One Powerful Promise Keeper

“Promises are like pie crusts,” begins an old proverb. “They are made to be broken.” Not so God’s promises.

Read this amazing statement: “The Maker of heaven and earth, the seas and everything in them, the Lord...remains faithful forever.”

Behind God’s promises are His past performances. He is a God of truth and will not forget or forfeit His Word. Whatever He said He would do, He did. Whatever promise He made, He has kept. If He said it, He meant it, and He will do it!

Behind His promises is His passionate love. He is the very definition of the word, love. Whenever we doubt the fact that God loves us, look at Christ on His cross. Unfortunately, we tend to only look at an empty cross. But, never forget that Jesus, our Savior, at one time hung on that cross for three painful, lonely, humiliating hours. How can we ever doubt God’s love?

Behind every promise is His power. As the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, all of the laws that govern it are under His control. No one or no thing can stand in the way of the fulfillment of the laws that govern His universe - His creation. And if that is not enough, look once again into the empty tomb. He has the power to do whatever He said He will do.

On a very special occasion, Alexander the Great gave one of his loyal supporters a generous gift. Said the recipient, “This is too much for me to receive.” Said the giver, “But it is not too much for me to give.”

Prayer: Forgive us, Father, for those times when we have doubted Your promises, passionate love or power. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: The Maker of heaven and earth, the seas and everything in them, the Lord...remains faithful forever. Psalm 146:6

One Powerful Promise Keeper

“Promises are like pie crusts,” begins an old proverb. “They are made to be broken.” Not so God’s promises.

Read this amazing statement: “The Maker of heaven and earth, the seas and everything in them, the Lord...remains faithful forever.”

Behind God’s promises are His past performances. He is a God of truth and will not forget or forfeit His Word. Whatever He said He would do, He did. Whatever promise He made, He has kept. If He said it, He meant it, and He will do it!

Behind His promises is His passionate love. He is the very definition of the word, love. Whenever we doubt the fact that God loves us, look at Christ on His cross. Unfortunately, we tend to only look at an empty cross. But, never forget that Jesus, our Savior, at one time hung on that cross for three painful, lonely, humiliating hours. How can we ever doubt God’s love?

Behind every promise is His power. As the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, all of the laws that govern it are under His control. No one or no thing can stand in the way of the fulfillment of the laws that govern His universe - His creation. And if that is not enough, look once again into the empty tomb. He has the power to do whatever He said He will do.

On a very special occasion, Alexander the Great gave one of his loyal supporters a generous gift. Said the recipient, “This is too much for me to receive.” Said the giver, “But it is not too much for me to give.”

Prayer: Forgive us, Father, for those times when we have doubted Your promises, passionate love or power. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: The Maker of heaven and earth, the seas and everything in them, the Lord...remains faithful forever. Psalm 146:6

Two In One

Have you ever heard anyone accuse Jacob of being the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde of the Bible? This way of looking at Jacob was brought to my attention recently. A very strange description of one who has such a significant role in Scripture.

Consider these facts: We see a constant struggle of good versus evil. He rises, yet falls short of his goals. His life is one constant battle between two natures: one earthbound and the other filled with divine intentions.

No one can describe his life in a single word. It is certainly appropriate to speak of Abraham as a man of faith or Joseph as a person of purity. But it does not seem possible to summarize Jacob’s many-sided life into one word unless it would be the word “inconsistent.”

His early years present a vivid picture of these inconsistencies. He was a cheat - having cheated both his father and brother. Yet, he constantly tried to do better.

He might have died as a Jekyll and Hyde, but one night he was forced to face his sins and make a decision about his future. And when he realized that he was at the end of his resources, he finally turned to God to be saved from his sins and self-destructive ways.

After that God-changing event, he went from victory to victory, with hope and help from the Lord.

There is no limit to what God can do for each of us. What He did for Jacob, He can do for us: “Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God.” Wrestling with sin? Turn to God now!

Prayer: How foolish we are, Father, to struggle in our own strength when Yours is available. Save us now! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 146:5 Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God. 

Two In One

Have you ever heard anyone accuse Jacob of being the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde of the Bible? This way of looking at Jacob was brought to my attention recently. A very strange description of one who has such a significant role in Scripture.

Consider these facts: We see a constant struggle of good versus evil. He rises, yet falls short of his goals. His life is one constant battle between two natures: one earthbound and the other filled with divine intentions.

No one can describe his life in a single word. It is certainly appropriate to speak of Abraham as a man of faith or Joseph as a person of purity. But it does not seem possible to summarize Jacob’s many-sided life into one word unless it would be the word “inconsistent.”

His early years present a vivid picture of these inconsistencies. He was a cheat - having cheated both his father and brother. Yet, he constantly tried to do better.

He might have died as a Jekyll and Hyde, but one night he was forced to face his sins and make a decision about his future. And when he realized that he was at the end of his resources, he finally turned to God to be saved from his sins and self-destructive ways.

After that God-changing event, he went from victory to victory, with hope and help from the Lord.

There is no limit to what God can do for each of us. What He did for Jacob, He can do for us: “Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God.” Wrestling with sin? Turn to God now!

Prayer: How foolish we are, Father, to struggle in our own strength when Yours is available. Save us now! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 146:5 Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God. 

To Trust Or Not To Trust

It is more difficult to trust than not to trust. So, many people go through life angry and alone.

A father once said to his young son, “James, climb to the second step of the ladder, turn around and look at me. Now, when I open my arms, I want you to jump, and I’ll catch you.”

Obediently, James did as his father asked him. However, when he jumped, his father stepped back and allowed him to fall to the ground. Hurting, crying, fearful and afraid, he looked at his father in amazement.

“James,” said his father, “I wanted to teach you a lesson. Do not trust anyone. Not even your father.”

What a tragic way for a father to teach his son about trust. Though many men and women are not trustworthy, there certainly are those who can be trusted. Many who are Christians strive to be people of integrity and honesty, openness, and trust.

But there is a difference between trusting someone and putting our trust in someone. While it is important to be able to trust others, we must be careful about what we trust them for.

So, God had a Psalmist give us a warning about putting our trust in people. “Do not put your trust in...mortal men who cannot save.” Our trust must be in God.

Many offers to “save” and protect us from the realities of life. Treaties are written, and policies are produced to assure us that “they” will “save” us from every enemy! But in the end, only God can do that. Only He can save us.

Prayer: Lord, Your Word assures us that we can trust in You for everything we need - salvation and eternal life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 146:3 Do not put your trust in...mortal men who cannot save. 

To Trust Or Not To Trust

It is more difficult to trust than not to trust. So, many people go through life angry and alone.

A father once said to his young son, “James, climb to the second step of the ladder, turn around and look at me. Now, when I open my arms, I want you to jump, and I’ll catch you.”

Obediently, James did as his father asked him. However, when he jumped, his father stepped back and allowed him to fall to the ground. Hurting, crying, fearful and afraid, he looked at his father in amazement.

“James,” said his father, “I wanted to teach you a lesson. Do not trust anyone. Not even your father.”

What a tragic way for a father to teach his son about trust. Though many men and women are not trustworthy, there certainly are those who can be trusted. Many who are Christians strive to be people of integrity and honesty, openness, and trust.

But there is a difference between trusting someone and putting our trust in someone. While it is important to be able to trust others, we must be careful about what we trust them for.

So, God had a Psalmist give us a warning about putting our trust in people. “Do not put your trust in...mortal men who cannot save.” Our trust must be in God.

Many offers to “save” and protect us from the realities of life. Treaties are written, and policies are produced to assure us that “they” will “save” us from every enemy! But in the end, only God can do that. Only He can save us.

Prayer: Lord, Your Word assures us that we can trust in You for everything we need - salvation and eternal life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 146:3 Do not put your trust in...mortal men who cannot save. 

Praise, Praise And More Praise

Years ago, two masked thieves quietly entered a church as the pastor offered the invocation. Immediately after he said, “Amen,” they shouted, “Everyone keeps standing, raise your hands toward heaven and sing ‘My Hope is Built on Christ Alone’ as though your life depended on it. ‘Cause it does.”

With the worshipers’ hands held high, the thieves were able to go through pockets and purses at a rapid pace. After they were finished and fled from the church, the minister of music said in a trembling voice, “I’m sure that God heard us sing that song of hope this morning as we’ve never sung it before!”

The hope that we have in and from God must always be in our hearts and on our lips. Unfortunately, when our days are trouble free and uncontested, we seem to forget the importance of hope, and the blessings that come with it. However, the hope we have in Him and because of Him should fill our hearts with praise for His grace at all times. Hear the words of the Psalmist: “Praise the Lord, O my soul. I will praise the Lord all my life. I will sing praise to my God as long as I live!” Praise was as natural as breathing, and he did not need special days or favors to praise God. Every day was a day to praise God.

In good times or hard times, the Psalmist joyfully expressed his gratitude to God for everything. “All my life...as long as I live...I will praise Him!”

Good days or bad days, joyous days or painful days, “smiley face days” or tear-filled days: Praise Him!

Prayer: Help us, Father, to constantly raise our voices in grateful praise to You, for Your never-ending blessings! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 146:2 Praise the Lord, O my soul. I will praise the Lord all my life. I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.

Praise, Praise And More Praise

Years ago, two masked thieves quietly entered a church as the pastor offered the invocation. Immediately after he said, “Amen,” they shouted, “Everyone keeps standing, raise your hands toward heaven and sing ‘My Hope is Built on Christ Alone’ as though your life depended on it. ‘Cause it does.”

With the worshipers’ hands held high, the thieves were able to go through pockets and purses at a rapid pace. After they were finished and fled from the church, the minister of music said in a trembling voice, “I’m sure that God heard us sing that song of hope this morning as we’ve never sung it before!”

The hope that we have in and from God must always be in our hearts and on our lips. Unfortunately, when our days are trouble free and uncontested, we seem to forget the importance of hope, and the blessings that come with it. However, the hope we have in Him and because of Him should fill our hearts with praise for His grace at all times. Hear the words of the Psalmist: “Praise the Lord, O my soul. I will praise the Lord all my life. I will sing praise to my God as long as I live!” Praise was as natural as breathing, and he did not need special days or favors to praise God. Every day was a day to praise God.

In good times or hard times, the Psalmist joyfully expressed his gratitude to God for everything. “All my life...as long as I live...I will praise Him!”

Good days or bad days, joyous days or painful days, “smiley face days” or tear-filled days: Praise Him!

Prayer: Help us, Father, to constantly raise our voices in grateful praise to You, for Your never-ending blessings! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 146:2 Praise the Lord, O my soul. I will praise the Lord all my life. I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.

God Our Supplier

How do we know we can count on God to supply our needs? Can we be assured that he will hear and help us when we ask for His assistance? Yes/If. However, we must take into account the little word if. If we meet two important conditions that He has established.

Psalm 145:19 is interpreted correctly in the Living Psalms to read: “He fulfills the desires of those who reverence and trust Him; He hears their cries for help and rescues them.”

Reverence leads to respect and respect to honor. If we honor God and if our requests are in agreement with His nature and character, what we ask for will be consistent with what He intends for us to have. When we ask for lavish and unnecessary things that will not honor Him we only deceive ourselves. Extravagance always makes a mockery of prayer and displays an irreverence to Him.

Years ago, while in college, I had a post office box that could only be opened with the right combination of letters and numbers. When I turned the small dial in the right sequence, the door would open and I could get my mail.

So it is with prayer. When we use the “right combination” of reverence and trust, and our requests coincide with His plan and purpose for our lives, the “combination” will “work,” and He will grant our requests.

Remember: when “my will” is consistent with “His will” prayers will be answered, God will be honored, lives changed, and His purpose accomplished on earth.

Prayer: Lord, may our lives revere, respect and honor You and our requests be consistent with Your nature. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 145:19 He fulfills the desires of those who reverence and trust Him; He hears their cries for help and rescues them.

God Our Supplier

How do we know we can count on God to supply our needs? Can we be assured that he will hear and help us when we ask for His assistance? Yes/If. However, we must take into account the little word if. If we meet two important conditions that He has established.

Psalm 145:19 is interpreted correctly in the Living Psalms to read: “He fulfills the desires of those who reverence and trust Him; He hears their cries for help and rescues them.”

Reverence leads to respect and respect to honor. If we honor God and if our requests are in agreement with His nature and character, what we ask for will be consistent with what He intends for us to have. When we ask for lavish and unnecessary things that will not honor Him we only deceive ourselves. Extravagance always makes a mockery of prayer and displays an irreverence to Him.

Years ago, while in college, I had a post office box that could only be opened with the right combination of letters and numbers. When I turned the small dial in the right sequence, the door would open and I could get my mail.

So it is with prayer. When we use the “right combination” of reverence and trust, and our requests coincide with His plan and purpose for our lives, the “combination” will “work,” and He will grant our requests.

Remember: when “my will” is consistent with “His will” prayers will be answered, God will be honored, lives changed, and His purpose accomplished on earth.

Prayer: Lord, may our lives revere, respect and honor You and our requests be consistent with Your nature. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 145:19 He fulfills the desires of those who reverence and trust Him; He hears their cries for help and rescues them.

Closer Than You Think

Little Harry was saying his prayers before climbing into bed. In a very soft voice, his mother said, “I can’t hear you!” 

“I wasn’t talking to you, Mom,” he responded. “I was talking to God. And I don’t have to yell because He’s closer to me than you are and I know He’s listening!”

The Psalmist reminded us that “The Lord is near to all who call on Him, who call on Him in truth.”

Here are three guidelines for our prayers:

Make them simple. Our prayers ought to be as natural as breathing. Think of praying as a conversation with God. When children call on their father for help, they don’t use long, drawn-out sentences with words that don’t make any difference. They get right to the point.

Make them sincere. We must be genuine when we go to Him in prayer. Included in this part of our prayer life would be honesty and openness. God will not put up with trying to “hide the truth” when we call on Him for help. Trying to say “It’s Your will, Lord,” when we know it’s “our” wants, won’t work. Being open with God means that we must confess our sin and ask for Him to forgive and cleanse us when we pray.

Make them specific. If you order an item on-line, it has a number to go with it. When we order from a menu, we “specify” what we want. Jesus said, “If you ask for anything” - implying a specific, identifiable item or need – “I will do it or get it for you.” Or, “Get to the point!”

God is close, compassionate, considerate and caring.

Prayer: Father, may we realize the power of prayer and the need to be simple, sincere and specific in our prayers. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 145:18 The Lord is near to all who call on Him, who call on Him in truth.

Closer Than You Think

Little Harry was saying his prayers before climbing into bed. In a very soft voice, his mother said, “I can’t hear you!” 

“I wasn’t talking to you, Mom,” he responded. “I was talking to God. And I don’t have to yell because He’s closer to me than you are and I know He’s listening!”

The Psalmist reminded us that “The Lord is near to all who call on Him, who call on Him in truth.”

Here are three guidelines for our prayers:

Make them simple. Our prayers ought to be as natural as breathing. Think of praying as a conversation with God. When children call on their father for help, they don’t use long, drawn-out sentences with words that don’t make any difference. They get right to the point.

Make them sincere. We must be genuine when we go to Him in prayer. Included in this part of our prayer life would be honesty and openness. God will not put up with trying to “hide the truth” when we call on Him for help. Trying to say “It’s Your will, Lord,” when we know it’s “our” wants, won’t work. Being open with God means that we must confess our sin and ask for Him to forgive and cleanse us when we pray.

Make them specific. If you order an item on-line, it has a number to go with it. When we order from a menu, we “specify” what we want. Jesus said, “If you ask for anything” - implying a specific, identifiable item or need – “I will do it or get it for you.” Or, “Get to the point!”

God is close, compassionate, considerate and caring.

Prayer: Father, may we realize the power of prayer and the need to be simple, sincere and specific in our prayers. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 145:18 The Lord is near to all who call on Him, who call on Him in truth.

God's Intentions

The young couple had been married for less than a month. One evening after taking his bride to dinner, the husband nervously asked, “Dear, you wouldn’t be offended if I pointed out a few of your flaws and faults, would you?”

“Why, of course not, Andrew,” she responded. “After all, those little defects kept me from getting a better husband.”

We all have defects - except our Lord. The Psalmist reminded us of this when he wrote, “The Lord is righteous in all His ways and loving toward all He has made.”

Before the sixteenth century, the word “righteousness” was spelled, “rightwise.” It meant “one who is as he ought to be.” Our Lord is what God intended Him to be. He committed no sin. He did not violate anyone’s rights. He wronged no person. Whatever He did was right. He was “rightwise.”

Our English word “holy” is closely related to the idea of being “whole” or “complete.” Three feet is a “whole” yard. One hundred pennies are a “whole” dollar. Our Lord approached nothing or no one half-heartedly. He never held anything back for Himself. He was totally committed to whatever He did to the glory of God. Every obligation He had to His Father was “complete!”

Not one of us is who or what God “intended” us to be. We are not who we “ought” to be in God’s eyes. Nor are we “whole” or “complete” as God designed and created us to be. We have all “fallen short” of His intentions.

But through Christ our Savior we can be!

Prayer: Thank You, Father, for providing a way for us to become who You intended us to be through Christ. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 145:17 The Lord is righteous in all His ways and loving toward all He has made.

God's Intentions

The young couple had been married for less than a month. One evening after taking his bride to dinner, the husband nervously asked, “Dear, you wouldn’t be offended if I pointed out a few of your flaws and faults, would you?”

“Why, of course not, Andrew,” she responded. “After all, those little defects kept me from getting a better husband.”

We all have defects - except our Lord. The Psalmist reminded us of this when he wrote, “The Lord is righteous in all His ways and loving toward all He has made.”

Before the sixteenth century, the word “righteousness” was spelled, “rightwise.” It meant “one who is as he ought to be.” Our Lord is what God intended Him to be. He committed no sin. He did not violate anyone’s rights. He wronged no person. Whatever He did was right. He was “rightwise.”

Our English word “holy” is closely related to the idea of being “whole” or “complete.” Three feet is a “whole” yard. One hundred pennies are a “whole” dollar. Our Lord approached nothing or no one half-heartedly. He never held anything back for Himself. He was totally committed to whatever He did to the glory of God. Every obligation He had to His Father was “complete!”

Not one of us is who or what God “intended” us to be. We are not who we “ought” to be in God’s eyes. Nor are we “whole” or “complete” as God designed and created us to be. We have all “fallen short” of His intentions.

But through Christ our Savior we can be!

Prayer: Thank You, Father, for providing a way for us to become who You intended us to be through Christ. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 145:17 The Lord is righteous in all His ways and loving toward all He has made.

Helping Hands

Years ago there was a picture of a mother and father walking down a beautiful pathway holding the hands of their two small children who were walking with them. Underneath were the words, “Their Future is in Your Hands.” That is true in a certain sense and to a certain degree.

David realized there was another hand that was far more important than the hand of any parent: “You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.” What did he mean?

God is sufficient to save. When he began to sink in swirling waves, Peter shouted, “Save me, Lord!” And He did. Immediately Jesus saw a person who was in need, and He reached out and saved him. He did it for Peter, and He will do the same for anyone who willingly calls on Him for salvation.

God is sufficient to supply every need that we have. Our God is a good and gracious God who is willing to meet the needs of those who depend on Him. God not only saves us by His grace, but His Word assures us that “God will supply our every need according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.” God does not give grudgingly, but generously, because His grace is endless!

God is sufficient to sustain us. Jude assures us that “He is able to keep us from falling and present us before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy to His Father.” Are there any other words that bring more comfort in times of anxiety, adversity or abandonment?

Prayer: Great is Your faithfulness, O Lord, to save us, supply our every need and sustain us each day of our lives. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 145:16 You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. 

Helping Hands

Years ago there was a picture of a mother and father walking down a beautiful pathway holding the hands of their two small children who were walking with them. Underneath were the words, “Their Future is in Your Hands.” That is true in a certain sense and to a certain degree.

David realized there was another hand that was far more important than the hand of any parent: “You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.” What did he mean?

God is sufficient to save. When he began to sink in swirling waves, Peter shouted, “Save me, Lord!” And He did. Immediately Jesus saw a person who was in need, and He reached out and saved him. He did it for Peter, and He will do the same for anyone who willingly calls on Him for salvation.

God is sufficient to supply every need that we have. Our God is a good and gracious God who is willing to meet the needs of those who depend on Him. God not only saves us by His grace, but His Word assures us that “God will supply our every need according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.” God does not give grudgingly, but generously, because His grace is endless!

God is sufficient to sustain us. Jude assures us that “He is able to keep us from falling and present us before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy to His Father.” Are there any other words that bring more comfort in times of anxiety, adversity or abandonment?

Prayer: Great is Your faithfulness, O Lord, to save us, supply our every need and sustain us each day of our lives. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 145:16 You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. 

Struggling To Survive

A raging sea, a violent storm, a broken mast and a twenty-foot swell capsized the small ship. A survivor in a small rowboat was struggling for his life - looking for hope. Suddenly, through the dark clouds, he sighted a lone star shining brightly. Rowing with all his might, he said to himself over and over, “If I lose that star, I’m lost!”

What an appropriate scene for us to visualize when all seems lost and storms of life refuse to give way to calm seas. It seems as though wave after wave rises and falls while the wind grows stronger and the night darker. We strain, and we struggle against all the odds to survive. Is the sun gone from my life forever? Will I never see another blossom? Will the clouds never allow the stars to shine again?

Often, we fix our eyes on things that give us no hope or people who do not care for our best. The “immediate” is right here right now, and that’s all that matters! So we “reach out” and grab anything that is available.

However, there is a better way to respond when life has turned us upside down. The Psalmist wrote, “The eyes of all look to You in hope.” There are those who “wish” for better days when things are bleak and black. And then there are Christians who have hope!

The difference between a “wish” and “hope” that comes from faith in Christ is quite significant. A wish is a “desire” or a “dream.” But when we who belong to God say we “have this hope,” it means that because of His faithfulness we have the confident assurance that we can trust the Lord to save us and sustain us in life’s darkest hours.

Prayer: Lord, as unworthy and undeserving as we are, we know that You will rescue us if we have faith in You! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 145:15a The eyes of all look to You. 

Struggling To Survive

A raging sea, a violent storm, a broken mast and a twenty-foot swell capsized the small ship. A survivor in a small rowboat was struggling for his life - looking for hope. Suddenly, through the dark clouds, he sighted a lone star shining brightly. Rowing with all his might, he said to himself over and over, “If I lose that star, I’m lost!”

What an appropriate scene for us to visualize when all seems lost and storms of life refuse to give way to calm seas. It seems as though wave after wave rises and falls while the wind grows stronger and the night darker. We strain, and we struggle against all the odds to survive. Is the sun gone from my life forever? Will I never see another blossom? Will the clouds never allow the stars to shine again?

Often, we fix our eyes on things that give us no hope or people who do not care for our best. The “immediate” is right here right now, and that’s all that matters! So we “reach out” and grab anything that is available.

However, there is a better way to respond when life has turned us upside down. The Psalmist wrote, “The eyes of all look to You in hope.” There are those who “wish” for better days when things are bleak and black. And then there are Christians who have hope!

The difference between a “wish” and “hope” that comes from faith in Christ is quite significant. A wish is a “desire” or a “dream.” But when we who belong to God say we “have this hope,” it means that because of His faithfulness we have the confident assurance that we can trust the Lord to save us and sustain us in life’s darkest hours.

Prayer: Lord, as unworthy and undeserving as we are, we know that You will rescue us if we have faith in You! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 145:15a The eyes of all look to You. 

Need Help In Getting Up?

Not long ago, shortly after spine surgery, I was walking from one room to another with a cup of coffee in one hand and a book in the other. Although I knew my balance had not returned to its pre-surgical state, I would not allow anyone to help me. Suddenly, I tripped, spilled the coffee on myself and my book and was lying flat on my face wondering what happened.

As I lay there, I soon realized that “pride,” no doubt, contributed to my fall more than my inadequate balance.

Struggling to get up, my wife asked if she could help me. I said, “No, I can do this by myself!” When I realized how weak I was, and that I could not get up by myself, I finally asked for her help. Sitting in my chair, I realized that this was an example of my pride and unwillingness to ask for help. First, I fell when I refused her help. Then I refused her help a second time when she offered to help lift me.

As I thought about my experience sometime later, Psalm 145:14 came to mind: “The Lord ‘lifts’ all those who fall; and lifts all who are bowed down.” Reflecting on that verse, I came to realize that we often “fall” in our daily spiritual journey because of pride and vanity. Even after we fall, we often refuse to turn to God for His strength, believing we “can do it on our own,” without His help.

“I can do all things,” Paul said, “through Christ.” He was a man of strength and courage, vision, and victory. He realized that what God called him to do was well beyond his strength. He needed Christ’s strength to do Christ’s work. Are you down? Reach out for God’s hand!

Prayer: Lord, we often fail and fall because of our pride and vanity. May we realize we need You to stay “upright.” In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 145:14 The Lord ‘lifts’ all those who fall; and lifts all who are bowed down. 

Need Help In Getting Up?

Not long ago, shortly after spine surgery, I was walking from one room to another with a cup of coffee in one hand and a book in the other. Although I knew my balance had not returned to its pre-surgical state, I would not allow anyone to help me. Suddenly, I tripped, spilled the coffee on myself and my book and was lying flat on my face wondering what happened.

As I lay there, I soon realized that “pride,” no doubt, contributed to my fall more than my inadequate balance.

Struggling to get up, my wife asked if she could help me. I said, “No, I can do this by myself!” When I realized how weak I was, and that I could not get up by myself, I finally asked for her help. Sitting in my chair, I realized that this was an example of my pride and unwillingness to ask for help. First, I fell when I refused her help. Then I refused her help a second time when she offered to help lift me.

As I thought about my experience sometime later, Psalm 145:14 came to mind: “The Lord ‘lifts’ all those who fall; and lifts all who are bowed down.” Reflecting on that verse, I came to realize that we often “fall” in our daily spiritual journey because of pride and vanity. Even after we fall, we often refuse to turn to God for His strength, believing we “can do it on our own,” without His help.

“I can do all things,” Paul said, “through Christ.” He was a man of strength and courage, vision, and victory. He realized that what God called him to do was well beyond his strength. He needed Christ’s strength to do Christ’s work. Are you down? Reach out for God’s hand!

Prayer: Lord, we often fail and fall because of our pride and vanity. May we realize we need You to stay “upright.” In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 145:14 The Lord ‘lifts’ all those who fall; and lifts all who are bowed down. 

An Everlasting Kingdom

World events, at times, are overwhelming. The moral and spiritual decay, the expansion of religions that would eliminate Christianity, the rise of secularism and “political correctness” have dimmed the voice of believers The increased number of martyrs has raised the question: “Will Christianity survive?”

Absolutely! The Psalmist long ago assured us that: “Your Kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom, and Your dominion endures through all generations!”

Nearly two thousand years ago some tried to do away with Jesus. They nailed Him to a cross. Sealed Him in a tomb. Surrounded that tomb with guards and proudly said, “This is the end of Him.” They thought that they had rid the world of His presence. But they were fooled. He came back from the dead and became the Living Christ! He was victorious over sin and death and became our Savior.

Robert Ingersoll, the atheist, held up a Bible and declared, “In fifteen years this book will be in a morgue.” Fifteen years later it was he who would be in a morgue.

Islam swept across the Middle East in the 7th century determined to destroy Christianity. A Christian church in Damascus was turned into a mosque. Today, the words, “Thy Kingdom, O Christ, is an everlasting Kingdom and Thy dominion endures throughout all generations” are inscribed over the entrance.

One day there will be no kingdoms but God’s Kingdom. It is not about endurance, but who will be its citizens!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, give us courage to speak Your truth to do all that we can to expand Your Kingdom! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 145:13a Your Kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom, and Your dominion endures through all generations.

An Everlasting Kingdom

World events, at times, are overwhelming. The moral and spiritual decay, the expansion of religions that would eliminate Christianity, the rise of secularism and “political correctness” have dimmed the voice of believers The increased number of martyrs has raised the question: “Will Christianity survive?”

Absolutely! The Psalmist long ago assured us that: “Your Kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom, and Your dominion endures through all generations!”

Nearly two thousand years ago some tried to do away with Jesus. They nailed Him to a cross. Sealed Him in a tomb. Surrounded that tomb with guards and proudly said, “This is the end of Him.” They thought that they had rid the world of His presence. But they were fooled. He came back from the dead and became the Living Christ! He was victorious over sin and death and became our Savior.

Robert Ingersoll, the atheist, held up a Bible and declared, “In fifteen years this book will be in a morgue.” Fifteen years later it was he who would be in a morgue.

Islam swept across the Middle East in the 7th century determined to destroy Christianity. A Christian church in Damascus was turned into a mosque. Today, the words, “Thy Kingdom, O Christ, is an everlasting Kingdom and Thy dominion endures throughout all generations” are inscribed over the entrance.

One day there will be no kingdoms but God’s Kingdom. It is not about endurance, but who will be its citizens!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, give us courage to speak Your truth to do all that we can to expand Your Kingdom! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 145:13a Your Kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom, and Your dominion endures through all generations.

God Is Good

Only God can be called “good.” And His very name comes from His “goodness.” When “good” and “goodness” are shortened, we end up with “God.”

Everything that comes from God - His creation or counsel, His laws and love, His promises and provisions - must be good because the nature of God Himself is “good!”

God is not good to us if we are good, nor does He always treat us bad if we are bad. Those who say, “God won’t be good to you if you are bad” do not understand God or who He is.

The Psalmist did. He wrote, “The Lord is good to all!”

We recognize God’s goodness in the way He provided for our salvation. After a young Brahman interviewed a missionary, he said, “Hinduism has many things which Christianity has. But there is one thing which you have that we do not have - a Savior.” We have a Savior because of God’s goodness. It was His goodness that flowed from His love that He sent His Son to be our Savior. Only a “Good God” would make such a supreme sacrifice to make salvation possible which is available “to all!”

We realize God’s goodness in the way He meets the needs of everyone. The food that grows in fields, on bushes and branches, vines and beneath the soil, was first planted by God for everyone. The water, which God gave us for survival, falls on the “just and the unjust.” Why?

Again, the Psalmist said: “His tender mercies are over all.”

God is good. But one day, all will stand before Him in judgment and be asked: “Is my Son your Savior?”

Prayer: Lord, we recognize Your eternal goodness and grace and ask Your forgiveness and cleansing for our sins. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 145:9 The Lord is good to all. His tender mercies are over all. 

Helping Hands

Years ago there was a picture of a mother and father walking down a beautiful pathway holding the hands of their two small children who were walking with them. Underneath were the words, “Their Future is in Your Hands.” That is true in a certain sense and to a certain degree.

David realized there was another hand that was far more important than the hand of any parent: “You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.” What did he mean?

God is sufficient to save. When he began to sink in swirling waves, Peter shouted, “Save me, Lord!” And He did. Immediately Jesus saw a person who was in need, and He reached out and saved him. He did it for Peter, and He will do the same for anyone who willingly calls on Him for salvation.

God is sufficient to supply every need that we have. Our God is a good and gracious God who is willing to meet the needs of those who depend on Him. God not only saves us by His grace, but His Word assures us that “God will supply our every need according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.” God does not give grudgingly, but generously, because His grace is endless!

God is sufficient to sustain us. Jude assures us that “He is able to keep us from falling and present us before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy to His Father.” Are there any other words that bring more comfort in times of anxiety, adversity or abandonment?

Prayer: Great is Your faithfulness, O Lord, to save us, supply our every need and sustain us each day of our lives. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 145:16 You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. 

God Is Good

Only God can be called “good.” And His very name comes from His “goodness.” When “good” and “goodness” are shortened, we end up with “God.”

Everything that comes from God - His creation or counsel, His laws and love, His promises and provisions - must be good because the nature of God Himself is “good!”

God is not good to us if we are good, nor does He always treat us bad if we are bad. Those who say, “God won’t be good to you if you are bad” do not understand God or who He is.

The Psalmist did. He wrote, “The Lord is good to all!”

We recognize God’s goodness in the way He provided for our salvation. After a young Brahman interviewed a missionary, he said, “Hinduism has many things which Christianity has. But there is one thing which you have that we do not have - a Savior.” We have a Savior because of God’s goodness. It was His goodness that flowed from His love that He sent His Son to be our Savior. Only a “Good God” would make such a supreme sacrifice to make salvation possible which is available “to all!”

We realize God’s goodness in the way He meets the needs of everyone. The food that grows in fields, on bushes and branches, vines and beneath the soil, was first planted by God for everyone. The water, which God gave us for survival, falls on the “just and the unjust.” Why?

Again, the Psalmist said: “His tender mercies are over all.”

God is good. But one day, all will stand before Him in judgment and be asked: “Is my Son your Savior?”

Prayer: Lord, we recognize Your eternal goodness and grace and ask Your forgiveness and cleansing for our sins. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 145:9 The Lord is good to all. His tender mercies are over all. 

Helping Hands

Years ago there was a picture of a mother and father walking down a beautiful pathway holding the hands of their two small children who were walking with them. Underneath were the words, “Their Future is in Your Hands.” That is true in a certain sense and to a certain degree.

David realized there was another hand that was far more important than the hand of any parent: “You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.” What did he mean?

God is sufficient to save. When he began to sink in swirling waves, Peter shouted, “Save me, Lord!” And He did. Immediately Jesus saw a person who was in need, and He reached out and saved him. He did it for Peter, and He will do the same for anyone who willingly calls on Him for salvation.

God is sufficient to supply every need that we have. Our God is a good and gracious God who is willing to meet the needs of those who depend on Him. God not only saves us by His grace, but His Word assures us that “God will supply our every need according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.” God does not give grudgingly, but generously, because His grace is endless!

God is sufficient to sustain us. Jude assures us that “He is able to keep us from falling and present us before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy to His Father.” Are there any other words that bring more comfort in times of anxiety, adversity or abandonment?

Prayer: Great is Your faithfulness, O Lord, to save us, supply our every need and sustain us each day of our lives. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 145:16 You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. 

What's So Amazing About Grace?

Shortly after John Newton turned eight years old, he was orphaned and became a “wanderer.” He eventually began working on ships, and the sea captain became his “father.” It was not long before he joined the Royal Navy. Dissatisfied, he deserted his post, was caught, put in irons and whipped publically before being thrown in prison.

Leaving prison angry and defiant, he signed on with the lowest of all seagoing ships - one that carried slaves.

Aboard the new ship, life continued to deteriorate. The wife of the captain treated him with great disdain. When meals were served, his food was thrown on the floor, and he was forced to eat like a dog. If he refused to eat, he was beaten. He finally escaped, made his way to shore where he built a fire and attracted a ship that rescued him.

John could hardly read, but his knowledge of the sea and sailing ships earned him a promotion. One day he served the crew too much rum, and they became drunk. It so angered the captain, that while brutally beating him, John was knocked overboard. But instead of allowing him to drown, the captain threw a harpoon at John and rescued him. The harpoon speared him, and as a result, he carried a scar the rest of his life.

On a voyage from Brazil, a severe storm nearly sank the ship. Newton became so frightened that he fell on his knees and asked God to save him. Years later, reflecting on his sordid life, he fell on his knees again. This time to write the great hymn, “Amazing Grace,” to honor “The Lord who was gracious, compassionate, and slow to anger.”

Prayer: Father, “sin is sin” and all of us have compiled our own list. We thank You that Your grace exceeds every sin! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 145:8 The Lord who was gracious, compassionate, and slow to anger.