Not Alone

Some days we may feel like Elijah. The Jezabels and Ahabs of this world attack and attack causing us to run, fear, become depressed, become discouraged, etc. And we feel we are alone. Are we the only ones who want to do right and stand for our LORD? God's still small voice reminded Elijah he was NOT alone. In fact, God had a virtual army of those who wanted to serve Him. Friend, you aren't alone. God has others who serve Him and will help you. Trust Him.

1 Kings 19:18 Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.

Standing Up

 The true follower of Christ will not ask, "If I embrace this truth, what will it cost me?" Rather he will say, "This is truth. God help me to walk in it, let come what may!" ~ A. W. Tozer

Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened. ~ Billy Graham

Will you stand in the gap? Are you willing to stand for the truth of God's Word? Are you willing to stand against opposition... whether friend or family? Will you stand on God's Word, the Sword He has given to us to fight against false teaching and practices in the church?

Ezekiel 22:28 And her prophets have daubed them with untempered morter, seeing vanity, and divining lies unto them, saying, Thus saith the Lord God, when the Lord hath not spoken.

Ezekiel 22:30 And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.

No man was found in this passage of Ezekiel and the Lord destroyed the land... it doesn't have to be that way today.

Buckler

Thank you, LORD for protection through Your Word and Your way!

buckler ~ 1: a small round shield held by a handle at arm's length b : a shield worn on the left arm 2: one that shields and protects

2 Samuel 22:31 As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.

Is It Sheep or Is It a Wolf?

To determine if currency is counterfeit or not, the best tip is to look for differences NOT similarities. The same holds true for determining "counterfeit Christians"... those wolves in sheep clothing, those false teachers in the church. If they don't match up with the Word of God in every area through teaching or their actions... beware!

Psalm 15:1-5 Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? 2 He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. 3 He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour. 4 In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the Lord. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not. 5 He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.

Put On, Put Off

It is impossible for opposite character traits to reign in our lives simultaneously. For example, you cannot be discontent and content at the same time. The Bible calls this being "double minded". Check out the "Put On, Put Off" list created by Life Action Ministries. It provides a list of areas we all may struggle with and the counter trait we should strive to replace it with.

James 4:7-8 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

 

Life Action Ministries: PUT ON, PUT OFF handout (.pdf)

Song: I'll Pray Again

Many of you may be going through trials right now... sickness, financial, family issues, ministry trials... whatever the trial.... PRAY AGAIN! 

I'll Pray Again by Benjamin J. Everson

www.youtube.com

Hiding in HIM

In the secret of God's tabernacle no enemy can find us, and no troubles can reach us. The pride of man and the strife of tongues find no entrance into the pavilion of God. The secret of his presence is a more secure refuge than a thousand Gibraltars. I do not mean that no trials come. They may come in abundance, but they cannot penetrate into the sanctuary of the soul, and we may dwell in perfect peace even in the midst of life fiercest storms.

Hannah Whitall Smith

Lines and Precepts

God's Word is ever new... no matter how many times I have read it. Often I've wondered "why" that is. It is because we must learn "line upon line, precept upon precept". As we learn one truth, then another we then are able to put 2+2 together to learn an even greater truth. Oh, that we may build our faith on His Word and His Word alone.

Psalm 119:18 Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.

Look to HIM

Peter learned that when he took his eyes off the Lord he would sink. As trials and turmoil swirl around you, keep looking to Him. It is impossible to focus on the frustrations, silliness, and controversy if you look to Him. Focus all your efforts in staying in His Word and doing what He says. Blessed peace will come no matter what is happening.

Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

All Eyes Here

"The attitude you have as a parent is what your kids will learn from more than what you tell them. They don't remember what you try to teach them.

They remember what you are."
~ Jim Henson

Wise to remember that adult children will also watch "what you are" as well... even though they think they are being "independent", they invariably imitate your attitudes, pick up your offenses, and repeat what you say.

Blessings in Following

He will bless those who follow Him. Praise His name for that!! Rejoice with them that rejoice! He will chastise those who go against His Word. Judgment may not come quickly, but it will come.

Proverbs 12:2 A good man obtaineth favour of the Lord: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.

O Be Careful Little Ears What You Hear...

We like to pretty-up talking about others by calling it "gossip", or worse yet a "prayer request". Sometimes, however, the words spoken are really slander. But don't just point the finger at the one speaking... this sin takes two: one to speak, and one to hear.

slander: the action or crime of making a false spoken statement damaging to a person's reputation; make false and malicious statements about (someone) (aka: libel, defamation, backbite) 

Ecclesiastes 7:21-22 Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee: 22 For oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others.


 

"Mouthy" Speaks?

"Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt." ~ Abraham Lincoln

Or as in the immortal words of one of my favorite Disney characters: "If you can't say something nice, don't say nothing at all". ~ Thumper

Proverbs 10:19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.

Babes in Church-land

Fussy children are not a joy to be around, are they? Envy, strife, and divisions are signs of immature and carnal Christians, aka: fussy Christians. Do you find yourself always stirred up, fussing, or murmuring about something? If so, time to give up the bottle and grow up spiritually.

I Corinthians 3:1-3 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. 2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. 3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

Emotional Breakdown

The result of uncontrolled emotions makes you open to attack... from Satan.

Proverbs 25:28 He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

Preserving Discretion

discretion: the quality of having or showing discernment or good judgment; the result of separating or distinguishing We must be able to discern the motives of others. ALWAYS rely on GOD'S WORD as your divining rod... not your's or other's opinions.

 

Below is copied from a Francie Taylor post:  (I highly recommend following her blog - you won't regret it!)

 

"People who lack discretion often make unwise decisions due to a lack of wisdom and caution. Discretion preserves us like a guard protects a bank vault. Have you been living without discretion? Be careful. An unguarded life can be robbed.

"Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee..." (Prov. 2:10)"
www.keeptheheart.com

 

 

 

 

Praising Him

When you don't know what else to do... PRAISE His name!

Psalm 100:1-5 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.

2 Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

3 Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

5 For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.