The headline of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution for today reads, "Long-term fears pummel Dow." Of course, it's about the stock market and how economic indicators are leading investors to believe that our national recession is going to be rather lengthy. And, because it involves the true American god, money, people are afraid. It seems to me that they can't figure out that their fears are feeding the very thing they fear. And that, to me, is upside down thinking.
But the tragedy of upside down thinking in our country goes much deeper. Fear is running high about money right now, but what about fear for souls? Why don't our headlines give us more information about God's agenda and what is coming for those who have rejected His offer of salvation through Christ?
The answer is that, while we in America often tip our national hat to God, we don't bow our national knees. In many ways Americans acknowledge God, even by trying to legislate His limits in the public arena, but in very few ways is He truly worshipped anymore. America needs a good dose of Holy, healthy fear and respect for God and His power.
In Isaiah 13: 9, God said, "Behold, the day of the Lord cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and He shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it." KJV.
Want something to fear? Forget about our financial future as a nation and fear the power of a God of love Who has called and blessed and patiently sought to redeem a stiff-necked nation that grows farther and farther away from His commands day by day! God will not be mocked! His day of wrath is coming! There is only one way to be ready, one way to escape it: Jesus Christ.
There will be no new posts until November 3rd. Please, in the meantime, be fervent in prayer for revival. Only the prayers of those who are already safe in Christ can touch Our Father's throne in petition for revival power to sweep our land. Pray for the greatest outpouring of the Holy Ghost that these United States have ever seen. Pray. Please pray. God will hear. He will bless. He will eventually send revival. Just don't give up and don't lose heart. Pray.
In His Love
Walter
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
God's Gifts
God's gifts. When you see those words, what comes immediately to mind? Perhaps its the image of your children or grandchildren. Perhaps it's the remembrance of the sight of someone who was sick being made well. Perhaps you think of your home or other material possessions. Maybe your mind goes to the sunshine or rain or memories of wonderful days gone by.
All of these are gifts from God and we do well to remember them and be thankful for them.
God has told us in His Word that every good and perfect gift is from our Heavenly Father. And He has given us so much.
But His greatest gift, the first thing our minds should go to when we consider all that He has done and given, is Himself. And God has given Himself in so many ways at so many times that we often miss the reality of it.
Whether it's on the cross paying our sin debt to Himself by sacrificing Himself or in the ears of our minds as we pray, God gives Himself to us freely. Oh, if only we would give ourselves as freely and completely to Him as He has tried to give Himself to us.
Dear Christians, dear friends, please resolve to hold nothing back from Abba. Just as God Himself is enriched in His heart as He gives Himself so willingly to us, we are enriched as we give ourselves to Him. When we hold back, when our surrender to Him is not as complete in our practice as it is in our theory, the only ones who are cheated out of anything are us.
Release yourself, all of yourself to Him today. And as you and He converse in prayer, tell Him again how much you desire to see revival in our nation. If we will ask and keep on asking, seek and keep on seeking, knock and keep on knocking, He will hear and give and our nation can be changed. Pray. Please pray. For our revival and the glory of our Christ.
In His Name
Walter
All of these are gifts from God and we do well to remember them and be thankful for them.
God has told us in His Word that every good and perfect gift is from our Heavenly Father. And He has given us so much.
But His greatest gift, the first thing our minds should go to when we consider all that He has done and given, is Himself. And God has given Himself in so many ways at so many times that we often miss the reality of it.
Whether it's on the cross paying our sin debt to Himself by sacrificing Himself or in the ears of our minds as we pray, God gives Himself to us freely. Oh, if only we would give ourselves as freely and completely to Him as He has tried to give Himself to us.
Dear Christians, dear friends, please resolve to hold nothing back from Abba. Just as God Himself is enriched in His heart as He gives Himself so willingly to us, we are enriched as we give ourselves to Him. When we hold back, when our surrender to Him is not as complete in our practice as it is in our theory, the only ones who are cheated out of anything are us.
Release yourself, all of yourself to Him today. And as you and He converse in prayer, tell Him again how much you desire to see revival in our nation. If we will ask and keep on asking, seek and keep on seeking, knock and keep on knocking, He will hear and give and our nation can be changed. Pray. Please pray. For our revival and the glory of our Christ.
In His Name
Walter
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Claim His Promise
I have basically just started my day as I type this and I don't know exactly what the day holds for me. I know what plans I have made and I know that there's a list of things that are scheduled for today, but I really don't know how the day is going to unfold.
Whether you are reading this early or late in the day, you don't know exactly how your future is going to unfold either. You may be in circumstances right now that lead you to believe that the next few days are going to be wonderfully rosy and blessed. Others of you may be in circumstances that have brought sadness, heaviness and a sense of foreboding about the near future.
Some of you are exhausted. Others are ready and rarin' to go. Some of you can't wait for tomorrow. Others wish tomorrow would never come.
Whatever your circumstances today, please remember and claim His promise. It is a promise that has made such a difference in my life when I remember to claim it, by faith receive it and live by it. It is a promise that has changed my gloomy days to days of joy, altered my circumstances in such a way that fear was taken away and made my joyful days even more wonderful.
It is a simple promise of only eight words, but these are powerful words. These are words that make a poor person rich, a sick person feel better, a rich person richer and a well person even "weller." It is His promise that, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
Jesus said that. Jesus said that to you. He said that to all who have come to Him and received His precious salvation. Claim His promise and rejoice. Rejoice that the King of glory is with you and will never leave. Let the knowledge of His presence brighten your day, lift your spirit and fill you with joy.
And after you have claimed it for today and rejoiced in His power to transform and improve your life today, resolve to claim His promise again for tomorrow and for all the tomorrows He gives you upon this earth.
Don't forget to thank Him and don't forget, please, to petition Him in humble prayer for revival in our nation. Ask Him specifically for an out-pouring of Holy Spirit such as this nation has never seen before. The have faith and believe Him for it. He made a promise about that, too.
In His Love
Walter
Whether you are reading this early or late in the day, you don't know exactly how your future is going to unfold either. You may be in circumstances right now that lead you to believe that the next few days are going to be wonderfully rosy and blessed. Others of you may be in circumstances that have brought sadness, heaviness and a sense of foreboding about the near future.
Some of you are exhausted. Others are ready and rarin' to go. Some of you can't wait for tomorrow. Others wish tomorrow would never come.
Whatever your circumstances today, please remember and claim His promise. It is a promise that has made such a difference in my life when I remember to claim it, by faith receive it and live by it. It is a promise that has changed my gloomy days to days of joy, altered my circumstances in such a way that fear was taken away and made my joyful days even more wonderful.
It is a simple promise of only eight words, but these are powerful words. These are words that make a poor person rich, a sick person feel better, a rich person richer and a well person even "weller." It is His promise that, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
Jesus said that. Jesus said that to you. He said that to all who have come to Him and received His precious salvation. Claim His promise and rejoice. Rejoice that the King of glory is with you and will never leave. Let the knowledge of His presence brighten your day, lift your spirit and fill you with joy.
And after you have claimed it for today and rejoiced in His power to transform and improve your life today, resolve to claim His promise again for tomorrow and for all the tomorrows He gives you upon this earth.
Don't forget to thank Him and don't forget, please, to petition Him in humble prayer for revival in our nation. Ask Him specifically for an out-pouring of Holy Spirit such as this nation has never seen before. The have faith and believe Him for it. He made a promise about that, too.
In His Love
Walter
Monday, October 20, 2008
Trusting God
Trusting God. Having faith in God. Same thing, don't you think? Trust and faith are small words, only five letters each, and yet they are so big in our lives especially when we face difficulties, tragedies and hard times. In light of what has taken place in the extended family of a member of our congregation, I thought we might take a look at trusting God.
When things happen that we don't understand, the first thing we want is answers. We want to know why. We even want to know how God could let such a thing happen. I think many must also admit that as hard as they try not to, really tough events in life cause them to doubt God's love and goodness. Just a little bit, though. Right?
Trusting God can sometimes be hard, but then so can anything else in life. In those hard times, don't shut God out, talk to Him. Ask Him your questions. He is big enough, strong enough to withstand your heart's pain.
I would not advise you to be so boastful as Job and announce that you are going to "question God and He will answer you" as if you may somehow make demands on God. Don't do that. God may sit you down like He did Job and you'll be the one stammering for answers to the questions He will ask you.
But before you go to God, let me point you in the direction of some things to think about. Before you ask God why, remember that sin is in the world and that Satan is, for the present time, the ruler of the earth. Adam handed that rulership over to Satan when he sinned in the garden. Remember that sin touches us all. In fact, we are all guilty of sinning. Adam gave sin a sliver of an opening and Satan took the world.
And God allowed it to happen, just as He allows tragedies to happen and hard times to come. In His Sovereignty, God is allowing sin to run its course and sin has not reached the end that God has set. Yet. But it will.
God allows Man to reap the harvest he has sown, whether it be a harvest of righteousness sown by following the teachings of God and living life His way, or a harvest of sin sown by rebellion against God. And often the harvest of sin in a lost person's life claims the innocent as a victim.
Another thing to think about in a time like this is what ultimately takes place when a child of God is the victim unto death. That victim loses life here in earth's ongoing sorrow and pain, but gains life eternally in Heaven's bliss. What Joseph said to his brothers about "what you meant for evil, God meant for good," becomes a glorious prophesy applied to the life, the eternal life, of the victim.
Trust God. Have faith in Him. That means having trust and faith in Him no matter what happens. We don't know the end of the story. We don't know how God might use the events that have so saddened us to change the world. Trust Him. He is worthy of your faith.
And please as you pray, trust Him and pray continually to Him for revival. O, God's people, the fate of our nation rests with you and your willingness to be humbly in obedient, confessional prayer before God that He will hear from heaven and heal our land. Trust. Trust and Pray.
In His Love
Walter
When things happen that we don't understand, the first thing we want is answers. We want to know why. We even want to know how God could let such a thing happen. I think many must also admit that as hard as they try not to, really tough events in life cause them to doubt God's love and goodness. Just a little bit, though. Right?
Trusting God can sometimes be hard, but then so can anything else in life. In those hard times, don't shut God out, talk to Him. Ask Him your questions. He is big enough, strong enough to withstand your heart's pain.
I would not advise you to be so boastful as Job and announce that you are going to "question God and He will answer you" as if you may somehow make demands on God. Don't do that. God may sit you down like He did Job and you'll be the one stammering for answers to the questions He will ask you.
But before you go to God, let me point you in the direction of some things to think about. Before you ask God why, remember that sin is in the world and that Satan is, for the present time, the ruler of the earth. Adam handed that rulership over to Satan when he sinned in the garden. Remember that sin touches us all. In fact, we are all guilty of sinning. Adam gave sin a sliver of an opening and Satan took the world.
And God allowed it to happen, just as He allows tragedies to happen and hard times to come. In His Sovereignty, God is allowing sin to run its course and sin has not reached the end that God has set. Yet. But it will.
God allows Man to reap the harvest he has sown, whether it be a harvest of righteousness sown by following the teachings of God and living life His way, or a harvest of sin sown by rebellion against God. And often the harvest of sin in a lost person's life claims the innocent as a victim.
Another thing to think about in a time like this is what ultimately takes place when a child of God is the victim unto death. That victim loses life here in earth's ongoing sorrow and pain, but gains life eternally in Heaven's bliss. What Joseph said to his brothers about "what you meant for evil, God meant for good," becomes a glorious prophesy applied to the life, the eternal life, of the victim.
Trust God. Have faith in Him. That means having trust and faith in Him no matter what happens. We don't know the end of the story. We don't know how God might use the events that have so saddened us to change the world. Trust Him. He is worthy of your faith.
And please as you pray, trust Him and pray continually to Him for revival. O, God's people, the fate of our nation rests with you and your willingness to be humbly in obedient, confessional prayer before God that He will hear from heaven and heal our land. Trust. Trust and Pray.
In His Love
Walter
Friday, October 17, 2008
In A Hurry
I left the house early and in a hurry this morning. You know how it is; places to go, people to see, things to do. I was in such a hurry that I rushed through my prayer time with Wanna. I'm typing this less than an hour later and I feel guilty and ashamed about it. I think Wanna understood. She knew I was rushed today. And I know God understands the rush, but I'm not sure that this morning wasn't an opportunity for me to take my time, be calm before Him and say to Him that time with Him is the most important thing of all to me.
I know how important I am to Him. He proved that at Calvary when Christ went to the Cross in my place. God's love was forever proved as the blood ran down off Christ's body and as He gave up His Spirit. That display of love told me that God was willing to pay the highest possible price to restore the relationship with me that sin had broken.
I needed to take my time with Him this morning to let Him know that He is my all in all and that nothing else that could ever come up in my life means more to me than He does, that time with Him in personal prayer is precious beyond all else.
Perhaps this article today, done before I go off to address all the things that caused me to rush in prayer, will let Him know. I'm sure he sees and knows my heart at this moment.
What about you? Does He know this morning that He is the most important One in your life? Has He heard it from you? Don't neglect Him. He never neglects you. Talk to Him. Listen to Him as He responds. Love on Him today and let Him love on you. You'll both be happy about it.
And while your talking, don't forget to mention revival, national revival to Him. He wants to know that we really want it. Perhaps He even wants to hear from us that we won't misuse it or quickly forget it when He sends it. Revival. Nationally. That's the key to the renewal, the salvation of our nation from the brink of disaster.
Thank you for praying. Thank you for loving Him. Thank you for loving me.
In His Love
Walter
I know how important I am to Him. He proved that at Calvary when Christ went to the Cross in my place. God's love was forever proved as the blood ran down off Christ's body and as He gave up His Spirit. That display of love told me that God was willing to pay the highest possible price to restore the relationship with me that sin had broken.
I needed to take my time with Him this morning to let Him know that He is my all in all and that nothing else that could ever come up in my life means more to me than He does, that time with Him in personal prayer is precious beyond all else.
Perhaps this article today, done before I go off to address all the things that caused me to rush in prayer, will let Him know. I'm sure he sees and knows my heart at this moment.
What about you? Does He know this morning that He is the most important One in your life? Has He heard it from you? Don't neglect Him. He never neglects you. Talk to Him. Listen to Him as He responds. Love on Him today and let Him love on you. You'll both be happy about it.
And while your talking, don't forget to mention revival, national revival to Him. He wants to know that we really want it. Perhaps He even wants to hear from us that we won't misuse it or quickly forget it when He sends it. Revival. Nationally. That's the key to the renewal, the salvation of our nation from the brink of disaster.
Thank you for praying. Thank you for loving Him. Thank you for loving me.
In His Love
Walter
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Still Ringing The Bell
If you don't know it already, be advised that the financial condition of our nation is still in turmoil. The Stock Market was up Monday in anticipation of our government's plan to buy into banks as needed to shore up the economy. It was down slightly on Tuesday as many whose stocks had risen on Monday sold them in what is known as "profit taking" and then it went down 733 points Wednesday because of recession fears. Turmoil? Yes, I'd say so.
Those of you who are part of our congregation know that for some time now I've been "ringing a bell." Not in a literal sense, but "ringing a bell" nonetheless. By "ringing a bell" I mean that I've been consistently sounding a call to Christians to pray for revival in our nation. I don't know how many times I have referred to 2 Chronicles 7: 14 and I don't know how many more times it will be necessary, but until God's people get the message and act in humble obedience to God in accordance with His directions there, I, and I pray you with me, have got to keep "ringing the bell" of God's call to His people.
For those who might not know it, the verse says, "If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
God wants us to know in no uncertain terms that we cannot depend on government buyouts or buy-ins, we cannot depend on a new administration whether it be Republican or Democrat, we cannot depend on anything but an outpouring of Holy Spirit that brings revival the the saved in America and results in the salvation of many who are lost and unsaved in our country.
God wants we redeemed ones to know that the Divine rescue of our nation depends on us. Coming together in spite of denominational differences, we must join hearts with others who are washed in the blood of Jesus and humble ourselves before God in prayer and receive His promised blessing. Otherwise, we are ultimately doomed as a nation.
So please don't think that I'm incapable of only one line of thinking or of only having one heart matter to encourage you about. My strong sense is that God has called me and many others to keep "ringing the bell" until His people respond and gather and pray. And my commitment to Him is that for as long as it takes for His people in America to obediently answer His call to pray and repent, I will keep ringing the bell.
If it takes so long that I can no longer physically stand and encourage others to heed the voice of God, it is my prayer that spiritually and mentally I'll come to my last day of life still ringing the bell.
Help me ring it. O, Christian, please help me ring it. It will take all of us to get the message out. Please help me ring it.
In His Love
Walter
Those of you who are part of our congregation know that for some time now I've been "ringing a bell." Not in a literal sense, but "ringing a bell" nonetheless. By "ringing a bell" I mean that I've been consistently sounding a call to Christians to pray for revival in our nation. I don't know how many times I have referred to 2 Chronicles 7: 14 and I don't know how many more times it will be necessary, but until God's people get the message and act in humble obedience to God in accordance with His directions there, I, and I pray you with me, have got to keep "ringing the bell" of God's call to His people.
For those who might not know it, the verse says, "If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
God wants us to know in no uncertain terms that we cannot depend on government buyouts or buy-ins, we cannot depend on a new administration whether it be Republican or Democrat, we cannot depend on anything but an outpouring of Holy Spirit that brings revival the the saved in America and results in the salvation of many who are lost and unsaved in our country.
God wants we redeemed ones to know that the Divine rescue of our nation depends on us. Coming together in spite of denominational differences, we must join hearts with others who are washed in the blood of Jesus and humble ourselves before God in prayer and receive His promised blessing. Otherwise, we are ultimately doomed as a nation.
So please don't think that I'm incapable of only one line of thinking or of only having one heart matter to encourage you about. My strong sense is that God has called me and many others to keep "ringing the bell" until His people respond and gather and pray. And my commitment to Him is that for as long as it takes for His people in America to obediently answer His call to pray and repent, I will keep ringing the bell.
If it takes so long that I can no longer physically stand and encourage others to heed the voice of God, it is my prayer that spiritually and mentally I'll come to my last day of life still ringing the bell.
Help me ring it. O, Christian, please help me ring it. It will take all of us to get the message out. Please help me ring it.
In His Love
Walter
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
He Delights In You
I am so very blessed to have five grandchildren and another on the way. God has been so good to Wanna and me. We can just talk about these gifts from God and smile. We have pictures all over the refrigerator and we love the chance to see the kids.
Lily, the youngest for now, will be three in January and she is a spitfire. She seems to be quite athletic. She loves to climb on things and jump off them and she is fearless. And to watch her face as she shows off makes me smile every time. "Wat' me jump, G'andaddy. Wat' me jump."
Then she wriggles her mouth until she gets herself set and there she goes. We just laugh and pray that she doesn't hurt herself.
As you can tell, just thinking about Lily and her facial expressions and her verbal expressions as she masters the English language and her young tongue makes me smile. I delight in her and the other four as well. As a matter of fact, I already delight in "little boy Kelso" though he is not quite with us yet. And I want you to know today that your Heavenly Father delights in you.
Even if one of our grandchildren has been disobedient and has required punishment or other correction, we still love them and delight in them and think on the good things about them and not the bad. It is the same with God and His children, those who have been reconciled to Him through Jesus Christ. He loves you, forgives you, delights in you no matter what else may be going on in your life. Even if He has to correct or punish you, He does so because He delights in you and always wants the best for you.
One of Wanna and my favorite passages of Scripture is Psalm 18: 1-19. Please read it and then read it again and as you read it over and over, personalize it. Let it permeate your heart as you realize that the thundering, all powerful God Who comes to David's rescue in the Psalm is the same One Who comes to your rescue.
And then, grasp the 19th verse and hold onto it with all your heart's might; "He brought me forth also into a large place; He delivered me, because He delighted in me." KJV. You bring delight to the heart of God. He finds great pleasure in you. He loves you with all His being. Rejoice this day for you are in the very heart of God.
As you rejoice, please remember to pay with all your might, concentration and passion for revival for our nation. God is calling His people to pray, repent and long for revival. He wants to send it. Let's let Him know we want to receive it.
In His Love,
Walter
Lily, the youngest for now, will be three in January and she is a spitfire. She seems to be quite athletic. She loves to climb on things and jump off them and she is fearless. And to watch her face as she shows off makes me smile every time. "Wat' me jump, G'andaddy. Wat' me jump."
Then she wriggles her mouth until she gets herself set and there she goes. We just laugh and pray that she doesn't hurt herself.
As you can tell, just thinking about Lily and her facial expressions and her verbal expressions as she masters the English language and her young tongue makes me smile. I delight in her and the other four as well. As a matter of fact, I already delight in "little boy Kelso" though he is not quite with us yet. And I want you to know today that your Heavenly Father delights in you.
Even if one of our grandchildren has been disobedient and has required punishment or other correction, we still love them and delight in them and think on the good things about them and not the bad. It is the same with God and His children, those who have been reconciled to Him through Jesus Christ. He loves you, forgives you, delights in you no matter what else may be going on in your life. Even if He has to correct or punish you, He does so because He delights in you and always wants the best for you.
One of Wanna and my favorite passages of Scripture is Psalm 18: 1-19. Please read it and then read it again and as you read it over and over, personalize it. Let it permeate your heart as you realize that the thundering, all powerful God Who comes to David's rescue in the Psalm is the same One Who comes to your rescue.
And then, grasp the 19th verse and hold onto it with all your heart's might; "He brought me forth also into a large place; He delivered me, because He delighted in me." KJV. You bring delight to the heart of God. He finds great pleasure in you. He loves you with all His being. Rejoice this day for you are in the very heart of God.
As you rejoice, please remember to pay with all your might, concentration and passion for revival for our nation. God is calling His people to pray, repent and long for revival. He wants to send it. Let's let Him know we want to receive it.
In His Love,
Walter
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Two Weeks
What a difference two weeks can make! Yesterday the Stock Market was up with the Dow Industrials being up 936 points. Can you believe it? How rapidly things can change. Remember, all this comes after the Dow fell terribly over the last two weeks and governmental leaders began to search for a way to get things turned around quickly. Maybe they've found it. I hope so, but the whole thing seems a bit ridiculous to me. Let's consider God's perspective for a bit.
From Our Heavenly Father's point of view, many have been dancing on Satan's strings as these financial events have taken place. Our enemy has cackled with glee as people around the world have wrung their hands, held their heads and, in a few cases, even taken their own lives while recent economic events have swept people through a gamut of emotions. People all over the world have looked to governments rather than God as their source for help.
Our Loving, Gracious Heavenly Father wants us to have faith in Him. He has told us not to fear over 300 times in His Word. He has demonstrated His faithfulness to care for His own in all sorts of difficult situations. He has recorded His mighty miracles for us in the Bible. And still we doubt, still we have fear.
This morning, please hear His Word once again as He reaches out to reassure us that He is the only One worthy of our faith. Please let fears be calmed and eyes be focused on the only One Who knows us perfectly and yet loves us passionately. Understand His heart and how He extends it to all who will believe and receive. Appreciate His love as He wraps us in it to protect and keep us. Let mind and heart grasp the heights of His care when He says, "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."
What a declaration to bring joy to the the believer's heart and mind! Circumstances will come and go. Stock markets will rise and fall. Sickness and war and disease and hatred and horrors will happen, but be cheerful, joyful in the midst of it all for Our Christ has overcome the world and all of its wickedness. It may be only in Heaven that we realize it experientially, but He has conquered it all!
Circumstances are like the weather, changing constantly. Don't like how it is today? Wait until tomorrow and you can have a different weather outlook and a different set of circumstances. You may be better or worse off. But when your faith is firmly fixed in Jesus, when your eyes are focused on Him, the world is overcome for you because it just doesn't really matter. When He fills your heart, it is truly filled.
Mark two weeks from today. See how different things are then for those not focused on God. Then check to observe the constancy of those who have relied totally on Him. There's all the difference in the world.
Don't forget to pray fervently, earnestly and often for revival among God's people in America. Our country needs spiritual prayer warriors now more than ever.
In His Love
Walter
From Our Heavenly Father's point of view, many have been dancing on Satan's strings as these financial events have taken place. Our enemy has cackled with glee as people around the world have wrung their hands, held their heads and, in a few cases, even taken their own lives while recent economic events have swept people through a gamut of emotions. People all over the world have looked to governments rather than God as their source for help.
Our Loving, Gracious Heavenly Father wants us to have faith in Him. He has told us not to fear over 300 times in His Word. He has demonstrated His faithfulness to care for His own in all sorts of difficult situations. He has recorded His mighty miracles for us in the Bible. And still we doubt, still we have fear.
This morning, please hear His Word once again as He reaches out to reassure us that He is the only One worthy of our faith. Please let fears be calmed and eyes be focused on the only One Who knows us perfectly and yet loves us passionately. Understand His heart and how He extends it to all who will believe and receive. Appreciate His love as He wraps us in it to protect and keep us. Let mind and heart grasp the heights of His care when He says, "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."
What a declaration to bring joy to the the believer's heart and mind! Circumstances will come and go. Stock markets will rise and fall. Sickness and war and disease and hatred and horrors will happen, but be cheerful, joyful in the midst of it all for Our Christ has overcome the world and all of its wickedness. It may be only in Heaven that we realize it experientially, but He has conquered it all!
Circumstances are like the weather, changing constantly. Don't like how it is today? Wait until tomorrow and you can have a different weather outlook and a different set of circumstances. You may be better or worse off. But when your faith is firmly fixed in Jesus, when your eyes are focused on Him, the world is overcome for you because it just doesn't really matter. When He fills your heart, it is truly filled.
Mark two weeks from today. See how different things are then for those not focused on God. Then check to observe the constancy of those who have relied totally on Him. There's all the difference in the world.
Don't forget to pray fervently, earnestly and often for revival among God's people in America. Our country needs spiritual prayer warriors now more than ever.
In His Love
Walter
Monday, October 13, 2008
Barest Escape
"Barest Escape" was the headline on the story by Terrence Moore in this morning's Atlanta Journal-Constitution about the Atlanta Falcon's victory over the Chicago Bears yesterday afternoon. I thought their win was the result of the resolute will "not to give up no matter what" that their Coach seems to have instilled in the players, but Mr. Moore has a way of seeing everything through negative eyes. Many things in life are simply a matter of perspective. But that's a discussion for another day.
Today, my heart is pondering a question about Christians and why so many seem content to "barely escape." In 1 Corinthians 3, God reveals to us through the Apostle Paul that we who have been reconciled to Christ will one day stand before Him in judgement for the lives we have lived since the moment of our salvation. There at the Judgment Seat of Christ, our works will be reviewed by our Savior and each one of us will be given a reward in measure to the works that prove Christ-like and worthy.
It is reassuring to learn from God through Paul that our salvation, that is our guaranteed entrance into Heaven through His atoning, substitutionary work at Calvary, is not in jeopardy. God's Word makes it clear that only our works are being judged. And then Paul writes, under the graceful direction of God, that even if a person's works are burned up totally so that no reward remains, he will still be saved and gain entrance into God's Heaven but only as a person escaping through the flames.
Now I don't know about you, but I don't want to enter into my Heavenly home with the smell of smoke hanging on me. But to observe the lives of many and see they ways they act, hear the ways they talk, to experience the ways they carelessly handle the treasure of salvation that has been given by a gracious and loving Savior leads me to conclude that far too many of those who are blood-washed are satisfied to squeak into Heaven "by the skin of their teeth."
The Christ-like life is to be lived with every effort being made to give ourselves to the Master in every way so that when we stand before Him at His Judgement Seat and our works are tried by fire, there is some precious good left after the flames have died. That is called our reward in the above referenced passage. And I want to have a reward so that I can, hopefully, give it back as an offering to my Savior, face to face.
Christian, let's live today for Jesus. Just today. Then we'll live tomorrow for Him as well. Let's pray today as if today would be our last opportunity to talk to Jesus, our last opportunity to pray for our families, our last opportunity to seek His face for national and personal revival or our last opportunity to call the name of that lost one we care so much about before God's throne of Grace. Today. Just today. It's really all we have to give to Jesus, so let's let Him have it. All of it. And if we can do that each day for all the the todays He gives us, we will stand before Him knowing that when the flames of judgement have consumed all they can, our good works will remain as gold, silver and precious stones. All to His Glory.
In His Name
Walter
Today, my heart is pondering a question about Christians and why so many seem content to "barely escape." In 1 Corinthians 3, God reveals to us through the Apostle Paul that we who have been reconciled to Christ will one day stand before Him in judgement for the lives we have lived since the moment of our salvation. There at the Judgment Seat of Christ, our works will be reviewed by our Savior and each one of us will be given a reward in measure to the works that prove Christ-like and worthy.
It is reassuring to learn from God through Paul that our salvation, that is our guaranteed entrance into Heaven through His atoning, substitutionary work at Calvary, is not in jeopardy. God's Word makes it clear that only our works are being judged. And then Paul writes, under the graceful direction of God, that even if a person's works are burned up totally so that no reward remains, he will still be saved and gain entrance into God's Heaven but only as a person escaping through the flames.
Now I don't know about you, but I don't want to enter into my Heavenly home with the smell of smoke hanging on me. But to observe the lives of many and see they ways they act, hear the ways they talk, to experience the ways they carelessly handle the treasure of salvation that has been given by a gracious and loving Savior leads me to conclude that far too many of those who are blood-washed are satisfied to squeak into Heaven "by the skin of their teeth."
The Christ-like life is to be lived with every effort being made to give ourselves to the Master in every way so that when we stand before Him at His Judgement Seat and our works are tried by fire, there is some precious good left after the flames have died. That is called our reward in the above referenced passage. And I want to have a reward so that I can, hopefully, give it back as an offering to my Savior, face to face.
Christian, let's live today for Jesus. Just today. Then we'll live tomorrow for Him as well. Let's pray today as if today would be our last opportunity to talk to Jesus, our last opportunity to pray for our families, our last opportunity to seek His face for national and personal revival or our last opportunity to call the name of that lost one we care so much about before God's throne of Grace. Today. Just today. It's really all we have to give to Jesus, so let's let Him have it. All of it. And if we can do that each day for all the the todays He gives us, we will stand before Him knowing that when the flames of judgement have consumed all they can, our good works will remain as gold, silver and precious stones. All to His Glory.
In His Name
Walter
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Saying VS Doing
I am privileged to be with the youth on Wednesday nights trying to teach/lead them through the study "Experiencing God Youth Edition" by Dr. Henry Blackaby and Claude King. It is a wonderful study and I trust God that seeds of thought and knowledge are being planted in the hearts and minds of our young people.
Last night, we talked about the unyielding truth that what we do with what we know about God reveals what we truly believe. And I had to confess to them that far too often they have seen us older Christians doing things that reveal that we don't believe everything we say we believe about God and living the Christian life.
I used the sad example of Pinecrest Country Club in Mitchell County, where I grew up. Mom and Dad joined PCC when I was about twelve years old so that my brother and I could learn to play golf. We learned a lot more.
Mitchell County is a dry county. No liquor sales are legal there. But at Pinecrest Country Club, adult members could purchase all they wanted, anytime they wanted. Well, we all know that there have always been places like that that law enforcement officers just looked over because of all the influential people who wanted it to be they way it was, so the fact that this took place is really not that big of a deal.
Except that many of the Deacons and other leaders of my church visited this room on a regular basis, right in front of us young people. We knew they were drinking. We also knew that they gambled. It really caused me to think that a relationship with God could be relegated to Sundays at church and that I didn't really have to worry too much about time away from church because all my relationship with God was, was contained at church. These men did not seem to know it, but while they were standing and praying and leading at church, their practice away from church, specifically at the Country Club sent a clear message to us boys that they didn't really take God as seriously as they tried to teach us to. We were well able to recognize hypocrisy when we saw it.
Wha about your life today? Are you sending anyone mixed messages? Is the practice of your life consistent with the declaration of your lips so far as your relationship with God is concerned? It should be. One of the reason we see so many uncommitted and unconcerned young people hanging around today is that we have sent them inconsistent messages about Who God is and the respect, fear and honor that He is worthy to receive.
But the joy of A Loving Heavenly Father is that each day is new. His mercies really are new every morning. Repent today for the inconsistencies of your life up to now and then start to live the life of consistent example He has empowered you to live through the guidance of Holy Spirit.
You can do it! I know you can! Let's commit to one another right now to start being more and more Christ-like every day. That is God's will for us anyway.
And please don't forget. Pray, pray, pray for revival. God wants to send it if the hearts of His people are truly hungry, desperately hungry for it. Pray without ceasing. It is the only thing that can save our land.
In His Love,
Walter
Last night, we talked about the unyielding truth that what we do with what we know about God reveals what we truly believe. And I had to confess to them that far too often they have seen us older Christians doing things that reveal that we don't believe everything we say we believe about God and living the Christian life.
I used the sad example of Pinecrest Country Club in Mitchell County, where I grew up. Mom and Dad joined PCC when I was about twelve years old so that my brother and I could learn to play golf. We learned a lot more.
Mitchell County is a dry county. No liquor sales are legal there. But at Pinecrest Country Club, adult members could purchase all they wanted, anytime they wanted. Well, we all know that there have always been places like that that law enforcement officers just looked over because of all the influential people who wanted it to be they way it was, so the fact that this took place is really not that big of a deal.
Except that many of the Deacons and other leaders of my church visited this room on a regular basis, right in front of us young people. We knew they were drinking. We also knew that they gambled. It really caused me to think that a relationship with God could be relegated to Sundays at church and that I didn't really have to worry too much about time away from church because all my relationship with God was, was contained at church. These men did not seem to know it, but while they were standing and praying and leading at church, their practice away from church, specifically at the Country Club sent a clear message to us boys that they didn't really take God as seriously as they tried to teach us to. We were well able to recognize hypocrisy when we saw it.
Wha about your life today? Are you sending anyone mixed messages? Is the practice of your life consistent with the declaration of your lips so far as your relationship with God is concerned? It should be. One of the reason we see so many uncommitted and unconcerned young people hanging around today is that we have sent them inconsistent messages about Who God is and the respect, fear and honor that He is worthy to receive.
But the joy of A Loving Heavenly Father is that each day is new. His mercies really are new every morning. Repent today for the inconsistencies of your life up to now and then start to live the life of consistent example He has empowered you to live through the guidance of Holy Spirit.
You can do it! I know you can! Let's commit to one another right now to start being more and more Christ-like every day. That is God's will for us anyway.
And please don't forget. Pray, pray, pray for revival. God wants to send it if the hearts of His people are truly hungry, desperately hungry for it. Pray without ceasing. It is the only thing that can save our land.
In His Love,
Walter
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
God's Blessings
Wow, am I excited today! We are finally getting some much needed rain and I've started a blog even though I never thought I could and all that has me pumped! God is so good and I want to use my first blog post to declare to all who will read this that He is my Everything. He is so watchful over me. He protects me, provides for me, gives me peace in the midst of the turmoil of life and shows me in unnumbered ways how much He loves me everyday.
We all need to praise God and acknowledge His love and welcome and treasure His presence in our lives each day. It is so easy to fall into the trap of desiring God for the things He does, the gifts He gives, rather than desiring Him just for the joy and privilege of being with Him, in His presence. There is nothing more precious and valuable than His active living Presence leading and helping us through every moment of life.
We need to be thankful for all His gifts, as well, instead of taking so many of them for granted. For instance, in this morning's paper the rainfall that we are getting was acknowledged but that acknowledgement was immediately followed by several paragraphs about how it wasn't enough. Hey, guys! It hasn't stopped raining yet, so how do you know it's not enough? Let's just be joyfully thankful for what God is giving and wait and see if it's enough.
Remember the five loaves and two small fishes? The disciples didn't think that would be enough either but when it was all over, each one of the twelve had a basket of leftovers to carry. God showed Himself to be the provider of enough and more then and He is still doing that today. Perhaps our loss of a spirit of genuine gratitude for each and every gift, no matter how small it may seem at the time, is one of the reasons we are so in need of revival.
Please pray for revival. Every time it rains, my heart longs for showers of Holy Ghost revival in our nation. We need it so much and God is at work seeking to convince His people to get serious about praying and seeking Him for the true revival that only He can give. Please join me in earnest, fervent and continual prayer that, in His mercy, grace and love, Heavenly Father will send revival. Then our churches, homes and halls of government will be powerfully refreshed and changed by Holy Spirit and we can truly become one naton under God. How I long for that day!
In His love,
Walter
We all need to praise God and acknowledge His love and welcome and treasure His presence in our lives each day. It is so easy to fall into the trap of desiring God for the things He does, the gifts He gives, rather than desiring Him just for the joy and privilege of being with Him, in His presence. There is nothing more precious and valuable than His active living Presence leading and helping us through every moment of life.
We need to be thankful for all His gifts, as well, instead of taking so many of them for granted. For instance, in this morning's paper the rainfall that we are getting was acknowledged but that acknowledgement was immediately followed by several paragraphs about how it wasn't enough. Hey, guys! It hasn't stopped raining yet, so how do you know it's not enough? Let's just be joyfully thankful for what God is giving and wait and see if it's enough.
Remember the five loaves and two small fishes? The disciples didn't think that would be enough either but when it was all over, each one of the twelve had a basket of leftovers to carry. God showed Himself to be the provider of enough and more then and He is still doing that today. Perhaps our loss of a spirit of genuine gratitude for each and every gift, no matter how small it may seem at the time, is one of the reasons we are so in need of revival.
Please pray for revival. Every time it rains, my heart longs for showers of Holy Ghost revival in our nation. We need it so much and God is at work seeking to convince His people to get serious about praying and seeking Him for the true revival that only He can give. Please join me in earnest, fervent and continual prayer that, in His mercy, grace and love, Heavenly Father will send revival. Then our churches, homes and halls of government will be powerfully refreshed and changed by Holy Spirit and we can truly become one naton under God. How I long for that day!
In His love,
Walter
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