Walk in character

There is a story of a man who had to make a decision about the direction he was going to go.  The man was getting ready for a long trip.  He was told that he could go through a swamp which was a short cut or he could stay to the main road which would take a little longer.  He decided to take the short cut.  He walked through the swamp but unfortunately he got lost and ended wandering around in the swamp for a long time.  The short cut cost him precious time and he ended taking longer doing the short cut than if he had stayed on the main road.  The lesson we learn from this man is that even though sometimes a way seems quicker does not mean it is.  The Bible says that the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord.  The path to peace and love begins with a relationship with God.  He has ways to keep that peace and peace strong.  It is through prayer, reading of the Bible, going to church and sharing your faith.  For some this path seems boring and safe, so they choose some short cut and end up losing their way and get off the path and lose the very thing they once had.  Solomon put it this way man determines his way but God weighs the heart.  God knows what is going on in your heart so let him determine your path.  He knows what is best and faith is learning to trust God in all areas.

Faith

I was reading in my devotions this morning about Paul and the man he raised up and healed in the city of Lystra.  The man was healed because he believed in Paul and the message that he brought.  The element that raised the man up was faith.  Faith is a very complex and simple thing at the same time.  There is natural faith that is based in man and then there is saving faith which is based in God and His word.  Saving faith restores, healed, delivers and saves.  Saving faith draws us close to God.  Saving faith changes everything.  We go from the natural to the supernatural.  Paul operated in the realm of saving faith and so must we.  We live in a world that believes that nothing is real unless it is receive through the five senses.  Saving faith does not rely on the natural but the belief that God can do all things.  Heb 11:1 gives us the Bible definiton of faith.  We are certain of things hope for and have evidence of things not seen.  We just know God is going to hear and answer our prayers and petitions.  Today take God at His word and believe for your world and situation.  Release yourself from doubt and get the very best from God. 

What creates great victory

Today I was reading from Acts 2:42-47, where we see the early church in a state of victory and so I thought I would talk about those principles and encourage you to apply them to your life and world today.  First, the early church devoted themselves to apostolic teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayer.  Next, everyone was filled with awe at the miracles that God was doing hrough the apostles.  We need signs, wonders and miracles again to draw people to Christ.  The believers thirdly were together in one accord and sharing with each other what they need.  This was love in action.  Fourthly, they met for corporate worship and in cell groups meeting with glad and sincere hearts.  Lastly, they were prasing God and were favored among the people of Jerusalem and many were added to the church.  These principles are not for that day but for today.  My encouragement is to try and apply them to your life and world for the glory of God.

Notes on Prayer

Recently I have been spending time reading the writings of Em Bounds on prayer.  This man has given me so many insights on prayer.  Prayer is the highest calling because it is what Jesus is doing right now.  Prayer is the most powerful force in the universe because God is the person backing it up.  Prayer is the time where we get to know God`s plans, purpose and will for our lives.  Nothing is sweeter than praying.  It is the desire of every believer and the will of God.  In prayer we get to know the God of the universe.  There is no greater privilege in our daily life than prayer.  When a person fails to pray they fail in their spiritual life.  Prayer is the power behind every successful endeavor with God.  It is life and fuel for the soul.  It makes the will of God clear.  When we do not not pray we are weak in spiritual life.  Prayer is the avenue in which spiritual power flows.  When one does not pray for seven days, we become weak.  I cannot exhort you enough to pray.  Prayer is where I get all I need to become the Christian God wants me to be. Prayer is the desire of every believer the secret is to turn the desire into discipline and then into delight.  All great men of God have been men of God.  Their success depended on prayer.  Only in payer does the will of God become clear.  Prayer with the word is life giving.  You might call them the dynamic duo in defeating the devil.  So today spent time with God and hear His sweet voice telling you His plans for you this day and see His will accomplished in your life today for His glory.

Learn from our mistakes

There is an old adage that states that if we do not learn our lesson the first time we are doomed to repeat it.  This is so true.  Wisdom knows that if we do not follow the plans and purposes of God that we will make the same mistake over and over again.  The nation of Israel made many of the same mistakes.  In the wilderness they grumbled many times and were punished by God over and over again.  I have always had a motto, "learn the first time and you will not have to go through this again."  When it comes to unpleasant or bad things, I only want to go through them once.  So the first thing I always ask is, "Lord what are you trying to teach me through this?"  The second question is, "Lord, How can I learn from this so I will not make the same mistake twice?"  The word of God has been my source of counsel and quidance through all the storms of life.  If you find yourself going through a hard time then ask these questions and learn what you need to learn during this time and remember this time period will be of shorter duration if you learn your lessons well.  Your attitude during these times is also very important, keep positive and remember, "All things work together for good for those who love the Lord and are called according to his purpose."  God is in your corner.

Household salvation

Today I was thinking about Joshua 24:15 where Joshua is near the end of life and he has called the nation of Israel to himself and he is giving them some final instructions.  He tells the that they have a choice to make.  They can choose the ways and gods of the nations or they can choose the ways of God.  He then states, "Às for himself and his house they will choose the Lord."  The power of choice is such a responsibility.  It carries with it life and death.  We can choose the things of the world which leads to death and destruction or we can serve the Lord which leads to life and salvation.  This choice also affects those around us.  Household salvation does not just happens it is choice.  Everyday we pray, role model and mentor our faith to our family.  When I first came to know the Lord, I made a choice to find a godly wife and raise a godly family.  Everyday, I have prayed and tried to be a consistent Christian by thought, word and deed.  I have tried to show through my faith by a lifestyle of love, acceptance and forgiveness.  The results thus far is all my children are serving the Lord and my oldest grandson is currently serving the Lord.  My belief that when my two other grand children reach the right age of accountability they to will give their hearts to Christ.  Household salvation happens by day to day living and serving the Lord.  Today my exhortation to you is daily give your life to God and over time you will see the promise of Joshua 24:15, you will see you and your house serving the Lord.    

God`s great Gifts.

   Today in my musing and thoughts, I was thinking about the book of James and how he talks about God`s wonderful gifts.  James writes that every perfect gift comes from the Father above.  James then gives us examples.  God gives us gifts of wisdom, love acceptance and forgiveness.  Wisdom is given so we will have wisdom in our lives to be able to discern and know the perfect will of God as Paul`s says.   Love is given so we will be able to flow in our interpersonal relationship without hindrances and bias.  We can learn to love God, ourselves and others.  Love also allows us to love in such a way that our world is change for the good..  Acceptance is a gift given so we can look at people the way God does.  God is no respecter of persons.  He knows the heart and looks at that instead of the exterior.  Forgiveness a given so we can learn to walk in freedom.  We are forgiven and so in turn we are then able through the Lord forgive those who hurt and offend us.  These are wonderful gifts and through them we can demonstrate the mercy and grace of God.  Gifts like this are given so we can communicate the character and essence of God in our world.  My exhortation to you today is to do this and be a light for Jesus.