Listen for his voice

O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker. For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice,
Psalm 95:6-7 KJV

The bible teaches us that God inhabits the praises of his people (Israel). Psalms 22:3 But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.

We gentiles have been grafted in and are now also God's people, so we need to praise and worship him. We have so much to thank him for. To praise him should be on our minds continually. We need to listen for God's voice. He does not roar and yell to get our attention, it is that still small voice that we need to listen for. He still talks with his people, the fact is that his people have stopped listening!! Just like he spoke to Elijah, he will speak to you and I.

1 Kings 19:11-13
11 And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake:

12 And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.

13 And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?

As children of God, we need to remember that if we expect God to be a part of our lives, then we need to be Godly. If we expect him to speak to us, then we need to be talking to him, living for and praising him. God will not have us to be lukewarm Christians. Once we dedicate our lives to him and live daily doing his will, he will speak to us and lead us in the path he would have us to go. But if we are going to be part time Christians that only call on him in times of trouble then he will cast us aside. We can't have the world and God both. It's an all or nothing kind of thing.

Revelation 3:16
So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

Finding Peace

Psalms 119: 163-165
163 I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love.

164 Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments.

165 Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.

Did you know that lying is one of the named things in the bible that God hates.  God is LOVE and TRUTH and he hates a lying tongue. 

Proverbs 6:16-19
16 These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:

17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,

18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,

19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

 Darkness and Light can not be in the same place at the same time.  When you turn on a light it drives out the darkness.  The same goes for Truth and Lies, the truth will always come forth and push back the lies that have been hidden.  It is God's law that we should love and live by.  If we would but search out his word and live by his commandments and obey his law, he tells us in his word that we will have GREAT PEACE...what a wonderful promise.  The world prays for peace daily and the answer is right before our eyes.  To love God is to know peace.  God wants us to have peace in our hearts.

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

The bible tells us how we can have peace.  By loving God's law and by having knowledge of God and our Lord Jesus Christ.  In other words, by accepting the Lord Jesus Christ as your savior, knowing who God is and living according to his word.

2 Peter 1:2
Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,

Isaiah 26:3
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

Rock of my Salvation

Psalm 94:18-19

When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O Lord, held me up.

In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.

Many times in our Christian walk we find ourselves feeling like we are slipping, like we just can't make it, that living this daily walk is more than we can do.  It's in times like this that that we need to lift up our heads and remember where our help comes from.  We need to be like King David and say, Lord my foot slippeth, hold me up with my great mercy!  God's Holy Spirit will stir you up and comfort your soul if you just lean on him.  

Psalm 121:1-3

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. ...

King David knew what it was like to have a relationship with God.  He knew when he was weak that he served a God that was strong and he knew who to run to.  We too serve a God that is able to hold us up.  There will be times when we don't feel very strong, but it's then that we need to once again be like David and lift our eyes unto the hills and cry out to God.  We need to let him know that we trust in him, that he is where our help comes from.  He never sleeps and his ears are always listening for the cries of his children!

Psalm 89:26

He shall cry unto me, Thou art my father, my God, and the rock of my salvation.

Psalm 94:22

But the Lord is my defence; and my God is the rock of my refuge.

The Lord, Jesus Christ is our defence against all enemies, he is the Rock of our salvation and the very refuge that we can run to in times of trouble!!  If we learn to put our total trust in him and live according to his word, he will not let us slip, he will lift us up and set our feet upon the solid ROCK!!

Your sin will find you out

Numbers 32:23

But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the Lord: and be sure your sin will find you out.

Moses was speaking with the children of Gad and Reuben when he spoke these words. They had told him that they would go over Jordan and fight with the children of Israel until they had settled the land that God would give them. He was letting them know that they should keep their word and do what they said they would do because not to do so would be a sin against God.

Moses let them know that their sin would find them out.  It is not different for you and I today.  A person's word should be the most important thing they possess.  Honor and Integrity are two things that money can not buy and should be valued above all else.  If we tell someone we will do something, and then don't do it, we are no different than Gad or Reuben, we are sinning against God and that sin will be found out.  

God loves everyone the same and he also sees sin the same no matter who is sinning.  If keeping our WORD was important all those years ago and not keeping it was a SIN against GOD then, it is still important today and it is still a sin.  Paul taught the people that with God there is no respect of persons.

Romans 2:11
For there is no respect of persons with God.

This means that if you are a child of God that he sees each one of us EQUALLY. He will not allow one to sin and overlook it and another to sin and be punished for it. God is the same, yesterday, today and forever. He still expects each of us to be a man or woman of our word and if we aren't, that sin will be found out. It is better NEVER to say you will do something than to say you will do it and then not keep your word.

Numbers 30:2

If a man vow a vow unto the Lord, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth.

To God be the Glory

2 Corinthians 10:10-11
For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.
Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present.

Paul was one of the greatest men of God in history.  he wrote 13 books of the bible and possibly 14 if you believe he wrote Hebrews as well.  He had an insight and a relationship with God like no other and he taught the people in wisdom.  Paul is letting us know here that unless we are living the life, don't hide behind words and pretend to be someone we are not.  We are to live upright before God in our everyday lives so that when others look at us they will know that we are children of God.  We CAN NOT expect our ministry for God to be in word only.   Whether we write, preach, or teach, we should be living what we are telling others to live.  If we ARE NOT LIVING IT, then the ones we are teaching WILL NOT have faith in what we teach them and we may very well cause a soul to be lost. 

I pray every day for guidance and I try my best to lean solely upon God.  I want my life to be a light that others might see Christ in me and want what I have.  There is JOY in serving JESUS and I pray that others see this JOY in me.  

Finally, let me say this, that no matter what we do for God, we need to remember that the GLORY BELONGS TO GOD!  If God gives us a word, a song, a blessing, we need to always remember that he is to be praised for his GOODNESS.  It is never anything that we do, but the HOLY GHOST working in us and to God be the Glory.

   

Psalms 30:12

To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.

Dead or Alive, We belong to God

For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.  Romans 14:8 KJV

Paul is making something very clear to the people with this verse. He has spent time teaching them about foods, holy days, and various other things but the point he tried to get across to them was that the only thing that really mattered was that they BELONGED TO THE LORD.

Jesus himself taught us that it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles us but that it is what come out, because what comes out of the mouth is from the heart. Jesus also taught us that he is Lord of the Sabbath.

Mathew 15:11: Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.

Mathew 12:8: For the son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day.

Paul wanted the early Christians to understand that they should not be nagging and judging one another. He knew there would be enough of that coming from those that weren't Christians. He was teaching them in Romans 14 that it was not food or holy days that mattered, that what mattered was that Christ came and died for them all, that they should love one another and not do things to cause a brother or sister to stumble in the way, that being a Christian was more than that. Being a Christian means you belong to the Lord and you lift each other up. The Holy Ghost is given unto each of us to lead us in what is right. He is there to direct us and he alone is the one we need to listen to. What convicts you in your heart may not be what convicts your brother or sister. Paul is trying to tell us all to let God be God and let us be our brother's keeper.

Grace or Works

Ephesians 2:8-10

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Faith is the key to many things.  Having faith in Jesus Christ ensures us a place in eternity with him.  It's by his GRACE that we are saved!  Grace is a GIFT given to us by God the Father.  There is nothing that we can do, no amount of money can buy GRACE, it is not for sale.  Some people may think they can live good enough to have it, but they can't get it that way either.  There is only ONE WAY to have the GRACE that JESUS CHRIST is giving away and that is to accept him as Lord.  Confess him with your mouth, Believe on him in your heart and ye shall be saved and his GRACE will be yours, given to you FREELY.  It is impossible to earn this GRACE.  God had a purpose for making it FREE..he KNOWS the heart of MAN and he knew if it were possible to earn GRACE that eventually mankind would boast and brag and take GOD'S GLORY and put it upon himself.  The potter knows that thing that he creates and we are God's workmanship.  He created us and knows all about us.  When we come to accept Jesus Christ he expects us to do good works.  Just because good works doesn't save us does not mean we shouldn't have to do them.  Just like any good job, there are benefits to doing it RIGHT!  You do a good job for your boss and you may get a bonus on that paycheck.  You do good works for the Lord and your reward is waiting for you in heaven!!  

Scripture tells us not to lay our treasures up on this earth where moth and rust doth corrupt, but rather to lay them up in heaven.  How do we do that you might ask.  This is where WORKS come into play.  With every good work you do on this earth you are adding a jewel to your crown in heaven, or you may be adding a room to that mansion he is building for you.  So whether you live in a little cabin by the river or a mansion on this hill is up to you.  I will be thankful just to make it, but I want to strive to have it all.  

Refuge and Strength

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Psalm 46:1 KJV
In a world such as we live in today, it is so good to know that we serve a God that is our refuge.  The definition of refuge tells us much:
1. shelter or protection from danger, trouble, etc.: to take refuge from a storm.
2. a place of shelter, protection, or safety.
3. anything to which one has recourse for aid, relief, or escape.
This shows us that we have nothing to worry about.  We have a place to run to for safe keeping.  God is our strength.  In our weakness, he is strong and will lift us up!  Just look at the definition of strength.  1.the quality or state of being strong; bodily or muscular power; vigor.
2.mental power, force, or vigor.
3.moral power, firmness, or courage.
4.power by reason of influence, authority,
God is all these things for us!
And the part I love, He is our help in times of trouble.  He will be there through it all.  Take a look at the definition of trouble.
1.to disturb the mental calm and contentment of; worry; distress; agitate.
2.to put to inconvenience, exertion, pains, or the like: 
3.to cause bodily pain, discomfort, or disorder to; afflict: 
4.to annoy, vex, or bother: 
5.to disturb, agitate, or stir up so as to make turbid, 
Now take a moment and realize just what a mighty God we serve.  He is our refuge and strength and no matter what this world does, no matter what the trouble is, no matter what man says or does, God is our very present help in time of trouble.  Praise be his Holy Name!!

Appearance

1 Samuel 16:7

But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.

So many times in life we are looked upon by others as less than Christian simply for the way we look. If our stature is not big and strong, then we may be looked upon as being weak.  If our clothes or hair style doesn't suit what someone else thinks is right, then we may not be living good enough.  Mankind is arrogant in all his ways.  Mankind feels that they know what is right and wrong based on their own opinions rather than turning to the word of God.  The traditions of men have been pushed upon people so long that many believe them to be scripture when they are not.

2 Corinthians 10:7
Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? if any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's.

2 Corinthians 5:12
For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart.

John 7:24
Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

God's word is very clear that we should not be looking at others and thinking less of them simply because of how they look or how they are dressed.  We need to remember that Christ himself was not a rich man, he was a carpenter's son.  He wasn't dressed in fine clothes and did not have a fancy house to live in.  If we model ourselves after Christ, these things will be of no importance to us.  We as Christians need to seek the kingdom of heaven and Christ will see to all of our needs while here on earth...

We need to strive to be Christlike and when we do this and let Christ live on the inside, if there is something wrong on the outside his spirit will lead us to a change.  A true Holy Ghost filled Christian will act like one and they will also dress like one.  They don't need anyone to tell them when something they are wearing is less than modest or doesn't look decent.  The Holy Ghost will tell them all they need to know.  

Hear and Do

James 1:22 teaches us that we are to be both hearers and doers of God's word.

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
James 1:22 KJV

Are you a hearer or a doer or are you both?
Christ told us to be both. It is a wonderful thing to go to church and hear the word of God but our true blessings come when we are outside those church doors living the word of God. If you are a true Christian, you don't have to tell anyone that you are, they will know it by the way you live your life. I pray daily that people see Christ in me, in all that I do. I had a dear friend "Sister Moe Belcher" and one thing she would always say when someone tried to gossip with her was, "Let's pray about that"..she knew how to pray. There is a saying that gossip dies when it reaches a wise man's ears..let me tell you that it should surely die when it reaches a Christian's ears. 

May you be a hearer and a doer of God's precious word.