A Word In Season

The Lord says " Come to Me and sink into My love. There is a refreshing that will gently wash over you as you linger in My presence. Just as a child snuggles into its bed at night and relaxes in the warmth of the blankets, so you come and nestle in My love for you. Sink down, relax and let me take control. Do not be in a hurry to move from this position for you will find the healing there that you need. Let your soul be at rest and abide (stay put) in the experience. Don't be hasty over decisions, or plans, allow the waters to flow over you and soften your heart and motives. Your spiritual eyes have become weary with trying to see through the fog of many emotions. Now is the time to let all that go and rest in My love. I will show you the new pathway you must tread as you awake from your rest. Do not fear complacency. This is ordained of Me. There will be new vigour and direction, but wait for it to come from my Spirit".
'Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.' Matt 11:28

Stand Firm!

These are days in which you need to put your roots deeply into God. The winds of change in the world will try to force you in their direction. But you have help to keep you firm in your purpose. The Holy Spirit is there to be your advocate, counseller, teacher and friend. Keep your heart humble before God and ask for His help and leading. At the right time He will exalt you and your feet will stand upon a rock, and then He will establish your goings.
It is important to stay the course when all around you crumbles. You will be a help to those in distress, and lead them into faith. Just stay steady until the right time comes for you to gain ground again. Continue to feed on God's word each day, pray in faith, and help others when you can. These things will keep you firm in His ways. The Lord WILL do His part, make sure you remain faithful in your part.
'Having done everything stand. Stand firm then..............and pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests' Eph 6:13,18

New Things

Two disciples were walking along a road going towards a village. They were busy discussing events that were on their minds. They were confused, despondant, disappointed, and doubting because all their hopes were dashed. Jesus was walking that same road. He saw that they were sad and downcast. He asked them all about it Lk 24:13-17. They poured it all out to Him, just thinking He was a stranger.
Jesus has walked through everything we walk through in life. He has been there before us, and even knows what we think and feel beforehand. The two people said 'we had hoped' but now all is lost. To them all their dreams had come to an end; there was no future hope. Looking at it the way they saw it all, nothing made sense.
But it was only half the truth! There was more to come that turned out to be 'the best'. Jesus was with them, when they thought He was dead. Jesus explained the scriptures to them when they could not understand. Jesus came and ate with them and revealed His presence. Sorrow was suddenly turned to joy!
Often we jump to conclusions in our lives. We don't give God a chance to finish what He was saying to us; we pre-judge the outcome insted of waiting for Him to unfold new things and bring light. We want to 'know the end before the beginning'! When you pour your heart out to Him you can be sure that there is another chapter to come in your life that will put things in a new light.

Take Courage!

We may feel feeble and weary with the state of the world and circumstances around us. There maybe few we know that really believe in God, and many around us in unbelief. But take heart! be strong and of good courage! let us wait for our God; that waiting is not in vain. God will hear and help, for He will never disappoint His people. In the presence of our enemies we feel so weak and we so often have to wait for deliverance to come. The blessings for which we plead are spiritual and all unseen, things that are impossible with men, heavenly, supernatural, divine blessings. And we faint at times because the seen things around us seem more real than the unseen we are asking for.
Come to God, and however feeble you may feel, just wait in His presence. Just as the sunshine penetrates the body of an invalid that needs warmth, so the sunshine of God's holy love will warm the cold areas of your soul. Just absorb that love. No one sitting in the sunshine fights and struggles and says " I must soak this warmth up. I need it, and must get hold of it" No! they just lay in the sun and let it do the work. Come to God's love and let it do it's work in you. Slowly, little by little, He will permeat your being with His divine life. You will hardly notice it at first, but soon you will feel it and know it!
'Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart; wait I say, on the Lord' Ps 27:14

The Blessed Hope

Our hope and love will be consummated at the appearing of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The expectation of this gives us a bond of unity unknown in other religions. We are awaiting the appearing of the God of Love. As His people our hearts cling to Him and also to those who genuinely love Him. Our master said that we were to love one another. And we show our love for Him by our love for His people. It is possible for our faith to be strong and our expectancy great, yet be lacking in true Love. Many will appear to worship, adore, praise, honour Him, yet fail to LOVE. Our love for God is measured by our love for one another.
'If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen'. I John 4:20

Simply Worshipping

Just as His entrance into the world through natural birth, changed the course of history, so will His second coming change everything forever. Thinking of the miracle of His birth gives us a revelation of our future in Eternity. He came and He comes! Are we ready for that appearing? He came insignificantly the first time, but the second time He comes, every eye shall see Him.
It will be a quick happening! there will be no time to change sides! Either we are for Him, or against Him. Are we allowing Him to have His way with us? And are we loving Him above all else? The few that were involved with His birth, worshipped. But on that day many will worship and call Him Lord! If He is not Lord of all in your life, then He is not Lord at all!
We need to live every day as if He were coming. Even if we pass from this life to the next before His return, we must live each moment, simply worshipping, like a child loves and adores. That is not too hard for us, is it? Just love Him and enjoy His presence.
'Behold, I am coming quickly! hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.' Rev 3:11

Waiting For Instructions

An important part of the Christian life is receiving instructions from God. We have the Bible to teach us, but also we need that word to come direct from the Lord in our particular need or circumstances. It has to be living and vital for each day. We can count on God to teach us His way, and show us His path in special difficulties or times of perplexity. Jesus said that His sheep hear His voice. And there is nothing more wonderful than when He speaks into the heart with a direct word of instruction, encouragement, and enlightenment.
There is something He wants to say especially for you! Not for others, but for YOU in your circumstances and life. He is so interested in your life and longs to communicate His purposes to you. But you need to wait quietly before God, in your times of prayer, in your heart as you go about your daily tasks. Show God that you are 'waiting' to hear what He has to say to you. He WILL speak, when you are ready to hear.
"Show me thy ways, O Lord; Teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: For thou art the God of my salvation: On thee do I wait all the day" Psalm 25:4,5

Waiting For Supplies

Sometimes, when an army is sent out to march into an enemy's country, but is not advancing, the question is asked 'why'. The answer will often be 'waiting for supplies'. All the stores of provisions, clothing, vehicles, ammunitions, have not yet arrived. Without these it dare not proceed. Something has held them up. It is like that in our Christian life, day by day, at every step, we need our supplies from above. And it is necessary to cultivate that spirit of dependance on God, and the confidence that refuses to go on without the needed supply of grace and strength.
We sometimes cry out to God "I haven't got what it takes!" But the necessary supplies will arrive! They have been sent. They are on their way. Wait for them before you proceed. Be it, strength, faith, wisdom, grace, finance, whatever is needed for your advancement is coming to you. But wait in confidence.
'My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus'. Phill 4:19

God's Suddenly's!

God leaves room in His plans for some things to happen spontaneously. Suddenly a rainbow appears in the sky after heavy rain. Suddenly the desert blossoms with flowers after years of dryness. Suddenly a baby smiles. Unexpected things happen which bring a new season in our lives. Suddenly the sun appears from behind the clouds, and suddenly a bird sings. Each day brings unexpected blessings to us. He works everything together for our good.
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men on whom His favour rests". Lk 2:13

Blind Faith?

Two blind men followed Jesus. In the hustle and bustle of the crowd they kept calling out "Have mercy on us Son of David!" They kept following and kept calling. They were determined to get an answer. Jesus went into a house and the blind men went in after Him. They came up to Jesus and He asked them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?". "Yes, Lord," they replied. So He touched their eyes and said, "Acording to your faith will it be done to you", and their sight was restored. Matt 9:27-30.
The question today is "Do you believe I am able to do what you ask?". What is your answer? can you simply say "Yes Lord".
'Jesus Christ is the same Yesterday and today and forever' Heb 13:8

God With Us

To all the Heavenly Hosts, and created beings, the wonder of God coming to Earth and taking on human flesh is an amazing mystery. The Angels sang at His entrance into the world. They all marvelled that He CHOSE to come. He wanted to be with us, not out of duty, but out of a great unspeakable LOVE.
God had never experienced what it was like to be a Man. He took the risk and He lived amongst other men and women, had friends, loved to laugh with them, and share their lives. He knew what it was to weep, to be heartbroken, to be tired, forsaken, and bleed to death. The wonder is that He came at all , without any welcome!!
Welcome Him into your life again. Open the door of your heart and let Him in. God with us bringing His light, comfort, friendship, understanding. He knows ALL about you and loves you unconditionally.
'Call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us' Matt 1:23

Prince Of Peace

God is the one who gives Peace. It is a gift. It came wrapped in the person of Jesus. It is not like the world's peace, which is fragile and man made subject to change. The peace of God is constant and is not a blessing that He bestows, but rather it is God Himself. How we need that peace! We need it between nations, between families, between the body of Christ. We need that peace as a bond, keeping things together, holding us close in these days of upheaval and unrest. Pray for Peace! Call upon God to fill you with His peace. Shalom is not just the absence of hostility, strife, and disorder, but it is also the condition and sense of being safe and secure. It describes the relationship between us and God, because Jesus took away the divisions between us when He died  on the cross. If you are insecure in your heart, call upon God to change you inside until you feel His constant peace. He will do it.
'His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Give Thanks

Why not try this today! Chase the shadows away, cast out your fears, turn from your doubts, push all negative thoughts behind, fling them all off and discipline yourself to give thanks. Do it just for one day, and do it for one more day, and one more, and one more. Train your mind to thank God. There are many blessings in your life so rise above the confusion and intimidation around you. Make a decision from your will to do this. Rise like a balloon floating on the wind. Let your soul enjoy the goodness of God, and your spirit rejoice in God your Saviour. For He has done great and mighty things for you. Maybe you cannot see them as yet. But He has done them!
'Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father by Him' Col 3:17

Keep Clean!

Typical African scenes are the clothes that lay stretched out on bushes. They have been washed and strewn around to dry in the sun. Most of them are old clothes, some threadbare clothes, but all have been washed. God does not expect us to be perfect, but He expects us to be spiritually clean through the washing of Jesus precious blood. And His blood can wash away ALL sin, if we avail ourselves of it.
Oh! the glorious feeling of being clean! There is a lightness in the soul, a happiness that fills the heart, even if circumstances are hard, and darkness is all around, it does not have to be within. All we have to do is 'come', be honest, ask for forgiveness, and say sorry, with the desire not to secretely hold onto our sin. He forgives, washes, restores, and delivers from the power of sin over us! Hallelujah!
'If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness'. 1 John 1:9

Able To Keep

I was thinking about the possibilities, potential, and plans I could make for 2012. Already there seems to be work developing for the spread of the Good News of Jesus Christ. I could do this thing, I could do that thing, but as yet it is in my imagination all unseen to the natural eye. So I took all my thoughts, hopes and plans, and put them one by one in a large sheet of paper and then wrapped them tightly up.
I then tossed them, hurled them towards God, and He caught my parcel of precious things and held it in His strong hands (those hands that created the Universes). Then He carefully unwrapped the paper and took out each desire one by one, looked intently at them, and then put them in a safe place. He will hold everything until the appointed time. Some of my plans will be returned to me one by one as I am able to accomplish the tasks, along with it will come grace, strength, health, finance to finish the work assigned to me. Other plans will not be returned to me as they will not be God's will for my life. He is KEEPING all that I have committed in a SAFE place. I can rest content, without worry, because my Father knows best!
' I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed to Him, against that day.' 2 Timothy 1:12

Prayer Of Faith

God's goodness is shown through His general providence. He makes sun to shine upon the evil and the good alike. But there is another privilege for the Christian, that is His special providences, those are the blessings we get when we pray. Blessings we would not receive if we did not pray in faith. These provisions are especially given because they were specially asked. The prayer of faith is the mightiest force in the world. God governs the world by it. We get special protection, special deliverance, special blessings, and special comfort because someone is praying. Have you ever felt a comfort in your soul and thought to your self 'someone is praying for me'? Pray especially for someone today!
'And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well: the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned he will be forgiven.' James 5:15

You Will Understand.

We do not understand what God is doing in our lives and sometimes it makes us feel that He is doing nothing! But He is at work, little by little. He says "I will put My laws (My will) into your heart and write it in your minds. I will make you understand all that is needful to settle all the questions that need to be settled. As time passes and the days follow on, and the years roll by, and you see no settled future, I am present to unfold it all, bit by bit. You will understand, today, tomorrow, and the next day".
He will not unfold ALL the future at the present time, because it will throw you into distraction by the flood of thoughts. It would make your brain reel, you would be overwhelmed, and your life would crumble under the pressure. He will come and speak little by little, just as you can bear it, just as you need it, day by day.
Jesus said,"What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this". John 13:7

Pleasing God

Today is a good time to ask for God to give 'Faith'. Faith is a fruit of the Spirit Gal 5:22. It develops in our lives through abiding in Christ and obedience to His will. It is also a gift of the Spirit. Romans 12:7,9 says' 'Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good..............to another faith by the same Spirit'. It is given by God for a purpose, that is, the good of others.
By faith, mountains can be removed! Mountains of unbelief, mountains of trouble, mountains of hindrance and stumbling. Things can change through faith Hebrews ch 11. 'Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists, and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him' Heb11:6
You can ask and it will be given you. Faith and wisdom make good wings to soar in the Spirit and overcome the world's snares, temptations and afflictions.

Wisdom

Now is a good time to ask God for Wisdom. There are decisions to be made over the coming weeks and months, and a clear path to tread. Ask for Wisdom to help you put your faith into practice. It will equip you for the bracing journey you will take. There are tasks for you to do, and you need to know 'how' to go about them. Godly Wisdom is worth more than any earthly treasures; more than wealth, because it will show you how to get wealth for your kingdom work. Wisdom brings peace with it. It does not tread upon others. It brings success. It is pure.
'If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt.' James1:5,6

Take The Opportunity!

'Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip,"Go south to the road - the desert road - that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunoch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians." Acts 8:26,27.
Don't look for great opportunities when the one that God wants you to take is just the next step that comes your way. The nearest opportunity is often the one that leads to something wonderful. Use your common sense and step forward into the obvious. The angel was just a messenger. He did not have wings!
Philip could have procrastinated and said "Why go into the desert, there is nothing and no one there." BUT he just happened to see the most important man, after the queen, in Ethiopia. And so the Gospel was preached, the man was saved and baptized, and he took the good news back with him to Ethiopia. This one man was more imortant to God, on that day, than ten thousand men!

The Power Of Praise!

The most important time to praise God is when we don't feel like it! Give thanks to Him for He is GOOD. He never fails. He is always merciful and kind. He washes away our sin and heals our wounded souls. Praise Him for the wonder of His creation. Praise Him for the new day; the trees and flowers; the birds and animals. Bless His name today! Bless His handiwork; your friends and family; your health and strength. Praise Him that you can breathe; Praise Him for the sunshine and light. Praise Him for loving you, just as you are!
As you give thanks, absorb His love into your being, just as you soak up the sunshine on a beautiful day. Even if your day is not beautiful, still praise Him, it will change, for all things change. There is an old chorus that says 'count your blessings, name them one by one, count your blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done!'
'This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it'. Ps 118:24

Quality Not Quantity

God does not look at the amount of work we accomplish for Him. He is after quality. A pint jar can be as perfectly filled as a gallon vessel. We may have little, but it is what we do with our little that counts with God. If we surrender all we are and have to God it is as acceptable as if we had ten times that amount in capacity, ability or strength. We make a great mistake if we estimate the value of service to God by the amount accomplished. We put people in the world on a pedestal if they give a lot, or do a lot, or are in the public eye alot, doing more than we could ever do.
God's eye is upon the one who renders a small but perfect service, in honesty and love. It is on the same level and of the same value to God as a great serrvice rendered. Likewise, a great service for God is of the same value as the small service. All things are on the same level to Him. He looks at every task accomplished and sees if the person has done it for the Glory of God. We are all different, some have a greater ability, capacity, to accomplish things in this life. But all we need to do is use our time, gifts, talents, to the full. If you are a pint jar, be filled to the brim! If you are a gallon vessel, be filled to the brim! use what you have!
'Be filled with the Spirit' Eph 5:18