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