"TRUST"

        "A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat,

         so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping

          On a cushion. The disciple woke him and said to him, "Teacher, 

         dont you care if we drown? He got up? Rebuked the wind and 

         said To the waves, quiet be still! The. The wind died down and it

         completely calm."                                                Mark 4: 37-39

Had we been in the boat, our faith would have had an advantage over the disciples. Unlike them, we have the Bible. . . Two thousand years of church history. . . the testimony of the Resurrection. . . The indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The disciples had none of that.

         So what would have been our response when the squall hit the boat? I like to believe have held on to the rigging and leaned over to whisper in Jesus' ear, "don't wake up from your sleep, Lord. Rest easy and our Father's grace will see me through this storm. I trust You're in control no matter what You

are doing." Oh, for the chance to show Jesus that, yes, I can trust Him!

         Well, I have that chance every day. And so do you.

         "I will not doubt, though all my ships at sea come drifting

          home with broken masts and sails; I shall believe the the 

          hand which never fails, from seeming evil worketh good

          to me. And though I weep because those sails are battered, 

          still will I cry, while my best hopes lis shattered, 'I trust in thee."'

                                                                          --Ella Wheeler Wilcox

          May my trust in You be complete, O Lord. May my confidence

          never  waver and my hope never faltered. When stormy trials

          Beset me, may I rely on You finally and fully.

The Scroll

        "Why is there so much symbolism in the Book of Revelation?"

There are many reason why symbolism is used in the Bible. First of all, symbolism is not weakened by time. The Apostle John was able to draw great "images" of God which encouraged saints in his century and every century since. Symbols live on. They never lose their meaning.

         Symbols also arouse emotions. It's one thing to talk about a man as a dictator, but when you call him a beast, you get your point across more powerfully. As you study and understand the symbols in Revelation, those symbls conveg emotion and excitement.

         Symbol function as a kind of spiritual code. During the time that Revelation was written. The political climate was very hostile to Christianity. Remember that John, the author of revelation, was in exile on the Isle of Patmos for his faith in Jesus, and his unwillingness to bow to the Roman emperor of his day. When we recognize the perilous political situation in which Revelation was written. We understand the reason for its mysterious and veiled pictoral language. They had own little code. Like thosr early Christians, we too can understand the symbolism found in Revelation if we take the time to study ig carefully.

"The Prominence of Prophecy"

       "Ye hypoccrites,ye can discern the face of the sky and of 

         the earth; But how is it that ye do not discern this time."

                                        LUKE 12 : 56

Out of the 216 chapters found in the entire New Testament, did you know there are 328 reference to the Second coming of Christ? That means if you were to omit passages about prophecy, you would have to remove one out of every thirty verse inthe New Testament. You would also have to skip 23 of the 27 New Testament books which mention prophecy. For every prophecy about the birth of Christ, there are eight about His Second Coming. In light of prophecy's prominence, can we really say, "Well, prophecy is just not relevant?"

         Jesus not only spoke about the future, he also rebuked people who didn't see the significance of the events taking place arpund them. He scolded those who could read the sky for weather, but were unable to to read the signs of times. In Luke 12:56 Jesus said, "Hyprocrites! You can discern the face of the sky and of the earth, but how is it you do not discern this times?" It was no small thing to Jesus that the people of His generation remained ignorant of God's  prophetic word. Jesus wants us to investigate what the bible has to say about the future, and ask God to tell  us determine the day and hour in which we live.

"May I Come In?"

        "As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord so walh in Him."

                                                 Colossians 2 : 6

You hear a knock on the door. It's  someone you haven't seen in months. Do you let him in? Or, do you tell him to come back some other time because you're busy, you're preoccupied or you just aren't interested right now?

        While we may not ever make a conscious decision to exclude the Lord from our lives, we can slip into this pattern if we're not careful. Do you ever go for days without spending personal time with the Lord? Do you forget to consult Him when making decisions, large and small? Do you plan activities and set goal's without considering what the Lord's counsel might be for you?

        Jesus Christ wants to be intimately involved with every part of your life. He long to hear your plans and your dreams as well as your cares and concerns. He is always there for you.

        Ask yourself, "Am I a Vhridt-less Christian'?" Make sure that you spend time with the Lord every day, in prayer and in Bible study. Consult with Him in all your plans and devisions. When you let Him take His rightful place in your life, He will fulfill His promise to guide and dtrengthen you and the blessing of fellowship with Him will be yours

" Lofty and Lowly Callings"

        "Now it is required that those who have been given a trust 

         Must prove faithful."                           --1 Corinthians 4 : 2

Picture yourself  standing before zgod on the day that He rewards believers. You longing to hear Him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant," but as you glance to your left you notice Hudson Taylor, the famous missionary to China. To your right stands Corrie ten Boom, the saint who put her life on the line to hide Jews from the Naxis. Somehow, you feel a little small and insignificant.

         There's no need to. God is only looking for you to bd faithful in what He's called you to be and do. No matter if your calling is lofty or lowly, it is faithfulness for which He will commend you on thst day when all believer stand before Him. Thst means your faithfulness may be rewarded by God eith great glory as that reserved for the Billy Grahams of this world!

          And one more thing: If your calling in life seems lowly, you are likely to receive a greater commendation. Why? Because a deeper kind of obedience is necessary ehen dubmitting to God in alow calling its tough to remain faithful to God through poverty ot pain. Thd one who os faithful in tough times catches God's eye.

         Jeremiah Burrough says, "You have a principle within you of grace a principle that raises your lowest actions to be higher in God's esteem than all the brave, glorious actions that are done in the world."

         That means that in God's eyes, Alexander yhe Great can't hold a candle to your faithful service as you maintain a godly home Julius Caesar's victories pale in compasion to your victories over temptations and trials. So remember: God requires you to be faithful. That's  enough. That's everything.

         

"An openning Door"

               An angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and 

             brought them out, and said, "Go, stand in the temple 

                and speak to the people all the words of this life."

                                         ACTS 5: 19,20

At most first-class hotels,  men in uniforms with whitehloves are ready to assist opening doors and carrying luggage. When guest arrive, they greet them. Their simple, yet gracious, act ushers people into the hotel.

            Today's text talk a about a heavenly door opener. God presents us with oppurtunities to serve, and to tell the world about His Love. This is exactly what happened to the Apostle Paul on his trip to troas. ". When I came . . . a door was opened to me by the Lord" (1 Corithians 2:12).

            God opens to us doors of service and ministry. Yet often hesitate to walk through. In fact, we sometimes question the oppurtunity God presents.

            Is God providing a chance for you to witness to someone today Has He given you other oppurtunity to serve. To encourages or to bless someone? If He has walk in obedience and trust Him to lead you. Seize the ministry oppurtunities he puts in your path by saying "yes," and stepping out in service to Him

"Turning to the Lord"

 "It may be that the Lord your God will hear the words of Rabshakeh, whom his master the king of Assyria has  sent to reproach the living God, and will rebuke the words which the Lord your God has heard"'

(ISAIAH 37 : 4a)

Psalm 123:2 says, "Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters, as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, until He has mercy on us." This was how Hezekiah responded to Assyria's shameless boast that nothing could stand in the way of its conquest of Jerusalem, not even God Himself. Hezekiah did not run scared, but he turned to the only one who could truly help his people. He turned to the Lord God: "And so it was, when king Hezekiah heard it, that he tore his clothes, covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of the Lord."

   Hezekiah did not go complaining and grumbling that he didn't desrve to be treated so unjustly at the hands of the Assyria, but he weep humbly into the presence of the Lord, dresses in the robes of repentance. In this way. He acknowledge that anything that happened to him and his people was well-deserve. He also understood that nothing happens by chance, and that he had something to learn from the trials he was facing, that he wasn't guiltless. And so, he tore his clothes and openly confessed to God that he deserve whatever the Lord brough upon him. But notice that this a knowledgement of guilt did not keep him from the Lord's presence. He went, knowing that this was the only hope he had, and he went not demanding justice for his cause but mercy and honor for the Lord's name.

    He also sent messengers to Isaiah, for he recognized the calling of the prophet and sought his consolation in this matter. He used the language of "your God," which seem to imply that he was afraid that God no longer thought of him as his own. But this was not what Hezekiah meant. He was recognizing the calling of Isaiah as  special servant of the Lord, and he gave him the respect due him.

    Isaiah responded with these words, "do not be afraid of the words which you heard, with which the servant of the king of assyria have blasphemed Me." Hezekiah was most concerned that God's name had been dishonored, and it is as if the Lord responded by saying. "Don't worry, I will vindicate my name and my people by driving away the Assyrian king by My Spirit and killing him in his own land."

Hezekiah received the consolation he wanted and the assurance that God' name would be glorified by the downfall of his enemies.

          

   What do you do when times are tough? Is your first response to humble yourself, acknowledge any guilt that you might have, and going to the Lord for help? Or do you complain and seek worldly methods of assistance, no matter how impotent they have proven in the past? Turn to the Lord today. Trust in him alone.

"LOSING"

      "At that time the disciple came to Jesus and asked, 'Who is the

       greatest in the kingdom of heaven?' He called a little child and 

       had him stand among them. And he said, 'I tell you the truth,

       unless you change and become like little children, you will never

       enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles 

        himself as this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."'

                                       MATTHEW 18 : 1- 4

Who is great i. God's eyes? Jesus sets up a little child as His answer. Mind you, childhood back in those days was a condition not to be desired by any adult, and Jesus poinst to the child not as a winsome example of how charming and simple we're supposed to be, but rather how lowly.

        When it came to the social ladder, children were losers. In the disciple's eyes, they didn't even qualify for the first rung. Yet if we want to follow Jesus, we must be like children---lacking rights needing instruction, and enjoying little-to-no respect.

        Throughout Scripture, Jesus exalts losers. Whethers highlighting children, or hobnobbing with prostitutes and tax collectors, Jesus rubs the salt of lostness into the sensibilities of those who are preoccupied with the sweetness of their success.

        Jesus lifts up the last. The least. The lost. The little. And even the dead. He drives home that He will not reward the rewardable or improve the improvable. His grace is reserved for those who, like child, see themselves as . . . littles. Who is great in God's eyes? Whoever humbles himself like such a child is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

        Malcolm Muggeridge said, "Jesus is mot a prophet to the 

        winners but to losers, proclaiming that the last shall be first, 

        the weak, strong, and the fools, wise. It is the lowly, not the

        proud, who shall inherit the kingdom of heaven."

        When I see a child today, Lord, help me to see who You want

        me  to be.

        

       

"Previous Moments"

       "Make the most of every oppurtunity."     ----Collossians 4:5

I read in the papers that the owner of a small original by Van Gogh had put the painting on the auction block in New York hoping it would bring twelve millions dollars. When the highest bid climbed only to eight million, the owner withdraw the painting. Van Gogh would probably drop dead again if he were alive to see such a thing.

       Some people call a million-dollar painting, a Mercedez-Benz, or a dress with a price tag of over six hundred dollars an investment. But I say: 

If you can't pack it into your luggage when you step into the other side of eternity, please don't call it a lasting treasure.

        Now I'm not poking fun at your great-grandmother's silver service that has been handed down in your family over the years. I'm just asking for a little perspective here. Because consider this Every morning you are handed twenty-fours free of charge. If you had all the money in the world, you could not purchase a single extra hour. So what will you do with this priceless possession? You must use it. And don't forget: once it is wasted, you can't get it back.

        One day Van Gogh painting will peel and crack. The resale value on that Mercedes- Benz will only be a couple hundred dollars. Even silver and gold will perish. So. . . 

        Build your eternal investment. Pray for an unsaved neighbor. Visit a nursing home. Ask forgiveness from someone you've offended. Such things can never be auctioned away!

       

        "If for one whole day, quietly and determinedly, we were to

         give ourselves up to the ownership of znesus and to obeying

         His orders, we should be amazed at its close to realize all He 

         had packed into one day."'---Oswald Chambers

     

"ALMOST CONTENT"

      "Be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "

       Will never leave you nor forsake you."----- Hebrew 13:5

As i stepped into the restaurant parking lot after lunch. I saw  a pickup truck speeding through the parked vehicles. While observing the driver's re kless behavior. I noticed the words on the truck's front license plate. It read. "Almost Content." After thinking about that message and the setiment it tried to communicate. I concluded that the concept "almost content" doesn't exist. Either we are content or we are not.

       Admittedly, contentment is a tough needle to thread. We live in a world that feeds our desire for more and more until we find it almost impossible to be content with anything. But this is nothing new. The boom of Hebrews addressed this issue, saying. "Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you'"

(13:5). The only remedy for hearts that "want it all" is the contentment fpund in he presence of the living God. He is sufficient for our needs and longings, and He alone can bring us the peace and contentment we'll never find in thd pursuits of this life.

        Almost content? There is no such thing. In Christ we can know true contentment.

        I find contentment in His wondrous grace, 

        No cloud or shadow can obscure His face:

            When great temptation I must bear,

        I find the secret place of prayer.---dunlop

       

LET THERE BE LIGHT"

      "And it come about that whoever calls on the name of the 

                                Lord will be delivered

                                    Joe, 2:32 NASB

Do you ever feel inadequate? Unworthy? Most of us do from time to time. And we all know people who we think are too successful to have those same feelings.

      Martin Luther, the sixteenth-century German preacher and Bible scholar who initiated the protestant Reformation, sounds like the type of man who would be eminently sure of himself. Any man who would dare to publicly question the theology of his church in a time when it could cost him his life could not be a man who had doubts about himself. Or could he?

      In truth, Luther spent his early years obsessed by his presumed unworthiness. He periodically fasted and mistreated his body in an attempt to "earn" God's favor. On a pilgrimage to Rome, he climbed the steps of pilate on his knees, kissing each step. He wrote later that in those years he was constantly confessing his sins to God, yet he never felt he had done enough.

      One day while reading the book of Romans, Luther realized he could not earn his salvation. The Bible says we recieve salvation, not earn his salvation. The Bible says we receive salvation, we do not earn it. (See Romans 4:13,14) those verse of scripture liverated Luther, radically changing his opinion that it was his works which made him worthy of God's grace.

      He recognized Jesus Christ had already done all the "earning" necessary for his salvation. He simply Needed to receive what Jesus had done that He had paid the price for his sin on the cross by faith.

       On days when we fall flat on our faces in failures or just feel low, we need to remind ourselves that our mistakes are not the end of the world. Our inadequacy is not our doom. Our salvation doesn't depend on how well we manage to color inside the lines!

       Perfection may be our aim, but when we realize we haven't arrived there, we need to relax and turn to the Lord, saying, "Forgive me for what i have done, and for what I have left undone. I trust You to be my Savior, my Deliverer, my Hope, and my perfectionj." He is and He always wiil be!" 

                        It is You

Verse:        Let there be light 

                  And there was light

                  In you i will abide

                  Your word is alive

                  It's You i gave my praised

                  Because of your love

                  And the goodness of the Lord

                  Be upon us today

                  He's justly, yes justly

                  In all His ways!

Verse:        Because of You

                  I am revived

                  You touched my life

                  Because of You

                  I gave my praised!

                  Because of your love

                  In His presence 

                  Your Holy Presence

                  I will never be the same

                  I will praised You 

                  And worship You

                  My King!

Chorus:      It is You My Jesus 

                  It is You My Lord!

                  I'll surrender my whole life to you

                  It is You My Jesus 

                  It is You My Lord

                  I'll surrender everything to You

                  

                  

           

                

      

"WHEN MY FOOLISH HEART ASKS WHY"

    " How unsearchable his judgements, and his paths beyond tracing out!

                                               Roman 11 : 33

How many people don't approach life in the same way that Beethoven departed it shaking his fist at the sky! They complain that life isn't fair. They look for someone to blame and inevitably point at God. They consider the constant threat or presence of war, famine, natural disaster and human injustice; and they conclude that either there is no God or that he is a harsh and unreasonable trant. Even we, who are Christians, are often tempted to complain and to ask why: "Why must I, faithful member of the church, suffer with cancer?" "Why did my husband have to die, while so may immoral men go on living?" "Why was our child born with a handicap?"

       The world cannot produce a satisfactory answer. And where the Bible gives us an answer, the children of men refuse to accept it. We all know the temptation to doubt that God's purposes are good, for we are all made of the same flesh. And our natural mind of flesh is opposed to God and his word. Beside this, satan is continually at our backs and whispering, " Yea God said? Does God really mean it when he says that he loves you? Why look at all you are suffering! Do you really think God means to bring something good out of this?"

       When thoughts like this come to us, let us recognize them as lies of Satan. God has already given us all the answer we need in his holy Word. So we can turn and say: "Satan, get out of here! My God has never promised me a perfect life of bless on this earth. And when suffering comes my way, it is only further evidence of his truth and love. He is teaching me not to fall in love with this world and drawing me closer to himself and to his promise in Christ. And even if I am about to die, you cannot touch me. For my Redeemer lives and he will raise me from the dead again and give me eternal life.

      "I cannot say exactly why or how all the events of my life fit into God's overall plan. But that is none of my business. For 'My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord' ( Isaiah 55:8). Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him' (Psalm 115:3). And that is good enough for me. ForI know that he was please to send me a savior from sin. And He who did not so are his own Son, but gave him up for us all how he not also along with him, graciously give us all things?' " (Roman 8:32)

"GOD'S NO!

       . . . Having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in

        the province of asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they 

        tried to enter Bithynia, but the Sprit of Jesus would not allow them to.

                                                   (ACT 16 : 6,7)

Mark Twain once said, "Most people are bothered by those passages in Scripture which they cannot understand; but I always noticed that the passages which troubled me most are those which I do understand." We all get his point, but the fact remains that the ways of God can be a little hard to understand sometimes. Our text for today gives us good example of that.

         Paul had been called by God to preach the gospel to the Gentile. But when he wanted to minister to the people in Asia, God said No." When he wanted to enter Bithynia, God  Said, "No." It just didn't make any sense to Paul. It must have been a very frustrating experience.

         But life is often times that God warned us about this too when he said through the prophet Isaiah, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways."

         There is only One who is omniscient, and that is God. He operates with a wisdom that is far greater than ours. He never makes mistakes in the ways that he deals with his children. Our text once again serves as a good example if that.

          God had reason for saying No to Paul and not allowing him to enter Asia or Bithynia at this time. There was a more urgent need in Macedonia There was a field white for the harvest that required his immediate attention. Once Paul started working there, he understood full well why God had said No to him earlier.

          Unfortunely it doesn't always work out that way. There are times we cannot understand why God says No to us. Our loved one is stricken with an incurable disease. We pray with all the confidence we can muster that God will perform a miracle and heal that person. But the  answer that comes back to us is No, and we end up shedding our tears at the funeral. 

          That could be a very bitter pill to swallow. It could fill our hearts with all sorts of doubts about love of God for us. But when we think of Jesus Christ nailed to the cross and dying for our sins, how can we possibly doubt his love for us? Blessed with wisdom from above, we will continue to put our trust in God even when we can't understand when he says, "No."

"God comes a times of rejoicing"

                     "For in him you have been enriched in every way

                          in all Speaking and in all your knowledge."

                                             1 corinthians 1:5

Grandpa reached into his pocket and brought out two coins for Lois and her little sister. Lois and grandpa smiled at each other; this was their special joke. Grandpa held up the coins for  the youngest to see and asked her, "Now, which one would you like , this big nickel ir this little dime " She quickly took the nickel, abd Grandpa laughed as he gave Loia the dime. Little sister always took the nickel!

           Our idea of what is best, of what offers us the greatest worth, is not always so good. Someone who knows better must teach us the true value of things. We need to learn where and how to find life's treasures.

           Oaul thanked God for teaching these things to the Christians at Cirith and for blessing the . They had become rich i. Every way. How? Paul says. "In him you have been enriched," that is, in Jesus. Even unbelievers benefit from God's creation, the phydical wealth of this world. But only in Nesus Vhrist can a person become ricg, rich in every way physically, spiritually and eternally.

           In Christ, we not only have all we need for our bodies and life, nut also rich spiritual gifts. Love, joy, peace and hope are all ours through his Holy Spirit. We also have the previous promise that Jesus is coming again. We will be free forever from sin, death and sadness. The priceless treadure of an eternal inheritance with the Lird is ours already, set aside for us until Jesus returns.

          The grace of God had enriched the Corinthians with a clear understanding of these ruches in Christ. They had received both the desire and the skill to share the good news about their Savior with others. Joy in a new life with Christ, a change of heart about sin, an eager anticipation of Christ return all these blessings shone forth in their thinking and speaking. They were rich. Even the problem of this church voukd not dim the gleam of the treasures the believers shared. Where fo you look for the best life has to offer? Money, a fine house and expensive entertainment are wonderful things, yet often disappoint us. And it is secret that these things do not last. The prophet Isaiah gave us this map to better riches: "(The Lord) will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation, wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord id the key to this treasure. Look to the savior for the best life has to offer. In him, we are riches in every way.

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"The Right Mix"

               "For as the body without the spirit is dead,

                     so faith without works is dead also."

                                      James 2: 26

A teaspoon of that, a cup of this. A proven recipe helps you prepare delicious food. Yet if you add more  of ingredient and less of another, the dish could be ruined. The right mix is needed to prepare the best dishes.

       The right recipe is also needed in the christian life. In James 2, we are encouraged to exhibit good works along with our faith. When we stir these two together, says in the book of James we live out a balanced christian life.

        The same is true of the balance of doctrine and love, legalism prevails rules, conformity and judgement are wrongly emphasized. When love overtakes sound doctrine, humanism results  people's thoughts, feeling or opinion wrong take precedence. Neither is pleasing to God.

        Striking the right mix of faith and works, love and doctrine is. Challenge. Do you help others and yet neglect your spiritual life? Or, are you so enamored with the doctrine that you're for gotten to love your neighbor? With God's guidance, you cam keep a proper mix of faith and works, love and doctrine, a d live Christia. Life that's vital and dynamic.

                     

" Needed one for good watchman"!

           "Watch stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong."

                                 1 Corinthians 16:13

When a bear has cubs, she rarely strays far from them. The mother bear knows that hungry predators prowl the forest in search of any living thing that is vulnerable and unproctected. So, she remains alert and aware, constantly watching for her enemy, or a threat of any kind. She's powerful guardian protecting what is precious to her.

       Just as the mother bear watches to protect her cubs. Christians need to watch and guard themselves against our spiritual enemy, Satan. For the Bible says he roams about as lion ready to devour us.

        Maybe you believe that you could never fall prey to satan's schemes, but nothing could be further from the truth! A persistent attitude of precautionary watchfulness can protect you against spiritual danger or entrapment.

        In today's recommended reading from Ezekiel, the watchman sounds the warning that enemy soldier are coming. The people can choose to heed or disregard his alarm. Be wise and heed the warning to be on guard againsf Satan. Commit youself  to see and resist any spiritual threat, like that mother bear' become powerful guardian of what is precious to you and preserve the faith for which Jesus paid so dear a price

"THIS IS NOT A SECRET CLUB"

        "I have called you friends, for everything that I learned

                From my father I have made known to you."

                                       JOHN 15 : 15

When people talk behind your back, don't you hate it? It's like they're saying, "Oh, it's an inside joke; you wouldn't get it." There's nothing worse than being left out of a group when you want to fit in.

Here's good news; Jesus won't ever keep secrets from you. He came to earth so He could tell you every single thing about Me. He came to tell you about heaven. He came to share My love with you.

Christianity is not some secret, exclusive club. All you have to do is want to join, and you're in. I've chosen you to belong. I sent My son to invite you. Come and hang out with us!

        I recall times ago in the hospital when Jesus came through as my friend. There were times He was my one and only comfort during dark lonely nights after visiting hours. Friends or family weren't allowed in, so I soothed my pain by imagining a visit from another Friend.

                  I picture Jesus walking through the open doors of my hospital ward, his figure a silhouette against the light from the nurses' station down the hall. My mind's eye saw Him walking softly past the beds of my sleeping roomates. I'd comfort myself, imagining His standing at my bedside. The sharp pang of loneliness was eased as I thought of questions. He might ask: "Tell me what happened in therapy today. Was it nice to see your sister earlier in the evening? Tell me about it."

        Talking with Jesus strengthened my confidence in Him, a friend who would ultimately see me through months of suicidal depression at the prospect of pernament paralysis. He was the one who lent a sympathetic ear, His eye contact never faltering.

         What a friend I have in Jesus. But I wonder. . . What kind of a friend does He have in me?

                   Too often we stay at an arm's-length distance,

                    pulling back from the full intensity of an intimate

                    Friendship with the Lord. We satisfy ourselves

                    with "less" when it comes to our relationship 

                    With Him. But His love explodes our selfishness

                    When we hear Him say, "I have called you friends" 

                    His love breaks our hearts as only an intimate 

                    friend can.

                    What a friend I have in You, Lord Jesus. All my sins

                    and griefs You bear. What a privilege to carry 

                    Everything to You, my Lord, in prayer.

                    

"WATCHING WORLD"

                    "By this all will know that you are My disciple. 

                               If you have love for one another."

                                             John 13: 35

When it comes to showing love in our Christian walk, there is no room for discrepancy! Like a carpet-cleaning product that claims to work miracles but only makes the problema worse, no one likes Christians who do not "walk the talk." We must be consistent and steady in our ability to love others in all kinds of circumstances.

       The wondering world is watching to see how God makes a difference in the lives of His own. What we profes must be lived out in the way we treat others. Jesus, Himself, taught us that the  one way we could show the watching world that we belong to Him is by demonstrating our love for one another. Christians are to be known by the mark of love.

        Is there a person in your life whom you find difficult to love? Is there a situation you often get into that makes it difficult for you to love? Commit your concern to Lord in prayer. When you allow the powerful love of Jesus Christ to work  through you, you can show a watching world that you belong to Jesus!

"Run away Run away

                         "The name of the Lord is a strong tower;

                             The righteous run to it and are safe.

                                            Proverb 18 : 10

Where do the good guys run to in the movies when the enemy storms the castle? The knights pull up the drawbridge, retreat into the inner tower, and wait it out. When your enemy is on your case, sometimes the best thing to do is to run.

The devil is a pretty smart guy, and if you try to defeat him in your own strength, you'll probably fail. He knows your weak points. He knows how to tempt you. When you feel like you're under attack and things are getting crazy in your life, run to Me. I will fight for you.

Sometimes the best offense is a good defenss. When you're feeling weak, run into tower. As you pray to Me and read My Word, I will guard you from the enemy. Run to Me!

In the medieval world, farmers would care care fir their crops until an enemy appeared on the horizon. Then they would flee with their families to their fortified city for protection fron the marauders.

        The city of Carcassonne has been a refuge for generations. Builtin the 5th century bc. This stone fortress has provided protection for Romans, Gauls, Visigoths, Franks, and French. Its spawling size and majestic watchtowers and battlements gave confidence to those hiding inside its protective walls.

        As believers, we can take refuge in the presence of the living Gox. The book of proverbs tells us. "The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous run to it and are safe" ( prov. 18:10). " the name of the Lord refers to God's character abounding with faithfulness power. And mercy. The terms safe means "set on high put of danger.

        We all face threats at times that make us want to run for cover; some seek security in material wealth or relationship. But the Christ follwer has a more secure refuge Because of who God is and what He can do for us, our best protection u

Timately rests in Him. Ic you are favi g a threat today, go to the Lord. Who is a strong tower. You will find in His care.

"TRUST ME IN THE HARD TIMES"

                  "Though he slay me, yet will i hope in him.

                                           Job 13:15

Job was a man who lived more than three thousand years ago. He had a pretty horrible life for a while. All of his children died on the same day. Then he got a horrible skin disease that was so bad, he scratched his sores with broken pottery just to get some relief. And he lost everything he owned.

All Job's friends told him to just curse Me and die. But Job said, "Even if God kills me, I will still trust Him." Job knew that I was good. He also knew that he had done nothing wrong. Job didn't know why he was suffering, and he questioned Me. But Job never gave up on Me.

If you have unanswer questions, that's all right . Someday you will understand everything. But for now please believe that I love you, and don't give up on Me. Trust Me in the hard times.

       CHARLES SPURGEON, the renowned preacher and expositor of the 19th century wrestled with bouts of depression so severe that at times he could not even force himself to get out of bed. While his ministry far overshadowed his depression, it was there, nonetheless. He commented,"There is more in God to cheer you than in your circumstances to depress you."

 He saw beyond the dark nights of his soul to Him who said, "whover follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" (John 8:12).

        Another man who also struggled with periods of feeling estrangled from God was Oswald Chambers. Yet when he experienced those dark times he didn't relent, nor did his relationship with God get strained.

        Martin Luther also went through depression. But having been trained to think as a scholastic, striving to understand everything from a human perspective, he abandoned natural reason and held tenaciously to the Word of God, seizing it by faith, refusing to doubt his beliefs or believe His doubts.

        Apart from a settled confidence that what God saying in His word is true, it is almost impossible to survive the dark nights of the soul when you wonder if He is there, and whether or not he cares about you. Unless you can lift your eyes above that which you don't understand to the promises of God's word, you, too, will bacilate and be overwhelmed by times of doubt.

        Condidence in God's Word is the only bulwark against the doubts that chill your soul. As Lidie Edmonds wrote, "My heart is leaning on the Word, the written Word of God; salvation by my Saviour's name, Salvation through His blood; I need no other argument, I need no other plea; it is enough that Jesus died, and that he died for me."

       

O' Lord thou art my Lamp!"

"For thou art my lamp, O Lord;

and the Lord illumines my darkness.

2 Samuel 22 : 29

  Helen Keller may have lost her ability to see, hear, and speak at a very early age, but she did not lose her gift of inspiring others.

  In her many books and through a world tour designed to promote the education of others who shared her disabilities, Keller spoke eloquently on the subject of darkness the kind that invades the hearts and mind of the sighted: Truly I have looked into the very heart of darkness, and refused to yield to its paralyzing influence, but in spirit I am one of those who walk tin he morning.

  What if all dark discouraging moods of the human mind come across my way as thick as the dry leaves of autumn other feet have traveled that road  before me, and I know the desert leads to God as surely as the green, refreshing fields and fruitful orchards. I, too, have been profpundly humilated, and brought to realize my littleness amid the immensity of the creation. The more I learn the less I think I know and the more I unerstannd of my sense experience, the more I perceive its shortcoming and inadequacy as a basis of life sometimes the points of view  of the optimist and the pessimist are placed before me so skillfully balanced that only by sheer of spirit can I keep my hold upon a practical, livable of philosphy of life. But I use my will  choose life reject its opposite .....

nothingness"'

  When the day ahead of you seems shadowed or darkness threatens to overcome you, chose life! Take Heken Kellers words to heart and reject "nothingness" by turning to the Lord. He will bring light into your soul and joy into your heart.

"LEAD THE DRIVING TO ME"

         "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead.

        You're not in the driver's seat; I am. Don't run from suffering;

        embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how. Self-help is no

        Help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way to finding your true self."

                                         Matthew 16:24-25

I'm about to give you a hard assignment. Take your hands off of the handlebars. This bicycle (your life) only needs one driver, and I want you to leave it to Me. If you can do that, I promise youthe ride of life!

We will pedal together through suprising and difficult places. You'll sometimes say to me, "No, Father, this is too scary!" But I'll just answer, "Hold on, and trust Me. This is the way." What you're signing up for is not a self-help program. There won't be any New Year's resolutions, or turning over a new leaf,or patching up your old self. The real you and I are going on a great adventure, and I'm the only One Who's got the map. So hang on!

        The Chicago River is unusual because it flows backward. Engineers reversed its direction over a century ago because city-dwellers were using it as a dump. Dishwater, sewage, and industrial waste all funneled into the river, which emptied into Lake Michigan. Since the lake supplied drinking water for the city. Thousands grew sick and died before city authorities devide to redirect the river to flow backward, away from the lake.

        When we look at the earthly life of Jesus, it may seem backward from what we would expect. As the king of glory, He came to earth as a vulnerable infant. As God in the flesh, He endured accusations of blasphemy. As the only sinless man. He was crucified as. Criminal. But Jesus lived on earth according to God's will (John6:38).

        As followers of Christ, to clothe ourselves with Jesus' attitudes and action may appear backward." Blessing our enemies (Roman 12:14). Valuing godliness over wealth (1Tim.6:6-9), and taking joy in hardship (James 1:2) see. To oppose worldly wisdom. Yet Jesus said. "Whoever loses his life for My sake will find it" (Matt. 16:25). Don't worry if living your life sometimes means operating reverse. God will give you the strength to honor Him, and He will propel you forward. Your guide,

Lead the driving to Me

"Depths and Richess of God Grace"

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!

Roman 11:33(KJV) 

  Most of man's knowledge about the sea bottom has been gained over the years by the use of special instruments. For many years the depth of water was measured with a sounding lead. A  ball of lead was attached to wire rope. The lead was dropped into the ocean, and the rope was let out until the lead touched the bottom. The rope went over a wheel which measured the length of rope paid out. Sometimes it took several hours to make one sounding in deep water.

  In recent years a new method called sonic sounding has been developed. Some are reflected from the bottom, so that an accurate measurement of the depth becomes posible. In this way it has been learned, for example, that the pacific ocean off mindanao is over six and a half miles deep!

  How does one plumb the depths of God? Is there a wire long enough to measure the greatness of God? Can we somehow measure reflected sound wave to learn about God? How does one begin to fathom the knowledge of one who knows absolutely everything there is to know? How does one measure infinite wisdom? Can the creature plumb the depth of the creator? The fact is that if all the greatest minds in the history of the world were to use their combined intelligence and learning they still could not even begin to plumb the depths of God's wisdom.

  That does not mean that we are totally ignorant of God's wisdom and knowledge. The works of God all around us the universe, the earth, the creatures, our own bodies lead us to join the psalmist saying, "In wisdom you made them all" (psalm 104:24).

  Paul certainly was aware of the greatness of the wisdom revealed in the creation. But in our text Paul sings a song praising the greatness of God's wisdom re ealed to us in the gospel of Christ. From eternity God determined to send his Son into the world to die in the cross for the sins off of all mankind. No human being e er conceived such a wise plan. In fact, to the mind of sinful man it seems like nothing but foolishness. Only to the one in who the spirit has worked is it true wisdom. "Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!" Let us join Paul in falling on our knees in worshiping the God of our salvation,

"SLOW DOWN A LITTLE"

         "This is what the sovereign Lord, the Holy one of Israel, 

                says; "In repentance and rest is your salvation, 

                       In quiteness abd trust is your dtrength."

                                           Isaiah 30 : 15

Repentance is just a fancy word that means "to turn around." It literally means "to change your mind."

My advice is to change your mind about all the busyness in your life. Most people think the more they plan and the more they do, the safer and stronger they will be. I see it differently. I want you to slow down and take time to be quiet. Rest and trust Me, and I'll  help you to be strong and successful anyway. That doesn't mean that you never have to plan or take action but it does mean that if all you do is plan and try, you're missing out on my best for you.

       Have you visited a bookstore recently? You might be surprised at what you would find titles like The One Minute Manager, five Steps to Revolutionize your life, think and Grow Rich, and other time management and stress-relieving books. Even Christian books are getting into a learn from compressed spirituality in short, manageable segments" mode. There is the temptation to present such books as spiritual capsules that promise painless growth and ultimate victory.

       Today we are programming our lives, compressing hours  into minutes, and expecting instant results and immediate success. We strive to leverage God, asking Him to help bolster our output. But does it really work? No.

       Then we ask, "God, why did You do this to me?" As though our overload was the result of a defect in His workmanship or He was deaf to our cry for help. So who is to blame when we attempt to do the impossible?

        Read Psalm 46:10 and mediate on the wisdom of the Almighty. Listen to His voice saying, "Be still and know that I am God." Learning that you can't do it all, all at once, is the first step to focusing on what you can do.

        You also need to accept the fact that you can't be everything and be everywhere at the same time. Accepting this allows you to think through where you do want to be and who  you want to be with--whether it is your children, your spouse, or your friends. Like a kid with a fistful of coins at a candy store, the years of your life are spent very quickly and there is no turning back the time. We must learn, like what the psalmist said, to "number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom" (Psalm 90:12). You are a project under construction. Please be patient as He's still polishing the stone.

        Taking time out to be with Me during a busy day is always a good idea. As you wait on Me, I'll give you the strength you need. Slow down a little.

"TRY PRAYING INSTEAD"

         Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and 

          Petition, with thankgiving, present your requests to God. And the 

         Peace of God will guard your hearts and your mind in Christ Jesus.

                                              Philippians 4 : 6-7

What do you worry about? Other people's opinion of you? Your family? Money? Grades? Your safety? Whatever it is, I want to tell you something-- worry is a total waste of time. It accomplishes zero.

Have you ever found yourself sitting in a hospital waiting room, anticipating a doctor's report on biopsy? Those are anxious momemts to be sure. You think of Paul's words: "Do not be anxious about anything." You believe those words, but that doesn't make it any easier to practice them, or so it seems anyway." Do not be anxious about anything" doesn't mean to be foolhardy, but rather, don't be bothered or troubled.

        Now the doctor may tell you not to worry about your condition, but you can't tune out your problem and forget about it. It just doesn't happen that easily. You can try all kinds of things to get your mind off that biopsy report. But it doesn't go away by itself. You can deaden the pain, or superficially or artificially block out the tension, but that won't remove the cause of the problem.

        Paul has a genuine solution for worry-free joy-- PRAYER. One of our hymns tells us:

                Oh what peace we often forfeit,

                Oh, what needless lain we bear,

                All because we do not carry

                Everything to God in prayer.

        And isn't that true? St. Peter writes, "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." Getting rid of our worries before they worry us that would be real joy. And that is exactly what Paul suggests, "But in everything by prayer and petition, with thankgiving, present your requests to God." Certainly God knows our needs even before we ask, yet he wants us to ask and promises to answer our prayers. James tells us in his Epistle, "You do not have because you do not ask God."

        Our requests are to be made known to the Lord. In what better hands can any troubles or needs rest than in the hands of God! That's the way to beat worry. Paul's words contain the assurance that God will attend to all we ask or even think. And don't forget, this is done with thankgiving. Our thanks will naturally, be included in Our prayers. A thankful heart is also joyful heart.

        Instead of spinning your wheels on an endless cycle of worry, try praying instead. Take your worries on and shape them into prayers. For instance, say you've been worrying about argument you had with a friend. Take that worry and pray, "Father, help me repair our friendship. Show me what to do." I will. Then I'll send My peace to replace your worry. Try it! It works!

"Changing the Subject"

    "When one of those at the table with him heard this, he said to Jesus,

    "Blessed is the man who will eat at the feast in the  kingdom of God.'"

                                               LUKE 14:15

Imagine the scene in Luke 14:1-24. Jesus was invited to dinner at a Pharisee's home  in the rich suburbs of Jerusalem. He noticed that the wealthy people were grabbing the best seats. At that point, Jesus launched into a story about the sort of dinner parties people ought to give feasts for the forgotten, the homeless, and the poor. The Lord added that althought these people would not be able to repay them, the hosts would, nevertheless, be repaid at the resurrection (Luke 14:14).

     You can imagine what happened next Jesus probably sat down, put His napkin on His lap, and picked up an hors d'oeuve. Silence hung over the table as the wealthy people shot nervous glance at each other.

     The party spirit was damped, so one dinner guest cleared his throat and spoke up: "Blessed is the man who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God" ( Luke 14:15 ). What an odd thing to say! It's as if he said: "Jesus, I can't say that I follow your strange ideas a put dining with cripples, but I do agree with what you say about heaven it's so comforting to know that everything will turn out perfectly in the end."

     In other words, the man was trying his best to change the spiritual subject. But just as the Lord did not allow those dinner guests to switch the subject. (Read Luke 14:15-24), we will find it just as difficult to divert God's attention from those issues that need to be address in our lived.

     Almighty God, I know I've often tried to change the spiritual subject when I've sensed Your conviction in my heart. When You' pricked my conscience, I've often tried to divert your attention to other areas of my life. May I listen to you today and not try to change the subject when your word speaks loud and clear.

"Our Sins hurt God"

"Against you, you only have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge 

Psalm 51:4(KJV) 

A young friend of mine, who is usually mild-tempered exploded in anger when her mother meddled in her relationship with her boyfriend. Afterward she shook her head and said, "I don't what came over me. I'm not like that at all. That's not me,"

   I look directly at my friend and warned, I'm afraid you're wrong. That is you. You are like that." I could understand the look of surprise on her face, for we both knew that she was not one usually given to outbursts of anger. I went on to explain. "All of us, at any moment, are capable of the most vicious sins against others and against God. In fact, we could all say yes, we are like that."'

  Jerry Bridges, in his book, The Pursuit of Holiness, says: "We are more concerned about our own victory over sin than we are about the fact that our sins grieve the heart of God. We cannot tolerate failure in our struggle with sin, chiefly because we are success-oriented, not because we know it is offensive to God."

  We will be likely to sin once we realize that sinful behavior breaks God's heart. Our sins hurt God more than they hurt others. How many times have you said after a moment of

disobedience, "I don't know what came over me, I'm usually not like that at all. " it's true. We like to  think of ourselves as above average sinners, not quite as wretched as those who commit truly ugly. No matter how great or wall. Our problem is that our attitude toward sin is more self-centered than God-centered.

  My Lord I realize that all of my sin grieve you thank you for helping me today live a life that pleases You  and does not grieve you heart. 

"The Containers"

         "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that

         this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us"

                                     2 Corinthians 4:7

Once you believe in Me, I come to live My life in you. One of My favorite thing is getting to live in lots of different kinds of people. Then the world sees Me in an amazing variety of human packages: large, small, young, old, tall, short, educated, and uneducated. It's out a rich, delicious liquid into an assortment of different containers; clay pots, plastic glasses, crystal, pitchers, and pottery mugs. They are all filled with the same stuff-- My Spirit but each one is unique.

Some of my container evenhave a few holes and cracks. But I love My crackpots, too! They allow My Spirit to leak out on all the people around them! Let Me fill you up to overflowing. 

When you buy a nice piece of jewelry. It is often tucked into a setting of black or dark colored velvet. I think it's designed that way so that your attention is immediately drawn to the beauty of the jewelry, if the packaging were highly decorated. It would complete with the beauty of the treasure.

         It remind me of Paul's comments about the ministry of Jesus through us, when he said, "we have this treasure in Jars of clay" (2Cor. 4:7). It's easy to forget that we are the packaging and His work is the meadure. So we adorn our jars of clay. Taking credit for the things we do to serve Christ. We seek

to bring glory to ourselves when we've forgiven someone, or shown mercy, or given generously. The problem is, when we start seeking affirmation and praise for good deeds, we  compete with the brilliance of the treasure of God working through us.

        When we do things for Christ, it's not about us but about His glory. The less obvious we are the more brilli t He bevomes. Which is why, Paul says the treasure has been put in jars of clay so that God would be the one to be glorified. Besides, since we are jars of clay sigmificant? It's what's inside that counts

"LETTER IN THE RED INK"

"You are an epistle of christ. . . Written not with ink but by the spirit of the living God, not on tablet of stone but on tablets of flesh,that is, of heart"

2 Corinthians 3:3(KJV) 

   As a child, I loved it when my mom read to me. I would sit on her lap and listen to every word. As she read. I examined the details of every picture and waited eagerly go hear what was on the next page. Have you ever thought about the idea that our lives tell a story? In every situation good, bad, or indifferrent people around us are watching and listening to the story we are telling. Our story is communicated not only through our words but also through our attitudes and action as we respond to life' bufferings and blessing our children and grandchildren, spouses, neighbors and coworkers can all observe the story we're telling.

   Paul reminds us that as followers of Jesus, our lives are like letters "known and read by all men. . . an epistle of Christ...Written not with ink but by the spirit of the living God.

(2Cor.3:2-3). What is the story that those around us are reading through the letter of our lives? Stories of forgiveness? Compassion? Generosity? Patience? Love? If you experience the joy of a grace-filled life that comes from the Spirit of God in you. Then welcome to the joy of being one of God's Love His compassion He reveal to us! Letters in the red ink!

"GIVE IT TO THE LORD"

       "Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that 

        build it; except the Lord keep the city, the watchman 

        waked but in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early to 

        sit up late, to  eat the bread of sorrows; for so he 

        giveth his beloved sleep.                         Psalm 127: 1-2

        In some parts of the world, where storms are terrible and regular, people build their houses out of bamboo and paper. Every year or so, storms wipe out everything. Because the people realize their houses are just going to get knocked down, they dont waste their time and effort trying to build strong houses. This is smart. Give it to the Lord! He care!

  You can't build a strong, successful life all on your own. Apart from Me, you'll work to make your life look good, but something will always come along to knock it down. I am the only One with enough power and wisdom to build a life that will withstand the storms.

So get smart. Forget your own plans. Let Me show you My plans and help you build a strong, successful. My work lasts. 

       Sleep is essential for good health. Scientists don't know exactly why we need it but they know what happens when we don't get enough. We put ourselves at risk of premature aging weight gain, and disease ranging from colds and flu to cancer. What God accomplishes in our bodies while we drift off to dreamland is nothing short of miraculous. While we do nothing. God replenishes our energy, rebuilds and restores our cells, and reorganizes information in our brains.

       The reason for not getting enough sleep are many, and some we can't solve. But the Bible indicates that overwork should not be one of them (Psam 127:2). Sleep is a gift from God that we should receive with gratitude. If we're not getting enough. We need to find out why? Are we rising early and staying up late to earn money to acquire things we don't need? Are we involved in ministry efforts that we think no one else is capable of doing?

       I'm sometimes tempted to believe that the work I do when I'm awake is more important than the work God does while I sleep. But refusing God's gift of sleep is like telling that my work is more important than His.

       God does not want anyone to be a slave to work. He wants to enjoy His gift of sleep. So give it to the Lord and sleep.