Do you know why Jesus came?

^{John 1:1-2, 14}

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  The same was in the beginning with God.  And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

^{We need to start and understand why he came.  For from the beginning we can start reading in the book of Genesis that sin entered the world and throughout the Old Testament, we read about the effects of sin.  God gave the law to Moses with a blood sacrifice required to cover sin. This was a temporary fix. In Leviticus chapters 4 and 5 we can read about the sacrificial process: the priest laid his hands on the head, it was killed the blood is sprinkled and the sacrifice burned. The animals were used as a sacrifice but these animals could not forgive the sin. They paid with their lives to push ahead the punishment for sin. The Israelites needed rescue from sin. We are all born into sin and the wages of sin is death.  We need a rescue The Old Testament spoke of the Messiah, the savior.  The prophets foretold of his coming, then, God became silent for 400 years. The New Testament begins with God speaking for the first time in 400 years to Zachariah, then to Joseph, Mary and the Shepherds.  He spoke the prophecies being fulfilled. The first words spoken by God in 400 years were of joy and promise. How amazing it must have been?   Dear old Zechariah hearing those worlds, not just the answer to his prayer, but the promises being fulfilled to the world.}

^{Luke 1:13-17, 27-35}

¹³ But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.

¹⁴ And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.

¹⁵ For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.

¹⁶ And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.

¹⁷ And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

He then brought the good news to Mary. Such a young lady given a great gift but also the burden of being the mother of the Jesus. How much faith she would need to endure.

²⁷ To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.

²⁸ And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.

²⁹ And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.

³⁰ And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.

³¹ And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus.

³² He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

³³ And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

³⁴ Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?

³⁵ And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

^{Then the Angel spoke to Joseph. Joseph had to be willing to trust and obey, to take the responsibility placed before him.}

^{Luke 1:20-23}

²⁰ But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

²¹ And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.

²² Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,

²³ Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

The angels spoke of the great tidings to the shepherds s.  This was the good news. Just poor outcasts of society, the shepherds heard the angels proclaim the mighty words that Israel had been waiting for. It didn't happen as any one could have guessed.  Many didn't believe it. But, the shepherds ran to see because it was news of great joy. They saw the Savior of the world come to earth.

Luke 2:10-12

¹⁰ And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

¹¹ For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

¹² And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

These were all real people who walked on this earth. They had been waiting to hear of the promised Messiah. Can you imagine this message being brought forth and what it meant to know the promise was being fulfilled.

With his birth, the prophecies in Genesis 3:15, Genesis 12:3, Isaiah 7:14, Micah 5:2 Hosea 11:1 are all

fulfilled. 

^{Genesis 3:15} And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

From the beginning, right after Adam and Eve disobeyed God, God spoke of the coming Savior, this see would be the one to crush the head of the serpent.

^Genesis12:3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

The promise to Abraham, that all people would be blessed through him.

^Isaiah7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

This speaks of the manner in which he would be born and who he would be.

^{Mica h5:2} But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

This speaks of the place he would be born.

^{Hosea 11:11} Then shall the children of Judah and the children of Israel be gathered together, and appoint themselves one head, and they shall come up out of the land: for great shall be the day of Jezreel.

This speaks of not only the children of Israel coming out of Egypt, but Jesus himself, was in Egypt. In Matthew 2:14-15 when Joseph took Jesus and Mary to Egypt.

The prophecies were fulfilled in Jesus. There are over three hundred fifty prophecies in the Old Testament that foretold of the Messiah. Jesus fulfilled them all.

He came for some specific reasons. He came to give his life a ransom for many, to call sinners to repentance and to give eternal life. He spoke several times of why he came. A ransom was required. Sin had taken us from our rightful Lord. He paid his life to take back what was taken from Him.  He came to call us home and give us a life with him forever in heaven for eternity.

^{Luke 19:10} For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

^{Mark 10:45} For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

^{Luke 5:31-32}

³¹ And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.

³² I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

We were lost and only he could save us. He came to give us life by being the sacrifice for our sin. He took our condemnation and our punishment. We earned death in sin. He came to rescue us from our earned death.

John 3:16-17

¹⁶ For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

¹⁷ For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Jesus fulfilled the required sacrifice completely. He left nothing undone. He loved us so much that he took our sin on himself and died in our place.

^{Matthew 5:17} Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

^{John 10:10} The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

 His birth rent the very fabric of time and changed how the world operates. Our calendar is based on His birth. We can now receive complete forgiveness as his blood covers our sin, redeems us and changes our destiny.

He came to take our place, He came to rescue us from the penalty of sin, what we deserve.  Only a perfect man could take that place for another. His body was payment for our sin. His purpose in being born was to die. He lived as a man to understand his creation. He experienced  grief, loss, pain, joy, and love as a person on earth. He knows what is it like to be human. But his ultimate purpose was to rescue his people. We are still waiting for some of the prophecies in the Bible to come to pass. Here we are two thousand years later, with end time prophecies upon our time. While this may cause some to fear, we as the body of Christ  can received this with joy as we know His word never fails. 

^{Hebrews 10:5-7}

⁵ Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:

⁶ In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.

⁷ Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.

He did the will of God as a man. He walked in our place and gave us the opportunity to return to him. We have the choice. We also have the duty to share this good news with the world. We have the greatest message  the world can ever hear. Unto us a child is born,  the Savior of the world.

But what I do have...

The season of giving  is upon us. At least, that is what many consider the Christmas season; a time of giving.  We become busy and consumed with the many traditions of the season and rush to get the gifts purchased, the decorations hung, the cards sent, and prepare for that one day of the year that is supposed to represent the celebration of our Savior's birth. He is the reason for the season. We do have more giving this time of year. We give to one another, to charities, to those we know that have a need. We consider our blessings a little more and  reach out in generosity more than usual. This is good. But I want to talk a little more about giving and what we really have to give.

In Acts chapter three we can read of Peter and John heading to the temple.  The day of Pentecost had just transpired with the miraculous filling of the Holy Ghost.  They had been filled and given power. This day, they noticed, perhaps as they had many times before, the lame man begging at the temple gate. This time, Peter was moved and decided to do something. It was no longer business as usual. Peter had something new working in him.

Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”

Acts 3:6 NKJV

Peter did not give him what was expected. He had no money to offer, but he had something greater, he had Jesus. That man was given healing.  Peter had access to the power of God,and he wielded that power to offer the man what he truly needed. Money would have probably helped him for a moment, but healing was his true need. He needed only what God can give. 

When we are filled with the Spirit of God, we have access that same power. Peter was just a man as we are. Yet, he understood the power that now dwelt in Him. Many of us get excited about what we read in the Bible and when we hear about the move of God for others, but do we understand that we have that same power dwelling in us?  We have access to the mighty Name of Jesus. We can offer what we have, what people need. Too often, we hold back out of fear, out of doubt, or out of ignorance. Peter had witnessed Jesus personally perform miracles. We can read all about them. Peter believed Jesus when he said. “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father." John 14:12 NKJV

It becomes a question of belief.  Do we believe like Peter did? Do I believe like the apostles did?  Do I believe Jesus when he spoke these words?  He said anyone who believes in Him, we will do those works too.  We need to take a good, deep look at our belief in Jesus. He is the same now as he was then.

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

Hebrews 13:8 KJV

We are the ones who need to believe and act in accordance to the Word spoken.  If we believe that the Holy Ghost in us is the same one the apostles received,  we better start acting on that belief.  When we come across a need,  we have the ultimate gift for that need. We have Jesus. We can speak the Name that is above every name. We can bring healing to the sick, life the dead, salvation the lost. We have power in Jesus name and as Peter spoke,  “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” 

We no longer have an excuse. God is calling His people, his body to rise up and walk in the Spirit. We need to put aside the distractions and excuses. We need to get out of the flesh and recognize the call and power God has given us. We have the gospel and the power of the Holy Ghost. 

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Acts 1:8 KJV

We are to be His witnesses to our families, our communities, our world. We are sent to preach the gospel to the world. (Mark 16:15) we are given a purpose and a calling when we receive this precious gift of salvation from God.  We not only receive it for ourselves, we receive the calling of sharing Jesus with others.  We are given the power to do so. We cannot hide that light in us and be in the will of God. We are operating out of His will when we do not access and wield the power he placed in us. When we go about business as usual, we are denying the power of God. We should no longer keep working as if we have nothing to offer. We have the greatest gift of all: the gift of the Holy Ghost. We need to put it to use. Just as Jesus spoke in the parable of the talents. He did not give the man the talent to hide it, but to use it. 

Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

2 Corinthians 7:1 KJV

We ought to be walking different, thinking different, speaking different, and operating different. We shouldn't be able to walk past that need any more without doing something about it. We need to use our spiritual eyes and ears to recognize when God wants to move through us and do something out of the ordinary. When Peter spoke, the lame man expected the ordinary drop of a coin, but instead, Peter gave him of the power of God. Extraordinary should not be uncommon amongst God's people. It is time God's people begin to walk in the Spirit and move as the body of Christ effectively.  We have been asleep and disabled by our flesh for too long. We have got to let go of the world for good and put on the new man. 

 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;  And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Ephesians 4:23‭-‬24 KJV

The hindrance that keeps us from walking in the Spirit is unbelief and being double minded. In James 1:8, we are warned that a double minded man is unstable in all his ways. This means we are battling between the flesh and the spirit.  Our flesh  causes our spiritual weakness. We give in to the pride and lust of the flesh. We need to draw close to God and purify our hearts by denying the pride and lust of our flesh.

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

James 4:8 KJV

Paul explained this to the Galatians. Our flesh and spirit are contrary or oppose one another. We cannot do the things we desire to do until we keep our flesh under control and give the Spirit freedom to lead us. Our battle with the flesh will be a continual fight, but we need to consciously make a choice to walk in the spirit by saying no to the flesh.

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.  For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

Galatians 5:16‭-‬17 KJV

The Spirit can only lead when we feed our spirit. Praying, studying the Word and, yes, even fasting is required to feed our spirit. If we want to walk in spirit and fulfill the call of God and see the Spirit manifested, we need to pour ourselves into the spiritual matters and set aside the flesh desires.  That is where belief comes to life and grows. Jesus himself said nothing is impossible but unbelief hindered many things he wanted to do. We need to be strong in belief and single minded in unity with the Spirit of God for him to be able to use us as He desires.

And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, 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.   Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.

Matthew 17:20‭-‬21 KJV

We need to get hold of the knowledge of Jesus Christ and believe it and live it like we have never lived it before. We have a promise that is meant to change the world around us.  We have the answer for the world today. We have the peace that passes understanding and the joy that no man can contain. What is holding us back? Let us give them Jesus.

Endure

But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

Matthew 24:13 KJV

Jesus spoke these words to encourage endurance. We need some endurance.  What does it mean to endure? The definition of endure from dictionary.com says:

to hold out against; sustain without impairment or yielding; undergo

to bear without resistance or with patience; tolerate

to admit of; allow; bear

to continue to exist; last

to support adverse force or influence of any kind; suffer without yielding; suffer patiently

to have or gain continued or lasting acknowledgment or recognition, as of worth, merit or greatness

 I think of runners when I think of endurance.  Especially, long distance runners. To be able to run for long distances, a runner must build up endurance.  This is accomplished through consistent, frequent training. Runners start with shorter distances  then build  to longer and longer runs. This isn’t accomplished in a day or even in a week. It takes time. When they finally reach the ability to endure a race like a marathon, they have many days and hours of training behind them.  I have watched runners in marathons. Even some of the most prepared  still face challenges.  Those who cross that finish line have pushed themselves through hardships. Some have blisters and bleeding,  and some may have even fallen and have bruises. They pushed past exhaustion, fatigue, mental tiredness, and many other things to finish the race.  The days and hours of training meant dedication, perseverance, and commitment. Paul explained spiritual endurance as a race as well

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;  And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.  But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.  For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.  I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:  Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

2 Timothy 4:3‭-‬8 KJV‬

Paul ran his race and crossed the finish line. He did not quit or give up. He endured many hardships and trials. We need to develop endurance in our spiritual walk. We build up spiritual endurance through pushing forward through trials and leaning on God’s strength when we do not have any strength in ourselves.  Jesus wants us to endure. Endurance through trials, hardships and even through good times will grow as we practice turning to God through prayer, Bible study, and faith in Him.  As we learn to rely on Him in one situation, we can apply that lesson of faith to the next mountain. We can resist the next temptation, or pray through the next worry. We can pursue God while we walk in His will and learn He never leaves us or forsake us.  We grow deeper roots, stronger foundations, and reach higher in faith. We grow and develop more endurance. This takes commitment to God.  We cannot be swayed or distracted.  A runner that gets his eye off the finish line, will become distracted , worn down, or swayed to quit.  

We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;  So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:  Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:

2 Thessalonians 1:3‭-‬5 KJV‬

We cannot take our eyes off the finish line  we must be  steadfast in faith to endure to the end.  We must be rooted and grounded (Ephesians 3:17). We must not allow our own frailty, our humanity, to take over and tell us we cannot finish, that we are too weak or not good enough. We must push past the fear, past unbelief, and past temptation.  We must pray our way through, speak His word, hide it in our hearts to carry us through the hard times, and spend as much time as we can gaining strength from the One who called us to run the race God is rooting for us to win. He will give us an advantage when we seek Him and trust in Him.  We cannot quit.  We will endure until the end and like Paul, we will be able to proclaim, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:  Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day.”  

Whom are you seeking?

 We spend a lot of time looking or seeking for things. We desire many things, spiritually and physically.  We seek after better health, more money, friendships, relationships, and many other things that are good and some not so good. Spiritually, we seek after blessings, gifts of Spirit, wisdom, or even signs of filling of the Holy Ghost. I have heard and seen many seek after the things of God. This is all good. These are benefits of knowing Him, but are we missing the mark?

Then He asked them again, “Whom are you seeking?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.”

John 18:7 NKJV

When the Pharisees came to arrest Jesus, he asked them twice whom they were seeking. They were looking for him. The wanted Jesus, of course, not for the right reasons. They still sought him.

But from there you will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul.

Deuteronomy 4:29 NKJV

We are to seek Him and Him alone.  We need to seek Him with all our heart and soul. There is no greater thing we can seek that God himself. Jesus gave us personal access through His sacrifice and resurrection. He is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. He is above all. He is Almighty God. He is love. He is peace. He is our strength. He is our creator and our Savior. He should be our everything. He should be the One we are passionate about. The One who consumes us and our greatest desire.  

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Matthew 6:33 KJV

When we seek Him first and above all else, everything we need is taken care of in this world and spiritually.  Too many times,  we seek an aspect of Him rather than just seeking him. We seek a sign or just a little blessing when he wants us to desire Him. We may want a healing  or an answer to a prayer. We may even ask for a sign, for abilities, or a gift of the spirit. These are all good things, but are those becoming our passion rather than the One who gives them? Our hearts must be fastened on Jesus. 

An example in the Bible comes in Acts chapter 8.

And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,  Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.  But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.  Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.  Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.

Acts 8:18‭-‬22 KJV

When Simon saw the Holy Ghost fall on the believers he wanted that power so much that he wanted to buy it.  He did not understand the truth that he really needed to seek God. Peter told him his heart was not right. Our hearts may not be right. I am not saying we are wrong to desire gifts or things of God because he did tell us to desire the best gifts. But when the gift is of more importance than Him, we have misplaced our desire on a part of the benefits of knowing Him rather than just knowing Him. He is all we could ever need.  All the other stuff comes when we know Jesus and seek Him above all else.  

You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on  You, Because he trusts in You.

Isaiah 26:3 NKJV

So I examine my own heart. Whom or what am I seeking?  Am I seeking God or just a benefit? I want to keep my eyes stayed on Him. My only real desire is to know Him.  I want to trust Him for everything else. My heart will cry, "I only want You, God!" When we keep Him first, he will provide all the benefits we need in the spiritual and in the physical. We can truly trust that he is doing what is best for us for He is good. When He is the center, he will lead us, use us, protect us, and give us the desires of our heart.  Seek Him first.

Just a little thing?

 When you start to bake, it's really important to pay attention to the amount of each ingredient that goes into the recipe. Just a little bit of the wrong thing can change the recipe or ruin it.  Just a little too much salt can ruin your whole recipe.  I remember as a kid making cookies and accidentally putting way too much salt. The cookies were ruined. No one wanted to eat them. Spiritually, the same thing is true. We can allow just a small thing to enter into our heart or our mind that will cause our whole heart and her whole mind to not be right with God.

Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes.

Song of Solomon 2:15 KJV

A little fox can  spoil the vine as mentioned here in Solomon. What this means is that a small thing can destroy something much larger. We might partake of something so small and not realize the full effect that it could have on our lives. The Bible tells us to guard our hearts for from it come the issues of life.

Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life.

Proverbs 4:23 AMP

What we allow to come into our hearts and our mind affects what we think and believe. One small thing can come in and create unbelief and doubt that changes the way we see ourselves and God. Sin comes mostly from unbelief. When we allow a small bit of unbelief or doubt to enter in, it changes our entire perspective.

Put away from you a deceitful (lying, misleading) mouth, And put devious lips far from you.  Let your eyes look directly ahead [toward the path of moral courage] And let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you [toward the path of integrity].  Consider well and watch carefully the path of your feet, And all your ways will be steadfast and sure.

Proverbs 4:24‭-‬26 AMP

Just a small seed of unbelief can grow and affect a whole life. We must be diligent in guarding our hearts from anything that will take us away from the truth of who God is. We can see that we must keep our eyes looking directly ahead and our gaze fixed straight. Our ways will be steadfast and sure when we keep our eyes fixed on the truth of who Jesus is.

Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. There is no other way that we can live a truly successful and blessed life than to know Jesus as our Savior. Anything that comes in and tries to convince us that he is not the truth , we must put away and not allow it into our hearts. We must keep ourselves aware of anything that tells us otherwise, cast it away from us quickly and immediately. I recently read a story about him father who was trying to show his children this truth. He made brownies and they were so excited to have the brownies, but before he let them eat them, he told them he had included a surprise ingredient. He told them it was just a small amount. They probably would even notice it. He had included a small spoonful of dog poop. His children were shocked and said they would not eat the brownies. He said, "Why not? You won't notice it." They still refuse to eat the brownies and wondered why he did such a thing. He explained that just a small amount of something can taint and ruin a whole batch. His point was made that our souls are also affected by a small amount of any sinful thing that we allowed to enter. We must guard our hearts and our minds from any sinful thing, no matter how small it seems, that attempts to distract us from serving God.

 There's an old song that we used to sing as children that said, "oh be careful little eyes what you see." This song taught me at a young age that what comes into your eyes and our ears can affect our heart. It reminds me that we must guard our hearts and minds from the things that we see in here because it will affect us in greater ways than we realize. God knew this so he put it in his word. We can be aware to guard our hearts and minds. What enters our eyes and our ears should always be what will build us up. We  need to pray that God will keep us and protect us from all things. We need to ask God for Wisdom and discernment about what we listen to, observe, and partake in. We need to guard against little seeds of sin that may attempt to plant themselves and grow in our hearts. Rather, plant the Word of God and may it bring forth His fruit. 

Why?

 Have you ever asked God, "Why?"  I have many times. I asked him why I have had difficulties and hardships. I asked him why my mother passed in a car wreck. I asked him why my son was born with a birth defect. I asked him why when we have had financial struggles. I have asked why others have suffered. I have asked why certain bad things have happened. I have recently asked why about coronavirus.  I have asked this question many times. I have even asked why he made creation the way it is and people the way we are. Each time I ask why, he always responds with this question to me?

"Do you trust me?"

I have learned that when I wonder why, especially the hard things, it is really my own reaction of worry and mistrust in that moment. My fear takes over. 

Isaiah 55:8‭-‬9  says, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord .  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."

God is not mean or unfeeling but he created us with a plan in mind for each and every one of us for a purpose. He has a path for us to walk. This life is not perfect on this earth.  He knows that too. These earthly bodies are bound by natural laws and are really temporary homes for our souls.  The journey on this earth is different for each of us with joy and sorrow, pain, grief, pleasure and thrill. God knows how to take each part of our lives and use it for His purpose and glory to be revealed in us. 

To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord , that he might be glorified.

Isaiah 61:3 KJV

We go through seasons of heartache and pain. Some may seem to last longer than we think we can endure. But God has healing waiting. His joy comes, his praise lifts us. He is glorified. 

In Psalms chapter 30 we can read that weeping may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning. We face trials and struggles but I know God is faithful and God is just.  He loves us and has nothing but good for us. He is a good God. 

For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

Psalms 100:5 KJV

I can answer the question God speaks to me when I ask, "Why?" I can say say, "Yes, I will trust You."  Is it always easy?  No. But does it always bring me peace and hope? Yes, yes is does. Do I always understand the reasons behind the trial and struggle? No, I do not. I have learned that some things are better left in His hands. He knows and that is enough for me. Other times, the reasons behind the situation is revealed and I am grateful and thankful that God knew all along what I needed and for his hand working things for my good.  No matter the season, I can trust my Lord for He is always good. His purpose is not one of comfort and ease here in the temporary. He is looking after our souls with eternity in mind. He has a greater value and plan that leads us to eternity. He can take every situation and use it for our good, for the good of others, for the perfecting of his saints, or to reach a soul that is lost. His purpose is more than we can think or understand in this natural life.

Even when we face uncertainty, loss, pain, and the fear of the unknown, we can place our faith and hope in the goodness of God knowing His purpose and plan is to reveal himself to us and draw us nearer to His will. He loves us and has no greater purpose than to bring us home to eternity. 

For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.  Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

James 1:11‭-‬12 KJV

We will fade away in the natural. We will face our eternity. We will endure others heading to eternity before us. Trials will occur in this life. When our hearts want to cry out, "Why?" we can turn our hearts and our face toward heaven. We can place all our faith in the Master's loving hand and declare, "I will trust You. No matter what may be, I will trust you." 

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Proverbs 3:5‭-‬6 KJV

The next time I ask God, "why?" I know he will again ask, "Do you trust me?" My answer is, "Yes, Lord. I will trust you. In the face of every struggle, moment of fear, defeat, and tears, I will trust You!"  Joy always comes in the morning. His direction path is before me. I will walk on with my faith growing  and my trust in Him.

 

help me understand

 So often, we think we know what we need and how to get it. We rely completely on our own skills and talents. We rely on our own ways of doing things. We think we can find our own way to solve a problem or fix a situation. When we try to rely on ourselves, we inevitably find out we are truly unable to fix everything or solve everything. We sometimes make things worse and even add to our problems with our human wisdom and frailty. 

Only God can fix or solve everything. I think about the woman in the Bible who had an issue of blood. She had tried everything and spent all she had on doctors and whatever cure they had recommended.  She had spent 12 years suffering. She heard about Jesus and rushed to meet him. She only wanted to touch him. Her faith in his ability to heal was rewarded when she touched the hem of his garment. Healing flooded through  her immediately and she knew she was healed. Fear flooded through her as Jesus turned around and asked " Who touched me?" As she made herself known, Jesus was faithful and good. He reassured her, encouraged her and confirmed the healing for her.  Jesus had the answer for her.

Make me understand the way of Your precepts, So that I will meditate (focus my thoughts) on Your wonderful works. Psalms 119:27 AMP

This verse, along with several others in Psalms 119 remind me that we need to seek God and his wisdom more than anything. We need to seek understanding of God's ways and His will for us. We find that by seeking him. We can learn of him in the Word for He is the Word. We can learn of him in prayer. We can learn of him in church and fellowship. We can learn of him as we share him with others and place our faith fully in him. We need to think on the things of God. 

I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word. Psalms 119:16 KJV

When we find delight in His Word, we will follow His will and hide his word in our hearts. 

Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. Proverbs 8:33 KJV

God gave us direction and instruction in His Word. He will speak to us and lead us if we listen and choose to follow him.  Too many times, we forget to seek him first before making decisions. We actually think we know what to do. We forget how much we need God.  I have done this so many times. When I finally go to Him and place it in his hands, he works it out faster and much better than I ever could. I have learned it is so much easier to go straight to Him first. He already knows what I need and how it will be accomplished. He is the answer. He will work it out. I just need to keep myself in the center of His will, safe in His hands, and ready to obey his word.  

There is a way that  seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. Proverbs 16:25

We can make such a mess when we try to do life without God. People have forgotten to go to God.  We can look around this world and see the results of man's way.  We try to figure it all out, when God already has the answer. We do not know the future or what tomorrow holds. We do not know the outcome of our actions. God does. We need to kneel before God and ask him for understanding. We need to always go to Him first. He has healing and deliverance waiting for us. He has answers for all our needs. He is waiting to untangle the mess we have made and give us peace that passes all understanding. 

And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. Luke 8:10 KJV

He will help us understand and help us live the life He has for us. Run to Him, lay it all at his feet and He will make all things new. He can take our mess and give us back blessing. He is good. We may not always understand it all, but we can understand more of God and how much he loves us. We can know more of his character and His goodness. He can help us understand his peace and freedom. He has more blessing than we can ever know without him. Call on Him today for His understanding. He will give what we desire. 

you can't have my Father's sheep

 I was thinking about David when he was a young boy. David was given a responsibility. He was sent out to take care of his father's sheep. He was out in the field and at some point a lion came in to take the sheep and David relied on God to help him kill that lion. Another time a bear came to attack the sheep. Again, David relied on God's help to defeat that bear and protect the sheep. He was not going to allow anything to take or destroy those sheep. When David ended up on the battlefield he saw Goliath, the Philistine giant, mocking and laughing at the Israelites. He was appalled by the giant's mockery and the inability of any one to stand up to this giant. Even King Saul was afraid to face that giant. David stood up for God's people, God's sheep. He faced that giant in the name of the Lord and with God's help defeated Goliath and brought victory to the Israelites. 

I think as a parent, I have been given responsibility over my children's souls. I am to bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.(Ephesians 6:4) I am to teach them who Jesus is and show them how to live a life in obedience to the Gospel.  I am also to protect their souls. I can do this by praying for them, first and foremost. Prayer will bring about a spiritual effect that nothing I can ever say or do will have in the physical world. Prayer can change the outcome of any situation. I can also guide and at times discipline my own children to help them along life's path. I will fight for their souls. I will not allow the enemy to influence them by being a greater influence on them. I will fight for them in prayer. 

Hebrews 10:24-25

24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

As I read this scripture, I am also seeing that we as Christians can consider others and lead them or spur them on toward love and good deeds. We can encourage one another and lift up one another. We are to be a support to our brothers and sisters in Christ. We need to help one another reach toward the goal. We have the goal of heaven and we have the goal of living our lives in accordance with the will of God. When we see a fellow Christian struggling, we can pray for them and intercede in prayer. (Romans 8:26-27). We can speak words of encouragement and guidance to those who need it. We can bring scriptures to remembrance and share testimonies of God's deliverance and faithfulness. We need one another to strengthen and uplift each other. 

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

9 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.
10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.

I am not willing to allow the enemy to claim a brother or sister in Christ without giving him a fight. I will fight for them in prayer and in reaching out to them. I will urge them to reach for love and reach for God. I will not allow the enemy to take one of my Father's sheep without a fight. 

Let us fight for one another. Let us come together in unity and encourage one another. Let us come together in love for one another that the world may know that we are his disciples. 

John 13:34-35

34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

mosaic

Have you ever taken the time to look at a mosaic?  It amazes me how much a mosiac can tell you how to live.  To make a mosaic, the pieces are broken, shaped and placed carefully by the hand of the artist. The little pieces in and of themselves may not be beautiful, but as part of the whole, they add beauty and depth.  They each have a place in a whole beautiful picture.  Each piece must be there to create the entire effect.  Each piece must work together for the whole image to be perfect. The artist gets that, the pieces may not understand it.  The pieces have to trust the artist to do it right.  I guess that is just like us, we have to trust God to get it right.  We have to trust He is shaping others just like he is shaping us to use us in the mosaic to create a beautiful picture.  We have to work right in the place He puts us because He sees the big picture when we can't.

in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord,

Ephesians 2:21 NKJV

We are part of something God is creating.  We need to allow God to work on us and mold us to fit into the calling He has for us. 

And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter; so he made it again into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to make. Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying: “O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter?” says the Lord . “Look, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel!

Jeremiah 18:4‭-‬6 NKJV

We are being shaped and corrected when we submit to God's will. His plan for us is to change and become more like Him. We need to allow God to change us and shape us. He will speak to us, remove things we don't need, and add what we do need. We need to trust Him even when it doesn't make any sense. The clay does not tell the potter how to do the job, or what it wants to be.  The clay is to be malleable and foldable. The potter works the clay to remove impurities and make it workable. Trust His process, because in the end, the clay turns out beautiful and functional. It is turned into something useful with purpose. I want to be useful to God for His purpose. 

Just like a mosaic, we are each being changed and maybe even broken a little to be fit into the Kingdom of God. Place you life in His hands so He can fulfill His purpose in your life.

what am I known for?

What are you known for?  I think we all wonder at times about that question and it may even change as time goes by. We may be known for doing a job well or for our attitude. We may be known for an event in our lives or how we treat others. I don't always really know what I am known for, but I know what I want to be known for. I want to be known as a child of God. 

Paul wrote to the church at Philippi about what he hoped to see and hear about them.

Philippians 1:27-28 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but [f]to you of salvation, and that from God.

This is the reputation Paul prayed the Christians at Philippi would have. He wanted them to be known for their standing in unity together and working together in faith. He did not want them to be afraid but to be known as saved as only God can save. What a reputation!  He wanted them to reflect the saving grace of God, be able to stand together in unity and in faith. He wanted them to be known as Christ-like by fulfilling the work that God had called them to do. Paul wanted their reputation to be like his own as well. Paul was known as a preacher of the gospel, bold in faith, and never backing down. 

I also want a reputation of faith and being a reflection of Christ. I want others to see Christ in me by the way I talk, by my actions, and by my love of God and others. I want it said that I spoke Christ to others, showed Christ to others and lived what I believed. I want my faith to be reflected in all I do and how I live. I want the Word of God to be permeated in every action I make and every word I speak. I am far from where I want to be but I pray that God will lead me and direct my path. I pray He will reveal to me my shortcomings and change me to be more like Him. I want His Spirit to reign over my soul and my own desires. I need Him to take charge of my heart and my mind. Is this easy? No. But is it worth it? Yes!  God needs to have complete control of me. I choose to surrender every part of me to His will. 

Proverbs 22:1 A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,

Loving favor rather than silver and gold.

I want to be known as a child of God and all He stands for. I want to stand for Him in faith and love. I want my reputation to be a reflection of God in my life. I choose to serve the Lord.  I want my reputation to come from Him and what He is doing in my life.

pour out praise

As Christians, we are taught to pray. We know Jesus taught us to pray.  Prayer is very important. I want to be better at praying. I try to start my day with prayer because that tends to give me a better outlook for my day. My days tend to run smoother and my attitude tends to be better when I have taken time to pray in the morning.  I am learning that prayer is also not just a one time a day activity. It is also a lifestyle.  1 Thessalonians 5:17 says, "Pray without ceasing."  We need to have an attitude or life style of prayer. This means we are ready and able to quickly turn to prayer at any moment, in any circumstance. I can go through my day and be talking to God as I go. This is changing my responses to struggles, trials and difficulties. I am trying to talk to God first, rather than letting the fear, emotions and other things take over. Is it easy? no.  Am I good at it? No. Am I getting better at it? Yes.

One thing, though, that God has been working on me about prayer is that I often turn it  into a list of requests. I make lists of needs and rattle them off asking and asking for answers. This is not necessarily wrong  as the Bible teaches us to make our petitions known and in 1 Peter 5:7 to cast our cares on Him.  We all have needs and we all have concerns. We know people that have needs and concerns. We can bring these needs to God and make them  known. He knows what we need before we even ask (Matthew 6:8).

He wants us to come to Him.  He has the answers already in mind.  

The one thing God wants me to remember in my prayer is praise.  I need to focus on the praise, not the worry.  We often have a lot to ask for and may forget to spend time in praise.  We have access to the Almighty God through prayer. He is worthy of all praise. Praise is how we should begin and end prayer. Jesus, himself, taught this in the Lord's Prayer.  "Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be your name."  (Matthew 6:9) When we focus on praise, we begin to focus more on who He is, what He can do, and is doing, rather than our problems.  We recognize His power and authority rather than our fear.  We see how small our circumstance is in comparison to His greatness.  The perspective of praise changes how we pray and how we approach God.  

Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.

1 Chronicles 16:29 KJV

We can approach God in worship and praise rather than in request of help and fear of not getting what we need.  Praise creates faith and boldness to declare victory. Praise creates peace in the storm. Praise creates knowledge of how good God is. 

King David wrote many Psalms with this perspective. He did come with some complaints and concerns. He poured out his heart to God.  But, he always turned to praise of the great, good God.  You can read through Psalms and find many examples of how we need to approach prayer as praise.  We can pour out praise over our concerns and circumstances and find that God is good and He is working out all things for our good.  We can praise Him before the storm, through the storm, and after the storm.  He deserves more praise than I can ever give.  I want my lifestyle to be one of prayer. I want my prayer to be filled with praise.  I want praise to become my first thoughts and my first words each day, rather than words of fear and worry.  May praise pour out of us daily, minute by minute.  May praise be my response to all things. May God hear my praise and find it as sweet incense before his throne.  May we always recognize His greatness and His goodness in every moment. I want to pour out praise. 

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord , all ye lands.  Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.  Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.  Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.  For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

Psalms 100:1‭-‬5 KJV

found in faithfulness

What is faithfulness?  I am often impressed when someone is described as faithful. I have heard a spouse described as faithful, or an employee called faithful. In the church world, faithfulness is a wonderful attribute. God himself, is called faithful.  We say and sing "Great is Thy faithfulness."

They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:23 KJV

The eleventh chapter of Hebrews is full of examples of men and women whom were considered faithful. They are heroes of faith. They were found faithful in the eyes of God. They were not perfect, but they were described as full of faith.  

So, what is faithfulness? Merriam Webster Dictionary defines faithfulness as    1 : steadfast in affection or allegiance : loyal a faithful friend. 2 : firm in adherence to promises or in observance of duty : conscientious a faithful employee. 3 : given with strong assurance : binding a faithful promise.

It is a binding promise, showing yourself faithful, loyal, constant and steadfast.  

Why do we want faithful people and why should we strive to be faithful? 

Someone who is faithful is someone on which we can depend. We want to know that they will be there, keep their word and follow through.  We know they are reliable and do their best to do what they say.  We want those kind of people in our lives. We want to be married to  a faithful person. We want a spouse who is constant,  loyal, and steadfast.   Businesses want faithful employees who will be there and do their best to work and support the business. Churches, groups, and communities are blessed by the faithful members who are there,  steadfast, and always show up to help, support, and do what is needed.

Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

1 Corinthians 4:2 KJV

It is the same with God.  He is faithful. He is loyal, dependable, steadfast,  and constant. He never changes. He is the same, yesterday,  today, and forever. ( Hebews 13:8) He is ever faithful.

We as a Christian, should also be faithful. Saying we are a Christian is to say we are trying to be like Christ. Christ is faithful so we should also strive to be faithful.  We need to be faithful in service to others, faithful in our lifestyle, faithful in prayer,  faithful in study of His word, faithful in love of others, faithful in worship,  faithful in attendance to church, and many other areas.  We need to be steadfast,  constant and loyal. We need to be dedicated and trustworthy. We should be someone that when others think of us, faithfulness should come to mind.  We should demonstrate faithfulness as God is faithful.  

He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.

Luke 16:10 KJV

Are we always able to do so? No, we are only human. But, we do need to strive toward being better than we were before. We do need to work toward being more faithful and more like Christ. We do need to ask God to help us and work on our hearts to change us and mold us more into His image. Faithfulness to Him and His purpose will become a part of who we are through His leading.  

His Lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.

Matthew 25:21 KJV

It is pleasing to God when he finds us faithful. Is it always easy to be faithful? No, we have human bodies that tire, minds that wonder, hearts that are fickle at times. We have to put aside things we desire to allow God to use us and to do work that He is asking of us. Faithfulness involves setting aside self for others. Faithfulness is rooted in love for God and for others. It is a choice to put God first and put others before self.  It is a chosen action that at times can be hard. It is, however, worthy and rewarding. The more you  choose to be faithful, the more you realize that God is working in you and through you. 

And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:

Hebrews 11:39 KJV

There are blessings for the faithful that only God can give.  Strive for faithfulness, strive to be faithful. Ask God to help you be found as faithful. I pray to be found faithful in the eyes of God.