Jun12

He Calls the Stars by Name

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Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens;

Who created all these things?

He who brings out the starry host one by one

And calls them each by name;

Because of his great power and mighty strength,

Not one of them is missing.

Isaiah 40:26

God is almighty and all-powerful. No one can even begin to understand or comprehend the breadth of his infinite knowledge, and no person or thing can be compared to Him. We are limited to our understanding of God by what we experience of Him on earth. There aren’t enough words on our planet to allow us to adequately describe His boundless capabilities.

The same God who created the stars and calls them each by name is the same God who created you.  He knows you by name and fashioned you with a unique and special purpose. No one else on the planet is just like you, and no one else can carry out the plan He has in mind for your life. He cares for you personally.

He loved you before the beginning of time…before He placed the stars in the sky.

All around the earth are reminders to you of God’s character and capabilities. Ask Him to open your eyes to His marvelous wonders, and invite Him to show you the unending depth and breadth of His love for you. Just like the stars…He calls you by name, and you are never missing from His sight.

He determines the number of the stars
and calls them each by name.
Great is our Lord and mighty in power;
his understanding has no limit.

Psalm 147: 4 – 5

Jun11

Unsearchable Knowledge

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‘

‘Call to me and I will answer you

And tell you great and

Unsearchable

Things you do not know.’

Jeremiah 33:3(NIV1984)

 

With the internet at our fingertips, we can quickly and easily search for the answers to most any question that crosses our mind. Internet searches can be used in place of dictionaries, encyclopedias, phone books, recipe books, newspapers, maps, magazines, or most any type of reference material you can imagine.

A quick inquiry for a listing of “search engines” reveals that there are hundreds of options available to assist you in your quest for knowledge from the internet. There are search engines to help you with general information, medicine, law, accounting, books, movies, news, finance, business, school, jobs, real estate, and shopping to name a few. In fact, the Google search engine has become so popular that the term “Google” has found its place in our dictionaries as a verb: “to search the Internet for (information on a person, organization, etc.)” In our home, you will often hear us say, “Let’s Google that” to mean that we should look something up on the internet.

While the vast internet seems to have an endless supply of information available at the click of a mouse, there is a type of knowledge that can’t be “Googled.” This type of information is unsearchable
in human terms. This class of unsearchable knowledge is the divine wisdom from our Heavenly Father, which can only be revealed by God’s supernatural inspiration. Our questions about making the right decisions, doing the right thing, taking the right path in our life’s journey, choosing the right occupation, or finding our purpose in life, are all in the competent realm of God’s holy “search engine.”

“As the heavens are higher than the earth,

So are my ways higher than your ways

And my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Isaiah 55:9

Understanding how to tap into this heavenly help is important. By spending time reading God’s Word and talking with Him in prayer, you will begin to discern His holy guidance in your life. Sometimes He will reveal His answers to your questions through scripture, and other times He will use people around you to speak His answers into your life. The Bible instructs us about how to gain His knowledge:

“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God,

Who gives generously to all without finding fault,

And it will be given to him.”

James 1:5

 

God’s wisdom is available for anyone…you simply have to ask for it. In the same way that you must type in your query to search the internet, you must tap into the Heavenly Father in order to search for His knowledge. His simple, “user-friendly” instructions are as follows: 1.) Ask, 2.) Seek, 3.) Knock

 

“Ask and it will be given to you;

Seek and you will find;

Knock and the door will be opened to you. “

Matthew 7:7

Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: “Here am I…”
Isaiah 58:9

 

Jun10

My Heart Will Not Fear

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The Lord is the light of my salvation-

Whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the stronghold of my life-

Of whom shall I be afraid?

Though an army besiege me,

My heart will not fear,

Though war break out against me,

Even then will I be confident.

Psalm 27: 1, 3

 

God does not lack the power to bring order to a chaotic world…or a chaotic life. You may not be engaged in a physical war, but you may feel besieged by a battle you are facing in your personal life. Your struggle could be a medical crisis, a relational rift, a financial stress or an internal trial. Regardless of which type of war is breaking out against you, you can find the strength to endure by placing your trust in the One who is the light of your salvation and the stronghold of your life. With God by your side, you can face any situation with courage and confidence…and without fear.

Jun9

A Forever Love

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He who builds his lofty palace in the heavens
   and sets its foundation on the earth,
Who calls for the waters of the sea
   and pours them out over the face of the land—
   the LORD is his name.

Amos 9:6

“How blessed is God! And what a blessing he is! He’s the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him. Long before he laid down earth’s foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!) He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son.” (Ephesians 1: 3 – 6 MSG)

You are God’s beloved child. He knew you ~ and loved you ~ before He created the world. Despite any mistakes you might have made, He still considers you to be His treasured possession. Take time today to thank Him for His unchangeable, unending and unfathomable love for you.

Jun8

The Master Gardener

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30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers

That are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow,

He will certainly care for you.

Why do you have so little faith?

31 “So don’t worry …

Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.

33 Seek the Kingdom of God
~above all else~ and live righteously,

And he will give you everything you need.

Matthew 6:30-33 (NLT)

 

Profuse blossoms of wildflowers artfully color the median along many Georgia highways. In some spots, their gorgeous display resembles a beautiful impressionist painting. I am amazed to see how they flourish there in the scorching southern heat, bordered by two expanses of asphalt, absent of any gardener or sprinkler system. If I try to produce the same effect in my own yard, I always come up disappointed.

The wildflower display is the handiwork of the Master Gardener, and it reminds me of His tender and unfathomable care for His children. Our Heavenly Father masterfully tends the garden of our lives. In the fertile soil of our hearts, He plants seeds of love, joy, peace, patience, and faithfulness. The light of His presence sprinkled with a daily dose of His Word creates the perfect environment for a fruitful and abundant life. As the tender sprouts take root, He is there to pull up the weeds of doubt, pride, selfishness…and worry. The more time we spend in His presence, the better the garden of our hearts can flourish and the more fruitful our lives become. The less time we spend with Him, the more cluttered our hearts become with unfruitful weeds, which choke out the blessings He has planted there.

By seeking God ~ above all else ~ we are tapping into the source by whom our most basic needs are met. Entrust the Master Gardener to care for your life. Place your faith in Him, and do not worry. Believe His promises. If you diligently seek God and commit your ways to Him, He will faithfully provide for your needs.

“Delight yourself in the Lord and

He will give you the desires of your heart.”

(Psalm 37:4)


 

Jun7

Life’s Road Signs

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“Set up road signs;
   put up guideposts.
Take note of the highway,
   the road that you take…

Jeremiah 31:21
(NIV1984)

 

I was looking over my son’s shoulder as he diligently studied for his driver’s test. His thick DMV manual contains multiple pages of road signs, which he must understand before he begins learning how to navigate behind the wheel. I can tell from examining the well-worn pages of his book that he is taking this test seriously and wants to learn all that is required of him in order to pass this important test.

It’s too bad that we don’t have road signs which tell us how to accurately steer the course of or our lives. Sometimes we could use a bold “Do Not Enter” or “U Turn” sign to guide us in the right direction.

Even though we don’t have these physical signs lining our daily paths, we can receive guidance from our Heavenly Father through His Word. The Bible is our manual for living life. By reading it and constantly learning from it, we will gain the necessary wisdom to perceive God’s direction for our lives.

Psalm 119:105 tell us, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” His word illuminates the direction we should take in our lives. As you read His Word, ask Him to reveal His instructions to you. Many examples from the Bible show us how great men and women of faith asked God to lead and guide them. Here are just a few:

  • “Direct my footsteps according to your word…” (Psalm 119:133)
  • “I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes.” (Psalm 119: 125)
  • “Make your face shine upon your servant and teach me your decrees.” (Psalm 119: 135)
  • “Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” (Psalm 25:4,5)

On a road trip, one wrong turn can cause big problems in your goal of reaching your destination. Similarly, seemingly small decisions can have a major impact in the course of your life. Your Heavenly Father holds the road map for your life. He has equipped you for a special purpose, and He will lovingly reveal His plan to you. If you ask God for His guidance, He is faithful to answer your prayers. His promises are true, and you can trust Him to provide clear instructions to His children. “Who, then, is the man that fears the Lord? He will instruct him in the way chosen for Him.” (Psalm 25: 12)

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

Lean not to your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He will make your paths straight.”

Proverbs 3: 5 – 8

Jun5

Heavenly Help

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God is within her,

She will not fall;

God will help her

At the break of day.

Psalm 46:5

 

As the sun rises today, do you find yourself desperately in need of God’s help? Perhaps you are in turmoil over financial worries, or possibly you are navigating though a tumultuous period with a rebellious teen. Your struggle could be due to the heartache of marital distress, or you might be exhausted from battling a ravaging disease or illness. Maybe you are at a crossroad in your life, and you are struggling over a major decision. No matter what type of battle you are facing, if you are a child of God, He is ready and willing to help you. In Isaiah 41: 13 He reminds us, “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, ‘Do not fear; I will help you.'” Take hold of your Heavenly Father’s outstretched hand. Accept the help He wants to provide.

 

Let go of your cares and worries and relax in the arms of your Savior. Receive His peace. Stop trying to fight life’s battles on your own. Allow Him to take the lead. Rest in the assurance that He will help you, and His promises are true. “He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth.” (Psalm 46:9), and
He is BIG enough to handle your personal “war.”

 

In the midst of your turmoil He says to you, “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10) At this moment, be still before your Heavenly Father. Accept His peace…and His help. Feel His divine presence within you. Right now, take hold of His hand…He will not let you fall.

Jun4

The Majesty of God

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Yours, LORD, is the greatness and the power

And the glory and the majesty

And the splendor,

For everything in heaven and earth is yours.

Yours, LORD, is the kingdom;

You are exalted as head over all.

1 Chronicles 29:11

 

 

All around us there are reminders of God’s glory and greatness. If we purposefully view His creation with the Creator in mind, praise and awe are the natural responses. The miracle of a newborn baby, the intricacies flower blooms, the delicacies of butterfly wings, and the glory of a painted sunset are all the handiwork of our Lord. No matter what you are going through right now, when you change your focus to God’s greatness, the burdens of life seem to melt in comparison. The same God who crafted the earth and everything in it, created you. He is big enough to handle any difficulty you may be experiencing. Soak in the scenery He has provided, and allow it to change your perspective. Take time today to acknowledge God’s majesty and splendor through His creation.

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Apr24

Happy Easter!

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As they entered the tomb,

they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side,

and they were alarmed.

“Don’t be alarmed,” he said.

“You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified.

He has risen!

He is not here.

See the place where they laid him.

Mark 16:5-7 (New International Version 1984, ©1984)


 

Apr23

Do You Believe?

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But He was pierced for our transgressions,
   He was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him,
   and by His wounds we are healed.

Isaiah 53:5 (New International Version 1984, ©1984)

 

As we anticipate Easter morning, let’s reflect on Christ’s unfathomable love for us. Before we ever came to be, He was thinking of us when He became the sacrifice for our sins on the cross. He was beaten and pierced for our iniquities. He took our eternal punishment the day He was nailed to the cross. And He conquered death forever on the day He arose from the grave.

The glorious result of His sacrifice is in sharp contrast to the torture and pain He endured for us. We can have peace and healing thanks to His suffering. Because of His undeserved punishment, we have an open invitation to spend eternity with our Savior in paradise. He died, so that we would have the opportunity to live with Him for eternity.

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son,

that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16

 

The gift of eternal life in heaven is available to all of us. No matter what wrongs we have done in this life, the Son of God provided forgiveness of all our sins when He died on the cross. The promise of God is that whoever believes
in His Son, Jesus Christ, will have eternal life. We could never be “good enough” to earn our way into heaven. All that is required from us is that we believe in Jesus Christ, who is the Son of God, the promised Messiah, the Prince of Peace, the sacrificial Lamb of God, our Lord and

….our Savior.

Take time during this Easter season to thank God for the ultimate sacrifice He made in our behalf and for His immeasurable love for us. Reflect upon your salvation from sins, and give praise and honor to our Savior, Jesus Christ. If you have been trying to figure out how you could be “good enough” to deserve God’s love, realize that you already have an open invitation to spend eternity with Him in heaven. Simply believe in Jesus Christ!