TAKE FIVE #79

Don’t Get Off Track

We read these words in Joshua 1:7…

“Be strong, and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant, Moses, gave you; do not turn from it to the right, or the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.”

Here, Joshua is being instructed to remain strong, and have courage in the face of great difficulty, and to obey the word of God. Doing these two things will position him for success in leading God’s people to the promised land. The message translation of the verse says this…

“Don’t get off track, either to the left or the right, so as to make sure you get to where you’re going.”

God has a specific plan for your life and mine. This plan started before we were born. Yes, according to Psalm 139:14-16, God has scheduled each day of our lives before we began to breathe. To see this specific plan fulfilled in our lives we must stay on track following God’s word and living in daily obedience to his will. We can do this by being the word of God everyday - seeking and committing our lives daily to him. In Provers 16:3 we read, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plan will succeed.” It’s making sure that our plans are his plans and when they are, he will guide our steps and lead us along the path of his will.

Consider this harrowing account as an illustration…

“Last year, a subway operator in New York pulled onto the wrong tracks as he left the Canal Street station. He headed uptown on the downtown rails. The dispatcher frantically tried to radio the train, but the crew didn’t hear the emergency broadcast. The driver continued for several stops util he saw the headlights of a southbound train coming towards him. Both trains managed to stop in time or it could have been a disaster. Interestingly, the passengers had no idea that they were on the wrong tracks. They sat there napping, or reading their newspapers, or listening to their earphones, oblivious to the potential fatal mistake.”

Let me ask you, are you on or off track concerning God’s plan for your life? Like the subway train in the story, we can easily get on the wrong track. This happens when we neglect God’s word, act disobediently, make the wrong choices, and seek to do life our way instead of God’s way. Stay on track with God’s plan - position yourself to hear the words of our Savior in Matthew 25:21, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

TAKE FIVE #78

It’s Not “If” You Do, But “When” You Do!

The book of James is a very practical book with great instruction on how to live each day with contentment, confidence, and commitment to God. In James 1:12 we read…

“Blessed is the man who endures trials, because when he passes the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”

In verse 12 we see that we can endure difficult times with testing and trial in our lives. The word “blessed” means “happy.” Yes, we can go through times of testing and trial while remaining happy, content, secure, and confident. The other keyword in this verse is “endures,” which means to come through, having passed the test.

According to verses 2 and 3, James reminds us that we are certain to face trials and testing. It’s not “if” you do, but “when” you do. In having them, God designs and allows these difficulties to equip, strengthen, and teach us, and to fulfill his purpose and plan for our lives. In all of this, he is molding us to be the person he wants us to be, and the person that he can use. Notice the phrase, “…he will receive the crown of life…” This “crown” is a reward God will give for persevering in difficult times. Enduring here on earth will result in receiving reward in heaven one day!

What trial are you facing today? Is there a test that God is allowing you to take as your face some circumstance, problem, or difficulty? Trust God to give you the strength to endure, to come through that trial and pass the test.

TAKE FIVE #77

In Psalm 5:8 we read…

“Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies.”

Life is full of problems, stress, burdens, and emotions that are hard to handle at times. All of this can lead to weariness, anxiety, fear, discouragement, and sadness.

That’s when we read and need Psalm 5; what David did to get through a trying time and to have peace in the face of the enemies he was facing. Notice the first thing he did - he talked to the Lord. In verses 1-3 of this chapter he asks God to hear his voice.

“Give ear to my words…” vs. 1

“Listen to my cry for help…” vs. 2

“…I lay my request before you and wait with expectation.” vs. 3

David reminds himself of God’s power and authority over all things and commits to trusting God. Notice the words, “Lead me, O Lord…” There’s that commitment by David to turn all of his troubles over to God and to trust him completely for the peace and victory he needed.

What are you facing today? Who and what are your enemies? Are you facing the enemy of a problem - stress or fear? What about the enemies of doubt, discouragement, and pain? Let me encourage you to do what David did: take this and turn it all over to the Lord. Turn David’s prayer in Psalm 5 into a personal prayer of letting God lead you to a time of victory, peace, and praise!

TAKE FIVE #76

Had Any Off Days Lately?

Max Lucado tells the story of when his eldest daughter, who at the time was 13 years old, flubbed a piece she played during a piano recital. He states,

“Jenna went on to become a fine pianist and a wonderful singer. But everyone has an off day. She just happened to have hers in front of the auditorium crowded with family, friends, and onlookers.

The performance started well. But midway through the piece, her musical train jumped the track. I can still see her staring straight ahead, fingers stuck as if in super glue. She backed up a few measures and took another run at it. No luck. for the life of her, she couldn’t remember the next part. The silence was broken only by the pounding of her parents’ hearts.

Finally it did; Jenna’s mental block broke, and she completed the piece. But the damage had been done. She stood up from the piano bench, chin quivering, and curtsied. The audience offered compassionate applause. her mother and I scurried out of our seats and met her at the side of the auditorium. She threw her arms around me and buried her face in my shirt - ‘Oh, daddy…’”

In the off days of life, we can be comforted by the words of the writer in Psalm 4:1…

“Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress! Have mercy on me and hear my prayer.”

The Psalmist tells us that when we have off days, when we have days that the unexpected takes place, we can turn to and trust in our heavenly Father to bring us through.

In this one verse we are reminded that we can ASK (“…when I call to you…”). Also that in asking, we can specifically REQUEST what we need (“…give me relief from my distress…”). We can BELIEVE that God is going to answer because we know that he hears us (“…and hear my prayer…”). We are reminded of this confidence that our father will hear and answer with John’s words in 1 John 5:14…

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.”

In those “off days,” remind yourself to pray. Go to the Father and ask specifically to meet your need - to help you, pick you up, and get you through. Then rest in the belief that he can do it!

TAKE FIVE #75

THE LORD IS WITH YOU

What do these five words mean to you?
To the prophet Zachariah and God’s people in Jerusalem, these five words were special, uplifting, and brought great peace and security.

Zephaniah, another prophet, knew that judgment was coming to the people of Jerusalem; coming due to their complacency and unpleasing attitude towards the Lord. They had convinced themselves that the Lord did not care about them and would not intervene to help them through their struggles and difficulties. In spite of this, the prophet shares what the Lord would do for them…

“The Lord your God is with you, he is might to save, he will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”

Zephaniah 3:17-18

What a great promise! A promise of the Lord’s presence, his peace, his care, his love, and his praise for his people.

This is what the Lord communicated to them through Zachariah as well. That, in their discouragement, struggles, lack of confidence, and feelings of abandonment, he was still with them and for them. What a wonderful reminder of HOPE for God’s people!

What are you facing today?

What do you have need of?

What struggles are you facing?

Are you feeling alone and hopeless?

Read those 5 words again: “The Lord is with you” and find the HOPE you need through his peace, renewed strength and confidence, and the promise of God’s presence.

The book of Zachariah is a book of hope. The words of the prophet brought HOPE to the people of Jerusalem, and can do the same for you today!

Take Five #74

TURNING WISHING INTO ASKING

How many of us from time to time have said, “I wish I could do this,'“ or, “I sure wish I could have that”?We all have, but as a believer in Christ we really don’t need to “wish” because, as believers, all we need to do is ASK!

God’s Word tells us how to have the things we need. It doesn’t say wish for them but rather ask or pray for them. When we have needs or desires for certain things, Jesus tells us to…

COME to him, as we’re told to do in Matthew 11:28-29 where Jesus invites us to come to him with our needs, wants, desires, and yes, even our wishes.

He also tells us to SEEK him. In Matthew 6:33 we read, “See first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.” We are to turn to and talk to God first.

We are also to ASK or to pray. In Matthew 7:7, Jesus said this - “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” And notice that the first part of verse 8, “For everyone who asks receives…” We ask in faither believing according to Matthew 21:22 and in 1 John 5:14 we are reminded that we can have confidence in knowing that our prayers will be heard and answered according to God’s will and what is best for us.

As we come, see, and ask, then we are to TRUST the Lord as David did. In Psalm 25:2, David said, “In you I trust, O my God.” David knew who he could go to, look to, and who could count on. In Jeremiah 17:7, the Prophet reminds us that we position ourselves to be blessed when we put our trust in God. “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and who’s hope (confidence) is in him.”

We can ask because God is able, as Paul reminds us in Ephesians 3:20 that God is ABLE to do anything - “Now unto him who is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine according to his power that is at work within us.”

What do you have need of? What do you want to see God do in your life? Let me challenge and encourage you today not to wish for the things you have need of or desire for, but to ASK for them; turn your WISHING into ASKING!

TAKE FIVE #73

BUMPER STICKER CHALLENGE

I was recently driving to the office and was behind a car coming up to a stop light. I noticed the bumper sticker on the back of the vehicle which read,

Have You Thanked God Today?

So, let me ask you, “Have you thanked God today?” We have so much that we can give thanks for, and our heavenly Father loves to hear his children giving praise, thanksgiving, and rejoicing in all that he has done.

In Psalm 100 the writer reminds us of what we experience when we give praise and thanks to God. In verse 5, the writer tell us that when we give “thanks” we can experience God’s…

GOODNESS

“… for he is good …”

LOVE

“… and his love endures forever”

FAITHFULNESS

“… his faithfulness continues through all generations”

In I Thessalonians 5:18 we read…

“… give thanks in everything, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

We are reminded here to give thanks in everything. To give thanks in the problems and circumstances we face. Not just in the good things that happened to us but also in the times of difficulty that we might be facing or the struggles that we might be going through. We can give praise and rejoice in “all things” because our Father is in control and is working all things out for our good and his glory, as Paul reminds us in Romans 8:28.

Let me challenge you to make a list of the things you are thankful for. Begin with your salvation in Christ, the hope of eternal life, God’s love, mercy, forgiveness, kindness, his provision, peace, and plan that he has and is faithfully fulfilling in your life. Start with this “thank you” list and add more things that you can give thanks for personally and spiritually.

Let’s give thanks to him, moment by moment and day by day. Thank God for EVERYTHING!

TAKE FIVE #72

PRAY PRAY PRAY

There’s a familiar insurance company that advertises on TV about the three P’s (or the most important things to look for in an insurance policy): price, price, and price. They promote that their product is…

1. A price you can afford.

2. A price that can’t increase.

3. A price that fits your budget.

While those factors may get you a good insurance policy, for the believer in Christ there are there are also three P’s that will get you anything according to God’s will and that is to PRAY, PRAY, and PRAY. In Luke 18:1, Jesus is using a parable - a story to show them that they need to always be praying.

“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.”

Persistent praying honors God and moves Him into ACTION. Persistent praying with FAITH positions us to see answers beyond what we expect. In Matthew 21:21-22, Jesus is speaking and we read…

“…I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”

We can pray with confidence according to 1 John 5:14-15…

“This is the confidence that we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us whatever we ask — we know that we have what we ask of him.”

We can pray with confidence because we know…

• That our prayers will be heard

• That our prayers will be answered

• That our prayers will lead to having God’s blessings and best!

What do you need to pray about? What is your greatest need right now? And what is it that you need to see God do in your life and in the life of someone else?

Whatever it is, let me challenge you as Jesus did his disciples - to PRAY, PRAY, and PRAY. Seek God for all that you have need of and want to see him do in your life and in the lives of others that you are praying for.

TAKE FIVE #71

THE PROMISES OF GOD

Did you know that there are 8,810 promises found in God’s Word? Close to 7,500 of these promises are specifically for us; they have been given to us as a source of encouragement, peace, hope, and an anchor to hold to for daily living.

We read in 2 Peter 1:4 these words:

“…he has given to us his very great and precious promises…”

God’s promises are great, outstanding, and special to us. These promises give us a strong foundation to build our lives on. In Joshua 21:45 we read, “Not one of all of the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed: every one was fulfilled.” God showed his faithfulness to Israel, and he has given to us his word and promise to show his faithfulness to us.

I like the challenge that the author and pastor Max Lucado gives to us. He once said, “The question is not will God KEEP his promises, but, will we BUILD our lives upon them?” What promises are you building your life on? What promises do you know and hold on to?

Is it the promise, “That he will never leave us, nor forsake us.” from Hebrews 13:5? What about the promise found in Judges 6:12 that, “The Lord is with you”? Then there is 1 Samuel 17:47 where we are reminded through David, “The battle is the Lord’s.”

We see that “God is for you” in Romans 8:31, and in verse 28 there is that well-known promise, “All things work together for good…”

In Isaiah 40:31 we are given the promise of renewed strength and hope - “But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength, they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.”

I love the old hymn “Standing on the Promises of God.” I especially love verse two which states, “STANDING ON THE PROMISES THAT CAN NOT FAIL.” Not on of God’s promises will fail you.

It’s been said that, “since God’s promises are unbreakable, your HOPE will be unshakeable.” Begin today, standing and building your life upon the promises of God.

TAKE FIVE #70

Life is difficult, but GOD is GOOD!

There is a theme all throughout the book of Psalms, and that theme is: Life is difficult, but God is GOOD.

We see this illustrated in Psalm 25 as David is seeking God during a very difficult time in his life. In these 22 verses, David blends a prayer for deliverance from his enemies with a prayer for forgiveness and guidance in his life. David is asking for God’s help as he’s working through some issues he is facing at the time. In this prayer, we are given three reminders to carry through the day.

First, the HELP that we need comes from God.

“To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul; in you I trust…” - 25:1-2

David is praying for guidance, understanding, and for God’s goodness in his life as seen in verses 4 and 5. These were the areas in which he needed help, and by asking God for HELP, David was expressing CONFIDENCE in God and what He could do for him. It’s been said, “When your outlook is bleak, try the UPLOOK.” That’s right, just LOOK UP for that is where your help comes from (Psalm 121:1).

Secondly, we see that God can be TRUSTED.

“All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful…” - 25:9

In verses 8-11 we see the “why” God can be trusted.

He is good and always does what is right. He does not condemn. He will teach and guide us in his ways and he is merciful.

Thirdly, our trusting God brings us VICTORY.

“My eyes are ever before the LORD, for only He will release my feet from snare.” - 25:15

In these closing verses of chapter 25 (verses 12-22) we see some key things that God helped David to conquer; these were his fears, dangers, loneliness, a broken heart, regrets, and that feeling of despair or wanting to give up on life.

In Psalm 26:12 we read these words from David -

“My feet stand on level ground and I will praise the LORD.” David survived his mess and troubles, and so can you. What do you need God’s HELP with today? David saw VICTORY over several things in his life. What do YOU need to see victory in today? You can trust God, and that begins by TALKING to Him and TURNING everything over to Him. TRUST HIM TODAY!

Have a great week of putting your trust in Him.

TAKE 5 | #69

The movie Chariots of Fire was written about the trials and triumphs the Scottish sprinter, Eric Liddell, faced as he represented his country and Jesus Christ in the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris.

He was quoted as saying, “I feel God’s pleasure when I run, but I also feel compulsion about keeping the Sabbath for the Lord.” You see, his best race, the 100 meter, was scheduled for a Sunday.

So what did Liddell do?

To the dismay of his countrymen, he made the decision to instead enter the 400 meter race which was scheduled for another day. As he prepared for the race, an American trainer slipped him a piece of paper that read, “Those who honor me, I will honor;” those words are found in 1 Samuel 2:30. To the surprise of all, Eric won the 400 meter race - a distance he had never run before. God honored him with a gold medal!

After his win, Eric said, “It’s been a wonderful experience to compete in the Olympic games and brining home a gold medal. But since I have been a young lad, I have had my eyes on a different prize. You see, each one of us who knows Christ as our personal Savior, we are running a greater race than any I have ran in Paris, and this race ends when God gives out the medals.”

Liddell, the child of Scottish missionaries to China, followed his parents in this calling. He served as a missionary teacher for the rest of his life in China. He died there in a Japanese prison camp in 1945 at the age of 43. His last recorded words were, “it (life) is a surrender.” His life belonged to God.

Let’s reflect on those words from 1 Samuel 2:30 that were given to Eric:

“Those that honor me, I will honor.”

This passage of Scripture tells of a conversation between God and the prophet Samuel concerning the priesthood of Eli. God sent an unnamed prophet to have the conversation with Samuel. God speaks through the unnamed prophet to highlight the importance of honoring Him, and His disappointment when He is not.

You see, God desires to be honored by His people and promises to honor (to show favor towards) those who do so. We honor God by obeying Him and surrendering to His will. It is His will that we honor Him with our words, actions, relationships, finances, decisions, and by daily committing to being salt and light in a dark world.

How are you HONORING God with your life? It begins by putting him first in all things and making commitments like Eric Liddell did. When we put God first we position ourselves for God’s favor and blessing.

Make 2024 a year of HONORING GOD in all that you say, all that you do, and in all that you are a part of.

Have a GREAT week honoring God in all that you do!

TAKE 5 | #68

Let me share with you five words that will make a difference in how you begin and go through the new year of 2024.

The Bible says in Ephesians 5:16 these words written by Paul…

“Be careful then how are you live, not as unwise, but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”

What I believe the apostle meant by “…making the most of every opportunity…” is this: Today, I WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

As we begin the new year, I challenge you to begin each day with this mantra in mind:

Today, I WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE in controlling my thoughts. I’m going to live with a positive attitude, knowing that in Jesus Christ I can be happy and hopeful in all things.

Today, I WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE by being grateful for the 24 hours that are before me, which is a gift from God.

Today, I WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE in not letting past failures keep me from being strong in the present and accomplishing all that God wants me to accomplish.

Today, I WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE in spending time with those I love - my partner, children, family, or a close friend. I will spend this time encouraging and building them up with words of affirmation, advice, listening to them, or simply hugging them.

And, today, I WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE in sharing my faith in Jesus Christ with someone who needs to hear who Jesus is, and what he can do for their lives (and remember these words of my friend David Burton of David Burton Ministries, “It’s not good news unless they hear it in time.”

Thank you for joining me today for this written edition of TAKE 5, and have a great week MAKING A DIFFERENCE in your life, and the lives of those around YOU!

Father, USE me, SURPRISE me and BLESS me Today!

About a week ago after spending my morning time in the word and praying, I ended this time of praying with the words, “Father. I ask you to USE me, SURPRISE me and BLESS me today - In Jesus Name, Amen.”

The day was going well as I was at our home office, working on ministry things and getting caught up on phone calls and emails when I received a phone call. The person calling was not a surprise but what God lead this person to do was a surprise. He had called to check on me personally, and to ask about the ministry and how things were going in Brazil. After giving him a brief update and sharing what God is doing, he said, “I wanted you to also know that I have been meaning to send you a financial [gift] and wanted you to know that my wife and I would like to get to you a check in the amount of $ 1,000 for the ministry.” WOW, what a surprise…what a blessing…God answered my prayer.

James, the brother of Jesus reminds us in his letter, in chapter 4, verse 2, “We have not because we ask not.” And Paul in Ephesians 3:20 states that God is able to do more than we can imagine.

You see, praying POSITIONS us for what God has for us - his answers and the blessings that He has already set aside for us. We just need to ask and when we do, He will answer in His time and according to His will for our lives. When God does surprise you and bless you, then you can be used by Him in sharing with others what he did and encouraging them. It all begins with ASKING!

Help! I Need Somebody.

I have a lot of favorite passages in the Bible. One of these is Psalm 121 and verses 1 and 2. It reads…

“I will lift up my eyes unto the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD who made heaven and earth”

I love this verse because God gives me and all you read it a promise. That promise is His HELP and that His help is available 24/7. I can call God to help me at anytime and for anything that I might be facing, going through or have need of. His help to me is personally crafted for me. Just as He made the heavens and the earth, God can and will give me the personal attention and help that I need. As David knew and counted on God’s help for his life, I know that “my” help from God will result in me having the peace, confidence, encouragement, joy and hope face my fears, uncertainties and the struggles that come daily in life.

Where does your help come from? Who do you seek for the daily help that you need? Like David, turn to God for His help and know with confidence no matter what that, your help comes from the LORD.

Now this is the DAILY HOPE we need!

That's the Answer

“If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” — Matthew 21:22

There was a man who was facing some serious medical issues. He went to the doctor for a follow up visit and the doctor shared with him that everything looked normal. The man responded with, “Praise the Lord, it’s because of prayer.” The doctor then commented by saying, “That’s the answer!”

Prayer truly is the answer to seeing our needs met, to dealing with and trusting God in the struggles and problems we are going though or a crisis we might be facing. It is the very thing that we need to do and make a part of our daily lives. For everything we face, have need of, and desire in our lives will come through prayer.

What a great promise we have from God to us in Matthew 21:22. That as we pray believing, evidenced by our faith in Him, that within His TIME, PLAN, and perfect WILL for our lives, we will receive and see the answer. In James 4:2, we are reminded that we, “…have no because we ask not…,” and in Ephesians 3:20 the writer Paul encourages us with a fact: that God is able to do anything and everything.

What do you need to pray for today? As you pray, are you believing that God can do what you’re asking and provide what you are in need of? Today, pray BELIEVING and watch God work and wait for the answer to come! Now, that’s some daily hope!

In a Time of Uncertainty

What a time of uncertainty we are facing these days. The COVID-19 virus has created a time of uncertainty, change in our daily living, serious sickness, and death to many. All of this has created a widespread FEAR that has paralyzed us in many ways. In many cities and states businesses are closing - people are being laid off or have lost their jobs because of a mandatory quarantine. We are seeing a shortage of medical supplies and food as well as scientists, doctors and health officials racing to find a cure to end this pandemic.

What can we do?

Who can we turn to?

How are we going to get through this?

In Psalm 40, the writer David had these questions and more as he was going through a crisis in his own life. Psalm 40 reflects the strength, comfort and encouragement that David found as he turned to the Lord. In verses 1-3 we see what David did and what God did for David.

In verse 1 we are reminded that when we seek God, He HEARS us. David said, “He turned to me and heard my cry for help.” The word turn here means to give attention to. When we call on God, He gives full attention to what we are asking for and what is best for us.

In verse 2 we see that God will HELP us. Notice the words, “He brought me up …” Here David tells us that God lifted him up from a “pit” or the great difficulty that he was facing. The “pit” in our lives can be a place of sickness, pain or struggle in our lives. It can be facing a national and international crisis as we are with COVID-19. All of this can discourage us, keep us down, search for anything and anyone other than God to get us through the crisis.

Then in verse 3 we see the HOPE that God gives. David said that, “He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.”David turned to God and asked God to help him. We too need to turn to God, “…my help comes from the Lord who made made heaven and earth”, Psalm 121:1. As we seek God he HEARS us and will HELP us, but we must seek Him.

Getting through this crisis or a personal crisis of our own will happen when we seek God and trust Him. When we do, there will be a day when we will experience God’s HOPE and HEALING in our lives.

Father, I call on you and ask you to help our nation and the world. We are in a “pit” right now with the worry, uncertainty, fear, serious sickness and death that the COVID-19 virus has caused. We seek you and turn this over to you for the help, healing and hope that we need. As you heard David and helped him in his crisis, please help our nation and our world at this time. I look to you for the help that we need and know with confidence that our help will come from you. In Jesus Name, Amen.

How Stretched Are You?

Rubber bands come in different sizes, shapes, and colors. But the all work with the same principle - they must be stretched to be effective. Like rubber bands, there are times in our live that we’re not effective unless we’re stretched a bit.

In Philippians 3:14, Paul gives us a picture of a runner stretching out to cross over the finish line first.

“I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s Heavenly call in Christ Jesus.”

The word “pursue” means to press forward, or to put all your strength and effort into something.

In our lives, God may use people, circumstances, difficulties, or unexpected events to stretch you and to draw you closer to Him; to bring you to a pace and position of trusting Him. He wants you to be more and more like Christ and to become all that you can be in and through Him.

It has been said that, “every person who has ever achieved anything stretched for it.” Are you willing to be stretched? If so, you will become more like Christ and experience all that Christ wants you to be. Don’t miss that!

Is There Anything Too Hard for The Lord?

Genesis 18:14

In this Old Testament passage of scripture we see one question with a one word answer.

The question: “Is anything impossible for the LORD?”

The obvious answer: NO!

In this passage, we have a great promise being given to Abraham. In one year, God will allow Sarah to have a son. Even at Sarah’s advanced age, God is going to allow her to get pregnant. To this couple, just when they thought something was impossible, God was making it possible by revealing who He is and what He could do. He is Jehovah-Jireh, the God who can and will provide!

What is it that seems to be impossible in your life? Is it financial need, a broken marriage, a difficult person at work, a medical diagnosis that you have just received?

Don’t stop praying, believing, trusting God who can take the “impossible” and make POSSIBLE. Don’t stop seeking Him, for if you do, you may miss the answer!

JANUARY 10, 2017

“The LORD is near to all who call on him”
Psalm 145:18

Wow, I love the first four words of Psalm 145 and verse 18. These words, “... the LORD is near ...” is promise to us and in this promise we have His assurance that He is with us and that we can have access to Him at any moment.

As believers in Christ we have access to our Father, “For through him (Christ) we both have access in one spirit to the Father.”, Ephesians 2:18 .This access to the Father gives us peace in times of fear, security in difficult moments and a confidence that we need daily. We have no need to fear when we know that our Father is near!

Open God’s word today ... He is near. Spend some time in prayer today ... He is near and knows what we have need before we even ask, Matthew 6:8. And listen for His voiceof direction that he has for you as he desires to fulfill the purpose that he has for your life.

Today remember that, “... the LORD is near.” Now that is some DAILY HOPE for you!