For Those Whose Disobedience Is Forgiven – On Psalm 32

Psalm 32 is a wonderfully encouraging and uplifting testimony of how a life is transformed for the better after sin is confessed and forgiven, as well as a caution to the unbeliever who continues to live in sin.

The Psalmist David opens his account on an exuberant note – he is unrestrained in his expressions of joy and delight at being a pardoned sinner – O, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty! Psalm 32:1-2

David then describes how miserable he was while he lived under the guilt of unconfessed sin and the exhilaration he feels now that he has confessed his sin to God and received His forgiveness –

When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long. Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.”  And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone. Psalm 32:3-5

Children of God share David’s experience – we know the peace that came with the assurance of our forgiven sins through Christ Jesus. Now we want the people in our lives to know that same joy and freedom and David also feels the same. In these verses he encourages others to pray to be removed from the floodwaters of God’s judgement and placed instead under God’s merciful protection – Therefore, let all the godly pray to you while there is still time, that they may not drown in the floodwaters of judgment.  For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory. Psalm 32:6-7

Our acceptance of God’s grace placed us automatically under His protection and gave the Father control over our lives to do for us exactly what He now promises to do for David – “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you… Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.” Psalm 32:8-9

David ends Psalm 32 with a word of caution to unbelievers and encouragement and consolation for the children of God – Many sorrows come to the wicked, but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the Lord. So rejoice in the Lord and be glad, all you who obey him! Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure! Psalm 32:10-11 Continuing a life of sin will end in sorrow; choosing to live under the care and protection of God brings the most joy! 

Psalm 32 speaks honestly to both positions. Enjoy!

Prayer and Thanksgiving: Holy Father, most Wise God and Counselor, God of our salvation. We thank you Father that you are also a God of second chances; you hear our cries of repentance and confessions and forgive us. Like the Psalmist David we rejoice in and because of your grace and your mercy! We trust you to guide us along the best pathways of life, advise us as we make life decisions and watch over us daily. We believe the plans you have for us are for our welfare and not for calamity, to give us a future and a hope. Father we offer a special prayer for the people within our sphere of influence that are still living in the darkness of sin and we ask for mercy on their behalf; give us patience in counseling and direct us in how best to reach them. Help us to continue to show love, since it was your love that drew us to repentance, remind us that no one is beyond your reach. Thank you that you lead us always in truth, teach us your way. To you Abba Father belong all dominion and power for ever and ever. We pray and ask all things in the Name of Jesus. Amen.

Always by God’s Word and prayer,

Cecile

No Greater Commandment - Love God, Love Others

What does God expect of His children? He tells us in numerous places in His WORD, from Genesis to Revelation.

God gave us the law and the commandments – our instructions for holy living (Leviticus 19 & Deuteronomy 6). In the New Testament Jesus tells us which commandment carries the most weight “…you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12: 30-32

In the Book of Revelation the risen Jesus (the Son of Man) is dictating messages to the disciple John for the seven established churches of that time. For the Church in Ephesus, Jesus first recounts their admirable characteristics, and then He names a major flaw – “But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first! Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first.” Revelation 2: 4-5

When the prophet Micah cautions the people of Israel about their ungodly life choices and the retribution they will experience, he reminds them of God’s expectations for His people – “…and this is what He requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8

What God wants from His children is really quite simple: He wants us to be His. When we obey His most important law – loving Him and loving each other – we are saying to the world, we belong to Him. “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:35

However, we obey this law not by doing huge acts of service but in how we conduct the everyday affairs of living. Every act of God’s children should take place within the confines of this rule:

How we use our time –…all our busy rushing ends in nothing. We heap up wealth, not knowing who will spend it. And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you. Psalm 39:4; …Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom. Psalm 90:12

How we spend our money – Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. Proverbs 3:9-10; If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person? Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. 1 John 3:17-18

How we socialize – Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.  And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another. Hebrews 10:24-25

How we communicate – Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Ephesians 4:29; Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deed. Colossians 3:9

How we choose play and recreation: Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. 1 Timothy 6:17

How we run our households – She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. Proverbs 31:27; If a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church? 1 Timothy 3:5

How we conduct businesses – When you make an agreement with your neighbor to buy or sell property, you must not take advantage of each other. Leviticus 25:14; Remember the Lord your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful, in order to fulfill the covenant he confirmed to your ancestors with an oath. Deuteronomy 8:18; Don’t agree to guarantee another person’s debt or put up security for someone else. Proverbs 22:26

How we interact with our neighbors – It is foolish to belittle one’s neighbor… Proverbs 11:12; If you can help your neighbor now, don’t say, “Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you.” Don’t plot harm against your neighbor, for those who live nearby trust you. Proverbs 3:28-29

These and a multitude of similar life matters must all fall under the daily guidance of the “greater commandment.”  

We love each other because he loved us first. If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a fellow believer, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see? And he has given us this command: Those who love God must also love their fellow believers. 1 John 4:19-21

Prayer and Thanksgiving: Holy Father, you are our Creator, our Savior, the Preserver of our souls and our most loving Father. We thank you Father that through Christ and the power of your Holy Spirit we can obey your great commandment to love you and love each other. Thank you for the perfect example we have in Jesus who did nothing on His own but only what you told Him…Jesus is the Living Word that teaches us to do only what pleases you in everything so that the world will know that we are yours. Thank you for never giving us a commandment, a task, or an instruction without adding on everything that we need to perform it. We can do all things through Christ our Lord who is our strength. To you Abba belong all dominion and power for ever and ever. We pray and ask all things in the Name of Jesus. Amen.

Always by God’s Word and prayer,

Cecile

You Are of More Value than a Whole Flock of Sparrows

Matthew 10 recounts Jesus preparing the twelve disciples for a mission to the people of Israel—God’s lost sheep. “Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!”

Jesus warns the disciples that they will face persecution form His detractors, and even death, but He also assures them that they have God’s protection and should not be afraid. Minute details in the lives of all God's creatures are according His providence. The Father knows and cares about about it all.

An insignificant occurrence in the life of a mere sparrow is significant to the Father, “What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it.” And His care and concern for His children, who are made in His image to represent Him on earth, are even greater – “And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.”

These assurances are absolute proof that nothing happens in the life of a child of God apart from the Father’s knowledge and providence.  No enemy can touch even our bodies, no weapon formed against us will succeed without our heavenly Father’s permission. 

With this knowledge every child of God could exercise continuous dependence on the Father in all circumstances and situations, but more especially when we are serving in His Kingdom. We can toss every doubt, concern and care firmly at the feet of Him who cares so perfectly for us, and as much about our impact on His lost sheep.

When we minister or serve in God’s Kingdom we are not working alone. The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit works together with us to guarantee Jesus’ command that His gospel reaches the lost in all the world is carried out.

For this reason, we are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.

For this reason His Providence will watch over us.

 “The heavenly source of all our supplies for the battle and the journey of life pleads for our trust in Jesus. In ourselves we have no resources. The weapons of our warfare and the supplies of our necessities–our ammunition and our nourishment–all are in Christ. And the life we live as warriors and as pilgrims must be a life of continuous coming to, and trusting in, a full Christ, an all-sufficient Savior.” Octavius Winslow (1808 – 1878)

Prayer and Thanksgiving: Holy Father, Almighty God, who is our Portion and Deliverer! Thank you Father for the honor to serve your people and for your provision and protection that enable us to do so. Thank you for being the wisdom that counsels us, the power that keeps us, the love that soothes us, the grace that sanctifies us, and your providence that gives us confidence and makes us glad all the days of our lives.  Thank you for your WORD that is a lamp to guide our feet and a light for our path…there you provide all that we need. To you belong all dominion and power for ever and ever. We pray and ask all things in the Name of Jesus. Amen.

Always by God’s Word and prayer,

Cecile

I Will Praise Him Again— My Savior and My God!

Child of God, let’s be honest…some days we struggle to find the “JOY of the LORD,” not that we have lost our faith but because some experience has disturbed our peace. We feel off-kilter emotionally, melancholy, self-pitying, and “blue”.

Such soul disturbances should not be allowed to linger, we must deal swiftly with them, and not give way to them. These are feelings that can be deceptively comforting, which makes them dangerous. They inhibit our ability to be productive children of the Most High God and cause us to lose sight of our true life purpose – to enjoy the LORD and praise Him forever. Not the thing we are motivated to do in the midst of a nice pity party.

Praise will nourish and restore our souls. Praise is the balm that will heal our troubled emotions and sets us free from self-pity and discouragement. God delights in our praise and allow us to share in that delight with Him. Praise his name…For the Lord delights in his people. Psalm 149:4

The author of Psalm 42 describes his experience with discouragement, the reason that led up to his emotional breakdown and the hope that liberated and cheered him again. I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and my God!” Psalm 42:5.

We too can praise ourselves out of the doldrums! Let us rise up in the strength of the LORD and reclaim our right to Peace and joy in Him!

Psalm 42 – NLT

¹ As the deer longs for streams of water,
    so I long for you, O God.
² I thirst for God, the living God.
    When can I go and stand before him?
³ Day and night I have only tears for food,
    while my enemies continually taunt me, saying,
    “Where is this God of yours?”

⁴ My heart is breaking
    as I remember how it used to be:
I walked among the crowds of worshipers,
    leading a great procession to the house of God,
singing for joy and giving thanks
    amid the sound of a great celebration!

⁵ Why am I discouraged?
    Why is my heart so sad?
I will put my hope in God!
    I will praise him again—
    my Savior and ⁶ my God!

Now I am deeply discouraged,
    but I will remember you—
even from distant Mount Hermon, the source of the Jordan,
    from the land of Mount Mizar.
⁷ I hear the tumult of the raging seas
    as your waves and surging tides sweep over me.
⁸ But each day the Lord pours his unfailing love upon me,
    and through each night I sing his songs,
    praying to God who gives me life.

⁹ “O God my rock,” I cry,
    “Why have you forgotten me?
Why must I wander around in grief,
    oppressed by my enemies?”
¹⁰ Their taunts break my bones.
    They scoff, “Where is this God of yours?”

¹¹ Why am I discouraged?
    Why is my heart so sad?
I will put my hope in God!
    I will praise him again—
    my Savior and my God!

Prayer and Thanksgiving: Holy Father, you are the God our strength and our Song of Deliverance! Thank you that through Jesus Christ you made available to us a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. Thank you loving Father for delighting in our praise and in us. Thank you for being the one true Hope where we always find new strength to soar high on wings like eagles. To you Abba belong all dominion and power for ever and ever. We pray and ask all things in the Name of Jesus. Amen.

Always by God’s Word and prayer,

Cecile

Rumors and Gossip – How They Entice, and Hurt! Pt. 2

Gossip is hurtful

Gossip is destructive.

Gossip dishonors the one who gossips as well as the person gossiped about.

Gossip dishonors God.

God hates gossip.

A child of God must never take part in gossip, either by listening to it or doing it. As Christ’s ambassadors in the Earth, our actions and speech must be a direct reflection of God the Father and God the Son. “…whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. Colossians 3:17

In his Epistle James, the brother of Jesus, compares the tongue to a tiny fire spark capable of setting a great forest on fire…he also describes the tongue as restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Not a very pretty picture, but James does gives us hope when he says that if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.” James 3: 1-12

Our Father wants all His children to thrive in His Kingdom and He will help us to change any behavior that does not conform to His will or glorify His Name. If we struggle with gossip, we have only to confess this and ask Him for His help. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. 1 Peter 3:12

As we pray in faith and seek God’s strength we also take action and apply some practical steps to wean ourselves away from gossips and the temptation to gossip.

• Stop associating with people who are known gossips - Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers…Psalm 1:1
• When others try to gossip to us we refuse to listen, change the subject, or walk away – Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Romans 12:9
• Gossiping is a bad habit that exposes the condition of our hearts – whatever is in our hearts determines what we say. The Word cautions us to Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. Philippians 4:23 – so we ask God to change our hearts.    
• If we are the victim of gossip and rumors we don’t retaliate in kind but instead we confront the offenders and let them know how they have injured us. If the gossip is a child of God we especially attempt to reconcile and help that person to change the behavior, if we can… if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. Galatians 6:1

Our Father is especially grieved when we gossip against another child of God, a brother or sister for whom Christ died. He wants us to live in unity with Him and each other, to love like family, to encourage and build each other up, and not tear down and devour each other by ill-speaking.

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another. Galatians 5:24-25

Prayer and Thanksgiving: Holy Father, how good and faithful you are! Thank you that we are not consumed because of our wrong doing. We know that a sin against one of your little ones is a sin against you and we thank you that you extend mercy to us and you don’t judge us as harshly as we deserve. Thank you that your goal is always to restore us back to you so we can live the righteous life purchased for us with the blood of your Son. Cleanse our hearts of bitterness, jealously and boasting, for it is out of the abundance of our hearts that our mouths speak. Teach us to walk in love which covers a multitude of sin and cause us to protect our brothers and sisters and not expose them to ridicule. Forgive us and we pray that the words of our mouths and the meditation of our hearts be acceptable in your sight always. You are the Holy One to whom belong all dominion and power for ever and ever. We pray and ask all things in the Name of Jesus. Amen.

Always by God’s Word and prayer,

Cecile

Rumors and Gossip – How They Entice, and Hurt! Pt. 1

One Bible commentary puts it this way, “It is as hard to refuse to listen to rumors and gossip as it is to turn down a delicious dessert” – and it says also, “You can resist rumors the same way a dieter resists candy—never even open the box. If you don’t nibble on the first bite of gossip, you can’t take the second...” I wonder about the comparison to desserts and candy that seem to speak to one gender over the other. Suffice it to say, men are not that much into sweets!

That first bite of chocolate is all it takes, then we have one more, and then another, and with each piece our resistance quotient grows smaller while our desire for more increases.

The overindulgence in candy could hurt us eventually – we may put on too much weight. But when we indulge in gossip and rumor mongering we hurt both ourselves and other people. Gossip causes conflict and sows discord—it damages reputations, makes people feel bad about themselves, it ruins relationships, A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends. Proverbs 16:28. More importantly, God hates gossip.

There are six things the Lord hates—no, seven things he detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family. Proverbs 6: 16-19

The Bible uses several different terms for gossips including backbiter, busybody, slanderer, whisperer and talebearer – and all have an overtone of malice. God is clear in His Word that gossips are ungodly and wicked, that gossiping is a sin which should not be named among His children and has no place in His Kingdom.

Gossip is Unholy

When God gave Israel, His chosen people, instructions on “holiness for personal conduct”, He said explicitly, “Do not spread slanderous gossip among your people…” and the reason that preceded all His instructions was “You must be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.”  Leviticus 19

Gossips Makes God Angry

People who engage in gossip can’t seem to stop and they encourage others in the behavior.

Romans One names a gossip among those with whom God is so angry that He abandons them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done. Such people, Paul says, “know God’s justice requires that those who do these things deserve to die, yet they do them anyway. Worse yet, they encourage others to do them, too.” Romans 1:28-32.  Gossiping is reckless behavior that severely hurts our relationship with God.

Gossips Hurt People

When the Apostle Paul gave Timothy instructions for appointing Church leaders he was specific about what qualities Timothy must look for and gossips were singled out among those that should never be considered. “A church leader must be a man whose life is above reproach; people outside the church must speak well of him; in the same way, their wives must be respected and must not slander others. A gossip cannot be trusted and by association people they are close to also become suspect.

Older Christians, parents, grandparents, have a responsibility to be good examples for young people. We are expected to live in a way that honors God. We must not slander others. Titus 2:2-3

A child of God must avoid gossip at all costs.

To be continued…

Prayer and Thanksgiving: Righteous Father and One true God, we honor and glorify your Holy Name, as you deserve no less. Father can’t thank you enough for all the things you have done, for your goodness and mercy that follow us daily. Even as we indulge in behavior that is unbecoming of a child that bears your name, you give us a chance to get things right with you – you show us our wrongs and how to make them right. Father forgive us for doing what you hate, forgive us for grieving your Holy Spirit.  Holy God teach us to avoid idle talk and gossip, let everything we say be good and helpful and  our words encourage others and not burden any. To you Holy one belong all dominion and power for ever and ever. We pray and ask all things in the Name of Jesus. Amen.

Always by God’s Word and 

"The Children of Godly Parents Go to Church Every Day!"

The text below is an excerpt from a sermon (A Blessing in the Family - 1866) preached by an English vicar, George Everard, M.A. (1828-1901). The language style is a bit Victorian but the truths are still relevant for Christian parents a century and a half later.

Mr. Everard was passionate about families and wrote many books, religious tracts and papers on family life and worship over his lifetime.

Every godly parent desires to raise godly children for the Kingdom of God and this short parenting lesson should encourage and inspire their efforts.

(Scripture references in block letters were added.)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 Amaziah did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight, but not like his ancestor David. Instead, he followed the example of his father, Joash. 2 Kings 14:3 

The life of a godly parent is a daily sermon.

It has been said, "The children of godly parents go to church every day!"

Never doubt for a moment, that genuine piety and eminent holiness are the first requisites for all parents. No parent can expect to influence their children for good, without themselves walking wisely and worthily in the narrow path of holiness.

Here may be seen the reason that sound faithful teaching in Sunday schools, has comparatively effected so little good. It is not the fault of the church — but in the home's pernicious influence! The evil that is witnessed at home, more than counteracts the lessons learned at church!

It is the will of God that parents should exercise control over their children. They must command that which is right — and they must forbid that which is wrong. It was spoken to the praise of Abraham, that God knew that he would command his children after him to keep the way of the Lord. (GENESIS 18:19) It was the overthrow of the house of Eli that his sons made themselves vile — and he did not restrain them. (1 SAMUEL 3:1-4:22)

In Scripture children are compared to arrows — but all depends upon the direction given to the arrow by the hand that guides it.

They are compared to vine branches — but an unpruned vine will bear no fruit worth gathering. So it is written, "A child left to himself brings his mother to shame!" (PROVERBS 29:15)

In training their children, let parents begin early. Long before a child is two years old, it will know the meaning of an emphatic "No." Even at that tender age, some measure of discipline may begin.

Yield not to the self-will or pettishness of a child. What you once say — let it be law. Without some special cause, do not turn from it. Especially punish lying and disobedience — they are the root of all that is evil.

Yet with firmness, be very gentle. Harshness is a cold wind that nips in the bud the beginnings of better things in the heart. Byron's character was ruined by the cruelty of a harsh and unfeeling mother.

Win your children by love. Draw, rather than drive.

Make home the happiest place in the world to them.

Prayer and Thanksgiving: Father, Holy and Righteous, you are our Abba Father and our textbook for parenting. You care for your children with wisdom, loving kindness, grace, mercy and forgiveness; you give in abundance but not anything we want.  You discipline us when we disobey and your Word we keep close to our hearts so we don’t sin against our children by doing what is contrary to your way – “For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” We remember that our children are a gift and a reward but they belong to you and you entrust them to our care. We are grateful for the honor and thankful that your Holy Spirit and your Word are always there to guide and counsel us daily. To you belong all dominion and power for ever and ever. We pray and ask all things in the Name of Jesus. Amen.

Always by God’s Word and prayer,

Cecile

Stand Firm and You Will See the Deliverance of the Lord

In Exodus 14:13-14 Moses reassures the terrified Israelites, whose situation looked impossible, that God would keep them safe

.

The Israelite people had been enslaved by a succession of Pharaohs for over 400 years. With Moses as negotiator, and a number of devastating plagues thrown in as additional incentive, the current Pharaoh relented and let Israel go free.

With Moses leading, Israel was on the march to freedom when Pharaoh and his officials changed their minds. Egypt couldn’t give up access to their entire (free) labor force so the army was sent to chase Israel down and bring them back.

Israel was at the Red Sea when they saw the Egyptian army approaching. Trapped and terrified they turned on Moses, blaming him for their predicament and threatening to return with the army to their old life in Egypt, rather than die in place they didn’t know. “Didn’t we say to you in Egypt, ‘Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians’? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!”

What these folks didn’t understand was that Moses wasn’t their savior, God was and His plan was not about to fail. They couldn’t see what God was doing behind the scenes and didn’t have enough faith in Him – and angel of God, who had been traveling in front of Israel’s army, withdrew and went behind them. They didn’t know about the miracle God was about to do on their behalf – one that would have other Nations talking and in awe of them for decades, and be recorded in history for us today.

….all that night the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left.

The Israelites didn’t understand that God’s spoken Word is eternal and forever fixed in Heaven and He cannot break a promise.

The Egyptian army realized they were in trouble and tried to retreat, “Let’s get away from the Israelites! The Lord is fighting for them against Egypt.” Too late! They were no match for the Lord who watches over Israel! 

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea so that the waters may flow back over the Egyptians and their chariots and horsemen.” 

Moses did as the LORD instructed and the entire army perished. “The water flowed back and covered the chariots and horsemen—the entire army of Pharaoh that had followed the Israelites into the sea. Not one of them survived.”

Not one Israelite was lost, all made it safely to the other side.

By covenant God chose Israel to be His own special people and even though they turned their back on Him repeatedly, He faithfully kept His promise of protection over them...”He did not let anyone oppress them. He warned kings on their behalf:  ^““Do not touch my chosen people, and do not hurt my prophets.”” 1 Chronicles 16:21-22

Child of God, if you are in difficult circumstances, do not despair. Remember, you too have been chosen. You have been adopted into God’s family through Christ Jesus, because it pleased the Father to have you for Himself. 

God is still in the business of protecting His own – He never changes. Do not be afraid; like Israel did in Egypt, cry out to the Lord, your God. He hears you, He will rescue you. (Psalm 18:6) He may not reveal all that He is doing, but trust that His wisdom is working to save you.

Your Father never breaks a promise, He will not fail you.

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. See, all your angry enemies lie there,    confused and humiliated. ..You will look in vain for those who tried to conquer you. Those who attack you will come to nothing. For I hold you by your right hand— I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.’” Isaiah 41:10-13

Prayer and Thanksgiving: Holy and Righteous Father, we love, honor and adore your Holy Name. Thank you that in our darkest moments we can cry out to the Lord and Father; you hear us in Heaven when we pray for help and you rescue us. Father, teach us to be still and wait while you work things out for our good and we will give you all the glory! Thank you that you are always there, the God of all comfort and the Father of mercies. Without you we are lost! With you to fight for us we are victorious over every challenge and challenger. We are so grateful! To you belong all dominion and power for ever and ever. We pray and ask all things in the Name of Jesus. Amen.

Always by God’s Word and prayer,

Cecile

A Joyful Praise! - For the LORD Has Done Great Things For Us

Praise the Lord!

Praise God in his sanctuary;
    praise him in his mighty heaven!

Praise him for his mighty works;
    praise his unequaled greatness!
 

Praise him with a blast of the ram’s horn;
    praise him with the lyre and harp!

Praise him with the tambourine and dancing;
    praise him with strings and flutes!

Praise him with a clash of cymbals;
    praise him with loud clanging cymbals.

Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord!

Praise the Lord!

Psalm 150 (NLT)

"The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy." PSALM 126:3

Always by God’s Word and prayer,

Cecile

Reflecting on Romans Chapter 8

A child of God will be disciplined by the Father but will never be condemned with the world.

Romans 8: 1-15 tells us how and why a child of God has escaped this fate and what our response should be as a result.

GOD’S PLAN FOR OUR FREEDOM Romans 8:1-4:

• Because you belong to Him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.
• The Law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. God sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have.
• In Christ God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins.
• (God) did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us.
• Now we no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit.

CHRIST AND THE HOLY SPIRIT Romans 8:5-14:

• Christ Jesus and the Spirit of God live within you.
• The Spirit living within you will give life to your mortal bodies – the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead. (Because you have been made right with God, the Spirit gives you life.)

  

OUR RESPONSE Romans 8:5-14:

• You are controlled by the Holy Spirit, think about things that please the Spirit, (those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God.)
• Let the Spirit control your mind, it leads to life and peace, (letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death – you are not controlled by your sinful nature.)
• Don’t do what your sinful nature urges you to do – your obligation to your sinful nature is over (if you live by its dictates, you will die.) Through the power of the Spirit, put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, and you will live.

OUR REWARD Romans 8:5-14:

All who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.

CONSIDER THIS: Romans 8:9:

And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.

Prayer and Thanksgiving: Holy and Righteous Father, our Deliverer, the God of all grace and mercy, who provided a way we couldn’t on our own to call you Our Abba Father! Thank you that from the beginning of time your thoughts have been to rescue us from ourselves and bring us back to you. Thank you for loving us so much that you made your Son and Heir, who knew no sin, sin for us and gave us everlasting life with you. Thank you that because you are Sovereign over all things no one can change what you have done and forever and we will be your joy and your delight. Thank you for your Holy Spirit and your Word that sanctify us daily to make us more acceptable in you, our beloved, and take us from glory to glory. We love you, Abba. To You belong all dominion and power for ever and ever. We pray all things in the Name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen!

Always by God’s Word and prayer,

Cecile

God the All - To His NAME Be All the Glory

The opening verses of Psalm 115 leaves no doubt in the readers mind about the author's deep devotion, passion and love for God. His position is fixed and nothing or no one will change it. He is in turn totally satisfied with the passionate devotion and love of his Creator for him. He trusts God’s wisdom completely and disregards the worldly pleasures that unbelievers make their life-long pursuit.

A child of God should have the same testimony as the Psalmist –

• Our Father is Wise, Almighty and Loving, and Creator of the Heavens and the Earth.
• Our Father is Sovereign and does what He pleases, always working all things out for our good, those that love Him.
• We can enjoy a personal and loving relationship with Him.
• We trust Him completely and are totally satisfied in Him.

He is your helper and your shield; He hears and answers us and will bless us as well as our children. The Heavens belong to Our Father, but He has given His children authority over the earth. Psalm 115: 9-16

However, we can create our own idols, even as it relates to the “good deeds” that we do for the Father. This happens when we go our own way, take control from Him. Then "our thing" becomes more to us than the Creator. 

Our Father is also our Master. When we deny Him complete access to all areas of our lives we grieve His Spirit, lose our peace, and our relationship with Him becomes distant. 

We belong to God and we ought to be living His will for us. To do so we must give Him full access to all that we are.

The prayer below is from a collection I own and I read this today for the first time. The author’s petitions and the spirit of the prayer felt like a special message from God – a caring correction mixed with the overwhelming presence of His love that I want to share.

This is how we can testify to our Father’s goodness and loving kindness to us – He disciplines those whom He loves; with steadfast and loving kindness He draws us to Himself. Each day He provides us with new mercy to ensure we have life in and with Him forever.

Great is His faithfulness!

Prayer and Thanksgiving: 

O God whose will conquers all,

There is no comfort in anything apart from enjoying you and being engaged in your service;

You are All in all, and all enjoyments are what to me you make them and no more.

I am well pleased with your will, whatever it is, or I should be in all respects;

If you should ask me to decide for myself in any affair, I would choose to refer all back to you;

For you are infinitely wise and do no wrong as I am in danger of doing.

I rejoice to think that all things are at your disposal, and it delights me to leave them there.

Then my prayer turns wholly to praise; and all I can do is adore and bless you!

What shall I give you for all your benefits?

I am caught between two desires; I long to give back to you but I have nothing to offer,

And can only rejoice that you do it all, that none in Heaven or on earth share this honor;

I can of myself do nothing to glorify your blessed name,

But I can through grace cheerfully surrender soul and body to you.

I know that you are the author and finisher of faith;

That the whole work of redemption is yours alone;

That every good work or thought found in me is the effect of your power and grace,

That your sole motive in working in me to will and to do is for your good pleasure.

O God it is amazing that man can talk so much about man’s creaturely power and goodness,

When, if you did not hold us back every moment, we should be devils incarnate.

This, by bitter experience, you have taught me concerning myself. (Author Unknown)

All things in the Name of Jesus Christ, Our LORD and Savior.

Always by God’s Word and prayer,

Cecile

Making the Best Use of Our Time

I have said it myself and heard versions spoken by others, “I am not managing my time well!” We never seem to have enough time to do everything we want to in a given day. We wake up early and go to bed late, trying to squeeze more in, but 24 hours is all we will ever have in any day.

Are we spending our time wisely?

Does God care how His children use their time?

Ephesians 5:15-16 tells us: “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time!” (ESV); “Don’t waste your time on useless work, mere busywork…” (THE MESSAGE)

Time is a gift from God, just as life is a gift. It’s a package deal, we don’t get one without the other. If we undervalue our time we undervalue our lives.

Pastor and author Andrew Murray (1828 – 1917) says one day is a link in the “chain” that represents our entire lives, “…the single days do indeed make up the whole, and that the value of each single day depends on its influence on the whole. One day lost is a link broken in the chain, which it often takes more than another day to mend.”  

Once a day is over we do not get a recall so we function constantly at a deficit once we miss an opportunity to make good use of any day. Time goes in only one direction, forward.

Our Father gives us free will and we can choose how we use our time. But when we do make choices we should do so with one purpose in mind, which is to glorify the Father with our lives. If we desire to live this way our choices would include:

• Goodness over evil - of thought, word and deed.
• Gratitude and goodwill over complaining and meanness.
• Doing for others over having others fulfill our desires.
• Giving way over insisting on our rights.
• Occupations that edify and build others over wealth and empty pleasures.
• Walking in peace and harmony over sowing discord. 

Our place and purpose in our Father’s Kingdom is unique and how we practice these principles will look different for each of us. If we are uncertain about the specifics, we ask God for help, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” James 1:5

Every child of God does have one thing to do in common every day, and that is to fully embrace and enjoy their day; it is the reason our Heavenly Father makes each one fresh and new. (Psalm 118:24)

Prayer and Thanksgiving: Our Father in Heaven, whose NAME is Holy! Thanks and praise be to you for the gift of life and time and purpose. We are your children and the sheep of your pasture who should know your voice. Teach us to pay closer attention so our every waking and resting hour have purpose and meaning in your Kingdom and our time is well spent to your glory. Give us wisdom and understanding as we take this journey of life on earth with you. Holy Spirit be our counselor and guide, so the Word of God penetrate deep into our souls and make us one with the Father. Forgive us Father when we grieve you by our careless and thoughtless behavior. To you belong all dominion and power for ever and ever. We pray and ask all things in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Always by God’s Word and prayer,

Cecile

Our Father Knows Everything about Us

Children of God live continually in the Father’s presence. At work or at play, asleep or awake, our Heavenly Father knows our every thought and action and is actively involved in our lives. His eyes are always upon us.

In Psalm 139 The Psalmist David speaks of the Father’s intimate involvement in his life in great detail, “You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely.”

David could think of no place he could go or situation he could be involved in where the LORD couldn’t or wouldn’t be present…including the bottom of the ocean: “even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.”

David is excited that God knows everything about him but is also troubled by his human failings, so He asks God to help him to keep his heart and thoughts pure, “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” – David's desire is to please his Father in everything and ours should be too.

We cannot hide anything from God so we must carefully examine our actions and desires daily.

• Say nothing we wouldn’t like God to hear. 
• Do nothing we wouldn’t like God to see. 
• Write nothing (on our social media sites, email accounts, work memos, etc.) that we wouldn’t want God to read.
• Don’t go to places where we would not like God to find us; He is ALWAYS with us.
• Read nothing that we would not be able to share with God, if He should say, "Show it to Me."
• Don’t spend our time in ways that would have our Father asking in dismay, "What are they doing?"  

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable. Hebrews 4:13 

We must be conscious always that we are in God's presence; that our bodies are His temple where He lives; and we represent His image and character to the rest of the world.

This may appear to be a huge responsibility only if we forget that, in any and all circumstances in which we find ourselves, our Father will be there to guide and support us.

Prayer and Thanksgiving: Holy Father in Heaven, we glorify you, our God who is always there! We thank you for your Holy Presence in our lives; we thank you that although you know our thoughts and our hearts intimately, you can still love us. We thank you that your thoughts towards us are “precious” and countless, more than the sand on the seashore. Father, we are grateful for your love that is boundless and everlasting and we are humbled in knowing we can never be separated from that love, it is what makes us your children and we love you. To you belong all dominion and power for ever and ever. We pray and ask all things in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Always by God’s Word and prayer,

Cecile

Don't Let Anger Control You: Steps to Resolving Conflict

True confession, faced with conflict are you an avoider or an aggressor?

People in relationships have differences, offend and are offended. 

As fallible human beings we disagree, disappoint, demand too much, and we hurt each other’s feelings. The more intimate our relationships, the deeper the hurts can be.  

Some years ago I learned six easy-to-apply principles for effective conflict resolution that are defined in an acrostic using the word “FIGHTS”:

1. Face the other person – don’t turn away or allow the other person to turn away. Address the problem as soon as possible and avoid the giving the silent treatment.
2. Ignore the temptation to get side-tracked by topics that are not relevant to the issue at hand; admit fault quickly and completely.
3. Guard your tongue – be careful not to say anything you would later regret having said; avoid name-calling.
4. History belongs in the past; don’t bring old issues into the current situation.
5. Touch the other person; some physical contact shows that both people are on the same side or team and not against one another.
6. Stay in there and finish the fight to each other’s satisfaction; do not walk away and leave anything on the table unresolved.

Whether at work, school, church, in our homes, or in our neighborhoods etc., we will experience some conflict.

Children of God must be willing to reconcile differences. We have the fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5: 22-23) – as the creed by which we are to live.  If we belong to the Father we belong to His Son, Jesus and in Him we can live this out successfully.

“Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.” Galatians 5: 24-25

We can get angry and fight, but we must do it God’s way.

 “Don’t sin by letting anger control you; anger gives a foothold to the devil." Ephesians 4:26-27).

Prayer and Thanksgiving: Holy Father, we honor and glorify you! Thank you for your Word that guides us so we don’t have to figure out things on your own; teach us to be confident in it and in your love, it is your love that saves and leads us to repentance and obedience. Help us by your Spirit to commit our hurts to you and quickly admit our own wrong-doing. By our words, our attitude, our love for others, our faith, and our integrity we are examples of godliness to the rest of the world and bring glory to your name. Help us not to give in to our selfish desires so we can do Your will. Remind us that you are the only Wise God to whom all dominion and power belong for ever and ever. We pray and ask all things in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Always by God’s Word and prayer,

Cecile