THE COSTLY DECISION TO RUN FROM GOD Many people run from God to many things. Some lose themselves in work, social activities, or other distractions. We try to avoid guilt by filling our lives with activity or entertainment. But anytime you and I disobey the Lord’s specific instructions to us, we are running from Him. The story of Jonah illustrates what can happen when we disobey the Lord. This prophet lived and ministered in Israel from about 793-753 B.C. (2 Kings 14:25; Matt. 12:38-40). His story teaches us a powerful lesson about the purpose and plan of God. Even if […]

Staying Focused on God’s Plan for Your Life BIBLE MEDITATION: “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14 DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: The devil would love to get you distracted and get you off the course on which God has placed you. God has something He wants you to do and you had better not substitute the good for the best. Find out what God wants you to do and refuse to be distracted by the devil. You need to say as the apostle Paul said, “This one thing I do!” […]

I really like this poem Because you Prayed I have seen the nightfall and heard the thunder roar I have reached the edge of light and taken one step more I have found new courage to meet each rising day Because I know you spoke my name When you knelt to pray I have sought His wisdom when every path grew dark I have sought His healing hand to ease my aching heart I have known the blessing of fervent prayers entwined Because your voice was lifted up Pleading there with mine Many prayers are spoken; some are left unsaid […]

What Do We Do Now That Christmas Is Over? Scripture: Matthew 2:1–12 After Christmas Syndrome The gifts have been unwrapped and your trash can is full. All the friends and family are on their way home from the holidays. The tree is ready to be taken down along with all the other decorations. Another Christmas has come and gone leaving with you with the post-holiday blues.What do Christians do, now that Christmas is over? Do we simply settle back into the old routine? Do we become blue? Do we pack away the Christmas spirit? Do we put it up until […]

In my studies I came across these verses: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NASB – ¶ Rejoice evermore.  Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. ………….in everything give thanks, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  Really??????? “Surely God does not intend for us always to be filled with praise and thankfulness,” we say. But the scriptures confirm that He does. Why does He ask this of us? It is because God has a specific purpose for thankfulness. When we are thankful, we become more aware […]

I was reading a article the other day and the question was asked , Are you wasting your troubles? Anytime God allows trials to enter your life, He has a purpose for them. He wants you to squeeze out every ounce of spiritual growth instead of letting difficulties squeeze you into despair and discouragement. If you’ll just respond in the right manner, the trial that looks as if it could destroy you, will become an instrument of blessing. I know this may be hard to swallow, but it is really true. Our most natural response to trouble is to groan […]

Do you ever think about your inevitable death? Or are you like the influential theater tycoon Bernard Jacobs, who said, “Of all the things in the world I think least about, it’s what happens after you die. Dead is dead.” Is that what happens when we exhale our last breath and our brain cells stop functioning? When our life has come to an end, are we totally extinguished like a flame of a candle plunged into water? That’s a common belief. But it isn’t what the Bible teaches. Hebrews 9:27 declares that it is appointed for us “to die once, […]

Have you ever heard skeptics say that the Christian faith is nothing more than a crutch—that the only reason people claim to trust Jesus is that they are weaklings who have to make up “religion” to get by? Perhaps those skeptics haven’t heard about Paul. After trusting Christ, he was arrested, flogged, mocked, and shipwrecked (2 Cor. 11:16-29). We as believers were not looking for a crutch. No, we have something deep and essential in our hearts. We have a personal relationship with God—a relationship born of faith in the work of Jesus on the cross. As a result, we […]

Ps. 103:1-4   Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Some days we awaken with aching joints and dull spirits and wonder how we can shake off our lethargy and make it through the day. Here’s an idea: Like David, try lifting up your thanks to God. Use mind and memory to rekindle thankfulness for all God’s […]

Scripture: John 15:11 and Galatians 5:22-23 1. Introduction: I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but folks aren’t smiling much these days. Jesus wants us to smile, to exhibit joy. He said, “These things I have spoken unto you that My joy may remain in you and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11). I’ve been reading the Bible this week with joy in mind, and everywhere I turn I find it. Joy is the atmosphere in which Christians live. We rejoice in the Lord always (Phil. 4:4); we “rejoice evermore” (1 Thess. 5:16). As someone put it, “Joy is […]