Beneath the Surface....

Words to live by. And only possible when God gives you new eyes to see spiritually. These words spoken by Jesus, radiate through out history: past, present, and future. Take heed.

24 Look beneath the surface so you can judge correctly.” John 7:24

Who Do You Say I AM?

You will have to make a choice one day in your life. And you will have to live with the consequences of that choice the rest of your days. Who do you say I (Jesus) am? If you believe He is God, then act accordingly. If you say He is God, but your actions show differently, what does that say? Choose wisely.

12 There was a lot of grumbling about Him among the crowds. Some argued, “He’s a good man,” but others said, “He’s nothing but a fraud who deceives the people.” 13 But no one had the courage to speak favorably about Him in public, for they were afraid of getting in trouble with the Jewish leaders. John 7:12-13

Following Advice...

Following advice can be dangerous. When ever I get advice from someone, the first question I ask is, “does this agree with the Word of God”? If it contradicts it, it’s not good advice. Does the person giving the advice seek after God? Does his reputation speak for itself? Even then, I will still weigh the offered wisdom. Bad advice can still come from God, but it’s up to us, how we respond to it. It may be discipline from God, due to something we are practicing or toying with. The key is to recognize the source of the counsel, then apply it to your circumstance. It may just be the advice itself spurs the awareness of the change that needs to take place and thus, serves its purpose by prompting the necessary change needed without being actually carried out. On the other hand, without the right mindset and seeking of God, it may be to your downfall, as in Absalom’s case here. The key to this is seeking Godly wisdom, and applying it to yourself first. Only God can reveal its true purpose. Stay close to God, and dependent on His Grace.

34 Return to Jerusalem and tell Absalom, ‘I will now be your adviser, O king, just as I was your father’s adviser in the past.’ Then you can frustrate and counter Ahithophel’s advice. 35 Zadok and Abiathar, the priests, will be there. Tell them about the plans being made in the king’s palace, 36 and they will send their sons Ahimaaz and Jonathan to tell me what is going on.”37 So David’s friend Hushai returned to Jerusalem, getting there just as Absalom arrived. 2 Samuel 15:34-37

23 Absalom followed Ahithophel’s advice, just as David had done. For every word Ahithophel spoke seemed as wise as though it had come directly from the mouth of God. 2 Samuel 16:23

Example of Real Faith....

Here’s an authentic example of Real faith and trust in God. David was willing to give up his kingdom to Absalom if it was God’s will. Is God’s “best” acceptable to you? Are you willing to go where God wants you to go? Are you willing to do what God wants you to do, regardless of the outcome? It’s all a matter of heart. Is your heart connected?

25 Then the king instructed Zadok to take the Ark of God back into the city. “If the Lord sees fit,” David said, “He will bring me back to see the Ark and the Tabernacle again. 26 But if He is through with me, then let Him do what seems best to Him.” 2 Samuel 15:25-26

Doing It Alone....

Never allow yourself to think you can do it alone. God deserves all the credit, we are just being obedient when we listen and do His will. It’s His enablement that empowers us to do great things. Unless God draws us in, we are not in. Never forget that.

63 The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life. John 6:63

65 Then He said, “That is why I said that people can’t come to Me unless the Father gives them to Me.” John 6:65

An Empty Stomach...

If only more people had this mentailty, we wouldn’t have so many homeless. Our Government needs to adopt this philosophy, and start allowing people to learn this principle. It’s a lost concept here in America today.

26 It is good for workers to have an appetite;an empty stomach drives them on. Proverbs 16:26

Time and Priorities...

This proverbs seems like it comes straight out of Ecclesiastes. We all have limited time on earth. It’s until we have a grasp on eternity through salvation, that our priorities can be arranged in the right perspective. As Jack Butler said in the movie Mr. Mom, “It’s real easy to forget what’s important. So don’t”.

25 There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death. Proverbs 16:25

The Heart and Soul of the Gospel....

Here in 2 Samuel 14 we read of a wise woman from Tekoa. What she told King David here is the heart and soul of the Bible. We need to take heed to her words, believe them, and share them with the world. The only way this is possible is to know God personally, and we do that one day at a time.

14 All of us must die eventually. Our lives are like water spilled out on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again. But God does not just sweep life away; instead, he devises ways to bring us back when we have been separated from him. 2 Samuel 14:14

Kind Words....

In a world that bases much of its actions on its feelings, how refreshing is it to know that kind words can penetrate the hardest of hearts. When God is in your actions, your words are like honey to a craving soul.

24 Kind words are like honey–sweet to the soul and healthy for the body. Proverbs 16:24

Don’t Be Afraid...

How would your life change if Jesus appeared to you and told you, “don’t be afraid. I am here”? Would it change dramatically? Would you live your life boldly moving forward, willing to take more chances? Would you say “I love you” more? Would your walk with the Lord grow more intimate? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then I guess you better get to changing. Because He just said it to you right now. Believe it. And hold on to every word. He is here. And He will see you through until you arrive at your final destination.

16 That evening Jesus’ disciples went down to the shore to wait for Him. 17 But as darkness fell and Jesus still hadn’t come back, they got into the boat and headed across the lake toward Capernaum. 18 Soon a gale swept down upon them, and the sea grew very rough. 19 They had rowed three or four miles when suddenly they saw Jesus walking on the water toward the boat. They were terrified, 20 but He called out to them, “Don’t be afraid. I am here!” 21 Then they were eager to let Him in the boat, and immediately they arrived at their destination! John 6:16-21

Our Responsibility.....

It’s our responsibility to point people to Jesus. He is the only Savior the world has. He is the hope of everyone on earth. Heaven will be the reality of this hope. If only people would see this, we’d get a much clearer glimpse of what Heaven will be like, here on earth. Repentance and belief is the only right response to God’s gracious offer of salvation. Pointing people in that direction, helps start the process.

What mighty praise, O God, belongs to You in Zion.We will fulfill our vows to You,2 for You answer our prayers.All of us must come to You.3 Though we are overwhelmed by our sins,You forgive them all.4 What joy for those You choose to bring near,those who live in Your holy courts.What festivities await usinside Your holy Temple. 5 You faithfully answer our prayers with awesome deeds,O God our savior.You are the hope of everyone on earth,even those who sail on distant seas.6 You formed the mountains by Your powerand armed Yourself with mighty strength.7 You quieted the raging oceanswith their pounding wavesand silenced the shouting of the nations.8 Those who live at the ends of the earthstand in awe of Your wonders.From where the sun rises to where it sets,You inspire shouts of joy. Psalms 65:1-8

Authentic With Your Words....

How many of us when we make a promise, make sure to carry through with it to completion? I grew up with the notion of a man’s word being his most authentic possession. When he gives his word, it will come to pass, or at least he will die trying to fulfill it. We live in a day and age where a man’s word is used to temporarily appease or temporarily shut people up. People don’t not see the value their own words, but tend to hold others accountable without applying that same seriousness to their own promises. This hypocrisy destroys a person’s character. It allows them the ability to demand from others, but not require the same accountability from themselves. It’s holding others to a standard in which you are not required to be held. This breeds dissension and jealousy which tends to divide rather than unite. It separates instead of unifying. And you wonder why you see so much strife and violence on the news cast. Racism and division separate people, categorizing the social structure. Here in this passage, David (now king) makes good on his promise to Jonathan, by taking care of his son Mephibosheth. He not only gives him the land Saul (his grandfather) owned, but he also invited him to eat at the king’s table for the rest of his days. This kindness truly showed David’s love for Jonathan. It also showed everyone, including us, David was a man of his word. How do you see the promises you make? Are you one to make promises just to appease, not having the intent to carry them out? Are they just words? Or are you one that when a promise comes out of your mouth, you treat it as an obligation to be fulfilled, and are willing to make it happen, regardless of what it cost you? Words matter, and your promises matter even more. Ask God today to change your heart; to make the promises you make more valuable to you than the ones you make them to. And may you be authentic with your words, not arrogant or proud, just real and reliable. When people come to know you, they will see your trustworthiness, and help point them to our Savior.

1 One day David asked, “Is anyone in Saul’s family still alive–anyone to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” 2 He summoned a man named Ziba, who had been one of Saul’s servants. “Are you Ziba?” the king asked.“Yes sir, I am,” Ziba replied.3 The king then asked him, “Is anyone still alive from Saul’s family? If so, I want to show God’s kindness to them.”Ziba replied, “Yes, one of Jonathan’s sons is still alive. He is crippled in both feet.”4 “Where is he?” the king asked.“In Lo-debar,” Ziba told him, “at the home of Makir son of Ammiel.”5 So David sent for him and brought him from Makir’s home. 6 His name was Mephibosheth; he was Jonathan’s son and Saul’s grandson. When he came to David, he bowed low to the ground in deep respect. David said, “Greetings, Mephibosheth.”Mephibosheth replied, “I am your servant.”7 “Don’t be afraid!” David said. “I intend to show kindness to you because of my promise to your father, Jonathan. I will give you all the property that once belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will eat here with me at the king’s table!”8 Mephibosheth bowed respectfully and exclaimed, “Who is your servant, that you should show such kindness to a dead dog like me?”9 Then the king summoned Saul’s servant Ziba and said, “I have given your master’s grandson everything that belonged to Saul and his family. 10 You and your sons and servants are to farm the land for him to produce food for your master’s household. But Mephibosheth, your master’s grandson, will eat here at my table.” (Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.)Ziba replied, 11 “Yes, my lord the king; I am your servant, and I will do all that you have commanded.” And from that time on, Mephibosheth ate regularly at David’s table, like one of the king’s own sons.12 Mephibosheth had a young son named Mica. From then on, all the members of Ziba’s household were Mephibosheth’s servants. 13 And Mephibosheth, who was crippled in both feet, lived in Jerusalem and ate regularly at the king’s table. 2 Samuel 9

Judgement’s Objective Standard...

Judgement is a four-letter Word these days. People say don’t judge. Even unbelievers tell believers that they shouldn’t judge, for the Bible tells us not to. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Jesus said when you judge, do it correctly. Here in John 5, we read more about this judgement topic. Honest, true, and real judgement must have an objective standard. Jesus tells us God is that standard. When we weigh situations in the light of the truth, it will always be correct. We just need to exercise discernment while judging, to be careful not to condemn. That’s God’s job. Our job is to point others to Christ. It starts with a sinner realizing his need of a Savior. Jesus is the forgiveness and salvation every one needs.

30 I can do nothing on My own. I judge as God tells Me. Therefore, My judgment is just, because I carry out the will of the One who sent Me, not My own will. John 5:30

Progressing or Falling Back....

Here’s a proverb worth memorizing. You hear me quote this all the time. Why? Because the very thing God wants from us (humility), opposes the very thing we tend to go with in disobeying Him (pride). Humility vs pride, which do you spend the majority of your time being? You’ll find it’s the very reason you’re either progressing in your faith, or falling back in regression.

18 Pride goes before destruction,and haughtiness before a fall. Proverbs 16:18

Proper Reverence.....

This Psalm does a great job of painting a picture of evil and it’s ultimate outcome. People who shun God, thinking they can do what pleases themselves without repercussions, will have a rude awakening when a God calls them to account. Especially those who do wrong and promote others to follow along. Some even threaten others to join in or be bullied. For those that do the right thing, fearing God, they will be grateful when their evil is put to an end. How do you see God? Do you take Him for granted? Or do you hold Him in the proper reverence He deserves?

O God, listen to my complaint.Protect my life from my enemies’ threats.2 Hide me from the plots of this evil mob,from this gang of wrongdoers.3 They sharpen their tongues like swordsand aim their bitter words like arrows.4 They shoot from ambush at the innocent,attacking suddenly and fearlessly.5 They encourage each other to do eviland plan how to set their traps in secret.“Who will ever notice?” they ask.6 As they plot their crimes, they say,“We have devised the perfect plan!”Yes, the human heart and mind are cunning. 7 But God Himself will shoot them with His arrows,suddenly striking them down.8 Their own tongues will ruin them,and all who see them will shake their heads in scorn.9 Then everyone will be afraid;they will proclaim the mighty acts of Godand realize all the amazing things He does.10 The godly will rejoice in the Lordand find shelter in Him.And those who do what is rightwill praise Him. Psalms 64

Eternal Blessings....

Have you ever thought the blessings God gives are eternal. So much more reason to seek His blessings rather than man’s promises. An eternal viewpoint we should all never forget. As Paul said, “keeping our eyes on the prize”.

29 And now, may it please You to bless the house of Your servant, so that it may continue forever before You. For You have spoken, and when You grant a blessing to Your servant, O Sovereign Lord, it is an eternal blessing!” 2 Samuel 7:29 | NLT

Stealing God’s Glory...

The problem with being religious, or politically correct, is the fact that rituals, policies, or rules come before doing what is right. When Jesus healed the lame man of 38 years, He told the man to pick up his mat and stop sinning. When the man did so, the religious leaders scolded him for “working” on the Sabbath (picking up his mat was considered work). This totally took the focus off of God and the miracle Jesus performed and put it back on the religious leaders and their traditions. Any time God moves in His miraculous ways, and the focus gets diverted to something unnecessary, it steals the Glory away from God. The 8th commandment says we shouldn’t steal, well being politically correct or religious means you’re stealing from God something that belongs to Him. Remember, God said, “I will not share my glory with anyone” (my paraphrase) Isaiah 42:8. Let’s practice the principle of giving credit where credit is due. Even if that means going against the “religiosity” or “political correctness” of society. If we don’t stand for something, we will fall for anything. Truth stands on its own, cling to it; it will hold you up in turbulent times.

1 Afterward Jesus returned to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish holy days. 2 Inside the city, near the Sheep Gate, was the pool of Bethesda, with five covered porches. 3 Crowds of sick people–blind, lame, or paralyzed–lay on the porches.4 5 One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him and knew he had been ill for a long time, He asked him, “Would you like to get well?”7 “I can’t, sir,” the sick man said, “for I have no one to put me into the pool when the water bubbles up. Someone else always gets there ahead of me.”8 Jesus told him, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!”9 Instantly, the man was healed! He rolled up his sleeping mat and began walking! But this miracle happened on the Sabbath, 10 so the Jewish leaders objected. They said to the man who was cured, “You can’t work on the Sabbath! The law doesn’t allow you to carry that sleeping mat!”11 But he replied, “The man who healed me told me, ‘Pick up your mat and walk.’ ”12 “Who said such a thing as that?” they demanded.13 The man didn’t know, for Jesus had disappeared into the crowd. 14 But afterward Jesus found him in the Temple and told him, “Now you are well; so stop sinning, or something even worse may happen to you.” 15 Then the man went and told the Jewish leaders that it was Jesus who had healed him. John 5:1-15

There’s More to Life...

There’s more to life than riches and pleasure. Wisdom keeps us on the right path. It helps us make the best decisions. Good judgement rescues us many times over, by preventing falls before we come close to the edge. More than any thing else, the application of wisdom turns us away from evil, and keeps us safe. It’s a mindset only God can give, we just have to ask, then be willing to follow it. What we don’t see in tangible value, we experience through intangible means. You can’t buy peace, comfort, joy, security, and trust. All of which are more valuable than the most precious substance on earth. Make a decision right now. Stop allowing your ideas and pursuit of riches to dominate your thought life. Your career will provide for you. It’s God Who does the providing anyway, right? Make a decision to trust God with your life. So when wisdom is put to the test, you embrace it, and ride it through, following what you know to be true. God will get the glory, and you will know you’re doing the right thing. The results will be peace, patience, kindness, thoughtfulness, security, purpose; all the things God promises. The fruits of the Spirit are more valuable than any amount of money. When you possess wisdom and good judgement, you are truly rich. Stop being deceived, pursue what really matters in life.

16 How much better to get wisdom than gold,and good judgment than silver! 17 The path of the virtuous leads away from evil;whoever follows that path is safe. Proverbs 16:16-17

Pool of Faith...

David knew God. He knew Him like no human being can know another. Throughout David’s time before becoming king, he knew that he would become king, it was just a matter of time. How do we know this? Because Samuel anointed him and prophesied that he would. David trusted God, so he know what God ordained would come to pass. Was it easy living out in the wilderness, hiding from Saul’s lynch men? Of course not, but David lived his life from a viewpoint that kept God’s promises in clear view, even when his view of current circumstances was obstructed. Do you trust God with your life? Your future? Are you aware of the promises He has made with you? Ask Him today to reveal more of Himself to you, on an intimate level. Then watch your worries and stress slowly submerge, in the pool of faith. It’s faith in God and trust in His promises that allow us to freely live and fulfill all that He has in store for us. Live today with the knowledge of someday being in the King’s palace, it’ll change your attitude for the better.

O God, You are my God;I earnestly search for You. My soul thirsts for You;my whole body longs for You in this parched and weary land where there is no water.2 I have seen You in Your sanctuary and gazed upon Your power and glory.3 Your unfailing love is better than life itself;how I praise You!4 I will praise You as long as I live,lifting up my hands to You in prayer.5 You satisfy me more than the richest feast.I will praise You with songs of joy. 6 I lie awake thinking of You,meditating on You through the night.7 Because You are my helper,I sing for joy in the shadow of Your wings.8 I cling to You;Your strong right hand holds me securely. 9 But those plotting to destroy me will come to ruin.They will go down into the depths of the earth.10 They will die by the swordand become the food of jackals.11 But the king will rejoice in God.All who trust in Him will praise Him,while liars will be silenced. Psalms 63

Animosity or Jealousy...

Any time we look at another believer with animosity or jealousy, we need to go to God and repent of our poor and inappropriate attitude. Our selfishness has blinded us from seeing the truth in it. If we allow ourselves to go to this bitter place without repenting, we will remain barren the rest of our days. Michal, David’s wife, is s clear example of this type of behavior. Check your attitude at the door of humility. If you don’t, you will no longer be able to enter through it.

16 But as the Ark of the Lord entered the City of David, Michal, the daughter of Saul, looked down from her window. When she saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, she was filled with contempt for him.17 They brought the Ark of the Lord and set it in its place inside the special tent David had prepared for it. And David sacrificed burnt offerings and peace offerings to the Lord. 18 When he had finished his sacrifices, David blessed the people in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. 19 Then he gave to every Israelite man and woman in the crowd a loaf of bread, a cake of dates, and a cake of raisins. Then all the people returned to their homes.20 When David returned home to bless his own family, Michal, the daughter of Saul, came out to meet him. She said in disgust, “How distinguished the king of Israel looked today, shamelessly exposing himself to the servant girls like any vulgar person might do!”21 David retorted to Michal, “I was dancing before the Lord, who chose me above your father and all his family! He appointed me as the leader of Israel, the people of the Lord, so I celebrate before the Lord. 22 Yes, and I am willing to look even more foolish than this, even to be humiliated in my own eyes! But those servant girls you mentioned will indeed think I am distinguished!” 23 So Michal, the daughter of Saul, remained childless throughout her entire life. 2 Samuel 6:16-23

Hands Off....

When I read the account of Uzzah being struck down by God for touching the Ark of the Covenant, I can’t help but think “Why”? Why would God do such a thing? Uzzah was only trying to help, right? Then I always go back to scripture and read in Isaiah 55, “His ways are not my ways, and His thoughts are above my thoughts”. God is Holy, He is set apart. His presence is perfect, and we are far from that. When Uzzah reaches out to steady the Ark, he did it thinking, “I can’t let the Ark touch the ground, that would be horrific”. He stepped into the realm of playing God. He clearly knew he wasn’t supposed to touch the Ark, but in that brief moment he thought his sinful hand was much better touching it than a handful of dirt. When we have this kind of mindset (and we all do), we step into the role of playing God. This isn’t right or appropriate. God does say that He will not share His Glory with anyone. Uzzah’s mistake of forgetting God’s command and His Holiness, thinking it was more important to steady the ark by touching it, cost him his life. This is a respect that seems to be lost in our modern times. We tend to put ourselves before God, and we do it by thinking, “steadying the Ark is more important than obeying God’s commands”. This is where we get into trouble. The second we put our agenda ahead of God’s commands, we run into trouble. When we start to play God instead of obey God, we stain our hands with disobedience. And the results can be deadly. We need to hold God in the highest of reverence. And ask Him everyday to help us be obedient. Unlike Uzzah, when the oxen stumbles, we need to stay obedient and let God steady the cart.

3 They placed the Ark of God on a new cart and brought it from Abinadab’s house, which was on a hill. Uzzah and Ahio, Abinadab’s sons, were guiding the cart as it left the house, 4 carrying the Ark of God. Ahio walked in front of the Ark. 5 David and all the people of Israel were celebrating before the Lord, singing songs and playing all kinds of musical instruments–lyres, harps, tambourines, castanets, and cymbals.6 But when they arrived at the threshing floor of Nacon, the oxen stumbled, and Uzzah reached out his hand and steadied the Ark of God. 7 Then the Lord’s anger was aroused against Uzzah, and God struck him dead because of this. So Uzzah died right there beside the Ark of God.8 David was angry because the Lord’s anger had burst out against Uzzah. He named that place Perez-uzzah (which means “to burst out against Uzzah”), as it is still called today.9 David was now afraid of the Lord, and he asked, “How can I ever bring the Ark of the Lord back into my care?” 10 So David decided not to move the Ark of the Lord into the City of David. Instead, he took it to the house of Obed-edom of Gath. 11 The Ark of the Lord remained there in Obed-edom’s house for three months, and the Lord blessed Obed-edom and his entire household.12 Then King David was told, “The Lord has blessed Obed-edom’s household and everything he has because of the Ark of God.” So David went there and brought the Ark of God from the house of Obed-edom to the City of David with a great celebration. 13 After the men who were carrying the Ark of the Lord had gone six steps, David sacrificed a bull and a fattened calf. 14 And David danced before the Lord with all his might, wearing a priestly garment. 15 So David and all the people of Israel brought up the Ark of the Lord with shouts of joy and the blowing of rams’ horns. 2 Samuel 6:3-15

All of Our Being...

Our job as a Christian is to love God with all of our being. It’s only then are we able to point others to Jesus (our second priority). It wasn’t until God opened the eyes of the Samaritan woman to see the truth, that she became an effective witness for Jesus, leading many of the members of the town to go and see Him. Once we are made right with a God (becoming a Christian), we will be effective at pointing others to Jesus. You can’t give what you don’t possess.

39 Many Samaritans from the village believed in Jesus because the woman had said, “He told me everything I ever did!” 40 When they came out to see Him, they begged Him to stay in their village. So He stayed for two days, 41 long enough for many more to hear His message and believe. 42 Then they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not just because of what you told us, but because we have heard Him ourselves. Now we know that He is indeed the Savior of the world.” John 4:39-42

Spiritual Nutrition...

How many people take in the Bible every day as part of their spiritual nutrition? How many people see God’s word for them as nourishment necessary for spiritual growth. How many people’s priority is finishing the will of God? It doesn’t matter who you are, the harvest is ripe, waiting to be gathered. If you are seeking that kind of growth, having your faith in God strengthened, you must take in the proper nutrition. Our view of scripture (God’s Word) is just as important as the food we consume in a daily basis. If you’re not taking it in, you’re spiritually starving yourself.

31 Meanwhile, the disciples were urging Jesus, “Rabbi, eat something.”32 But Jesus replied, “I have a kind of food you know nothing about.”33 “Did someone bring Him food while we were gone?” the disciples asked each other.34 Then Jesus explained: “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent Me, and from finishing His work. 35 You know the saying, ‘Four months between planting and harvest.’ But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest.36 The harvesters are paid good wages, and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life. What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike!37 You know the saying, ‘One plants and another harvests.’ And it’s true.38 I sent you to harvest where you didn’t plant; others had already done the work, and now you will get to gather the harvest.” John 4:31-38

Our Significance....

Our significance comes from God. Even though we may search for it in other places, we will never find the satisfying honor and victory that we find in God. When we think we are “more or better than others”, we set ourselves up for a huge fall. You know what comes when Pride is dictating our lives? A fall, usually off a steep, treacherous cliff. Our significance, our worth, or our purpose comes when we realize that we are creations made by God that serve His purpose not our own. And that purpose is to know Him, to love Him, to follow Him, and by doing this, we are given hope, peace, and the significance we were created to possess. God is meant to be the center of our life. Everything we do should revolve around Him. When we do this, we fulfill our purpose, which brings contentment and satisfaction that can’t be taken away or diminished. I’m not saying it’s a guarantee for a life of smooth sailing, but it is a guarantee to have a rock to stand on to help weather the storms. It’s like having one of those moments where everything falls into place and it’s perfect (the feeling it brings when it happens). You are fulfilled for that occasion and you know it, so the experience is maximized. It’s like when you’re on vacation, and you’ve exhausted your budget. You’re driving home and you have hunger pangs dancing in your stomach. You pull up to the fast food restaurant, order from the value menu, and are given the total amount owed. You don’t have enough to pay for it so you scramble around the car for that extra change. You’re about to tell the worker to cancel the order when you feel that extra bill down in between the seat that you miraculously lost two months ago. It was meant to be, God was settling the score with your stomach, by providing the necessary nutrients it demands. The moment was meant to be and you get to enjoy the cheap but delicious meal. Knowing our purpose does more for us than we realize. And it’s only through God, that we will ever reach our potential. A God-center-focused life is what the Psalmist means when he uses these terms, “hope, rock, salvation, and fortress from which he will not be shaken”. Do you strive for this kind of satisfaction and security in life? Are you seeking it from things, or God Himself?

5 Let all that I am wait quietly before God,for my hope is in Him.6 He alone is my rock and my salvation,my fortress where I will not be shaken.7 My victory and honor come from God alone.He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.8 O my people, trust in Him at all times.Pour out your heart to Him,for God is our refuge.Interlude 9 Common people are as worthless as a puff of wind,and the powerful are not what they appear to be.If you weigh them on the scales,together they are lighter than a breath of air. 10 Don’t make your living by extortionor put your hope in stealing.And if your wealth increases,don’t make it the center of your life. 11 God has spoken plainly,and I have heard it many times:Power, O God, belongs to You;12 unfailing love, O Lord, is Yours.Surely You repay all peopleaccording to what they have done. Psalms 62:5-12

More of God....

What did Jesus mean when He told the woman at the well about the type of worship God wants is in Spirit and in truth? Could it mean with enthusiasm and with knowledge? God wants us to pursue Him. We do it with a desire that’s persistent. We are motivated out of our love and gratitude towards Him. When we study the Bible we learn about God. We increase our knowledge of Him by studying the Bible; reading the stories about God in History. When you read the first 5 books of the Bible, the Jewish Bible, you learn that the greatest commandment is to love the Lord with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength. I think this is exactly what Jesus meant by worshipping God in Spirit and in truth. It’s more than getting excited about Him. And it’s more than knowing facts about Him. When you combine the enthusiasm with the knowledge, you get the true worship experience. CS Lewis once said, “when you fully engage in worship, letting go of all your inhibitions, God rewards you by revealing more of Himself to you” (my paraphrase). That’s what it means to worship in Spirit and truth. You must do both. Do one or the other and you’ll be missing out on the “more of God” experience. Doing both truly allows you to experience what He has in store for you. It just involves all of you, not just one part. Why not today, ask God to reveal Himself to you. Then you will see what it means to worship both in spirit and truth.

21 Jesus replied, “Believe Me, dear woman, the time is coming when it will no longer matter whether you worship the Father on this mountain or in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans know very little about the One you worship, while we Jews know all about Him, for salvation comes through the Jews.23 But the time is coming–indeed it’s here now–when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship Him that way.24 For God is Spirit, so those who worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth.” John 4:21-24

The More You Know Someone...

If someone came to you and told you of their experience, be it from a vacation or miraculous event, would you believe them? The determining factor would be if you trust the person you know telling the story. If you knew them, there wouldn’t be a doubt in your mind that the story was real and actually happened. If you knew the person was a liar, you wouldn’t believe a word they said. Jesus should be treated the exact same way. He’s either a liar, or He’s God (tells the truth). People should either believe Him and act accordingly, or see Him as a liar and not take Him seriously. It’s that simple. Yet we have people who believe Him, and yet do nothing about it. And there are people who think He never existed, or if He did exist, they will do everything in their power to prove He didn’t. It’s amazing how much energy is dedicated (wasted) trying to do nothing, or trying to disprove His existence. The funny thing about this is, there are many people who started out trying to disprove Jesus, until they discovered Who He really is, and now are devoted followers (CS Lewis & Lee Strobel to name a few). The core truth in today’s passage is this: the more you know someone, the more or less you will trust them. How many people truly know Jesus? How much effort do they put into pursuing Him, intimately? The more you know Him, the easier it is to believe what He says is true. If what He says is true, you have a decision to make, don’t you? Whichever view you hold, just remember, we all will stand before Him one day, and we will be required to give an answer as to why we believe what we believe. I hope you’re prepared. I certainly am.

31 “He has come from above and is greater than anyone else. We are of the earth, and we speak of earthly things, but He has come from heaven and is greater than anyone else. 32 He testifies about what He has seen and heard, but how few believe what He tells them! 33 Anyone who accepts His testimony can affirm that God is true. 34 For He is sent by God. He speaks God’s words, for God gives Him the Spirit without limit. 35 The Father loves His Son and has put everything into His hands. 36 And anyone who believes in God’s Son has eternal life. Anyone who doesn’t obey the Son will never experience eternal life but remains under God’s angry judgment.” John 3:31-36

Hold Everything Loosely....

Here’s something to always keep in mind: God gives us everything. Nothing given to us came from anyone else but God. That means our possessions, money, children, homes, and relationships. Every single thing, including our next breath, comes from God. If we possess it, it’s because God has given it to us for a reason. It may be for our pleasure, or growth, or just to know we are loved by Him. Look at the blind man that Jesus healed (John chapter 9). The disciples asked, “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents sins?” Jesus answered, “ it was not because of his sins or his parents. This happened so the power of God could be seen in him”. You see, God is sovereign, and in His sovereignty He gives us everything in order for us to carry out the tasks assigned to us. This man’s blindness was given so that the very moment he was healed, people would believe in Jesus (God), and come to Him. So the next time you wonder why you’ve been given something or something was taken away, remember it is God doing the giving, it serves a purpose. Corey Ten Boom once said, “you must learn to hold everything loosely . . . everything. Even your dear family. Why? Because the Father may wish to take one of them back to Himself, and when He does, it will hurt you if He must pry your fingers loose. Remember . . . hold everything loosely. . . everything." Enjoy your gifts from God today.... thank Him for everything He’s given you. Your heart will sing.

27 John replied, “No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven. John 3:27

Two Kinds of People....

There are two kinds of people in this world: those that fear God, and those that fear man. Those that fear man are deathly afraid of exposing their faults (sins). Their pride will not allow them to come clean. They hold others’ opinions in higher regard than God’s truth. This makes them captive to their own vices and pride. Just think the very thing they strive for, having peace and nothing to fear, actually imprisons them for their entire lives. For those that fear God, that fear drives away pride and self-righteousness because the known consequences outweigh the “trumped up” benefits of their prideful behavior. This attitude helps strip away false confidence we have in ourselves, leaving room for the humility God infuses in us in its place. This is the freedom Jesus talks about that “sets us free”. If you are honest with yourself, Jesus is the only answer to our sinful problem. Truth sets us free, but pride keeps us from freedom. Which type of person are you? Is your pride something you cling to? Are you willing to let go? Start by asking God to reveal more of Himself to you, and make a promise to listen and follow Him. When you do this, God will perform the necessary heart transplant needed to set your mind on things above, and less on things that aren’t really important. You’ll be one that reverence’s God, and man’s opinions will fail in comparison.

18 “There is no judgment against anyone who believes in Him. But anyone who does not believe in Him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son.19 And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil.20 All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed.21 But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.” John 3:18-21

A Walking Shadow....

Without God’s guidance, we wander through life blindly, expecting results that won’t deliver on our expectations. What we think will make us happy differs greatly from what God has in store for our good. Without a connection, a relationship; daily communication with Him, what we think is the right path, turns out to be a detour that keeps us from experiencing Gods best for us. It’s a life of delay, disappointment, and wishful thinking. It’s pretending to do and be something we are not, and yet striving to maximize its effectiveness. All the while, missing out on what develops our character, deepens our resolve, and solidifies our purpose. All of which brings significance, peace, and purpose to our daily living. Without God, as Solomon said, “life is meaningless”, or at least “purposeless”. As Shakespeare said, “This life, which had been the tomb of his virtue and of his honour, is but a walking shadow; a poor player, that struts and frets his hour upon the stage, and then is heard no more: it is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.”

9 We can make our plans,but the Lord determines our steps. Proverbs 16:9