You Are Not A Dry Tree

Do you feel at times your life is like a tree in the autumn season? Stripped, bare and looking more dead than alive.

Promises and hopes are now buried under a bitter winter soul. Do you look around you and wonder why is it that others are more prosperous and fruitful while you don't have much to show is except a few thin bare branches?

You pray and read God's word. You make hard decisions to be separated from the world to live a holy pleasing life but still it seems that you feel, well, fruitless and even sterile.

To the eunuch God says, "Let no foreigner who is bound to the LORD say, "The LORD will surely exclude me from his people." And let no eunuch complain, "I am only a dry tree." For this is what the LORD says: "To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths, who choose what pleases me and hold fast to my covenant--to them I will give within my temple and its walls a memorial and a name better than sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that will endure forever (Isaiah 56:3-5, NIV)."

Remember Daniel, a mighty man of prayer and who received powerful visions of the present and future? He most likely was made a eunuch after Judah was taken into exile (Daniel 1:7 KJV, Daniel and his friends answered to the prince of eunuchs). God gave Daniel extraordinary wisdom. He lived to be an old man but full of life, spiritually fruitful and wise beyond any one in the land.

Then there was the eunuch from Ethiopia who Phillip baptized (Acts 8:38). This eunuch travel hundreds of miles to participate in worship in Jerusalem. He was hungry for Jesus, searching the Scriptures in Isaiah when Phillip joined him in his chariot to explain the passage. He went home a fruitful bough, so to speak, bearing the fruit of the Spirit!

The Lord does not want us to look at our lives as a withered, dried up tree. Don't look at the surface or measure yourself to another's fruitfulness!

Remember the promise in Jeremiah 17:7-8, ""But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit." (NIV).

When You Bless His Heart

You bless the heart of God when through the tears, you choose to lift your eyes to heaven and say, "Thank you, though I don't understand, I know You do, so thank you for You are here with me. You will not leave me alone."

Beloved, I encourage you to open your mouth and say out loud words to the effect, "I chose to bless You, oh Lord. I will worship You alone. I will be thankful!" It may not be a natural response when you experience pain or some difficult time. At first, your flesh will resist such an effort, but as you agree to God's word, the bad attitude and resistance will lose its grip.

Something supernatural happens when you chose to bless His heart rather than to blame Him or become angry or grow silent in His presence. True, things might not change immediately and the circumstances may even worsen but there is a peace that floods your soul. When you push past the desire to complain and bless Him, you truly sense the presence of the Lord in and around you. I believe complaining is nothing short of demonic worship. It only elevates the devil and his works while dishonoring the Lord's willingness and power to do good in our lives.

Such was a day for me after hearing some discouraging news. I walked toward home only to stop at a small park. I sat down and poured out my heart to the Lord. I was truthful about the anger, frustration and questions when my eyes caught birds gathering just a few feet away. The were picking up bread crumbs left by someone who scattered them on the grass.

God spoke to my heart, "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" (Matthew 6:26 NIV).

I had a reason to be thankful. God takes care of His own creation, including me and I was far more valuable than birds. This simple illustration softened my heart to bless Him rather than grumble or wallow in self-pity.

My dear brothers and sisters, it is challenging to bless God in trying times but we can't afford to miss the presence of God who delights to deliver us.

You Are Mine

Scarcely had I passed them when I found the one my heart loves. I held him and would not let him go till I had brought him to my mother's house, to the room of the one who conceived me. Song of Solomon 3:4, NIV.

The lover in Song of Solomon pushed to her feet with a sudden determination. She swung open the door and stepped out of her home. She left behind safety and protection to search for the one she loved. I will get up now and go about the city, through its streets and squares; I will search for the one my heart loves. So I looked for him but did not find him. Her feet turned and twisted through darken alleyways and crowded streets. Her eyes searching every door, every avenue and even the rooftops.

Over twenty years, a young man drove to a nearby city. He recklessly searched with a deep ache in his soul to discover a father's love. All he ever wanted was to have his father see him - really look at him as a son - something he desired so strongly it drove him into dark places. Late at night, his mother would listen for the front door opening and her son walking into the next room where he fell asleep. She silently wept and prayed to God.

The watchmen found me as they made their rounds in the city. "Have you seen the one my heart loves?"

Those who guarded the city and kept the gates were expected to notice people coming and going, but for some reason they didn't see him. Was he hidden or was she blinded by a rising panic that she'd never see him again? It was like Mary at the tomb mistaking Jesus for the gardener. Mary had demanded, "Tell me where you took His body!"

Scarcely had I passed them when I found the one my heart loves. I held him and would not let him go till I had brought him to my mother's house, to the room of the one who conceived me.

One day in the dark, alone and ill the young man now in his forties found himself worn, sin sick and overcome had whispered, "I can't see You, Lord." Tears streamed down his face, "Please take me. Open my eyes to see You." The room was silent, the clock ticking in the other room. Then some days later the Lord said, "Go to the mailbox." The man went outside to the mailbox to find a letter from his father. Over 16 years of silence was broken. "I love you, son. And yes, I'll pray God will heal you." He felt like a child again and took the letter into his room. Pressing against his chest he laid on the bed and stared up at the ceiling overwhelmed with joy. After all these years, son and father were united by God the Father who was watching them all along.

Beloved, God will find you - he does not despise you for your weakness, your sin and failures. If you search for Him with all your heart, He will find you - and you will never let Him go.

I know because the once young and foolish man is me.

Crown Of Thorns For A Sound Mind

Are you troubled by thoughts from the past? Of failures and wrong choices? Is your mind anxious what today might bring? Or are you worried about the future?

There is a remedy in Christ for the troubled mind.

The Lord can break off the Enemy's hot searing bands of steel that grip your mind. These mental bands of anxiety, fear and doubt keeping you from thinking clearly, accurately and freely about the Lord. At times you might feel a pressure, a headache and a squeezing around your temples, but God will touch your mind with peace!

Indeed, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." (I Timothy 1:7, KJV). In the original, sound also means "self-control".

How do we know He's given us a sound mind that is under His control? We know a sound mind because we are at peace. It is written in Philippians 4:7, "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (KJV).

The remedy for a sound mind was bought by Christ's suffering, death and resurrection. He bore the crown of thorns, pressed down on the crown of his head, so we might know not just the peace of God, but the Prince of Peace ruling over our troubling and anxious thoughts. He broke the metal bands of the Enemy by wearing the crown of thorns!

If you have suffered from various mental illness or post traumatic stress disorder, depression, nightmares or anxiety, this is His promise for you today, "In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety" (Psalms 4:8, NIV). God not only will restores peace of mind, but a sense of safety and protection. You have no ghosts of the past to haunt you or unknown fears of the future awaiting you - you are safe in His care.

Beloved, it's truly a testimony for others to see us at peace rather than given over to anxiety and worry. They will ask, "How is it that you are so calm, so peaceful?"

Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday which occurs every year on the final Monday of May. Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces (Wikipedia)

What one of the tragedies to befall our nation is to forget those who served in the armed forces.

This is not a political statement or question of right and wrong about warfare. Rather it's a call to remember the many men and women who valiantly served, many of whom died doing so, and others who have returned home to find life very difficult - they struggle with their minds over things they had witnessed. Others have lost arms, legs and their health that will be a constant reminder of the battle they fought and survived, but haunts them nonetheless.

There was a generation growing up after the Israelites who first entered the Promise Land that did not understand or know how to fight.

The Scriptures says, "I will use them to test Israel and see whether they will keep the way of the LORD and walk in it as their ancestors did. The LORD had allowed those nations to remain; he did not drive them out at once by giving them into the hands of Joshua. These are the nations the LORD left to test all those Israelites who had not experienced any of the wars in Canaan (he did this only to teach warfare to the descendants of the Israelites who had not had previous battle experience):" (NIV Judges 2:22 and 3:1-2).

For Christians actively in the armed forces and for those who are no longer in service, teach us! Teach us so we don't forget that our freedom comes at a high price. And teach us the ways of God that you learned while on the battlefield. How you prayed, how you served your fellow man, and how God brought you victoriously home - lest we forget, lest we fail to fight for the glory of God and souls of men - by bringing many into the kingdom.

Some of us many never see the front line or fully understand the horror you endured, but we can battle in prayer for you and for others - please, teach us so we don't forget.

Joy

For many years I've heard much about the joy of the Lord from various preachers. Sang about it in many songs and hymns. And read about it in Scripture. I even prayed for joy but still didn't fully comprehend what the joy of Lord meant. I've been in meetings where people laughed uncontrollably and acted strangely but knew this was not the true joy of the Lord.

The Lord is sovereign, not random or spasmodic and He is a God of order, not confusion. The joy of the Lord is not a feel good session or expressed just on happy endings and when circumstances go well. No, the joy of the Lord is very different from any human emotion.

The joy of the Lord produces what no other emotion can create because His joy is more than a feeling: it produces strength.

Nehemiah 8:10 says in the KJV, "Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength."

By nature, I'm melancholic so my temperament is not necessarily an outgoing, bright and sunny disposition. Some people have boundless energy and come alive with a flurry of activity. I like to take things slow, thoughtful and analyze every component to make meaningful connections to the purpose of an activity before I'm satisfied. Any unanswered question leaves me perplexed and frustrated. My down fall is to ask, "Why?" too many times!

Then the Lord used a very simple illustration. During a sermon on joy, a young woman came down the steps (the church is in a theater) to talk to her friend, mother or aunt, of which I'm not sure. She didn't bother to lower her voice and then turned and marched back up the stairs. She did this several times and at one point I was tempted to lean over and whisper, "Please, be quiet." Instead I focused on the speaker while my heart grumbled with impatience.

As I was leaving the church the Lord said quietly, "The enemy will use any number of things to destroy My joy." I agreed because of this woman's distraction, I felt irritable - by no means joyful. Of course I had to ask, "Why take away the joy?" The Lord answered, "If he can take it, you have no strength to stand."

My prayer, "God, please visit me with your true joy. I really want to know what it is to walk with a smile on my face - true joy - no pretense - because I need your strength!"

Live In An Understanding Way

Peter tells us, "In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God's gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered." (I Peter 3:7, NLT).

The key word is understanding.

We know from Scripture Peter was married (Matthew 8:14-15) and we could only imagine with his rash temper he had to learn to live in an understanding way with his wife. Although not written in Scripture, we could imagine Jesus observing Peter in his own home and the interactions with his wife for the Lord to have instructed him.

Why is it so important for a man to live in an understanding way with his wife? Namely, that his prayers are not hindered. How many men profess to be spiritually minded reading the Bible and praying daily only to say cutting, demeaning remarks to their wives? Or the secret anger or frustration deep in the heart that makes you want to drive a fist into the wall? How often has a man lost his temper and spewed out terrible words to her then expect God to hear his prayers? No, God will not listen until he makes it right with her.

I believe the principal of living in an understanding way applies to all of our relationships. The Scripture verse uses the word "understanding" which in the original means to "know". When we don't take the time to know or understand another person, we make assumptions. We make quick snap judgments to why he or she is reacting or saying things that put us on edge. To live in an understanding way requires patience, actively listening, and asking questions so the lines of communication flow.

My wife and I pray daily to help focus our conversation back to God - who is listening and watching. We can sit and discuss how our day went or we can disagree on something but in the end, we stop to invite the Lord in our time of conversation. This takes practice and I don't do it well all the time. We pray while on the road for protection and safety. We pray over our meals. We pray throughout the day both individually and together as other things come up. This is how you live in an understanding way: you pray for wisdom and you pray together - no matter how difficult or hard it may seem - you invite God into the relationship - watch what healing and strength will flow.

And men, your understanding will broaden and increase as God gives you a heart to truly care for His daughter!

True Delight

In all our earnest desire to please the Lord, we pray. We worship and maybe even fast to show the Lord how much we truly love Him. We fellowship with the saints and help the poor and needy as way of bringing the utmost pleasure to God's heart.

So this morning as I prayed, cried and read His Word the Holy Spirit gently spoke to my heart. I turned to Matthew 6:33 in the NIV it reads, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

In all my seeking and passionate yearning for Christ, it was His righteousness, not my own that should be my one desire. Of course, I thought, every thing else in life takes a back seat for His kingdom. Family concerns, work, health, paying the bills etc.

Then the Holy Spirit at once spoke to my heart, "Don't worry about pleasing me. You delight me."

How often do we come before God with an honest and sincere heart. We cry out to Him because we want to be pleasing to Him in every thing we do, but then we cross a line into a place of anxiety. We aren't even aware of it until God has to gently stop us. Our sincere desire to please Him shifts to a place of worrying that it's not enough. So we strive, sweat and labor for hours in prayer and reading His word when we ought to simply rest in Him.

Yes, reading the Scriptures and praying is very important and necessary but we need to learn what it means to lean on His Word alone. No amount of effort on our part will be pleasing to God. We obey Him because we trust in Him and we do this because we have learned our own works add nothing to what He has already done. This message is not to the lazy or indifferent who do little to seek God, rather to the men and women who are truly desirous of God's kingdom above all else in their lives. There is a balance of grace and engagement in our relationship with God. Moments of work punctuated by times of rest.

I'm reminded of a child who in the eyes of their father or mother is pleasing. The child may not always be pleasant or please the parents, but there is a joy and delight in the eyes of the parent when they look at their child. God looks upon us with His delight even on our worse days when we fail or when we neglect Him.

All He truly wants is our hearts - hearts that can rest in His delight toward us!

An Offering

God does not want your promises. Your vows to do better and improve. He doesn't want your do overs and make ups when you fail. God is not interested in your offerings no matter how much it cost.

You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. (Psalms 51:6)

The one offering God will not turn away flows from a broken heart. My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise. (verse 7).

One afternoon I lifted my hands to God. Tears streaming down my face I looked up at the stark, white ceiling. I prayed, "If You want me, take me, just as I am. I have nothing! I'm nothing without You, Oh God!"

It was the darkest season in my life. My wife was about to lose her job and my job was on the line. Our marriage was at a breaking point from the distress. I was very ill and lost incredible amount of weight as I couldn't hold down food. Then I got a diagnosis from the doctor of what can be a fatal disease. My sister was in a car accident which resulted in memory lost and being hospitalized. My mom's 2nd marriage was failing as her husband grew more abusive.

This time I didn't offer excuses or try to find away out or around the truth. God's hand laid heavily on me. His chastening dealt a crushing blow to my deep seated arrogance.

Then one afternoon I heard Him whisper to me, "I'm about to do astounding things, things that will even astound You." In that moment, out of a broken heart, He accepted my offering of a life that I could no longer live as before. Now, I must live only for His purposes.

When you desire God more than what you want and you have come to the end of yourself, place your heart on the altar. God will never despise those who humble themselves in His presence.

You are the most precious and cherished son and daughter of God when all you have to offer is yourself.

Complete Vision

Paul describes our natural vision as seeing through a glass darkly until we see Him face to face. The Message pictures it as if “squinting in a fog, peering through a mist”.

I’m reminded as a child peering through a Kaleidoscope fascinated by the various bright colors and odd shapes being formed as I slowly turned the lens. Likewise, the lens of our life can be bright and attractive, but it can also be very distracted and distorted.

Through this same lens, we form judgments, opinions, biases etc. We reach a conclusion, some very faulty and fragmented, on what we consider true. Apostle Paul continues in the same verse, “I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known” (I Corinthians 13:12).

So when our vision is obscured, it’s almost certain our knowledge of Christ is deficient and incomplete. Proverbs 29:18 tells us where there is no vision or revelation the people perish (or as another version describes, “cast off restraint”), but blessed are those who keep the law.

If we read the Scriptures in our natural understanding, we will only see and understand truth in part, if anything at all. We need the Holy Spirit to remove the veil of unbelief from our eyes so the truth of God’s word becomes our food and drink. David writes in Psalm 119:18: “Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.” The Hebrew word for “open” means to uncover, remove.

So when the Holy Spirit comes, as if wiping away a dirty mirror, we see a clearer reflection of Him. And as we look in the mirror, as it were, of the Scriptures, we not only see Him clearly, but we see Him working in us as we are being made more into His image and likeness.

Think of Mary who came to the tomb with an incomplete knowledge of Jesus. She came to tomb to see a dead Christ not expecting to see a risen Savior. Through her sorrow and grief she could not see Jesus standing right before her eyes, but she mistakenly thought it was a gardener. Until He spoke her name then suddenly revelation was imparted. Christ was resurrected! And the veil was removed from her eyes (John 20:15-18).

Beloved, the Scriptures tell us we walk by faith, not by sight (II Corinthians 5:7). The Greek word for sight means the external or outward appearance, form figure, shape.

Mary needed to learn to walk by faith, trusting in an unseen Lord, for He would soon ascend to heaven to be seated at the right hand of His Father. Just because she could no longer see Him in a bodily form did not diminish the truth of His resurrection or existence. Likewise our knowledge of God is not based on what is seen or perceived, but rather based on trust in a God whom we don’t see, yet believe He is real.

Interestingly, in the same chapter of John, one of the disciples refused to believe His resurrection unless he touched the nail prints in His hands and pierced side (I John 20:24-29).

Believing, Mary went away in joy and told the disciples of the good news (verse 18), but Thomas refused to believe until evidence was presented. Much in the same way, the world refuses to believe unless some evidence is demonstrated. Even when solid evidence is produced, some will continue to be doubtful.

There is a blessing the Lord imparts to those who have not seen but believe (John 20:29) which makes seeing on that day when we see Him face to face all the more wonderful and glorious for we will see completely!

Delays

Paul describes the Christian journey as a race.

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize." (I Corinthians 9:24). The definition for the word run in this verse means to exercise myself, make progress, to run.

Effective running means measuring your breathing, finding that right pace and conserving your strength to make efficient strides toward the finish line.

But what do you do when there is a delay? Suddenly an obstacle falls on the track in front of you? Or some other obstacle to your right or left threatens to wipe you out?

Unlike a high school running track that is generally clear of roadblocks and other objects to slow you down, life is full of surprises and challenges. You may feel like you are making great progress but suddenly things go wrong. Your system at work crashes causing you to lose hours of work. The school nurse calls to report your child is very ill. Your car won't start. The bills mount and the savings account has just a couple of dollars remaining.

In this Christian race, you could keep running or slow down to rest. Be careful. There is a temptation we all face when life puts us on pause, because of an unexpected delay in our desire to pursue Christ, our Prize.

Remember the parable of the ten virgins? Five them were wise to stock up before going out to meet the bridegroom while five others were foolish. They had no contingency for life's emergency.

It says in Mathew 25: 1-4, “Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them,but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept." (NKJV).

Sadly many are falling asleep when it seems the bridegroom is delayed. But God will appear one day suddenly and we must learn endurance in this race, until the day He returns.

You may not be swift or strong, but keep moving your feet, one foot in front of other! Beloved, keep your eyes on Jesus and you will finish the race. Jesus, our Prize awaits for those who endure to the end,

I have seen something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all. Moreover, no one knows when their hour will come: As fish are caught in a cruel net, or birds are taken in a snare, so people are trapped by evil times that fall unexpectedly upon them. Ecclesiastes 9:11-12, NIV.

Go And Do Likewise

Recently a young man was shot in New York City's Greenwich Village because he was gay. I put down the newspaper feeling overwhelmed by the hatred and violence of someone pulling a trigger, destroying a life.

I thought of him dying on the way to the hospital - and my heart broke - Jesus what have we become as a nation? As a people of God are we no longer stirred for both men - one swallowed up by hatred and evil, no doubt possessed by devils. Another man living a life outside of Christ believing his days were full of promise stretching beyond the horizon only for it to end abruptly at the edge of dirty curb?

Some Christians might pass by a dying homosexual or some another individual who is drunk or strung out on drugs and keep walking because to associate means to accommodate. Other Christians might help but be fearful of being viewed as tolerant.

What utter nonsense!

We who have the Spirit of Christ can be His hands, feet and eyes to a dying world. We can serve in His power without the fear of being corrupted or twisted. Jesus sat and ate with sinners. He talked, laughed and instructed them around their kitchen tables while reclining in their homes, but He was not changed by them. They were changed by His presence.

In Luke 10:30 Jesus tells the parable of the man who was robbed and beaten, wounded on the street. A religious ruler passing by did nothing to help. A Levi went so far as to cross the street to avoid the injured man.

So Jesus asked this question, "Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?" (verse 36).

Only the Samaritan, an outcast by Jewish society came to the aid of the dying man. The Samaritans, often called dogs, part Gentile and part Israelite had a dark history of idolatry stemming past the Assyrian conquest that dispersed the 10 tribes of Israel with other wicked nations.

Yes, those who go and do likewise are those who know first hand the mercy of God. Their history may be stained and marked. They are the outcast, the marginalized, the exploited and the used up ones.

They are the ones who are the hands and feet of God, treading across the street to gently lift the head of those who are dying to give them hope.

God's love for others make them fearless because too they have been in those same dark, places!

Now My Eyes Have Seen

Isaiah cried out, "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty." (Isaiah 6:5 NIV).

Centuries later another man said while holding the Christ child, the King of Kings, "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation," (Luke 2:32-33 NIV).

The moment our eyes are open to the Lord, with all of His glory, majesty and greatness we will become small in our own eyes. What we have so easily inflated, exalted and magnified in our lives becomes trivial and foolish. John the Baptist said, "He must increase, but I must decrease." (KJV).

Paul writing to the church of Ephesus, "I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people," (Ephesians 1:18 NIV).

When was the last time we asked the Lord to give us a deeper understanding of the calling He has placed on our lives? Of an appreciation for the glorious inheritance we possess in Christ?

We need to have a higher vision than what are eyes see in the natural. To see a God who is greater and more powerful than we can ever imagine. Greater than our failures, sins and foolishness. A God who is awesome. A God who is holy and pure and can not look upon sin. A God one day we will see face to face in all of His glory and splendor!

Until our eyes have seen His salvation in our lives, we will fail to believe a God who is greater and higher than the things in our lives that want to consume us.

Open our eyes, Lord! Help us to see You as God not what we want to see!

Mixture

At fourteen years old, I learned to mix cement while working on mission team in Brazil.

Equal parts of sand, gravel and cement needed to be thoroughly mixed, along with the right amount of water. Each component was important to cause the mortar to bind to the bricks to form a solid structure. Too little or too much of the right ingredients or something else added to the mixture could result in compromised cement, poor binding and loose bricks.

Hebrews 4:2 says, "For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it."

You can hear gospel truth but it requires the right mixture of faith to receive and believe it. Doubt will destroy any pure ingredient of faith so nothing of truth adheres to our hearts.

For those who desire to overcome besetting sins, we have to ask the Lord about the mixture in our hearts. A little leaven causes bread to rise. So too a little compromise or a little side step away from truth or a little shortcut creates mixture so you are unable to stand, unable to walk in true holiness before the Lord. Your view of God becomes distorted, your relationship with Him is disjointed and reading and praying is very selective.

After the northern tribes of Israel were defeated by the Assyrians, the were interspersed with other nations that served many gross deities, including child sacrifices. Sadly, after all that transpired, they persisted in practicing idolatry and mixing false religion with what they were taught by Moses, the prophets and teachers of the law (2 Kings 17:40-41). Centuries later we read of the woman at the well, a Samaritan, who lived in mixture. She had religious ideas and five broken relationships until Jesus talked about a different water. Pure living water with nothing else added to it.

Brothers and sisters, it's time to separate ourselves from the things of the world. Toss out the beer, shut off the television, throw out that magazine or whatever else causes you to be weakened and compromised. It's time to pray and ask the Lord to give us a desire to mix the right things in our lives to produce strength and hope in these troubling times. The Scriptures tell us having done all to stand and we can only do this when only when we have the right mixture of truth and faith in our lives.

An Undivided Affection For Christ

Affection carries an emotional element with it. We can show affection toward our children with a hug or a kind word. We also can show affection to our pets by giving them treats or taking them out for a walk. Affection can be shown in many different ways depending on the setting, relationship and even culture.

But it's not the emotional element we should be so concern but rather the attachment to the object of our affection.

During my childhood years, I was hungry for attention and approval. Almost anyone who gave me a few moments of their time was enough for me to gravitate and emotionally cling to them. It created a lot of problems for me and the person caught in the cross fire of my often misdirected affections.

These divided affections carried over into my relationship with God. God is very possessive, intimate and jealous. While at times I was drawn by this powerful, all consuming love, I was also very divided. I kept looking over my shoulder and all about me for that one individual - in the flesh - who could see me, talk, walk and touch me - not always the Spirit of God who like the wind seemed more ethereal, invisible and disconnected. But I would learn years later, God is more desirable as a friend, brother, father, lover, and above anything else the human heart could express affection toward.

In John 21:15 Jesus asked Peter, "Do you love me more than these," perhaps pointing at the fish on the coals or the fishing boat anchored near the shoreline or toward the other disciples. I could only imagine Peter's eyes falling on the nailed scarred hands and remembering the night he betrayed Him.

Those marks represented a relationship before the cross where he was so full of ideas, passions and natural affections for Christ. Now, everything had changed. This time He truly wanted to love the Lord in a way that would honor Him. Out of Peter's heart, through the brokenness, a pure undivided affection was directed to God, alone.

Often the attachment of our affection to Christ is more ideal than reality. Peter envisioned going all the way with Christ to the cross, but found himself huddled near a fire while Christ was inside going through the trial of His life. We love the idea of walking with Christ but without the risk of failure or dealing with the problems and difficulties of taking on His affections toward us and toward His people. Jesus wanted Peter's affection toward Him to be demonstrated by feeding His sheep.

And that is all God desires - to have our heart and all of its affections - to love Him alone. Let David's cry be our own, "Give me an undivided heart that I might fear you"!

God's Question

After Adam and Eve sinned, God asked two questions. One of the questions I believe is very telling of our relationship with God.

The question is in Genesis 3:9 when God calls out to Adam and Eve. He asks, “Where are you?” Even today God asks this same question to those who are lost and to those who are hiding.

It’s not a question of God needing directions as if He couldn't find us. God is everywhere at all times. As fallen humanity, sinners don’t naturally seek out God. Our tendency is to run and hide from His presence. Still God in His mercy calls and seeks us out (Isaiah 53:6, Luke 19:10).

And truth be told, some of us did not want to be found because we were so enamored and ensnared by the pleasures of sin. Out of pride and fear, we dismiss Him though we admittedly can see how destructive our lives become without Him.

Why is it that we foolishly think we can be selective in choosing the areas of our lives to be known by God while parts of our hearts remain hidden from His sight? Hebrews 4:13 says, “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.”

When He questions us, we must answer honestly. About what we think, of how we feel, of the things that trouble and concern us and even why we are hiding. And we must be willing to listen when He responds. He will always speak the truth about Himself and our present condition. He can't lie like the devil who always lurks in the shadows of subterfuge.

Although God is unlike us, Jesus who was made in the likeness of man, was tempted in all points yet without sin understands our weakness (Philippians 2:7-8, Hebrews 4:15).

Don't you think it's time to answer His question? After all He sees and knows everything about us.

Stand Before Me

In the Scriptures we read of men and women who captured the heart of God. Abraham was a friend of God. Enoch was taken after walking with God for 365 years. Moses talked with God as a man speaks to his friend. Elijah was taken in a chariot of fire. Mary was visited by God who over shadowed her when carrying the Christ child.

These were ordinary people. People who struggled and failed but truly loved God. When He spoke to them, they listened and obeyed for the love of Him.

God tells Jeremiah, "Therefore thus saith the LORD, If thou return, then will I bring thee again, and thou shalt stand before me: and if thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth: let them return unto thee; but return not thou unto them." (Jeremiah 15:19, NIV).

If we are to know what it is to stand before God (and only through His blood can we do so) we must separate the vile from the precious.

There are some things in our lives we have grown familiar and accepted, even calling some sins by another name. God sees differently. He knows the depths of the heart and what we might call good, God see the ill motives and selfishness. In our religious passion to do right, we miss the Spirit and soon walk in our strength. We make rules and to-do lists for our flesh to accomplish for God. Now, we are in right standing with Him!

No, beloved, no flesh can boast in the presence of a holy God. We wonder why we can't stand when the storms come or when the Enemy attacks us. Why we falter and fall rather than stand and minister to God when He calls our name.

Who may ascend the mountain of the LORD? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god. Psalms 24:4.

Beloved, lift up your hands to God and ask Him to take the thing you been holding on to - the thing you can't seem to live without, but it's destroying you.

God, I raise my hands to you in surrender, please take this broken life, this crushed heart, this idol of lust or anger etc from my grasp and deep in my heart. I want to minister to you, standing in the holy place where you dwell. Take me, Jesus, take me now and make me your own!

Jewels In The Rain

Some men have not cried for years, yet there is a tear stained soul from private battles of pain and shame. Secrets only God knows.

Others lay in their beds at night and weep in bitter relief from the heated struggle they had faced today. A nasty conflict with the boss, the threat of being fired, leaving unpaid bills and a worried wife clutching their newborn son. They cry when thinking about another day unsure of what it might bring to their door.

Some are in deep pain and while others are taking their last breath on earth. They watch as the tears fall from their children's eyes and loved ones standing around the bed. Helpless to comfort and to hold them. If only they could wipe away their tears.

But one day God will wipe away our tears. When we see Him face to face in all of His glory. In such brilliant radiance, the shadows of fear, death, pain and sorrow will be forever vanquished. There will be a day when we will no longer weep. Not for sorrow or for your joy.

What would it be like not to weep? And what would it be like not to have a reason to cry?

Until that day, here on earth, no tear is wasted, no cry is unheard from God. It says in the Scriptures, "You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book" (Psalms 56:8, NIV).

How precious and tender is the Lord that each drop that falls from our eyes is not missed - if he knows the number of hairs on our head - he knows the number of times we wept and the reasons behind each tear when our heart ached.


Margaret Becker, Christian Artist

You cried alone by the window - Over the love that you lost - You gave it all - Never counting the cost - Rain like tears beat on your window - Melting your heart to the floor - No love returned - And now you have less than before (It's)

Chorus:
Never for nothing - When you love with no return - It's never for nothing - Light your candle in the darkness - Cause it's never for nothing

Your friends say you're the fool - For loving with nothing to gain - But they can't see the reward - That you'll claim - So hold on to the holy promise (that says) - No labor of love is in vain - Precious tears are changed to jewels - In the rain

His Every Word

"Go," Jesus replied, "your son will live." The man took Jesus at his word and departed. While he was still on the way, his servants met him with the news that his boy was living.When he inquired as to the time when his son got better, they said to him, "Yesterday, at one in the afternoon, the fever left him." Then the father realized that this was the exact time at which Jesus had said to him, "Your son will live." So he and his whole household believed. (John 4:51-53, NIV).

It was a two-fold miracle after the fact. After Jesus spoke to the man then his son was healed who was not present. No dramatic manifestation or some miraculous sign or a pumped up feeling. The man simply nodded his head in agreement believing His every word. Then he started for home where he son was deathly ill.

Every step he must have rehearsed God's word, even if there was lingering doubt or nagging fear. The man recalled the look of peace in those loving eyes. How the Lord's lips parted with words that flowed with such power it made him look heavenward and wonder - is this truly God in human form, sinless son of God? If so, God would never lie to him.

How many times has God spoken to our hearts directly from His word but our ears are dull from unbelief? Sadly, we are more in tune to the words and voices of the world then to our loving Savior!

When the man reached home, he learned his son was healed the same hour Jesus spoke the promise to heal him. And the greatest miracle was the man and his household was saved!

How many of our so called "revival" meetings would be emptied if we simply came, heard God once and went home. No stirring or provoking the flesh to "feel" God's nearness, no forced manifestation of God's presence but a simple faith that returns home - no matter how terrible the condition - to find God meeting us there!

Beloved, it's time to take Him at His word - not another sign, feeling, or finding the "right time" to believe. Listen, there will be a time His voice may be silent, but we have heard Him once - it is enough to carry us into the promises He awaits to fulfill. Only for those who take Him at His word!

When God Is More Than Enough

Sadly, we are so full of our schemes, plots and strategies in how we are going to manage our lives, that God is not enough. We live in culture of the self-made and self-taught man or woman. By our own hands, we determine our course of life and destiny. But when we come to the end of it all, we learn quickly it must be God and God alone. Our strength will fail, resources dry up and friends may not be there to help. God is all sufficient and has all power to act according to His good pleasure.

Today the pastor encouraged us in the Lord. He used an interesting expression, "The Lord does not despise your weakness." And the Lord spoke to my heart, "And don't elevate your weakness over my power."

How many times did I hold up my weakness to God as if to say, "Can you do anything with this broken, wasted life?" What a terrible offense to God who created all things for His good pleasure.

You may be weary, broken, desperate having reached the end of your strength, but God is waiting. He is waiting for you at the end so He can give you a new beginning. A bright, hopeful future!

We read in Genesis 32:22-32 that Jacob wrestled with an angel until the break of dawn. He is struck on the hip and limps into the promises of God. A changed man who has truly come to end of himself. His name once meant supplanter - a schemer,a man well practiced in deception. Jacob wanted the natural blessing so he agreed to his mother's scheme of taking it from Esau. Later, he would deceive Laban, his father-in-law, who was also a deceptive man.

We come to the end of ourselves by being honest with God. We tried our way but failed miserably. Our hearts are empty and lack hope. Our strength has run dry. Then we understand the sufficiency of God to meet us in our desperate hour. But until we like the prodigal come to our senses, we'd never turn to God our Father for what we need.

God is more than enough but are we willing to admit we are deficient?

Morning By Morning

As I'm writing this entry, the morning is quickly fading. There is an overcast sky with the sun trying to force its way through the gray clouds. Sounds of those in the apartment above and below have stirred awake with sounds of walking and moving and other daily activities.

In those moments before being fully conscious of your surroundings and still lingering in sleep, God visits us with a whisper. Isaiah 50:4 says, "The Sovereign LORD has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed." (NIV).

Job says, "For God does speak--now one way, now another-- though no one perceives it. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on people as they slumber in their beds."(NIV)

Some of us are not the brightest or alert in the morning, but God whispers His thoughts in our ears. Thoughts that make us smile, bring joy to our heart and there is a sense of peace just before the sunrises.

I love you, son. I'm near you, now and forever. I'll help you today. Do you know I'm praying for you? You are not alone.

David's lament in Psalms 5:3 says, "In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly."

Before the rush of activities, the sounds of the world coming to life or stress of deadlines and activities to accomplish, take a moment in the morning to still your heart before the Lord. In the darkness of the morning as the first rays of light break through the windows, you will hear God whisper your name. And as you call to Him in response, God hears you.

Before you can tell Him of your broken heart, of the fears you face at work or at home, or a disease destroying your body or your sons and daughters who have wandered far from home, He already knows. But for now, in that quiet moment in the morning He wants to whisper something wonderful, beautiful and glorious in your ears. It will carry you throughout the day and you will mediate on it in the evening. Then you will look forward to His whispers the next day. Morning by morning.

Chastening

Job 5:17 says, "Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth." (KJV).

Whenever the Lord corrects us, we must position ourselves to receive it with an open heart and with gratitude. Yes, with gratitude for Hebrews 12:10 says it is for our profit so that we might be partakers of His holiness.

By positioning ourselves to receive instruction, we are in a posture to accept the benefits of His divine training, although painful and unpleasant.

Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby (Hebrews 12:11).

The original meaning of grievous means pain of body or mind, grief, sorrow. When we chose to accept the Lord’s discipline though we might experience pain, discomfort or sorrow but we are in a good place to receive His richest blessings.

How we respond to the Lord’s chastening will make all the difference in the outcome. We can give into pity, run from Him or receive His instruction willingly.

Sometimes the source of our chastening comes from the consequences of our disobedience. James tells us when we knew what is right, but fail to act it is sin (4:17). The consequences serve as an opportunity to receive from the Lord remedial instruction.

Take the life of King Saul. He disobeyed the commandment of the Lord to destroy Amalek. Amalek was long standing enemy of Israel. The Amalekites attacked the weak, faint and stragglers during Israel’s wilderness journey (Deuteronomy 25:17-18).

When Saul rejected God’s command, the Lord in turn rejected him as king of Israel (I Samuel 15:26). Saul excuses his disobedience by blaming the people who took only the best of the plunder for a sacrifice unto the Lord (verse 21).

The most telling response of Saul’s unchanged heart is when he seized the edge of Samuel’s robe and tore it. By grabbing Samuel’s mantle, Saul was attempting to take a hold of God’s authority given to the prophet. Saul not only lost the kingdom, but he lost the authority of being God’s appointed ruler.

Not all chastening is necessarily a result of sin. There is another chastening, which is discipline. Similar to child who learns right from wrong or is trained to behave properly we too receive instruction from Lord for our spiritual development. This discipline requires us to die to our wills daily so we can live as true children of God. But the rewards of receiving His chastening far outweigh any momentary discomfort and pain!

True Friend

Is there a Jonathan in your life lending you support and encouragement?

Jonathan strengthened the hand of his best friend - the one who would take his place and sit on his rightful throne ruling a kingdom he was meant to inherit.

But we read in 1 Samuel 23:16-18 that Jonathan goes to where David is hiding and strengthens his hands.

This will be the last time Jonathan and David would see each other. One of the most difficult challenges we face is to encourage the one who will take our place. Not because we have sinned or because we failed, but rather God has determined it.

But if we are reluctant or unyielding it will only rob of us of our strength and we will find ourselves in opposition to God. Think of Elijah who thought he was the only prophet who had not bowed to Baal yet there was several thousand just like him. Then God instructs him to anoint Elisha as his replacement.

Before David conquered Goliath, Jonathan won a victory crawling on his hands and knees with the armor bearer (1 Samuel 14). But we remember the story of David and Goliath more than Jonathan’s victory.

Before Ziklag was destroyed where we find David’s strengthening himself in the Lord (I Samuel 30:6) it was Jonathan who often refreshed David while on the run from Saul. By refreshing David's heart, Jonathan did more than subdue and further God’s kingdom on the battlefield.

Jonathan had won a victory over the enemy of bitterness and hatred. He loved and remained loyal to his father and to David. He was a true friend who was willing to help David knowing he would never see the throne, be a king or experience the joy and trials of a ruler.

An Agreeable Walk

As a child my father would grasp my hand instructing me to look both ways before crossing the street. He pointed to the walk signal while we waited for it to change. When the signal flashed to walk, we stepped down from the curb and made our way across the wide avenue. My father walked with a brisk pace and I had to double up my speed. He gently warned the light would eventually change so we hurried across the street. Safely on the other side, the traffic broke free and a river of roaring metal streamed over the place where we stood just moments ago.

Genesis records that Enoch walked with God 365 years (Genesis 5:23). This man held tightly the hand of God all his days and in the end, it says God took him home to Himself!

To Abram God said, "walk before me and be blameless," and Abram became a transformed man when he walked out his front door and headed toward Canaan - his name changed as his wife - and they became the father and mother of a mighty nation.

King Hezekiah fully recovered from an illness that nearly took his life prayed, "I shall walk carefully all my years" (Isaiah 38:15). He had only 15 years promised to him so he measured his pace, took in the beauty around him and appreciated God even more.

And to us God says in I John 1:6, "He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked." The footsteps of Jesus took him many miles throughout Israel and it's borders, but always his feet were directed to the cross.

The disciples promised to follow him to very end, but forsook Him. They couldn't go where only He would travel. It was the one street they feared to cross, the Via Dolorosa, the Way of Sorrows, that led to Calvary.

Are we willing to take God's hand, keep in pace with the Spirit's leading regardless to where He might lead us? It could be heavenward like Enoch, a new homeland as in Abraham's walk, or to a place of sorrow but later, a resurrected hope and light in times of suffering.

The key to walking with God is we must be in agreement with Him. He leads, we follow. Let me leave you with this Scripture. Pray and ask the Lord is there any argument or resistance in my heart to taking His hand? Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction? Amos 3:3 (NLT).

Give It Away!

We need to contend for our inheritance - those promises God has deposited in our hearts.

Not just for our personal lives but for those who will come after us. Sadly, we can spend our entire life with a single focus of retiring with a enough assets, money and possessions to make our final days comfortable.

Yes, we are to be wise and careful in how we spend and invest our finances. However, God's economy is very different from the world's system of storing, hoarding and holding back. He is God who gives freely and He is our example to imitate.

In the Old Testament we read of five daughters securing an inheritance in the Promise Land in Numbers 27:7-8 and in Numbers 36. There at least three valuable lessons we can learn in preparing the future for those who will come after us.

1. We learn to contend not be contentious when grasping the promises of God – the daughters asserted their father had died in
his own sin and was not part of the rebellion of Korah. In other words, they contended for their own righteousness
because their father had no part in Korah's sin.

2. We learn that marital and social standing was not going to be a hindrance in obtaining the promise of a goodly and godly
heritage. These were single women had no brothers or husbands to secure their inheritance. Yet these women understood
their inheritance (like ours in Christ) needed no social or worldly ties or approval.

3. We learn these women honored the law and did not refute it but rather stated their case in a non-confrontational way –
they stated the facts, not their opinion. One irrefutable fact was they carried their father’s blood in them (they were
his daughters after all) and it should be enough to secure them a heritage – regardless to being without brothers,
husbands or sons or their gender.

These women had secured a life and a future for the next generation. Later they did marry within the confines of their tribe obeying the Lord's instruction to keep their inheritance.

Beloved, God has deposited His Holy Spirit in our lives. And all the promises are yes and amen in Christ - but many of them are not for us to store up and reserve for a rainy day but to give it away!

Your Going To Be Okay

Sometimes a child needs to hear their father say every so often, "It's going to be okay."

Sadly, frustrated, weary and upset fathers say very few encouraging words to a child, especially at the end of the day. Some fathers didn't grow up with touching or expressing words of affection. To stoop down and look into the eyes of a child and say soothingly, "It's going to be allright," is difficult, perhaps painful. Pride is often the worse enemy. Why show tenderness when a child needs a strong, powerful hand to keep him or her in line?

Still many sons and daughters are growing up with a hunger for a touch, a kind word, someone to tell them it will be okay.

Recently, I spent the afternoon at a flea market in Brooklyn. My wife and I walked up and down the various booths gazing and touching various antique furniture, an odd sortment of ornaments, aging photos, and by gone mementos. The skies were bright with a warm sun kissing our face. We enjoyed tasting some delightful food and being in each others company.

Then slowly I turned to see a young man, at first my eyes caught his heels then moved up his back as he stooped down to lift something up. This may sound odd, but I suddenly became aware of the spiritual surroundings. "What is it Lord?" I felt this urge to reach out and touch his shoulder and say, "It's going to be ok." Then I noticed the faded marks on his arms. Bruises? A disease? Or just every day living of bumps and scratches? My hand stuck to my side and I went on my way but my heart kept returning to him and to others who just want to hear the words, "It will be ok."

You may ask how can it be okay when my life is in ruins? When relationships have broken my heart? When promises were made by those who loved me, or at least I thought, but they lied?

We are given this promise in Hosea 11:14, "I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love. To them I was like one who lifts a little child to the cheek, and I bent down to feed them." (NIV).

God takes the time to stoop down, lift us up and look us in the eyes and feeds us. Feeds us with the words our starving souls have longed to hear. You are loved, wanted and desired, You are going to be okay. Your Father is watching over you to protect, guide and help you.

A Transformed Life

After church service I attended a men's ministry meeting. Compared to size of church with at least 8,000 in attendance on a given Sunday morning, there was just some thirty or so men gathered in the spacious room.

Mighty men of God. Men who secretly wrestled with demons in prayer. Men who slew lions and bears in wilderness country like David long before he became king. Alone and abandoned but knowing something of the heart of God that few would ever experience.

But from the outward appearance in this group of men you may not even consider these men as being valiant, brave or fighters. After a short time of God's word, the leader open the meeting for others to share.

One man stood to his feet to talk of God's goodness. His voice was slightly high pitched, his speech a bit hesitant as he described a day he was invited to spend a day with a pastor for breakfast and lunch on Staten Island. He lit up at the remembrance of food - two meals he exclaimed in a single day!

Another raised his hand while others were commenting on a sports figure who recently announced he was gay. He sat comfortably behind me while retelling how God delivered him from homosexuality. He encouraged the group to love, reach out and be compassionate. At times you can detect a battle worn solider who had admittedly said, "It can be tough some days."

Yet another announced he was new to the group having heard of the men's ministry but decided it was time to show up and be accountable, so to speak. He shared of God's recent provision in connection to feeding the homeless.

Another struggled with wanting to be accepted and approved, afraid that people might know what was really going on inside his head. Many shared Scriptures of comfort and encouragement.

Story after story of lives being transformed by God's power. Sometimes raw, tender and even rough and scratchy around the edges but still testimonies of a life God is forming and shaping to astound the world.

David had mighty warriors. One of them best describes this group of men meeting on Sunday. I Chronicles 11:22-23 records this incredible feat. Benaiah son of Jehoiada, a valiant fighter from Kabzeel, performed great exploits. He struck down Moab's two mightiest warriors. He also went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion. And he struck down an Egyptian who was five cubits tall. Although the Egyptian had a spear like a weaver's rod in his hand, Benaiah went against him with a club. He snatched the spear from the Egyptian's hand and killed him with his own spear. (NIV)

Beloved, God will give you supernatural strength to overcome those things the Enemy and flesh has used to destroy you. You will snatch the very weapon out of the Enemy's hand and strike him! How when I'm so weak, afraid and feel so inadequate to such a task?

Through your testimony of God's rich mercy!

A transformed life troubles the Enemy because it speaks of God's power to change us when others have written us off or dismissed us for the talented, the famous or the charismatic. But God see us differently. Warriors, valiant and courageous men and women - the Joshua company taking the Promise Land!

Just One Crumb

Jesus said in Matthew 5:3, "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (KJV). What does it mean to be poor in spirit? In the original it means to crouch or cower like a beggar. Blessed are the beggars and those who cower for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. It was not about the money or possessions. Or gaining all the treasures in heaven that were deprived here on earth.

Rather the beggars are those who are hungry for the Lord that nothing in this life satisfies them.

It the woman who in desperation for her daughter to be healed says, "Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master's table." (Matthew 15:27). What she was saying is, "Lord just one crumb from the Bread of Life is enough for me. I'm satisfied even if I don't have the entire loaf, just a crumb will do!"

Yet how many of us are not hungry because we are eating the stale bread of hours spent in front of the television. No matter the number of cooking, reality, news or education films we watch it can never deposit treasure in heaven. Some of us pack our day with one activity after another with no time left for Jesus. No, we didn't enrich our lives one bit. We are exhausted, empty and dry. There is a lack of peace and our relationships are strained and frustrated.

The poor in the spirit are those who say I don't need to watch television to fill my mind with the last events or news. I don't need to go to every event or activity. Even though the world might say we are small, narrow minded and out of touch with reality. What they don't understand we are the richest in spirit power and strength. Why? We feast daily at the table the Lord has spread for us in times of prayer and reading the word.

You can be poor in the spirit by neglecting the things of God by not reading His word and prayer. Or you can be poor ( and very much blessed) in the spirit by starving the flesh and it's appetites. Remember, Israel got what they requested while complaining in the desert, but God brought a leanness into their soul (Psalms 106:15). The leanness was to cause an appetite for God, the true bread of life.

A Scrubbed Clean Mind

Create in me a clean heart was David's cry in Psalms 51.

Yes, the cry of our heart should always be "search me, try the reins of my heart" let there be no impurity. We are called to walk in holiness for God is holy (1 Peter 1:16).

But there are days that the war in our minds is so heated that we give into despair. We feel hounded by the world, the flesh and the devil. Thoughts of lust, pride or anger hit us like a dart, inflamming our minds with thoughts of lust, anger or some other secret sin that troubles us. We cry out to God feeling unworthy, unclean and condemned.

The Enemy whispers in our minds, "See you haven't changed, God has abandoned you. Might as well give up and give in!"

Beloved, remember the Scripture Jesus spoke in John 15:3, "You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you." (John 15:3).

What has God spoken to you lately through His word regarding that sin in your life? Recall the promise that if you confess your sins, He is faithful and just to forgive (I John 1:9).

When those ugly tormenting thoughts of failure, sin or fears rise up, you must declare His word. I'm learning to say in those moments, quickly rather than hesistate or mediate on the thought, "It is written, God's blood cleanses me. I'm His child. In the mighty name of Jesus, I tear down this horrible thought and will only think on those things that produce life, hope and truth!" Then I pray, "Now, O Father help me, I'm weak and my mind is straying. Help me!"

Nothing pleases the Father more than a child who fixes his or her mind on Christ than earthly things. You are different, being transformed into a new creature, and old things - patterns, habits of the mind, and behaviors are changing. Think about God and you will have a scrubbed cleaned mind!

One Thing We Should Want

I was on the phone talking to my friend who is also a real estate agent handling the sale of our house. He stopped me short when you he said, "...it's what you wanted." I just finished giving a list of things that have gone wrong, almost surreal as if in a strange dream I can't escape.

Understandably moving, selling the house, finding an apartment in New York, learning a new job would be challenging but there are moments that I long for a day of reprieve. Just to catch my breath and rest.

I think of the man in the store doing our kitchen counter estimate falling asleep...trying to get clothes out of the storage unit delivered only minutes ago and laid a few items on the grass when the sprinkler system suddenly came to life when a repair man turned it on...a broken computer system at work with the screen going blank and a program that has failed to operate...the list of repairs needed to be addressed in our prior home and the ones in the apartment that was painfully slow...leaving us a month in a hotel with a cost that skyrocketed...

Yes, I did want to obey the leading of the Lord. And so this outweighs any discomfort or trouble along the way. These moments will not last forever. Sometimes I laugh at the expression, "This too shall pass," and my response is, "or I'll just pass out!"

God asked Solomon what do you want? (1 Kings 3:5). King Solomon asked for wisdom to lead a nation. To the blind man Jesus asked, "What do you want me to do for you?" (Mark 10:51). Any one would answer Jesus with their immediate need to be satisfied.

But what if you were to respond, "I just want You, Lord!" or "I just want more of Your Presence!" And you walk away with the need or desire unmet but an overwhelming sense of peace because God is with you. Nothing outward seems to have changed, but inwardly you are different.

Through the tears, frustration, weariness still we must declare with David, "One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple." (Psalms 27:4)

Above all our wants and pressing needs. We must desire Him more and more!

Above Our Worship

It says in Nehemiah 9:2 those Israelites who had separated themselves from foreigners stood and read from the book of the law confessing their sins and those of their fathers. The opening lines of the prayer say, "Blessed be your glorious name, and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise" (verse 5 NIV).

Above all blessing and praise? Isn't that we are to do on Sunday morning and throughout the week is to worship God? Worship Him above all our circumstances and cares?

Yes, we are to worship Him alone.

Sadly, even our worship can be just that...all about the worship experience with no true devotion to God. The very downfall of Israel was idolatry of foreign gods leading them into gross darkness and sin, even intermarriage with those who were to be dispossessed from the Promised Land.

Instead, Israel become possessed by the spirit of unfaithfulness until they were taken out of the land.

True worship flows from a sincere heart. A heart that is open to the Holy Ghost that refuses to pretend or hide something from Him. When we worship we acknowledge God's sovereign power to act as He so desires independent of our wills. Even in Abraham's idolatrous generation, it says God found Abraham's heart faithful so He made a covenant with him (verse 7-8). God's will was revealed to Abraham that he would be a father of nations and the land he walked on would be for his seed to possess.

Abraham understood something of the character of God Almighty who possessed heaven and earth. In turn, Abraham's heart was possessed by a love of God shown through his obedience.

Can the Lord find our heart faithful? It's just not who we worship that is important, but how we worship. Are we giving God lip service while our minds are bowed down to lustful thoughts? Do we sing a hymn on Sunday morning only to be angry with our spouse just hours after the service?

Beloved, God is always above our worship. To the measure of our obedience is how God truly is exalted above all things in our lives.