Being Present….

“Living in the now”, “being present”, means recognizing opportunities to do good. I’m not talking about “being religious”. I’m talking about “doing right”, helping others in time of need, listening and acting on an interpreted necessity. I would go as far as saying that when we don’t act on something we know needs addressing, especially when we have the means to meet that need, we lose out. We lose out on witnessing God’s provision. We miss out on taking part in His Divine Plan. And eventually (for believers), we miss out on the reward we will never receive. If we truly want to be God’s hands and feet, we must consciously be aware of the needs of people. We do this by asking God to send us people each day. We ask Him to help us use the provisions He has blessed us with to bless others. We ask Him to use us to help shine His light into a dark world. When our attitude is to love God first, our actions will be focused on loving and helping others. It starts with prayer and continues with “being present” with people. It’s a gift that God gives to those that ask. Always. “Being (the) present” is the best gift we can give others. It’s proof that God holds our heart.

27 Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them. Proverbs 3:27

How Can God Condemn Them?

When people ask me about other religions being wrong, the question always arises, “what if they are taught certain practices, how can God condemn them for that?” The answer is simple. We are not condemned for practicing other religions. We are not even condemned for not choosing Jesus. We are condemned because we are sinners. Every single person on this earth is a sinner. And it’s only when we repent of our sin and place our trust in Jesus, that we are forgiven by God and become “saved”. With this in mind, when someone is brought up Muslim or under Judaism they believe certain things. They see their sin differently, and they try to work out their salvation by doing “good works”. But in the process, if they really want to know God, to know if their belief system is “right”, they will ask, “God, if You are real, reveal Yourself to me”. It’s when the authenticity of heart pushes up into our minds, and we act it out in humility by truly asking God Who He is, that He shows up. He reveals Himself to those with humble and sincere hearts. A humble and sincere heart is one that when truth is revealed, it accepts it as it is. A humble heart never tries to justify one’s behavior, or twist and distort truth just to suit one’s comfort or ability levels. God will always reveal Himself to those who ask Him. So the next time someone presents this question to you, you’ll have the answer for them. God will never abandon those who search for Him with sincere hearts. This is a truth you can build your life on.

7 But the Lord reigns forever, executing judgment from His throne.8 He will judge the world with justice and rule the nations with fairness. 9 The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed,a refuge in times of trouble. 10 Those who know Your name trust in You, for You, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for You. Psalms 9:7-10

The Name Of Jesus…

The name of Jesus. It’s either the hope of the world, or condemnation to it. The name offends or it brings comfort after we work through the reason for the offense (our pride). It’s hope to those who trust God. It’s guilt and shame to those who reject Him (with no hope of rescue). It’s so ironic that one name can affect all people so differently. We use it to praise God, and to pray to God. And we use it as a cuss word, without ever realizing the magnitude of how badly we abuse it. Either way, Jesus name will be exalted, regardless of how we see it, God has set His name above all names. Every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess, “He is Lord”, either in this life, or the next.

And His name will be the hope of all the world.” Matthew 12:21a

When The Lord Is Our Security….

When the Lord is our security, we sleep soundly without fear. The world has no answer for this. The peace that God gives has no companion. You either know Jesus and know peace, or you have no peace because you don’t know Jesus. Rest assured, peace comes to those who make Jesus Lord of their lives. When the Sovereign, Almighty, Creator of Everything is made Lord, we’re insulated with a security, comfort, and peace that disarms the world’s allure to pull us away from knowing where our identity comes from. And no one can ever take that away.

My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment.Hang on to them,22 for they will refresh your soul.They are like jewels on a necklace.23 They keep you safe on your way,and your feet will not stumble.24 You can go to bed without fear;you will lie down and sleep soundly.25 You need not be afraid of sudden disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked,26 for the Lord is your security.He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap. Proverbs 3:21c-26

Hunker Down, And Keep Moving Forward….

It’s always refreshing to read the words of Jesus. This prayer specifically humbles and comforts at the same time. You ask how this can do both seemingly opposite effects? Knowing God controls who sees Him and experiences Him is humbling. He is ultimately in control, we are not. If that doesn’t humble you then you need to examine your heart. It’s not very receptive or submissive. Secondly, this prayer brings comfort. Knowing Jesus has already walked through the valley of suffering and tells us His burden is light gives us a clearer picture of what we can expect when we walk through our valleys. Knowing God helps us know ourselves. Knowing when we fail, Jesus will be there with us, gives us the resolve to hunker down and keep moving forward, when all seems lost. Knowing Jesus walked through this, gives us confidence that we will make it through. There’s no other name under Heaven, given among men by which we can be saved. Thank you Lord, you are too wonderful for words.

25 At that time Jesus prayed this prayer: “O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank You for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike. 26 Yes, Father, it pleased You to do it this way!27 “My Father has entrusted everything to Me. No one truly knows the Son except the Father, and no one truly knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him.”28 Then Jesus said, “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you. Let Me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.30 For My yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:25-30

A Testimony For Its Validity….

As a believer I’ve always trusted the truth. Jesus said, “the Truth will set you free”. I’ve always believed in nothing higher than the truth. It’s something I’ve based my life on. It’s something that I count on. It’s something that I fight for. It’s something that I’d even die for. Why? Because God is truth. You may be able to twist it, or distort it, or ever stretch it a little, but you can’t destroy it. When you base your life upon the truth, your house will continue to stand, because it’s built on solid rock. Feelings might try to sway you away from it, but as long as you are loyal to it, you’ll never be over-taken by Satan’s attempts to deceive you. The truth shall set you free when you embrace it. And the way you live your life will be an example for all to see. The truth is shown right when it’s consistently pursued in our lives. When you walk in the truth, you become a testimony for its validity.

But wisdom is shown to be right by its results.” Matthew 11:19c

Fence Sitters…..

There’s only two kinds of people on this earth. Those that acknowledge Jesus as Lord, and those that don’t. There’s no in between. If you’re sitting on the fence, or indifferent about Him, you’ve denied Him by not choosing. It’s that simple. It’s either “Lord, Thy will be done”, or “my will be done”. There’s no room at the foot of the cross for fence sitters.

32 “Everyone who acknowledges Me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before My Father in heaven.33 But everyone who denies Me here on earth, I will also deny before My Father in heaven. Matthew 10:32-33