"Unveiling the Son"

         "I know that Messiah is coming" (who is called Christ)

                 "When He comes, He will tell us all things"

                                        John 4 : 25

Do you know who  Jesus Christ is? 

         According to the first five words of the Book of Revelation, you're come to the right book. . .a book whose sole purpose is to unveil Jesus Chrisf's full identity.  Once scorned as a blasphemer who simply claimed to be God,

         Jesus Christ is revealed in the Book of Revelation as the King and Ruler of all. Once humiliated by being stripped and nailed to a cross, Jesus Christ is revealed as the Lamb that is worthy to receive all honor and blessing.

         The Book of Revelation is the unveiling of Jesus Christ in all His glory. Woven throughout its pages, you hear Heaven proclaiming. "Yes He is the Messiah, the Chosen One of God. Yes, He is the Savior of the world. Yes zhe is the Almighty who has defeated Satan."

          As you learn (including me), more about the earthly battles and heavenly victories that Jesus Christ has fought and won, may your desire to see Him clearly be accompanied with deep joy and eternal gratittude as you discover who He is and all He's done for you.

          

"We Must Stand firm but Not Stand Still"

              "Therefore, my beloved whom I long to see, my 

                joy and crown, so stand firm in the my beloved.

                                    Phillippians 4: 1

The common thread throughout  Paul's letter to the Philippians is a focus on the Lord. He is the source  of our confidence, joy, and strength to stand firm.

 Remember this however, Standing firm does not mean standing still. Living as citizens of heaven among enemies of the Cross will never be easy. The spiritual warfare is intense; we can easily panic, lose our sense of stability, and defect. We must, therefore actively pursue a strategy of strategy of steadfastness. And that can only be accomplished through Christ strength. Stand firm in the Lord!

               To close, lets's step back our study and consider how well we are marching in step with God's strategy. Are you  following good examples? Are you in contact with and reaching out to enemies of the Cross? Is your conduct uniguely christian? Have you been standing firm

                God has left us here for a reason:  to reach out to those who are stoll in the dark and bring them into the light of Christ. When you understand that you realize isn't to strange after all. Infact, it is the most sane and loving strategy ever to be conceived or executed

In His Name Our light shall shine

"Now if we are children, then we are heirs---heir of God and a co-heirs with christ, if indeed we share in His suffering in order that we may also share in his glory

 Romans 18:7

Father your Word says that I am a partaker of the inheritance and treasure of heaven. You have delivered me out of the authority of darkness and translated me into the kingdom of your dear Son.

         It is Impossible to perceive all that became ours when we were born again. There is no way we can understand all that heaven is like. How could we ever comprehend all that is ours as fellow heirs with christ? The knowledge that we will share Christ's inheritance with Him absolutely astounds us! Left to our own, we could not begin to understand all that we received once we became children of the King.

        The Holy Spirit convinces us that we are indeed children of God and helps us understand the riches of our inheritance.

         Perhaps you did not have a loving Father. The Spirit's role is to  teach you how to respond to a father who relates to you only be in perfect love and how to live a child of the king. Perhaps you grew up in poverty. The spirit will show you the inexhaustible riches available to you as a child of God

        If you then were simply declared an heir and then left on your own, you could not begin to use your inheritance. But the Father has given you His Spirit to serve as your Guide and Teacher. The Holy 

Spirit will lead you to the magnificent promise and resources that became available when God adopted you into His family. Take time to mediate on the wonderful promises of God that are available to you. Let the Holy Spirit convince you of the reality that you are, indeed a child of God and a fellow heir of Christ.

         Father, thank You for the ministering spirits that you have assigned to go forth to bring in consumers. Jesus said, "You are the light of the world." In His name our light shall so shine before all men that they may see the good works glorifying You, Our heavenly Father.

"Do or Die"

          "Men and brethen, you know that a good while ago God chose

           among us, that by my mouth the Gentile should hear the word

            of the gospel and believe. So God, who knows the heart, ack-

           nowledge them ( the Gentile), by giving them the Holy Spirit, just

            as He did to us, and made no distinction between us and them, 

            Purifying their heart by faith.                            ---- ACTS 15:7-9

           One day a man was driving his new pickup truck on a dusty desert highway when he spotted a hitchhiker standing on the side of the road. The hitchhiker was carrying a large heavy bag over his shoulder and looked exhausted in the heat if the day.

          The driver stopped and asked, "Where are you headed?'

           "Donia"

"Hop in the back, and I'll take you there," he said. A few miles down the road the driver glanced in his rear-view mirror and was surprised to see the man sitting in the bed of the truck with his bag over his shoulder. Why doesn't he just put it down? He wondered.

           Finally,  he stopped his little pickup, walked back to the man and inquired, "why don't you rest and put that bag down?"

           "Oh," said the hitchhiker, 'I don't want to hurt your new truck,"

           I have met many Christians who are carbon copy of that man. They have the wheels of salvation beneath them, but they are still carrying their own heavy load.

           Again and again Jesus says, "Put it down. I'll carry it for you."

           Instead they are proud if their self-effort and say, "No Lord. I'd rather do it my own way."

           How can they believe that they have been redeemed by the blood if they are trying to win heaven by their deeds. For some reason, people are drawn to work. I don't understand why, but it is true.

            In this verse, some of the disciple were seen Jerusalem to address the issue. After much discussion, peter stood and said. (Acts 15:7-9).

               The law required circumcision, but all the new covenant demanded was faith. Remember, law and work have always been the opposite of grace and mercy.

            

            The law says, "follow the rules." 

            Grace says,"it is a free gift."

            The law says, "See your sin and shame."

            Grace says, "God accepts you as you are."

            The law brings the consciousness of sin 

            Grace brings awareness of righteousness

            The law says, "Do or die." Grace says, 

            "Accept Jesus as Savior and live."

             

                                                 

"Being Equipped for success"

        "The Law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes

                of the Lord are trustworthy, making the wise simple,"

                                              Psalm 19 : 7

The Lord is my strength therefore, I count it all joy, all strength, when i encounter tests trials of any sort. Because I am strong in You  My Lord.

          Is the Bible a road map you refer to when you need direction? Is it a spotlight that shines into your heart and soul? Is it a coach that motivates you to persevere? In II Timothy 3:16, All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction for instruction in righteousness.

         The Word of God is, in fact, all three. For it is through His Word that God directs you and me. God convict you, and God encourages you.

          The Bible is God's timeless love letter to you, His dear child. Because the Scripture is inspired and comes from the eternal, heart of God, it is both universal (all its truth applies to all people and situations) and it is personal (all its truth applies directly to our life). Christians are uniquely blessed to have God's word readily accesdible so we can know the truth (right doctrine), so we can stay on the right track (reproof and correction) and so we can live to please God in everything we do (training in righteouness). And being Equipped for success. 

          Father, i thank you that the entrance of your words gives light, is alives and full of power making it active, operative, energizing and effective.

          Are you spending time in God's word, allowing God to give you the direction. Light and motivation you need? Be sure you set aside time to let God Speak to you personally through the wonderful light of His word.

"hEAVENLY CITIZENSHIP"

         "Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their

          glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. But our

           citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a savior from there, 

          the Lord Jesus Christ,who, by the power that enables him to bring

           everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that

          They will be like his glorious body."                   Philippians 3 : 19-21

                                 

          Christians who think the most of the next world are usually those who are doing the most good  in this present world. It is the person whose mind is only on earthly things who it comes to earth, does little good. C. S. Lewis expanded on this saying, "Aim at heaven and you get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither.'"

           Our verse today highlights what  happens when your heart and mind is set on things above. Unlike the person whose mind is on earthly things. You begin to see yourself as a sojourner, a pilgrim on earth. You begin to appreciate your citizenship in heaven. You also begin to eargerly await the Lord's return, and you anticipate the joy of having him transform your body into one time His.

           Those whose destiny is destruction may say that being so heavenly minded makes you no earthly good. Not so! Those whose minds are on heaven do earth a world of good.

            

          When you realize that your citizenship is in heaven, you begin acting

          as a responsible citizen should. You begin to invest wisely in relationships.

          Your conversation, goals and motives becomes more pure and honest, 

           and all of this serve you well not only in heaven but on earth. Heavenly 

          Minded peoplpe are for earth's highest good.

                           

"PULL UP A CHAIR AND SIT A WHILE"

 "Since, then, you have raised with christ, set your heart on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on thing above, not on earthly things,"

Colossians 3 : 1-2

 I listen carefully and hear what is being said to me. I incline my ear to wisdom and apply my heart to understanding and insight. Humility and fear of you bring wealth and honor and life. In this verse we are twice commanded. First, we are to set our hearts; then second, set our minds on thing above. In other words, things above are to capture our imaginations, emotions, thoughts, feelings, ideas and on and on.

  Most of us consider this command to be not as necessary as other mandates in Scripture. But it is! When you consider that the first and greatest commandement is to love the Lord with all your heart and mind, it follows naturally that we should set our hearts on things above "where Christ is seated at the right hand of God."

  C.H. Spurgeon once said, "Some of you, right now, could not be happy if you were allowed to enter heaven. Shall i tell you why? It is because heaven is a land of the spirit and you have neglected your spirit."

 It is the spiritual person who can most readily set his heart and mind on heaven. So live in the spirit, walk in the Spirit, abide by the Spirit, pray in the Spirit, and you can't help but glean a real and deep longing for heavenly glories above.

  So pull up a chair and sit a while. People who don't trust me are always on the run working striving trying to outrun whatever it is they fear. But when you place yourself in My hand. In Psalm 23:5 you can relax. I'll  prompt you to get up a little earlier to spend time with Me, and I give you peace. Take your order.. In Philippians (4:19). Right in the middle of the world's hurricane of busyness. I'll sevre you a sit-down, four-course meal. If you will make time in your day to stop and enjoy our relationship. I'll take care of the things you're worried above. Enjoy Me in the eye of the storm.

"Your Faith that moves God"

        "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while 

               you mat have had to suffer in all kinds of trials."

                                       ( 1 Peter 1: 6 )

There was a time when the prophet Elijah was so over-whelmed by the difficulties of his work that he simply gave up and prayed to die. It is a feeling many since Elijah's day have shared. Life is indeed difficult. At times it mag seem unbearable. For many, suicide seem the only answer, the easy way out.

           "To end it all. To be rid of my suffering. To put my treatments behind me ." How simple it all seems.

           A man once said, "when you say a situation or a person is hopeless, you are slamming the door in the face of God." Yes, it's not easy to lie in a hospital bed day after day. Nor is it  fun to come home when somebody in the family believes the only answer to life comes out of the bottles. even these problems are not too big for God. If you give up on them, if you give up on life. You are really giving up on God.

           How can you give up on God when he brough you into life? How can you give up on God when He gave his one and only Son to be your Savior? How can you give up on God when he has been with you with his word on the pages of the Bible? Do not gives up on him who has promised, "Never will i leave you; never will I forsake you." God will not give up on you.

           We simply need to remember that every problem in life is only temporary. We can outlast it . God may well bring our difficulties to a close with new dawn. In this we can greatly rejoice.

           But what of the person who has been told his illness is terminal? How cab we call that temporary? If we will just look to the garden where a man by the name of Joseph of Arimathea owned a burial site, we will note that the grave previously occupied now stands empty. Christ has conquered death. And we now have the hope of life in heaven. In Christ we can out last any problem, even death.

           When Elijah prayed that Hod would let him die, God instead patiently listened to his troubles and then renewed his hope in the promises of the Lord God is listening to you. Talk to him in prayer. Listen to him through his word.? And then conquer each day with hope in a God who truly cares for you. Your faith that moves God."

        

The kingdom of Heaven

       "For I have come down from heaven to do the 

        will of God Who sent me, not to do my own will."

                             John 6 : 38 NLT

"HAS THIS WORLD  been so kind to you, " that you should leave with regret? There are better things ahead than any we leave behind.'"what he said holds true if you are God's child. Life as you know it will never be easy or trouble-free. The problem you are facing, however, will someday dissipate in heaven's glory. But for those who do not know God, the best they will ever have is life now.

          Some 3,500 years ago, Moses describe a human lifespan as 70 to 80 year long. In spite of scientific advances, our life expectancy hasn't changed much. "Youre not going to get out of this alive." Someone said. Its true, but then what? Then there's the hope of heaven.

          The Bible speaks of heaven more than 400 times. Jesus said candidly that He had come from heaven and was to return there when His work was done on earth ( John 14 : 1-6). He spoke of heaven  from the vantage point of an insider who knew what was there and what it was like Jesus Christ told His followers what to expect and now to get there.

           So what is heaven like? And in the face of our many trials and difficulties here on earth, what does heaven promise?

           The apostle Paul writes, "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us" ( Romans 8:18). To the Corinthians he wrote, " for our light and  momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweights them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal" (2 Corinthians 4 :17-18).

"Greedy Bird"

 "God is able to make all grace abound toward
   you, that you . . .May have an abundance for 
   every good work

                                              2 corinthians 9 : 8

Every year when I put out the hummingbird 
feeder. The busy little birds start battling for 
position. Even though there are four places at 
the table." the birds fight for whatever place 
one of their neighbors is using. The source of 
food are each place is the same a reservoir of 
syrup in the bottom Of the feeder. Knowing 
that all the feeding stations are equal. I shake 
my head at their greediness.

    But then I wonder. Why is it so much easier 
to see the greed of the birds than it is to see my 
own? I often want the places at God's table" 
that someone else has. even though I know all
good thing come from. The same source God
and that His supply will never run out. Since
God can prepare a table for us even in the
presence of our enemies (Ps. 23:5), why be
concerned that someone else might have the
station in the life that we want?

   The Lord is able to give us all sufficiency in 
all things" so that we will have "an abundance 
for every good work" (2 Cor. 9:8 ) when we 
recognize the importance of our work as 
ministers of the grace of God (1 Peter 4: 10. 
We'll stop fighting to take over someone else's 
position and be grateful for the place God has 
given us to serve others on His behalf.

"The Good and The. Bad"

               "My servant David. . . Followed Me with all his heart."

                                              1 King 14 : 8

Recently I began studying the kings of the old Testament with some friends. I noticed on the chart that we were using that a few of the leaders of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah are labeled good, but most of then are labeled bad, mostly bad, extra bad and the worst.

        King David is described as good king who followed (God) with all his heart" (( 1 Kings 14:8 ). and a good example to follow ( 13:14  11:38). The bad kings are noted for their willful rejection into idolatry king Jeroboam. The first king to rule Israel after the kingdom was divided, has the legacy of being remembered as one of the worst kings "who sinned and who made Israel sin" ( 14:16). Because of his bad example. Many kings who came after him are compared to him And are described as being as evil as he was  (16:2, 19,26,31 : 22:52).

       Each of us has a unique sphere of influence. and that influence can be used for evil or for good. An unfeltered faithfulness to God is light that will shine brightlly and leave a legacy of good.

       It's our privilege to bring glory to the Lord may others see His light shining through us and be draw. To His goodness.

"Freely offered to All"

"As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in Him will never be put to shame." For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him."

Romans 10 : 11, 12

Whose Son is he? The people who know the answer to this question are a most priviledge people! This wonderful privilge, though, is not reserved for a select few. This wonderful privilege is freely offered to all. God will have all people to come to know the truths about his Son Jesus Christ.

   God is no respecter of persons. He does not practice discrimination on the basis of age, sex, race, or social status. He knows that there is no difference. He knows that all have sinned. He knows that all need a savior. There are no exceptions. Both Cain and Abel. Needed a savior. Both Pharaoh and Moses needed a Savior. Both Saul and David needed a savior. Both Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of Jesus, needed a savior. Both John and Judas needed a savior. The prodigal son and his elder brother needed a savior. Both you and I needed savior. The need is universal, and God met that need.

  The Bible reveals that God love the world. . . That He gave his only begotten Son for the world. . and that he invites the world to come to know and believe in his Son. Thus, "the scripture says, whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.'" (KJV) the word "whosoever" is all-inclusive. Richard Baxter, a noted preacher in Scotland, claimed that he could not than God enough for the word "whosoever." It meant more to Him, he said, than if the Holy Spirit had put his own name into the Bible. He declared, "If God had said that there was mercy for Richard Baxter, I would have thought that he must have meant another Richard Baxter. However, when he says 'whosoever, I know that he means me!"

  Not one of us is outside the circle of God love. The love of God is not exclusive. It is all-inclusive. Whosoever we are. We are invited to learn the saving truth about Jesus Christ. However, what we know of Jesus Christ literally must be taken to heart. It is possible, you see, to miss God's promise of forgiveness and life by sixteen inches. That, by the way, is the distance between the head and the heart. It is not enough to know Jesus intellectually with our minds. We must also know him intimately with our hearts.

       

"MORE THAN ENOUGH"

               "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you."

                                                1 Peter 5 : 7

Everyone has his problems. Until we get to know someone quite well, we may not be aware of his worries and concerns. But we may be sure that he has them hidden away somewhere. A completely carefree life is perhaps never found in this vale of tears. Sin and God's chastening curse upon a sinful world have sown thorns thistles in everyone's life.

          Some of our problems are easily solved. Others are solved with great difficulty. Still others can not be solved at all. It is this last group that brings frustration, fear and unspeakable woe into our lives. As nagging worries, they lodge in our souls and allow us no peace. When they do not occupy our full attention, they churn about in the back of our minds.

          Some well-meaning people recommend that we forget our woes. That is easier said than done. Apostle Peter has better advice, and he speaks by the Holy Spirit. He says, "throw your worries on God."

          There are two good reasons for heeding his advice. St. Peter mentions one of them when he says, "He cares for you" while some people care about us more or less, and others, as we say, "couldn't care less, " God cares. The other reason for handing our problem over to God is that God is able to cope with difficulties that are too much for us. With God all things are possible.

          But St. Peter has mentioned the reason that is more important for our consideration. It is the one we are most apt to forget. We get caught up in the gloom of our own sinfulness and find it hard to imagine that God could really care about us. That he takes a personal and powerful interest in our  woes is almost too much to believe.

          Let's take another look at our God. His care for us is so genuine and complete, so wholehearted and sincere, that he gaves His only begotten Son for us, delivering Him up to death for our sins. Then He raised Him again from the dead, so that we might be sure that Jesus' sacrifice was acceptable. And Jesus himself has promised to come again and to receive us to Himself.

          Such Good News contradicts all doubts about God's concern for us. God loves me and you with His whole, infinite being. He invited us to unload our worries on him. Yes, he commanded  us to do so, and it is only right that we do. He's more than enough."

"What Time Is It? Wake Up!"

                   "It is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep."

                                             Roman 13 :11b

What is the first thing you do when your alarm goes off in the  morning? Hit the snooze button? Right apostle Paul tells us to notice intead how late it is.

               Do this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour.(v11a)

"Do this," he begins, but what is "this"? "This" refers to at least the preceding three verses, and at most all, of chapter 12 and the rest of the chaoter 13. In 13:11-14, the. Paul is establishing a Endtimes perspective for how Christians should live.

The Bible divides time into only two categories: "this age" and "the age to come." "This age," our age, is a time waiting for the one to come, as John stott explains.

             The day, although it dawned at Christ's coming. Has not yet experienced the fulness of sunrise at his return. . . The apostles (knew) that the kingdom of God came with Jesus, that the decisive salvation events which established it ( his death, resurrection, exaltation and gift of the Spirit) had already taken place, and that God had nothing on his calendar before the parousia (Second Coming). It would be the next and the culminating event.

Although the kingdom of God will not be fully realized until Christ's earthly reign during the millennium, it has been set in motion by His resurrection and ascension. In light of Christ future millennial rule, Paul sounds the alarm for us to 'wake up" to God's sense of time 

              This perspective acknowledge that the Lord controls all events people, and nations and that He directs history to a predetermined end. The world lives as though human history will continue forever, but we know the world is wrong. We know that we live in "the hour" the finite period of time between Christ ascension and His imminent return. This unveiling of true time gave Paul a sense of urgency, a sense that all of us should have.

               Our urgency, however, should not lead us into extremist ways of thinking. A doomday mentality that sets dates for Christ's return does not stand in truth. The Bibles makes it clear that no one will know the time or the hour (Matt 24:36).

               An appropriate response is to heed Paul's  exhortation to "not be conformed to this world" (Rom.12:2). We need to remember that this world will not last forever, that one day God will judge it, end it, and replace it with a new creation (Rev.21:1-5). Our sense of urgency springs from the realization that we only have a limited time to spread the gospel and make God known to the world.

                

"WILL YOU LOVE MY WORLD WITH ME"

         "Dear friends, since God so loved us, we 

                 also ought to love one another."

                                1 John 4 : 11

A PSYCHOLOGIST WAS TAKING to a young mother and asked, "which of your three children do you love the most? She immediately answered, "I love all my three children in the same way." Skeptical, the psychologist began to refute what she said. "Come off it now!" He said, it is impossible for anyone to regard any three beings exactly the same." Confronted so harshly she broke down and began to cry.

          Then finding voice she said, "Alright, I do not love all three of my children in the same way. When one of my three children is sick, I love that child more. When one of them is in pain or lost, I love that child more. And when one is really bad  I love that more." Then She concluded, "Except for those exceptions I love all three children about the same."'

          A mother's love explains how God's love and compassion are totally focused on your need His help. God doesn't divide His love or love you best when you do good things, He loves you most deeply when you stray the farthest or when your needs are the greatest. 

          Seemingly the farther people had strayed from the straight and narrow, the great was the focus of Jesus' attention, in their lives. Remember when Jesus asked Peter. " Do you love me? Listen carefully and you'll hear that voice asking the same question. He's listening for your answer. You love him, follow Him.

"Like the first Morning"

           "His compassions fail not. The are new every morning."

                                Lamentation 3:22-23 NKJV

What a joy it must have been for the first man and woman to awake. In the morning just after their creation!

           Before them lay a beautiful garden without turmoil, an orderly enviroment without so much as a weed or thorn.

Most wonderful of all, they freely walked and talked with the Lord in the cool of the day. Wouldn't you love to experience that glorious state of being for one morning! Eleanor Farjeon must have felt the same elation when she penned the words to her now internationally famous hymn:

           Morning has broken like the first morning;

           Blackbird has spoken like the first bird.

           Praise for the singing! Praise for the Morning!

           Praise for them, springing fresh from the word!

           Sweet the rain's new fall sunlit from heaven,

           Like the first dew-fall on the first grass.

           Praise for tge sweetness of the wet garden,

           Spring in completeness where his feet pass 

           Mine is the sunlight Mine is the morning

           Born of the one light Eden saw play!

           Praise with elation, praise every morning,

           God's recreation of the new day!"'

           While we may not awaken to a perfect, pristine world in our natural bodies, we can awaken to a "brand-new day" in our minds and hearts. We can walk and talk with the Lord all day long. Each day the Lord presents to His beloved children wondrous possibility to explore with Him.

            Let us always remember that He is the Creator and our loving Father. No matter what state we find ourselve in, He can create something new in us, for us, and through us. What cause for praise! His next act of creation is waiting to unfold as we yield our life to Him this morning and throughout our day!

  

"Eat Your Breakfast!

"O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you:

my soul thirst For you,  my body longs for you, 

in a dry and weary land where there is no water."

Psalm 63 : 1

 # Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

 # Don't leave home without breakfast.

 # A good breakfast will stay with you the entire day.

These phrases and others like them have become well known in our culture, but they aren't just Mom's advice anymore! Scientists and doctors have spent millions of dollars to discover what mom's have known all along.

However, even more important than a naturally nutritious breakfast is a spiritually nutrituous breakfast. Proverb 31:15 says the virtuous woman rises early to get spiritual food for her household. David said in Psalm 63:1 "O God , you are my God; Early will I seek You."

Jesus once said to His disciples, "I have food to eat of which you fo not know," then He explained, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work." ( see John 4:32 NKJV.) Jesus was saying that He was motivated and energized by walking in obedience to the Father and doing His will. His life flowed from the "inside-out." The same must be true for those of us who seek to follow in His footsteps.

When we spend the first part of our day in the word of God, prayer, meditation, and praise and worship, we acquire an inner strength and energy that adds vitality to our entire day. This "food for the soul" is truly food that the world does not knowing about, that prepares us to do the Lord's will. Regardless of where our day may take us or the situations we may encounter, we have renewed mind to think the thoughts of God, to feel His heartbeat, and to say and do what Jesus would say and do.

After having Breakfast with God, you will be prepared to face whatever the day may bring and end the day with less stress and frustration. God promises that if we seek His kingdom first, all other things will be added to us. (See Matthew 6:33.) when you make your relationship with the Lord your top priority, you are setting yourself up for blessing all day!

"The Good Shepherd"

        "For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have

          returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls."

                                        1 Peter 2:25

The picture Peter portrays for us here is not as vivid for us as it must have been for his first readers. Most of us do not live in a farming community as many of out grandparents did. And even fewer of us have ever raised sheep.

          Sheep have a terrible tendency to wander: it's not that they're so curious to find out what the rest of the world looks like. It's just they tend to become so preoccupied with what they're doing that they don't pay any attention to where they are.

If a sheep is grazing, he simply keeps his head down and goes from one good clump of grass to another. If he's not carefully watched, he will just keep walking and eating until he becomes hopeless lost. Alone and helpless he is then choices prey for any wild animal.

         That's exactly the way it is also for those who are not under the watchful eye and protecting staff of the Good Shepherd, Jesus. They simply wander around, go from one earthly pleasure to another and are unaware of any danger. They too are choice prey for the devil, who "prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8).

          We too were once in that situation, lost and helpless and in danger. But we are no longer. Through the life and death of Jesus Christ we have been brought back into the shelter of his protecting arms. Once again we have a Shepherd and overseer for our souls. Gently he leads us toward our eternal home, always aware if out helpless condition.

          In times of suffering how comforting it is to know that we're not alone. Jesus is still there to care for us and to guide everything so that it served our welfare. Every day he leads us back from wandering and another step closer to our eternal home in heaven. With a shepherd such as this we are all people truly. Blessed even in sufferings.

"Earthly Strongholds"

           "The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble

                                      Nahum 1:7 NKJV

VISIT CORREGIDOR  IN THE  PHILIPPINES, and you will find a deep tunnel. Originally build to store arme and ammunition,  Malinta Tunnel was also a stringhold that bombs of the enemy couldn't penetrate. It served as a haven for wounded soldiers andas headquarter for General MacArthur.

            Strongholds are important because they provide protection. They allow you to sleep at night without fear for your safety.

             When David was a fugitive from Saul, he hid in stronghols in the desert. He learned that safety is not the absence of danger, but the presence of the Lord.

             Repeatedly he referred to the Lord as his fortress. In Psalm 18 he wrote, "I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer, my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge" (Psalm 18: 1:2).

            You will nevrr understand that God is a refuge until you run to yhim and throw yoursekf upon His mercy, until you pound on His door and say, "Take me in. I need Your protection and help!" Yet far too many stand outside the door thinking. "I can handle this on my own." If someone were chasing you with a weapon, and he was getting closer, would you stand outside the fortress and wonder if it was strong enough to protect you?

           You may be thinking, "Having God asba fortress worked for David, but I'm not sure it'll work for me!" How would you know unless you try? I've never heard anyone say, 'I threw myself upon the Lord and He closed the door of help in my face."

           Need a refuge? Most earthly strongholds have masdive doors and can be entered by walking. The refuge God provides is entered by kneeling

          

"TRUST IN THE LORD!

      "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because 

      Anyone who comes to him must believe that he exisf and

      That he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

                                  HEBREWS 11 : 6

     "I HAVE BEEN DRIVEN to my knees many times, "said the American president Lincoln, "by the realization that there was nowhere else to go." It is amazing how high you can reach by bowing your knees before God.

      Consider this story: A helicopter was taking flak from the enemy, and the tail gunner, fearful the chopper might be shotdown, used his radio to call for help. "What's your position?" Asked the radio operator. Immediately the pilot responded, "Kneeling!"    

      It is with this kind of submission and surrender that you can discover what so many haved found: there is a place of quiet rest near the Heart of God. Sometimes what you say isn't nearly as important as the attitude of your heart. For instance a little child's tears do far more to move of a father than his persuasive words of argument.

       When you walk in darkness, having sustained a blow of one  kind or another, you might feel as if God doesn't notice or care. He does. You are simply numbered your pain and can't take your eyes from your wound.

        Try kneeling before the King and telling Him Why you are hurting. Your Father who sees your distress and cares for you will take note, and will honor the promises of His word. Faith tells

 Us there is One who knows your distress. Search your heart before Him and ask Him for a new heart, conscience washed by His blood, and light for the next step so "Trust in the Lord!

"SPIRITUAL SIGHT"

"In Him we have redemption through His Blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace."

Ephesians 1:7(KJV) 

  A prisoner who survived 14 years in cuban jail told how he kept his spirits up and his hope alive: "I had no window in my cell and so I mentally constructed one on the door. I 'saw' in my mind a beautiful scene from the mountains, with water tumbling down a ravine over rocks. It became so real to me that I would visualize it without effort every time I looked at the cell door."

  Ironically some of the most hopeful book of the Bible Philippians, Colossians and Ephesians come out of Paul's house arrest in Rome. The letter to the Ephesians gives a hint as to what the apostle Paul saw when he though about life beyond his place of confinement.

  First he saw the spiritual growth in the churches he left behind. This book opens with a burst of thankgiving for the vitality of the Ephesians church ( Eph. 1: 15-16). Then he sought to open the eyes of their hearts to even more exalted sights the "exceeding riches" of God's grace (2:7). When Paul cranks up the volume to express God's plan of love, not one low, mournful note sneaks in.

  If you feel discourage or question whether the christian life is worth it, Ephesians proves to be a great tonic. It prescribes the riches in Christ available to all. Grace, mercy and Peace.

 Title :     Grace, Mercy and Peace

1. His grace bring us good things

    Everyday in our lives

    And His grace bring us peace

    In troublesome sometimes

    With His love opens heavens

    Love and truth is pouring out

    With grace mercy and Peace

Chorus:   

    Glory to God in his amazing love

    I will rejoices in the Lord. (3x)

    With grace mercy and Peace

2. In Him i am redeem through 

    His blood His unfailing love

    In whom having believe

    I am being sealed with promises

    It shall be established

    With grace mercy and Peace

    (i, we) 

           

"Not to Forget"

"Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the Lord: 'I will Sing to the Lord, for he is highly exalted. The horse and its rider he has hurled into the sea. The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and i will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him."

Exodus 15:1-2 (KJV) 

  What a song of praise! The entire chapter of Exodus 15 ia a glorious praise song ti the Lord after He opened a path through the Red Sea. You can imagine the Israelites' amazement when they saw the water parted like giant glass skycrapers. Little wonder they sang on for twenty-one verses in music and melody.

  But a few verses later, their joy turned sour. Their song gave out. After three days of traveling in the desert without finding water, they grumbled, saying, "what are we to drink? The song faded all too quickly when they ran out into trouble. The irony is, they grumbled about water! Didn't they remember God's miracle with water? They had just watched Him part a whole sea of it. Our own songs of praise fade all too quickly when we forget how God protects and provides for us. We need to take the advice God gave the Israelite in Deuteronomy 4:9, "only be careful and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the thing your eyes have seen. The next time you're tempted to grumble or complain, think of your favorite praise song and then sing it. It will be God's way of helping you not to forget this protection and provision in your life

"SO HELP YOURSELF"

           "Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help,

                        Whose hope is in the Lord his God

                                          Psalm 146:5

Recently, i saw a television ad for a restaurant chain that made a dramatic claim. At those restaurants, the ad said you could "Help yourself to Happiness," wouldn't it be nice if a helping of potatoes or meat pasta or dessert would be all that was needed to provide happiness? Unfortunately, no restaurant can fulfill that promise. 

             Happiness is elusive thing as we can see in almost every area of life. Our pursuit of happiness may involve food or a host of other things, but in the end, happiness continues to escape our grasp.

             Why? In large measure it's because the things we tend to pursue di not touch the deepest needs of our hearts.

             Ours pursuit may provide moment of enjoyment, distraction, or pleasure, but the cry of heart is to love you more that was the song say goes unheard the cry for help and hope. That is why the psalmist points to a better way when he says, 'Happy is he who has the of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God" (Psalm 146:5).

              Help yourself? Yes if we are seeking Him, the joy of the Lord is our strength. It is only when we entrust ourselves to God and His care that we can find the joy we seek. Our hope and help are found only in trusting Him. In other things, In (Mark 9: 29)  so help yourself!

            

"YOU WON'T MISS OUT"

             "I have set the Lord always before me: because 

                 He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.

                                         Psalm 16: 8

             Lots of people think that being a Christian means missing out on the good stuff. They think I'm the father who makes you ride your bike to school on your sixteenth birthday when everyone else gets a new car. That's not Me. I have a wonderful inheritance for you read My will and learn that I've made you, so i know what makes you happy I know you better than you know yourself.

What does  it mean to set the Lord always before you? It means that you choose to relate everything you encounter to your trust in God What you choose to focus on becomes the dorminant influence in your life. You may be a christian, but if your focus is always on your problems,your problems will determine the direction of ypur life. If your focus s on people, then the poeple will determine what you think and do.

             In biblical times, the right hand was the most distinguished position, reserved for one's chief adviser and supporter. When you choose to focus on Christ, you invite Him to take the most important condition in your life as Counselor and Defender.

             Every time you face a new experience, you should turn to Christ for His interpretation and strength. When people insult you and mistreat you, you should seek direction from your Counselor regarding the right response. When you face a crisis, you should receive strength from the One at your right hand. When you experience need, you should consult your Counselor before you react. When you face a fearful situation, you should take courage from the Advocate at your hand. Everything you do is in the context of your relationship to Christ.

             What an incredible act of God's grace that Christ should stand beside you to guide you and counsel you and defend you! How could you ever become dismayed over your situation with Christ at your right hand! What confidence this should give you! "You won't miss out!

             

"SAY IT IS GOOD FOR ME"

                            "It is good for me to draw mear to God

                                                Psalm 73:28

Beauty, wealth, power, love, marriage, and pleasure are good things, but they're not the best. The best is loving God and taking in his love bring Him glory and making Him our friend for life. That leads to the best possible life because it gives us satisfaction and joy Read (John10:10). 

       That's why we should make time for God and rest in His love, the love that made you and me. It is the season for our existence and the means by which we will make the most of our lives.

        I like the way the psalmist put it: "it is good for me to draw near to God; i have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all your works" (Ps 73:28). In other words the good life is drawing close to the One who loves us like no other.

        And how can we draw close" to Him? Here's a practice take a few minutes every morning to read some verse from the Gospels (Matthew  Mark, Luke, John) and note what Jesus saud or did after all, He came to show us what Gods is like (Heb.1:1-3). Put yourself in the story in the place of the leper He healed with His loving touch. For example ( Mark 1:40-45). Think about how much He loves us and then thank Him. Start Reading (Psalm 73:21-28).