BATTLE INSTRUCTIONS!

Ephesians 6:10-13 (KJV)

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."

Whenever I get "frazzled" by life's hurriedness, I SLOW things down by reading one sentence per minute.  That allows me to ruminate over what I am putting into my brain (mind) (Romans 12:2).  

These verses deserve a slow "simmering" view of them.  BE STRONG means to know that satan IS going to attack you, and you had better be ready!   IN THE POWER OF HIS MIGHT reminds me that I rely on CHRIST to win my battles (John 17:23).  

PUT ON THE WHOLE ARMOUR OF GOD tells me that war is imminent, and it is not something to take lightly.   I need to come prepared for something that is going to last a LONG while!   STAND AGAINST THE WILES OF THE DEVIL means that the enemy is going to use any and everything imaginable to cloud my spiritual vision and get me "off course"!  The devil may even use trickery or deceitful things to further his work.   I should be ready for that!  

FOR WE WRESTLE NOT AGAINST FLESH AND BLOOD is a reminder to me that "others" are not the enemy!  The enemy may use others, or something they say or do, but the REAL enemy is the devil and the demons of hell!  

"But against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." let's me know that the enemy has many, many ways to attack us and we have to recognize them and what they are trying to accomplish.  WE MUST keep our focus on CHRIST to avoid seeing fakes!

When I consider the word STAND, my mind goes to George Washington at Valley Forge!  Dictionary.com offers this definition: "6. to remain firm or steadfast, as in a cause".   George Washington was committed to defeating tyranny.   We must develop the mentality that we are in the battle of our lives!  Our saving grace remains JESUS lives in us and HE has won the VICTORY!!!

"LETTER TO THE EDITOR"!

These days, everyone seems to have an opinion.  The "Opinions" page of the local newspaper is filled with either "Journalists" opinions or "readers" opinions.   Even so-called "NEWS" articles has a reporters "view" of the facts!  Headlines report an overview of the article. according to a "person", to entice readers to peruse the article.  

However, every human has the possibility of being WRONG!  It would be nice if someone would write a "Letter to the Editor" that was factually on point and without bias.  

But wait......GOD has given us JUST such a book!  HE reports things that HAVE happened, things that ARE happening, and things that WILL happen, and how many of us are "shocked" when those things turn out to be TRUE?  

GOD is not some BIG, uncaring dictator who is ruling with an Iron Fist saying "My way or the highway"! HE is a loving, caring, merciful BEING that desires for us to live HOLY!  Why, because HE cannot fellowship unholiness!  And HE wants to be there with us, indwelling us, when the enemy attacks us!  He has tried to warn us MANY times.  Joshua 1:8 says "8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success".  Psalms 119:105-106  "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.  I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments."

My desire is to let HIM live through me!  In John 17:23, JESUS prays to The FATHER "I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me." 

The local paper does their best to report the facts.  However, the only venue to get a TRUE narrative of what has happened, is happening, or is going to happen, is from the ONE who never has to print "corrections" or "clarifications"!  

The HOLY BIBLE!

"Do I judge?"

Some people have a tendency to "form an opinion".  Some call it "judging".   Someone does something that the person determines is not the right thing to do, and they are labeled as "A SINNER"!   Romans 3:23 says "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God."   As a friend of mine says "even I am considered to be ALL"!  

Praise GOD though, I am not CONDEMNED, because of HIS grace!  Romans 7:24-25A says "O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?  I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Sometimes I find myself thinking that others MUST not be reading the same Bible I do?  Their interpretation of scripture may be different than mine.  GOD is the ONE they will have to answer to, NOT ME!  Or just maybe, I am the one who will be answering to GOD????

"And having done all, to STAND!"

Many times a certain word is used that may have a variety of meanings.  One of these words is found in the sixth chapter of Ephesians.   In the 10-13 verses, The Apostle Paul writes "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to STAND against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to STAND!"

The word "STAND" has many definitions, but I believe the one Paul intended was number six (below).  

verb (used without object)

1. (of a person) to be in an upright position on the feet.

2. to rise to one's feet (often followed by up).

3. to have a specified height when in this position: a basketball player who stands six feet seven inches.

4. to stop or remain motionless or steady on the feet.

5. to take a position or place as indicated: to stand aside.

6. TO REMAIN FIRM OR STEADFAST, AS IN A CAUSE. 

7. to take up or maintain a position or attitude with respect to a person, issue, or the like: to stand as sponsor for a person.

8. to have or adopt a certain policy, course, or attitude, as of adherence, support, opposition, or resistance: He stands for free trade.

Apostle Paul says we "WRESTLE" against evil forces!  We are required, mandated, to "ARM" ourselves against the "wiles of the devil" DAILY!  A strong army must be strong every day.  You cannot be strong one day, and the next day asleep at the wheel.  We are at WAR and we must realize that warfare brings out the best in your enemy!  

Am I be ready for the fight?  Am I ready to put on "the WHOLE armour of GOD".  Only if I allow HIM to live through me (Romans 14:8).  FATHER, cause me to "STAND" as I "wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places"...... "and having done all, to STAND!"

"I want PEACE!"

We were recently informed of the death of another "STAR", according to the press, whose life was cut short due to challenges in their life.  I have intentionally omitted names of people who have left this life, for the circumstances surrounding their life/death are not the point needing to be considered.  

Richard Pryor said in an interview on "E Television" in the early 90's when asked if he could do it all over again, what would he change?  His response has made an impact in my life.  He simply said "I want PEACE"!  He did not want more money, fame, bigger roles in movies....he wanted the thing that money could not buy!  

The BIBLE reminds us over and over to "BE STILL", "wait on the LORD", 

"BE PATIENT" and on and on.  JESUS recognized the need for the body to NOT to be constantly "under pressure"!   HE brought PEACE to this world, yet most of us keep searching for it.   In John 14:27 JESUS says  "PEACE I leave with you, my PEACE I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

 

Then in John 16:33 HE speaks "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have PEACE. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."  HE has overcome ALL the stress and turmoil the enemy tries to place on us.   If only we would REST in HIM!

 

Psalms 37:7  "Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass."

It's FREE!

John 15:20-22  (ESV)

"Remember the word that I said to you: 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted ME, they will also persecute you. If they kept MY word, they will also keep yours.  But all these things they will do to you on account of MY name, because they do not know HIM who sent ME.  If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin, but now they have NO EXCUSE for their sin."

Salvation is free, but it costs!  That statement was difficult for me to grasp for the longest.  How can something "cost" if it is free?  

There is nothing I can do worthy of getting me into Heaven.  The "ONLY WAY" is through JESUS CHRIST!  (John 14:6).   The only way to get to heaven is through sacrifice of JESUS!

But, some people will persecute others, and they don't even know it!   Matthew 10:22 says "and you will be hated by all for MY name's sake."  

When others persecute you, and it WILL happen, remember it is the enemy (devil) that is causing that.  It is not bad people.  It is people who are "under the influence" of evil.   Ephesians 6:12 says "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."  

Evil has many faces.   We have to recognize it when it is manifested, no matter how "dressed up" it is.  

GOD IS LOVE!

The text below had been copied from a website explaining how to prune a grape vine.   Please read while thinking of what Jesus spoke of in John 16:1-18 and the LOVE The FATHER has for us!   HE does not prune in anger, but in LOVE so we can produce HIM more fruit!  (v.9)  The LOVE HE has for us is omnibenevolent.   HE IS LOVE!

Step 1 of 8

Allow the grape vine to grow any-which-way the first year it is in the ground. Having abundant stems and leaves will help develop a strong root system on immature grape vines. No pruning at all for the first year.

 Step 2 of 8

Select the strongest and most vigorous-looking stem during the winter of the first year. Using bypass pruners, remove all the other stems at the base of the plant or as close to the trunk on the main stem as possible. Stake the remaining stem which will become the trunk of the plant. Use a grape stake or secure the vine along a fence with wire.

 Step 3 of 8

Allow stems to grow from the main trunk. In the spring of the second year, begin removing all but two of the very best side shoots that grow from the trunk. If the vine isn't branching where you want it too, pinch the top of the main trunk to encourage side branching.

 Step 4 of 8

Cut back the top of the trunk during midsummer of the second year, when the vine reaches the desired height. The process of tip pruning will force new growth along the main trunk. Remove any new branches that don't fit your plan.

 Step 5 of 8

Cut back all but the desired side branches and the main trunk during the second winter. What you have now is the basic frame for the plant - an upright stem with two sets of side branches.

 Step 6 of 8

Allow the vine to grow during the third spring and summer, removing anything that grows from the trunk. You want to retain the basic framework of the vine.

 Step 7 of 8

Leave 12 buds along each of the arms during the third winter. Pruning during the third winter is crucial to future fruit production. These 12 are the buds that will produce fruit during the 4th summer. Each of the 12 should have 1-2 leaf joints so that the vine looks like a stubby hat rack when you are finished pruning. These are called 'renewal buds' and will remain on the plant forever.

 Step 8 of 8

Prune the 12 renewal buds so that there is always one more bud growing from the tip. This practice will continue from the fourth winter onward. What you are doing is allowing the renewal buds to extend and grow one bud length every season. During the summer, the fruit develops on the new growth that springs from the renewal bud. Keeping them short during the dormant season keeps the plants under control.

John 15:1-18

"1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 

2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. 

3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 

4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 

5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. 

6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 

7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 

8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. 

9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. 

10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. 

11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. 

12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. 

13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. 

14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. 

15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. 

16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. 

17 These things I command you, that ye love one another. 

18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. "

"GRANDMA!"

My grandmother was a tremendous influence on my life.   She made a great impact without even knowing she was.  I remember when we were growing up, "Grandma" would feed us lunch and then she would go to the living room and read her Bible.  I often wondered why someone needed to read "The Bible" when they seemingly knew everything.   

Grandma could do everything.   She could cook like no other person alive!  She made all of her clothes.  She kept a house that was a model for others.  Whenever we had "Family Reunions" untold family members would spend the night at grandma and grandpa's.  I did not understand why someone who appeared to "have it all together" would need to read the Bible daily?

As I have aged and grown more in GOD's WORD, I have realized that the reason my grandmother "had it all together" was she DID read her Bible daily!  Joshua 1:8 says "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success."  

Grandma did not make a big deal about reading her Bible.   She would feed us lunch and then she would quietly retire to the living room and read.  But she made a tremendous impression on one 5 year-old boy!   I pray that I will "get it all together" someday and that when I do I exhibit that in my life!  

"WE THE PEOPLE!"

WE THE PEOPLE

In the ninth grade my civics teacher was Billy Gardner.  On the FIRST day of school he issued a homework assignment, to memorize the Preamble to the Constitution of the United States.  I can STILL quote it to this day.  

"We the People of the United States, in order to perform a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do hereby establish and ordain this Constitution of the United States of America."

As a ninth grader I didn't really pay much attention to these words.  However, as I age the words are becoming more meaningful.  It took 116 days to pen the Constitution.  Much prayer and thought were submitted beforehand.  We need to realize that it was NOT a task taken lightly by the framers.  

WE THE PEOPLE were the first three words chosen.   Why would the framers use words such as these?  Why not say "THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES" shall, or 

"THE FEDERAL CONGLOMERATE" or something like that?  

I was not there in 1787, but the fact that the people who set up the CONSTITUTION saw fit to place "WE THE PEOPLE" as the first three words of our founding documents tells me where the "POWER" was delegated.  

Would the founders be pleased with where we have progressed to in 225 years?  A better question, is The Lord satisfied with the position The United States of America finds itself?  

In 1913 WE THE PEOPLE begin charging TAXES on our citizens to fund the "needs" of the government.  In just over 225 years we have grown into the largest economy in world history!   But, in all of our "SUCCESS", we have abandoned our principles and values on which we were founded.  "WE THE PEOPLE" have turned from being dependent upon a higher being for our existence to relying upon "THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES" to provide our needs.  When did we start depending on our government instead of our government depending on us?  

WE THE PEOPLE must return to not only our founding principles and values, WE THE PEOPLE must return to the mindset that the government is only what "WE" allow it to be.  Prayer was a regular way of life back then.  Now, those who pray are considered weak and needy!   

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 says "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong."

Unless WE THE PEOPLE, one by one, return to "needing" HIM, then our country and our government is DANGER!  

"IT'S FREE!"

The notion of "You don't get anything for free" has been instilled within me my whole life.  Perhaps that is why I feel so "unworthy" to accept what GOD has so graciously given me.  Dr. Charles Stanley has a GIFT for using just the right words to explain things to this ole' country boy!  

February 15

Accepting God's Gift of Love

1 John 4:7-12

Many people simply can't believe that the Lord loves them. Others believe that He loves them, but only when they are pleasing Him in some way. Why is it so hard for us to accept His unconditional love?

One reason is that we have a hard time loving others without condition. We might say the words "I love you" to our spouse, children, friends, co-workers, or fellow believers but all too often are calculating in our mind whether or not they've lived up to our standard. We sometimes excuse ourselves from loving certain people because their behavior upsets or annoys us. The fact that we place restrictions on extending favor causes us to wrongly assume that the Lord does likewise.

Another reason is POOR self-image. Considering ourselves UNWORTHY, we refuse to accept God's love. You know what? NONE  of us are worthy of the heavenly Father's goodness and mercy—so you can let go of that excuse once and for all. We're not coming to Him based on our worth. Rather, we're coming to Him based on His GRACE, and our position is secure in Christ. To put yourself down as "beneath His grace" is to trample on His loving, generous gift. God arranged an awesome divine way for us to be reconciled to Him, and His greatest desire is for relationship with each of us.

If you feel unloved or struggle to accept yourself, ASK the Holy Spirit to reveal the truth of our heavenly Father's love for you—and to sink it deep into your heart. Receive the truth that He reveals. It will be a completely different story about your value as an individual.

GOD's Promises?

When GOD promises something IS going to happen, it does.  GOD's word is TRUE and SURE!   There are no exceptions!

Genesis 21:1-3   (ESV)

"The LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did to Sarah as he had promised.  And Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age at the time of which God had spoken to him. Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him, whom Sarah bore him, Isaac."

Just as HE promises good, HE also promises judgement for sin.   A pastor friend of mine used to preach "Most people sow their wild oats then go home and start praying for CROP FAILURE".  Just as HIS promises are fulfilled, HIS judgement must be carried out also.   I pray for mercy for myself and for the United States of America! 

Every now and then you just have to stop and smell the roses!   Today, as it has been for 31 years, is the grandest because of my lovely wife!

Lisa Barlow Nelson is without a doubt the "MATCH" for me!   GOD knew how "incomplete" I was, then HE created "YOU"!!

"BLAME GAME!"

One can blame everything on anybody, but the root of the matter is we are fighting a "Spiritual Battle"!  We, and I am a big part of WE, get SO caught up in the here and now that we fail to remember WHO WINS in the end!

Ephesians 6:12 says "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."

We have to remember that "OUR" battle is against evil!  EVIL has the ability to wear many different positions or suits of clothes.  "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God." says the Apostle Paul in Galatians 5:19-21.   Anything that is placed ahead of our love of GOD is sin.  

We all have to decide WHO we are representing.   Either we follow The Lord, or we don't!  Scripture says in Matthew 6:24 "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon."  

There is NO choice more clear, yet misunderstood.  In John 12:39-40 Isaiah is quoted as saying  "Therefore they could not believe. For again Isaiah said, "He has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, lest they see with their eyes, and understand with their heart, and turn, and I would heal them."  

LORD, cause me to remember that YOU defeated satan on Calvary and we need not fret over the "wiles of the devil"!  Because we are YOURS we reign VICTORIOUSLY!!

Enough Said!

Lord I Love You But...

by Dr. Charles Stanley 

Hebrews 6:10-12

Most of us are quick to declare our love for God, but at times our reluctance to serve Him tells a different story. Honestly consider whether you have ever found yourself saying or thinking, I love you, Lord, but don't call me to do that! Or perhaps you served Him, but with a flawed attitude: If no one else will do it, then I guess I will. What causes us to be reluctant servants?

Busyness: Sometimes our schedules are so full that there's no space to follow the Lord when we hear Him calling us to minister in a certain area. We all need "margins" in our lives if we want to abide in God's will.

Inadequacy: Perhaps you feel unqualified to serve, and you're thinking, Surely there's someone more gifted who could do that job. But that's just an excuse; the Lord promises to equip those He calls (2 Cor. 3:4-6).

Selfishness: Sacrificial service is never convenient. It may require that we change our plans, give up our comforts, or even make financial sacrifices.

Lack of love: This is the hardest for us to admit—that we just don't care enough. Our reluctance to serve others reveals a lack of devotion to the Lord. Those who love Christ with all their heart will joyfully serve Him by ministering to those in their families, workplaces, communities, and churches.

Are you quick to follow the Lord's leading when a need arises, or are you a reluctant servant who's preoccupied with your own plans and desires? Any service we offer in Jesus' name will not be in vain. You'll experience the joy of giving and the assurance that the Lord won't forget your sacrifice.

"Life in the fast lane!"

Nobody seems to have time for ANYTHING these days!  School, homework, ball practice, dance, church, choir, clubs, civic duties, job, and on and on.  It seems LIFE is so busy!

I have misappropriated more of the time given me and my family than I care to admit.  How many times have I carried my boys to ball practice, yet I neglected scripture reading?  How many times did I stay at School Board Meetings till after midnight, yet I did not have time to pray for Wisdom for my kids?  

GOD told Joshua in the book of Joshua 1:8 "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success."

Joshua was leading the entire nation of Israel into the Promised Land.   If anyone was under pressure to perform it was him!  Yet GOD instructed him to meditate "day and night" so that he could enjoy "good success."!  

Why do I think I am more important than Joshua?  GOD has a plan.  We all have a place in that plan.  GOD may want to include us in HIS plan but we have to LISTEN to HIM to hear it. 

"BE STILL" (Psalms 46:10) is the verse GOD placed on my heart about 5 years ago.  I have grown more spiritually in the past 5 years than I did my previous 30 years of being a Christ follower.  GOD has shown me that HE can make us take time for HIM should HE so desire.  HE can make up "prosperous", so why don't we just let HIM?   

Ephesians 6:16-18

Ephesians 6:16-18 is highlighted below.  I put this screen shot up on the page the way I did for it emphasizes verse 17!   Folks, Almighty GOD is in control, but we need to realize who our enemy is.  We wrestle against forces we have never "seen" physically, because they are "spiritual wickedness in high places."  When "people" do things that are contrary to the Word of GOD they are exhibiting traits of being under control of something other than GOD!  If it is not GOD, it MUST be the enemy!  Verses 14-18 of Ephesians 6 tells us how we MUST prepare for the battle by wearing the required "spiritual clothing".   

You must be able to recognize the enemy if you plan to be successful against him.   If your "eyes have been opened" (Mark 4:11-12) you will recognize when "evil" is present.  I pray that I will recognize that my battle is far more than whatever "worldly eyes" can see!  

BATTLE TIME!

Matthew 16:17; 23

17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 

23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men. 

This is one of the revealing passages in the Holy Bible.  In verse 17 JESUS is telling Peter that GOD is the only one who could have revealed "TRUTHS" to him.  In verse 23 JESUS is telling satan to "get thee behind me"!  

How can that be? Two opposing forces so closely manipulating the same man in Peter.  At times, I find myself in familiar territory!  I can be studying scripture and WHILE I AM READING it seems the enemy is placing thoughts in my head about what I "should" be doing instead of spending time with HIM!  

Ephesians 6:12 proclaims that our battle is not with tangible items.   "Against spiritual wickedness in high places" is the conclusive words of the passage.  The enemy uses any and all methods at his disposal to derail me from glorifying GOD ALMIGHTY!   And he fights hardest when the battle is in jeopardy!  

My prayer is that my life will reflect the "things that be of God" and not "those that be of men."   

MONEY!

At times, GOD displays to me HIS omniscience and mercy in ways that I can't explain.  Dr. Charles Stanley's Devotional this morning was exactly what I needed to hear.  Please listen to what Dr. Stanley has to say and let it ruminate in your soul TODAY! 

February 8

God's Master Plan of Finance

Malachi 3:7-12

Though the world is full of disorder, confusion, and uncertainty, believers in Christ have the wonderful assurance that God is in absolute control of every situation. When He created the heavens and the earth, He had a purpose and a plan, which He carried out with precision and order. Nothing was haphazard, late, or uncertain. The Lord also has a plan for each one of us, and every aspect of our lives is not only under His scrutiny, but also under His care.

One of those areas is our finances. If we'll follow God's plan, He promises to manage our money. Now, that's quite a blessing. After all, who do you think would be better at knowing how to handle money—you or our omniscient, all-powerful God? He promises that if we will give Him the first part of all we receive, He'll provide for our needs. He has an amazing way of making the remainder stretch farther than the original amount.

So, considering the blessings of this promise and the unfailing faithfulness of the Promise Giver, what is keeping you from obeying this command? The most likely reason is unbelief—fear to test Him on this even though He invites you to do so. But you may be asking yourself, What if He doesn't come through? What if I give it away and don't have enough?

The Lord is after your trust, and what better area to test and build it than your finances? Believing Him for our salvation seems easy, yet we often doubt He'll keep His promise when it comes to money. Take a step of obedience TODAY, and discover how faithful your God really is.

LIFE vs. LIVING!

Jeremiah 1:5

"Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations."

Society today wants us to believe that life begins at birth.  Yet no one has been able to explain to me how 

Jeremiah was known to THE LORD "before" he was formed in the womb.  No one can tell me how JESUS was predicted (prophesied) and named (Luke 2:21) BEFORE HE was formed in the womb.   

GOD is a SPIRIT.   So if GOD knew Jeremiah and JESUS "before" they were formed in the womb, then HE knew my spirit before I was formed in the womb.  HE knows ALL of us (our spirit) before we are formed in the womb (body).  

"LIFE" is from GOD!  Genesis 2:7 says "And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a LIVING SOUL."  Our "LIVING SOUL" was breathed into us from GOD ALMIGHTY!  Our living soul is what sets us apart from animals or any other living (body) creatures.   

Modern Society has placed all of the emphasis on our Life (body) and ignored the real life (soul) that GOD breathed into us.  It seems we are more interested in protecting that which is temporal (body) while we leave the spirit (soul) to die from malnutrition.   

We go to fitness centers to exercise and get our "bodies" into shape, yet we find our spiritual health is not important enough to do any spiritual calisthenics.  Look around you and you can judge who "goes to the gym" (body) regularly.   They have a physique that demonstrates it.  Our "LIVING SOUL" also demonstrates our exercise program as well.  Prayer and bible STUDY (not just bible reading) are essential to your LIVING SOUL!     

Joshua 1:8 instructs us that "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success."  If our lives demonstrates no spiritual exercise, then we are destined to exhibit spiritual malnutrition.    

Perhaps this is the reason "society" has degraded into one that devalues life so.  We, proclaiming Christian's, have become so enthralled with the "TEMPORAL" that the world cannot hear our words for our actions are speaking so loudly!