Do Not Fret or Be Anxious; Rest In the Lord

July 31, 2020 - LISTEN HERE

 

John 14:27 

“...My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

 

Philippians 4:6-7  

"Do not fret or have anxiety about anything, but in every situation let your petitions [specific requests] be made known to God through prayers and requests, with thanksgiving. And then God’s peace, which goes far beyond anything we can imagine, will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.

 

With all the turmoil going on across America and around the world, it certainly is easy to be troubled and afraid, to fret and have anxiety. We need to rest in God, knowing He’ll take care of it in *His* time…another thing that is often difficult for us to do: be patient. 

 

We can overcome worry with acceptance by saying, “It is what it is.” This is not easy to do, as we watch the devastating destruction of our country. We can remind each of us that God is in control…

 

Today's Prayer

Dear Lord, thank you that even now, in the midst of chaos, turmoil, insecurity, and violence, we can find solace in You. Lord, we petition You to restore our country, our cities, and our neighborhoods to safety and with full prosperity. Heal the wounds that divide us. May Your Divine Hand be seen by all as You create miracles in our midst. Thy will be done. In Jesus Name, Amen.

It's God's Battle, Not Yours

July 30, 2020 - LISTEN HERE

2 Chronicles 20:15-18

“….In the midst of the assembly, the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel who said…

"This is what the Lord says: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast number, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow, go down against them. You will see them coming [up the Ascent of Ziz], and you will find them at the end of the valley [facing the Wilderness of Jeruel.] You do not have to fight this battle. Position yourselves, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord. He is with you, [Judah and Jerusalem]. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Tomorrow, go out to face them, for Yahweh is with you.’”

Here's a little background associated with this verse: King Jehoshaphat, the fourth king of a divided Judah, was about to send his men against the wicked Moabites and Ammonites who had taken over the Promised Land. When speaking to the People, the Lord sent a message through Jahaziel - one of his men. The next morning, in the midst of tremendous confusion, the wicked troops began to fight each other! When Jehoshaphat’s men arrived, everyone was dead and they gathered the plundered, returning to Jerusalem safe and wealthy.  

Note that vs18 says: 

"You do not have to fight this battle. Position yourselves, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord. He is with you…. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Tomorrow, go out to face them, for Yahweh is with you.”

These verses really struck a chord with me today. 

How many times in the last several months - when we’ve been surrounded by tyranny, mandates, chaos, violence, and oppression  - have you felt like the battle is overwhelming and no matter what we do, it is unwinnable?

If you’ve been joining @HappyHourwithDrT for a while now, you know that we’ve frequently referred back to  - about putting on the full armor of God to engage in the battle. 

But today’s verse offers a different perspective - let’s read it again, with a little paraphrasing: 

"Do not be afraid or discouraged because of their numbers are vast. The battle is not yours, it's belongs to God. Go down against them. You will see them coming at you from all directions. Listen up: You do not have to fight this battle. Position yourselves, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord. He is with you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.  Face them, for God is with you.”

Perhaps after we put on the Full Armor of God, we need to give this battle to God by:

• Positioning Ourselves - shoulder to shoulder. 
• Standing Still. 
• Standing WITHOUT fear. 
• Facing them
• Knowing God is on our side. 

This is God’s battle… after all, we are fighting the Rulers of this Darkness for the survival of humanity, which is His creation. 

I so often feel like I have to plow through. I need to take the body blows, stand up, and take a few more. Maybe you feel that way too. But what if there’s a different way, a better way…

Today's verses, 2 Chronicles 20:14-18 — bring to mind a few other of my favorite verses: (paraphrased) 

• Isaiah 46:10 — BE STILL AND KNOW… 
• Mark 10:27 —  With God all things are possible 
• Philippians 4:6— Be anxious for nothing; make all your requests be known to God 

Today’s Prayer: 

Dear Lord, thank You for continually giving us new guidance, new insights, bigger and better perspectives. You are here to help us navigate Earth School. You gladly take on our burdens, our anxieties, our FEARS. Lord, collectively we pray safety over our country, our city, our neighborhood, our home. Lord, we pray safety over our family, friends, and our own lives. 

Lord, as a Gathering, we are following the directives You gave us in 2 Chronicles 7:14 - we are humbling ourselves, we are turning from our evil thoughts - by asking for forgiveness. We are seeking Your face. 

Therefore, Lord, we ask You to heal our land, to purge our government, and to restore our lives. Thank you for the thousands of gentle reminders throughout Your Word. We are forever grateful for Your strength and Your love. We are grateful You hear and answer our prayers. Thy will be done. In Jesus’ Name. Amen. 

Churches - Obey God Not Man

July 29, 2010 - LISTEN HERE

Acts 5: 28-29

“Didn’t we [the Sanhedrin, the Authorities] strictly *order you* not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to bring this man’s blood on us!” But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men.”

I’ve had a lot of requests from the Happy Hour talks about information to share with your pastor, priest or rabbi about how to stand up against the current tyranny aimed at destroying the church and church communities as we know them.

 

Today’s verse – from the book of Acts – is quite interesting. In fact, the entirety of Acts 5 is very interesting and important to read. Church leaders must choose between following what GOD says and what GOD would have us do rather than cowering to an arbitrary “order” given by man. [I would add, especially capricious and arbitrary orders on mask-wearing and social distancing that defy logic and have ZERO bases in science.]

 

I’m specifically looking at this in light of church closures, but casinos, abortion clinics, and liquor stores remain(ed) open through this Plan-demic fiasco.

 

That verse - Acts 6:29 -  should be front-and-center in every church, chapel, and synagogue across the country and around the world. 

*Today’s Prayer*
Dear Lord, help us to stand boldly with You against the tyranny of the times. Keep our hearts and minds clearly focused on You, Your Word and what You would have us do for Your people.

 

We come boldly before the throne to ask for Your guidance, support and protection as we call out to those who should have greater courage to stand up for You. Thank you. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.  

 

When I Pray, God Answers - with Kate Shimerani

July 28, 2020 - LISTEN HERE - With special Guest, Kate Shimerani

 

Psalms 86:7 

“I will call to You whenever I'm in trouble, and You will answer me.”

 

Unless we have a daily on-going dialogue with God, it seems we seek Him most in times of trouble.

 

There is an expression: When a door closes, a window will open. While that phrase isn’t found in the bible – it has been attributed to Alexander Grahm Bell and Helen Keller, among others, it certainly is a hopeful phrase to use in your daily prayers.

 

Don’t we often say, “Lord, why has that door closed? Why have there been so many delays? Lord, where is the open window?”

 

There are literally dozens of verses that say “Ask and it is given” – and so our role in this relationship is to ask. God hears our prayers....even though sometimes the response is wait...or not right now... or sometimes, the answer is even no – which I why I always remember to ask, “Lord, I ask for this or something better.”

 

The essential part is getting to the place of belief that you're prayers will be answered.  

But what is a belief? By definition, a belief is a closely held thought. When you really want something to come into your life...or want something to change in your life, you need to visualize already having it, visualize that you have already received it. 

When you pray, have the feeling that your request has arrived. Feel what it will feel like when God has delivered the deepest desires of your heart. If you can have a calmness, a surety in your spirit that your prayers have already been answered, the energetic attraction will speed the arrival of what God has in store for you.

 

If your prayers have not yet been answered, the next step is faith: Faith is taking your hands off the steering wheel... to let God be in charge of the timeline.  

 

Today’s Prayer:

Dear Lord, we asked for Your favor, Lord, and today, with gratitude. It’s a new phase in our day-to-day life...something is shifting. Help us to let go of the past; people change when times change.

 

You provide just enough light on the road for us to stay the course; We know You see the ENTIRE road of our life, from beginning to end. Thank you, Lord, for walking with each of us, guiding us to a place of peace, fulfillment, and prosperity.

Behaviors the Lord Hates - Change Your Ways

 

July 27, 2020 - LISTEN HERE

Proverbs 6:16-19 

“The Lord hates six things; in fact, seven are detestable to Him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that plots wicked schemes, feet eager to run to evil, a lying witness who gives false testimony, and one who stirs up trouble among brothers."

 

Wow – talk about laying it on the line! Proverbs is clear these behaviors are HATED by God. Let’s look at each one of these:

 

#1: A proud look – actually, God doesn’t hate you being proud of your accomplishments. We are to feel good when we’ve achieved success through hard work or disciplined practice. What God detests is arrogance. The words arrogance, arrogant, proud, and haughty are mentioned over 200 times in the NIV Bible. And in practically every occurrence, it is a behavior or attitude detested by God. The dictionary defines arrogance as “a feeling of personal superiority; the exalting of one's own worth or importance to an undue degree.” This means we take credit and take the Glory for our success instead of giving thanks and giving the Glory to God. 

 

#2 - A lying tongue (bear false witness) – and #3 - Hands that shed innocent blood (thou shalt not kill) – are both violations of God’s rules handed down to humanity in the 10 Commandments. Breaking His laws, he certainly hates.

 

#4 – A heart that plots wicked schemes - Remember that thoughts are things and words have power. What proceeds from the mouth comes from the heart. So, if our heart harbors thoughts of retribution, revenge – or worse – these behaviors will keep us from sharing the love of God with others.  Recall that Romans 12:19 says, “Vengeance is mine, sayeth the Lord.” Don’t make wicked plans; God literally hates the heart of those who do these things.

 

#5 – Feet eager to run to evil.  This is made even more clear in 1 Thessalonians 5:22 – “ABSTAIN FROM EVERY FORM OF EVIL.”  Every form. If it doesn’t glorify God, if it isn’t helpful to fellow humans or your pets or the planet, it could most likely be classified as evil...or at least not good! God hates these negative actions and deeds. Don’t do it.

 

#6 - A lying witness who gives false testimony – This is listed as a separate form of lying: telling a lie to harm someone is an additional abomination. Remember that Peter denied knowing Jesus three times on the night the Lord was arrested. If you lie to cover your butt, you harm yourself. But if you lie to harm someone else? That’s an additional level of scorn from the Lord. Remember we talked the other night about how we will make mistakes – it’s earth school! But we have to step up and take responsibility for our actions. Don’t lie about it. Don’t blame it on someone else and lie about then. God only wants truth to come out of your mouth!  

 

#7 - One who stirs up trouble among brothers. The Lord really hates a troublemaker. Someone who gossips, causes conflict, is confrontational. And of course, someone who lies. “Blessed are the peacemakers” comes to mind.

 

So, in addition to the 10 commandments, we have an additional ethical road map here for how to live a God-filled life AND behave in a way that is acceptable to the Lord. You may want to revisit the 10 Commandments...and couple them with this direction found in Proverbs....and perhaps adjust your thoughts, your words, and your behaviors accordingly.

 

Today’s Prayer:

Dear Lord, it’s actually comforting to have such a direct roadmap, and a checklist of how to behave and best represent You here on Earth School. As we look around at the current chaos in our cities, in our states, and across our globe, it’s so obvious the lies we are being told. Lord, in your Word, you have said, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). Lord help us to remain strong, upright, and forthright.

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Resist the Evil of the Day

July 24, 2020 - LISTEN HERE

 

Psalm 94: 16, 20-23 

“Who stands up for me against the wicked? Who takes a stand for me against evildoers?”

 

“Can a corrupt throne [government] — one that creates trouble by law—become Your ally? They band together against the life of the righteous and condemn the innocent to death. But the Lord is my refuge; my God is the rock of my protection. He will pay them back for their sins and destroy them for their evil. The Lord our God will destroy them.”

 

Even in the days of David (and before), governments were corrupted by the lust for power and obsessed with greed. What makes us think we can get the government – our state and national legislators and even our president  - to listen to We The People? And now, the Fascist state has taken control of everything. 

Don’t believe it? Watch this: https://www.weforum.org/great-reset

 

Our only chance of overcoming this tyranny is to put on the Full Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-19)

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm."

 

The good news in this Psalm – specifically verses 22 and 23 – is that God makes us a promise: He will pay them back for their sins and destroy them for their evil. The Lord our God will destroy them.

 

While the day-to-day of the battle may wax and wane, in the end God Wins.

 

Today’s Prayer:

Dear Lord, while only the Father knows the day and the time of Your return, You said we will know by the times. In 2 Timothy 3, Your Word clearly says, “But know this: Difficult times will come in the last days.” 

 

Lord, no matter what comes at us over the next 100 days and beyond, we are ACTIVELY and collectively putting on the Full Armor of God so we can stand firm and resist the evils of the day: mandatory masks, mandatory tracking and mandatory chipping. Lord, Your Word has predicted this for more than 2500 years. Use each of us; we are part of Your army. We pray for strength, stamina, and deliverance. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

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Don't Lose Your Cool and Be a Fool

July 23, 2020 - LISTEN HERE

 

Proverbs 29:11 

“A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man holds his emotions in check.”

 

We live in stressful times and when people are afraid or uncertain, we see volatility. Today, people are encouraged to participate in “social shaming” on social media, within your family...and even with complete strangers. For those who already have a quick or fiery temper, these “in your face” exchanges are often all it takes to erupt into a tirade of angry emotions. While society is encouraging people to “let it all out,” God’s Word teaches that giving in to one’s temper is morally wrong and damaging to your spirit.

 

The Bible has a lot to say about the importance of controlling one’s temper.

·      Here in Proverbs 29:11 - a person who easily loses his temper a “fool.”

·      Proverbs 25:28 says “A man who does not control his temper is like a broken-down city without walls.”

·      Proverbs 15:18 says, “A hot-tempered man stirs up conflict....”

 

But instead of being an uncontrolled hot head, we must learn to bite our tongue.

 

The Bible says that when you control your emotion, you are wise. When you’re slow to anger, you can calm disputes. From the Beatitudes we know: “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)  

 

While Ephesians 4:31 admonishes us to “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and slander be put away from you....vs 32 says, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgive one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” As children of God, we are called to love one another, to be at peace and even pray for those who harm us.

 

How many times in the last four months have you let your emotions run away with your sensibilities? Whether that emotion was frustration, fear...or anger, think back on how you could have responded differently.... and Now, with these verses at hand, how you might respond differently the next time you’re challenged or something rubs you the wrong way.

 

Today’s Prayer

Dear Lord, when anger rises within me, please calm my mind. Soothe my heart with Your gentle words. Replace the frustrations and the anger with your perfect peace. Remind me to reflect Your character, rich in steadfast love, with each intense interchange that crosses my path...whether it be with a friend, a family member or a complete stranger.

 

Lord, How would I “behave” and respond if I could PHYSICALLY see You standing right next to me? Lord, please remind me...You really are RIGHT HERE. The next time I am faced with a circumstance that causes anger to rise up from inside me, give me Your thoughts and Your words to resolve it. Lord, prevent us from being a fool. Remind me I am Your Representative. Help us to change the world through Your peace, one conversation at a time. Thy will be done. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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Live With Integrity

July 22, 2020 - LISTEN HERE

Psalm 84:11

"For the Lord God is a sun and shield. The Lord gives grace and glory; He does not withhold good from those who live with integrity.”

That was such an interesting verse, I did a little digging into the meaning of the words….

The Lord as *Sun*: warmth, energy, happiness, light to see

The Lord as *Shield*: protector, armor, defender

The Lord gives *Grace*: which is His favor

The Lord gives *Glory*: which is His honor

…..so the Lord gives *favor and honor* to those who live with *integrity*

What about the word, integrity? Here’s the dictionary definition:

• Adherence to moral and ethical principles
• Sound moral character; *honesty*
• The state of being whole

How much clearer can it be?

Today's Prayer

Dear Lord, thank You for being in our lives. We do our best to represent You well, Lord. Speak to us loudly and clearly; Be sure We know Your plan. Help us to complete our tasks at hand quickly, effortlessly, and perfectly. Hasten our path in the direction YOU want us to go.

Lord, see our integrity. Polish is with Your love and Your divine hand. Shower favor and all good things into our lives, today and always. Thy Will Be Done. In Jesus’ Name. Amen. 

Here I am; Send me

July 21, 2020 - LISTEN HERE

 

Isaiah 6:8

"I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then I said I, 'Here am I; send me'.”

 

We are all here to do God’s work. We heard the voice of God say, “Who will do the work?” We volunteered for the commission - me, its to wake up the world to what is coming and save as many souls as possible

 

What is your calling? Do you hear His voice ask for volunteers for the greatest job on earth, to be in His service?

 

Many of my interviews have gone viral….And the Trolls have been out in force. Doing the job you’re called to do isn’t always easy. Being on the Front Line of this battle are now getting hammered by Social Media censorship and more. I have to remember to ask God to help me – to help us – to carry the load. 

 

And then sometimes when you see the chaos, the disrespect for history, the medical tyranny, you really wonder if any of this effort is worth it….of course it is. 

 

What is being put upon us is *Pure Evil*… many have suggested that Bill Gates could be the anti-Christ - or just one step ahead of the Real Anti-Christ’s arrival.

 

I’ve long pondered that the anti-Christ is a system, not only a “person.” When you see what this forum is about, it is truly the system of ultimate control over all of humanity, by every industry, at every level.

https://www.weforum.org/great-reset

https://intelligence.weforum.org/ topics/a1G0X000006O6EHUA0?tab=publications

 

Today's Prayer:

Dear Lord, we were born for these times. You have given each of us talents, resources, education, and more. You have cloaked us in Your Spirit. You have given us Your Armor to wear. We ask that You open more avenues and opportunities for each of us, so our talents are more extensively used to Your Glory and for Your Work. Lord, as You know, we are in the midst of a battle, a real war of good vs evil, with seismic ramifications for humanity. These times were prophesied in your Word more than 2000 years ago. Help us to stay strong in Your Word and through prayer, lean into You Dear Lord. Be with us individually and keep us strong together. There are no coincidences in your Plan. Thy Will Be Done. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

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The State of the Nation - God is Here

July 20, 2020 - LISTEN HERE

We're going to explore 2 Chronicles 15:3-7, but we're going to break this into two sections: 

2 Chronicles 15: 3, 5-6

For many years Israel has been without the true God, without a teaching priest, and without instruction... In those times there was no peace for those who went about their daily activities because the residents of the lands had many conflicts. Nation was crushed by nation and city crushed by city, for God troubled them with every kind of distress. But as for you, be strong; don’t be discouraged, for your work has a reward.”

2 Chronicles 15:4, 7

But when they in their trouble did turn unto the LORD God of Israel and sought him, he was found of them. But as for you, be strong; don’t be discouraged, for your work will be rewarded.”

Two thousand years ago, the land (Israel) wandered aimlessly, without the True God, without priests who were willing to stand up and teach the Word. The people had no instruction. There was no peace. There was violence in the streets, wars between countries, and violence within the cities. God allowed every kind of distress to fall upon His wayward and disobedient people.

How much this sounds like the world we’re living in today, especially in America:

>Since 1900, socialism and the destruction of America has been taught in schools and colleges.

> We founded abortion clinics in the 1920s.

> We kicked God and prayer out of our schools in the 1960s. 

> The acceptance of “anything goes” sex, drug, and social movements started in the 1970s.

> In 1987, an essay titled "The Overhauling of Straight America", by Marshall Kirk laid out a six-point plan for a campaign to change the definition of man and woman.

> Same-sex marriage began in the Netherlands in 2001; According to Tumblr, there are 112 “genders.”

> Laws against Christians are continuing to be settled by America’s courts and both bizarre and extreme persecution of Christians is happening around the world. 

> Street gangs, chaos, mobs and riots continue to intensify over the last few years and months.  ‘

As in the days of old, God is allowing the land – and the people, yes, even HIS people – to go through every kind of distress....to get their attention.

But there is hope and good news!

If we rearrange those verses a bit, God’s promises come to the forefront.  Verses 4 and 7 tell us: 

"But when they in their trouble did turn unto the LORD God of Israel and sought him, he was found of them. But as for you, be strong; don’t be discouraged, for your work will be rewarded."

God made Man in His image. Man fell from grace and there is one road back: Through Christ Jesus. We need to stay in the fight. The Powers and Principalities are turning up the rheostat and the heat every day. With the FULL ARMOR OF GOD, we can protect His people and usher as many into the Kingdom as possible...before the full wrath of the End Times is upon us.

The best formula to save our country, save our world is found in 2 Chronicles 7:14, which we have covered before:

“If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray, and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

Today’s Prayer

Dear Lord, humans never seem to learn the lesson that when we drift away from You and Your Word, disaster falls upon us and upon our land. Lord, there is a remnant of Your people here... a strong and growing forcer who are seeing the Evil Ones for who and what they are. We stand together as we collectively put on the Your Full Armor. YOU see what they are doing to our land, our civility, our humanity. Dear Lord, we are calling Your name. We humble ourselves and pray. Together, we are seeking Your face. We ask you to forgive our sins, known and unknown. We beseech you to forgive us and to heal our land. Thank You for never leaving our side. Thy will be done...we ask together in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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God Wants Great Things for You

July 10, 2020 - LISTEN HERE

Colossians 1:11-12

You are being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you might patiently endure everything with joy and with thanks to the Father, who has enabled us to share in the Saints' inheritance in the light.

Recall that yesterday, we explored Ephesians 5:8 where we were reminded us to walk as children of light - we’re His kids. Behave accordingly! 

According to the website CompellingTruth.org, the New Testament uses the word saint or saints 67 times and “in every instance, the reference is all believers. Scripture is clear that all Christians are saints, people set apart to do God’s work.” 

Every one of us is being called – right now! - to go All Out for the Team. We need to use our skills according to what He has given us. The important part is to listen; to pay attention. To hear His voice when He calls.

Doing something that is “good” doesn’t necessarily mean you are doing something “for God.” He may have other, bigger, more important tasks He is calling you to do. Be sure to tap into His Will. Check your heart and mind against what is Good for you vs what is Great for God.

We all have different roles and responsibilities, based on our life experiences and our God-gifted talents. We are all the body of Christ.  In 1 Corinthians 12:13-18, we are reminded that the physical Body has many parts - the hand, the foot, the eye, the mouth and so on. AND that God has arranged every part of His spiritual body, “according to His plan.”

Jim Collins, the author of the mega-successful book, “Good to Great” first published in 2001, made famous this quote: 

“Good is the enemy of great. And that is one of the key reasons why we have so little that becomes great. We don't have great schools, principally because we have good schools. We don't have great government, principally because we have good government. Few people attain great lives, in large part because it is just *so easy to settle for a good [boring] life.”*

God wants you to BE GREAT and wants GREAT THINGS for you.

His Word says, "You are being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might” - There’s nothing you can’t do, you can’t accomplish, you can’t achieve, once you truly tap into His Glorious Might. 

And even if it is difficult, something you need to “endure”, God never gives you more than you are capable of handling. If it’s BIG or if it seems HARD, He is always there to help, guide, protect, and love you. The battles are not won by our own effort, but by God’s hand and through His Favor.

Today’s Prayer

Dear Lord, thank You for empowering Your children, Your kids, with all of Your might. Jesus told us that if we believe and trust in Him, we would do even greater things than He did during his earthly sojourn. Lord, help us feel Your presence at all times. Open our physical hearts to Your Word, Your love, and Your power. 

We thank You in advance for the inheritance You have promised us. We look forward to hearing You say, with a smile, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” We’re here to serve and succeed in Your name. Thy Will be done in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

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It's Darkest Just Before Daylight

July 9, 2020 - LISTEN HERE

Ephesians 5:8

"For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.”

 

The “walk” is how we live our life. - our lifestyle, our language, our food choices, how we live our faith. To we “walk the talk” means, do we say what we mean, and mean what we say? Do we talk about eating organic, but snack on junk food? Do we say we have faith in the Lord but do we live like we don’t even know who He is? 

 

When we 'walk in the light’ it means we are living in a relationship with Jesus. We are following His precepts, exercising His power, and growing in His grace.

 

Light and darkness cannot co-exist….and light wins, every time!

In these challenging times, we often hear the phrase "It is always darkest before the dawn.” Did you know this quote is not in the Bible, even though it has been used in many movies, in many books, and in many sermons?

 

While there is some disagreement as to its origin, a consensus of historians agree that it was authored by English theologian and historian Thomas Fuller (1608 – 1661). 

 

The actual quote attributed to Thomas Fuller is: “It is always darkest just before the day dawneth,” which usually means, “Things are the toughest right before a breakthrough.”

 

Today’s Prayer

Dear Lord, thanks to Your mercy, love, and forgiveness, we are now and forever in Your Light. Thank You for standing by us in our darkest hours and guiding our paths. We only need to see far enough ahead to know the path; you see the entire length of the road. 

 

Together, we pray for wisdom to follow the paths You have laid out before us. We pray for peace across our country and between the countries of the world. We pray for protection for all in our family and those in our sphere of influence. We pray for healing of our body and for those we know who are ill. We ask for prosperity according to Your riches in glory. We trust, Lord, that through the dark days ahead, we will stay close to you….and LIVE as You would have us live: as *Children of the Light*. We ask these things in Your name….We ask for “this or something better” - in Jesus’ Name. Amen 

 

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Silence Doesn't Mean Inactivity

July 8, 2020 - LISTEN HERE

 

1 Peter 5:7

"Cast all your worries and anxieties on Him, for He is always watching and He cares about you." 

 

I don’t know about you, but when I’m very overtired - like I am right now - molehills become mountains and stubbing your toe results in a complete meltdown. God never promised life would be easy. What we were promised is that, in the end, He will always make everything turn out to be the best HE has in mind for your life.

 

We know that God is always with us. He promises He will never leave us…ever. But sometimes He feels closer to us - or we feel His presence - more than others. Sometimes it seems like as much as we cry out, we don’t hear or feel Him at all. 

 

It’s at times like these, we need to be even more vigilant about casting our worries, our anxieties, life's complications onto Him. What can we do to feel His presence? Here are a few suggestions: 

• Questioning doesn't mean you've lost your faith. It’s ok to wonder if “anyone is listening”… God has big shoulders. You can even yell at Him; He can take it. Cry, scream, scribble in your journal. He will be there to comfort you, if you can feel it right now, or not. 
• Count your blessings Look around. What 5 things can you be grateful for RIGHT NOW? 
• Let God Carry you. It’s hard here in earth school. Trust that when you let Him take over the steering wheel, He will not fail and your will not fall, not matter what your feelings may be telling me. Remember that no matter what, He’s always watching…and He cares about you. 

Today’s Prayer: 

Dear Lord, sometimes it’s the little things that mean the most. The song we hear on the radio. The butterfly that lands gently on the flower petal. The silence of the full moon. In our head and in our heart, we know You and we feel You. We thank you for the lessons of trust and faith, no matter how difficult they are. We are burnished by fire and then polished by your Grace. Help us to truly embrace the meaning of “Thy Will Be Done.” In Jesus Name. Amen.  

Let Go of the Past - with George Espenlaub

July 7, 2020 - LISTEN HERE

 

Isaiah 43:18-19

"Do not remember the past events, pay no attention to things of old. Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.”

Our past can hold us back…we all have events in our past that have been painful, disappointing, frightening, or just plain ugly. The past is not indicative of what the present - and future - can be. 

 

Read that verse again: God says clearly, “Let go of the past.” We are to put our eyes on Him ….and actually SEE what is coming... even now. He created miracles in the wilderness and in the desert. How much more does He want for your life right now. 

 

Whatever it was? Forgive it. We need to get out of our own way and be willing to accept His gifts. 

 

We all have “secrets” in our life we’ll go to our grave with…..but those things are part of our past… and God says CLEARLY: Let go of the past events, pay no attention….LOOK what I AM planning for you – today and for the rest of your life!

 

What are you afraid of? That something good and perhaps even amazing may be in your future? Our days are numbered. Truly, most of us have more years behind us than we have ahead of us. What will we allow God to do for our future?

 

Do you want your future to be filled with joy? With something more than work and worry? Sometimes saying yes, taking the leap and growing your wings on the way down is EXACTLY the type of trust God wants from us.

 

Today’s Prayer

Dear Lord, help us to listen to YOUR plans, and not our own. Help us to not let things in our past be the measure of our future. You have great things in store for Your children, if we ask, believe and see things through Your eyes and not our own. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Photo credit: ID 165510228 © Edgars Sermulis | Dreamstime.com

 

Choose to be Happy

July 6, 2020 - LISTEN HERE

Ecclesiastes 3:12-13

"I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and enjoy the good life. It is also the gift of God whenever anyone eats, drinks, and enjoys all his efforts."

This is why I actively CHOOSE, every day, to be happy. I could passively just be grumpy…but who does that serve?  

I didn’t always make that happy, active choice. There were many Dark Years…

But every interview I’ve done over the last since April 2020, I always say, “I tend to be Glass is Half Full person. Since I was a kid, I’ve always said - and I really believe - that good things can come from bad things; let’s take those lemons and make lemonade….”

• What do each day to move happiness forward in your life, despite your circumstances?
• What can you share with someone you care about to make their life better? Happier? 
• What can you do to celebrate the efforts that you’re making to improve your life and your circumstances? 

If God is for us, we can be happy in ALL circumstances because we trust it will turn out to be in our best interest. 

Today’s Prayer
Dear Lord, times around the planet are difficult and shifting. Thank you, Lord, that you have has ‘gifted’ us with so many things that we never anticipated….Our days on earth are numbered, just like the hairs on our head. We will never take a single breath for granted. Thank you for loving us and for your protection. Thy will be done. In Jesus’s Name. Amen.” 

Photocredit: ID 121994241 © Artur Szczybylo | Dreamstime.com