......whirlwind

They sow the wind and reap the whirlwind.  Hosea 8:7

The people of Israel had planted evil seed into their lives for many years - now the time had come to harvest the destruction they had planted. Soon after Hosea spoke these words of God, the Assyrian army invaded and destroyed the northern kingdom.

God demonstrated His love for us long before we ever loved Him; "while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). This love was unconditional since we did absolutely nothing to deserve His favor. But if we do not receive His love, through faith in the sacrifice of Jesus, and allow His Spirit to begin to transform us from within, we too will one day feel His wrath.

The wind of unbelief and lack of trust, false worship and a cold heart, will one day yield an eternal whirlwind which cannot be stopped. And the wind of open sin in the lives of spiritual leaders, or the spiritual compromise in the lives of parents, can lead many generations down a path of destruction.

Let's plant and nourish seeds of truth and love which will thrive in His presence for all eternity. 

Let's trust Him with a faith which walks into the unknown without fear because we know He is by our side. 

Let's determine once and for all to live an uncompromising life which brings glory and honor to God; and on the great day of harvest, let's joyfully enter His embrace without the fear of reaping the whirlwind.

- steve troxel

.....purpose

Life is a series of problem-solving opportunities. The problems you face will either defeat you or develop you - depending on how you respond to them. Unfortunately most people fail to see how God wants to use problems for good in their lives. They react foolishly and resent their problems rather than pausing to consider what benefit they might bring. Here are five ways God wants to use the problems in your life:

1. God uses problems to DIRECT you. 

Sometimes God must light a fire under you to get you moving. Problems often point us in a new direction and motivate us to change. Is God trying to get your attention? Sometimes it takes a painful situation to make us change our ways. Proverbs 20:30 

2. God uses problems to INSPECT you. 

People are like tea bags... if you want to know what's inside them, just drop them into hot water! Has God ever tested your faith with a problem? What do problems reveal about you? "Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produce endurance." James 1:2-3

3. God uses problems to CORRECT you. 

Some lessons we learn only through pain and failure. It's likely that as a child your parents told you not to touch a hot stove. But you probably learned by being burned. Sometimes we only learn the value of something - health, money, a relationship - by losing it. "Being afflicted was the best thing that could have happened to me, for it taught me to learn your laws." Psalm 119:71

4. God uses problems to PROTECT you.

A problem can be a blessing in disguise if it prevents you from being harmed by something more serious. Last year a friend was fired for refusing to do something unethical that his boss had asked him to do. His unemployment was a problem - but it saved him from being convicted and sent to prison a year later when management's actions were eventually discovered. "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good..." Genesis 50:20

5. God uses problems to PERFECT you. 

Problems, when responded to correctly, are character builders. God is far more interested in your character than your comfort. Your relationship to God and your character are the only two things you're going to take with you into eternity. "We can rejoice when we run into problems ...they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady." Rom. 5:3-4

Remember: God is at work in your life - even when you do not recognize it or understand it! But it's much easier and profitable when you cooperate with Him!

- various authors

.....compare

God gives many promises to us today, but they all flow from the promise first stated by Jesus; "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. We must not pass lightly over these words, for none of the other promises even apply until we have believed this basic truth.

We cannot move on to the promises of peace and contentment until we trust in the promise of forgiveness through faith in Jesus. When we begin to understand the significance of the gift of eternal life, we will know that nothing the world can offer will EVER compare to the promises of God...and NOTHING else will last. His promise is the only path to true peace. 

If we could better understand and really believe, perhaps we would spend less time and effort on pursuits which contain no lasting value - perhaps we would have less anxiety about all those things which only God can control.

Jesus shed His blood so we can truly live. His promise is greater than any worldly pleasure and outweighs ALL worldly trials; "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all" 2 Corinthians 4:17. 

As we walk through this world, with all its pulls, temptations, and near constant turmoil, let's hold tight to His promise and always remember...NOTHING can compare!

-steve troxel

......warning

 "He who has ears, let him hear." Matthew 11:15

"A West Virginia State Trooper stopped a woman for going 15 miles over the speed limit.  After he handed her a ticket, she asked him, "Don't you give out warnings?""Yes, ma'am," he replied. "They're all up and down the road. They say, 'Speed Limit 55.'"  

This story reminds me that one day we will stand before the great Judge.  There are many people who expect they will receive merely a "warning" and then they will be given an opportunity to try again.  The response on that day will be, "I gave out plenty of warnings -- all through your life -- but you ignored them all."

Remember the rich man in Luke 16?  He begged for a messenger to be sent back as a warning to his brothers.  The response he got was this:    "They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them....If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead." Luke 16:29,31

The warnings are there, all over the road.  If we ignore the warnings and live the way we want to live rather than for the glory of God, then we shouldn't be surprised when the punishment is issued on the Last Day.

The warnings are there -- listen and heed them.

-alan smith

....active

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3:16-18

Jesus set the example for love and that our love for others is a direct result of the love of God within us. As we love God and surrender our life to Jesus Christ, His love fills us and overflows into the lives of those around us. If love for others is lacking, we must lay down our life and increase our love for God; a truly increased love for God will certainly increase our love for others.

A Godly love for others is not simply an emotional feeling, or gentle and kind words. When we begin to understand God's love for us - when we catch even a glimpse of His mercy and love in giving us His Son - we will be compelled to express our love with meaningful action such as meeting physical needs, readily forgiving when wronged, and showing Godly compassion when others are hurting. God so desired to be with us for all eternity that He gave His Son and loved us all the way to the cross. We are to love others in this same manner, "because He first loved us" 1 John 4:19.

Our love for God is demonstrated by our real love for others. Jesus made this clear when He said; "whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for Me" Matthew 25:40. We are loving and serving God as we love and serve others: "I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited Me in, I needed clothes and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you came to visit Me" Matthew 25:35-36.

Love must be an integral part of our Christian walk. 

Love must be directed up; "love the Lord with ALL your heart" Mark 12:30

Love must be directed out; "love your neighbor as yourself" Mark 12:31. 

Let's love as Jesus loved us! Let's look for ways to love with an active love.

.....healing

During the course of my life on this planet, I have met various people from all walks of life. The one common thread all seem to share--whether rich or poor--is that we all face hardships, disappointments, and emotional upsets. This proves that neither money nor worldly success brings real, lasting happiness

What do you do when things are not going your way? Do you run to your doctor in hopes of solving your problem with the pop of a pill? Will you mope around the house for months in a depressed state hoping some glimmer of light will pass your way? 

Who do YOU turn to when you are in pain?

In the Bible, we are told our Lord is the great physician and healer. While it is true our heavenly Father is able to restore physical bodies, He is also a healer and mender of spirits. Indeed, He is the ultimate Comforter in a hurting world.

Everything has it's time and place. Before you turn to man for emotional healing, reach out to God first.   

"Seek ye first the klingdom of God and His righteousness; and ALL these things will be added unto you"  Matthew 6:33

-melanie schurr

....true

God desires that we know Him in an intimate and personal relationship. He has revealed Himself and provided a way to know Him through the life and sacrifice of His Son; "Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father... Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in Me?" John 14:9-10. 

As we grow in faith and begin to know Him better, it becomes essential to know the promises of His Word. But it's even more important to believe His promises are true!  "Anyone who believes in the Son of God has this testimony in his heart. Anyone who does not believe God has made Him out to be a liar, because he has not believed the testimony God has given about His Son." 1 John 5:10

Our old nature sometimes clouds our ability to clearly see the truth; and some of God's truths can be hard to accept and actually put into practice. But, we either believe His words and begin to take steps to apply them in our life, or we do not believe and call God a liar by the way we live.

It may be a difficult process, but we must confront our beliefs and begin to make them real. 

When we face a trial and don't know which direction to turn, do we believe the words, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight" Proverbs 3:5-6? Do we really believe that as we trust Him, He will remove the confusion and guide our steps?

When our circumstances seem out of control, do we believe "in all things God works for the good of those who love Him" Romans 8:28? Do we really believe that as we continue to love Him, God works for the good in ALL things, regardless of our understanding? And when we feel alone, do we really believe God's promise to always be near; "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you" Hebrews 13:5.

God's Word is true and His promises are real!! 

Let's praise Him all the rest of our days and let our lives demonstrate we REALLY know and believe. Let's make sure our actions and decisions, fears and anxieties, hopes and dreams, are governed by truth.

-steve troxel

 

....immediately

Effective immediately, please be aware that there are changes you need to make in your life. These changes need to be completed in order that I may fulfill my promises to you to grant you peace, joy and happiness in this life.

1. QUIT WORRYING

Life has dealt you a blow and all you do is sit and worry. Have you forgotten that I am here to take all our burdens and carry them for you? Or do you just enjoy fretting over every little thing that comes your way?

2. PUT IT ON THE LIST

Something needs done or taken care of. Put it on the list. No, not YOUR list.  Put it on MY to-do list. Let ME be the one to take care of the problem. I can't help you until you turn it over to me. And although my to-do list is long, I am, after all, God.  I can take care of anything you put into my hands. In fact, if the truth were ever really known I take care of a lot of things that you never even realize.

3. TRUST ME

Once you've given your burdens to me, quit trying to take them back. Trust in me. Have the faith that I will take care of all your needs, your problems and your trials. Problems with the kids? Put them on my list. Problem with finances? Put it on my list.  Problems with your emotional roller coaster? For my sake, put it on my list. I want to help you. All you have to do is ask.

4. LEAVE IT ALONE

Don't wake up one morning and say, "Well, I'm feeling much stronger now, I think I can handle it from here." Why do you think you are feeling stronger now? It's simple. You gave me your burdens and I'm taking care of them. I also renew your strength and cover you in my peace. Don't you know that if I give you these problems back, you will be right back where you started? Leave them with me and forget about them. Just let me do my job.

5. TALK TO ME

I want you to forget a lot of things. Forget what was making you crazy. Forget the worry and the fretting because you know I'm in control. But there's one thing I pray you never forget. Please don't forget to talk to me OFTEN! I love you. I want to hear your voice. I want you to include me in on the things going on in your life. I want to hear you talk about your friends and family. Prayer is simply you having a conversation with me. I want to be your dearest friend.

6. HAVE FAITH

I see a lot of things from up here that you can't see from where you are. Have faith in me that I know what I'm doing. Trust me, you wouldn't want the view from my eyes. I will continue to care for you, watch over you, and meet your needs. You only have to trust me. Although I have a much bigger task than you, it seems as if you have so much trouble just doing your simple part. How hard can trust be? 

7. SHARE

You were taught to share when you were only two years old. When did you forget? That rule still applies. Share with those who are less fortunate than you. Share your joy with those who need encouragement. Share your laughter with those who haven't heard any in such a long time. Share your tears with those who have forgotten how to cry. Share your faith with those who have none.

8. BE PATIENT

I managed to fix it so in just one lifetime you could have so many diverse experiences. You grow from a child to an adult, have children, change jobs many times, learn many trades, travel to so many places, meet thousands of people, and experience so much. How can you be so impatient then when it takes me a little longer than you expect to handle something on my to-do-list? Trust in my timing, for my timing is perfect. Just because I created the entire universe in only six days, everyone thinks I should always rush, rush, rush.

9. BE KIND

Be kind to others, for I love them just as much as I love you. They may not dress like you, or talk like you, or live the same way you do, but I still love you all. Please try to get along, for my sake. I created each of you different in some way. It would be too boring if you were all identical. Please know I love each of your differences. 

10. LOVE YOURSELF

As much as I love you, how can you not love yourself? You were created by me for one reason only - to be loved, and to love in return. I am a God of Love. Love me. Love your neighbors. But also love yourself. It makes my heart ache when I see you so angry with yourself when things go wrong. You are very precious to me. Don't ever forget that!

With all my heart I love you,

Your Heavenly Father

.....seed

A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds of the air ate it up. Some fell on rock, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown.  Luke 8:5-8

Usually, this parable is considered from the aspect of the different types of soil. 

The farmer represents anyone who plants the seed of God's Word into someone's life, and the different soils represent the different types of people who hear the gospel message. There is encouragement in these verses for us to be well tilled soil, free of weeds and ready to receive the Word of God. 

However, let's consider this parable from the aspect of the farmer.

In the days of Christ, fields were planted by scattering or throwing out seed over all areas of a field. In this parable, the farmer is never criticized for waste as he throws seed on the path, in the weeds, or on the rocks. Planting day had arrived and it was the farmer's job to simply scatter the seed. He was not required to evaluate the soil, and there was no special technique required for planting. As long as the seed was scattered over a wide area, it would reach the good soil and produce a bountiful crop.

We have been sent out as farmers into the fields of this world with God's Word in our hand and written on our heart; "go and make disciples of all nations" Matthew 28:19. As we consider what to do with our seed, we must remember that the condition of the soil should never be our primary focus. God has entrusted us with a life changing message and it's His desire for this message to be "scattered" to all!

There is definitely a time for tilling soil, pulling weeds, and digging out the rocks that hinder our spiritual growth and the growth of those within our care; but in the field which God has placed us today, the time is always right for planting. 

Let's share His message of love and forgiveness, of Godly unity and peace. A new day has arrived! Regardless of our perception of the soil - regardless whether we believe they are ready - let's pick up our bag, put on our boots, and be determined to scatter the seed!

-steve troxel

.....best

The story is told of a professor who stood before his class of 20 senior organic biology students, about to hand out the final exam.

"I want to say that it's been a pleasure teaching you this semester. I know you've all worked extremely hard and many of you are off to medical school after summer.  So that no one gets their GPA messed up because they might have been celebrating a bit too much this week, anyone who would like to opt out of the final exam today will receive a "B" for the course."

There was much rejoicing amongst the class as students got up, passed by the professor to thank him and sign out on his offer.  As the last taker left the room, the professor looked out over the handful of remaining students and asked, "Any one else?  This is your last chance." One final student rose up and took the offer.

The professor closed the door and took attendance of those students remaining.  "I'm glad to see you believe in yourself." he said.  "You all have "A's."

Too often, we're content to settle for second best.  A lot of students would be thrilled to settle for a "B" ("That's better than I usually get." "That's doing better than most of the others I know.").  And many students, I think, would rather get a "B" with little time spent studying, than to make the effort it takes to get an "A".

A lot of us are content to settle for second best in our spiritual lives as well.  We're close to God (at least closer than many people we know), but we aren't willing to take the time and the effort to have the kind of relationship we know God wants us to have.

The biggest problem with settling for second best is that we miss out on that which is best.

"As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him.  She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said.  But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.  She came to him and asked, 'Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself?  Tell her to help me!'  'Martha, Martha,' the Lord answered, 'you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.' " Luke 10:38-42

What Martha was doing was good (second best, even), but "Mary has chosen what is better."  May we always seek out and choose "what is better" in our relationship with God!

-alan smith

.....knowing

I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death.  Philippians 3:10

Paul pursued an intimate relationship with Jesus and sought to be identified with His death and resurrection. He knew the only way to experience the power of Jesus was to live as a new creation whose sinful nature had been crucified with Christ; and as a new creation, he continually desired to know his Creator.

Truly knowing Jesus Christ is much more than simply knowing "about" Him. We can fill our head with every possible biblical fact and still never know Christ. To know Him is to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength; to trust Him regardless of our circumstances, and to draw close to His side in our joy as well as our suffering. Nothing else in life has any real meaning; "I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord" Philippians 3:8.

Paul's passion for Jesus allowed him to loose his hold of all worldly attachments; "I consider them rubbish that I may gain Christ" Philippians 3:8. This uncontested supremacy of Jesus allowed Paul to be "content in any and every situation" Philippians 4:12. By giving himself fully to knowing Christ, Paul gained true contentment and peace.

We have the same ability to know Christ today. We are also promised the same results! Peace and contentment will NEVER be achieved through more possessions, activities, or relationships - these are ALL temporary and will fade away with time. Our life will only be truly content when we give ourselves to Jesus and love Him without reservation; we will only be filled with His peace as we seek to know Him.

We may never be asked to give up much for the sake of the gospel; but then again, we may be asked to give up everything! Either way, our heart must always hold loosely to the things of this world. Anything which cannot be released has effectively become a god and crowds the throne which MUST be reserved for the King of Kings. 

Let's reconsider our priorities - where we spend our time and what commands our thoughts and consumes our energy. Let's give ourselves fully to Him and make sure nothing has become more important than knowing Christ.

- steve troxel 

....pane

I heard of a young seminary student who went home for Christmas break.  A horrible snowstorm stranded the regular minister in another town where he had been visiting a member in the hospital.  The leaders of the congregation asked the young man to substitute for the regular minister.

The young preacher started his sermon by explaining the meaning of a substitute.  "If you break a window," he said, "and then place a piece of plywood over the hole - that's a substitute." After the sermon, a well-intentioned woman wished to compliment the young man.  As she enthusiastically shook his hand, she said:  "You were no substitute.  You were a real pane!"

Ever gotten a compliment like that, where you went away scratching your head wondering how to take it?  It's easy to assume the worst.  We live in a world where people are more often inclined to put you down than to lift you up, where they would rather ridicule you than encourage you.

Make it a point to say something encouraging to someone today, and do it in such a way that there will be no doubt as to your intention.

"Exhort one another daily, while it is called 'Today'..." Hebrews 3:13

-dave langerfeld

...encouragement

Many of us have experienced that low spiritual valley where we thought the sun would never shine again. We wandered in this gloom until something began to lift us to new heights. "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:29-31

An eagle seems to fly effortlessly through the air with only an occasional flap of the wings. These great birds are experts at finding areas of rising air called thermals which allow them to soar without using any of their own energy.

God uses spiritual thermals to lift up those who hope and trust in Him. Those who believe the truth of His Word and diligently search for the rising currents through prayer and undeterred worship will be freed from the heavy baggage which prevents upward flight. They will be lifted up by the guidance and strength of His Spirit.

If we find ourselves back in the valley today, we must continue to seek Him with all our heart. He has promised to strengthen us and cause us to soar once again! And if we are currently flying high in our communion with God, we must give praise and honor to our Heavenly Father; but we must also recognize there are many others in the valley who desperately need a lift - many who are searching and feeling overcome with darkness. 

God has chosen to use people to accomplish much of His work on earth. He could have chosen other methods; 

"If they {the people} keep quiet, the stones will cry out" (Luke 19:40), but He chose us. 

We are to "encourage one another daily" (Hebrews 3:13). 

Because there is a valley full of people waiting and hoping for that rising current to lift them up and set them free. We can be a rising current for others with simple words or acts of encouragement which show them God's love and gently lead them back toward His peace.

We have been adopted into the "Family" of God! Let's dedicate ourselves to soaring high by worshipping God in absolutely every area of our life. Let's continue to rise to new heights and always look for others in need of God's encouragement!

- steve troxel

.....strong

 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."  Philippians 4:13

The small squirrel, scurrying like crazy to get out of our way on the walkway, holding onto a good-sized pinecone; he wasn’t about to lose his treasure! Amazing that he could grasp and drag something almost as large as he was. And how many times have you seen an ant, picking up a crumb larger than itself?

We can work out, have great biceps and abs. We can exercise our brains and have great info and knowledge. But supernatural strength comes from the Lord, above and beyond our own abilities.

You are stronger than you think with God’s help and power behind you. It is good to know where our inner strength comes from and who gives us that gift.

So how strong are you? Very strong, in Christ. And that is good news.

You have the mind of Christ:  

"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus." Phil 2:15   

"'Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ." 1 Cor 2:16

The Lord gives you wisdom:  

"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." James 1:5   

The Lord gives you strength:  

"It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure." Psalm 18:32   

"Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you." Isaiah 41:10   

"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak." Isaiah 40:29

The Lord gives you His direction:  

"Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Prov 3:6   

The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps." Proverbs 16:9

In fact ‘greater things you will do:  

"Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father." John 14:12

"I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being."  Ephesians 3:16

"Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always."  1 Chronicles 16:11

- sally i. kennedy

....stressed

I refuse to be discouraged, to be sad or to cry.

I refuse to be downhearted and here's the reason why:

I have a God who's mighty; who's sovereign and supreme;

I have a God who loves me, and I am on his team.

He is all wise and powerful; Jesus is His Name;

Though everything else is changeable, My God remains the same.

I refuse to be defeated. My eyes are on my GOD.

He's promised to be with me, as through this life I trod.

I'm looking past my circumstance, to heaven's throne above.

My prayers have reached the heart of God, I'm resting in His love.

I give Him thanks in everything. My eyes are on His face.

The battle's His; the victory's mine; He will help me win the race.

I repeat, I'M TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!"

         (and Too Anointed to Be Disappointed)

-author unknown

....past

Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jephthah."  Judges 11:29

We've all heard stories of individuals who have overcome extreme hardship during their childhood years. Children of alcoholics, orphans who never have parents, loss of parents to a fatal crash, childhood disease. These are all difficult circumstances to overcome.

Jephthah was a man who overcame his obstacles and refused to allow his circumstances to prevent him from becoming great in God's sight. He was born to Gilead, a result of his father's adulterous encounter with a prostitute. Gilead's wife, who had bore more sons, decided to reject Jephthah, and drove him away from their home saying, "You are not going to get any inheritance in our family because you are the son of another woman." Imagine the rejection this young man felt as he was cast away from his own family.

This experience taught Jephthah to become a hardened warrior. Today he probably would have been part of a street gang. As he got older, his reputation as a warrior became known to those in his country, so much so that when the Ammonites made war on Israel, the elders of Gilead went to Jephthah and asked him to be their commander. Jephthah had to fight off those feelings of rejection from previous years.

"Didn't you hate me and drive me from my father's house?" he responded. He overcame his hurt and pain, and responded to the call God had on his life.

It is said that if we were to help the butterfly remove itself from the cocoon, the butterfly would not be strong enough to survive. It is the struggle that prepares the butterfly to become strong enough to fly. Without the struggle in the cocoon, it could not survive as a butterfly.

The Lord prepares each of us in similar ways. Some of our childhoods seem to have been harsh and born from a seemingly unloving God. However, the Lord knows our struggle and will make our life an instrument in His hand if we will follow Him with an upright heart. He does make all things beautiful in His time if we are willing to be patient.

.....basics

Peter taught that when we place our trust in Jesus for the forgiveness of our sins, we receive everything we need to live a victorious life; "so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires" 2 Peter 1:4. The real challenge of our Christian walk is not in acquiring new and "greater" gifts, but in learning how to best utilize what we have already received.

Peter also wanted us to remember that Salvation is not the end of our journey; rather, it is the beginning of a long and wonderful walk which begins in faith and continues by growing ever closer to Christ. Since we have been given such a wonderful gift, we should "make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love" 2 Peter 1:5-7. We must continue to grow such that the end result - the highest quality of our Christian life - is love!

Peter believed these to be fundamental truths, but truths which were necessary to often repeat!

"So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live." 2 Peter 1:12-13

To ensure we don't wander down side paths filled with self-effort and self-importance, or stumble in the world's temptation of corruption and evil desires, we must continually return to the starting point of our faith. 

We must never forget that God loves us and desires to walk with us each and every day. All that we do must be directed by God and accomplished with the tools He has provided. Let's dig deep at every opportunity, but let's remain lovingly close to His side and always remember the basics.

-steve troxel

.....provision

During the ministry of Elisha, a widow came to him for financial help. Creditors had threatened to take her two boys as slaves if she didn't pay her debt, but all the woman had left was a little oil. Elisha told her how to miraculously multiply her oil and pay her bills...and in the process bring great glory to God.

"Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don't ask for just a few. Then go inside and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil into all the jars, and as each is filled, put it to one side."  2 Kings 4:3

The woman gathered empty jars and began to fill them from her one small jar of oil. She continued to fill the jars until each one she collected was full; "Then the oil stopped flowing" 2 Kings 4:6. The woman was able to sell the oil and pay her debt.

Notice that the oil stopped flowing as soon as the last jar was full. If the woman would have collected half as many jars, the oil would have stopped flowing when the collected jars were filled. And if she would have collected twice as many jars, the oil would have continued until every last one was full. God's provision was equal to the number of jars she collected - equal to the number of jars she believed God would fill.

In our limited understanding of God we often place artificial restrictions on what we think He can accomplish, and our prayers become reduced to what we believe is actually possible. In this sense, our low level of faith has limited what God provides. Peter never would have stepped out of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus if confined to the realm of his own understanding. Peter left room for God to work beyond what he could understand.

Please do not read this message as a formula for worldly prosperity! God's Word never teaches that we are all to be rich with material wealth (this is an ugly distortion of His truth). But God desires for each of us to trust Him beyond the bounds of our best analysis, and to draw closer than what we believe is ever possible. Peter didn't need to understand how the atomic structure of water might be altered to provide stability, he simply needed to know with certainty that Jesus was calling; "Lord, if it's You, tell me to come to You on the water" Matthew 14:28.

We serve an Awesome God - more awesome than we will ever comprehend; "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. We must never believe there's a problem too big for God to handle; "He is able to do immeasurably more..."  Ephesians 3:20. Let's pray with a faith that truly believes our Father is the Creator of the Universe, and let's refuse to place limits on God's provision.

-steve troxel

.....energy

To this end I labor, struggling with all His energy, which so powerfully works in me. Colossians 1:29

Paul "labored" and "struggled" with the task he had been given. But rather than relying on his own strength and abilities, Paul learned to labor with the energy of Christ.

The word Paul used for "energy" refers to the active working of God's power. Paul used this same word to describe the power all believers have received from God; "That power is like the working {energy} of His mighty strength, which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at the right hand in the Heavenly realms" Ephesians 1:19-20.

God has provided a power like the energy which flowed through Jesus and raised Him from the dead. This is a remarkable gift, yet one we seldom use. 

-  With His energy we can receive clear direction; we can be focused and accomplish all He desires. 

- Without His energy we may wander from task to task, become exceedingly weary, and never accomplish anything of eternal value.

There will be times of overwhelming adversity when God simply takes charge and directly fights the enemy. But, for the majority of our journey, God directs us to continue struggling in the daily labor of accomplishing His work. Jesus said the burden of this work will be greatly eased as we learn to be attached ourselves to Him and walk by His side; "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light" Matthew 11:30.

We only fail in His work when we fail to trust; "I can do EVERYTHING through Him who gives me strength" Philippians 4:13. God's path can certainly change direction and become difficult from time to time, but His provision will always be sufficient and it is ALWAYS too soon to quit - we must continue! We can do all things and find great fulfillment as we remain attached to Christ and labor with all HIS energy Matthew 11: 28-30

-steve troxel

....night

You may be in a night season right now, but your God owns the night!  Like the moon.  As long as it's light, you can only see a pale moon, at best.  But when it's dark, that's when you can see the brightness of the moon.  

When it's spiritually dark, that's when you can clearly see your Master. Just like the military who get a lot done in the night because they have night vision, your Lord gets a lot done in the nighttimes of our life; often some of His greatest missions.
 
No matter how dark it is around you right now, your God is able to lead your steps, protect you from all harm, show you where to walk, and enable you to complete your mission, unhindered, undiminished, uncompromised, and undefeated no matter what's out there in the dark.  Because, "the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."1 John 4:4

So, don't make the mistake of just trusting what you can see, or trusting what you can feel. You need to know that your Heavenly Father is walking on ahead of you every step of that night you are in. So, keep on walking and keep on trusting. Your Father owns the night!
-ron hutchcraft

.....ready

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13

How many people actually listen to the safety demonstration on an airplane? Nobody thinks that their plane is actually going to be involved in a crash. Besides, if you fly very often, you've heard the same spiel dozens of times. It almost seems like a waste of time.

Everybody knows how to fasten and unfasten their seatbelt, right? That seems like a pointless part of the demonstration. Maybe not; a study by the British Civil Aviation Authority revealed that an average of 6% of passengers get delayed by seatbelt problems during an evacuation.

Every safety demonstration discusses what to do if the plane has to make a water landing, but in the 2009 U.S. Airways landing on the Hudson River, only about half took a seat cushion for floatation and only 10 of 150 passengers thought to grab a life jacket. They'd heard the briefing, but hadn't really listened.

Experts say that even a half-second delay in an emergency can mean the difference between life and death, yet few of us pay attention to the very information that can save our lives. We don't value the information until we really need it.

I can't help but feel that we treat God the same way. We're vaguely aware that He's there; we know that we really ought to learn more about Him, but we don't take the trouble to do so... until we find ourselves in an emergency.

Then we wish we knew Him better. We wish we knew more about how to pray. We wish we were more confident about knowing what He expects of us and how we should behave towards Him.

Don't wait until that crisis hits. Take the time to learn about God now. Connect with people who know Him and can guide you. Learn the basics about Bible study, and then make reading the Bible a part of your daily routine. Start talking to God on a regular basis. There's no better way to learn about prayer than by doing it.

Connecting with God is easier than inflating a life vest or opening an emergency exit on a plane. And the rescue He offers lasts forever.

-tim archer 

....unconditional

Habakkuk was frustrated that God appeared slow in answering his prayers and was allowing so much evil to go unpunished. Yet through these many trials, Habakkuk developed a deep and unwavering love.

"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior."Habakkuk 3:17-18

Habakkuk presented his heart-felt and anguished concerns; but regardless of the outcome, his love for God would remain unchanged. Even if every one of his prayers seemed to go unanswered, he was determined to love God with all his heart. This same love was expressed by Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego before they were thrown into the furnace. They knew God could save them, but their love did not depend on being rescued: "But even if He does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up" Daniel 3:18. They loved God simply because He was God!

We know there will be times when the world around us seems to fall apart - times when our life begins to crumble and the heat of the furnace seems very real. There will also be many times when we just don't understand God's plan or timing. 

Our path may seem unclear and His timing painfully slow. When this occurs, we must strive for a love that doesn't fade or waver; a love which isn't weakened by heat or torn by the force of the wind; a love which is pure and not conditioned by external circumstances.

Our Heavenly Father is our only true source of comfort and strength; "He alone is my rock and my salvation: He is my fortress, I will never be shaken" Psalm 62:2. He has given His very best, and we ought to return our very best with a life of unbroken worship. Let's truly rejoice that He is God and faithfully give Him our unconditional love.

- stephen troxel 

.....weakness

'But Lord,' Gideon asked, 'how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.' Judges 6:15

Once when he was to preach at the University of Sydney in Australia, evangelist and Pastor John Stott lost his voice. He says: 

"What can you do with a missionary who has no voice? We had come to the last night of the evangelistic campaign. The students had booked the big university hall. A group of students gathered around me, and I asked them to pray as Paul did, that this thorn in the flesh might be taken from me. But we went on to pray that if it pleased God to keep me in weakness, I would rejoice in my infirmities in order that the power of Christ might rest upon me.

As it turned out, I had to get within one inch of the microphone just to croak the gospel. I was unable to use any inflection of voice to express my personality. It was just a croak in a monotone, and all the time we were crying to God that his power would be demonstrated in human weakness.  Well, I can honestly say that there was a far greater response that night than any other night. I've been back to Australia ten times now, and on every occasion somebody has come up to me and said, 'Do you remember that night when you lost your voice? I was converted that night.'"

The Lord loves us when we are weak, because it is then that He can work through us. Today in prayer, give thanks to the Lord that when we are weak He is strong.

"God had looked for a man weak enough, and He found me." - Hudson Taylor

"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."  2 Corinthians 12:9

-peter kennedy