Being Lukewarm

How can we behold God's works and His glory and all its greatness and still remain lukewarm?

I didn't go very far in my study this morning because this paragraph just caused me to stop.....

"Why is it we find that people exercise their affections in everything else but religion?!?! When it comes to their worldly interest, their outward delights, their honor and reputation, and their natural relations, they have warm affection and ardent zeal. In these things their hearts are tender and sensitive, easily moved, deeply impressed, much concerned, and much engrossed. They get deeply depressed at worldly losses, and highly excited at worldly successes. But how insensible and dull then are their affections! Here their love is cold, their desires languid, their zeal low and their gratitude small. How can they sit and hear of the infinite height, depth, length and breadth of the love of God in Christ Jesus, of His gift of His infinitely dear Son offered up as a sacrifice for the sins of men, and yet be so insensible and regardless?!?!

Is it any wonder then that so few believers of the next generation want what we portray to possess? Who would want to be like us? If we are not known to be God-loving believers by our obvious devotion and obedient service for the Lover of our soul, why should those who follow us bother with Him either?"

[Thank you Lord, for these words to ponder on. It seems I naturally set my affections on what physically affects my senses around me. How do I work this verse in my heart? "...love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might" --Deuteronomy 6:5........Help me to fill my soul with your life-giving Word.......Help me to listen obediently to the promptings of your Spirit........Help me to delight myself in extended times of devotion with You, God.......Help me to live my life with eternities values in view.]

Excerpt taken from Changed into His Image by Jim Berg

To Much Information!

"To much information" is something we would say when we are given graphic details that cause our thoughts to form mental images we would just as soon not envision. I had one of those moments tonight. No one was telling anything that was crude, off-color or gross. But at the same time it felt like we cheated in life to see what our future may hold.

I know many of our friends who read my blog already know my husband (Kevin) has Parkinson's. But there may be a few who don't know yet. Last summer he was finally diagnosed but it has been an uninvited guest in our lives since 2001. It was a blessing and relief to know what it was......to finally give it a name. We praise the Lord the medicines they started him on has been a big help.

Tonight we went out on church visitation. Recently we have been splitting off with another couple. Kevin happened to get home before me tonight. By the time I got home he was watching "Saving Millie" on YouTube. It's a true story on Millie's life and being diagnosed with Parkinson's Plus which is very fast in its progression. Kevin's Parkinson's is slow progressing.

I don't really care to see movies that show the decline of the body as the disease progresses......it's just hitting to close to home. And it feels like a glimpse into the future for what may be in store for us many years down the line. I watched it though because Kevin wanted to see it for some time now since he read the book. I would rather live the day.........day by day and moment by moment........living by faith, trusting in God. I would rather not know what tomorrow could hold.....I don't want to think about how this disease will steal my husband away bit by bit. "Saving Millie" is a good movie just more information that I wanted. And now I have this song in my head.........

"I don't know about tomorrow; I just live from day to day. I don't borrow from its sunshine For its skies may turn to grey. I don't worry o'er the future, For I know what Jesus said. And today I'll walk beside Him, For He knows what is ahead.

Many things about tomorrow I don't seem to understand But I know who holds tomorrow And I know who holds my hand......."

It's strange how the peace of God will keep your heart and mind in Christ Jesus. I didn't cry with the sadness of the movie's ending. Neither am I crying now as I post this blog entry. I will continue to live the day.....day by day and moment by moment......living by faith, trusting in God............

Limiting God's Hand

Why is it we often think God cannot handle our little problems? We often don't think of taking our problems to God until we reach that certain point. We are are independent, problem-solving people. There are some who would argue that's why God gave us a brain. When a situation comes up our minds and energies immediately work toward a solution.

Only when we come to the end of ourselves and our resources do we then turn to God for help. Why isn't this the place where we start? God is almighty, all powerful! Doesn't the creation of His handiwork testify that He can do great and mighty things? In fact, wouldn't you agree God is quite extravagant in His creation?!?! He is extravagant in His love--His sacrifice was extravagant--He gave His only Son! God's promise to do "exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think" is extravagant too.

Thinking upon these things, let me ask again, "Why is it we often think God cannot handle our little problems?".......Maybe you are saying I've never thought that. But that is what our actions show when we go about things without turning to God for His help. I am saying these things because I am one of those people. In doing so I limit God's hand of blessings on me.

Whatever It Takes by Lanny & Marietta Wolfe

There’s a voice calling me from an old rugged tree
And it whispers, “Draw closer to me;
Leave this world far behind, there are new heights to climb,
And a new place in Me you will find.”

For whatever it takes to draw closer to you, Lord
That’s what I’ll be willing to do;
For whatever it takes to be more like you,
That’s what I’ll be willing to do.

I’ll trade sunshine for rain, comfort for pain,
That ‘s what I’ll be willing to do;
For whatever it takes for my will to break,
That’s what I’ll be willing to do.
Take the dearest things to me,
If that’s how it must be to draw me closer to Thee;
Let the disappointments come,
Lonely days without the sun
If through sorrow more like You I’ll become

Take my houses and lands
Change my dreams and my plans
For I’m placing my whole life in Your hands;
And if You call me today to a land far away,
Lord I’ll go and Your Will obey.

For whatever it takes to draw closer to You, Lord
That’s what I’ll be willing to do.

[Since I mentioned this song in one of my previous postings I thought I would share it with you today. Many years ago in ‘82 I heard Pastor’s wife, Anita Henry sing this song at Eastside. Each time I heard it sung it deeply stirred my heart—becoming the desire of my heart. I had opportunity to sing this song myself and I meant every word of it as I sang it unto the Lord.

Through the years I saw the Lord allowing different trials in my life to shape me and draw me to Him. Many of those trials I did not enjoy and I would have preferred not to go through them. I wish I could say that I responded to those trials with the right heart. But I even went through times of getting bitter with God before I surrendered my will to His Will. When I got bitter I was rebelling—having a spiritual temper tantrum with God. During those times there was a raging war going on in my soul. I found out God could shove harder than I could dig in my heels. I had to let go of my strong will for His Will. Then I found out it was much sweeter and easier to surrender to the Holy Spirit’s conviction than have that raging war that goes on inside when one rebels. God did not desire for me to be bitter or to hurt me.

Trials in our life are for our good. He only allows them in our lives because He desires to make us better—drawing us closer to Him.]

What Would the Evidence Reveal?

Let us imagine hypothetically we left our house right this minute and started walking down the street. If we were accused and arrested for being a Christian would there be enough evidence in our life to convict us? What kind of evidence would be found to substantiate the charges against us?

• Did our appearance reflect wholesomeness and modesty?


• Did our speech involve kind words and witnessing?


• Did our temperament hold a calm, peaceable demeanor?


• Does our life style show a consistency in godly interests?


• Would our deeds & dealings be found pure and honorable?


• Would our life show a faithfulness to God?


• Would we have witnesses that could verify that we profess Christ daily?


• Would our life show areas where we are actively serving God?

Would the evidence be considered only circumstantial evidence? Would there be enough proof in our daily life to convict us as Christians? Or would we be like Peter and deny our Lord?

If you are like me, you would like to think the evidence would reveal that we love God with all of our heart. But is it really true? If we compare ourselves to people given as examples in God's Word, how do we compare?

• Mary of Bethany, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, in an act of devotion broke a very expensive alabaster box of spikenard and lavishes it upon the feet and head of her blessed Lord Jesus. She was sacrificial in her giving.


• And then another time when Mary sat at Jesus feet giving Him her full attention. She was sacrificial in her time.


• The harlot who washes Jesus' feet with her own tears and hair. She humbly gave of herself and all she had.


• King David is shown for his diligency seeking God and his wholehearted praise to God was always on his lips. He meditated on God's Word and openly praised God.


• In the apostle Paul we see his dedication in his service to God. He suffered bonds and afflictions. He receiving the Lord Jesus, he testified the gospel, and was willing to die for his Lord.

Do any of us in this day and age have this kind of passionate devotion to our Heavenly Father and our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Would the charges of being a Christian and the evidence given bring a verdict of guilty. Or is the evidence circumstantial enough to cause reasonable doubt? I found this self-examination convicting.

There Will My Treasures Be

We are to "love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might." --Deuteronmony 6:5

We have very little impact for God upon others because we have very little passion for God ourselves. [Ouch!] I came across this quote, "What you love and what you hate reveal what you are."

Determine what a man worries about and you have discovered his treasures. How he chooses to spend his resources of time, money and energy reveals his priorities. A man's anger is another indicator of his priorities. Find out what highly displeases him and you have exposed what he values.

Years ago my heart's desire was as in the words of this song I sang, "for whatever it takes for my will to break, that's what I'll be willing to do." At the time I didn't realize the things that I was holding as my priorities were before God. These things had superseded my passion and devotion to God, Himself. My whole-heartedness and single-mindedness had been toward myself instead of the things of God. I am thankful God is long-suffering because He hasn't given up on me. Lord, help me that I would love You with all my heart, and with all my soul, and with all my might. Praise the Lord, for I know He's still working on me to make me what I ought be.

Please Search The Book Again by Jerry Goff

I dreamed that I had died and gone to heaven,
I stood just outside the eastern gate;
The Man from within said, "Have you been born again,
And is your name written in the Book of Life?"

Please search the book again; I thought my name was there!
I went to church on Sunday, tho' I never knelt in prayer;
Please search the book again; it's too late now, I know,
Please search the book again before you make me go!

I told Him all the deeds that I had done,
I told Him all the trophies I had won;
But the Man said to me, "Have you been set free,
And is your name written in the Book of Life?"

Please search the book again; I thought my name was there!
I went to church on Sunday, tho' I never knelt in prayer;
Please search the book again; it's too late now, I know,
Please search the book again before you make me go!

And then He turned and left me standing there,
I knew it was too late now for prayer.
Oh, my sinner friend, if you want to make it in,
Your name must be in the Book of Life.

Please search the book again; I thought my name was there!
I went to church on Sunday, tho' I never knelt in prayer;
Please search the book again; it's too late now, I know,
Please search the book again before you make me go!

[Recently, a friend posted this song a facebook, which brought back to mind the first time I heard it. We were at a mission conference and a deaf choir signed it. The message in the words made me cry because I had one daughter who hadn’t yet trusted Christ as her personal Savior. As the choir acted and signed along to the music it ripped at my heart to know her name wasn’t written in the book of life yet.

"Please Search The Book Again" is referring to Revelation 20:12 & 15 “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life ……And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”

There are many passages of scripture that make it clear regarding ones eternity. Like in John 14:6 Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Then in the same chapter verses 18 & 36 tells us, “He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God…….. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”

The destination of our eternal life is our decision. It's as simple as calling out to God in a prayer. Like it says, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved"-- Romans 10:13.

You see, God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. We have a loving heavenly Father who wants us in heaven with Him but He allows each of us the choice whether we accept this gift of His Son. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”--Ephesians 2:8-9 When we stand before God it won't matter which church we went to or the things we have done.

Acceptance or rejection of God's Son, Jesus Christ determines where our destiny lies. Everyone of us will spend our eternal life somewhere--it's either in heaven or hell. I’m happy to say my daughter did get saved that night. How about you? Did you notice in the chorus how this person is pleading, "Please search the book again?" At that point it is too late. Is your name written in the book of life? Get it settled today.]

Walk Your Talk -OR- What Direction Does Your Path Go?

As we restrain our flesh and renew our mind God establishes a Christlike character within us. That Christlikeness shows itself in servanthood --being responsive to the needs of others and to the will of our masters. We are called to make a difference spiritually in the lives of others. We are commanded to serve others by challenging them to change and grow into Christlikeness themselves.

In my study today I stopped at this statement because I felt it alone was something that deserved time for meditation.......

"You have to be different to make a difference.

You cannot change anything by adding more of the same."

[I think we all understand to be different does not mean in a bazaar, absurd kind of way. Being different needs to reflect the attributes of Christ. The world (the lost) needs to see the difference Christianity makes in our life before we can "make a difference" in the lives of others. Change cannot be made with more of the same thing. The same old stuff are the ways of the flesh and that doesn't change anything for good. So the questions to ask one-self is where does my professed Christianity walk lead me? (Many professing Christianity can talk the talk but they do not walk their talk.) Do I restrain my flesh and my way? Do I seek the Holy Spirit in renewing my mind? ......daily? Do I place myself in submission to God and authority? Do I respond willingly with a servant's heart? If I want to make a difference I must be willing to be different.]

Stunted From Growing

"But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass."
--James 1:22-23

Though a believer may have given his attention to something from God and may have even meditated upon it, if he has not followed through with doing it, he is kidding himself to think that he is making spiritual grogress. [Ouch!]

Be not deceived..... "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." --James 4:17

[As I'm going through my life it seems I am quick to forget these spiritual things I know. I do not want to be stunted in my growth. But to grow spiritually I must exerise doing those things I hear from God's Word.]

It's Time for a Test

Everyone hates taking a test. Our first experience with tests were in school--pop quizzes, chapter tests, finals, SAT's. They were enough to give you nightmares--anxiety dreams. Even when you finally get out of school the testing doesn't stop. We have drivers' tests, employment evaluation tests, eye exams and various tests in health evaluations......it seems the testing never stops no matter what our age. Like death and taxes it's another thing we can count on in life.

Even though we don't like tests they are really good for us. They help us to evaluate our knowledge/strengths versus our lack of knowledge/or weaknesses. Tests can be uses helpful aides toward improvements when used properly........ So are you ready to take a test to gage your wisdom. Evaluate yourself--it might be the best test you've ever taken.

Question #1. Do you listen to what God says through His Word and through your elders? How well do you handle correction from God and your elders?

• A wise person will welcome reproof and instruction because he wants to become wiser. A fool will remain a fool.

[I would like to think I take correction and instruction well, but I know in times past I remember my feathers getting ruffled and my nose bent out of shape. I realize from hindsight it was an issue of pride in my heart.]

Question #2. Do you reflect on and remember what God and your elders say? What kind of soil is your heart?

• Being "good soil" is no accident. Biblical meditation is one such way and it can't be done on the run or on the spur of the moment. If you are truly reflecting on God's Word you should be able to point to extended periods of time in your schedule that are devoted to time with God.

[This is one area I need to develop more. I have sensed the Holy Spirit having something more to say to me but my mind gets distracted with things of the day. I must work real hard to keep focused while I'm with God.]

Question #3. Do you do what God and your elders say? Do you find yourself thinking of reasons not to obey God or your leaders? Are you quick to find an excuse to justify your lack of compliance?

• Oftentimes we meditate on a lie (our excuse) until we begin to believe it. We rationalize disobedience to God and other authorities and become self-deceived. Obedience is always an act of love toward someone; it is never merely compliance with a rule.

[I have learned that some of my past obedience was just an act of self-love because I looked for approval from others or my obedience got me what I wanted. My obedience was not always motivated in love to please God or those in authority over me.]

Question #4. Do you persevere in what God and your elders say? Do you follow through even though you must pay an unexpected price for enduring?

• An unwillingness to pay the price is most often the reason spouses bail out of marriages, teens bail out on their families, families bail out on their good Bible-believing churches and employees bail out of their jobs. They encounter difficulties they did not anticipate and eventually decide that they should not deny self any longer.

[I oftentimes prided myself as a person who persevered and didn't quit when things got tough. Since it was done in pride it was also being done in my own strength and in my own way. I have learned this does not please God. When those works are tried at the judgment they will burn as wood, hay and stubble. God desires my dependence on Him through trust and obedience. The question must remember to ask myself is it never what will please me in this decision but what will please God.] This test of wisdom was found in Change Into His Image by Jim Berg.

Just Some Thoughts I've Been Thinking

More & more I realize all the answers and examples we need are right there in God's Word. God inspired godly men to write it all down. So it's there for us when we are willing to search the scriptures.

When I read through Paul's writing in Romans 7:-24 --"For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" --I know Paul is expressing his frustration because he desired to do right but often found himself falling short.

Realizing all scripture is given by inspiration of God, I imagine this coming from Jesus' experience while he lived in the flesh. Yes, I know Jesus never sinned, but he did experience the temptations of the flesh and Satan, tiredness etc. Because He lived in the flesh He understands our struggles and gave us passages like this for our encouragement. Just as there are other ones for edifying, exhorting, reproving and rebuking us in our Christian growth.

God in His loving care gave us the tools we needed in His Bible. As a believer we also have the indwelling Holy Spirit who will teach us when we ask. I am also reminded that God is a gentleman. He does not force salvation on a man. He does not force His Word on us either. It is our responsibility to ask and to study the scriptures then through the Holy Spirit, He will illuminate His truth to us and guide our path. God does truly love us. He has not left us without the help we need.

Who's The Boss

So often we don't realize it when we have gone off on our own little way. Because we are born a rebel. We constantly find ourselves asserting our way because it feels so perfectly normal. We maybe willing to share ourselves, sometimes even sacrifice of ourselves for a desired end, but we never want to dethrone ourselves to the authority of others and God.

Jesus said, "And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" --Luke 6:46 Many believers today are not very good servants because they do not respond well to the will of their masters. They do not obey speed limits, parking restrictions, tax laws and a host of other civil and institutional laws. They do not cheerfully submit to parents, husbands, employers, church leaders and other authority figures in their lives. The world tells us if we don't like the will of our master, it is all right to ignore or defy it. Nothing is more un-Christlike!

We are given many examples in the New Testament that we should obey those over us. These are only a few.

• "Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons. " --Colossians 3:22-25
• " Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort. --I Timothy 6:1-2

Jesus, Himself, even played by his own rules; He came to this earth and obeyed human authorities the same way. God, the Father said, "Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased." Because Jesus lived his life in submission. He denied himself to stay in line and to carry out the will of his Father.

[When we stand before God what kind of commendation will we receive? Being responsive to the will of our masters is another indicating test of Christlikeness. But who's the boss? What do our actions show? Oh Lord, help me that my way would become Your Way.] Excerpts taken from Changed into His Image.

Are you an Action Figure?

If you would consider yourself an action figure what is it that has you so busy? Is it just busyness with life? Or is it a busyness in serving the Lord? Jesus demonstrated the characteristics of a man controlled by the Holy Spirit and in perfect fellowship with God. He was a servant responsive to the needs of others. As a believer is beholding the glory of God and following Jesus' example his attributes of love, compassion, kindness, patience and mercy are manifested through him in Christlike service. God Word tells us He exalted those who had the attitude of servant hood. Those whose energies and concerns were not with themselves and how others could serve them but on how they could become a blessing to someone else.

Servant's Heart by Ron Hamilton

Make me a servant like you, dear Lord, living for others each day.

Humble and meek, helping the weak, loving in all that I say.

Give me, Lord, a servant's heart. Here's my life; take every part.

Give me, Lord, a servant's heart. Help me draw so close to You

That your love comes shining through. Give me, Lord, a servant's heart.

Give me, Lord, a servant's heart.

Make me a witness like you, dear Lord, showing the love of the cross.

Sharing Your Word till all have heard, serving whatever the cost.

Give me, Lord, a servant's heart. Here's my life; take every part.
Give me, Lord, a servant's heart. Help me draw so close to You
That your love comes shining through. Give me, Lord, a servant's heart.
Give me, Lord, a servant's heart.

[A believer who has the desire to serve the Lord does not worry about the "comfort zone." as to what areas he is willing to serve in. He doesn't hide in the shadows hoping no one will ask him to help. He will be found in the middle of things and looking for opportunities to serve the Lord. So we need to ask ourselves are we an action figure or a wall flower?]

Grow Up!

Grow Up! Believe it or not this was theme one year at Heartland Baptist Bible College. Our Christianity cannot be a flying by the seat of your pants thing. We cannot be a mug-wump sitting on the fence with your mug (face) on one side and your wump (behind) on the other. Being a spiritual mug-wump is trying to hang on to the world with one hand and God with the other hand. We will not find peace hanging onto two worlds when we are facing trials/troubles. We will be miserable as we stumble along being cast this way and that.

Our Christianity should also be more than having a head filled with Bible passages and scriptural principles. It should be when listening to God is followed by reflection on God's words so that we begin to think like God. We are then really hearing God. It is when obeying His words and enduring in them because they are His words drives us to being "faithful unto death," we are then doing His will and we are living wisely. This all blended together makes a Christian usable and describes him with a mature, grown-up Christianity.

[My desire is to be a mature Christian but I find myself turning back to my own ways when I don't expect to. I must yield to God contstantly-- it is Christ who worketh in me to do right so that I might please the Lord.]

The Crowning Virtue of Character

Endurance is continued obedience to God even under pressure. In Hebrews 11 it shows us how endurance is doing right even though is cost many of them their lives...it is the crowning virtue of character.

Jesus was our great example of such endurance. "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." --Philippians 2:5-11

It is a cross/death kind of obedience that says "I'll die before I disobey my Heavenly Father." This kind of endurance is not the stubborn self-will of a person who refuses to give in because he believes he is right. It is a believer's refusal to betray the Father by looking out for himself. It is the Christlike mindset that denies everything dear to itself. There are so many verses of Christ example through scripture.

• " Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work." --John 4:34
• "For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me." ---John 6:38
• "....I do always those things that please him." --John 8:29
• " I honour my Father.... And I seek not mine own glory." --John 8:49-50
• "I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world." --John 9:4-5
• "...I lay down my life....This commandment have I received of my Father." --John 10:17-18
• "Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. Father, glorify thy name...." --John 12:27-28

[When I examine my Christian walk to the likeness of Christ and I am in awe of wonder how Jesus had carried out His life in such complete obedience......He lived His earthly life in this body of flesh yet without sin. My brain is just too small to imagine what He endured in obedience to be the perfect, spotless, blameless sacrifice for our sins. My life is always falling short.....there is no righteousness within me. Help me LORD, the life I desire and the changes I would make I cannot do on my own. Please work these changes in me.........]

We Love Ourselves Best

We will always reserve the best for the one we love the most. Oftentimes we'll see a child pick the biggest piece of cake with the most frosting because he loves himself most. He will enthusiastically defend himself when accused of wrong doing [even when guilty] becaue he loves himself most. He wants to be the first line, the captain of the team and the first out the door for recess. This love for himself is evidenced by the way he wholeheartedly looks out for himself and gives himself the best options.

We love ourselves best. That's why it is so difficult to obey God sometimes because we will ourselves first. Obedience is more than command- ment/oriented living versus desire & feeling/oriented living. While commands must be obeyed and feelings must be ignored the issue is more fundamentally stated as flesh versus Spirit.

We are either obeying our flesh and pleasing ourselves or obeying the Spirit and pleasing God. A love relationship is at the heart of our obedience. We will always please the one we love the most. [OUCH!] If we God the most, we will please Him. If we love ourselves the most, we will please ourselves.

"And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might." --Deuteronomy 6:5

"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ." --Colossians 3:23-24

Our actions betray whom we love most -- ourselves or God. Such is the nature of obedience: it is a reflection of the heart. [I have seen this before and the Holy Spirit has convicted me of it before. And again today the conviction I feel reminds me its an ongoing battle for me to deny my flesh, so that I may please God.]

Getting God's Attention

"The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit." --Psalm 34:18

"For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise." --Psalm 51:16-17

"Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest? For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word." --Isaiah 66:1-2

WOW! it said in Isaiah--"to this man will I look." To think if I will humble myself in such a way God will "look" to me. Imagine, momentarily, God looking a certain direction--maybe at something of His creation like a new flower opening to show its great slendar. Or maybe He sees and is watching the fighting in Iraq. But then God [the one all powerful, holy, pure, righteous God] hears my humble prayer. The verse tells us He "looks" to me. God's attention is drawn to me. He may have been looking this direction over there, but He turns to "look" at me. This pleases Him. The Holy Spirit is no longer grieved. The Spirit of God is then free to give me the power needed to resist sin. And the real great thing is that it's the same for all of us. God will "look" to whoever will humble themselves before Him. When we try to do right in our own flesh the time will come when we will fail. We need God's supernatural power to help us--to work these things out through us.

The humility that pleases God includes three elements:

1. Repentance--acknowledging to God we need His forgiveness.
2. Submission--we must subject ourselves to God and His ways.
3. Dependence--acknowledging to God we cannot resist sin effectively without help from Him.

At that moment of repentant, submissive, dependent humility we receive God's attention and assistance.

Things Would Be Easier If I Just Got Out Of The Way

"For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." --Philippines 2:13 This work "in you" is done by the Holy Spirit. He does these two things in us.

1. He creates within us a "will"--a desire--to do what pleases Him. If you have any desire to please God or do what is right, God's Spirit put that desire there. Because we have already learned that left to ourselves "there is none that seeketh after God".--Romans 3:11
2. He creates in us an ability to do God's good pleasure. We can be assured that if He puts a desire in us to please God. He is doing so because He expects to enable us to do just that. He doesn't create a desire in us for something that can't be accomplished.

In the text verse "do" means "energy". He gives us the divine energy--the power--to please God. This divine energy (power) to please God is called "grace". It is His undeserved help to accomplish what pleases Him. He is willing to give us all the grace--divine help--we need to do whatever He requires.

"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work."--II Corinthians 9:8 God will always give us everything we need to do whatever He asks us to do. His grace is mediated to us by His Spirit as we say no to the flesh and say yes to God.

".......God resisteth the proud [the one insisting on his own way], and giveth grace [divine assistance] to the humble [the one submitting to God's Way]."--1 Peter 5:5 As long as we are insisting that we have our own way we can expect God to resist us. When we get in our place as a submissive creature, however, He immediately gives us sufficient grace.

[It is constantly amazing me what God willingly does when we submit our way in obedience to Him. And I often wonder why I must make it so hard. 1 Peter 5:5 is really good to think upon when we feel our prayers aren't being anwered. Maybe we are the problem and have things in our heart to take care of. Why would we think God would answer us when we only want our own way. God hates our pride and our way but He help those who humble themselves to God's Way. He is ready to give us the ability to do the things that please Him. This grace is simply amazing.] Some excerpts are taken from Jim Berg.

"Under the Influence"

I woke up like a she-bear today under the influence of raging anger, but then next thing you know, I would be crying. There was no circumstantial reason for it, but I was having a melt-down moment of hormonal emotions. I’m not using it as an excuse I'm just trying to state the condition of my emotional being at the time. It's been awhile since this kind of thing has happened. I went back to bed and I'm feeling much better now. It’s amazing how I set myself up for a lesson from God before I did my studying today. This is what I went over….

Every believer has the Spirit’s presence in his life but not every believer has the Spirit’s power.

“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit” --Ephesians 5:18. The word “filled” here is not speaking of possessing a certain quantity of the Spirit as we might speak of a glass “filled” with water. It expresses, rather, the idea of “control” as when we speak of someone being “filled” with rage. We mean by the phrase that anger is such a dominant part of his life at the moment that he is controlled by it. We might speak of someone being “filled with fear” or “filled with lust” in the same way. The person described as “being filled” with these passions is son consumed by the fear or lust that his behavior is noticeably affected.

In our verse Paul compares being filled with the Spirit to being drunk with wine. A man filled to the extent of drunkenness behaves differently when he is under the influence than when he is sober. The alcohol affects every part of the man’s life but in a destructive way.

A Christian under the control of the Holy Spirit is also transformed but in a useful way. He, too, comes “under the influence”—the controlling influence of the Holy Spirit. It transforms him so that he “walks” differently.

We are not to allow circumstances or our emotions control us. We then are “walking in the flesh”. We are then destructive and unusable to God. Do you find yourself consumed with anger, fear or lust. I found myself dong that very thing earlier today. It’s not right. When we’re caught up in the moment we might think it is out of our control but that’s wrong. We must make the choices to do right. God commands us to be filled with the Spirit.

Christmas or Resurrection Day

Christmas or Resurrection Day--How could one ever decide on which one is their favorite? Christmas shows us of a gift & plan of God's amazing love. Resurrection Day is the evidence that His great plan is fulfilled. Thinking of tomorrow we will celebrate the resurrection of our Saviour and it brings this song to mind.

Justice and Mercy Met on Calvary

The righteousness of God demanded judgment
The goodness of His heart revealed His love
But all my sin had blocked my soul from heaven
So Jesus had to come down from above

Justice and mercy met on Calvary
Where the pure and perfect Saviour took my place
Pardon and forgiveness covered all of my unrighteousness
And every drop of blood was full of grace

There was no way to keep my soul from dying
Death was the only sentence there could be
But Jesus saw my guilt and heard me crying
And became the pure sacrifice for me

Justice and mercy met on Calvary
Where the pure and perfect Saviour took my place
Pardon and forgiveness covered all of my unrighteousness
And every drop of blood was full of grace

[This pardon and forgiveness was for me and it covers all of my unrighteousness……. And every drop of Jesus blood was shed for my sins……All because of God’s grace. Sometimes thinking on such wondrous love just overwhelms me with emotion. If I had been the only person Christ would have died for me. But the thing is all of us have sin that blocks us from Heaven. Jesus was the pure sacrifice for ALL OF US! Because He loves us.....Every drop of blood was full of His grace & love.]

We Are Not Alone

For the believer have you ever stopped to think of the Holy Spirit's ministry in our lives?

• He is God's resident agent in us handling every transaction of communication between us and God
• He gives the believer opportunity for fellowship with God at all times.
• His presence also shows the "seal" (mark of ownership) as God's child.
• His presence assures us that God will bring us to heaven one day.
• He convicts of sin that would hinder our fellowship with the Father.
• He teaches us more of Christ.
• He assists us in our work for Christ
• He is our Comforter & helper.
• He empowers us to be what we ought to be (sanctified) and do what we ought to do (service)

In a nut shell the Holy Spirit serves as an arresting officer, private tutor, and personal assistant or helper in order to carry out His mission of establishing and maintaining our fellowship with God!

John 14:26 "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."

[We are so blessed! God knowing the struggles we have in our flesh that is still bent toward sin, gave us a helper. He gave us His Word to guide us and the Holy Spirit to teach us and lead the way. We are not alone--God is so good.]

Following the MAP

[In our Christian walk we must be aware that we are follow God. It takes a consious effort on our part--submission to His leading. Or without realizing it we'll be directing our own path with biblical ideals. Following takes hearing and attention to God's words. In a daily time with God we must find a portion of Scripture relevant to our problem or find one that deals with the Bible truth we wish to master. And always meditate on Scripture that the Holy Spirit "highlights" as we are reading His Word.]

Memorize the Passage

During temptation we must know exactly what God has said "word for word." Merely having a general idea about what is right is not enough when dealing with the deceptive nature of our own heart. A man who cannot remember God's exact words is in danger of leaning on his "own understanding" like Eve did in the Garden of Eden when Satan twisted God's words.

Analyze the Passage

Study the passage, asking the Holy Spirit to give us a thorough understanding of its message. Do a more extensive study and pray that God will illuminate our understanding of what He wants us to know from the Scriptures.

Personalize the Passage

Plan concrete changes in our life that are consistent with our understanding of the passage. Be not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the Word. We are to continue as long as it takes to make sure we don not forget what we have heard.

"But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed." --James 1:25

[This is an excerpt from Changed In His Image.]

A tip for memorizing verses--write the first leter of each word in the verse. For example..... Psalm 119:105-- "T w i a l u m f, a a l u m p."

This gives us enough of a prompting so that we can recall the word but since the whole word is not present, you will not find yourself merely reading the words mindlessly. So how did you do with Psalms 119:105? "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."

God will help us with these things if we only ask.