SPIRITUALLY EQUIPT

Grace and peace be multiplied to you
in the knowledge of God and of Jesus
our Lord;

seeing that His divine power has
granted to us everything pertaining
to life and godliness, through the
true knowledge of Him who called
us by His own glory and excellence,

For by these He has granted to us
His precious and magnificent promises,
so that by them you may become
partakers of the divine nature, having
escaped the corruption that is in
the world by lust.
II Peter 1:2-4

Perhaps you, like me in time past, have accepted a job you were more than qualified to do. However, arriving on the first day can be a real wake up. For some reason, in most places, a first-day employee, although qualified either by experience, degree or both, one is expected to jump in and do the job with not even basic entry information. Often, the simplest of introductions are left undone. Because of a lack of introductory information, it may take several days just to catch up to expectations and feel a part of the job scene.

Peter is one of my favorites of Jesus' twelve disciples. I think it's because in some ways, I can relate to him. He was a common, ordinary guy who was a fisherman. We don't know of his education. It may have been no more than learning in the home and learning the trade of his father. Peter wasn't a fancy kind of guy. I like that as I'm not a fancy kind of gal. He was a man of opinion and often found himself with a case of “hoof-in-mouth” disease with his impulsiveness. He was sure of himself as to what he would or wouldn't do. Despite weaknesses, Jesus saw something very special in Peter. In fact, Jesus stated clearly that upon that rock (Peter) He would build His church.

Despite his weaknesses, denying Jesus and other things, we see one type of Peter during his days of walking with Jesus and then we see him after Jesus ascends to Heaven and then sending the Holy Spirit into those waiting for that event Jesus spoke of. We see a new Peter with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. His first sermon during that beginning time is totally amazing. He then had the Holy Spirit working in and through Him.

Peter not only preached, traveled for ministry but wrote two letters that bear his name in our New Testament. He wrote to scattered Christians, people facing persecution and discouragement. His two letters are such a blessing and encouragement. The Scripture quoted above recently caught my attention, even though I've read these books more times than I can count.

According to the above Scripture, we see Jesus equipping us for the ability to live the Christian life. There in verse two, Peter emphasizes that we aren't on our own in this life. He says that God has made everything available to us that has to do with life and godliness. As Christians, God hasn't left us to flounder spiritually. He has equipt us through His Son Jesus to take on life and godliness with a power hard for even we Christians to ponder. I don't know about you, but at times I find I am a struggler in this life. That certainly isn't God's fault...it's mine for He has provided what I need to lead a happy and peaceful life, a life of growth in Him.

Peter went on to say what God has given us in the way of tools for fulfillment in our spiritual walks. He has given us true knowledge of Jesus who has personally called us by everything Jesus is...His glory and excellence. Much of this knowledge we know from verse 4 that we are granted this knowledge and fulfillment through His precious and magnificent promises...His very Word. Through that Word, we are built up in Christ and we are provided an escape from the evil influence the world has to offer.

We are too quick to fold our wings in defeat crying that the world is just too much for us. I wonder if God doesn't shake His head sometimes when He sees us yielding to spiritual defeat when His provision for us is to ensure victory. Let's refocus...eyes off of the world and it's politics and problems and onto our Heavenly Father who is greater that all the negatives we can experiece or think up. Let's get into the Word like never before, basking in the goodness and love God extends to us through Jesus and His Spirit. We must focus on the greater power in our lives...our Heavenly Father.

Father, the world demands our attention and would keep us discouraged and in despair. You are the greatest and most powerful we can ever know. In these days, You need a people who will stand and be an encouragement and may we be that for You despite the circumstances Satan throws our way. Thank You for equipping us. In Jesus' name...Amen

FAITH THAT WORKS

Now faith is the substance
of things hoped for, the
evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1

We are living in a day when our faith is being tried on many fronts. I'm not speaking of a faith in mankind, science, finances, marriages or any other things we could add to the list. I'm speaking of a faith based purely in God, a faith that sustains us through the good and bad of life, any circumstances the world can throw at us.

I came across some notes I took probably more years ago than I even know of. I don't know the source of the information whether mine, old sermon notes, etc. This is a list of six things that are true about faith. I'm listing them with appropriate verses.

*Having faith pleases God.

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6

*Faith protects us from the enemy.

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. Ephesians 6:16

*Faith help us find peace.

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1

*Faith helps us find healing.

And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee. Luke 18:42

*Faith helps us to live successfully.

For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. Romans 1:17

*Faith breaks down walls in our lives.

For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us. Ephesians 2:14

A healthy relationship requires effort on the part of two parties. Usually the stronger of the two will take the first step in establishing a relationship. God did His part by sending Jesus, His Son, to die a horrible death on a cross for our sins. Now comes our part in dedicating ourselves first in accepting this relationship with God through our own salvation. From that point, as in any relationship, even though God knows all there is about us, we know very little about Him. In fact, we will never come to the point of knowing Him fully. As we come to know Him more and more, our faith grows and is enriched.

This growth in our faith takes some effort on our part as it would in any relationship. It means regular feeding on the Word of God. It means conversing with God and also being a part of God's family in regular fellowship through worshiping and learning. Any relationship will take effort and God has done more than His part in making our relationship real, thriving and full of faith.

Simply put, FAITH is:

FORSAKING

All

I

Trust

Him

Father, thank You for first seeking us out of love to be a part of Your faith family. Help us through Your Holy Spirit to have a hunger to grow more in grace and knowledge of You. Increase our faith knowing You desire a strong relationship with us. May we hunger and thirst for a growing faith in You. We love you. In Jesus' precious name....Amen

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MY PROMISE RING

All scripture is inspired by God
and profitable for teaching, for
reproof, for correction, for
training in righteousness;
so that the man of God may
be adequate, equipped for
every good work.
II Timothy 3:15-16

Several years ago, a tradition was established that young dating couples came to appreciate. Jewelers sold simple but pretty rings usually with a small diamond on it for couples anticipating their relationship to eventually lead to marriage. A young man would purchase such a ring and present it to his girlfriend. The ring was a symbol of a promise of an engagement ring to follow when the time was appropriate. Not every young man takes this route, but for those who do, it sounds romantic and memorable.

Seven weeks ago, I entered our local hospital to have a knee replacement. Never, despite being warned, could I have imagined the pain, inconveniences, emotional and spiritual swings that would happen. I did something I had done before to help in anticipation of some such things that could occur. Satan is alive and well and will take advantage of our every weakness. Despite weakness, Satan must be met head on, but only in the power of the Holy Spirit and His Word.

I went, as I've done this same thing in the past, to an office supply store and purchased a silver ring for binding papers together. I then cut some 3x5 cards in half and punched holes in their upper left corners. On each of those cards on my ring is a verse of encouragment. I think at this point I have about 18 such cards on my ring. The title card says: “Precious Promises” on it. I'll give you the first few words of some of those Scriptures I felt I needed for coming days that would encourage and strengthen me. I give only the first phrase with no reference just to give you an example:

The Lord is my light and my salvation...
And the Lord, He it is that doth go before thee...
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear...
Fear thou not; for I am with thee...
Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed...
Call unto me, and I will answer thee...
The Lord is my strength and my shield...
Peace I leave with you..
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace...
Casting all your care upon Him...
The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty....
Rejoicing in hope...

...and there are others. I've not given references because you need to fine your own promises for your own promise ring. You may use many of those but it should be of your own choosing.

There have been times I haven't been able to focus on a lot of reading, especially in the beginning days of surgery recovery. However, I had my Promise Ring with me all the time and was blessed in thumbing through those verses and praying through many of them at one time or another. Even now, I carry it in my purse. Many times while waiting (any number of places) it's handy to pull out and read/pray through. In it, I am blessed, comforted, strengthened and encouraged. By the way, it is a fun thing to make. It can even be made for a friend.

We should be in the Word as often as we can, just swimming around in it and soaking it in by large chunks. There are times,however, with a Promise Ring, we can still “snack” on the Word's sweet morsels of blessing. Make one for yourself and enjoy.

Father God, I thank You for Your Word. It serves so many needs in our lives. Thank You for Jesus, the Living Word. Help us to find our strength and help through Your written, inspired Word and to love doing it. In Jesus precious name....Amen 

AMERICA SO IN NEED

A Plea for GOD'S People
Psalm 85

Verses 1-3

Lord, thou hast been favorable
unto thy land: thou hast brought
back the captivity of Jacob.
Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of
thy people, thou hast covered all
their sin. Selah.
Thou hast taken away all thy wrath:
thou hast turned thyself from the
fierceness of thine anger.

Verses 4-7
Turn us, O God of our salvation,
and cause thine anger toward us
to cease.
Wilt thou be angry with us forever?
Wilt thou draw out thine anger to
generations?
Wilt thou not revive us again: that
thy people may rejoice in thee?
Shew us thy mercy, O Lord, and
grant us thy salvation.

Verses 8-9
I will hears what God the Lord will
speak: for he will speak peace
unto his people, and to his
saints: but let them not turn
again to folly
Surely his salvation is nigh them
that fear him; that glory may
dwell in our land.

Verses 10-13
Mercy and truth are met together;
righteousness and peace have
kissed each other
Truth shall spring out of the earth;'
and righteousness shall look down\
from heaven.
Yea, the Lord shall give that which
is good; and our land shall yield
her increase.
Righteousness shall go before him
and shall set us in the way of his steps.

I never cease being amazed how Scripture gives us historical info while at the same time speaks to where we are right now, especially with regard to our own country.  It's almost as if the Psalmist has been looking in through our kitchen windows at the present time.  I spent some time in the above Psalm this week.  As hopeless as America's circumstances may seem, other countries in time past have known the same frustrations as we do right now.  Many have caught on to the fact that God is the answer and some have not.  Many of those who have not learned their lesson and now are either extinct or are greatly crippled.

Those who heeded God's call are still functioning, many shaky at this point. My personal responsibility is vital as is yours. God looks on individual hearts that compose a nation. While praying for our nation, I must consistently be evaluating my relationship with the Lord and my pleasing Him above all other relationships. We are in the middle of a wake-up call from Him. We had better sit up and listen and then put action to His will for each of us

Father, I'm so grateful for your forgiveness and guidance all bathed in Your love for us. For too long You have been patient with our nation that through the years has become very cocky and self-sufficient, often leaving You to one side. Give us individually a renewed heart for You. Bring our people, churches and nation back to You and may we seek this through the strength of Your Holy Spirit. We have tried for too long to do too much in our own strength. Thank You for Jesus Who gave His all for the sins of all. In His precious name...Amen

LOOKING AHEAD

The Lord is the one who goes ahead
of you; He will be with you, He will
not fail you or forsake you.
Do not fear or be dismayed.
Deuteronomy 31:8

There's no way people come up with some of the stuff I do. I don't know about you, but I often look into the future although that future may only be a matter of days away. Usually when I do that, it's with negative thinking as to how badly I think something could possibly turn out. What this amounts to is my lack of trust and faith in my Heavenly Father Who already has the plans for my life decided and just waiting for me, be it in two days or two years.

I had a doctors appointment recently. Have been on meds for Diabetes II for about 12 years. My doctor took me off of all meds for it six months ago while monitoring numbers during that time. Today was my first time back to see him after going through all the blood tests the day before. Driving toward his office, we came to a place along the highway where suddenly the thought hit me, “He's going to tell me my sugar is completely out of control and that I have to go back on meds.” I could take you to that spot in the road where that “came” to me. (Right by the JW church)

The rest of the way, the same thought would strike me periodically so that by the time I got to the office, I was very concerned. He did all the usual things a doctor does but I really wanted him to get to the bottom line...that A1C readout. He pulled out the report and with a slow “Wellll.... I'm pleased. Your A1C has dropped 6 points. That's a really great reading.” I wanted to ask him if he was sure, but didn't dare lest he change his mind.

I wish I could tell you that that's the first time such has happened to me. I know God is already ahead of me and is always looking out for what is in my best interest. No matter what a verdict might be, positive or negative, God knows and I really don't have to know. He'll meet me right where I'm going and will meet me when I get there. I can trust His decisions for my life. Despite the situation, being in a state of worry and fear amounts to sin no matter how I view it. My fretting won't solve anything or change what is ahead of me.

Satan loves to play with our minds, tease and upset us with just a nudge. He has a way of getting his messages to us and we take it from there. For every evil suggestion he sends our way, God has for us unimaginable “I will's” we can trust and count on. Sometimes, when reading in the book of Psalms, I have found so many of those promises of God and have underlined them.

Whatever tasks we are called to, need not be cluttered with our “what if's.” When faced with a “what if,” we need to recognize it for what it is and immediately turn it over to God. It will be a faith builder that will strengthen us for the next “what if” that comes our way... and they will come. Wherever we find ourselves right now, God has purpose for us that will grow us and bring honor and glory to Himself.
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Dear Father, may I be strong in You as the negative things of life come my way. May I learn and walk in obedience to you in every way. May I learn what You want me to learn from every lesson and may I lean on Your strength and not my own. In Jesus' name...Amen