TRUST HIM

t is not in life's chances but in its choices that happiness comes to the heart of the individual.-Long

For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name. Psalm 33:21

            Faithfully abiding in the Saviour’s care is what brings about joy in our hearts. For we know that whatever comes our way—has passed by Him. He has entrusted us with this situation. He has entrusted us to bring honor and glory to His name in it and through it.

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James 1:2-4

GOD WILL MAKE A WAY

Little by little, inch by inch, God makes a way for His Children.

Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Many times, when life hits us hard, we forget who allowed the storms to come our way. You see Child of God, there is nothing that comes your way that has not already came through your heavenly father’s hand. He is allowing you to go through what your going through. Why? For His Glory and your Good.

            Friend, what are you going through today? Give it to Jesus! He is big enough to make a way for you through it!  

FAITHFUL IN THE LITTLE THINGS

Who doth small things well will prove to higher trusts most true. -Anonymous

Matthew 25:21  His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

If you can’t do the small things God has asked you to do, why would you remotely think God would use you to do great things? God has told us to tell others about Him, give our tithes and offerings, to attend church, and so much more that we forsake Him in! Those things we think as so little are huge in God’s eyes. Our tithes and offerings are what fund the church and missionaries. Our church attendance helps us grow in the Lord and we become a blessing in others lives! Sharing the Good News of the Gospel is more valuable than anything any of us can do.

Stop skipping church! Start sharing the Gospel! Start and paying your tithes and offerings! Be faithful in the little things and God will grow you and take care of you!

WAIT UNTIL

Wait in prayer. Call on God and spread the case before. Express your unstaggering confidence in him. Wait in faith, for unfaithful, untrusting waiting is but an insult to the Lord. Wait in quiet patience, not murmuring because you are under the affliction, but blessing God for it. -Spurgeon

Psalm 40:1, To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.

Waiting on the Lord is not natural. It’s hard. It’s testing. It is a characteristic that is learned when we take baby steps of faith. Yet, it is also the most rewarding!

I know it is hard but if we wait until God makes the way for us, we will never question if it’s the way or not!

FOLLOW REAL CLOSE

You can never be too close to Jesus.

1 Peter 2:21, For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

Do you remember as a child, how close you would stay to your parents or grandparents? They would always be saying, “Get out from under my feet!” The you would cling to them even harder.

We need to have that type of desire for Christ! We will never hear Him say, “Back off, Get out of my Bubble, or You’re too close.” But what we do hear from His Word is, “Draw nigh to God”.
Has there ever been a time you have been closer to the Lord than now? You might want to evaluate your heart and get whatever is in between you and Him out.

HIS LIFE FOR MINE

I must die or get somebody to die for me. If the Bible doesn't teach that, it doesn't teach anything. And that is where the atonement of Jesus Christ comes in. -Moody

2 Corinthians 5:21, For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

When Jesus Christ came to earth, he came with a purpose in mind, to redeem lost sinners. He said this when He was at the temple, “I must be about my Father’s business.” He said it when speaking to His disciples, “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” He said it when He was on the Cross, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” What you have to do is decide whether Jesus was a liar, a lunatic, or if you will repent of your sins and trust Him as Saviour. He gave His life for mine and yours! Don’t die without His blood being put to your account!

REMAIN STEADFAST

Being in your place is much more than a physical location.

Proverbs 27:8, As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place.

            Have you ever heard someone say something like, “Get in your places now?” It could’ve been a teacher, a CO in the service, or maybe even a Mom or Dad getting you in the right spot for family pictures. Whoever was attempting to get you to fall in line where you needed to be was trying to get you in the place only you could fill. Sometimes that place was not just a physical place either. Sometimes that place was for you to get your mind back where it needed to be.

            Guess what Child of God, you have a place you need to be and it’s not just physically! Anyone can come to church and be a million miles away. If you’re not there mentally and physically, you are missing out on God’s best for your life. I am reminded of what Isaiah 26:3 says this morning, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”

PRAYER MEETING AND BIBLE STUDY

            That moment you think you don’t need church, is when you need it the most.

1 Corinthians 11:22, What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not.

            The midweek prayer meeting is a very important time in the believer’s life. It is one more time you get to hear preaching. It is there the believer will grow by teaching of the Word of God. It is there the believer will have a midweek infusion of Christian fellowship. It is there the believer gets to hear fellow believer’s prayer request. It is there God has a message for you that can help you in your time of need.

            Don’t ever think that you don’t need church. The local Bible Believing, Bible teaching, Bible living church will help you like nothing else will. So, make your way out to the midweek praying meeting and Bible study tonight!

PRESS ON

(Failure is) not the falling down, but the staying down. -Pickford

Psalm 40:12, For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart faileth me.

The Psalmist David cries out in what seems to be his failure to escape the enemy. He cries out admitting his sin. He cries out of his weakness to the only One that can help. He cries out to the Lord! Why; because the Lord has delivered Him time and time again! And He will do it this time as well.

Friend, whatever you are going through, the Lord can get you through it. Turn to Him. Cry out to Him. Don’t give up, give in, or quit. PRESS ON! Read what David said just a few verses later: Psalm 40:17, But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.

KEEPING FAITHFUL

Compromise leads to Corruption

2 Timothy 4:7-8, I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

In Paul’s second letter to Timothy he gave Timothy some instructions about Christian Living, about the Ministry, and life to come. In these two verse Paul is sharing with Timothy the importance in remaining faithful to the call God gave him. To fight the good fight, to finish well, and to keep the faith.  

Many have compromised in this life, losing their witness in this world. Paul did not waver and his witness continues today! How about you friend? What are you compromising in that will lead to your corruption and eventually your crumbling? Get rid of it, fight the good fight, finish well, keep the faith, and live for Jesus!

Empty Nest

There are different seasons in every age of life.       

Ecclesiastes 3:1, To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

            Our youngest daughter just went off to college. The empty nest syndrome is beginning to set in. The house is quieter. There are fewer dirty dishes. The house stays cleaner. She’s annoying. Some benefits are starting to show- 😊. But there are some disadvantages as well. The house is quieter- she keeps it lively. The house stays cleaner- she help clean it. There are fewer dishes to wash- she washes them. She’s annoying- asking weird questions about life, that I love. You see, even though we are enjoying our empty nest, we miss all of our kids greatly!

            While there are some advantages of kids staying at home, that is not God’s design. How do I know? God’s Word tells me. Genesis 2:24, Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. God has equipped us with His Word to train our kids for life and the life hereafter.

            Friend, the Lord instructs us in every season of life, including the empty nest stage. We may not like it, but that is how God designed things. What we need to do is stay faithful to Him. Digging into His Word, going to church, praying, and seeking how we can minister during this season of life. Start off this Sunday morning by GETTING UP, GETTING READY, and GOING TO CHURCH learning a bit more about the season of life you are in right now!

GET IT OFF YOUR CHEST

           It does not spoil your happiness to confess your sin.  The unhappiness is in not making the confession. -Spurgeon

Psalm 55:22, Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

            Carrying around the burden of sin and shame is more than anyone should attempt to do. That is why the Lord has told us to give Him our burden of sin. Give Him our struggles. Give Him our problems. Give Him our issues. Give Him our life and He will give us His!

            Are you still trying to carry the burden of sin around? You might do it for a while but you’ll never get rid of it until you give it to Jesus.

Are you still attempting to do right—you can’t.

Are you still trying to be right—you can’t.

Are you still working your way to heaven—you can’t.

            Get it off your chest and be set free by confessing your sin to the Lord!

Real Joy

            It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness. -Spurgeon

Nehemiah 8:10, Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

            Nehemiah reminded the people that there is joy in serving the Living God. It is also a reminder for you and I to remember the peace we have in the Lord. For us to remember the contentment we have in the Lord. For us to remember there is joy in knowing we are not going to hell! There is abundant joy in knowing I’m going to Heaven when I die!

            How about you friend? Do you have that contentment? Do you have that joy? Do you have that abundant joy? If not, you can and it can happen right now! Repent and trust Jesus Christ as Saviour!

FOREVER WORSHIP AND PRAISE

“Never doubt in the dark what God has revealed in the light.”- Paul Chappell

Psalm 66:1-2, Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands: Sing forth the honour of his name: make his praise glorious.

           Child of God, when you are going through a dark time, remember to worship and praise the Lord! It won’t be long before your darkness becomes light to guide your steps, making a way for you when no one else could do it!

WORK FOR THE NIGHT IS COMING

            The only place where success comes before work is a dictionary. -Sassoon

Colossians 3:23, And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

            I don’t know about you, but when I was growing up, we worked on cars a lot. It seemed like every weekend we were fixing something on one of the cars Mom and Dad had. One weekend was the brakes, the next would be a power steering pump. You never knew what we were going to be tearing apart and putting back together but you were guaranteed to be working on something. When I got old enough to drive, I bought me a new car that I didn’t have to work on. (But then I wrecked it- ☹) All that work but it never killed me. In fact, it was probably a good thing because it kept me out of trouble, taught me to do things myself, and it saved me a lot of money over the years.

            We only have so much time on this earth Christian friend. So, we must be working for the Lord, doing His will, and trusting Him with the outcome. If we follow Him, we might see someone come to know the Lord! That my friend is the greatest success anyone can have in this life. Will you work for Him while you can?

DUPLICATE

            People seldom improve when they have no other model but themselves to copy after.-Goldsmith

Ephesians 4:11-12, And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

            As you know, the word Christian means; “little Christ”. It means to be like Jesus, to be a duplicate of Him. To be called a Christian is one thing, to be one is another. For anyone to rightly be called a Christian, they must be born again. They must repent of their sin and confess Jesus Christ as Lord. Jesus said, “Ye must be born again”.

            Do people call you a Christian but you have never been born again? Well, the good thing is you are reading this and there is still time for you to do it now! Repent of your sin and confess Him as your Lord and Saviour before it is too late!

BITTERNESS KILLS

            When my heart is filled with thankfulness, I find no room for bitterness. – Unknown

Ephesians 4:31-32, Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

           Much like when a tobacco horn-worm gets into a tomato plant, when bitterness takes root into someone’s heart, they’re on a path of death. A barren, dry spirit is on its way if that sin isn’t dealt with. The cure for bitterness is, confession and forgiveness. Without these, God cannot and will not use an individual.

            Are you dealing with a bitter spirit? Ask the Lord to help you forgive and get past it. Until you do, there will not be any blessings of the Lord.

IT'S ALWAYS TIME TO DO RIGHT

Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the others. -Twain

Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein. Jeremiah 6:16

I think it was Bob Jones Sr. that said, “It is never right, to do wrong, in order to get a chance to do right.”It’s always right to do right—especially when your testimony is in at stake!

Several years ago I took a job that I should not have taken. I was qualified but not certified to do it. I thought, “But I can save them a lot of money and I did.” No matter what they were going to save, it did not outweigh my testimony! But hindsight is always 20/20 and I paid the price for saving them a fist full of dollars.

Child of God, its right to go to church! In my opinion, it is the backbone of America! Without strength from the preached Word of God……You, Me, and America is doomed for destruction! (2 Chronicles 7:14)

Lost Sinner, quit making excuses for your life and allow the Lord to work in it and make it better! Ask the Lord to save you—today! It’s time to do right by GETTING UP, GETTING READY AND GOING TO CHURCH!

ETERNALLY SECURE

We are saved by someone doing for us what we cannot do for ourselves. -Lester

Ephesians 4:30, And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

            I am so thankful God, in His grace and mercy, saw fit to send His only begotten Son Jesus to die on the Cross of Calvary. Without Him coming, we would be without hope and help in this world. You see not only did He come and die, He got up from the grave three days later conquering death, hell, and the grave for you and I. It gives us help; we cannot do anything to get to Heaven in our own strength. We also do not have the strength to keep ourselves saved. But God saved me and He keeps me! Friend, that gives me hope for today and tomorrow!  

            Have you been saved? If so, you didn’t do it in your own strength and power. God keeps us saved in His power as well! I don’t have to worry about working for it. I don’t have to worry about losing it. All I have to do is enjoy the salvation He has provided, walking in His will for our life being eternally secure.

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.

Psalm 35:9, And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD: it shall rejoice in his salvation.

HONOR THE LORD

            It’s not about you, your family, your church, it’s all about Jesus!

Psalm 115:1, Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake.

            For a longtime I have attempted to convey this message about life that is so needed during these days. The message is a simple one of honor and respect, praise and glory, and pointing people to the One Who it’s all about. The message is about Jesus Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.

            Is the message of honoring the Lord on display on our social media accounts? Is it displayed when you speak? Is it on display when respond to someone else’s post? Let me remind you of a verse found in Matthew 12:36, “… That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.”