"Looking Beyond What the Natural Eye Can See"

Proverbs 11:27 Whoever seeks good finds favor, but evil comes to one who searches for it.

God is so wise! We can take two words that are derived from the same source, but they each take on somewhat of a different meaning. The words look and see! When you see something, it is usually right there in plain view, whereas looking, takes a bit more effort. God looked beyond our faults and He met our need(s). This was done in spite of the current flaws He could see we possessed.

In light of our Scripture reference, we too are to look at situations and people through eyes of faith and believe they will be saved, set-free and delivered. Its time, we look (seek out; search) for the good and not expect the bad in life. Whatever we search for,be it good or evil, it will be that in which we will find. Evil is always looking for a place to rest, have you been making yourself available because you refuse to seek/look for good? Let's start seeing ourselves where we want to be. We have the power to move mountains if we would just say so and see it already done!

If you want favor to continue in your life, then seek good!

Your thoughts?

What's Your Egypt?

Exodus 20:1-2 And God spoke all these words: I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.

In Scripture Egypt represents a place of bondage, slavery or oppression for God's people. Being in bondage means we've given up our authority to someone else or some THING. Each one of us have been in "Egypt" when we were sinners and enemies of God. But thanks be to God, we heard the Lord's voice when He whispered that day, I am the Lord your God! It was at that place of acceptance that He delivered us from the bondage of the penalty of sin. It is now up to us to denounce things that lure us back into bondage.

What's your "Egypt" today? Is it overeating, laziness, procrastination, lying or unforgiveness? The Bible encourages us to stand fast in the liberty where Christ has made us free and not be entangled again with the yoke of bondage (Galatians 5:1). Just as the Lord our God set us free through salvation, He also gives us the opportunity to keep us free through sanctification and regeneration by the washing of His Word.

God has spoken, so today let us walk in the freedom He has so graciously provided!

Your thoughts?

Surprise, Surprise!

I Peter 4:12-13 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange we're happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

I love a good surprise. It's normally difficult to surprise me but when you can get something by me without me knowing about it, you are good! 

Okay, now let's go to school! A synonym for surprise is "unexpected," while the antonym is "expectation." So, if we're expecting and therefore know our faith will be tested, how on earth can we be surprised when trials come our way? Why should we allow our foundation to be shaken? Make sense? Not really!

When we get it into our thinking that yes, we will endure hardship and heartache, but neither can take us out, and both will build our faith and character, then we will be able to see God's glory revealed as He rescues us from the hand of the enemy and strengthen us through our suffering.

So although there maybe times when things appear to be too much, just know that they shouldn't come as a surprise and know that God's gonna get the glory out of it. The joy of the Lord IS our strength. Are you leaning on the Lord today?

Your thoughts?

"Say You're Sorry"

Luke 13:2-3 Jesus answered, "Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.

I can remember as a child, doing something I had no business doing. Sometimes it was an offense against another child and the adult would tell me "now say you're sorry!" I'm sure I was reluctant to do so but under the persuasion of the adult I'm certain I quickly repented.

Looking at our text I believe we as Christians have problems with repenting because  first, we compare our sins to others and believe since ours isn't greater than someone else's sin we don't have to repent. And secondly because we feel we don't have to say we're sorry for selfish reasons. Saints this is a bad habit to have because if you're not willing to say you're sorry and really mean it, then the Bible says (and I'm paraphrasing) your eternal resting place will be hell.

Sometimes life calls for us to say we're sorry even when we're not in the wrong. So let's put our big people pants on and do what God has called us to do and that is, to repent, say you're sorry and keep it moving.

Your thoughts?