began to cover the earth.” Genesis 7:7-10 CEV

Noah and his family were saved because he had a heart to obey God. They talked together as a man talks with his friend.

“ Because Noah had faith, he was warned about something that had not yet happened. He obeyed and built a boat that saved him and his family. In this way the people of the world were judged, and Noah was given the blessings that come to everyone who pleases God.” Hebrews 11:7 CEV

What a wonderful reputation these two men had. No one filed a missing person report on Enoch, everyone knew he walked with God. Noah and his family were saved from a catastrophic flood because he had an obedient heart.

Thank you Lord for the example of these men! My desire is for an obedient heart each day.

 

 

 

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Shameless

Some years back Billy Joel wrote a great song that Garth Brooks recorded, Shameless.

When I read the lyrics I make it the prayer of my heart, an expression of love to the Father and believe it or not, I can hear the Father singing those lyrics back to me. His love for me is Shameless.

“ Well I’m shameless When it comes to loving you, I’ll do anything you want me to, I’ll do anything at all…You see in all my life I’ve never found What I couldn’t resist, what I couldn’t turn down. I could walk away from anyone I ever knew, But I can’t walk away from you.    And I’m shameless…”

God is always there; when we succeed and when we fail. He doesn’t abandon or desert us in the rough times! He is always there to hold us close, pick us up when we fall and lift our burdens.  His love for us is Shameless.

When we’re embarrassed or have lost our way the Lord is the “lifter of my head”. Someone who is embarrassed finds themselves looking down, not making eye contact but God takes His loving hand, cups it under our chin and lifts our head.

“3 But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.” Psalm 3:3

With head lifted  up, the first thing we do is look into the loving eyes of our Father. He, more than likely, has a smile on His face;  accepting, inviting, understanding and forgiving. He is there to be a shield for us.

“I come to you, Lord, for protection. Don’t let me be ashamed. Do as you have promised and rescue me. 2 Listen to my prayer and hurry to save me. Be my mighty rock  and the fortress where I am safe. 3 You, Lord God, are my mighty rock and my fortress. Lead me and guide me, so that your name will be honored.” Psalm 31:1-3

When we put our hope and trust in the Lord, depending upon Him for His direction and His protection we will have no need to be ashamed. We are secure in His love and it really won’t matter what anyone else says about us or thinks about us. We are the apple of His eye.

“I went to the Lord for help, and he listened. He saved me from all that I fear. 5 If you look to him for help, he will put a smile on your face. You will have no need to be ashamed. 6 As a poor, helpless man I prayed to the Lord, and he heard me. He saved me from all my troubles.” Psalm 34:4-6 ERV

Take a look at the times that Jesus showed “shameless” love to folks in the Bible. The first one that comes to mind is the woman who was caught committing adultery. She was dragged by her accusers through the streets to Jesus. She was shamed publicly.

“The Pharisees and the teachers of the Law of Moses brought in a woman who had been caught in bed with a man who wasn’t her husband. They made her stand in the middle of the crowd. 4 Then they said, “Teacher, this woman was caught sleeping with a man who isn’t her husband. 5 The Law of Moses teaches that a woman like this should be stoned to death! What do you say?…

Jesus stood up and asked her, “Where is everyone? Isn’t there anyone left to accuse you?” 11 “No sir,” the woman answered. Then Jesus told her, “I am not going to accuse you either. You may go now, but don’t sin anymore.” John 8:3-5, 10-11 CEV

Then there was the time when an  leper encountered Jesus and asked to be healed. This man’s life was void of human touch because the laws of the day prohibited him from having contact with anyone. He was unclean. It was shameful!

“As Jesus came down the mountain, he was followed by large crowds. 2 Suddenly a man with leprosy came and knelt in front of Jesus. He said, “Lord, you have the power to make me well, if only you wanted to.” 3 Jesus put his hand on the man and said, “I want to! Now you are well.” At once the man’s leprosy disappeared.” Matthew 8:1-3 CEV

Jesus was not ashamed to associate with this man, to touch him, to heal him. Jesus was shameless!

Just one more example – there are so many. But this is the story of a man who was a crooked “IRS” agent, a tax collector. He wanted to see Jesus but he was too short to see over the crowd so he climbed a tree to get a better look. He was hated by society. His action of climbing the tree opened him to even greater ridicule. It was shameful.

“Jesus was going through Jericho, 2 where a man named Zacchaeus lived. He was in charge of collecting taxes and was very rich. 3-4 Jesus was heading his way, and Zacchaeus wanted to see what he was like. But Zacchaeus was a short man and could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree. When Jesus got there, he looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, hurry down! I want to stay with you today.” 6 Zacchaeus hurried down and gladly welcomed Jesus.

7 Everyone who saw this started grumbling, “This man Zacchaeus is a sinner! And Jesus is going home to eat with him.”

8 Later that day Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “I will give half of my property to the poor. And I will now pay back four times as much to everyone I have ever cheated.” 9 Jesus said to Zacchaeus, “Today you and your family have been saved, because you are a true son of Abraham. 10 The Son of Man came to look for and to save people who are lost.” Luke 19:1-10 CEV

The shameful actions of a tax collector were changed that day because of the SHAMELESS love of God’s Son!

Let’s take a close look at our lives. What things have we done that are shameful? What is it that has us looking down? Jesus came to lift our head – to provide forgiveness and restoration.

I’m going to close with one more verse.

“Everything belongs to God, and all things were created by his power. So God did the right thing when he made Jesus perfect by suffering, as Jesus led many of God’s children to be saved and to share in his glory. 11 Jesus and the people he makes holy all belong to the same family. That is why he isn’t ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters.” Hebrews 2:10-11 CEV

God’s love for us is absolutely SHAMELESS!

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How Big Is Our God?

As we start the day I need to ask, “how big is our God?”.

Do problems and stress keep us awake at night? Do we find ourselves in turmoil over the day’s situations? As we raise our kids and provide for our families are we undone by the pressures that surround us?

So, how big is our God?

“I pray that the God of peace will give you every good thing you need so that you can do what he wants. God is the one who raised from death our Lord Jesus, the Great Shepherd of his sheep. He raised him because Jesus sacrificed his blood to begin the new agreement that never ends. I pray that God will work through Jesus Christ to do the things in us that please him. To him be glory forever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:19-21 ERV

Do we see God the Father as a God of peace or do we see Him as someone we need to be wary of because “we just never know what God’s going to do”?

I hope it’s the first, because through Jesus’ sacrifice, he made the way for us to be reconciled to God. To be made sons of God so that we could call him “Abba Father”.

Abba was a term of endearment like daddy or papa.

“Since you are now God’s children, he has sent the Spirit of his Son into your hearts. The Spirit cries out, “ Abba, Father.” 7 Now you are not slaves like before. You are God’s children, and you will receive everything he promised his children.” Galatians 4:6-7 ERV

Did you notice that this verse says since we are God’s children we will receive everything He promised us? God has not lied in the whole of eternity and I can guarantee that He will not start lying now.  If God has promised it, He will come through every time!

Sometimes, we don’t even know what we need! We become so exhausted and overwhelmed that we lose perspective. That’s when we pray like the Apostle Paul did and God steps in with the answers.

“I pray that God will take care of all your needs with the wonderful blessings that come from Christ Jesus! ” Philippians 4:19 CEV

We are also told in Hebrews that we can come boldly to His throne to find help in time of need. I can see it now – like little kids we are invited to come running in, climb up on the throne and sit in the Father’s lap and tell Him we have a need and He by grace provides the help we are looking for.

“With Jesus as our high priest, we can feel free to come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we receive mercy and kindness to help us when we need it.” Hebrews 4:16

So let’s take time to thank Him today for his grace and mercy and if you have had a misconception of God and His love for you ask Him to show you just how much He loves you today. He will!

My God is big!

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Go Eat Worms

As a kid, I’m sure you all said this little chant once or twice. “Nobody likes me, everybody hates me, guess I’ll go eat worms. Big fat juicy ones, little tiny scrawny ones, oh, how they do squirm.”

Eating worms is ok if you’re a bird or a fish but I imagine it leaves a lot to be desired if you’re a person. Believe me, I’m not going there.

I hope the verses from yesterday’s devotional are still in your heart and your mind. To God you ARE good enough and He loves you deeply.

However, the feeling that we’re all alone and that nobody really understands us or loves us is a major issue in the life of many adults! It can be overwhelming. We’ve all had people let us down, turn against us or just ignore us as if we don’t exist. But! There is One who promises to never leave us or forsake us.

I’m about ready to start a week of studies on people in the Bible who had a true friendship with God. They were all often ignored or criticized by family members and friends. They found the Lord was that friend that they could always depend on. 

Even Jesus faced relationship issues. He was followed by hundreds and thousands. He had many that came to listen to his teachings, see his miracles, and even speak out their adoration. They were part of the crowd. Then there were the 12 apostles. One of those sold him for 30 pieces of silver, one denied knowing Him and they all fled when the soldiers came to arrest Jesus in the garden. 

Jesus had three who were a part of His inner circle, so to speak. These men, Peter, James and John, were with Jesus constantly. They were His closest confidants but John, the Bible says, the one that Jesus loved, was who Jesus asked to care for his mother when he was hanging on the cross. 

1000’s – 12- 3- 1.

Yes, people will let us down even those who love us most. That’s why I love Hebrews 13:5b so much. 

“God has said, “I will never leave you; I will never run away from you.”

Now that’s good news. This is how that verse reads  from the Amplified version. This version shows us the emphatic sense of commitment that God has to us.

“for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down [relax My hold on you)! Assuredly not!] 6 So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently and boldly say, The Lord is my Helper; I will not be seized with alarm [I will not fear or dread or be terrified]. What can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:5b-6

Now read that again. This is how God feels about us – He’s there for us. He will not leave us!!!!

His love never fails.

Be blessed today because God loves you, what can man do to you that could possibly compare to that!!

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Two Sides to the Coin

Do you ever struggle with the size of your faith? The disciples of Jesus struggled with theirs.

I often hear folks say, “I wish I had more faith or I wish my faith was bigger or stronger”. This morning I would like to share a couple of thoughts on faith and unbelief.

Imagine we are holding a coin in our hand right now. One side of the coin is faith and one side is unbelief. The outcome in the situations of our life are directly affected by the side of the coin that we are looking at.

There are many Scriptures when Jesus addressed unbelief in the hearts and minds of those that he was ministering too. In Matthew 13 it says that Jesus couldn’t do any mighty works in his own hometown because of their unbelief. In Mark 9 the man who had a demon possessed son brought him to Jesus for healing. Jesus answered if you can believe all things are possible to him to you. The father responded Lord, I believe – I need you to help me with my unbelief. After Jesus set the boy free his disciples came and ask:

“Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” 20 So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. 21 However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” Matthew 17:19-21 NKJV

Jesus didn’t say that it was because of their “little” faith or even lack of faith but because of unbelief. He then goes on to say that if their faith was the size of a mustard seed, nothing would be impossible to them. And as a side note when Jesus said “this kind” goes not out but by prayer and fasting, He was talking about the unbelief.

Faith, simply put, is our belief that God not only can do but will do those things that He has promised. Abraham is our walking example of this. He had a lifetime of evidence to support his unbelief in being able to have a child. Barrenness for both he and Sarah. If they had gone to the fertility clinic, everyone would have laughed at them and sent them home. But thank God, Abraham didn’t listen to all the unbelief (his own or that of others) he was strong in faith.

“Abraham’s faith never became weak, not even when he was nearly a hundred years old. He knew that he was almost dead and that his wife Sarah could not have children. 20 But Abraham never doubted or questioned God’s promise. His faith made him strong, and he gave all the credit to God. 21 Abraham was certain that God could do what he had promised.” Romans 4:19-21 CEV

When we give our life to Christ and are born again, we are given faith as a part of our new nature. Romans 12 says that God has given all of us “the” measure of faith and then in Galatians 5, Paul tells us again that faith is a fruit of the Spirit.

We can all agree it takes faith to get saved. “For by grace are you saved through faith”.

Faith, believing that God will do what He says He will do, and grace, God giving us what we don’t deserve and can’t earn on our own. This was the time in our life that our faith in God was the smallest and yet it was enough to create the greatest miracle – salvation.

If we focus on the situation or problem in our lives that is causing us to worry, unbelief with win over faith. But if we go to God’s word, find His answer, feed our faith (Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God) and it will cause our unbelief to shrink.

We must keep looking at Jesus, he is the one who shows us what faith in God can do. He is our example.

“We must never stop looking to Jesus. He is the leader of our faith, and he is the one who makes our faith complete. He suffered death on a cross. But he accepted the shame of the cross as if it were nothing because of the joy he could see waiting for him. And now he is sitting at the right side of God’s throne.” Hebrews 12:2 ERV

As we look at Him and all that He did our unbelief with decrease and our faith with grow. It’s like putting weights on a scale – we simply decrease the unbelief.

We have God’s word that “mustard seed” faith is more than enough to move mountains. So go move some mountains.

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The River of Life

This morning I found myself praying for my children and grandchildren as I do each morning. Praying for their health and safety. Praying that they will have wisdom, peace of mind and joy.

 

Trusting the Lord to reveal the depth of His love to them – showing them that His Mercy is new everyday and that there is no end to His loving kindness to them!

I feel a bit like the mother of Moses. The Pharaoh had given a vicious order. All the Hebrew boy babies were to be killed. He feared that the Hebrew slaves would increase in population so greatly that they would rebel against him and his rule.

Moses mother made a basket of reeds and tucked Moses safely inside and placed it in the  Nile River but she had someone standing close by to ensure his safety.

“A man from the Levi tribe married a woman from the same tribe, 2 and she later had a baby boy. He was a beautiful child, and she kept him inside for three months. 3 But when she could no longer keep him hidden, she made a basket out of reeds and covered it with tar. She put him in the basket and placed it in the tall grass along the edge of the Nile River. 4 The baby’s older sister  stood off at a distance to see what would happen to him.

5 About that time one of the king’s daughters came down to take a bath in the river, while her servant women walked along the river bank. She saw the basket in the tall grass and sent one of the young women to pull it out of the water. 6 When the king’s daughter opened the basket, she saw the baby and felt sorry for him because he was crying. She said, “This must be one of the Hebrew babies.”

7 At once the baby’s older sister came up and asked, “Do you want me to get a Hebrew woman to take care of the baby for you?”

8 “Yes,” the king’s daughter answered. So the girl brought the baby’s mother, 9 and the king’s daughter told her, “Take care of this child, and I will pay you.” Exodus 2:1-9 CEV

Moses mother had to trust God to keep her son safe. There were all sorts of perils to deal with. Crocodiles, snakes, the basket sinking or the baby being found by an Egyptian soldier.

It’s a hard thing to put our kids in this river called “life”. So many dangers but we can stand back watching, praying and planning to protect. Thank God that this isn’t a job of our own effort.

“16 Clearly, it is not angels that Jesus helps. He helps the people who are from Abraham. 17 For this reason, Jesus had to be made like us, his brothers and sisters, in every way. He became like people so that he could be their merciful and faithful high priest in service to God. Then he could bring forgiveness for the people’s sins. 18 And now he can help those who are tempted. He is able to help because he himself suffered and was tempted.” Hebrews 2:16-18 ERV

Jesus is the one we can trust to provide that much needed salvation from life’s dangers. In common speech He’s been there, done that, nailed it. We don’t send our kids out on their own. They are under the watchful protection of a loving heavenly Father.

“God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him.” I Peter 5:7

As we send them out the door this morning or perhaps they are grown and live far away, we can put our trust in the Lord. He provided for little Moses and He’ll do the same for our children.

Thank you Father for blessing me and trusting me with these lives and thank you that You, in Your great love, are faithful and well able to protect them and give them victory.

” I say this because I know the plans that I have for you.” This message is from the Lord. “I have good plans for you. I don’t plan to hurt you. I plan to give you hope and a good future.” Jeremiah 29:11 ERV

 

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Are You Confused?

I had a situation recently where I needed to log-in to a particular app. Entered the password I thought was right but…

I know you’ve been there. Or you log-in and then are asked the security questions. After several attempts of trying to remember if you capitalized the answer or are spelling it right you are locked out temporarily. Are you kidding me, what did I do wrong? I’m so confused.

There are many things that bring thoughts of confusion our way. Jobs – Relationships – Politics – Finances – Education – Technology! What to do? Throw up your hands and walk away? Guess?

I’m so glad that our access to the heavenly Father isn’t blocked by some unknown password or security questions that we can’t remember. The password is simple, Jesus! The security question answer is less complicated than most imagine, Help!

“Don’t worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks for what you have. And because you belong to Christ Jesus, God’s peace will stand guard over all your thoughts and feelings. His peace can do this far better than our human minds.” Philippians 4:6-7 ERV

Confusion is not from the Lord. Absolutely not! He promises us peace. His peace to guard our thoughts and are feelings.

He has always done everything in an orderly and well planned fashion. He created light and the dry land before He created the animals and plants. He put the grasses on earth before He created the cows, deer and elk.

He foretold the birth of Jesus hundreds and thousands of years before the event and when it came time for Jesus’ earthly entry everything was in place. The wise men followed what Daniel had written hundreds of years before.

The crucifixion was orchestrated down to the words that were spoken on the cross. Every detail had been foretold and every detail came to pass without deviation. God does things orderly. Even now, heaven is being prepared for us. Every desire and detail that will make heaven, heaven, is being fashioned as we live and breathe.

So when we look at a situation or circumstance and try to plan or gain understanding and are minds are spinning, it’s time to call on the Lord for order and wisdom.

“If any of you need wisdom, you should ask God, and it will be given to you. God is generous and won’t correct you for asking. 6 But when you ask for something, you must have faith and not doubt. Anyone who doubts is like an ocean wave tossed around in a storm. 7-8 If you are that kind of person, you can’t make up your mind, and you surely can’t be trusted. So don’t expect the Lord to give you anything at all.” James 1:5-8 CEV

Once we’ve asked for wisdom we need to wait for it. Expect God to show up with a game plan. Don’t become impatient or we will be tossed back and forth in our storm of indecision and misinformation. We can trust God to provide when we ask.

The Apostle Paul says that we battle in our minds but the way we emerge victorious is to bring every thought “captive”. Rein it in, bring it under control but not a control of our own making, bring it under the control that comes from knowledge in Christ.

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” II Corinthians 10:3-5

So when confusion comes and it does, it’s our duty to cast it down, take it captive and renew our minds to God’s way of thinking.

Ask for wisdom and then be still and listen for God’s voice on the matter. You have unlimited access to the throne room.

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Vocabulary of Silence

Have you ever said something and wished you hadn’t?  I’m sure we all have.

When our kids were little we used to practice the vocabulary of silence. The meaning of this was don’t say something that is unkind, cruel, sarcastic or untrue.  And it wasn’t just a rule for the kids, Dave and I were subject to it as well. Sometimes we would have a very quiet home.

“All of us do many wrong things. But if you can control your tongue, you are mature and able to control your whole body… My dear friends, with our tongues we speak both praises and curses. We praise our Lord and Father, and we curse people who were created to be like God, and this isn’t right...Are any of you wise or sensible? Then show it by living right and by being humble and wise in everything you do. 14 But if your heart is full of bitter jealousy and selfishness, don’t brag or lie to cover up the truth. 15 That kind of wisdom doesn’t come from above. It is earthly and selfish and comes from the devil himself. 16 Whenever people are jealous or selfish, they cause trouble and do all sorts of cruel things. 17 But the wisdom that comes from above leads us to be pure, friendly, gentle, sensible, kind, helpful, genuine, and sincere. 18 When peacemakers plant seeds of peace, they will harvest justice.” James 3:2, 9, 10, 13-18

Learning to control what we say is a godly principle. In the book of Proverbs we are told that the tongue has the power to bring life or death. God created the universe and everything in it by His words. Yes, words are powerful.

“God’s Son has all the brightness of God’s own glory and is like him in every way. By his own mighty word, he holds the universe together. After the Son had washed away our sins, he sat down at the right side of the glorious God in heaven.” Hebrews 1:3 CEV

Do you remember the little saying we learned as kids? Sticks and stones can break my bones but words will never hurt me.  Oh but they do! Words leave a lasting hurt that sometimes take years to heal.

“Sharp words cut like a sword, but words of wisdom heal. 19 Truth will last forever; lies are soon found out.” Proverbs 12:18-19 CEV

If God, who is perfect, can forgive and love, not just us but, everyone who is living and has ever lived with all of our sins, our failures, screw ups and out and out vulgar living then we should be able to love and forgive those who live in our home, work on our job and are acquainted with on a daily basis.

God is not just asking us to do this but He is telling us we need to do this to be an example of Him. He’s never tells us to do anything that we aren’t able to do because it’s His strength and His character that are living in us.

He has forgiven us of everything! I know that all of my sins have been forgiven and even, according to Hebrews, forgotten, never to be remembered again – this is so overwhelming. Think about that for a moment.

” God loves you and has chosen you as his own special people. So be gentle, kind, humble, meek, and patient. 13 Put up with each other, and forgive anyone who does you wrong, just as Christ has forgiven you. 14 Love is more important than anything else. It is what ties everything completely together. Each one of you is part of the body of Christ, and you were chosen to live together in peace. So let the peace that comes from Christ control your thoughts. And be grateful. 16 Let the message about Christ completely fill your lives, while you use all your wisdom to teach and instruct each other. With thankful hearts, sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. 17 Whatever you say or do should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, as you give thanks to God the Father because of him.” Colossians 3:12-17

Because we are a part of the body of Christ, we should work together to be a display of His love to the world around us. Did you notice that this peace we are told to live in comes from Christ when we let him control our thoughts?

I love verse 17 – WHATEVER you say or do, do it in the name of the Lord. If we are going to say or do something that wouldn’t represent the Lord, then we shouldn’t!  I know some days my world is really quiet because I’m holding my tongue until I can say something that would be representative of what Jesus would say if He were speaking through me. Yes, very quiet indeed!  And some days are filled with repentance for saying things before they were filtered with love.

Stop and think where you would be without God’s amazing love. Now let that love and forgiveness flow through you to those around you as His representative.

“But I am giving you a new command. You must love each other, just as I have loved you. 35 If you love each other, everyone will know that you are my disciples.” John 13:34-35 CEV

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