"Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain."1 Corinthians 9:24

Sometimes we have a tendency to complicate things when it comes to serving the Lord. But like race car driving, there’s really no secret, just move forward and finish the race! Brothers & Sisters, are you struggling with confusion, discouragement or anxiety about things of the Lord? God is not a God of confusion, discouragement or anxiety! Let’s get back to the basics today. God created us, loves us unconditionally and wants to free us from all our entanglements that we may be holy as He is holy, that we may be able to love Him with all our heart, soul, strength and mind and love our neighbor as ourselves! We’re in this together, for the win!

"But his lord answered and said to him, 'You wicked and slothful servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. Then you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, and on my coming I would have received my money back with interest. Therefore take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents. For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away."Matthew 25:26-29

Reading this parable, we are struck by the serious consequences of failing to produce Kingdom fruit. But there's something I want to particularly point out. Many of the great heroes of the faith – people like Moses and David, were not given great responsibilities immediately. Each of these men first served as a lowly shepherd, tending sheep. Having tested them first in this humble vocation, God then felt confident to elevate them to positions of greatness -- but it all started with a small step! God is testing his saints in the little things -- as we pass our early tests, the Lord will promote us to greater things. Don’t despise the day of small things -- a single talent invested wisely can produce a bountiful harvest! And remember that it begins with faithful stewardship of whatever gift or talent that God has allocated to you. Let's be wise stewards in these last days, using our divinely given abilities for His glory and purposes so that we can produce an abundant return on the Lord's investment in our lives. Let’s heed the warning and the encouragement that Yeshua (Jesus) gives us in this parable, multiplying, rather than hiding our talent. Amen!

"And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: 12 And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. 13 And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave."1 Kings 19:11

The prophet Elijah, through his dramatic demonstration of the LORD's authority and power, inspired repentance in the people of Israel, calling them to exercise His judgment on idolaters by slaying 450 prophets of Ba'al and 400 prophets of Asherah on Mount Carmel. Yet this spiritual victory was followed by a severe demonic reprisal through the woman Jezebel. Her words so terrified Elijah that he literally ran for his life. The conflicts in the spirit realm are truly awesome. The moment of Elijah's greatest victory became the very context for his greatest temptation, as he was devastated, discouraged and depressed to the point of hopeless despair by Jezebel's vengeful threat to kill him. But the Lord had not abandoned His man. In the midst of Elijah's flight YHVH sent His angel to feed and encourage the prophet for his forty day journey from Beersheva to Mount Horeb, where he undoubtedly expected protection at the mountain where Moses had first encountered YHVH. Completely alone, Elijah takes refuge in a cave, where the Lord finds him and initiates a conversation which seems almost casual; "What are you doing here, Elijah?" The prophet begins to pour his heart out, complaining about his isolated desperate condition. God's reply is another dramatic demonstration, but this one is different and personally tailored for Elijah's discouragement. Whirlwind, earthquake, and fire are all devoid of His Presence. ….but there, in a still small voice, the prophet hears His Lord... Brothers & Sister in Christ, perhaps unrepentant sinners and backslidden believers require dramatic demonstrations, catastrophes and devastating judgments to awaken their attention to God's presence and will. But we who love Him are invited to a more intimate relationship; one which takes place in privacy and quiet listening. This week could be a good time to renew yours...

"I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons. I have set the LORD always before me: because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope."Psalm 16:7-9.

Just think how blessed you are to know the Lord and being able to walk with Him in good and bad times. To tell Him what is on your heart and how you love Him. Jesus will listen to all you have to say and then He will begin to speak to you, through His word, in your heart, a vision, a dream or a song which pops up in your heart. Our Lord is AWESOMELY WONDERFUL, and WONDERFULLY AWESOME! Thank you Lord! There is never a disappointment with the Lord, if we expect the answer from him alone. Let this be for your encouragement. Look up into His Holy face and you will see the radiance of everlasting glory in His eyes; the heavenly glow of Godly Love; the unspeakable Beauty of His appearance. He is the Conqueror, the Overcomer, the Restorer, the Healer, the Master of All, the Son of God, the Alpha and Omega, the soon coming King, and He is much more. GLORY TO HIS NAME!

"And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, He said, Father, into Thy hands I commend My spirit: and having said thus,He gave up the ghost."Luke 23:46

JESUS CHRIST, THE SAVIOUR He walked on this earth and gave His All to help the poor, to heal great and small He was compassionate, the least for fame He bore our sorrows and stilled our pain. He surrendered His will on that rugged cross to gain us Eternal Life instead of loss He suffered intense agony, we'll never understand When He cried "Eli, Eli, Lama Sabachthani" at the end. He was Victorious, though nobody could comprehend when He rose from the grave, showing Thomas His hand He left us the instructions before He did ascend and promised: "I'm with you always, even until the end." * * *

"The nations will fear the name of the LORD, all the kings of the earth will revere your glory. For the LORD will rebuild Zion and appear in his glory."Psalm 102:15,16

Christ is Coming Again! All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee. For the kingdom is the LORD's: and he is the governor among the nations. Psalm 22:27,28 A voice is calling, "Clear the way for the LORD in the wilderness; Make smooth in the desert a highway for our God. Let every valley be lifted up, And every mountain and hill be made low; And let the rough ground become a plain, And the rugged terrain a broad valley; Then the glory of the LORD will be revealed, And all flesh will see it together; For the mouth of the LORD has spoken." Isaiah 40:3-4 Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift: Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God is the object of our faith; the only faith that saves is faith in Him.

"And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us."1 John 3:21-23

Pleasing the Lord Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him. Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:9,10. For one is approved if, mindful of God, he endures pain while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it, if when you do wrong and are beaten for it you take it patiently? But if when you do right and suffer for it you take it patiently, you have God's approval. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 1 Peter 2:19-21. Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift: Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God is the object of our faith; the only faith that saves is faith in Him.

"Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh."James 5:8

God's best gifts come slowly. We could not use them if they did not. Many a man, called of God to... a work in which he is pouring out his life, is convinced that the Lord means to bring his efforts to a successful conclusion. Nevertheless, even such a confident worker grows discouraged at times and worries because results do not come as rapidly as he would desire. But growth and strength in waiting are results often greater than the end so impatiently longed for. Paul had time to realize this as he lay in prison. Moses must have asked, 'Why?' many times during the delays in Midian and in the wilderness. Jesus Himself experienced the discipline of delay in His silent years before His great public ministry began. Perhaps you've been waiting on something for a long time and you're weary. You're not alone! Let's ask the Lord to renew our hearts and desires today, and give us a fresh infilling of strength to wait on His perfect timing. Good things come to those who WAIT!

"fathers, you bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." Ephesians 6:4

Fathers are called upon to not only take the lead with regard to physical provision, but emotional and spiritual as well. So it's the father who initiates the conversations. Here are simple pointers for fathers who seek to be initiators in their children's lives: Talk to your kids about your feelings - and theirs. Comfort your kids when they are hurt, discouraged, or sad. Help your children with the homework, chores, and hobbies. Play with your kids. Go to school activities and take an active part in your children's education. Teach your kids to solve problems. Ask them questions and discuss issues related to their relationship with God. When it comes to influencing our children concerning spiritual matters and life instruction, we must not relegate this all important responsibility. That's why Paul said, "fathers, you bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." (Ephesians 6:4)