It's all for Him, not me!

In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire —may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

(1 Peter 1:6-7) No matter the situation, God has a completely different view of the circumstances. James would say that no mater what we are going through, "Count it all joy!" (James 1:2) God can and will and is I might add) make all things we are going through beautiful and perfect. We may not be able to understand it at the present time as we are going through challenges, but God knows! Has it been a challenging few weeks and days for you? It has been for me. Yet I must hold on to the fact that God is with me. He is working things out. When those whom I think are on my side . . . on God's side seem like the enemy . . . than all I can do is lean upon my Daddy. It's all for Him, not me!

mutual interdependence

And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.

(James 5:15-18) No man (or woman) is an island! No human being can obey all of God's instructions without the help of a brother (or sister). But as a man, I must tell you that is something about the brotherhood! (Psalm 133:1) When believing men who really know the Lord come together with regular occurance . . . watch out! God is able to use these men! There is something about a praying, trusting, believing man of God. I cherish all my fellow believers. However, my besides bride of course, I cherish the men who have challenged me and set the example for me over the years. These men have set the pace. They have laid the ground work (Hebrews 12:1). Even at myworkplace today, there are a few men who hold me up and nudge me on when things get unbearable. God has designed this world that many of our needs are met only through mutual interdependence. Thank you . . . for those who stand with me! You know who you are . . . and so does the Lord! As iron sharpens iron . . . (Proverbs 27:17)

Where are we today?

The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.

(Psalm 145:18-19) There are some specific words in this psalm of David that I would like to point out; all, fear (respect) and cry. All means all, but it also means anyone in this case. Anyone and everyone who sincerely calls upon the name of the Lord will be heard. It requires a healthy fear or respect of God in order to be heard by God. God does not respect or honor the flippant prayers or casual conversation so many have with the King of kings and Lord of lords. We must sincerely and respectfully seek Him (Hebrews 11:6) in order to know he hears us. Finally, as we cry out from the depths of our hearts, with real emotion and heart-felt honesty and desire, God promises to comfort us and meet our needs. (Romans 10:13) The most sincere need of man is to be saved from a life of sin and God's will for all to be saved . . . but not everyone cries out, "What must I do to be saved?" (Acts 16:30-31) Where are we today? Are we in the right relationship with the Father? Do we truly respect and honor Him as King of kings, Master of everything? Do we have a sincere and heart-felt relationship with Him? Is He real to us? Knowing we belong to God is such a comforting feeling. Knowing we will be with Him for eternity is real peace in the time of storm. Do we really know Him? Let Him know today . . . let someone else know!

Hold on . . .

Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil.

(1 Thessalonians 5:21-22) There is only one truth ...God's truth. We must be careful to adhere to it, or we will be swayed by every opinionthat flies by. EVERYTHING must come under the truths of the Gospel . . . work, friendhips, partnerships, relationships, education. Every decision we make, no matter how small, will reflect our relationsip with God. Do we trust Him? Do we cherish His plans for us? Do we seek to please God over friends and family? Is our goal His will for us? Do we rely upon God and His Word as our lighthouse in the stormy seas of life? Hold on . . . trust Him!

Remain in Christ!

If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

(John 15:7-8) This is why we were created; to honor God and bring Him glory! Only as we do as God desires for us will we be one with Him.Thiese verses are NOY saying that God will do whatever we ask Him to do . . . Oh no! God is not a genie in bottle or an instnt lottery. What John is saying is that as we walk in obedience to the Father's will, He will supply all we need to accomplish that will.

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.

(Galatians 6:7) God has not changed over the years. Many today are claiming to be believers and doing all sorts of despicable things. Many Christian leaders and others in authority are condoning and even encouraging sinful lifestyles. But be assured, God has His eye on each of us. We will give an account of our life. There is a day coming when every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is indeed Lord of all. I choose this day . . . how 'bout you? Remain in Christ . . . .!

Controlled by the Holy Spirit

"In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.

(Ephesians 4:26-27) Paul realized that human beings do indeed get angry! No doubt Paul did . . . who can possibly stay pealsant when facing all the obstacles he faced: falsely jailed, beaten, character assaults, ministry buddies quitting and more. Yet he warns us to deal with our anger. Do not allow it to control us and definitely do not take it to bed with us! However, he does instruct us (Ephesians 4:25)speak the truth. So if the devil uses this anger specifically to gnaw away at us and to lead us to deeper sin, how do we speak the truth (in love) yet still not sin? We must be controlled by the Holy Spirit and not our emotions!(Ephesians 5:18)Paul further instructs us in his letter to the Romans. (Romans 8:4-11) Believers must give up control and allow the indwelling Spirit to take over. It is the only way to be honest with folks and not allow emotions to take over. It keeps us mentally stable. It preserves friendships. It safeguards our character. It honors God and causes other to see His power in our lives!

Will we fight?

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

(1 Timothy 2:15) Paul encourages . . .challenges young Timothy to be diligent to stand ready before God. Just as a soldier must stand before the general for inspection, we must present ourselves before God ready for battle. We must know our job and be prepared for battle! We must be properly trained and understand what is before us. This is only done by understanding the Word of God. This is our weapon (Hebrews 4:12)as we enter into warfre daily! The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Ephesians 6:17)remains our most effective weapon against evil. If we are to be successful in ministry, if we are to best serve our families, if we are to correctly handle the Truth, than we must know the Word! A soldier knows his enemy. A soldier knows how to handle his weapon. A soldier fights for his general, his fellow warriors, and the cause. Satan is alive and on the attack. The Word of God is still alive and sharper than any two-edged sword. God is still on the throne. Are we prepared? Do we stand ready? Will we fight?

worth walking . . .

The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved you and your household.” Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house.

(Acts 16:30-32) The Macedonian Call . . . Paul's call from God to preach to those in Philippi and other cities. How many of us would love a direct call from the Lord on where to go and what to do next? Many of us have already received such a call. But like Paul, it is not always what we expect . . . or is it? You see, the call from God is often more of a challenge than a pleasure trip! Oh sure, serving God is a joy. Doing His will and being in His will is wonderful. I just want to warn you . . . it is a challenge and many times not what we dream about! The road is often bumpy, unchartered, and has dangers at every turn. However, we walk this road because we believe it is His will and we believe He rewards us in due time . . . in HIS time! Paul entered Macedonia on fire and ended up in jail. Yet while there, the jailer and his family accepted the Lord as their Savior! How many times have we faced challenges yet in the end it has worked out to the glory of God? God is in control! His ways are not our ways . . . But the road to the finish line is indeed worth walking.

not by words

“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”

(1 Peter 2:24) As Peter reminds us to be in subjection to all authority (1 Peter 2:13-17)he reminds us that Christ set the example for us. Though He was God, He offered Himself up for us, being subject to the rulers of this world, and He offered no retaliation when they tortured Him (2 Peter 2:22-23). It is tough to put up with the ridicule, the senseless actions of others, and the general carelessness of this world when one is trying their best to obey the statutes of God. However, as we set the example, others can see Christ. This may be the only way some people hear the Gospel; not by words, but by our actions! In a world where right is wrong and wrong is right . . . and our leaders . . . even professed Christian leaders set the wrong example, someone has to draw the line! Will it be you and me?

Take a stand!

The sinful mind is at war with God. It does not obey God's law. It can't. Those who are controlled by their sinful nature can't please God. But your sinful nature does not control you. The Holy Spirit controls you. The Spirit of God lives in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to Christ.

(Romans 8:7-9) We are not our own! If we claim to be Christ followers, then we need to follow Him! If we claim the freedom granted by His sacrifice on the cross and Hs resurrection from the dead, then we need to live free from the world. We cannot have it both ways. There is no dual citizenship. There cannot be one foot in and one foot out. Oh yes, we live in a world of temptaton and lust. It is not easy. We desperately seek attention and acceptance; but from whom? We want to be recognized; but by whom? Are we seeking to please the One who has saved us? Young and old alike face decisions every day: Do I please the world or please my God? Whom do you serve this day . . . this moment? (Joshua 24:15) Take a stand!