Author Archives: Blanche

Counting Time God’s Way??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #322

13 Thursday Feb 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, God's glory NOT mine!, God's grace is sufficient...always!, God's Time, God's ways are not our ways, God's Wisdom

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Counting Time God’s Way???    A Word from THE WORD!!! #322

“Open to me the gates of righteousness:

I will go into them,

and I will praise the LORD:

20 This gate of the LORD,

into which the righteous shall enter.

 21 I will praise thee:

for thou hast heard me,

and art become my salvation.

22 The stone which the builders refused

is become the head stone of the corner.

23 This is the LORD’S doing;

it is marvellous in our eyes.

24 This is the day

which the LORD hath made;

we will rejoice

and be glad in it.”  Psalm 118:19-24

While we often quote this verse in gratitude for our God and creator, Father, Son And Holy Spirit, I think we miss a valid point in this passage; I think we miss the connection of the contextual reference to Jesus, our Corner Stone; “This is the day which the LORD hath made”, is not only a reference to God creating every day, but it’s a specific promise of the coming of Jesus; and that He would come to be the sacrifice for our sin, so we can rejoice  having seen HIS day, as Jesus said repeatedly.

“Jesus answered,

If I honour myself,

my honour is nothing:

it is my Father that honoureth me;

of whom ye say, that he is your God:

55 Yet ye have not known him;

but I know him:

and if I should say, I know him not,

I shall be a liar like unto you:

but I know him,

and keep his saying.

56 Your father Abraham

rejoiced to see my day:

and he saw it,

and was glad.”  John 8:54-56

Abraham saw it in faith of the promise from God Almighty, and he also rejoiced when Jesus came in fulfillment of that promise!  We can rejoice for we know that He came to be the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for our sin—so we can truly say:

“This is the day

which the LORD hath made;

we will rejoice

and be glad in it.”

Jesus also talked about the “gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter”, and warned us to choose wisely.

“Enter ye in at the strait gate:

for wide is the gate,

and broad is the way,

that leadeth to destruction,

and many there be which go in thereat:

14 Because strait is the gate,

and narrow is the way,

which leadeth unto life,

and few there be that find it.”   Matthew 7:13-14

So what is the conclusion of the Psalmists proclamation?  I think Jesus says it best, we all have a choice; but choose wisely, there is a test, you can stay on that “broad way” and end up at the destination of destruction, or you can heed Jesus’ warning and enter through the “straight gate” and receive eternal life in Jesus Christ our King!  While it is a one point in time choice, we are enabled to choose Jesus each and every day and walk in His Spirit as we die to self and walk in Jesus’ will and way! Giving our life up for Jesus!  Paul puts it better than I could.

“According to my earnest expectation and my hope,

that in nothing I shall be ashamed,

but that with all boldness,

as always,

so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body,

whether it be by life,

or by death.

21 For to me to live is Christ,

and to die is gain.

22 But if I live in the flesh,

this is the fruit of my labour:

yet what I shall choose I wot not.

23 For I am in a strait betwixt two,

having a desire to depart,

and to be with Christ;

which is far better:

24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh

is more needful for you.

25 And having this confidence,

I know that I shall abide and continue

with you all for your furtherance

and joy

of faith;

26 That your rejoicing may be more abundant

in Jesus Christ for me

by my coming to you again.”   Philippians 1:20-26

Don’t miss what Paul really said here, for many misquote Paul, for he didn’t say, “to live is Christ, and to die is gain…”; he said, “to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain”!  Paul was reminding us that being with Jesus is the greatest, but it was more needful for him to remain and minister to the Philippian believers as well as others.  His time did come to leave this world, but he was saying, ‘not yet’!  Much like Jesus said of himself, and was so often said of Him, “his hour had not come”!  While Paul didn’t know in the same way that Jesus did, he wanted to see His Lord, but he also knew he had a calling, and he would fulfill it until that time. He also shared this with Timothy.

“But

watch thou in all things,

endure afflictions,

do the work of an evangelist,

make full proof of thy ministry.

6 For I am now ready to be offered,

and the time of my departure is at hand.

7 I have fought a good fight,

   I have finished my course,

   I have kept the faith:

8 Henceforth there is laid up for me

a crown of righteousness,

which the Lord, the righteous judge,

shall give me at that day:

and not to me only,

but unto all them also

that love his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:5-8

Am I counting my days as useful to The Lord?  Am I rejoicing in HIS day?  Am I ready to die to self and live to Jesus?  I’ll simply close with Paul’s great call and instruction to we who belong to Jesus.

“I am crucified with Christ:

nevertheless I live;

yet not I,

but Christ liveth in me:

and the life which I now live in the flesh

I live by the faith of the Son of God,

who loved me,

and gave himself for me.”  Galatians 2:20

Amen and Amen!!!  This Day? Will you count time God’s way?

What Do I Value??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #321

10 Monday Feb 2025

Posted by in A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Form of godliness?, Choices And Consequences, Choose Wisely, Choose You This Day!, Choose you this day?, Choosing Jesus or The World?, Holey, Holiness, Holy, Holy Living, It's Your Choice, JESUS, Jesus IN You!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Knows, Jesus Saves!, Jesus--our all in all, Victorious Living, Walking With Jesus, Walking Worthy, What are you doing with your TIME?, Worldliness, Worship Him!

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What Do I Value???    A Word from THE WORD!!! #321

Value is temporal, fleeting and transient; so what are we to value?  While it sometimes seems trite and tenuous, value is what makes us what we are.  For what I value, I will pursue.  What I pursue, I will conform to!  What I conform to will determine my life style, my activities and my eternal destiny.  Joshua said it best as he was at the end of his life, having led Israel into the “Promised Land”, he called them to “choose you this day”!  And while there are very few Joshua’s in our day, God is calling us to choose; will I heed to His voice, His Word and His Son, our only way to Salvation?  It’s your choice!  Will you choose Jesus and receive eternal life—real life, or will you yield to the world’s lies and follow them to hell?

“Now therefore fear the LORD,

and serve him

in sincerity and in truth:

and put away the gods which your fathers served

on the other side of the flood,

and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD.

15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD,

choose you this day whom ye will serve;

whether the gods which your fathers served

that were on the other side of the flood,

or the gods of the Amorites,

in whose land ye dwell:

but as for me and my house,

we will serve the LORD.”  Joshua 24:14-15

Joshua had made his choice long before this, he remained strong in his devotion to Jehovah God and His promises; so he called all Israel to follow God—but he made it clear that it was their choice, and you have the same choice today.  You can choose Jesus or reject Him, it is your choice, but remember you have the God-given right to choose, but when you choose the consequences of your choice will follow—and you can’t pick you own consequences!

“And as it is appointed unto men once to die,

but after this the judgment:” Hebrews 9:27

Do you value the Word of God?  Have you heeded the call of Jesus upon your life, or disregarded His love, and sacrifice for you. Are going headlong down the wrong road.  His sacrifice for sin is available to you, if you’ll see your sin and turn to The Cross!

“He was in the world,

and the world was made by him,

and the world knew him not.

11 He came unto his own,

and his own received him not.

12 But as many as received him,

to them gave he power

to become the sons of God,

even to them that believe on his name:

13 Which were born,

not of blood,

nor of the will of the flesh,

nor of the will of man,

but of God.”  John 1:10-13

It’s not religion, or regulations, or even doing good things, You must be “born…of God”, even as Jesus told Nicodemus in John chapter three, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God”!  Until we come to God in humble repentance of our own sin, and accept the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice that Jesus made for all who will come to HIM, we will not have real life.  Jesus made it perfectly clear that HE is God, and He came to die for my sin and yours, so HE is the only way to God—to eternal life—to a home in heaven.  Contrary to popular belief, not everyone goes to heaven!

“Jesus saith unto him,

I am

the way,

the truth,

and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.”  John 14:6

So, my friends, who are you following?  What path have you valued to the exclusion of Jesus, His Word and His way?  The world says we can have it all, just add Jesus to your list and you’ll be ok.  Even churches are failing to preach repentance and a life of holiness and conformity to Jesus!  How sad it makes me, yet I must proclaim the truth that God has called me to, whether you love it—hate it–accept it—or reject it!  It’s your choice but choose wisely there is a test.  And even now we are called to pay a price for following the biblical Jesus!

“Therefore if any man be in Christ,

he is a new creature:

old things are passed away;

behold, all things are become new…

… 20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ,

as though God did beseech you by us:

we pray you in Christ’s stead,

be ye reconciled to God.

21 For he hath made him to be sin for us,

who knew no sin;

that we might be made the righteousness of God

in him.”    Portions of 2 Corinthians 5:17-21

What do you value?  Paul gives us an amazing picture of what ought to be our values, our pursuits, and devotion.  Does your life line up to Jesus’ standard?

“I beseech you therefore, brethren,

by the mercies of God,

that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice,

holy,

acceptable unto God,

which is your reasonable service.

2 And be not conformed to this world:

but be ye transformed

by the renewing of your mind,

that ye may prove

what is that good,

and acceptable,

and perfect, will of God.

3 For I say, through the grace given unto me,

to every man that is among you,

not to think of himself more highly

than he ought to think;

but to think soberly,

according as God hath dealt

to every man the measure of faith.”                Romans 12:1-3

If you claim the name of Jesus, are you walking His way or your own way?  Do those around you see Jesus or the same worldliness that they see all around them?  Do you shine for Jesus or just the glitter and bling of the world?  There is a difference.  But we must understand, that when we choose to follow godliness, holiness (not a denomination, but a way of life that conforms to God’s Word) and truth, the world won’t like it, and we will pay a price for living God’s way!  Are you willing?

“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus

shall suffer persecution.

13 But evil men and seducers

shall wax worse and worse,

deceiving,

and being deceived.

14 But continue thou in the things

which thou hast learned

and hast been assured of,

knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

15 And that from a child

thou hast known the holy scriptures,

which are able to make thee wise

unto salvation through faith

which is in Christ Jesus.

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God,

and is profitable

for doctrine,

for reproof,

for correction,

for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God may be perfect,

thoroughly furnished

unto all good works.”  2 Timothy 3:12-17

“Follow peace with all men,

and holiness,

without which no man shall see the Lord:”  Hebrews 12:14

And in closing, Peter calls us to remember our Lord, the price that He paid for our salvation, and what HE calls us to “be” not just “do”.  Being must precede doing, we must be holy (in Jesus!) before we can (do) behave holily!

“For this is thankworthy,

if a man for conscience toward God endure grief,

suffering wrongfully.

20 For what glory is it, if,

when ye be buffeted for your faults,

 ye shall take it patiently?

but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it,

ye take it patiently,

this is acceptable with God.

21 For even hereunto were ye called:

because Christ also suffered for us,

leaving us an example,

 that ye should follow his steps:

22 Who did no sin,

neither was guile found in his mouth:

23 Who, when he was reviled,

reviled not again;

when he suffered,

he threatened not;

but committed himself

to him that judgeth righteously:

24 Who his own self

bare our sins

in his own body

on the tree,

that we,

being dead to sins,

should live unto righteousness:

by whose stripes ye were healed.

25 For ye were as sheep going astray;

but are now returned

unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.” 1 Peter 2:19-25

Will you choose Jesus?  Will you join me in pursuing holiness before our Lord?  And just FYI, I know a lot of people claim verse 24 as a promise of all healing, but if you check its context, it is a reference to our healing from the death sentence of sin.  Read Isaiah 53, particularly verse 5 which is what Peter is quoting; you will find that it is a reference to the price that Jesus would pay for our salvation, not our perpetual healing.  It’s a reference to His blood which cleanses us from all sin!  Will you walk with Him today?  Will you forsake the things of the world that are continually calling us away from Jesus (when the world uses Jesus’ name to condone that which God condemns—check it out in His Word don’t trust to your own wisdom.)

“Let no man deceive himself.

If any man among you seemeth to be wise

in this world,

let him become a fool, that he may be wise.

19 For the wisdom of this world

is foolishness with God.”  1 Corinthians 3:18-19a

Amen and Amen!!!

A Price Never Too High??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #321

06 Thursday Feb 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Ears that hear not, Elijah, Elijah's Run, Encouragement, No Price Too High???, Preach Christ and HIM crucified!, Preaching Jesus, Preaching truth about SIN, Service, Serving God or Using God?

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A Price Never Too High???    A Word from THE WORD!!! #321

“And the hand of the LORD was on Elijah;

and he girded up his loins,

and ran before Ahab

to the entrance of Jezreel.”  I Kings 18:46

My close friends know I am not prone to be an athletic person and while I do try to walk every day, I have never been prone to run, jump, or do great feats of athletic prowess, and I often tell people I don’t even run to the mailbox on a good day! And that is about my limit; Elijah isn’t noted for his speed, but he is remembered for his commitment to God, and after the encounter with the prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel, he literally outruns King Ahab to the city.  Yet the challenge came close on the heels of the victory over the enemies of God; how often we fail to understand the nature of the spiritual warfare that comes with victory –especially great victories!  Satan doesn’t take spiritual success of God’s servants “lying down” (for he would rather “lie up” in defiance of truth and those who love the truth—See John 8:44!).  We must press on dear ones—press on (See Philippians 3:13-15!)

Many people struggle with Elijah’s response, but I find great comfort in this episode in Elijah’s life and God’s response to it.  We don’t have to always be the bold, confident flag waver; sometimes we find ourselves being the one running the “other” way!  Let’s see what God does in, for and to Elijah.  Often God’s ways just amaze me and bring me to rejoice that He loves us and doesn’t condemn our humanity—after all, HE created us humans, as humans, but He won’t leave us in the wallows of defeat for Jesus has won the victory—and in HIM we always have victory, even taking a nap!!!

“And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done,

and withal how he had slain all the prophets

with the sword.

2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying,

So let the gods do to me,

and more also,

if I make not thy life

as the life of one of them

by to morrow about this time.

3 And when he saw that,

he arose,

and went for his life,

and came to Beersheba,

which belongeth to Judah,

and left his servant there.

4 But he himself went a day’s journey

into the wilderness,

and came and sat down under a juniper tree:

and he requested for himself that he might die;

and said,

It is enough; now, O LORD,

take away my life;

for I am not better than my fathers.

5 And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree,

behold,

then an angel touched him, and said unto him,

Arise and eat.

6 And he looked, and, behold,

there was a cake baken on the coals,

and a cruse of water at his head.

And he did eat and drink,

and laid him down again.

7 And the angel of the LORD

came again the second time, and touched him,

and said, Arise and eat;

because the journey is too great

for thee.

8 And he arose,

and did eat and drink,

and went in the strength of that meat

forty days and forty nights

unto Horeb

the mount of God.”  I Kings 19:1-8

God knows our journey, even those where we know we have been faithful to do God’s will, and the enemy comes with a vengeance, and we are overcome with weariness!  It’s OK!  Rest, it’s alright to sleep when you need it!  It’s more than alright to be human—we are human!  God knew what Elijah needed, and He even sent the angel to meet his need, not once but twice!  God gave him the food that he needed, some good rest, and then the message to travel on, and he went for forty days and nights in that strength.  God may not call us to go forty days (I do good to go one day at a time), but whatever the call is He will supply our need of sleep, food, fellowship and relationships that make our way more doable!  But the story doesn’t stop there, and what God did for Elijah He will do for us, maybe not in fire and storms, but He will always lead us to that “still small voice” to guide us, and for us who belong to Jesus, we have the indwelling Holy Spirit to direct our every step when we will be stop—look—listen for His voice and promptings.  If you’ve never heard that voice you may want to check and see what you think saved you.

“And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there;

and, behold,

the word of the LORD came to him,

and he said unto him,

What doest thou here, Elijah?

10 And he said,

I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts:                       for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant,                thrown down thine altars,                                                                     and slain thy prophets with the sword;

and I, even I only, am left;

and they seek my life, to take it away.

11 And he said,

Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD.

And, behold, the LORD passed by,

and a great and strong wind rent the mountains,

and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD;

but the LORD was not in the wind:

and after the wind an earthquake;

but the LORD was not in the earthquake:

12 And after the earthquake a fire;

but the LORD was not in the fire:

and after the fire a still small voice.

13 And it was so, when Elijah heard it,

that he wrapped his face in his mantle,

and went out,

and stood in the entering in of the cave.

And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said,

What doest thou here, Elijah?

14 And he said, I have been very jealous

for the LORD God of hosts:

because the children of Israel

have forsaken thy covenant,

thrown down thine altars,

and slain thy prophets with the sword;

and I, even I only, am left;

and they seek my life, to take it away.

15 And the LORD said unto him,

Go,

return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus:

and when thou comest,

anoint Hazael to be king over Syria:

16 And Jehu the son of Nimshi

shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel:

and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah

shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room.”  I Kings 19:9-16

God has a plan, a man (or woman or child) and total provision, direction and success!  Don’t give up!  Don’t give in!  Don’t think you are alone—the only one—remember that God even told Elijah who would be his successor!  Someone is learning from you—be that rested, satisfied and obedient servant—in the victories and in those “the devil-is-chasing-me times”.  He is a defected foe.  Remember, we win!

“Humble yourselves therefore

under the mighty hand of God,

that he may exalt you in due time:

7 Casting all your care upon him;

for he careth for you.

8 Be sober,

be vigilant;

because your adversary the devil,

as a roaring lion,

walketh about,

seeking whom he may devour:

9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith,

knowing that the same afflictions

are accomplished in your brethren

that are in the world.

10 But the God of all grace,

who hath called us unto his eternal glory

by Christ Jesus,

after that ye have suffered a while,

make you perfect,

stablish,

strengthen,

settle you.

11 To him be glory and dominion

for ever and ever. Amen.”  1 Peter 5:6-11

 May we take Peter’s words as our marching orders!!!  Please, please, don’t let the “father of lies” discourage you!  Resist him and remember, he is a defeated foe—a toothless lion—a loud noise-maker–yet We Win in Jesus!!!  Jesus arose!!!  He’s coming soon!!!  Press on with, for and in Jesus’ resurrection power my friends, Jesus never fails!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

Being Ready??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #320

31 Friday Jan 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, Are you ready?, Are you training your children, Following Jesus or the World?, Footprints, Judgment, Judgment Is Coming, Just As I Am?, Someone is following you!, Where are you leading those following you?, Who are YOU following?

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Being Ready???    A Word from THE WORD!!! #320

With recent tragedies, I want to share a few passages from God’s Word which call us to “be prepared”!  Are you ready to meet Jesus?  If He comes in the sky or if you leave this life and find yourself in His presence, are you ready?  Do you really know Him, not just about Him but know Him as your Lord, Saviour, Redeemer and King?  It’s your choice but choose wisely and don’t be fooled by the wolves in “sheep’s clothing”!

I don’t wish to be morbid, but I do pray that you will take time to examine your own heart and ask God to reveal your true condition to you.  That is my prayer for today; for your choice will not only affect your eternal destiny (heaven or hell) but it will affect those following behind you!

“And as it is appointed unto men once to die,

but after this the judgment:

28 So Christ was once offered

to bear the sins of many;

and unto them that look for him

shall he appear the second time

without sin unto salvation.”  Hebrews 9:27-28

Jesus’ own words often resound in my ears and in my heart; HE is the only way to The Almighty God of this universe!  Jesus is The Son of God, and He came to pay our sin debt.

“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.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world

to condemn the world;

but that the world through him

might be saved.

18 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.

19 And this is the condemnation,

that light is come into the world,

and men loved darkness

rather than light,

because their deeds were evil.”  John 3:16-19

“But ye believe not,

because ye are not of my sheep,

as I said unto you.

27 My sheep hear my voice,

and I know them,

and they follow me:

28 And I give unto them eternal life;

and they shall never perish,

neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

29 My Father,

which gave them me,

is greater than all;

and no man is able to pluck them

out of my Father’s hand.

30 I and my Father are one.”  John 10:26-30

Do you belong to Jesus?  If not and you hear His voice calling you, please respond—it’s a life-or-death choice.

“Behold,

I stand at the door, and knock:

if any man hear my voice,

and open the door,

I will come in to him,

and will sup with him,

and he with me.”  Revelation 3:20

 And on a bit of a heavier note, we all need to understand that the “judgment” referred to above is for all; but which judgement we will appear at is up to us.  We can trust in Jesus’ substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for our sin and be born again, and stand before the “judgment seat of Christ” to answer for our works after we are saved (the good and the not-so-good), or if we choose to pay for our own sins without Jesus offer of forgiveness and salvation, we will stand before the “Great White Throne” and receive the due penalty of our sin.  I’ll just post those scriptures here for your consideration, as they are relatively self-explanatory.  (Just let me add that the “wood, hay and stubble represent the things done in our flesh, the gold, silver and precious stones represent the things that we do in and at the Holy Spirit’s bidding and supply!). It’s your choice but choose wisely, there is a test.  The first passage is the judgment seat of Christ, the second The Great White Throne judgment.

“For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid,

which is Jesus Christ.

12 Now if any man build upon this foundation

gold, silver, precious stones,

wood, hay, stubble;

13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest:

for the day shall declare it,

because it shall be revealed by fire;

and the fire shall try every man’s work

of what sort it is.

14 If any man’s work abide

which he hath built thereupon,

 he shall receive a reward.

15 If any man’s work shall be burned,

he shall suffer loss:

but he himself shall be saved;

yet so as by fire.”  1 Corinthians 3:11-15

The judgment of the lost—those who have not come to Jesus.  It’s God’s Word, not mine—but it’s truth.

“And I saw a great white throne,

and him that sat on it,

from whose face the earth and the heaven

fled away;

and there was found no place for them.

12 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 the dead were judged

out of those things which were written

in the books, according to their works.

13 And the sea gave up the dead

which were in it;

and death and hell delivered up the dead

which were in them:

and they were judged every man

according to their works.

14 And death and hell

were cast into the lake of fire.

This is the second death.

15 And whosoever was not found written

in the book of life

was cast into the lake of fire.”   Revelation 20:11-15

Are you ready?  Where will you stand in the judgment?  I’m praying that you will hear God’s voice speaking to you.  Let me just add this, (my commentary) those who have died in recent tragedies never got in that car, or on that plane or train thinking that they would never get out of it alive.  Ready or not their time came to an end.  What are you doing with your time?  If you were taken today, are you ready?  I pray that you are. Are we believers sharing Jesus like we ought to?

Amen and Amen!!

God Answers In HIS Time??? A Word From THE WORD!!! #319

29 Wednesday Jan 2025

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God Answers In HIS Time???    A Word from THE WORD!!! #319

I want to share a simple lesson that I rehearse again and again, and I have focused on it here multiple times, yet I feel like it needs to be revisited today.  I pray that you will find hope, confidence and a renewed assurance in the sovereign plan of our God.

“And when thou prayest,

thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are:

for they love to pray

standing in the synagogues

and in the corners of the streets,

that they may be seen of men.

Verily I say unto you,

They have their reward.

6 But thou, when thou prayest,

enter into thy closet,

and when thou hast shut thy door,

pray to thy Father which is in secret;

and thy Father which seeth in secret

shall reward thee openly.

7 But when ye pray,

use not vain repetitions,

as the heathen do:

for they think that they shall be heard

for their much speaking.

8 Be not ye therefore like unto them:

for your Father knoweth

what things ye have need of,

before ye ask him.

9 After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father

which art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done

in earth,

as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day

our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts,

as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is

the kingdom,

and the power,

and the glory,

for ever. Amen.”  Matthew 6:5-13

We must remember that God is God—we are not!  Neither is He a heavenly slot machine, where we drop in our request (in faith of course!), pull the handle and God is obligated to give us what we ask for!  Talk about spoiled children!  Jesus gives us the guideline for our prayer life; Jesus makes it clear that we are to ask of our heavenly Father, without demands—but requests, supplications, intercessions, and all prayed not only in faith in His ability, but also HIS timing, HIS will, HISways, which as Isaiah told us, don’t always match our ideas!

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

neither are your ways my ways,

saith the LORD.

9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth,

so are my ways

higher than your ways,

and my thoughts

than your thoughts.”  Isaiah 55:8-9 

Oh, how hard it can be to recognize and accept that, “I don’t know it all!”  We are to learn to lean on our Lord Jesus, and the perfect will of our Father in heaven!  What He wants!  Where He wants us to be!  How He wants us to exercise our gifts, callings and ministries!  “Thy kingdom come…Thy will be done” is to be our heartbeat in prayer, in life and all we do.

“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink,

or whatsoever ye do,

do all to the glory of God.”  1 Corinthians 10:31

A worthy goal, but hardly ever an easy one to accomplish consistently!  May we be reminded that we can “…do all things through Christ which strengtheth me…”!  It’s what that verse in Philippians 4:13 means!  It’s not just some abstract idea, but the truth of who and what we are and can accomplish when we will walk in God’s ways—and in HIS timing!  Ouch!  The Holy Spirit doesn’t need to wear a watch—and when we keep our eyes on Jesus, we will find peace, joy and recognize the amazing things going on around us—God’s things! We must remember the order of things, not just “ordering” things from God! John has a great reminder for us.

“He that hath the Son

hath life;

and he that hath not the Son of God

hath not life.

13 These things have I written unto you that believe

on the name of the Son of God;

that ye may know

that ye have eternal life,

and that ye may believe

on the name of the Son of God.

14 And this is the confidence that we have in him,

that, if we ask any thing according to his will,

he heareth us:

15 And if we know that he hear us,

whatsoever we ask,

we know that we have the petitions

that we desired of him.”  1 John 5:12-15

We have an awesome privilege to come before The King of kings, and our Lord of Lords, to seek HIS face and desire to know and do His will.   Yes, praying sometimes to know His will; sometimes to see His will accomplished; other times to cry out in desperation, and other times to rejoice in HIS timely answers!  I pray God’s very best for you today!  May you draw near to The One who died for our salvation.  If you don’t know Jesus, you can come to Him in repentance of your sin, and faith/belief in His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for all of my sins and yours!  Jesus is waiting to hear from you, today!

“Neither is there any creature that is not manifest

in his sight:

but all things are naked and opened

unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest,

that is passed into the heavens,

Jesus the Son of God,

let us hold fast our profession.

15 For we have not an high priest

which cannot be touched

with the feeling of our infirmities;

but was in all points tempted

like as we are,

yet without sin.

16 Let us therefore come boldly

unto the throne of grace,

that we may obtain mercy,

and find grace to help

in time of need.”  Hebrews 4:13-16

Amen and Amen!!!