Where is Your Hope?

As I reflect on the very recent past presidential election, viewing, listening and processing all that is being communicated relating to the out come of the election, one question comes to mind, Where is your hope?  So many have placed their hope in an imperfect man, not attributing this statement to any particular candidate but rather a fallible human being. Psalm 118:8 (NKJV) "It is better to trust in the Lord, than to put confidence in man."  and yet with this election many are behaving as if our very lives depend on the elected president. Yes, one who sits in the position of president has some power, but indeed not all power, and isn't sovereign of all America, for the word of God says in Proverbs 21:1(NKJV) "The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, like rivers of water, He turns it wherever He wishes."  The Lord God, is the only one sovereign over America, and all of the earth. Have we become so desperate that we've now misplaced our hope? Hope, which according to Websters Intermediate Dictionary is: 1. to desire something and expect that it will happen or be obtained, 2a. desire accompanied by expectation of fulfillment b. someone or something on which hopes are centered c. something hoped for.  Have we become so desperate that we dare to give a man that type of power concerning us?  Where is your hope?  In the place of the much expressed anger, disappointment, and fear, which are evidence of the misplaced hope, noted in Romans 5:5 (NKJV)  opening with; "Now hope does not disappoint..." have we made the president our hope for a life of abundance, and we are now disappointed?  My hope is that we will take a pause to see in whom or what we have placed our hope, and it is also that we will come to a place of repentance and to our knees, praying.  Psalm 71:4&5 (NKJV)  "Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man 5. For you are my hope, O Lord God, You are my trust from my youth."  Let us put our trust in our only true hope, which will never disappoint, The Lord our God, who is faithful forever & ever.

The Beginning of Wisdom

Today as I ponder the bible scripture Proverbs 9:10 (NKJV) "The Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." one of the attributes of God comes to mind, omniscient. God is omniscient; all knowing, there is NOTHING he doesn't know, how absolutely amazing. When I think on this truth allowing it to soak deep into the fibers of my being I get goosebumps. God knew from the beginning what to create, how to create, why he would create, and for what period of time his creations would last. There isn't a question that we could ask him, which he couldn't give an answer to.  I find myself in complete awe thinking of his greatness, and that fear of him is only the beginning of wisdom. This is a reverential fear of his all mighty power, knowledge, and presence, that makes me want to come closer and learn more of him. This is the beginning of learning how to relate to and with God through diligently seeking him. The closer I come to God the more his wisdom is poured out onto me. Romans 11:34 " For who has know the mind of the Lord? Or who has become His counselor? His wisdom is not that of books, a teacher, school or training, but simply who he is, and he is wisdom. When we take hold of this truth we will have come to the beginning of Wisdom."

Revering God

 Have you thought about how hectic your schedule can be? Sometimes your
schedule is so hectic you barely get a chance to eat, at least not a nutritious and satisfying meal. At the end of those busy days you're either so tired you simply want a bath and a bed to relax in, or you're yet in motion preparing to do it all again tomorrow.
To accommodate your hectic life, you've grown accustom to things such as: fast food,  instant coffee, speed dating, speed walking, fast travel, speedy information and so on. Have you also grown accustom to speedy or instant Christianity? Do you feel the need to get in and out of church service fast? or quickly run off a routine prayer without any thought? Do you take time to pray over that fast food or are you to much in a rush to take time and thank the Lord for your meal and ask his blessing over it?  I'd like if you'd ponder these questions a while. Take a Selah moment.
Have you allowed for your life to become too busy for God?  Maybe it's your job, your friends, hobbies, fashion sense & the love of shopping or your social life that has consumed your life, so much so that you take the time to truly think about the goodness of God, and all that he has done for you. Maybe thinking about his goodness concerning your whole life would take to much of your precious time, but how about meditating on his goodness towards  you today alone.  Maybe there were some tragedies or accidents he allowed you to avoid today, or a bacteria floating in the atmosphere that he didn't allow it to attach itself to you, maybe he protected your loved one whom you love dearly and would be devastated to hear of hurt or harm coming to them, maybe your employer had a list of employees to lay off, but the Lord moved on their heart not to put your name on that list; as he granted you favor with your employer, or could it be possible he allowed for that layoff so that you could step into a more rewarding position?  I don't know what wonderful things the Lord has done for you today, but one of the most wonderful thing he has ever done for us ALL is, John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life."  God the Father sent his only begotten (Holy)Son, into this wicked, sinful world to save us.  It is this awesome truth which you and I need to take hold of and sit with from time to time, that shall bring us to a place of truly revering the Lord God Almighty. Proverbs 9:10 "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." Might it be, that if we did this more we could discover and understand of how to rest in him, putting aside the day to day rat race?

Whose Report Will You Believe?

We have so many varying reports in our life time. We have reports from teachers 1Corinthians 2:16 "For who has the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him? but we have the mind of Christ."

regarding school performance which at times result in believing  we are not smart enough, or were unable to learn therefore should not expect a promising future, but God's report says in
We get a report from our doctor saying that we are sick and with that, the doctor may say "there is nothing more that can be done." which is contrary to God's report written in Isaiah 53:5 "but he was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon him, and by his stripes we are healed." Whose report will you believe?  We have the news reports, telling us we rank  number one, two, three and so on as the murder capital in the nation, their report says we are doomed unless the right president or other government officals are voted in office who will bring us a plan of rescue from destruction. God's report says in 2Chronicles 7:14 "if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." The system of this world which operates under the sway of the God of this world who is the Father of lies and in whom there is no truth, will always give false reports. So it is again that I ask you, whose report will you believe? Will you believe the report of faultering, selfserving men under the sway of the God of this world? or will you believe the report of one who loves you with an everlasting love, who has invested everything in you? John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever beieves on him shall not perish but have everlasting life."  I tell you the truth, God's report is so much more appealing than the worlds, and his report is true. Romans 3:4 "...let God be true and every man a liar..."  I pray that we shall stand saying in agreement, " We shall believe the report of the Lord!

Remember Who You Are

Often times you go through, days, weeks, months, years, life, with busyness, while operating from a place of defeat instead of victory which is part of your inheritance. It is written in Ephesians 2:6 "And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus." It is in him that you have victory over every situation and circumstance you face. You are not under any circumstance nor at its level,  you are always above. Do you not know or remember God's promises to his children? The problems, difficulties,and trials you may face are allowed by God to produce something  good. James 1:2-4 says "My Brethren count it all joy when you fall into various trials.3)knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4)but let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." Don't allow yourself to be so busy that you forget who you are,who you belong to and the promises to you, his child. You are seated in Christ in the heavenly realms of victory. and no weapon formed against you shall prosper. Remember to live like a victor not a victim.

In The Light

The world is seeking answers to the chaos, turmoil, and anger that rages among the nations. There are programs and more programs, added and removed. There are old laws and new ones being added, new government officials, new science, new studies, and research going on each day, and yet the nations rage.
Psalm 2:1-5 "Why do the nations rage and people plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his anointed, saying, ""Let us break their bonds in pieces and cast away their cords from us."" He who sits in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall hold them in derision. Then He shall speak to them in his wrath, and distress them in his deep displeasure."
All of the newness has not brought much positive change to a rapidly deteriorating society. Will it be the next president or government leaders and officials who will fix all of the brokenness of our society? or maybe the next program, the next march for justice, or the next riot?
What is sadder still, is that the answer is right in front of us,in plain view all about us. The answer being so simple and yet human logic cannot comprehend it. The world gropes in darkness for the answers which can only be found in the light.
John 8:12 "Then Jesus spoke to them again saying, ""I am the light of the world, He who follows me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."" 
It is ONLY in the light that we shall discover the answers we so desperately need and search for, but for now the nations continue to rage, as we cast away the cords, drifting further and further from the light.

Sunshine and Rain

Just as the sunshine and rain are part of the changing seasons of nature on the earth. They too are apart of the changing seasons in our spiritual dwelling.
The sunshine and rain work together bringing growth in the natural and spiritual. When there is too much rain, it drowns the crops, causing them to die.Psalm 147:8 "Who covers the heavens with clouds, who prepares rain for the earth, Who makes grass to grow on the mountains."  In like manner when exposed to too much sun the crop becomes scorched, wither and die. Praise God! for his providing proper balance of both. In this we learn to appreciate the sunshine and rain.
If things always went well just as you planned for your life. You would more than likely become very comfortable and complacent with your situations, not having need or desire for anything more, giving no thought to God. As the saying goes "out of sight, out of mind." The truth is, God is never really out of sight. It is simply that you ignore his presence. Romans 1:20 & 21 "For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21)because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened."
It is often life's storms with the pouring of rain which send you crying out and running to God for shelter and safety, just as a young child seeking the safety of it's parent(s)  Proverbs 18 :10 "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe."   If not the rainy storms of life, then the extreme intense heat that sends you seeking refuge from  exhausting, extreme discomfort, which drains your life, leaving you dry, unproductive, and as a corpse. Matthews 13:6 "but when the sun was us they were scorched, and because they had not root they withered away."  Hopefully this will shift your perspective regarding the weather changes you endure. Leaving you to appreciate more the changing weather conditions, praising God for the sunshine and the rain in both natural and spiritual seasons.

The Body of Christ

Has the world really seen Christ in the earth? He was crucified and there were not a bone broken in his body. He hung his head and gave up his spirit and had not been decapitated. He was laid in the tomb and on the third day he arose. Those who went to the tomb the third day did not see the body of Christ because he got up. You are only able to get up if you are not dead. Christ is not dead and lives here in the eath, the question is, has the world seen him?  Yes his disciples saw him after his resurrection and before he ascended into heaven, but has the world today seen Christ in the earth as he still lives.
He commanded his disciples before ascending into heaven in Matthew 28:19 & 20 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit 20) teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."  
 Christ is alive and dwells not simply among us but in us, however, has the world seen him?  We are his body and he is the head of this body, as the head leads the body is to follow. If we are indeed the body we should be following the head from which we receive instructions and direction. The head has instructed it's body to love one another as he has loved us,  not growing weary in weIl doing. We are to be holy as he the head is holy, for as he is in the earth so are we. We have not been instructed in anything which Christ our Lord had not done walking the earth clothed in flesh. It is because of his expamples to us and his spirit alive  in us that we are inabled to do all that he commands.  He is forever faithful, continually doing just as he promised, to be with us always. Romans 8:11 But if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Sprit who dwells in you."  We are the body of Christ, and we shall follow as he, the head leads.

Easily Distracted

I believe we all become easily distracted by so many things that get our eyes off of God and on to the distraction.
Distractions present themselves in so many ways; jobs, relationships, emotions, addictions, projects, dreams and aspirations, self-gratification, so many things that make us loose focus.
Once distracted, it can become very difficult to refocus, get on track, have peace. Isaiah 26:3 "You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you."  Could that shift of focus have diverted us to trusting ourselves or another limited being? Is it our focus, that's now on our money situation, over our God, that has shifted our expectation and trust towards ourselves, our employers, our employment, or our government to provide?  Philippians 4:19 says "And God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."  Has that new diagnosis given by the doctor distracted us from God's word that says in Isaiah 53:5 "But he was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement for our peace was upon him, and by his stripes we are healed." have our expectations and trust shift from the almighty great physician, to our physician doctor_____ and the medicines he prescribes? Have we become distracted by the short skirts, or the bulging biceps through muscle shirts, promising to always stand by us and love us like no one else has, can or ever will? forgetting, Deuteronomy 31:6 "Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God he is the one who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you." or  Jeremiah 31:3 "The Lord has appeared of old to me saying ""Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love. Therefore with loving kindness I have drawn you."" 
Let us be on the alert, for the enemy desires nothing more than to catch us off guard, and to distract us with all manner of distractions, so that he may still, kill and destroy the life plans which the Lord has for us. Deuteronomy 4:9 "Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life..."
Let us work to be more careful, so that we are not easily distracted.

All Too Casual

As I pondered my relatioship with the Lord, I hadn't before realized I had become all too casual with him. In our spending much time togther, He knowing me so very well and I learning and desiring to know him more, had somehow, somewhere in the midst of it all become laxed. Had I not taken to heart whose presence I was in?  One so awesome in quality and character, the absolute image of perfection, great in glory and majesty. How could I have allowed myself to become all too casual?  Did I lose sight that I was created by him, in his image and likeness, not giving much thought to Psalm 139:14 "... I am fearfully and wonderfully made, the marvelous work of his hand..." surely my soul does not it full well, that I should permit myself to forget the truth right in front of me.  Had I forgotten the magnitude of his greatness written in Genesis 1:3 "...Let there be light, and there was light." how he spoke creation into existence.  Did the biblical truths of his miraculous power escape me? such as that written in Exodus 15:8 "And with the blast of your nostrils, the waters were gathered together. The floods stood upright like a heap..." this and countless other stories reflective of his greatness and power.
Not to mention that of my own testimony of his life transforming goodness, mercy grace and power.
How could the magnitude of his humility escape me?  Philippians 2:7-8 " making himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8) And being found in appearance as a man. He humbled himself and become obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross."
 I will take this moment to put away my all too casual and behold the Lord my God, who is worthy of all glory, honour and the highest praise. Hallelujah to the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, the Almighty God, who was, who is and shall always be forever more. For there is nothing casual about the Lord our God.

Time Out

I think every so often we ought to take time out and  remind ourselves of what the Lord our God says about us. Let's take time out from our daily hustle and bustle to reflect on  God's wonderful plan of reconciliation, in which our Father reconciled us back to himself through our Lord Jesus Christ. 

2Corinthians 5:18"Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation." 

How about our taking time out and meditating on his wonderful goodness? 

 Psalm 34:8 "Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; 

Blessed is the man who trust in Him." and because of his unwavering goodness, mercy and love towards us, we can fully trust him.  

If we will take time out to meditate on his word day and night. The only real truth, which is good for all people, at all times.  We would experience true abundance of life. 

His word leads us on paths to abundant life. 

For he has said in

John 14:6 ""...I am the way , the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."".

Take time out from the ways of this world, and begin to experience kingdom living.

No Need for Despair

As I have walked about various neighborhoods. I read many faces and body language of those whom I passed, and without a spoken word, I heard the many feelings of hopelessness. It saddened my heart as I looked on hundreds and thousands of people who were saying the same thing. I found myself becoming overwhelmed by their despair.
My heart cried and my eye wells filled with tears. Had these individuals not dreamt, hoped or searched for something? If so, when and where did those dreams, hopes and searching end?  Could it be that those hopes and dreams seemed too long in coming and they became weary? Had they hoped in something which ended in disappointment?
  Now in their despair, have they become so comfortable they no longer see it as despair, but the mundane that has become comfortable, like a well worn pair of shoes? Has simply surviving and keeping ones head above water, just making it, day to day become enough?
Oh my Lord, I pray that this not be so.
Now shifting my focus from what is being said around me without words. I ponder the words in my heart of John 10:10 "...I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."  Do they not know that Christ our Lord came that they may live, and not simply survive, but have a life of abundance? I continued to ponder the words in my heart, such as Galatians 6:9 "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." Do they not know that God wants the very best for them, and his given his very best to them. John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life." Do they no know that Christ is our hope? Romans 15:13 "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."  I guess they don't know, for the word also says in Hosea 4:6 "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge..."  It is my heart felt prayer, that we not allow the greatest gift to mankind, be in vain, the life of Jesus Christ our Lord.  John 17:20-21 "I do not pray for those alone, but also for those who will believe in me through their word; 21)that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me." We are alive in Christ, and he lives in and through us. No need for despair, for He has overcome the world, and so have we.

Same Old Tricks

Reflecting on the entrance of sin into the human race, I realize the enemy continues to use the same old tricks today.

It was first the simple twist of words, consisting of partial truths, and partial truths are complete lies.

It was this twisted truth questioning, that engaged Eve in conversation with the serpent.

Genesis 3:1"...Has God indeed said, You shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

Eve evidently felt the need to respond with her correction, Genesis 3:2-3 ""We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden, but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ""You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.""

Now that he has her attention and engaged in convesation, he goes a bit further.

Genesis 3:4-5""...You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it  your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.""

As the saying goes, "give em an inch they'll take a mile."

Here again the serpent presents the twist, a mixing of partial truths, "you will be like God." The truth of the matter was, they were already like God.  Genesis 1:26 " Then God said, "" Let Us make man in our image, according to our likeness..."" also adding that in being like God they would know good and evil, for up until this time they had only known good. After all they were not God, but they were like him, and this was God's plan, that man know and do what is good.

The second thing the serpent did was, get Eve's focus off of God and set it on something she'd find more desirable.

This was the fruit of the tree of good and evil.  Genesis 3:6 "So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate."

It was this shifting of focus which led to mans down fall.

These same tricks are yet used by the enemy today.

His clever presentation of deception, through twisted partial truths in thoughts and ideas. His well disguised distractions to turn our focus from God, and his subtle dangling of temptation before our eyes, causing one to desire such delicacies in our imagination.

He also does his very best to bring us to a place of condemnation, guilt and shame, of our past failures and mistakes, hoping that we forget, Romans 8:1 "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit."

 Yes, he keeps using the same old tricks, just in different times.

His Goodness Leads Us to Repentance

We all have our differences; in looks, styles, personalities, ways of communicating,  interacting with one another, and how we carry on our daily life. It is our differences that make life all the more interesting. It is also these same differences that have caused great pain, anxiety, separation, anger, fear and other emotions. Often times it is fear of the unknown, or unfamiliar that produces anxiety, and discomfort, leading us to react in a variety of ways; from timidity to harshness. The bible says in 2Timothy 1:7"For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." If we remember this truth, it will help us in our response to the unfamiliar, or different. In our intolerance and refusal to accept differences and what is unfamiliar or uncomfortable for us, which cause much separation and hatred in our society. This focus on self, and one's own comfort is far from a display of Christ like character. It is our taking focus off of self and our own comfort, that allows us more effectively to minister to others. Christ gave the perfect example of selflessness in the midst of discomfort at the cross. This was, is and shall always be by far the most selfless act of love ever displayed by any man. Romans 2:4"Or do you despise the riches of his goodness, forbearance, and long-suffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance." When followers of Christ encounter ungodly people. It is not for us to ridicule, condemn and shame; as this is not how the Lord has dealt with us in bringing us into righteousness, but in his display of love towards us, which lead us to repentance. When correcting one another, it is also to be done in a spirit of love.

The Answers To Your Questions

Every day there are questions you want answered, so you seek to find those answers. Sometimes seeking the answers from other people, through books, or personal observation etc. Those are all great ways of getting answers, but the best way yet, is through your seeking God. He holds all the answers to all the questions you will ever have. The great part of this is, he wants you to seek him for the answers, and he delights in giving them to you.  Matthew 6:33 "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." In seeking the kingdom of God, who else will you find other than the King himself? In your discovery of the King, you will also discover the kings ways being carried out in his kingdom, for it is his ways which are the laws of the land. The answers you are seeking are there in his kingdom. Those answers are there for you to know, and learn how to apply them as solutions to your questions.
God has made available to you a free and valuable gift for discovery. This is the gift of wisdom. This is not the wisdom of the world, but His very own wisdom. James 3:17 "But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.
Wisdom is made available to you just by asking in faith, knowing that he will withhold no good thing from you. James 1:5-6 "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. You've got questions and God has answers to them all, you only need to ask him for wisdom and take him at his word.  

You're A Spiritual Being Having a Natural Experience

 It is my belief that we all struggle in our understanding the depth and magnitude of God's love for us. For his love is so perfect that it is impossible for the human mind to grasp such glorious perfection. 2Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them because they are spiritually discerned." It is this challenge we face daily as believers to walk in the spirit that we not give into the desires of the flesh. The flesh or natural man wants to live and have it's way, but as followers of Christ we must hold to our faith that we are now a new creation, as the natural man has been crucified with Christ, and Christ now lives in and through us. Galatians 2:20 " I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." 

The old nature, the natural man tries continually to rise up from the dead, hoping that we are too distracted to realize that he has risen. There are often times we are caught in this trap of distraction, which takes our eyes off of Jesus our Lord, that we may focus our eyes to the cares of this world, causing us to forget that we are a new being, a spiritual being. 2Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new Creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new."  When we make a choice for Christ, we choose life. That which we walked in before was death, subject to the God of this world. BEHOLD we are a completely new creation in Christ. This means that we have a new way of thinking, talking and acting and it is just like Christ. For it is the very spirit that raised Jesus from the dead that has raised us up also anew, and has come to live in those of us who have chosen life. Romans 8:11 But if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you."

You are now a Spiritual being having a natural experience just as Jesus was in the earth, so are you. 

Go Up Higher

We make decisions based on the information gathered through our senses and processed in our minds. God is calling us to a higher level of thinking. Philippians 2:5 "Let this mind be in you which also in Christ Jesus." In all that Jesus did, he did according to what he saw and heard with his heavenly Father. John 5:19 "...most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of himself, but what he sees the Father do; for whatever he does, the Son also does in like manner."" We are called to do the same. As followers of Christ, we are to follow Chirst's example.
 Let us not forget Ephesians 2:6 "that we have been raised up together and seated together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus." Think of how the view changes when you are going up in a plane, or on a ride at a carnival or theme park, which takes you up high off the ground. When you view things at eye level you don't see much beyond what's in front of you, but as you go up higher, you are able to get a better view of what's around you. Your perception changes based on the position from which you are viewing. If we remember that we are seated in heavenly places in Christ, our perception and decisions should change greatly. This is the place we are to make our decisions from, seated up high in the heavenlies, in Christ.
In this position the cares of the world look much smaller than when we viewed them at our earthly eye level.
I encourage you to go up higher and get a better view, therefore being able to make better decisions.

Nothing Unexpected

We all face some difficulties in our lives, and some of those difficulties are access points for the enemies deception.

He may use the pride tactic, having you feel that if anyone knew of your difficulty you would be thought poorly of.

Proverbs 16:18 "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall."

Your pride keeps you from seeking wise counsel, or asking for help from others.

Leading you to self destruct. 

He may use the fear factor; having you believe you are the only one who is or has experienced such a thing, leaving you too afraid to seek help.

2Timothy 1:7 "For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of love, and of power, and of a sound mind."

Don't fall for it, you are not the only one.

I Corinthians 10:13 says "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

There are many tactics the enemy could try and use, but you just remember,

the Lord your God, is with you, and promises never to leave nor forsake you and Luke 10:19 "Behold,I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and NOTHING shall by any means hurt you."

You may say, "I am not worried about being hurt." I say, "Yes you are, you're worried about hurt: feelings, reputation, image, emotional, mental, and or physical pain. BUT GOD says "NOTHING shall by any means hurt you."

You may say, "I am not struggling with temptation, I am struggling with an unexpected and difficult situation."

If you are struggling, and not resting, you are struggling with temptation.

You are being tempted in;  not taking God at his word, in not trusting him whole heartily, in your not acknowledging his presence and willingness to help and direct your paths.

For this may have been an unexpected occurrence for you, but with God, NOTHING is unexpected.

Working Our Faith

God has promised his people many great and wonderful things and all of his promises are true, but why are so many not experiencing the promises?

Have you often wondered about this same thing?

Hebrews 11:6 says "but without faith it is impossible to please Him..."

Is the answer to our question, we are not pleasing to God, because of our lack of faith?

Let's look at this a bit closer. 

The remainder of that scripture Hebrews 11:6 is "...for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him."

He who comes inquiring of God must first believe that he truly exist, and the more that he seeks to know God, the more he discovers; who, what and how God is.

This discovery of how wonderful, powerful, faithful and awesome he is, is our reward to of faith to trust him more and more.

God wants to be trusted.  It is our faith in his word and knowing his love and faithfulness towards us, that causes the word to be manifest.

You like to be trusted don't you? 

Isn't it amazing, that even those not trustworthy want to be trusted.

Numbers 23:19 says "God is not a man, that he should lie, nor the son of man, that he should repent. Has he said, and will he not do?  Or has he spoken, and will he not make it good?

God has proven over the ages that he is trustworthy. 

We must have faith in God, which means faith in his word.

John 1:1" In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was God."

Our recipe for manifested promises is a mustard seed size faith, mixed with the word, and bunches of love will yield an abundance of life.

So, let's get to working our faith. 

Big Dreamer

You have a dream that seems too big to ever be true.

A dream that is much bigger than anything you've ever imagined before.

A dream which if it were to come true, you wouldn't even know where to begin.

Is it something bigger than you could ever imagine yourself accomplishing, and appears it would take a miracle.

Well it's just those kinds of dreams, the Master gives to special people like you.

So dream big and live a life of expectancy.

The Master wants you to trust him to direct your paths.

When it doesn't seem possible, trust.

When it gets too difficult , trust.

When you know your areas of weakness  and know  you don't have all that it takes, trust.

2Corinthians 12:9 ""...My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.""

The Master has been faithful before, will he not be again?

Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths." (NKJV)

Trust him for direction and allow him to direct. 

Which may simply mean Psalm 46:10 " Be still, and know that I am God..."

and trust him step by step for the rest,

Big Dreamer.