Serving God Is A Gift….

Never forget serving God is a gift and a privilege.

18 Then Jeremiah turned to the Recabites and said, “This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says: ‘You have obeyed your ancestor Jehonadab in every respect, following all his instructions.’ 19 Therefore, this is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says: ‘Jehonadab son of Recab will always have descendants who serve Me.’ ” Jeremiah 35:18-19

Deciphering Flattery From Praise….

Discernment is necessary in deciphering flattery from praise. In today’s world people will say anything to get their way. They blow smoke, make non-guaranteed promises, and will tell you what you want to hear just to shut you up so they can leave the conversation. Believers must always be aware of this, and apply discernment in all that people say. We know it’s not our objective to gain glory for ourselves, glory belongs to God. However, it is our duty to have the right perspective on how we interpret praise and flattery. When praise comes our way it is a test. It reveals what’s in our heart. How we take it in shows God where our true focus really lies. Praise was never meant to puff us up, especially human praise. True praise from God helps build our character, and it’s always received with humility. Discernment is necessary in our lives. And it’s put to the test every time we receive praise from others. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but a person is tested by being praised. Proverbs 27:21

Salvation Will Never Arrive On Air Force One….

In modern day America we need discernment. We have governmental leaders stating facts that aren’t facts at all, more like opinions. They lie, cheat, steal, and are more corrupt than most mobsters. It’s so easy to get caught up in all the political agendas of not only Washington, but Fakebook, social media, the news media, and many more avenues. What we need to remember is that the script written for Christians is simple. It hasn’t changed in over 2000 years. And there’s only one way to be saved (have eternal life). That is through Jesus. God wants us all to be saved. He’s provided a way for us to be saved. But it’s His way, through repentance and dying to self. Forgiveness is available to all, but it only works if we embrace it and follow it. Salvation will never arrive on Air Force One.

1 I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. 2 Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. 5 For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity–the man Christ Jesus. 6 He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time. 7 And I have been chosen as a preacher and apostle to teach the Gentiles this message about faith and truth. I’m not exaggerating–just telling the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-7

The Image Is Incomplete….

Without God human beings will never be satisfied. God designed us to worship Him. When we do, we are fulfilled. When we reject God, and try to replace Him with something else to worship, we find ourselves longing for more, never satisfied, never at peace. Why is drug use, alcohol abuse, and mental illness at an all time high? God is our only source of true peace, true longing that can be satisfied, and true purpose. Without God, life is a vain attempt to complete a puzzle that has a lot of missing pieces. When we get it together, it won’t satisfy because the image is incomplete.

20 Just as Death and Destruction are never satisfied, so human desire is never satisfied. Proverbs 27:20

Best Pieces Of Advice….

One of the best pieces of advice I could ever give a young believer is to document all that God has done for you, so that you never lose your way.

13 The young women will dance for joy,and the men–old and young–will join in the celebration.I will turn their mourning into joy.I will comfort them and exchange their sorrow for rejoicing.14 The priests will enjoy abundance,and My people will feast on My good gifts.I, the Lord, have spoken!” Rachel’s Sadness Turns to Joy 15 This is what the Lord says: “A cry is heard in Ramah–deep anguish and bitter weeping.Rachel weeps for her children,refusing to be comforted–for her children are gone.” 16 But now this is what the Lord says:“Do not weep any longer,for I will reward you,” says the Lord.“Your children will come back to youfrom the distant land of the enemy.17 There is hope for your future,” says the Lord.“Your children will come again to their own land.18 I have heard Israel saying,‘You disciplined me severely,like a calf that needs training for the yoke.Turn me again to You and restore me,for You alone are the Lord my God.19 I turned away from God,but then I was sorry.I kicked myself for my stupidity!I was thoroughly ashamed of all I did in my younger days.’ 20 “Is not Israel still My son,My darling child?” says the Lord.“I often have to punish him,but I still love him.That’s why I long for himand surely will have mercy on him.21 Set up road signs;put up guideposts.Mark well the pathby which you came.Come back again, My virgin Israel;return to your towns here.22 How long will you wander,My wayward daughter?For the Lord will cause something new to happen–Israel will embrace her God.” Jeremiah 31:13-22

Turn Your Indifference Into Making A Difference….

We take God for granted. We overlook His daily involvement in our lives, usually forgetting to thank Him. Over time, this takes the form of a blase attitude. One of the greatest things God does for us, and it’s just a matter of seeing it, is His ability to turn a tragedy into triumph. God has the ability to turn mourning into joy, and exchange our sorrow for rejoicing. It’s just one more thing God does that makes Him above all. Take time today to thank Him for that time He took your sorrow away, and replaced it with comfort and peace. For only He can do this. The Christian life has so much to offer, it’s just a matter of recognizing it, then acting on it in the form of gratitude. It just might turn your indifference into making a difference. Start today.

13 The young women will dance for joy,and the men–old and young–will join in the celebration.I will turn their mourning into joy.I will comfort them and exchange their sorrow for rejoicing.14 The priests will enjoy abundance,and My people will feast on My good gifts.I, the Lord, have spoken!” Jeremiah 31:13-14

If He Cares Enough To Discipline….

If people think that allowing crimes to go unpunished will fix our justice system, think again. God disciplines all people with justice. If he cares enough to discipline those that believe in Him, imagine what punishment awaits those who choose evil?

11 For I am with you and will save you,”says the Lord.“I will completely destroy the nations where I have scattered you,but I will not completely destroy you.I will discipline you, but with justice;I cannot let you go unpunished.” Jeremiah 30:11