The Reason for More Workers...

The reason Christianity has spread and continues to grow can be based on one principle: asking God to send more workers into the field. Will you make this part of your daily prayers, then take action.

Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And He healed every kind of disease and illness. 36 When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 He said to His disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. 38 So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask Him to send more workers in Matthew 9:35-38

Show Me...

Here’s a paradigm that few ever run through their minds. For people, seeing is believing. For God, believing is seeing (John 11:40). While others may laugh at you for following God, you must see it as necessary and continue to do it, not just for God’s calling and your obedience, but sometimes for their eternal benefit. Just like Elijah’s servant who didn’t see the angelic army, or the man who asked Jesus to help him believe, so we must too never lose heart when others laugh at us for doing the right thing. We see because we believe. Never adopt the state of Missouri’s motto, “SHOW ME”, unless of course it’s in reference to displaying your own faith.

23 When Jesus arrived at the official’s home, He saw the noisy crowd and heard the funeral music. 24 “Get out!” He told them. “The girl isn’t dead; she’s only asleep.” But the crowd laughed at Him. 25 After the crowd was put outside, however, Jesus went in and took the girl by the hand, and she stood up! 26 The report of this miracle swept through the entire countryside. Matthew 9:23-26

We Don’t Need Miracles...

God wants us to believe in Him simply because He is God and He is good. We don’t need miracles to believe.

19 So Jesus and His disciples got up and went with Him. 20 Just then a woman who had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding came up behind Him. She touched the fringe of His robe, 21 for she thought, “If I can just touch His robe, I will be healed.”22 Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, “Daughter, be encouraged! Your faith has made you well.” And the woman was healed at that moment. Matthew 9:19-22

Put On the New...

God replaces our old sinful desires with new ones when we pledge our allegiance to Him when we become a Christian. He ushers in the new and throws out the old. It’s like getting cleansed of lice, you wouldn’t want to put back on the “old clothes” would you? This new life requires us to live differently, unlike those who are worldly. That doesn’t mean we no longer have the desires or are never tempted anymore. It just means when we do sin, we don’t just dive right in and enjoy it’s pleasures. Instead, we realize what it is we’ve done, and immediately climb out, repent, and make right what we’ve messed up. This “new heart” is sensitive to sin; it gives us the right perspective on the world, and reality of the spiritual world that exists right along beside it.

16 “Besides, who would patch old clothing with new cloth? For the new patch would shrink and rip away from the old cloth, leaving an even bigger tear than before.17 “And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the old skins would burst from the pressure, spilling the wine and ruining the skins. New wine is stored in new wineskins so that both are preserved.” Matthew 9:16-17

Your Status with God...

The bottom line to Christianity is this: are you ever in need of a doctor? Then you need Jesus to pay you a visit. He will change your status with God.

9 As Jesus was walking along, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at his tax collector’s booth. “Follow Me and be My disciple,” Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed Him.10 Later, Matthew invited Jesus and His disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. 11 But when the Pharisees saw this, they asked His disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with such scum?”12 When Jesus heard this, He said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor–sick people do.” 13 Then He added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” Matthew 9:9-13

God Can Only Forgive Sin...

So many people think Jesus was a righteous man, or a good teacher, or a great, peaceful leader, but the Bible clearly shows us He is God. There are so many verses that prove this point. The reason people have forgotten this or refuse to believe it is because their parents and grand parents never passed down their biblical knowledge, or they are just Bible illiterate themselves. It’s just that simple. You can’t misinterpret statements like this.

Jesus climbed into a boat and went back across the lake to His own town. 2 Some people brought to Him a paralyzed man on a mat. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “Be encouraged, My child! Your sins are forgiven.”3 But some of the teachers of religious law said to themselves, “That’s blasphemy! Does He think He’s God?”4 Jesus knew what they were thinking, so He asked them, “Why do you have such evil thoughts in your hearts? 5 Is it easier to say ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up and walk’?6 So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!”7 And the man jumped up and went home! 8 Fear swept through the crowd as they saw this happen. And they praised God for sending a man with such great authority. Matthew 9:1-8

Honor God by Giving Your Best...

Honor God with your best and He will honor you even more. This doesn’t always mean God will honor you with material rewards. It just means He will reward you. It could mean spiritually, emotionally, or physically (health). The fact that God will honor you when you give Him your best should be enough, and not motivation to give in order to get from Him. This is often misconstrued in the practice of the Christian faith today. His nearness is to us our good. You can’t out give or out do God.

9 Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce.10 Then He will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine. Proverbs 3:9-10

Specific Prayer....

How often when we pray, do we ask for detailed, specific things? Most of my prayers aren’t as detailed as Abraham’s servant. He prayed for God to answer his request in exacting details. His concern was for Abraham first, self second. It was no surprise when it came true. My guess is that this servant must’ve had experience like this before, because when it happened he didn’t seem shocked that it was answered exactly how he asked. When we pray, be specific. Ask for a detailed response. When it happens, there won’t be any hesitation in knowing God is at work in this request.

12 “O Lord, God of my master, Abraham,” he prayed. “Please give me success today, and show unfailing love to my master, Abraham. 13 See, I am standing here beside this spring, and the young women of the town are coming out to draw water. 14 This is my request. I will ask one of them, ‘Please give me a drink from your jug.’ If she says, ‘Yes, have a drink, and I will water your camels, too!’–let her be the one you have selected as Isaac’s wife. This is how I will know that you have shown unfailing love to my master.” 15 Before he had finished praying, he saw a young woman named Rebekah coming out with her water jug on her shoulder. She was the daughter of Bethuel, who was the son of Abraham’s brother Nahor and his wife, Milcah. 16 Rebekah was very beautiful and old enough to be married, but she was still a virgin. She went down to the spring, filled her jug, and came up again. 17 Running over to her, the servant said, “Please give me a little drink of water from your jug.”18 “Yes, my lord,” she answered, “have a drink.” And she quickly lowered her jug from her shoulder and gave him a drink. 19 When she had given him a drink, she said, “I’ll draw water for your camels, too, until they have had enough to drink.” 20 So she quickly emptied her jug into the watering trough and ran back to the well to draw water for all his camels. Genesis 24:15-20

Unbelievers’ Behavior...

Unbelievers that see God at work, are always afraid and want nothing to do with Him.

33 The herdsmen fled to the nearby town, telling everyone what happened to the demon-possessed men. 34 Then the entire town came out to meet Jesus, but they begged Him to go away and leave them alone. Matthew 8:33-34

Before God’s Appointed Time...

There are many references in the Bible that tell us of the coming “Judgement Day”. Here the demon possessed men knew their time is limited. So should we. Should we be scared? Not if you are saved and pursue God in a daily basis. You should use it to motivate you to witness to the truth to every single person you come into contact with. If you have never repented and received Jesus as Lord of your life, it should scare the life out of you. It’s something we all need to keep in mind. We should always strive to live a life that pleases God. We can deny Him, but it doesn’t change or stop it from coming. We all will meet our Maker face to face one day. The question is will Judgement Day be a day of rewards for you, or the worst day of your life?

29 They began screaming at Him, “Why are You interfering with us, Son of God? Have You come here to torture us before God’s appointed time?” Matthew 8:29

Can You Imagine...

Can you imagine being in a terrible storm, thinking, “I’m about to die”. Then all of the sudden the storms ceases in a moment. You’d be thinking, “what just happened here”? Welcome to the story when Jesus calmed the storm. The only thing I’d say about this is if His disciples didn’t believe that He was God after this, then they didn’t want to believe. Much like many today, they experience An act of divine intervention, and yet try to explain it away. If the wind and waves obey, you better listen to every word He speaks. Only God can do that.

23 Then Jesus got into the boat and started across the lake with His disciples. 24 Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25 The disciples went and woke Him up, shouting, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”26 Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then He got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm.27 The disciples were amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked. “Even the winds and waves obey Him!” Matthew 8:23-27

Amazing Jesus...

Do you want to amaze Jesus? Trust Him. Act out that trust. When all seems lost, cry out to Him. He will answer you. God doesn’t play favorites. He answers all that sincerely call on Him. Acting on what you know to be true is what faith is all about. Exercise it today.

5 When Jesus returned to Capernaum, a Roman officer came and pleaded with Him, 6 “Lord, my young servant lies in bed, paralyzed and in terrible pain.”7 Jesus said, “I will come and heal him.”8 But the officer said, “Lord, I am not worthy to have You come into my home. Just say the word from where You are, and my servant will be healed. 9 I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, ‘Go,’ and they go, or ‘Come,’ and they come. And if I say to my slaves, ‘Do this,’ they do it.”10 When Jesus heard this, He was amazed. Turning to those who were following Him, He said, “I tell you the truth, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel! 11 And I tell you this, that many Gentiles will come from all over the world–from east and west–and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the feast in the Kingdom of Heaven.12 But many Israelites–those for whom the Kingdom was prepared–will be thrown into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”13 Then Jesus said to the Roman officer, “Go back home. Because you believed, it has happened.” And the young servant was healed that same hour. Matthew 8:5-13

It’s Clear What God Wants...

Clearly, throughout scripture God emphasizes that He wants our devotion. It’s stated in the 10 commandments (Exodus 20:3-6). His prophets constantly told Israel to repent and return to Him. Jesus in the NT stated it numerous times; “come unto me....” Matt 6:28, “seek ye first the kingdom of God...” Matt 6:33. God wants us to cling to Him (like a loin cloth, remember?). He wants us to believe Him, depend on Him, and relate to Him. Why is this important? It’s important because we (human beings) are what God uses to accomplish His will. Sure, He has other methods of reaching people, but He chooses to use us. That’s what we are created for, His Glory. When we align our will with His, we fulfill our purpose. Our paths become straight. Our lives make sense. Our burdens become lighter. It isn’t a magic pill, but it is a choice we can make ever single day that makes an eternal difference not only in our lives, but in the lives of others as well. Today, ask God to use you in a mighty way, and prepare yourself for a divine encounter.

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart;do not depend on your own understanding.6 Seek His will in all you do,and He will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6

Acting on Faith Reveals It’s Authenticity...

Every time I read the account of Abraham being asked by God to sacrifice Isaac my mind starts a mental gymnastics routine. Why would God ask Abraham to do this? He condemns child sacrifice throughout scripture. How could Abraham do it? It wouldn’t make sense unless God was going to resurrect Isaac. How could Abraham sacrifice the very thing he longed for AND the one God told him He would bless all the nations of the world through (Isaac). None of this makes sense. However, I believe Abraham trusted God with whatever method He would choose to use, so that His promise of blessing would come to pass. It does say in chapter 21 verse two, “she became pregnant, and she gave birth to a son for Abraham in his old age. This happened at just the time God had said it would.” Abraham had evidence of God’s promises coming true. He may not have known the details of the outcome, but he did know Who was in charge of it. When we read Abraham telling his servants, “The boy and I will travel a little further. We will worship there, and then we will come right back.” He must’ve known something. He wouldn’t lie to his servants. What would he gain by doing that? There was no motive to lie. And when he told Isaac, “God will provide a sheep for the burnt offering, my son”, he had to have known more than the text reveals. He wouldn’t make these kinds of statements out of blind faith. Abraham’s faith in God, be it great or small, was only as good if he acted on it. It’s like the motto in exercise, “use it or lose it”. Faith is the same way, “great or small, it only works if you act on it”. Is your faith great or small? Do you act on it? This is a great lesson for me because I always want security in knowing the “why” or “how” of things. Here Abraham acted on his faith without knowing the “why”. Sometimes we just have to “DO”, and figure out the “why” later. Understanding doesn’t always come in the midst of the storm. Faith is what gets us through the turbulent times. Abraham’s faith is a model we all should pattern ourselves after. True faith in God is showing Him we are willing to do whatever He asks, regardless of the cost. Acting on your faith is more important than just talking about it. God knows when we are sincere. It’s not until we are willing to sacrifice what’s means most to us that our faith becomes the most real.

9 When they arrived at the place where God had told him to go, Abraham built an altar and arranged the wood on it. Then he tied his son, Isaac, and laid him on the altar on top of the wood. 10 And Abraham picked up the knife to kill his son as a sacrifice. 11 At that moment the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!”“Yes,” Abraham replied. “Here I am!”12 “Don’t lay a hand on the boy!” the angel said. “Do not hurt him in any way, for now I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld from Me even your son, your only son.”13 Then Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught by its horns in a thicket. So he took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering in place of his son. 14 Abraham named the place Yahweh-Yireh (which means “the Lord will provide”). To this day, people still use that name as a proverb: “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.” Genesis 22:9-14

Judging with the Right Standard...

“Don’t judge me”, you’ve heard it a million times. You’ve even heard people tell you, “doesn’t the Bible say don’t judge”. I’m sorry to burst anyone’s bubble in their attempt to justify their actions by using scripture, but the Bible is clear on judging. It prohibits hypocritical judging. But it promotes judging correctly. It’s all about the standard in which we use. We make judgements every day. So it’s not a matter of judging that’s the issue, it’s the standard that we use to judge. If we use the standard that God uses with us, if we judge correctly, then we find favor with God. If we use it to our own benefit in judging incorrectly, then it will be used against us. If we use God’s standard, then we judge correctly. So the next time you hear “don’t judge”, ask the person where they get their instructions from. Then kindly inform them what the Bible exactly says about this issue. When you hold yourself accountable to the standard in which you use for others, your view of others is put into the proper perspective of loving your neighbor. And we sure need a lot more of that these days.

1 “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged.2 For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.3 “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own?4 How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye?5 Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.6 “Don’t waste what is holy on people who are unholy. Don’t throw your pearls to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you. Matthew 7:1-6

The Scariest Words in Scripture...

The scariest and saddest part of Scripture. These are the words no one ever wants to hear when they meet Jesus face to face. Know that your faith is real.

21 “Not everyone who calls out to Me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of My Father in heaven will enter.22 On judgment day many will say to Me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in Your name and cast out demons in Your name and performed many miracles in Your name.’23 But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from Me, you who break God’s laws.’ Matthew 7:21-23

A Solid Foundation...

A person who lives by the principles of the sermon on the mount is seen by the world as a fool, but by Jesus, a wise man. A person who lives by sight, lives for the present, and lives for self, is seen by the world as a wise man, but by Jesus, a fool.

24 “Anyone who listens to My teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.25 Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock.26 But anyone who hears My teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand.27 When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.”28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at His teaching, 29 for He taught with real authority–quite unlike their teachers of religious law. Matthew 7:24-29

Faith is Doing...

Being a Christian is all about faith. Faith in Jesus is what saves us. But we must live out our faith by “doing”. Action is proof of our faith. It’s what makes it visible; tangible for others to see. Our action can’t earn “brownie points” with God. It can however benefit us greatly. Here in Proverbs chapter 3, we get a glimpse of the benefits of chasing loyalty and kindness, the byproducts of love. You will find favor with both God and people, earning a good reputation.

1 My child, never forget the things I have taught you.Store my commands in your heart.2 If you do this, you will live many years,and your life will be satisfying.3 Never let loyalty and kindness leave you!Tie them around your neck as a reminder.Write them deep within your heart.4 Then you will find favor with both God and people,and you will earn a good reputation. Proverbs 3:1-4

God is Just...

God is just. He doesn’t punish the innocent, even if they are not godly. Knowing or unknowingly, God has a way of protecting people from sinning against Him. Just one more quality that often goes unnoticed by those whose priorities are not finely tuned towards Him.

4 But Abimelech had not slept with her yet, so he said, “Lord, will You destroy an innocent nation? 5 Didn’t Abraham tell me, ‘She is my sister’? And she herself said, ‘Yes, he is my brother.’ I acted in complete innocence! My hands are clean.”6 In the dream God responded, “Yes, I know you are innocent. That’s why I kept you from sinning against Me, and why I did not let you touch her. 7 Now return the woman to her husband, and he will pray for you, for he is a prophet. Then you will live. But if you don’t return her to him, you can be sure that you and all your people will die.” Genesis 20:4-7

Take Refuge in....

Take refuge in the Lord. He is worthy. When we sell out to God, He will protect us, and surround us with His shield of love. Who wouldn’t want that?

11 But let all who take refuge in You rejoice;let them sing joyful praises forever.Spread Your protection over them,that all who love Your name may be filled with joy.12 For You bless the godly, O Lord;You surround them with Your shield of love. Psalms 5:11-12

Humility is a ....

Humility is a willful act. It’s a decision we choose on our own, or an event that occurs that causes us embarrassment or calls us out in our inappropriate behavior. You can either choose to humble yourself, or prepare yourself for God to do it for you. Either way, this is a character quality God will fashion into your character. It’s not thinking less of yourself, rather it’s knowing your place and thinking of yourself less. Abraham (notice the name change), as he grew closer to God, exhibited more and more humility. When Abram’s name changed, the meaning of his name went from “exalted father” to “father of many”. Humility is the direct, responsible result of obeying and following God. Don’t exalt yourself, Let God do that, focus on serving others.

3 At this, Abram fell face down on the ground. Then God said to him, 4 “This is My covenant with you: I will make you the father of a multitude of nations! 5 What’s more, I am changing your name. It will no longer be Abram. Instead, you will be called Abraham, for you will be the father of many nations. 6 I will make you extremely fruitful. Your descendants will become many nations, and kings will be among them! Genesis 17:3-6 27 Then Abraham spoke again. “Since I have begun, let me speak further to my Lord, even though I am but dust and ashes. Genesis 18:27

Is Worry a Sin?

Worry, is it a sin? Is it something that keeps us from trusting God fully? Is worrying about something, in essence, saying, “I can’t control the situation but I can think about it so much that it makes me act out in desperation”? Doesn’t it say to God, “I know You are all powerful, but I’d rather not put my trust in Your power”. Jesus clearly tells us here that worry is detrimental to our well-being. It accomplishes nothing positive. And if it continues for long periods of time, it can ruin our health. Next time instead of worrying, try presenting your request to God, and seeking out His will, acting on what you know to be right. God’s Love for us includes meeting our needs. If He does it for animals, He’ll surely do it for us. It’s not until we see God as the “First Great Cause” of everything, that worry begins to lose its luster. There a huge difference between worry and concern. One involves God, and the other doesn’t. Is Worry a sin? I can’t say because the Bible doesn’t state, “Worry is a sin”, but if Jesus tells us not to worry and to trust God, how about we start taking it more seriously and do what He tells us to do. Worry is them enemy of trust.

25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life–whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to Him than they are?27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing,29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are.30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, He will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. Matthew 6:25-34

Favorite Verse....

This is my favorite verse in all of the Bible. Why? Because it reveals the secret to life. It exposes your desires. It reveals what your priorities are. It reflects, like a mirror, who you really are. If our affections are placed on earthly things, then our efforts are only for the temporary. If they continue we become spiritually blind. When our affections are on eternal things, it keeps us going, motivating us to make the most important things come first. Our efforts aren’t in vain. Jim Eliot said it best, “he is no fool who gives what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose”. If Jesus is the center of your focus, What you hold dearest to your heart, you will never be disappointed. Whatever you treasure, you will pursue, temporary or eternal. I want my treasure to be real, rewarding, and eternal. How about you?

21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. Matthew 6:21

The “Why” of Prayer....

It’s not “how” we pray, it’s “why” we pray. That connection with the Almighty cannot fully be explained or comprehended, but it can be experienced. And that experience changes everything. The joy, peace, security, and confidence we have has little to do with the circumstances in life and everything to do with the FOCUS of our lives.

Pray like this: Our Father in heaven,may Your name be kept holy.10 May Your Kingdom come soon.May Your will be done on earth,as it is in heaven.11 Give us today the food we need,12 and forgive us our sins,as we have forgiven those who sin against us.13 And don’t let us yield to temptation,but rescue us from the evil one. Matthew 6:9-13a

Wisdom...

What is wisdom? Common sense. Honesty. A shield for those with integrity. A guarded path for the just. And protection for those faithful to Him. God rewards those that seek Wisdom. He reveals the “right way to go” to those who pursue Him. You won’t find it on your iPhone, or through social media comments. You won’t find it in universities. You’ll find it in people, and in experiences that God has ordained, strictly for the purpose of your spiritual growth. And there’s no amount of money that can purchase it. It only comes from God. And it only comes when you ask Him for it.

6 For the Lord grants wisdom! From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.7 He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. 8 He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to Him. 9 Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go. Proverbs 2:6-9

A Slice of Humble Pie...

When you feel PRIDE creeping around, bake a HUMBLE pie. A slice of HUMBLE pie always does the trick. If you allow PRIDE to have its way, you will end up in a place you don’t want to be, absent from God’s presence.

O Lord, hear me as I pray;pay attention to my groaning.2 Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God,for I pray to no one but You.3 Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord.Each morning I bring my requests to You and wait expectantly. 4 O God, You take no pleasure in wickedness;You cannot tolerate the sins of the wicked.5 Therefore, the proud may not stand in Your presence,for You hate all who do evil.6 You will destroy those who tell lies.The Lord detests murderers and deceivers. 7 Because of Your unfailing love, I can enter Your house;I will worship at Your Temple with deepest awe. Psalms 5:1-7

A Solid Example of Trust...

How often do we question or complain to God about our way of thinking about His eternal, “for our good” will? Here, Abram thinks because he doesn’t have a son, all of God’s blessings and promises are for nothing. How foolish he was. I totally understand his viewpoint (he didn’t have the Bible to read about himself; ), but his vision isn’t God’s viewpoint. He was witnessing the scene from a limited view point. If God makes a promise, He keeps it. It will come true. It just might not be in our timeframe. Abram is just like us, weak, fragile, and insecure. His journey, walking with God, starts out a little shaky, then slowly starts to develop. Of course he has his “I’m a bonehead” moments (as do we all), but that’s how the process of sanctification works. You don’t repent and receive God’s grace and “poof” you’re perfect, ready for Heaven. It’s a process, and for some it takes a long, long time, with many bumps in the road. Faith is like the educational process. You are taught a concept, practice or experience that concept, then somewhere along the way you “get it”. It may be during that year of school or years after while performing a job or participating in an event that makes the light bulb go off. The main point about faith is this: it isn’t how great your faith is, it’s acting on what little faith you have. That might mean “doing” and the “understanding” comes later. “The just shall walk by faith”. I definitely struggle with that one. But the amount of faith you have isn’t the point. Didn’t Jesus say, “if you have the faith of a mustard seed...” you could move mountains (Matt 17:20)? Faith is only as good as the object in which it is placed. So you see, the amount isn’t the limiting factor. What does matter is where you’re putting it. We all have faith. We use it every day. When we drive our cars we put faith in other drivers on the road, believing they will stay on their side of the road and obey all traffic laws in order to prevent an accident. We trust the chairs we sit on not to break. We trust the airline pilots to fly us safely to our destinations. We trust our doctors and pharmacists with the right medications to make us well. Some of us even place our faith in the weatherman on tv, planning our day, what to wear, or bring to an outing, based on his “prediction”. God is worthy. As a matter of fact, He’s the only One worthy of our faith, and our faith doesn’t add to or take away any of God’s power or lesson His role in our lives. So the next time you start to question “why” or think “what good is this”, remember Abram. His journey is the solid foundation and great example of what happens when you trust God.

1 Some time later, the Lord spoke to Abram in a vision and said to him, “Do not be afraid, Abram, for I will protect you, and your reward will be great.”2 But Abram replied, “O Sovereign Lord, what good are all Your blessings when I don’t even have a son? Since You’ve given me no children, Eliezer of Damascus, a servant in my household, will inherit all my wealth. 3 You have given me no descendants of my own, so one of my servants will be my heir.”4 Then the Lord said to him, “No, your servant will not be your heir, for you will have a son of your own who will be your heir.” 5 Then the Lord took Abram outside and said to him, “Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can. That’s how many descendants you will have!”6 And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith. Genesis 15:1-6

Our #1 Priority...

Seeking God is our #1 priority and greatest reward.

1 My child, listen to what I say,and treasure my commands.2 Tune your ears to wisdom,and concentrate on understanding.3 Cry out for insight,and ask for understanding.4 Search for them as you would for silver;seek them like hidden treasures.5 Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord,and you will gain knowledge of God. Proverbs 2:1-5

Joy that Lasts...

Joy that comes from God, obeying His commands and living according to His ways, cannot be measured. It can’t even be compared with the short-lived, temporary excitement that comes along with new material possessions. This joy, not only lasts, but gets you through the tough times. And it is a reminder and motivator that helps us maintain our focus while treading through the storms and valleys that are constantly being experienced in our lives. When you get knocked down, you get up. The accompanying peace that comes with this joy, allows us to rest and rejuvenate to face each new day. There is no greater joy a person can have, aside from what only God can provide.

7 You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine.8 In peace I will lie down and sleep,for You alone, O Lord, will keep me safe. Psalms 4:7-8

Evidence of Being Transformed...

Something must’ve happened to Abram while he was in Egypt. There he lied about his wife to Pharaoh. He seemed only concerned for his own safety. But we He left Egypt, He no longer seemed concerned only about himself. He gave Lot his choice of land to live, allowing him to pick first. He rescues Lot from invaders. He gives Melchizedek 10% of the spoils from his victory over the invaders. He then makes an oath to not take any of the rest of the spoils that he gained in rescuing Lot. These totally unselfish acts clearly show the transformation of his spirit since being told by God to leave his hometown and travel to Canaan. I wonder, do I display this kind of behavior since my conversion? Do I display this kind of selfless attitude? Am I embracing the process of sanctification growing in grace, or am I kicking and screaming the whole way through?

8 Finally Abram said to Lot, “Let’s not allow this conflict to come between us or our herdsmen. After all, we are close relatives! 9 The whole countryside is open to you. Take your choice of any section of the land you want, and we will separate. If you want the land to the left, then I’ll take the land on the right. If you prefer the land on the right, then I’ll go to the left.” Genesis 13:8-9

Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of all the goods he had recovered.21 The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give back my people who were captured. But you may keep for yourself all the goods you have recovered.”22 Abram replied to the king of Sodom, “I solemnly swear to the Lord, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, 23 that I will not take so much as a single thread or sandal thong from what belongs to you. Otherwise you might say, ‘I am the one who made Abram rich.’ 24 I will accept only what my young warriors have already eaten, and I request that you give a fair share of the goods to my allies–Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre.” Genesis 14:20c-24