Look Forward

The Apostle Paul said that he wanted to know Christ! Everything else he counted as loss. He had a determination and zeal to press on in his walk with God. Sometimes I think "well he was Paul, a really spiritual person. I could not be like that!" However everything written in the Bible is for our instruction, encouragement and development. We can be like Paul. In fact he exhorted the Christians to be like in him in his desire to follow Christ. He so much wanted to become like Jesus!
He did not consider that he had arrived! he was still learning, still struggling against sin, suffering loss each day, and often hungry, friendless, and lonely. But he gave us the secret of his zeal which is an encouragement to us. He said "But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Phil 3:13,14
We can do that! let us push on, let us look forward and upward. Let us leave our old ways of thought and action and move into the new things God has for us. This coming year will not be like the last one! 2012 is over and gone. God has new things to teach us, new blessings for us, new hope and a deeper fellowship with Him. Don't look behind! Regret, disappointment, fears, heartache, are all shadows that fall behind us as we look to the SON! Before us are new opportunities, new blessings, untrodden ground to claim for the Lord.

I Am With You!

I am sufficient for the comimg days and will provide the strength that you need. But you will not have it in one great lump! Moment by moment My grace will infiltrate your being, spirit, soul, and body. If you allow your thoughts to wander over possibilities, hopes, aspirations or even fears, you will become overwhelmed. There is a way of gliding through the problems and challenges that arise. That way lies in total trust and abandonment to My will. I will smooth the way, but you must LET GO! We work together, and you can come to Me with great or small problems. But I will not join Myself to confusion so off load your worries regularly! Travel light along this journey. It is all about our relationship. It is a working relationship. Your Father is watching, lovingly, your progress. When you feel unable to cope and your strength is failing, take time, come to Me. I will address the situation and re-order your days bringing light into the darkness, and order into the chaos. I AM ABLE!

'So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand' Isaiah 41:10

Unexpected Blessings

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

Keep 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

Take Heart!

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

Father Knows Best!

I was thinking about the possibilities, potential, and plans I could make for 2013. 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

Just Love Him!

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 the day that He comes again 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

Much Fruit.

The Vine is a plant that is not grown for its ornamental shape, shade, fragrant blossoms, or its wood! It is grown soley for the fruit it produces. It only produces fruit in abundance as it is trained, shaped, and pruned. If not pruned it can run away with itself, and grow straggly, and become unfruitful! The world loves the fruit of the Vine! The wine produced from it is sampled with relish, drunk in abundance, discussed with fervour! It is no wonder that Christ used the illustration of the Vine to teach us to 'Abide in Him'. Not one Vine is planted without the owner thinking only of the fruit. So our 'Husbandmen' looks at our lives and desires fruit, more fruit, much fruit from us. And this is accomplished through pruning.
We do not like the idea of pruning, it speaks of loss and some pain. But when we suffer the Spirit of God and glory rests on us. When we are afflicted, God shows us His tenderness and that leads us to understand and sympathise with the misery of others. Left to ourselves we would become self centred, and become straggling branches on the Vine. The things we learn whilst we go through the pruning process, teach us to pray for the blessing of others, not just ourselves. Our times of affliction, sorrow, suffering, can become times of the greatest blessings in life. The secret is to'Abide in the Vine'. Rest in Jesus love, stay put in His presence, believe that He is using this time for your profit not for your punishment. You are in a process that will lead to you bearing much fruit.
'I am the vine, you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing..............This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples'. John 15: 5,

Perfect Timing!

You are trying to rush yourself. You are running hard as if you have missed the train. You have not missed anything. Nothing is ever wasted, there are always crumbs left over. Remember the loaves and fishes. My timing is perfect, and always on schedule. Do not think 'there is little time left to get everything accomplished' for I can do in a moment what you think will take a life time. Stop and savour that which I am doing. Make the most of each moment and do not be in a hurry to move into the next thing in your life. You will miss something rich and deep if you glide over the surface of things. You can't go back, and time moves you forward, so settle it in your mind that each day will bring its own rewards, and trials, that is enough for you to cope with!

'Beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day'. 2 Pet 3:8

Just Come!

Just sit before me. You don't need to DO anything or SAY anything. But come and wait expectantly. I am about to come and need you to be there. You will miss Me if you are not available to wait. I have things to tell you, plans to give you, and new strength to impart to you. All you need to do is wait before me. Above all I want you to enjoy the presence of My Spirit. You have already poured out your heart to Me. I have heard your requests made with thanksgiving. So now just come. Be still in my presence. Don't keep repeating words to me, I have already heard. Sit with Me and I will sit with you. There is great comfort in just 'being' together. Come and just 'be'.
'Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart: wait, I say, on the Lord'. Ps 27:14

Surrender!!

Give God ALL your worries. Because He cares about you. Carrying them around with you will wear you out. It is like taking huge amounts of luggage,hoisting them on your shoulders, stretching your arms around them, and making such slow progress! You were not made to carry all that burden.
The Bible speaks about 'casting' our care on the Lord. It is like a fisherman with a rod flinging the line high and purposefully into the deep. Fling everthing on the Lord, deliberately, decisively, desperately! in an act of abandonment and surrender. Don't hold back anything. Give it all to God as soon as you feel concerned, heavy, even depressed..
In that way you are humbling yourself before the Lord. You are saying 'I can't manage this thing, but YOU can'.You are handing over the control, and He will take the strain. Surrender yourself again today. He will not let you down. If you continue to hold onto it you will be saying that you are better than Him at managing your affairs, that He can't cope with it, and that amounts to pride.
'Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast ALL your anxiety on him because he cares for you' 1Pet 5:7.

Lean on Me!

Your obedience is tested by the things you can do. Don't waste your time thinking about things you would do if you had opportunity! Just take the next step on your agenda. Be kind to those who come your way. Your life is a witness even though you cannot see it. Most people are trapped in their own world of sorrow, grief, hopelessness, and unbelief. But your presence brings a light into their lives, and even a smile from you can unlock the pain in someone else and cause them to think on God.
Small steps of obedience, taken by love, lead to much greater fruitfulness. I am looking, watching, and caring for you in ways you do not comprehend. It only takes one small match to start a roaring fire. The match burns out, but the fire remains! You can be that person, just like the Hebrew servant girl. She spoke the right word, because she cared, to the wife of Naaman, about there being a prophet in Israel who would heal him of his leprousy. So keep on being yourself, and LET My Spirit flow through you unhindered. LEAN on Me. Things will not be accomplished YOUR way, but they will flourish MY way!

'Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding'. Prov 3:5

Teach Me Lord!

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

Abundant Life!

Yes! the best is really yet to come! Do not think that the days of laughter, freedom, pleasure are over, and you are to languish in mediocrity, just fulfilling the routine's of each day. No! there is joy untold prepared for you. There are adventures in My kingdom planned for your life. Do you want them? There is no age in my kingdom, only growth. There are things I have to say to you if you will still your heart to hear My voice. Position yourself to receive my teaching each day through the still small voice of scripture, circumstances and daily contacts.
I have come that you may have Life in abundance regardless of your circumstances. I am able to fill you to overflowing so that out of your being will flow rivers of water. LET Me give you laughter today and joy in abundance so that others will see the light on your face and hope in your eyes. Stop looking at the impossible and start over again, trusting, believing, and receiving. I am here for YOU!
'So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, "After I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?" Then the Lord said to Abram, "Why did Sarah laugh and say "Will I really have a child, now that I am old?" Is anything too hard for the Lord?" Gen 18:12

Keep Seeking!

I am watching over you. Watching eagerly your every thought and action. Watching and waiting for signs of earnest, steadfast, seeking of Me. I wait for you to come to Me with ALL your petitions, thanksgiving and worship. Often I wait in vain. I am so much more ready to give to you than you are to receive. Because you are often restless I have to delay in my blessing to you. Still your heart again. I speak with a still small voice. Become more acquanted with My voice. Make sure that you draw apart and spend time with Me.
Do not think that your seeking is in vain. Those that seek, find. It is a promise. You feel that you are seeking and seeking and it is a long time until you find. Take heart! there is an end to this journey. When you come into the place I have prepared for you, you will find new joy, new hope and new strength for the next stage. There is a place by Me waiting for you to fill it. You are always in My thoughts, and I have already prepared that which is your inheritence. You do not need to wait until you reach heaven. It is for you now. There is a down payment that is waiting for you to collect. Come now!
'Without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him' Heb 11:6

A Future

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.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future". Jer 29:11