SADDLE UP AND GET BUSY FOR THE LORD

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Isaiah 41:10

So many excuses as to why we can’t do anything for the Lord. But He shut every last one of them down in this one verse:

1. He is with us—His presence brings peace!

2. He is God—What can’t He accomplish?

3. He gives strength!

4. He gives help!

5. He uphold us with His righteousness!

John Wayne said, “Courage us being scared to death-and saddling up anyway.” I put more of a spiritual emphasis on the saying, “Courage is being scared to death but getting up and doing what God wants you to do anyway!”

What has God called you to do? Then do it for the glory of God!

TIME TO RISE AND SHINE AND GIVE GOD THE GLORY- AT CHURCH!

I will give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among much people. Psalm 35:18

Sure we can praise the Lord anywhere and at any time but there is one place where the Word of God commands us to come together and corporately praise Him—at church! Before you make that excuse, “I can worship anywhere I want to”, just remember the Lord commanded us to do it in church! So GET UP, GET READY, and GO TO CHURCH!

IT’S STILL FINISHED

Jesus’ death was a blow to Satan that he could not come back from!

When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. John 19:30

Sure it’s June, but I can rejoice in God’s only begotten Son giving His life for mine any time of the year! It’s not just an Easter celebration; it’s a year after year celebration of God’s gift to me! But not to me alone, the gift of salvation is to all who repents!

Have you repented? Have you asked Jesus to save you from your sin? Have you asked Him to be Lord of your life? If not, do it today, for the Bible says, “Today is the day of salvation!”

TELL SOMEONE TODAY!

When you accept Christ, you will have the power to confess Him. - D.L. Moody

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:8

How do you share what Jesus has done for you with others? Is it by your lifestyle? Is it by letter? Is it by email? Is it person to person? Every child of God has the power to share the Gospel message with others. If you’re not sharing, it’s a pretty good sign you’re not possessing. Make your calling and election sure by exposing yourself to the Word of God!

BE PREPARED

Our time on Earth is just a boot camp for Heaven to come!

If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work. 2 Timothy 2:21

I spent 8 months in Great Lakes, Illinois preparing to be a sailor. It was some rigorous training; early mornings, long hikes, short lunches, PT for hours, and most of all, lack of sleep. But when it was all said and done, I was proud to march in my dress whites in front of the commanding officer getting his salute of approval.

Christian, we are in a boot camp of a sort, one that is preparing us to be more like Jesus. No, we are not working for our salvation but we are working to bring Him honor to what He has called us to. He has called us to be holy, separate from the world, a servant, a disciple. And you cannot do that and serve man as well! If you want to hear Him say, “Well done”, you better get busy preparing.

GOD HAS HIS EYES ON YOU!

The LORD looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men. Psalm 33:13

Have you ever felt like someone was watching you? As I sit here typing this post it’s dark outside, my blinds are open, and well…anyone could be looking in. It’s kind of creepy when you think about it. I mean, who knows what the government has watching us these days. But then again, who cares.

What we ought to care about is that no matter where you go, where you hide, what rock you try to get under… GOD HAS HIS EYES ON YOU!

He is looking down from Heaven and sees all of mankind. He knows what you did last night when your spouse was in the other room. He knows what you did when Mom and Dad went to bed. He knows what you were doing when the boss left early for the day. Instead of worrying about what may thinks about you, you better be more concerned about what God knows about you! For… The eyes of the Lord are in every place beholding the evil and the good. Proverbs 15:3

JUST FIVE MORE MINUTES

You can rest tomorrow, for there is work to be done today!

Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee. Psalm 116:7

Monday is here again. The alarm clock’s snooze button has been hit at least three times if not more. One eye is glued shut and it doesn’t want to cooperate. Your face is almost a permanent part of the pillow. You question, Do I get up or do I call in sick? Do I roll over and say, “Forget it!” Or do I get up, get ready, and go on in to work?

Child of God, we only have one answer; Just do it. No, don’t roll back over! Get up and go on in. The Lord will sustain you just like He has ever since you began to work. What He did last Monday, He can do again today. So, take that shower, put on that uniform, do your devotions, pray, eat a good breakfast, and head on in. God, may just give you someone that needs to hear the Good News today! Are you ready for it? You can rest tomorrow, for there is work to b e done today!

GOOD INTENTIONS

If you can earn it, why did Jesus die?

There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. Acts 10:1-2

At a first look, one would think Cornelius was a saved man on his way to Heaven. He was a religious man who feared God, gave financially to the ministry, and prayed. But if you continue reading in Acts you will come to the understanding Cornelius did not know who Jesus was. Even with all of His works he was still dead in his sin and trespasses.

Is that what you are doing in this life for Jesus? Are you trying to work your way to Heaven? You have good intentions in working for the Lord but it won’t work, ye must repent and be born again. No one gets to Heaven, by their works! Consider with me Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

COME ON TO CHURCH- WE’RE JUST LIKE YOU BUT DIFFERENT!

The Christian church is a society of sinners. It is the only society in the world, membership in which is based upon the single qualification that the candidate shall be unworthy of membership. –Morrison

We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company. Psalm 55:1

      At the end of the day, we are all the same, we are wicked to the core. The only righteousness we may have is the righteousness imputed upon us by the Lord Jesus Himself. We didn't earn it, win it, or inherit it. Jesus gave it to us freely when we asked Him to save us. Have you asked Him to save you? "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house."

Friend, GET UP, GET READY, and

GO TO CHURCH TODAY!

THERE’S NOTHING LIKE THE REAL DEAL

The Bible is no mere book, but a Living Creature, with a power that conquers all that oppose it. --Napoleon Bonaparte

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 2 Timothy 3:16

When I was young, Mom tried one of those knock off brand cereals. It didn’t have the same crunch, mouth-watering taste, or complete satisfaction as the real deal did. Nothing can take the place of a bowl of real Apple Jacks, Fruity Pebbles, or Captain Crunch.

From the garden until now we continue to get knock offs of God’s Word. For whatever reason, it never ends up good. Satan propagated the biggest knockoff (lie) of them all. He cast doubt on the Word of God when he said, “Yea, hath God said…” and by Adam and Eve’s choice, it changed man forever.

Today, people continue to pick up knockoffs of God’s Word. They continue to cast doubt that God is able to be true to His Word; to keep it, to preserve it, to keep it pure and holy. They don’t have that which truly satisfies (The Word) so they have to incorporate entertainment. This is all at the detriment to generations to come. Friend, nothing satisfies like the Real Word of God! Nothing satisfies like the King James Bible! 

WHAT A FELLOWSHIP, WHAT A JOY DIVINE

The people with whom we travel are much more important than the place to which we travel. –Wright

That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 1 John 1:3

Traveling daily with the Saviour brings about a joy that is contagious! Folks don’t like to be around a stick in the mud! If you have the joy of the Lord in your heart, fellowship with fellow believers is inevitable! Better yet, if you have the Lord in your heart, fellowship with Him is just a prayer a way as you lean on His the everlasting arms!

WHAT DO YOU LOOK LIKE TO OTHERS?

Behavior is a mirror in which everyone shows his image. –Goethe

            O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. Matthew 12:34-35

            A mirror reveals the truth about ones looks. Wrinkles, baggy eyes, chubby cheeks, and love handles can’t be thoroughly seen until viewed in a mirror.  But much more than any mirror the tongue and the actions of the heart speaks volumes as to what others see in your life.

What do you look like to others when times are tough at work? What do you look like to others when the bank account looks bleak? What do you look like to others when you say with your mouth you’re saved and going to Heaven but your actions don’t back it up?

TRUST IN THE LORD FRIEND! He will get you through what He has brought you to! You will help others when everything around you is falling apart but you are not!

THERE IS SOMETHING YOU NEED BUT YOU MAY NOT KNOW WHAT IT IS.

Man's ultimate happiness lies not in this life. -Thomas Aquinas

Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Psalm 37:4

            Many people search all of their life for that one thing that makes them happy to no avail. They try drugs, alcohol, the promiscuous life style, jobs, materialism, education, etc. all leading to a deep empty feeling inside. But when that one delights in God’s Ways and not mans. When that one finds the treasure they have been looking for isn’t in this world. But oh, when that one comes to know Jesus as Saviour, hallelujah! He gives them their desires and satisfies what they have been longing for!

Do you know Him? He is what you need! Do you delight in Him? He satisfies if you delight in Him!

GET A LITTLE CLOSER

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. James 4:8

It is never my intention to push anyone away from the Gospel message. What we try to do is point them to Jesus. But what many do is run from Him. They attempt to hide. They do not want to hear the truth. Sure, everyone wants to go to Heaven but many are not willing to do what it takes and all they have to do is take God at His Word; “…”except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.”

How’s your walk with the Lord this morning? Do you need to repent? Do you need to get a little closer? Open the Word of God and get a little closer with Him. 

DRIVING A LIFE WITHOUT UNDERSTANDING IT

When it comes to the control of our lives, we are either "body" men or "spirit" men. --Eric Lindholm

He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls. Proverbs 25:28

Have you ever tried to drive a mini-bike? I was like 11 or 12 and one of my friends got one for his birthday. He said, “You want to drive it?” Sure!...was my crazy response! What a mistake! I got on it, cranked it up, popped the clutch and off I went….right into a tree. I had no control over it because I didn’t know how or what to do!

That ride reminds me of my life before I received Christ as Saviour! I was aimlessly walking around in this world not knowing where I came from or where I was going. Since the day Jesus came into my life I have had a pair of spiritual eye glasses showing me that I have a wonderful Creator and He has informed me of where I’m going.

How’s your eye sight? Are you still running into sin and shame? Are you lost, looking for a way out always ending up starting over? Before all else fails—look to Jesus and live. You’ll be driving your life with understanding!!

LEARN MORE ABOUT JESUS

As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. Psalm 42:1

            With tears in their eyes, one asked, “How do I learn more about Jesus?” My answer is simple; GET UP, GET READY, and GO TO CHURCH!

            Is your heart panting to be with the Saviour this morning?    

More, more about Jesus, More, more about Jesus; More of His saving fullness see,

More of His love who died for me.

DON’T JUST SIT THERE… DO SOMETHING FOR THE LORD AND YOUR FELLOW MAN!

Sir Walter Scott said, "The race of mankind would perish from the earth did they cease to aid each other."

As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:10

From the vilest offender to the “cleanest” sinner you may know, they all have a need of the Lord Jesus Christ. They have need of the Saviour. How are you sharing the Gospel? Have you offered a cup of cold water? Have you helped someone when their ox was in the ditch? Have you invested in others not looking for anything in return?

What a privilege to be the person that is able to give and not the person needed to receive. By God’s grace you have been given the privilege to share what He has blessed you with. Don’t hoard your time, talents, or treasures! Invest them into something for the Lord!

GOD WON’T PUT ANYTHING ON ME I CAN’T HANDLE...REALLY???

Have you ever heard that saying? Well it’s a lie! God will allow things to happen in our lives that brings us to our knees! Consider Job for a moment- He lost his family. He lost his wealth. He lost his health. All within 24hrs...but God didn’t give him more than he could handle?? I’m sorry... without Jesus hanging onto me I would be blown away! I go crazy just dealing with my cell phone company!!

1 Corinthians 10:13, There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Sure, He gives us more than we can handle! He does in order for us to be driven to our knees. He does it so we will call out to His Son!

JUST CAN’T PRAISE HIM ENOUGH!

Praise is the rehearsal of our eternal song.  –Spurgeon

“…I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.” Luke 19:40

            If you’re saved this morning you have a lot to praise the Lord for! This is one of many ways I can give my testimony of praise… One day the Lord transcended space, pierced our galaxy, enter our solar system, counted over three plants from the sun, jumped on the jet stream, flew over the North American continent, landed in the Good Ole USA on the State of North Carolina, skidded across to Alamance County, through the town of Graham, and took a left onto Brier Lane on July 12, 1992, and saved my sin sick soul! What a Saviour is mine! Do you remember the day He saved you? 

IS YOUR SALVATION DOING OR IS IT DONE?

A great many people are trying to make peace, but that has already been done. God has not left it for us to do; all we have to do-is to enter into it. - D.L. Moody

I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. John 17:4

Reflecting back on a book I recently read, “DONE”, By Cary Schmidt, I echo the thoughts of the writer, Jesus has accomplished everything we need for salvation! The sacrifice was secured, the price was paid, the offering received, the blood applied, and the debt cancelled! All you have to do is repent and believe on the Lord Jesus and be saved! (“…Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.”)

If you haven’t read “DONE”, get a copy and do yourself a tremendous favor by reading it! You can find a copy by copying the link here and putting it into your browser: strivingtogether.com/products/done.html