Welcome!

When God speaks to us, it is for us to hear and adhere to it.  For faith comes by hearing, and hearing the Word of God.  If God says something, and we say what He says, we shall have what we say because He said it!

Always keep fresh in your mind what the Lord has spoken to you.  He spoke of accomplishing many and exceeding great things.  Yet, those were just small things in His eyes.  And if those things are small to Him, then the other things He has in store that He considers to be great are going to be too much for you to contain.

So, going forward (and we are going forward), whenever God says something, respond in faith believing, “Whatever You say!”

Therefore now, LORD, let the things that Thou hast spoken concerning Thy servant and concerning his house be established for ever, and do as Thou hast said.  Let it even be established, that Thy name may be magnified for ever…  1 Chronicles 17:23&24

We know God’s promises are sure, we know His Word is true;

We know that He will bring to pass all that He said He’d do.

And there are many times, we’re told, before our prayer’s begun;

That God’s already answered and the work’s already done.

We, however, do not know the ways He goes about it;

So when His Word is contradicted by events, we doubt it.

We come to the conclusion that it’s gone completely wrong;

And we must take some action that will help the Lord along.

Then we will make what’s nothing more complex and difficult;

And then feel helpless and get overwhelmed, as a result.

And though it’s blown out of proportion, we don’t realize;

That it is yet a very small thing in the Father’s eyes.

But if we’re wise in heart, we’ll be content to wait instead;

And pray with confidence and faith, “Lord, do as Thou hast said!”

For doubt’s conflicting testimonies, we can take in stride;

Because God works in ways so that His name is magnified.

And He will show His glory as He fills our expectation;

He’ll use what looks impossible to show us His salvation.

And yet this was a small thing in Thine eyes, O God; for Thou hast also spoken of Thy servant’s house for a great while to come, and hast regarded me according to the estate of a man of high degree, O LORD God.  1 Chronicles 17:17

Be tenaciously encouraged!

Pam

Welcome!

One of the wisest ways to spend time is in prayer & one of the wisest ways to spend time in prayer is waiting before the Lord.  Wait before Him to listen, to receive wisdom and words, lest that precious time is squandered spouting foolishness instead of making a petition that God is joyously waiting to hear and grant.

Romans 8:

26 – Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities:  for we know not what we should pray for as we ought:  but the Spirit Itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

27 – And He that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because He maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

It’s a blessed privilege and mystery divine,

How the Spirit of the Lord can grace this tongue of mine;

And cause an utterance of wisdom, clarity and wonder;

From this feeble tongue that’s known to only blurt and blunder.

And these faulty lips wherewith I have so often tried

With futileness to say the things I’m holding deep inside—

Yet the words still never seem to come out like they should;

But the Spirit, by God’s will works all my words for good.

And my prayers become more than what I want to convey;

But they are transformed into what God would have me say.

God’s sweet Spirit gives to me a new vocabulary;

And it baffles man, but most of all, the adversary.

So, I welcome prayers I pray but cannot understand;

For I know the Spirit’s speaking just as God has planned.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.  Romans 8:28

Be prayerfully encouraged!

Pam

Welcome!

The times when a person does more than is required is either when all that has been done is still not enough or when the task is something that brings enjoyment.  This is a standard that should be considered in every area of a Christian’s walk.  There’s much said about how God forgives our shortcomings, but much to be said about why so many are so often coming up short.  Is it that they just stop short, or is it something that can’t be helped?  Are they rejoicing in the assurance that God’s grace and mercy can make up the difference or is because to them, their relationship with God makes no difference?  Does it seem as if every temptation is like fighting a losing battle because they’re doing just enough to say I fought back instead of being able to say I’ve fought a good fight?

When someone knows that all they can do, live and be for God will never be enough and yet is content to use that as an excuse to not do anything at all, they should examine why the sheer delight of striving to do what’s pleasing to the Lord, and a strong desire to press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Jesus Christ does not live in them, move them to go above and beyond, or have complete sway of their being.

To give time in service to Him, to sacrifice worldly pleasures in consecration unto Him, to labor in prayer with Him will never be enough to those who love the Lord and are the called according to His purpose.

Take the arrows…Smite upon the ground.  And he smote thrice and stayed.  And the man of God was wroth with him, and said, Thou shouldest have smitten five or six times.  2 Kings 13:18&19

Those fighting the good fight of faith must earnestly contend;

Combating with consistency until the very end.

A soldier does not cease to fight when it seems that he’s winning;

But he must treat each day in battle like it’s the beginning.

And so it is with Christians doing spiritual warfare;

Their lives have constant victories wrought from incessant prayer.

Pray without ceasing.  Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.  1 Thessalonians 5:17 & Ephesians 6:18

Philippians 3:

12 – Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

13 – Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

14 – I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

15 – Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

Be incessantly encouraged!

Pam

There we saw the giants.  Numbers 13:33

Welcome!

Faith is not surprised nor phased by what it sees because it knows that there is no solution in sight; meaning that faith knows that sight does not have the solution.  We must realize that just because we can’t see something, doesn’t mean that it’s not there.  Sight can be blinding!

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”  And when what lies behind us and before us make us fear or doubt God; they are lying in more ways than one!

In order to go anywhere and do anything and be anything for God, we must be fearless.  And God wants to take us beyond even being fearless to being the fearsome.

Fear looks at a circumstance and says, “We shall be swallowed up!”  Faith surveys the same thing and rejoices, “We shall be filled up!”  Fear says, “That’s disturbing!”  Faith says, “That’s encouraging!”  Fear cries, “It’s too big!”  Faith declares, “The bigger, the better!”  Fear cries, “It’s the end!”  Faith shouts, “Let’s begin!”

Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us…Numbers 14:9

Fear says that it’s impossible,

But faith says, “It is rough,

But we are more than able,

For God’s more than enough!”

Fear saw the giants all around,

Faith saw God’s mighty hand;

Fear sees the giants with control,

Faith sees God in command.

Fear says, “We shall be swallowed up!”

Faith says, “We shall be filled!

These giants shall be bread for us,

If we do as God’s willed.”

Fear cries, “The sight of everything

Is frightening to me!”

Faith says, “I am encouraged even more

By what I see!”

Fear says, “I can’t in any way

Compare with their great size!”

Faith says, “They help me see

God’s bigger than I realize!”

The task is said impossible,

Therefore let us proceed;

Because God said it can be done,

So who’s voice should we heed?

Be fearsomely encouraged!

Pam

Welcome!  I received an email today that inspired today’s devotion.  The email was circulating around the office, claiming to contain true descriptions of zodiac signs, with traits from a book written 35 years ago by astrologist predictions.  It then instructed the recipient to read their sign, then forward it on, with their zodiac sign & birthday on the subject line.  I didn’t read ANY of the signs—I was not about to open myself up to that foolishness.  But skimming through the email, I saw that it threatened various years of bad luck if the person did not forward the email.

Well, I replied with my sign in the subject line:  The Cross of Calvary!  It doesn’t matter when I was born because I’ve been born again.  Ever since, the cross is my sign.  If I need a sign that everything it is well; if I find myself searching for a sign of hope; if I need a sign to let me know I’m on the right path; if I need a sign to remind me that I am forgiven and accepted in the Beloved, God forbid that I should glory in any other than the cross of Calvary!  And if I need any information about my life, I need to read no other book than the one of which Jesus said, “It Is Written!”  God’s Word is forever settled and has recorded all I’ll ever need to know that pertains to life and godliness.

For the born again believer, our first sign of redeeming hope is made known to us in Luke 2:12:  And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.  Jesus is our sign; His Word is our sign; His cross is our sign!  He is that which was, and is and is to come (Revelation 4:8) that has ordained a plan for our lives before the foundation of the world, and for our eternity.  You can’t get a more thorough and reliable source than that!

Take up your cross & follow Jesus, rejoicing in the blessed hope!

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.  But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.  1 Corinthians 1:18 & Galatians 6:14

I need no sign except the cross

Where Christ, my Savior, died.

It is the only sign I need

That says He’s by my side.

The bloodstained cross of Jesus Christ

That tells me I’m forgiven

Affords me all the signs I need

For advantageous living.

His cross that turned me to His grace

And changed my course from hell

Is all the sign I’ll ever need

To tell me all is well.

It is an everlasting sign

That there’s no need to fear;

A sign of hope and perfect peace

When all around seems drear.

I need to read no book by His,

Because God’s Word is sure;

All others fail and pass away

But God’s Word shall endure.

It tells me all things work for good,

And I can do all things—

Through Jesus Christ who strengthens me

No matter what life brings.

No stars, except the Bright and Morning Star,

Shall chart my days;

And only He shall rule my life

And change my heart and ways.

In fact, the stars and galaxies

Are all at His command;

And anything done in my life

Is only by His hand.

I am joint-heirs with Christ Jesus

And gladly do proclaim

I will not own, be known, or called by

Any other name.

Since I’ve made Jesus Christ my Lord,

He cleansed and set me free,

I do not follow signs

But signs & wonders follow me!

And these signs shall follow them that believe; In My name…And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the Word with signs following. Amen.  Mark 16:17&20

And others, tempting Him, sought of Him a sign from heaven.  Luke 11:16

Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee from these things that shall come upon thee.  Isaiah 47:13

Deuteronomy 13:

1 – If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder,

2 – And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them;

3 – Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

4 – Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him.

5 – And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death; because he hath spoken to turn you away from the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, to thrust thee out of the way which the LORD thy God commanded thee to walk in. So shalt thou put the evil away from the midst of thee.

For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.  Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders.  Mark 13:22 & 2 Thessalonians 2:9

Be industriously encouraged!

Pam

Welcome!

Today’s devotional thought deals with serving God & the great blessing that it is in of itself.  Every Thursday evening, I have bible study with the women of the local county jail.  I must say that it took a little extra effort to get going last night.  I went home, got a bite to eat and laid down for a few minutes.  My body felt like ten tons of cast iron when I went to get up.  Nevertheless, I made it.  I arrived at the jail, and as I was putting my belonging in a locker, someone’s cellular phone began to vibrate and ring.  The ring tone was Fred Hammond singing:  No weapon formed against me shall prosper.  I burst out into laughter.  That was just what I needed to hear and all I needed to be reminded of.  Just faithfully following God’s call allowed me to hear His blessed voice speaking so clear and speaking strength and courage into my life. & It would be no coincidence that this would happen during a time of heated engagement in spiritual warfare and right after I shared about being more than conquerors.  Oh how I love Him!

Our highest occupation is to serve God.  Yet the greatest opportunities (that continuously get passed over) are chances to serve God.  Thomas Edison once said that opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.  And I say that opportunities to serve God are missed by most Christians because His ministry is dressed in what’s common and ordinary and looks like man.

The greatest tragedy in people not receiving us is that they have rejected Christ in doing so.  The greatest tragedy for Christians in not receiving God’s commands with joyful obedience is that we not only have rejected Christ but also denied ourselves a great blessing.

Matthew 10:

40 – He that receiveth you receiveth Me, and he that receiveth Me receiveth Him that sent Me.

41 – He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.

42 – And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.

All around us, each day brings

A chance to serve the King of kings.

For greater than worldwide acclaim

Is laboring in Jesus’ name.

In Jesus’ name, the smallest deed

Can meet what is the greatest need.

It’s not who’s seen, but who can see

That there is in obscurity—

The privilege to magnify

The matchless name of the Most High.

The faithful servant will make known

His Master’s name and not his own.

And he will gladly do what’s “small”

Lest his Lord not be served at all.

The highest honor and reward:

To be called on to serve the Lord.

The life that’s the most profitable one

Hears God say in the end, “Well Done!”

But he that is the greatest among you shall be your servant…if any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and the servant of all…Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me.  Matthew 11:23; Mark 9:35 & Matthew 25:40

Be persuasively encouraged!

As dear children of God, we are always victorious.  We never even taste defeat; we are only given a sense of what we are about to triumph over.  And when we allow those things that make others accuse God to cause us to bless Him in the highest; when we allow doubtful circumstances to cause us to believe God even more, when we allow things that should turn us back to cause us to follow closer to God and cleave to the Lord all the more, we learn what it is to be more than a conqueror and allow God to be glorified as Almighty.

Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us.  Romans 8:37

If you can go through every trial with this determination:

To get the most and very best from times of tribulation;

If you possess a heart that’s fixed to outlast every trial,

And purpose to endure until it’s proven worth your while;

If you can take what’s overwhelming and not let it beat you,

And face a loss or failure but let none of it defeat you;

If times when you should be cast down, you let your courage peak,

And let your soul be strengthened by what should have made you weak;

If you see every setback as a chance to move ahead;

And when you should have given up, you toughen up instead;

If you accept the many things that should inhibit you,

And use them to do even more than you’re able to do;

If you can walk triumphant through the battles of each day,

No matter what the many odds against you have to say;

If you live life in victory because God said so, then

You are “MORE THAN A CONQUEROR” and you will always win.

Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of His knowledge by us in every place.  2 Corinthians 2:14

Be invincibly encouraged!

Welcome!

When I see myself in Isaiah 48:8-10, how sweet it is!  How wonderful that when I was disgraceful to look upon, His grace beheld something precious of splendor.  I was precious and honorable in His sight, no one else’s (Isaiah 43:4).  He called me beloved when there was nothing lovely about me.  He saw me by His grace and called me by His grace.  When I was abandoned, rejected and unwanted, the Lord called me in love, sought me with great desire and received me with joy (Isaiah 54:6) and then took my place.

Isaiah 48:

8 – …For I knew that thou wouldst deal very treacherously, and wast called a trangressor from the womb.

9 – For My name’s sake will I defer Mine anger, and for My praise will I refrain for thee, that I cut thee not off.

10 – Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.

Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the Finer.  Proverbs 25:4

He knew my wretched tendencies before my day of birth;

Yet He saw a vessel worth His while instead of little worth.

It’s the beauty of His love to look upon this life of mine,

And then hold out hope that there is something precious to refine.

It’s the beauty in His eyes, the flawless heart of the Creator;

That did not select this hopeless cause for an incinerator.

But instead He chose the furnace, where the things of value go;

Why He’d seen me as that precious, none but He would ever know.

For if there was any beauty, then it all was in His eyes;

Because I was nothing to behold, and all that He’d despise.

So I give God all the glory, for the preciousness you see,

Is beauty from His loving eyes projected onto me.

Malachi 3:

2 – But who may abide the day of His coming?  and who shall stand when He appeareth?  for He is like a refiner’s fire, and like fuller’s soap:

3 – And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver:  and He shall purify…and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.  Malachi 3:2&3

For Thou, O God, hast proved us:  Thou hast tried us, as silver is tried.  Psalm 66:10

Be zealously encouraged!

Pam

Welcome!

The Lord Jesus is acquainted with our grief because He carried our sorrows.  So, He can carry us, being touched with the feelings of our infirmities.  He’s acquainted with our path because He’s gone that way before and He yet goes before us, being the Way.  It’s a beaten path because He has conquered it, so that we can overcome it.

He hath acquainted Himself with my beaten path.  When He hath searched me out, I shall come out shining.  Job 23:10 (Free Translation)

I do not know the path I take nor which way it will go;

But I know Jesus is the way:  That’s all I need to know.

I cannot see the future nor what lies in store for me;

But I can see He has a plan:  That’s all I need to see.

I will not claim that I can say just where my life will lead;

But if the Lord speaks peace and goes before:  That’s all I need.

So, it’s by faith I journey, step by step and day by day;

Pam

Welcome!

God bless you, Pastor Doug, for the timely words of encouragement and confirmation from the Father’s heart!  We will never know how our obedience to God blesses others, benefits the Body of Christ and builds up His kingdom of believers in the most holy faith:  we just got to do it.  Although we may not always see the reason why, may we always be ready to trust and obey.

When Jesus answers us, whether with words or with silence, what some may interpret as ignorance is actually eloquence.  What some have determined to be hurling insults and are actually terms of endearment.  What some see as rejection, is actually interaction and acceptance.

To know that no matter what happens or what it seems like, Jesus loves us and would never do anything to hurt us or turn us away or aside—that’s faith.  When we come to Him, we must believe that He is…He is so willing and so desiring to bless us that it outweighs all those circumstances (such as our own merit) that would disqualify us and deny us.  We shouldn’t even be able to approach Him, yet He waits in delight to hear and answer our every beck and call.

So, when Jesus answers us not a word, it’s not because He wants us to be sent away, it’s because He wants us to draw nearer.  It’s not that He’s ignoring us, but because He’s listening.  Bless His holy name!

But He answered her not a word.  And His disciples came and besought Him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.  Matthew 15:23

He answered not a word,

What blessed quietness indeed!

He took no time explaining

How He planned to meet my need.

He answered not a word,

But now I know when things are grim;

He answers still, but lets

His love and power speak for Him.

Be loudly encouraged!