Stuck Between a Rock and a Hard Place?

by Micca Campbell

"When he reached a certain place, he stopped for the night because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones there, he put it under his head and lay down to sleep." Genesis 28:11 (NIV)

I sat in disbelief as my doctor explained the results of my ultrasound. "There's a large cyst with tentacles that has consumed your left ovary," she explained. "We need to schedule surgery as soon as possible. In my expert opinion, there's a 70% chance you may have ovarian cancer."

While my body felt numb, my mind raced with unanswered questions: What does this mean for me and my family? How will I get through this?

I felt completely alone and helpless. With no good choice in sight, I was between a rock and a hard place, with no way out.

Have you ever found yourself there, stuck without options? Maybe you're there now. It's a difficult, lonely, hurting place. For me, it's a familiar place. I was there when my first husband died, when finances were insufficient and as my health faltered.

During that time of waiting for surgery, I found comfort in Jacob's story. Tucked in the book of Genesis, Jacob found himself in a difficult place. He had stolen the family's inheritance from his brother, Esau. Once Esau realized what Jacob had done, he was out to get him. Literally. So Jacob had no choice but to leave home.

Our key verse explains that Jacob had a full day of travel, and "When he reached a certain place, he stopped for the night because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones there, he put it under his head and lay down to sleep" (Genesis 28:11).

I find it remarkable that Jacob was able to lay his head on a stone and go to sleep after he had been uprooted and was running for his life. Jacob was out of his comfort zone. He was in a hard, cold place instead of his warm, comfortable bed.

When cancer was likely, I had a restless night of tossing and turning. It was challenging for me to lay my concerns down on a soft pillow and go to sleep, but not for Jacob. He took a stone and put it under his head and slept. How? How could Jacob sleep unless his security was found in something other than his ability to outrun his pursuers?

Perhaps Jacob knew a Rock that was more than a solid mineral. Maybe Jacob saw his rock as the Rock of Ages. How else could he lay his head and all his fears on a rock if it were not God the Rock as described in Psalm 18:2?

"The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." (NIV)

What an amazing truth: God is our Rock!

This means when you and I find ourselves "between a rock and a hard place," we can transform that experience from being stuck between a rock to resting on the Rock.

After reading about Jacob, I decided to change my perspective. Instead of viewing my position as being between a rock and a hard place, I envisioned myself resting on Christ the Rock and leaving all my cares there.

On the day of my surgery, I was at peace. The nurses noticed my calm disposition. I was resting on my Rock.

When the surgery was over, I awoke to good news. The cyst was benign! I'm thankful it turned out well. But even if it hadn't, I would still find peace and rest in my Rock.

Friend, I hope when you feel yourself stuck between a rock and a hard place, you'll see it as Christ the Rock. Then you can lay down your head and find rest in that hard place.

Dear Lord, thank You for being my Rock, my shield, safety and salvation in troubled times. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

What You Don't See Coming

Lynn Cowell

"Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8 (NLT)

It seemed harmless enough. A song playing on her iPod. The dinging of an incoming text. It was anything but.

The next thing I knew, my daughter was weeping in her room, a torrent of twisted emotions consuming her tender heart.

What happened?

Minutes ago, we were laughing together! Now, as her heart oozed with rejection, loneliness and self-doubt, I felt helpless to comfort her.

From the surface, hearing that specific song and receiving the text at the same time seemed like a coincidence. I've been learning, however, it isn't always chance.

In our key verse, Peter the Apostle tells us: "Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8).

Just waiting.

For the chance.

The truth is we have an enemy. And he is always looking for the chance to trip us up.

Looking, scheming, scouting, just waiting for the perfect opportunity to:

• Bring back the hurt through a familiar song.
• Remind us of a past mistake.
• See pictures on social media to rub in the rejection.

satan will hold back nothing to get at our hearts and into our minds, whatever it takes to drag us down. It's his purpose, his goal. And he knows your daughter will believe it was the boy, the friend or the crowd who made her feel that way.

As women, we can learn to stay alert so we are less likely to get caught unaware and fall into the trap of an emotional spiral. For us to be on guard, we need to daily pour in the truth that we are unconditionally loved, adored and pursued by the One, our Love, Jesus.

Then we can teach our kids how to watch for what they don't see coming. Whether we're 16 or 46, we can learn to be on guard.

If we will consistently do this, when the disappointments and hurts in life inevitably come, they'll find our heart full of perfect love and less vulnerable to rejection and offense.

But what about our daughters?

How can a girl, just years away from playing with dolls, learn to fight emotions that seem too powerful? Deal with mood swings that try to take her peace away? And avoid the daily surfacing "girl drama"?

From you. She learns from you.

After the hugs and listening, you can teach her to see what she doesn't see coming. To be on guard by being selective to the music she hears, whom she follows on social media and to whom she entrusts her heart. And be intentional to pour God's truth into her heart each and every day.

Not only will her life be more peaceful, yours will too!

Lord, by reading Your Word and spending time in prayer, help me to first learn to be on guard for the enemy's tactics to trip me up. Empower me, as I learn to share this truth with my children and those I have an opportunity to influence. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Not every one

by Jimmy DeYoung

Matthew 7:21
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

For further study - Matthew 7:15-23

 Chapter 7 of Matthew's Gospel is the last of the "Sermon on the Mount", Matthew 5, 6 & 7, which is a sermon to the Jews who were expecting the Kingdom to be set up on the earth by the Messiah, Jews who reject the fact that Jesus Christ was the long awaited Messiah.

The Lord Jesus Christ was rejected by the Jews; however, His sermon given on the slopes of the mountains at the northern end of the Sea of Galilee was a warning that is applicable to the Jews during the time leading up to the Second Coming of Jesus and has "spiritual application" for all of us today.

 Verse 15 is a warning for today and into the future, "be aware of false prophets". In the Gospels and the Epistles, in the New Testament, over and over again we are warned of false prophets, false teachers.

In fact, Jesus, in His Olivet Discourse, a message given during "Passion Week", the week leading up to His crucifixion, Jesus said that "deception" was the most important indication of His Second Coming, Matthew 24:4,5,11 & 24.

In His Sermon on the Mount, the Lord even warned that the "false prophets" could come disguised in "sheep's clothing". These "false teachers" would be posing as believers and even as ministers, II Corinthians 11:13-15.

Notice verse 22 where Jesus reveals that these "false teachers" will preach, prophesy, in His name and do miracles, cast out devils, demons, all in the Lord's name.

The truth be known, we see what Jesus warned us of, happening today. We have a proliferation of "false teachers" and "false prophets" doing "miracles" in the name of Jesus, many of them on so-called "Christian television".

Make sure what you listen to and see happening is truly the Lord's work. Jesus says, verse 23, that these "false prophets" and "miracle workers" He does not know and He tells them to depart from Him.

This portion of the Lord's Sermon on the Mount is so important for us today as we quickly approach the time of the return of the Messiah Jesus Christ.

What we see today, that which Jesus warned us would be the case before He returned, is evidence that the Rapture, Jesus calling Christians into the heavenlies, at least seven years before His Second Coming, could happen today.


Prayer Thot: Lord, help me to use Your word of warning about "false prophets" to recognize the times in which we are living today.

ITCHING EARS!

II Timothy 4:3-4

“For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.”

 

The time has come! What Paul warned Timothy to be aware of, was that there would come a time when people would refuse to hear the Word of God. We are certainly living in a day and age when people want to be entertained rather than taught. The word doctrine in the Greek is: didaskalia. It means to instruct or teach.

 

Have you noticed that in the past several years there has been a dramatic increase in books and movies that deal with mythical creatures and even present them as being real.

 

Isn’t it strange that the very people that deny the Bible as being the Word of God are the very ones who support the myths as being true. These people often accuse Christians of being out of step with reality and reject our teachings.

 

What do we do a situation like this? I think Paul makes it very clear that our task as believers is to be faithful in proclaiming the truth. Yes, there are many who will reject it and reject us as well, but we are to stay at the task until Jesus Comes!   

 

May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!

 

- - - Pastor Cecil

NET WORTH!

Matthew 16:25-26

"For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?”  

 

Joyce and I were watching the Antiques Roadshow recently. A woman had brought in an item (I cannot recall what it was) that looked like a piece of trash. (I guess I never did have good taste). She had purchased this item for a few dollars at a yard sale. The appraised value was something like $30,000. WOW!

 

I have tried to imagine what a different ride it was going home that coming to the Roadshow. I am sure that the appraised item which would have been treated with little concern going there, would receive special care on the way home.

 

The things of this world have a strange way of being valued. We have heard that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Look around your own dwelling and see what you consider the most precious items. In our home it is our family!

 

The things of this world are very fleeting. Objects and even loved ones can disappear in a moment of time. There is one eternal treasure that can never be taken away. That is our salvation. In Christ we have the assurance of a mansion that is prepared just for us. Our net worth here may be small but in eternity it will be priceless!

 

May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!

- - - Pastor Cecil

He who waits on God wastes no time

The eighteenth chapter of First Kings sets before us in application the road to revival. In the seventeenth chapter, Elijah, that solitary, rugged prophet of GOD, broke suddenly upon the scene to announce before King Ahab a three-year drought.

Then he hid himself at GOD's command by the brook Cherith. In the eighteenth chapter he shows himself at GOD's command before Ahab again. It would be well if every preacher hid first at Cherith before appearing at Carmel. Then there would be fewer failures and more fire, falling Fire from above.

Elijah's second appearance before Ahab finds famine in Samaria. We are living in a spiritual famine nowadays, and there is need of a prophet from GOD's hiding place. There can be such a man in any age if he will pay the price. Elijah was no superman, he was subject to like passions as we are, but he prayed earnestly and in that he outstrips us. He could pray down both fire and water and we need both today, fire of power and showers of blessing. But we are all so busy hurrying hither and thither in a great fever about nothing that we would never dream of staying awhile at Cherith. "A waste of time," we efficient, quantity-producing Americans would call it. So we hustle around trying to do things for GOD before we have allowed Him to do things for us. "He who waits on GOD loses no time"; Elijah needed Cherith and Paul needed Arabia and you and I had better "come apart," lest we do come apart and go to pieces!

--Vance Havner (Road to Revival)

Off The Throne

Let's relinquish control and get our pride-filled self off the throne.

After the birth of Jesus, Magi (wise men) came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews?" (Matthew 2:2). When King Herod heard about this he became greatly disturbed. Herod had been appointed King of the Jews by the Roman government; but he was only partially Jewish and not well accepted by the people.

King Herod knew of the Jewish scriptures and how the people were waiting for the Messiah; "The government will be on His shoulders" (Isaiah 9:6). He heard the words of the prophet which told where the new ruler would be born; "Out of you {Bethlehem} will come for Me one who will be ruler over Israel" (Micah 5:2). Herod viewed the news of this new ruler as a great threat. How would this affect his right to be king? Would he lose power? prestige? control? ...comfort!? The potential harm was unbearable so Herod decided to take action.

Matthew 2:16 "He gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under."

Many people today are not much different than Herod. Even when they recognize Jesus and clearly see their need, they fear losing the ability to direct their own path. They may not actually take steps to destroy Christ, but the thought of releasing control seems unbearable. Somehow, they've been taught that submission equates to failure. But the reality is that true "success" is only found in Christ, and true comfort is only obtained by being set free from the power of sin and the entanglement of this world.

Jesus was, and always will be, very threatening to those who insist on sitting on a throne. It's foolishness to think Jesus will accept the position of Co-King. Those who attempt to enter a relationship with Jesus while trying to maintain their "right to rule" will never really know Him, and certainly never experience His peace.

Jesus will give Himself to "whoever believes in Him" (John 3:13). But in return, He asks for our total devotion: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength" (Mark 12:30). We give Him proper worship - the worship He deserves - only as we submit and exalt Him above all else; "He must become greater, I must become less" (John 3:30).

As we begin this new year, let's ensure our relationship with Jesus is aligned with God's plan. He is the rightful Ruler and King - the Savior and Lord! Let's trust and worship Him with all our heart, and refuse to be threatened by His right to lead. Let's decide once and for all to relinquish control and get our pride-filled self off the throne.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God's Daily Word Ministries

TOTAL FORGIVENESS

By late Pastor Bob Hanna

Scripture Reading: Colossians 2: 13

"You, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath He quickened together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses" (Colossians 2:13). "Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son: In whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins" (Colossians 1:12-14).

What greater comfort can we experience than the assurance of these words of unqualified release from the bondage of iniquity! Unregenerate man suffers constant fear in his state of guilt and shame. His hope lies only in the one "in whom we [who are saved] have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace" (Ephesians 1:7). "For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast" (Ephesians 2:8,9). "Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift" (2 Corinthians 9:15).

Once possessed, one's salvation can never be lost. The apostle explains the process of judgment when the departed saints appear at the judgment seat of Christ. "If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon [the foundation, Jesus Christ], he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire" (I Corinthians 3: 14,15).

We can neither earn nor deserve salvation. "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us" (Titus 3:5).

INFALLIBILITY

All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal.

 Psalm 119:160 

FROM THE FATHER'S HEART My child, you can never add or subtract anything from My words. They are infallible, as am I. Others may try to change the rules in midstream, reinventing codes and creeds that fit their lifestyles and pleasures. But My Word and My principles still stand. Test them, My child. See if I will not pour out a blessing upon you and the ones for whom you pray. Trust My decisions and My infallible character. You will see one day how the puzzle of your life fits together.

A GRATEFUL RESPONSE You are the only One who ever lived that has infallibility. Human error abounds, but You are the perfect rose, the spotless lamb, the purest gold. Though You make allowance for my errors, You never make mistakes.

SIMPLE TRUTH

Our perfectionism will drive us to failure, but our dependency will lead us to God.

For more from Rebecca, please visit www.rebeccabarlowjordan.com

Obedience or Preference

Matthew 26:36-42

Every believer must choose whether he will live by the principle of obedience or follow his preferences. When a person commits to doing the Lord’s will, then every situation and decision is sifted through the standard of "God said it, so I’m going to do it—and that’s the end of it." He may complain, weep, or try to argue. But in the end he will be obedient, no matter what.

I recall being invited years ago to interview with a church in Atlanta. During the entire road trip, I told the Lord that I didn’t want to move. I fussed and carried on a good while, but I knew Atlanta would be my new home. I didn’t like the idea, but the alternative was unimaginable: there are few things more unpleasant than living with the nagging anxiety that you missed out on something good.

The Lord certainly understands our need to question, cry out, and petition Him for the strength to do what He asks. Hebrews 4:15 tells us that we have a high priest who can sympathize with us. Jesus wasn’t excited or happy about the cross. He grieved over the coming separation from His Father. Nevertheless, He was committed to following God’s will (Matt. 26:39). No one took Christ’s life from Him; He laid it down (John 10:18).

Our lives are about fulfilling God’s purpose. Many people miss His awesome plan for them because they choose to follow their preferences. Obedience is sometimes hard, but the struggle and sacrifice are worth it. There is joy and peace for the believer who pleases the Lord and lives by His principles.

from Dr. Charles Stanley

Focus Determines Direction

By Rachel Olsen

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2 (NIV 1984)

Focus is an interesting thing. A powerful thing. I believe it makes change possible.

I live in in North Carolina - home to NASCAR. I even drove a stock car once in a qualifying race at the Franklin County Speedway. So I've talked to a few race car drivers in my time. Here's what I learned from them: You have to focus on where you want to go.

Race cars move so fast that the slightest change in course - the slightest turn of the wheel - quickly produces big changes in your position on that track. Surprisingly, where you look can shift your body enough to turn the wheel just enough to send you in that direction. Even if that wasn't where you intended to go.

In other words, your focus determines your direction.

That's why race car drivers are taught never to look at the wall. Look at the wall and that is where you will end up - crashed.

I think that's also why the Bible spends so much time teaching us to keep our eyes on Christ. Because our focus determines our direction.

Do you recall the story of Peter when he saw Jesus walking on the water in Matthew 14:29? Peter climbed out of the boat and walked on the waves. As long as he focused on Jesus, he walked toward Him on the water. But as soon as Peter looked down at the wind-whipped waves beneath him, that's precisely where he ended up.

I wonder if our typical New Year's Resolutions aren't us looking at the wall, or down at the sea instead of us focusing on Christ. We make promises like "I'm going to lose weight," or "I'm going to get more organized." (I've made both those resolutions before.) Or maybe, "I'm going to stop this affair." And then our focus is on our weight, the mess, or the forbidden fruit.

Next thing we know, although it's not where we intended to go, we're sinking in calories or clutter once again. And we feel defeated. Crashed. Then we give up.

Thankfully, I've found a new way to do New Year's Resolutions that keeps me properly focused. Instead of making my long list of ways I plan to improve, I prayerfully choose just one word to be my focus for the entire year. Just one word that represents what I most hope Christ will do in or through me that year. One word to give me direction.

It's not a regret-based word but a vision-driven word centering on the kind of person I want to become. It keeps me looking forward and upward.

I pray that word, meditate on it, memorize verses with it, and use it to remind me to keep my eyes on Christ, trusting Him for transformation in that area of my life. And I've seen transformation take place!

Reading Hebrews 12:2 reminds us to take our eyes off ourselves and our circumstances - off the problem behaviors or the "walls" in our lives—and fix them squarely on Christ. Because our focus determines our direction.

Ultimately Christ is the perfecter of us and our faith. We can trust Him to turn our resolution into reality as we stay focused with our one word and with our eyes on Him.

Dear Lord, I want to fix my eyes squarely on You today. Help me see You at work in my life and in the forming of my heart. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

email message from 1/1/15

Good Morning and Happy 2015,

     "A New Beginning" was the first post (Devotional) of the New Year 2015 on Facebook's The StarLight News and on the Daily Devotional page at http://starlight-extras.blogspot.com/ Actually it was auto posted this morning at 1:47AM (I was sound asleep), but I was lead to it a week or so ago and probably did not see the full worth of what it said then, but today it speaks volumes to me... 

     As I try to finish, most of what I have already typed has been deleted... Finding the right words to say has suddenly become difficult... I want to say "WORTH READING" or "A MUST READ" in the subject line, but if you are at that place in your life that I was at a few weeks ago, then reading this will mean NOTHING at all to you... Please don't delete it, but save it a read it later in the week, next week, even next month... GOD'S Message is Timeless, only a few will hear and it may take more than once to really hear what HE is saying...

     BUT, if you are where I was in my life this morning and receptive to what GOD is saying through this writer, THEN it just might mean everything to you... 

Have a Blessed 2015,

Richard

A New Beginning  author unknown to me

During the course of the past year, many of us have faced some sort of trial, test, setback, or disappointment. Some of us have even experienced failure. But in spite of all of that, God has prepared this year, this moment in time for you to have a new beginning.

The enemy's objective is to keep you locked in yesterday, the place where the pain originates from. God has a different plan for your life. He knows all about the things that have gone wrong. He's not surprised at some of the questionable decisions that you have made. He's knows that you have let Him down. He is not shocked at all.

The good news is that He also knows your future. "If any man be in Christ he is a new creature, old things are passed away and all things have become new" (2 Cor. 5:17)  When you have life in Christ, you have the ability to experience new possibilities in life.There is a season of new opportunities that await you and you must be willing to pursue it. Victory in this new year takes some understanding.

You were not created by accident. You were made by God himself. God is the creator of the heavens and the earth. He designed you to live for a unique reason. When He made you, He pulled out all the stops. You are His prized creation.

You were made to overcome obstacles. You were made for victory. He didn't create you to blend in with the scenery. Out of over six billion people in the world, there is only one like you. So, don't be shut off or boxed in by traditions or customs. Don't be held back by someone else's expectations. You were created for brilliance and excellence. You were made for success.

Before planting seeds, the ground must first be prepared. The ground must first be dug up and turned over in order to receive seeds. In the same way, we must cultivate our lives so that we will be able to yield a successful harvest. We must do some work in order for our lives to be ready for a new beginning. We have to make choices and not yield to the power of sin. As we choose God's way, the Holy Spirit will strengthen us even more.

There are some spiritual disciplines that we must develop to cultivate our lives:

* Prayer--Not just asking God for things but communing with Him.

* Giving--We must change our perspective on our possessions.

* Studying the Word--We must take in His promises daily.

* Serving--We should always look for ways to improve someone else's life.

There is a lot of noise in this world. There are people shouting from every angle, trying to get your attention. To be able to distinguish between the voices, you need to be able to listen very closely. God is always speaking; we just have to listen for Him. The time is come to get your hearing in order. The alarm has sounded.

What is the sign that you are waiting for? The light has already turned green and you are clear to begin your journey. Step away from the crowd. Separate yourself from the average people who don't want anything other than what they have always had. You have been called out to make a difference. You have been called out reclaim territory for God and live out your destiny.

It's time for your New Beginning.

A New Beginning

During the course of the past year, many of us have faced some sort of trial, test, setback, or disappointment. Some of us have even experienced failure. But in spite of all of that, God has prepared this year, this moment in time for you to have a new beginning.

The enemy's objective is to keep you locked in yesterday, the place where the pain originates from. God has a different plan for your life. He knows all about the things that have gone wrong. He's not surprised at some of the questionable decisions that you have made. He's knows that you have let Him down. He is not shocked at all.

The good news is that He also knows your future. "If any man be in Christ he is a new creature, old things are passed away and all things have become new" (2 Cor. 5:17)
When you have life in Christ, you have the ability to experience new possibilities in life.There is a season of new opportunities that await you and you must be willing to pursue it. Victory in this new year takes some understanding.

You were not created by accident. You were made by God himself. God is the creator of the heavens and the earth. He designed you to live for a unique reason. When He made you, He pulled out all the stops. You are His prized creation.

You were made to overcome obstacles. You were made for victory. He didn't create you to blend in with the scenery. Out of over six billion people in the world, there is only one like you. So, don't be shut off or boxed in by traditions or customs. Don't be held back by someone else's expectations. You were created for brilliance and excellence. You were made for success.

Before planting seeds, the ground must first be prepared. The ground must first be dug up and turned over in order to receive seeds. In the same way, we must cultivate our lives so that we will be able to yield a successful harvest. We must do some work in order for our lives to be ready for a new beginning. We have to make choices and not yield to the power of sin. As we choose God's way, the Holy Spirit will strengthen us even more.

There are some spiritual disciplines that we must develop to cultivate our lives:

* Prayer--Not just asking God for things but communing with Him.

* Giving--We must change our perspective on our possessions.

* Studying the Word--We must take in His promises daily.

* Serving--We should always look for ways to improve someone else's life.

There is a lot of noise in this world. There are people shouting from every angle, trying to get your attention. To be able to distinguish between the voices, you need to be able to listen very closely. God is always speaking; we just have to listen for Him. The time is come to get your hearing in order. The alarm has sounded.

What is the sign that you are waiting for? The light has already turned green and you are clear to begin your journey. Step away from the crowd. Separate yourself from the average people who don't want anything other than what they have always had. You have been called out to make a difference. You have been called out reclaim territory for God and live out your destiny.
It's time for your New Beginning.

Sin Is Sin

Tit 2:1 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:

Christian friends, today I just want to speak to you from my heart. I hate to say it, but sound doctrine is not being taught in many of our churches. Today's churches are using programs, gimmicks, and other persuasive means to entice folks to get them in church. That's the reason many churches are having trouble, divisions, and Pastors just resigning and leaving the ministry. They took in a lot of unsaved people who don't know the LORD, and, those people think of the church as some social group. 

 

Church is the place where saved folks go to worship our GOD, and the unsaved go to seek GOD. Church is not for entertainment, but, for confessing sin and asking GOD for forgiveness. 

 

We need to flee those places that offer only a “good time”, drinks and snacks while someone tells jokes, sing some kind of “rock” songs, and tell you everything is alright.

SIN IS sin!! Have you confessed your sin???

 

God Bless;

Walter D. Hill D. Min.

Drawing Back To HIM

John 5:17 But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.

Not so long ago the son was expected to train and do the same kind of work that the Father did. The son was expected to follow in the steps of his Father.

In this verse, we hear Jesus confessing he “worketh” because his father “worketh”. That brings us to the question, “ What work is GOD doing?” We know HE created everything and rested on the seventh day. Is HE still resting? Is HE sitting up in heaven just watching his creation go into chaos? Is GOD doing an experiment with mankind? Just what is God doing? Jesus said he is doing the same thing.
GOD created everything and He is sustaining everything. He is controlling everything. One thing we know is GOD is reconciling man back into fellowship with himself. Jesus came to save and draw mankind unto him. HE said he didn't come to condemn,but, to save. Man sinned and that separated him from GOD.

Jesus is drawing mankind back to Himself. Have you felt His drawing?

God Bless;
Walter D. Hill D. Min.

Saved or Not Saved

John 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

There are some people that use this verse to argue the point for predestination. They say that you can not come to Jesus to be saved unless the Father “giveth” you to Jesus.

I know this is a touchy issue, and, that is why I wish to clarify some thoughts about it.

There is nowhere in our Bible that teaches a “single” person has ever been predesignated. There are many places where we see “groups” of people predesignated. Our Bible divides people into two groups. Those that believe and are saved, and, those that do not believe and are not saved. Saved folks go to heaven. Unsaved folks don't.

Where are you going?

God Bless;
Walter D. Hill D. Min.

When We Are Tempted

Matt. 4:1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.

Knowing Jesus was tempted of the devil; Why do we complain so much when we are tempted to sin? Temptation is a fact of life, and, we must learn the correct way to react to it.

We can not fight temptation alone. There are too many, and, too strong of temptations for us to think we can over come them without help.

In today's chapter we find that Jesus used scripture to rebuke the devil. Three times Jesus answered, “it is written”. Jesus was referring to the Jewish scriptures we know as the Old Testament. Yes Ken, the Old Testament is still relevant for today. Our Bible has the answers for all of life's problems. We just need to read, and study it more. With a little knowledge of God's Word; we too can say ,”it is written” when we are tempted to sin. When someone ask about a question of life; we can say,”it is written” and be sure we have given the right answer.

How will you answer?

God Bless;
Walter D. Hill D. Min.

Fear Of The LORD

Proverbs 15:33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.

The word “fear” in this verse does not mean “scared of, and, afraid to be close to”. Rather, this word “fear” used here gives the meaning of reverence, respect, and acknowledge of a superior being. In south Georgia English, I take it to mean, “its wise to respect our God”,and, to obey Him!

 

The second lesson in this verse speaks about pride. Few people respect or honour a prideful person. Most of us look down upon, with criticism, those that brag about them selves all the time. Pride is a sin often addressed in the Bible.

Humility and pride is a state of mind. They expose our inner selves, and, who we really are. Do we think only of our selves, showing pride, or are we concerned about other folks before we are about our selves? 

 

Humility is a virtue we should all strive to achieve.

 

God Bless;

Walter D. Hill D. Min.
P.O. Box 235
LaGrange, Ga. 30241
e-mail= hill.walter19@yahoo.com

The Unfinished Story of Christmas

Devotions taken from the messages of Adrian Rogers.

BIBLE MEDITATION:
“…when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels…
When He shall come to be glorified in His saints, and to be admired in all them that believe…” 2 Thessalonians 1: 7, 10

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
The Jesus who came the first time is coming again, and Christmas is not complete without the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. The incarnation without the coronation would be like east without west. It would be like an engagement without a marriage. The story is not complete until Jesus comes again.

You may have thought that this was a good Christmas for you—but, friend, I want to tell you…the best is yet to come! The Heavenly Father has so much more in store for us when Jesus comes again.

You see, we get all wrapped up in the little baby, the baby that was born, and we then go beyond the birth of the baby, saying, “Yes, He came to die for our sins” (thank God He did that), but I want to remind you that the First Coming of Jesus and the Second Coming are linked together.

The Christmas Story in Luke 1 and 2 speaks not only of the Jesus who redeemed, but the Jesus who reigned. Not only Jesus who came the first time, but Jesus who is coming the second time to sit upon the throne of His father David, to rule over the house of Jacob forever and ever.

ACTION POINT:
Imagine for a moment what your life would be like without the Resurrection, the Rapture, and the Second Coming of Jesus. The most glorious fact of the past is that Jesus came the first time. The most glorious fact of the future is that this Jesus is coming again. The one sure hope of this jittery old world is the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

Was There A Virgin Birth?

Devotions taken from the messages of Adrian Rogers. BIBLE MEDITATION “And the angel said unto her, ‘Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a Son, and shalt call His name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David…and of His kingdom there shall be no end.’ Then said Mary unto the angel, ‘How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?’ And the angel answered and said unto her, ‘The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God…. For with God nothing shall be impossible.’” Luke 1:31-37 DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: There are people who sneer at the idea of a virgin birth. “Ha!” they say, “How could this happen?” The angel said to Mary, “With God nothing shall be impossible.” Do you believe that? “With God, nothing.” If you have trouble with the virgin birth, your real trouble is with God. Be reasonable. If God could make the first man without a father or mother, don’t you think He could bring His Son into this world in a virgin birth? If you don’t believe in the virgin birth, you have some character problems. The character of Mary. If Mary had a child out of wedlock, then Mary was an impure woman. The character of Jesus. If Jesus had not been born of a virgin, he would have been the son of Adam, and in Adam all die. Jesus Christ would have had the same human proclivities you and I have, who are by nature the children of wrath. The character of the Word of God is flawed, because the Word of God clearly, plainly teaches it. ACTION POINT: Think about this today: Your salvation is inextricably interwoven with the virgin birth. No virgin birth, no deity. No deity, no sinless life. No sinless life, no sacrificial death. No sacrificial death, no salvation. No salvation, you’re going to hell. Jesus came to earth that we might go to heaven; born of a virgin that we might be born again. Thank God for the virgin birth.

Don't be a Christmas Jerk

Isaiah 9:6 One of my favorite Christmas stories is the classic Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Last year my wife and I enjoyed a fantastic stage production of this wonderful old story. It seems every Christmas story has to have a Scrooge, from predictable Hallmark dramas to children's books. The reason we always write a jerk into our holiday stories is because it's true. It's real life. Today I want to encourage you not to be a Christmas jerk. Don't be the Scrooge. It's all too easy. Maybe you're expecting an Xbox and you get a sweater. Maybe your parents have to tighten the belt and you have fewer packages under the tree. Maybe Christmas is a tough time because you're reminded again of the fragility and dysfunction of your family. Perhaps you wish your family would be like the others who seem to have it all together. Or... maybe you're stressed out because you have a ton of stuff to do. Recitals, plays, people, parties. The circumstances and environment around the holidays make it all too easy to fall into jerk mode. And I'm saying, don't let it happen. Why? Because, of all people, it is Christians who should be full of joy on Christmas. Why? Becasuse this is the celebration of our story, how God moved dramatically to rescue His creation by sending Jesus to live, first as a baby, then as a growing boy, and then as a man. Christmas is good news. It is God's entrance into the world. God didn't stay in Heaven as a detached deity, he moved to become flesh. What a powerful story. How do you avoid becoming a Christmas jerk? First, meditate on the story. Go back to the chapters in Isaiah and Matthew and Luke. Remember why we celebrate. Second, go with the flow. What I mean is hold your Christmas plans loosely. Remember its about love, about giving, about peace. So if you get stiffed on the Xbox, let it go. Third, find ways to give back this Christmas. Is there a needy child, a program at your church, a community center that needs you're time and perhaps your money? Give. Fourth, don't get hung up on frivolous stuff. Don't be a Christian who whines about commercialization, about the "War on Christmas." Just fight against those with genuine, Holy-Spirit-led Christmas cheer. Strive this year, to be part of the good at Christmas. And leave the jerkiness to Dickens, Hallmark Channel, and others. Check out our Christmas Facebook page at www.facebook.com/LuvChristmas. Daniel Darling is an author, pastor, and public speaker. His latest book is Crash Course, Forming a Faith Foundation for Life. Visit him on Facebook by clicking here, follow on him on Twitter at twitter.com/dandarling, or check out his website: danieldarling.com.

The Christmas Tree???

In case you might have been questioned about your Christmas tree; let me share what a Christmas tree means to me.

 

On top, a star reminds me where I want to go, or an angel reminds methat Jesus made it so.

 

The lights tell me Jesus is the light of the world and I am to let my light shine also in this world.

 

The different decorations so pretty and bright remind me of heaven and its eternal light.

 

The garland wrapped around the tree holding it so tight, remind me of God's wonderful love and all of His great might.

 

The gifts piled under the tree that's given just to me, remind meof Jesus and His love for me. 

As I stand off and look upon my Christmas tree. I realize it was cut and killed to be a blessing just for me.

 

So you see friend, I don't worship that tree. I worship God who MADE that tree.

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS

 

God Bless;
Walter D. Hill D. Min.

Ask, Seek & Knock

Matt. 7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

Many of us Christians want a lot of things. We wish and wait for the LORD to do something with our lives. We pray the LORD will heal, provide, and use us in some way. We want good things to happen, but, we never put forth an effort ourselves.

We tend to ignore the second and third verb of this verse, seek and knock. We must put forth an effort when we “seek” something. We must ask for an opening when we “knock”. Do you see friend; that while we wait on the LORD to move, we need to work and redeem the time while we wait! None of us are perfect, but, we should strive to be. As a bride prepares for her great day; so should we prepare to meet Jesus? All of us need a cleansing by his blood. We should put on the whole suit of armour of GOD, and, we need to gird up our minds.  

God Bless;
Walter D. Hill D. Min.

It's Not about "Keeping Christ in Christmas" by Kelly Balarie

Every Christmas I hear people say the phrase "keep Christ in Christmas." I get the idea. I get the motivation. I get that things are changing in our world and we must continually keep Christ before us.

But, still, I think we are missing the point. It's not about "Keeping Christ in Christmas"; it is about keeping Christ alive in our hearts.

You see, "keeping Christ in Christmas", is about saying Merry Christmas, it's about including the words on cards, it's about ensuring stores acknowledge it and it's about monitoring their display of red and green colors on their signage. It's about making sure people don’t trample the name.

But, by "keeping Christ in Christmas" - we are sometimes led astray. Because even if we speak the words, or see the colors, or witness the tree decorations, we can often altogether miss Christ.

We can focus on the wrong things. It is so easy to do. It is so easy to get distracted by it all. To get lured in by the fanfare. I understand. I do.

But, I don't want to be so concerned with the decorations that I miss the adoration. I don't want to be so annoyed by the word Xmas that I miss the hurting person speaking it. I don't want to be so consumed with others that I miss the one who stands above all others.

Do you know what I mean?

Truly "Keeping Christ in Christmas" transcends formalities and external traditions. People are going to do what they are going to do. But, we have to follow what God wants us to do. And, Christ wants us to be less concerned with others - and more concerned with Him. His purposes. His ways. His gift.

The more concerned we are with Him, the more like Him we become. We become living testimonies and sacrifices who project the image of Christ. We become ones who will give it all to love another. We become the greatest gift to people in need.

This is Christmas.

We no longer need lights adorned outside our house or stores, because we become the shining lights.

When Christ is in us - and we are in him - we portray Christ through Christmas. It's not about "keeping Christ in Christmas" it's about "Keeping Christ in us this Christmas". It's about keeping our passions set on Him.

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Gal. 2:20)

Christ is not illustrated through shallow words, colors or decorations.

"...The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." (1 Sam. 16:7)

Christ is most exalted through true believers, not trendy decorators.

Christ is best displayed in Christmas, not through colors, words or displays, but through displays of affection towards him and towards his creation.

Let's not keep our eyes on trees and stores, but let's keep our eyes on the one who came as a baby to set the captives free, to extend all grace and to bring all joy.

"Keeping Christ in Christmas" - is less about the external and more about our internal. Our internal beliefs and our reliance on Christ will determine whether Christ really is in Christmas.

"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden." (Matt. 5:14)

So, this Christmas let's not stress about "keeping Christ in Christmas", but, instead, let's "Keep Christ in Our Hearts," so we can shine his light throughout the entire Christmas season.

The Virgin Birth

Luke 1:34," Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?".

 

If anyone should know if Mary, the Mother of Jesus, was a virgin; she should! About this time of the year some people bring up the question of the Virgin Birth.

 

Let me say that I have no problem with the virgin birth. It was a miracle of God. Many miracles are in the Bible and I don't have a problem with believing them all.

 

Our God can do anything and if He desired a virgin to give birth, bless your heart, the virgin gave birth.

 

This is one of the doctrines in the Bible the unbelievers try to rationalize and reason away.

 

As we come to this Christmas season, dear friend lets you and I remember that Christ was given for us. He is the GIFT of life. May you have a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!

 

God Bless;

Walter D. Hill D. Min.

The Divorce

^KJV Matthew 5:32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.

 

This is the only place that Jesus gives a reason for divorce. Falling out of love is not a reason. The kids are not a reason. Money is not a reason. In-laws are not a reason. Loving someone else is not a reason. Fornication is the ONLY justification for divorcement! Fornication is having sex with someone beside your married partner. Again, fornication and adultery is a sin of selfishness. Selfishness wants things MY WAY regardless of whom it hurts.

 

I can’t understand a person willing to forfeit a stable life style for a few moments of self-gratification.

 

Next week I will attempt to deal with the last phrase in this verse.

Keep praying God loves you!

 

God Bless;

Walter D. Hill D. Min.

A Good Night's Sleep

Psalm 3:5 I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.

 

One of the blessings for Christians is a good night’s sleep. Sleep rests and refreshes the body. Some folks say we need eight to ten hours of sleep every night. They say many diseases, depression and emotional disorders are caused by sleep deprivation. You must admit that in today’s society, sleep takes a back seat in our life. Most people stay up at night watching T. V. and don’t go to sleep when they should.

 

This verse also confirms the Christian’s confidence and faith in the LORD. It is truly a sign of peace, confidence, and assurance when we can lie down to sleep and rest in our LORD. We know when we awake that we will be in the presence of Jesus, or, we will have another day on earth to serve and live for GOD.

 

This brings me to the point, of whom or what, is sustaining you? Are you sustained by alcohol, drugs, other people, or, the Devil himself?  All of these will fail you.

 

Its only when we are sustained by the LORD, we can have rest. Did you have a good night’s sleep last night? 

 

God Bless;
Walter D. Hill D. Min.