November Prayer List
Names on the Prayer List of the Harry Lee Jackson Jr. Prayer Line (Revised 9/11/24)
November 2024
Prayer of the Harry Lee Jackson, Jr. Prayer Line
Dear God, in the name of Jesus, we pray that the brothers who frequent the prayer line, our wives, children, grandchildren, parents, family members and friends be saved, in good health, favored by you
God, and prosperous in wealth and wisdom. We pray that the men of God on this prayer line continue to seek your grace and mercy as we strive to be “Champions” for our families, friends, churches, and communities.
November 2024 Monthly Scripture
Matthew 11:28-29 King James Version (KJV)
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give
you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest
unto your souls.
HLJ Weekly Scripture 11/4 - 11/10
Please see the weekly scripture lifted by Bro. Reggie Thomas:
Isaiah 40:29-31 King James Version (KJV)
29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.
30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:
31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
11/09/24
Praise The Lord!!!
Brothers,
Please see lineup for Saturday morning, brothers please keep your chapter reading and commentary within the 20 minute window allowed for each presenter. We are asking that the moderators enforce this rule in an effort keep everything in decency and order.
A Blessed Word Received By Elder Byron Cage On This Morning's Bible Study
Praise The Lord!!
Good morning brothers,
Please read Elder Cage's profound God inspired statement regarding this morning’s (6/1/24) Bible study of Psalm 136 - 139
“Take my mind. Perfect my thoughts.
Establish what’s right.
Purge my heart,
Lord, I have longed to be pure in Your sight.
And if my purpose falls short of the mark,
please search me Lord today”
The Many Names of God lifted by our February moderator brother Clifford Allen "The Great" Surrett:
1. ELOHIM-GOD (Genesis 1:1-4)
2. JEHOVA H-Lord (Isaiah 12)
3. EL-SHADDAI- God Almighty (Genesis 17:1-5)
4. ADONAI-Master, Lord (signifies ownership or Lordship) (Genesis 15:1-6)
5. JEHOVAH-JIREH- The Lord will provide (Genesis 22:1-14)
6. JEHOVAH-ROPHE- (the Lord that Heals) (Genesis 15:22-26)
7. JEHOVAH-NISSI- (the Lord our Banner) (Exodus 17:8-16)
The Psalm of the Harry Lee Jackson Jr. Prayer Line Updated 1/24/2024
As Chronicled by Bro. Clifford Allen "The Great" Surrett
FAITH QUENCHES (PUT OUT) THE FIERY DARTS OF THE WICKED
“Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench (put out) the fiery darts of the wicked.” Ephesians 6:16
God does not leave us exposed to the devil’s evil ploys to capture our affections. He gives us the shield of faith to extinguish the enemy’s fiery darts of deceit intended to burn away our beliefs and crush our trust in Christ. Faith is not in our abilities, but in the ability of Almighty God to be our shield, rock and power in whom we have impenetrable defenses against Satan. Every day our faith is assaulted by outside forces seeking to discredit our faith. But by faith, we take refuge in our Savior Jesus. A wise climber stays fastened to the stable, secure rock as he scales up a steep mountain. Similarly, as we scale life’s hills of hurt and dark valleys of fear, we stay connected to Jesus.
The Roman shield Paul uses to describe our spiritual defense is full length so a soldier’s entire body can be protected, in contrast to the smaller round shield. As the devil’s fiery darts spray out in all directions arching toward us, we extinguish their intent—they hit with a thud, dead on arrival. He tries to rattle our trust with sound, fury and a blaze from hell, only to be drowned out by the praises of heaven. We hold up our shield of faith in one hand cling to Jesus with the other.
ONE DAY AT A TIME
“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24
The past few months have been some trying times that many like myself, never dreamed of being confronted with. In Philippians 4:11-13, the Apostle Paul stated “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned that whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things thorough Christ which strengthen me.”
The goodness of life is so often found when we press in and learn to be present in the places we actually find ourselves, rather than trying to artificially control our environment to ensure a certain outcome.
MISAPPLICATION OF TRUTH
“Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth; therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty: For He maketh sore, and bindeth up: He woundeth, and His hand make whole.” Job 5:17-18
A good thing misapplied can become a bad thing. For instance, if a medical doctor diagnoses a person with cancer—when in reality the tumor is benign—then chemotherapy would be unnecessary, perhaps harmful. In the same way, the misapplication of truth can create confusion and hurt, especially when spoken out of judgment and pride. Good words become bad words when they are the wrong words, spoken in the wrong way. If I say the Lord detests dishonesty, but honesty finds favor with God, this would be true. But, if I accuse an honest friend of lying and threaten them with this truth—then I have misapplied, even abused, the truth.
TEMPERED (STRENGTHENED) BY TRUTH
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high place. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with the truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness.” Ephesians 6:14
During my early years in Christ I tended to be a mile wide and an inch deep in my endeavors. Relationships, work, church, family, health, time with the Lord, and doing what I do best all suffered when I lived beyond my capacity to experience Christ’s abundant life for me. I had to learn, and I am still learning, to allow the Spirit of Truth to lead me in His best and say no to other competing “good” opportunities. Truth tempers my temperament from doing everything, so I am able to do a few things at my very best. Truth holds me secure to stand firm grounded in grace.
UNCHANGING TRUTH IN A CHANGING WORLD
“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today and forever. Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines, for it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.” Hebrews 13:8-9
COVID-19 is changing our world, but it will not change our resolve to persevere in our pain by the strength that comes from trusting in the Lord’s unchanging love. COVID-19 is changing our healthcare system, but it will not change the sweet soul care from the Spirit in the harshest of times. COVID-19 is changing our economy, but it will not change God’s economy of generous giving when the needs are the greatest. COVID-19 will not change our hope in Christ!
ELEVATED THINKING
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9
God’s will does not always make sense. It may not make sense because we factor in our own understanding. If left to our understanding, we would be miserable. There is a greater pool of knowledge reserved for us in Christ. Do not underestimate its value and availability. It is valuable because of the divine direction that can save us from running down paths that waste our time and the time of others. God’s way may not make sense now, but it will later. His thoughts and ways are easily accessible by faith.
Faith is our constant connection to God-thinking, but we struggle with this because we have been programmed differently. Some of us wrongly think we don’t deserve God’s grace, so we don’t feel the need to receive it. We cannot, however, live the Christian life without the grace of God. God’s way is the grace way. We give Him glory and He gives us grace. We give Him praise and He gives us peace. We give Him worship and He gives us confidence. This is the way of God. He created the original “road less traveled.” Avoid the mindless masses and follow God. His ways may not be the most popular, but they are the most productive. His thoughts transcend our thoughts.
God-thinking takes discipline. This temporal world does not necessarily reward eternal thinking. In fact, it may punish you for thinking God-thoughts. You think people outside of Christ are lost in their sins and hell-bound; the world thinks you are narrow in your thinking. Yet these are Jesus’ thoughts. This is not popular thinking, and may not be practical, but it is true. As a follower of Christ, you can think God-thoughts. You can think like God because you have the mind of Christ:
IGNORANCE IS NOT AN OPTION
But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou has learned them; and that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof; for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Timothy 3:14-17
Someone once said, “Two people swapping ignorance is a waste of time”. Well said! Not only a waste of time, but run the risk of railing at one another in an angry exchange. To what end? So each one feels like he won the debate, when in reality truth was held hostage and ignorance dug a relational divide as pride fed a feeling of mental superiority. Instead, we are instructed to know the Word of God, which when absorbed in the heart and understood in the mind, brings its own humility of spirit and freedom in truth that defends itself. Ongoing learning replaces ignorance with insight. Patience replaces anger. Humble love feels no need to argue.
SPIRIT LED LIVING (An unchanging truth in a changing world)
“(22) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering gentleness, goodness, faith, (23) Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (24) And they that are in Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts (desires). (25) If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Galatians 5:22-25
The Holy Spirit fuels spiritual living. This is where freedom resides and where fruit bearing takes place. The flesh is pre-conversion to Christ living; it is reliance on self to secure security. The Spirit is post-conversion to Christ living; it is reliance on God to secure earthly and eternal security. The Spirit and the flesh conflict, but the flesh has been put to death by faith and the Spirit has come alive. Spiritual living submits to Christ.
Spirit led living thrives as we daily surrender our soul to Jesus. The same way we became a Christian—by grace through faith—is the same way we continue as a Christian. Yet, the flesh tries to flaunt its old habits as teasers for us to not trust God. But we know better—it’s better to not boast in the flesh, but to be humbled by the Spirit. When we walk in the Spirit we are empowered to bear the fruit of the Spirit.
SEEK GOD’S REFUGE
“(4) I sought the LORD, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. (5) They looked unto Him, and were lightened and their faces were not ashamed. (6) This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. (7) The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them. (8) O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him. (9) O fear the LORD, ye His saints: for there is no want to them that fear Him. (10) The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.” Psalm 34:4-10
Over the past week there has been several articles on the global state of the Coronavirus pandemic, each more or less saying the same thing: while case rates continue to grow at a high rate around the world, more and more societies seem to be saying “enough is enough” and moving on with some version of normal life. And while I undoubtedly understand the sentiment, and understand many of the arguments in favor of this opinion, I do want to point one thing out: weariness with the burden of a situation and the exhaustion it brings is not the same thing as relief or true refuge.
A SOCIETY’S FREEDOMS GROW WITH MORAL ABSOLUTE
(“Spiritual and moral renewal is the fruit of a nation or person who embraces the absolutes of Almighty God.”)
“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 14:12
“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” Psalm 119:11
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 2:16-17
“(1) I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing and His Kingdom; (2) Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. (3) For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts (desires) shall they heap to themselves teacher, having itching ears; (4) and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be tuned unto fables.” 2 Timothy 4:1-4
Spiritual and moral decline is the fruit of a nation or person who abandons absolutes. Once absolutes are dismissed, liberties are limited. A decline in spiritual fervor and moral purity always leads to the loss of freedom. For example, a home or car left unlocked in the past is locked today for fear of robbery. Indeed, small losses of freedom lead to larger losses of freedom. Without standards based on absolutes, absolutely anything can go.
FAITH OVER FEAR
“Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
Some folk woke up feeling a little anxious. It’s not surprising since many have spent several hours over the last couple days feasting on the national news.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that I’m anti-news, anti-preparation, or anti-information. It’s just that all of the speculating about what disasters and hopelessness lies ahead for those of us in the United States—and the world—can be nerve wrecking.
In 2 Corinthians 10:5 Paul says, “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.”
Thoughts that are obedient to Christ are trusting thoughts, thoughts rooted in His truth, His love, and the knowledge that He will care for all that concerns you. Obedient thoughts bring peace. Thoughts based on speculations, when not accompanied with trust in Christ, bring fear and anxiety—which is exactly what I experienced.
GATHERED AND SCATTERED
“(1) Praise ye the LORD, Praise ye the name of the LORD, praise Him, O ye servants of the LORD. (2)Ye that stand in the house of the LORD, in the courts of the house of our God, (3) Praise the LORD; for the LORD is good: sing praises unto His name; for it is pleasant.” Psalm 135:1-3
Psalm 135 is a psalm of direction and exhortation written to the family of God. We are called to offer our lives and even the whole of creation back to God as a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. We are meant to see every area of our lives as lived under the guiding hand of God, trusting that he is good, gracious, and loves humankind. This is what we are called to do week in and week out. The Psalmist penned the words “His praises shall continually be in my mouth” (Psalm 34:1), whether we’re gathered or scattered.
ABUNDANT LIFE
“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10
What is quality of life for the Christian? How does Christ define quality living? He gives abundant life, but what does this look like for those who love the Lord? Abundant life begins by receiving the gift of God in the life of Christ. “And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son” (1 John 5:11). Quality of life begins with eternal life as the end goal. God offers abundant life as a reward for our salvation.
Quality of life means we live life motivated by what outcomes will live on into eternity. Perhaps I get less and give more. By adjusting down my standard of living, I am able to give more toward what matters to Jesus. The Lord modeled well for us a life of quality. One example was His unselfish service, “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 2:4). Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Service to others brings quality of life to all parties.
WHO DO YOU TRUST?
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and thought the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.” Psalm 46:1-3
As I’ve said in recent weeks, these unprecedented times expose our deepest insecurities. They shine a spotlight on our vulnerabilities, at times making them the only things we can see. Before this pandemic, you may have had strained relationships with your parents, spouse, siblings, or children, yet now those hairline relational fractures are breaking apart, threatening to sever the bonds of love that tie you together. You may have known your financial safety net was not what it should be, yet that abstract knowledge is now painfully being experienced through the loss of a job or reduced income. And even within your own heart and soul, you find yourself encountering new forms of brokenness within, anger that you didn’t know was there, a need for control that rears its ugly head, or a weary cynicism that has taken root and settled in.
GOD IS WITH YOU
“Let your conversation (manner of living) be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for He hath said, I will never leave, thee, nor forsake thee.” Hebrews 13:5
There are so many uncertainties for humanity right now. We can’t see how the future will unfold. We don’t know what will happen to our jobs, paychecks, retirement funds, health, and the health of our neighbors, family, and friends. We can’t see what will happen with the world’s economy, and the future of our freedoms.
Almost the entire world is shut down. Schools have closed. Businesses are losing money. The stock market is volatile—and all of it can be unsettling because no one knows what’s ahead. The president doesn’t know. The senators and governors don’t know. The health officials don’t know. The CDC doesn’t know. The WHO doesn’t know. No one knows.
GOD PROVIDES
“Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?” Matthew 6:26
A couple of the most thought provoking scriptures concerning God’s provision is found in Deuteronomy 8:2-5; 10-11 in which God tells his people, the Israelites:
“And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD, thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep His commandments, or no. And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LOR doth man live. Thy raiment waxed not old upon thee, neither did thy food swell, these forty years. Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so the LORD thy God chasteneth thee ” …… vs 10-11”When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the LORD thy God for the good land which he hath given thee. Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day…..”
SOUL CARE
“And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23
Newscasters are telling us. Social media influencers are telling us. Our doctors are telling us: Self-Care. Self-Care. Self-Care. But these days it seems as if self-care has been reduced to temporary, quick fixes. Perhaps a manicure, pedicure, massage, glass of wine, night with the crew will invoke happy feelings, but in and of themselves they are short lived. While spa visits and calm and relaxing moments are a sweet reprieve from the constant chatter of the world, in and of themselves they will not satisfy your soul’s need for care. This is why we must extend beyond self-care and embrace SOUL CARE.
SEPARATE BUT TOGETHER
“But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored the more abundantly to see your face with great desire. Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us. For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming! For ye are glory and joy.” 1 Thessalonians 2:17-20
While we always read Scripture from within a particular context and moment in history, there are times in which it seems almost impossible to not read our present reality into a past moment. For example, when we read Paul’s words about being separated from those he loves in person but not in heart, who in 2020 cannot relate to this sentiment? I imagine we have all seen heartwarming images during this pandemic of loved ones who are separated in body, but creatively showing their love and affection for one another in heart. I think of the daughters looking in on their mother from outside the window of her nursing home, or the parade of cars driving past loved one’s homes on their birthdays or anniversaries. Even when we are forced apart, our hearts remain deeply connected with those we love.
Finishing Well
“Know you not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man tht striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” 1st Corinthians 9:24-27.
Some people do not finish well, and others do. Why? It comes down to our choices. The choices you make today determine how you finish tomorrow. You can live in very difficult circumstances and make wise choices. There is a great probability you will finish well. You can live in the best conditions and make unwise choices. Chances are you will not finish well. So does it mean we will have no regrets when we finish well? No.
PEACEFUL TRUST
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee. Because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD forever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength. Isaiah 26:3–4
Peace and trust are best friends. Normally we do not see one without the other. Where peace resides, trust is close by, and where trust abounds, there is peace. Their goal is to stamp out fear and doubt.
Our mind can cause us to well up with courage because our focus is on God. Or our mind can cause us to wilt in the face of adversity because our focus is on our circumstances. Peace melts away in the heat of distrust, and trust shudders in the face of fear. So as we trust the Lord, He gives us peace that passes all understanding. Trust leads to peace.
Patience—A Powerful Characteristic
James 1:4-8
Patience or a lack of it, spills over into every aspect of our life. For example, when you’re waiting for an elevator that doesn’t come quickly, do you repeatedly push the button? Or if you’re stuck in a grocery line that’s not moving, do you wait calmly or inwardly grumble about how poorly managed the store is?
Although to some degree our temperaments may determine our ability to wait, the kind of patience God wants saints to have is that which is produced by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:3-5). Apart from Him, we will naturally become impatient when people frustrate us or circumstances aren’t to our liking.
Appropriate or Inappropriate
“See then that ye walk circumspectly (cautiously), not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15-16
Our behavior may not be technically wrong, and we may justify it by saying, “I was just kidding, or playing around”, but are we just trying to justify our inappropriate behavior? Our sarcastic remarks may seem innocent and laughed off by the one on the receiving end, but were our demeaning words appropriate? Not at all. Our attempt at humor at the expense of disrespecting a colleague, a woman or a different culture is always out of line. As followers of Christ we embrace the idea that everyone deserves to be loved and respected as God’s precious creation.
Spiritual Blessings in Christ
“Blessed (praise) be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.” Ephesians 1:3
Paul eloquently describes the beauty of God’s blessings to all who will possess them. A godly gift for those who have embraced grace, God’s blessings are sourced in the heavenly realms, not yet stained by sin’s influence on earth. Jesus Christ died on earth so we can have access to heaven’s spiritual blessings. Encouragingly, the blessings of God are unlimited and all sufficient. They precede from the Holy Spirit and are ever accessible to those who are mindful of their availability. “In Christ” we have all we need for life and death. We go to the source of blessings, our Lord Jesus. Gratefully and gladly, we praise Him!
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” (1 Peter 1:3).
Pray about That
Then all the captains of the forces, and Johanan the son of Kareah, and Jezaniah the son of Hoshaiah, and all the people from the least even unto the greatest, came near, and said unto Jeremiah the prophet, let, we beseech thee, our supplication be accepted before thee, and pray for us unto the LORD thy God, even for all this remnant; (for we are left but a few of many, as thine eyes do behold us). That the LORD, thy God may shew us the way wherein we may walk, and the thing that we may do. Jeremiah 42:1-3
There is wisdom in praying about “that,” whatever “that” may mean. It may mean waiting on marriage because one parent has yet to bless the engagement. “That” could represent a check in your spirit over a business deal or an additional financial obligation. Praying about “that” is the Lord’s way to protect, preserve, and provide for His children.
Pride Humbled
Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of Heaven, all whose works are truth, and His ways judgment: and those that walk in pride He is able to abase. Daniel 4:37
Pride will eventually give way to humility. It may not happen overnight. It may have to follow a painful process, because pride can be very, very stubborn. Like an embedded splinter deep in the flesh of your foot, it is hard to remove. You cannot remove it alone, and there is constant throbbing and pain until it is extracted.
Leave Everything in God’s Hands
“Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou are my servant; I have chosen thee and not cast thee away”. (Isaiah 41:9-10)
Leave everything in God’s hands and eventually you’ll see God’s hand in everything. I have seen this truth work itself out over the years in my marriage, parenting teenagers (three all at once!), career transitions, health challenges, relational issues and financial struggles. As mother’s mom once said “I’m good at leaving things in God’s hands, but I struggle not to take it back into my hands.” I’ve never regretted giving anything to the Lord, but I have regretted taking it back. I’m learning to trust the hands—of the One whose handiwork declares His glory!
Fear Blocks Faith
Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on Him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue. For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. John 12:42-43
Fear represses faith and restrains its recognition. It holds back the boldness to believe; fear is no friend of faith. Fear mistakenly believes it can coddle cunning men while at the same time claim Christ. This is a contradiction that does not stand up under the scrutiny of your Savior. Jesus requires unconditional commitment and unwavering loyalty. It is not all Jesus on Sunday, and Jesus only when it’s convenient the other six days of the week. Covert confession is not an option for a follower of Jesus Christ. Yes, in some parts of the world you have to remain under the rule of atheistic authorities. Discretion is both wise and responsible, but there is no doubt where bold believers stand. Faith is not motivated by fear of man, but by love of God. Faith does not seek to integrate other belief systems into Christianity. It embraces Jesus, and Jesus alone.
What Are You Looking For?
And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God. Again the next day after John stood , and two of his disciples; And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith Behold the Lamb of God! And the two disciples heard Him speak and they followed Jesus. Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, what seek ye? They said unto Him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master), where dwellest thou? He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where He dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour. John 1:34-38
Advancing Through Adversity
At medical checkups, children periodically need immunizations. Boys and girls may not understand that inoculations protect them; from their point of view, they are experiencing pain—while someone who loves them is allowing it! Such an experience affords a little insight into God’s dealings with His children. It answers one of the questions we often ask when painful things happen to us: Where is God?
Erosion
The first eleven chapters of 1 Kings record the erosion of a great man, in fact, the greatest of his day. Blessed with royal blood and an abundance of brains, Solomon was a natural for the throne of David. He was tutored at the feet of Nathan, groomed through the heart of Bathsheba, polished under the eyes of David, and matured by the hand of God. The mark of excellence was upon him.
How to Get the Most Out of Life
“And exercise thyself rather unto godliness. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” 1 Timothy 4:7b-8
Godly training is profitable now and for eternity. It does not mean you are some super spiritual person who cannot relate to others. On the contrary, godly means you have the character and sensitivity of Jesus. Thus, you understand and relate to people very effectively. It is not all about you, but about others and their needs (James 2:14:26). You encourage when there needs to be encouragement. You rebuke when you need to rebuke. You teach when there needs to be teaching. The godly know how to laugh, cry, pray, hope, work hard, and trust in God. Godliness comes in all forms.
Contentment
Isn’t it strange that we need a book to help us experience what ought to come naturally? No, not really . . . not when its major theme is contentment . . . not when we’ve been programmed to compete, achieve, increase, fight, and worry our way up the so-called “ladder of success” (which few can even define).
Submission to God’s Will
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. Proverbs 3:5-6
It’s one thing to know God’s will, but it is a whole other thing to do God’s will. It’s the difference between admiring a person’s generosity to care for the poor and personally writing a big check or volunteering my time to support the cause. Knowing is not the same as doing. Knowing becomes an obstacle to doing if it becomes a feel good emotion that intuitively agrees, but never does anything. Better to side with God by doing something and be judged by the world—than to side with the world by doing nothing and be judged by God. Submission to God’s will leads to action.
Overflowing Hope from the Holy Spirit
“Now the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” Romans 15:13
Trust in the God of hope fills the hearts of Jesus followers with joy and peace, overflowing with hope, all powered by the Holy Spirit. Our Christian hope is secure in Christ—the originator and giver of hope—no other foundation is as unshakeable and secure as His (our Rock). Fear is unable to scale to the top of our Rock (as the psalmist penned the words “Rock of ages cleft for me, let me hide myself in thee, nothing in my hand I bring, simply to thy cross I cling; naked, come to thee for dress, helpless, look to thee for grace; foul, I to the fountain fly; wash me, Savior, or I die), only faith is victorious because of the well-worn path marked by God’s promises. Led by the Holy Spirit joy and peace accompany those who persevere in their journey of hope.
How Do We Maintain Freedom?
“But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” James 1:25
When what I do flows out of what I believe there is freedom. Freedom from the fear of eternity in hell, knowing the security of my salvation is based on faith in the gospel of Jesus. Freedom from guilt, knowing when my conduct aligns with what I believe my conscious is free. Freedom from hurt, knowing the grace of God brings healing to my heart. Freedom from striving, knowing the Holy Spirit fills and empowers my soul to find sustaining strength for life’s journey!
Sound Teaching Cultivates Morally Healthy Living
(Applying Unchanging Truth in a Changing World …. Wise living and decision making in our daily life)
“Knowing this that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane (disrespectful), for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers. For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers (one who forcefully enslaves), for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust”. 1 Timothy 1:9-11
RIGHT THINKING
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8
God’s ways does not always make sense. It may not make sense because we factor in our own understanding. If left to our understanding, we would be miserable. There is a greater pool of knowledge reserved for us in Christ. Do not underestimate its value and availability. It is valuable because of the divine direction that can save us from running down paths that waste our time and the time of others. God’s way may not make sense now, but it will later. His thoughts and ways are easily accessible by faith.
Overflowing Hope from the Holy Spirit
“Now the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” Romans 15:13
Trust in the God of hope fills the hearts of Jesus followers with joy and peace, overflowing with hope, all powered by the Holy Spirit. Our Christian hope is secure in Christ—the originator and giver of hope—no other foundation is as unshakeable and secure as His (our Rock). Fear is unable to scale to the top of our Rock (as the psalmist penned the words “Rock of ages cleft for me, let me hide myself in thee, nothing in my hand I bring, simply to thy cross I cling; naked, come to thee for dress, helpless, look to thee for grace; foul, I to the fountain fly; wash me, Savior, or I die), only faith is victorious because of the well-worn path marked by God’s promises. Led by the Holy Spirit joy and peace accompany those who persevere in their journey of hope.
God’s Pathway to Joy
“I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in on; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast love me. Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.” John 17:23-24
Calm Assurance
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer: I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Christ creates calm assurance. He is a shelter when disappointment rains down in sheets of insecurity. He is a rock in a stream of raging uncertainty. He is light in deepest darkness. He is a voice of reason when all hell breaks loose. The presence of the Holy Spirit in your life is your true north. Do not capitulate to the cares of this world. Stay in touch with your Savior. He is your calm assurance.
Benefits of Repentance (Hebrew Meaning of Repentance: Turn from evil and turn to good)
“Woe unto thee, Chorazin! Woe unto thee, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.” But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you.” Matthew 11:21-22
An Invitation to Silence, Solitude—and Transformation
The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek. Psalm 14:2
Because life can be so busy, there are days when I want to take a vacation from my cell phone, e-mail, and all the other technology that sometimes feels like it controls our daily lives. But the great news is that no matter how complicated life becomes, God’s invitation for His children remains uncomplicated:
“Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). Isn’t that awesome?!
When You Wish That Conflict Would Disappear
“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, [and] easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy” (James 3:17).
There are some things you can avoid in life. You can avoid long lines at the bookstore; just purchase what you want to read online. You can avoid eating a pile of cookies; just don’t buy them. You can avoid getting trick-or-treaters; you can just leave the house on the evening of October 31st. But there are some things in life that you just can’t avoid, no matter how much you don’t like them. Conflict is one of those things. It comes knocking on everyone’s front door at some time or another and it isn’t polite. It just comes right in and sits down on the couch. And, when that happens you have a couple choices: you can allow it to stay and really make a mess of your life and emotions, or you can handle it God’s way and experience peace.
Success in Self-Forgetfulness
“Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him.” Colossians 3:9-10
Sometimes we are forgetful. We may forget to return a phone call. We may forget a meeting. We might forget to write a thank you note to a friend. Unless our behavior is chronic, most people understand and give me us a pass. But of course, We’d better not forget a spouses birthday or our wedding anniversary–no good excuses! Encouragingly, there is a good forgetfulness (described by the Theologian C.S. Lewis), “He [a humble person] will not be thinking about humility: he will not be thinking about himself at all.” When I help another first–I am growing toward my new self in Christ and away from my old self in sin.
Impatient Actions
“And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we not wot is become of him.” Exodus 32:1
We become impatient when things don’t go our way or when uncertainty looms over our life like a dark cloud. We become impatient when time seems to be running out or when people don’t act as we think they should. We even become impatient waiting on God. We all wrestle with impatience from time to time. Hopefully, you are not chronically impatient. If so, there is a good chance you are discontented and even miserable. Impatience can be good if your house is on fire, but in the normal course of life, it is not the best choice.
God Works Within Us
(Ephesians 3:20-21)
Let the words from Ephesians 3:20-21 slowly sink into our understanding: “able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we could ask or think” (verse 20). What an amazing description of the Lord’s ability to work within us. Yet so often our focus is mainly on what we want Him to do around us: If he would change this situation or fix that problem, then my life would be better. But He invites us to think and ask bigger. The Apostle Paul said “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved, me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). Yes, God wants us to let Christ live His life through us! Because without Him, we can do nothing worthwhile or lasting (John 15:5).
Battle of the Will
What battles are you fighting today? I’m not referring to those we read or hear about in the news. I mean the wars that rage inside you—which ones are you fighting today? Here are some that some hold on to: resentment, allowing frustration to overwhelm them, wishing for something easier, wondering why trials continue, and missing personal freedoms.
No Struggles
“Man born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble.” (Job 14:1)
Having no struggles at all will never happen in this lifetime. A no-struggle existence is not possible until you graduate to heaven’s struggle-free environment with your Savior. The nice and the naughty alike struggle, though outwardly they may seem void of vexation. The righteous and the wicked both struggle to varying degrees. No one is exempt from struggles. Yes, there may be seasons of minimal conflict but struggles are on the way. You are either struggling, about to struggle, or have just finished struggling. Indeed, everyone from monks to scoundrels struggle. Therefore, don’t spend your life trying to insulate yourself from struggles.
Why There is No Need to Despair
“Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all”. Psalm 34:19
I like it when life is neat and tidy and when things go as planned. I like it when love is real and friends are faithful and God is blessing in amazing ways. I like it when people are nice and sin isn’t derailing me or someone I love. I like it when life is good. But the truth is that there is hardly ever a time when everything in life is going well. There is always something in life that is messy, either because I made it that way through my own sin or lack of wisdom because someone else made it that way for me, or because it’s just the consequence of living in this imperfect world.
FINISH WELL
“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” 1st Corinthians 9:24-27.
God is not looking for perfection, but He does desire passion for Himself and obedience to His word. People—who have decided to take control themselves, do not finish well. They act as if they have a better plan than God. This type of decision-making process will have limited, if any, success in the Lord’s eyes. So, does it mean we will have no regrets when we finish well? No.
Don’t Throw Rocks on Your Relational Path of Blessing
Blessed is everyone that feareth (reverence) the Lord, that walketh in His ways! Psalm 128:1
We all want to have blessed relationships. For example, we desire God to help us resolve a conflict with a friend, so we pray for peace. Maybe we want to get along with a difficult co-worker so we ask God for patience, or perhaps we desire a closer relationship with our mate, so we pray.
Have You Truly Forgiven Yourself?
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”. 1st John 1:9
Have you forgiven yourself? Have you really forgiven yourself? We know we have forgiven ourselves if we are free from guilt and self-condemnation. Otherwise, we are stuck in the crazy cycle of re-living bad decisions that are done and cannot be changed. It is impossible to continually guilt our conscience in order to make up for past mistakes.
Confidence in Times of Distress
Psalm 46:1-11
“I’m out of here!” Most of us will feel like crying out this way at some point in life. When a demanding circumstance feels overwhelming, or when the pressure of the daily routine seems unbearable, a common reaction is the desire to escape. Whether the stress is related to a job, relationship, or other situation that seems too hard to handle, we want relief. So we decide we are walking out. Moving on. Heading for anywhere but where we are now.
Grace based on facts not on personal feelings
“What is man, that thou shouldest magnify him? And that thou shouldest set thine heart upon him? And that thou shouldest visit him every morning, and try him every moment? How long wilt thou not depart from me, nor let me alone till I swallow down my spittle? I have sinned; what shall I do unto thee, O thou preserver of men? Why hast thou set me as a mark against thee, so that I am a burden to myself? And why dost thou not pardon my transgression, and take away my iniquity? For now shall I sleep in the dust; and thou shalt seek me in the morning, but I shall not be.”
Job 7:17-2
Discovering Our True Identity
Many Christians are experiencing an identity crisis. They know they’re saved, but they don’t really know what to think about themselves. Let’s take a little test. Do you consider yourself a sinner saved by grace or a saint who occasionally sins? The first one dwells on your past identity, whereas the second focuses on the Lord’s perception of you and who you are in Christ.
Dealing with Difficult People
But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, Luke 6:27
In the Christian life, there are many things that are easy to say yes to. Yes, Lord. I receive that blessing! Yes, Lord. I’ll give you that burden. Yes, Lord. I’ll take that promotion. But there can be more difficult yeses like, Yes, Lord. I’ll forgive. And, Yes, Lord. I’ll pray for my enemy (or that person who is driving me crazy).
Stay Awake
“See then that you walk circumspectly (cautiously), not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise but understanding what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:16-17
What Your Unanswered Desire Says About God’s Love for You
To him who led his people through the wilderness, for his mercy endureth forever. Psalm 136:16
When was the last time that you experienced a great unfulfilled desire?
God Works Within Us
Let the words from Ephesians 3:20-21 slowly sink into your understanding: “able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we could ask or think” (verse 20).
Prayer for God’s Purposes
“After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which are in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and power, and the glory forever. Amen. Matthew 6:9-13
He (Jesus) is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.
Isaiah 53:4-5
