Self Controlled and Alert

I Peter 5: 8

Be self—controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

Today, whether we like it or not, the devil is out and prowling.

Don’t underestimate his roar—because his bite is much worse than his bark.

He sole purpose is to find someone to devour—and he seems to be doing a pretty good job these days.

I think what disturbs me the most, is that Christians often open themselves up to being pretty easy prey.

And what do we need to do to keep from being the devils next snack? Be self—controlled and alert!

God the Father has given us all, every tool we’ll ever need to defend ourselves.

If I knew a lion was out there hunting me to eat me—I’d take a stand—I’d be alert.

Do you have self control in your prayer life? Do you have enough self control to study God’s Word—the Sword of the Spirit?

That’s what self control means. Picking up and using God’s arsenal against our enemy—who by the way wants to steal—kill and destroy you and me.

In the name of Jesus, this is one dude he is not going to devour today.

My eyes are going to be peeled, and I’m going to be as alert as I can be.

There’s no sense feeding his insatiable hunger, when we can defeat him, by trusting in God’s awesome power.

Will you trust in God today? Will you be alert? Now is no time to sleep—something’s out there lurking………

Unity

Romans 5: 15

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus……

What does a modern Christian church look like today? It should have unity.

Sometimes though, the way the church or believers treat one another, doesn’t look anything like a unified front.

Sometimes the way believers treat one another, wouldn’t be allowed in the secular work world, but the temperament of disunity is often seen in the church.

When you hear someone say…. “If this or that doesn’t work out this way or that way, I’m no longer going to be involved.”

That doesn’t sound at all like unity, it sounds like talk that might come from an elementary school.

So then, what will you do to bring true unity in your church this week?

What will you do individually, to bring a spirit of unity in your home?

The choice is mine….and the choice is obviously yours to make too………..

Where is your focus?

Colossians 3: 1

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

Today as we finish a work week, for many of you it’s been a long one.

We need to be reminded that our focus in life, needs to be on things above, and not on the things here below.

Let’s face it, we live in a world where very few people have their eyes on things above.

People are very much distracted by all the things on earth, and life here on earth.

It takes real discipline to remove your heart away from the things of this world, and to concentrate on the things that last forever.

Jesus said it another way. He said we should store away treasures in Heaven, where no one can steal them and moth cannot destroy.

He said that if we do store our riches in Heaven, then that is where our heart will be.

So today, I have to ask myself. Is the Lord that special to me, that He takes precedence in my life?

That’s a good question. Join me, in meditating on that very thought this weekend…….

Kingdom Fruit

2 Peter 3: 3

First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires.

In the last days scoffers will come? What’s a scoffer?

A scoffer is a person who disrespects, mocks and makes light of God’s Word and warning of what will come in the final days here on earth.

They actually follow their own evil desires.

Evil desires could be a myriad of things. Is it an evil desire to forgo church Sunday after Sunday?

Some would say so. Evil doesn’t have to be defined as doing something blatantly against the law like murder or armed robbery.

In these last days, and yes I believe we’re experiencing them even now, we best get a tight grip on what we desire, and it had better be God.

What do you desire? It will show up in the kind of Kingdom fruit you’re producing.

No fruit, and you had better change what you desire.

He could come back today…...and don’t scoff at that!

Now is the time!

John 4: 23

“Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.”

The time has come to worship God in spirit and in truth.

When we come into God’s presence, we should quite literally be awestruck.

Worship means that we appropriate God’s blessings when there is true worship.

Will you worship Him today?

God really demands that his people worship Him.

When we worship God, what we’re really saying is…. “You’re worth it God!”

His is worth it my friends, and we don’t have to wait until Sunday to offer up our collective praise.

Do it right now. Do it all day. Worship Him in spirit and in truth.

This is our created purpose.

That is the job description, of a true believer in Christ Jesus……….

Which prayer Category?

Luke 11: 9 – 10

“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.”

Jesus outlines the key ingredients for answered prayer: Ask—Seek—Knock

Our prayer routine should include these key components, and we must never stop asking.

Are you asking?

There are generally three types of praying people;

1)      The “Caught Off Guard Prayer”. This type of person generally only prays out loud when their asked to pray in public.

2)      The “Critical Crisis Prayer”. This person only prays when things are going to hell in a hand basket. They only pray for themselves when a crisis appears out of nowhere.

3)      The “Caring Prayer”. They prayer for God’s will to happen in the lives of others. They pray for the salvation of the lost. They also pray that new converts are discipled

           They generally only pray to see God’s will accomplished, in other people’s lives, and not their own.

Maybe today we should identify which “prayer” category we fit into.

Do we ask? Why do we ask? When do we ask?

Prayer is mightiest weapon that God has given the believing child of God.

How much, do you use that weapon

How confident are you today?

Isaiah 59: 2

But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.

1 John 5: 14

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.

These two verses seem to contradict one another.

One seems to say…. “Don’t waste your time, until you get your heart right.”

The other says, that we can have confidence in approaching God.

What keeps us from God, and what keeps our prayers from being heard? Something we did.

What gives us confidence in approaching God? Something He did.

Before you get too far down the road on this new week, stop and get things right between you and God.

Then we can know for sure, that everything we ask for according to His will, will indeed be heard by Him.

How confident are you today?

An Everlasting Love

January 20


Jeremiah 31: 3

"I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.

A great number of people believe the bible is hard to understand, yet in this verse, God declares His everlasting love for His people.

What we don’t understand, is the concept of love.

Who wouldn’t want to serve someone who offers us that kind of love?

Who wouldn’t want to get to know a person, who draw us with that kind of loving kindness?

Who wouldn’t want to obey a person who extends love in such a way?

The reason is, we want love to be on our condition, and not God’s.

God moves in ways in my life, that I might not have chosen for myself—but it’s not any less, love.

All this weekend, celebrate His love my friends. Allow Him to draw you with His loving kindness.

Get to know this person, who’s love never ends………..

Who is number one?

Psalm 119: 103 – 104

How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!  I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path.

Our church slogan for 2012 is….. “In God’s Word I will Delve, In 2012”

My message last Sunday was to challenge God’s people to go deeper in their faith—actually to make God number one—to seek Him first.

A large number of people responded on Sunday.

At bible study last night, we continued our study on the cross of Christ.

We actually had fewer people last night, than we did the week before.

So it begs the question: Are God’s Words really sweet to our taste? Do we really hate every wrong path?

Sometimes I have to wonder.

To “Delve”, means….. to dig as with a spade; to make careful and detailed search for information; to examine a subject in detail

How careful is your search for the riches of God? How closely are you examining the subject of God?

Maybe you need to take your spade, and start digging in this New Year. Why not start, by first examining the cross—the place where Christ, died for you

A time of calamity

Micah 2: 1 – 3

Woe to those who plan iniquity, to those who plot evil on their beds! At morning's light they carry it out because it is in their power to do it.

They covet fields and seize them, and houses, and take them. They defraud a man of his home, a fellowman of his inheritance.

Therefore, the LORD says: "I am planning disaster against this people, from which you cannot save yourselves. You will no longer walk proudly, for it will be a time of calamity.

A time of calamity…….

How many of us realize, that God has the power to bring calamity, or to keep it far from our lives?

What dictates whether He brings it or not, is usually our proximity to Him.

If we are far from God, our lives are generally filled with it. When we are close to Him, He protects those who love Him.

That doesn’t mean we’ll never have trouble, but when we are close, and trouble/calamity come, we know that God does so, to build our spiritual muscles.

Big difference!

Those first verses of this scripture passage, have a strange and familiar ring to them. Could it be that it vaguely reminds us of the land we live in?

We know that as we move closer to the end of times, disaster will come.

How gracious, that God would give His people ample warning. Maybe before calamity comes, we better get right with God.

The time is coming, when all people better get with it, and steadfastly serve the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob……

Are you fulfilling your vows?

Psalm 50: 14 – 17

Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.

But to the wicked, God says: "What right have you to recite my laws or take my covenant on your lips? You hate my instruction and cast my words behind you.

It seems as though, God is speaking to two different kinds of people in this scripture passage. Those who are obedient and repentant, and those who are not.

Those who fulfill their vows to God, can expect Him to help them in times of trouble. Those who don’t, can expect God’s wrath.

How many times have you heard people say….. “God loves everyone, and a loving God would never send anyone to hell.”

It seems that kind of theology, doesn’t hold much weight, especially when you compare it to scripture.

Maybe you’re going through some kind of trouble right now. Maybe the reason God doesn’t seem to hear, is because your failing to fulfill your vows to Him.

If you expect God to lift you from the pit, you may have to cry out in a spirit of forgiveness and repentance.

That always get’s God’s attention.

Believe it or not, there are people now days, that truly hate God’s instruction and His Words.

Maybe that’s why trouble seems to follow them everywhere. If things don’t change, it will follow them all the way into eternity……

What do you believe?

John 14: 11

Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves.

Can you imagine what might happen to our lives, if we just believed what Jesus said?

What would happen if we just took God’s Word to heart?

The bible is filled with nuggets of truth—some we like to hear, and some we’d just as soon forget.

So as you explore and open God’s Word this week, remember that there is so much evidence to support Jesus’ claim.

My prayer, is that you’ll muster up enough faith to believe it—and then apply it.

“Father, bless us and keep us. Make Your face to shine upon us and be gracious unto us and give us that peace that surpasses all understanding.  This week, let the Word of God become alive in our lives, that the Rock of our Salvation, Jesus Christ, who is our refuge and strength and ever present help in times of trouble, be our Mighty Conqueror and Mighty King.  In Jesus’ name, we pray and ask it. Amen!”

What is your life's doctrine?

1 Timothy 4: 16

Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

Paul, during his instructions to Timothy, tells him to watch his life and doctrine.

How often do we step back and see what our lives look like, through the eyes of God?

Do you even have a doctrine that you closely follow? Do you know what it is?

I often ask people….. “Do you even believe in, what you say you believe in?”

The way we live our life, will not only save our soul, but it will also save other souls.

Do you see that as a part of your life? What a responsibility!

“Persevere”; to persist in an undertaking—in spite of opposition

When you said yes to Jesus, you began the most important undertaking in your life.

And make no mistake, you will face opposition……..

Matthew 24: 13

“but he who stands firm to the end will be saved

How do you approach God?

Revelation 7: 11

All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God….

Try as I may, It’s hard to get a picture of what this must have really looked liked.

Scores  and Legions of Angels and the 12 Elders of the tribe of Israel, falling down on their faces.

Maybe it’s because God is as Holy as he says He is?

Sometimes we approach God is such a nonchalant way.

We do it in the church, and I’m sure most people when they go to the Lord in prayer, hardly bend a knee.

One day, that vision will become a reality.

Every person will bow before our Holy God.

We will worship Him forever more, because He alone is worthy.

Is that how you approach God?

One day, none of us will have that choice—we will bow down and worship—make no mistake!

It might do the people of America good, if we fell down before our God and worshipped Him.

Maybe that would trigger the great revival, many believers long for………

Troubles in your life

Matthew 16: 33

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Jesus promised trouble.

We must understand, that some of the trouble that comes into our lives, is self induced.

The trouble Jesus is talking about, comes to those who are true followers of His plan of redemption.

What kind of trouble do you have today in your life?

If it’s self induced, then maybe you need to find a quiet place today—get down on your knees—and ask for God’s total and perfect forgiveness.

Then after you do that, you must turn away or repent of the trouble you’ve gotten yourself into.

Seems simple enough—and it is!

If on the other hand, the trouble you have has come because of your true confession of Christ, then count yourself honored to suffer that kind of affliction.

Here’s the best news of the day……….Jesus has overcome any old trouble this world can dish out!

The only peace we’ll ever have, is the peace that comes by being in Him.

Do you have that peace today? Would you say that you’re “in Him”?

THE Trumpet Call

Matthew 24: 31

And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.

If God had the angels blow the trumpet call today, would you be ready to be scooped up?

One has to wonder if the Myan calendar is correct with its prediction that in December 2012, were history.

What does the bible say about the end of the world? Plenty!

Could it be in 2012? Maybe.

I happen to believe that many people will be caught off guard on that fateful day.

Jesus said in His Word that we’re supposed seek Him first and His righteousness.

How often do you seek God first? We’ll be talking more about that on Sunday.

This Sunday’s message is one you won’t want to miss. If you do, you need to get a CD copy and listen to it, and then pray toward the revival of your heart.

In 2009, Sony Pictures produced the epic film, “2012”. I have not seen it.

This Apocalyptic film shows massive earthquakes—cities destroyed by spontaneous fires from ruptured gas lines—freeways collapsing and a series of tsunami’s that devastate our land.

Is any of that possible? Absolutely!

If you’re not making preparations to be gathered—you better start thinking  and praying about it

What do you delight in?

Psalm 37: 4

Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.

God will actually gives us the desires of our heart, when we take delight in Him—how cool is that?

What will you delight in today?

I don’t have a Facebook account, but once in a while I get a sneak peak and see what people delight in.

In most cases, it sure isn’t the Lord!

Maybe that’s why people don’t see the power of Heaven poured down upon they’re lives.

Maybe that why a lot of folks are living in spiritual poverty. Maybe that’s why there’s a clog in the drain that brings us the spiritual desires of our heart?

I challenge you to start this week, by taking delight in the things of the Kingdom of God.

See if it doesn’t make a change in your life.

Delighting yourself in the Lord, looks a whole lot different, than delighting yourself in the world…….

Fear & Trembling

Philippians 2: 12

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling……

I wonder how many people are working out their salvation with fear and trembling these days?

There should be this daily anxiousness, so as not to fail in doing Christ’s work.

I wonder how many people have truly joined Christ in His work?

As we peer into our current culture, we don’t see much fear of the Most high God anymore.

We’re not only supposed to accept what Jesus offered, we’re really supposed to follow Him.

Salvation is not just a trip up to the altar and then pray a prayer. It is a complete lifestyle change.

The things we used to follow, we’re not supposed to follow anymore.

Unless we do the part expected of us, I truly wonder if we’re really saved?

There’s something to ponder……..

What do you consider?

January 5
Philippians 3: 8

What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing
greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all
things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ.

As we embark on the New Year, is that how you feel about Jesus?

That you consider everything a loss, compared to the surpassing greatness of
knowing Christ?

Have you lost all things, so that the ultimate outcome is complete intimacy
with the Savior of the world?

Paul here perfectly expresses what should be the deepest desire of every
true believer.

“that I may gain Christ”….

What do you look to gain in this life? Do you consider everything else
rubbish, outside of knowing Jesus?

What Paul longed to know, is the power of the resurrection of Christ.

We need that resurrection power today. Without it we are truly powerless.

When I read this verse over and over again, it isn’t often I see this desire
lived out much anymore—especially in the church.

Maybe it’ll take a change of heart for that to happen? Maybe that change
should begin to take place today……..

He sent His one and only Son

Psalm 8: 3 – 4

When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the
stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him,
the son of man that you care for him?

A rich man died one day, and this question was posed at his funeral….. “How
much did the old boy leave?” Then the answer came….. “He left it all!”

One thing we know for sure, God does not judge us by how much wealth we’ve
obtained in this life.

Somehow Americans introduce themselves that way at gatherings or parties.
“This is so-in-so, he or she manages this organization….” and so on.

The only real value we have, came at the expense paid at the cross, and what
Jesus did three days later at the tomb.

And so this morning, whether you have much or little, please remember how
valuable you are to God the Father.

He showed you as much, because He sent His one and only Son to redeem your
lost state.

Since God thought this much of you, shouldn’t we then put Him first in our
prayer life—our family life—our occupation.

Maybe we should put Him first, in everything we do?

“Father, today we remember that we have total dependence on You. Without you
we are nothing, but with Your precious Son we are sanctified.

Thank you for valuing me enough, to send Your Son to pay the debt of my
sin……”

A New Year

I am married to the most awesome man. He has a heart like David..a heart to follow the one and only true God. He is my promise keeper! He has a gift of words and writes beautifully.  He has embarked on a new adventure for 2012...LIGHT REFLECTIONS.  A daily devotion.  I have decided to preserve his writings on a blog. It is my hope then to put this into a book form at the end of the year.  What a gift that will be for not only for our boys, Jake and Ben,  but also for Carter, our first and very beloved grandson as well as for future generations.  To God be ALL the glory.  By the way, if you happen to stumble upon this blog and know my husband, Pastor Dan..please keep this a secret from him!





Revelation 21: 5

He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he
said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."
As we begin a New Year, doesn’t it bring you great joy, that Jesus has the
power to make everything new?

His Words my friends, are trustworthy and true—He said so Himself.
Whatever went wrong in 2011, Jesus can make new. He can take the bad, the
painful, the disappointments, the scorn and the shame and make it new.

Who else in the entire universe can do that?

So what’s going to change for you in this New Year? If you haven’t already
thought about it, you better get cracking!

One day Jesus is going to return—make no mistake about that.

2012 should be a year of preparation. Maybe we should begin making plans in
this New Year, to see Him face to face—His second return is promised.

“Lord Jesus, thank You for the promise of new beginnings, and the power You
have to take the pain of our lives, and make it brand new. Bring forth Your
Word, and let there be light…..”