Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart. Saying, "There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him saying, 'Get justice for me from my adversary.' "And when he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, 'Though I do not fear God nor regard man, yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me." Then the Lord said, "Hear what the unjust judge said. And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, Though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?"
Luke 18: 1-8 NKJV
We all know that we're supposed to pray. It's a no brainer. This communication with our Lord is vital to our everyday faith walk. Yet, what is it that somehow comes between us and our time with God? Is it our work, liesure, kids or just wanting time to ourselves? We may not want to admit it, but all too often our time with God takes a back seat to our everyday life. It shouldn't matter, right? I mean, God will always be there won't he? Indeed, for He is the first and the last, the Alpha and Omega. He has been from the begining and will be there at the end. So, what's a few minutes apart from God if He will always be there anyway? Do we really want to go down that road? If we choose to, remember that it was we who made that decision. We cannot look upon God farther down that road and wonder why he abandoned us. No, we are the ones who will abandon God, not the other way around. It is our Lords love and compassion that makes it impossible for Him to cast aside His creation.
Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the one who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you."
Deuteronomy 31:6 NKJV
There are certain verses in scripture that reveal the promises of our Lord. I believe that this is what we see in Deuteronomy 31:6. It is at the end of this passage where we are assured of our Lords presence. It is one passage that I remember well, "He will never leave you nor forsake you." Though we may feel inadequate, defeated and weary, God promises that He will remain with us. This is encouraging knowing the world we live in. There are plenty of adversaries out there to grab our attention. It's natural to feel alone at times such as this. Rest assured, christian, it is not our Lord who forsakes our time together with Him. On the contrary, He delights in spending time with His creation. For this is the relationship he shared with us at the dawn of creation. We were created in His very image and for relationship with Him. It is this relationship that was damaged at the fall. However, God still yearns for our companionship. Even though our busy lives often place our Lord into second place in our life, He waits for us to return to Him once again. Our loving Father yearning for His children. I cannot believe I wouuld ever be too busy for that.
~Scott~
Thursday, March 17, 2016
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Dear God
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall ot want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His names sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Psalms 23: 1-6 NKJV
It wasn't something that I was looking forward to. In fact, I was dreading it. One week earlier, I had received the call that my mother had passed away in her sleep. I really don't recall much of that night, other than having to see her for a few last moments. Of course, my life was shaken in the span of a few hours. Later that night I asked a simple prayer of God. I didn't ask for riches or opportunity, for none of that mattered to me at the time. No, this prayer was more of one for survival in the midst of tragedy. So, I prayed, "Dear God, give me peace tonight in the middle of my hurt. Bring me rest, Lord." Although it was hard for me to recount or keep track of all that God was doing in my life during this time, I have no doubt that He was there, for felt His presence. The following days would bring a whirlwind of events and challanges as I prepared for my mothers memorial. It certainly wasn't something I was looking forward to. Just one week before the memorial service, I viewed my mothers body for the final time, this was my goodbye. Again I prayed, "Dear God, I'm hurt and broken, yet I know that you are with me even through all of this. Please keep my mom until I see her once again." I didn't realize it too much at the time, but God was touching and healing my heart.
"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.
John 15:16 NKJV
The morning of my mothers memorial was a flood of emotions. I was blessed to have a morning bible group with two close brothers, but my thoughts were elsewhere as one would imagine. It was one of the hardest things I would ever have to do. How could I honor the memory of my mother well enough? Could I put my love and gratitude for her into words that would honor her memory? Thankfully, my dear friend who was also conducting the service assured me that I would do just that on this day. As friends and those who knew my mom filled the room, I wondered still if I could ever relate just how special she had been to the many people she touched in her lifetime. As my friend welcomed everyone and thanked them for coming to celebrate her life I prayed once again. "Dear God, give me the words I need to honor my mother. I may never know just how many people she touched, but I know in my heart that she loved you. I know she loved you because she told me, and because she told me that You loved me as well. Thank you, Lord, for receiving my mother unto you." It is in the words of Psalm 23:6, one of my moms favorite passages, that I have found comfort.
~Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever~
~Scott~
Psalms 23: 1-6 NKJV
It wasn't something that I was looking forward to. In fact, I was dreading it. One week earlier, I had received the call that my mother had passed away in her sleep. I really don't recall much of that night, other than having to see her for a few last moments. Of course, my life was shaken in the span of a few hours. Later that night I asked a simple prayer of God. I didn't ask for riches or opportunity, for none of that mattered to me at the time. No, this prayer was more of one for survival in the midst of tragedy. So, I prayed, "Dear God, give me peace tonight in the middle of my hurt. Bring me rest, Lord." Although it was hard for me to recount or keep track of all that God was doing in my life during this time, I have no doubt that He was there, for felt His presence. The following days would bring a whirlwind of events and challanges as I prepared for my mothers memorial. It certainly wasn't something I was looking forward to. Just one week before the memorial service, I viewed my mothers body for the final time, this was my goodbye. Again I prayed, "Dear God, I'm hurt and broken, yet I know that you are with me even through all of this. Please keep my mom until I see her once again." I didn't realize it too much at the time, but God was touching and healing my heart.
"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.
John 15:16 NKJV
The morning of my mothers memorial was a flood of emotions. I was blessed to have a morning bible group with two close brothers, but my thoughts were elsewhere as one would imagine. It was one of the hardest things I would ever have to do. How could I honor the memory of my mother well enough? Could I put my love and gratitude for her into words that would honor her memory? Thankfully, my dear friend who was also conducting the service assured me that I would do just that on this day. As friends and those who knew my mom filled the room, I wondered still if I could ever relate just how special she had been to the many people she touched in her lifetime. As my friend welcomed everyone and thanked them for coming to celebrate her life I prayed once again. "Dear God, give me the words I need to honor my mother. I may never know just how many people she touched, but I know in my heart that she loved you. I know she loved you because she told me, and because she told me that You loved me as well. Thank you, Lord, for receiving my mother unto you." It is in the words of Psalm 23:6, one of my moms favorite passages, that I have found comfort.
~Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever~
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
Help Our Unbelief
So he asked his father, "How long has this been happening to him?" And he said, "from childhood. And often he has thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us." Jesus said to him, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes." Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, "Lord, I believe, help my unbelief!"
Mark 9: 21-24 NKJV
I've often wondered just how much faith it takes to entice God to act. Is there a finite measure that our Lord looks upon as enough to motivate Him? This may sound silly, but many people will swear that this is true. Not only that, our churches today make a point of telling us we definately need a goood "measure of faith" in order for God to move on our behalf. I disagree with this. In Mark chapter 9, we see the grieved father of a stricken child pleading the help of Jesus to help his son. Now, Jesus didn't tell the man to increase his faith. On the contrary, our Lord simply asked him to believe for, "All things are possible to him who believes." Did the father believe that Jesus could help his child? Well, in the begining it does not seem so, as he tells Jesus, "But if you can do anything." IF JESUS can do anything? If the creator of all the universe can do anything? If He who sent His own Son, out of His love for us, can do anything? I think this man didn't know just who he was dealing with at that moment. In the end, he admits the weakness that has afflicted us all at one time or another, "Lord, I believe, help my unbelief!"
"I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who believe in me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in us, that the world may believe that You sent me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world."
John 17: 20-24 NKJV
I find it interesting that Jesus, in His prayer in the garden of Gethsemene, would pray for future believers. Interesting in the fact that as He prays, He asks the Father that those who come after Him would...believe. Do you struggle with your belief? Read John 17: 20-24. It is as if Jesus knew that we would struggle in our belief of Him. And why not, for there were those in Jesus' time that also struggled with this same thing. As the father of the demon stricken child cried out, we also cry out to Our Lord Jesus, "Lord, help my unbelief!" It's nothing magical or mystical, He only asks us to believe.
~Scott~
Mark 9: 21-24 NKJV
I've often wondered just how much faith it takes to entice God to act. Is there a finite measure that our Lord looks upon as enough to motivate Him? This may sound silly, but many people will swear that this is true. Not only that, our churches today make a point of telling us we definately need a goood "measure of faith" in order for God to move on our behalf. I disagree with this. In Mark chapter 9, we see the grieved father of a stricken child pleading the help of Jesus to help his son. Now, Jesus didn't tell the man to increase his faith. On the contrary, our Lord simply asked him to believe for, "All things are possible to him who believes." Did the father believe that Jesus could help his child? Well, in the begining it does not seem so, as he tells Jesus, "But if you can do anything." IF JESUS can do anything? If the creator of all the universe can do anything? If He who sent His own Son, out of His love for us, can do anything? I think this man didn't know just who he was dealing with at that moment. In the end, he admits the weakness that has afflicted us all at one time or another, "Lord, I believe, help my unbelief!"
"I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who believe in me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in us, that the world may believe that You sent me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world."
John 17: 20-24 NKJV
I find it interesting that Jesus, in His prayer in the garden of Gethsemene, would pray for future believers. Interesting in the fact that as He prays, He asks the Father that those who come after Him would...believe. Do you struggle with your belief? Read John 17: 20-24. It is as if Jesus knew that we would struggle in our belief of Him. And why not, for there were those in Jesus' time that also struggled with this same thing. As the father of the demon stricken child cried out, we also cry out to Our Lord Jesus, "Lord, help my unbelief!" It's nothing magical or mystical, He only asks us to believe.
~Scott~
Monday, March 14, 2016
Gods Undeniable Presence
For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me nd go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.
There are times when we all need to feel Gods presence. It is one of the most refreshing, strengthening and peaceful things we shall ever encounter. For when this world begins to close in around us, there is really only one who can pull us out. It is neither money, fame or influence that can bring us true contentment, but the undeniable presence of our Lord god. We may try to substitute something else for His presence, but it never seems to work all too well. For some it's alchohol while for others it can be pornography or worse. "Whatever gets you through the day" others will tell them. Yet, at the end of the day, their hearts ache all the more. "What is it that is missing in my life?" they'll ask themselves. The answer can be found not by looking within themselves, but in looking to God. For there is no companion here on earth who will ever be as faithfull and trusting as our Lord.
For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someonne would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5: 6-8 NKJV
There have been plenty of times when, knowing my own guilt and shame, that I have doubted God could ever forgive me. However, our Lord is not one to suddenly point the finger of accusation. No, for I feel this would invalidate his nature. For the true nature of God is love. It is through His love that He brought me out of sin. It is also through His love that my life will be eternal with Him. Yes, God could have punished me for my iniquities, and there were so very many. However, instead of fire and brimstone He gave me mercy. There is no doubt that He is righteous and just. Any punishment dealt to me would have been within His right, for I was guilty! What defense did I have? Yet it was against this backdrop that God performed the greatest miracle of all. We see this in Romans 6:8. For "While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Make no mistake, God knew I was going to sin even before He created me, yet He provided for my eternity with Him. There is no drug or drink that can compare. To Gods love what can compare? I fear that any pursuit of my own ambition to replace the feeling I get while in Gods presence would be unsuccessful. To be at rest in His peace is all I require.
~Scott~
There are times when we all need to feel Gods presence. It is one of the most refreshing, strengthening and peaceful things we shall ever encounter. For when this world begins to close in around us, there is really only one who can pull us out. It is neither money, fame or influence that can bring us true contentment, but the undeniable presence of our Lord god. We may try to substitute something else for His presence, but it never seems to work all too well. For some it's alchohol while for others it can be pornography or worse. "Whatever gets you through the day" others will tell them. Yet, at the end of the day, their hearts ache all the more. "What is it that is missing in my life?" they'll ask themselves. The answer can be found not by looking within themselves, but in looking to God. For there is no companion here on earth who will ever be as faithfull and trusting as our Lord.
For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someonne would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5: 6-8 NKJV
There have been plenty of times when, knowing my own guilt and shame, that I have doubted God could ever forgive me. However, our Lord is not one to suddenly point the finger of accusation. No, for I feel this would invalidate his nature. For the true nature of God is love. It is through His love that He brought me out of sin. It is also through His love that my life will be eternal with Him. Yes, God could have punished me for my iniquities, and there were so very many. However, instead of fire and brimstone He gave me mercy. There is no doubt that He is righteous and just. Any punishment dealt to me would have been within His right, for I was guilty! What defense did I have? Yet it was against this backdrop that God performed the greatest miracle of all. We see this in Romans 6:8. For "While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Make no mistake, God knew I was going to sin even before He created me, yet He provided for my eternity with Him. There is no drug or drink that can compare. To Gods love what can compare? I fear that any pursuit of my own ambition to replace the feeling I get while in Gods presence would be unsuccessful. To be at rest in His peace is all I require.
~Scott~
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