Friday, October 29, 2010

Leviticus 27:28

Notwithstanding no devoted thing, that a man shall devote unto the Lord of all that he hath, both of man and beast, and of the field of his possession, shall be sold or redeemed: every devoted thing is most holy unto the Lord.”


This whole chapter is full of laws concerning property that is used as collateral or is donated to God’s service. In this particular verse God is trying to explain His heart toward you and the gifts you give. The first part of this promise is the idea that you have something to offer God. He has given you the ability and opportunity. The question is do you? It can be something as simple as time. You can give God your time by using it to pray or read your bible.

I have to admit that I have been guilty of re-gifting an item. When my wife and I got married, it seemed as though all our friends were like-minded and decided to by us picture frames. I wasn’t upset about it, but a person realistically can only use a limited amount of picture frames.

The “not as pretty” frames were put in boxes and would have been forgotten had I not been financially challenged. In my frugality, I used a few of those frames as wedding and birthday presents for other folks. I know it is culturally taboo, but I was broke and needed something. The other half of the truth was the frames weren’t as sentimental or valuable to me.

In the latter part of this promise, God is telling you, “I am not a re-gifter! If you give me something it will be considered a highly regarded present that I will never give away.” God wants you to rest assured that no matter how ugly, insignificant, or grand you may think it is, all your offerings devoted (given) to Him are sacred (Holy).

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Exodus 4:12

"Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say."

Here we pick up part of a conversation between God and Moses. Like many of us, Moses was hiding behind his percieved limitations. It is painfully obvious God is not interested in your excuses. He is promising you and I, as He did Moses, that even our mouth can be empowered by Him.

This promise has a hidden condition. It implies that you are doing what God has called you to. Despite several years of serving the Lord I still get nervous when He calls me to speak on His behalf. Eventhogh He has shown me in multiple settings and circumstances, I am still awestruck at how He always has the right things to say.


The essence of this promise was emblazoned on my mind when He told me to appologize to my former boss. She was vindictive as well as subversive, which resulted in my disdain. I simply wanted to cut her off and enjoy my ill will towards her, but God had other plans.

When he first told me to talk to her I was like Moses and started in with all the reasons why I thought it was a waste of time. Once I got over the shock of realizing there was no getting around it I was nervous about what to say and how to say it. Having gone through that experience, I can honestly say God means what He's promised! I don't recall all that I said that day, but our tearful exchange left me with a definate witness of God's abilities.

Do you have a job to do for God? Are you concerned about what you will say? God has promised to give you words that speak life to those that hear you. Are you willing to trust Him?

Friday, October 22, 2010

Psalms 50:15

And call upon me in the day of trouble : I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.”

On the surface this is a very simple and straightforward promise, but it covers much more than you really imagine. Here, God is saying, “Tell what is wrong and I will help.” It is important to note that God did not put a clarifier on what constituted trouble. For each person it will vary, but to God they are all important.


Several years ago, during the housing boom, my wife an I bought a house that was 2 times out of our budget. The idea was to hold it for a while, then sell it for a profit. All was going as planned until the market started showing signs of slowing down. We bought at the wrong time and it was going to bring financial ruin. I am convinced my wife and I earned many some gray hairs over the matter.

Once we finally recovered from the reality we were facing, we began to pray in earnest to God. As this promise says, God delivered us and brought a buyer at the right time for the right price. Financially we broke even but spiritually we profited greatly because we learned that God even helps when we were the ones who created the trouble.

Do you have some trouble? Does it seem too small? Too big? Do you feel like it is your fault so you have to deal with it alone? Do you want to be delivered? God simply asks you to call upon Him.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Psalms 25:8

Good and upright is the Lord: therefore will He teach sinners in the way.”




This verse reveals the patience as well as long suffering of God. The word rightly declares His character as “good.” By definition, sinners are those who refuse to follow God’s will for their life, thereby, rebelling against Him. Despite their rejections of Him, God is willing to put in the extra time to teach them.

As a teacher in a high school, I have experienced several types of students. The most frustrating students are the ones who think they know what they are doing, hence they don’t listen to what they are being taught. Some have even had the audacity to continue down their own path despite the failures piling up behind them, even hinting that the teacher just doesn’t know what they are doing. This is exactly the type of student, in God’s class, that is called a sinner.

Because God is a good teacher, He is willing to stay long hours “after school.” He will even go home with you if you let Him! The whole time He is present, His focus is on teaching you what is right. He is not there to judge because that will come at a later date. God knows there will be a final exam at the end of your life and that is why He pursues you in hopes that He can give you the answers. This promise also reveals that God pursues even the lousy, rebellious, and distracting students.

Are you living in sin? God wants to teach you how to get out of it. Do you have loved ones or a friend in this predicament? Take courage in knowing that God is pursuing them also.

Rejoicement

I am writing to appologize that I was not able to get to a computer last Friday; hence no post. I was in Dallas,TX for the meeting. The Lord greatly blessed. While I was there I quietly celebrated my 35 birthday. I also awoke to a great present. Another of my former students had sent me a text letting me know that they had asked the Lord to save them! I celebrated in tears of joy at my bedside as I prayed for him and rejoiced in the Lord for another soul that had escaped the pits of hell.

I was humbled by his respect and honor he showed to me by asking that I would baptise him. This is not an honor I take lightly. I am very thankful to God that He brought me and this student into each other's lives. All I can say is that God is awesome and He is still interested in souls!

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Luke 15:7

I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over the ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.”

We know and understand that Jesus himself will come and seek us out if we go astray. He will even stand by our side pleading for us to come and join him again if we tarry in our decision. What is most important is the response of Jesus. It is one of Joy.


Do you remember a time when you disobeyed your parents and went some place without their permission? Even worse, was to go some place they had told you not to go.

Did you ever have the experience of them showing up when you least expected? It was humiliating to be “caught” or found by an angry parent. They gave no thought to your feelings because they were caught up in their own emotions.

Important to note here is the reaction of Jesus and how different it is from those in the world. He rejoices! More than that, he engages all the host of heaven to join in his exceeding joy over your return. Imagine the sound of angels, those who have already gained their reward of heaven, Jesus, and God himself singing heavenly songs consumed with Love!


Have you ever been his guest of honor? I can tell you that you will never experience such a welcoming as the one God extends to each child who allows themselves to be washed in the blood of the Lamb. Guilt, fear, and shame are removed, only to be replaced by love, humility, and a gentle spirit. There is a party waiting for your appearance.

Friday, October 8, 2010

Jeremiah 29:13

"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart."


 Have you ever lost something you really wanted? I remember as a little kid I worked hard for several days to earn $5. As a poor kid growing up, I was crushed when I realized my loss. My initial reaction was cautious optimisim as I simply decided to retrace my steps, knowing I woukd retrieve what was rightfully mine. After several minutes with no success, hope leaked out with each, seemingly, vain step. By the end of the night I had concluded all hope to be lost.

In life we face many circumstances with much more dire consequences. Often, our own efforts to fix situations result in hope lost. As we journey through life accumulating this defeating experiences it is no wonder we are forced into hopeless lives of desperation. That is until we come to the realization of this promise.

God is telling you to "put your focus in the right place and you'll never be disappointed." If you focus solely on me (with you whole heart), I will be found. Here, God is promising you that you can and will find that which is most umportant, of most value. God Himself!

How's your hope? Do you sense loss in your life? God is waiting to be found by you. The only way to find Him is to focus on Him, not your situation, not your circumstance, and definately not on what you can do to fix the problem. The reward will always be treasure recovered. 

Friday, October 1, 2010

John 8:32

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”




Another benefit of this freedom is experienced in our emotions. I am persuaded that the devil has discouraged millions by attacking their emotions. He has accused good Christians of being lost and undone because they didn’t “feel” close to God. He has personally attacked me by reminding me of my past sins. The entire time he attempts to overlay my peace with guilt.

The good news is you can be free from that guilt! Part of your freedom that God promised is freedom from guilt. We can know we are forgiven, so we need not be guilty for the past. When God forgives our sin, he forgets it as well.

Have you ever been afraid to trust God? Are you ever fearful of having enough money? Do you worry about what will happen next, or tomorrow? Does your future make you anxious? God promises you freedom from these and all other fears. All you need is to know the truth to experience this freedom.