Are You Thirsty?

O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. Psalm 63:1

The Hebrew word for a dried up river bed is “Nachal”. Israel has many of these. Here, in Israel it rains in winter, but not in summer. In the summer, these places stand as a testament of the rains that once fell and of the rains yet to come. Then, when they do come, the dry stream beds almost instantly fill with water. This is what the Scripture means when it says, “I will give you rivers in the desert.” There is a promise in that for us.

We, like the dry stream beds, were made to flow with the water and the life of the Spirit of God. When we are not connected to God, to His flowing waters, we feel dry and empty — without purpose. But we were meant to be overflowing! Maybe you are feeling dry and empty in your life and walk? Praise the Lord! What an opportunity to allow God to fill you with His rivers of living water!

“Are you thirsty?”

If you’re dry and thirsty, turn to the Lord today and the waters will flood in again!

Lord fill us afresh. Life seems so hard along life way. We grow tired and weary. Fill us till we thirst no more!

For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants.

Isaiah 44:3

Perfect Peace

You will keep in perfect peace
all who trust in you,
all whose thoughts are fixed on you

Isaiah 26:3

Where do we get perfect PEACE?

I observe the world and see and have met the people that have had earthquakes, Tsunami’s, Hurricanes, Floods and personal disaster. Witnessing that some are able to cope and others are not.

Why?

Why is the question we must ask.

Why did this happen to me?

Why am I feeling the way I do?

Many quote the Serenity Prayer....The prayer has been adopted by Alcoholics Anonymous and other twelve-step programs.

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference. by Reinhold Niebuhr

Understanding that we are not in control is the KEY!

TO turn to God and relinquish the control and allow the wisdom, the grace, the love, the patience,the kindness, the goodness, the faithfulness, THE PEACE and even JOY that only a true GOD can give.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Galatians 5:22-24

So my prayer is that you can let go of the steering wheel and let God take Control of your life to find Perfect Peace in God's love.

My Life is but a Weaving

My life is but a weaving

between my Lord and me;

I cannot choose the colors,

He worketh steadily.

Oft times He weaveth sorrow,

And I, in foolish pride,

Forget He sees the upper,

And I the under side.

Not 'til the loom is silent

and the shuttles cease to fly,

Shall God unroll the canvas

and explain the reason why.

The dark threads are as needful

in the Weaver's skillful hand,

As the threads of gold and silver

in the pattern He has planned.

He knows, He loves, He cares,

nothing this truth can dim.

He gives His very best to those

who leave the choice with Him.

~Author Unknown

So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.

Genesis 1:27

Living for Christ

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

Acts 1:8

When it comes to serving our fellow man, most of us tend to live with a mindset that posts a "Do Not Disturb" sign over our heart. We think: "I'm too busy." "Leave me alone." "I don't want to get involved." "I've got my own problems."

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus" - Philippians 2:3-5

"It's all about me" is incredibly selfish, and it leads to emptiness and spiritual death. Real living begins when we start to know God, and serve Him. Serving God means serving others. It's one of the keys to discovering your life purpose.

So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image 2 Corinthians 3:18

Things Not Seen

We pride ourselves in being logical creatures who demand proof before believing most things. Yet, a professor can tell us that there 100 trillion stars in the sky, and we accept it without question. We accept as absolute fact that an atom has neutrons and electrons spinning around a nucleus, even though we have never seen any of them. We know that light travels 186,000 miles a second even though we've personally never measured it. And we agree that Lincoln wrote the Gettysburg Address, and that E does, in fact, equal mc2. We accept all these things as facts without ever demanding the proof of their authenticity.

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." - Hebrews 11:1

Yet so many of us will reject Jesus - risking our eternal souls even when presented with solid proof. What proof? The witness of thousands of people who saw the miracles of Jesus. Testimonies from dozens who witnessed His death, then saw Him alive after His resurrection. And what about the fulfillment of prophecies concerning Jesus? Yet even after being shown so much solid evidence, many enlightened, logical people reject Jesus as "just some myth for the gullible." In fact, the divinity of Jesus is just about the only thing people refuse to accept, even when evidence is overwhelming. Tell me, where's the logic in that?

What about you? Are you willing to accept the truth of Jesus on faith?

Above the Sun

When you are not enjoying abundant life, you will feel as if life is full of toil. In your heart, life is meaningless and empty. You feel like someone “grasping for the Wind”

Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind;nothing was gained under the sun. Ecclesiastes 2:11

It seems as if nothing you do adds up to much. The Bible calls this life “Under the Sun” (v.11). Someone who lives life under the sun may or may not know God, but God is either forgotten or not the center of things in his/her life. The thoughts are earthly things are done to gratify the flesh. In the end, life is depressing and unfulfilled. Life under the sun is full of despair.

This is not so with someone who lives above the sun with God. For life with Him is filled with joy and pleasures at His right hand. (Psalm 16:11) Life is abundantly full and good just as Jesus promised ---”I have come that they may have life, and that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10

When you live life above the sun, your thoughts are heavenward and you become Christ-occupied. You live for Him because you know that “all things were created through Him and for Him” (Colossians 1:16). When you live for His glory, your life takes on a new meaning and purpose.

God’s Word says, “He is before all things, and in Him all things consist” (Colossians 1:15-17) The Greek word for “consist” means “held” together.” In Christ, all things are held together. Your mind will be held together. Your hopes and dreams will be held together. Your family will be held together by the cords of His love.

Your life will not be empty, but full of God’s goodness because “Christ in you, [is] the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27). It is a wonderful life---this life lived above the sun.

You will have an even more wonderful life to come in heaven!

Tradition Or Biblical

Sometimes we have to get outside of our own traditions to notice some of the legalisms we have embraced. During what I call our transitional days, my wife and I were members at a local Southern Baptist Church. I soon noticed that there was no specific time at the end of the sermon for people to "walk the aisle" to make a decision to join the church or to accept Christ. I went to the pastor and expressed my concern. "This is not good," I told him. "Why are you not doing this?"

"Then some Pharisees and teachers of the law came to Jesus from Jerusalem and asked, 'Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They don't wash their hands before they eat!' Jesus replied, 'And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?'" - Matthew 15:1-3

Even though I felt we where seeking out of the box type church, we where in the “box” with traditions. No where does it say in the bible that we need to walk the aisle for public confession, the only thing you’ll find is concerning baptism. Luke 3:21 Mark 16:16

So often we elevate tradition to the level of the Bible. Tradition can be meaningful, but when we elevate it to the level of the Bible, we make it idolatry and ignore the 2nd commandment. Let's be sure that in following Christ, the Bible is our ultimate authority on how to live for Him.

"The most dangerous thing you can do is to take any one impulse of your own nature and set it up as the thing you ought to follow at all costs." CS LEWIS

Lord forgive me where I fail in following your Word.

The Perfect Body

In our culture today, we get hit with a lot of information about how to have the perfect body. If you watch TV, you'll see that for a mere $19.95 and fifteen minutes a day, some fitness machine will give you the perfect body. But I have bad news for you. Even though some of you may come closer to the perfect body than others, no one in this life will ever permanently achieve it. For all of us, our bodies will eventually wear out.

“It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed." 1 Corinthians 15:52

One day when Jesus returns, the Christian will be given the perfect body. Jesus Christ promised we will receive a new body that never wears out. It comes with a new mind that never struggles with envy, hatred or any of life's sins. A perfect ten of a body that never tires, that never wears out--I could sure use that!

We are to take care of our bodies today, even though they will wear out. But don't miss the big picture! Live with the hope of Jesus' promise that one day those who know Him in a personal way will receive the perfect body.

A body that lasts eternally.

MIND AND HEART

There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28

Help me not be some kind of -ite, -ist, or -anian. Keep me from misplacing my loyalties with this man or that!

Some say they are Paul or some from Apollos or from Cephas, but I say I am of Christ. Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul? I am thankful that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, so no one can say that you were baptized into my name.

“I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought." 1 Corinthians 1

We think of the church body as a small

congregation that we attend, but the real deal

is we are in the church body of Christ.

With this word we as believers should

be able to encourage and love each other,

knowing who we are for,

CHRIST!

Footprints in the SNOW

Walking through freshly fallen snow, a father wanted to teach his son a key lesson in life. He said, "Son, I'm going to walk to that tree fifty feet. Then I want you to follow in my steps."

The father walked to the tree. He turned to look at his son and they both observed the tracks in the snow. Not wanting to fail the test, the son looked at his father and began to walk. He looked down at his steps and veered to the left. He looked up and corrected his course. He looked down again. He veered to the right and had to correct his course once more.

Arriving at the tree, his tracks told the story.

His father explained, "Son, as long as you focused on me, your tracks were straight. The moment you took your eyes off me, you got off track. The key is keeping your eyes on the goal."

"How can a young man keep his way pure?

By living according to your word.

I seek you with all my heart;

do not let me stray from your commands.

I have hidden your word in my heart

that I might not sin against you.."

Psalm 119:9-11

So it is in life. There is one primary goal and if it becomes the heart and focus of your life, it will be the key to eternal success. That goal is following the Lord. Keep your eyes on Him, and He will keep you right on track to where you need to go.

Lifetime Companion

It’s saddening me that ½ of marriages are ending in divorce, for whatever reason. The reality is that marriage is under attack and someone has to search out an answer. Here is the reality; many people don’t allow God to pick out their mates, and we have a major epidemic of improper dating and courting. It’s amazing to me how careless some are when it comes to the selection of their mate. Who you marry does matter and it’s the second greatest decision of your entire life.

There isn’t a decision that is more important to you except your decision to serve God. Life has enough challenges and pressures that you don’t want to add to by marrying the person you were never meant to marry.

It’s much better to stay single than to marry the wrong person.

What can we learn from Adam and Eve?

What did Adam do to get Eve? ------Nothing at all

God put him to sleep, he woke up, and his soul mate was lying right next to him. While that isn’t going to happen exactly like that for us, God will make sure that your path crosses with the person you are suppose to marry.

Courting couple should have real communications before engagement. It’s wise to take the time to really get to know someone before you get physical. Ouch, did I just say that? Is it really important to go as long as you can without getting physical? Absolutely, your first kiss should mean something, and the longer you can wait the more intimate your relationship will be. Too many relationships are only built off lust and physical connection.

Couples that only are connected physically will have major problems in the early years of their marriage. You should take the time to really get to know someone before you kiss them or get physical; your relationship will be so much healthier. While we may have all blown it here and gotten more physical than we should have, I’d like to encourage you to slam on the brakes, put your car in reverse, turn around, and get on the right road. God is merciful and does allow U turns. It’s important that you turn around, starting right now, and reserve your physical passion for marriage.

In a perfect world there would be no sexual abuse, mistakes, rejection, cheating, divorce, or sexual scars. However, the world that I live in and the people that live in this world have been scarred by sexual immorality, past or sadly a divorce. It’s vitally important that you become healed and whole from whatever scar or bad relationship you had in the past. People that are continually jumping from one relationship to another are simply not wise. It’s dangerous to enter another relationship if you are not healed from your past or previous broken relationships.

James 1:12 says, "Blessed is the man(woman)who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him."

Today is the first day of the rest of your life. God is bigger than your past. While you may have scars and consequences of your past, it doesn’t have to dictate your future happiness. God is a good God and will give mercy to His people. You have a bright future and God is going to send your lifetime companion to you when the time is right.

Just go to sleep and let God pick your mate out for you.

Give Me a Sign!

I chuckled as I read the words posted on a billboard:

"Well, you have been asking me for a sign! - God."

Now be honest. Are you one of those folks that have said at different times in your life, "You know, if I could just see a sign; if I could just see a miracle, I'd believe in God. I'd get my life straight."

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible." -

Hebrews 11:1-3

Are you waiting for some sign or miracle to appear to give you the "proof" you're looking for to believe in God? Remember, "Faith is the assurance of things hoped for." The evidence for God's existence is everywhere. What you have to decide is if you'll be open-minded enough to see it and see Him and change your mind and believe.

Word

Where do you begin in studying the Bible? If you’re new to Bible study, begin in the New Testament. The Bible is a unique book. It’s best not to begin at the beginning, but in the middle, with the story of Jesus. All of the Old Testament points to Jesus and we can’t really understand the Old Testament until we first understand Him.

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.There are some subjects that every Christian should study and study as soon as possible." 2 Timothy 2:15

Sin.
The Atonement (of the Blood of Christ).
Justification.
The New Birth.
Adoption.
Sanctification.
Holiness.
Assurance.
Faith.
Repentance.
Prayer.
Thanksgiving.
Praise.
Love: To God, to Jesus Christ, to Christians, to all men.
The Future Destiny of Believers.
Punishment of the Wicked,"
The Character of Christ.
The Resurrection of Christ.
The Ascension of Christ.
The Second Coming of Christ:
The Reign of Christ.
The Holy Spirit. Who and What He is; His Work.
God. His Attributes and Work.
Grace.
Prophecies Respecting Christ,"
The Church.
The Jews.
Joy.
The Judgment.
Life.
Peace.
Perfection.
Persecution.

The bible begins in a garden and ends in a city – and what a great city! Here’s the key – start with Jesus and when you read it, ask God to speak to you. After all, it is His Word.

New Year’s Resolution

There is just something about the start of a New Year that gives us the feeling of a fresh start and a new beginning. In reality, there is no difference between December 31st and January 1st. Nothing mystical occurs at midnight on December 31st. The Bible does not speak for or against the concept of New Year’s resolutions. However, if a Christian determines to make a New Year’s resolution, what kind of resolution should he or she make?

Common New Year’s resolutions are: to quit smoking, to stop drinking, to manage money better, and spend more time with family. By far the most common New Year’s resolution is to lose weight, in conjunction with exercising more and eating healthier. These are all good goals to set. However, 1 Timothy 4:8 instructs us to keep exercise in perspective: “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” The vast majority of New Year’s resolutions, even among Christians, are in relation to physical things. This should not be.

Many Christians make New Year’s resolutions to pray more, to read the Bible every day, and to attend church more regularly. These are fantastic goals. However, these New Year’s resolutions fail just as often as the non-spiritual resolutions, because there is no power in a New Year’s resolution. Resolving to start or stop doing a certain activity has no value unless you have the proper motivation for stopping or starting that activity. For example, why do you want to read the Bible every day? Is it to honor God and grow spiritually, or is it because you have just heard that it is a good thing to do? Why do you want to lose weight? Is it to honor God with your body, or is it for vanity, to honor yourself?

Philippians 4:13 tells us, “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” John 15:5 declares, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” If God is the center of your New Year’s resolution, it has chance for success, depending on your commitment to it. If it is God’s will for something to be fulfilled, He will enable you to fulfill it. If a resolution is not God honoring and/or is not in agreement in God’s Word, we will not receive God’s help in fulfilling the resolution.

So, what sort of New Year’s resolution should a Christian make? Here are some suggestions:

(1) Pray to the Lord for wisdom ( James 1:5) in regards to what resolutions, if any, He would have you make;

(2) Pray for wisdom as to how to fulfill the goals God gives you;

(3) Rely on God’s strength to help you;

(4) Find an accountability partner who will help you and encourage you;

(5) Don’t become discouraged with occasional failures; instead allow them to motivate you further;

(6) Don’t become proud or vain, but give God the glory. Psalm 37:5-6, “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.”

Resolve to be closer with God.