Be An Encouragement

A friend of mine has a significant other than ran into trouble with the law. The end result was that he was incarcerated. As I think about their situation, I am reminded of something that Paul said to us as believers.

Hebrews 13:1 Let brotherly love continue.
2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
3 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.

I do not know clearly where they are at with God other than they pray. That is not really my job. But Paul clearly does say what my responsibility is. I am to be mindful of him as though I was in prison with him. We have a mission of mercy to those with whom we have contact, or so I believe. One thing I can do is encourage them to seek God. He alone is able to judge people. He alone is able to set men free.

Today’s world is longing for their Creator even if they are not aware that they do. As ambassadors for the Messiah, we can offer compassion and mercy, telling people the truth that God loves and cares for them.

He will set us all free.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You as the Most High. You are worthy of our praise. Send today our overwhelming provision. Let Your kingdom reign in the earth and draw men to You. Forgive us when we err. Let the people that are in prison feel Your love and compassion. Heal them, heal us. Deliver us all. In Jesus’ (Yeshua’s) name. Amen.

Hidden From The World

In speaking with some of the people at fellowship today something seemed to show up for me. Everyone in the room over the last few years had begun to see blessings being poured out on them in some way. There were people from all walks of life there that were experiencing the ability to have single income families, blessings to give to others, and even home schooling for their children. The odd thing was how many of these stories existed in a single group of 30 – 40 adults. It seems that something unusual in the way of blessing is going on in this group. It reminded me in scripture how God does things for His people yet hides these same things from others.

Psalms 78:1 Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth.
2 I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:
3 Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us.
4 We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.
5 For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children:
6 That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children:
7 That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments:

It seems that even from the beginning God had a pan to one day speak to us in parables to make things known to us but not to others. This is the very scripture Jesus spoke about when answering the disciples about why He spoke in parables.

Matthew 13:10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?
11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.
13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.
14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:
15 For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.
17 For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.

We can take comfort in knowing that God is ever revealing himself to us. He wants to take care of us and provide for us and He will make certain our needs our met. He will show us His ways and help us to walk in them. It is a love walk, and a walk of comfort because He cares for us.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You alone are worthy of all praise. We long to be with You and see Your kingdom. Please send today Your overwhelming provision for us. We love You and want You to be our king. Forgive us when we have unbelief. Let Your power fall in healing and deliverance for Your people. In Jesus’ (Yeshua’s) name. Amen.

Long For The Rest

Today as I think about the Sabbath, I think about that time when our Messiah will rule and reign physically again on this earth. I know that there is a period of time when people will still rebel, but during that time I believe there will be a rest that we do not experience now. Paul speaks of the Sabbath and this rest.

Hebrews 4:1 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.
2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.
3 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
4 For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works.
5 And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.
6 Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:
7 Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
8 For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.
9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.

The word “rest” here in verse 8 is the word “sabaton” in Greek. It is the same word translated everywhere else as “the Sabbath” and refers to the weekly Sabbath of Saturday. Paul is telling us that the Sabbath today, which we are to keep, is a foreshadowing of the Sabbath to come. If we will trust in God, we can enter into His rest, both on the Sabbaths like today, and that future rest when the Messiah returns.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You alone are King. Help us to rest. Send today our Provision in abundance. Thank You for teaching us Your ways. Please send Your kingdom. Please come back Jesus. Reign again on earth. Heal us and deliver us. We love You. In Jesus’ (Yeshua’s) name. Amen.

Keep The Faith

We know from scriptures that we will face challenges. It can be difficult to walk out our faith. But in these challenges we know that God is with us. This is why Paul encourages to work it out.

Philippians 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

If we keep our eye on God and what He has in store, we can run our race.

1 Corinthians 9: 24Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

Jesus said,

John 15:9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.
11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

If we keep the faith, we can have joy no matter what comes. God is with us, for us, and on our side.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You as our King. Send us Your abundant provision. Let Your kingdom reign in the earth today. Forgive us. Keep us. Please send Your healing and deliverance. Watch over us and protect us. Help us make it through the tough times. In Jesus’ (Yeshua’s) name. Amen.

The Journey Called Life

This morning when I got up I went to look at the door I built for the chicken coop I built. No, I never built either before. As I looked at them I realized they were okay. I am sure to the skilled carpenter, defects would appear immediately. But I am the loving carpenter that built them and to me they are my creation. We are like that to God. He is the skilled carpenter, but He is also the loving carpenter. He knows we have flaws. He knows we make mistakes. But that is not how He sees us. He sees us as the children that He loves.

2 Corinthians 6:18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

Matthew 7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?
10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?
11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

Our Father loves us without reservation. Of course He wants us to become better people, but He holds back none of His love for us while He helps us grow. He loves us at all times. Today, as I think about our God, I am very thankful to be on this journey of life with Him as our King because He truly cares for us.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You alone are worthy to be praised We love You and need You and thank You. Send us today Your abundant provision. Let Your kingdom come to earth today in healing and deliverance. Be strong on our behalf. Forgive us when we transgress Your ways. Help us become better people and followers of You. Let Your glory be shown in the earth. In Jesus’ (Yeshua’s) name. Amen.

Help Is On The Way

We are a people that want to believe. After all, we are called believers. We believe in our God. We believe He is good. We believe that He will prevail in all situations. We believe that we are His children and that as a Father, He wants our lives to be filled with joy. And certainly we believe that good triumphs over evil. Sometimes we can struggle with this last point. Scripture tells us that good does triumph over evil, that we should cry out to God every day, and that God delivers us and shows us as a token for good in the earth.

Psalms 86:1 Bow down thine ear, O Lord, hear me: for I am poor and needy.
2 Preserve my soul; for I am holy: O thou my God, save thy servant that trusteth in thee.
3 Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily.
4 Rejoice the soul of thy servant: for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.
5 For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.
6 Give ear, O Lord, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications.
7 In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me.
8 Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works.
9 All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name.
10 For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone.
11 Teach me thy way, O Lord; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.
12 I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore.
13 For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell.
14 O God, the proud are risen against me, and the assemblies of violent men have sought after my soul; and have not set thee before them.
15 But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.
16 O turn unto me, and have mercy upon me; give thy strength unto thy servant, and save the son of thine handmaid.
17 Shew me a token for good; that they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed: because thou, Lord, hast holpen me, and comforted me.

Today, let your spirit and your countenance be lifted up. God is on our side. Call out to Him and He will deliver you!

Help is on the way!

Prayer
Father, we exalt You as the Most High King. We thank You for all Your great work and the wondrous things You have done, are doing, and will do in our lives. Please send today Your abundant provision. Forgive us when we give place to doubt and fear. Strengthen us. Send Your kingdom to us today in healing and deliverance, and silence our enemies. Show us a sign for good. In Jesus’ (Yeshua’s) name. Amen.

Building A Chicken Coop

At my house we have taken on some projects this year. We have several gardens and a fountain that we designed and built. Our goal is to build a greenhouse. The one bigger project that we have undertaken is to build a chicken coop to raise chickens. When this first started I thought we would throw up a circle of chicken wire and throw a few chickens in it. The more we learned, the more the project grew. Finally, I decided to build an 8 ft x 10 ft chicken coop with a large permanently fenced in area. I have been working on it for almost two months now, and it is almost finished. What has been amazing to me is how much time each step has taken. Slowly, it is coming together. This reminds me of God.

I think our growing in God is much like my chicken coop building. In the beginning we jump right in because we have no idea how big a deal it is to get ourselves on the right track. We keep wanting to get better yet we struggle. We make some advances, and then we have to redo some things. But we continue build.

Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
18 For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.
19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

We learn over time to build ourselves and each other up. But it does take time. Every day we need to seek God, ask for direction, and move to follow Him in His ways.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. Please give us today the provision we need. Please send Your kingdom that we might dwell in it. Forgive us when we sin against You. Please send us today Your healing and deliverance. In Jesus’ (Yeshua’s) name. Amen.

The Best Path

This morning as I drank my coffee and looked out at my garden, I thought about how God makes life possible for us. He is ever present in our lives working His wonders for us. Even the rabbit family that has decided to move in to my garden is a miracle in the making. As I looked at all of these things, a scripture came to mind that reminded me of how life unfolds for our betterment.

Psalms 16:5 The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.
6 The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.
7 I will bless the Lord, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.
8 I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.
10 For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

God does all He does in an attempt to show us the path of life. He wants us to have good and not evil in our life. He wants us to experience complete joy. If we will but be in His presence and seek His face. We can have that joy on the path of life!

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You alone are our King, there is none other for us. Please send us our provision today. Let Your kingdom come and reign on the earth. Forgive us when we fall. Send Your healing and deliverance. Keep us on the path of life. In Jesus’ (Yeshua’s) name. Amen.

Anytime, Anywhere

As believers we are blessed for we can call out to God no matter what. It can be late at night, early morning, or middle of the day. We have a Father that is unlike earthly fathers in that He always hears us and never grows tired. And we can ask the stupid questions and still, He never gives up on us. We can trust that He will hear us.

Psalms 34:1 I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.
3 O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.
4 I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
17 The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.
18 The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.
20 He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.
21 Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate.
22 The Lord redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.

Today we can know that our God loves us and will hear us in our time of need. He will deliver us from all of our troubles.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You are the King of the universe. Please send us today the provision we need in abundance. Let Your kingdom be among us. Please forgive us when we make mistakes. Send us Your healing and Your deliverance. Show us a sign for good that all men may know that You alone are God. In Jesus’ (Yeshua’s) name. Amen.

A Day For Reading, A Day For Rest

On a Sabbath day like today, it is good to rest and contemplate God. As I look out the window into my garden, it causes me to think of this world that God has created. For example, I have suspected that first gophers and then rabbits were eating the lettuce from my garden. It upset me because I kept seeing this very large rabbit come up near the house and hop over the low barrier straight into the garden to eat. Last night as I was watering I discovered that there was an entire family living in the one section where there are some weeds! It made me laugh because God had given these creatures a home in my garden. In these moments I think of how God provides for all his creatures through the weaving together of life in His creation. He does that for us, weaving together our thoughts and emotions, when we read scripture, I think.

James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.
27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

Here James is encouraging us to look at the scriptures to see what manner of people we are. When we do this, looking at how God has commanded that we live, we see where we fall short. This is the school teacher that brings us to the Messiah. Only through Him can we make up the difference. We are to strive to do all we can, and seek forgiveness and assistance from Jesus. In this way we can be the spotless bride.

Prayer
Father, we exalt You. You alone are worthy of our praise. Please move on our behalf and give us Your provision for today. We long for Your kingdom in the earth. Help us to do the right things and to follow Your ways. Send us to those that need to hear about You, the need Your healing and Your deliverance. Send us to heal them. Please use us as Your ambassadors. In Jesus’ (Yeshua’s) name. Amen.