Waiting for the Next Shoe to Drop

Living in this world apart from Christ is wearisome at best. There is always something negative happening to us in some way or another: financial, physical, relational, mental, emotional, etc. We struggle from day to day and almost never awaken without some trepidation over what will happen to us next. Trouble even seems to happen in "threes." We are always waiting for the next shoe to drop.

We try to climb the corporate ladder in order to provide our family with as much security as we can. We compromise our quality family time in order to work overtime to bring home more money. We often work two or three jobs in order to give our children more than we had when we were growing up. We fall into the trap of buying them the latest toy on the market at inflated prices.

This schedule produces even more health, mental, emotional and relational problems. Some of us even work our self into an early grave. We resemble the hamster on the little metal wheel, going round and round, but never really getting anywhere. We amass material possessions, but they keep breaking down or coming out with an updated model, so that we feel the need to get a new one.

When we come to Christ and entirely surrender to Him, we begin living in His perfect plan for our life. We no longer fear the next shoe dropping, because it usually ends up being a glass slipper with King Jesus using the entire event to provide us with a special place in His Kingdom along with miraculous blessings through every negative event (Romans 8:28; Jeremiah 29:11; Ephesians 2:19).

Prayer:

Father God, the life You give to us in Christ supplies us with joy and peace, which transcends all human reason (Philippians 4:7). We are blessed when we trust in You, so we place our confidence in You. You plant us like a tree by Your streams of living water, and our spirit has constant nourishment. We do not fear whatever life throws at us, and we flourish no matter what happens to us (Jeremiah 17:7-8). You put Your plans in our heart and bring them to fruition, as we walk in Your Spirit (Psalm 20:4; Galatians 5:15-26). You sustain us, bless us and shine Your favor on us. You are always gracious to us and You keep Your eye on us, so that we walk in Your peace (Numbers 6:24-26).

Thought for the Day:

In Christ, we no longer fear trials or difficulties because we know they hold the seed for a miracle, which will surely happen.

My Last Post !!!

 

One of these days, I will post my last devotion on this blog. I will no longer be here on earth, but I will be enjoying the treasures of Heaven. God will wipe away every negative emotion in my soul and heal all of my diseases (Revelation 21:4). I will worship around the throne with the angels and the host of Saints who went on before me (Revelation 4:8-11).

The glory of God will light the expanse of Heaven, brighter and warmer than the sun (Revelation 21:23, 22:5). I will see the river of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne, with the tree of life on both sides of the river for the healing of the nations (Revelation 22:1-2). I will saunter through the heavenly tabernacle (Hebrews 8:5).

Eventually, the Lord will return to the earth with His Saints to destroy Satan and his pitiful army, which he gathers in the valley of Megiddo to attempt to war with God again (Revelation 16:14, 19:7-21). Jesus will defeat them with one word (Revelation 19:15; Zechariah 12:1-9). Then, Christ will make a new heaven and a new earth and we will dwell as the wife of King Jesus in the city of New Jerusalem (2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1-3, 10-27; 22:14; 10:10-27).

Prayer:

Father God, the fact that You count us worthy to worship the Lamb for eternity is more than our mind can comprehend (Revelation 7:9; Luke 21:36). In New Jerusalem, there will be no need for a temple, for You and the Lamb are our temple (Revelation 21:22). However, only those whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life will be able to dwell there with You for time without end (Revelation 21:27).

Thought for the Day:

No eye has seen, no ear has heard, nor has the full impact dawned on the heart of any human being of just how awesome Heaven will be for those who love God. - 1 Corinthians 2:9

Our Death on Calvary's Cross

I find it difficult to surrender my humanity so totally to Christ that it dies. This concept is very appealing to me, because I want to die in a practical sense to my self and the flesh. Sin infects every area of our life and we reap destruction from the seeds we sow. Repenting of our sins frees us from this vicious cycle and sets us free in Christ.

The first area to nail to the cross is trusting in our human mind and talents. Otherwise, we use secular wisdom to decide truth and this sets us on the wrong path for life. Next we die to our inordinate affections for things of this world that do not pertain to life and godliness (Colossians 3:5; 2 Peter 1:3). The pride of life, the lusts of the eye and the lusts of the flesh all expire little by little (1 John 2:16).

Jesus carries us through this dying process so there is no fear (Hebrews 2:15). We entrust our soul to His safe keeping, and reap sweet fellowship with our Savior and Lord. Our continuous union with Christ transports us to the spiritual realm where He lives. We lay down our humanity on the altar, and God raises us to walk in a new life (Romans 6:4).

As we surrender, the Spirit of God sanctifies us and leads us into God’s Kingdom. When we long for a more intimate relationship with King Jesus, we feel His presence in our spirit, sense His touch in our soul and see His healing or His grace to deal with an illness in our body. His love pours over us like a continual waterfall. We have instant access to the throne of God at any time (Ephesians 3:12).

Prayer:

Father God as we loose the ties that bind us to this earth, we are free to fly into the heavenly realm with You. We soar in the Spirit with eagles’ wings and we touch the hem of Jesus’ garment and are healed in spirit, soul and body (Matthew 9:20-21). We willingly submit our flesh to death on the cross with Christ, so that He can live in and through us each moment of the day (Galatians 2:20). Help us to relinquish our hold on this world and to trust You with our every need.

Thought for the Day:

It is time to relinquish any worldly idols, which keep us from intimacy in our union with God.

Never Alone

I want to encourage every lonely person reading this post to realize from your innermost depths - not just in the surface of your thoughts, but down in the depth of your soul - that you are not alone (Hebrews 13:5; Psalm 46:7, 62:5). God is your husband and Jesus is the lover of your soul (Isaiah 54:5; John 3:16). Having a loving and nurturing mate in your life is just not as important as you think it is.

If God wanted you to have a special human relationship right now, He would certainly provide one for you. He cares about every area of your life. You can enjoy God’s total peace, if you will completely surrender this issue to the Lord. It is usually not until you are completely happy with Jesus, and realize that you do not really need a loving mate, that God will provide you with a fulfilled marriage.

The only thing in this life that is truly exciting and fulfilling is serving our King Jesus. When we look for happiness from people or circumstance, we are disappointed. But, when we allow God's Spirit to direct our steps, we find pure joy. Listen to the Spirit, and let Him direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6). Soon you will be so busy for God that you will realize that you are already complete and whole in Him (Colossians 2:10).

We cannot change our life by worrying about anything, or by wishing, hoping or dreaming that it will change. We can take a lesson from the flowers. They bloom right where they are planted. God provides everything they need. We can have the assurance that God will provide for us too. We are even more valuable to God than any bird, animal or tree (Luke 2:27-28).

Start counting your blessings. Stop looking at what you do not have and start thanking God for what you do have. Before long, He will start giving you even more than you ever dreamed possible. He puts His desires in our heart and fulfills them for us (Psalm 37:4). If having a mate is His desire, He will certainly bring one to you in His timing and way.

·       I met my husband at a bookstore. What are the odds of that???? 

·       My girlfriend met her future husband when her plumbing leaked and she called a plumber. 

·       A friend met his future wife when she came in Walmart singing praises to the Lord and he joined her in singing. 

·       Another man went to the wrong house looking for a certain address and met another of my friends; a week later he returned to that wrong address and asked my girlfriend on a date. 

·       Another girlfriend went to visit a sick friend and was introduced to her future husband at their mutual friend’s sickbed. 

·       Another girlfriend met her Canadian fiancé at a church in the USA.

·       Several of my friends wanted to divorce their ungodly husbands. Each one decided not to get a divorce and instead to get her own apartment. She continued to be friends with her husband. God honored their commitment and trust and worked in all of these men's lives.

·       Trust God and you will have your own story to tell too.

Prayer:

Father God, we want to seek You and Your Kingdom first and stop worrying about the things, which unbelievers are concerned about (Matthew 6:25-33; Luke 12:22-31). We know that You have our best interest in Your heart and that You will supply every one of our needs from Your glorious riches (Philippians 4:19). Help us to focus on You and Your will for us instead of our own will for our life. Remind us that You love us so much that You sent Your Son to die for us.

Thought for the Day:

As we place our hope solely in the Lord, we will find true joy, contentment and peace.

Strength for the Weary

There is no need to fear life, because God protects His faithful children. He strengthens us when we get discouraged and helps us when we are stressed. He lifts us up when we are weary, holding our hand and reminding us not to be afraid, because He will help us (Isaiah 41:10,13). We trust God, because He fashioned, created and established the heavens and the earth. There is no one like Him. He inhabits the earth and calls us all to come to Him (Isaiah 45:18; Revelation 22:17).

Those who are rich, strong, wise, and attractive cannot really boast about who they are or what they have done, because it is the Lord who decides who will rise and fall (Psalm 75:7). We can boast, however, in the fact that we know God, who is the Lord of heaven and earth. We exercise compassion, impartiality and holiness on the earth, because these are the attributes in which the Lord truly delights (Jeremiah 9:23-24).

When we rely on our human attributes, young and old alike grow tired in this world of sin and sorrow. However, as we wait on the Lord’s love and His Spirit’s direction, He renews our strength and allows us to rise up with wings like eagles. Then we can face the trials and temptations of life with renewed energy, because God gives potency to the weary and increases the power of the weak (Isaiah 40:29-31).

Every word God spoke will come to pass. Upon His return, every knee, whether they are in heaven, on the earth or under the earth, will bow to King Jesus (Isaiah 45:23; Philippians 2:9-11). God wants His best for us in this life and in the next. He teaches us how to profit both materially and spiritually. He leads us each moment of the day, so that we only follow His way in which we should go (Isaiah 48:17). Do yourself a favor and trust your life to His care.

Prayer:

Father God, you are so awesome, ruling and providing from Your sanctuary. You give power and strength to Your Saints (Psalm 68:35). You loved us enough to die for our sins, and by Your grace you encourage us with Your hope. You strengthen us in our every word and deed, as You work in and through us (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17). I thank You for considering us trustworthy and appointing us to Your service (1 Timothy 1:12). As we hope in You, You renew our strength (Isaiah 40:31).

Thought for the day:

Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. - Ephesians 6:10

 

 

 

 

I Am a Night Watchman

 

A Night Watchman is not my job, but my calling. The ancient Jews divided time into the evening, midnight and morning (Psalm 90:4; Lamentations 2:19; Matthew 14:25). The Greco-Romans added a fourth watch between midnight and morning (Mark 6:48, 13:35; Matthew 14:25). I stay awake all through the night and early morning hours, keeping the midnight watch, with our Lord who never sleeps (Psalm 119:148; 121:2-4). I keep Him company as He watches over all those who are sleeping and working all over the world.

A watchman guards flocks, fields, cities and homes. They protect them from ambush by sounding the alarm when thieves, predators and intruders try to disturb their peace. The Bible uses the word “watchman” to describe someone who proclaims God’s Word. During my watch, I pray and I write this blog to present the gospel of the Kingdom of God (Isaiah 62:6-11; Ezekiel 3:17). People may read these words and repent; but even if they do not repent, I have delivered my soul (Ezekiel 3:18-19; 33:6).

As members of Christ’s Body, we are to tenderly watch out for one another (Philippians 2:1-4; Mark 13:28-37; Ephesians 4:32). We are devoted to each other, giving preference to one another in the way the Holy Spirit leads us (Romans 12:10; James 1:27). We help everyone, but especially those faithful to the Lord (Galatians 6:10; 1 Timothy 5:8). In doing this, we fulfill the law of Christ and we actually lend to the Lord, who gives back 100-fold (Galatians 6:2; Proverbs 19:17).

If we do not lend to the Lord, then when we have a need, no one will notice (Proverbs 21:13). The idols erected by the flesh, the world and the devil will soon come to their demise along with the people who build or believe in them. King Jesus is about to take His throne. We look forward to the return of the Lord more than the watchmen who waited with yearning for the new day to dawn (Psalm 130:6). For now, I pray and watch (1 Peter 4:7).

Prayer:

Father God, keep us from growing complacent in this day and time, so that we forget to be watchful for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. Help us to be vigilant when people need help during these end times, which are wrought with turbulent circumstances. Give us a word and resources for them in their time of need (Isaiah 50:4; Isaiah 62:6). We look forward to the dawn of the new day when King Jesus takes His throne. Cause people to hear Your Word through Your watchmen (Hebrews 13:7).

Thought for the Day:

How far gone is the night? When will morning come?  - Isaiah 21:11

The Kingdoms of Our Lord

 

The Kingdom of God was prepared before the creation of the world, and it came into existence with the birth of Jesus Christ. It is alive within the spirit of every Born Again Believer (Matthew 25:34, Luke 17:21; Matthew 5:3). We repent of our sinful lifestyle and place all of our belief in Jesus (John 3:16-18). Then, He gives us the gift of His eternal life and His righteousness in exchange for the filthy rags of our dead works (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8; Isaiah 64:6).

The Kingdom of God, which is in us now, is every bit as powerful and fulfilling as that which will come when Christ returns to the earth. All the power of the triune Godhead resides in Christ, and He dwells within us by His Spirit. The Kingdom is not yet visible, but is growing within us nonetheless (Luke 17:20). The Holy Spirit cleanses our soul to receive our reigning King. As we yield our life to God, He reigns supreme in and through us. As we surrender to Him, He does the works through us, which He did while He lived on the earth.

Satan and the flesh vie to dethrone Christ in our life with deception such as self-importance, apathy, negligence and worldliness. They want to regain control over our body and soul. They try to prevent the Kingdom of God from advancing both is us and through us. However, Jesus chose us, called us and faithfully keeps us by the power of His Spirit within us (Revelation 17:14). His Spirit transforms our mind into the mind of Christ until He is all and in all (Romans 12:2; Colossians 3:11).

When Christ takes up His throne, He will remove from the earth every bit of sin remaining here. His will reigns supreme for eternity (Matthew 6:10, 13:41; 1 Corinthians 15:25-28). King Jesus will put all things under His feet (1 Corinthians 15:22-28). Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:9-11). We will experience everything that God prepared for those who love Him; things that we cannot even imagine now (1 Corinthians 2:9). The Lamb will reign as our King forever and ever (Revelation 5:13).

Prayer:

Father God, when Your Kingdom is revealed on the earth, Jesus will take up the throne of His father David and reign supreme over all the nations of the world (Luke 1:32). Thank You for choosing us to reign with Christ and to live as His ministers to those living on the earth (Revelation 20:4). We thank You for Your generous love, care and provision for all those who love You both now and forevermore (1 Corinthians 8:3; 1 John 4:16).

Thought for the Day:

The Kingdoms of this world are teetering and will soon become the Kingdoms of our God and King Jesus - Revelation 11:15

A Deeper Walk

Sinners are in mortal combat with God. They fight in opposition to everything God is and what He stands for. Once we come to Christ in repentance, asking for forgiveness, He exchanges our sin for His righteousness. We enter a union with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3). Their triune life permeates our spirit and soul, and heals our body. We unite our life with the Spirit and He carries out His plans in, through and instead of us.

We do not simply create a contract with God, but we enter an intimate relationship, which includes a unified life. God purifies us in increments, going deeper with each penetration of His holy fire, until we radiate Christ’s nature from within us. He replaces our carnal nature with the fruit of His Spirit, which is actually the very nature of God (Galatians 5:22-23). The less we function out of our humanity and the more we wait on God, the more He expresses His character in us and through us.

As we embrace His divine nature, we are filled to overflowing with His nature, and His very life flows out of us (Ephesians 3:16-19 Amplified Bible). We embrace His presence in us with our thoughts, choices and emotions. Our unity with Christ invades every cell in our body and we live as the temple of His Holy Spirit. We are constantly aware of this holy relationship and our ever-increasing intimacy with Christ. There is no longer an inner contest between the flesh and spirit.

We freely choose the leading of God’s Spirit in each moment of the day (Romans 8:14). Our human way of thinking and feeling passes away, and we are now an entirely new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). We walk in communion, fellowship and accord with Christ within us (2 Corinthians 6:14-15). We belong to God’s household as co-heirs, priests and saints. Resting in Christ is not another religious activity to perform. It simple involves complete surrender of our human life to the kingship of Jesus Christ (Matthew 11:28-29).

We bow before our God and Maker (Psalm 95:6). As God recreates the nature of Christ in our soul, we manifest God in ever-increasing levels of maturity and glory (2 Corinthians 3:18). Forgiveness eliminates our confessed sin – past, present and future. The more we experience Christ as our life, the further away we run from the world, straight into our Savior’s waiting arms (Colossians 3:4). Gradually, God replaces our human limitations with His eternal power and divinity.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, our union with You is based on faith in Your faithfulness. Therefore, unbelief separates us from You for eternity (John 3:18). When our trust fuses with Your faith, the Son of God who loves us and gave Yourself for us, we have perfect unity with You (Ephesians 5:2; Galatians 1:4). By faith, Your divinity freely flows through our body, soul and spirit (2 Peter 1:4). Our intimate bond with You is broken only by our propensity to sin. However, if we walk in accord with the direction, wisdom and love of Your Spirit, we will never fulfill the lusts of our flesh (Galatians 5:16, 25). We eventually walk by Your Spirit as a matter of course for our day.

Thought for the Day:

The degree to which we exhibit the fruit of the Spirit in our life corresponds with the depth of our love for and obedience to Christ within us. 

The Great Debate

Read: Exodus 14:15-31 

"Was it not You who dried up the sea, The waters of the great deep; Who made the depths of the sea a road, so that the redeemed might cross over?" - Isaiah 51:10

The great futile debate today is whether God dried up the Red Sea so the Israelites could cross over on dry ground, or if He drowned the Egyptian army in ankle deep water! Either way, it is still a miracle. Either way, God proves once again that He is God. The Bible if full of what some people claim are unbelievable stories of how God cared for, protected, loved, judged and disciplined His people. These stories entertain children for hours; and they give the Christian hope that God is the same, yesterday and today and forever (Hebrews 13:8).

We can trust in this miracle-working Savior, who proves Himself strong for His people. His mercy is new every morning and His love and compassion never fail (Lamentations 3:22; 1 Corinthians 13:8). He speaks and the oceans obey Him (Mark 4:39), the earth trembles in His presence (Psalm 114:7), and the king's heart is in His hand and He directs it like a river wherever He pleases (Proverbs 21:1).

God had a plan before the foundation of the world (Matthew 25:34) and each day draws us closer to its culmination. We rejoice with exceeding great joy as we see political, physical and spiritual signs in world events that fulfill His prophetic promises and bring us ever closer to His physical reappearing (1 Corinthians 1:7).

If you are not yet a blood bought, forgiven child of the King, Jesus Christ, repent and believe today.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, because of Your saving work on the cross, we are now citizens of heaven (Philippians 3: 20). Not only do we eagerly wait for our adoption day, but we also groan inwardly for the redemption of our bodies (Romans 8:23) and for the revelation of the new heaven and the new earth (2 Peter 3:13).

Thought for the Day:

All creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. – Romans 8:19