Worship Day 2

Wikipedia starts off by saying, "religious devotion".  I'll assume religious because our world insists that our spiritual lives and physical lives are separated one from the other.  I believe that they are not divided.  Can we cut off our heads and still live?  The answer is obviously no and yet we are driven by the world and the devil to believe that everything is separated.

Let's discuss Devotion as defined at Dictionary.com.  Devotion: profound dedication, consecration.  Follow the link to read the additional descriptions.  "Profound dedication" in today's world is extreme or radical and yet our Father, the creator of all the universe is profoundly dedicated to the reconciliation of HIS creation back to Himself.  He sent Jesus Christ  to become the ultimate sacrifice for all of mankind for this very purpose.  God set the standard for devotion by willingly giving His best, His all for us.

Profound dedication shouldn't give us pause.  I know people. and I'm sure you do as well, who are driven to succeed in their careers.  So dedicated in fact that they barely see family or anyone else beyond their work.  In our society today, this is acceptable behavior.  Yet anyone outside of the clergy who shows this drive for Christ and His church gets a label; zealot, religious freak, fanatic, intolerant and the list goes on.

The truth is that our God is a jealous God.  Exodus 20:5 - "You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the fourth generations of those who hate Me,".  Oh but you say, that's just in the Old Testament and I ask you to remember what Jesus said, "For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the Holy angels." ~Mark 8:38

I've used just two examples of what I believe show God's expectations concerning our devotion to Him.  He's jealous for our devotion, dedication, worship and He expects us to be open about who He is in our life.  While we live and work, God still expects us to be devoted to Him is everything we do.  "Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men," ~Colossians 3:23

Regardless of what we do, if devotion is defined as profound dedication, then even our work and play should be acts of worship.  All that we are and do should reflect our faith and should glorify our Father.  This is the goal, the purpose for our life.  To live in worship of our Father is founded on our being profoundly dedicated to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

God send His best and He deserves our best.  The choice as always is ours.  We can proclaim His majesty and glory to the ends of the earth and make disciple of men or we can choose to live for our own selfish desires and purposes.  We can't do both and still worship Him in spirit and truth.

Glorify God with me today.  Put Christ first in all things and be His light to all who see you today as you worship Him in all you do!

Blessings & Peace
~Robert

Worship

Let's start with a definition from Wikipedia:
     "Worship is an act of religious devotion usually directed towards a deity. The word is derived from the Old English worthscipe, meaning worthiness or worth-ship — to give, at its simplest, worth to something, for example, Christian worship."


The link goes into brief overviews of various religions and by following the link you can read those.  My focus over the next few blogs will speak directly to "devotion directed" and in our case devotion directed to God our Father, the creator of all that has ever been, is now and forever.


Today worship is usually referred to as that time set aside in a church service where songs a sung.  Some consider giving tithes and offerings as worship.  Prayer time both during church and individually are considered as worship.  What about reading God's word or working or playing?


Starting with what we all agree to be worship and moving forward over the next few days leading to Christmas, I want to discuss these different areas of life with regard to worship.


Singing songs and listening to songs written to praise and honor God have always been considered a direct act of worship.  These songs point to our Father's many attributes; blessing, courage, faithfulness, glory, honor and victory to name some on a short list.  They speak to who God is to us and to who we are in Him.  How He gives us comfort, courage and strength.


When we sing songs to Him, we fill His joy rising up in our hearts as we are giving Him glory, honor and praise through song for all praise is rightfully His to receive.  Anyone who has ever been down or feeling less than their best, can attest to the fact that praising God through song has an immediate impact on their spirit and outlook.


Personally, I know over the years there have been times when I didn't want to go or do anything.  During those moments, I will find myself singing songs of praise to God and before I realize it my mood has changed.  My spirit just a bit lighter and then I begin to pray, leaving the burdens on the alter of my heart at the foot of Christ's cross.


Music is very powerful and provides a gateway to worship that is very easy to enter.  Songs make it easy for everyone to enter into a time of worship.  Rhythm is easily found for everyone in song.  A connection that seems much easier when music is involved.


We are a people created to love music and dance.  We're drawn to music more easily than almost anything else in this life.  I believe it is one of the very core parts created in us by God.  Song draws us into greater depths.  Songs of worship draw us closer and into a deeper relationship with God our Father.


Blessings & Peace
~Robert

Giving Away

During this time of year, every year for that matter, even the world at large says that it is better to give than receive.  What about the rest of the year?  I think the answer is that it isn't "fashionable".  I also believe that as Christians we aren't setting the proper example.

Jesus gave of Himself during His ministry and ultimately all of Himself on the cross at Calvary.  "If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it." ~Matthew 10:39  As Christians, we should seek opportunities daily to give to our communities.  Starting with the time before Thanksgiving and running through Christmas, we have food drives, the Angel tree program, visit's to nursing homes for our elderly.

We should be opening our hearts to those in need and as God enables us, we should fulfill needs.  Giving in Christ's name for His purpose will glorify the Father.  We should begin now seeking how over the last few weeks of this year we can serve our Father in this regard.

Going forward into the coming year to come, will we plan to continue serving others? Will serving others fade away as Christmas time with family and friends starts to fade?  We must be challenged to seek God's direction for meeting His purposes here and now.  Not just during this special time of year.

How we serve our Savior is personal.  Not all are given the same gifts or talents.  I know many who are involved monthly, weekly and/or daily at home and abroad in our Lord’s service.  Is it possible that we aren't involved and we need to get started somewhere?  Do we have more to give?  The Christian life IS about giving, not receiving!

Life here is a journey.  I write this blog to challenge myself and those who read it.  The challenge is to realize that it IS Christ alone who enables us for this journey.  That living in His presence is more than talking about it.  This is all about exercising our faith.

Faith is a statement that indicates an action.  It's not enough to say, "I believe this or that," proof is required and that requirement is action.  We can say we believe all day long, it is only when we are tested that we discover the truth about what we believe.

If we believe Christ gave everything and has called us to give and serve others, we must step up and be moved to act in His name.  We always receive what we give.  Whether in helping in some way or participating in various forms of worship (specific definitions to follow in another blog entry).

Think about this, Christ was always giving.  God our Father gave first to us.  He still gives first in all things.  We’ve never been asked to do anything that Christ didn’t do first.  Christ lead by example and he calls us to do the same now.  Lead a lost world to Christ by following His example of giving ourselves to HIS commission. That commission is: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” ~Matthew 28:19-20

We are to share the compassion and love of Christ and to accomplish this, we MUST GIVE.  The choice is ours to make.  Either we believe God and Christ and willingly give as He has given or selfishly cling to that which we can’t keep.  I pray we all choose life and seek how God will use us to actively participate in HIS Kingdom work.

Blessings & Peace

~Robert

"I-tis"

(pathology) Suffix denoting diseases characterized by inflammation, itself often caused by an infection.

We have many examples to draw from where this suffix is used; arthritis, bursitis, colitis, meningitis, tendinitis and so forth.  We wouldn’t wish any of these or any of the others not mentioned on anyone.  Yet, none of these compare to the desperation of the deadliest “itis” of all.....”I-tis”!

The “I-tis” that begins and ends with “I”.  I watched a movie recently where a man pointed out the clinched fists of babies.  He explains, these babies are grabbing for everything and they are desperate to hold on to everything.  As we get closer to the end of our journey here, we realize that we can’t hold onto any of the “things” we’ve worked so hard to get and hold onto.  So, we start giving things away.

“...The sin which doth so easily beset us.” ~Hebrews 12:1  Have you ever noticed that the very center of the word “sin” is the letter “I”?  All sin springs forth from “I” and all it’s various forms; me, myself and I.  The heart of the matter is purpose.  Do I purpose to fulfill my desires and purposes? Or do I purpose to fulfill God’s purposes for my life and desire them?

Once we settle the “I” condition by turning our life’s goals to our Father’s, then we journey with Christ and in doing so are able to live life in His presence.  When I was growing up and playing baseball we had a saying, maybe you’ve heard it, “practice makes perfect”.  Only God is perfect and we strive to reach what we believe to be perfect.

When we place our focus on our Father and His will, then we turn the corner from “I” and move forward.  Trusting our Father for everything we need by focusing on Him, we journey together with Him.  As we reflect on our new journey, we will see in fact that our desires and needs are in fact one with our Father.  The things we’re doing, places we’re going and the people we meet are all beyond anything we could have ever imagined.

Life becomes easier to journey through.  Problems still come along with difficulties that seem larger than life, however it’s different now.  Now we know the presence of our Father in new and greater ways!  He makes all the difference and with our focus now fixed on Him and His kingdom, personal issues are not such big deals.

Living in His Presence focusing on Christ Alone for the journey in this life makes all the difference in what we see.  This makes all the difference in what we hear.  Ultimately, this make the difference for everything in and around our life here.

Blessings & Peace

~Robert

Honor Him in the Trials

Streams in the Desert Daily Devotional, Charles Cowman, Christian Bible Devotions:

"A man has as much religion as he can show in times of trouble. The men who were cast into the fiery furnace came out as they went in--except their bonds."

It's in the fire where we come to know depth of our faith. We need to remember that all we do in the day to day builds up our faith. The little steps make the difference. Staying true to our Lord and Savior in the little things are just as important as the "big" things.

"But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king's choice food..." I know many have read this passage in Daniel before and initially thought that eating the food wouldn't have been a "big deal". And it might not have really been that important. However, in the end that decision became another part of the greater foundation laid in there lives. He and his companions could not have know that one day they would be tested by fire!

Yesterday, in this blog, we talked about what is right in our own eyes and what is right in God's eyes. Daniel shows us just one example of this point. He believed that God wanted them to eat only those foods and drink that would honor God and testify to who they were as God's children. Sticking to this principle, God honored this step of faith and they prospered.

They become men looked up to and eventually when the time was right, they faced a test. This test could have never been foreseen by this young men. Had they not taken small steps of faith and obedience, there is NO reason to believe for a moment that they would have stood on their faith now. The sum of their actions paved the way for their actions on that day!

It was before, during and after this test where their testimony honored God and Him alone. We can't expect to live our life as we wish and then when the tests come, expect God to show up and save us. We must take the same path as Daniel, step by step, in faith following God's lead in our life.

Make no mistake, this journey is a step by step process. By following His direction in the smallest details we will lay a foundation that honors God. This journey is full of tests, all designed to build us up in Christ to honor God. As we practice living in His presence, the smaller tests become easier. When the trails comes, they too are more peacefully endured as we know that God is right there with us...in the fire!

Blessings & Peace

~Robert

The Opposition of the Natural | My Utmost For His Highest

The Opposition of the Natural | My Utmost For His Highest:

"Very few of us would debate over what is filthy, evil, and wrong, but we do debate over what is good. It is the good that opposes the best."

As we grow in grace in this journey, we might discover the pace slowing and a little more labored. It's funny how we don't realize just how wrong we are about what we believe is right. As Oswald Chambers points out in this devotion, "The things that are right, noble, and good from the natural standpoint are the very things that keep us from being God’s best." The very fact that we believe our moral compass is true and right is at the root of our condition from the beginning. We all easily identify sin in it's various forms! Yet we fail to see the very thing that keeps us from being God's best.

This point in your walk may have already passed where you had to face this reality. How did you deal with it? Did you face this moment truthfully under God's light? Did you confess it and leave it at the cross? Did you hedge and fall back on your morality and say, "I didn't hear that right" or ignore it all together?

Are you facing this point in your journey right now? Is the Holy Spirit speaking to you that you haven't yet denied yourself? Jesus said, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me." This means everything. Anything we put ahead of Christ is sinful. The work we face, moment by moment and day by day IS keeping our focus on Christ.

Knowing Christ and keeping our eyes focused on Him as we do everything in this life is our greatest challenge. As we journey in this light and path, HE provides us with courage, grace and strength. Apart from HIM we will fail and live defeated lives. He came to provide for us restoration to the Father and in HIM a victorious life here as well. In HIM is victory and peace and loving grace.

Ask our Father today, right now for HIS help in dealing with anything that we're holding onto that stands in our path as an obstacle to HIS best for our life. His best should be the best that we seek and we will only reach this point with HIM. "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from ME you can do nothing." (emphasis added)

In Chris alone we journey to live in His presence and in doing so we draw closer. This journey defines who we are and how we define our life and success. Seeing who we are through the eyes and heart of God and not self.

Blessings & Peace

~Robert

"My Rainbow in the Cloud" | My Utmost For His Highest

"My Rainbow in the Cloud" | My Utmost For His Highest:

"Waiting for God to act is fleshly unbelief. It means that I have no faith in Him. I wait for Him to do something in me so I may trust in that. But God won’t do it, because that is not the basis of the God-and-man relationship."

As we journey in our relationship with Him, it is right, good and appropriate that we examine our motivation and our actions. Are we waiting for God to "prove Himself" before we act or take action? Are we waiting to see the "rainbow" in the clouds to know He's still there and engaged?

When the prayers don't seem to leave the room or nothing seems to be going right or the wheels have actually come off the bus! This IS the place where our faith is tested and where we discover our true motivation. In the face of these trials and tribulations is exactly where we must believe God and His promise, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." This actually refers back to Deuteronomy 31:6: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you."

In our Christ Alone Journey, this is exactly where many exercise Living in His Presence at a greater level of intensity or with greater focus. When life rolls along smoothly, we tend to take for granted our desperate need for Christ in our life and the provision of God. This is exactly the time we must focus with greater intensity toward our Father.

Read the full devotion in the link for the title by Oswald Chambers. Challenge yourself to everyday become, with Christ's help, determined in your walk. To practice His presence with purpose that has nothing to do with what we need or want. To practice Living in His Presence for the sole purpose of BEING in HIS presence.

Blessings & Peace

~Robert

Living in His Presence - Day 5-6

Life as we all know is busy, full of activity and some nonsense.  Trouble with it all, sometimes is we don't do the stuff that's really important to us.  For me, this blog is really important for many reasons and I just ran out of time yesterday.  I did however, accomplish two other very important items.  And, the surprise from God our Father that completely took my breath away.

We never really know who's watching us and what impact we are having for God's Kingdom.  Yesterday, I got a peek!  A man I've worked with over the years took me into his confidence based in part on my relationship with our Father.  He told me how he knew I was a man of faith and shared a personal tragedy with me.  I was completely unaware of what he needed to speak to me about and so I was blindsided...in a great way.

Being blessed by our Father is always sweet and I can't begin to express to you how special this has been.  I'm not wanting to dwell on this or make it out to be more than it should be, there IS a much greater point.  The purpose over the last several days has been and will continue to be "Living in His Presence".  Were I not practicing what I'm writing about, I don't know that what I've described would have taken place.

We choose to live our life either for our Lord and Savior or for ourselves. The decision to choose God starts us on HIS path.  When we choose HIM, life doesn't get easier, it does get better.  Opportunities come along to glorify Him and to grow in grace in astounding ways.  God is so very good and has nothing but the best for us, even when it doesn't look like He has our best in mind....HE REALLY DOES!!!

I don't know if you sing or participate in worship activities at your church.  We've been busy learning music and for me that means listening to the songs repeatedly.  This is really an understatement because in my job I spend a great deal of time on the road going from location to location.  Thirty minute programs get a ton of mileage as the miles roll by.  What's the point to all this...

When you practice "Living in His Presence" the words to the songs we sing take on a whole new dimension in our relationship with our Father.  Case in point are the words to the following song by Twila Paris:

Come, Emmanuel 
with Hear Us from Heaven


Come and speak to us, Come and renew us;
Come and live thro' us, Emmanuel.
Grace to implore us, Ever before us;
Come and restore us, Emmanuel.


Once mercy found us, Still You astound us;
Hold and surround us, Emmanuel.
Living inside us, Faithful to guide us;
Cover and hide us, Emmanuel.


Lord, hear our cry; Come, heal our land.
Breathe life into these dry and thirsty souls.
Lord, hear our prayer; forgive our sin.
As we call on Your name,
will You make this a place for Your glory to dwell?


Open the blind eyes, unlock the deaf ears;
Come to Your people, as we draw near.
Hear us from heaven; touch our generation.
We are Your people crying out in desperation.

Living in His Presence for me is wrapped up in the words of this song.  I'm renewed by His word and His presence.  I'm restored because of the work completed by Christ on Calvary!  I'm astounded by His grace and mercy, that He loved me first.

I KNOW that He hears our cries and that He alone is able to breathe life back into us!  He is the only one who can quench the thirst within us that is like parchment paper.  By choosing to live this way, we make ourselves available and ready for HIS glory to dwell within us.

Seeking His forgiveness for our sin; we're not just asking for me, the request is for our local church body, our town, our country and our world.  We need HIM and He's chosen us.  I'm excited to be of use in His Kingdom plan, to glory my Father!

Blessings & Peace
~Robert

Living in His Presence - Steadfast Training

One of my devotionals referred to 1 Timothy 4.  The overview is that some will fall away during the last days before Christ's return and how we need to know this is true.  That we should be prepared ourselves as athletes prepare to compete, referring to the discipline in training to compete.  Lastly, to remain steadfast.

Sadly, we see people falling away from belief in Christ.  One possibility is the society we live in today, the "fast food" mentality.  The ideal that we should invest time and energy into anything for a consistent period of time is passé.  Athletes know full well the price required to be in the running for success.  There are no short cuts to success.  We must prepare so we can execute.

We see that history has always taught us that effort, patience and steadfast commitment are the ingredients that brings results.  In growing in God's grace, we find ourselves in a struggle against sin(self) to put in the effort to consistently do our part in walking by faith.  Reading God's word, praying (communicating with our Father) and staying the course.  We partner with our Savior in this journey.

Being available and open to what God has for us begins in the same place as did our salvation, by receiving.  We accepted God's truth about Christ and His sacrifice for our eternal salvation, so we now accept God's plan for our life in Christ here and now.  To continue to receive from God, we remain receptive by learn of God through His word.  His word is full of examples showing us how He interacts, instructs and empowers those who live by faith and follow Him.

Prayer is our way to share our belief in His word and plans for our life.  Our way to share our concerns for where we're going and doing.  To deliver our concerns (intercession) for family, friends and foes (yes we are to love our enemy's & pray for those who persecute us ~Matthew 5:44).  A time to be still and listen for His direction and to know that HE is God.

Although consistently reading His word and praying are difficult, the most difficult part of our growth is remaining steadfast.  All sort of things pop up in life to potentially derail the training plan.  For the athlete, injury, sickness or will power can jump up and mess up the process.  Commitment is often the only thing that separates the winners from the rest of the field.  In our spiritual life, this is the greatest piece of the process.  Without discipline we will stumble, trip and fall.

When we do everything "right" we will still get tripped up, we'll stumble and flat out fall on our face from time to time.  The difference will come as a result of our training, the consistent exercise of our faith in Christ.  Through this we will be able to get back up and back on track, because we'll see what has happened and by God's grace and through Christ's strength.

All of these things will add to the foundation of our relationship with Christ.  As we continue this journey, "Living in His Presence", our foundation is strengthened because we continue to exercise our faith.  Greater tests and more intense trails will come our way, as we face these we will see how God has and is working with us to succeed.

Living in His Presence involves the understanding that we are not alone and we still must do our part for the relationship.  By studying His word, praying and fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ, we grow stronger.  We become increasingly sensitive to Him and this makes it easier to listen and learn from Him.

Blessings & Peace

~Robert

Living in His Presence - Day 3

Album: My Paper Heart

Artist: Francesca Battistelli

Don’t know how it is You looked at me

And saw the person that I could be

Awakening my heart

Breaking through the dark

Suddenly Your grace

Now there’s a joy inside I can’t contain

But even perfect days can end in rain

And though it’s pouring down

I see You through the clouds

Shining on my face

I have come undone

But I have just begun

Changing by Your grace

(Chorus)

Like sunlight burning at midnight

Making my life something so

Beautiful, beautiful

Mercy reaching to save me

All that I need

You are so

Beautiful, beautiful

Words & Music by:

Francesca Battistelli, Ian Eskelin, Andrew Fromm

God has certainly gifted His creation.  He has blessed us with such talented folks as those who worked together to pen the words to the song, Beautiful, Beautiful.

As Day 3 is coming to a close, I’m sharing this song with you for what I consider a “wow” moment today.  We’ve been on this journey, “Living in His Presence” and I mentioned yesterday about growing in His grace so the lost will see us live out our faith.  The last line of the last verse is: “Changing by Your grace”!

It’s the period or exclamation point for the previous verses.  Looking at the second verse and how it draws us to this acknowledgement of HIS work.  In the second verse:

“Now there’s a joy inside I can’t contain

But even perfect days can end in rain

And though it’s pouring down

I see You through the clouds

Shining on my face”

Even if a “perfect day can end in rain....I see YOU through the clouds, Shining on my face!”  Joy because of what HE has done and even though things don’t appear to be ending well, HE’s there, right there involved in our life.

This journey isn’t taken alone!  Regardless of the things life throws our way, He is right there with us.  Even if we’re separated from our family and closest friends and we feel like it’s all coming apart, HE is with us!!!

This wasn’t the only song today that moved me especially in light of this topic for the last three days, it’s just the one I felt lead to share.  HE loves you and I, all His creation, and this is why Christ gave His life...to save ours.

We can choose to live intentionally in His presence or not, He created us with the opportunity to choose, free will.  Personally, I prefer this journey and can say without a doubt that I know He is changing me.

I’m excited about the possibilities that lay ahead.  Today wasn’t better than yesterday, just different.  Different is better, keeps things fresh.  I know many people don’t care for change or differences day over day, I’m not one of them.  Keep things changing and me on my toes.

Growth is a process, sometimes slow and steady where there doesn’t seem to be much taking place.  Sometimes it’s a grind, where everything seems to take a thousand times longer and we aren’t sure if we’ll make it through.  There are even times where it seems as if nothing goes right and we can’t catch a break.

In every circumstance and at every corner, HE is there and stands ready to provide what we need.  Again, I’ll say it again, when we decide to seek His direction, purposes and goals for our life, He will help us to keep everything in perspective.  This doesn’t mean that we’ll have a life free from trouble and trials.  Actually, we can expect things to get a little crazier, more intense, stumbling blocks that look like the highest mountains in all the world.

How will you choose to journey?  Regardless of where you are in this journey with me.  Or even if you’ve decided to “pass” on this one, make no mistake we are all on a journey.

The journey I recommend is the one where we practice “Living in His Presence.  Join Francesca Battistelli and and myself in proclaiming, "Now there is a joy inside I can't contain.

Blessings & Peace

~Robert

Living in His Presence - Day 2

I started the day the in the same manner as I fell asleep last night, in His glorious presence!  I drifted off professing Him as Lord of All and my deepest desire to spend as much time as possible living out my life in His Presence.  I woke up this morning and my conscious thoughts returned to the same place I’d left off last night.

The sleep came easy, the rest blessed and the time to rise easier.  I’m not saying there will be a repeat tonight, however I will spend my time the same and by His grace this will become the most consistent part of my journey.  My goal is to spend more of my days in His presence and to me that certainly means fixing my mind first and lastly each day on HIM!

Now for the confession; after I left for work this morning, the wheels came off the “focus bus”.  I was more aware of my decisions and my perspective was less about myself.  I know you can identify with the statement that, "my day just started running on autopilot."

When we’re in this mode of doing what we always do at work, we miss His Presence.  "Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people." ~Colossians 3:23  I’m starting to realize that this verse, for me anyway, is just the starting point.  I believe that to arrive at the same point as Brother Lawrence did, we must move beyond performing our work for the Lord.  I believe we must move to the point of knowing He is right beside us as we labor.

How we work at our jobs and how we interact with people, this is where we bring glory and honor to our Father.  Either we honor Him or we discredit Him and His message for the world.  Remembering that our desire is to honor our Father with all of our life.  “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” ~John 3:16-17

People in our world today really do not want to hear more testimonies, they deeply desire to SEE testimonies!  Everyone is looking for the authentic in this world, for a hope that isn't just "live for now and it's done."  With the constant pressures and requirements in the world today, is it any wonder that Christians are viewed no differently than everyone else?  The lost don't see a consistent difference in the "Christian life" than their own.  I believe that as we grow in His grace, we will become very sensitive to the rest of the world around us and even to those living on the opposite side of the world from us.

Looking back to John 3:17, let’s not miss the point.... “but to SAVE the world through Him.”  Jesus was asked a question about the greatest commandment in the law and “Jesus replied; “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” ~Matthew 22:37-40

God loves the whole world and Jesus said we should love God our Father with all that we are and not only that BUT our neighbor as our self!  You and I may not like our neighbors very much for any number of reasons, HOWEVER our Father loves them with every drop of blood shed by Jesus on Calvary!!!

This is the new journey, to see with God our Father’s eyes and His heart.  We will only succeed “Living in His Presence” day by day and moment by moment.

Blessings & Peace

~Robert

Living in HIS Presence

Christ said, "Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in Me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from ME you can do nothing." ~John 15:5  And, "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you." ~John 14:26

Brother Lawrence in his book, "The Practice of The Presence of God" speaks to what we're going to discuss here today.  Brother Lawrence speaks about washing dishes for God and not for the brothers in his monastery (I highly recommend this little book).  To expand on the thought and be reminded of one more point from God's word, "Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people." ~Colossians 3:23

Before we can start "Living in HIS Presence", we need to get a good grip on these verses.  As God's children through the precious blood of Christ we have been grafted into the vine and as such are a part of the body of Christ.  Do we really understand the depth of this fact?  We are one with our Creator, He with us and us with Him.  "The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name...", He's with us now, as Christ is absent from us, we have the Holy Spirit with us.

As we come to fully understand the reality here, something else will begin to come into focus.  How about this, we are in His presence and He's in ours ALWAYS!  God's Holy Spirit has been given to us as our Comforter, Counselor and Guide.  He brings us comfort during the trials, tribulations and troubles in this life.  He provides counsel during these times and during times of great stress.  He provides guidance when we are faced with hard decisions.

Many of you know everything I've written to be true.  Have you considered that He walks with us all the time?  That He stands with us and walks with us throughout our days?  I believe He waits for us to see Him in everything we see and hear.  In what we touch, smell and feel.  All that we survey has been created by Him.  He waits for us to seek Him in the little things that come our way with the same intensity and determination as we do the "major" things of life.

Imagine going through the day with the Holy Spirit constantly engaged with us in every step!  Now realize that He waits in fact for us to seek His guidance, counsel and comfort minute by minute.  All we need to do is actively and intentionally acknowledge His presence!!!  The God of the universe is constantly with us through the presence of the Holy Spirit.  As we seek Him first, seek His direction, seek His will and live with our heart and mind fixed specifically in His direction...change takes place!

The change takes place within me, within you!  We begin to KNOW, His presence in new and intimate ways.  We see His purposes for our life differently, they become our purposes.  Our days become easier and the burdens lighter, because we know we aren't alone and every step has been in HIS presence.  The trials, tribulations and troubles all still come and yet now we find ourselves joining Paul in a new understanding for the phrase, "peace that passes all understanding".

I have to stop here for now and allow everything to really sink in to our hearts and minds.  Tomorrow I'll continue as together we embark on the journey that really is, "Living in His Presence"!!!

Blessings & Peace
~Robert

Pressing Forward

Streams in the Desert Daily Devotional, Charles Cowman, Christian Bible Devotions:

"I was crushed...so much so that I despaired even of life, but that was to make me rely not on myself, but on the God who raises the dead" (2 Cor. 1:8, 9)."

"Pressed out of measure and pressed to all length;

Pressed so intensely it seems, beyond strength;

Pressed in the body and pressed in the soul;

Pressed in the mind till the dark surges roll.

Pressure by foes, and a pressure from friends.

Pressure on pressure, till life nearly ends."

Pressed into knowing no helper but God;

Pressed into loving the staff and the rod.

Pressed into liberty where nothing clings;

Pressed into faith for impossible things.

Pressed into living a life in the Lord,

Pressed into living a Christ-life outpoured."

Over and over again lately I've been reading about pressure. Pressure specifically in our Christian walk. We all experience pressure in our daily life from family, friends, co-workers and the list continues. The difference for us as Christians is the way we deal with these pressures and the impact on God's kingdom work through us.

How we endure or crumple under these pressures, weigh on how the world see us and Christ. Remember that we are the only Christ the lost will see before knowing Christ for themselves. How we handle this pressure cooker world often bears greatly on whether or not someone comes to Christ. I'm not saying that you or I are solely responsible, I saying we have an impact.

Remember, God has chosen us to share His plan of salvation for mankind through Jesus Christ. Our actions good and bad are seen by those around us. If we live our life the same way the rest of the world lives, then the question in the heart and mind of the lost is, "why do I need to be a Christian?".

Christian's aren't perfect, however the way we live, either shines a light on the path to salvation and a life in Christ or we say Christ isn't the answer. We either reflect the best of Christ or we don't. Pressure in this life is often for the benefit of others and at times for us directly. Regardless, pressure produces greater depth of character or we crumble like dried out clay and have no value to our Lord and His Kingdom.

Seek God and His grace to endure the pressure and grow stronger in HIS strength. As the title of the linked devotional directs, press forward in Christ and trust that He has your best at heart. That even if we stumble, how we get back up and move forward in Christ's strength and grace will speak volumes to those who watch.

Blessings & Peace

~Robert

Gentleness

Quiet Walk Daily Bible Reading Devotional, Walk Thru the Bible, Christian Devotions:

"Gentleness is not a word which suggests weakness or impotence. It is used of powerful war horses who have been skillfully trained to instantly obey their masters. It is a word which suggests power under complete control. It offers much."

Not fragile, powerless or weak. Gentleness is often, especially in today's society, mistaken for these negative definitions. Yet, with God these are character traits which reflect HIS character. Full of God and His power, Christ wasn't a brute and He certainly was never considered weak.

Example after example throughout the gospels are provided for us. When we observe how He interacted with people individually a strong and yet gentleness are always displayed. Certain, determined and firm are words that we are very likely to have come to mind as we think over Christ and His ministry.

We are challenged to control ourselves; mentally, physically and spiritually. Control and discipline are hallmarks of the Christian life because we have these examples in Christ. As we seek to be like Christ and grow in God's grace, these traits should come through in our character.

What a great thing to be said about someone as a Christian, he/she is gentle. I don't know about you, as for myself, being aligned with Christ by any definition that reflects HIS character and God's is fine by me!

Choose today for yourself, Christ and all that He is or yourself. God and His path are much greater than any we could or would choose for ourselves.

Blessings & Peace

~Robert

Can Thine Heart Endure?

Streams in the Desert Daily Devotional, Charles Cowman, Christian Bible Devotions:

"The way to peace and victory is to accept every circumstance, every trial, straight from the hand of a loving Father;...."

If you've ever wondered why when we pray for one thing the opposite seems to come our way, then click the links for this wonderful devotion.

There isn't much for me to add here today on this topic. When we ask for specific things in response to God's word, like patience. Almost immediately we feel like the wheels come off and everything in the world comes against us and our earnest desire to become more patient.

This is just the first of so many topics covered in today's devotion and we can all identify with at least one of these. The truth is that only through trials are we able to grow in our Father's grace and become stronger. It should not surprise us that the best things in life come through fire and pressure.

As we look at the most beautiful things in this life, materially speaking as an example, either fire or pressure is responsible for the creation of the product. A raw diamond, created by unbelievable pressure is not the most beautiful thing to behold, however when the craftsman is done.... The craftsman cuts the stone and polishes the stone and with great care produces the finished product that is so desirable.

I could use so very many examples beyond the diamond and space and time limit them here. God, the only expert craftsman in all of life, He alone know exactly what we need and what work He needs to complete to being us to completion. We are each created with a specific purpose by God and as His children, He is on the job as the Master Craftsman. His will and way is to mold us through pressure and fire into the His designed purpose.

Our job today and everyday is to submit to the Master's hand. To ready ourselves to submit to whatever we need to experience in order to grow and become who God created us to become. Choose today to become a willing participant in our Father's plan.

Blessings & Peace

~Robert

Merciful Redeemer

Crosswalk: The Devotional - "Merciful Redeemer" - Crosswalk the Devotional - Nov. 14, 2011 - Christian Devotional:

"The amazing thing about God's mercy is its accessibility."

This is a great devotional today. How many of us and how often do we find ourselves joining Paul in believing we are the worst of sinners? Or maybe you don't think you're "that bad". Regardless of where you stand, the one thing that is important is God's grace and desire to forgive our confessed sins! God stands ready to forgive and love us with His generous and boundless love. The angels rejoice and all of heaven with them when one is saved! This is powerful and should stand as such encouragement to all.

Don't fall into the trap of satan and allow yourself to get beat up and beat down by your sins. Confess your sins and live in the victory of Christ! Christ has defeated death and the grave, rose victorious on that 3rd morning! We do not have to live in defeat. Think of this, salvation is ours as a gift of God through the precious blood of Christ. We because of the work Christ has completed are able to live life to the full and in the assurance of eternity with Him in the presence of God our Father. There is no greater victory and it's ours now!

Choose the "Merciful Redeemer" today and live in victory. Allow God to work in our life so that He can show you His mercy's and grace. As a vessel filled to overflowing with His grace, love and peace we will make a positive impact for His kingdom. God's plan is to use us to reach the lost and be the extension of His hands to the lost and suffering of this world to point them to Him.

The choice is yours today. Choose mercy and allow God to fulfill His plan for your life and His kingdom today.

Blessings & Peace

~Robert

The Secrets of Providence

Streams in the Desert, with Mrs. Charles Cowman - Streams in the Desert - Nov. 8 - Christian Devotional:

"Sometimes diamonds are done up in rough packages, so that their value cannot be seen. When the Tabernacle was built in the wilderness there was nothing rich in its outside appearance. The costly things were all within, and its outward covering of rough badger skin gave no hint of the valuable things which it contained."

How often we scoff at things or people who come into our life. They don't seem appealing or even very interesting. Too often we "judge the book by it's cover" and this is where we miss terribly the thing God has brought to us. For the times when we do stop and take stock of what has come our way, we do find the gift.

Whether the point is; something we need to learn, to do or experience for a later purpose, we must have our eyes and ears fixed toward our Father. As we grow in our relationship with God through Christ, we become increasingly sensitive to the Holy Spirit's counsel.

Many things, people and situations pass our way every day. Only when we're prayed up and seeking God's direction in our life moment by moment are we aware and open to the subtle ways God moves in our life.

Here's the work of a Christian from where I stand, our relationship with God through Christ. Yesterday, I wrote about ours is to be available and receive all the our Father has for us and I believe that is true. That is our work, to be available, to listen, to receive, to learn what God has for us to learn. As He reveals to us, we move in that direction.

Think about how we go through life in general. As we gain knowledge and experience, we move in those ways that are proven and productive. Whether in work or play, it's the same as we build on positive results. Even when the outcome doesn't actually make "sense" we know from experience what the outcome will be.

As we draw nearer to God through studying His word, prayer and action, we gain greater confidence in our relationship. Our faith grows stronger and so do the challenges, obstacles and trials. Again, as with yesterdays' blog entry, I believe our Father's purpose in us is to make us into the image of Christ. Christ always did what the Father asked Him to do, was where the Father intended Him to be and sought to do His Father's work always.

Though the road may become impossible we remember that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. ~Philippians 4:13 The beauty of the day to day, moment by moment life we lead in Christ is that we will find it begins to flow. Ever notice how Jesus was never rushed or in a hurry? He sought God first and intentionally lived out His life to fulfill God's purposes, not His own.

Perspective, God's perspective is the only view point, that at the end of the day will provide us with any sense in this life. His perspective is how we need to view our life and what moves in and out of the moments and things we see and touch. Although the packages appear rough, ugly or completely uninteresting.... these may be the diamonds God has delivered specifically to you and me for this specific time and place in our life. Maybe directly for us or for someone else in our life to touch for Him.

You choose today what you will do.

Blessings & Peace

~Robert

What We Receive

Truth For Life Daily Devotional with Alistair Begg:

"As the earth drinks in the rain, as the sea receives the streams, as night accepts light from the stars, so we, giving nothing, partake freely of the grace of God. The believers are not by nature wells or streams; they are just cisterns into which the living water flows; they are empty vessels into which God pours His salvation."

Please read this devotional linked. Alistair Begg has a way of delivery that will warm your heart and draw you to think more deeply about your Christian walk and relationship with Christ and others.

As human beings, we tend to "feel obligated" to give a gift when we receive a gift. This alone may be the greatest obstacle to really understanding the GIFT of Salvation. At some point in every Christians' life, we start thinking we need to repay God. As if we ever could!

I suspect that the greatest trouble is to just accept God's provision, merit and grace. All of which means that there's nothing for us to do. Save, become a vessel for God. Allow God to fill us up with Himself through Christ our Savior and to heed the counsel of the Holy Spirit. In allowing God to complete HIS work in my life, molding me into Christ's image, I will begin very definitely to live out Christ.

We believe, "I must do" because has given me this great gift and provides for me at every turn. The truth again is, we are God's workmanship. ("For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10) God's work, not ours, we certainly have a mission and purpose in fulfilling the commission to making disciples of nations. (Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ~Matthew 28:19)

God determined the ultimate plan of salvation. He created each one of us with abilities, gifts and talents for meeting HIS purposes in HIS for the salvation of mankind. We must decide to become the vessel as God intends, which means we receive freely what HE alone gives. By releasing my desire for myself and choosing to desire fully all that God desires for me and my life; now I am able to be the vessel God has created me to be here in this place.

What will you receive or reject today? Will we fully receive all of God and allow HIM to completely fill us and dwell in HIS presence and HE in ours?

Blessings & Peace

~Robert

'via Blog this'

Sing Praise to the Lord!

Streams in the Desert Daily Devotional, Charles Cowman, Christian Bible Devotions:

"Don't let the song go out of your life
Though it chance sometimes to flow
In a minor strain; it will blend again
With the major tone you know.

"What though shadows rise to obscure life's skies,
And hide for a time the sun,
The sooner they'll lift and reveal the rift,
If you let the melody run.

"Don't let the song go out of your life;
Though the voice may have lost its trill,
Though the tremulous note may die in your throat,
Let it sing in your spirit still.

"Don't let the song go out of your life;
Let it ring in the soul while here;
And when you go hence, 'twill follow you thence,
And live on in another sphere."

My prayer for each of us this morning is that we'll begin and end each day singing His praises! Haven't you noticed how music lifts your spirit and mood? Have you noticed how singing praises to our Father changes everything and the way we see it?

Yesterday I wrote about living life in Christ to the full, because He came and gave everything that we should live life to the full. Choosing to praise God and spend time at the beginning of each day with Him will set the path for the day. Seeking to spend time in His presence first, will place us on the path for the day that will glorify Him.

When we open our hearts and minds to His Word and His Spirit, we open our life to all of HIS plans. What we have planned for the day is nothing compared to what HE will accomplish through us today. We, by God's amazing grace touch lives for the Kingdom today. Say a word of encouragement or kindness that will have an impact that is of greater importance than anything else we have planned.

By choosing to start off the day by praising Him, we choose to fix our perspective on God and not our self. Once we take this first step, choosing to see God in what we do and in the choices we make will be easier. You can also expect that the enemy will come against you solely for the purpose of getting you to stumble and fall. If you do, stop and fix your eyes back on Jesus and ask simply for forgiveness and the courage, decrement and strength to start fresh with praise again in your spirit.

Finish the day off with prayer and praise for the day. Look over the day that our Father has blessed us with and see with awe and wonder how good HE is and was this day! Thank HIM in advance for peaceful sleep and for the day that by HIS grace will come, for the day to come will hold opportunities.

Blessings & Peace

~Robert

The Mountain After the Quake

Streams in the Desert Daily Devotional, Charles Cowman, Christian Bible Devotions:

"As we pass beneath the hills which have been shaken by the earthquake and torn by convulsion, we find that periods of perfect repose succeed those of destruction. The pools of calm water lie clear beneath their fallen rocks, the water lilies gleam, and the reeds whisper among the shadows; the village rises again over the forgotten graves, and its church tower, white through the storm twilight, proclaims a renewed appeal to His protection "in whose hand are all the corners of the earth, and the strength of the hills is his also." --Ruskin"

Taken from one of my favorite devotions today with the verse of scripture from Job 5:18; "He maketh sore, and bindeth up: He woundeth and HIS hands make whole." While we journey here, mere travelers making our way to see HIM face to face. As strangers in this place, we are called to reflect HIS grace, light and truth to a world estranged and lost to God our Creator and King.

On this journey, we will endure pain and suffering that takes many forms. Emotional, physical and mental to name a few general categories. As we testify and confess God and His Son Jesus Christ to a world in desperate need of salvation, we will be scorned and ridiculed for our beliefs. The religious leaders of Christ's day sought to kill Him at every possible turn and ultimately He gave His life for us.

As we live out our lives for His glory and honor, men will stand against us and against Christ for whom we stand. What we miss when the trails, tribulation and testings come is God has but one purpose once we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior: to make us like Christ. While Jesus told us to go and make disciples of men, God works to make us in Christ's image.

We are God's workmanship. He will see us through to completion. God desires that all mankind is returned to a right relationship with Himself. Apart from Christ, we cannot and this is God's work. We must submit and be available to HIM for His purposes and like the ball of clay in the potter's hand, be willing to be formed in HIS image.

God loves us and wants the very best for us in this life. Pain and suffering comes with the journey. It is for our good that these things will come to pass in our life. While I've written all about the "negative" side of our journey. We must not loose sight of the goal and also realize that we do get to enjoy the moments of peace and rest that come along after the times of suffering.

Fullness of life will have valley and mountain top experiences for everyone. Life doesn't favor one person over the other. Everything "good and bad" takes place in the life of all who live. The difference for us as Christians is that we know our redeemer and believe that HE alone provides us. HE makes the roughness of life bearable and the peace sweeter. My purpose is found in HIM and in HIM is found everything needed to live life abundantly.

Blessings & Peace

~Robert

God Will Come For You ~Max Lucado

MaxLucado.com Weekly Email:

"God will touch your tears. Not flex his muscles or show off his power. Lesser kings would strut their stallions or give a victory speech. Not God. He prefers to rub a thumb across your cheek as if to say, “There, there…no more tears.”

Isn’t that what a father does?"

So much trouble in the world today. Even Christian's become weary and at times question, what next? After this life what happens? With all the different beliefs from around the world, too many believe once we're through with this life...there's nothing else. I thank my Lord and Savior that I have hope in Him for an eternity that promises to begin with Christ coming to take me home!

I encourage you to click the link for today's referenced topic. What child doesn't want his Father to wipe away his or her tears? To have Him provide the ultimate comfort after a long journey, this is what I'm hoping for and seeking.

God's word is full of hope for all of humanity. We only need to seek Him and His truth. We have before us the greatest of all destinations, heaven and the eternal presence of our Creator, God the Father and our Savior Jesus Christ!

Blessings & Peace

~Robert

The Prayer of Faith

Streams in the Desert Daily Devotional, Charles Cowman, Christian Bible Devotions:

"The Shepherd does not ask of thee
Faith in thy faith, but only faith in Him;
And this He meant in saying, 'Come to me.'
In light or darkness seek to do His will,
And leave the. work of faith to Jesus still."

I found a striking point in this devotional this morning stated in two different fashions and yet they are exactly alike. Here's the second; "Faith, walking in the dark with God, only prays HIM to clasp its hand more closely. ~Phillips Brooks

The contrast is found earlier, most prayers for greater faith tend to really be statements of doubt that request greater sight. God cannot lie, Titus 1:2 and Jesus said, "But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe." ~John 6:36 And then again when talking to Thomas, "Jesus said to him, Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed. ~John 20:29

We stand at the crossroads of belief and doubt many times throughout the day. The choice is always clear and right, however God knows this is a struggle. Let me say this, I believe that Belief and Faith are on the same side. One cannot be torn away from the other. To say we believe something and then not take action (Faith) is to be guilty of a lie. We give action or faith to what we believe everyday with regard to things spiritual and lessor things all day long.

Bridge the gap today and everyday, moment by moment and step by step. Sometimes you and I take steps that aren't very sure. We take them anyway and God is cheering us on. Our actions for God and His kingdom have eternal outcomes! Stand on HIS promises today!!!

Blessings & Peace

~Robert

Doctrine or Theology

This week one of my brother's stopped in on his way back to Texas and we had a great visit.  As we often do during these short visits, we try to cram in mini conversations covering a multitude of topics.  This visit wasn't any different and has left me still thinking about the subject for today's blog.  Our conversation had to do with salvation and those who have never been exposed to the Good News of Christ.  I'll share the details of that another time.

The time we spent together has left me thinking about several points.  What we're taught about God, salvation and living out the Christian life.  The subtle differences that show up between organized religion and God's Word.  These are the points that I've been working over and over in my heart and mind.

Interestingly enough, one of my devotionals this morning lead me to Colossians chapter 2: "Bible Gateway"  Using the New Living Translation for it's easy read.  Again, the church is being addressed concerning the matter of being freed from the rules of man.

Doctrine is defined as, "a belief or tenet, especially about philosophical or theological matters."Wiktionary  While God's Word provides us with instruction and direction for this life, man's need for "control" and "power" pushes doctrine as if it has the same value to the Christian life as God's word and the Holy Spirit's direction.

We've been set free from the bondage of sin when we placed our faith in Jesus Christ for our eternal salvation and choose Him as Lord of our life.  This doesn't mean we can live life as we did before coming to Christ, the opposite is our new direction.  Because the Holy Spirit now lives within us.  We are immediately made new in Christ; "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" 2 Corinthians 5:17

While we often need the input from pastors and the guidance of organized church (meaning your church of choice... catholic, protestant, etc).  We are admonished here and in other passages to: "-continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling." Philippians 2:12b  Our salvation is between us and God, we are to read HIS word and pray seeking HIS direction and guidance on how we live out Christ in our life.

I referred to Colossians 2 earlier because the chapter refers to what we're talking about today.  The passage ends specifically with this point: "You have died with Christ, and He has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world.  So why do you keep on following the rules of the world, such as, "Don't handle! Don't fast! Don't touch!  Such rules are mere human teachings about things that deteriorate as we use them.  These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline.  But they provide no help in conquering a person's evil desires." Colossians 2:20-23

Our local church is important to our life in Christ.  We're told to not give up meeting together; "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:24-25  We need to meet with our brothers and sisters in Christ!  We need to gather to worship our Lord and Savior together, share our blessings as encouragement, and our trials for objective input.  God uses His Word, Holy Spirit and other believers to help us journey through life.

We need doctrine as a guide.  We need to be constantly engaged in our relationship with God.  Faith is a verb and requires action in thought and deed.  Work your salvation and theology out by seeking to know God through His Word and by prayer.  Make your relationship with God your first priority and see how HE will work in your life.  God desires to make us in the image of Christ so the lost will be drawn to Him by using us.

Blessings & Peace,
~Robert