Jeremiah 14:20
We acknowledge, O Lord, our wickedness, and the iniquity of our fathers:
for we have sinned against thee.
What could happen if we just called it like it is? What if we would just come out and declare that we have sinned? Well a few words come to my mind...grace, forgiveness, salvation, healing, repair, restoration, mercy and praise. This is the short list.
God can, and always will, do great things when we acknowledge our sins unto Him. His word says if we hide or cover our sins that we will not be blessed or prosper. If we confess them, then He will hear us and forgive us. This seems very simple to me. Do not keep confession from God and always acknowldge your sins. Acknowledging your sin is defined as recognizing it or taking notice of it.
Today, will you pray with me a prayer I often pray? Father, please hear me as I ask you something today. Will you please show me my sins? I acknowledge that I have sinned against you Lord. I know that it is wickedness and sinful. Please forgive me of my sins. Forgive me O, Lord, remove my sins and cast them far from me. I am sorry that I disobeyed. I love you Lord. It's in Jesus' name I pray...Amen
Tuesday, January 9, 2018
Monday, January 8, 2018
Altered at the Altar
Psalms 43:4
Then will I go unto the altar of God,
unto God my exceeding joy:
yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God.
With much stress and heartache among all people today we are faced with finding hope. Have you seen all of the modern medication commercials lately? They usually tell about the cure for our problem and then spend the last two minutes of a two and a half minute commercial telling how it will alter you with its many side effects. How about the alcoholic beverage commercials? "Just a little something to take the edge off", they say. We live such an altered lifestyle nowadays. Dependent upon medication to wake us as well as put us to sleep. Some to pick us up and some to chill us out. Some to fix our stomach issues and others that effect our stomach issues. Wave after wave it rolls upon us. Not to mention the slogans from alcohol dealers that tell us to forget our troubles and have a cold one. "Guinness says "it's Good For You." Another one says, "Where there's life, there's Bud". We alter our minds, some alter their bodies, we even alter our situations and still come up short on the peace we are looking for.
We are convinced that our altered minds or attitudes is the answer for our peace and hope. I know that you could say I don't know what you're going through. I don't know your life or pain. You are right! I don't, and you don’t know mine, but I bet this man named David knew. He could have easily altered his life with things that made him forget his sin and struggle, but he chose to altar himself instead of being altered.
When my heartaches come, and they do often, I love getting altar-ed! Look again at what David said, "Then will I go into the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God." Did you know that things can be altered at the altar? Go... Go now.
Then will I go unto the altar of God,
unto God my exceeding joy:
yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God.
With much stress and heartache among all people today we are faced with finding hope. Have you seen all of the modern medication commercials lately? They usually tell about the cure for our problem and then spend the last two minutes of a two and a half minute commercial telling how it will alter you with its many side effects. How about the alcoholic beverage commercials? "Just a little something to take the edge off", they say. We live such an altered lifestyle nowadays. Dependent upon medication to wake us as well as put us to sleep. Some to pick us up and some to chill us out. Some to fix our stomach issues and others that effect our stomach issues. Wave after wave it rolls upon us. Not to mention the slogans from alcohol dealers that tell us to forget our troubles and have a cold one. "Guinness says "it's Good For You." Another one says, "Where there's life, there's Bud". We alter our minds, some alter their bodies, we even alter our situations and still come up short on the peace we are looking for.
We are convinced that our altered minds or attitudes is the answer for our peace and hope. I know that you could say I don't know what you're going through. I don't know your life or pain. You are right! I don't, and you don’t know mine, but I bet this man named David knew. He could have easily altered his life with things that made him forget his sin and struggle, but he chose to altar himself instead of being altered.
When my heartaches come, and they do often, I love getting altar-ed! Look again at what David said, "Then will I go into the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God." Did you know that things can be altered at the altar? Go... Go now.
Friday, January 5, 2018
God Gave it Back
Matthew 27:57-60
When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus 'disciple: He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.
Think of Joseph... His family tomb that he paid for and labored for was given to Jesus. Many people would say that he already knew Jesus only needed to borrow it, but I'm not sure that is the case. Even the disciples who walked with Jesus and saw the many miracles he did were in shock and disbelief of what had happened. Jesus plainly told them what would take place and they were blinded to the whole scene. So I don't believe Joseph gave his tomb for the body of Jesus with the intentions of getting it back.
I was thinking of how the tomb could have been given back because Jesus didn't need it long, only to borrow it. Then God showed me that Adam lost dominion in the garden of Eden and all of creation was in bondage to sin and death, even blinded by darkness... But Jesus, on the cross, gave it back through his blood. Then out of the tomb, he gave it back through his resurrection.
On the cross he gave His blood and life...and gave back our freedom from the penalty of sin, which is death.
Out of the tomb he came arose victorious...and gave back our lives through his resurrection.
Whatever you've lost...in marriage, to addictions, to the enemy, in your life... God, through His Son Jesus, can give it back. Don't allow satan to continue and blind you from the greatest truth ever. That God desires to save you. That God desires to restore you. That God desires to give it back.
Thursday, January 4, 2018
Love Lifted Me
Romans 12:2
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
I read something yesterday that really struck a chord within me. It said, "Ships don't sink by water being around them. They sink by water being in them." Wow what a statement. Simple, but yet full of absolute truth!
We are in a world soaked and saturated with sin. Like an ocean of water, our society and nation is drowning from ungodly waves of filth. But we are in Christ! We will not be conformed to this world and its sin. We are transformed by the blood of Christ. We need not let the sin of this world enter into our lives. Stay away from sin. Don't let the water enter into your life. That's when the boat starts to sink. Jesus saved us from sinking in sin.
One of the greatest things about Jesus is that He was without sin. He was the only one on Calvary's hill that day that had no sin in Him. He had sin all around Him, but none within Him. He was not conformed to this world. He didn't allow the sin of this world to enter into His vessel. We need to learn from Chrst today. Because of His death, we have life. Because of His holiness, we have His righteousness.
Don't let the water in your vessel. It would only be a matter of time until you sink in sin.
I was sinking deep in sin Far from the peaceful shore,
Very deeply stain with sin sinking to rise no more
But the Master of the sea heard my despairing cry,
And from the waters He lifted me and safe am I
Love lifted me, love lifted me
When nothing else could help, love lifted me
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
I read something yesterday that really struck a chord within me. It said, "Ships don't sink by water being around them. They sink by water being in them." Wow what a statement. Simple, but yet full of absolute truth!
We are in a world soaked and saturated with sin. Like an ocean of water, our society and nation is drowning from ungodly waves of filth. But we are in Christ! We will not be conformed to this world and its sin. We are transformed by the blood of Christ. We need not let the sin of this world enter into our lives. Stay away from sin. Don't let the water enter into your life. That's when the boat starts to sink. Jesus saved us from sinking in sin.
One of the greatest things about Jesus is that He was without sin. He was the only one on Calvary's hill that day that had no sin in Him. He had sin all around Him, but none within Him. He was not conformed to this world. He didn't allow the sin of this world to enter into His vessel. We need to learn from Chrst today. Because of His death, we have life. Because of His holiness, we have His righteousness.
Don't let the water in your vessel. It would only be a matter of time until you sink in sin.
I was sinking deep in sin Far from the peaceful shore,
Very deeply stain with sin sinking to rise no more
But the Master of the sea heard my despairing cry,
And from the waters He lifted me and safe am I
Love lifted me, love lifted me
When nothing else could help, love lifted me
Wednesday, January 3, 2018
How Much for the Soup?
Genesis 25:29-34
And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint: And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom. And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright. And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me? And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright.
Are you surprised at Esau? He sold his birthright for a bowl of soup. Do you know what kind of deal that was? Horrible! The firstborn, which was Esau, was blessed with the birthright. This birthright included many blessings but one of the most notable was the blessing of the inheritance. If a man had two sons then the land and possessions would have been divided into three. The older, or firstborn, would receive two of those three portions and the younger only one. So the deal that Esau made was a very foolish and hasty one.
I have seen those same deals made among many people today. If we can have a quick fix to something we jump right on board and sell out. People have placed leadership roles upon people that promise them a chicken in every pot (well today it is unto those who give bailouts and free cell phones). You have no idea what the intentions of these people are, you are blinded by what they offer you at the moment. It's as if we are at the crossroads and the devil is stirring a big pot of stew and purchasing souls.
So many people today, Christians included, are ready to vote for someone of leadership who promises only what they want. Well what about what God wants? What about the value of God's Word? Will we sell our values and Christian standards only to drink soup from the devil's hand? If you answered yes... then you have sold out for a bowl of soup. How much will it cost you? Yes it will costs Christians in standing upon the promises of God but let me tell you that the inheritance is much better than even what Esau would have received had he not sold his. It will be out of this world! But if you sell out for soup you could ask Esau who then despised his birthright which means he despised the things of God. It did not settle good with him.
And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint: And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom. And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright. And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me? And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright.
Are you surprised at Esau? He sold his birthright for a bowl of soup. Do you know what kind of deal that was? Horrible! The firstborn, which was Esau, was blessed with the birthright. This birthright included many blessings but one of the most notable was the blessing of the inheritance. If a man had two sons then the land and possessions would have been divided into three. The older, or firstborn, would receive two of those three portions and the younger only one. So the deal that Esau made was a very foolish and hasty one.
I have seen those same deals made among many people today. If we can have a quick fix to something we jump right on board and sell out. People have placed leadership roles upon people that promise them a chicken in every pot (well today it is unto those who give bailouts and free cell phones). You have no idea what the intentions of these people are, you are blinded by what they offer you at the moment. It's as if we are at the crossroads and the devil is stirring a big pot of stew and purchasing souls.
So many people today, Christians included, are ready to vote for someone of leadership who promises only what they want. Well what about what God wants? What about the value of God's Word? Will we sell our values and Christian standards only to drink soup from the devil's hand? If you answered yes... then you have sold out for a bowl of soup. How much will it cost you? Yes it will costs Christians in standing upon the promises of God but let me tell you that the inheritance is much better than even what Esau would have received had he not sold his. It will be out of this world! But if you sell out for soup you could ask Esau who then despised his birthright which means he despised the things of God. It did not settle good with him.
Tuesday, January 2, 2018
Drifting Along
Malachi 3:7
Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the Lord of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return?
At some time in all of our Christian lives we were either closer to the Lord than ever before or farther away then ever before. It's funny that we seem to love and talk about when we are closer than ever to the Lord. The testimonies come so easily. The praise in our worship comes at ease. The love for the Word, prayer and others is just like second nature to us during this time but what about when you are farther away than ever before?
We tend to be quiet. No testimonies. Sometimes a form of praise. Reading our Bible, praying and loving others is one of the hardest things to do during this time in our life. Why? What was it that placed us here? Is it God? No, it's us!
You see we are prone to drift from the ordinances of God. Our flesh, which is corrupt, often causes us to drift. It's almost like a ship that has no sail drifting alone in the ocean. There is no direction, no purpose and no movement other than where the waves of the ocean take it. Like the ship, we are just the same. But there is great news found in this verse also. It tells us that we have gone away from the truth of God and have not kept the Word of God. Then He says, "Return unto me, and I will return unto you..." Hoist the sails this morning! If you have to call for "All men on deck". Stop drifting and start sailing in the vast ocean of God's grace and guidance.
Maybe you are like those in Israel with a question. "Wherein shall we return?" Ask God this morning where and what you have drifted from. I'm certain that He will tell you just as He did Israel. I know that He always shows me when I'm drifting.
Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the Lord of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return?
At some time in all of our Christian lives we were either closer to the Lord than ever before or farther away then ever before. It's funny that we seem to love and talk about when we are closer than ever to the Lord. The testimonies come so easily. The praise in our worship comes at ease. The love for the Word, prayer and others is just like second nature to us during this time but what about when you are farther away than ever before?
We tend to be quiet. No testimonies. Sometimes a form of praise. Reading our Bible, praying and loving others is one of the hardest things to do during this time in our life. Why? What was it that placed us here? Is it God? No, it's us!
You see we are prone to drift from the ordinances of God. Our flesh, which is corrupt, often causes us to drift. It's almost like a ship that has no sail drifting alone in the ocean. There is no direction, no purpose and no movement other than where the waves of the ocean take it. Like the ship, we are just the same. But there is great news found in this verse also. It tells us that we have gone away from the truth of God and have not kept the Word of God. Then He says, "Return unto me, and I will return unto you..." Hoist the sails this morning! If you have to call for "All men on deck". Stop drifting and start sailing in the vast ocean of God's grace and guidance.
Maybe you are like those in Israel with a question. "Wherein shall we return?" Ask God this morning where and what you have drifted from. I'm certain that He will tell you just as He did Israel. I know that He always shows me when I'm drifting.
Monday, January 1, 2018
Quack, Quack, Quack
Ephesians 5:1
Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
A few days ago at church our service was just about to begin. I had to go back toward my office to get something and when I turned the corner I saw a beautiful sight. It was about ten to twelve children following an adult into the sanctuary. They looked like ducks in a row. One after one following in a straight line they marched by me. Quack, quack, quack.
As I read the scripture for this morning I can still see that image. God has called us to follow Him. We are not to get in front of Him or too far behind Him, we are to follow as best as we can.
God, I cry out this morning to you! My desire is to follow you. Sometimes my eyes and walk is distracted because of sin and selfishness. Please forgive me Lord. Thank you for always telling me to "keep up" and "this way". Lord I follow you today as a child who doesn't know which way is the right way. Too often I have thought that I knew the way and try to go on my own. Today is different! I admit that I am your child and that I will follow you. Where you lead, I will follow. Quack, quack...
I have decided to follow Jesus,
I have decided to follow Jesus,
I have decided to follow Jesus,
No turning back, no turning back.
Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
A few days ago at church our service was just about to begin. I had to go back toward my office to get something and when I turned the corner I saw a beautiful sight. It was about ten to twelve children following an adult into the sanctuary. They looked like ducks in a row. One after one following in a straight line they marched by me. Quack, quack, quack.
As I read the scripture for this morning I can still see that image. God has called us to follow Him. We are not to get in front of Him or too far behind Him, we are to follow as best as we can.
God, I cry out this morning to you! My desire is to follow you. Sometimes my eyes and walk is distracted because of sin and selfishness. Please forgive me Lord. Thank you for always telling me to "keep up" and "this way". Lord I follow you today as a child who doesn't know which way is the right way. Too often I have thought that I knew the way and try to go on my own. Today is different! I admit that I am your child and that I will follow you. Where you lead, I will follow. Quack, quack...
I have decided to follow Jesus,
I have decided to follow Jesus,
I have decided to follow Jesus,
No turning back, no turning back.
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