"Then David spoke to the men who stood by him, saying, "What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?" And the people answered him in this manner, saying, "So shall it be done for the man who kills him." Now Eliab his oldest brother heard when he spoke to the men; and Eliab's anger was aroused against David, and he said, "Why did you come down here? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride and the insolence of your heart, for you have come down to see the battle." And David said, "What have I done now? Is there not a cause?"1 Samuel 17:26-29

David's faith and courage in volunteering to fight Goliath was an embarrassment to his big brother Eliab, an officer in King Saul's army. I imagine his thinking went something like this; "If my little brother wins everybody will ask, 'How come you didn't go out and fight him?' The Bible records that Eliab burned with anger at David and asked, 'Why have you come down here? And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the desert? I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is...' These are devastating words from an older brother. Before David could defeat Goliath he first had to overcome the attitudes, accusations and words, of those close around him. The defeat of Goliath had massive implications for Israel and for the Lord. Satan had staked a great deal on Goliath's terrifying power. So wherever the enemy had opportunity in the sinful attitudes of David's friends and family he maximized them, realizing that David truly had the anointing of God to turn the tide of battle. And God allowed David to be tested by his own closest kin. If there is a true Goliath in your life and you are appointed to slay him be assured you will face similar tests from those close by. When you make decisions to step out and follow God it will put pressure on others to do the same. Their shame and lack of faith will move them to attack, belittle and criticize you. It will come from among those closest to you, especially if your calling sets you apart! Brothers & Sisters, be careful around those who say, "I knew you when..." in an attempt to label, libel, or limit you – much like David's brother Eliab tried to hinder him. David was empowered by the Lord to slay Goliath – if you have that same Spirit and calling then humbly step aside and say, "What have I done now? Isn't there a real job to be done?" Then go ahead, and do it. WHO ARE YOU NOW?

"These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful."Revelation 17:14

Just about every Hebrew prayer begins by saying, “Baruch Ata Adonai, Eloheinu Melech Ha Olam” which, translated, means, Blessed are you O Lord our God, King of the Universe. Now think about it, King of the Universe! Wikipedia defines "universe" as, "the composition of all the planets, stars, galaxies, the contents of intergalactic space, and all matter and energy". Hmm…that’s a lot to be king over! So He’s the King over hundreds of billions of stars, and hundreds of millions of galaxies – the King of everything! Now this might make this King seem somewhat "out of reach" for you and me. But He's not. Because this King decided to walk into His universe as a little human being so that He could relate to us better. He's big. Bigger than you can imagine. But He's also accessible because He made Himself small too. Brothers & Sisters, so, don't worry. The distance and size of God are not a problem for Him or for you. He knows and understands all your thoughts, worries, your fears, your anxieties and your troubles! And “If God is for us, who can be against us?” So be at peace my friend, and let Him take care of it all. He truly is “Melech Ha Olam” – the King of the Universe, but He's also your best and closest friend. HE'S MELECH HA OLAM!

“There was a prophetess, Anna...advanced in years...a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers. At that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.”Luke 2:36-38

Do our prayers really matter? Even Believers who pray regularly may have doubts, wondering if God really cares about them or hears their prayers. We can wonder if Anna ever had these thoughts. If she candidly evaluated herself, she might have wondered if her life really mattered to anyone, or even to God. Although a “prophetess,” Anna did not seem to have credibility in the eyes of the world. She did not seem to be well known or have connections with political or religious leaders. In fact, her life had been marked by personal tragedy, as a longtime widow. The only noteworthy fact about her was her commitment to God. She always was in His house, totally dedicated to prayer, fasting, and giving thanks. It did not seem to matter what other people thought. She simply focused on God and devoted herself to serving Him. Anna might not have mattered to anyone else, but it was clear that she mattered to God. He honored her, allowing her to be among the few to see the baby Jesus. He had heard her prayers and seen the commitment of her heart. And He rewarded her for her faithfulness. Brothers & Sisters over history, others have had a similar testimony. These men and women of all ages and all backgrounds have had this in common: They weren’t concerned with their reputations but simply were devoted to serving God. Their lives were focused on serving Him…praising Him…and thanking Him. They were committed to prayer, and they prayed with faith and persistence. They interceded for the needs of others and for the advance of God’s Kingdom throughout the world.

"Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit."Psalms 51:10-12

David is called a "man after God’s own heart." Considering that he lusted after his neighbor's wife, committed adultery with her, and had her husband murdered, the Lord's description of him is remarkable. How could a man who was convicted a murderer and an adulterer also be called one after God’s own heart? The answer is simple but profound: God did not regard David according to the actions of his sinful nature, but according to the deepest motivations and disposition of his heart and will; and these were revealed by David's response to the conviction which Nathan the prophet brought upon him; a conviction which brought immediate total confession and repentance, and a broken and contrite heart. This response exemplified the shepherd king's walk with God throughout the entire journey of his life. If, after David had fallen he made excuses, rationalized, or resisted the clear message of his sinfulness it would have been a totally different story. His heart would have revealed a self-justifying, self-righteous attitude with no realization of his absolute need for God's mercy. This would have defeated and defined him as a man after his own heart. But the immediacy and completeness of David's confession qualified him for the Lord's forgiveness and mercy, saving him from death and restoring him to that most treasured relationship of his life, his relationship with God. The consequences of his sin were very serious and followed David all the days of his life. But he demonstrated the genuineness of his repentance by never railing against God for the troubles which followed him as a consequence of his sin with Batsheva. David always rose up, submitted, and humbly praised God, writing wonderful psalms and pouring out his heart before the Lord. He served God and worshiped Him all his life. So the Lord God didn't reckon David’s life by his fall – but by his walk, and by his heart. Brothers & Sisters, we all stumble in many ways, but God does not define us by our failures. It's our love for Him and our honesty before Him that reveals a true walk of faith! So if you fell, you messed up, your sin got the best of you, then come clean. Make your confession. Accept the consequences without complaining, allow the Lord to forgive and restore you completely, and continue on your journey with Him. That was David's heart. His example is worthy to follow. May you also be one of those that lived their life "after God’s own heart!" IT HAPPENED TO THE BEST OF THEM!

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”Philippians 4:6-7

And what will you think about? A huge variety of things: things practical and theoretical…physical, mental, and spiritual…your relationships and responsibilities…your friends and family…your feelings and emotions…your past and your future. You will consider options about decisions you face. You will think about food and clothing, your physical needs and your reputation. You will analyze world events and the purpose of life. As your thoughts constantly turn over, at some point you likely will feel fear or anxiety. You will have concerns and questions. Your mind easily might feel congested or weighed down. So how God can give you peace and bring calmness to a troubled mind? The Bible says you don’t have to worry about anything. Instead, you are to tell God every detail of your needs “in earnest and thankful prayer.” When you do this, “the peace of God which transcends human understanding, will keep constant guard over your hearts and minds as they rest in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7 Phillips). In your life, remember that God invites you to tell Him everything going on in your mind. Not just the polite and pleasant things, but frustrations and failures. The secret issues of your heart. Thoughts and attitudes that weigh you down. Actions that may plague you. Brothers & Sisters don’t pass up this opportunity. Tell Him every detail. Don’t hold back. Be honest!

“He came to them, walking on the sea...Peter said to Him, ‘Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.’ And He said, ‘Come!’ And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus.”Matthew 14:25-29

The man was respected, considered spiritually mature, a model Believer. An admirer even observed that this man could “walk on water.” The reference point is the moment when Jesus walked on the Sea of Galilee, demonstrating His power over nature. But our thoughts immediately turn to Peter who wanted to know if he, too, could walk on water. When Jesus said “Come,” Peter “got out of the boat.” While he focused on Jesus, Peter did what seemed impossible, actually walking on water. But when he started focusing on the wind, “he became frightened” and began to sink. When he cried out, Jesus reached out His hand to save him. He also told Peter, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When Peter became distracted and afraid, he took his eyes off of Jesus. But even in his failure, he provides an example for us. In reality, we are all like Peter. Often distracted. Imperfect. Impulsive. Yet, as Peter demonstrated, with our eyes on Jesus we can do extraordinary things. But doubt can block His miracles. Brothers & Sisters in your life, don’t be weighed down by doubt or distracted by the things around you. Focus on Jesus. As He leads, be ready to step “out of the boat,” with faith that, eyes on Him, you can “walk on water.”

"He was taken from prison and from judgment, And who will declare His generation? For He was cut off from the land of the living; For the transgressions of My people He was stricken. And they made His grave with the wicked-- But with the rich at His deaths [plural in the Hebrew], Because He had done no violence, Nor was any deceit in His mouth."Isaiah 53:8-9 ; "and killed the Prince of life [in Hebrew, lives], whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses."Acts 3:15

An interesting parallel exists between these two passages of scripture: Isaiah 53:9 and Acts 3:15. Isaiah renders the "death" of the messiah in the plural form, "deaths". Acts renders the life of the Prince of Life as "lives". Some scholars suggest that the plurality of the word death indicates a violent death this servant would suffer, and that making the noun plural is a way of emphasizing the terrible intensity of his experience. Jewish counter-missionaries suggest that the "death" in plural shows that the suffering servant is not an individual man, but a group of people, specifically the nation of Israel, thus denying that the passage refers to an individual messianic figure. I like to look at this passage as a reminder that Jesus suffered death for me, personally, but also for every one else who would believe in Him. Since we all died with Him on the cross as He died to sin, it could be said that He suffered many deaths for all those He loved. Tracing the parallel to the Acts passage we can understand why it says there that He was the "Prince of Lives". The phrase in the New Testament, indicating a plurality of life. In His suffering of deaths, He became the Prince of lives! How many lives did He save? How many kinds of life? We'll find out someday....maybe. Brothers & Sisters, Jesus' death was complete; a finished work of comprehensive grace; totally effective and absolutely personal. His resurrection was equally full, final and personal -- through Him we died to sin, and need no longer walk in it; and through Him we live to God, and can walk in newness of life, abundant life -- for He truly is the Prince of Life!

“These are the names of the mighty men whom David had.”2 Samuel 23:8

As the account of David’s life comes to an end, the Bible stops to honor the men who contributed to his success. He accomplished much in his lifetime, as a soldier and king, a shepherd, poet, and musician. While the Bible richly details David’s many accomplishments, the account in 2 Samuel 23 demonstrates that he owed much of his success to the brave and selfless service of others. These were his “mighty men.” These included men who defied the armies that had gathered against them and who stood alone boldly when outnumbered by the enemy. Men who refused to run, but took a stand when others were fleeing in fear. Men who “broke through the camp of the Philistines, and drew water from the well of Bethlehem” and brought it to David. Men who single handedly killed lions. How easy it would have been for David to have taken all the credit for his accomplishments and overlooked such men. But he knew better. He knew the truth. And so did God. The same principle is true for every successful leader. Every president and general. Every manager and head of a successful corporation. Every pastor, coach, or teacher. In fact, all leaders depend for success on the efforts of others. They depend on their staff or aides. Their players or workers. This includes many who remain anonymous. In many nations around the world, this is a day dedicated to honor such men and women—the “veterans” who have served their country. Many of these veterans were wounded, and some even lost their lives in the fulfillment of their duty. Brothers & Sisters,please honor these men and women. To show appreciation. But also to dedicate ourselves to being faithful servants, not seeking to get honor or praise, but to serve. It’s an opportunity to remember Jesus’ words that the greatest among us are those who are servants (Matthew 23:11).

"When Gideon came to the Jordan, he and the three hundred men who were with him crossed over, exhausted but still in pursuit. Then he said to the men of Succoth, "Please give loaves of bread to the people who follow me, for they are exhausted, and I am pursuing Zebah and Zalmunna, kings of Midian. "And the leaders of Succoth said, "Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in your hand, that we should give bread to your army?"Judges 8:4-6 ; "And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him, and said to him, "The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor!"Judges 6:12

"Exhausted but still in pursuit..." Well, now we know why the angel of God addressed Gideon the way he did. With his small three hundred man army he had just decimated the army of Midian -- but the victory wasn’t complete, and so the Jewish general and his small, exhausted, hungry, band were determined to cross the Jordan and take care of 15,000 additional Midanite enemies and their leaders, Zebah and Zalmunna. Once chosen and appointed to his task, Gideon didn't settle for the slaughter of 120,000 Midianites. He might have reasoned that, having driven the remaining enemy force across the Jordan River, a natural barrier, Israel was now safe. After all, he and his men were exhausted and hungry. But this victory was insufficient, especially because the Midianite leaders were still alive. Instead, Gideon continued to press on, refusing to settle until the job was completely done. His refusal to allow serious physical discomfort to compromise his objective is apparently one of the things that qualified Gideon as a "mighty man" of God. No settling into a comfort zone for him. Brothers & Sisters, are you moving toward victory, but exhausted and hungry? Be careful now. Comfort could be your greatest enemy. And your so-called friends may not be standing there to give you a hand, but rather, watching skeptically from the sidelines to see whether or not you'll make it through your "heroic effort". Now is not the time for self-pity, fleshly resentment, or mediocrity. "The comfort zone is for those who are exempt from pain but denied progress; protected from failure but held in the grip of mediocrity." Keep your focus and spiritual passion for victory, and finish the job appointed to you -- because God has too much invested to settle for mediocrity! OUTNUMBERED, EXHAUSTED, BUT STILL IN PURSUIT!

“Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.’...and the star...went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.”Matthew 2:1-10

There have been many theories about the star the magi followed. But one thing is certain: This star was located far from earth. According to NASA, it takes 4.3 years for the light of the nearest star (besides the sun) to reach us. The light from other stars takes much longer. For some, thousands of years. In other words, the light seen by those magi would have begun its journey across the universe years earlier, and then traveled across millions of miles of space. Yet the path of that light was so perfect that it led them to one specific place: a manger in Bethlehem. The mathematical calculations necessary for such a trajectory are beyond our comprehension. When the magi saw the baby Jesus, these travelers instantly knew their journey was complete. Overwhelmed with joy and adoration, they laid down their earthly treasures at His feet. What do you think about when you look at the night sky? Many feel overwhelmed and even unimportant. But the story of the magi reminds us that there is a God who is sovereign over the universe. How mighty is His control. How sure are His plans. And how much He cares for His people. Today, that same God invites you to remember that He already has declared “the end from the beginning” and promises to accomplish His purposes (Isaiah 46:10). He is sovereign over space and time, and you can entrust your life to Him. Brothers & Sisters join those magi and bend your knees before Jesus. Worship Him with your gifts, your treasures, and your life—both today and throughout eternity.

“These words He spoke in the treasury, as He taught in the temple; and no one seized Him, because His hour had not yet come.” John 8:20

Jesus understood the importance of following the Father. He declared that He only did “what He sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does” (John 5:19). This gave Him great sensitivity to time and place. Others, without this perspective, urged Him to change course or do things that made sense to them. But Jesus had the patience to wait, trusting the Father and focusing on the immediate moment. Knowing that everything in His life had a purpose, He could live with great confidence and peace. He never panicked or succumbed to people’s pressure. We see this when He was speaking in the temple. He spoke about being “the Light of the world.” Pharisees challenged Him, claiming that His “testimony is not true.” As He responded, Jesus questioned their understanding and interpretation of the Law. They were incensed by His statements. But even though Jesus spoke these words “in the treasury,” He was not arrested. Why? Because “His hour had not yet come.” The time would come, but this was not it. These principles are important in our lives as well. Each of us has a purpose and a unique calling. God seeks to prepare us to accomplish His purposes, urging us to remember that "there is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Brothers & Sisters in your life, remember that God has a specific plan just for you! Seek to be sensitive to the leading of His Spirit, moment by moment. Don’t allow your life to be ruled by anxiety or worry. And don’t be governed by the pressures of the world. Trust Him. Seek to be sensitive to His Spirit, always ready to obey and follow His leading.

“An army with horses and chariots was circling the city...‘O LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.’ And the LORD opened the servant’s eyes and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”2 Kings 6:15-17

Angels are God’s messengers. Throughout the history of His people, the Lord intervened by sending angels who displayed unimaginable power to defeat great armies and provide deliverance. When the Arameans surrounded Israel, many reacted with fear. But Elisha knew that God was on His side. And through spiritual eyes he could see the vast angelic army that surrounded them. On another occasion, when Assyrians besieged Judah, many felt hopeless. But, in one night, a single angel struck 185,000 Assyrians, and God’s people were saved (2 Kings 19:35). When Jesus and the disciples were surrounded by Roman soldiers, Peter struck a man with a sword. But Jesus calmly responded “Do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matthew 26:53) We can imagine how many people hoped for these kinds of displays when God’s people were under Roman control. Yet when He did send His angels, it was not as an army. Instead, the angels came as a choir! Rather than being armed with swords, they came with praise. To an unlikely audience of shepherds, this “multitude of the heavenly host” praised God and gave Him glory as they brought a message of peace (Luke 2:13-14). Brothers & Sisters in our lives, we might wish that God would send an angelic army to defeat His enemies and silence those who oppose the Gospel. But instead He often looks for those who are filled with praise, so overwhelmed with His presence that they have no fear or worry. Unable to stop worshiping Him and giving Him glory, we can be confident in the victory that is ours and rejoice that God sent His Son so that we might be saved.

"If the ax is dull, And one does not sharpen the edge, Then he must use more strength; But wisdom brings success."Ecc 10:10

When I was younger I used to take an ax and cut up firewood from the woods behind our house. The one thing I always did was sharpen my axe! A dull axe meant harder work chopping through fallen trees. The sharper the ax the less effort and energy required for the task. So I learned early on to sharpen my ax before venturing into the woods, and I saved myself a lot of time and energy. (Besides I was a small kid, growing up, so I needed all the help I could get! ;) ) I see a lesson here. How many of us are exerting so much energy for the Kingdom, but are working with dull axes? We need to sharpen our spiritual lives, get focused in prayer and spend deep time in the Word. Then, when we are "out in the woods", working for the Kingdom our effectiveness will be greatly multiplied because our axes are sharp! Brothers & Sisters, don't get so busy that your ax becomes dull. Remember that your devotion to the Lord and His word will sharpen your spiritual life, especially before you start the day. Prioritize your devotional life and watch how your "edge" will cut through the problems, obstacles and difficult situations, like a hot knife through butter! SHARPEN YOUR AX!

“God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”John 3:16

The celebration of Christmas is central to modern society. It is the centerpiece in the annual cycle of businesses, observed by people ranging from atheists to casual churchgoers, and from lay people to ministers. The real meaning of Christmas may seem obvious to Believers, but a recent Gallup Poll revealed that a large segment of society doesn’t realize that the purpose of this holiday is to celebrate the birth of Jesus. This startling fact should help us understand why there is so much confusion, fear, and turmoil in the world. Millions of people assume that Christmas is a time to exchange gifts, have parties, take vacations, or visit friends and family. They do not realize that Jesus is more important than anything else. In your life, remember that people all around you do not realize that God loved the world so much that He sent Jesus, and that “whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” Christmas reveals that God’s heart beats with compassion for lost Souls. He knew that we were headed for destruction. As humankind suffered in sin, He knew that one day He would send Jesus, who eventually would die on a Cross. We could not save ourselves. But He loved us and sent Jesus to be our Savior. As Paul wrote, “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Brothers & Sisters, what are your priorities this Christmas? Presents? Parties? Celebrations? Never forget to make Jesus the center. And remember the priority of seeking the salvation of lost Souls. Think about people you know who need salvation! Jesus was born and died so that they could be saved. Pray for them throughout this season. Make this a time to reach the Lost with the Gospel and help people discover the joy of salvation!

"And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven."Luke 10:18-20

Returning from their 'mission' trip, the 72 disciples of Jesus were filled with joy. "Even the devils are subject to us through your name", they exulted. Jesus responded that He saw Satan fall like lightening from Heaven and that He had given them authority to trample snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy. The nature of the enemy is to fall. His destiny and his eternal condition is Fallen. Thus, Satan and his demons want to pull us down with them. Their schemes are subtle, as they watch carefully for opportunities, when our own evil desires rise up in us; [James 1:14]. However they can do it, these evil spirits will seek to drag us down into the miserable fallen condition they are in. In every temptation the enemy is present seeking to pull you down with him. But our calling and destiny is not to fall, it is to rise. Our identity and our authority as the children of God is with the resurrected Messiah. And it's His resurrection life and power that gives us authority over demons and victory over sin – to rise above temptation through a life of spirit-empowered obedience. "For He has rescued us from darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves", [Col 1:13] Brothers & Sisters, you are no longer under the power of fallen angels, but in the power of a risen God. Rise above temptation. Exercise your authority to tread upon the powers of darkness in your own life, and be led by His Holy Spirit, even to deliver others from their power as well. Exercising the authority of our risen Lord over evil is one of our great living testimonies to His goodness and salvation! RISE UP!

“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.” Matthew 7:13-14

A Christian appearing on a talk show sought to present a Biblical worldview, stating that some things were “true” and “right” while others were “wrong.” The host angrily reacted, “You can’t stand there righteously and tell me you know what’s good for me...that there’s only one way for me to get to Heaven. Nobody is that smart.” This host, like many in the world, rejected the idea that there is one “Truth” that applies to everyone. He denied that the Bible was God’s inspired Word or that we could know His will. Like many, this talk show host was obsessed with “tolerance,” which he defined as meaning that everyone’s beliefs, values, lifestyles, and perceptions of truth are equal and that all truth is relative. Many today believe that there is no “one way” to Heaven, and even some Christians are tempted by this philosophy. They think we should focus on love and tolerate whatever opinions people believe. Yes, the Bible teaches us to love everyone. It points out that all of us know merely “in part” (1 Corinthians 13:12). But the Bible also says that God’s Word is true (Proverbs 30:5). It declares that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, and the only way to the Father (John 14:6). And it says we, as His disciples, can know the truth and be set free (John 8:32). This means we cannot be true followers of Jesus and believe that “all truth is relative.” That is not an option. Brothers & Sisters Jesus warned against taking the “broad” way. It may sound reasonable but “leads to destruction.” He called us to “enter through the narrow gate.” To follow Him, and Him alone.

“For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.”Isaiah 9:6

“Peace throughout the World.” The message imprinted on coins minted after Marcus Otho became emperor of Rome in January, 69 AD. Just a few months earlier, he had been a governor in Spain. Then, a rebellion began brewing against Nero, who had been emperor. But after Nero committed suicide and other leaders were murdered, Otho was proclaimed as the new emperor—a development that surprised many. Otho might have hoped for peace, but in fact his reign was a time of violence. He ruled little more than three months and he was one of four emperors to rule Rome within a space of a year. In spite of the message on his coins, there was little peace. A few years earlier, in an obscure stable in a far-off province of Rome’s empire, a Baby was born. Rome, so often preoccupied with politics, power, and pleasure, knew nothing of His birth. But centuries before, the prophet Isaiah had foretold that this Child would be the “Prince of Peace.” When the angels announced His birth, they sang, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased” (Luke 2:14). Yet His birth inaugurated an era of a different kind of peace. He brought peace that was a by-product of a life committed to knowing and serving Him. It was supernatural peace, a part of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). Peace that only He can give us, a peace that is “not as the world gives” (John 14:27). Brothers & Sisters today, He still offers us His peace. Do you need peace in your life? Turn to the Prince of Peace. And dedicate your life to bringing His peace to a world overwhelmed with turmoil and problems.

“God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong."1 Corinthians 1:27

Throughout history, God often has acted in ways that people find surprising and unexpected. When Israel was in bodnage in Egypt, God did not send an army, but just one man—Moses—and delivered His people not with military might, but with supernatural miracles. When the Israelites faced the seemingly impregnable city of Jericho, God ordered them not to attack but instead to march around the city, blowing trumpets. When Israel was assualted by the Philistines, God sent a shepherd boy (David) t be their deliverer. And he defeated their mightiest warrior not with a sword but with a sling and a stone. After Jesus' Resurrection, His disciples were afraid and not sure what to do. Into this environment of uncertainty, God sent the Holy Spirit, whose power and presence changed the world. When Palestine was occupied by Romans, God did not raise up warriors to lead a military rebellion. Instead, He sent a baby. The Bible tells us that God does not think like a man (Numbers 23:19). He is sovereign over space and time and all the people and events on the earth. But He often does not act in ways we might expect. He acts His way, according to His plan. God's actions may seem foolish to the world, but through these "foolish" plans, He shames those who think they are smart. And, in frequently surprising ways, He accomplishes His purposes. Brothers & Sisters God has not changed. He still acts in ways that are surprising and unexpected As He demonstrated when He sent Jesus into the world, He has a plan for the nations. And He has a plan for your life. He may act in ways that surprise you and that you might not understand. But know that you always can trust Him.

“To one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin.” James 4:17

What is sin? Although we tend to think of sin as acts of evil, immoral thoughts or deeds, or actions that violate God’s Word, James provides a different perspective: Sin is also anything we should have done but did not do. As we examine the context of this verse (vs. 11-17), we see that sin can result from situations in which we excessively trust in ourselves, and do not humble ourselves before God. We see this context in that we are not to “speak against one another.” We are to remember that “there is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy.” James reminds us that none of us is in a position to judge our neighbors. Simply being critical can be a sin in God’s sight. In fact, gossip is not just a bad idea but a sin! We are warned about not being boastful or taking the future for granted. In the context of James’ teaching about sin, we see how it can be sinful to depend on our own plans and to realize that boasting is associated with pride and that “all such boasting is evil.” If we trust in God, we will realize that we have nothing about which we can boast and that boasting, in His sight, demonstrates that we are thinking first about ourselves, not on God. This is sin. Brothers & Sisters today, meditate on these things as you ponder your own life. Are there things you know you should be doing? Are you willfully ignoring some Biblical truths? Has God given you a burden that you have not followed? Are there people to whom He has called you to minister? Remember that, in His sight, anything can be considered a sin if it is something you know that you should do be doing, but do not do.

"Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: therefore be wise as serpents, and harmless as doves."Matthew 10:16

Nature provides us with an illustration that closely parallels the insidious tactics employed by our adversary. According to scientists, Arctic polar bears feed almost entirely on seals. To enjoy such a meal, they sometimes resort to a cunning bit of trickery. If the hole through which the seal gets his food is near the edge of the ice, the polar bear will take a deep breath and swim under water to its exact location. Remaining below the surface, he will then make a tiny scratching sound, imitating a fish. When the charmed seal hears this, he dives in for a quick supper, only to find himself suddenly entrapped in the huge, hungry embrace of his predator. God has sent us forth as sheep among the wolves. There are so many theories disguising themselves as Godly. We're hungry for that meal -- but we must be wise enough to make sure it's not a trap! Keep reading and studying the Word of God! Pray and ask Him to reveal His truth. Brother & Sisters, the enemy loves to tempt us with a 'treat' so he can devour us! Don't take anyone's word but God's! BEWARE!

“Jesus said to him, ‘If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.’” Matthew 19:20-21

The man we know as “Antony of Egypt” was born in Upper Egypt in 251 AD. When he turned 20, he inherited his parents’ extensive wealth. But his life changed when he heard what Jesus told the young man in Matthew 19, about giving up his possessions and following Him. As he heard those words, Antony knew he did not want an ordinary life. Making a radical commitment to follow Jesus, he sold all of his possessions, laying everything aside to know Him more. He spent years dedicated to prayer, and God rewarded him with great revelations and insights. Others began to seek Antony, hungry to learn what God had taught him. He shared how wonderful it was to experience the love of God, urging others, “Pray continually; avoid vain glory; sing psalms before sleep and on awaking; hold in your heart the commandments of Scripture.” He encouraged Believers to purge their lives of anything that displeases God, to care about others and “bear each other’s burdens.” Augustine of Hippo, one of most important figures in the early Church, became a Christian shortly after learning about Antony. Although he was well-educated, Augustine recognized that something was lacking in his life. God showed him what he needed through Antony’s example. He wrote that Antony could “storm the gates of Heaven while we, for all our learning, lie here groveling in this world of flesh and blood.” How committed are you to the Gospel? What are your real goals in life? What is truly important to you? Brothers & Sisters follow Jesus wholeheartedly. Don’t compromise or hold back. And don’t be content with a mediocre faith or secondhand Christianity. Seek first His Kingdom, and dedicate everything to Him.

"I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels."Isaiah 61:10

In Israel, couples are married beneath a "huppah", which is a beautiful canopy under which the ceremony takes place. The word "huppah" means "covering" but also, a "chamber" or "marriage room". So the canopy is a reminder that the marriage chamber is the most important room in the house for a husband and wife because it's the most intimate room. The huppah emphasizes marital intimacy and reminds us that even if we have the most luxurious mansion in the world, neglecting the place of intimacy spells deep trouble for our marriage. In Paul's letter to the Ephesians he says this: "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church." In another place he says; "For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ." In some profound and mystical way our relationship to Jesus is powerfully portrayed by the marriage relationship between a man and a woman. This means that we have been created and redeemed for intimacy with our Lord. He deeply desires us to be close with Him just as a husband desires his wife. Without a place of intimacy, our relationship will become dull, stagnant and eventually turn cold and lifeless. Our spirituality will also become ritualistic, performance oriented and deeply discontented. This is not the Lord's will, desire, or intention for us. Brothers & Sisters, renew the place of intimacy, your spiritual "huppah", with your Heavenly Husband; it's the place where the fire of love burns – He's waiting for you! DON'T NEGLECT YOUR HUPPAH!

“Do not deceive yourselves by just listening to his Word; instead, put it into practice. If you listen to the word, but do not put it into practice you are like people who look in a mirror and see themselves as they are...But if you...do not simply listen and then forget it, but put it into practice—you will be blessed by God in what you do.”James 1:22-25

The calendar of an influential record company executive was packed, and he faced a constant stream of questions: What music to record? What artists to sign? How much to pay for talent? What should be scheduled, and when? At times he could be decisive. But he had a fascinating way of dealing with issues he didn’t want to face. As he opened his mail, he placed anything he did not wish to acknowledge in a cupboard which he kept locked. To him, anything in that cupboard was locked away. It was as if it had never existed. Many people have the same attitude toward their lives. They stay busy with work and home, pleasures and escapes. But they never really stop to think about the important issues of life. They seem reluctant to open their minds and hearts to the penetrating work of the Holy Spirit. And they fail to “look closely into the perfect law,” which is God’s Word. James said such people deceive themselves. Although they may think they are pleasing God, they are blind to the true condition of their hearts. Brothers & Sisters in your life, don’t be blind or deceived. Don’t be so busy that you never deal with the important issues of life. Be serious about seeking God. Don’t just read and study His Word, but put it into practice. And be sensitive to His Spirit, listening and changing as He leads.

“In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” Romans 8:37

It is interesting that Paul’s statement about being “more than conquerors” came in his letter to Believers in Rome. This was a city that had experienced tumultuous times, and it had seen many conquerors. In the century before Paul wrote his letter, Rome experienced a bloody civil war. As the result of heated rivalries and intense divisions, their republican form of government had been replaced by an empire ruled by emperors. Throughout the city, there still were major divisions. In fact, Paul wrote this letter during Nero’s turbulent reign, when Christians would have had many reasons to worry and feel defeated. Yet Paul said these Roman Christians were more than conquerors “in all these things.” To what “things” was he referring? He just had written that he, personally, had gone through many troubles: tribulation and distress…persecution and famine…peril and sword. But through all of these difficulties, he knew that, because he loved God and was called according to His purpose, all things were working together for good. Paul had learned that, because of Jesus, Believers can be more than conquerors in every situation we face. We still may endure circumstances that seem hostile or unpleasant. On the surface, it may seem that we are defeated. We still may face opposition and be outnumbered. We may feel anxious, full of stress and worry. Yet, because of our relationship with Jesus, we can be confident that God will work everything together for our good. Everything! Brothers & Sisters today, do not allow any problems to cause you to feel defeated. God can give you His peace in the midst of any situation, and He can cause you to experience victory! No matter what difficulties you may face, or what you are going through, place your faith in God. Remember that, because of Jesus, overwhelming victory can be yours. In fact, you can be more than a conqueror!

"Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good."Romans 12:17-18,21

One minister tells of a wife who came into his office full of hatred toward her husband. "I do not only want to get rid of him, I want to get even! Before I divorce him, I want to hurt him as much as he has hurt me!" The minister suggested an ingenious plan "Why don't you go home and act as if you really love your husband. Tell him how much he means to you. Praise him for every decent trait. Go out of your way to be as kind, considerate and generous as possible. Spare no efforts to please him. Make him believe you love him. Then -- after you've convinced him of your undying love and that you cannot live without him, drop the bomb. Tell him you want a divorce. That will really hurt him. "With revenge in her eyes, she smiled and exclaimed, "Beautiful, beautiful! Boy, will he ever be devastated!" And she did it with enthusiasm. For two months she showed love and kindness, she listened, served and reinforced. When she didn't return to his office, the minister called. "So, are you ready now to go through with the divorce?" "Divorce?" she exclaimed. "Never! I discovered that I really do love him." This woman's actions changed her feelings. Whether it's a tough relationship, a long-time fear, or a task that seems too big for us to accomplish, sometimes we need to act in faith in order to see it conquered for the Kingdom! Brothers & Sisters, whatever it may be, let's give it to the Lord today and ask Him to motivate us to go forth with strength and passion -- for His sake! ACT NOW!

“I run...not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.”1 Corinthians 9:25-27

For many music students, practice is like treading water—a necessary exercise that leads nowhere. As wise, experienced teachers recognize, many pupils play a certain length of time, rehearsing drills or favorite pieces. But, having gone through these minimal motions, their playing has not improved. In contrast, many virtuosos have discovered that they experienced real improvement as they identified weaknesses and made a conscious effort to address problem areas. That’s the only way to change for the better. One leading instrumentalist concluded that students are wasting their time if they finish practice sounding the same as when they started. He would rather have them “play two bars perfectly” than just play the way they always play. In similar ways, many Christians go through life, repeating the same mistakes and problems over and over again. They may go to church, pray, and read the Bible. But are they truly growing in their faith, or just going through the motions? Paul urged Believers to be serious about their faith. He described his personal commitment to train and discipline his body. He was willing to do what was necessary to win the race, not just run haphazardly. Today, think about your life. Are you just going through the motions, or are you applying Biblical principles? Has the Christian life become a drab routine, filled with meaningless habits and traditions? Or are you really growing in your faith? Are you truly drawing closer to God? Brothers & Sisters ask God to show you where you need to change and how to change. Seek to win the race. To mature in Christ. To draw closer to Him. To have more impact for His Kingdom.

“‘Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.’”Matthew 2:2

About the time Jesus was born in a Bethlehem stable, Tiberius, the future Roman Emperor, was going into retirement on the island of Rhodes. He was in line for leadership because his mother married Octavian (later “Caesar Augustus”). Considered unlikely to gain power, he ranked behind Agrippa (husband of Augustus’ daughter, Julia) and Augustus’ grandsons. Theoretically he had the best of everything on Rhodes, but it was not a happy time. Never popular, he struggled with a sense of inferiority. Yet after Agrippa and Augustus’ grandsons died, Augustus reluctantly recognized him as his successor. In 4 AD, Augustus formally adopted him, declaring, “This I do for reasons of state.” Although Tiberius had been a reluctant choice, he was the man who became Emperor after Augustus’ death (reigning from 14-37 AD). As Caesar, he was so central in New Testament times that the Sea of Galilee (around which much of Jesus’ ministry took place) was renamed in his honor as “the Sea of Tiberius.” Today, we see the many ways people strive for power. They manipulate their reputations and craft desirable images. They seek to eliminate rivals. The contrast with Jesus could not be greater. He was so unlike the kings of the world. So unlike Tiberius or Augustus or Herod. Jesus had every right to the riches of heaven and the ultimate power of the universe. Yet instead of striving for recognition and power, Jesus willingly “humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” And because of His humility, “God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name” (Philippians 2:8-9). Brothers & Sisters, Jesus is our example. Following His pattern, we live not for worldly gain or power, but through humility. By dying to ourselves, serving Him, and reaching out to those in need.

“‘You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.’”Acts 10:38

All of us need to consider the legacy we will leave behind. What will people say about our lives? What difference will we have made? What have we done with the things God has given us? After Jesus died, Peter and the other disciples could point to the legacy He had left. He described how Jesus had been anointed by the Holy Spirit, healing all who were oppressed by the devil, and doing good. He provided the example for all of us to follow. Brothers & Sisters today, think about your legacy. What will you have to show from your life? What are you doing with the things that God has given you? How have you used your time, talent, and treasure? Do not waste your opportunities. Make sure that you are investing your resources in God’s Kingdom. Make your life count for eternity.

"Behold, I give to you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the authority of the enemy. And nothing shall by any means hurt you."Luke 10:19 ; "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves."Matthew 10:16

A preacher, once said, “Discernment is not simply a matter of telling the difference between what is right and wrong; rather it is the difference between right and almost right.” Often the question is whether something is "right" or "wrong”, and may be answered quickly and easily. But sometimes we are faced with a much more difficult discernment: the difference between “right" and "almost right”. I love to take the kids to the zoo, and whenever we go we always go into the snake house to look at all those beautiful slithering reptiles– but more often than not they are so well camouflaged that they aren't easy to find. Once you've spotted one, however, and recognized its markings, it becomes much easier. So George, why are you telling me about your trips to the zoo? The Bible identifies our enemy as a serpent, and just like the ones at the zoo he camouflages himself extremely well. Satan knows that the Lord has given us authority over him, so he has to seek ways in which we fail to recognize him. He knows that defending ourselves would be much easier if he came out and said, "I'm here and I hate you!" So he lurks in the background, in unsuspected places waiting for an opportunity to steal, kill or destroy— and much of the time we don't realize he's there until we find ourselves in the thick of an attack. And what is his "camouflage" ? Looking as much like a good guy as he can, so we would never suspect his true nature and intentions. That's why the preacher gives us the advice about discernment between "right" and "almost right"; and why the Lord Himself told us to be "wise as serpents"! Brothers & Sisters, pray to become skilled in discerning your enemy's camouflage, remembering he comes as a "minister of righteousness" or an "angel of light" who knows how to blend into your world, and to look and talk like a friend. Don't go by feelings alone, be careful about flattery, know your Lord through prayer and let God's Word dwell richly in you being filled with His spirit. You want to be well defended against the subtlety of the Serpent, especially these days! BEWARE OF SNAKES!

“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.”Galatians 6:7

For many students, college is a time for fun, to take advantage of new found freedoms. But a recent study revealed that many of these students wasted their college opportunities and, as a result, have continued to suffer. For this study, two noted sociologists examined the actions of more than a thousand students during and after college. Not realizing the impact of their actions, many students “took easy courses, regarded themselves as privileged customers, socialized heavily, and came away with little to show for their years on campus.” In fact, many students “spent almost three-quarters of their time sleeping or socializing.” The study concluded that “students who did as little as possible during college continued to drift after graduation.” Many did not realize the consequences of their actions until they entered the job market. Two years after graduation, only a quarter had found good-paying jobs. And many of the graduates were unemployed, employed just part-time, or employed in poor-paying jobs. These students are discovering a Biblical principle: We Reap whatever we Sow. This is true in every area of life, as Jesus illustrated in His parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30). In practical terms, the Bible tells us that each of us is given a special set of resources, abilities, and opportunities. Some wisely invest their time and resources, like the students who diligently studied in college, who now are reaping the benefits. But others “hide” their talents and fail to invest what God has given them. They are like the students who didn’t study, and like the prodigal son who “wasted his possessions” and squandered his opportunities (Luke 15:11-33). Brothers & Sisters in every way, remember that you will Reap what you Sow. Seek to invest your resources in things that matter. And don’t waste the opportunities and resources God gave you.

"And I said unto them, If ye think good, give me my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver. And the LORD said unto me, Cast it unto the potter: a goodly price that I was valued by them. And I took the thirty pieces of silver, and cast them to the potter in the house of the LORD."Zechariah 11:12-13

In Matthew, we read that Judas betrayed Jesus to the Sanhedrin for thirty pieces of silver, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah. Zechariah foretold that the Messiah's price would be measured at a pittance; thirty pieces of silver. Can we imagine valuing a human life in terms of silver? Unthinkable enough...but then this is no ordinary life; it's the life of God's only Son. What value do you place on His life? How do you express the value Jesus has for you? Has relationship with Him cost you anything? The Father valued us very highly. The price He paid for our redemption was His most precious Son's human life. Perhaps we need to re-evaluate our evaluation of our Savior. Brothers & Sisters, perhaps this coming year, reflect upon the Lord's evaluation of you – and then, your evaluation of Him....thirty pieces of silver!!!!!????? WHAT'S IT WORTH?

“He named the place Massah and Meribah because of the quarrel of the sons of Israel, and because they tested the LORD, saying, ‘Is the LORD among us, or not?’” Exodus 17:7

During their years in bondage, many Israelites felt that God had abandoned them. To some extent their attitude changed after He sent Moses. They could see His hand through a series of miracles that led to their release. After the exodus, when they were cornered by the mighty Egyptian army, many doubted once again. But God powerfully demonstrated His abiding presence. Yet as soon as they experienced a new set of problems, they turned away from God and, once again, focused on Moses. When they needed water they “quarreled with Moses.” Knowing that they really should focus on God, he asked, “Why do you quarrel with me?” Yet they still grumbled against him. Moses understood the fundamental issues. To confirm his conclusion, he “named the place Massah and Meribah.” Why? Because the real question was if they believed the Lord was with them. This question would arise continually throughout their history, and Believers face the same question today. Like the Israelites it can seem natural to focus on other people: to be influenced by their opinions and conform to what they think. But everything should change if we know that God is “among us.” It changes everything when we know He is with us. If we have this confidence, we will talk with Him and remember all that He has done. We will confess His Word and declare that His promises are true for us. Assured of His presence, we can have peace. We can trust Him, confident that He knows what we face and will protect us, provide for us, and direct our steps. Brothers & Sisters in your life, remember that God is with you. Talk to Him about the issues you face. Depend on Him. Let Him guide and provide what you need.

"I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude ; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you;"Philippians 3:14-15 ; "to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen."Ephesians 3:19-21

When Paul wrote to the Philippian church he spoke of pressing forward for the prize of the high calling. Though he was physically content whether rich or poor, [Philippians 4:11] the apostle was not content with his spiritual condition, but constantly seeking a deeper, more intimate and fruitful walk with the Lord. Paul had great expectations for his own lifetime, and he accomplished tremendous things, yet if he'd known while writing his epistles that they would edify the lives of billions of people for 2000 years, I think he'd be saying to himself, "This I could never even have imagined!" We honor God when we ask for great things. It is a humiliating thing to think that we are satisfied with very small results. Why do we honor God when we ask for great things, or expect more from Him? Simply because He is great, far greater than we can imagine, but also because we are made in His image. His greatness is glorified by what He performs through our lives. If we desire great things, it's because we're reflecting His awesome nature. It is in us by nature to seek more and greater things -- just as Paul did. We should not be ashamed of it when our motives are pure, because our Lord will be glorified all the more. Not seeking fame or fortune, but the glory of Jesus crucified and risen, will be a lifetime of pressing forward, and accomplishing more than we ever could have imagined! Brothers & Sisters, allow your mind and your heart to think and to dream of great accomplishments for Jesus. He Himself said through Paul that He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, so let's honor God by seeking the greatest things and then watch Him fulfill more than we could ever have imagined! EXPECT MORE!

“‘All these your servants will come down to me and bow themselves before me, saying, “Go out, you and all the people who follow you,” and after that I will go out.’ And he went out from Pharaoh in hot anger.”Exodus 11:8

Moses did not want to return to Egypt. He initially resisted God’s command to confront Pharaoh. This reluctance was clear when God spoke to him from the burning bush and gave him this assignment. All Moses could do was think about himself, wondering “Who am I?” Even after God assured him, Moses continued to resist. After arriving in Egypt, he still had doubts. And through his first encounters with Pharaoh, Moses seemed tentative and passive. But with each encounter he became more confident. In his last encounter, Moses was angry as he left Pharaoh’s presence. That indecisive, timid man seemed to have gone through a complete transformation. He had become totally committed to God and His purposes, able to speak with firmness and without fear. He could be uncompromising, even though he spoke with the most powerful person in the world. Moses was trusting totally in God and putting that faith into action. In your life, have you ever felt the kind of uncertainty and doubt Moses experienced? Have you ever been reluctant to do the things you feel God has called you to do? Just like Moses, remember that you can trust in God and know that He is with you, in every situation, no matter whom you face. Just like Moses, you can be freed from fear and doubt, no matter how timid you might have been in the past. Brothers & Sisters as you surrender to God and step out in faith, He can give you more confidence. Instead of focusing on yourself and your own feelings, trust in Him and move forward in obedience. Remember, He is with you. He has called you, and He will enable you to accomplish His purposes.

"The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand."Psalms 37:23-24

Failure is never a pleasant feeling. It isn’t enjoyable to lose a job, see a relationship falter, or fail a test. But the disappointment we feel when we face defeat can be turned to joy if we look at it the right way! Brothers & Sisters, living a life of victory is not about being perfect -- because we are human -- and will always make mistakes. The key is learning how to get up after we have fallen. It's natural to make mistakes -- but it's wise to learn from those mistakes and keep moving forward! LEARN FROM YOUR MISTAKES!

“Then bring near to yourself Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, from among the sons of Israel, to minister as priest to Me.”Exodus 28:1

Initially, Aaron was called as the spokesperson for his brother Moses (Exodus 4:27-28). But soon after the exodus God revealed that He had a new assignment for Aaron (and his sons): They were to be His priests, called to minister to Him. They were to serve Him in whatever ways He directed. The focus always was on God. He was their priority in everything they did. It was important that everyone in the community understood why these priests were to be treated differently. The rules about their lives and conduct were different from the rules for other people. They were to be held to a different standard. In return, they were to be viewed with a special reverence—not because they were better people, more intelligent, or more spiritual. Rather, it was because they were God’s representatives, and the attitude of people toward priests was to be a reflection of their attitude toward God Himself. Throughout the definition and description of their function, role, and calling, there is not one mention of special abilities or talents. In other words, they were special only because of God’s calling. Their selection was not a popularity contest. They had not impressed God. And they did not earn this position through their intelligence, experience. This truly was a calling from God. They were called by Him and for Him, based on His terms and expectations. These important principles remain central to being used by God. Serving Him cannot be the result of personal desire or ambition. Yes, we must want to serve God and commit ourselves to Him. But He does the calling. He sees how we fit into His plans and purposes, and determines what role He wants us to play in His Kingdom. Brothers & Sisters we always must be His ministers and His servants (1 Peter 2:9), called to accomplish His plans and purposes. That’s why we must seek to please Him, first and foremost.

“You shall say to him, ‘The LORD, the God of the Hebrews, sent me to you, saying, “Let My people go, that they may serve Me in the wilderness. But behold, you have not listened until now.”Exodus 7:16

To Pharaoh the Israelites were a resource totally at his disposal. The absolute ruler of his kingdom, he felt empowered to make them do anything he wanted, and they became workers for his building projects. We can imagine how he must have reacted when Moses and Aaron demanded that he release these Israelites. To him this would mean losing his labor force. But Moses also asked Pharaoh to let them go that they may serve God. Pharaoh clearly rejected the entire concept. We know his attitude when, after Israelites left Egypt, Pharaoh realized, “What is this we have done, that we have let Israel go from serving us?” (Exodus 14:5). From a Biblical perspective, this illustrates one of the fundamental issues all of us must face: Whom will we serve? This was central to God’s very first commandments: “I am the LORD your God...You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself an idol... You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God” (Exodus 20:2-6). Moses’ successor, Joshua, would reaffirm his commitment by challenging the Israelites, “Choose for yourselves today whom you will serve... but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15). Jesus stressed this same principle when tempted by Satan, affirming that we are only to worship and serve the Lord (Matthew 4:10). All of us have choices about whom we will serve. Some become slaves to work. Some are obsessed with achieving success. Some worship money and possessions. Some strive for short-term pleasures. Some devote themselves to escapes like games and entertainment. Brothers & Sisters ask yourself, whom are you serving? Make a firm commitment to serve the Lord!

“So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger.”Luke 2:16

Who can help us solve our problems? Many dream of an elite class of warriors. Educated, wise men with superior insights. Mighty leaders. Yes, even “super men.” Still today, many look for super men, rather than servants. But all such efforts, ultimately, are in vain—merely chasing after the wind. Many in Jesus’ day looked for a kind of super man to solve their problems or to overturn Roman rule. Yet God sent a child instead, born in a humble stable, announced not to the powerful or rich, but to common shepherds. Jesus taught that the key to power and greatness was not achievement or human strength but childlike faith. That faith opened the doors to God’s Kingdom and blessings (Mark 10:15). He said that God has “hidden” His truths “from the wise and intelligent” and “revealed them to infants” (Luke 10:21). Brothers & Sisters to whom are you looking to solve your problems? And who can solve the problems of your country and the world? Don’t waste your time looking for “super men.” Have faith in God, just like a little child. And trust in Jesus. He is your only Hope. He is the Messiah and Savior!

"One thing I have desired of the Lord, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord, And to inquire in His temple. For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock."Psalm 27:4-5

The world these days is full of bad news, with the threat of Ebola across the globe, tensions growing in the Middle East, economies on the brink of collapse, and nature constantly adding to the chaos with one disaster after another. It's a time of trouble all right, and for us believers it may sometimes be hard to believe -- but it never is as bad as it seems. Let me illustrate with a joke I like to share with my messages. A cowboy is driving down a road, his dog riding in the back of his pickup truck, his faithful horse in the trailer behind. As he takes a curve on the highway he suddenly loses control of the vehicle and has a terrible accident. Sometime later, a State Police officer comes on the scene. A great lover of animals, the officer's attention is first drawn to the horse. Realizing the serious nature of its injuries, he draws his service revolver and puts the animal out of its misery. Then walking around the accident he finds the dog, also critically wounded, and whining miserably in pain. This grips his heart and he quickly ends the dog's suffering as well. Finally the police officer locates the cowboy, who has suffered multiple fractures and can barely breathe. "Hey, are you okay?", he says. The cowboy takes one look at the smoking gun in the trooper's hand and quickly replies, with unexpected energy, “"Never felt better!" Brothers & Sisters, we are pilgrims in this dangerous world, which will wound us at times so badly it will seem unbearable – yet we have this promise from God, “in the time of trouble He will hide me”. It's because my real life, my true life is in Him and with Him no matter what happens to me here. So when the world approaches me with a smoking gun, ready to put me out of my misery, I can find a supernatural strength, and simply say, "I never felt better!" IT'S NEVER AS BAD AS IT SEEMS!

“‘This is what you shall do to them to consecrate them to minister as priests to Me... You shall bring Aaron and his sons... and wash them with water... You shall take the anointing oil and pour it on his head and anoint him... They shall have the priesthood by a perpetual statute.’”Exodus 29:1-9

God had called Aaron and his sons to serve Him as His priests. But even though they were called, each still had to be consecrated—set apart for His purposes. To assure that they understood this calling, each priest had to go through a formal process. They must accept this calling and confirm their commitment to obey. This was true generation after generation, priest after priest. This process involved sacrifice, wearing special garments, washing before entering His presence, and being anointed with oil. Their experience provides a pattern that still is true for all Believers. We are called to serve God and must lay aside our plans and desires in order to submit to Him. We must realize that this commitment involves sacrifice. We never can forget just how imperfect we are and how perfect He is. We can never be good enough, boast in ourselves, or take the credit. Every blessing and benefit is a gift from God. As David discovered, even though he was king, he did not have special privileges. If we want to “stand in His holy place,” we need “clean hands and a pure heart” (Psalm 24:3-4). As He calls us, He gives us the power and resources we need. Our task is to be faithful and good stewards. But we cannot do this in our own strength. We need to be anointed: Empowered by the Spirit. Brothers & Sisters in your life, remember God’s calling for you. Seek to serve Him faithfully. Always being humble and thankful. A good steward. Filled with His Spirit.

"And it shall come to pass that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. And it shall be, that whichever of the families of the earth does not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, there will be no rain on them."Zechariah 14:16-17

The God-ordained Feast of Tabernacles is a prophetic feast, and one which will be kept by all the people of the world in the coming age. In resurrected bodies, we will be celebrating this feast, year to year in Jerusalem during the millennial reign of Jesus! Can you imagine it -- celebrating with the King of Kings! If that's not something to anticipate, I'm not sure what is! Right now, there's quite a bit of turmoil in the world, which is producing a level of uncertainty and anxiety that I've not witnessed as a believer. Yet despite all of these scary situations, we have something wonderful to look forward to -- and if you're like me, you can't wait! Brothers & Sisters, don't let the times we’re living in control your life; instead, use these turbulent times as an opportunity to display the goodness and grace of God in your life! As Jesus said, when you see these things begin to take place -- lift your heads high because your redemption draws near! REJOICE - THE CELEBRATION AWAITS US!

“When you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.”Matthew 6:6

We’ve all heard them. Prayers that sound spiritual, spoken with poetic eloquence. In subtle ways, these can become models we emulate. They also can be intimidating, and foster competition. In these moments we need to remember that prayer is not a contest. And the goal is not to impress others but to commune with God.. Jesus described how some pray to “be seen by men.” For such people, being noticed is their reward. They may sound sincere and seem spiritually maturity. But God is not impressed. Jesus directed us to pray in our “inner room.” The Greek word here describes a place of storage or a private chamber, far from the public eye. Jesus was teaching that prayer is to be private, a dialogue between each person and God Himself, done in “secret.” We are not to be concerned how others react; our focus is on our Father. Jesus also reminded us that we cannot impress God with our vocabulary or the length of our prayers. In fact, many prayers are packed with “meaningless repetition.” The Greek word describes someone who stammers, repeating the same things over and over.. But Jesus said that we must not assume that we will be heard for our “many words.” Prayer is about our relationship with God. We cannot tell Him anything really new for He “knows what you need before you ask Him.” And, as Jesus taught in the Lord’s Prayer (vs. 9-12), we should use words like those we speak in a conversation with a friend. Brothers & Sisters when you pray, don’t worry about impressing others. Focus on God. Talk with Him. Be honest with Him. Share your needs and burdens. Ask questions but always listen. And don’t forget to thank Him, and give Him praise.

"And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand."John 10:28

I read a story about a new young partner in a law firm. The senior partners had set extremely high standards and had coached him carefully. He did well in some minor trials but he lost his first big case. When the partners reviewed the trial, they pointed out his errors and suggested different strategies. Even with all their critique, he lost the next big one. He felt terrible. Were they ready to give him the boot? Then one of the partners took him aside. "Look," he said, "you're learning. Just keep going. You'll start winning. Meanwhile, your position is secure. You're one of us." Those words were exactly what he needed to hear. Have you ever experienced this kind of compassion when you were feeling hopeless? If we’re believers, we have. The Lord has taken us aside and said, “Yeah, you’ve made some mistakes, but don’t worry -- your position is secure. Brothers & Sisters, know that God has provided your security today. Rest assured in Him -- and be sure to convey that same kind of compassion to struggling siblings in the faith. All of us need to be reassured once in a while. KEEP YOUR HEARD UP!

“At the end of two full years that Pharaoh had a dream, and behold, he was standing by the Nile…Then Pharaoh sent and called for Joseph, and they hurriedly brought him out of the dungeon.”Genesis 41:1, 41:14

For Joseph, time probably seemed to have stopped. He had done nothing wrong, yet he found himself in prison. After proving himself to be responsible, he was given oversight of other prisoners. Yet he remained in prison, with no apparent prospect of release. His hopes surely increased after his encounter with men who had political connections. He had correctly interpreted the dream of Pharaoh’s chief butler, who had been released, promising to remember Joseph. But “two full years” went by, and still no change took place. However, when everything did change, it happened with amazing speed. Pharaoh had a troubling dream, and the butler told Pharaoh about Joseph. He was quickly brought from the prison, and suddenly he became “ruler” of all of Egypt. The transition had taken place “hurriedly.” The Hebrew word here usually is translated “run.” In other words, Joseph was brought before Pharaoh as if running with speed and urgency. This change took place with a speed that must have seemed impossible. But this amazing turn of events illustrates God’s control over time and circumstances. While he waited in prison and nothing seemed to be happening, Joseph could not have realized all that was taking place. In ways he never could have imagined, God was preparing the way for his rapid ascent to power. Then, when the time was right, circumstances changed with unbelievable speed. In our lives, time often can move so slowly. We can feel forgotten and hopeless. It can seem that circumstances never will change. These are times to remember the example of Joseph. To stay faithful. To continue serving God. To be trustworthy, responsible servants. And never to give up. Brothers & Sisters, continually be ready for your breakthrough, believing in God’s sovereignty over time and circumstances. He has a plan and will act when the time is right.

“Now the whole earth used the same language and the same words…They said to one another, ‘Come, let us make bricks and burn them thoroughly.’ And they used brick for stone, and they used tar for mortar.”Genesis 11:1-3

The people who settled in Babel gained fame after building a city and tower. But their first significant decision was determining to “make bricks.” Only then did they realize that this discovery gave them new abilities. Bricks enabled them to erect buildings on a scale that previously had seemed impossible. This illustrates how events can develop in our lives. We may not have clarity about what will happen next, but as we take each step, new possibilities emerge. And, in ways we might not anticipate, one thing leads to another. This applies to everything in our lives, even sin. This is the nature of God’s warning to Cain after he became “very angry.” The Lord warned that sin was “crouching at the door”—meaning that Cain’s anger would have consequences he might not have intended (Genesis 4:1-7). While this principle is true in a negative way, it also is true positively. Small steps often can lead to great discoveries and spiritual breakthroughs. Just as negative steps can deepen our immaturity, positive steps can lead us to greater maturity. In fact, in one way or another, our actions always will have consequences. Once we start walking in a path, we can find it harder and harder to change. Small habits become ingrained and hard to break. Little sins develop into bigger sins. Also, we are influenced by the people with whom we associate. As Paul warned, “Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits’” (1 Corinthians 15:33). Brothers & Sisters, what habit patterns dominate your life? Remember that you will Reap what you Sow. Seek to live according to God’s Word. Invest your time, talent, and treasure in His Kingdom. Apply His principles, step by step, day by day.

"Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, "I am the Light of the world: he that follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but will have the Light of life."John 8:12

During the feast of Tabernacles in Jesus' day, the temple priests would set up four great lampstands with golden lampholders, which they would light with the aid of enormous ladders in the Temple courtyard. The lighting of these lamps began the celebration of the "Great Hosannah" (Hoshannah Rabbah, in Hebrew). The celebration went on in to the wee hours -- with music and dancing and rejoicing, while the beautiful lights lit up the night. Jerusalem was a breathtaking, illuminated city on a hill. The following morning the Jewish people would recite the prayer for the eighth day of the feast -- "Be thou praised, O Lord our God, King of the Universe, who makes light and causes darkness, who makes peace and creates all: the light of the world as the treasure of life…" So it was in this contextual background, that Jesus proclaimed, "I am the Light of the world!" Some of us have been walking in darkness recently -- maybe for a long time now. This is, by no means, God's calling on our lives. Our Redeemer, Jesus, is the light of the world. We, who follow Him should never be walking in darkness but have the light of life! We should be set apart -- a city on a hill, illuminated beautifully for all the world to see! Brothers & Sisters, it's time to get our lamps lit. No more excuses! Let’s give our hearts to Him once again today and get His victory in our lives! There’s so much work to be done! GET YOUR LAMPS LIT!

“As they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus.”Acts 4:13

To the Jewish rulers, Peter and John were “uneducated” people without special abilities. The Greek word, used here for the only time in the Bible, indicates that they had received no official instruction. They even were considered illiterate. They also were “untrained.” They were not considered intelligent or qualified to be leaders. Yet how could they explain the amazing things these men had done? They knew the impact of Peter’s amazing speech on the Day of Pentecost, and the thousands who responded. They knew these men preached with boldness and authority, and how many had been healed. In fact, a healed man stood beside them, providing evidence they could not deny. The one thing that stood out was that they had “been with Jesus.” They had whatever He had. Many people today have developed stereotypes about who can be used by God. Like those religious leaders who judged Peter and John, some assume that He only uses people who have had formal training, worldly credentials, and impressive resumes. Faced with these stereotypes, some feel intimidated and not qualified to be used by God. But the example of Peter and John reminds us that God can use anyone. Young or old. Educated or illiterate. Rich or poor. But we cannot do this in our own strength. We need to draw on the presence of the Holy Spirit and on our personal relationship with Jesus. Brothers & Sisters do you want to be used by God? First, seek to deepen your personal relationship with Jesus. Learn from Him. Love and study His Word, and be continually filled with the Holy Spirit. Learn to be sensitive to His presence. Let Him direct and guide you. Be confident in Him.

“My soul is satisfied as with marrow and fatness, and my mouth offers praises with joyful lips. When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches, for You have been my help, and in the shadow of Your wings I sing for joy.”Psalm 63:5-7

In the midst of the moment, we might feel that our experiences are so vivid that we will recall every second of every event. But, in fact, our minds are like sieves, forgetting much of those experiences. People of all ages often forget or lose perspective on events of the distant past. As we age, we tend to associate important events with events from our younger years. And what we think of as our happiest or saddest moments may be a “product of memory,” not really what happened. These results should help remind us that our minds and memories are faulty. We don’t remember things perfectly. Tomorrow we might forget the pains of today, and can reshape our own recollection of events and experiences. Yet our faulty memories can impact our spiritual lives, and our attitudes toward life, and God. We can allow our thoughts to be shaped by the way we remember things, not by His timeless Word. We might remember difficulties but forget how He delivered us. We see these patterns when David was in the wilderness of Judah, facing enormous problems. Instead of thinking about the troubles he faced, he focused on God, meditating on Him “in the night watches.” As a result, God transformed his life. Then, as David looked back, he realized that God had helped and saved him. Brothers & Sisters today, remember that your memories are imperfect. Instead, focus on God and His Word. It always is true. Stand on His Promises. You can depend on Him!

"Behold, God is my salvation , I will trust and not be afraid; 'For the LORD JEHOVAH, is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation (Jesus). Therefore with joy you will draw water from the springs of salvation (Jesus)."Isaiah 12:2-3 ; "On the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If any man thirsts, let him come to Me, and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, "out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water."John 7:37-38

During the Feast of Sukkot, the Jewish people took part in a water drawing ceremony on the last day of the feast. They would go down to the Pool of Siloam, draw water and bring it to the Temple Mount. Then they would pour out the water and recite Isaiah 12, "and with joy you shall draw water out of the wells (springs) of salvation." In Hebrew, the word salvation and Jesus, in Hebrew, are the same. Imagine the scene at the time of Jesus' appearance. It is likely that in the midst of this ceremony, He stood up and proclaimed, "If anyone is thirsty, let Him come to Me and drink." He who believes in Me as the Scripture said, "from His innermost being shall flow rivers of living water." Brothers & Sisters, this promise is true for us today. Our Messiah is the same yesterday, today and forever. He did not promise a sprinkling or a tiny stream. He promised rivers of living water. Claim this promise today -- claim the fullness of life in Him. Draw from Him the peace that passes all understanding. Draw from Him pure love -- agape love. Draw from Him the joy that makes the trees clap. Draw all that you need, but in order to draw from Him -- you must go to Him. One cannot draw water from a spring unless one goes to the spring. Go to the spring that never runs dry -- go to your spring of Jesus! DRAW FROM THE WELLS OF JESUS!

“When Ahab saw Elijah, Ahab said to him, ‘Is this you, you troubler of Israel?’”1 Kings 18:17

A “troubler.” That was how King Ahab felt about Elijah, the prophet of God—just someone who stirred up trouble. Ahab was content with his life. He didn’t want anyone to suggest he might be doing something wrong. He just wanted to do anything he pleased—anything that brought him momentary satisfaction and pleasure. The king didn’t want anyone confronting him about God or His standards. Nor did he want to consider that there were consequences to his actions, or that he would be judged someday. Ahab was uncomfortable with Elijah, and he wished the prophet would just go away, keep his mouth shut, and not speak out. But Elijah refused to back down. Ahab was like many people in the world today. To them, Christians seem like sources of irritation—nuisances trying to stop them from having fun. When we declare Bible standards, they accuse us of being prejudiced. When we talk about sin, they accuse us of hate. When we say God’s standards never change but are eternally true, they accuse us of being old-fashioned and out of step with the times. If we speak out, people may ridicule us, mock us, or lash out at us. Some even may seek to silence us and keep us from sharing our testimonies. Some want to pass laws limiting our freedoms. Some even seek to take our lives, hurt us financially, or cripple our freedoms. Brothers & Sisters if you stand for God, believe in His Word, and speak out about Biblical values, you, too, may be accused of being a troublemaker. If this happens to you, remember to react like Elijah. Don’t back down or compromise. Be resolute to stand for truth. Get involved. Pray. Vote. Never waver in your commitment to God and His Word.

"Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, "I am the Light of the world: he that follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but will have the Light of life."John 8:12 ; "Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight a cry was heard: 'Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!' Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' But the wise answered, saying, 'No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.' And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut."Matthew 25:1-10

"Be thou praised, O Lord our God, King of the Universe, who makes light and causes darkness, who makes peace and creates all: the light of the world as the treasure of life…" Jesus said, "I am the Light of the world." God is Light, He loves light, He creates light, He sheds light, He desires light. Lamps with oil produce light, both for those who carry them and for those who see the light bearers. "You are the light of the world", He said. So the Lord also expects light from and His people. The light of God in our lives comes from His Holy Spirit, and oil has always been associated with the Spirit's ministry in the lives of believers. Burning oil produces light. If we are spiritual "virgins"because we are betrothed to one Heavenly Husband, we ought to bear His light in this dark world. Yet He has told us that some virgins will not have the wisdom to do it, so it is a warning to us; a warning not to quench the Spirit, but be filled with Him and be the light of the world. Brothers & Sisters, some of us, though virgins, have been walking in darkness. This could change. The choice to light our lamps belongs to us. The gift of the Holy Spirit has been given to all true virgins. The wise among us will "buy oil" and maintain our lamps thoroughly filled. To "buy oil" means to "spend time" with the One who supplies it, asking Him to fill us up, and to clean out the impurities in our "lamps". You know what this means for you personally, and I know what it means for me. We ought to think about the joy of the wedding, and prepare our hearts with His light... illuminated beautifully for all the world to see, and to be ready! At midnight, when the Bridegroom suddenly appears, our joy will be unspeakable. FILL UP YOUR LAMP!

“The lips of an adulteress drip honey and smoother than oil is her speech; but in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword. Her feet go down to death.”Proverbs 5:3-5

Perhaps no creature is more associated with honey than the bear, “honey is mostly sugar.” Overflowing with sugar, honey becomes irresistible to bears and other animals. This appeal helps us understand why honey can symbolize the attraction of temptations. From a human perspective, we are tempted by things that offer benefits that seem irresistible. Like the pleasures promised by an “adulteress.” The Hebrew word here means “strange” or “stranger,” and suggests the excitement that can accompany something new and different. These pleasures can seem to drip like honey—just like the appeal of honey to a bear. But the Bible urges us to think about the consequences of our choices. Temptations might seem to promise new and exciting experiences. But the end result is bitterness, not endless pleasures. They cut deep into our hearts and minds, leading us not toward life but death. These principles apply to every form of temptation. Pride or power. Bad habits or the pleasures of the flesh. Gluttony or selfishness. In fact, anything that displeases God. The Bible urges us to avoid the things that tempt us and stay away from situations where we’re prone to be tempted. We need to remember that the promises of temptation can seem alluring, only to realize that, after we yield, we have been deceived: “You groan at your final end, when your flesh and your body are consumed.” Brothers & Sisters in your life, don’t be confused by the seductive promises of “honey.” When you are tempted, call upon God. Confess His Word. And remember that He is with you. He is faithful and “will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure” (1 Corinthians 10:13). You can live in victory!

"Then He entered into one of the boats, which was Simon's, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat. When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, "Launch out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch." But Simon answered and said to Him, "Master, we worked hard all night and caught nothing, nevertheless at Your word I will let down the nets." When they had done this, they caught such a great quantity of fish, and their nets began to break; so they signaled to their partners in the other boat that they should come and help them. And they came and filled both of the boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' (Jesus') feet, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!" For he was astonished, and all that were with him, because of the catch of the fish which they had taken, And so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, "Fear not, from now on you will catch men." So when they brought their ships to land, they forsook all and followed Him."Luke 5:3-11

We read in Luke that Jesus told His disciples to go into the deep waters and let down their nets for fish. When they did, their nets were filled up with fish to the point of breaking. Being fishermen and businessmen, they may have been tempted to start doing business. I mean, think how much they could make! But God had a different purpose. The disciples' occupation as fishermen was just a vehicle for God to demonstrate His great power and love. He wasn't blessing them with fish so that they would get excited about fishing -- He was blessing them with fish so that they could get their eyes off their fishing and on to the greater call He had for them! Thankfully, they left the fishing business and went off with the Lord to do great and mighty things. Let's make sure we're not getting up wrapped up in fish! We seek the Lord for His blessings, prosperity, and success. But true discipleship is focusing not on the blessings of the Lord, but on the Lord of the blessings! Brothers & Sisters, we can rejoice in our blessings, but let's not dwell on them! Let's set our eyes on the Lord and the calling He has for us. When He sees that we have pure and willing hearts, He will be faithful to use us to accomplish His glorious plan! LOOK TO THE LORD OF BLESSINGS!

“Hear my cry, O God; attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a shelter for me, a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings."Psalm 61:1-4

David felt that he was at “the end of the earth.” Alone and vulnerable, with no one to comfort or reassure him. To stand with him. In this place of isolation, his heart was “overwhelmed." How did he respond? He cried to God. He looked to Him to provide a place of safety and security: a "rock that is higher than I.” Looking back at his life, he realized how God had been His shelter. He could hide in Him, and find security, comfort, and protection. But God also was a “strong tower from the enemy.” From this place of perspective, he could see far into the distance, in all directions. He could see the present and how events would unfold in the future. But this was only possible as he looked to God, and trusted in Him. We see this picture as he declared his commitment to “abide in Your tabernacle forever.” For the tabernacle was a place of God’s presence, where he could fellowship with Him. There his isolation didn’t seem to matter. It didn’t matter that he felt vulnerable and that he could not find people to help and comfort him. He was able to find everything he needed with God. Brothers & Sisters in your life, do you feel vulnerable? Alone? Afraid? Remember the message David discovered. You aren’t alone, for God is with you. Call on Him. Tell Him every detail of your need. Hide yourself in Him. Trust in Him. Accept His peace. Be assured that He will be your shield and your strong tower.

“How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word. With all my heart I have sought You; do not let me wander from Your commandments. Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You.”Psalm 119:9-11

Experienced musicians, eager to advance in their craft, can find themselves concentrating on more difficult music, feeling that the basics are just for beginners. But, as many masters can testify, focusing on fundamentals is a vital key to advancement. One legendary trumpeter strongly emphasized the importance of warming up and practicing “long tones in all registers and volumes.” A master trombonist said that aspiring musicians must practice “slow scales every day.” The point was not just to play faster but more clearly and with better tone, never overlooking the basics. It’s important to realize that the way to advance is often to slow down and concentrate on musical fundamentals. These same principles applied in our spiritual lives. How easily we can take for granted basics like living according to the Bible. In fact, the Word is foundational for success in life. Its principles always are true, in our personal lives and business…whether we are young or old. In fact, we cannot grow spiritually and stay on track unless we remain committed to know and live by the Word. This can keep us pure and prevent us from wandering off course. God has not made the Christian life complicated. You simply need to trust in Him with all your heart and “not lean on your own understanding.” As you do these things and acknowledge Him in everything you do, He will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6). Brothers & Sisters, have you forgotten about the basics? Remember that these are the key to avoiding mistakes, staying on the right path, and moving toward maturity. Stay humble before God, and foster an intimate relationship with Him. Never tire of studying and obeying His Word.

"For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us; not that He should offer Himself often, as the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood of another-- He then would have had to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation."Hebrews 9:24-28

Yom Kippur, which literally means Day of Coverings, can be a day of deep reflection on what the Lord has done for us. As Jesus died on the cross 2000 years ago, the Gospel describes how the veil in the Temple was torn in two. This profound spiritual event reveals that the Lord gave all whose sins are covered by His blood access to the Holy of Holies, as He had become our High Priest in addition to being, Himself, the perfect sacrifice for sin. Although the Temple was not finally destroyed until 70 AD, Orthodox Judiasm recounts in the Talmud that, beginning in 30 AD, God no longer accepted the animal sacrifices commanded in the Torah for the Day of Atonement. Throughout the ages, while the Temple stood, the High Priest would cast lots for the two goats which were to be offered as sacrifices on Yom Kippur. One lot was for the goat to be sacrificed on the altar, for God -- and the other, goat cast out into the wilderness for the removal of sins [Leviticus 16:7-10]. Traditionally, as the Priest cast the lot, finding it in his right hand was a good omen, indicating that God had accepted the sacrifice. However, if the High Priest drew it in his left hand, this indicated the Lord's displeasure and even rejection of the sacrifice. For the 40 years after the sacrifice of Jesus, the Talmud records that the lot was taken in the left hand of the High Priest. The same result for 40 years, a lot cast into the left hand, carries a statistical probability of 1 in 1,099,511,627,776 -- or one in a trillion chance! There were also other significant miraculous signs described in this tract, that something of major significance had taken place related to the most critical sacrifice in the Temple order. It is clear to both Jews and Messianic believers that God was saying something important to the Jewish people in 30AD; something important enough to be recorded in the Talmud and something which demanded an explanation. Brothers & Sisters, we believe that the destruction of the Temple in 70 AD, 40 years after the sacrifice of Jesus, followed a period of testimony and testing for the Jewish people concerning the fact that the sacrificial system had been consummated by Jesus' death on the cross. 40 is a typical number of testing throughout the Bible. While animal sacrifices continued to be offered in the Temple while it stood, and many believing Jews continued to participate in them, it was clear that something new and definitive had opened the way for all people to enter the Holiest place and to know the Lord intimately and personally. Without intending to, the Talmud offers historical support for the significance and reality of the events in 30 AD which consummated the sacrificial system given in the Torah; i.e. the death and resurrection of the Jewish Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth, who died for the sins of the whole world. ENTER HIS PRESENCE, YOU ARE COMPLETELY COVERED!

“As we were going to the place of prayer, a slave-girl having a spirit of divination met us…She kept crying out, saying, ‘These men are bond-servants of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you the way of salvation.’ She continued doing this for many days.”Acts 16:16-18

It didn’t take long for Paul to be attacked after he arrived in Philippi, bringing the Gospel to Europe for the first time. Soon after his arrival, a woman named Lydia became the first convert. Everything seemed hopeful. But then Paul and his companions were met by a demon-possessed girl who “kept crying out.” She was on a mission from the enemy to create confusion and steal God’s glory. The girl’s cries implied there was some link between her and the Paul’s message of salvation, between Satan’s demonic kingdom and the Kingdom of God. Finally, after listening to this girl for many days, Paul had enough, and he commanded the evil spirit to leave her. He knew the origin of the girl’s problem wasn’t with her, but with the spirit that possessed her. The root was not a psychological problem but rather a spiritual battle that had to be fought in the power of the Holy Spirit. Paul exercised the authority Believers have been given to defeat the enemy…and stop the lies. Satan still prowls around the world. Using lies, he seeks to fool us into believing his ways will lead to success and pleasure, riches and glory. Just as he did with Paul, the devil often follows after Believers, seeking to spread deception and take credit for what belongs to God. He seeks to confuse us about the truth. Brothers & Sisters today, be on the alert and ready! You will be attacked! Make sure you know God’s Word. Remember that you have authority in Jesus’ name over every demonic power. Be bold. Don’t be silent about the Truth. Fight in the Spirit.

"Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity and passes over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He does not retain His anger forever, Because He delights in mercy. He will turn again, He will have compassion on us, and He will subdue our iniquities. Yes, You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea."Micah 7:18-19

We as believers in Jesus, know that true forgiveness doesn't come by doing works, keeping traditions and taking part in beautiful ceremonies. Reconciliation with God comes by truly giving up our lives for His purposes and receiving atonement for our sin through Jesus the Messiah, as the Hebrew scriptures clearly show. We all struggle with sin. Let's take this opportunity to cast it today! Cast it away! The Scripture says that if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us, cleanse us from all unrighteousness and remove those sins as far as the east is from the west! Brothers & Sisters, let's not be burdened any longer with sin -- confess it and be cleansed! The Lord is in the business of restoration -- let's give Him our lives once again. And let’s pray for God to do a work among the Jewish people. That they would see the truth of their blessed Messiah! CAST YOUR BREAD UPON THE WATERS!

"Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips…The crucible is for silver and the furnace for gold, and each is tested by the praise accorded him.”Proverbs 27:2, 21

It’s natural to want to receive praise. Praise gives us confidence and helps us know if others are pleased with us or disappointed. Praise can encourage us and give us a sense of fulfillment and purpose. But praise also can be a kind of poison. The Bible warns us not to praise ourselves but to let our work speak for itself. We should focus on doing everything as unto the Lord, making sure He is pleased with our attitude, our work, and every other area of our lives. The Bible also warns that we will be tested by the praise we receive. When people compliment us or praise our work, we are tested in the same way metals are heated and tested in a crucible. Unless we are grounded in humility, receiving praise can cause us to lose perspective, becoming proud and overconfident. Yet receiving praise provides us with an opportunity to see our real character and motivation. It shows us whether our goal is to get attention or to serve God. We see Jesus’ attitude toward praise when He came to Jerusalem during the Passover. Intrigued by the signs He had done, “many believed in His name.” But Jesus understood the real nature of this praise. He “was not entrusting Himself to them, for He knew all men.” And He “knew what was in man” (John 2:23-25). He had another opportunity riding into Jerusalem on a donkey. The crowds shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord” (Matthew 21:9). But within days, the crowds would cry out for Him to be crucified. Brothers & Sisters in your life, remember that people can be fickle. Don’t live for their praise but focus on serving God, doing everything with excellence unto Him. Be His servant, seeking to please Him in everything you do.

“Walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another.”Galatians 5:16-17

The Bible makes it clear that we have two natures: flesh and spirit. These two natures express themselves in different ways. First, the deeds of the flesh are “evident.” The Greek word here suggests that they can be seen openly. They are so “bright” that they seem to shine. They are “obvious”. We see this nature expressed through our “deeds.” This means anything that results from our labors. Controlled by the flesh, we think about the flesh and things that can be seen—the pleasures and rewards of the world. But, Paul warned, if we focus on doing these things, we “will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Why? Because His Kingdom cannot be earned. It is not a business where results are measured in human effort. This Kingdom can be only inherited. The Bible tells us that everything about the Holy Spirit is different. In God’s Kingdom, our focus is not on human effort but on allowing the Spirit to flow through our lives. To realize that His fruit is a natural byproduct of His presence. And His presence cannot be forced or regulated. Our flesh may want to focus on doing “good things.” But God wants us to walk and be led by the Spirit. This means not focusing on what we do, but on the Holy Spirit’s presence. This also means recognizing that we “belong to Christ Jesus,” recognizing that we have “crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” Brothers & Sisters in your life, remember that “flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 15:50). Seek to live by the Spirit. Allow Him to change you, and let His fruit be expressed through you.

"O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, immoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for as much as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord."1 Corinthians 15:55-58

Every day roughly 150,000 around the world die. Death has a way of raising our spiritual temperature and quickening us to re-evaluate life...especially to ask, "Am I doing all that I can do?" Have you ever heard of how the Nobel Peace Prize originated? Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite, awoke one morning in 1888, shocked to discover his own obituary in the morning news. The newspaper had mistakenly printed the story about Alfred, instead of his brother, who had just passed away. As he read his own epitaph, the story of the "Dynamite King", the great industrialist who made an immense fortune from explosives -- Alfred Nobel was rudely awakened to the fact that the world viewed him as a merchant of death! The mistake was not wasted on him. Rather, it served as his wake up call! As he read his obituary with horror, Alfred resolved to make clear to the world his understanding of the true meaning and purpose of his life. So he used his immense fortune to create a foundation which would promote and embody his ideal for world peace...and he is now remembered, not as the "Dynamite King", but the creator of what we know now as the "Nobel Peace Prize." Brothers & Sisters, let's allow this little message to be our wake up call. Let's re-evaluate our lives, look within...and ask ourselves, "Are we truly doing all that we can be doing for the Lord?" Because when this life is finally past, and our deeds are all recorded in the "Books", only what was done with and for the Lord, will last...forever! YOU CAN'T ESCAPE IT!

“Because you have done this, and you have not kept My covenant and My statutes, which I have commanded you, I will surely tear the kingdom from you, and will give it to your servant.”1 Kings 11:11

During Solomon’s reign, no other nation in the world served God. The Lord had called the Israelites to be His people. He had given them His commandments, and their history was dominated by His presence. We might have expected God to conclude that, even when Israel sinned, it still was “better” than any other nation. And when their leader Solomon sinned, we might assume he still was more Godly than leaders in other nations. Surely, we might think, God wouldn’t send judgment. But this is not how God viewed Israel or Solomon. His Word had set specific standards by which they were to live. This was the basis of how they would be judged—not in comparison to other nations, but in comparison to His standards. They had sinned and would face the consequences. This is the model for how God judges our lives as well. As individuals, we might think that, even with our flaws, we still are “good enough.” Even when we violate His Word, we still might feel we’re “good people” who don’t deserve God’s judgment. As He looks at our nation, we might assume He considers us better than other nations and that, even with our flaws, we still are righteous enough. But just as in Solomon’s time, God reminds us that He judges us according to the standards He’s set and the commands He’s given to us. Brothers & Sisters today, make sure you are living according to God’s Word and not according to the opinions of other people or the standards encouraged by the world. Remember: God has given us His standards. Pray for your country and its leaders. Pray that your nation would stand for righteousness!

"I will not die, but live, and I will proclaim what the Lord has done."Psalms 118:17

A farmer and his friend went duck hunting. Eventually, they got to talking about the things of God, as they always would. "You're always talking about these battles you have with the devil," the farmer's friend said to him. "It's so silly – I mean, I'm not even a Christian and I've never experienced anything like that." "Yes my friend," the wise farmer answered, "but if you shot two ducks -- one was wounded and one was dead -- which would you go after first?" "Well," he said, "I guess I'd go after the wounded duck – I can always get the dead one later." "Mmm-hmm," said the farmer, "The devil knows you're a dead duck." For those of us who are walking with the Lord today, be encouraged! Our enemy knows that we have potential to do great things for God, and out of fear, he'll try anything to take us out. This is so very evident by the constant battle we all face. Brothers & Sisters, let's stand strong against the devil today! And rise up to the Lord's calling upon our lives! We will fight and we will WIN! Because if God is for us, who can be against us? ARE YOU A DEAD DUCK?

“The devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.”Revelation 20:10

As we look at situations around the world, it can appear that Satan is winning. Everywhere we turn, we see sin and spiritual darkness, immorality and wickedness, turmoil and uncertainty, violence and war, broken homes and shattered marriages. Sometimes Christians seem defeated and discouraged, divided and outnumbered. Nevertheless, the Bible tells us Satan already is a defeated foe. In fact, the Bible says, “the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, knowing that he has only a short time” (Revelation 12:12). Knowing that his time is short, the devil is throwing himself into fierce spiritual warfare. Satan fights with intensity, attacking anyone who is vulnerable. He seeks to manipulate the media with his twisted images and messages. He encourages the development of TV programs, websites, books, and films filled with lies and spiritual darkness. The ideas he promotes may sound true, but they lead us away from God. He fosters marriage breakups and causes children to rebel against their parents. He tempts us and lures us into sin. Remember: You will be attacked. And the attacks might come in ways that surprise you. Often they come during moments when you’re vulnerable, and they target areas where you’re weak. Be on guard! Don’t take your enemy lightly! Brothers & Sisters fill your life with God’s Word…today and every day. Pray in the Spirit. Seek to stay faithful to God’s call on your life. Avoid places, ideas, and people that tempt you to sin. Instead, commit your time, talent, and treasure to serving God and furthering His Kingdom.