Psalm 118:17 I shall not die, but live, and tell of the works of the LORD.(NAS)
David, the Psalmist, pens the words of Psalm 118 with words of encouragement. He is filled with the wonder of the Great God that he serves. The words are of gratitude for the mighty works of God in his life. He celebrates the mercy and grace of God. He rejoices in the victories over his enemies at the hand of God. He praises God for answers to prayer.
David recognizes that it was God who preserved his life even when death was ringing at the door. He found himself trusting in God who was on his side. He praises God for the hope of continued comfort and victory. He concludes with the decision that God would have him to speak of the wonderful works of God. He would be given life with a purpose.
Your life is no different. God has blessed you in so many ways. He has given you life in order that you might fulfill the purpose of telling of what God has done and is doing in your life. Be grateful and praise God for His mighty works. God is good. I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
_____________________________ Today's Personal Note from Dennis
Happy New Year!
I hope and pray this finds you with expectations for a very happy new year. I think in my case I will look forward and not spend too much time looking backward over 2009, except where I can learn from the experiences. God has certainly led me and my family and friends through a struggle during 2009. But He has brought us through. What a great God we serve.
Gratitude is such a stress reliever. As I thank God for lessons learned, struggles encountered, bonds with family and friends strengthened and renewed, love deepened with everyone, new friends developed between me and Doctors and Nurses, and emotions wavering like a yo yo I am reminded who is ultimately in charge. I am so grateful to the God of creation who is also the God of sustaining grace and providence. Praise Him.
I do hope during 2010 I have the chance to see many of you. Sandy and I are praying for increased strength and stamina and the ability to travel. It would be so good to sit down and share with you all that God has done in our lives since we last were together.
May God bless you in 2010 like no other year in your life. May you see the hand of God in everything and give thanks.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Friday, December 25, 2009
Putting Christ First #76 and Merry Christmas
In Matthew 3:2 and 4:17 John the Baptist and Jesus are both attributed as having said: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Christmas is about the establishment of the Kingdom of Heaven. It is about the Savior who was God in human flesh coming to earth to save you from your sins and establish His Kingdom in your life. Every Kingdom needs a King and Jesus is that King.Thus Matthew said:
Matthew 6:33-34 But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (NAS)
The reign of Christ in your life and to acknowledge His rule in your heart is to seek His kingdom first. Before all else in your life He must be first. Anytime that order is changed or transposed then you are not allowing His kingdom to be first. Your strength to not worry about tomorrow comes from the knowledge that Christ is in charge of your present and future; you are seeking His Kingdom first. Trouble in this life is inevitable, and each day has enough of its own. Commit to Christ the King at this Christmas and find the meaning of His kingdom’s rule over your life.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
_____________________________Today's Personal Note From Dennis
Merry Christmas! God bless you. I appreciate your prayers and concern during this past many months. God has blessed without measure. He truly is our LIFE.
As you celebrate the birth of our Savior remember how much He loves you.
Two pictures (attached) are especially meaningful for me. One was the 43rd anniversary celebration of our wedding. The other was taken this week. One day after the wedding anniversary picture was taken the Doctor told me I needed to call hospice. The Christmas picture celebrates not only Christmas, but the celebration of life. It is the life that Christ gives to us that brings joy to our hearts and smiles to our faces.
Sandy and I wish all of you not only Merry Christmas but a bright and joyous New Year.
God bless.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
What Do You WIsh For? #75
2 Corinthians 9:8
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed; (NAS)
At this Christmas season do you find yourself wishing you could give more gifts to you family and friends? If you had a bundle of money and untold resources would that abundance make it easier? Let me assure you that nothing is more abounding than the grace of God. God is able to make all grace abound to you.
The result of God’s grace, as always, is sufficiency. Not necessarily a bank roll or your own toy store or car dealership, but God’s sufficient grace. The grace of God is adequate to meet the intentions of God for you in everything. The objective of God’s grace is your ability to accomplish the good deeds, or works that God wants you to accomplish. Could it be that your ideas of adequate and sufficient are not necessarily God’s idea?
Could you have right now all you need to provide for every good deed? God does not expect more from you than His grace provides for you. And by the way that is sufficient. God bless you as you meet the needs of others through God’s grace.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
____________________________Today's personal note from Dennis
Merry Christmas!
Hope you are having a great holiday already. Most of the children will be out of school by Friday for a couple of weeks of "Winter Break." What ever happened to "Christmas Break"?
I pray that your church's Christmas services will tell the story of our wonderful Savior. So many of you have musicals both for children and adults. What a special time of the year.
Someone asked me last week what I was most looking forward to at Christmas this year. Without hesitancy I said, TO BE ALIVE. God has certainly blessed me with a new beginning. That allows the time to spend with friends and family and with our wonderful church families. Don't ever take that for granted. You are blessed.
For all of you back East and up North as we call anything east or north of AZ I would like to give you a brief weather report. 75 degrees today!!! I am looking out my office window where I can spot a tomato plant with a tomato ready to be picked. Sorry I just have to rub it in. I DO NOT LIKE COLD WEATHER!
God bless and have a very Merry Christmas.
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed; (NAS)
At this Christmas season do you find yourself wishing you could give more gifts to you family and friends? If you had a bundle of money and untold resources would that abundance make it easier? Let me assure you that nothing is more abounding than the grace of God. God is able to make all grace abound to you.
The result of God’s grace, as always, is sufficiency. Not necessarily a bank roll or your own toy store or car dealership, but God’s sufficient grace. The grace of God is adequate to meet the intentions of God for you in everything. The objective of God’s grace is your ability to accomplish the good deeds, or works that God wants you to accomplish. Could it be that your ideas of adequate and sufficient are not necessarily God’s idea?
Could you have right now all you need to provide for every good deed? God does not expect more from you than His grace provides for you. And by the way that is sufficient. God bless you as you meet the needs of others through God’s grace.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
____________________________Today's personal note from Dennis
Merry Christmas!
Hope you are having a great holiday already. Most of the children will be out of school by Friday for a couple of weeks of "Winter Break." What ever happened to "Christmas Break"?
I pray that your church's Christmas services will tell the story of our wonderful Savior. So many of you have musicals both for children and adults. What a special time of the year.
Someone asked me last week what I was most looking forward to at Christmas this year. Without hesitancy I said, TO BE ALIVE. God has certainly blessed me with a new beginning. That allows the time to spend with friends and family and with our wonderful church families. Don't ever take that for granted. You are blessed.
For all of you back East and up North as we call anything east or north of AZ I would like to give you a brief weather report. 75 degrees today!!! I am looking out my office window where I can spot a tomato plant with a tomato ready to be picked. Sorry I just have to rub it in. I DO NOT LIKE COLD WEATHER!
God bless and have a very Merry Christmas.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Do You Need A Savior #74
Luke 19:41 As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it (NIV)
Of all the characteristics of Jesus, compassion may stand near the top of the list. He expressed His compassion for The Holy City with tears. He had already shed tears at the tomb of his friend, Lazarus. His love for the inhabitants of Jerusalem was expressed in tears as He saw their need of a Savior.
Earlier Jesus spoke to the city: Luke 13:34 "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, just as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not have it! (NAS)
He knew the destruction of the city was eminent. Do you see someone whose life is headed for destruction? Maybe you yourself are in need of a Savior. Let me assure you that Jesus loves you. His compassion toward you took Him to the cross to die for your sins and give you life. Would you trust Him today? I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you.
__________________________Today's personal note from Dennis
Merry Christmas! Greetings from Dennis and Sandy.
We would love to see all of you during the Christmas season, but obviously that is impossible. We both pray you will have a great time with family, friends and church folks. The Christmas story is one of HOPE. Do we ever need hope? Life is pretty empty and meaningless without it.
Sandy and I have lived day by day with the hope of my health improving. Through the great prayers offered by so many of you and wonderful medical people I am continuing to get better. Hang on to HOPE. Never give up.
Sunday night I finally mustered up enough courage to read Roger's blog site. I know many of you read it daily, but emotionally I was not prepared. If you have not read it go to www.dgwhealthnews.blogspot.com. I sat for over an hour as tears streamed down my cheeks as I read them all. It was a day by day account of the story of our family, our faith, our love, our wonderful Lord, great friends, great churches, great medical folks, and HOPE.
Take time to read it.This may be the best Christmas I have ever had. The joy of being alive and being with people I love with a new perspective. Life is very uncertain, but how grafeful I am that God is not. I do hope you will go to church somewhere this Christmas time and just praise the Lord for His presence as Emmanuel, God with us.
I love all of you and thank God for you.
Of all the characteristics of Jesus, compassion may stand near the top of the list. He expressed His compassion for The Holy City with tears. He had already shed tears at the tomb of his friend, Lazarus. His love for the inhabitants of Jerusalem was expressed in tears as He saw their need of a Savior.
Earlier Jesus spoke to the city: Luke 13:34 "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, just as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not have it! (NAS)
He knew the destruction of the city was eminent. Do you see someone whose life is headed for destruction? Maybe you yourself are in need of a Savior. Let me assure you that Jesus loves you. His compassion toward you took Him to the cross to die for your sins and give you life. Would you trust Him today? I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you.
__________________________Today's personal note from Dennis
Merry Christmas! Greetings from Dennis and Sandy.
We would love to see all of you during the Christmas season, but obviously that is impossible. We both pray you will have a great time with family, friends and church folks. The Christmas story is one of HOPE. Do we ever need hope? Life is pretty empty and meaningless without it.
Sandy and I have lived day by day with the hope of my health improving. Through the great prayers offered by so many of you and wonderful medical people I am continuing to get better. Hang on to HOPE. Never give up.
Sunday night I finally mustered up enough courage to read Roger's blog site. I know many of you read it daily, but emotionally I was not prepared. If you have not read it go to www.dgwhealthnews.blogspot.com. I sat for over an hour as tears streamed down my cheeks as I read them all. It was a day by day account of the story of our family, our faith, our love, our wonderful Lord, great friends, great churches, great medical folks, and HOPE.
Take time to read it.This may be the best Christmas I have ever had. The joy of being alive and being with people I love with a new perspective. Life is very uncertain, but how grafeful I am that God is not. I do hope you will go to church somewhere this Christmas time and just praise the Lord for His presence as Emmanuel, God with us.
I love all of you and thank God for you.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Go In Faith #73
Judges 6:13-14
13 Then Gideon said to him, "O my lord, if the LORD is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all His miracles which our fathers told us about, saying, 'Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt?' But now the LORD has abandoned us and given us into the hand of Midian."
14 And the LORD looked at him and said, "Go in this your strength and deliver Israel from the hand of Midian. Have I not sent you?" (NAS)
Are you not glad that even great men of faith like Gideon struggled with that which appeared to him as the absence of God in the struggles of his life? Why would you be encouraged by that? Because you yourself wonder from time to time, “Where is God?” When Gideon looked around at the situation of Israel he could not understand why the God who delivered Israel from slavery at the hands of the Egyptians could not help them now to rescue them from the enemy, the Midianites. God’s answer was Gideon himself. Gideon, I will use you. Go in this your strength and I will deliver you.
You may be the answer to your prayer. God is a God of deliverance. Go in faith. Gideon is listed in the New Testament in Hebrews 11:32 as a man of faith. Your greatest miracle may be in the future. It is helpful for you to look back to see how God has worked in your life in the past, but maybe it is more important to look forward in faith to what God has ahead for you.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
13 Then Gideon said to him, "O my lord, if the LORD is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all His miracles which our fathers told us about, saying, 'Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt?' But now the LORD has abandoned us and given us into the hand of Midian."
14 And the LORD looked at him and said, "Go in this your strength and deliver Israel from the hand of Midian. Have I not sent you?" (NAS)
Are you not glad that even great men of faith like Gideon struggled with that which appeared to him as the absence of God in the struggles of his life? Why would you be encouraged by that? Because you yourself wonder from time to time, “Where is God?” When Gideon looked around at the situation of Israel he could not understand why the God who delivered Israel from slavery at the hands of the Egyptians could not help them now to rescue them from the enemy, the Midianites. God’s answer was Gideon himself. Gideon, I will use you. Go in this your strength and I will deliver you.
You may be the answer to your prayer. God is a God of deliverance. Go in faith. Gideon is listed in the New Testament in Hebrews 11:32 as a man of faith. Your greatest miracle may be in the future. It is helpful for you to look back to see how God has worked in your life in the past, but maybe it is more important to look forward in faith to what God has ahead for you.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Don't Worry, Be Thankful #72
Philippians 4:6-7
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your
hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NAS)
Do you have anything to worry about? “Don’t worry, be happy.” It may be a phrase you hear a lot but it does have a Biblical basis. The Apostle Paul, author of Philippians tells you to not worry about anything. The alternative to being anxious is prayer and supplication. You worship and approach God and then ask for what you need.
The prerequisite is the request should not go without THANKSGIVING to God. You no doubt have many needs. From the financial needs, to physical needs, to family needs, emotional and relational needs to deep personal needs you can always ask God to meet those needs. But during this Thanksgiving season don’t forget to also be thankful.
You have many things to thank God for and show your love and appreciation to Him. The end result is that you will find a peace with God that surpasses all comprehension. Your heart and your mind will be guarded by Christ Himself.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
Dennis Wood
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your
hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NAS)
Do you have anything to worry about? “Don’t worry, be happy.” It may be a phrase you hear a lot but it does have a Biblical basis. The Apostle Paul, author of Philippians tells you to not worry about anything. The alternative to being anxious is prayer and supplication. You worship and approach God and then ask for what you need.
The prerequisite is the request should not go without THANKSGIVING to God. You no doubt have many needs. From the financial needs, to physical needs, to family needs, emotional and relational needs to deep personal needs you can always ask God to meet those needs. But during this Thanksgiving season don’t forget to also be thankful.
You have many things to thank God for and show your love and appreciation to Him. The end result is that you will find a peace with God that surpasses all comprehension. Your heart and your mind will be guarded by Christ Himself.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
Dennis Wood
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Security in Life #71
Philippians 3:4
... although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more:
Philippians 3:7
But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ.
2 Corinthians 1:9
... indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves in order that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead; (NAS)
The Apostle Paul reminds us that there is real life and security in no one else except Christ. Paul’s trust and confidence were not in his credentials. Just because of his heritage, his family, his wealth, and his social standing he could not have true confidence. His true trust was in the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus was the one who had died for him, had called him, and given him life. Paul realized that anything and everything else in life would never give him the security and hope that Jesus could give him. For that reason he counted everything loss.
He gave up everything in order to follow Jesus. He found in Christ someone who not only could forgive his sins, but give to him life in its fullness. He counted victory in loss. Are you willing to put your trust in Him? He is the source of life. Could you find purpose for your life by ceasing to trust and have confidence in anything other than Jesus?
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
___________________________Today's personal note from Dennis
Wow! Happy Thanksgiving!
This year has certainly flown by. Guess if you stay medicated and have little memory of lots of it then time does go quickly.This truly is one of the best Thanksgiving seasons I have ever had. This entire holiday season is a great gift from God for me. I questioned many times if I would live to spend another Thanksgiving and Christmas with my family, but God has spared me for now. I AM THANKFUL!!!!!!
It is so good to hear from you from time to time. I do hope the Encourager really encourages you. It is my hope and prayer that our faith in our Lord really makes a difference in our daily life. I don't know what I would do without Jesus.
I was thinking of the old hymn the other day, "Count Your Many Blessings" It says, "When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed. When you are discouraged thinking all is lost. Count your many blessings, name them one by one. And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.
So amid the conflict whether great or small. Do not be discouraged, God is over all. Count your many blessings angels will attend. Help and comfort give you to your journey's end.
God bless you all. Keep Looking to Jesus!!
... although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more:
Philippians 3:7
But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ.
2 Corinthians 1:9
... indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves in order that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead; (NAS)
The Apostle Paul reminds us that there is real life and security in no one else except Christ. Paul’s trust and confidence were not in his credentials. Just because of his heritage, his family, his wealth, and his social standing he could not have true confidence. His true trust was in the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus was the one who had died for him, had called him, and given him life. Paul realized that anything and everything else in life would never give him the security and hope that Jesus could give him. For that reason he counted everything loss.
He gave up everything in order to follow Jesus. He found in Christ someone who not only could forgive his sins, but give to him life in its fullness. He counted victory in loss. Are you willing to put your trust in Him? He is the source of life. Could you find purpose for your life by ceasing to trust and have confidence in anything other than Jesus?
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
___________________________Today's personal note from Dennis
Wow! Happy Thanksgiving!
This year has certainly flown by. Guess if you stay medicated and have little memory of lots of it then time does go quickly.This truly is one of the best Thanksgiving seasons I have ever had. This entire holiday season is a great gift from God for me. I questioned many times if I would live to spend another Thanksgiving and Christmas with my family, but God has spared me for now. I AM THANKFUL!!!!!!
It is so good to hear from you from time to time. I do hope the Encourager really encourages you. It is my hope and prayer that our faith in our Lord really makes a difference in our daily life. I don't know what I would do without Jesus.
I was thinking of the old hymn the other day, "Count Your Many Blessings" It says, "When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed. When you are discouraged thinking all is lost. Count your many blessings, name them one by one. And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.
So amid the conflict whether great or small. Do not be discouraged, God is over all. Count your many blessings angels will attend. Help and comfort give you to your journey's end.
God bless you all. Keep Looking to Jesus!!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
More Than Lip Service #70
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track.
Have you ever had a hard time trusting God? Someone said, “I have never lost my faith in God, but sometimes I have a hard time trusting Him.” Semantics maybe, but you probably can relate. Trusting God from the bottom of your heart means more than lip service. It is being totally yielded to God’s wisdom and guidance to the point you quit trying to figure it out or fix it. Whatever ‘it’ might be for you.
The only true way to be directed is God’s voice. If you will listen, everything you do, everywhere you go, whatever you face you can rest assured that God is there to
keep you on track. Listen to Him. Follow Him. Quit trying to do it yourself, or even figure it out. Just trust God.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Monuments of Success #69
1 Samuel 15:12 And Samuel rose early in the morning to meet Saul; and it was told Samuel,
saying, "Saul came to Carmel, and behold, he set up a monument for himself, then
turned and proceeded on down to Gilgal." (NAS)
Ever accomplish something and feel like you need some credit? Sort of human. But what if you don’t get the recognition you think you deserve? You might resort to Saul’s approach. Saul had just returned from his attack on the Amalekites. God’s instruction to Saul was to destroy them completely even their livestock. As Saul returned he was so proud of his accomplishment that he stopped at Carmel to erect a monument to his own success. Think maybe pride was a motivation?
The real problem was that he had not obeyed God. He had captured Agag, king of the Amalekites, and brought back spoils of livestock which was in direct disobedience to God. Do you ever desire to erect monuments to your success but fail to take into consideration God’s commands and His plans. You fail when you only partially obey. Partial obedience is really nothing more than disobedience. True purpose in life can never be discovered if you insist on tooting your own horn and not following the Word of God.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
___________________________Today's personal note from Dennis
Thank you All.
There is a time when we all need to stop whatever we are doing, wherever we are, who ever we are with and just say THANK YOU LORD. I dropped by a church this week. They have a prayer room. I felt compelled to just walk in the door and say, THANK YOU LORD.
So many things ran through my head to be thankful for. I had just climbed the first real flight of stairs in almost 6 months. And I made it. Took a while and my legs shook, but THANK YOU LORD. As I walked into the prayer room it appeared to be empty and then I heard a noise. I walked around the corner and saw a lady cleaning some shelves. We talked a minute and then she said, "Are you Dennis?" I told her I was and she said how the intercessory group had just finished and that I had been prayed for, for months. I again thought and then said out loud THANK YOU LORD.
God has been good. Only God knows the future, but I know Him and He knows me. THANK YOU LORD.
Sandy and I had a few days without a doctor's appointment and I am finally able to go without the antibiotics. We felt free. THANK YOU LORD. For that reason we have taken a few days to get out of town. We are in a nice resort in Globe, AZ. THANK YOU LORD.
You are all great prayer warriors. Please don't stop praying now. I look forward to preaching again soon. I will be sharing for a few minutes at Grace Community Church in Tempe on November 22nd in all three services. I will not be teaching or preaching just sharing a brief testimony and thanksgiving.
God bless all of you.
saying, "Saul came to Carmel, and behold, he set up a monument for himself, then
turned and proceeded on down to Gilgal." (NAS)
Ever accomplish something and feel like you need some credit? Sort of human. But what if you don’t get the recognition you think you deserve? You might resort to Saul’s approach. Saul had just returned from his attack on the Amalekites. God’s instruction to Saul was to destroy them completely even their livestock. As Saul returned he was so proud of his accomplishment that he stopped at Carmel to erect a monument to his own success. Think maybe pride was a motivation?
The real problem was that he had not obeyed God. He had captured Agag, king of the Amalekites, and brought back spoils of livestock which was in direct disobedience to God. Do you ever desire to erect monuments to your success but fail to take into consideration God’s commands and His plans. You fail when you only partially obey. Partial obedience is really nothing more than disobedience. True purpose in life can never be discovered if you insist on tooting your own horn and not following the Word of God.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
___________________________Today's personal note from Dennis
Thank you All.
There is a time when we all need to stop whatever we are doing, wherever we are, who ever we are with and just say THANK YOU LORD. I dropped by a church this week. They have a prayer room. I felt compelled to just walk in the door and say, THANK YOU LORD.
So many things ran through my head to be thankful for. I had just climbed the first real flight of stairs in almost 6 months. And I made it. Took a while and my legs shook, but THANK YOU LORD. As I walked into the prayer room it appeared to be empty and then I heard a noise. I walked around the corner and saw a lady cleaning some shelves. We talked a minute and then she said, "Are you Dennis?" I told her I was and she said how the intercessory group had just finished and that I had been prayed for, for months. I again thought and then said out loud THANK YOU LORD.
God has been good. Only God knows the future, but I know Him and He knows me. THANK YOU LORD.
Sandy and I had a few days without a doctor's appointment and I am finally able to go without the antibiotics. We felt free. THANK YOU LORD. For that reason we have taken a few days to get out of town. We are in a nice resort in Globe, AZ. THANK YOU LORD.
You are all great prayer warriors. Please don't stop praying now. I look forward to preaching again soon. I will be sharing for a few minutes at Grace Community Church in Tempe on November 22nd in all three services. I will not be teaching or preaching just sharing a brief testimony and thanksgiving.
God bless all of you.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
No Whining! #68
Philippians 2:14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing; (NAS)
Easier said than done you say? Sure it is. The natural tendency of life is to complain, gripe, bicker, grumble and fight. To do even some things without it is quite difficult. But to do all things? Well, maybe you should live with my husband for while, or maybe be at my job, or have to put up with my health, or my neighbors, or maybe my pastor. It is not easy to keep from grumbling.
Yet God reminds you often that you need not grumble. Grumbling is really a lack of faith in a God who knows all and knows exactly where you are and what you need. Sometimes your lack of purpose is caused when you fail to trust and instead complain.
There is a reason: Philippians 2:15 that you may prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world.(NAS) Your purpose is to always Glorify our Father.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
Easier said than done you say? Sure it is. The natural tendency of life is to complain, gripe, bicker, grumble and fight. To do even some things without it is quite difficult. But to do all things? Well, maybe you should live with my husband for while, or maybe be at my job, or have to put up with my health, or my neighbors, or maybe my pastor. It is not easy to keep from grumbling.
Yet God reminds you often that you need not grumble. Grumbling is really a lack of faith in a God who knows all and knows exactly where you are and what you need. Sometimes your lack of purpose is caused when you fail to trust and instead complain.
There is a reason: Philippians 2:15 that you may prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world.(NAS) Your purpose is to always Glorify our Father.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Repent Today #67
Jonah 4:2
2 And he prayed to the LORD and said, "Please LORD, was not this what I said while I was still in my own country? Therefore, in order to forestall this I fled to Tarshish, for I knew that Thou art a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, and one who relents concerning calamity. (NAS)
Ann Graham Lotz, Billy Graham’s daughter recently said that her passion was to daily know God more and more. How well do you know the nature of God? Jonah was called of God to preach to wicked city of Nineveh. The message was simply to repent or perish. Jonah preached it to them and they did repent. It was not Jonah’s desire for them to do so, but it was the will of God.
God forgave them and saved them from destruction. Jonah was furious and yet he knew what God would do because he knew the nature of God. God is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness. Do you understand the nature of God as Jonah did? For maybe you or someone you know needs to meet the God of love. God is a forgiving God just waiting for people to repent in order to express that forgiveness. Won’t you repent of your sin today and place your faith in Christ.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
2 And he prayed to the LORD and said, "Please LORD, was not this what I said while I was still in my own country? Therefore, in order to forestall this I fled to Tarshish, for I knew that Thou art a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, and one who relents concerning calamity. (NAS)
Ann Graham Lotz, Billy Graham’s daughter recently said that her passion was to daily know God more and more. How well do you know the nature of God? Jonah was called of God to preach to wicked city of Nineveh. The message was simply to repent or perish. Jonah preached it to them and they did repent. It was not Jonah’s desire for them to do so, but it was the will of God.
God forgave them and saved them from destruction. Jonah was furious and yet he knew what God would do because he knew the nature of God. God is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness. Do you understand the nature of God as Jonah did? For maybe you or someone you know needs to meet the God of love. God is a forgiving God just waiting for people to repent in order to express that forgiveness. Won’t you repent of your sin today and place your faith in Christ.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Discouragement #66
IKing 8:17-20
17 "Now it was in the heart of my father David to build a house for the name of the LORD, the God of Israel.
18 "But the LORD said to my father David, 'Because it was in your heart to build a house for My name, you did well that it was in your heart.
19 'Nevertheless you shall not build the house, but your son who shall be born to you, he shall build the house for My name.'
20 "Now the LORD has fulfilled His word which He spoke; (NAS)
Have you ever been disappointed? Sure you have. Discouragement is often a result of having a dream, desire, hope or expectation and then seeing it come to an end. You find yourself disappointed. David desired to build a temple for God and told the prophet Nathan about it. Nathan then had a vision in which God revealed to him that David would not build a temple. God gave credit to David’s desire and then gave the assignment of the construction of the temple to his son, Solomon.
Disappointment on your part might also mean that God has a new direction for the fulfillment of His perfect will. You may have not gotten the raise, didn’t make the volleyball team, or a host of other dashed dreams. Remember that God still is in charge. The greater joy for David was to realize his son would fulfill his dream of building a house for the Lord.
God is in charge not only of your dreams, desires and aspirations, but of His intended outcome. His word will be fulfilled in you.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
17 "Now it was in the heart of my father David to build a house for the name of the LORD, the God of Israel.
18 "But the LORD said to my father David, 'Because it was in your heart to build a house for My name, you did well that it was in your heart.
19 'Nevertheless you shall not build the house, but your son who shall be born to you, he shall build the house for My name.'
20 "Now the LORD has fulfilled His word which He spoke; (NAS)
Have you ever been disappointed? Sure you have. Discouragement is often a result of having a dream, desire, hope or expectation and then seeing it come to an end. You find yourself disappointed. David desired to build a temple for God and told the prophet Nathan about it. Nathan then had a vision in which God revealed to him that David would not build a temple. God gave credit to David’s desire and then gave the assignment of the construction of the temple to his son, Solomon.
Disappointment on your part might also mean that God has a new direction for the fulfillment of His perfect will. You may have not gotten the raise, didn’t make the volleyball team, or a host of other dashed dreams. Remember that God still is in charge. The greater joy for David was to realize his son would fulfill his dream of building a house for the Lord.
God is in charge not only of your dreams, desires and aspirations, but of His intended outcome. His word will be fulfilled in you.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
Friday, October 9, 2009
A Mighty Work Through You #65
Ephesians 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, (NAS)
Did you ever consider what God is doing in you? His Holy Spirit lives in every believer and that means you. As a result you have His power in you. His power is not only in you, but is at work. You may say, “At work for what reason?” The answer is that He will accomplish exceeding, abundantly beyond anything you could ask or think.
Consider the possibilities. The scripture says that He is able to do more than that which you could ask or think. What a tremendous thought. He is at work in and through your life to bring about the amazing miracles that only God can do, but He will be working thorough you.
God uses people to accomplish His works and you are no exception. He wants to do mighty works. He is using your thoughts and your requests to fulfill His mighty deeds. To God be the glory.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
Did you ever consider what God is doing in you? His Holy Spirit lives in every believer and that means you. As a result you have His power in you. His power is not only in you, but is at work. You may say, “At work for what reason?” The answer is that He will accomplish exceeding, abundantly beyond anything you could ask or think.
Consider the possibilities. The scripture says that He is able to do more than that which you could ask or think. What a tremendous thought. He is at work in and through your life to bring about the amazing miracles that only God can do, but He will be working thorough you.
God uses people to accomplish His works and you are no exception. He wants to do mighty works. He is using your thoughts and your requests to fulfill His mighty deeds. To God be the glory.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
The Encourager is Back On Line #64
John 12:27-28 27 "Now My soul has become troubled; and what shall I say, 'Father, save Me from this hour'? But for this purpose I came to this hour. 28 "Father, glorify Thy name." There came therefore a voice out of heaven: "I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again." (NAS)
Does the one who encourages others ever become discouraged? Have you found that the circumstances of life bring you to a point of wanting to give up, or as Jesus said, “for this purpose I came to this hour?” Jesus was the greatest encourager who ever lived and yet as He approached the upcoming suffering of the cross He was troubled. Some translations say He was despondent, others even depressed. He was an encourager who became discouraged.
He was even to the point of not knowing what to pray. “What shall I say?” Have you ever been speechless before God? It seems that Jesus did find the right words: “Father glorify Thy name.” That is your purpose for living: to glorify God. The Father responded that He has glorified His name before and He would do it again. He did in the most splendid of ways as He gave His Son to die on a cross the give eternal life to all who would believe. You may be despondent, troubled, depressed. Just remember the greatest encourager of all time also experienced your feelings.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
_____________________________Today's personal Note form Dennis
Dear Family, Friends, Co-laborers, Prayer warriors, As you can see I am finally getting strong enough to write “The Encourager” this week. The last one was May 13.2009. Little did I know then what the next 4 ½ months would bring. If you have been keeping up with the blog sight www.dgwhealthnews.blogspot.com then you know maybe more that I do.
For many days and weeks during that period of time I remember little. It was through your prayers that I am better today. I was surrounded by the best family and friends anyone could ever ask for. Sandy’s personal care for me has been an especially wonderful blessing. I am still in need of prayer. I am weak, on four infusions a day of very high powered antibiotics, seeing several doctors and anticipating more procedures on October 12. God has been so good to allow me to live. Twice in the hospital I quit breathing and had to have breathing tubes. One was a result of a brain bleed with a grand mall seizure, and the other septic shock. Prayers from you and many others along with some quick actions by some wonderful nurses provided me another chance at life.
As time goes on I hope to tell you some of the things God has taught me - from what it feels like when God seems very distant, to having a ministry in the hospital that I never dreamed God would accomplish.
I love all of you and thank God for you and your prayers. PLEASE DON’T STOP PRAYING!!! I still have a long way to go. Dennis
Does the one who encourages others ever become discouraged? Have you found that the circumstances of life bring you to a point of wanting to give up, or as Jesus said, “for this purpose I came to this hour?” Jesus was the greatest encourager who ever lived and yet as He approached the upcoming suffering of the cross He was troubled. Some translations say He was despondent, others even depressed. He was an encourager who became discouraged.
He was even to the point of not knowing what to pray. “What shall I say?” Have you ever been speechless before God? It seems that Jesus did find the right words: “Father glorify Thy name.” That is your purpose for living: to glorify God. The Father responded that He has glorified His name before and He would do it again. He did in the most splendid of ways as He gave His Son to die on a cross the give eternal life to all who would believe. You may be despondent, troubled, depressed. Just remember the greatest encourager of all time also experienced your feelings.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
_____________________________Today's personal Note form Dennis
Dear Family, Friends, Co-laborers, Prayer warriors, As you can see I am finally getting strong enough to write “The Encourager” this week. The last one was May 13.2009. Little did I know then what the next 4 ½ months would bring. If you have been keeping up with the blog sight www.dgwhealthnews.blogspot.com then you know maybe more that I do.
For many days and weeks during that period of time I remember little. It was through your prayers that I am better today. I was surrounded by the best family and friends anyone could ever ask for. Sandy’s personal care for me has been an especially wonderful blessing. I am still in need of prayer. I am weak, on four infusions a day of very high powered antibiotics, seeing several doctors and anticipating more procedures on October 12. God has been so good to allow me to live. Twice in the hospital I quit breathing and had to have breathing tubes. One was a result of a brain bleed with a grand mall seizure, and the other septic shock. Prayers from you and many others along with some quick actions by some wonderful nurses provided me another chance at life.
As time goes on I hope to tell you some of the things God has taught me - from what it feels like when God seems very distant, to having a ministry in the hospital that I never dreamed God would accomplish.
I love all of you and thank God for you and your prayers. PLEASE DON’T STOP PRAYING!!! I still have a long way to go. Dennis
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Give Us Confidence- #63
Acts 18:9-11
9 And the Lord said to Paul in the night by a vision, "Do not be afraid any longer, but go on speaking and do not be silent; 10 for I am with you, and no man will attack you in order to harm you, for I have many people in this city."
11 And he settled there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. (NAS)
Great confidence comes when you get a word from the Lord. God is a revealing God and delights in giving to His children encouragement and hope. The Apostle Paul was accustomed to rejection and adverse circumstances as he shared the gospel. He never knew if it would be a beating or an imprisonment or both. So when God gave him the word to not be afraid but to continue his ministry Paul was renewed in his mission. Paul’s normal length of stay was from a few days to maybe a few months but this time he stayed a year and six months making disciples by teaching the word.
Confidence in your ministry comes as God gives assurance that He is in charge and His word is true. Gain true confidence by receiving God’s word for your life. I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
___________________ Today's Personal Note from Dennis
Life is good, just hard sometimes. God is always good. I told someone this week that it seems some things never come to an end. That is the way I have felt over this last ten weeks since the chemo-embolization for the tumors. Thursday will make the 6th time I have either been in the hospital as an in patient or out patient. This past week I have become jaundiced and will need another tube put in my liver to drain the abscess. I tell you this so you can pray it will work and that I have a fast recovery.
Sandy and I are to leave for the Campers on Mission national rally in Gillette WY on June 5th. That is three weeks from Friday. We long to make this trip, so pray. Thanks for all your love, prayers, visits, meals, cards, emails and such during this past couple of months. We so appreciate your encouragement to us. May God bless you today and give you hope. - DGW
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
What Are You Asking God for Today? #62
1 Corinthians 14:3 “But the one who prophesies is helping others grow in the Lord, encouraging and comforting them.”
Acts 3:6
6 But Peter said, "I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene-- walk!" (NAS)
What are you asking God for right now? Is it the right thing to ask? As Peter and John approached the Temple they encountered a crippled man who could not walk. Upon inquiry of their assistance in the form of money, P
eter replied that he had none to give. For a beggar who made his living from the coins dropped in the tin cup he carried, Peter was not much help. Sometimes what you think you really need is not, and even what you ask God for is not what He really wants to give us. Peter responded with no cash but with something far better. He declared that in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene the man was to get up and walk. He not only got up and walked, but with profound praise to God he went leaping into the Temple. Maybe you should re-evaluate your current requests to God. Are you asking for the wrong thing? Maybe like the lame man you are not receiving God’s very best. Why not let God declare what you need
and receive His best for you.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
_____________ Today's Personal Note from Dennis
Greetings from hot AZ. Hope this finds you doing well. Some of you will get this early because I have a surgical proceedure on TR and will be in the hospital as an outpatient. Appreciate all your prayers. Spring is all around and it is such a great time to see God's world come alive. We are so blessed and I hope very thankful for a God who meets our needs, loves us and cares about everything in our lives. Take time today to praise Him. The Encourager today is about receiving God's best even when we don't understand what it is. Check it out. - DGW
Acts 3:6
6 But Peter said, "I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene-- walk!" (NAS)
What are you asking God for right now? Is it the right thing to ask? As Peter and John approached the Temple they encountered a crippled man who could not walk. Upon inquiry of their assistance in the form of money, P
eter replied that he had none to give. For a beggar who made his living from the coins dropped in the tin cup he carried, Peter was not much help. Sometimes what you think you really need is not, and even what you ask God for is not what He really wants to give us. Peter responded with no cash but with something far better. He declared that in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene the man was to get up and walk. He not only got up and walked, but with profound praise to God he went leaping into the Temple. Maybe you should re-evaluate your current requests to God. Are you asking for the wrong thing? Maybe like the lame man you are not receiving God’s very best. Why not let God declare what you needand receive His best for you.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
_____________ Today's Personal Note from Dennis
Greetings from hot AZ. Hope this finds you doing well. Some of you will get this early because I have a surgical proceedure on TR and will be in the hospital as an outpatient. Appreciate all your prayers. Spring is all around and it is such a great time to see God's world come alive. We are so blessed and I hope very thankful for a God who meets our needs, loves us and cares about everything in our lives. Take time today to praise Him. The Encourager today is about receiving God's best even when we don't understand what it is. Check it out. - DGW
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Think Like God Thinks #61
Mark 8:33
33 But turning around and seeing His disciples, He rebuked Peter, and said, "Get behind Me, Satan; for you are not setting your mind on God's interests, but man's." (NAS)
Ever feel singled out for the attack. I am sure that is how Peter felt when Jesus rebuked him in front of all the disciples. Rebuke from anyone is difficult to take, but a direct rebuke from the Lord Jesus must have been especially hard. Peter had just made the great confession of his faith in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the Living God. Then Peter takes Jesus aside and reprimands Jesus because Jesus tells the disciples He is going to suffer and die. Peter probably deserved rebuking.
On top of being rebuked Jesus called him Satan. Not exactly a compliment. Peter’s problem was much like yours. There are times you probably are not thinking like God thinks. Jesus says Peter was thinking like a mere human. His thoughts were self-centered and self-serving. Jesus would remind you to have the mind of Christ; a mind focused toward God and His ways and interests. Real purpose and a meaningful life with will never be a reality with your mind set on your own selfishness.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
33 But turning around and seeing His disciples, He rebuked Peter, and said, "Get behind Me, Satan; for you are not setting your mind on God's interests, but man's." (NAS)
Ever feel singled out for the attack. I am sure that is how Peter felt when Jesus rebuked him in front of all the disciples. Rebuke from anyone is difficult to take, but a direct rebuke from the Lord Jesus must have been especially hard. Peter had just made the great confession of his faith in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the Living God. Then Peter takes Jesus aside and reprimands Jesus because Jesus tells the disciples He is going to suffer and die. Peter probably deserved rebuking.
On top of being rebuked Jesus called him Satan. Not exactly a compliment. Peter’s problem was much like yours. There are times you probably are not thinking like God thinks. Jesus says Peter was thinking like a mere human. His thoughts were self-centered and self-serving. Jesus would remind you to have the mind of Christ; a mind focused toward God and His ways and interests. Real purpose and a meaningful life with will never be a reality with your mind set on your own selfishness.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Speed Bumps #60
Acts 4:2-3
2being greatly disturbed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.
3 And they laid hands on them, and put them in jail until the next day, for it was already evening. (NAS)
Do you have speed bumps in your neighborhood? The purpose of the bumps is to slow down traffic. You don’t want to fly over them at a high speed. Do you have potholes in your street? They will slow you down too. Peter had preached the great sermon at Pentecost with three thousand people coming to faith in Christ. He had just healed a lame man in the temple and had preached another powerful sermon.
And then the bump came. The religious leaders of the day were really bothered that Peter was teaching people about Jesus and the resurrection. So into jail he went. Probably not what Peter wanted or expected.
What kind of bump or pothole have you just hit? The victory came to Peter. He was released and was once again in ministry mode. Praise the Lord for short lived potholes and speed bumps that grow your faith even greater.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
Dennis Wood
2being greatly disturbed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.
3 And they laid hands on them, and put them in jail until the next day, for it was already evening. (NAS)
Do you have speed bumps in your neighborhood? The purpose of the bumps is to slow down traffic. You don’t want to fly over them at a high speed. Do you have potholes in your street? They will slow you down too. Peter had preached the great sermon at Pentecost with three thousand people coming to faith in Christ. He had just healed a lame man in the temple and had preached another powerful sermon.
And then the bump came. The religious leaders of the day were really bothered that Peter was teaching people about Jesus and the resurrection. So into jail he went. Probably not what Peter wanted or expected.
What kind of bump or pothole have you just hit? The victory came to Peter. He was released and was once again in ministry mode. Praise the Lord for short lived potholes and speed bumps that grow your faith even greater.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
Dennis Wood
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Abundant Givers #59
Mark 12:42-44
42 And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amount to a cent.
43 And calling His disciples to Him, He said to them, "Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury;
44 for they all put in out of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, all she had to live on." (NAS)
Luke 12:15 And He said to them, "Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions." (NAS)
Giving is such a Godly quality. Jesus used the opportunity of a poor widow giving all she had into the temple treasury to teach a valuable lesson. Giving from our abundance in an abundant way is not wrong. But this widow gave from her poverty all she had. Jesus quickly points to the abundant givers that the widow gave more than all the rest, because she gave her all.
Whether it be your money, your time, or your abilities God desires you to give your all. He warns you to guard yourself against greed. Your life does not consist in possessions. It is amazing how relevant Jesus two thousand year-old teachings are to our current world. Ask yourself, “Am I greedy?” Ask yourself, “Am I giving my all.” Let me encourage you to be an
unselfish giver and run from greed.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus
42 And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amount to a cent.
43 And calling His disciples to Him, He said to them, "Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury;
44 for they all put in out of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, all she had to live on." (NAS)
Luke 12:15 And He said to them, "Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions." (NAS)
Giving is such a Godly quality. Jesus used the opportunity of a poor widow giving all she had into the temple treasury to teach a valuable lesson. Giving from our abundance in an abundant way is not wrong. But this widow gave from her poverty all she had. Jesus quickly points to the abundant givers that the widow gave more than all the rest, because she gave her all.
Whether it be your money, your time, or your abilities God desires you to give your all. He warns you to guard yourself against greed. Your life does not consist in possessions. It is amazing how relevant Jesus two thousand year-old teachings are to our current world. Ask yourself, “Am I greedy?” Ask yourself, “Am I giving my all.” Let me encourage you to be an
unselfish giver and run from greed.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Do You Have a Hearing Problem? #58
Mark 7:34 and looking up to heaven with a deep sigh, He said to him, "Ephphatha!" that is, "Be opened!" (NAS)
Jesus was deeply concerned with the well being of people He met. On this occasion a deaf man was brought to Him. He simply took a deep breath and spoke a word to heaven which meant, “Be Opened.” Could it be that your spiritual ears are closed so that you cannot hear God when He speak to you. You may be trying to make your life better but seem to be failing. Maybe your real need is to listen to God. Open His Word and let Him speak to you the ‘words of life.’ Could you look to heaven on your own behalf and ask God to open your ears so that you could
hear Him.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
Jesus was deeply concerned with the well being of people He met. On this occasion a deaf man was brought to Him. He simply took a deep breath and spoke a word to heaven which meant, “Be Opened.” Could it be that your spiritual ears are closed so that you cannot hear God when He speak to you. You may be trying to make your life better but seem to be failing. Maybe your real need is to listen to God. Open His Word and let Him speak to you the ‘words of life.’ Could you look to heaven on your own behalf and ask God to open your ears so that you could
hear Him.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Shortsighted? #57
Genesis 50:19-21
19 But Joseph said to them, "Do not be afraid, for am I in God's place?
20 "And as for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.
21 "So therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones." So he comforted them and spoke kindly to them. (NAS)
God is the great comforter and encourager. Often His words to you will encourage you not to be afraid. You may be facing situations and circumstances which seem fearful. God through His servant Joseph reminds you that although it appears evil against you that God is for you. The evil brought against you by the enemy is going to be used for good by God Himself.
Joseph had been sold into slavery, spent time in jail as a result of a false accusation, was raised to the office of the prime minister of Egypt all in order to provide food for the entire world in the midst of a great famine. When his brothers sold him into slavery it was evil, but God turned the tables and brought good from it.
Your perspective is very short-sighted. God looks at the realms of history and sees it all working together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose. You are not to be afraid. You are in the hands of the Sovereign Lord, the God of the Universe. He can comfort and encourage you.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
19 But Joseph said to them, "Do not be afraid, for am I in God's place?
20 "And as for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.
21 "So therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones." So he comforted them and spoke kindly to them. (NAS)
God is the great comforter and encourager. Often His words to you will encourage you not to be afraid. You may be facing situations and circumstances which seem fearful. God through His servant Joseph reminds you that although it appears evil against you that God is for you. The evil brought against you by the enemy is going to be used for good by God Himself.
Joseph had been sold into slavery, spent time in jail as a result of a false accusation, was raised to the office of the prime minister of Egypt all in order to provide food for the entire world in the midst of a great famine. When his brothers sold him into slavery it was evil, but God turned the tables and brought good from it.
Your perspective is very short-sighted. God looks at the realms of history and sees it all working together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose. You are not to be afraid. You are in the hands of the Sovereign Lord, the God of the Universe. He can comfort and encourage you.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
A Tough Question #56
Matthew 19:27
27 Then Peter answered and said to Him, "Behold, we have left everything and followed You; what then will there be for us?" (NAS)
Peter is so much like you and me. He wanted an answer to a tough question. He asked Jesus the question you probably also ponder. “What am I going to get out of this?” Sounds pretty selfish on the surface, but don’t you ever want to know answers like that? A Christian who is following Christ with their whole being and has given up family, possessions, jobs, money and recognition to follow Jesus that question is a legitimate one.
Peter truly wanted to know what would happen to those who had left everything to follow Jesus. Peter had given up everything. “What am I getting out of this” is a normal question. Jesus’ answer to Peter was that he would rule with Him in His kingdom and have eternal life. In other words Jesus was promising the disciples eternal life in exchange for their total surrender to Him in this life.
To give your life to God and allowing Him to direct you day by day is a guarantee that your next
life would be in heaven. It is not wrong to ask what you will receive from following Christ. The answer is also very simple. You will have eternal life.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
27 Then Peter answered and said to Him, "Behold, we have left everything and followed You; what then will there be for us?" (NAS)
Peter is so much like you and me. He wanted an answer to a tough question. He asked Jesus the question you probably also ponder. “What am I going to get out of this?” Sounds pretty selfish on the surface, but don’t you ever want to know answers like that? A Christian who is following Christ with their whole being and has given up family, possessions, jobs, money and recognition to follow Jesus that question is a legitimate one.
Peter truly wanted to know what would happen to those who had left everything to follow Jesus. Peter had given up everything. “What am I getting out of this” is a normal question. Jesus’ answer to Peter was that he would rule with Him in His kingdom and have eternal life. In other words Jesus was promising the disciples eternal life in exchange for their total surrender to Him in this life.
To give your life to God and allowing Him to direct you day by day is a guarantee that your next
life would be in heaven. It is not wrong to ask what you will receive from following Christ. The answer is also very simple. You will have eternal life.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
No More Than I Can Handle #55
1 Corinthians 10:13
13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it. (NAS)
You have no doubt heard that God will not put more on you than you can handle. This verse is the text used to support that statement. The word temptation can mean a test, trial or adversity. You have experienced those trials in your life. The promise of the scripture is that what you experience is normal.
It also promises that God is faithful to not allow you to have more than what you are able to handle. The way of escape is merely the process by which God gives you the strength to endure what is coming your way. It may not be that the trial is less, but the grace is more. After all did not God promise that “My Grace is Sufficient.”
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it. (NAS)
You have no doubt heard that God will not put more on you than you can handle. This verse is the text used to support that statement. The word temptation can mean a test, trial or adversity. You have experienced those trials in your life. The promise of the scripture is that what you experience is normal.
It also promises that God is faithful to not allow you to have more than what you are able to handle. The way of escape is merely the process by which God gives you the strength to endure what is coming your way. It may not be that the trial is less, but the grace is more. After all did not God promise that “My Grace is Sufficient.”
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
My Desires or God's Desires #54
Psalms 37:3-5
3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.
4 Delight yourself in the LORD; and He will give you the desires of your heart
5 Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He will do it. (NAS)
Ever have something of a passion in your life, something that you just wanted so much you could hardly stand to wait. The verse “delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart” is often used out of context to prove that by delighting in God you can have whatever you want.
However the idea of getting ‘whatever you desire’ is couched between two very important verses. First you need to trust God and do good. Second you need to commit your way to the Lord. Delighting yourself in the Lord means He is first; His will and His way. When you delight in Him, trust Him, commit your way to Him then the desires that are placed in your heart are His desires.
The question is not “how can I get what I want, but how can I make sure that what I desire is what God desires.” Quite a difference!
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ.
May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.
4 Delight yourself in the LORD; and He will give you the desires of your heart
5 Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He will do it. (NAS)
Ever have something of a passion in your life, something that you just wanted so much you could hardly stand to wait. The verse “delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart” is often used out of context to prove that by delighting in God you can have whatever you want.
However the idea of getting ‘whatever you desire’ is couched between two very important verses. First you need to trust God and do good. Second you need to commit your way to the Lord. Delighting yourself in the Lord means He is first; His will and His way. When you delight in Him, trust Him, commit your way to Him then the desires that are placed in your heart are His desires.
The question is not “how can I get what I want, but how can I make sure that what I desire is what God desires.” Quite a difference!
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ.
May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Joy, Joy, and More Joy #53
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
16 Rejoice always;
17 pray without ceasing;
18 in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. (NAS)
Scores of books and articles come forth from authors concerning attitude. Charles Swindoll declared attitude the most important criteria of a positive life. Norman Peale wrote the classic, 'The Power of Positive Thinking', to encourage everyone to express a positive attitude. The Apostle Paul long ago admonished the Thessalonians toward an attitude of thanksgiving and rejoicing. He speaks to them of rejoicing always and giving of thanks for and in everything.
It is not easy to accomplish this feat. To have your heart full of constant gratitude and joy truly is an adventurous endeavor, and only to be fulfilled through prayer. That is why in the middle of the sentence Paul says, “Pray without ceasing.”
It is through prayer that you express your heart. It is by the choice of your will that you can thank God for everything. God is concerned about everything in our lives and knows that with prayer we can have an attitude of gratitude.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
16 Rejoice always;
17 pray without ceasing;
18 in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. (NAS)
Scores of books and articles come forth from authors concerning attitude. Charles Swindoll declared attitude the most important criteria of a positive life. Norman Peale wrote the classic, 'The Power of Positive Thinking', to encourage everyone to express a positive attitude. The Apostle Paul long ago admonished the Thessalonians toward an attitude of thanksgiving and rejoicing. He speaks to them of rejoicing always and giving of thanks for and in everything.
It is not easy to accomplish this feat. To have your heart full of constant gratitude and joy truly is an adventurous endeavor, and only to be fulfilled through prayer. That is why in the middle of the sentence Paul says, “Pray without ceasing.”
It is through prayer that you express your heart. It is by the choice of your will that you can thank God for everything. God is concerned about everything in our lives and knows that with prayer we can have an attitude of gratitude.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Perspective #52
Philippians 1:21
21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (NAS)
How important is perspective? You have no doubt heard the old story of the three blind men describing an elephant. One held the tail, one the ear, and the other the trunk. Of course from their personal perspective the elephant was quite different. Do you seem to know how to get between a rock and a hard place without even trying? It is then that perspective is vital.
God’s perspective as reflected in Paul’s words to the Philippians was what you might consider a rock and a hard place. He was in prison and was possibly not physically doing well. His choice was life or death. You might say that is an easy choice. But for Paul the choice was really the same. It really is so for you too. To live is Christ, to die is gain.
From his perspective life was more than the space of a few years of what we call life. His life was for eternity and he saw eternal life as Christ’s life both now and after death. In order to call death a gain you have to have eternal perspective. That perspective is Jesus is LIFE. To find real purpose in this life is to have an eternal perspective on life and death. Your life is Jesus.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (NAS)
How important is perspective? You have no doubt heard the old story of the three blind men describing an elephant. One held the tail, one the ear, and the other the trunk. Of course from their personal perspective the elephant was quite different. Do you seem to know how to get between a rock and a hard place without even trying? It is then that perspective is vital.
God’s perspective as reflected in Paul’s words to the Philippians was what you might consider a rock and a hard place. He was in prison and was possibly not physically doing well. His choice was life or death. You might say that is an easy choice. But for Paul the choice was really the same. It really is so for you too. To live is Christ, to die is gain.
From his perspective life was more than the space of a few years of what we call life. His life was for eternity and he saw eternal life as Christ’s life both now and after death. In order to call death a gain you have to have eternal perspective. That perspective is Jesus is LIFE. To find real purpose in this life is to have an eternal perspective on life and death. Your life is Jesus.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Go To The Bank! #51
Romans 8:24-25
24 For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one also hope for what he sees?
25 But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it. (NAS)
Whether it is in the news or the weather our ‘hope’ is expressed in words of uncertainty. Maybe you hope the economy will again flourish, or you hope your cold will vanish with the next sneeze, or that someone will give you a new car. Hope is such an illusive word except when it comes to God’s promises. You used to say, “you can go to the bank with that.” That is probably not a good analogy to use right now.
You probably should be saying, “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.” Your hope today is based on Him who died for you and arose from the dead to give you His life. Sure you can’t see it yet because it is assured to you through faith. After all it was “by grace that you are saved by faith.” Trust in the only one that really gives you hope. His name is Jesus.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
24 For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one also hope for what he sees?
25 But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it. (NAS)
Whether it is in the news or the weather our ‘hope’ is expressed in words of uncertainty. Maybe you hope the economy will again flourish, or you hope your cold will vanish with the next sneeze, or that someone will give you a new car. Hope is such an illusive word except when it comes to God’s promises. You used to say, “you can go to the bank with that.” That is probably not a good analogy to use right now.
You probably should be saying, “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.” Your hope today is based on Him who died for you and arose from the dead to give you His life. Sure you can’t see it yet because it is assured to you through faith. After all it was “by grace that you are saved by faith.” Trust in the only one that really gives you hope. His name is Jesus.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Your Favorite Place #50
John 21:9 And so when they got out upon the land, they saw a charcoal fire already laid, and fish placed on it, and bread. (NAS)
What kind of heat warms your home and cooks your food: gas, fuel oil, wood, coal, electricity or a combination of more than one? Is your home equipped with a fireplace? Most often the fireplace is used for ambiance more than heat. The family gathers around the fire to enjoy the fire and one another. I am sure the disciples were hungry after a night of fishing, but the charcoal fire and the bread and fish was much more a place of gathering for closeness.
Six of Jesus’ disciples met the resurrected Jesus around a fire. The warmth of the fire and food as well as a place of fellowship with Jesus drew them together. You probably have a favorite place where you meet with Jesus. It has a sense of warmth and closeness. It is a place of comfort and encouragement.
When is the last time you sat around a fire with Jesus to eat from the Bread of Life? Why not today. Find someplace today where you can fellowship with Him.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
What kind of heat warms your home and cooks your food: gas, fuel oil, wood, coal, electricity or a combination of more than one? Is your home equipped with a fireplace? Most often the fireplace is used for ambiance more than heat. The family gathers around the fire to enjoy the fire and one another. I am sure the disciples were hungry after a night of fishing, but the charcoal fire and the bread and fish was much more a place of gathering for closeness.
Six of Jesus’ disciples met the resurrected Jesus around a fire. The warmth of the fire and food as well as a place of fellowship with Jesus drew them together. You probably have a favorite place where you meet with Jesus. It has a sense of warmth and closeness. It is a place of comfort and encouragement.
When is the last time you sat around a fire with Jesus to eat from the Bread of Life? Why not today. Find someplace today where you can fellowship with Him.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
A Reason Not to Complain #49
Philippians 2:14 “In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing;” NLT
“Easier said than done” you say? Sure it is. The natural tendency of life is to complain, gripe, bicker, grumble and fight. To do even some things without complaining is quite difficult, but to do all things seems totally impossible. What is your excuse? How about, “You should live with my husband for while, or maybe be at my job, or have to put up with my health, or my neighbors, or maybe my pastor, or my church.” It is not easy to keep from complaining. Yet God reminds us often that we need not complain.
Complaining is really a lack of faith in a God who knows everything including the knowledge of exactly where you are, what is happening to you, and what you need. Could your choice be either to complain or trust God? There is a reason not to complain. Philippians 2:15 “that you may prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world,” (NAS)
Shine today as a light in a dark world as you trust God instead of complaining.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
“Easier said than done” you say? Sure it is. The natural tendency of life is to complain, gripe, bicker, grumble and fight. To do even some things without complaining is quite difficult, but to do all things seems totally impossible. What is your excuse? How about, “You should live with my husband for while, or maybe be at my job, or have to put up with my health, or my neighbors, or maybe my pastor, or my church.” It is not easy to keep from complaining. Yet God reminds us often that we need not complain.
Complaining is really a lack of faith in a God who knows everything including the knowledge of exactly where you are, what is happening to you, and what you need. Could your choice be either to complain or trust God? There is a reason not to complain. Philippians 2:15 “that you may prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world,” (NAS)
Shine today as a light in a dark world as you trust God instead of complaining.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
The Perils of Distractions #48
Luke 10:40
But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him, and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me." 41But the Lord answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; 42 but only a few things are necessary, really only one, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her." (NAS)
Distracted, worried and bothered; sound like your life? Martha was serving Jesus as you are and disturbed that her sister, Mary is not as committed to serving Jesus as she is. Martha decides to involve Jesus in a little reprimand for a lazy sister and finds herself at the end of the correction.
Jesus reminds her that she is so busy serving Him that she is missing the most important part. Mary has discovered fellowship with Jesus at His feet. Jesus reminds Martha of the important part of sitting at His feet. He describes her as distracted, worried and bothered by serving
to the point she has little fellowship with Jesus.
Could it be that as a servant of Christ that your ministry has gotten in the way of love for and time with Jesus. Are you distracted, worried and bothered by your ministry and serving God to the point that Jesus Himself is a secondary? Jesus reminds Martha that there is only one thing that is important. You were created to fellowship with the God. Why not take an inventory of your life today and see if Jesus is first.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him, and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me." 41But the Lord answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; 42 but only a few things are necessary, really only one, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her." (NAS)
Distracted, worried and bothered; sound like your life? Martha was serving Jesus as you are and disturbed that her sister, Mary is not as committed to serving Jesus as she is. Martha decides to involve Jesus in a little reprimand for a lazy sister and finds herself at the end of the correction.
Jesus reminds her that she is so busy serving Him that she is missing the most important part. Mary has discovered fellowship with Jesus at His feet. Jesus reminds Martha of the important part of sitting at His feet. He describes her as distracted, worried and bothered by serving
to the point she has little fellowship with Jesus.
Could it be that as a servant of Christ that your ministry has gotten in the way of love for and time with Jesus. Are you distracted, worried and bothered by your ministry and serving God to the point that Jesus Himself is a secondary? Jesus reminds Martha that there is only one thing that is important. You were created to fellowship with the God. Why not take an inventory of your life today and see if Jesus is first.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
How Full Is Your Glass? #47
Philippians 1:12
12 Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out
for the greater progress of the gospel, (NAS)
Ever find yourself under the circumstances. Although some people would question you as to why you were under the circumstances, it still may be an accurate description of how you find yourself. However, how you view those circumstances will have a profound affect on how you deal with them and how they impact your whole life.
Paul, the apostle, whose circumstances involved sitting in a jail cell, found that he had a greater opportunity to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ than ever. He saw his circumstances as the hand of God on his life and the result was progress for the Kingdom of God.
Maybe a fresh look at your particular surroundings and circumstances will give you a glimpse into your unique opportunity to share your faith. Your glass may be half full instead of half empty.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
12 Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out
for the greater progress of the gospel, (NAS)
Ever find yourself under the circumstances. Although some people would question you as to why you were under the circumstances, it still may be an accurate description of how you find yourself. However, how you view those circumstances will have a profound affect on how you deal with them and how they impact your whole life.
Paul, the apostle, whose circumstances involved sitting in a jail cell, found that he had a greater opportunity to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ than ever. He saw his circumstances as the hand of God on his life and the result was progress for the Kingdom of God.
Maybe a fresh look at your particular surroundings and circumstances will give you a glimpse into your unique opportunity to share your faith. Your glass may be half full instead of half empty.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Meditate On The Shepherd #46
Ever say to God, “Where are you? Don’t you care anymore?” Well you are in good company. David the Psalmist said the same thing in similar words.
Psalms 77:7-9
7 Will the Lord reject forever? And will He never be favorable again?
8 Has His lovingkindness ceased forever? Has His promise come to an end forever?
9 Has God forgotten to be gracious? Or has He in anger withdrawn His
compassion? Selah. (NAS)
It happened to David much like it does to you. It came in the night. The darkest times seem to be when all is quiet, you cannot sleep and your mind is filled with disturbing thoughts. Then you wonder where God has gone. David finally realized that God has not changed. He realizes that it is with his own emotions that he is struggling.
Psalms 77:10
10 Then I said, "It is my grief, that the right hand of the Most High has
changed." (NAS)
David then remembers how God has worked in his life in the past and says:
Ps alms 77:11-12
11 I shall remember the deeds of the LORD; surely I will remember Thy
wonders of old.
12 I will meditate on all Thy work, and muse on Thy deeds. (NAS)
Meditate on the way God has blessed and cared for you over the years. Look back across the expanse of God’s working in your life and rejoice. Take your eyes off of your own grief and meditate on God Himself. Remember your God is a Great Shepherd.
Psalms 77:20 “You lead your flock like a caring Shepherd.” (my paraphrase)
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ.
May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
Psalms 77:7-9
7 Will the Lord reject forever? And will He never be favorable again?
8 Has His lovingkindness ceased forever? Has His promise come to an end forever?
9 Has God forgotten to be gracious? Or has He in anger withdrawn His
compassion? Selah. (NAS)
It happened to David much like it does to you. It came in the night. The darkest times seem to be when all is quiet, you cannot sleep and your mind is filled with disturbing thoughts. Then you wonder where God has gone. David finally realized that God has not changed. He realizes that it is with his own emotions that he is struggling.
Psalms 77:10
10 Then I said, "It is my grief, that the right hand of the Most High has
changed." (NAS)
David then remembers how God has worked in his life in the past and says:
Ps alms 77:11-12
11 I shall remember the deeds of the LORD; surely I will remember Thy
wonders of old.
12 I will meditate on all Thy work, and muse on Thy deeds. (NAS)
Meditate on the way God has blessed and cared for you over the years. Look back across the expanse of God’s working in your life and rejoice. Take your eyes off of your own grief and meditate on God Himself. Remember your God is a Great Shepherd.
Psalms 77:20 “You lead your flock like a caring Shepherd.” (my paraphrase)
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ.
May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Spiritual Privacy #45
Matthew 6:5-7
5 "And when you pray, you are not to be as the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners, in order to be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.
6 "But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will repay you. (NAS)
To whom do you pray? For what reason do you pray? What do you expect in return? Jesus knew his audience well and approached their prayer life accordingly. He warns them to be careful of their audience. Your prayers are to be directed to God and not to people. God desires for you to communicate with Him.
If you pray in public in order that people might hear you and be impressed with your spirituality then you have received all the answer you will get. When you speak to God go into a closet and shut the door. The God who is everywhere will meet with and listen to you in private. Your communication and relationship with God as well as your answers to prayer are the true rewards.
God desires that you only pray to Him and He promises to respond to your prayers. When you pray talk to God in private and expect God to answer your prayers.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
5 "And when you pray, you are not to be as the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners, in order to be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.
6 "But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will repay you. (NAS)
To whom do you pray? For what reason do you pray? What do you expect in return? Jesus knew his audience well and approached their prayer life accordingly. He warns them to be careful of their audience. Your prayers are to be directed to God and not to people. God desires for you to communicate with Him.
If you pray in public in order that people might hear you and be impressed with your spirituality then you have received all the answer you will get. When you speak to God go into a closet and shut the door. The God who is everywhere will meet with and listen to you in private. Your communication and relationship with God as well as your answers to prayer are the true rewards.
God desires that you only pray to Him and He promises to respond to your prayers. When you pray talk to God in private and expect God to answer your prayers.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Whatever He Says #44
John 2:5
5 His mother said to the servants, "Whatever He says to you, do it." (NAS)
Need some good advice for this New Year? Jesus was at the wedding feast of Cana of Galilee when He was asked to take care of a problem. The problem was simply that they had run out of wine; not a good thing to happen at a Jewish wedding. Jesus’ mother instructed the servants with a course of action. The incredible advice she gave them was, “Whatever He says to you, do it.”
Even though it seems fewer people are making New Year’s resolutions, let me encourage you to make a decision instead. Follow the advice of Mary and do what Jesus says. Instead of asking, “what would Jesus do?” ask yourself “what is Jesus saying for me to do?” Mary realized that the best thing anyone could ever do would be to listen to Jesus and do what He says.
In all our new beginnings; whether it is a new year, a new job, a new relationship, or just a new day, why not just pay close attention to what Jesus says for you to do, and then do it. Jesus gave to the servants the job of filling the water pots with water and then drawing from the pots. They made an incredible discovery. The water had turned to wine. The need of the wedding feast was fulfilled. Think of your possibilities if you would only, do whatever He says.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
5 His mother said to the servants, "Whatever He says to you, do it." (NAS)
Need some good advice for this New Year? Jesus was at the wedding feast of Cana of Galilee when He was asked to take care of a problem. The problem was simply that they had run out of wine; not a good thing to happen at a Jewish wedding. Jesus’ mother instructed the servants with a course of action. The incredible advice she gave them was, “Whatever He says to you, do it.”
Even though it seems fewer people are making New Year’s resolutions, let me encourage you to make a decision instead. Follow the advice of Mary and do what Jesus says. Instead of asking, “what would Jesus do?” ask yourself “what is Jesus saying for me to do?” Mary realized that the best thing anyone could ever do would be to listen to Jesus and do what He says.
In all our new beginnings; whether it is a new year, a new job, a new relationship, or just a new day, why not just pay close attention to what Jesus says for you to do, and then do it. Jesus gave to the servants the job of filling the water pots with water and then drawing from the pots. They made an incredible discovery. The water had turned to wine. The need of the wedding feast was fulfilled. Think of your possibilities if you would only, do whatever He says.
I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.
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