Monday February 13 2012

Romans 9:16.

“Receiving God’s promise is not up to us.  We can’t get it by choosing it or working hard for it. God will show mercy to anyone He chooses.”

Are you working up a “sweat” trying  to win God’s love?

 Don’t!

 Paul says we cannot do it! This verse confirms that God is ultimately in control and there is nothing we can do to make God love us more and there is nothing we can do to make God love us less! Salvation is free, all we need to do is accept it with repentance.  God will not reject anyone who comes to him through the blood of Jesus.

My friend, when we receive the wondrous gift of salvation through the blood of Jesus, we want to do what is right and he provides the Holy Spirit so we can have the power and wisdom to do what is right. All we need to do is let Him have control in our lives. 

I spent many years unwilling to let God control my life.  I made hasty decisions without consulting him and most of them were detrimental to me as a person. Oh I did the “running around” trying to “win” my way into the kingdom and I tried to do “good deeds” so everyone would think that I was a “good” Christian but I was doing it all on my own power without the Holy Spirit guiding me and you know what?

 God didn’t love me more because I was trying to be the kind of person I thought I should be. In all fairness, I should confess that I was doing all these “good” things to benefit myself, to make me feel better and to impress other people. My motives were wrong and all my deeds were for nought. God loved me just as I was, without me trying to impress Him or others. It is not our works He wants but our whole selves.

Prayer for today: Precious Heavenly Father, Thank you for loving me just the way I am, in all my imperfection and selfishness and human frailty. I know you are my salvation and you only;  there is nothing I can do to earn it.  You did it all on the cross.  Help me, Lord, to relinquish my stubborn nature and totally allow you to control my life and guide me along the path you have prepared for me. Thank you for the gifts you have given me and help me to give you the glory and honour for the benefits they bring.  In Jesus name, Amen.

Strengthening of Character

A Weekend Thought  February 12 2012

Strength of character:  “One who is not afraid to stand for truth or by his/her convictions, who is moral, just, kind, honest and displays integrity and fairness.”

Paul also says that character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation.  As my years increase, so does my longing to be with Jesus.  There is not a shred of doubt in me that Heaven is my final destination. I have more confidence in that truth now than I did when I was younger. Perhaps, through the years, a strengthening of character has, and is, developing. 

When I was a youth I had doubts about my salvation because of the absence of faith.  This was also evident in the way I lived my life, often making unwise choices which resulted in consequences that were unpleasant, to say the least.  Even though I accepted the Lord at a very young age and knew the truth, I chose to wander on the “wide” path for some time.  When I rededicated my life to Jesus, it was the beginning of wisdom.  Even though I made numerous bad choices during that rebellious time, I am thankful for the experiences I encountered because it enables me to empathize with others who are in the same predicament and it helps me not to be critical or judgmental of them.

As I learn to walk the path that is chosen for me by the Saviour, I am gaining confidence and with it comes endurance and strengthening of character. I am so thankful that God, in his love and compassion, invested time in me to teach me and grant me the wisdom to make the right choices.  He is waiting for you as well. If you’ve been making choices, which have not been beneficial for you, and you need to turn your life around and travel the narrow path that the lord has for you, do it while there is time and learn to reap the benefits of being in "that" place.

Is it possible to love everyone?

Friday February 10 2012

Romans 5:5.   “And this expectation will not disappoint us.  For we know how dearly God loves us because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with love.”

It is evident, then, that we should be thankful  that God invests time in us and teaches us the things we are willing to learn. 

We know it is through the  power of the Holy Spirit that we are assured of His presence. And it is the presence of the Holy Spirit that gives us the love that enables us to love others.

 If we can’t demonstrate God’s love then we are not in the right place with Him. If we are not in the right place for God to be able to use us then he will help us to grow to that level by teaching us what we need to learn thereby giving us the endurance we need  to love those God puts in our path. 

To demonstrate God’s love isn’t always easy and we cannot do it on our own but with the power of the Holy Spirit, which God gives us, we can show His love. 

The Holy Spirit enables us to reflect the love and joy and peace of the saving grace of Jesus to others. It is in this way that our lives can bring others to the knowledge of Jesus Christ so they too can have this confidence.

Prayer For Today:  Heavenly Father, Thank you for providing the Holy Spirit, the Comforter to bring peace and fullness to my being.  Help me to be open to the leading and guiding of the Holy Spirit and to be sensitive to what you are saying to me through the Spirit.  Let me have ears to hear and love in my heart for others, In Jesus name, Amen.

Developing Character

Thursday February 9 2012

Romans 5:4 “And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation.”

What is the benefit of endurance? 

It is considered to be a valued quality because the result of endurance leads to strength of character.  

It seems to me, when I meet someone who displays strength of character, they have experienced many trials and problems in life. 

As life enfolds, with its trials and tests, we realize that the result is the birth of kernels of wisdom, which lead to strength of character. 

I have met many who have endured a great amount of sadness in their lives and sometimes it seems as if there are more hardships dealt to one particular person or family while others seem to escape any trials or hardships. We don’t know why this is, but we do know, that  problems lead to endurance and endurance leads to strength of character which ultimately leads to a glorious future with Jesus Christ, and in the meantime, to wisdom and maturity in Christ so that we may become mentors and advisors for those who are at the beginning of the cycle to wisdom.

Prayer for today: Thank you Lord for going through all the trials in life with me.  Thank you for allowing me to experience problems so I can help others endure. Help me to give thanks in everything and not to be anxious in anything.  I know there is a reason for everything that happens in my life. In Jesus name, Amen.

Wednesday February 8 2012

Romans 5:3.

“We can rejoice too, when we run into problems and trials for we know that they are good for us - they help us to learn to endure.”

No one is exempt from problems!  Everyone experiences trials. It is what we do with the problem that is important!

.  Paul tells us to rejoice in the midst of our problems.  In ourselves this is hardly possible, but it is in the midst of the trial that we long to draw near to our heavenly Father and seek His face.  When we do this, we can begin to rejoice in the middle of the trial because that is when we realize how great our need for the Saviour is and it brings us closer to His wounded side.  When we abide close to His wounded side, we have deep joy and peace.

How then, does this result in endurance? 

It is in God’s timing that the answer comes, not on our own timing.  

In God’s timing our eyes are opened and we “see” the solution! 

In God’s timing the trial ends and the problem is resolved. 

We are asked to “wait” and endure throughout the trial until the answer arrives. 

This is how we learn to wait on the Lord and endure!

Prayer for today: Dear Lord, I know no one is exempt from facing trials in this earthly life and I know that they are necessary for me to learn what you are trying to teach me. My prayer is that you would grant me wisdom to know what you want me to learn.  I am thankful for the valuable lessons I have learned by the experiences you have allowed to happen in my life, and even though some have been difficult, I know they have brought me closer to you. Help me to continue to allow you to be in control of my life and “wait” on you who always knows what is best for me. In Jesus name, Amen.

What good are trials and troubles?

Tuesday February 7 2012

Romans 5: 3-5.

“We can rejoice too, when we run into problems and trials for we know that they are good for us- they help us to learn to endure. 4) And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation.  5) And this expectation will not disappoint us, for we know how dearly God loves us because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with love.”

Endure: To withstand, suffer or persevere.  Verses relating to - Psalms 69:1-9, Psalms 78:69, Psalms 106:1, Matthew 10:22, 1Corinthians 13:7, Hebrews 10:36, Hebrews 12:1, James 5:11, 1Peter 1:6, 1Peter 2:19.

How long have you endured problems and trials?  You may be in the middle of a turmoil right now.  It seems the older we get the longer the list of trials becomes.  Paul says we should rejoice when we run into problems because they help  us.  Have you heard about the brook?  “If it wasn’t for the rocks, the brook would be silent.” “It is the sound of the brook that enhances its beauty. Our lives are similar, in that, the trials in our lives enhance our beauty, beauty that our Creator intended us to have but often it is not evident until  exposed by measures, which are not always pleasant.

In the city of Ephesus there are many ancient structures that have been excavated through years of precise and painstaking efforts. It is amazing how carefully and meticulously archaeologists brush the years of grit and soil and other build up off the treasured artifacts that have been unearthed.  It takes long hours of careful scraping and cleaning to actually realize what has been found.  That is the way we are.  Our true beauty is often hidden by years of debris and that’s when our Great Creator needs to take measures to “clean” us so the hidden beauty will come forth and we can fulfill the purpose that God has for us to become the treasure that He can use for His glory.

Prayer for today: Dear Lord, I thank you and praise you for being a faithful God who always walks beside me. Even though I often feel like I am in the midst of unsolvable trials, I know you are there. I also know, dear Lord, that I need much refining and when I look back on my life, I can see that the trials I endured, were necessary to get rid of years of collecting debris.  I know the refining process helped my spiritual growth and brought me closer to your side. Help me to keep treading on and looking to you for strength as I live in the wonderful peace that your presence provides.  In Jesus name, amen.

The wait will be worth it!

Monday Monday February 6 2012

Psalm 12:7) “Therefore, Lord, we know you will protect the oppressed, preserving them from this lying generation.”

  

We know He is protecting the oppressed and preserving them from lying tongues.  We may fail to see the evidence of this, but our goal is not to judge, only to trust God and remain in His will.

Psalm 12:8) “Even though the wicked strut about, and evil is praised throughout the land.”

Even though we may not see the evidence of God’s protection, we know He is in control. When we see the wickedness and evil flourishing in the world today, we still cling to the knowledge that He is in control.  He allows  deceitfulness to continue in this day and age but when He returns to gather us into His arms of love and purity and truth and safety, then the lies will end and truth will prevail! 

This is encouragement to keep us on the path that leads to safety, for when we stand before Him and He says to us, “Well done good and faithful servant, welcome home!” It will be worth it!

Prayer for today: Lord, Thank you for being with me every step of my way.  Help me to walk on the path that you have for me and under the shelter of your hand. Lord, as I grow in my spiritual walk with you, keep me from becoming judgmental or self-righteous and keep me from evil.  I thank-you, Lord, that you are a God of compassion who takes care of the oppressed and one day  everyone will receive their “just” rewards.  Thank you that you are the one keeping score and we don’t need to do that. Help me to cling to the promises in your Word!  In Jesus name, Amen.

Dad's Promise

A Weekend Read: Sunday February 5 2012 

  

 My Dad’s Promise: 

   By Adena Paget

When my Dad made a promise, he always kept it! I am trying to be the same.   Can you remember promising something that you couldn’t follow up on or making  a promise that you did not keep?  Have you ever stopped to think what a difference it really makes?

When I was about 11 years old, my Dad told me about a fellow he worked with who had a motor scooter he wanted to sell and my Dad wondered if I would like it.  Would I?  Being the tomboy type of kid I was, of course I wanted it! I guess the circumstances warranted my being a “bit” spoiled”.  My Mother died the day before my eleventh birthday and my Dad, in his grief and empathy towards me, thought it would be okay to “spoil” me just a little. So from time to time, I received gifts like this motor scooter. 

Well, I waited and waited, it seemed for months, for my Dad to bring home this much-anticipated machine.  At first, of course, I continually bugged him about it and became quite bratty and demanding about his promise.  I guess, my Dad realized that he was actually contributing to my change of attitude and soon told me I would not be getting the motor scooter!  Well!  I became quite indignant and started to sulk and pout.  My  Dad didn’t say much but as time passed, I knew I had blown it!  I was not getting my scooter!  I’m sure I accused him of being a lot of things he wasn’t but he never budged!

One day, he came to talk to me, seriously.  He told me how I had let him down by acting spoiled and insensitive to his generosity.  He also told me how difficult it was for him to be alone and how he needed my understanding to help him through these lonely days.  He told me it was a rough road for all of us and it was impossible to bring my Mom back and we had to trust the Lord to bring us through this terrible trial.  I can never remember feeling such empathy and shame as I did at that time. He prayed with me and we asked forgiveness and I knew I was forgiven not only by my earthly Father but I knew my Heavenly Father also had forgiven me.  I think, it was the disappointment I brought to him that affected me most and the fact that I had hurt him by only thinking of myself. The behavior I displayed was unusual for me and I suppose I could justify it because of the circumstances, but in reality, it was against my personality and downright selfish!

Several weeks later while playing in our front yard, I heard the sound of a small motored machine putt-putting into our driveway and there was my Dad looking ridiculous riding on this little machine which was built for 11 year olds.  What a Guy! 

I enjoyed many rides around the neighbourhood on this quaint little machine, which always seemed to need spark plugs or pistons or oil or gas. After several months, I realized it was more trouble than it was worth so I sold it. 

The lesson I learned has remained with me and I often think about our heavenly Father and the promises that are in his Holy Book. He knows exactly when to grant our requests and when and how to answer our prayers, even though they are not always what we want or exactly what we ask for, there is no question that He keeps his promises to us.  He is such a faithful God, unchanging and ageless and true to every one of the promises.  What an awesome Saviour we serve!

True Promises

Friday February 3 2012

Psalm 12:6  “The Lord’s promises are pure like silver refined in a furnace purified seven times over.” 

We know His promises are true because His Holy Word declares them to be.  They are compared to the very purest of silver with no unwanted substances, which is the pure truth! He says it is purified seven times! How much more can we expect? 

As my Christian walk continues, it becomes increasingly clear to me that His promises are true. In Hebrews He tells us he will never leave us or forsake us. When our son was killed in a tragic car accident, the peace of the Lord was upon me in a way that is difficult to explain. Our son was 37 years old with two small children.  Many of our friends thought I was a “rock” because I did not mourn the way the world mourns but it wasn’t me who was the rock, it was  Christ the solid “Rock” on which I was standing and it was He who gave me the peace and ability to carry on in spite of the tragic and huge loss. He is our comfort when we don’t know how we will be able to cope and He is our strength when we have none of our own and He is our joy when things look bleak and despairing!  What a wonderful Saviour we have!

Prayer for today: Father, I thank you for your promises that are like pure silver! I know you are a great God who keeps His promises and I have learned never to doubt you. I know that you cannot lie because you are Very God!  Thank-you for being my strength when I am too weak to stand and for being the solid Rock that I can always depend on. Help me to continue to rely on you and give all my cares to you.  In Jesus name, Amen.

Who is in control?

Thursday February 2 2012

Psalm 12:5) The Lord replies, “ I have seen violence done to the helpless, and I have heard the groans of the poor.  Now I will rise up to rescue them as they have longed for me to do.”

 Often we may think, “God has not heard my prayer.”  Mostly it’s because we have a narrow perspective and expect our prayers to be answered the way we see the answer.  This way of thinking is rather lofty because we are, in fact, escalating ourselves to the same level as God when we think this way. 

Imagine what this world would be like if, for example, I was God.  My ideas are so humanly minute, and as I reflect on my life, I can see where God worked out His plan, I would have totally “botched” it!  

 As it was, I often went ahead and made plans without consulting God and realized many of the “muddy” detours in my life could have been avoided if I had waited for his answer.  It is amazing to me, how good God is because he often made something good out of my foolish hasty decisions.

When our prayers are not answered as we think they should be, we forget that our view is narrow but God sees the panoramic view  of our lives and knows exactly what we need and when we need it.

Lately, my prayer has become: “Father, may my desires and aspirations be in perfect alignment with your will for me.  You always hears my prayer and you see our suffering and anguish and you will rise up and answer because you say you will!  In Jesus name, Amen.