The Sweetest Name I Know!

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus! Sweetest name I know. Fills my every longing and keeps me singing as I go!

So what is His name?  Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace, Everlasting Father, Rose of Sharon, Lily of the Valley, Savior, Healer, the Good  Shepherd, the Lamb of God, the Son of God, The Word, the Vine, the Bright and Morning Star, the Light of the World, The Way the Truth and the Life and the list goes on!

Prayer: Lord, in you we have everything we need. Help us to know you more and more, day by day.

Isaiah 9:6   For unto us a Child is born,  Unto us a Son is given;  And the government will be upon His shoulder.  And His name will be called  Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

 

The Narrow Road

Jesus said in Matthew 7:13 -14 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

There are many fluffy and feel good messages out there. Peace, karma, astrology, reincarnation, wiccan ,enlightenment. If it feels good do it!  But Satan is the father of lies and he transforms himself as an angel of light. He is Lucifer which means "light-bearer"*

I Timothy 4:1-2

Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron

 

It is a narrow road.
Jesus said, I am the way the truth and the light. No one comes to the Father but by me. John 14:6

Prayer: Lord help us to walk the narrow road knowing that you are always with us, holding our hands and leading the way.

*John 8:44
II Cor. 11:14
Isaiah 14:12

Childlike or Childish

At first the terms childlike and childish seem very similar. But delving a little deeper we can see strong differences.

Jesus said that unless we received the kingdom of God like a little child we could not enter in.(Mark 10:15)

The dictionary defines childlike as: like a child as in innocence, frankness, or  childlike trust.

Some synonyms are: young, candid, simple, pure, guileless, open, or unpretentious.

The ending  like holds positive connotations. Therefore childlike refers to characteristics that are desirable and admirable.

These characteristics we  must keep as adults if we hope to enter the kingdom of God.  For instance it is possible to grow into an adult and still be frank, candid and have a pure, humble faith in Jesus.

Childish is defined as: of, like or befitting a child, foolishly, weak, or silly

Childishness implies behavior that may be okay for a child but is not appropriate for an adult.

We are to receive the kingdom of God like a little child but we can't remain children lest we become childish.


We must grow in Christ:
 I Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word that you may grow.

II Peter 1:5-8 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Be encouraged because the Lord loves you!
 
Proverbs 3:12 For the LORD corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights!


Now it is time to put away our toys!

I. Corinthians 13:11   When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things.

Prayer: Abba Father, please help me to keep my faith simple and humble like a little child, and please help me see when I am behaving childishly. Help me to grow and be productive in your kingdom. I love your and ask this in Your wonderful name! Amen!

Walking on Eggshells - Why Do We Do It?

We walk on eggshells because we are afraid of something. 
There are many things that cause fear and though we may rationalize it, fear is not from God.  (2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.)

Love isn't easy, but it is evidence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. 
 Remember what love is. It's kind and gentle, it is not easily provoked, it bears all things, hopes all things and endures all things. It believes the best and does not count the wrongs of the past. (I Cor. 13:4-8)

When we walk on eggshells we are trying to protect ourselves and hide what we really are on the inside. That is just what the scribes and Pharisees did and Jesus called them hypocrites! They were pretty on the outside but ugly on the inside! Matthew 23:27

But Jesus also said that a good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things!(Matthew 12:35)

So crack those shells and let the love of God pour out!  Sure it might get a little messy, but  when we have God's goodness in our heart good things will come out! Let His light shine through you! Love Jesus like a little child. Be amazed at how much He loves you and don't be afraid to let that love spill on others!

"Always" and "Never" - Two Explosive Words

The words always and never are potentially explosive words!

Always is defined as:
adverb:

1.Every time; on every occasion; without exception

2.all the time; uninterruptedly; continuously

3. Forever,

4. in any event; at anytime, if necessary.

And Never is defined as:
  adverb

1. not ever; at no time:  

2. not at all; absolutely not: ;  

3. to no extent or degree:

4. never mind, don't bother; don't concern yourself

 

It is necessary both to use and hear those words cautiously. They are words that can be harsh and bring a flash of anger or hurt feelings.

 

When someone begins to use the expressions, I always do it this way,  I never to that, You always do this, your never do that, beware!  You have officially entered a warzone!

 

That is when our spiritual  armor needs to flex and expand like a superhero's. Keep your armor on tight!  Wield your sword swiftly and accurately and protect your heart with your shield!

Our enemy roams about like a lion seeking whom he may devour. (See I Peter 5:8)
He wants your to believe he is a lion but he only appears as one.  He wants to make you afraid that he can devour you, but that is impossible if you are wearing your armor!

Be encouraged though because your Heavenly Father loves you and  is always watching over you and you should never forget that!


Psalms 34:15 The eyes of the LORD watch over those who do right;
his ears are open to their cries for help.

Better To Be Wise Than Right

Do you ever have to have the last word? Sometimes I do. But it isn't wise. Having the last word can cause debates which escalate into arguments. Arguments bring hurt feelings and anger. Anger is very dangerous and can kill relationships and spoils our joy.

 Did you ever try to raise your hands in praise while being angry. Hmmmm?

 

We are not called to be right. We are to yield fruit of the spirit and kindness is plays a big part in the demonstration that fruit!

 

Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer deflects anger but harsh words make tempers flare.

 

Jesus said in Matthew 10:16. " Look I am sending you out as sheep among wolves so be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.

Godly wisdom is pure, peaceful and gentle. It is willing to yield and full of mercy, and full of good fruits. It doesn't demand its own way.*

 

 

Prayer: Father please help me to be kind and gentle. Let the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my mind be pleasing in your sight.

 

*See James 3:17 and I Corinthians 13:4-8

Confessions!

When was your last confession?

Being a believer in Christ doesn't make us perfect.  We sin. Hopefully we don't keep on doing the same sin over and over. But the fact is... we all sin!

Romans 3:10 As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one;

I John 1:8-10 If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth.

But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts.   The thing is if we want to walk with Jesus and grow in him we can have anything between our Savior and ourselves.   So when you sin confess it  to Jesus. He loves you! And He forgives you!

YOU ARE NOW LEAVING THE COMFORT ZONE!

Tests. We’ve all had them. Some are major, life changing events i.e. illness, injury or even the death of someone close. Others are a little more like hiccups in our quiet, peaceful, and well-ordered lives. One thing is sure; trials take us out of our comfort zone!

Trials are a part of the believer’s life.  While it is true we do have seasons of rest and renewal, trials are where the rubber meets the road, so to speak. Our head gets a little knowledge then before we it we find ourselves in the midst of a trial. Trials transform knowledge into wisdom. You see knowledge knows but wisdom does. Wisdom is the practical application of knowledge.

The difficulty of the trial is subjective. But we can take comfort keeping a couple of things in mind.

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. James 1:3-4

And finally…  And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. Philippians 1:6

Prayer:  Father please help me to remember when I am in a time of trial  the great love you have for me.  Help me to know  you have a wonderful purpose and plan and that you are grooming me for it.  Let me be more like you!

People Pleasing -Thief of Peace and Killer of Joy

Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

I read a quote today that really spoke to me. It is from Phillip Keller. "When my eyes are on my Master they are not on those around me. This is the place of peace."

I have to admit that I am a "people-pleaser." It bothers me if I think someone thinks ill of me. I can't help it, that is just the way I am bent. I worry and fret and bring myself to frustration. That worry becomes fear and it steals my peace and kills my joy!

We are not supposed to be stumbling blocks to others.*
And while that is true, we have to remember that He that the Son sets free is free indeed!*


*I Corinthians 8:9 But you must be careful so that your freedom does not cause others with a weaker conscience to stumble.

*John 8:36 So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.
I Corinthians 3:17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

The Lord is my Shepherd Psalms 23:1

What does a shepherd do anyway? How can we exclaim the Lord is my Shepherd?

First the shepherd must purchase the sheep. And Jesus did that by shedding his blood on the cross. So we must accept that sacrifice and place ourselves under His ownership.'' And that's a good thing if we can get a glimpse of who the Good Shepherd is and what he does.  He loves us so much that he gave his life for us.*

When Jesus was in great despair knowing that He was going to be crucified he prayed. He asked the Father to glorify his name and a voice from heaven  I have glorified it and will glorify it again.  Then some who heard it said it sounded like thunder, (a noise) others said an angel spoke to him. Jesus explained that the voice came not for his sake but for our sakes.*

The point is those who were with Jesus; (The Word of God. John 1:1) heard a voice.  It wasn't a noise. It was plain and clear and easily understood.

He says my sheep know my voice and I know them and they follow me.*

So is he our shepherd?  Do we recognize His voice? He is the Word of God.*  If we want to hear his voice,  we must spend time in His Word.

John 10:11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.
Taken from John 12:28-30 Emphasis mine.
John 10:27 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
John 1:1

** This will be very much like the post entitled, "God's Voice-Words or Thunder"
That was not my intent.  It is just my heart to emphasize how very, very important it is that we spend time in the Word. Blessings!

A Quiet Mind

 I hear many folks say they can't "turn off" their mind.

In the following passage God was speaking to the children of Israel.  He had a plan to give them rest but they did things their own way and they suffered because of it:

Isaiah 30:15 This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength. But you would have none of it.

The key is in knowing the Lord, trusting His word and doing His will:
Psalms 119:165 Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble

Jesus wants us to be rested and peaceful but we have to come to him to find it.
Matthew 11:28 “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Prayer: Father when our hearts are troubled and anxious help us  to remember the loving-kindness and mercies You constantly bestow upon us. Let us recall Your supernatural provision in times of need. Bring Your word to our minds and cause us to rest in the arms of the Holy Spirit, Our Comforter.

John 14:1“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.

John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

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

*Isaiah 30:1-15

Spiritual Therapy

According to the Medical Dictionary physical therapy is defined as: The treatment of physical dysfunction or injury by the uses of therapeutic exercise and the application of modalities that are intended to restore or facilitate normal function or development.

And anyone who has undergone physical therapy knows, the therapy can be painful! But the pain is a different kind of pain. It is a pain that brings healing and strength.

Spiritual Therapy is a lot like that. My pastor has often said, “You are either coming into a time of trial, in the midst of a trial or getting out of a trial.”

Fortunately the Holy Spirit has given us the modalities to make our “spiritual therapy” very effective.

First we must realize that walking with Jesus isn’t a cake walk. The apostle Paul says it like this:

James 1:2 my brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,

James 1:3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience

James 1:4 but let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

Jesus said it like this:

Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me.

And like physical therapy we also a time for rest and renewal, Jesus has provided that for us as well.

Matthew 11:28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.

Like physical therapy, spiritual therapy is a process.

Here is a quote from Chuck Swindoll, “Inch by inch, life’s a cinch, yard by yard life is hard.”

Don’t get discouraged, you’ll get there!

Philippians 1:6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

 

Shhh! -Conversations With God.

God loves us so much that He sent Jesus to die for our sins. He knows us more intimately than any human  possibly could. In fact He knows how many hairs we have on our head!

It only stands to reason that if Jesus loves us so much, He wants to have a relationship with us. The problem is the voices and sounds of this world are so loud they drowned out his voice.  We listen to the news in the morning. We hear the traffic on the way to work. There are many conversations in our lunch room or restaurants. Our children try to talk over each other to be heard and at other times we just want some background noise!  There is very little "quiet time in our day. But it is   necessary to seek the Lord.

There is a story in I Kings 19 that tells of a time when the prophet Elijah was seeking God. God told Elijah to stand on a mountain before the Him. The Lord passed by and there was a mighty wind, but the Lord was not in the wind. Then there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. But after the fire a still small voice.

First we need to be quiet:
* Psalms 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.”

*Ecclesiastes 9:17 Better to hear the quiet words of a wise person than the shouts of a foolish king.

We need to listen: 
 Proverbs 2:1My child, listen to what I say and treasure my commands.

 We need to listen carefully with our full attention.  Jesus had twelve disciples but one is referred to as being, "the disciple whom Jesus loved."  Why did Jesus love him so much? He loved John because John  leaned on Jesus. He wanted to hear every thing that Jesus said. Can you just imagine that? John listened to Jesus voice resounding in His chest.  He heard Him take a breath. John heard Jesus' heart beating!*

Then it's our turn:

Jeremiah 33:3 ‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’ Psalms 88:2 Now hear my prayer; listen to my cry.

And then it's His turn again:
God gives us the assurance that He wants to spend time with us, hears our prayers and wants to answer them.
Revelations 3:20 “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends
I John 5:14  This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 

Prayer: Father help us to find time to be quiet and listen to your voice. Help us to respond to your word and have the assurance that you hear our prayers and will answer them if we ask according to your will, knowing you have a good plan for us.


* John 13:23 

Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved.

*Jeremiah 29:11
 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

* I Kings 19:11-12

Don't I Know You From Somewhere?

Haven't you ever met someone for the first time and had the sensation that you  knew them?  After speaking with them for a short time you begin to realize that like you, they also are a believer in Jesus!

Though we may not see Jesus with our natural eyes, it is absolutely possible to recognize him with our hearts.  When we love Jesus with all of our heart. It isn't long before He comes into just about every conversation. The Holy Spirit brings the spotlight on the lover of our soul and we just can't seem to help ourselves.  That fountain of Living Water spills over and splashes out of us!*


John 14:21 Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.”

Luke 24:31 Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared!
Luke 24:32 They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?”

Take note that the disciples who met Jesus did not know it was him until He explained the scriptures to him. They recognized the burning in their hearts. I believe that was the feeling of "Don't I know you from somewhere?" But they didn't recognize him until he spoke the word.  It was the Word they recognized!

Jesus is the Word!
Oh I want to see Him!


*“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.
*John 7:38 Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”
*Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
*John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God.

Mary's Heart

 There are days when  many "voices" call our name. "I need to write out the bills", I am running late for work", I need to do thus and so", and they all are indeed important things that need to be done. 

Those days are usually  frantic and exhausting. We are more apt to be irritable and touchy. We are trying to do things in our  own way and with our own strength. It's kind of like saying, "That's okay, Lord.  I've got this."  When really we don't. Oh we can get some things done. But they aren't  blessed. We can get prideful  because we  think we've really done something!


Prayer: Father, please forgive me for the times I forget to make time for you. Forgive me for getting prideful and trying to do things my own way. Let me have a heart like Mary's and take time to sit at Your feet.


Luke 10:39 And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus feet and heard His word.
Luke 10:40 But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.”Luke 10:41 And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things.

Luke 10:42 There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

God's Voice- Words or Thunder?

Taken from John 12:17-18
The crowd that was with Him when He raised Lazarus spread the word that Jesus was in town.
Some heard the words, "Lazarus, come forth, and saw the miracle, others came to check out the rumor.

John 12:28-30 Father, bring glory to your name.” Then a voice spoke from heaven, saying, “I have already brought glory to my name, and I will do so again. "When the crowd heard the voice, some thought it was thunder, while others declared an angel had spoken to him.

Jesus said, “This voice was for your benefit, not mine.

 

The point is Jesus said that the voice was for our benefit. It wasn't just a sound,  it was a voice and he wanted us to understand it. .

 

We can only extrapolate that the ones who heard a voice were people who followed close enough to hear Jesus speak, while others could only hear a sound.

 

So what are you hearing? Words or thunder?*

 

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

John 10:27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me

Martha Martha

 In our fast paced and busy society we are distracted by many things but like Mary's sister Martha... we need to spend time listening to Jesus' words.


Luke 10:40 But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her  to help me.”

Luke 10:41  And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things.

Luke 10:42 There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

I have heard a saying, 'Two natures beat within my breast. One is foul, the other blest. One I love and one I hate. The one I feed will dominate."

*Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.


*Matthew 11:28 “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

Jesus Knows Our Name and Recognizes Our Voice

Sometimes it may feel like Jesus just doesn't hear us.  It may feel like He just doesn't understand what we are going through. It is during those times we need to remember to love Him with our hearts:(feelings), and our minds; (our understanding).

Hear are some passages that prove He love us and knows us intimately.

He knows your name: 

Genesis 21:17 But God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from

heaven, “Hagar, what’s wrong? Do not be afraid! God has heard the boy crying as he lies there.

John 10:3  .... the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.

 

He recognizes your voice:

Psalms 66:19    But certainly God has heard me; He has attended to the voice of my prayer.

Psalms 139:4 You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD.

 

He understands what you are going through:

Psalms 56:8 You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.

Exodus 3:7And the LORD said: “I have surely seen the oppression of My people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sorrows

 

So during those times when we think Jesus doesn't understand what we are going through or hear our prayers we must walk by faith and not by sight. *

 

Lord hear our prayer: Father I don't understand what I am going through but I know that you do. Please give me direction and let your word be a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.*

 

*II Corinthians 5:7For we walk by faith, not by sight. 

*Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding In all your ways acknowledge Him,  And He shall direct your paths.

* Psalms 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet  And a light to my path.