special words from me to you

And he said, "Listen, all you of Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, King Jehoshaphat! Thus says the LORD to you: 'Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God's ... You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the LORD, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!' Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the LORD is with you." ~ 2 Chronicles 20: 15 & 17

This scripture here is a promise we can hold on to when going through difficult circumstances that seem out of our control and overwhelming. There are some battles that we simply can't fight - and shouldn't fight in our own strength. Sometimes God tells us to take our positions, stand still and see His deliverance. Sometimes we need to take our hands off, stand back and let God fight for us.

We needn't fear what comes against us, but to stand firm in our faith. God knows the whole situation. Though we feel overwhelmed when we look at our circumstances, the Lord sees the whole picture and sees the way out for us. We need to let God have control and fight the battle we're facing. He has promised that He is with us and that He will bring us through.

If you are facing a battle today that seems overwhelming, give it over to God and let Him fight for you. He will work it all out, and make a way where it seems there is no way.

And it came to pass, when Moses entered the tabernacle, that the pillar of cloud descended and stood at the door of the tabernacle, and the LORD talked with Moses. All the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the tabernacle door, and all the people rose and worshiped, each man in his tent door. So the LORD spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. And he would return to the camp, but his servant Joshua the son of Nun, a young man, did not depart from the tabernacle. ~ Exodus 33: 9-11

It's in abiding in God's presence that God speaks to us. But how do we continually abide in God's presence? How do we take His presence into every area of our lives - our every day lives?

I believe it's as we spend time in God's presence that His charactor comes through in our attitudes, and in the way we think about things, and how we respond to people, and the way we handle situations. In this way we are being transformed, and as a result we are able to take His presence with us wherever we may go.

Above all other things in our lives, including service to the Lord, we need to be living in God's presence. Sometimes we can get so busy 'doing' that we neglect just 'being' in God's presence. For it's out of being in God's presence that we can hear God speak, and inspiration can flow, creativity can flow and service can flow. But it's firstly coming into God's presence, and daily walking in it, before we have this 'outflow'.

God longs to have this fellowship with us. But sometimes we feel ashamed or unworthy, so we hide from Him. We may feel as though we have no time in our busy schedule to spend time just basking in God's presence. But I believe God wants us to put off all these 'hindrances' and 'excuses' to just commune with Him.

I feel as though God has been speaking to me lately about 'abiding in His presence'. I need to learn to put this into practice daily - as I tend to allow other things to 'prioritise' my time.

So why don't you choose with me today, and every day, to abide in God's presence - despite how we feel. We will all be better off for it!

Lord, help me abide in your presence,
Each moment of every day,
To clearly hear your still small voice
And be inspired by what you say.

"When angry, do not sin; do not ever let your wrath (your exasperation, your fury or indignation) last until the sun goes down. Leave no [such] room or foothold for the devil [give no opportunity to him]." ~ Ephesians 4: 26-27 

Anger is a natural emotion we all have from time to time. Even the most placid amongst us feel anger at times. It's not exactly wrong to feel anger, after all Jesus displayed anger when he drove out the moneychangers. I believe it's all in how we handle our anger.

If we respond to people and situations in an explosion of angry words and gestures, ranting and raving, then that expression is obviously the wrong way - it's merely 'venting' the anger. When we do this, it's the people around us that get hurt the most.

How, then, do we deal with anger?

I'm still on the journey of discovering how to not react out of anger. One way I believe God has spoken to me concerning this, is in this scripture: Proverbs 15:1 "A soft answer turns away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger." It dawned on me one day, that if I respond in a 'gentle tone using gentle words', it will squash the anger inside. You see, when we 'vent' our anger it's never 'gentle', it's often loud, blunt, and hurtful with words that we wouldn't normally use. Responding in this way set's a pattern for how we respond, when angry, in the future - and on it goes! This is why I believe we are not to let the sun go down while we're still angry.

Lord, please help me not respond
In a hurtful, angry way
But to respond with gentle words
In what I have to say.

But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides."
~ Matthew 6: 33

There is such a fundamental truth in this scripture. How often do we try to take care of our needs in the area of finances, or try dealing with difficult circumstances before looking to God?

We try to work out how we will get through it, or how we will meet our unpaid bills. God says here in His word to 'seek first His kingdom'.

It's in putting God first in everything and seeking His righteousness - 'His way of doing and being right', that all these other things in our lives will be taken care of. Many Christians have found that by putting God first, the difficult circumstances they are in start to come together in a divine way. God does answer prayer and will intervene as we honour Him first.

This is especially true in the area of finances. By always putting God first, and giving into the kingdom of God, He provides what we need. God will always honour those who put Him first in everything. So, if you are facing a real struggle, especially in the area of finances, give it over to the Lord. Choose today to 'seek first His kingdom'. Put God first in everything. He promises to take care of all these other things.

Lord, I choose to put you first,
I give my struggles to you
For by doing so you'll meet my needs
And you'll always pull me through.

When Jesus Comes In

"But then what benefit (return) did you get from the things of which you are now ashamed? [None] for the end of those things is death. But now since you have been set free from sin and have become the slaves of God, you have your present reward in holiness and its end is eternal life." ~ Romans 6: 21-22 When we think back to our old lives before Jesus came in and transformed us, we realize how futile a lot of things were that we had in our lives. Things we once thought were important, we now see aren't important at all in the light of 'eternity'. We see now that those things had no benefit for us. Our whole lives take a turn around when Jesus comes along. Sometimes it may feel like Jesus has turned our world upside down - and that can be difficult. Things that were once our security, no longer are. Things that were familiar to us, we no longer feel comfortable with. This can be a really difficult time, but later on down the track we can see the things we once held on to could never benefit us at all, in fact, could have led to heartbreak. When Christ comes into our lives, we become slaves to God instead of sin. He turns us in a new direction that results in eternal life with Him. If you are in this place right now, continue to trust in God because He knows what He's doing, and you will see later on the beauty of the Lord in your life. Just hang in there. He is working in you, and you won't be in this place forever.

Lord, I thank you for saving me,
For giving me life within
Help me to be free as a slave of God
Instead of a slave to sin.

For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand [anywhere else]; I would rather be a doorkeeper and stand at the threshold in the house of my God than to dwell [at ease] in the tents of wickedness." ~Psalm 84: 10

One day with the Lord is better than a thousand spent in ease - gratifying the flesh. So often we look at people that have a lot and are living in ease, they may have everything they want at their fingertips - and be in lack of nothing. Sometimes we may desire to be that way, especially those times when finances are tight. But as we read here, one day in God's presence, far out weighs a lifetime of luxurious living, and living to the flesh in sin. After all, where we spend eternity is what counts. You can't take your lifestyle of ease with you when you die. What really counts is our 'eternal soul'.

Being in God's presence, and having a personal relationship with our loving Father, means more to us than being in the world without knowing Him. I would rather have God, than the world's riches and ease. Wouldn't you?

I would rather have the Lord's presence
And know His inner peace
Than live without Him in this world
In a lifestyle of ease


So do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own. Sufficient for each day is its own trouble." ~ Matthew 6: 34

There is so much in life we can be anxious of, but by worrying about it we only magnify the problem. We get ourselves in a state where we cannot think clearly or rationally about it. We cannot possibly be effective in prayer, and in working out a solution to it if we are caught up in 'worry'.

What of tomorrow? Tomorrow hasn't come; today is what we need to concern ourselves with.

When we start to get anxious of the things that may or may not happen, the only thing we can do is give it over in prayer. There we can find God's peace in place of our worry.

Don't let worry take root for it is all consuming. You cannot have 'faith' if you are worried all the time. Take your eyes off the 'what ifs' and place them on Jesus. It doesn't matter how bad your situation is, you can walk through it with your eyes on Jesus. We don't have to live in anxiety of our 'tomorrows'.
Lord, help me not to worry today
For my tomorrow that's on its way
But help me keep my eyes on you
For this is what will see me through

Only let us hold true to what we have already attained and walk and order our lives by that." ~ Philippians 3: 16

The preceding verses mention that we need to be pressing forward toward the goal - to win the prize. In V: 16, it speaks of holding true to what we have already attained or learned in our Christian walk, and order our lives by that. Yes, we should have our eyes fixed on the goal - the heavenly prize, but in the meantime, while we're striving toward what's ahead, we should live in accordance to what we have already attained in God. Not neglecting what we've already learned - as if we can slack off a bit. For by doing so, we may end up going backwards and become stagnate.

As we walk with Christ, we need to keep the momentum moving forward. By walking and ordering our lives to what we have already attained causes us to get a real grasp of the truths of God, so that we can move on to the next level in Him, with more confidence of who we are in Christ.

I shall hold true thus far,
To what I've attained
And order my life by
The knowledge I've gained

ut the natural, nonspiritual man does not accept or welcome or admit into his heart the gifts and teachings and revelations of the Spirit of God, for they are folly (meaningless nonsense) to him; and he is incapable of knowing them [of progressively recognizing, understanding, and becoming better acquainted with them] because they are spiritually discerned and estimated and appreciated." ~ 1 Corinthians 2: 14 This particular scripture spoke to me many years ago when I first came to the Lord. I realized then that you cannot understand spiritual truths if you do not have the indwelling Holy Spirit. To the non-spiritual man (non-Christian), the things of God are foolishness to him. A lot of things don't make sense to the non-spiritual man. They cannot understand the Bible, or the way in which God works. For the Bible is not like any other book where you can read it and give a book review at the end. The Bible is full of 'spiritual truths' and we need the indwelling Holy Spirit to speak to us to 'reveal' the hidden truths in it. When God reveals something to us that we should do, it can sometimes be a bit 'out-of-the-ordinary'. To the non-spiritual man it's silly nonsense and he cannot make sense of it. It becomes laughable to him. Look at Noah! Sometimes it may not even make sense to us, but we understand God's nature and scripture. God's ways are never foolish, and His word is 'spiritually discerned'. We who have the indwelling Spirit can understand Spiritual truths for the Holy Spirit reveals it to us. Lord, we need your Holy Spirit To understand your truths For you reveal it to our hearts To help us understand you. "And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you." ~ Philippians 1: 6 God continues working in us, developing and perfecting and bringing to full completion, the work He has begun. God begins working in us the moment we receive Him into our hearts. He begins working on our hearts - our inner beings. He works on our attitudes, our beliefs, our fears, our pride, all of our human nature. He also plants His seeds in us of the godly nature - spirit-filled nature. He tends to this as well, watering and nurturing the seeds so they will sprout and bring forth the 'Fruit of the Spirit'. He helps us grow in the gifts and talents He has placed within. He helps us develop them to be used to further the kingdom of God. God will not stop working in us. If you feel that God is not doing anything in your life right now - how very wrong you are. Remember, He who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Christ Jesus. Don't give up - He doesn't! God continues to work in you What He began, He continues to do As the hart pants and longs for the water brooks, so I pant and long for You, O God. My inner self thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and behold the face of God?" Psalm 42: 1-2 There are many times in life when we find ourselves in a place where it's dry and barren. We long and crave for the water brooks of God - just to have our dry, parched lips moistened with the living water. As if in a desert longing to find some cool, refreshing water, we long to quench our thirst by drinking deeply from it. It's in these times when God does come and refreshes us, and by this refreshing, there comes a growth. But often we need to be in this place of desperation before we can truly hunger and thirst after God - and cry out to Him with all our hearts. We don't have the same desperation when we're happily going through life, so God allows these desert time experiences that causes us to pant, crave and long for the water brooks of God. If you need refreshing today, come to Him and drink deeply and you will be satisfied. In the desert times of life Receive the water that satisfies "For the vision is yet for an appointed time and it hastens to the end [fulfilment]; it will not deceive or disappoint. Though it tarry, wait [earnestly] for it, because it will surely come; it will not be behindhand on its appointed day." Habakkuk 2: 3 I believe God showed me the importance of not giving up despite the closed doors in my life. One day I was shown this picture in my mind of a big white house with steps leading up to a big door. I opened the door and saw a long hallway with many closed doors off it on either side. I walked down this hallway, maybe expecting a door to open. None of the doors opened for me. I had a choice. I could sit down where I was and give up, or I could continue to walk down this hallway. As I continued to walk down, I saw near the end another short hallway just off the main one, with an open door for me to walk through. Had I stopped and given up, I would never have seen the open door further down. I believe that's how it is with us. When God plants a vision in our lives, it doesn't come into full reality straight away, but it's worked out over time. We often may come up against closed doors. If we give up and think maybe we never heard right in the first place, we would never come into the new opportunities God has for us. We need to continue to walk by faith, knowing God is moving us in this direction, even when it seems nothing is happening. The vision will never come into reality if we don't continue walking, trusting in God. "Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you]." Romans 12: 2 A few years ago I was given this vision from out of the blue. I was just making the bed one day and all of a sudden I had a picture in my mind of a forest. I was standing in the forest and my eyes were drawn to a fallen log. As I looked at this log I saw a stick insect moving across it. The moment I saw the stick insect move, the words came, "Just like this stick insect is on the log, so is the church. It has blended and adapted to its surroundings and environment so much that it's getting harder to see true Christianity." I thought, 'Wow!' Then came the words, "You can't tell many Christians about this because they're not going to like it." I listened to those words and didn't really share it with people. Over the years there's been the odd confirmation of this through various things I've heard and observed. It's only in the past year or so, that I have come to the realization that Satan was the one that whispered in my ear that day, not to say anything. I don't know why I did not see that before. I feel I need to share this now, and believe God wants me to share it. I believe we need to heed the message in this. "Be unceasing in prayer [praying perseveringly]" - 1 Thessalonians 5: 17 We are encouraged to 'pray at all times'. Prayer is part of our daily lives. No matter what we are doing - whether going off to work, in meetings, driving our kids around, at home doing housework, or out playing sports. Whatever we do each day, we can still pray. It should be natural conversation with God throughout our day. Yes, there are times when we need to set aside other things to 'pray', but mostly we can pray throughout the day. So as you go off into your day, Remember, you can unceasingly pray! "...The eye is the lamp of the body. So if your eye is sound, your entire body will be full of light. But if your eye is unsound, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the very light in you [your conscience] is darkened, how dense is that darkness!..." - Matthew 6: 22-23 Often you can tell whether there is 'light' or 'darkness', 'life' or 'death' within someone when you look into their eyes. The eye certainly is a lamp of the body. What we look at and dwell on affects who we are inside. It brings darkness into our souls. In the end it deadens our consciences. It's getting harder than ever in our society to keep our eyes sound, but not impossible. We just have to make the right choices! When the world corrupts your eyes, You've lost your focus on Jesus Christ! "...He said to them, Because of the littleness of your faith [that is, your lack of firmly relying trust]. For truly I say to you, if you have faith [that is living] like a grain of mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, Move from here to yonder place, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you..." - Matthew 17: 20 It only takes a little faith! We often think of ourselves not having much faith. We look at others and think they have a lot more faith. But Jesus said here that even if we had faith as small as a mustard seed we could do incredible things in God - nothing will be impossible, because with God all things are possible. We can speak to our mountains and conquer them with our faith firmly placed in God. Don't limit yourself. Take your mustard seed of faith today, and see what God can do. It only takes a little bit of faith To conquer the mountains that we face! ...If then you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, thus sharing His resurrection from the dead], aim at and seek the [rich, eternal treasures] that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. And set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth. For [as far as this world is concerned] you have died, and your [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God..." - Colossians 3: 1-3 "Set your minds and keep them set on what is above." How we so easily lose that focus. We so often seem to take our eyes off what has eternal value, and tend to things that have earthly value. We should be focused on, and tending to things of eternal value. Nothing else matters. We can't take anything with us. To be pursuing things of earthly value and importance, robs us of what really matters. We still remain discontented because it will never satisfy. Only what has eternal value will ever satisfy. Pursuing the riches of heaven above Satisfies our souls like nothing else does. ..For if you forgive people their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], neither will your Father forgive you your trespasses..." - Matthew 6: 13-14 Sometimes this is really hard to do - especially if we have been through trauma at the hands of another person. We can feel quite justified harbouring unforgiveness, but it only leads to bitterness. Unforgiveness becomes a lifestyle, a learned attitude. We may find it a lot harder to forgive any offence that happens in our lives. We need to take on an attitude of forgiveness. It is the first step in being healed ourselves. If we saw people through God's eyes, we would see a mirror of ourselves, as we all have sinned. We all have hurt someone, somewhere in our lifetime. Remember, hurting people - hurt people. So if you're hurting right now because of some offence, will you give it up to God and ask God to help you forgive that person? Bitterness can take a hold But forgiving others frees our souls. "...Therefore encourage (admonish, exhort) one another and edify (strengthen and build up) one another, just as you are doing..." - 1 Thessalonians 5: 11 How we all need to have a word of encouragement. It makes all the difference with how we perform in our jobs, in the home, or even in our ministries. So often it's easy for people to focus on the negative, rather than the positive, such as the mistakes we may make and the hopeless situation we feel we're in. Just one word of encouragement can change all that. It encourages us to carry on and give it our best. It makes us feel appreciated, and that we do make a difference. As we go about our day, let's be mindful of the people we come in contact with, and speak an encouraging word. It will brighten their day! Encouragement, we so desire For it's this that lift's our spirits higher. . Then He said to His disciples, The harvest is indeed plentiful, but the labourers are few. So pray to the Lord of the harvest to force out and thrust labourers into His harvest..." - Matthew 9: 37-38 Jesus says here that the harvest is plentiful. What is the Harvest? Is it large groups of people, in far away lands, that have not yet heard the gospel of Christ? Could it also be right where we live? At the office, in the factory, in the shopping malls, in the home, neighbours. The harvest can be anywhere and everywhere, even right where we live. Where there is a harvest - this is where our mission field is. We have a slogan on the wall of our church as you go out the doors, it says, "You are now entering your mission field" - which really sums it up. As we walk out of the church building, we are entering our mission field. Look around you, there's work to do! The harvest is there, but labourers are few. ...Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and faithfulness and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You [You only and altogether] do I wait [expectantly] all the day long..." - Psalm 25: 4-5 Show me your ways... Teach me your paths... Guide me in your truth. Sometimes it can be hard to know where God would have us go. He will show us His ways, and teach us His paths and guide us in His truth, if we ask Him. We need to pray and wait on the Lord 'expectantly'. Expect Him to answer you and show you clearly where to walk - and He will. The truth will always be our guide. The word of God is the best source of guidance. If we align our lives and our decisions on the truth of God's word, we won't be led astray - or make the wrong choices. Whatever guidance you need right now, ask God to show you, teach you and to guide you. You can be sure you won't be led down the wrong path. The Lord will guide us every day When we're in His word, and faithfully pray. "...Freely (without pay) you have received, freely (without charge) give..." - Matthew 10: 8b God has freely given to us - so we should freely give to others. I believe that this also applies to our gifts, talents and abilities, after all it all originated with God in the first place. He gave us our gifts and talents to use to further the kingdom of God. We can use it for God's glory. Our gifts are meant for encouraging and uplifting others, and for helping others out. Whatever gifts & talents we have received from God, we can use to share freely with others. Our motive should be first of all, to share something of our faith in God. It should not be a matter of what we can get out of it. God's grace has always been 'free'. God has freely given to us So freely we give in the spirit of love "...Many plans are in a man's mind, but it is the Lord's purpose for him that will stand...." - Proverbs 19: 21 We are all born for a purpose. We are not here by accident, but to fulfil a God-given destiny. We may have many plans for our lives, but as this verse says, "it is the Lord's purpose for him that will stand." Sometimes God can change the direction we are going in. Sometimes it can be a radical change, or sometimes just a slight adjustment. We need to ask God to show us His purpose for our lives - what He wants us to do. He will show us and help us to take steps toward fulfilling it. God has a purpose and a destiny That will last throughout eternity. "...Beloved, do not be amazed and bewildered at the fiery ordeal which is taking place to test your quality, as though something strange (unusual and alien to you and your position) were befalling you..." - 1 Peter 4: 12 Life has times of hardship, struggles, trials, temptations, despair, loneliness and heartbreak. We all go through times like these from time to time. There is a saying that goes 'Life is a bed of Roses' implying it's easy and sweet. There's probably a lot of truth in that - considering the 'thorns', but it's far from easy and sweet. A prick can be painful! God can use what we go through to rely on Him more and build our character to be Christ-like. So yes, I guess life can be like a bed of roses - but we need to be mindful of the thorns. There are tests in life, I know The thorns are there, but so is the rose. "...And now, Lord, what do I wait for and expect? My hope and expectation are in You..." - Psalm 39: 7 Our hope and expectation should only be in the Lord. He is the only one in this world that is stable and sure. Everything else is on shaky ground. It's sometimes hard to have hope while everything around us seems to crumble, or is uncertain. The Lord is our pillar. He is our fortress. He cannot be shaken and can be trusted completely. If you've lost hope in this world, hope in Jesus. He won't let you down. When hope is placed in Jesus Christ We have more meaning to our lives "...Give, and [gifts] will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will they pour into [the pouch formed by] the bosom [of your robe and used as a bag]. For with the measure you deal out [with the measure you use when you confer benefits on others], it will be measured back to you..." - Luke 6: 38 As we are giving to others, God gives us all that we need. God loves it when we are giving to others, whether it is our finances, time or talents. We can be a blessing to others by giving to them with a thankful and generous heart. Whatever measure we use in giving to others, it will be used in measuring back to us. It's the same principle as 'what you sow you shall reap'. God has been so generous toward us in all He has given us. He has blessed us all in so many ways, so we too can bless others. Let us today, give with a generous heart! Giving to others pleases the Lord And He, in turn, will bless us more ...For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord..." - Romans 8: 38-39 We read here how nothing at all can separate us from the love of God. No demonic powers, nothing we fear or dread and nothing we say or do. There is nothing at all, in all of creation, that could separate us from God's love, or stop Him from loving us. It's much like how we are as parents. We love our children despite anything they may say or do. We may not like, or agree, with certain behaviour, but the child themselves we still love. How much more so is it with God? His love for us is so much more than the love we have for our children. God's love is unconditional love - Agape love! No matter what you say or do God's Agape love is there for you "...But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people. For to you is born this day in the town of David a Saviour, Who is Christ (the Messiah) the Lord!..." - Luke 2: 10-11 So often these days we see Christmas with the 'Christ' taken out and replaced with an 'X'. It's almost as if it's a nameless celebration. We as Christians know how far from the truth that is. We read here of angels appearing to the shepherds and declaring the birth of Jesus, the Son of David - who is the Christ (the Messiah). It is in no way a 'nameless' event, but a wonderful celebration of the greatest event - the birth of Christ and the reconciliation to God He brought to us all. So let's keep the 'Christ' in Christmas. Christmas must always start with Christ For He has saved us and changed our lives. "...A time will come, however, indeed it is already here, when the true (genuine) worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth (reality); for the Father is seeking just such people as these as His worshipers. God is a Spirit (a spiritual Being) and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth (reality)...." John 4: 23-24 Unless we have a personal relationship with Jesus, we cannot truly worship God in Spirit and in Truth. Our spirit won't connect with His unless God has redeemed (saved) us. Our spirit then comes alive and we can respond to God on a spiritual level, rather than on a carnal (of the flesh) level. This is the truth (the reality). God is spirit, so we need to worship Him in spirit and in truth. As long as we are living in the 'carnal' nature, we can't meet with God more intimately as He longs for us to do so. Let us worship the Lord today and everyday, in Spirit and in Truth. In spirit and truth, we should worship the Lord It's the only true worship, our Father longs for "...Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God..." - Hebrews 12: 2 There are so many things in life that can distract us. Not all of it is bad in itself either. But, nevertheless, if we allow ourselves to become preoccupied by something, it can often distract us from being preoccupied with Jesus. We are reminded here to look away from all that would distract us, and to look to Jesus. He is the leader and source of our faith. He is the reason we believe. He is also its finisher - bringing it to maturity. Jesus never allowed the issues of life, or the pleasures of life, to distract Him from the 'cross' - which was the reason He came. May we be mindful of the distractions, and not become so preoccupied with other things. We need to always remain on track For life has so much that distracts "...But those who crave to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and into many foolish (useless, godless) and hurtful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction and miserable perishing. For the love of money is a root of all evils; it is through this craving that some have been led astray and have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves through with many acute [mental] pangs..." - 1 Timothy 6: 9-10 It's just not worth it! Why crave for something we're not able to take with us when we die. After all, it only has worldly value. Money in itself is not evil, but rather the attitude toward it is. The 'love' of money is the 'root of all evil. God sees the motives of the heart. The desire to be rich with worldly riches snuffs out any potential we have in being used of God - because we cannot be fully focused on God. We cannot serve both God and money! I will not allow money to master me For I can't take it with me into eternity "...I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency]..." - Philippians 4: 13 God strengthens us - it's His empowerment within that causes us to rise above and overcome the obstacles. But so often it doesn't feel that way. So often we feel we're running on empty and simply don't have the strength to carry on. It's times like these we need re- charging. Sometimes it's impossible to get away from it all, but we can maybe prioritise things and simplify. I know it sounds like a cracked record, but spending time in God's word does refresh us. Even if it's just 5-10 mins a day with a daily devotional, it does make a difference. Speaking out scriptures like these gives us a real spiritual energy boost. We may not have much human strength, but God can infuse us with His strength. We can say that we are self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency. Christ empowers us to live for Him By infusing His strength within "...So then, whatever you desire that others would do to and for you, even so do also to and for them, for this is (sums up) the Law and the Prophets..." - Matthew 7: 12 This is a principle that we should all live by. We know how we would feel if we were being treated badly - so that should prevent us from mistreating others. How we react to people, is how they will react back. If we respond with harsh words, often harsh words come back to us. We need to always be mindful of how we would feel 'before' responding in a negative way. That's not always easy when feeling angry or hurt, but so important to cultivate in our relationships and dealings with people. If we want respect we need to give respect. Whatever we desire that others would do, We need to be doing that very thing too "...The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and abounding in mercy and loving-kindness..." -Psalm 145: 8 Our God is a gracious God. His mercies and loving-kindness are new every day, and will not run out. No matter how trying we can be to Him at times, and how much we stumble and fall in our walk, He is there with ‘grace’. He is there with ‘compassion’. He is there with ‘mercy’. He is there with ‘loving-kindness’. He does not boil over in anger toward us – He doesn’t get enraged. He is slow to anger. He understands how we feel, and sees our hearts desire is to be like Christ – though we fail many times. He knows that while we are in this flesh of ours we won’t be ‘perfect’ and ‘sinless’ like Him – and that’s where His grace comes in. His grace forgives, restores, heals and loves. So today, really get a glimpse of Gods grace. When I look upon Christ’s face, I see the reflection of God’s grace ...Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths..." - Proverbs 3: 5-6 It's so important to lean on and trust in the Lord rather than ourselves. For us to lean on our own insight or understanding is foolishness. We do not know what the future holds for us. We need to lean on and trust in God's Wisdom, to be led by Him. It's hard to lead a mule where it does not want to go - so it is with us. If we're so caught up in what we think is best, then God cannot get us to the place He wants us to be. In all our ways we are to acknowledge Him, for He longs to be involved in every area of our lives. He then can direct us and make straight our paths. When on the Lord we lean and trust, He then directs and straightens our paths ...The steps of a [good] man are directed and established by the Lord when He delights in his way [and He busies Himself with his every step]. Though he falls, he shall not be utterly cast down, for the Lord grasps his hand in support and upholds him..." - Psalm 37: 23-24 Our every step is directed and established by the Lord. If you need a clear vision and direction from the Lord, especially in this New Year, ask God to give you clear direction. He will direct us and establish us in the way He wants us to go. Though we may fall and stumble at times - it's not the end. God does not cast us down, but grabs hold of us and upholds us. As if we are drowning, He comes to our aid and pulls us up. He will not let us drown. Let the Lord direct your steps today, and throughout this year. He will never lead you astray, but will always guide you in the right direction. For clear direction and a clear vision, We need a daily dose of God's wisdom . Marriage Held In Honour "...Let marriage be held in honour (esteemed worthy, precious, of great price, and especially dear) in all things. And thus let the marriage bed be undefiled (kept undishonoured); for God will judge and punish the unchaste [all guilty of sexual vice] and adulterous..." - Hebrews 13: 4 Marriage these days seems to be anything but 'held in honour'. More people are opting out of getting 'married'; instead many prefer to be 'living together'. Others marry with conditions attached, or they marry and give up to soon. Sometimes we think the easiest option is to walk away. It's just too hard and painful to deal with the issues that arise. But that's just what Satan wants. I believe the enemy is behind so much of the breakdowns in marriage and families. Even at the political level! God takes marriage seriously, after all, He instituted it. No matter how hard it gets in our marriages, and we feel we want to give up, we need to remember that God can make a way where there is no way. A friend of mine shared that with me when I was going through a rough time. It really hit home. I had lost hope, but that statement gave me hope again. Nothing is too difficult to deal with when you invite God into it. Marriage is most precious to the Lord When we come together in one accord When Plans Change "...Come now, you who say, Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a city and spend a year there and carry on our business and make money. Yet you do not know [the least thing] about what may happen tomorrow. What is the nature of your life?..." - James 4: 13-14 We have all been in the situation of making plans, or thinking that something will happen in a certain way, and then it all changes. It brings such disappointment and takes a lot of adjustment even causing us to question whether we have heard from God or not. Things don't always happen in the way we hope it would. God allows it to happen differently for a reason. We may never know why this side of Heaven - but no experience is ever wasted. I guess we can only trust that God knows what's best for us. I don't think making plans as such is wrong, but I guess maybe we need to be more adaptable, prepared for a re-direction if God has other plans for us. What we've planned may not go our way For God has a better plan that He made . . "...Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.] Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls. For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good-not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne..." - Matthew 11:28-30 How we need a place to go to rest and be refreshed. Our lives can be so hectic and stressful. We need to come to Jesus every day for that refreshment. It's so comforting to know that Jesus will ease our load. He says to take His yoke upon us and learn of Him. We so often carry such heavy burdens that the Lord never intended us to carry. Under these burdens we are weighed down, but His burden is light and easy to be borne. If you are feeling weighted down with many burdens, give it over to Jesus. Take His yoke upon you and find relief for your soul. Jesus can ease your heavy load When upon yourself, you put on His yoke "...Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God's will in thought, purpose, and action), so that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work..." - 2 Timothy 3: 16-17 All scripture is inspired by God and, for this reason, it is important to know God's word to live victoriously every day. Everything we need for spiritual growth is in God's word - the Bible. This is our spiritual food. Scripture can only be profitable to us when correctly interpreted, though. We need instruction from the Holy Spirit (who leads us into all truth). And for scripture to really be effective in conviction of sin, correction of error and training in righteousness, it needs to be applied to our lives. We need to align our lives to what God's word says. Then we shall be complete and thoroughly equipped for every good work. All scripture is God-breathed And in God's word, we must believe Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working]..." - James 5: 16 Praying for each other has tremendous power - truly dynamic in its working. As we share our needs with each other we can bring them to the Lord and He will bring the healing, restoration and intervention needed. Another good thing about sharing our needs with each other is that others may have experienced the same thing and, therefore, can give the support and understanding that is needed. Having a network of friends around you praying for anything that comes up, is such a powerful thing. It can bring comfort and support to the one in need. We need to continue to bring each other's needs to the Lord. Tremendous power is available from our Lord As we pray with hearts in one accord Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working]..." - James 5: 16 Praying for each other has tremendous power - truly dynamic in its working. As we share our needs with each other we can bring them to the Lord and He will bring the healing, restoration and intervention needed. Another good thing about sharing our needs with each other is that others may have experienced the same thing and, therefore, can give the support and understanding that is needed. Having a network of friends around you praying for anything that comes up, is such a powerful thing. It can bring comfort and support to the one in need. We need to continue to bring each other's needs to the Lord. Tremendous power is available from our Lord As we pray with hearts in one accord Delight Yourself In The Lord "...Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord [roll and repose each care of your load on Him]; trust (lean on, rely on, and be confident) also in Him and He will bring it to pass..." - Psalm 37: 4-5 Delighting ourselves in the Lord to me means to live in obedience and commitment to Him, to commune with Him and enjoy His presence. He will give us the desires of our heart - for then the desires of our heart will be His desires for us. What we desire should be what the Lord desires, and God will bring it to pass as we commit our way to Him and trust in Him. Whatever desire God has placed within your heart - keep trusting in Him and committing it to the Lord, for  .   "...If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of the giving God [Who gives] to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him. Only it must be in faith that he asks with no wavering (no hesitating, no doubting)..." - James 1: 5-6a This seems so easy to do; yet so often we don't think to ask God for His wisdom. We are faced daily, with many different situations, that which requires God's wisdom to show us what to do - yet we so often do not ask, or we ask with doubt. We must ask in faith, and not doubt God will answer. His word says that when we ask Him, He will give liberally to us. He doesn't hold it back. He longs for us to have His wisdom. We should pray daily for God to give us His wisdom, so that when we are faced with difficult situations throughout the day, we will know how to handle it. We need God's wisdom, each and every day .