On Wings Of Eagles

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Friday, September 30, 2016

Be available to be used by the Lord

Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV)
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

At a time when thousands of people were dying each year of rabies, Louis Pasteur, pioneer of immunology, was working on a vaccine. Just as he was about to begin experimenting on himself, a 9-year-old boy, Joseph Meister, was bitten by a rabid dog. The boy's mother begged Pasteur to experiment on her son. Pasteur injected Joseph for ten days-- and he lived. Decades later, of all the things Pasteur could have had etched on his headstone, he asked for three words: JOSEPH MEISTER LIVED.

We are called to save lives too. Our greatest legacy will be those who live eternally because of our efforts.

Thousands of people are dying each year, so many who don't know the love and truth of their Messiah. Let's make ourselves available to be used by the Lord for His Kingdom for Christ's sake!


Dear Lord, help us to work toward saving lives by turning them toward You. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Thursday, September 29, 2016

One big happy family

1 Peter 1:22 (ESV)
Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart.

Many of us have conflicts with people we love most. Husbands, wives, children, parents, friends -- we complain to the Lord about our suffering and beg for Him to touch and change the situation so that we can be one big happy family again.

Here's a question. Have we cried out for that person's heart like the Lord has cried out for ours while we were yet sinners? Have we suffered and bled in tears and intercession? That is what the Lord did for us while we were nailing Him to the cross.

We need to have the same heart for those who trouble us as the Lord has for us daily. He bleeds and weeps over us and intercedes to no end. How much more should we be doing the same?


Dear Lord, help us to get your heart on the things that matter. Help us see those who hurt us through your eyes of compassion and see ourselves for what we really are. In Jesus Name, Amen. 

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Equally important part in the body

1 Corinthians 12:14-18 (ESV)
14 For the body does not consist of one member but of many. 15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? 18 But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose.

Some of us like to lead. We like to be the ones to teach. We like to be the ones to lay down the law and believe we were born for it.

The fact is that no one is born to lead. You may have heard it said that leaders aren’t born; they’re made -- through many trials and testing, through much time and lots of experience. That is probably why Paul specifies that some will be pastors…etc.

Think of it this way. Picture a body, but maimed -- no arms or legs. With a neck … and several heads. Ewww. Not a pretty picture, is it? But that is what the body of believers would look like if we all tried to be the head. We couldn’t move forward – no legs! Couldn’t lend a helping hand - no hands!

We each have an equally important part in the body. Let’s seek the Lord about what exactly is ours.


Dear Lord, help us each remember that we are all a part of the whole body. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Rejoice always


Matthew 5:45 (ESV) 
That you may be the children of your Father who is in heaven: for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

The Lord is quoted in this scripture in Matthew and it contains an important principle which I think we sometimes tend to overlook. Many believe and even teach that if someone acquires much material prosperity, then God has surely given them favor, and that if someone is undergoing extreme trial, it must be because they have sinned or that they lack faith. But the Lord says that the sun rises and the rain falls on both the righteous and the unrighteous alike. A life of good circumstances does not necessarily mean that God is with us. And likewise, a life of trial and suffering does not mean that God is not with us!

If we base our lives on our circumstances, we are no different than people without God. What makes us different from the world is that we have something far greater than our circumstances! We can live victoriously both in want and in plenty because we have a relationship with the living God!

There is nothing wrong with rejoicing through the good times but we need to rejoice through the bad as well! If you're going through some hard times, choose to rejoice in the Lord today! We have a greater treasure and a more amazing victory when our lives are centered upon Him at all times!

Dear Lord, help us to rejoice not only in the good times but in the bad also. Thank You for being there through everything. In the name of Jesus, Amen. 

Monday, September 26, 2016

We all are on the mission field

Luke 8:15 (ESV)
As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.

An official of a mission board, who knew it takes more than just desire to make a missionary, was appointed to examine a candidate for the mission field. He told the young man to be at his house at six o'clock in the morning. The young man complied and arrived a six o'clock sharp. The examiner kept him sitting alone in the room until ten. Then he finally came in and said abruptly, " Young man, can you write your name? A little taken aback by the simplicity of his question, the man paused. Before he could get a word out, the examiner blurted, "What, you don't know what it is?" The mission board official put him through a series of questions of that nature and then went to report to the mission board.

"Okay," he said, "he will do." I tried his patience for hours and hours and he did not break down; Then I insulted him and he did not lose his temper. This candidate answered with patience, fortitude, and gentleness. His faith was vindicated by the very quality of his character. He will make a good missionary."

Whether we realize it or not -- we all are on the mission field. Our patience is bound to be tested in ways we've never imagined and we'll most likely find it unfair and unkind at times. But standing strong in the Lord in the face of offensive treatment and enduring seasons of long-suffering is a testimony in and of itself -- and that will win souls!

Are you weary from the walk? Get your second wind! Count it all joy! You have endured much and you will see victory! Not only here on earth but when we meet the Lord!


Dear Lord, help us to be patient with all that comes our way. Help us respond in a manner that is pleasing to You.  In the Nam eof Jesus, Amen. 

Sunday, September 25, 2016

His timing is PERFECT!

Proverbs 3:5 (ESV) Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

A king was seated in a garden, and one of his counselors was speaking of the wonderful works of God. "Show me a sign," said the king, "and I will believe." "Here are four acorns," said the counselor, "will you, Majesty, plant them in the ground, and then stoop down for a moment and look into this clear pool of water?" The king did so, "Now," said the other, "look up." The king looked up and saw four oak-trees where he had planted the acorns. "Wonderful!" he exclaimed, "This is indeed the work of God." "How long were you looking into the water?" asked the counselor.  "Only a second," said the king. "Eighty years have passed as a second," said the other. The king looked at his garments; they were threadbare. He looked at his reflection in the water; he had become an old man. "There is no miracle here, then," he said angrily. "Yes," said the other, "it is God's work, whether he did it in one second or in eighty years.

Some of us are in need of answers today. We've been crying out for the Lord and feel like He's not listening. But He is! And He has a plan far greater than any of us could ask or think!

Be encouraged! Let's choose to trust that God has great plans for us in the making, regardless of whether we can see them right now. His timing is PERFECT!


Dear Lord, help our trust be in You knowing that Your timing is perfect and You will bring Your perfect will at the perfect time. IN the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Saturday, September 24, 2016

An ax... and two 38's

Hebrews 4:12 (ESV)
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.


An elderly woman returned to her home from an evening of Church services when she was startled by an intruder. She had caught a man in the act of robbing her home of its valuables. "Stop!" she yelled, "Acts 2:38!" (Repent and be baptized, in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven).

The burglar stopped dead in his tracks and froze while the woman calmly called the police and explained the situation. As the officer was cuffing him, he asked the burglar, "Just out of curiosity, why did you just stand there? All the old lady did was yell a scripture at you." "Scripture?!" gasped the burglar. "She said she had an ax... and two 38's!!"

I hope it made you laugh, but on a serious note -- I think we often underestimate the power of the Word of God! We have the source so very close -- its right at our fingertips and should be right on our lips! Yet, we neglect to declare it over our circumstances, that we may see the victory!

Let's make it a point to start spending regular time in the Word, learning it and speaking it over our lives again and again! We need to be a walking testimony of His power and victory.


Dear Lord, help us to get in Your Word everyday so we can be ready for what the world throws at us. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Friday, September 23, 2016

Let's do His business

Isaiah 6:8 (ESV)
And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.”

Wiersbes, Wycliffe Handbook of Preaching & Preachers, quotes: "Millions of surveys which we have helped to take around the world indicate that approximately 98 percent of the Christians do not regularly introduce others to the Savior."

In a survey given to those attending training sessions for a Billy Graham crusade in Detroit, attendees were asked to answer this question by checking one of the following answers. "What is your greatest hindrance in witnessing?" 0% said they don't care. 9% said they were too busy to remember to do it. 12% said their own lives were not speaking as they should. 28% felt the lack of real information to share and 51% feared the reactions of those with whom they might share.

If we truly believe that Jesus is the only way to eternal life, why aren't we spreading the word? Hmmmm. Maybe we don't really believe that. I guess no one thought to include that reason on Billy's survey.

Do we truly believe in heaven? Do we believe without a shadow of a doubt that  Jesus is the only way to get there? If we do, how can we keep our mouths closed to a world of people who are headed for the agony of eternal burning?

Hee-nay-nee means "Here am I", in Hebrew. This should be our cry to the Lord today. Send me, Lord! Help me to open my mouth for you! Work through me Lord, for your sake Lord, and for the sake of those who don't know you!

Let's be about doing His business and commit ourselves to sharing the good news with the lost around us!


Dear Lord, help us be able to share Your love with those around us. Give us the courage to share the gospel. In Jesus' Name, Amen. 

Thursday, September 22, 2016

Don't take anyone's word but God's

Matthew 10:16 (ESV)
Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.

Nature provides us with an illustration that closely parallels the insidious tactics employed by our adversary. According to scientists, Arctic polar bears feed almost entirely on seals. To enjoy such a meal, they sometimes resort to a cunning bit of trickery. If the hole through which the seal gets his food is near the edge of the ice, the polar bear will take a deep breath and swim under water to its exact location. Remaining below the surface, he will then make a tiny scratching sound, imitating a fish. When the charmed seal hears this, he dives in for a quick supper, only to find himself suddenly entrapped in the huge, hungry embrace of his predator.

God has sent us forth as sheep among the wolves. There are so many theories disguising themselves as Godly. We're hungry for that meal -- but we must be wise enough to make sure it's not a trap! Keep reading and studying the Word of God! Pray and ask Him to reveal His truth.

The enemy loves to tempt us with a 'treat' so he can devour us! Don't take anyone's word but God's!


Dear Lord thank You for Your word. Help us to have a hunger for it so that we may be prepared for all that comes before us. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

We must live a life of repentance

Revelation 3:19 (ESV)
Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.

One day, when Billy Graham was driving through a small southern town, he was stopped by a policeman and charged with speeding. Graham admitted his guilt, but was told by the officer that he would have to appear in court. The judge asked, "Guilty, or not guilty?" When Graham pleaded guilty, the judge replied, "That'll be ten dollars -- a dollar for every mile you went over the limit."

Suddenly the judge recognized the famous minister. "You have violated the law," he said. "The fine must be paid -- but I am going to pay it for you." He took a ten dollar bill from his own wallet, attached it to the ticket, and then took Graham out and bought him a steak dinner! "That," said Billy Graham, "is how God treats repentant sinners!"

According to Merriam-Webster, the word "repent" means "to turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one's life". Somehow, we've gotten to thinking that to repent, simply means to say "I'm sorry". No. Repentance means TURNING AWAY from our sin and striving to live a life of holiness.

Billy admitted his sin to the judge. He didn't try to hide it, he didn't rationalize it and I'm pretty sure didn't take this offense lightly. I'm certain he took it quite seriously and endeavored never to drive over the speed limit again.

We serve a mighty and gracious God. He wants to pay our debts and take us out for nice steak dinners. But we must live a life of repentance!

We can't be perfect. But we can walk in repentance daily. We need take our sin seriously. Let's dedicate our lives to the Lord once again today.


Dear Lord, help us to take our sin seriously.  When we do sin help us to repent of the sin.  In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

The mule won

Psalm 4:6-8 (ESV)
6 There are many who say, “Who will show us some good?
    Lift up the light of your face upon us, O Lord!”
7 You have put more joy in my heart
    than they have when their grain and wine abound.
8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep;
    for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

I found an interesting story in an old copy of "Our Daily Bread": In 1883 in Allentown, New Jersey, a wooden Indian -- the kind that was seen in front of cigar stores -- was placed on the ballot for Justice of the Peace. The candidate was registered under the fictitious name of Abner Robbins. When the ballots were counted, Abner won over incumbent Sam Davis by 7 votes. A similar thing happened in 1938. The name Boston Curtis appeared on the ballot for Republican Committeeman from Wilton, Washington. Actually, Boston Curtis was a mule. The town's mayor sponsored the animal to demonstrate that people know very little about the candidates. He proved his point. The mule won!

Soon we will be voting for the President of our country. The politics here are very complicated, crazy and downright mean. On a serious note though, America is crying out today. "Who can show us any good?" "Who will help us to sleep in peace and to dwell in safety from all our enemies?" And really, there is only One who can -- and unfortunately, His Name does not appear on today's ballot.

God has called all of us who know Him to be watchmen. We must be praying for the USA -- that God would open her eyes to see the truth of His goodness and mercy, and most of all, His salvation. It’s time to pray for our country as we get ready to elect our next president.


Dear Lord, we pray that You will lead and guide us to vote for those that You would have to lead our country and bring us back to You. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Monday, September 19, 2016

Prayer

James 5:16 (ESV)
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

Two men were talking about religion. The first challenged the other, "Ok, then if you are so religious, let's hear you quote the Lord's Prayer. I'll bet you ten bucks you can't do it." The second thought for a moment and then responded, "Now I lay my down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep. And If I die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take." The other reluctantly pulled out his wallet and said "Gee, I didn't think you could really do it."

Prayer needs to be a big part of our lives. We need to recognize that our spirit needs prayer like our body needs food! Many a time, we have heard it said "But I don't really know how to pray." While there is no one "right way" to pray, a good guideline for prayer comes straight from "The Lord's Prayer."

Our Father which are in Heaven, hallowed be thy name. (First and foremost, we need to address our Lord and Savior with honor and worship. We can sing to Him, praise Him, give Him the glory He deserves).

Thy Kingdom come.
(His Kingdom come -- may our loved ones who don't yet know Him come into His Kingdom, whoever they may be. May the lost around the world and especially in Israel come into His Kingdom too).

Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
(We ask His will to be done in our lives, in our friends and families lives, and in all the earth).

Give us this day our daily bread.
(Lord please provide what we need to make it through just today, whatever that may be).

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
(Of course, we ask the Lord to forgive us of our sin and we relinquish the sins of those against us, whatever they may be).

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
(Lord, help us to steer away from all the temptations that entice us -- and grant us deliverance from those things, whatever they may be).

For Thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory, Forever. Amen.
(And lastly, we proclaim our faith in the Most High, Most Powerful, All Encompassing King of Kings. And say Amen, "so be it!" in Hebrew).

Let's make a habit of spending time in prayer each day. Our spirit is longing for the transformation a life of prayer will bring!


Dear Lord, we thank You that we can come to You in prayer. We thank You that You gave us a guideline as how to pray. Help us come to You daily in prayer. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Sunday, September 18, 2016

Hurting churches

Luke 15:6 (ESV)
And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’

I came across this story the other day.

Some time ago there was a story in the San Francisco Chronicle about a female humpback whale who had become entangled in a spider web of crab traps and lines. She was weighted down by hundreds of pounds of traps that caused her to struggle to stay afloat. She had hundreds of yards of line rope wrapped around her body, her tail, her torso, and a line tugging in her mouth.

Thankfully, a fisherman spotted her just east of the Farralone Islands (outside the Golden Gate) and radioed an environmental group for help. Within a few hours, the rescue team arrived and determined that she was in such bad condition that the only way to save her was to dive in and untangle her, a very dangerous proposition.

One slap of the enormous whale's tail could kill a rescuer. Still, the brave rescuers worked for hours cutting her free. One guy who was cutting the rope out of her mouth says her eye was following him the whole time. Eventually, they were able to free her.

As soon as she became free, the divers say she began to swim in what seemed like joyous circles. She then came back to each and every diver, one at a time, and nudged them, pushed gently around-she thanked them. Some said it was the most incredibly beautiful experience of their lives.

We can learn a lesson from this beautiful story. So often we let the hurting in our churches and communities fall through the cracks, never to be seen again. But it is a brave soul who gathers up an army of rescuers to reach out to a suffering or hard to reach brother or sister and rescue him or her from the binding entanglements of this world. Just as the Lord has so mercifully reached out to us, we need to do the same. Whether it is a gift, an invitation to a meal or a smile and a word of encouragement, let's strive to reach out.

We need to be the first to initiate this kind of rescue team for our brothers and sisters. It will be just as beautiful as it will be rewarding.


Dear Lord, help us to gather up an army of rescuers to reach out to a suffering and hard to reach brother or sister and rescue them from the binding entanglements of this world. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Saturday, September 17, 2016

Building God's Kingdom

2 Corinthians 3:6 (ESV)
Who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

The noted English architect Sir Christopher Wren was supervising the construction of a magnificent cathedral in London. A journalist thought it would be interesting to interview some of the workers, so he chose three and asked them this question, “What are you doing?” The first replied, “I’m cutting stone for a shabby 10 shillings a day.” The next answered, “I’m putting in 13 hard hours a day on this job.” But the last said, “I’m helping Sir Christopher Wren construct one of London’s greatest cathedrals.”

Whether you realize it or not, we too are building something. We who believe are building up God’s Kingdom, the richest and greatest Kingdom this world will ever see!

Let’s examine ourselves and see if we need to make some changes in our perspective. We have the privilege of partaking in something amazing -- and better yet, doing it for the King of Kings!

Let’s give our will and our life back to the Lord today and focus on doing great things for the Kingdom!


Dear Lord, help us keep our focus on the things of You. Help us to do great things for your Kingdom. In the Name of Jesus Amen. 

Friday, September 16, 2016

Workout

2 Timothy 2:3-4 (ESV)
3 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.

In Hebrew, the word for hardness is "kosher". Interestingly enough, the word "kosher" also means "fitness", as from a workout in the gym. Yes -- it's a workout to serve the Lord in this world -- but God has called us to it!

These days, many people are working out intensely to beautify and strengthen their bodies. A lot of them are obsessed with appearance and youthfulness. It has virtually become a religion to be beautiful and/or "ripped", and people are willing to make serious sacrifices for the sake of their bodily condition.

Believers are called to a different kind of "workout" which can be equally or even more intense. Our "obsession" isn't with our bodies, but with our spirit. It is easy and "natural" to become caught up in the affairs of this life, even to adopt the worldly obsession with physical appearance. Yet our "workout" calls us to minimize the attention we give to worldly affairs, and to endure the hardness of spiritual warfare and service.

Are we aware of the reality of the eternal life which belongs to us, and of ALL its implications? Our life in this world is incredibly short, yet filled with tremendous opportunity for the Lord and our place in the world to come. If we want to please Him, (and we ought to think about why we would), we will make the most of our time, and work out with the greatest spiritual energy possible. That will involve saying no to worldly priorities and concentrating on spiritual ones.

If we have been chosen to be soldiers for God's great army this is no small thing! We will increasingly disentangle ourselves from prioritizing worldly pursuits, and be seeking first the things of the Kingdom of Heaven. When we do that we have two promises: earthly provision for all of our needs [Matthew 6:23], and treasure in Heaven [Luke 18:22]. Let's get free from the cares of this life and get focused on eternal blessings!


Dear Lord, help us have our focus on the things that are eternal. Help us to please You in all the things that we do. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Thursday, September 15, 2016

We can do nothing without Him

John 3:8 (ESV)
The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.

Often in the Bible you will see the word wind or breath. The root meaning of these words, both in Hebrew and Greek, is almost always Spirit. It is important to keep in mind that we can never dictate which direction the wind will blow. It would be absurd to think we could! The wind blows as it will. And in the same way, the Spirit of God blows where it wishes. Well if this is so, how can we be filled with the Spirit? Must we jump up and catch it and just hope for the best? No.

We need to be like a windmill. Windmills were designed to be propelled by the wind, no matter which direction it's blowing, in order to generate power. To be empowered by the Holy Spirit, we must do the same. We must be sensitive to which direction He is blowing in order make sure we are getting filled!

Let's submit ourselves once again to the Spirit of God today! Take heed to which direction the Spirit is blowing and be empowered to do the work He has called us to!! We can do nothing without Him!


Dear Lord, we pray today that we would be like windmill and let the Holy Spirit blow through us and use us in a mighty way. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.  

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

God so loves His prodigals

Luke 15:20-24 (ESV)
20 And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. 23 And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.

I'm sure we all have heard the parable of the Prodigal let us see if we can gain deeper insight into this message of Jesus.

This is a story of a somewhat dysfunctional family -- something most of us can relate to. So first, let's look at the Prodigal son. He asks his father for his inheritance, immediately, before the normal time for receiving it -- essentially implying that he would prefer that his father were dead, rather than remaining with him and his older brother. The father would have been quietly devastated. Think about it? - If your son approached you with a request which was normally fulfilled by your passing away -- how would you feel? Yet in spite of the pain caused by his callous son -- the Father truly loves him. Upon his return, the Father embraces him once again and even treats him like a King!

So it is for much of the unbelieving world with no acknowledgment of or gratitude for their Creator -- they're happy to enjoy the abundance of God and His creation, while completely ignoring His existence and counting Him as dead.

Yet God so loves His prodigals -- and desires everyone to return Him!

We are all called to reach this world for the Lord. And prodigals are everywhere...Let's give them a taste of their Father's love -- so that when they begin to come to their senses, they will know and feel that they can safely return to His house and be received with open arms!

Dear Lord, we pray that we would be the one to show love to the prodigals that are all around us. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Grain of wheat in your pocket?

Matthew 13:23 (ESV)
As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.

If you keep a grain of wheat in your pocket, it will look exactly the same ten years from now. But place it in the right environment -- some good ground, enough water -- it will sprout into a living sheaf of grain!

Every kind of life requires its particular corresponding environment in order to achieve its full and predestined potential. It's no different with the seeds of the fruit of the Spirit in our hearts!

God has readily made available to us the seeds of success. He gives us the opportunity to live a life of much fruit! A life abounding in the fruits of love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith and self-control.

But here they are -- just seeds -- sitting in our pocket -- waiting 'til we decide to plant them and allow them to become trees of plenty in our lives.

Is your soil is fertile and ready? Let's plant some seeds today and invite the Lord to water and nourish them so that we can produce fruit one-hundred fold for the Kingdom.


Dear Lord, help us plant the seeds today knowing that You will water and nourish them to accomplish what You want us to.  In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Monday, September 12, 2016

Lesson from the great pyramids.

1 Timothy 6:7 (ESV)
For we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.

The great pyramids of Egypt have become objects of fascination for many involved in the New Age teaching. Some think they were built by aliens from outer space. Others say they are containers of cosmic power. All of them are trying to find the great "secret" of the pyramids. What they are, really, are structures of death, exaggerated tombstones, coffins. The pyramids were made for death. They were built to house a dead body, along with the useless riches of its rotting corpse.

The pyramid holds an important lesson for our lives, however. All the works of our flesh and self-glorification end in waste, destruction, futility and death. Our accomplishments in the flesh might be grand, exalted, and elaborate -- but they're really just a monument to ourselves that have no life within them. If we want death, let's look to the flesh and all the glories of man -- look to the pyramids. But if we want life, we'll only find it by abandoning the flesh, walking in purity and putting our faith in Jesus, the one who gives us abundant life!

Investments in eternity neither rust nor rot, so let's become wise investors -- investing in the Kingdom!


Dear Lord, help us become investors in Your Kingdom today. Help us to walk in purity today in all things. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Sunday, September 11, 2016

The master is there

Home for the boys soccer game
Isaiah 64:4 (ESV)
From of old no one has heard
    or perceived by the ear,
no eye has seen a God besides you,
    who acts for those who wait for him.

Day seventeen of our Alaska Adventure after being on the road for a little over 2 weeks, we finally got to sleep in our own bed after 36 hours since we woke up! And boy, it sure was nice! We're still dealing with jet lag, but isn't it always great to get home?

Well, if it’s that nice to get to our earthly homes after a long journey, can you imagine what it's going to be like to get to our glorious eternal home? I want to share the following illustration a friend sent me. I believe it will truly bless you.

A sick man turned to his doctor one evening, as he was preparing to leave the examination room and said, "Doctor, I am afraid to die -- tell me what lies on the other side, will you?"

"I’m really not sure,” said the doctor.

"You don't know? You, a Christian man, don’t know what’s on the other side?"

Suddenly, there came a sound of scratching and whining at the door. As the doctor turned the handle, a dog sprang into the room and leapt on him with an eager show of gladness.

Lovingly bending down and holding the cute pup, the doctor turned to his patient and said “Have you met my dog? I do apologize; He usually comes and sits with me in my office when I work late.

After a short pause, he continued. “He’s actually never been in this room before. He didn't know what was inside. He knew nothing except that his master was here, and when the door opened, he sprang in without fear… I know little of what is on the other side of death, my friend, but I do know one thing... I know my Master is there and that’s I all I need."

We may not know exactly what we will find in that glorious home that awaits us, but those of us who know Jesus, know He’s there! Be encouraged today! Our long journey here will end in our loving master’s arms.


Dear Lord, we thank You that at the end of life’s journey we can know that You are there at the other side waiting for us and will have Your arms opened wide to welcome us there. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Saturday, September 10, 2016

Coming to the finish line.

Start of the UAA Spirit Run
Hebrews 12:12 (ESV)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.

Day sixteen of our Alaska Adventure started with a 5K in Anchorage Alaska at a temperature of 38 degrees with my brother and sister in law. From there after cleaning up we boarded a plane and headed for home where the finish line for our Alaska Adventure waits for us.

As we look at a race it is characterized by progress. There is a starting line, and there is a finish line. The gun goes off, the runners begin to run, and they make progress, one foot after another foot, toward the goal. The Christian life is that way. In fact, the keyword in the Christian life is not the word perfection. Now, you will achieve perfection in heaven at glorification, but that's not the keyword in your Christian life now. The keyword is progression. The important question is, Are you making progress as a Christian, as a spiritual athlete, running this Christian ultramarathon that God has called us to run? Are you further along today than you were last week, last month, a year ago, three years ago? Are you making progress?


Dear Lord, help us each run the race that You have before each one of us. Help us say focused on what You have for each of us. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Friday, September 9, 2016

"Whale-sized" hole

Eagle at the Cooper Center.
Matthew 5:6  (ESV)
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

Day fifteen of our Alaska Adventure. Bears and Moose and Salmon oh my.  One of our favorite things was seeing the mighty Bald Eagle as thy flew through the air.

I recently saw a fishing cartoon that spoke to me and illustrated something about expectations. Pictured were two Eskimos fishing through holes in the ice. One of them had his line in a normal size hole maybe two or three feet across. But the guy sitting next to him had his line in an enormous hole, in the shape of a whale! This guy was hungry! He didn't want some dinky little fish! He was fishing for whales!

What I like about this illustration is how appetite creates expectation. What is our appetite for affecting the world around us for the Lord's sake? How much do we hunger to change things in peoples' lives through the gospel and through the ministry in Messiah? And how does that affect our expectations? He said "Blessed are those who HUNGER AND THIRST for righteousness."

How would you compare your hunger to your expectation? If your hunger is great and genuine then it's likely that God will move you to carve out a "whale-sized" hole in this icy world and expect a corresponding catch!


Dear Lord, we pray that our hunger and thirst for righteousness be the focus of each of us. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Thursday, September 8, 2016

Changed on the inside = changed on the outside

Family fun making Smores around the fire
Romans 12:1-2 (ESV)
1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Day fourteen of our Alaska Adventure was a relaxing time around Scott and Elizabeth’s house and town. We were still amazed at the view of the Alaska Pipeline and all the work that went into created it.


Ken was a laborer on the Alaska Pipeline back in the mid 70’s. He worked up in the icy cold for a year and came back with $30,000. That was a lot of money 45 years ago! He blew it all in a month.

He went back and in six months made another $18,000. He came home again and this time he decided to visit church.

The first Sunday he walked through the doors and sat in the back seat the pastor had two thoughts - 1) He looked just like Grizzly Adams - beard and all and 2) Here was a man that would never become a Christian.

The pastor preached the message and gave an invitation. The instant the music began Ken came rushing down the aisle. The pastor thought he was going to be crushed him! Tears came down his face as he gave his life to Jesus.

The next Sunday he came back to services and the pastor didn’t recognize him -he was dressed in a 3 piece suit and no beard! When he was asked what caused him to shave and dress up he said, "Jesus changed me on the inside and I want people to know it - so I changed the outside."


Dear Lord, we pray that the difference You have made in our life would show not only on the inside but on the outside also. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Our passport is stamped

Alaska Yukon Canada border
Philippians 3:20 (ESV)
But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Day thirteen of our Alaska Adventure we started our morning in Beaver Creek in Yukon, Canada. Since we were so close to Canada we thought it would be fun to add it to our adventure. To return to the USA we had to use our passport to cross the border.

American citizens flying to and from neighboring nations like Canada and Mexico used to get by with carrying a birth certificate or, in some cases, just a driver’s license as a travel document. Not anymore! Now we’re all required to carry a valid US passport. Without that document, you don’t get out, and you don’t get back in.

You know, a passport is an interesting little book. If you’re arriving in your home country, your passport usually enables you to bypass the long lines of visitors.

But that’s not always true when you’re away from home.  Dr. Erwin Lutzer, the pastor of Moody Church in Chicago, has often traveled in countries closed to the gospel. He has some very interesting stories of how, upon arrival in these countries, he is usually hassled and questioned extensively because the guards think he’s an agent for the CIA or, better yet, a Bible smuggler! Well, after an excruciating experience at a border crossing, he said, “You know what I love? I love the thought that when I get to heaven . . . with Jesus on my passport, there will be no hassles at the border.”

Wow, what a great thought! Over and over again in Scripture we are reminded that, although this world is our temporary home, we’re not to get too comfortable here. Our true home is in heaven where our citizenship resides. We can look forward to being welcomed into our true home, based not on our attempt at good works or our earthly accomplishments, but based on a spiritual passport stamped with the finished work of Jesus Christ.


Dear Lord, thank You that because of what You did for each of us we have our passport stamped and will be welcomed home. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Ptarmigan or Chicken

Downtown Chicken Alaska
Luke 10:20  (ESV)
Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.

Day twelve of our Alaska adventure we went to Chicken Alaska. The Town of Chicken was once the mining hub for the Forty mile district. In 1886, ten years before the Klondike Gold Rush, gold was discovered on Franklin Creek and the community of Chicken was founded.

As the story goes, the miners wanted to name the town 'Ptarmigan' after the bird which is common in the area. Unfortunately, people couldn't agree on how to spell it! Finally they settled with the easier name of Chicken. The name stuck and so has the community, despite an up-and-down history of mining in the Fortymile district. Today, there is a lot more to Chicken than appears from the roadway. Guided tours take people through the Historic Town of Chicken, which is a living museum of Gold Rush and Alaskan Frontier History.
In its glory year, Chicken boasted a population of around 400. Now, it ranges from 50 in the summer to 6 in the winter. Miners still work the nearby hills, hoping to find that elusive pay streak.

As I was thinking about the trouble they had with the name Ptarmigan it made me think that no matter how difficult  or stange your name is it is very simple to have it recorded in the Lambs Book of Life. To do so remember the ABC’s

A - Admit you have Sinned
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23

B - Believe On Jesus Christ
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.- John 3:16-17.

C - Confess Christ Publicly  
…that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.  For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. – Romans 10:9-10.

Today you can be saved and your name in the Lambs Book of Life. I would love to hear from you if you have any questions.


Dear Lord, we thank You that You know us my name. We thank You that You have made a way for each of us to go to heaven. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.