A Prayer from Psalm 131

Dear LORD, my heart is sometimes proud.
Help me to learn well that having a proud heart is of no good.
My eyes are at times raised too high.
Teach me how to always set my eyes on Your commandments.
Make me learn well that it is not good to be selfishly ambitious.
Let me not be preoccupied with things too marvelous for me.
For the secret things belong to You alone, O LORD [Deuteronomy 29:29].
Cause me instead to calm and quiet my soul, like a wean child with its mother.
Yes LORD, calm and quiet my soul like a wean child with its mother.
Make me hope in You today and always! For it is good to hope in You. Amen!

Heart Follows Treasure

Where your treasure is there your heart will be.
Is my treasure that audacious to captivate me?
Can it capture my heart making me its slave?
Can it truly come to dictate the way I behave?

Where your treasure is there your heart will be?
Who decides this, is it my treasure or is it me?
Doesn't my treasure begin within me as a desire?
Isn't it something that I am choosing to acquire?

Where your treasure is there your heart will be?
Is it possible for my treasure to not control me?
Am I that easily given over to what I treasure?
Am I destined to serve what gives me pleasure?

Where your treasure is there your heart will be!
The one who said this spoke with real authority.
For He knows the heart and what lies therein,
He knows its deception and it's capacity to sin.

Where my treasure is there my heart will be,
And there you see what has truly captured me.
So be diligent self, make sure each day you start,
With a prayer to treasure Christ with all your heart!

Pray Now

The time to pray is always now, don't delay to any longer.
So from the heart begin to bow, makes no sense to linger.
To say we don't know how to pray is not even an excuse,
Jesus left us examples, so to not pray is saying we refuse.
Our refusal is sin, it is disobeying what He commands,
A blatant disrespect & disregard for what He demands.
Could this be the reason why we are lacking His power?
Is this the reason why our lives are overrun with clutter?
Can we ever know and apply His truths without prayer?
If we don't pray, can we engage in the spiritual warfare?
Let's pray right now don't hesitate, it's urgent for us to do.
To pray unceasingly and fervently we are commanded to.
Let's grow intimacy with Jesus before the throne of God,
And our lives will greatly radiate His to the glory of God.

Psalm 130

O LORD, from the depths I am crying out to You, please help me!
O LORD, hear my cries and give attention to my pleas for mercy!
You see my sins and because of them I cannot stand before You.
But You continue to offer me forgiveness and I am in awe of You.
So, I will wait for You LORD, my soul waits and will wait
with earnest and eager expectation for You alone I will wait.
For in You, in what You have promised, I have and will hope.
Your word is faithful and true, so in my pains I won't just cope.
Because with You there is steadfast love and plentiful redemption,
I can hope in You without fear, I can hope without any reservation.
For You see my sins and You choose to redeem me from them all,
So, dear LORD, from the depths to You in hope I will always call.

Psalm 127

Because the LORD is our Architect and Builder, we will not build in vain.
Because the LORD is our Watchman, we will never keep watch in vain.
Because the LORD is our Provider, we will not become workaholics nor idle.
Because the LORD loves us, we will not be sleep deprived.

The LORD blesses us with children as an inheritance.
The LORD gives the womb children as a reward.
The LORD equips us with children for a good purpose.
The LORD fills our quiver with children and we are happy.
The LORD ensures that we are not put to shame by our enemies.

Call On Him

Romans 10:13
For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved! 
When your life's in a mess, and your heart's in distress, 
God is never on recess, get on your knees and call on Him. 
When you are sad and alone, with no one to hold, 
and you are out in the "cold", don't hesitate to call on Him.
When you are full of fear, need a friend but none is near, 
and you are in the pit of despair, raise your voice to call on Him. 
When your life is stained by sin, and there is no peace within, 
now is the best time to begin, please call on Him. 
When you are on sinking ground, the deception has you bound, 
and darkness and death surround, with everything call on Him. 
When you are down and out, and you are burnt-out, 
and your heart is full of doubt, you need to call on Him.
When you are out of place, and you can't find no breathing space, 
there is one who is full of grace, Jesus is His name -- Call on Him. 
For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved!

Another Way

I pray for You to move the mountains for they are towering in front and over me
I pray for You to calm the seas for they are raging incessantly
I pray for You to overturn the trials for they are tempting to divide my heart
I pray for You to kill the winds for they are howling fiercely to rip me apart
I pray for You to out the fires for they are blazing relentlessly
I pray for You to stop the waters for they are threatening to drown me
I pray for You to remove the thorns for they are tormenting my life
I pray for You to end the nights for they are prolonging the strife

Another way for me to pray:
Let the towering mountains remain, but move me to climb them with Your strength
Let the raging seas remain, but calm my anxious mind with Your peace
Let the tempting trials remain, but fill me with Your joy and a singleness of heart
Let the howling winds remain, but plant me firmly in Your truths
Let the blazing fires remain, but refine me in Your ways
Let the threatening waters remain, but purify me in Your righteousness
Let the tormenting thorns remain, but lavish me with Your grace
Let the overwhelming nights prolong, but make me sing Your praise

Psalm 121

I have looked up to the hills, but found my help does not come from there.
I have even looked elsewhere, and have found that it increases my despair.
So, from where does my help come? All of it not just some?
All of my help comes from the maker of heaven & earth, 
He is the LORD, the one who gives everything their worth.
He anchors me, and because He does nothing can move me,
He keeps me, and He never falls asleep or fails to guard me.
He is Israel's keeper, and He never sleeps or slumber.  
The LORD is my protector, my shield, & my cover.
Can dangers of the day or night destroy me? Never!
For the LORD will keep me from all evil, He will watch over me.
He will keep me as I go out and as I come in today and forever!

Do Not Give Up

Do not give up the struggle, no matter what the trouble
and adverse circumstances that will surely come our way
look to God and we won't lack, faith to stay on track
Jesus will never leave or forsake us and that's a fact
Victory is ours surely, when we follow Him who is Holy
doing His perfect will so that He alone gets the glory
so let us persevere casting off doubts and fear
no need for these because He is holding us dear


Do not give up the struggle, no matter what the trouble
and adverse circumstances we are currently experiencing
look to God don't look behind, seek Him out and we will find
His surpassing peace will guard our heart and fill our mind
So press on toward the goal, for God is in control 
let us praise Him with all our heart, mind, and soul
and if the circumstances gets worse, keep pressing still
for the LORD is the true God who was, is, and always will


Do not give up the struggle, no matter what the trouble
and adverse circumstances that have now come our way
look to God don't look down, for He won't let us drown
under the weight of adversities that's pulling us down
Victory is ours surely, so let us live boldly
because He works for our good and for His glory
so let us persevere casting off doubts and fear
no need for these because He is holding us dear

There Is Joy

In the midst of our trials there is joy
a joy that nothing and none can destroy
a joy unspeakable and full of Your glory
a joy that gives the assurance of victory

In the midst of our sorrows there is joy
a joy that You have given us to employ
no matter what life will throw our way

for it is a joy that is ours each new day

In the midst of our pains there is joy
a joy that is real and not just a ploy
to get us to ignore our deep suffering
but a joy that is deep and refreshing

In the midst of our darkness there is joy
a joy that we can always deploy
to move us to praise and thanksgiving
for our God is not dead, He is the living

Psalm 126

You restored our fortunes Lord
returning us to our home in Zion,
making us like those who dream
we are again a people, a nation.


Laughter has filled our mouth
from our tongue joy loudly rings,
nations speak of Your amazing work
You, Lord have done amazing things.

What joy! What joy! What joy!

Restore our fortunes, O Lord,
like streams in the Negeb!
Restore our fortunes, O Lord,
as streams renew the desert!

Although we go out weeping,
sowing as the tears are flowing,
we will reap with shouts of joy,
and return with the harvest to enjoy.

Psalm 125

Those who trust in You are like Mount Zion

which only by Your word can ever be moved

so they stand strong because You take action

to ensure from You they are never removed.

Your arms of protection surrounds them 

from this time forth and even forevermore

just like the mountains surround Jerusalem

they will never be alone or ever be insecure.

You ensure wickedness does not rest

and reign over the lives of Your children

or they would retaliate in ways not best

that make their trust in You seem mistaken. 

You are good, Lord, please do good

to those who in their hearts are upright 

but those who turn away to falsehood

let them like evildoers be without sight.

Peace be upon Israel and all who trust in You

for they will always be firmly rooted and secure

because they are surrounded by the God who

is the only One immovable, steadfast, and sure.

Bloom Where Planted

Will you bloom where you are planted, or will you wither and die?

In the marsh or dry land? By the riverside or moorland?
In the forest or plain? On the flat land or rugged terrain?
Will you bloom there?

In the park or by the roadside? Whether in or outside?
On the mountain or in the valley? Among friends or enemy?
Will you bloom there?

In freedom or captivity? In prosperity or poverty?
In joy or pain? In sunshine or rain?
Will you bloom there?

In your work or when unemployed? In the full or void?
At home or away? In the dark of night or light of day?
Will you bloom there?

In laughter or tears? In triumphs or fears?
In health or illness? In peace or distress?
Will you bloom there?

The environment is what it is so don't be daunted, stay connected to the Vine and you will bloom wherever you are planted.

Beginning a Lifestyle of Praise

Your praise is seldom on my lips and in my actions and that has to change. My lack of praise shows that my heart is not fully devoted to knowing You. My heart needs Your healing and purifying touch. So, create in me a clean heart for only then will praise be its outpouring. Only then will my actions be full of praise. Empty me of all the distractions and attractions that hinder me from getting to know You. Too many times I am caught up in myself and my needs that it seems as I don't know who You are. Sure I give thanks but that is not the same. Thanksgiving is an expression of gratitude for what You do. Praise is an expression of adoration for who You are. 


Let today begin a life of intentional praise for who You are. For nothing and no one is like You. Let today begin the explosion of praise that floods and fills my life. For all You do flows from who You are. Let today begin the aroma of praise that flows from my heart truly and freely. For You are worthy of it all. Apart from You I am nothing and have nothing. You are the breath of life. You are the power of life. You are the creator of my body. You are the source of every good gift. It is all from You. Knowing this should bring about an exclamation of praise (Hallelujah!). Acknowledging who You are on the basis of having a knowledge about these things (e.g., You are the breath of life) is different from knowing You. 


Therefore, it is critical for me to get to know You, if praise is to become a lifestyle. For it will be impossible to praise You for who You are with all that I am if I don't know You. In order for my praise to be from the heart, I must earnestly seek to know You and to know You more. The richness and depth of my praise will only come from a rich and deep knowledge of You. A lifestyle of praise is only possible from a life of intimacy. If I do desire to know You intimately, my life must be consumed by You. I must be consumed by who You are, more than by what You can do for me. 


So, let my praise always precede my thanksgiving. Let my thanksgiving flow out of my praise. Only then will my confidence in You be unshakable. Because I believe in what You can do, but I struggle with who You are. Why? Because my heart is not fully consumed by You. My heart is not wholly devoted to You. 


But, today I will get the praise party started. My heart may not be fully consumed by or wholly devoted to You, but I do know that You are good. That's more than enough to begin a lifestyle of praise. Your word commands me to praise You, and I will do so gladly. For You are worthy of it! You alone are worthy to be praised and worthy of all praise. Blessed be Your name, O LORD!

Your Salvation

O LORD, You are my God, I say this because it is true.
So, from a sincere heart full of thanksgiving I praise You.
For I have experienced Your salvation many times before,
You have not failed to be faithful and will be again for sure.
But, I am struggling to believe that Your good will result,
It's foolish I know, my wavering is nothing but an insult.
The waters around me are raging with intent to drown me,
the enemy is closing in fast with intent to make a mockery.
Things are out of control and getting worse as time goes by,
the twist & turns so far have come up short, that I won't deny.
But, it does seem as if it's up to me, for it is the mess I've made,
been calling on you for a while, but it seems as if I've not prayed.
But I know You are my only hope and help, my God who is just,
so I will choose to fix my eyes on You, who is worthy of my trust.
As the waters rage and enemies close in, I will sing out Your praise,
for it's true, undoubtedly, Your salvation & timing are perfect, always.

Who Made The Body?

In our culture, many of us view our bodies as belonging to us. It is safe to say that we have had this mentality since Adam and Eve disobeyed. Thus, we view it as our right to decide how we are to use it, which often times leads to us abusing our bodies. The abuse is usually subtle and the effects of this abuse creep up on us.  


An honest question in response would be: What is the best way to take care of my body? However, I think there is a more important question that we need to ask. That question is: Who made my body? This question is vital to our life yet we overlook it. When we value something, we wisely look to the manufacturer to determine how it should be used. We try to understand something about the manufacturer so we could understand the product. We educate ourselves about the product from what information the manufacturer provided. We ensure it gets the proper maintenance from the product's technicians, trained in the ways of the manufacturer. Why? It is our desire to get the maximum return and enjoyment from the product over the course of its life.  All of these demonstrate that we are grateful to the manufacturer for the product. They show that we truly value the product.


Yet, for our bodies, the most important of all creation, we do not do the same. We don't take the time to get to know its Creator. We don't take the time to understand the body according to what He said. We tune Him out and listen instead to the opposing voices around us that are not in tune with Him. We are fixated on the messages from popular culture about how to take care of the body. We are fed messages from the pulpit that make the body seem insignificant to our Christian life here and now. Any popular message about the body that fails to take into account its Creator, and how He purposed it to be treated must be rejected. Any pulpit message that does not value the body as God's temple and that it must be cared for as such must be corrected. It is important for us to feed our minds with the truths about the body. It is necessary, then, to be fully convinced of who created the body and the manner its creator prescribed for it to be treated in order for it to fulfill its purpose. 


So, who do you believe made the body? If we believe God did, then let's earnestly seek to know Him. Let's earnestly seek to learn how He wants us to take care of it. For when we earnestly seek to do these things: it shows that we desire to honor Him with it, it shows that we value it, and it shows that we are grateful for it. He is honored when we do, and our lives will be a rich blessing to those we love and to those around us. There is great joy in this. 

When You Love Someone

When you love someone they will know that you do,
and no matter what your love will breakthrough.
When you love someone they will know it is authentic,
and no matter what your love will never be cryptic.
When you love someone they will know they are valued,
and no matter what your love will not come unglued.
When you love someone they will know it is okay to cry,
and no matter what your love will always be nearby.
When you love someone they will know no lasting shame,
and no matter what your love will forgive not blame.
When you love someone they will know how to pray,
and no matter what your love will lead in that way.
When you love someone they will know it flows from God,
and no matter what your love will prove it's no facade.
When you love someone they will know you love to serve,
and no matter what your love will hold nothing in reserve.
When you love someone they will know Jesus is your Lord,
and no matter what your love will never keep a record.
When you love someone they will know you are sincere,
and no matter what your love will never give in to fear.
When you love someone they will know your love won't quit,
and no matter what your love will be guided by the Spirit. 
When you love someone they will know that God alone is worthy,
and no matter what your love will ascribe to Him all the glory! 


Dear Father, You have shown us how to love. You have given us Your Spirit and Word so we can love like You do. May we learn how to love by responding to Your love with gratitude. May gratitude move us to obey Your command to love one another. Thanks for hearing and answering, in Jesus name. Amen!

Am I Truly?

Am I truly in love with You LORD?
Sometimes I do not believe that is true;
for in those moments I am prone to wander,
and pursue my plans without first seeking You.


Am I truly sold out to You alone?
Sometimes my actions shows that am not;
for in those moments I do what I want, 
and pretend that Your commands I forgot.


Am I truly submitted to You LORD?
Sometimes on examination it does seem fake;
for in those moments my will seems better,
and in my hands my every decision I do take.


Am I truly delighted in You alone?
Sometimes I wonder and call it into question;
for in those moments I do look elsewhere,
and pretend that with You I am not in union. 


Am I truly committed to You LORD with my everything?
Sometimes it seems as if it's just words I am mouthing;
for in those moments my heart wants its own way,
and I tell myself that it is much better to not pray.


Am I truly Yours like I think I am?
Sometimes it seems as if I am just a scam;
for in those moments my strength and mind fails,
and the way of my selfishness prevails.


So, please make my love be more than words,
make it a lifestyle that truly lights up this world,
flowing only from knowing and delighting in You,
so that in each moment it proves faithful and true.

Do Not Worry: Matthew 6:25-34

The challenge of a new day. The thought of tomorrow. The worry builds. We are not helped by it, yet we still hold on to it. Why worry? The following is an expression of one of the inner struggles. The normal texts are my anxious thoughts. The bold & bold-italicize texts are my faith-filled thoughts supported by scriptures. I pray it makes sense and encourages you.

Why worry? Because I can. Because I want to. Because I have to. Have to? Oh really? "Therefore, I say to you, do not worry about your life ... ." Easy for Jesus to say. After all, He was God in the flesh. He had access to all the Father had. And we don't? To whom did Jesus speak those words? Are they not also for all of His followers? Are they? Yeah! Why is it easy to worry? Well, frankly, it seems that you treasure it. That is crazy, I don't! Your actions say, "Don't take that away from me too." Do you really believe that worry helps you? I know it does not, and I try not to worry. I do not like things to get the better of me. However, there are times when worrying seems necessary. Jesus said, "Therefore, I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink or wear."

I know that and I get it, food and clothes. So, can I worry about other things then? You know, e.g., a job, finances, relationships. I have food. I am clothed. But there are other things that I don't have. There are other things that I do have but not sufficiently. So, can I worry about them? Those things are legit. And God does not know that? You tell me, does He? I'll give you a moment to answer that question. I know He does. It just seems as if I am way down on His list. Sometimes, it can seem that way. But that's not the case. You are very valuable to Him. Anyway, what good is worrying about these things going to do for you? Jesus even asked that question, "Can you by worrying can add a single hour to your span of life?" 

No, I can't. So, what am I to do, these needs are still pressing? I am trying to fix them. I am trying to find solutions. I am trying to meet these needs. Nothing has been working just yet and the worry builds. Don't you think worrying about these things is an affront to God? No? Can you explain what you mean? Well, if you persist in worrying, which means you are choosing to worry, then do you really trust God? Hmm, I guess you are right. Now, I am not here to condemn you but to speak the truth and encourage you thereby. Know this, the same God who provided what you needed most - salvation - promised to provide for your needs. Like the apostle Paul asked, "Will He, who did not spare His Son but give Him up for us, not also provide all that we need (Romans 8:32)?" Of course! The truth is that He knows exactly what your real needs are. And, He knows exactly when and how to provide them. 

Here is the prescription for worrying: Give your worries to God. Bring them to Him in prayer and supplication with thanksgiving. See what He brings about in you (Philippians 4:6-7). So, instead of worrying, let your time and thoughts be consumed by seeking His kingdom and righteousness. Got it? Yes! Let's pray:


God of peace, We bring all our worries to You. We leave them at Your throne. We entrust them into Your care. Thanks for guarding our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus with Your surpassing peace. Thanks for providing our real needs today and always. May our time and thoughts be filled with seeking first Your kingdom and righteousness. We pray this in Jesus name. Amen and thanks!

Corporate Worship: Individual Confession

I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the LORD!" [Psalm 122:1]

There are times in my life when going to the house of the LORD is not appealing. Yesterday was one of those days. In those moments, my focus is on me and not on the One whom I claim to love. Such selfish moments show that I am lacking in my devotion and commitment to Him. Though I make rationalizations why I choose to do something else or stay at home, there is no getting past what it really is: selfishness. In essence, I am choosing to withhold from the LORD what is truly His. This means that I am giving to another what belongs to the Him. It does not matter who or what this other is it becomes my god. Therefore, I am choosing to sin against Him, breaking the first commandment. Essentially, I am spitting in the face of the LORD, so to speak.

The LORD requires, desires, and commands my worship, not because He would be miserable without it. Or, because it is essential to His existence. The truth is, even if I choose to not worship Him He will still be worshiped. Creation cannot help but worship Him (e.g., Ps 19:1; Lk 19:40). Creation longs and loves to worship Him. As someone created in His image and likeness, I am given the privilege to worship Him. As a matter of fact, He is the One who has given me this privilege. It is not that I deserve to worship Him. It is not that my worship adds anything to Him, nor does it take anything away from Him. The LORD is not lessened in His nature by my failure to worship Him. He does not need an ego boost. Nor does He needs to be entertained. However, He is delighted when I worship Him. I am the one who benefits when I choose to worship Him. In worship I get to experience more of who He is and my desire for Him is further stirred. 


So, yesterday, when I had one of those moments, the LORD challenged me. He has done so in different ways, but mainly through others, which was what He did yesterday. Previously, I would not say anything when my desire is to not go to the house of the LORD. Or, I would find a way to go "missing" or schedule something else. God, however, desires relationship not religion. As such, He is not satisfied with my nonchalance and selfishness. He knows how essential worship is to my relationship with Him and His people. He values it and wants me to protect it dearly. He wants me to value it as He does. Going to His house is a privileged opportunity that furthers my desire to grow in intimacy with Him. 


LORD, thank You for challenging me in my moments of selfishness. Thanks for all whom You moved to challenge me in such moments. Help me to bring such selfish feelings and attitudes to You, always. I know You will set me aright and lead me to worship You in spirit and truth. Increase my devotion and help me to honor my commitment to love You with my everything. Thanks for the privilege of going to Your house to worship You. Such a privilege is truly sweet and honorable that I should never despise or take for granted. Help me to always treasure going to Your house. Let my focus always be on You, for that is more more than enough to fill me with gladness to go to Your house to worship You with others, no matter what.

The War Within

The war inside me rages, the weight of it sometimes takes its toll,
but I have no need to fear, for there is a lover who keeps my soul.
The war within me is much greater, than the war that's without,
but they have one thing in common, they work to wear me out.
The war inside me seeks to dominate, so I am overcome by it,
but I have a conquering savior, to whom alone my life I submit.
The war within me is divisive, seeking to make me double-minded,
but my loyalty belongs only to Him who for my sake was wounded.
The war inside does haunts my dreams, even when am awake,
but it moves me to daily die to self and to live for Christ's sake.
The war within does not happen to me only, it is common to all of us,
but none of us will be overcome if our lives are hidden in Christ Jesus.
So rage on you war within, try your worst to scare and torment me,
but I will not be afraid, for I am strong in the Lord, God Almighty!

Ephesians 6:10
I encourage you all: Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power!

Upwords with Max Lucado

The following is from the above titled devotional. 

May 18, 2012

Let's Major in God

David just showed up this morning. He clocked out of sheep watching to deliver bread and cheese to his brothers on the battle-front. That’s where David hears Goliath defying God,. . . .

Read the first words he spoke, not just in the battle, but in the Bible: “David asked the men standing near him, ‘What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?’” (1 Sam. 17:26 niv).

David shows up discussing God. The soldiers mentioned nothing about him, the brothers never spoke his name, but David takes one step onto the stage and raises the subject of the living God. . . .

No one else discusses God. David discusses no one else but God. . . .

David sees what others don’t and refuses to see what others do. All eyes, except David’s, fall on the brutal, hate-breathing hulk. . . . The people know his taunts, demands, size, and strut. They have majored in Goliath.

David majors in God. He sees the giant, mind you; he just sees God more so. Look carefully at David’s battle cry: “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel” (1 Sam. 17:45).

— origiginally printed in Facing Your Giants

Lord God, train us to walk on your path. Teach us to see you in situations that are dangerous and difficult. Like David, when we are surrounded by overwhelming challenges may our thoughts and words turn first to you. Rather than discuss the problem, remind us to discuss you. May our first thought in the morning and our last thought at night be centered on you. Rather than worry about the impossibilities, let us major in your mighty power. When we are tempted to look at the giants in our lives, we will choose to look at you, amen.

Let the God of my salvation be exalted! (Psalm 18:46)

We walk by faith, not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7)

Living Free Every Day

The following is borrowed from the above titled devotional.


Powerless! 
May 18, 2012

Today's Scripture
"Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me." 2 Corinthians 12:8-9 NLT 
Thoughts for Today
Paul writes that he had a thorn in the flesh. We don't know for certain what that thorn was, but it was something over which Paul had no control. Today's verse tells us Paul asked God to take the thorn away, but God said no, that his grace was sufficient. And Paul learned to be thankful for his weaknesses because they reminded him of his dependence on God. Only then could the power of Christ work through him. 
Throughout the Bible, God commonly made his people face impossible circumstances that could not be overcome without his intervention. That made them trust and depend on him and not themselves. He loved them and wanted them to have his best, but he knew they could not achieve that on their own. They needed him. 
Many, like Paul, have found that the first step in overcoming their bondage to sin is to come to a place where they admit they are powerless to control their life. 
Consider this …
The ways of the world are so different from God's ways. The world proclaims man's power as a great thing. Powerful in business. Powerful in government. Power. In control. 
But as Christians, we need to recognize that we are powerless to live a victorious life. And admitting we are powerless is a good thing because then we will depend on God. And only then will we be open to receive his unlimited strength, his unconditional love, and his bountiful mercy. 
Prayer
Father, each day help me to remember that I am powerless. Powerless to control my life on my own. I thank you for my weaknesses because they remind me to turn to you. In Jesus' name . . .

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Boasting

Jeremiah 9:23-24

Have you ever boast about yourself? What are some things you boast about? Do you make a habit of boasting about these things? When do you usually boast? Why do you boast about these things? Dictionary.com defines the word boast as "to talk with exaggeration and excessive pride, especially about oneself."

God had just told the prophet Jeremiah about his impending judgment on Judah for its sins (Jer 7-9:16). Jeremiah proclaimed God's message to the people, which also included a command about what to boast in. Why? The people of Judah were full of themselves. Their lifestyle was totally depraved (e.g., Jer 7:5-6,9). Yet they thought and taught that destruction would not come because the LORD's Temple was in their midst (e.g., Jer 7:4,8). They were trusting in their own wisdom, riches, and might. They also thought it wise and very beneficial to make alliances with Egypt and Assyria (Jer 2:18). They were full of themselves, even though God was the one who had blessed them with wisdom, riches, and might. Most importantly, He was the source of their wisdom, riches, and might. Yet, they decided to rebel against God and instead trust in themselves in light of these blessings. As a result, they became blinded by their sins that they could not see their own foolishness, idolatry, and wickedness. If we are not careful, we too can become full of ourselves and likewise become blinded by our sins. If we become full of ourselves our boasting will be misplaced.

Thus says the LORD: "Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, ...  (Jer 9:23-24a)." What do we need to understand and know about the LORD? "He practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For He delights in these things (Jer 9:24b)." Note, we are not to boast in love, justice, and righteousness. Why not? These virtues - love, justice, and righteousness - are found in Him and are from Him. As such, they never change or devalue but remain constant forever. For the LORD is love, He is just, and He is righteous. And because He is the Source of these virtues we cannot manipulate or control them. I find this to be awesome and comforting, and hope you do as well. We are instead to boast in the LORD (also, Psalm 34:2; 1 Cor 1:31; Gal 6:14). We are to boast in Him because it is He who gives us the ability and privilege to understand and know Him.

Beloved brothers and sisters, may it be our heart's desire and daily pursuit to grow in our understanding and knowledge of the LORD and make our boast only Him.

In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley

The following is from the above titled online daily devotional.


May 14 
Selfish Christianity 

John 6:22-27

Which interests you more—who Jesus is or what He can do for you? I’m afraid that too many of us are more concerned about what He can give us than we are about getting to know who He is.
But this is nothing new—Jesus had this problem when He walked on earth. The crowds often sought Him out for what He could do for them. Even though their needs were quite often legitimate, Christ knew their motives.

There is a fine line between selfishly trying to use the Lord to get what we want and humbly coming to Him with our needs and struggles. Some of the issues we bring to Him are so pressing and urgent in our minds that our desire for Him to take action in the way we want becomes greater than our willingness to submit to His will. At times, what we call “faith” is really a demanding spirit.

We must remember that our needs will come to an end, but Jesus Christ will remain forever. If our prayers have dealt only with presenting our requests to the Lord, we’ve missed a great opportunity to get to know the One with whom we’ll spend eternity. Let’s invest time in pursuing intimacy with Christ. Then we can enjoy the benefits of that relationship forever.

How much of your communion with God is devoted to your needs—even legitimate ones? Are you spending any time getting to know the Lord? Although God delights in our prayers and tells us to pray about everything, He also wants us to come to Him just because we enjoy being with Him.

For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visitwww.intouch.org.

Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc. © 2009 All Rights Reserved.

Have You Seen The LORD?

They are in our lives, but sometimes we don't even realize they are there. Just like Israel and Isaiah, we also have our Uzziahs. Uzziah represents the gods in our lives. The kings of our hearts. Whether intentionally and unintentionally, they are there. Whether we confess it or not the truth is that they do exist. They sit on the throne of our hearts, pulling the strings. We trust in their familiarity, safety, and comfort. They may not necessarily be bad things. Usually they are good things, sometimes very good things. Is that bad? No, but it is dangerous.
Dangerous because they can easily take the place of God, which is idolatry.

Idolatry is breaking the first and greatest commandment. That commandment is to love God with our entire being. Put another way, we are not to have any other gods but God. Idolatry is the attitude that refuses to love God with our everything. Idolatry means that God is not our god. Therefore, idolatry is Sin! It is an offense against God that is full of pride. It is an offense against God that is full of perversion. Isaiah saw the depth of his sins. He could smell the stench of it. He realized how he also, like the people, fell short of God's glory and he exclaimed it.

He pronounced judgement of woe on himself. He cried, "Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips!" Why did he say this? Because he saw the king, the LORD of Hosts! It was also a cry of repentance because he saw the LORD. Isaiah's encounter with the LORD shook him to the core. He was never the same! He was then cleansed and commissioned to go for the LORD.

Have you seen the LORD? You can by looking intently into the scriptures. Examine your life by the scriptures. Do it today. You will exclaimed like Isaiah did. You too will cry out in repentance. Why? Because you will see the LORD, and your life will never be the same! And like Isaiah, you will be cleansed and commissioned to go for the LORD.

Holiness Day-By-Day

The following is from The Navigator's Devotional Ministry. See the bottom of the page for more info.

Devotional for Friday, May 11, 2012

Sin and Self-Esteem

Today's Scripture: 2 Peter 1:5
"Make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue."
Read it online at the Bible Gateway: (NIV) (NASB) (KJV) (The Message)

We should not seek holiness in order to feel good about ourselves, to blend in with our Christian peer group, or to avoid the sense of shame and guilt that follows the committing of persistent sin. Far too often our concern with sin arises from how it makes us feel. Sinful habits, sometimes called "besetting sins," cause us to feel defeated, and we don't like to be defeated in anything, whether it's a game of Ping-Pong or our struggle with sin.

I once spoke at a retreat on the importance of putting on Christ-like character while at the same time seeking to put off sinful habits. After my message, four or five people came to me asking for personal help in dealing with some particular sin in their lives, but no one came asking for help in putting on any Christ-like virtues. As I pondered the possible reason for this, I realized that sinful habits make us feel guilty and defeated. The absence of Christ-like character usually doesn't have a similar effect, so there's less motivation to seek change in our lives.

We need to work at ensuring that our commitment to holiness is a commitment to God, not to our own self-esteem. Frederick W. Faber, a nineteenth-century British writer, showed great insight into this tendency (I've paraphrased his words for clarity): "When we sin we are more vexed at the lowering of our self-esteem than we are grieved at God's dishonor. We are surprised and irritated at our own lack of self-control in subjecting ourselves to unworthy habits. The first cause of this is self-love, which is unable to stand the disappointment of not seeing ourselves in time of trial come out beautiful, erect, and admirable."

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The text for this devotional comes from the award-winning NavPress devotional bookHoliness Day by Day by Jerry Bridges. For more information or to order a copy, visit theNavPress website.

Visit the The Navigators' Devotional Ministry website for more devotional resources.

Relationship not Religion

Relationship is what God desires, not religion. Relationship with God comes through Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Religion is a heavy burden. Relationship is a light burden.
Religion is a choke-hold. Relationship is an easy yoke.
Religion complicates. Relationship simplifies.
Religion brings condemnation. Relationship brings freedom.
Religion seeks to appease God. Relationship is to glorify God.
Religion is merit-based. Relationship is grace-based.
Religion is man-centered. Relationship is God-centered.
Religion emphasizes doing. Relationship emphasizes being.
Religion is intimidating. Relationship cultivates intimacy.
Religion focuses on duty. Relationship focuses on love.
Religion attempts to give holiness. Relationship brings of holiness.
Religion manufactures persecution. Relationship brings persecution.
Religion seeks uniformity. Relationship brings of unity.
Religion is vain & deceptive philosophies. Relationship is living & active truths.
Religion attempts to offer salvation. Relationship brings salvation.
Religion comes up short. Relationship is full.
Religion focuses on appearance. Relationship focuses on the heart.
Religion is a restless pursuit. Relationship brings rest.
Religion is temporary. Relationship is eternal.
Religion is built on ideas. Relationship is built on Jesus.

All of us have one or the other. So, which one do you have?

How do you come?

How do you come when you approach God? Do you come in arrogance? Boasting about all the good things you've done. Boasting about being better than another or others. You consider yourself better because of their race, ethnicity, status, lifestyle, age, gender, ability, location etc. Do you list all your accomplishments before God? Do you seek to remind Him of your "stellar" obedience? Do you compliment yourself because you do good things in public? Do you let God know that others think highly of you? Do you let God know that you also think highly of yourself? Do you let God know that because of all this and more He has to listen to you? You demand Him to answer yes to your prayers because that is the answer you deserve.


How do you come when you approach God? Do you come in false humility? Boasting about all the good things you've not done. Boasting about not being as "good" as another or others. You consider yourself less because of your race, ethnicity, status, lifestyle, age, gender, ability, location etc. Do you list all your failures before God? Do you seek to remind Him of your "unimpressive" obedience. Do you compliment yourself because you do good things in secret? Do you let God know that others think lowly of you? Do you let God know that you also think lowly of yourself? Do you let God know that because of all this and more He should not listen to you? You expect Him to answer no to your prayers because that is the answer you deserve.


How do you come when you approach God? Do you come in honesty. Confessing and repenting from the sins you have committed. Confessing your need for mercy, grace, and love. Accepting His mercy, grace, and love. Thanking Him for His full provision of mercy, grace, and love in Christ. Do you confess that you are no better than another or others? That you, along with all others, have fallen short of His glory. That everyone, including you, irrespective of their race, ethnicity, status, lifestyle, age, gender, ability, location etc need Christ. Do you thank Him for what Christ accomplished on your behalf? Do you thank Him for who you are in Christ? Do you thank Him that your identity in Christ does not change in spite of your weaknesses and sins? Do you think highly of Christ and rightly of yourself? Do you thank God for hearing and answering your prayers because of Christ? Do you thank Him for His yes and amen answers to your prayers for the fulfillment of His promises in Christ?


How do you come? May we always choose to come before Him in honesty!

Same Story

Different colors and faces and places but the same story
we want to be our own gods because we want the glory
We all struggle with the same common denominator
yet we think that somehow we can be our own savior
We create our own gods and with them our own creed
in our attempts to find for ourselves the peace we need
We are all polluted, proud, and perverted from within
it is a matter of the heart for from thence flows our sin
We lust after things our flesh wants to have and to hold
given to all sorts of sensuality our hearts are dark and cold
We are twisting and turning hoping to find our true identity
but we continue to search elsewhere and ignore the reality
We say we are busy but yet we are really going nowhere
caught up in ourselves we seldom enjoy the present here
We are afraid to find out the truth so we dare not look
it is our excuse to avoid the truths found in God's book
We do not want to accept that we were created for His purpose
for that means we must present ourselves to the Lordship of Jesus
We must come to accept that it is a privilege to be in this His story
different colors and faces and places all created to bring Him glory.

No Greater Love

No greater love has ever been demonstrated,

but by the One who was despised and rejected.

He came to earth to fulfill the Father’s plan,

for only He was the perfect lamb for salvation.

Salvation full and free for a lost and depraved people,

who are always in pursuit and enslaved to all that is evil.

Yet, God chose to love us though sinful were we,

He showed us how much on the cross of Calvary.

His wrath He poured out on His Beloved for our sake,

for holiness demands justice which He cannot forsake.

Why would God choose to sacrifice Himself for you and me?

Why did He not sentence us to death and hell for all of eternity?

It is what we deserve but instead He chose to demonstrate love,

and there is no greater love than that which came from above.

John 15:13 

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends.

Romans 5:8

But God shows His love for us in that while we were sinners, Christ died for us. 

The LORD God Reigns

The LORD God reigns even if we think He doesn't
The LORD God reigns even if we think He wasn't
The LORD God reigns even when we've lost our way
The LORD God reigns even when our bodies decay
The LORD God reigns even if we say He's not real
The LORD God reigns even if we say He's not ideal
The LORD God reigns even when we fail to confess
The LORD God reigns even when we are in distress
The LORD God reigns because He always does
The LORD God reigns because He always was
The LORD God reigns for He is supreme over All
The LORD God reigns for He is the LORD of All

Did You Know

Did you know that there are some things that God cannot do? Here's a list: He cannot sin, fail, break His covenants, deny Himself.


Did you know that to put God first means He must be the center of our everything?


Did you know that there is only one way for us to be fruitful in doing God's work? His way!


Did you know that God is not on our time schedule nor is He subjected to it? 


Did you know that nothing or no one could unsettle or unseat God? Yes, no one and nothing!


Did you know that God wants us to be contented in Him and not in anything or in any other?


Did you know that God's will for our lives is not mysterious? It's all in the Bible.


Did you know that even if God granted us permission to judge Him He will still be blameless?

Loving Obedience

Have you ever had a moment where you desire to do something out of love, not duty? You get to a place where your commitment is because of love. You serve because it is a passion. Your thoughts, feelings, and will are all in. You experience yourself becoming a lover. Before, you were a doer. You focused on doing in order to experience love. You fought to be loved. You felt you have fallen short of it. You thought love will continue to evade you. You worked and worked in order to feel, to give, to know, to hear, and to experience love. 


But, it was there all along. There for real. There for free. There in full. There in steadfastness. There in perfection. There in purity. Yet, you kept striving to achieve it. You were determined to earn it. So, you thought doing will make you worthy of it. You willed yourself to love, but you got tired. The harder you fought the more tired you became. The more you strove the less love you had. The less you experienced. The less you shared. Truth is that love is not from us. That means no amount of work. That means no level of determination. That means that no pity party. That means no craving for it was sufficient to create love. That means nothing we could do would have brought love. You obeyed out of fear. You obeyed for appearance. You obeyed out of duty. You obeyed, but your heart was not in it. Love was missing. You screwed up many times. You sought to regain love through work after you sinned. You thought you had to earn something given freely. What pride? What misunderstanding? What deceit? 


But, in a moment when you have just sinned you got it. Weird, right? Not in a moment of striving. Not in a moment of doing good. Instead in a moment when you have just disobeyed. You want to do the norm. You know, work to get back in a right standing. So, you could say you earn love. Like you always thought. Like you were told. Like you were led to believe. This time it's different. The love you sought to earn has finally captured you. The love you worked to earn has finally captivated you. The love you strove to achieve has coveted you. The love you desire wants to court you. This love covers you. It has been covering you, and will always cover you. It was always jealous for you, and will always be jealous for you. It was patient, and will always be patient. It was kind, and will always be kind. It was steadfast, and will always be steadfast. 


Now you are getting it. Now you are seeing it. Now you are believing it. Now you are receiving it. Now you are allowing it to hold you. Now you are trusting in it. Now you are realizing the truth of it. Now you are surrendering to it. Not out of fear. Not out of duty. Not to give an appearance. No! It is for real. What was and is always real is now accepted by you. You are loved! So, you put away striving to earn it. You open your heart, head, and hand to receive more of it. Your emotions, thoughts, and will you submit to it. In each and every moment. You are in that sweet spot. In that secret place. Not just today. But every day. And you don't want to leave. You are contented there. You find rest there. In the bosom of this love. In the safety and shelter of this love. Now, your obedience begins to be out of love. You love to obey. You obey because you love. Even when you fall. Even when you sin. You are grieved by your sins. 


But now you trust in this love. You don't run from this love in those moments of sin and pain. You run to it. There is no fear anymore. Because this love is perfect. And it is removing all of your fears. For that is what this love does. You say, for real, I Love You LORD! Why? Because He has loved you first. Now, you can't but respond to His love with love. It becomes refreshing, powerful, and transforming. Thanks God for Your Love! You are Awesome!

Consider these

Jesus did not die for our excuses, but for our sins. Stop making excuses! Let us be honest and with humility confess and repent of all sin.

We are to enjoy life, but not by the world's standards or definition. For the world cannot offer us joy because it does not have a clue to what joy really is and how it is attained.

Professing that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior is a lie if we do not do what He says.

The only view of God that we must accept is the high view, in which He is seen and revered as holy! holy! holy!

If we believe in God, then we will embrace all of what the Bible says about Him.

To argue half-truths is foolish for it is an argument to prove a lie.

It is easy to be deceived when we are not immersed in and in love with the truth.

The human race suffers from a degenerate heart condition (i.e., sin) that no legislation is fully capable of healing.

If God is truly our everything we would have no other gods.

God is only the center of our lives when we center our lives on Him.

Whatever our hearts are full of will pour out in our daily lives, even if we try to conceal it.

Where do you place your confidence when you pray? Is it in the words you pray or in God to whom you pray?

The Bible reveals God's heart (pure and perfect) and our hearts too (polluted and proud). So, whose heart will you trust?

Are you aware that God knows and has the best plan for your life? Your plan, though best in your eyes, does not even come close. This is because He created you. You did not create yourself.

Why are we so slow to believe and trust in God who knows, controls, and has a perfect plan for everything? Yet, we are quick to believe and trust in people.

As a blind person cannot give sight to him/herself neither can people dead in sin give give themselves life.

Worship Forever

The Bible is full of worship. People and creation worshiping God, Most High. In the book of Revelation, there are glimpses of worship in heaven. The elders, the living creatures, the angels, the great multitude of saints are all worshiping God. Before His throne. In His temple. Their worship is forever. Unto the God who is forever. Such an experience will indeed be out of this world. It will be more than awesome. It will be a new, greater, an incomparably refreshing and higher exalted form of worship. I look forward to it because I will be in God's presence. There my worship will be truly full, complete, pure, and perfect. That said, I did not always have this desire and mentality. God grew and developed it in me. He continues through my daily experiences.

In my very early Christian life, I was somewhat repulsed at the thought of worshiping God forever. It seemed boring to me. It did not seem productive. Note, the selfish outlook in my view. I thought worship was only in singing of songs, not a lifestyle. That said, it was my immature thoughts. I wanted to decide what worship was and how God should be worshiped. My wisdom was indeed foolishness. Pride, and thus sin, was at the center of my heart. My pride, and thus sin, did not want to give to God what was due Him. Additionally, my mind did not know what worship meant. My heart had not yet come to understand what worship is. My strength was yet to experience what it  means to worship. My entire being (i.e., heart, mind, strength) did not yet take in the fragrance and essence of worship.

Where am I now? Oh my dear friends, not where I was. God has been transforming my life. My mind has come to know and is increasing in its knowledge of God. My heart has come to understand and is increasing in its understanding of God. I am learning how to spend my strength for God. My entire being is taking in in increasing measure the fragrance and essence of God. Now I worship. Not only in words, but in thoughts and in actions. God is the one who has brought about the change. He has worked for my good. That is, He has opened my mind and heart. He has empowered and filled me. All for His purpose. To worship Him with all my mind, heart, strength, and all of me. In everything and everywhere. At all times!

Now, worship is the lifestyle I seek to live. I can't get enough of it. Not only in songs, but in thoughts and words and actions. In everything. I don't worship perfectly, fully, nor completely. Not yet. It will be fulfilled in the next life. However, I will not become complacent because of the not yet. I can't. Not after tasting how great living a life of worship is to my entire being. Add to this the fellowship with other believers who desire to live a life of worship. What you is an incomparable experience that is a sweet fragrance to God. No other fellowship is like it. No other lifestyle comes close. The desire and pursuit to worship God by our lifestyle is heavenly. It is filling. So, I thank God that He has opened my mind and heart. That He has empowered and filled me. He did all of this and continues to in order that I may worship Him in increasing measure here on earth. The time is coming when I will do so in full, complete, pure and perfect way. FOREVER!!!

Light for the Darkness

The darkness exists where there is little or no light. Its presence is overwhelming and haunting. Darkness leads to death. Darkness blinds us to sin and its depravity. In the darkness, it is very easy to sin. In the darkness, wickedness is on full display. For wickedness flourishes in the darkness. The darkness provides the place for deception. 


People compromise in the darkness. People are kept captive in the darkness. In the darkness people are controlled by fear. People are manipulated in the darkness. People are taken advantage of in the darkness. In the darkness people become addicts. Peoples lives are destroyed in the darkness. In the darkness people are condemned. People are overcome by doubts in the darkness. People are full of despair in the darkness. In the darkness people are spiritually dead.  


Why do people love the darkness? Because the darkness is a place to hide and practice evil deeds (John 3:19-21). This is true. I have seen it in my own life. Have you seen it in yours too?


But there is good news!
The light came and is available to all. The light dispels the darkness. The light has all authority and all power. The light exposes every sinful deed. The light shows our pride. The light reveals the true motives of our hearts. The light brings repentance. The light brings salvation. The light brings genuine faith in God. The light opens our eyes to the truth. The light brings purity. The light brings life. The light brings freedom. The light brings hope. The light brings love and thus removes our fears. The light brings peace. The light brings joy. There is genuine fellowship in the light. The light brings godly transformation. The light brings godly renewal. The light works for our good. The light glorifies God!

Do you have this light? Please make sure you do!
Are you living in the light? Please make sure you are!


We can only have genuine fellowship with God and each other when we walk in the light! (1 John 1:7).

A Gracious God

Have you ever been anxious about your needs? You know, not having food. Clothes wearing out. No job, and thus not being able to provide for family and/or others and/or yourself. You cannot meet your obligations, especially the necessary ones. For example, rent and utilities. Or, you are not able to work for reasons outside of your control. All of these things do add up to make us anxious. It is and can be a frustrating experience.

For Christians, how are we to give thanks in such situations? Note, not give thanks for the situation, though we certainly can, but in the situation. Does that help? For me it does. Not because I am some spiritual "giant". Nope. Not even close. But, the difference is just one word. Instead of the word for, the word in is used and it changes everything. It changes our mindset. The situation is still real and it may persist but our attitude changes. Why? Because the thanksgiving is focused upward. It is focused on God, who in spite of the situation, does not change. Yes, that's right. God still remains God. He is not confused or weakened or changed by situations. He is still faithful and will continue to prove himself faithful. 2 Timothy 1:13a says that "God remains faithful even when we are faithless." Truth is that God cannot go back on His promises. Nor does He desire to go back on His promises. To do that He has to stop being God and that is impossible. God cannot stop being God. Thus, we are to give God thanks in everything, as Paul also commanded the Thessalonians (see 1 Thes 5:18). We have no reason or excuse that justifies our decision to withhold thanksgiving from God.

Yet, there are times when I do withhold thanksgiving. That's because my focus is on the situation and on myself. In those moments my thoughts, words and actions are sinful. Despair and doubts take over and then defeat follows. Paul said something in Romans 8 that I, we, often ignore or don't believe. He talked about life in the Spirit and what it means. We experience this life and its blessings because of God's everlasting love. In Romans 8:32 he asked a rhetorical question. Well, it is not only a rhetorical one but an adamant question too. It can also be read as an authoritative statement based on what he said before and after it. He asked, "..., how will He (God) not also with Him (Christ) graciously give us all things?" Wait a minute, what did he say immediately before that? He said, "He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all ... ."Get it? If God could do such an outrageously incomparable thing graciously, why be anxious about our needs?

Here's a truth for us all to keep in mind: Do you know a failure to believe that God will meet our needs is also equivalent to doubting that His salvation through Christ is enough? In summary, it is unbelief, which is a sin. Isn't it? How can you trust in a god to provide your physical needs if he can't provide for your spiritual needs? Can you trust such a god to provide the lesser (physical needs) if  he can't provide the greater (spiritual needs)? We have to reconcile the two. If he can provide for the lesser but not the greater then he's not God. If he can provide the greater but not the lesser then he's not God. Our God is the only god because He truly and fully provides both. He does so graciously and with the goal to perfect in us an authentic, passionate, and fruitful lifestyle that reflects His glory.

Can you clarify and expand on the point about doubting? Sure. The doubting of which I speak is not a momentary doubting. We experience those from time-to-time. Those moments happen when we forget about God's many promises and blessings. Instead, we focus on the situation and ourselves. Our minds and hearts are then blurred and distracted from the promises and blessings we have experienced. They are blurred and distracted from the many we do currently experience and will continue to experience. And those we will experience. The unbelief of which I speak is an attitude and lifestyle. If this is your experience, please ask Him (God) to help you believe in the saving and complete work of Christ. The Spirit of God will confirm that you are now His child.

So, do we have any reason to be anxious? No we don't. But, we choose to be. I know I do. We can't avoid anxieties, but we can decide how we deal with them. It's either my way or God's way. There's no in-between. Any other way but God's brings about greater anxieties and leads us further into sin. Jesus promised that God who feeds the birds and clothes the lilies will also take care of us (Mt. 6:19-34, Lk. 12:22-34). He said that God values us more than birds and lilies. Thus, He commands and encourages us to not be anxious about anything. Not even tomorrow. Hard? Yes. Impossible? No! Because, God, who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, has also graciously given us His Spirit and word.

Knowing and having all of these wonderful spiritual gifts from our heavenly Father, we can be confident that He will provide our daily needs as well. Paul encouraged and commanded the Philippians in a similar manner. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God (Phil 4:6)." Read what he said the result will be in verse 7. My dear friends, may we pray one for the other and encourage each other in the LORD. And, let us not be anxious about anything. Because our God who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, knows and will graciously provide all that we need.

Perfect Love (part 1)

The sacredness of it cannot be reduced. 
The source of it cannot be manipulated.
The sanctity of it cannot be compromised. 
The power of it cannot be weakened. 
The purity of it cannot be corrupted. 
The purpose of it cannot be altered. 
The essence of it cannot be changed.
The establishment of it cannot be destroyed.
The expression of it cannot be forced.
The conviction of it cannot be ignored.
The call of it cannot be bargained.
The cost of it cannot be repaid.
The intensity of it cannot be equaled.
The immensity of it cannot be measured.
The identity of it cannot be mistaken.
The assurance of it cannot be shaken.
The attention of it cannot be escaped.
The authority of it cannot be removed.
The labor of it cannot be bought.
The light of it cannot be extinguished.
The language of it cannot be confused. 


So much more could and will be said because perfect love comes from the only perfect source, which is God. 

Not Just for Lent

Not just for lent are we called to spend
our day-to-day in prayer and fasting.
To give up stuff that holds us back
from the daily consecrated living.

Not just for lent are we to strive
to do the things Christ called us to.
To deny ourselves, take up our cross,
and follow him all the way through.

Not just for lent are we called to surrender
the destructive habits to which we cave.
To turn them over to God almighty, who
alone has the power to forgive and to save.

Not just for lent are we to always seek
first God's kingdom and righteousness.
To pant after Him who alone can and
will satisfy our yearnings for holiness.

Not just for lent, not just for lent,
but every day of our lives,
we must present our bodies
to God, as a living sacrifice.

Let's keep praying and encouraging each other to do so every day.

Only You LORD

Only You LORD are able to help me
Only You LORD can truly set me free
Only You LORD can fully give me justice
For You are the Rock & Shelter over me


Only You LORD have the power
to speak and to give life unto the dead
And when I'm drowning, You can save me
so in a storm I can safely make my bed.


In my trials, I will not be forsaken
For You are the true & faithful friend
You are always there to answer my call
Even when a message for help I cannot send


Only You LORD are trustworthy
You're always looking out for my best
And when I fail, You extend your mercy
And grace that I just cannot comprehend


The world and the devil do torment me
And my sins are way more than I can bear
When I feel lost & think no one can find me
I look and see that You are standing here


Only You LORD are the great I AM
Only You LORD are worthy of praise
Only You LORD deserve all the glory
Only You LORD are holy! holy! holy!