Tender Mercies

Lord, don't hold back your tender mercies from me. My only hope is in your unfailing love and faithfulness. For troubles surround me - too many to count! They pile up so high I can't see my way out. They are more numerous than the hairs on my head. I have lost all my courage. Please, Lord, rescue me! Come quickly, Lord and help me. Psalm 40:11-13

Like the psalmist, each of us encounters seasons when we face what seems like one problem after another. There just doesn't seem to be an end to the issues or perhaps you are not experiencing this situation now, but we all surely know something is going to turn up, isn't it? I mean that is just what being human is all about.

Our troubles seem to pile up so high that we can't see our way out, and we understand what the psalmist was feeling when he said that they were more numerous than the hairs on our heads. Life seems to unravel, we are weary, and courage drains away as we wonder, "Can I handle all of this? What if something else happens?" This is the time to life up our heads to heaven, and cry out as the psalmist did for God's tender mercies. "Come quickly, Lord, and help me". When will we put our hope in his unfailing love and faithfulness. So today or whenever your issues seem to be overwhelming reach for the one that can truly help you.

Lord, today as troubles surround me, I turn my focus to you. Come quickly, Lord and help and rescue me. Don't hold back your tender mercies in my life - release them, I pray! May shower of mercy and blessing come down from you. My only hope is in your unfailing love and faithfulness. You are my helper and my savior. In Jesus' name. Amen

Share Your Story

When Jesus got back into the boat, the man who had been demon possessed begged to go, too. But Jesus said, "No, go home to your friends, and tell them what wonderful things the Lord has done for you and how merciful he has been." Mark 5:18-19

The demon-possessed man roamed the land of the dead, living in a cemetary because the living feared him. Loose chains hung from his body where he had broken free from his captures, but his Spirit was still in captivity. Jesus commanded the demons to live him and his tormentors fled. It was no wonder this man begged to follow Jesus. His home held only painful reminders of his past. Yet Jesus encouraged him to stay behind and to tell other what had happened to him. He knew that the testimony of this healed man would have a greater impact.

It isn't easy to live in a place where painful memories abide, but those same memories are an opportunity to share what god has done for you. Your testimony may open the door for hope to florish in another's heart. The God moments that happen not only affect us but also have the power to rescue others from despair. Today, ask the Lord to give you the courage and power to share your story and proclaim the Good News to those you live and work with. Too often it is our practice to hide our shackles and not let anyone see what we have been through. I challenge you to use those chains that our Lord has "given" you to share his message to others. Reach out to others that and see what they have to share as well.

Lord, I have times in my life that I see you have rescued me over and over again. Sometimes, I avoid going there to just feel better and not to relive painful memories. Let me see today that these past hurts are opportunites to share your Word and your love to others. May my story be a witness to others that you are a part of our lives, no matter the situation. Give me that opportunity today Lord. In Jesus' name, Amen.

His Purpose, Not Mine

This messenger was John the Baptist. He lived in the wilderness and was preaching that people should be baptized to show that they had turned from their sins and turned to God to be forgiven. Mark 1:4

John the Baptist's camel-hair cloak should not be confused with an woven garments found in any of our stores today. His was most likely tanned, hairy hide held together by a leather belt. (who knows what that leather was, but I can assure you it didn't have any bling).

He preached in the stark setting of the wilderness, not a fancy building. He was well known for his not-so-gentle speeches. His diet was well not so great, locusts and wild honey. (Dual Survivor stuff). By the way, I really like this guy. A real man's man of the Bible.

Though these facts alone set John apart from other religious men, it was his single-minded dedication to his calling that etched his name in history. John never forgot his purpose. When John's disciples left to follow Jesus, his loyal friends complained bitterly, yet John assured them that was exactly what he hoped would happen. He wanted to decrease so that Christ could increase. His whole mission in life was to point the way to Jesus. When God gives us a particular ministry, it is easy to assume ownership. We birth it. We pray over it. Yes our calling waas never ours in the first place. Just as John the Baptist's, our purpose is to point others to Christ, not to ourselves. I know too often we seem to get off track with this sort of thinking and make these grand plans in His name. My only question to you today is "Are you pointing others to Christ in what you are doing in His name?" No matter the outcome for you? Think about it?

Lord, thank you for the ministry you have entrusted in me. If others praise me, help me to remember that my one purpose should be that your gospel is proclaimed and you are exalted. In everything I do, may I be a stepping-stone instead of a stumbling block so that others may come to know you as Lord and Savior. In Jesus' name. Amen

Promised Help

The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help. The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues thsoe who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:15, 17-18.

Someone once said that when we sail through life without a trial or a sorrow, we may slide by without knowing Jesus, but in our suffering we discover true fellowship with Him. God never promised us a problem-free Christian life, but this Psalm gives us several assurances about how God responds to us when troubles come. He promises his watchful care, his attentiveness to our cries for help, his closeness, and his deliverance. Even the fact that we are counted among "those who do right," or "the righteous," and are thus eligible to receive this promised assurance is a result of the finished work of Christ on the cross. No matter what you are going through today, these are powerful reasons for praise. So talk to God today, for He hears you. And remember, when your heart is breaking, he is the most close to you. He rescues spirits that are crushed.

Lord, it is such a comfort to know that your eyes watch over me and that your ears hear my pleas for help. Thank you for hearing my cries, for rescuing me when I am crushed in spirit. You are always close to the brokenhearted, to those who are in dire straits. I praise you for the hope and courage your promises give me when I am face-to-face with the most difficult of situations. In Jesus' name Amen

Freedom from Fear

I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me, freeing me from all my fears. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. Psalm 34:4-5.

These verses tell us that although fear is normal, human reaction to danger or crisis, God has an antidote for our fear. We may fear death, failure, or people. We maybe frightened about taking a new step, fearful of suffering, or anxious about what may happen tomorrow. Whatever the circumstances, we don't have to be ashamed of being afraid or stuff our fears down inside and try to look brave. The very fear that is inside each of us can cause us to press into God's presence. He invites us to pray to him and lay down our fears instead of being paralyzed by them. An amazing thing happens when we give God our fears: in return for our fears he gives us a bountiful dose of faith, hope and love. Give it a try today and see what happens. Are you fearing something right now? Give it over to God and see what happens.

Lord, I give you all my fears today and look to you for help. Do a deep work in my heart concerning those things that strike fear in me. I know that your perfect love will cast out all my fears. Thank you for your promise to answer me when I call to you, to free me from fear and shame. In Jesus' name Amen.

Amazing Power

The Lord looks down from heaven and sees the whole human race. From his throne he observes all who live on the earth. He made their hearts, so he understands everything they do. The best-equipped army cannot save a king, nor is great strength enough to save a warrior. Don't count on your warhorse to give you victory - for all it's strength, it cannot save you. Psalm 33:13-17

Sometimes it seems as if the forces of evil ar winning and godless rulers and superpowers are dominating our world. But these verses remind us of who is really in charge and calling the shots: the Lord Almighty. The same God who created the world with a word can shatter the plans of the nations and cancel all of their schemes. No matter how out of control things may appear, God's plan remains in place. He is running the show and knows the end from the beginning. No one is higher or mightier than the Lord!

There are situations that occur every day that I know we all struggle with why, from the placement of leaders we don't believe in, the starvation of millions, and even the death of a very talented woman, but I know that our Lord is in charge. He has a plan for you and for me, and for everyone. The hard part for me is letting go and letting God take control!

Let's pray

Thank you, Lord, for the assurance your Word gives me that you reign over heaven and earth and that no one can cancel your plans for my life - and for the whole world. I put my trust in you today. Only you understand everything - even those things that are mysteries to me. Because you have authority on earth and in hearve, I can rest in you. In Jesus' name amen.

Sweet-Smelling Incense

Each evening when (the priest) tends the lamps, he must again burn incense in the Lord's presence. This must be done from generation to generation. Do not offer any unholy incense on this altar, or any burnt offerings, grain offerings or drink offerings. Exodus 30:8-9

The priests in the Old Testament nurtured that small and tender flame all the time. It was symbolic of the prayers that were going to God from His people. There thoughts were that if we maintain this fire God will hear our prayers and we would have a "right" relationship with Him.

Today we no longer have to go to this effort or burning candles or incense when we come into God's presence, as He is with us always. Even thought that if far easier, sometimes it gets too easily forgotten doesn't it? We say that quick prayer while in traffic or we ask for help in a situation at the immediate need. I have to ask, do you have time set aside to pray? To honestly listen to God? Maybe it is in the morning (my favorite time), maybe it is on a walk when you can let go of your day. Maybe you need to go back to the early rituals and light a candle as a reminder, there is nothing wrong with that. Think about what would make that chat with God easier and honestly just do it. I ask you to consider setting aside time, perhaps start with 5 minutes a day of uniterrupted time with God. I would think we could go that far couldn't we?

Father, I love the fact that you want to spend time with me. Thank you for your sweet fellowship together. Help me to teach others by my example the importance of daily prayer and fellowship with you. Sometimes I let so many things get in the way of our time together. Today, Lord, I will reserve a portion of my day just for youi and me! In Jesus' name Amen.

Are you listening?

Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into you home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me. Matthew 25:34-36

This passage of Scripture always reminds me of what is important to Jesus and how he wants us to join him in his work on earth. It is so easy to be busy doing many things: taking care of your house, your job, recreation and more. But then is also easy to miss the thing that really matters the most: extending mercy to the "least of these", caring for those who are hungry, poor, sick, or imprisoned. Our response to this command is very important, and it also affects our eternal destiny and our present day prayer life.

Many prayer experts have expressed their thoughts that Lord will not hear us if we aren't listening to him and responding to what he asks of us. I believe that our Lord always hears us no matter what, but his respone will certainly wait for His time and that time may be what he wants us to "learn" from an experience. That experience could be working in the situation that I described earlier and from Matthew. I am not saying that doing these things will get your prayers answered, what I am saying is responding to this command from our Lord will move you closer to being more like Him and isn't that the ultimate prayer.

Lord, I want to join you in what you are doing to rescue those who are perishing, to feed those who are hungry and thirsty with your Bread of Life and Living Water. Forgive me when I don't listen and instead pursue my own agenda. Help me to hear and obey when you call on me. Empower me to be your hands and your feet in the place where I live. In Jesus' name. Amen

Book recommendation

I purchased a kindle a few years ago and I am going to say that it has increased my reading by what 10 fold! If you want to get started reading again, get a kindle, or something like it and you will read.

My recommendation this morning is "Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream"

Your men's group from Cornerstone have started this book and I believe our elder team at Cornerstorne have studied it as well. It will challenge you and ask some very good questions.

For those of you that know me, I am always in search of those great questions!