RunningTheRace ✞

The sun will come up tomorrow! “While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.” (Genesis 8:22) #EyesOnHim

RunningTheRace ✞ pinned «He Leads Me Have you ever asked the LORD, “Why are you taking me down this rocky path when the path over there is so smooth and clear?” Do we really trust our Shepherd to lead us on the path that He knows works His purposes in our lives? We might say, “LORD…»

He Leads Me Have you ever asked the LORD, “Why are you taking me down this rocky path when the path over there is so smooth and clear?” Do we really trust our Shepherd to lead us on the path that He knows works His purposes in our lives? We might say, “LORD…

He Leads Me Have you ever asked the LORD, “Why are you taking me down this rocky path when the path over there is so smooth and clear?” Do we really trust our Shepherd to lead us on the path that He knows works His purposes in our lives? We might say, “LORD, look how easily those others are walking down that smooth path, can’t we go that way too?” Beloved, we must trust that our Shepherd knows what the things are ahead on the path that appears so smooth, that would be harmful to us — turning us from His purposes. The rocky path is often the only way to His eternal purposes for us. Sometimes He leads us beside still waters — but more often He calms the raging waves and storms we encounter. These trials and obstacles are working something far more important for us. Paul said it this way, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” (2 Corinthians 4:17) We can’t see ahead — but our Shepherd can. He knows what is best for us. Our flesh wants ease and comfort. We don’t enjoy conflicts and trials. We look at what is happening right now, and the pain we feel, instead of seeing this as part of His purpose for us. We need to say, “LORD, give me Your perspective on this. Use this trial to work Your eternal purposes in my life, and in the lives of those I’ve entrusted to You.” Paul goes on to say this, “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18) The LORD is my Shepherd! I can trust my life and the lives of those I bring to Him in prayer into His hands. He will provide all we need. “The LORD is my Shepherd; I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1) Sometimes the path will be lovely and green with beautiful babbling brooks that bring calm and rest to our souls, “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters.” (Psalm 23:2) But often the road will be filled with obstacles and hardships — things that will keep us dependent on the LORD, and faithful to Him.“ David knew that afflictions were used by the LORD, to turn him back to the righteous path — walking with his Shepherd leading the way, not his own fleshly desires for the temporary pleasure of sin. “Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy Word.” (Psalm 119:67) Our Shepherd will lead us through the afflictions and deliver us safely into His kingdom. “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.” (Psalm 34:19) My Mom told me once that her favorite Bible passage was, “It came to pass.” She would go on to say — “It didn’t come to stay.” Her point was that though we will encounter trials in this life — we will make it through them with our Shepherd’s help. As the scripture above tells us, “The LORD delivereth him out of them all.” Beloved, are you on a rocky path right now? Are you wondering if the path ahead will ever be smooth again? I’ve heard it said, “you’re either in a storm, just walked through one, or are about to encounter one.” Sometimes we’re in the calm before or after the storm. In every case, we must look ahead to our Shepherd — Eyes on Him. We must trust Him to lead you through to the other side. Our Shepherd does not just watch us from a distance — He walks with us through every twist and turn along the way. Make these Words, inspired by the Holy Spirit, your words, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4) Take comfort in His Word today and know without a shadow of doubt that it is He Who leads you and you can rest — even on the road filled with rocks and thorns, and dangers on every side — knowing He will lead you safely Home. “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the House of the LORD for ever.” (Psalm 23:6) #EyesOnHim

We exercise our faith in order to “do the works of Jesus” as we are told to do. To go into all the world and preach the gospel, to heal the sick, and to cast out devils. There is faith exercised by His children in doing His works, and as in the story of the blind men — there is faith exercised in believing the Word of the LORD. “And when He was come into the house, the blind men came to Him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, LORD. Then touched He their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.” (Matthew 9:28-29) The “end” of our faith — the goal — is not to have faith for the sake of getting whatever we desire, or even having the ability to move mountains, or command trees to replant themselves elsewhere. As Peter tells us above — the end goal is our salvation, “Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.” “But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.” (1 Timothy 6:11-12) Father, increase our faith. Thank You that though we haven’t moved any mountains — You’ve given us enough faith to believe You. May our faith grow more and more until the day Jesus returns. For those walking through trials, remind us that the testing of our faith is more precious than gold. Use our difficulties to deepen our trust in You and to encourage others. Help us all to live by faith, not by sight, and to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus — the Author and Finisher of our faith. Thank You that the end of our faith is the salvation of our souls. In Jesus’ holy Name we pray. Amen. Part 3 of 3 #EyesOnHim

The LORD through His prophet Habakkuk tells us, “The just shall live by his faith.” (Habakkuk 2:4) Those justified by the blood of Jesus Christ will live by faith in God and will be faithful to Him. This scripture has inspired so many Christians. Paul quotes it here, “For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” (Romans 1:17) and here, “But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.” (Galatians 3:11) The writer of Hebrews quotes it just before the famous chapter on faith, “For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.” (Hebrews 10:37-39) It is helpful to us to know this when we walk through difficult times without seeing signs of relief. We must trust that the LORD is allowing and directing all things according to His purposes. The LORD allows trials in our lives, His Word is clear on this. The trials perfect us in His love, and they can increase our faith, as we turn to Him for strength and help in our time of need. The trials work His purposes in our life, and they not only increase our faith, but will be used to increase the faith of others who see us walking through the trial in His strength and power. In short, they’re not only for our benefit. Paul explains this to us when he says, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our LORD Jesus Christ: By Whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” (Romans 5:1-5) Here Paul tells us how the trial of our faith will increase the faith of others. “Blessed be God, even the Father of our LORD Jesus Christ, the Father of Mercies, and the God of all Comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-7) Beloved, the Words of Peter tell us that “the trial of our faith” is more precious than gold — “Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in Whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 1:5-9) Part 2 of 3 #EyesOnHim

Have You Moved Any Mountains? Jesus said with faith the size of a mustard seed a mountain could be commanded to move from one place to another. “If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.” (Matthew 17:20) He also said with that tiny amount of faith you could speak to a tree and tell it to go plant itself in the sea. Jesus was talking to His disciples about forgiveness, and how they and we must forgive no matter how many times a person sins against us. In response to His Words they said, “Increase our faith.” (Luke 17:5) He replied, “If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.” (Luke 17:6) So tiny a seed — but most will never have even that amount, but we have enough to believe — and it should always be our prayer too, “LORD, increase our faith!” How big is a mustard seed? Not very big at all — only 1/32 of an inch across. Jesus in another parable said this about the size of a mustard seed, “Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.” (Matthew 13:32) Do you have faith? We must have faith to please God. Our salvation began with faith. We had to believe that there is a God, and that seeking Him we find the gift of salvation. “But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.”(Hebrews 11:6) His Word assures us — Enough faith is given to us by His grace to believe. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9) As we walk with the LORD and see His hand in our lives, our faith will grow — but I don’t believe many if any will ever attain to even a tiny mustard seed of faith. Should we stop asking for more? No — we should spend a lifetime of building up our faith. Our faith grows as we pray in the Spirit and spend time with the LORD — “hearing His Word.” “But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost.” (Jude 1:20) “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” (Romans 10:17) Faith is not seeing — then believing. Faith is believing before we see. When we pray we must believe that God will answer our prayer. “(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)” (2 Corinthians 5:7) “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1) Substance is something tangible that we can hold onto. So faith is the tangible knowledge that God is; God is able; God hears, and God answers. We don’t have to see the answer to know it’s coming, or to have assurance of the answer. Beloved, I don’t have a mustard seed of faith — but I have enough. What about you? Do you believe? Have you received the gift of God for salvation? The disciples of Jesus were afraid because a storm arose as they were on the sea. Jesus was asleep, so they awakened Him. He said, “Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then He arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.”(Matthew 8:26) He commanded the seas to stand still! His disciples marveled at His power and authority. Jesus said they had “little faith.” The Word above tells us that we must believe that the LORD is a Just Rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Are you seeking Him today beloved? Seeking to grow more and more in your faith each day? Part 1 of 3 #EyesOnHim

Our Father does know what we need before we ask, but as Jesus taught above — He still tells us to ask. James tells us that asking is important and our motivation for asking is important as well. “Ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.” (James 4:2-3) So beloved, how are you praying? Are you praying? Do you recognize your deep need for your Father? Do you know that without Him you can do nothing? Are you praying “after this manner” as Jesus taught, or are you coming to Him demanding what you desire to be done, even if it’s apart from His will? Let’s each ask the LORD to search our hearts today as we come to Him in prayer. Father, our Omnipotent LORD — You are worthy to be praised, for You have created all things. We come before Your throne with awe and reverence, recognizing Who You are. Thank You for reminding us how to come before You with reverence, humility, dependence, and persistence. Search our hearts today, LORD, show us if there is anything there that shouldn’t be. May Your will be done in our lives Father, and in this world. We trust that Your ways are higher than our ways. Forgive us for the times we have prayed with wrong motives or demanded our own way. Give us the things we need today LORD. Provide each of our needs. Help us to walk in Your love, forgiveness and mercy towards others, as You are so loving, forgiving, and merciful to us. Give us the strength of Your Holy Spirit in us to overcome each temptation we face today, and deliver us from the evil one. May this message stir fresh hunger for prayer in Your people — that we may come boldly to the throne of grace to obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Teach us to pray without ceasing, with thanksgiving, and with full dependence on You. Thank You that we can call You Father. Thank You that You know what we need before we ask. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever, Father. In the mighty, holy, and precious Name of Jesus Christ our LORD, Amen. Part 3 of 3 #EyesOnHim

So, beloved, recognition of Who our Father is — Omnipotent Creator, all powerful LORD — we come standing in awe of His majesty, and knowing that nothing we bring to Him — no need we will ever encounter is beyond His ability to supply. I think of Jeremiah crying out to the LORD, “Ah LORD GOD! behold, Thou hast made the heaven and the earth by Thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for Thee.” (Jeremiah 32:17) The vision Isaiah had also comes to my mind. This is what he said when he saw the LORD sitting on His throne, “Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of Hosts.” (Isaiah 6:5) That’s the place of humility I’m talking about. Knowing that we are nothing without His power. Again the Words of Jesus come to mind, “Without Me, you can do nothing.” “I am the Vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing.” (John 15:5) Jesus goes on to teach that we must be persistent in praying and asking the Father. He says, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” (Luke 11:9) This implies — Keep on asking, keep on seeking, keep on knocking. Jesus explains, “Because of his persistence He will rise and give him as many as he needeth.” (Luke 11:8) The result of our persistence is this — “For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” (Luke 11:10) Jesus further told His disciples to ask “in His Name.”“And whatsoever ye shall ask in My Name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” (John 14:13) In the Garden before His crucifixion, Jesus prayed to His Father, “O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me: nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt.” (Matthew 26:39) When we pray, “Thy will be done, LORD”, we don’t have to try to tell the LORD what we think is the best way for Him to handle the situation or the person we are bringing to Him. We can confidently trust that He will do what is best in any given situation. That’s why we can pray, “LORD, do whatever it takes in our lives, and in the lives of those we bring to You, to make our hearts completely Yours.” Jesus explains it this way, “If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?” (Luke 11:11-13) We are not to pray in a way that our prayers glorify us. Again, humility is very important to the LORD. We come to our Father to speak to Him and adore, and glorify Him — not so others hear or see us. Jesus told the disciples this — “When thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.” (Matthew 6:5) Prayer is an intimate conversation with our Father. “When thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” (Matthew 6:6) We are not to use “vain repetitions.” Our prayers are a conversation between us and our Father in heaven. “But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask Him.” (Matthew 6:7-8) Part 2 of 3 #EyesOnHim

After This Manner One of Jesus’ disciples seeing Jesus praying to His Father, asked a special request of Him. The disciple said, “LORD, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.” (Luke 11:1) So many believers today ignore the model Jesus gave. Instead of coming to the Father humbly, in Jesus’ Name, recognizing their need — often, their prayers sound more like demands. When we approach the throne of God with our requests, first we acknowledge Who He is. We come with reverence. Jesus began — “Hallowed be Thy Name.” The Name of the LORD is to be hallowed. That means we recognize that He is holy, greatly respected, revered, and honored. We come knowing that our human knowledge is limited. We don’t know what is the best thing for us or for the situations we bring to Him, but He does — so we pray, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.” (Luke 11:2) This is an attitude of humility that acknowledges what Jesus taught elsewhere, “Without Me ye can do nothing.” (John 15:5) We come recognizing our dependence upon the LORD for every single thing we need each day. Ours is to be a daily walk with Him. So Jesus taught to ask the Father to, “Give us day by day our daily bread.” (Luke 11:3) Of this daily walk Jesus said this, “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23) We are to ask for forgiveness and to forgive others as we have been forgiven. We must always remember where we’ve been, and who we once were, but for the grace of God. There is no room for pride when we come before our Father. So Jesus taught them to pray, “Forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us.” (Luke 11:4) Jesus said this, “If ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:15) Beloved, we so needed the forgiveness of the LORD. We must remember this as we pray. We will continue to need His forgiveness, that’s why we are told, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) David prayed that the LORD would search His heart. I believe this is an important thing for us to do as well, when we come to our Father in prayer. David said this, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24) Jesus continued teaching the disciples how to pray. He told them to pray, “Lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil (the evil one).” (Luke 11:4) This doesn’t mean that the LORD leads us into the temptation to sin, we know that our flesh and the enemy do that. We are asking our Father to give us the strength to overcome the temptations to sin we will encounter as we walk through this life. The Word tells us, “We have not an High Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15) Jesus was in “all points” tempted, but did not give in to the temptations. We too will be given, “a way of escape” when tempted — if we go to the Father for strength. “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13) So as the writer of the letter to the Hebrew believers told them, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16) Part 1 of 3 #EyesOnHim

See You My grandmother (Mamaw), and my Mom never wanted anyone to say goodbye whenever we talked on the phone, or parted ways. Was she just being superstitious? Was she afraid that if she said “goodbye” that might mean we’d never see one another or speak to one another again? There was probably a little of that in their reasoning, passed down from generation to generation. To this day, I don’t say, “bye, or goodbye” either. I always say, “see you.” But from a Biblical standpoint this is true. No matter if we never see someone again in this life — if we are Christians, we will see them again. David knew once his son died, that he could stop mourning and begging the LORD to heal him. When his servants enquired as to why he was no longer grieving his son once he died, he said this, “While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether GOD will be gracious to me, that the child may live? But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.” (2 Samuel 12:22-23) You see, beloved? He knew he would see his son again. He was in essence not saying, “goodbye” or just hanging his head in despair — he was saying like my Mamaw, and Mom, and myself, “see you.” I remember when my Mamaw passed away I said a few words at her funeral. My words ended with, “see you, Mamaw!” Those words echoed through the crowd of those gathered to remember her life. I remember my cousin, Margaret, especially calling out, “see you Mamaw.” This scene was brought to my memory yesterday, because like my Mamaw, my Mom, and other loved ones who have departed this life — Margaret too went HOME a few days ago. But, we like David, don’t grieve as those with no hope! We say, “see you, Margaret”, we will join you one day soon. The Word of God says this, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.” (1 Corinthians 15:19-20) Are you grieving a loss today? It’s natural that the death of a loved one would bring sadness. We will be temporarily separated from their fellowship. But, beloved, don’t grieve without hope! We will meet again. Instead of a final farewell or goodbye — “see you” until we meet again. Father, Thank You for this reminder that for those who know You, there is no final “goodbye” — only “see you” until we meet again in Your presence. LORD, use this message to bring hope and comfort to everyone who is grieving the loss of a loved one. Let them know that death is not the end for those who belong to You. Comfort every aching heart. Wipe away every tear. Remind them that we will see our loved ones again because Jesus conquered death and rose again. For those who are not yet sure of their salvation, stir their hearts to call upon Your Name today. Let them know that they too can have this blessed hope. Thank You that we do not grieve as those who have no hope. We come to You in the mighty, victorious, and comforting Name of Jesus Christ our risen LORD. #EyesOnHim

Father, so many think they’re safe — they think they’ve found a shelter, yet they’re living their lives as if they’ll go on forever – caught up in the love of this world and it’s pleasures – they’ve forgotten to look for the signs of Your return. Will you send Your Holy Spirit to convict their hearts today, LORD — to open their eyes, and open their ears to hear your Words —“Return to Me — return to your first Love. I’m coming soon.” In Jesus’ Name I ask these things, Father. #EyesOnHim

Philip gives us a perfect example of what must be done. The LORD told him to go up to the chariot of an Ethiopian eunuch who was reading the book of Isaiah, and join him. Let’s read the account together. “Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me?…” “…And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth…” “…And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus…” “…And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God…” “…And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the LORD caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.” (Acts 8:29-39) The person in the dream with me could represent any unsaved person in our lives. Are we telling those around us that Jesus is coming soon? Are we sharing with them where to go for Shelter? Jesus is our Shelter from the storm. We must be in Him to be saved. There is salvation from none other. “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other Name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) If you’re reading this today and you haven’t called upon the Name of the LORD, it’s not too late — yet. Beloved — call upon His Name! The storm is coming and one day soon the door will be shut. Today is the day of salvation — your day. Don’t wait until it’s too late. “For whosoever shall call upon the Name of the LORD shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard?…” To those in the Shelter — be the one with “beautiful feet” preaching the good news of salvation while you wait. “…And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” Father, please use this message to awaken many hearts. Let those who are living as if they have all the time in the world hear the urgency. Stir believers to be ready for Your sudden return. Convict the unsaved to call upon Your Name while there is still time. Help us all to live with the awareness that the day of the LORD will come like a thief in the night. May we not be found sleeping, but watching and waiting with lamps trimmed and burning. For those who are scoffing or walking after their own lusts, have mercy and open their eyes. Draw many into the Shelter that is found only in Jesus Christ before the door is shut. May this message bring conviction, repentance, and readiness in the hearts of all who read it — to the glory of Your Name. In the mighty, holy, and soon-returning Name of Jesus Christ our LORD, Amen and Amen. Part 2 of 2 #EyesOnHim

Suddenly Are you ready for the sudden coming of the LORD? “For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the LORD so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.” (1 Thessalonians 5:2-3) Last night I had a dream. I was outside in the evening with someone. I don’t know who the person was. It began to be very stormy and suddenly to the east you could see very dark clouds. I soon realized a huge wedge tornado was headed our way. I told whomever was with me that we must find shelter because where we were we had none. The person wasn’t too concerned about the situation despite my warning. After all we had never had a tornado in the area we were in. I implored them that we must find shelter and go inside the house to a safe place. Then suddenly time had run out — it was too late to seek shelter as the tornado descended upon us. That’s all I remember of my dream. As I thought about the dream this morning, I asked the LORD if there was something He was showing me that He would have me share. The scriptures below came to my mind. “Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the Master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly He find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.” (Mark 13:35-37) Would you be ready, beloved, if the LORD were to return right now? His sudden appearance will catch many unprepared for eternity. So many today are like the person in my dream — they’ve heard the LORD’s return is near for so long — they scoff when you tell them, “He’s coming soon!” Peter tells us there will be many “scoffers” in the last days before Jesus’ return. They don’t believe sudden destruction will come — or that their time will run out. They are caught up in the pleasures of this world — walking after “their own lusts.” “Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of His coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.” (2 Peter 3:3-4) He goes on to warn of the importance of seeking our shelter in the LORD, and being prepared for His sudden return. He also tells us why the LORD is waiting to return — so the unsaved have time to seek shelter in His salvation, through repentance, and forgiveness of their sins. “The LORD is not slack concerning His promise (to return), as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance…” “…But the day of the LORD will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up…” How then should we be living as we wait? “…Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?” (2 Peter 3:9-12) How do we ensure that we are ready? If you haven’t called upon the Name of Jesus for salvation — you won’t be ready. You must call upon His Name, repent of your sins, and walk in obedience to His Word. Part 1 of 2 #EyesOnHim

The very first thing Paul lists to think on is "whatever is true." Biblical positivity cannot be based on a lie or a delusion. If a situation is tragic, pretending it isn't violates the command to think on what is true. Paul wrote these words while imprisoned, and facing potential death. He wasn’t advocating a "Pollyanna" denial of his suffering; rather, he was choosing to focus on God's goodness in the midst of his suffering. Paul tells us in this same letter, “Rejoice in the LORD always: and again I say, Rejoice.” (Philippians 4:4) Always means always! No matter what’s happening. Like Jospeh we can say, “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good.” (Genesis 50:20) Changing your perspective. I’m sure you’ve heard the hymn, “Count Your Blessings.” There’s so much truth in its words. ‘When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed; When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost; Count your many blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the LORD hath done. Count your blessings, name them one by one; Count your blessings, see what God hath done; Count your blessings, name them one by one; Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.’ What are you thinking on today, beloved. If you’re allowing the enemy to control your mind you will be miserable. Think on the things that are above — the true, and good, and pure things. Count your blessings. Look up — Eyes on Him! “Set your affection (mind) on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Colossians 3:2) Part 2 of 2 #EyesOnHim

Think On These Things The Word tells us that our thinking is very important. What we allow ourselves to think about and our minds to focus on determines our outlook and perspective. We are told we have the “mind of Christ” when we are born again. His Spirit dwells in us and will guide our thoughts — if we don’t ignore and quench Him. For who hath known the mind of the LORD, that he may instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 2:16) “Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-19) Paul tells us not to worry about anything — but to pray about everything. He tells us to be thankful to the LORD that He is working on all the things that fill our hearts and minds with anxiety, doubt, and fear. “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7) Then he tells us about our thinking and how important it is. He gives us a list of positive things and says, “think on these things.” “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” (Philippians 4:8-9) When our eyes are on our blessings, and the good, and pure things — the things that are worthy of praise and thanksgiving, we will have a different perspective. It is said that the mind is the workshop of the devil, and it is true. He will bombard our minds with a million different things that we should worry about and fear. But beloved, we can shut him out by allowing the Spirit in us, and the Word of God to place a guard over our minds. We can shut the door to his lies and imaginations by “thinking on these things.” “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5) I have a dear friend who often refers to herself as a “Pollyanna.” She chooses to find the good in things around her. Today, this often carries a negative connotation. A Pollyanna is said to have an unwaveringly cheerful and positive outlook on life, often to the point of ignoring or dismissing harsh realities, adversity, or negative emotions. But that’s not how it started. The term originated from a 1913 novel. Pollyanna Whittier, was an orphan who coped with her difficult life by playing the "Glad Game," a philosophy of finding something to be glad about in every situation, no matter how bleak. Isn’t that what Paul is telling us to do in his letter above? We’re not ignoring that evil exists, or that there are bad things happening in the world. It doesn’t mean we don’t have hurts, or that we don’t speak out against evil and seek truth. Christian hope is not believing everything will be okay in a worldly sense, but knowing that God is present and victorious even when things are not okay. It means we choose to see everything from God’s perspective. He is in control and orchestrating His plan as Psalm 2 tells us. He sees all that’s going on and laughs. Not because His heart isn’t grieved, but because He knows evil will not win in the end. Part 1 of 2 #EyesOnHim

“From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD'S Name is to be praised.” (Psalm 113:3) #EyesOnHim

When my granddaughter was about 4 we were looking at the sky when she said "God is an artist!” ♥️ “The heavens declare the glory of God; the firmament sheweth His handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, night unto night sheweth knowledge.” (Psalm 19:1-3) #EyesOnHim

“On the glorious splendor of Your majesty, and on Your wondrous works, I will meditate.”(Psalm 145:5 ESV) #EyesOnHim