Hebrews 4:16
Let us approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
How do we approach the throne of God, the Creator of the universe, with confidence? It is only through prayer, in the Name of our Mediator, our substitute, our High Priest, Jesus Christ.
Some Christians find it difficult to come before the Great Creator with boldness and confidence. They sheepishly come in fear, afraid to ask Him for help when they are in need. Others pray flippantly, with little thought of what our precious Savior went through to provide for our needs to be met.
The previous verses tell us our High Priest has been "tempted in every way, just as we are - yet was without sin." He knows what we're going through. He knows how hard it is to stand under the ongoing temptations of this sinful world. Jesus became our High Priest, offering His own body on the altar of sacrifice, presenting His precious, sinless blood before Almighty God for the remission of our sins. He paid the price, so that we may be found righteous in the sight of Father God.
We may now come boldly, with reverent confidence because our King Jesus became our substitute. It is with bold assurance we humbly approach the Father's throne to receive whatever help we need.
What kind of help do you require from Father God today? Come boldly in prayer today, with confidence to receive mercy, and find grace to help in your time of need. He is listening and ready to answer!
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
Thursday, August 6, 2015
God's promises are for each and everyone of His children.
2 Peter 1:3-8
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith, goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
What are His promises toward us? His precious Word is full of divine promises, but today we want to deal with just this passage. Daddy God has given us the power to live holy lives in this world. Will we still make mistakes? Of course, we're imperfect humans capable of the most horrendous sinful acts. However, Abba Father has given US the power to overcome these worldly temptations. His power is there, now it's up to us to learn to walk in it.
God has given each of us THE measure of faith. We are to develop faith into goodness, or good works. Faith takes work. The Bible tells us our faith is measured by our works. If our faith is strong, we will continue to work to promote the Kingdom of God. Then our faith will develop into goodness. What do people see when they look at us? Do they see someone who is continually doing good things to help others?
We must add to our goodness, knowledge. The best way to receive knowledge is be being in God's Word. Find out what His Word tells us to do, then do it. This develops into self-control. When temptations come along, we will already know what the Word of God tells us to do and be doing good works so it becomes easier to keep our old sinful nature under control.
This leads us into perseverance. It's learning to stand fast in what we have learned. Continue working to build the Kingdom until we see the fruit of our labor. When we have persevered, we will become a godly people. Others will look at us and see Christ living in us.
The Bible also tells us, others will know we are Christians by our love toward one another and the world. When we have persevered in living a holy life, brotherly kindness and love will come forth. We can build a strong foundation, cultivating these attributes by the power given us by our Heavenly Father.
We are sinful humans and we make plenty of mistakes. However, God has promised the power to overcome these temptations. If you want to escape the consequences of evil worldly desires and participate in the divine nature of God, make every effort to develop your faith. Make your calling and election sure today. If we do these things we won't fail. We may falter, but not fail. Daddy God is here to help us in our daily walk. All we must do is rely on Him.
2 Peter 1:3-8
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith, goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
What are His promises toward us? His precious Word is full of divine promises, but today we want to deal with just this passage. Daddy God has given us the power to live holy lives in this world. Will we still make mistakes? Of course, we're imperfect humans capable of the most horrendous sinful acts. However, Abba Father has given US the power to overcome these worldly temptations. His power is there, now it's up to us to learn to walk in it.
God has given each of us THE measure of faith. We are to develop faith into goodness, or good works. Faith takes work. The Bible tells us our faith is measured by our works. If our faith is strong, we will continue to work to promote the Kingdom of God. Then our faith will develop into goodness. What do people see when they look at us? Do they see someone who is continually doing good things to help others?
We must add to our goodness, knowledge. The best way to receive knowledge is be being in God's Word. Find out what His Word tells us to do, then do it. This develops into self-control. When temptations come along, we will already know what the Word of God tells us to do and be doing good works so it becomes easier to keep our old sinful nature under control.
This leads us into perseverance. It's learning to stand fast in what we have learned. Continue working to build the Kingdom until we see the fruit of our labor. When we have persevered, we will become a godly people. Others will look at us and see Christ living in us.
The Bible also tells us, others will know we are Christians by our love toward one another and the world. When we have persevered in living a holy life, brotherly kindness and love will come forth. We can build a strong foundation, cultivating these attributes by the power given us by our Heavenly Father.
We are sinful humans and we make plenty of mistakes. However, God has promised the power to overcome these temptations. If you want to escape the consequences of evil worldly desires and participate in the divine nature of God, make every effort to develop your faith. Make your calling and election sure today. If we do these things we won't fail. We may falter, but not fail. Daddy God is here to help us in our daily walk. All we must do is rely on Him.
Monday, July 27, 2015
"What's my calling in life?" This is the question I hear most among Christians of all ages. It's something we all struggle with at one time or another. "Am I supposed to be in full-time ministry?" "Does God want me to be an evangelist or missionary?" "What does God want me to do with my life?"
I have good news for you today. I can tell you exactly what your calling in life is. In fact, I can tell you what both your callings are! "What? I have two callings?" Yes. According to scriptures, you have two specific things that every Christian is to be doing.
1. I Corinthians 1:9 declares, God is faithful, by whom you were called unto fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
Your first and foremost calling while on this earth is fellowship with Jesus, the Son of God. He longs for a personal relationship with you. He is so intent on being with you, He died on a cross, paying the price for every sin of all mankind. He paid your debt for sin, infusing righteousness into your eternal soul, that anyone who accepts this free gift will live with Him throughout eternity.
We develop this relationship by studying His Holy Word, the Bible, and through prayer. Just as in any other relationship, the more time you spend with Him the better you get to know Him. Seek Him and you will find Him, Draw close to Him and He will draw closer to you.
2. The second calling God has placed on your life is found in Mark 16:15, Go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Everyone is called to be an evangelist. This is not to say we are all called to leave our homes and family to travel around the world sharing the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He didn't say we are all to be missionaries in foreign countries. Jesus said, "go" to our neighbor, "go" to the people we work with, "go" to those we attend school with.
Each one of us have a group of people whom we have influence over. You don't know the people whom I know and I don't know those whom you know. Acts 1:8 tells us, we will receive power when the Holy Spirit is imparted into our eternal soul. This is power is to become witnesses in our homes, our neighborhoods, in our city, our state, and beyond, as the Lord leads.
While fulfilling these two commissions, Father God will lead and guide you into any other areas as He wills. Spend time building an intimate relationship, deep fellowship, so that you can fulfill the great commission of sharing the Good News of the Gospel with others. Then watch as He opens doors for you to share your faith with those you come in contact with.
Whatever you choose in life, do it all as unto the Lord. If you're a plummer, do your best and share the Gospel with your clients and fellow workers. If you're an instructor, teach your students what it means to be full of faith, love, joy, and God's peace.
What's your calling in life? Fellowship with God's Son and sharing your faith with others. Everything else in your life is built on these truths. Now go and fulfill your calling!
I have good news for you today. I can tell you exactly what your calling in life is. In fact, I can tell you what both your callings are! "What? I have two callings?" Yes. According to scriptures, you have two specific things that every Christian is to be doing.
1. I Corinthians 1:9 declares, God is faithful, by whom you were called unto fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
Your first and foremost calling while on this earth is fellowship with Jesus, the Son of God. He longs for a personal relationship with you. He is so intent on being with you, He died on a cross, paying the price for every sin of all mankind. He paid your debt for sin, infusing righteousness into your eternal soul, that anyone who accepts this free gift will live with Him throughout eternity.
We develop this relationship by studying His Holy Word, the Bible, and through prayer. Just as in any other relationship, the more time you spend with Him the better you get to know Him. Seek Him and you will find Him, Draw close to Him and He will draw closer to you.
2. The second calling God has placed on your life is found in Mark 16:15, Go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Everyone is called to be an evangelist. This is not to say we are all called to leave our homes and family to travel around the world sharing the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He didn't say we are all to be missionaries in foreign countries. Jesus said, "go" to our neighbor, "go" to the people we work with, "go" to those we attend school with.
Each one of us have a group of people whom we have influence over. You don't know the people whom I know and I don't know those whom you know. Acts 1:8 tells us, we will receive power when the Holy Spirit is imparted into our eternal soul. This is power is to become witnesses in our homes, our neighborhoods, in our city, our state, and beyond, as the Lord leads.
While fulfilling these two commissions, Father God will lead and guide you into any other areas as He wills. Spend time building an intimate relationship, deep fellowship, so that you can fulfill the great commission of sharing the Good News of the Gospel with others. Then watch as He opens doors for you to share your faith with those you come in contact with.
Whatever you choose in life, do it all as unto the Lord. If you're a plummer, do your best and share the Gospel with your clients and fellow workers. If you're an instructor, teach your students what it means to be full of faith, love, joy, and God's peace.
What's your calling in life? Fellowship with God's Son and sharing your faith with others. Everything else in your life is built on these truths. Now go and fulfill your calling!
Thursday, July 2, 2015
I am crucified with Christ, yet I live. And the life I live now in this flesh is by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20
This has been one of my favorite scriptures. The Lord dealt with me over this verse for several months until one day I realized this passage changed my life. I use be very hard on myself. If something went wrong, it was my fault. I was to blame. After praying Galatians 2:20 over myself as the Lord directed me, for about six months, someone said things which before would have been very devastating. It didn't bother me a bid. I was more bothered by the fact it didn't bother me! LOL
That night after everyone had gone to bed, I began to pray. "Lord, I don't understand! Why didn't this bother me?"
"Haven't I had you praying Galatians 2:20 over yourself? I'm allowing you to experience the tip of the iceberg of what this verse really means," the Lord gently informed me.
My life has never been the same sense! To find out more of this story and others:
Adventures with Abba FREE on Kindle Unlimited Amazon.com
Saturday, June 20, 2015
As I worshipped the Lord one day while driving, He opened my spiritual eyes for a small glimpse into His realm. I saw a huge majestic-looking room. A massive marbled staircase led up to the throne of Almighty God, who sat imperially on His throne. I could make out the figure of a man, but features seemed to disappear in the emanating radiance of this Light Being. God reached out His loving arms to a small child struggling to climb up the gargantuan staircase toward Him.
To this three year old, the staircase seemed colossal and quite an enormous feat. She climbed a few steps and stumbled. Climbed a few more steps and tripped again. Each time the little girl faltered, she would pick herself up and look toward her Heavenly Father. Finally reaching her goal, she didn't hesitate, but crawled right up in her Daddy God's lap. He instantly wrapped His big, strong, loving arms around her as she sank deep into His embrace, enjoying the peace and safety of a loving grasp only He could give.
Suddenly realizing the little girl was me, I had to giggle with excitement. The love and security I felt at that moment surpassed any devotion an earthly parent could give. Peace filled the inside of my car. I felt like a little child, without a care in the world.
Friend, I want you to realize today, if you are born again and have invited Jesus Christ to come into your heart, you are a child of the Most High God. His love for you is far beyond any earthly parent could give. As parents we strive to provide a loving, nurturing environment in which our children may grow and flourish. However, we are mere humans and fall short of our Father God's love.
DADDY GOD LOVES YOU with an everlasting love. No matter what you've done He will always be there, beckoning you back to Him. Have you fallen or made mistakes? Are you troubled with the cares of this life? cCrawl up into Daddy God's lap today and be wrapped with His big, strong, loving arms. Allow His peace and love to saturate you. Permit Him to kiss all the hurts and booboos of this life away.
Adventures with Abb
To this three year old, the staircase seemed colossal and quite an enormous feat. She climbed a few steps and stumbled. Climbed a few more steps and tripped again. Each time the little girl faltered, she would pick herself up and look toward her Heavenly Father. Finally reaching her goal, she didn't hesitate, but crawled right up in her Daddy God's lap. He instantly wrapped His big, strong, loving arms around her as she sank deep into His embrace, enjoying the peace and safety of a loving grasp only He could give.
Suddenly realizing the little girl was me, I had to giggle with excitement. The love and security I felt at that moment surpassed any devotion an earthly parent could give. Peace filled the inside of my car. I felt like a little child, without a care in the world.
Friend, I want you to realize today, if you are born again and have invited Jesus Christ to come into your heart, you are a child of the Most High God. His love for you is far beyond any earthly parent could give. As parents we strive to provide a loving, nurturing environment in which our children may grow and flourish. However, we are mere humans and fall short of our Father God's love.
DADDY GOD LOVES YOU with an everlasting love. No matter what you've done He will always be there, beckoning you back to Him. Have you fallen or made mistakes? Are you troubled with the cares of this life? cCrawl up into Daddy God's lap today and be wrapped with His big, strong, loving arms. Allow His peace and love to saturate you. Permit Him to kiss all the hurts and booboos of this life away.
Adventures with Abb
Monday, June 15, 2015
Watching the news or reading the daily paper can get depressing. If we focused on all the terrible things going on the world today it would be easy to allow fear to grip our hearts. But Jesus reminded us His peace is available to us each day simply by believing and trusting in Him. He told us not to let our heart be troubled or afraid. Evidently this is a choice we can make!
Jesus gave us peace! We can choose to walk in fear or in peace. It's up to us to allow the peace that passes all understanding to flood our heart. I choose to not walk in fear but to have His peace He has provided! How about you?
Monday, June 1, 2015
I am awestruck by the overwhelming goodness of our precious Lord Jesus. Exactly one year ago this month our first book, Adventures with Abba, came available to the public. It was a long rigorous journey, but God is faithful in bringing about His word.
Many years ago, the Lord laid on my heart to write down all these adventures He led us through and revealed to us. One Sunday evening, a guest speaker came to minister at our church. After the sermon, he proceeded to call a few people out of the congregation to prophecy over them. Unsuspectingly, he pointed directly toward me.
"You, yes, you! The Lord wants to tell you something," he began, taking me by the hand and leading me to the front.
Instantly, I started weeping, knowing deep in my spirit God was about to reveal His word to me.
"You are a writer," he continued. "Just as God told Habakkuk in Habakkuk 2:2, you are write the vision. Make it clear so those who read it may run with it. The revelation is yet for an appointed time. You are to keep a pen and tablet by your bed. Be ready to write down all the things the Lord is showing you."
Even though I had never told anyone except my pastor, this evangelist reiterated everything God had already spoken to my heart. Adventures with Abba is the fruition of the Lord's instructions.
We serve a Faithful God. In HIS time, He brought His work into completion. Why He chose my husband and me to speak to and through, I'll never understand. We are nothing on our own. We are like a conduit, a faucet through which the living waters of the Holy Spirit can flow. No one ever praises the faucet! It's the water which brings refreshing, thirst-quenching relief to the dry, parched soul.
Be encouraged today! Whatever assignment God has given you to do, be assured He will bring it into fruition in HIS time. Never give up! Don't let Satan or anyone else sway you from your goal. Abba Father is helping you accomplish His will and His word in your life. Hold tight to His promises, and in the proper time, He will bring it to completion.
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