There are a great many gulfs we are aware of: the Gulf of Mexico, the Gulf of Suez, the Gulf of California; the word gulf is meant to describe a large distance between two places. There is another gulf we should always be aware of: the gulf between ourselves and God. Just like the gulf between two sides of a mountain we need a bridge to get us to the other side, and for us, that bridge is the love Jesus Christ has for man. 1 Timothy 2:5 says “For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” I hope each of us is using that bridge to get closer to God each day. God bless you!
Who’s In There With You?
It’s morning, and you go alone into your prayer closet, but are you really alone? Things go in with you; things like uncertainty, fear, grief, or maybe joy, peace or excitement. Sometimes, because of the things in there with us, we just don’t know what to say or how to start. Thankfully, in that closet with us is the spirit of Christ. Romans 8:26 says “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” I’m glad I’m not alone in my prayer closet, how about you? God bless!
Don’t Believe Everything You Hear
Have you ever heard the expression “If it sounds too good to be true it probably is,” or “Beware of a wolf in sheep’s clothing”? As Christians we need to be constantly aware of these phrases. We are living in a time in which we are blasted by false prophets, both on television, radio, and print. We are warned about this in Matthew 7:15 where we are told “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.” I pray that we are all on guard and are prepared to speak the truth. God bless you all!
The Seasons Change!
One of my least favorite seasons is fall. The leaves drop and make a mess, the spring flowers die, and the lawn I’ve nurtured all year long turns from green to brown. In spite of that seasonal change, we have a hope for all seasons. Isaiah 40:8 tells us: “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand forever.” I am thankful that I always have that to depend upon, how about you? God bless you!
Are There Angels Among Us?
Do you believe in angels? I know that I do! Angels are mentioned 93 times in the Old Testament and 163 times in the New Testament. Jacob wrestled with one, Isaiah saw them in a vision, John also saw them in his vision of Heaven. Some angels minister to God, others minister to us. Some are messengers (Gabriel), some are warriors (Michael); how many are there? I don’t know, but in Revelation 5:11 John said “And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands.” I don’t know how many there are, but to quote a popular song: “Oh, I believe there are angels among us, sent down to us from somewhere up above….” How about you? God bless you and may He guard you with a host of angels!
What, and Who, is Your Center?
Do you ever think about things that are centered? When we hang a picture we make sure it is centered, when we build a wall we make sure the bubble in the level is centered, in yoga we are told to find our center, some people are “self-centered.” Alexander Maclaren said “The cross is the center of the world’s history.” But do we make Christ the center of our life? He is the Alpha, Omega, Beginning, End, First, Last and everything in the center. Matthew 6:33a tells us “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and all his righteousness…” If we can do that, we will be truly centered. God bless you!
We Need To Pray
I’ve been thinking a lot about the needs of others. We all have friends or family who are struggling physically, or emotionally, or spiritually, or financially. Some are facing difficult medical tests, others are fighting infections, some are fighting to stay afloat, and others are fighting to stay alive, both physically or spiritually. Paul the Apostle wrote in Galatians 6:2 “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” It tells me that, at the very least, we need to be on our knees every day lifting each other up to our Lord. Will you join me? God bless you!
Are you Humble?
There is an old song that went “Oh Lord, it’s hard to be humble….” However, as Christians, it should be one of our character traits. If we say that we are patient, friendly and long-suffering, we need to be able to say that we are humble. In a society where there is a “me first” attitude, humble people are needed more than ever; people who work quietly in the background without seeking recognition. Ephesians 4:2-3 tells us that we should act “With all lowliness and meekness with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” I know it might be hard to be humble, but I’m going to try, how about you? God bless you!
Trials and Troubles? Surrender!
How many of us have experienced trials and troubles, been alone, or afraid, been let down, or felt despondent? I would imagine all of us have at one time or another. Fortunately there is an easy answer: surrender everything into His hands and trust Him with every issue! Isaiah 40:31 says, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isn’t it awesome that we can lean on our God in hard times? God bless you today!
Which Conscience Do You Have?
Have you ever heard these sayings? Do you have a guilty conscience? Is your conscience bothering you? Let your conscience be your guide! But, which one? The bible says that there are four kinds of conscience. There is one mentioned in 1 Timothy 4:2 where “speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their consciences seared as with a hot iron;” 1 Corinthians 8:12 mentions a “weak conscience;” 1 Timothy 1:5 speaks of a “good conscience,” and then there is a secular conscience that allows ungodly things because it thinks they are good. I am praying we all exercise the good conscience, the one maintained by God when we are born again and is described in Hebrews 9:14 – “how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself up without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? I am praying He richly blesses you today!
