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He Reigns

The news has been filled with stories on world leaders; some have died, some refuse to vacate the office that is no longer theirs and others are vying to be elected.

However, there is one King, the King of Kings, who will never be dethroned.

“ For God is the King of all the earth. Sing praises with a well written song. 8 God rules over the nations. God sits on His holy throne. 9 The rulers of the people have gathered together as the people of the God of Abraham. For the powers of the earth belong to God. He is much honored.” Psalm 47:7-9 NLV

Through the ages many have sat on thrones and commanded homage. Peoples have been subjected to cruel and unjust rulers while others have heralded theirs as wise, kind, righteous and good.

But none of those rulers have ruled for any great length of time.

We are blessed to be under the lordship of the eternal King.

“‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God All-Powerful. He always was, he is, and he is coming.’…They worshiped him who lives forever and ever. They put their crowns down before the throne and said, 11 ‘Our Lord and God! You are worthy to receive glory and honor and power.
You made all things. Everything existed and was made because you wanted it.’” Revelation 4:8-12 ERV

When there is so much uncertainty, we who have a relationship with Christ can trust His immutability, His unconditional love, His mercy and His grace.

“‘Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” This saying is true, and it can be trusted. I was the worst sinner of all! 16 But since I was worse than anyone else, God had mercy on me and let me be an example of the endless patience of Christ Jesus. He did this so that others would put their faith in Christ and have eternal life. 17 I pray that honor and glory will always be given to the only God, who lives forever and is the invisible and eternal King! Amen.” I Timothy 1:15-17 CEV

Before we close there is one more thing that we must always remember about our King of Kings and Lord of Lords, who reigns eternal. He is just, absolutely, and He is merciful and gracious and always ready to help us in our time of need.

“ Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment].” Hebrews 4:16 AMP

There is a song which will be sung in heaven but maybe you will join me in singing it now.

“Then I heard all beings in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and in the sea offer praise. Together, all of them were saying, “Praise, honor, glory, and strength forever and ever to the one who sits on the throne and to the Lamb!” Revelation 5:13 CEV

Our God Reigns!

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Wisdom

We’ve discussed this before but there seems to be a lack of common sense and wisdom. Common sense isn’t so common anymore.

I used to read a chapter a day in Proverbs but the older I get I find that I need to break it down in smaller segments than that so I can really try to absorb what Solomon is saying. And after all these years, I am still finding new truths that I overlooked or didn’t see in the past.

I guess that’s wisdom!

“Good people think before they answer, but the wicked speak evil without ever thinking. 29 The Lord never even hears the prayers of the wicked, but he answers the prayers of all who obey him. 30 A friendly smile makes you happy, and good news makes you feel strong. 31 Healthy correction is good, and if you accept it, you will be wise. 32 You hurt only yourself by rejecting instruction, but it makes good sense to accept it. 33 Showing respect to the Lord will make you wise, and being humble will bring honor to you.” Proverbs 15:28-33 CEV

1) It’s important that we give thought to the words we speak. Jesus said that life and death are in the power of the tongue. Words can have a mighty impact and so we should choose them well. A wise person will do that.

” Your words show what is in your hearts. 35 Good people bring good things out of their hearts, but evil people bring evil things out of their hearts. ” Matthew 12:34b-35 CEV

2) Take time to smile and bring good news. I make a conscious effort to keep a smile on my face. It improves my own outlook. A smile shared is a smile multiplied. (If you smile at someone they generally smile back and that’s multiplication).

“Be friendly with everyone. Don’t be proud and feel that you know more than others. Make friends with ordinary people.” Romans 12:16 CEV

3) Accept correction and good advice. It’s beneficial! We can learn from others. We don’t have all the answers or know everything about anything so accepting advice and correction is a step toward wisdom.

“My child, you must follow and treasure my teachings and my instructions…4 Search for wisdom as you would search for silver or hidden treasure…6 All wisdom comes from the Lord, and so do common sense and understanding. 7 God gives helpful advice to everyone who obeys him and protects those who live as they should.” Proverbs 2:1-7 CEV

4) Giving the Lord his rightful place, a place of reverence, is wise. When we give the Father and His Word first place we are truly wise.

“ But more than anything else, put God’s work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well.” Matthew 6:33 CEV

So, smile today and be willing to accept instruction or correction and keep the Lord first…you’ll have a near perfect day!

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In the Storm

The Arizona thunderstorms are magnificent but can be frightening. The last week we had some powerful thunderstorms in the Valley- flashes of lightning, cracks of thunder, wind and hard rains. They all seem to travel around us so we weren’t in the eye of the storm, but we could see the effects driving in to town with flooded parks, carports that had been mangled and the reports of lightning caused fires in the desert.

I remember a few years ago when we lived in Rio Rico. The storms would come from Mexico and seemed to arrive in our community about 2 a.m. The lightning would light up our bedroom and the thunder would rattle the windows. Our little dog, Glory, would hide in the walk-in closet. I would count the seconds between the flashes and the thunderclap. It was epic and unnerving.

Have you noticed how there are times in life that the storms come and rob us of our peace and rest? It leaves us anxious and frightened. Sometimes wondering if we will survive such an event.

It’s important to know God’s word and His promises during those times so that we can continue to have peace in the midst of the storm.

“They were in trouble, so they called to the Lord for help, and he saved them from their troubles. 29 He stopped the storm and calmed the waves. 30 The sailors were happy that the sea became calm, and he led them safely to where they wanted to go.” Psalm 107:28-30 ERV

The Lord calmed the waves and stopped the storm and got them to where they were safe. Jesus was in the midst of a storm once and He slept through it. That is until the disciples woke him up during their panic.

“While they were sailing, Jesus slept. A big storm blew across the lake, and the boat began to fill with water. They were in danger. 24 The followers went to Jesus and woke him. They said, “Master! Master! We will drown!” Jesus got up. He gave a command to the wind and the waves. The wind stopped, and the lake became calm. 25 He said to his followers, ‘Where is your faith?’ They were afraid and amazed. They said to each other, ‘What kind of man is this? He commands the wind and the water, and they obey him.’” Matthew 8:23-25 ERV

Our goal is to be like Jesus and to be able to “sleep” in the midst of the storm – knowing that the Lord has this handled. That’s what Peter did when he was beaten and thrown into prison – he slept. The angel that came to rescue him had to bump him to wake him. Peter was resting in the Lord. (Acts 12:7-16)

Paul and Silas were singing in the midst of their storm. Singing at midnight in prison after having been beaten and in the midst of an earthquake, they were singing. (Acts 16:16-31)

Sometimes the Lord speaks to our storm and it ceases. At other times, He has us stand and face it and He sends our deliverance.

“‘Whoever hears these teachings of mine and obeys them is like a wise man who built his house on rock. 25 It rained hard, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house. But it did not fall because it was built on rock.26 Whoever hears these teachings of mine and does not obey them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.'” Matthew 7:24-26 ERV

When we stand on God’s word we can face the storm and be at peace!

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Wait – What For?

Sometimes I get up and know immediately what I’m supposed to share. Sometimes it comes while I’m sipping my coffee and just enjoying the quiet time the Lord and I share together. Then there are times like this morning when I wait.

I’m not good at waiting. I often get impatient in long lines, on hold, in crowds and I have a real problem with those pedestrian crossing lights. That was the example the Lord reminded me of this morning.

I’ve been known to push that button on the light pole several times just to make sure the timer was activated and knew I was waiting. I’ve also been known to cross the street while the little figure in red was still illuminated. Those lights were installed for my safety, to protect me from oncoming traffic.

So, this morning when I heard the Lord say wait, I should have realized that He was asking me to trust Him and waiting was for my benefit.

“ Lift up your eyes and see. Who has made these stars? It is the One Who leads them out by number. He calls them all by name. Because of the greatness of His strength, and because He is strong in power, not one of them is missing.

27 O Jacob and Israel, why do you say, “My way is hidden from the Lord. My God does not think about my cause”? 28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The God Who lives forever is the Lord, the One Who made the ends of the earth. He will not become weak or tired. His understanding is too great for us to begin to know. 29 He gives strength to the weak. And He gives power to him who has little strength. 30 Even very young men get tired and become weak and strong young men trip and fall. 31 But they who wait upon the Lord will get new strength. They will rise up with wings like eagles. They will run and not get tired. They will walk and not become weak. ” Isaiah 40:26-31 NLV

Why do I think that I need to rush ahead? Why do I feel the need to hurry? Why do I think I can accomplish anything in my own strength and power? Even those much younger than me get tired.

If I wait for the Lord, He will give me the strength I need. Waiting for Him and His timing keeps me safe.

“I patiently waited, Lord, for you to hear my prayer. You listened 2 and pulled me from a lonely pit full of mud and mire. You let me stand on a rock with my feet firm, 3 and you gave me a new song, a song of praise to you. Many will see this, and they will honor and trust you, the Lord God.” Psalm 40:1-3 CEV

Is the Lord telling you to wait? Then I encourage you to wait patiently; He will renew your strength and put you safely on a firm foundation.

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To the Rescue

This morning has me thinking about my dad. Dad was a good man. He loved mom, us kids and the Lord. He was an impressive figure of a man; handsome, strong, rugged, loyal, outspoken and he hated injustice.

Dad wasn’t well educated, only went to the 7th grade but he was one of the smartest men I know. He could read people, their sincerity or deceit and he could fix or build anything.

Dad’s been gone for 19 years now, and I miss him. When we find a great new lake, I think of Dad. Driving through a river valley and spotting a good place to fish, building a new shed, fixing the car – all make me think of him.

Watching my grandchildren grow into good people, playing with our newest grandchild, talking to our grown kids – all these make me miss him and grateful that I have so many wonderful memories.

There were times that I needed Daddy to come to my rescue and he did. Never a question that he wouldn’t be there to help and defend. Now if I had done something stupid he would talk to me about that later but first instinct was to come to my aid.

Maybe you don’t have such a good memory of your relationship with your dad but your Heavenly Father desires a relationship with you that is so much greater than any you’ve ever had with your earthly father.

“All of you are God’s children because of your faith in Christ Jesus. 27 And when you were baptized, it was as though you had put on Christ in the same way you put on new clothes. 28 Faith in Christ Jesus is what makes each of you equal with each other, whether you are a Jew or a Greek, a slave or a free person, a man or a woman. 29 So if you belong to Christ, you are now part of Abraham’s family, and you will be given what God has promised…Now that we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts. And his Spirit tells us that God is our Father. 7 You are no longer slaves. You are God’s children, and you will be given what he has promised.” Galatians 3:26-4:7 CEV

In God’s family we are all equal – the same blessings are available to all of us. God’s love is not greater for one than the other; His mercy is given freely to us all and His protection and provision are not awarded with prejudice or bias. It’s our faith in Jesus Christ that makes us equal.

You’re heavenly Father loves you and whatever you may be going through today He’s right there with you and when things get bigger than you can handle your Dad’s got this. Let Him handle it!

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Perspective

It’s important to keep a proper perspective when going through a tough time. If we begin to look too closely at the situation it will begin to seem overwhelming. It’s important to pull back and look at things the way God’s see them.

The children of Egypt saw a sea too big to cross; God saw a stream and damned it up. Saul’s soldiers saw a giant too big to conquer; David saw a man who was no match for God. Noah saw a world filled with corruption and a devastating flood; God saw a cruise ship of salvation.

Satan saw Jesus as a dead man, buried in a tomb but God saw the resurrection!

What is your perspective? Do you see things as hopeless, do you see defeat?

“As a deer gets thirsty for streams of water, I truly am thirsty for you, my God. 2 In my heart, I am thirsty for you, the living God. When will I see your face? 3 Day and night my tears are my only food, as everyone keeps asking, “Where is your God?” 4 Sorrow floods my heart, when I remember leading the worshipers to your house. I can still hear them shout their joyful praises. 5 Why am I discouraged? Why am I restless?

I trust you! And I will praise you again because you help me, 6 and you are my God. I am deeply discouraged as I think about you from where the Jordan begins at Mount Hermon and from Mount Mizar.

7 Your vicious waves have swept over me like an angry ocean or a roaring waterfall. 8 Every day, you are kind, and at night you give me a song as my prayer to you, the living Lord God.

9 You are my mighty rock. Why have you forgotten me? Why must enemies mistreat me and make me sad? 10 Even my bones are in pain, while all day long my enemies sneer and ask, “Where is your God?”

11 Why am I discouraged? Why am I restless? I trust you! And I will praise you again because you help me, and you are my God.” Psalm 42 CEV

King David was fighting discouragement. He had been going through vicious attacks. As he laid it all out before the Lord, the circumstances hadn’t changed but his heart’s perspective had.

He remembered God’s goodness and he ended with this, “I will praise you again because you help me, and you are my God”.

Are you discouraged or disheartened? Put your hope in God!

Perspective!

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I’m Sure!

Welcome to another morning of God’s mercy and grace. Yes, I’m sure.

The sun will come up this morning, the earth is still rotating on its axis, birds will sing, waves will rush to the shore and God’s love never ceases.

“We are still alive because the Lord’s faithful love never ends. 23 Every morning he shows it in new ways! You are so very true and loyal! 24 I say to myself, ‘The Lord is my God, and I trust him.’” Lamentations 3:22-24 ERV

Sitting with my hot cup of coffee, in the quiet of the morning hour, it is well with my soul!

Does that mean that everything is perfect? No worries, no problems? Does it mean I have no unanswered questions? On any given day, whether bombarded with challenges and difficulties or relaxed and filled with joy I have learned to be sure.

“Faith makes us sure of what we hope for and gives us proof of what we cannot see. 2  It was their faith that made our ancestors pleasing to God.

3  Because of our faith, we know that the world was made at God’s command. We also know that what can be seen was made out of what cannot be seen.

4  Because Abel had faith, he offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. God was pleased with him and his gift, and even though Abel is now dead, his faith still speaks for him.

5  Enoch had faith and did not die. He pleased God, and God took him up to heaven. This is why his body was never found. 6 But without faith no one can please God. We must believe that God is real and rewards everyone who searches for him.” Hebrews 11:1-6 CEV

Did you read that? Faith makes us sure and gives us proof. We cannot please God without faith. By faith, we believe that God is real and He rewards us for seeking Him.

When we are seeking for God, searching for Him like something that was lost, we focus on Him. When we focus on Him, He keeps us in peace.

“God, you give true peace to people who depend on you, to those who trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3 ERV

I’m reminded of a father who brought his son to Jesus for healing.

“Jesus asked the boy’s father, ‘How long has this been happening to him?’ The father answered, ‘Since he was very young. 22 The spirit often throws him into a fire or into water to kill him. If you can do anything, please have pity on us and help us.’ 23 Jesus said to the father, ‘Why did you say ‘if you can’? All things are possible for the one who believes.‘ 24 Immediately the father shouted, ‘I do believe. Help me to believe more!‘” Mark 9:21-24 ERV

That’s what searching for God does. It helps us believe more. This was exactly the reaction that Jesus was hoping to see in this father’s heart.

Our confidence in God grows when we spend time in His presence.

“So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved grace, and we will find help.” Hebrews 4:16 CEV

Our heavenly Father does not lie. When He tells us to come, He means it. He rewards us for coming. He rewards us with grace, help and peace in our time of need.

I’m sure!

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A Final Note

Because I believe that all scripture is given by God and is profitable to our instruction I couldn’t close the teaching in the book of Ephesians without Paul’s final words to them.

“Pray that I will be given the message to speak and that I may fearlessly explain the mystery about the good news. 20 I was sent to do this work, and this is the reason I am in jail. So pray that I will be brave and will speak as I should.

21-22  I want you to know how I am getting along and what I am doing. This is why I am sending Tychicus to you. He is a dear friend, as well as a faithful servant of the Lord. He will tell you how I am doing, and he will cheer you up.

23 I pray that God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ will give peace, love, and faith to every follower!” Ephesians 6:19-23 CEV

Paul had been to Ephesus several times. He became their teacher and their friend. He had eaten in their homes, he knew their children’s names and their family businesses. He had seen them grow in Christ.

Now he could no longer travel and be with them in person. I’m sure he missed them and wanted to communicate that he was still committed to them and praying for them. His final visit with them was filled with tears.

“You know everything I did during the time I was with you when I first came to Asia. 19 Some of the Jews plotted against me and caused me a lot of sorrow and trouble. But I served the Lord and was humble. 20 When I preached in public or taught in your homes, I didn’t hold back from telling anything that would help you. 21 I told Jews and Gentiles to turn to God and have faith in our Lord Jesus…36 After Paul had finished speaking, he knelt down with all of them and prayed. 37 Everyone cried and hugged and kissed him. 38 They were especially sad because Paul had told them, “You will never see me again.” Then they went with him to the ship.” Acts 20:18-38 CEV

Paul was, and is, also encouraging believers to follow the Lord. A man who had been beaten on several occasions, shipwrecked, thrown into prison and now was in house arrest in Rome never wanted the Christians to be without hope.

His final words in this book bear repeating.

“23 I pray that God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ will give peace, love, and faith to every follower!” Ephesians 6:23 CEV

Peace, love and faith to every follower – may we know the truth of those words in our lives today.

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Stand Guard

This is the end of our walk through Ephesians. I hope you have found some wonderful nuggets of instruction and encouragement.

“This is the last thing I want to say: Be strong with the Lord’s strength. 11 Put on the things God gives you to fight with. Then you will not fall into the traps of the devil. 12 Our fight is not with people. It is against the leaders and the powers and the spirits of darkness in this world. It is against the demon world that works in the heavens. 13 Because of this, put on all the things God gives you to fight with. Then you will be able to stand in that sinful day. When it is all over, you will still be standing. ” Ephesians 6:10-13 NLV

The first thing that came to mind when I read this this morning was young David as he was about to face Goliath. David knew that he wasn’t going out to fight in his own strength. He knew God was with him. King Saul tried to get David to wear his royal armor – it didn’t fit, David chose to use what God had given him. A sling, some rocks and the supernatural presence of God.

Paul tells us that our fight isn’t with people. It’s a fight of a spiritual nature so it requires a specialized armor, the armor of God. The promise we have is that if we stand, stand strong, we will still be standing victoriously when the battle is over.

“14 So stand up and do not be moved. Wear a belt of truth around your body. Wear a piece of iron over your chest which is being right with God. 15 Wear shoes on your feet which are the Good News of peace. 16 Most important of all, you need a covering of faith in front of you. This is to put out the fire-arrows of the devil. 17 The covering for your head is that you have been saved from the punishment of sin. Take the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God.” Ephesians 6:14-17

Every piece of our armor comes from God’s word.

a belt of truth – Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life”. John 14:6

a breastplate of righteousness – we know that “He became sin for us so that we could become the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus” II Corinthians 5:21

our shoes are the gospel of peace – “we have peace with God” Romans 5:1

our shield is faith – “faith comes by hearing, and hearing the word of God” Romans 10:17

a helmet of salvation – “by grace are we saved through faith” Ephesians 2:8

our sword – is the word of God Ephesians 6:18

Without God’s word we have no armor; without our armor we cannot stand.

“You must pray at all times as the Holy Spirit leads you to pray. Pray for the things that are needed. You must watch and keep on praying. Remember to pray for all Christians. ” Ephesians 6:19 NLV

Now, more than ever it’s important for us to pray. Pray for ourselves, our families, for each other. Our victory comes by faith.

“Every child of God can defeat the world, and our faith is what gives us this victory.” I John 5:4 CEV

So let’s do as Paul has instructed us to do. Stand Guard and Keep On Standing!

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Promise Made, Promise Kept

When our oldest two children were in kindergarten and first grade we lived in the little community of Arlington, AZ. Arlington is in the middle of farmland and there was only a little store and a post office. So, we would take a break from baling hay when we could and go for a treat at the Dairy Queen which was 30 miles away.

If we told the kids we were taking them on Friday you can be sure that Friday morning they started reminding us of our promise. After all, a promise made is a promise kept.

That’s what I want you to remember about this morning’s verses from Ephesians. God, the Father, is a loving parent and when He makes a promise He keeps it.

“Children, you belong to the Lord, and you do the right thing when you obey your parents. The first commandment with a promise says, 2  “Obey your father and your mother, 3 and you will have a long and happy life.”

4  Parents, don’t be hard on your children. Raise them properly. Teach them and instruct them about the Lord.” Ephesians 6:1-4 CEV

Not only does the Bible give instruction to the children it also gives us, as parents, instruction.

“Fathers, do not be too hard on your children so they will become angry. Teach them in their growing years with Christian teaching.” Ephesians 6:4 NLV

We are to teach our children well. Teach them to be honest, loving, kind, understanding, respectful, and obedient. But, our teaching methods should never be harsh or demeaning. We should refrain from ridicule and criticism and instead use the same characteristics and qualities that God uses as He helps us to grow and mature into His image.

Speak the truth in love.

This same instruction follows through in our workplace relationships. Whether we are the employer or the employee, we have a responsibility before God to act in a way that pleases Him.

“Slaves, you must obey your earthly masters. Show them great respect and be as loyal to them as you are to Christ. 6 Try to please them at all times, and not just when you think they are watching. You are slaves of Christ, so with your whole heart you must do what God wants you to do. 7 Gladly serve your masters, as though they were the Lord himself, and not simply people. 8 You know that you will be rewarded for any good things you do, whether you are slaves or free.

9  Slave owners, you must treat your slaves with this same respect. Don’t threaten them. They have the same Master in heaven that you do, and he doesn’t have favorites.” Ephesians 6:5-9 CEV

If we are in someone’s employ we should be respectful and obedient. If they ask us to do something that goes contrary to God’s word, it’s time to look for a new job. We should work in such a way that God is pleased with what we do. He will reward us for our diligence.

And if we are in a place of authority with others working for us we must also please the Lord in how we lead. Those working for us should be treated with respect and we should never ask them to do something that would go against God’s instruction to us. God doesn’t play favorites.

Isaiah tells us this: “ If you are willing and obey, you will eat the best of the land.” Isaiah 1:19 NLV

Remember, a promise made is a promise kept. And God’s promises are much better than an ice cream.

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