Windows Of Blessing

Obedience opens opportunities for much blessing. The windows of heaven are opened to those who Tithe. If God seems remote from you at this time, think about your giving! Malachi 3:8 speaks about God being robbed. The people were not giving Him what they were commanded to. He says they were cursed because they had robbed Him. It was like a blight upon their lives, mildew on their crops.
God's work needs the blessing of our finances. We are to provide meat for His house; finance for the kingdom to be increased and the Good News to be preached. It all costs money! God challenges us to prove Him through our giving. He says that He will open the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing that we cannot contain? Mal 3:10 That is an amazing statement!
He also promised to rebuke the devourer. Their land would yield good crops. The pests and diseases would not cause the harvest to fail. They would have plenty in their barns if they put food into God's barn. It was in His interests to bless them, because as they had increase so also His house had increase, because they gave to Him.
'Bring ALL the tithes into the storehouse, and prove me now, says the Lord of Hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven, and pour you out so much blessing, that you will not have room enough for it.  And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground'. Malachi 3:10,11

Wear The Ornament Of Meekness

Moses was having trouble caused by the very people who should have been supporting him, Miriam and Aaron, his sister and brother. Miriam's name means 'bitter' or 'defiant', and she was probably the instigator in that she did not like the Ethiopian wife that Moses had. So they spoke against him. And lifted up their hearts in pride saying  'has the Lord inded spoken only by Moses? has He not also spoken by us?' Num12:2
But God heard everything and acted on behalf of His friend Moses. It says in the Bible that Moses was the meekest man on earth. He was humble and he left it to God to sort things out. God challenges the two relatives and asks why they were not afraid to speak against Moses who was faithful and obedient. As a result Miriam became leprous. There were bitter consequencies for herself through her trouble making.
Often the most difficult people are those we are close to. The very ones we are trying to help can turn and murmer against us. Leave the matter with the Lord and let Him step in to take the action needed, He can turn every situation to profit if we will give Him the responsibility and don't try to sort it all out on our own.
' the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price' 1 Peter 3:4

Use Your Gifts.

God has given gifts and talents to each one of us. It is our responsibility to use them. He has given; we must be good stewards. One of the reasons we bury our gifts in the sand is that we are afraid of what others think. If we have been put down, despised, criticised or mocked, it is difficult to rise above the things others have said. But today is a day to leave all that behind and start anew. What is your gift? God has given great diversity. Start using it again. It may be spiritual, but it may be natural. Decide to use what you have and it will grow. Jesus used what He had in the motley band of His disciples and trusted them to continue the work He started. He gave the Helper, the Holy Spirit, to come and dwell within them and be alongside them. So we are not alone in using our gifts. There is a Helper to show us what to do. Don't look at what others are doing, their particular gifts, or how successful they are. But look to Jesus and use what you have been given out of thankfulness to Him. He can show His love through you in seemingly small ways to accomplish much.
John 21:21.

Tidy Up!

It is time to give your mind an overhaul! Take some thought about your thoughts! Stop allowing yourself to dwell on imaginary disasters that 'might' happen in your life. There is no need to wallow in morbid thoughts and plans for I have a bright future for you. My plans, says the Lord, are for good and not for your harm. My plans are for your fulfilment and enjoyment, not for sadness and emptiness.
Get rid of the dark imaginings and renounce negative thinking. Discipline your mind again to take hold of My blessings of freedom and love. If you continue to feed on unhelpful thoughts your days will be heavy and unfruitful. I desire you to dance with Me into your future, expecting that I will always provide the grace you need for every situation. It is time to lighten up! leave your baggage behind and let regrets go. You will find that the healing you need will become a reality and sorrow will vanish as a shadow.
'Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ'. 2 Corinth 10:5

Do You Believe?

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". If we do not have the faith in our hearts we can ask God to give us the gift of faith. To receive we just put our faith in God. It may be small but we have a great God who always shows mercy to His children. Sometimes our perseverance is tested to its limits. The blind men showed their faith by their perseverance, not by their feelings. The important thing is to keep trusting that the Lord has heard our requests and in due time He will answer! Your circumstances can change because of your faith and petitions to God.
'Jesus Christ is the same Yesterday and today and forever' Heb 13:8

Currency Of Heaven

It takes patience to wait on the Lord. Being still takes practise and perseverance. But as we get into that place of stillness our strength is renewed by God. He gives us His strength Is 40:31. Then we need to flap our 'wings' of faith and trust. We can rise above our circumstances that worry us daily if we put our trust in God who is Almighty, the Everlasting one, who never faints or grows weary. But it is not 'magic', we actually have to DO something, that is put our trust, by choice, in God mercy and goodness towards us. And not in anything else!
Faith is the currency of heaven. We receive everything from God by faith. By believing in His absolute goodness and power toward us. When I go into a shop to purchase something I use money, and expect to get the goods I have paid for. So likewise when I go to God I use my faith in Him, to receive all that I need for that day. Just a day at a time!! not the whole of my life in one lump! Just for each day. It is easier that way because life can get very complicated if I am worrying too far ahead!
So TODAY use your wings of faith and trust and see what God will do for you, and who He will BE to you. Having a close, loving relationship with someone wonderful is what we all need. And that someone is the all loving, all powerful, kind and gentle Jesus. He does care, He does want things to change in your life, He is able to help you, so flap your wings!

God's Clock!

'I trust in You, O Lord; I say, "You are my God" My times are in Your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me. Let Your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love'.Psalm 31: 14-16. Let us rest content in knowing that our times are in His hands......and He never drops anything! And no-one can snatch us out of our Father's hand Jn 10:28.

Things Can Change!

Jesus said that the gate to life is very narrow Matt 7:13. As Christians we lead limited, yet unlimited lives, with only one choice that brings abundance! The choice is to let go of your own life and follow Jesus in obedience which leads to receiving His life. His life is abundant. Our love for Him and others has to be genuine. Our commitment to Him and His work has to be total. We can't be half hearted and expect to receive anything from God. Make up your mind, don't change it, then you will receive great benefits that far outweigh any losses. God often tests our commitment to Him and His kingdom. He watches to see if we will press forward and see things through. Pass the test! Don't give up! Keep following each day, you will reap! Life will not always be like it is now. Things can suddenly change with Jesus in control. He is preparing you for good works now and in Eternity Eph 2:10.

Count Your Blessings!

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! Take positive steps to overcome your fears however small they may be. Fear takes hold on our lives by slowly overtaking us in small things. So maybe you need to DO the thing you fear and then find out it was only a shadow and had no real power over you. Running away opens the door to more fears. Facing things with Jesus makes us overcomers! Give thanks to God as you overcome, and the devil will flee from you. He knows that the battle is lost as soon as you turn to God and give Him praise for the victory.
'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

Chariots And Horses

Who are we trusting to help us today? In what are we putting our faith? some trust in chariots! They put their hope in winning the Lottery, making good investments, buying larger houses, and bigger cars. Some put their trust in horses, the company they work for, their boss who might give them promotion, the friends who will help them get to where they want to go in life! But trusting in these things can bring your downfall. Just as the Egyptians chased the Israelites across the red sea and got stuck in the mud, thinking they were powerful because of the iron and flesh they had, so putting confidence in wordly things can bog us down. Eventually they rust and die away!
God knows that we need help, things, finances, and advancement. But His way for us is that we seek His kingdom and righteousness first. Our trust must be in the Lord He is the only unchanging One, faithful One, honest One and all powerful One. He never fails.
'Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God' Ps 20:7.

The Crown Of Life

The testing of our faith produces perseverance James 1:3. And the one who has stood the test will receive the crown of life God has promised to those who love Him. What is this 'crown of life'? A crown is given as a mark of honour, it denotes kingship, authority, and it sets apart the wearer investing then with royal dignity . Jesus said that He had come that we might have abundant life. This life is a crown that we wear daily as a sign of our royalty.
I don't think that this crown will be given to us in heaven. I think that it is available for us now. We need it like a soldier wears a helmet, or a policeman, or a fireman, or a builder! It graces us with significance in the spiritual realm. Satan recognises our crown of life and is wary of it. Our crown states that we are ALIVE with the same power that Jesus was resurrected by. And we gain it by enduring the tests, temptations, and trials that we pass through, if we stand in faith. Our faith has to be proved to be genuine. We are kept by the power of God through faith. As we believe and endure our crown of life becomes weightier. Our authority is increased. Through the things we endure and persevere in for Jesus we gain! Through sharing the fellowship of His sufferings, we gain the power of His resurrection resting on our lives. We are crowned with the crown of life!
'Though now for a season, ( for a little while) if need be, you are in heaviness through manifold temptations. That the trial of your faith being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found ( proved genuine) unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.'
1 Pet 1:6,7

Tempted And Tried.

Temptations will come! If you want to live a godly, righteous life, obedient to the Lord, then you will be tempted. Often a season of temptation precedes a season of great blessing. Just as Jesus was led into the wilderness, after His baptism, to be tempted of the devil. So we are often led by God through a time of testing. But God never tempts us, though He allows us to pass through sometimes dire and unusual temptations.
After Jesus had been tempted He returned from the wilderness experience in the power of the Holy Spirit and was anointed for His work on earth. And likewise, we receive a new anointing of the Holy Spirit when we resist the lies and temptations of the devil.
Temptation is NOT sin. Though the temptations can be so subtle that we think that we are sinning because sometimes they are so awful, and they come in a form that mimics our own thoughts. Sometimes they come in the form of a throw back from our past. Something that once was sin in our lives, but has been cleansed and forgiven through the Blood of Jesus, can seem to return and we think we have fallen. It is then that Scripure is so helpful. Soaking the mind, and heart in the word of God keeps us from slipping into the devil's trap. He will use anything to try to seperate us from God and His Word and lead us into unbelief.
The whole process is allowed by God to strengthen us, to increase our faith, and to show the devil that we are truly, in word and deed children of Righteousness. Our faith has to be tested and tried! Endure what you pass through, as a soldier of Christ. Be strong, stand firm in the faith, and surely in due time, it will pass, when the purpose has been accomplished. Do not give way to it, because then it becomes sin because we have acted on it. Then you can go and strengthen your brethren, for we all pass through tseasons of temptation.
' There has no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able to; but will with the temptation also make a way to eascape, that you may be able to bear it'. 1 Corinth 10:13

Put On The Armour

We are in a spiritual battle that intensifies the more we go on with the Lord. The devil will use every lying tactic to disarm, alarm, discourage us, with the intention of moving us out of our faith in Christ. But we have an assured victory if we put on  the armour of God. Eph 6:13 tells us to put on the 'whole' armour. Don't leave anything off! It is a spiritual clothing that equips us in a spiritual battle. We need to make sure we are living in 'Truth' which is like a belt around the waist, holding everything together. 'Righteousness' like a breastplate protects our hearts so that we do not fall into sin. Our spiritual feet must be ready to share the gospel wherever we go. Our 'Faith' is like a sheild that we can raise to extinguish the lies and accusations of the evil one. Our minds need to be protected with the helmet of 'Salvation', for we need to remind ourselves we are saved by grace. And we can then weild the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, standing firm in all Christ has won for us on the cross. So we stand, not in our own strength, but in the strength, He supplies.
With all this in mind we are alert and praying on all occasions, with all kinds of prayers and requests, especially for all the saints around the world Eph 6:18. Remember the saints! Those who are persecuted and suffering in many countries. We are part of the mystical body of Jesus, when one member suffers, we all suffer. When one member rejoices we all rejoice 1 Corinth 12:26

Victory Is Assured!

Don't think that the work you do for the Lord is insignificant. It may seem small at the moment, but seeds grow, if they are properly watered. God who started the work will bring it to completion. He is watching over it and protecting His interests, even though you feel He is leaving you to struggle on your own. Keep praying about these things, because your prayer accomplishes much. Pray until you are assured of breakthrough! The breakthrough always comes first in the spiritual realm, then manifests in the physical. This takes time, because the enemy will try to hinder on every side. But he has lost the battle; you just need to wait for the victory to be revealed. Be in an attitude of praise!
'The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this temple; and his hands will also complete it' Zechariah 4:9 Don't despise the day of small things 4:10.

Expressions Of Thanksgiving

God does supply all our needs as we put Him and His kingdom first in our lives. He knows that we need bread to eat and clothes to wear. The provision may not always be our choice, but it will be sufficient! As we share with others the bounty of our own table so God provides more for us to give. Through tithing, and giving, He is honoured, and will never let us down. Paul knew what it was to be in want, and hungry, but he did not starve to death. Somehow, somewhere, God supplied. Whether it was through extra tents to make so that he earned the money he needed, or through the generous giving of the saints, he was provided for. So he could honstly say 'Now he who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion,.........this service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is overflowing in many expressions of thanksgiving to God.'
2 Corinth 9: 10-12

He Provides

When the children of Israel were in the wilderness they questioned whether God could provide a table for them to eat from. Water gushed out of the rock, but could He also provide bread? Their expectations could not rise above their past experiences, they had seen the water but not yet the bread. When they thought of God doing something new they limited Him. In every honest prayer there are two sides at work. One is your little, dark, human thoughts of what you need and what you would like God to do. The other is God's great heart with it's infinite and divine purposes of blessing you.
Let us choose to trust the God of miracles! He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all we ask or think Eph 3:20 Keep your eyes on Him. Keep trusting in Him. Today you are nearer to the answer,so don't give up hoping

Take heart!

Jesus told His disciples that in Him they would have peace, but in this world they would have trouble. "But", He says " Take heart", cheer up, do not be afraid, "I have overcome the world" Jn 16:33. He is telling them that because He has done it, they can do it too! There is a WAY through it all, there is an end to it. We cannot overcome by running away. There comes a time when we have to face all that is against us, and STAND in faith, trusting that He who has overcome will give us the strength to overcome too! Like father, like son! We have the same family trait as Jesus, if we believe in Him and have His Spirit within us. He leads us in triumph, and we are more than conquerers. We are able to do all that He requires of us through faith in Him. Feed your soul on His word. It brings a boldness and tenacity that can come no other way. Multitudes have gone before, experiencing all that you go through, and have prevailed because of their undying love for Jesus.
'Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivers him out of them all' Psalm 34:19.

How Can It Happen?

When the angel came to Mary and announced that she was highly favoured by God and would give birth to Jesus, she was 'greatly troubled.' She wondered, and replied "how will this be?" because she was a virgin. It is easy to look at the 'how' when God speaks to us, either through our convictions, or through His word, or through His servants. It was a natural question that Mary needed answered, and she got her answer to it.
The angel said that "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you." That is how God does His works. And all we need to do is submit to His word, believe what He says to us, and receive the Holy Spirit. The angel told her that nothing is impossible with God. And she believed it!
We could think that if an angel came and spoke to us concerning God's will for our lives, then we would know it was true and then believe! But we are in the Church era, where we walk by faith, not by sight. Maybe He will send an angel, but more likely He is asking us to trust His word, and believe it. Even Mary had to surrender to the word of God for her. She said " may it be as you have said". Her hearts attitude was one of submission, and she said "yes" to what God was asking of her. God did the work, He performed His will in her life, she just had to accept it.
'Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished'. Luke 1:45

First Thing First!

Jesus tells us not to take anxious thought about tomorrow. He does not say that we are not to think about tomorrow, make plans, or to pray about the future. But we are not to worry as it is fruitless and unprofitable. None of us can control our circumstances, or add anything to our lives by worrying. It is a habit pattern of thinking that can cause us great distress and halt our progress in life. We are really saying that our heavenly Father does not care about every detail of our lives, when we worry! Has He not said that even the hairs on our head are numbered?
Most of our troubles are imaginary. Our forebodings about the future, our forecasts about what will or might happen are just predictions and unfounded fears. The Lord can, and does deliver from them. So if you are burdened today, bring it all to Jesus, with thanksgiving, because He cares about you. As you discipline yourself to lay the weights down at His feet, so you will experience release and deliverance from the scourge of worry. The thing to concentrate on each day is to put God first in every thing and live righteously in our relationship with Him and with others. As we seek His kingdom first everything else falls into place. Our heavenly Father knows what we need, and will take care of the practical things in our lives. Our job is to seek Him and feed our souls on the spiritual things available to us. What does it profit us to gain the whole world , yet lose our own soul?
 'Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will begiven to you as well.Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of it's own' Matthew 6:33,34.

Faithful God

In the book of Lamentations the writer speaks of the desolation of Jerusalem, the beloved city. He says it is solitary and lonely. It was once full of people and he likened it to a widow, who weeps bitterly in the night Lam 1:1,2 (amp).
He urges the people in captivity to 'recall and have hope'. Lam 3:21. He says 'we are still alive'. Because of God's mercy and lovingkindness, and His tender compassions that do not fail they are not totally consumed. 'His mercies are new every morning: great is your faithfulness' 3:23
The Lord is good to all those who wait on Him. Today is a new day. Look for the Lord's love and His word to you today. He is speaking in quiet ways through a still small voice. Maybe you have wept through the night, feeling there is no hope. But God is saying  'today is a new day, because I am faithful I will not abandon you, or leave you alone. It is not in my Nature to forsake those who call on Me. I have heard your cries and will respond'

Our Highest Privilege

When we don't know how to pray, or what to do, or how to proceed, there is Someone just waiting to help us. He is ready to be called upon every moment of every day. What problems we cause for ourselves because we don't avail ourselves of His help. The Holy Spirit is our Helper in every situation. He gives us boldness and power with God. He gives us access into the very presence of the Father. He prays for us with groans and sighs that words cannot express. He makes loving intercession in us for all the saints. It is our highest privilege as priests to be intercessors. How amazing that our prayers can move Almighty God! we can pray for people thousands of miles away; people we have never met, and God hears our hearts and answers our petitions. Ask for the Holy Spirit to help. He teaches us how to pray. He reminds us of the things that God has told us, so that we can use them in our intercessions. We cannot pray without Him. He can go where we cannot go, do what we cannot do, attend to the very root of a situation, all because we ask! Don't be put off just because you cannot see the answers to your petitions. One day you will see, and marvel at all God has accomplished through your prayers. And you may think "I wish I had prayed more". All the time you pray, you are developing a relationship with your heavenly Father and discovering that He cares about you and your concerns. And discovering that He can only change things through your prayers.
'But the Counsellor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you' Jn 14:26