You are the apple of God's eye!

Deuteronomy 32: 10

In a desert land he found him, in a barren and howling waste. He shielded him and cared for him; he guarded him as the apple of his eye…….

 

He guarded him as the apple of his eye.

Figuratively, the “apple of his eye statement” means something or someone that is cherished above all others.

Do you know, that’s how God feels toward His people?

 

Have you ever been found, in what seemed to be a desert land, a barren and howling waste land by God?

Do you remember a time when He’s shielded you and cared for you?

I can think of countless times when He’s done that for me.

 

Remember this statement……… “one bad apple, spoils the whole bunch”?

There’s truth is that statement too.

Rotten fruit gives off a gaseous hormone called ethylene, which affects the other fruit.

 

Today, I have to decide, whether I’m going to walk in the place where I’m the apple of His eye, or in the place of giving off a heavy concentration of gas.

I can affect the people around me, by being one or the other………….

Spread the news!

Matthew 9: 31

But they went out and spread the news about him all over that region.

 

In Matthew chapter 9, Jesus brought a dead girl back to life—He healed a woman who was bleeding for 12 years, and also brought healing to a mute and a blind man.

Not bad for a day’s worth of work!

News spread throughout the region, about these miraculous events.

 

When I consider all that Jesus has done in my life, I can only consider it an absolute miracle.

Have you stopped recently, to reflect on the goodness of Jesus?

When I stop and reflect long enough, I am totally blown away.

How about you?

 

News about our new lives in Christ, should be spread throughout our inner circles of influence.

The reason it generally doesn’t, might be because we’re spread too thin.

 

Often times in our inner church circles, the things that are readily spread, is gossip, dissension, division, discord…..you get the picture.

 

What the Savior has done for me, I just can’t keep silent about.

I try to tell my story of great victory, as often as I can.

 

What will you be spreading, in the not too distant future?

Hopefully, it will offer up a fresh aroma to the Heaven’s above, and offer up a sweet testimony, to God’s wonder working power……………

Pure and White

Psalm 51: 7

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

 

Did you know, that of all the colors there are, the one with the most shades is white?

It seems kind of funny to be talking about snow in May, but you can take any white object, and compared to snow, that object will still look dirty.

 

Our lives are often times like that.

We think of ourselves as morally good, but compared to God’s purity, we may be a shade or two or three off.

 

In spite of our sins, God still loves us. I find that amazing, do you?

God provided a purity we could never attain on our own.

 

Jesus’ death on the cross, and His washing our sins away by His blood, is the only way we can appear pure.

After that, our sins appear as white, in the eyes of God.

 

Our good works and clean thoughts, and our best intentions don’t make us white.

Only Christ’s precious blood can do that.

His blood can continue to cleanse us from sin, even after He has saved us.

 

When you reflect on this wonderful truth, have you really claimed it for your life?

The Joy of the Lord is your strength!

Nehemiah 8: 10

“This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."

In this passage, the walls of Jerusalem had just been completed, but something was missing.

The lives of this people group, were still in shambles.

They had just returned from 70 years of captivity in Babylon.

What was missing? They had forgotten about their spiritual heritage, and they had forgotten about their God.

As a result, they didn’t have much joy.

Have your forgotten about your God? Then return to Him today, so that He can fulfill your joy.

The joy of the Lord becomes our strength, when we return to Him.

God had fulfilled His promise to His people, by bringing them out of captivity.

Do you realize, that God has made many promises to us?

Have you ever stopped to think, that He has never failed to keep up His end of the bargain?

This is a sacred day! We should not grieve, for our past failures are under the blood.

There is reason to rejoice today, for the JOY of the Lord is our strength!!

Taking time to plan

Proverbs 14: 22

Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness.

I read somewhere recently, that each year, auto makers recall literally millions of cars.

What was surprising to me, that only one third of people contacted, had the free repair completed.

The repairs in some cases, could actually save people’s lives.

But those who plan what is good, find good things.

What plans are you making today, related to the things of God?

I have learned in a very real way this week, that life doesn’t last forever.

My own father, is nearing the end of his life.

He made some plans for this moment in time, and also failed to make all the plans he should have made.

In some cases, he resisted the idea of planning ahead.

Today, I need to reflect on the plans I’m making. Regarding the things of God, do I have all my bases covered? Do you?

I’m so thankful, that I responded to His free repair.

Once we’ve been repaired, we should really live like it.

I think I’m going to access my individual eternal plan, starting today

Be Determined!

1 Corinthians 2: 2 (NKJV)

For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

We are a determined people.

There is a serious side to my life, and yet I wonder sometimes if pursuing God is one of them.

We have great determination for so many things, and in a contemplative way this morning, I have to wonder if knowing Jesus Christ crucified, is enough to satisfy our deepest desires.

It was for the Apostle Paul.

Summer has arrived, and let’s face it, we are determined to make the most of what little time we have, while the weather is still nice.

Jesus was determined to prove His love for us, and the things we’re determined to do, will show in the actions we take.

Am I determined to show Him my devoted love?

If it’s all the same to you, I have to examine what I earnestly pursue.

Are they my selfish interests, or am I just as satisfied, reflecting on, and doing the things of God?

Let’s face it…..In the end, what I do for the cause of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, is all that will really matter.

The photo albums I’ve accumulated over the years, celebrating past memories, will one day be thrown into the heap of my stuff.

The things I am determined to know about God, will last for a thousand lifetimes…………..

Are you a burden carrier?

Galatians 6: 2

Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Fulfilling the law of Christ……….

I guess that when Jesus said we should love our neighbors as ourselves, He was serious.

He said that the law hung on two commandments; Loving God, and loving our neighbor.

Paul reaffirms this truth to the church at Galatia.

What does it mean to carry each other’s burdens?

I believe it’s laboring in prayer for someone, that’s going through a difficult time.

It’s picking up the phone to offer an encouraging word, or better yet, taking the time to drop an encouraging note in the mail.

It’s bringing a meal to share, when someone’s down and out.

Sometimes, we have so many burdens of our own, that we don’t often notice other people carrying theirs.

Maybe for a change of pace, we should take our eyes off of us, and bring the focus to the needs of others?

I think it’s time to become creative in how we’re going to help carry the burdens of others.

I wonder what might happen to your neighborhood, if you took this charge seriously?

Maybe these people, would actually see Jesus, in  this rare act of love.

Today I’m going to strategize, on whose burdens I’m going to help carry…………..

What do you refuse?

John 5: 39 – 40

You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.

 

The people of Jesus’ time, studied the Word of the law in great detail.

They didn’t believe the words of Moses, and yet these people knew them all too well.

 

I am often amazed, at the people who say they know the scriptures, and yet don’t obey them.

The phrase that I hear people use the most is….. “That’s open to interpretation.”

Most often, the interpretation is meant to fit our refusal to believe in the truth.

 

We must come to Jesus to have life.

We must confess and daily repent to have life.

Would you say you have life?

 

I spoke to someone yesterday, that said that all you have to do, to gain entrance into the Kingdom of heaven, is not to have denied Jesus.

I wish it were that easy. If it were that easy, why did it cost the Father everything?

 

Jesus said in Luke 14: 33…. In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has, cannot be my disciple.

Maybe it’s just me, but that doesn’t sound easy. If we refuse to, does that mean we don’t fit the mold?

 

What of the things of God, do we refuse?

If we didn’t refuse to fully come to Jesus, I think it would look like something different, than it does…………..

Don't get caught!

Ecclesiastes 9: 12

Moreover, no man knows when his hour will come: As fish are caught in a cruel net, or birds are taken in a snare, so men are trapped by evil times that fall unexpectedly upon them.

 

Men are trapped by evil times, indeed!

Recently, President Obama’s stance on marriage has finally evolved.

 

He supports a man marrying a man, and a woman marrying a woman.

God’s Word, strictly forbids this from happening.

Could it be, that our hour has come for America? Have we been caught in a cruel net?

 

Leviticus 20: 13 says….. “If a man lies with a male, as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination…..”

 

The stance of this President has drawn a line in the sand.

It is an evil time, when our President takes a direct stand in direct rebellion against the Word of God.

People who support this stance, have been caught in a cruel net.

Many of these same people, call themselves…. “Christian”. Really?

 

Did you know that millions of evangelical Christians, still have not registered to vote?

Doing nothing is not an option. Doing nothing, means many have selfishly, become trapped by evil times.

 

What comes out one’s mouth, and the action he/she takes or doesn’t take, defines who this person really is………….

Time is running out!

Psalm 103: 15 – 17

As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more.

But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD's love is with those who fear him…….

What lasts anymore, from everlasting to everlasting?

Think of all the junk one accumulates in their life. None of it lasts forever.

Before long, much of what we own, will one day stop working—so much for lifetime guarantees!

Even we don’t last forever.

I see the signs every day, that I’m not quite like I was when I was 21.

Our days are like grass, and when we have the chance to flourish, we should.

I’m going to bank on the everlasting love of God.

I’m going to have a conscious fear of Him, because He calls all of the shots.

I’m going to fear Him, because I’ll never begin to understand His love for me.

As you start this week, have you stopped to consider His love?

Maybe you should.

Time is running out, and I’m going to make the best of my relationship, with a God who loves me forever and ever…….

Pursuing the right efforts!

Luke 13: 24

"Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.”

Jesus said that we should make every effort to enter through the narrow door.

“make every effort”……..

How would you say your daily effort is, to learn the things of God?

Do you make every effort, or on the other hand, do you exert effort just once in a while, or maybe just once a week?

The ultimate goal of walking with Jesus, is to become like Him.

How’s that going for you?

We display effort in so many areas of our lives, but does that effort match the effort we should display, when pursuing the things of God?

Jesus says we should make every effort—His words, not mine.

In the church, there are so many ways to enact effort.

We can pray and serve and learn and worship and obey and trust and give.

I need to weigh today, if I’m making every effort to enter through the narrow door.

It appears, that those who don’t make every effort, will one day have a hard time entering into God’s presence.

Actually the Word says they won’t be able to enter.

Maybe our effort needs to change………..

Son light!

1 John 1: 5 – 6

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.

If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth.

This verse is pretty much to the point, isn’t it?

God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.

Darkness is defined as sin.

Believer’s can’t have it both ways. We can’t have fellowship with Jesus, while something dark is going on in our lives.

The Word actually calls us a liar, and that we’re not truthful—because we don’t live by the truth.

We are great at justifying, or even making excuses about the darkness we allow in.

Did you know, that we can live in the light, and have as much light as we desire?

The reason that people purchase “mood” lights, is because darkness does something to them.

Darkness makes people sad. How many people do you see on the beach in the summer, when the storm clouds form and it grows dark?

Generally not very many.

But then the Sun comes out, and the sky becomes bright and blue, people gather in great numbers.

They want to enjoy the light.

Maybe it’s time we come out of the dark, and walk for a change, in the glorious light of Christ.

This will probably take some effort on our part…………..

What binds you?

Mark 5: 2 – 4

When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an evil spirit came from the tombs to meet him. This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him any more, not even with a chain.

For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him.

Often times we underestimate the power of evil.

No one was strong enough to subdue him—except for Jesus.

The demonic couldn’t be bound—it tore the chains apart—and broke the irons on his feet.

But Jesus came into this man’s life, and everything changed for the better.

Isn’t that just like us? Nothing seems to work right in life, and then Jesus makes His entrance.

Everything we try, to escape evil on our own, will never match wits against Jesus.

We know this man’s name to be “Legion”, because many demons entered him.

These demons were no match for Jesus.

What have you allowed into your life, that might represent evil?

Why not take it to Jesus? Those things that seem to bind you, won’t bind you anymore, if you do.

Maybe it feels like you’re living in a tomb these days. Then why not bring that “thing” or “things” to Jesus?

He’s an expert in coming out of the tomb fully alive, you know

What is crowding you out?

Luke 2: 6 – 7

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.

She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Not much has changed over the years, has it?

There wasn’t room for Jesus over 2,000 years ago, and it appears there isn’t a lot of room for Him now.

I often overhear people, plan their weekends and summer vacations.

Not that it’s bad to plan ahead for rest and entertainment, but planning room for Jesus isn’t often at the top of the list.

Funny, how there was room for everything else in the Inn in Bethlehem, but no room for the King of kings, and Lord of lords.

Often times, folks justify not reading the bible in the morning, or bowing their heads in prayer.

Have the things of the world, really crowded out the One who gives us life and hope?

How will you start this new week?

Will Jesus be the center of it, or will he be sent to the back of the bus?

Be Blameless

Job 1: 8

“There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil."

How do you become like no one else on earth, in God’s eyes?

The Word of God spells it out for us….. be blameless—upright—fear God—shun evil.

It’s said that Job would offer up burnt offering sacrifices for his 10 children, just in case his children sinned.

What might happen to our families, if father’s did likewise?

Actually, the bible says that for Job, this was a regular thing.

I think it’s important to ask the question….. “How do I fit the mold of Job?”

Job was put to the ultimate test, and he survived without blaming God for the fiasco that took place in his life.

When something goes wrong in our lives—often the first One we do want to blame is God.

The modern day picture of blameless/upright, might have people flocking to bible study, or even praying without ceasing.

Instead of pursuing our own selfish interests, pursuing God, would be at the top of the list.

A person who fears God and shuns evil, will turn the TV off, when garbage appears on the screen.

Forget about being like no one else on earth, what about becoming like no one else in your church?

That might be something we could all attain to—but that would take a concerted effort on our part………

Are you satisfied with status quo?

Philippians 3: 14 (NKJV)

I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

The call of God in Christ Jesus is upward.

Our goal is to win the prize. The prize is an ordained place in glory, in the presence of Almighty God.

We should be gaining altitude in our walk with God, and yet some folks are satisfied with a status quo, quest.

When we become satisfied with nominal Christianity, we’ve essentially stopped the accent toward the upward call.

Our study of the Word of God should be intentional.

Our time of prayer should become steadfast.

Our worship should become filled with God’s power.

Summer is about to take shape, and the church has a tendency to become complacent.

We want to take breaks from the action, because we think we need the rest.

When that happens, we’ve begun to sink to a lower level, not a higher one.

Which direction is your walk of faith heading?

Are you gaining upward momentum, or on the other hand, are you descending to a new all time low?

Do something about it today. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you your walk of faith.

Then be ready to respond, if what He reveals, needs to be addressed…………

Bad news!

Psalm 112: 7

He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.

There seems to be more bad news today, than good news.

God’s Word gives us a directive of how to respond. We shouldn’t fear it!

I’d like to say that my heart is steadfast when I receive bad news.

How do we respond when these words enter into our lives?

Cancer—Overdrawn—Deception—Divorce—Unfaithful—Death—Bankrupt—Wayard—Debt

Steadfast means; “firmly fixed in place—IMOVABLE”

So when bad news comes, God’s Word says we shouldn’t be shaken by it.

His Word is a compilation of commands. When bad news comes, we really do need to trust in the Lord.

Is that what you do, when bad news comes?

I guess I have some work to do in this area………..