Minute with God

Daniel (remember- the guy in the lion's den?) He knew how to really listen to God throughout the day. Daniel 6:10 says: "But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God."

Three times a day, Daniel paused to pray and give thanks to God. He was focused on God and listening; that's what a Bible devotion is designed to help us do. They're short, concise and don't take long to read, but they give us a thought that will carry us through the day with our focus on God.

Now, in Daniel 9:2: "During the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, was studying the writings of the prophets. I learned from the word of the LORD, as recorded by Jeremiah the prophet, that Jerusalem must lie desolate for seventy years."

What was he doing? Studying the writings of the prophets? That would be the Bible, right? Yes, Daniel also did some serious Bible study. We can't just live on snacks all the time. We need to take time to sit down and enjoy a full meal too.

God was able to do amazing things in the life of Daniel. Much of it was because Daniel was willing to seek God's face and take time to listen to His will. Daniel kept his focus on the eternal.

By the way, did you realize you just read a Bible devotion? It didn't take but a minute - but I hope the idea sticks with you all day

God of Wonders

Taming the Tongue

Gossip is a frequent topic in the Bible. Obviously God knows that it’s going to take awhile before his opinion about it sinks in. He’s right.

Jesus’ half-brother, James, once wrote, "If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless." James 1:26

James understood the danger of gossip better than any of Jesus’ disciples. Jesus spent his entire life with James, so James probably knew Jesus better than anyone, including his own mother. He also knew that gossip helped to perpetuate the hatred and envy that destroyed his brother. I think that’s exactly why James devoted a portion of the Book of James to teach us about the nature of gossip. He saw firsthand what can happen when the flames of hatred are fanned by gossip. I think that’s why he said,

Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. James 3:5

"With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness." James 3:9

True North

True North is a phrase that’s often used to define a person who has clarity and direction in his or her life and ministry. When you’ve got true north in your spiritual life, all is well with you and the Lord.

You are abiding in Him, feeding consistently on His word and attentive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. When you have true north in your life, you know who you are, it doesn’t matter what you are doing and why you are doing it. Your ministry’s identity and goals are clear.

Ever lose true north in either your personal or ministry life?

It’s a gianormous challenge to keep disciplined and clear about who we are and what we should be doing.

Enter Jeremiah...the faithfulness of this prophet over the entirety of his life blows me away. Here’s a guy who received a clear call from God when he was young. God tells Jeremiah (1:4-8)...listen son, I made you. I’ll protect you. I’ll fight for you. I’ll put my words in your mouth. I’ll deliver you. So, get after it.

Even though Jeremiah was a reluctant, he did as God requested. With the promises of God clearly in mind Jeremiah launched his new ministry.

As a matter of fact, I think every Authentic Christian experiences a moment or two like this some time in his or her life. Maybe you are in a time like this right now.

For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10

Stay on True North with God, HE is with you all the time.

The Good Shepherd

Sheep come to know their shepherd intimately, down to his manner and the sound of his voice. They trust him because of what he does for them; he has earned their trust. Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, has earned your trust because of who He is and what He has done

23^rd Psalm

1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
² He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
³ he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

From a sheep’s perspective, these verses describe heaven. Green pasture, quiet waters and rest are the things they love best. If we’ll let him, the Lord will lead us in peace, satisfying us with good things that we need and desire, just like with the sheep. He will also restore our souls and guide us in the paths of righteousness.

We can also ensure that we’re taking time to “rest” in God and listen for his guidance. I thought it was interesting in Psalm 23:2 how the good shepherd made the sheep lie down in green pasture. If we can take time out of our busy lives to make ourselves rest and enjoy what God has blessed us with, we’re likely to be more aware of God’s voice.

Jesus gives the analogy of the "good shepherd." He describes the special relationship between Himself and his followers, pictured as sheep. "And the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers" John 10: 4-5

In the words of the old hymn,

"Savior, like a shepherd lead us, much we need Thy tender care!”

Got Salt?

Scripture gives some wonderful advice for witnessing more effectively: "Season your speech with salt." How is that? If somebody sprinkles salt on food and makes it taste good, you appreciate it. But if somebody hands you a spoon of salt and says, "Take this all at once," it's a little hard to swallow. In fact, you can't even digest it!

"Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person." - Colossians 4:6

Well, think how the non-Christian feels when all you do is talk about God and church and Jesus. You never talk about sports. You never talk about the office. You never talk about politics. You never talk about the struggles in the neighborhood. You never talk about your family. You never talk about the everyday concerns that a non-believer has. On the other hand, if you talk about all of these things and occasionally sprinkle in a little word about the Lord when there's the right opportunity, or an insight you learned from a sermon, or a Bible verse they might not know, then they may think, Well, where did that wisdom come from? Their curiosity is aroused, and longer, deeper conversations may follow.

When you have the opportunity, just sprinkle the conversation with a little spiritual salt.

God's Word adds zest and flavor to life.

Christians in the Storm

How do you handle stressful situations as a Christian?

Calm leadership in the midst of a storm will do more to establish a leader. Moses had plenty of situations in his ministry.

“As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the LORD. They said to Moses, "Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? Didn't we say to you in Egypt, 'Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians'? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!" Exodus 14:10-12

Don’t be surprised when others whine, complain, and second guess, Leaders are proven by their responses to cheap shots and challenges.

Make sure you are willing to do what you ask of others.

“Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still." Exodus 14:13-14

Many appear impressive when everyone is cheering, but a storm is always a true test of leadership. Be ready to calm those around you in its midst.

And when the Israelites saw the great power the LORD displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant. Exodus 14:31

"A pharisee is hard on others and easy on himself, but a spiritual man is easy on others and hard on himself." A.W. Tozer

Jesus Christ, The Bridge to Life

JESUS CHRIST,

The Bridge to Life....

THE VEIL RIPPED AWAY

Did you know that you can have a close, personal relationship with Jesus?

We can veil or unveil, our awareness of God in our life. Most that veil their awareness of God is due to the lack of concern of eternal life in heaven or damnation.

Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body.Hebrews 10:19-20

Easter was a time to take away the curtain and enter in to a relationship with Christ. The church I attended was overfilled to the point of standing room only. Many seen the veil ripped away by the praise and worship and wanted to have Jesus in their life. Amen, Amen, Amen!!!

To have a personal relationship with God begins the moment we realize our need for Him, admit we are sinners, and in faith receive Jesus Christ as Savior.

Now is the time for those that received Christ to come into fellowship with mature Christians and walk with Jesus Christ daily, in His word and His love.

He is Alive

Happy Resurrection Day...

May you and yours be Blessed by Eternal Life with Him...

and if you don't know Him don't wait till it is to late...

We are not guarantee Tomorrow!!

Jesus is Alive...