Finding The Gate

Dont Send Money!!! 11/5/2010

2010-11-05T08:44:00.000-07:00

Hi, everyone. You may have received an email saying I was stranded in England after being mugged and need money. Dont send any money. I am not in England, have not been mugged and dont need to pay a hotel bill. Someone used my email as a scam. Sorry for the distress this may have caused you. I heard from folks from Vermont to Alaska asking if I was o.k.
so that part at least was comforting knowing so many people care.
Now back to work to secure my accounts etc. I would suggest that we all update our passwords. I thought mine was so secure.
Blessings,
Jess

Why So Many Stone Walls?

2010-11-01T10:24:00.000-07:00

There are thousands if not tens of thousands of miles of stone wall in England which took hundreds of years of years to build. It says a little something about the "intant" world we live in.

The Church & The Power Of A Shared Experience

2010-10-30T13:11:00.000-07:00

When I was hiking in England last year, Steve and I were reflecting on the camaraderie we were experiencing on the trail and how it related to the local church. Hope you enjoy it!

Psalm 33

2010-10-25T14:41:00.000-07:00

A dear friend of mine, John Nunnikhoven, has written a daily devotional called, Voices Together. It is meditation and prayer based on the book of Psalms. After you watch the video the first time play it again. This time close your eyes, listen and let God's Word and John's meditation feed your heart. You can link to the online version of Voices Together or John's blog, Musings from Vermont, on the side bar.

Thank you, Father. Thank you, John.

Walk In The Light 10/2010

2010-10-22T13:49:00.000-07:00

What Jesus Prayed 10/20/2010

2010-10-20T07:44:00.000-07:00

Have you ever thought about what Jesus prayed? In John 17 we find recorded Jesus' prayer to the Father prior to His arrest, suffering and resurrection. In it is recorded an intimate communication between the Son and the Father. The prevailing center point in this prayer is the love they shared/share together.

Think of it, this love they share they cannot keep to themselves - they have purposed to share it with us. The last powerful, intentional and defining words of the John 17 prayer are these:

"I (Jesus) have made you ( Father) known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them." - John 17:26

I want that prayer answered in my life. I want to know the Father more and more. I want to feel in my heart the vibrancy of the Father's love for Jesus...and to know the reality of the Father's love for me. And...I want Jesus, Himself, to be in me...in us...in all of us together - because the truth is my love for God is demonstrated, lived out, made real by my love for His children. My vertical relationship with God is demonstrated in reality by my horizontal relationships with my brothers and sisters.

Here is my great hope: "God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us." - Romans 5:5

So I am standing in line today for Jesus' prayer to be answered in my life, in our life, in time and reality with those whom God has joined us together, with Him and with each other.

"Let down your nets..."

2010-10-17T06:55:00.000-07:00

This 1949 cover of the Saturday Evening Post illustrates an important point. If you don't let down your nets you will catch no fish. In Luke 5:1-11 Jesus tells Peter, "put out into the deep water, and let down the nets for a catch."
Peter, though exhausted, obeys and the result is a catch that almost sinks the boat. Of all the lessons contained in this story the one that hits home for me today is this simple principle: If your not fishing, you will catch no fish.
This truth should be a wake-up call when Jesus ties this miracle to evangelism, "...from now on you will catch men." That means that if men are to be caught they must be fished for - they just wont swim into the boat! How often I am hoping that a good church service will win people to Christ, that the beauty of the boat and the pleasantness of the fisherman will lure the fish to leap out of the water. I realize that if the net of the gospel is not preached in the neighborhood, the marketplace, the basketball game, and yes even in church, there will be no catch.
Time to let down the nets!

Open Up! 10/12/2010

2010-10-12T15:50:00.000-07:00

You know that feeling when you suddenly realize the room is stale and it's hard to breathe? It's like that with our spiritual life sometimes. We close the windows of our soul, pull down the blinds and shrink into the
corner. There, imagining that 'we' are all we need, we withdraw from the
life that God wants us to share with Him and others The truth is that we dont find life there, we die there. Proverbs says, "He who seperates himself seeks his own desire, he quarrels against all sound wisdom."
Time to open the windows of our soul to His Word and His Spirit. It's time to let the love of Christ fill us and enlarge us. It's time to come out of the dark and into the beauty of life with Him!

March 22, 2010

2010-03-22T07:00:00.000-07:00

This painting, 'La Siesta' by Vincent Van Gogh is one of my favorites. We know some things about this couple just by looking at them:
They are hard working, poor, country folk. They like working together, see the sickles. They trust each other, are tender toward each other and are completely at ease together.
I wonder, is this a relationship that Van Gogh experienced himself or only longed for? For me, this is a relationship I experience with my wife, Lynn.

2010-03-20T07:28:00.000-07:00

The great danger in diminishing the work, gifts and presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer and the church is that we reduce the ministry of Christ Himself as Baptizer and the purpose and plan of the Father who gave Him, for we cannot diminish One without diminishing All for They are One. To touch His gifts, His fruit, His working is to touch the Godhead. To embrace His gifts, His fruit, His working is to embrace God Himself.

Back In The Saddle Again

2010-03-18T08:20:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Bill Graybill who has inspired me to once again pick up pen/keyboard. I am determined to have at it. The construction of our new church facility gave me an excuse to slack off. O.K. no more slacking. Bill, you, along with James Westra, may be the only two people who will check out this post since I have not been active for so long. So I will start small with a short post with a favorite pic. Thanks, Bill!!

This is a picture of a celtic high cross taken in the lake district in England from my trip with my close friend Steve on our hiking trip in Sept. 2009.

2009-06-22T08:13:00.000-07:00

Christ Eternal
( The Person & Work of Christ)
*
* *
Christ Eternal with the Godhead
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Christ, Word sings creations span
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Christ concealed, prophetic promise
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Christ Incarnate, Son of Man
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Christ Baptized by water, Spirit
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Christ Crucified, Atonement Lamb
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Christ Victorious o'er dark dominion
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Christ Liberator, earth and man
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Christ Resurrected by the Spirit
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Christ's Gospel to the world commands
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Christ Ascended to the Father
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Christ's Spirit, gifts poured out on man
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Christ's Kingdom rule and grace extending
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Christ, Judge and High King, comes again
-
js

Thoughts On The Prodigal -part 2 1/27/09

2009-01-27T06:23:00.000-08:00

Luke 15:13-16
13 "Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. "

This boy was in a bad way. The inheritance that he was given, the riches that were to take him to greatness, slipped through his fingers. He spent it all. He had nothing. Nothing. His own foolishness and the "severe famine" made the distant land of excitment and pleasure a place of want and suffering.

This young man, trapped in his pride and out of control circumstances, found himself feeding pigs and longing for the very food he was feeding them. In the Old Testament Jewish culture, pigs were "unclean" animals. It was a double blow to his dignity to be a starving shepherd to swine.

What the young man was experiencing was the rebuke of life. The circumstances he found himself in were the circumstances he created and he had nobody to blame but himself. We all know someone like that or have been that someone ourselves. But as Corrie TenBoom says,

"There is no pit so deep that God is not deeper still!"

Thoughts On The Prodigal Son 1/23/09

2009-01-23T08:38:00.001-08:00

Almost everyone in our society understands the concept of the 'prodigal son.' For even if they have not read for themselves the story of the prodigal son from the scripture they have experienced it first hand in their own lives. For the next few posts I would like to explore the story of the the prodigal son from Luke 15. Thanks to David Durfee and Gabe McKay who are in a discipleship study with me. It is from our discussion of this story and it's applications found in the book Discipleship Essentials by Greg Ogden that these thoughts come.

Luke 15:11-12
Jesus continued: "There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.' So he divided his property between them.

When would you divide an inheritance? Would it not be after the death of a parent? Whoever heard of dividing an inheritance while the father is still living? The cultural practice in Jesus'
day is the same as ours today. An inheritance is divided after the death of the parent, in this case the father. For the son to demand his share of the estate while his father was still very much alive was alarming and offensive. It was not done. It was as if the son was saying to his father, "You are dead to me. I want what is mine. I want it now!" As Greg Odgden says, "Our problems all begin in the conspiracy for autonomy from the One who made us. Freedom for the younger son meant doing what he wanted to do, beholden to no one."
The middle east custom in that day would have been to severely discipline the son for that outrage, expanding the divide already existing between them. Such a selfish motivation by a younger son, the dishonor of such a demand, would surely have given the father grounds to disinherit the younger son altogether and cut him off from the family. But he does not. Instead, incredibly, he gives his son what he asks for, his inheritance and autonomy. Instead of bringing judgement and shame to his son he keeps intact his relationship as father to his rebellious son and to the door of possible reconciliation bearing the shame himself.
Is this not a picture of God's patience and mercy with us? Join me as we continue to explore this story of love and redemption.

A Quote From Eusebius 1/7/09

2009-01-07T07:58:00.000-08:00

Eusebius gives us an insight into the heart of the early church. This quote from his book
Church History calls to something deep in the heart:

That his (Christ) anointing was divine is proved by the fact that he alone, of all who have ever lived, is known throughout the world as Christ and is called thus by Greeks and non-Greeks alike and to this day is honored by his worshipers throughout the world as King, held in greater awe than a prophet, and glorified as the true and only High Priest of God and above all as the preexistent Word of God, having his being before all ages and worshiped as God.
We who are dedicated to him honor him not only with voice and word, but also with all of our soul, so that we value testimony to him more than life itself.

God, give us this same heart of dedication and testimony!

New Years Day 1/1/09

2009-01-01T04:39:00.000-08:00

Lord Jesus Christ

Your name above all other names;

Your reign above all other rulers;

Your lordship above all other authorities;

Your Word above all other voices;

Your truth above all other opinions;

Your love above all other affections!

Merry Christmas! 12.25.08

2008-12-25T07:25:00.000-08:00

Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence

Let all mortal flesh keep silence

and with fear and trembling stand

ponder nothing earthly minded

for with blessing in His hand

Christ our God to earth descendeth

Our full homage to demand

King of kings yet born of Mary

as our Lord on earth He stood

Lord of lords in human vesture

In the body and the blood

He will give to all the faithful

His own self for heavenly food

Rank on rank the host of heaven

spreads its vanguard on the way

as the Light of light descendeth

from the realms of endless day

that the powers of hell may vanish

as the darkness fades away

13th Century French Carol

A Poem on Christmas Eve - 12.24.08

2008-12-24T10:04:00.000-08:00

Daughters, Sons, Leave Winters’ Deep

Waiting for my children to arrive
Safe from journey’s road to home
Snow streaked sky, winter roads
“Chains required,” “Traction tires advised.”

Waiting for His children to arrive
Safe from journey’s road to home
Sin scarred lands, cross-bearing loads
Grace required, companionship advised.

Fathers reflecting Father’s heart
Look with longing and vigils keep:
“Daughters, Sons, Leave winter’s deep
And come in joyful company, before My blazing hearth!”

Now this Christmas, at my window, in contemplation I remember
Whose heart I carry
and fire the hearth with prayer against these snow storms of December.

Jess Slusher -12/24/08

Thank You, Lord 12.23.08

2008-12-23T06:10:00.000-08:00

Almighty Father,

Thank you for the gift of your Son,

for His Incarnation - becoming man.

Thank you for being Emmanuel, God with us!

Thank you for your family, your church.

Thank you for your life that flows from your people.

Thank you that we make this earthly journey together.

Thank you for the gift of marriage.

Thank you for children. Thank you for the joy

of growing old and seeing our children's children.

Thank you that your purposes are eternal.

Thank you that in You our life extends beyond the grave.

Thank you for the gift of your love in your Son.

Merry Christmas, Father!

I Hear The Sound of Armies - 12.09.08

2008-12-09T07:59:00.000-08:00

Dear Reader,

Here is a sonnet by a friend of mine, T.M. Moore, that speaks to the unseen spiritual war all around us. Notice who the army of the Lord has come to aid. May God encourage your heart as you read! Read it aloud!!

I Hear the Sound of Armies

1 Samuel 5. 18-25

I heard the sound of armies marching through

the poplar trees, where earth and heaven meet.

The breeze-bent boughs betrayed the unseen feet

of vast, unnumbered hosts, who rushed to do

the bidding of the Lord, beyond the view

of earth-bound men. I knew it was the beat

of countless angels' wings, and rose to greet

them as they passed. O how I wished I knew

their mission! What revolt would they subdue?

What rescue undertake? What mighty feat

essay against dark forces? What complete

and glorious victory would soon ensue?

And then I saw, wind whipping through my hair,
their ranks deployed around me, everywhere.

T.M. Moore

The Hidden Life

Copyright, 2008 The Fellowship of Ailbe

Wax Tablet Publications

You can order his book at http://www.myparuchia.com/

A Man's Way 12.08.08

2008-12-08T08:51:00.000-08:00

"If the Lord delights in a man's way,

He makes his steps firm;

though he stumble,

he will not fall,

for the Lord upholds him

with His hand."

Psalm 37:23-24

Yes, God can delight in a man or woman's walk with Him. He can delight in the way we live.

Immediately, as you consider this you instinctively know as His child what will please Him.

That is the witness of the Holy Spirit who Jesus said would teach us and remind us of all the He commanded us. God's Word also acts as our counselor in 'God - delighting' living; throughout the Scripture our God tells us what pleases Him - for example:

He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Micah 6:8

So, Believer, let's consider the eyes of God as they are on our life. Let's live with Him, for Him and to Him. May He delight in our path and our way.

Seas, Adversity & Perspective 11.19.08

2008-11-19T06:47:00.000-08:00

The seas have lifted up, O LORD,

the seas have lifted up their voice;

the seas have lifted up their pounding waves.

Mightier than the thunder of the great waters,

mightier than the breakers of the sea

--the LORD on high is mighty.

Psalm 93:3-4

Dear Reader,

I confess that I continually need to be reminded that God is greater, mightier, and more powerful than any storm I face. It seems we all do. Perhaps that is why God, our loving Father, knowing our weakness, continually reminds us of who He is and His love for us.

So be reminded today...again...how great our God is!

The Pain of Discipline 11.13.08

2008-11-13T07:41:00.000-08:00

Proverbs 3:11-12
11 My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline and do not resent his rebuke, 12 because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.

It's difficult to see God's discipline as love, isn't it? When I was a child and being disciplined by my earthly father "love" was not the word I would use to describe how I was feeling. Fear, dread, panic, pain, anger, resentment, sorrow are words that more accurately describe how I was feeling when I was being disciplined. Those words belong in the realm of a child who experiences discipline only as punishment and does not realize it is also for his protection and training.

Hebrew 12:9-11Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! 10 Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

Here we are told that discipline is "for our good," so that we can share in God's very nature, his holiness. God disciplines us so that we become more like Him and share to a greater degree His life. He disciplines us with an eye to a mature son and daughter. He disciplines us with the hope of a "harvest of righteousness and peace." In fact, this discipline is His training ground for us motivated by His love.

"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however..." You see, that is the perspective we must keep as God's child, "later on, however..." We must remember that God disciplines those He loves. Often God will smite our conscience or we will encounter what Proverbs calls, "the rebukes of life." Perhaps we will be confronted by a brother or sister in the Lord. Those indeed can be painful times but they are for our good.

So, Believer, when God disciplines us let's not resist and resent but respond and repent. God's care for us, even at the risk of making us angry with Him, is the expression of our Father who wants what is best for His children.

Offering Transformation 11.10.08

2008-11-10T19:06:00.000-08:00

A delicate dance, engaging in the market place of ideas with the world, on the cultural and political level, while depending on another world, the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ for reality and revival. So foolishly we have placed our hope in the field of the world rather than the Kingdom seed of His word.

When we were farming we raised "certified wheat seed" as one of our crops. "Certified" meant that is was pure wheat seed and did not contain weed seeds. As believers engaging the culture we often foolishly believe that something other than "certified Kingdom seed" ( the word of God) can transform the field of the world. The result is that while claiming to be "Christian" we willing compromise by placing our hope in the seed of a political system that can never transform the world. Only Revival can transform the field, only the Word of God. Political systems bring change when the people who lead them are changed themselves by the transforming seed of God's Word and the breath of His Spirit. These pure seeds of God's kingdom are longed for even by the field of the world. To me this explains why Pro Marriage amendments keep passing even in states (30 at latest count) that lean liberal. Even the world, as whacked out as it is, has a residual memory, the dying, famished spark of a God-given conscience, that longs for the true seed of it's Creator. And unless the Holy Spirit blows upon that spark no amount of "change" will deal with the dross of this world's deplorable condition. Our current political systems and messiahs bring to the world bags filled with polluted seed, yet we continue to hope in them. No, only revival that purifies the threshing floor of impure and moldy seed can offer transformation!

Bright Spots In This Election 11.06.08

2008-11-06T06:32:00.000-08:00

This election of 2008 has some bright spots that need to be noted -

From http://www.citizenlink.org/

'When we unite around timeless values like marriage, we can win.'
Marriage and family were the big winners Tuesday, as three states voted to protect marriage in their constitutions and Arkansas voted to provide children with both an adopted mom and dad.
Florida, Arizona and California became the 28th, 29th and 30th states to amend their constitutions to define marriage as the union between one man and one woman.
Despite tens of millions of dollars spent by gay activists to defeat the marriage initiatives, pro-family leaders in the three states led heroic campaigns to protect marriage from activist judges and lawmakers.

Our New President Elect 11.05.08

2008-11-05T07:36:00.000-08:00

Today we have a new President Elect, Barack Obama. So, we must pray. We must pray for this man who will occupy the greatest seat of power in the world today. We must pray that He seeks God for wisdom, for he will surely need it. The problems that face us are much greater than the wisdom that one man or one political party possesses.

AND we must pray for our nation - that God will turn us back to Him. That problem (our hearts turning away from God) is as old as the fall of man and cannot be blamed on any one president or political party.

Romans 13:1-3
13:1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

1 Timothy 2:1-5
2:1 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone- 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

Brothers and sisters, let not our mouths be filled with worry, fear or insults when we speak of our leaders ( and I am speaking to myself as well) because that is how the devil talks and how he thinks. Our enemy is often effective in transmitting the viruses of worry and fear because he himself is so afraid. Let's not take part in that. Let's not speak the language of hate and insult because that is our enemy's native language. Instead, as the Scriptures teach us, let's pray for our leaders and remember that God has given them to us and He commands that we pray for them.

This is our duty and God-given responsibility, to pray for our leaders, whether we voted for them or not, whether Presidents or Governors. Pray that God would reveal Himself to them and give them the wisdom to govern with equity and righteousness.

And always remember that the Lord Jesus Christ is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Remember that He rules over all His creation and our nation as well.

Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Servant. 11.2.08

2008-11-02T16:49:00.000-08:00

This famous painting by Ford Madox Brown depicts Jesus in a way not often seen in the world of art- Jesus the servant.

Notice in this picture of Christ there is not the slightest trace of effeminancy. Nor is there a hint of spaciness. Instead, Christ is very much in the moment, washing the feet of a disturbed Peter, who exclaimed, "Lord, you shall never wash my feet!" See how the Master goes about His task with strength and resolve. Look at the rolled up sleeves, the grip of His hand, the muscles in His arms, the determined set of His eyes on His task. This is Christ about His business of building disciples and instilling the heart of a servant in His men. This is a leader men could follow, a man of integrity and purpose.

But's let not forget that Jesus is also true God - yet the very picture of humility!

Lord, raise up men of strength and your humility to lead your people! Rebuild our character and moral resolve to carry out your purpose on the earth!

Would You Defend This Child?

2008-10-28T16:28:00.000-07:00

Would you defend this child?

How about this child?

What about this child?

One of the Presidential Candidates does not believe that two of these children need to be defended. One of the Presidential Candidates supports our society's "right" to abort two of these children.

That candidate is Barack Obama.

In spite of his talk of compassion for the poor,

equal rights for the oppressed,

and hope for the disenfranchised,

he does not have compassion for the "least of these,"

he does not know when human rights begin for the most innocent child,

he does not offer hope to the most vulnerable of our society.

That is why as a human being, as a father, and as a Christian

I cannot support, and will not vote for a man -

who claiming wisdom cannot see the obvious,

and claiming compassion supports the killing of the innocent.

By the way, the above pictures...what if they are all the same child?

At what point will you defend this child? Start with your vote!

Jess Slusher

*Please forward this if you think it can make a difference!

Reminder of His Purpose 10/28/08

2008-10-28T05:55:00.001-07:00

Dear Reader,

I'm back! Sorry for the absence but in a way I lost my voice. Writers block? Yes, probably!

It seems an auspicious day, my son Kaleb is 18 years old today. (That's Kaleb, on the right with his brother Kip, 15, on the Icicle Gorge Trail)

So by way of reflection I remember that God expresses His goodness and faithfulness to us by the people He places in our lives. They are reminders to us of His presence and His love. This is certainly true of my son, Kaleb. So, if I may, I would like to share you a story from the past, 18 years ago.

Kaleb's birth was very difficult. We was very close to a c-section and his whole birthing process seemed to be a spiritual battle. When he was born the umbilical cord was around his neck as well as having a knot in it. He was unconscious, not breathing and lifeless. I remember holding my breath in fear as the doctors and nurses were urging him to breath. But of course, the breath of life came into him and he roared with vigor!

We had considered naming him Samuel Kaleb Glen Slusher, breaking our tradition of K's that came with Katie and Kyle but God had a different plan. As we drove home with Kaleb from the hospital we were rehearsing the goodness of God in giving us our son when along the Columbia River at Rock Island Dam the Lord spoke to both of us, "His name is Kaleb!"

You see, the day Kaleb was born I was to be ordained, set in as pastor of Faith Community Church, but his birth interrupted those plans and God's plan took over. Now I mark the date of the beginning of my ministry as pastor of Faith Community as the date of my son's birth. God informed us that his name was Kaleb after the great man of God who entered the promised land, took on the giants by faith in God's promise and triumphed even in his old age. God was saying to Lynn and I, and our church," You will enter the promised land of God's will and purpose!" So the naming of my son was a sign to us of God's will and intention.

Dear Reader,God does this in many ways in all of our lives, speaking to us by the sign posts He places for us to see along the way. We should not forget them. They are reminders of His love, goodness, and purpose!

Kaleb, happy birthday, son!!! Thank you for being the reminder of God's love and faithfulness. We love you!

Asking and Yielding - 9/30/08

2008-09-30T07:29:00.000-07:00

Dear Reader,

There is power enough in the Lord Jesus Christ,in the purpose of our Great Father in Heaven, in the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, and in the riches of His word, to provide all we need to do the will of God, if we will only do two things - Ask & Yield.

Asking is taking the effort to commune with God and pray for His will, life, provision and intervention. Yielding is humbling ourselves and letting His will and His way set the tone for our decisions and our days. May God strengthen and refresh you as pray and yield to Him!

Who Am I ? Saturday, 9/20/08

2008-09-20T19:56:00.000-07:00

Who Am I?
(from the blog Sanctus - http://www.sanctusbenedictus.com/)

I am under 45 years old,

I love the outdoors,

I hunt,

I am a Republican reformer,

I have taken on the Republican Party establishment,

I have many children,

I have a spot on the national ticket as vice presidentwith less than two years in the governor's office.

Did you guess?

I am Teddy Roosevelt!

Or Perhaps you were thinking of

Governor Sarah Palin?

The Cross: The devil's device, the devil's demise. 9.15.08

2008-09-15T16:15:00.000-07:00

Colossians 2:13-15
When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14 having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. 15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

Fact checker:
1) You have been made alive with Christ. (God took the initiative to make this happen)
2) We have been forgiven of ALL of our sins.
3) The violations of God's law ("the written code") that was recorded in God's record book (our rap sheet) was erased by the blood of Christ.
4) The powers of darkness were disarmed and humiliated publicly in front of all the powers in the eternal realm in that moment of Christ's death on the cross!

What does this mean for me?
1) You are alive with Christ!
2) You are forgiven, forgiven, forgiven!
3) As far as the east is from the west - that's how far your sins are away from God's sight!
4) The devil has been lying to you: making you believe that when God sees you he sees a sinner; enslaving you by making you believe you are bound by sin and bound to sin; making you believe he has power over you. Lies, all lies.

Now Believer, rise up. Shake off the chains of lies that bind you, they are mere cobwebs compared to the power of Christ's complete and absolute victory on the cross! Rise up, forgiven, cleansed, holy child of God.

Do You Remember? 9/11/08

2008-09-11T05:10:00.001-07:00

Dear Reader,

Do you remember what you were doing when you heard about 9/11 - the planes commandeered by terrorists flying into the Twin Towers and the Pentagon? Without a doubt, you do. You probably remember with clarity the conversations surrounding that hour and the encounters with others immediately following. Doubtless you can recall certain things in minute detail. It is as if the moment is frozen in time.

For me, I was in Paris, France. Lynn and I had just taken our daughter Katie to serve there as a nanny to a missionary family. I remember looking out the window of our hotel room and seeing shocked Americans on their cell phones trying to get through to home. Amazing how those moments are riveted in my memory. Those are moments that mark us for life, they change us in some way, so deep is their impact. You will find this is true with any dramatic moment you have lived through.

Now, beyond 9/11...what do you imagine our enemy the devil remembers? What is riveted in his mind? I'll take you to a memory that for him is the defining moment of his dark history.

Colossians 1:19-23 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him,(Jesus) 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation- 23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.

It is important to remember the devil's demise during these days when we remember such painful memories - like 9/11- caused by the evil one and the consequences of the fall of man through Adam. Imagine the devil's shock when he realized that what he thought was his grand masterpiece, having Jesus crucified and murdered like a criminal on the cross, was actually God's master stroke of victory. In that moment God made peace with humanity by paying Himself for our sins. In that moment of time God set us free from the power of the devil and made it possible for us to boldly come into God's presence completely free from the devil's ability to accuse us! Imagine the devil's horror, when he realized the cross actually secured his own destruction and our victory over sin, death and the power of the devil! What a moment of horror that was and is for him and what a moment of life that was and is for us!

So, believer, when you encounter or remember dark days of evil, remind yourself that evil will never triumph, that it has already been defeated on the cross. Remember the days of Christ's death and resurrection, remember the days of His absolute triumph. Remember that you are living under His victorious reign and that as a recipient of forgiveness and eternal life and the power of the Holy Spirit you are the devil's worst nightmare reminding him of his humiliation.

Just remember those things, Believer. Remember that God has made you His son or daughter and that all blessings found in Christ are yours! Do you remember?

Help With Our Struggle Against Sin - 9/04/08

2008-09-04T06:56:00.000-07:00

Dear Reader,

Psalm 19 gives us some insight into the role of God's commands and our struggle with sin.

vs. 7-11 The law of the LORD is perfect,
reviving the soul.
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the LORD are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever.
The ordinances of the LORD are sure
and altogether righteous.
10 They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the comb.
11 By them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.

So much promise in the law of God! Notice what commands offer us - reviving of our soul,wisdom, joy, understanding 'light to the eyes', endurance and confidence 'sure', warning and reward. These are God's purposes for His law in a nutshell but then we have to deal with our reality for the commands of God reveal our weaknesses-

12-13
12 Who can discern his errors?
Forgive my hidden faults.
13 Keep your servant also from willful sins;
may they not rule over me.
Then will I be blameless,
innocent of great transgression.

Here the Scripture tells us of weaknesses of our sin nature:
1) Errors: All types of errors. Errors in judgement, in words, in actions. We have all been there. In other words, we make mistakes!
2) Hidden Faults: Whether it is the basic weakness of our sin nature or wounding or poor discipline in the way we were raised as children, or negative and harsh life experiences, 'hidden faults' are those things that can constantly trip us. They are resident in our character, 'hidden faults' in our soul.
3) Willful sins: Here we make choices that create ruts that are easy for us to fall into and hard to get out of. Willful sins, like addictions, have the potential to rule us.

But there is hope. Nestled in this diagnosis of sin are three powerful words: 'forgive', 'blameless,' 'innocent.' These three words are God's intention for us as we deal we struggle with sin and it's effects. This is the hope that we find in Christ and His sacrifice for our sins. Look carefully at the final verses of Psalm 19 for they give us the prescription for walking in freedom:

Ps 19:14
14 May the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,O LORD,
my Rock and my Redeemer.

Believer, it all starts in the heart and what your heart ponders. What can be more powerful and effective for us in walking right with God than meditating on His word. God help us to remember where our strength lies, not in the resources of our will power, but in the power of God's word and His commands. Jesus used those words to resist temptation from the devil and so can we. His word can give us wisdom, enlighten us and refresh us!

Christ Eternal Wednesday - 9/03/08

2008-09-03T06:25:00.000-07:00

Christ Eternal

(About The Person & Work of Christ)

* *

Christ Eternal with the Godhead

Christ, Word sings creations span

Christ conealed, prophetic promise

Christ Incarnate, Son of Man

Christ Baptized by water, Spirit

Christ Crucified, Atonement Lamb

Christ Victorious o'er dark dominion

Christ Liberator, earth and man

Christ Resurrected by the Spirit

Christ's Gospel to the world commands

Christ Ascended to the Father

Christ's Spirit, gifts poured out on man

Christ's Kingdom rule and grace extending

Christ, Judge and High King, comes again

Loving God - 8/28/09

2008-08-28T06:31:00.000-07:00

1 John 5:3-43

This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, 4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world.

How do we know we love God? It's very simple, we obey His commands. The verse goes on to tell us that His commands are not burdensome. What a contrast to much of the threads of disdain for God's law often found in the church today.

Here is a point to consider: Jesus said in the Great Commission, "make disciples of all nations...teaching them to obey all that I commanded you." It seems we have made becoming a disciple so easy, as easy as saying a sinners prayer. Yet, God is after more, for the prayer is just the beginning. John told us that everyone born of God overcomes the world by obeying God's commands and that it is an expression of love for God.

Believer, the part of the verse that brings it home to me is "and His commands are not burdensome..." that speaks of Divine enablement and Spirit-led obedience. It speaks of obedience that comes from the heart in response to God's great love.

So, today, Christian, ask God to help you obey all He has commanded you and reveal to you any area where you are not walking in obedience. Expect than that He will help you do just that since it is His will for you to experience this overcoming life that He has given us in Christ.

Set Free - 8/19/08

2008-08-19T07:39:00.000-07:00

I run in the path of Your commands,for You have set my heart free.

Psalm 119:32

That has always been God's intention. He wants us to be free. He created us to be free. But, as fallen men, we have perverted freedom to mean freedom from any restriction or law or moral standard.

Imagine suddenly finding yourself in the midst of a field of thorny blackberry vines:Everywhere you look, mile after mile, you see nothing but thorny vines. Sure, you can go anywhere you want, there is nothing to keep you from traveling in any direction but every step brings piercing and scratching and misery. Now this "freedom" of unlimited options seems like a prison of misery because while you first thought you were experiencing freedom you now realize you are experiencing bondage. The path, 'so restrictive' now seems well defined and orderly. That narrow path that was once 'oppressive' because it kept you on a defined course now seems protective and safe. And looking at the false freedom of thorns and affliction that you find yourself in compared to the freedom of God's path that you left leaves you with the screaming accusation, "What were you thinking!"

Adam and Eve must have experienced that after they plunged humanity into the thorn fields of sin. Satan deceived Eve by convincing her that God was holding out on them, that He was keeping something good from them. The truth was that God was protecting them. God's laws bring freedom and protection as we learn to walk in them.

The Absolute Necessity - 8/16/08

2008-08-16T09:23:00.000-07:00

Dear Reader,

"He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way." Psalm 25:9

Pride is the great killer of real learning. Pride doesn't need to be taught since it already knows everything or qualifies everything through the lens of it's own perspective. But God asks us to come to Him with a blank slate, so to speak. In other words, we come to Him as the student in complete submission to the teacher. Pride and flesh even corrupts our motives for learning:

success, prosperity, self esteem, etc. will undermine the very foundations for why we walk with God.

Here is the truth: we are totally bankrupt. We know nothing. The human race has botched the job completely and we have to start totally over by walking with God again in the garden and learning from Him His ways.

"He guides the humble." That is the absolute requirement, the absolute necessity for learning. How many times I have been given advice from someone who knows how to fix the church but has no wisdom on how to fix their own life. This is the seed of pride and it must be eradicated. In many ways we all do this, advising and counseling God on what is best by picking and choosing from His Holy Law as if His commands were optional. This is our flesh playing the trump card and until it is God who plays that card we are not yet in a position of being a true disciple.

God help us to learn from Him in reality by humbling our heart to receive His truth and be guided in His ways.

In The Course of Time Thusday, 8/14/08

2008-08-14T10:00:00.000-07:00

Dear Reader,

We often view time as our enemy. It seems there is never enough of it, we run out of it, etc.

But God uses time to accomplish His will. Time is His creation and has been working effectively and undaunted since He created the first day. (See Genesis 1).

Here is a tender story of how God works within the scope of time to accomplish His will. Read the story of the beginning of the life of the prophet Samuel in 1 Samuel and you find these lines in chapter 1, verses 19-20

"...and the Lord remembered her. So in the course of time Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, "Because I asked the Lord for him."

"in the course of time," what a beautiful phrase. We get a glimpse of how God works with Time to accomplish His will. We also glimpse God's heart and care for His people.

So believer, don't give up and dont get discouraged. God will remember you and "in the course of time" accomplish His will.

God's Great Provision - Wednesday, 7/30/08

2008-07-30T06:27:00.000-07:00

Dear Reader,

I want to share an email report that I sent to our church family. It is about a gift that was given to our local church, Faith Community Church, by another local church, Quincy Free Methodist Church. It is evidence of God's generous provision and testimony to the true unity of the Body of Christ. It also says something about a church and it's leaders, their faith and their vision of the kingdom of God, who so freely and cheerfully gave from their own treasury into the ministry of another local church. It is also a powerful reminder that though we meet in different camps we are one family in Christ and one Body who serve One Lord Jesus Christ.

We have learned many times over the years, as we have been meeting in rented facilities, the generosity of God's people as different congregations in town have given us use of their facilities for weddings, funerals, receptions, special meetings, etc. We know certainly that we are invested in each other and that we do not stand alone. May God help us to remember the wells of grace we have been refreshed by and may we in turn be a source of grace and help to others!

2 Corinthians 9:12-15

This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. 14 And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. 15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

Monday, 7/28/08

Dear Faith Family,

It is with great rejoicing that I have the pleasure of informing you of a gift of amazing generosity from one of our sister churches, Quincy Free Methodist Church. Yesterday, Pastor Bob Lindeman announced in both services that God challenged their board to tithe on their building fund and sow into 3 different ministries, one of them being our church body, Faith Community. Their congregation applauded as it was announced that they were giving $30,000 to Faith Community's building fund!!! Thank you, Lord, for this provision and for the great generosity of our brothers and sisters in Christ!

Pastor Jess

Seeing Jesus - Monday, 7/28/08

2008-07-28T06:22:00.000-07:00

Dear Reader,

I have pasted an article by a friend of mine, TM Moore. It will give you a fresh and powerful and Biblical view of our Lord Jesus Christ!

Enjoy,

Jess

Seeing Jesus

Written by T. M. Moore, on 07-28-2008 00:00

Published in : Periodic, Unseen Things
“You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.”- Matthew 26.64
From their earliest days the children of believers are subject to images of Jesus, usually in the form of pictures, drawings, or sometimes models or dolls. These pictures are entirely predictable: Jesus will have a sweet smile on his white face, and He will typically have His arms extended welcoming children or teaching a crowd, or be seated or kneeling in the midst of a gaggle of kids. Thus we teach our children that Jesus is attractive, approachable – Someone we can trust and learn to love. I wonder how we decided that this was the image of Jesus we should foist on the next generation? Of course, it’s not an untrue representation; it’s merely incomplete. Certainly Jesus is friendly to children, welcoming and loving, with many wonderful things to teach them. We must not neglect to teach our children – and to contemplate for ourselves – this very human and appealing side of our Lord Jesus Christ.But Jesus insists that our contemplations of Him, and the image we hold in mind of Him, should be something more: “from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” That “from now on” is rather specific. Jesus intends that we should nurture in our minds – even as He endured His suffering and was laid in the tomb – the vision of Him exalted to glory, receiving an eternal Kingdom, and poised to return in judgment at any moment. This is a picture of Jesus not nearly so approachable and genteel as what we usually present to our children, but it is a true and necessary vision of our Lord, and one that each of us must labor to hold in mind. Jesus is Lord, Lord of all things, possessor and upholder of the universe and everything in it. The ends of the earth and all its peoples have been given to Him to do with as He pleases. He is calling out His chosen ones from among the lost peoples of the world and commissioning them to receive and advance His Kingdom. He comes to them and goes before them in His Spirit, putting all His enemies under His feet, reconciling all things back to God and putting them into the hands of His people for the building of His Church. No human scheme or power can resist His will; spiritual forces of wickedness in high places are already defeated and doomed. His rule is coming on earth as it is in heaven because His people are seeking His Kingdom above all else, a domain of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Spirit that turns the upside-down world rightside-up for the Lord. Jesus has been advancing His rule steadily since the first Pentecost, and there is no sign that it is failing in its purpose of bringing to light the knowledge of God and His glory. Yes there are setbacks, sidetracks, and sudden brief reversals. But the Kingdom continues to advance, subduing the world for the love of God and pointing ahead to the day when Jesus will return, not to embrace and allure but to judge and condemn, to make all things new, and to gather all His chosen ones to Himself at last and to restore the Kingdom to His God and Father, and ours.And at the forefront and apogee of it all sits our Lord Jesus Christ, radiant in brilliant splendor and glory, draped in power and strength, bearing a sickle, a sword, and a scepter in His hand, the emblems of His eternal, irresistible purpose. He is there in His glorified body even now, interceding for His saints, sending out His angels to protect and guide them, empowering them by His Spirit, and sweeping away all opposition to the steady advance of the Gospel. Jesus is Lord! Do you see Him there, seated at the right hand of Power and coming again on the clouds of heaven?

MyParuchia: The Fellowship of Ailbe - Monday, 28 July 2008

MyParuchia: The Fellowship of Ailbe

The Physics of Faith & The Kingdom- Tuesday, 7/22/08

2008-07-22T13:28:00.000-07:00

"Is there an area of my life where the government of God and His peace could increase?" Undoubtedly, I am assuming, you said, "Yes!" Because of God's Holy Spirit all of us are aware of areas where we can grow and experience a greater rule of God's government, God's kingdom. Actually, Jesus promises us whatever we need will be provided if we seek His government in our life, first and foremost.

Matthew 6:28-34 "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Jesus is equating the priority of seeking His kingdom and His righteousness with the promise of provision.

The blessing of God is greater than > or equal to + our obedience.

*Picture is galaxy NGC 5866 taken by Hubble telescope.

Physics of Faith: Thoughts- Sunday, 7/20/08

2008-07-20T06:50:00.000-07:00

Dear Reader,

Well, I did receive one comment via email from the last post, so check it out. Thanks, Mark!

Back to the subject at hand...we were talking about the Physics of Faith or rather, the physics that occur within the realm of faith.

The blessing of God is greater than > or equal to = our obedience.

Do you think that's true? Well, it is and it isn't. In general the blessing of God is upon the whole sinful human race, whether they are obedient to God or not -

Matthew 5:44-48 I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Here is a great truth that we often overlook. Just being alive, walking under God's sky, breathing His air, walking on His earth, is an incredible gift. All mankind are recipients of God's incredible goodness and generosity. These blessings are given by God because He is generous, "He cause His sun to shine on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." If you have been walking with God for any time you have probably become aware of the blessings that you experience everyday that are the result of God's mercy to His creation. Theologians call this, "Common Grace." It is grace that the whole race of man experiences that is not necessarily based on obedience to God and His word.

Is there a different kind of blessing we can enter into where God's blessings are greater than > or equal to = our obedience? Yes! This would be called Dominion. It is when we seek Christ's kingdom, His beneficent rule and the government of His Word and will. This law of faith takes effect because we are entering into the realm of Faith where the covenantal laws of God govern. And as we obey the laws of the Kingdom, the blessings of this obedience follow.

Meditate on this verse and ask yourself, "Is there an area of my life where God's government and peace could increase?" We'll talk more about this in the next post.

Isaiah 9:6-7 For to us a child is born,to us a son is given,and the government will be on his shoulders.And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end.

The Physics of Faith - Thursday, 7/17/08

2008-07-17T08:23:00.000-07:00

Dear Reader, Have you ever wondered if the laws of math apply to the spiritual? Probably not, I'm thinking. I mean, who during their devotional time suddenly says (with a little light bulb appearing overhead like in the cartoons), "This verse reminds me a mathematical equation I once studied!"?

Well, here's a thought: All sciences - biological, mathematical, ecological, etc have their origin in God Himself and therefore are a reflection of faith. That's why Steven Hawking, one of the foremost physicists in the the world, after studying the physics of the universe and it's beginning said, "There must be a God who intended to create people like us."

The summer challenge for our church, Faith Community, has been to memorize the 10 Commandments. We are doing this because by meditating on God's law we are likely to become a more obedient people and become better equipped in a Biblical worldview.

So hear is the formula I have been meditating on:

God's blessing is greater than > or equal to = our obedience.

What I have noticed is that a lot of people think that God owes them blessing. BUT, they live their life as if they had no obligation to obey Him at all. Many of us don't see God's blessing as connected with our obedience.

Here's another formula for you:

Discipline of God /Adversity/ Rebukes of Life are greater than > or equal to = our disobedience.

Hmmm... that one is definitely not popular but I think we would all agree on this one:

God's mercy is greater than > our disobedience.

What do you think? Are these formulas Biblical? Have you found them true in your life?

Are they popular in our current church culture? I would love to hear back from you so leave a concise comment!

(Just so you know: The above photo is not a self- portrait but a pic. of Albert Einstein - one of the pioneers of modern physics.)

The Friction of God's Law- Monday, 7/12/08

2008-07-14T07:03:00.000-07:00

The irresistible and gravitational pull of the earth on an object as it enters it's atmoshpere insures both it's arrival and destruction. I feel the heat of friction of God's law against the impurities of my heart and yet the grace of God compels me to come closer still. I realize that all things are under the force of this gravitational pull of God's Holiness and all will be destroyed...or refined. And for those that are refined, though the heat is blistering, the longing for more of Him, the Consuming Fire, is unquenchable.

Isaiah 33:14-16 The sinners in Zion are terrified;

trembling grips the godless:

"Who of us can dwell with the consuming fire?

Who of us can dwell with everlasting burning?"

15 He who walks righteously and speaks what is right,

who rejects gain from extortion and keeps his hand from accepting bribes,

who stops his ears against plots of murder and shuts his eyes against contemplating evil--

16 this is the man who will dwell on the heights,

whose refuge will be the mountain fortress.

His bread will be supplied,and water will not fail him.

Our Memory of the True God - Wednesday, 7/09/08

2008-07-09T06:38:00.000-07:00

"You shall have no other gods before Me."
Why? Well, the worship of false gods is just that - FALSE.
It is interesting to note in the lore and myths of other religions how often the gods battled each other for supremacy. This never occurs in the Bible because there are no other gods.
God commanded the children of Israel to destroy the altars and idols of the false gods when they entered the promised land because they were just that FALSE. He did not want His people being enslaved to a lie. In the end, that is all a false god can offer - a lie.

1 Thessalonians 1:9 " They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God..."

Stirring Our Memory - Monday, 7/07/08

2008-07-07T07:12:00.000-07:00

"I am the Lord your God who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before Me." Exodus 20:2-3

This is the first commandment, "You shall have no other gods before Me."

Where there are many gods there are many masters. For the Israelites, Egypt was a land of slavery to the Egyptians and to the Egyptian gods. After 400 years they looked more like Egyptians than the seed of Abraham. Even after their mighty deliverance by miraculous signs and the parting of the Red Sea, the pillar of fire by night and the cloud by day, Israel was prone to worship false gods. That's why they so readily demanded that Aaron make a god for them to worship when Moses was late coming down from the mountain where he was meeting with the true God. Even after experiencing the power and life of the true God they slipped back into Egypt in their hearts to worship a golden calf.

But before we are too harsh on the children of Israel, our ancestors in the faith, we must realize that they displayed the fallen tendencies and rebellion that lives in all of Adam's race.

We are all prone to follow other gods. These gods lure us back to the bondage we knew before Christ freed us from our sins and slavery to our flesh and the devil. This is especially true now in our own nation where the worship of false gods is popular, where books are marketed to women encouraging them to release the 'goddess' within. It's all Egypt. It appeals because it draws our flesh into the quick and self serving gods of our slavery. God, on the other hand, asks us to accomplish the much more difficult work of building relationship with Him through fear and love.

"Fear God and keep His commandments" and "If you love Me you will keep my commandments" are not contradictory but complimentary. Like a child who learns to obey his parents out of fear and love so we too learn to obey God the same way. Never is this more true than when it comes to keeping God alone as the center of our life which is why God commands, "You shall have no other gods before Me."

Restoring Our Memory - 7/03/08

2008-07-02T14:17:00.000-07:00

A news story I saw told about an experiment on memory. In this experiment a group of mice were placed in a large vat of cloudy water with a small platform the size of baseball submerged just under the surface on the far side. The mice, by nature very good swimmers, swam all around the vat in zig-zag fashion looking for a way out of the water. As they swam they eventually swam into the platform and would climb onto it safe from drowning.

The mice were reintroduced to the vat of water the next day and remembering the platform they immediately swam to safety. They were then given a drug which destroyed their memory. When introduced to the water the next day they could not remember the location of the platform until they ran into it. Each time they were placed back into the vat they swam in circles having lost the ability to remember.

This group of mice was divided into two groups. One group was placed back in their cages for several weeks while the other group was let loose in the mouse equivalent of Disney World. There were colored tubes, slides, hamster wheels, etc. - a total environment of stimulation for the memory impaired rodents.

After a few weeks the mice were reintroduced to the vat of water. The mice who had remained in the cages swam in circles, unaware of the platform or it's location while the mice who had been stimulated by their Disney World swam immediately to the platform. Conclusion: A environment rich in stimulation is effective in restoring memory.

Now, Believer, think about it. When sin infected the human race at the fall our memory of God and His laws were for the most part completely fried. The fall from being created in the 'image of God' to the realm of rebellion was so deep that Adam's race like those confused mice have been swimming in relativistic moral circles unable to remember the platform of safety that we have in God. But God in His mercy came to restore our memory of Himself. When we repent and yield our lives to Christ, the work of His Holy Spirit and His Word begins the process of memory restoration. In Christ, the 2nd Adam, our regeneration takes place and God's image once again becomes our true nature. In Christ, our moral and familial memory (God is our Father) is restored from the deadly effects of sin. Like the Prodigal Son we come back to our senses.

It is the rich environment of God's Spirit and His Word and His Church that He uses to 'restore our memory.' As a result our families reflect this transformation by becoming rich environments of Godly principles and 'the Word made flesh' in our communication and activities. So, cooperate today, Believer, with God and His Spirit as you spend time in His Word, in Prayer and your fellowship with God's family, the Church and in your home. In these He has created a rich environment for our renewal and the restoration of His image in our life.

Deuteronomy 6:5-9

Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.

Titus 3:3-8

At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

Feed That Sheep! Wednesday, 7/02/08

2008-07-02T08:19:00.000-07:00

There once was a man who was given a sheep.

The man noticed the sheep was white and fluffy and apparently very well fed. Several weeks went by as the man fed his cat and his dog but only gave water to the sheep because, as he had continually observed, his sheep had no need at all for food since it seemed so fat and fluffy and seemed to have it's fill when fed once a week.

Then came the day when suddenly the sheep was not standing in the meager pasture greeting him but lying down and motionless. The neighbor who had much experience with sheep examined it.

"Why this poor sheep is nuttin' but skin and bones! What have you been feedin it?"

"I don't. I mean I throw it a morsel once a week...it seems so fat and fluffy!"

"It's a sheep man! Of course it's fluffy! But you've got to care for it. You've got to feed it regularly. By your neglect this sheep is starving to death!"

The man was horrified and grieved and from that day on fed his sheep every day! And it remains to this day healthy, white and fluffy.

Is your soul being fed more than just on Sunday? Are you caring for your soul daily or is it possible your soul is starving to death because of neglect? You've got to feed it everyday with God's word and prayer if you want it to stay "white and fluffy."

Life On Mars?- Friday, 6/27/08

2008-06-27T07:49:00.000-07:00

Life on Mars? Hmm.... A lot of great science fiction has been written about life on Mars. As we speak a little robot is scooting around taking soil samples and looking for the building blocks of life or evidence of life that once existed. They have found ice crystals.

The Bible does not speak to whether there is life on Mars or any other planet. It does not speak to alien spaceships or alien civilizations. Unlike what the Nazi protagonist speculated on the movie, Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark, the ark of the covenant was not a radio transmitter to another planet or higher life form.

The Bible can speak though to why there may not be life now on Mars. The Scriptures indicate that at the fall all of creation was impacted by the consequences of sin. Sin affected the created order. What was placed in delicate balance was thrown out of balance by the devastation of sin. That's one of the reasons that Romans says "Creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed."

Sadly, we humans tend to look for the great answers in life from a scoop of dirt on a desolate planet while the God of all creation looks over our shoulder. Having created us, given us evidence of His existence through what He made, having given us His own Son in the flesh to show us what He is like, having given us a book He has written about Himself and our place in His world called the Bible, and having given evidences of His existence through the lives of millions of men and women, we as a human race are still mostly ignorant of the Great One standing right in front of us.

Believer, you today are involved in a kingdom and a reality that others only hope exists. Today may God give us opportunity to share our hope, our God, with them.

The pic is from the movie, "Wall E"

Psalm 121 Wednesday, 6/25/08

2008-06-25T07:39:00.000-07:00

Psalms 121
1 A song of ascents.
I lift up my eyes to the hills--where does my help come from? 2 My help comes from the LORD,the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip--he who watches over you will not slumber; 4 indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD watches over you--the LORD is your shade at your right hand; 6 the sun will not harm you by day,nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD will keep you from all harm--he will watch over your life; 8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

One simple thought: the 'eyes' you lift up are the eyes of your heart. There is in this Psalm a sense of communion, expectancy and faith. When we say, "My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth." we are declaring a truth that we have learned that lives in our heart. We are saying, "The God who made this vast, incredible universe knows me and helps me."

When you go outside today, look around you. When you go outside tonight and see the stars above you, remember that the God who made all this helps you.

Congratulations, Steve! Tuesday, 6/24/08

2008-06-24T07:59:00.000-07:00

Dear Reader,

Pictured here is my dear friend, Steve Daley. Steve (On the right beside a colleague) has just received his Doctorate Degree from Hebrew University. So, I am taking the opportunity to honor my friend and roast him a little bit because he loves a good laugh almost as much as a good doctorate degree.

I met Steve in our first and final year at Bethesda Christian College. The school went under financially the year that we were there (long story) and so I often quip that everyone graduated at once. We became close friends and have remained so ever since.

Steve has told me that his interest in Biblical Languages was stirred or prodded by watching my roommate and I study Greek together. I'm not quite sure how that was possible since we were struggling quite a bit but if God can use a donkey then I guess He can use two donkeys studying Greek. Truly, we were amazing donkeys because Steve now knows Greek, Hebrew and another Middle Eastern dialect.

I am not exaggerating when I say that when he has stayed at my house I have spyed him doing his devotions in Hebrew. Yet, in spite of the fact he is fluent in four languages, (five actually - did I mention he speaks Canadian plus a little Spanish and he has studied German?) and I only fluent in one, he still likes me. But, hey, everyone needs a good donkey!

Here is a college memory I have of Steve from the Bethesda days. We were approaching the end of the quarter and exhausted from the strain of work and study. I was probably working on Greek vocabulary and verb forms and Steve was memorizing the book of Galations for one of his classes. I found him pacing in the dark hall outside his basement apartment we called "The Cave" mumbling verses and trying to memorize them when I had a singular and brilliant idea! Why not give our mind a break and take in a movie?

Now being poor college students we didn't have much cash for movies but Star Trek: The Movie was playing. (In retrospect it is one of the most boring movies ever made, but I digress)and I payed Steve's way. Well, about 3o minutes into the picture I glanced over at Steve to see if he was enjoying it as much as I was (man, William Shatner is old!) when I found he was ASLEEP! I did wake him, trying to make sure he benefited from my investment but my efforts became futile. I realized I had payed my hard earned money for Steve to have a nap!

You can imagine the thoughts I was having, "Hey, man! I know Galations is getting to you but I am studying Greek, for 'crying out loud!'" After 3/4 of the way through the movie, after vainly elbowing him 'accidentally' after I woke up (it was a really boring movie) I think we managed to make it through the rest of the way. That memory is so real because it has been re enforced many times through the years when I visit with Steve. When we watch a movie together I can tell how good the movie is by how quickly Steve falls asleep. If he stays awake through most of the movie it is a really good movie. I call this the SDS, the Steve Daley Scale. It helps you know whether a movie is terrible or pretty engaging. His wife, Karen, (who always stays awake during a movie) told me this is indeed true.

Seriously, I want to honor my friend who has accomplished so much by developing the gift that God gave him for languages. A Doctoral Degree is a great achievement and came at great labor and sacrifice. His whole family, Karen, Annelise and Karis are part of this huge accomplishment. But perhaps the greatest thing is that Steve is using this knowledge to serve the Lord Jesus Christ and see His church strengthened.

Congratulations, Steve! I am so grateful to God to see all that God is doing in you and through

you!

200th Post - His Word, Our Life - Friday,6/20/08

2008-06-20T06:17:00.000-07:00

Dear Reader,

A couple of posts ago I shared Moses' exhortation to Israel, "...the words of this law. They are not just idle words for you they are your life. By them you will live..." Deuteronomy 32:45-47.

Jesus said, "The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. " John 6:63-64

John tells us, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God." So Jesus came as the living Word to speak living Words to us. Jesus is the Word. He is the Word spoken by the Father through the life of the Spirit.

"In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe." Hebrews 1:1-2

Now, Believer, consider this: When God speaks to you through His word He is speaking to you through all three persons of the Godhead. God's Word is your very life. It is the will of the Father, the incarnation of the Son in your life, and the power of the Spirit bringing revelation to your heart.

God, give us a greater hunger for Your Words of Life!

Anticipation! - Wednesday, 6/18/08

2008-06-18T07:59:00.001-07:00

Dear Reader,

Usually I choose the picture to fit the post. Today, however, I will write the post to fit the picture.

This is my grandson, Jude, who is 3 years old. He has just received his first pair of swim goggles. He will have to wait until the morning before he goes swimming but that does not matter. He is prepared in anticipation for what is to come.

What is he thinking about? Look at that face and tell me? Do you remember what it was like to anticipate and imagine? Is he seeing schools of fish and underwater wonders? Perhaps, like the pictures in his books, he is already in the world of whales and dolphins. Undoubtedly he is dreaming in color and surround sound with special effects. It is mesmerizing - all the possibilities that present themselves with just a simple pair of swim goggles.

What I have described is the heart of innocence and faith. This boy so believes in the goodness of his parents and their complete care of him that he doesn't even think about danger, setbacks, etc. He is living in the world of absolute trust, anticipation and wonder. If only we could recapture that in our personal walk with Christ.

Remember what Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." Mark 10:14 I think it is time to recapture the wonder of all that God has for us in Christ. My grandson taught me that.

If this has been an encouragement to you please send the post or link to someone else!

Back to the Basics - Tuesday, 6/17/08

2008-06-17T08:35:00.000-07:00

Dear Reader,

Well, I am back from a wonderful family vacation with all my family which is very rare for us.

How precious the time is of just being together with our families. If you have small children, enjoy them now, they so soon grow and are gone.

I came across this verse in my devotions this morning and it really spoke to me. I hope it speaks to you.

When Moses finished reciting all these words to all Israel, 46 he said to them, "Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. 47 They are not just idle words for you--they are your life. By them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess." Deuteronomy 32:45-47

Moses spoke these words to Israel as they were getting prepared to enter the promised land. These words are true for us as well, "...the words of this law. They are not just idle words for you they are your life. By them you will live..." His word is our very life.

Painting God's House With Beauty - Friday, 06/06/08

2008-06-06T06:00:00.000-07:00

Yeah, it's Friday. It's a great day to talk about beauty.

One of the great characteristics of beauty is balance and harmony. To take a good landscape photo follow the Rule of Thirds. This rule is an easy way take a photo with balance.

In the above photo you will notice that the the sky takes in the upper third of the frame, the mountains the second, and the trees with the lake blend into the third. It's just a great tool to help provide balance and frame a pic. Give it a try sometime.

God is like that. In a way He follows the rule of thirds. (Hey, you know...the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!) Actually that's true. But what I really mean is that God is balanced. He is beautiful. He is Love, He is Truth, He is Light, He is Holy. He is the judge of the world and He is the Savior of the World. There is a great Scripture that highlights this truth of balance and beauty, For the LORD is our judge,the LORD is our lawgiver,the LORD is our king;it is he who will save us. Isaiah 33:22

Notice the description of the Lord being Judge, Lawgiver and King. Here is the beauty of balanced government. In our own governmental system in the U.S. we have three branches: the Judicial, the Legislative (lawgivers) and Executive (king, in our case president). These three branches rule with balance.

In the same way God deals with a fallen world under His government and His just laws

demand judgement. We are found guilty at the feet of King Jesus. And there before His great throne a wonderful and beautiful thing happens - the King steps off of His throne and takes the punishment for us that His law and judgement demands! You see believer, that is the balanced picture that God paints! The cross: place of judgement; the cross: place of mercy for a fallen world.

Yes, His holy laws find me guilty, but His great mercy and love offer me forgiveness. Oh, God, how beautiful You are! How terrible in holiness, how rich in mercy! How kind and loving!

So, Believer, I hope you will join me as discover what it means to paint God's house with beauty. His house, His church - His people, are to be a reflection of the beauty that He is!

If this has been an encouragement to you please share it with someone!

By the way - Happy Birthday to my dear friend Andy Ornelas!

Painting God's House With Beauty, 6/05/08

2008-06-05T08:26:00.000-07:00

Dear Reader,

God paints with beauty. Everything He does, He does well.

Never does God do anything 'on the cheap!' Here are a few photos from our recent vacation that I hope will demonstrate just how He paints with beauty. Enjoy!

Painting God's House with Truth - Wednesday, 6/04/08

2008-06-04T09:54:00.000-07:00

Dear Reader,

Just a little thought to close out this subject of truth. Have you ever heard the phrase, "new truth?" Usually what that means is 'truth that has just come to light.' In reality there is no such thing as "new truth." If something is true, it has always been true, because truth does not change. So truth can come to light, but it is not new. If we understand this we are better able to keep ourselves from deception.

We live in an age of designer religion. Many people, unhappy with the clear revelation of the Bible, or offended by it's teaching, concoct a new truth or revelation to more readily fit their new design. Inevitably this "revelation" will center around the person of Christ Himself.

One such recent designer "revelation" has come through a philosopher that Oprah promotes who claims that Jesus came to show us "the Christ that is in each one of us." Huh? This diminishes Jesus Christ from being the only way to God to being a guru of enlightenment. Suddenly, the gospel of salvation that teaches us our need of a savior takes us into the dark mist of a self focused swamp that says we are our own saviors. What we find is that the "new revelation" is nothing but an old lie. A very old lie. Check out this conversation between Pontius Pilate and Jesus.

37 "You are a king, then!" said Pilate.

Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me."

38 "What is truth?" Pilate asked.

John 18:37-38

Truth in the mouth of designer religion becomes relative to everyone and everything. In other words, "What's true for you may not be true for me!" and so on. If we admit or confess something is true than it also means if we do not follow that truth we are in violation of it.

Truth at it's very beginning has to do with who Jesus Christ is. That was Pilate's dilemma. Thats why he attempted to obscure the reality of truth by asking that very high sounding, philosophical question, "What is truth?" It's as old as the serpent saying to Eve, "Did God really say....?"

So, Believer, don't be ashamed of the truth and don't back down from it. If something is true, it has always been true. If Jesus is God, then He has always been God. John says it this way,

"We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true-even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life." 1 John 5:20

Painting God's House with Truth - Tuesday, 6 /03/08

2008-06-03T09:08:00.000-07:00

Dear Reader,

Often when we look at the reality of God being truth itself we leave out the fact that He is also love itself. Jesus did say, "I am the way, the truth and the life." John 14:6 and it says of Him in 1 John 4:8 & 16 that "God is love."

The truths of God being both love and truth are not held in tension for they are not off-setting or competitive. One does not cancel out the other, one does not over-ride the other. Truth and Love are not in a contest within God Himself and so they shouldn't be that way in our life.

Sometimes people claim to be prophetic in their personalities and speak the truth, sometimes honestly or even brutally. Or someone may claim to be strong in the area of mercy and so be weak in the area of truth, afraid to say what needs to be said. This, in reality, is a lack of balance. Because in the Word and in the life of God Himself, love and truth are not at odds or imbalanced. They work together. They are both necessary for maturity and wholeness.

Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. Ephesians 4:14-16

Here we see love and truth working together. In painting God's church we must always be truthful because He is truth. We must always be loving because He is love. Whether we are expressing this to a corrupt world that needs to repent or to God's family, truth and love work together.

How many of us have been "turned off" by a physician who only wants to give us the truth and sometimes quite brutally. They feel they owe that to us in order to be ethical. One doctor told my mother she had "congestive heart failure." She had been experiencing a racing heart with an irregular rhythm and was given the diagnosis that she was experiencing congestive heart failure. Of course this really bothered her and caused her a lot of anxiety and fear until we were referred to a heart specialist. He was very honest but also very kind (loving). He told her "what your doctor probably meant was that your heart was aging. Our hearts age and undergo various stresses but in studying your heart I find that you are doing well for your age and your heart is just fine. We will keep watching you and if there are any problems we will deal with them then." Wow. Now there is a whole different take on a diagnosis. One was indeed the truth but left no room for hope. The other was the truth with kindness, hope and help. It reminds me of this scripture, "For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has made him known." John 1:17-18

So paint, Believer! Paint with the truth of God and His Word without compromising for God is truth. To deny truth is to deny God. Paint with the love of God, it is a color most of the world never sees. Paint with them together. It's how God paints and these are the colors we are to paint His house with.

If this has been an encouragement to you please consider sharing it with someone else.

Painting God's House With Truth - Monday, 6/2/08

2008-06-02T11:13:00.000-07:00

Dear Reader,

Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, 15 if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. 1 Timothy 3:14-15

Wow. God's household, the church, is the pillar and the foundation of truth. That's because Jesus who is the cornerstone of the church is THE TRUTH. Remember, Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father except through me."

Today we find particularly in Western Culture that the church is shrinking from being the truth. The church wants to be something other than the foundation of truth. It wants to make people feel good and accepted even when God says something is unacceptable. There are many voices that say that strict standards are judgemental and that holiness is only a spiritual state.

Now consider, Believer, how can the church be God's household if we will not build according to the truth, reflect the truth or be the truth? Jesus prayed to His Father, "Sanctify them (set them apart) in truth. Thy word is truth." (John 17) God has not called us to apologize for the truth, explain away the truth, or compromise the truth. We are called to "be" the truth.

We live the truth in our personal and corporate lives by living it according to the Word of God out of obedience to Jesus Christ. We must paint with Truth.

Tomorrow: How Truth and Love blend Together.

If this has encouraged you please share it with someone!

Painting God's House - Thursday, 5/29/08

2008-05-29T15:16:00.000-07:00

Is there anything greater than knowing God's love? Shouldn't the fact that God's loves us inspire confidence in us?
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! 1 John 3:1

And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. 1 John 3:21-24

So simple. So simple we often overlook the profound necessity of love.

Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love.

John 13:1.

These words give us an incredible insight into how God measures a ministry, "having loved his own." Everything begins and ends with love. It is the true measure of men because it is the very limitless measure of God and he will never ask us to live in a way that he does not live.

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

1 John 4:7-8

As we paint God's house we always start with love, build with love and end with love. It is the beginning and the end of life and ministry.

Today many measure effective churches by numbers, varieties of ministries, buildings and campuses, etc. But, as 1 Corinthians 13 tells us, if we do not build with love, it is all worthless!

God is interested in the authenticity of his church and character of his church. Even obedience to God is prompted by our love for him ("if you love me you will keep my commandments").

What a challenge, to love like God loves. What a powerful color with which to paint. No wonder Jesus says, "All men will know you are my disciples if you love one another!"

If this has been an encouragement to you please share it with someone else!

Painting God's House - Tuesday, 5/27/08

2008-05-27T18:11:00.000-07:00

Dear Reader,

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1-2

We are commanded to live like God lives, to live our life like He lives His life. Is it possible?Is there anything more difficult than to live like God lives? Where does one start? Where do I begin? When I look at all the things there are to know about God, about His Word, about a life of faith I am overwhelmed. How can God expect me to live like He lives when I know so little about Him?

But this one thing I do know - God is love and He lives a live of love. In fact Ephesians says in chapter 3 that love surpasses knowledge. If fact love is the first fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5).

Peace to the brothers, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Ephesians 6:23

Here in this verse faith is the companion of love. When love is present, faith is activated.Now wonder then that when we are most confident in God's love for us our faith is at it's strongest.

1 Corinthians 13 tells us that love is the cement and God pleasing foundation for knowledge, mercy and miracle working faith. Without love those other things are meaningless in God's eyes. No wonder than that Ephesians says that the body (the church) "grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." Eph. 4:16

Here is the first color God paints with, the very foundation of all that He does and the very motivation for all of His action toward us - love.

Now I ask myself, "Is it still beyond me? Can I live like God lives?" Yes, I can and I can express it to the very people He has given me in my life, in my own personal family and in His church. I can live a life of love and God can love others through me.

If this has been an encouragement to you please considedr sharing it with someone else!

P.S. - If you would like to see a clip from our vacation hit the tab Slusher Family Vacation under 3 Minute Videos

Painting God's House - Monday, 5/26/08

2008-05-26T09:40:00.000-07:00

Hebrews 3:6 But Christ is faithful as a son over God's house. And we are his house...

Dear Reader,

Have you ever stopped to consider that if you hired a painter to paint your house he would not choose the colors! I know, I know, 'What a revelation!' But think about it this way:

when God has us working for Him in His work of building the church, He gets to choose the colors! We paint the colors He wants!

"But God, what about Bird's Egg Blue, I really like Bird's Egg Blue!"

"Nope, I want a nice Cedar tone on the shingles with White Trim."

OK, it's His house.

In the church, in the broad brush of things, we are not the ones who are supposed to determine what God's house will look like. It's His house so He gets to decide. Here are some 'colors' that He chooses: Worship, Faithfulness, Holiness, Forgiveness, Holy Spirit Power, Evangelism, Missions and more.

This week we are going to talk about these colors God wants us to paint with!

I'm thankful to my good friend, Pastor Wesley Robero who used this as a sermon illustration this week in his local church where I was attended while on vacation in Sandpoint Christian Center, Sandpoint, Idaho.

So put on your painting shirt and get our your paint brush, we've got work to do!

Kyle Slusher & Bill Harding - Portland Bible College Graduation! Friday, 5/23/08

2008-05-23T10:09:00.001-07:00

Congratulations, Kyle & Bill on your graduation last week, 5/16/08!

Kyle is our oldest son, married to Melodi Earls last summer. He has graduated with his Bachelors in Theology.

Bill is the son of Dan & Yvonne Harding, missionaries to Zimbabwe! He has graduatedwith his Associates in Theology.

Say What! Thursday, 5/22/08

2008-05-22T08:43:00.000-07:00

"America Picks a New Idol!"

Say what?! No joke. That is one of the lead stories on my M.S.N. page this morning. Now I understand that it is talking about the guy on the left. He is smiling so he must be the new 'idol.' I understand that the man is a singer and I also understand that American Idol is a very popular t.v. show about singers and who is the best, etc. I have actually seen it a couple times but I end up feeling so bad for the guys who hear this phrase from Simon, "That is probably the worst performance I have ever heard!" that I can't stand to watch it.

It is a little sickening to see that lead head-line, 'America Picks a New Idol.' I know we don't really worship pop stars in our culture...do we?...or movie stars...or political stars for that matter! We would never do that...would we? Or maybe I should ask the question this way, "Do people want to dress like them, act like them, be like them? Do people look to them for advice and wisdom and answers?" Sometimes...no...many times the answer is"Yes!" Herein lies the problem.

God said, "You shall not make for yourself an idol." That is the 2nd commandment. It means that nothing and no one is to come between us and our worship of God Almighty. It means that we owe obedience to the Lord, not a cultural icon or a political party, or a sports team or a new pop-philosophy even if it promoted by Oprah or Tom Cruise. God and His Word are our ultimate authority when it comes to life. We are to take our cues from Him.

May the Lord refresh you with His goodness and mercy. May His great love shade and protect you. May His blood and His cross cleanse, heal and deliver you. May you find happiness in the life of His eternal kingdom! Only the true God can deliver on those promises and He is the one that we serve! And when it comes to "Idol" worship, just say "No!"

Rain and Expectation - Tuesday, 5/20/08

2008-05-20T08:32:00.000-07:00

This morning it's raining in my city of Quincy and the high temp. will be in the 60's. For me, as well as many others, this is refreshing. It has been awhile since it has rained and I love the smell and the cool of it. Sometime today the western edge of the horizon will break with sunlight hitting the mountains and the rain will have passed. I love this place on the earth.

Rain is a mirror of spiritual promise and revival in the Bible and points to the unlimited resources and mercies of heaven as evidenced by the outpouring of God's Holy Spirit. With this outpouring is also a divine expectation, a God expectation, that He is working and waiting.

Hebrews 6:7-8
Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. We are that land and God waits in expectation for a crop that will be useful for others and for Him. But notice, the land drinks in the rain. Are we drinking from God's goodness? Are we regularly going to Him to be refreshed and filled? Notice it also says the rain, "often" falls on it. God is not stingy but generous and giving. How much of God's Holy Spirit do you need to flourish and grow? That's how much He will give you of Himself if you ask Him. He is a wise farmer and knows exactly what His ground needs to produce an abundant crop.

Time to grow!

Helping Hand! - Thursday, 5/15/08

2008-05-15T11:12:00.000-07:00

Hebrews 4:16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

That's hard to do, isn't it? It's hard sometimes to approach the 'throne of grace' when we are discouraged or hurting or are living in the shadow of failure. Yet, that is the very thing that God wants us to do -to come to Him. He invites us to come to Him AND be confident in coming to Him!

That tells us something about God: He understands how we are feeling, understands our weaknesses and yet does not reject us! Is He awesome or what!

Think of it, when do we most need mercy? When we least deserve it! Mercy, like grace, is unearned. One of the definitions for grace is 'unmerited favor.' Both mercy and grace are things that God gives us freely out of His open and generous heart. And because He has so richly and freely given us and continues to give us His overflowing mercy, He wants us to do the same for others. For, like holiness, love and forgiveness, mercy is one of the marks of the kingdom of God.

So, dear Reader, if you are in the shadow of doubt or failure it is time to come to God, for mercy. This mercy that He offers is not just clemency or pardon, it is a mercy that prepares a bridge of grace for you. This grace offers you the wisdom to know God's will and the strength to do it.

Notice again where mercy and grace are found-in His very presence. Here at the throne room of the King of the Universe, the seat of all power and authority, we find this abundant favor and love. We find mercy and grace to help in time of need!

-If you find this has been an encouragement to you please consider sharing it with someone else!

The Lord Almighty Is With Us! - Wednesday, 5/14/08

2008-05-14T07:47:00.000-07:00

Psalm 46:4-7
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,the holy place where the Most High dwells. 5 God is within her, she will not fall;God will help her at break of day. 6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
7 The LORD Almighty is with us;the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Yesterday we talked about God, our refuge, in times of peril and natural disaster. Today we talk about God being in the very midst of His people, His church. Notice the phrase, "she will not fall." God has made His church so resilient, because He is within her, that she cannot fall.
Mountains can fall, nations can fall, but the church will never fall. And in the midst of all the chaos around, "There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God!" Even in the wind of trouble and adversity, there is God's life giving presence among His people.
How we need Him! How we need each other! The Lord Almighty is with us! God reminds us continually throughout His word that He is with us. Even one of His names, Emmanuel, means "God with us."

Often, in the midst of trouble, God seems so far away but the very opposite is true. He is near us, next to us, with His Holy Spirit and in His people. Adversity and difficulty can cause some of us to want to withdraw from life and from God's church. We might feel that God does not care or that people don't understand. But that is our wound speaking. It is the same when we are sick or wounded in our body: just going to the doctor can take quite an effort, it is the last thing we "feel" like doing but we know we must in order to be well again. The same is true with drawing near to God and His people. That is where the river is "whose streams make glad the city of God." So, Believer, if you are discouraged today remember that God is near you and with you. Reach out to Him and His people. He is with you!

-If you find this post has encouraged you please consider sharing it with others!

God Our Refuge- Tuesday, 5/13/08

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Dear Reader,

The horrific natural disasters taking place in other parts of the world make me realize how dependent we are on the mercies of God. The cyclone that hit Myamar (Burma), the earthquake in central China, even the tornadoes that hit the mid-east of our own nation and the wildfires in Florida are a reminder that in many ways we do not control our destiny.

God acknowledges that these things do happen but in them God promises to help us and be with us. We are not to yield to fear but rely on God and His mercies in the midst of very real peril. Perhaps that's why the Psalm 46 was written,

Psalms 46
God is our refuge and strength,an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.

Please pray for China and Myamar and our own nation as they and we may turn to God for His light, power and protection. Pray that God would open a door of opportunity for His love to be expressed to so many in need.

Someone Worth Knowing- Wednesday, 5/7/08

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Recently my son, Kip, received a letter from the Philippines. It was a thank you note for the Samaritan Christmas box he sent. Kips young friend asked him to write back and send a picture. Kip has written a letter, including a map of where Quincy is in the U.S., and will send a picture as well.

This simple act will open a whole new world up to a young person named Jan Marie who is poor enough to receive a Samaritan shoe box. The new world will be a friendship with someone outside her own country that she has never met but because of an act of kindness, wants to know.

This simple story illustrates our own walk with God. His act in giving us the unspeakable gift of His Son tells us that He is kind and merciful and worth knowing. It stirs our heart to want to know more about Him and what He is like AND He has already written us a letter, the Bible. We already have a picture of Him -He is exactly like Jesus, "If you've seen me you've seen the Father." Let's take Him up on the invitation and know Him better. Time to get out the letter...

Fixing Our Eyes On Jesus - Monday, 5/5/08

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"I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand I will not be shaken." Psalm 16:8

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:2-3

Setting the Lord before us and fixing our eyes on Jesus are the illustrations of the focus of our heart. It is the intentional gaze, a fixed plumb line of the heart. Our relationship with the Lord is our compass heading. God promises that as we do that we will not be shaken, and not grow weary and discouraged.

What is our suffering compared to what the Lord Jesus experienced? We can endure because he endured. There is joy yet in the future to be experienced as we set the Lord and his purposes before us.

So, don't give up saints, don't lose heart.

Yesterday, I was looking at pictures of my daughter's family that she posted on the web. They are happy and blessed and it makes my heart joyful to see that God has prospered them. I said to my wife, "If I could have seen these pictures (the joy set before me- yet to come) when Katie was a teenager I would have worried a lot less about what the future would hold for her."

That's true for all of us. We are often concerned and anxious about what is to come without a perspective that God holds the future and we can trust him with it - if we will only keep our eyes fixed on him. Saints of God, consider a snapshot of heaven in your hand, smile to yourself and say, "It's really going to be o.k.!" and then get down to the daily business of loving and obeying God. Don't grow weary, don't give up, keep your eyes on him!

Seeking God - Friday, 5/2/08

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We all seek something. We are all motivated towards an end, everyone. God has put it in us to seek. But what is it we seek? Or rather, who is it we seek?

Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:12-14

Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6

In these verses God, Himself, is the object of our seeking. Seeking Him, finding Him is the ultimate goal. This seeking requires the fullness of our heart, our trust and faith in Him. True seeking to know more of God, already has in it's nature the belief that God will reward the seeker and that the effort and desire and trust placed in the pursuit of God, Himself, is worth it all.

Imagine being invited to meet with God, Who is love and light and holy, in Whom are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, Who is eternal life, Who is mercy and justice, the white hot center of everything and suddenly being distracted and satisfied with a few cold stones that lie in the rubble along the path to His presence.

How easily our fallen nature drinks from the polluted stream when the crystal clear river of God's refreshing goodness waits for us and is available to us.

Dear friends, let's not be distracted by the pleasures the world asks and expects us to seek. These are below the dignity of the sons and daughters of God. Instead let's raise our eyes to the One we seek and in finding Him find everything.

Lord, we are often so distracted from seeking and finding You daily by the noise and clamor of the world and our own desires. Help us, Lord, to seek You for You. Open the eyes of our heart to see all there is in You.

What Pleases God? - Wednesday, 4/30/08

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It's very simple really.

His pleasure in not in the strength

of the horse,

nor his delight in the legs

of a man;

the Lord delights in those

who fear him,

who put their hope in his

unfailing love.

Psalm 147:10-11

It doesn't matter how big your toys or weapons are or how smart, talented and good looking you are. What pleases God is very simple:

1) Do you fear Him? In other words, do you love him and keep His commands through your life and actions?

2) Do you trust in His unfailing love for you?

Sounds like a relationship, doesn't it? A very real relationship.

Open Hand of God - Tuesday, 4/29/08

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The Lord is faithful to all his promises

and loving toward all he has made.

The Lord upholds all those who fall

and lifts up all who are bowed down.

The eyes of all look to you,

and you give them their food

at the proper time.

You open your hand

and satisfy the desires

of every living thing.

Psalm 145:13b-16

The idea of God's open hand is a powerful image. The open hand represents generosity,gentleness, and comfort. It represents love, affection and friendship. This is how God pictures himself in this Psalm.

Often we see God as exactly the opposite of the above description. Why? It's because our nature, corrupted at the fall of man, is twisted and views God through a cloudy and distorted lens. Jesus, in the prayer we call "the Lord's Prayer", teaches us that how we should address the Almighty God as "Father." This is a contradiction from how we often view God.

Fallen man often sees God as being closed fisted and unloving. This is the very opposite of what God is like. Of course our enemy tries to take advantage of this distortion by reinforcingthis lie as often as he can. Whenever we run into trouble or encounter hardship, whispered doubts about God and his goodness are sure to attack us.

Jesus came to show us exactly what God is like. "No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has made him known." - John 1:18; "The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being..." - Hebrews 1:3. Now we know what God is like because Jesus came to display him. This God, made flesh in Jesus Christ, is who David described in Psalm 145 as being "loving towards all he has made."That would include you. God is loving toward you. His open, loving hand is extended toward you!

He Broke the Bread - Monday, 4/28/08

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When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him...

Luke 24:30-31

The above ocurred after Jesus resurrection while He was with two disciples on the road to Emmaus. They recognized Him because He broke the bread. They had seen Him do it before at daily meals. They had seen Him break the bread when feeding the 5000. Perhaps they saw or heard of Him breaking the bread at the Passover meal just a few days before and say, "this is My body, broken for you."

Here's a very simple but real truth: when Jesus breaks the bread and gives it to us, our eyes are opened. This simple act, this giving of Himself to us, whether through the Word of God or our glimpses of Him in the events of life, speaks of revelation. As He breaks the bread our eyes are opened and we recognize Him for who He is.

Seeing Jesus, knowing Him more deeply is the very point of all revelation. He is the goal of our journey.

Evidence of Mercy - April 25, 2008

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Many of you who read this blog are familiar with the recent events in the life of a young man, Bradley Westra. Bradley was crossing, at a cross-walk, the highway that runs through Quincy when he was hit by a car traveling over 30 mph. Traffic had stopped to let him cross but one vehicle did not stop, a car driven by a driver under the influence of alcohol. Bradley was hit and thrown across the intersection. Emergency workers stated it was a miracle Bradley was not killed. Looking at the car that hit him and it's caved in windshield would force anyone to agree. By God's mercy Bradley is already home from the hospital, 28 hours after the accident, with a broken shoulder, some scratches, bruises, and a testimony of God's intervention. Other than a concussion Bradley suffered no brain injury, no injury to his internal organs, and though he was hit at the legs his legs were not broken. This was evidence of God's mercy, protection and power.

Though this event concerns Bradley it really concerns all of us as well. How many things has God protected us from that we know nothing about because they did not happen? I have often prayed, "Thank you, God, for the things that do not happen because of Your intervention." I am reminded through God's protection of Bradley, His unseen mercies that surround us everyday.

Psalm 121
121:1 A song of ascents.
I lift up my eyes to the hills--where does my help come from?

2 My help comes from the LORD ,the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip--he who watches over you will not slumber;

4 indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD watches over you--the LORD is your shade at your right hand;

6 the sun will not harm you by day,nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD will keep you from all harm--he will watch over your life;

8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

The Reality - Monday, 4/21/2008

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Dear Reader,

Yesterday evening at the community prayer meeting there was such a focus on our need for Christ. There were prayers of repentance offered for our pursuing things outside of Christ and His reality. Then we had a wonderful time at the Marriage Course, a seminar that Quincy Assembly of God is hosting and that we are participating in. Once again I was struck by God's great love for us and the reflection of that in marriage. Again I was overcome with the realization of how much I desperately need the living God.

It says in Colossians that in Christ all things hold together and that in Him are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I find that the stronger I think I become the more desperate I am for Him. I see how my efforts fall so far short without His Holy Spirit to fill what I do with His energy and power. I see how often I have taken credit (how foolish!) for the things that God does in me through His mercy. I see how many incredible people help continually carry on the work of the ministry and how minuscule I really am. But this is a good thing. For when I understand how small I really are than I can trust in Him who is as big as I need Him to be; when I understand how weak I really are, than I am a candidate to be filled with His mighty strength.

Lord, forgive me for arrogance and pride that blocks the light of your glory and makes me trust in my own strength and efforts.

Trials and Warfare -part 2, Friday, 4/18/08

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Exodus 17:8-16

The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. 9 Moses said to Joshua, "Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands."
10 So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. 11 As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. 12 When Moses' hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up--one on one side, one on the other--so that his hands remained steady till sunset. 13 So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.
14 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Write this on a scroll as something to be remembered and make sure that Joshua hears it, because I will completely blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven."
15 Moses built an altar and called it The LORD is my Banner. 16 He said, "For hands were lifted up to the throne of the LORD. The LORD will be at war against the Amalekites from generation to generation."

From part 1 we talked a little about our opportunistic enemy who attacks when we are in unbelief and grumbling and complaining. But we learn from verse 16 how we resist our enemy, "For hands were lifted up to the throne of the Lord." When we enter warfare we don't come in our own strength but we appeal to the throne of the Lord, the seat of all power and authority! We take our case to God and trust in His prevailing power.

Notice that God says He will wipe the name of Amalek from the earth and then that He will be at war with the Amalekites from generation to generation. Amalek is a type, a metaphor, a picture or example of God's enemies. In our context they would be spiritual enemies. Paul said in Ephesians 6 that we battle not against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers in heavenly places. We know that our battle is a spiritual one, one that is very real.

Do you notice that it says, "the Lord will be at war ..." This means that God is the true initiator of this ongoing spiritual conflict. That is why we have the Cross. That is why Jesus said the Gates of hell will not prevail against the church because the church is on the offensive, taking the war right to the gates of hell.

Believer, God has intended for you to be on the offensive against the enemies of your soul! You have the power of prevailing prayer!

Part 3 - how this works in the life of the church.

Trials and Warfare -Part 1 - Wednesday, 4/16/08

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Exodus 17:1-8
The whole Israelite community set out from the Desert of Sin, traveling from place to place as the LORD commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. 2 So they quarreled with Moses and said, "Give us water to drink."
Moses replied, "Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you put the LORD to the test?"
3 But the people were thirsty for water there, and they grumbled against Moses. They said, "Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to make us and our children and livestock die of thirst?"
4 Then Moses cried out to the LORD, "What am I to do with these people? They are almost ready to stone me."
5 The LORD answered Moses, "Walk on ahead of the people. Take with you some of the elders of Israel and take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. 6 I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink." So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel. 7 And he called the place Massah and Meribah because the Israelites quarreled and because they tested the LORD saying, "Is the LORD among us or not?"
8 The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim.

This story in Israel's exit from Egypt to the Promised Land reflects some truths that are still in operation today.

-When hardship and testing come we are prone to grumble and complain.

-Adversity can make us turn against those we love and those who lead.
-The pressure of adversity can often lead us proclaim the worst-case scenario.

-We can react in unbelief in the midst of trials by asking as the Israelites did, "Is the Lord among us or not?"

-It is often at the point of grumbling and complaining that our enemy attacks.

In the midst of the trials we are experiencing are we keeping vigilant against grumbling

and complaining? Are we watchful that we are not blaming others for our problems? Are we keeping our faith and confessing God's goodness? Are we aware of the enemies strategy to attack when we are down?

These are things to consider when we are facing adversity. But read on in this passage in your own Bible and you will see a glorious victory. We'll talk about that next time.

Lord, in the midst of struggle and adversity help me not to complain and grumble against others and against You. Help me to stand strong in my faith and let trouble lead me to You and Your mercy and power. Help me to be aware of the enemies strategy to attack when I take my eyes off of You.

Psalm 84

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Dear Reader,

This Psalm talks about longing for the presence of God. In verse 6 "Baca" means "desert."

In light of the truth that as God's children we are now temples of the Holy Spirit we understand that we can seek God anywhere, anytime and rest in His presence because He

is Emanuel, "God with us."

Psalms 84
For the director of music. According to gittith. Of the Sons of Korah. A psalm.

How lovely is your dwelling place,O LORD Almighty!

2 My soul yearns, even faints,for the courts of the LORD;

my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.
3 Even the sparrow has found a home,

and the swallow a nest for herself,

where she may have her young--a place near your altar,O LORD Almighty,

my King and my God.

4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house;

they are ever praising you.

Selah

5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you,

who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.

6 As they pass through the Valley of Baca,

they make it a place of springs;the autumn rains also cover it with pools.

7 They go from strength to strength,till each appears before God in Zion.
8 Hear my prayer, O LORD God Almighty;

listen to me, O God of Jacob.

Selah

9 Look upon our shield, O God;

look with favor on your anointed one.
10 Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere;

I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God

than dwell in the tents of the wicked.

11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield;

the LORD bestows favor and honor;

no good thing does he withhold

from those whose walk is blameless.

God Commands His Love Toward You - Thursday, 4/10/08

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Psalm 42:8
8 By day the LORD directs his love,at night his song is with me--a prayer to the God of my life. NIV

What if today we walked in this truth that God is directing/commanding His love towards us today. What if today we received all that His love brings with it: Strength, comfort, repentance, forgiveness, grace, hope, faith, belonging, encouragement, family, etc. What if today we simply embrace the Word of God and say, "Today, Lord, I embrace Your love."

And what if tonight we sang to Him, prayed to Him and enjoyed His company.

The God of our life. All of our life.

Whisper His Name - Tuesday, 4/8/08

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Dear Reader,
Just listen. This song is an encouragement to pray.

In The Secret Place - Monday, 4/7/08

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Matthew 6:6-7 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. NKJV

At a worship retreat last week, Pastor Doug Sherman taught on this passage and encouraged us in being faithful to pray in the secret place with God. Here's a truth he emphasized: In the same way that intimacy between a husband and wife produces the open reward of a baby, so to prayer in the secret place receives an open reward from the Father. It may not be immediate but it will happen and all will see the fruit of meeting with our loving God in prayer.

That powerful truth should encourage us in our time with God, because it is a promise that comes from God, Himself.

Make it a point to find that secret place, that secret time with God.

"...those who live..." - Thursday, 4/3/08

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"And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again." 2 Corinthians 5:15

These words haunt me. I wonder if they are real in my life. Do I really live for Him?

Do I love God passionately and with joy? Do I serve Him for Him alone and not what I can get out of it?

Do I love my family the way He wants me to or am I most focused on the meeting of my needs as my gauge for happiness?

Do I love the members of His body, the Church, as I should?

Do I love the lost? Do I see with His eyes those needing the Savior?

My prayer is that the above verse will truly live in me, "Father, help me to live completely for your Son. Forgive me for pursuing so many things of earthly value but have no eternal worth.Most of all, change the affections of my heart so that I find my greatest fulfillment in loving and serving You."

For Him - Wednesday, 4/2/08

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For by Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him.

Colossians 1:16

"All things were created by Him and for Him." Think of it: everything you see, every one you see was created by Him and for Him. That's an easy truth to acknowledge but to live it is another story.

Think on your own life: You were created by and for Jesus Christ. Every cell in your body was created by and for Him. That means that you are not your own. That means you belong to Him body and soul. Every year, every day, every hour, every minute is His. Every breath you take was given by Him and is for Him.

In light of this, how are we doing? Are we living like we are His? We are indeed God's by right of creation, but there is even more. God bought back a rebellious creation at great cost,

For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 1 Peter 1:18-19.

Now we are owned by God through right of creation and right of redemption. How much you are loved. But what does this require of us? God purchased us with no guarantee of our love or affection or obedience. But if we claim to belong to Him than there is a response He expects. Tomorrow we will talk about that response.

Report! Tuesday, 4/01/08

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Dear Reader,

Thank you for your prayers. The Generation Church Conf. was deeply impacting for all of the youth that attended. God's power was not only visibly evident with the eye, but deeply powerful within the heart. Please continue to pray that the seeds planted at this conference would not be lost.

Two nights in a church basement with 19 kids can be a little daunting. Though sleep was elusive, (I am always hyper-alert since I feel responsible for everyone) the attitude and behaviour of our kids was wonderful. Our chaperones were the Best!!!

I shake my head at times because at 50 it was not my intention to be doing the youth in our church. This group requires more out of me emotionally and energy-wise than anything else I am involved in. Yet the rewards are great. So great that I think it must be the plan of God that I have the honor of working with these young people because I have learned so much this last weekend and been so deeply impacted by God with vision for our city and our church.

Please pray that I am able to build on what God has shown me and that I will effectively lead these youth into the potential that God has for them. The lines of the hymn, How Deep The Father's Love For Us, come back to me today-

"I will not boast in anything:

No gifts, no power, no wisdom

But I will boast in Jesus Christ

His death and resurrection"

How completely we need Him! How wonderful He is! How great His mercy! What an privilege to serve Him in any way! May your heart open to the love and greatness of the Lord Jesus today as you go about your day! Thank you for your prayers!

Back This Monday!! 3/27/08

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Dear Reader,
Thank you for checking in to Finding the Gate!! I will be posting again this Monday. Today I leave for a Youth Conference with 19 awesome young people and 3 incredible chaperones.
Please pray for us.

Jess

Back On Line! Tuesday, 3/25/08

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Hi, everyone! Well, our internet connection was severed when someone dug through it outside of town. It took more than a day but was finally reconnected. During that time

I have felt cut off from the world! It's like going away for a few days and feeling like

everything happened while you are gone! Do you know the feeling?

Know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself; the LORD will hear when I call to him. Psalm 4:33

The Lord is never off line. "the Lord will hear when I call to Him." That's a promise.

That is a certainty.

In two days I leave with about 20 youth to Generation Church Youth Conference. It will be fun, exhausting, and spiritually intensive. I need your prayers for our adult chaperones, our youth, and myself: for God's protection, strength, traveling mercies, divine health and harmony. But especially, there are two young men going who have never made a surrender to Jesus. Would you pray for them?

I will not be able to post until next Monday. Please keep us in your prayers as I will be keeping you in mine. May God surround you with His mighty grace!

Jess

A New Start - Monday, 3/22/08

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Dear Children of God,

Yesterday in our worship service two sisters shared encouragement from their hearts with our congregation.

Jody shared how the resurrection of Jesus brings us a new start. His death on the cross for our sins and His resurrection life give us freedom from sin and a new start, a new beginning. Thank you, Lord. Our starting point is the righteousness of Jesus, Himself.

Debra shared about God's cleansing and complete forgiveness as we yield ourselves to Him.

God was inviting all of us come to Him and be cleansed and forgiven and have a new start in His Son.

That is a great beginning of a new week and a new season. I certainly need to hear that for myself. As God's plow goes ever deeper I see my great need for His mercy and grace. I see my own inadequacy and long for His completeness and His new beginnings in my life.

When we see the plow of God in our field we know that a new crop is going in and that the seed of His word is being planted in our hearts. May we yield to His divine work.

Come, Lord! Come Holy Spirit! Plow and plant your life bearing Word into our lives!

He Is Risen! Sunday - March 23. 2008

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He Is Risen!

May the fullness of His mighty victory grow in your own heart

The Day of Waiting - Saturday, 3/22/08

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Dear Believer,

Ever felt like you were in a no man's land, spiritually speaking? Can you imagine what it must have been like for the disciples the day after Jesus was crucified? They were not carrying a hope of the resurrection because they did not understand what He tried to tell them.

Mark 8:31-38 He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. 32 He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.
33 But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. "Get behind me, Satan!" he said. "You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."
34 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 35 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. 36 What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? 37 Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? 38 If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels."

Now, Believer, how many times do we feel we are abandoned or forsaken or lost when all along God has promised He will be with us? It is easy to forget in the dark what God has taught us in the light. During this day of waiting in between the crucifixion and the resurrection let God remind you of His promises, that He is faithful, that He will NEVER leave you or forsake you.

Have a blessed day of meditation on Him who loves you!

Good Friday: The Best Day In The History Of The World - Friday 3/21/08

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Good Day, Saints of God!

Today, the day we celebrate as Good Friday, the day that Jesus, by God's foreknowledge and design, took our punishment on the cross and paid the debt in full for mankind's rebellion - was the greatest day in the history of the world!

Today we celebrate the liberation of the world from sin, death, and the power of the devil! Today we celebrate the greatest turn around in history - the reversal of the curse over all of God's creation.

Today is also a day to remember the weight and gravity of what our own sin cost the Lord and to dedicate ourselves to being all that we can be for Him and for His glory.

As part of your time with the Lord today would you read John 17 with me? This is called the High Priestly prayer because Jesus is offering prayer for His disciples and all that would believe because of them (that's us!) just before He is arrested and then crucified. This prayer of sacrifice tells us what the heart of God is for His people.

1) "My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one." vs 15

2) "Sanctify them in truth; Your word is truth." vs 17

3) "May they be brought together in complete unity to let the world know that You sent Me and have loved them even as you have loved me." vs 23

Take an opporutnity to pray this prayer over your local church and those you love. Pray for Protection, for Sanctification (setting apart and cleansing) by The Word of God, and Unity. This prayer is from the very heart of God, Himself. It's what He prayed!

Personal Rule - Thursday, 3/20/08

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Dear Reader,

For many days we have been talking about different ways to pray, etc. As you can imagine we could go on forever, for prayer is as deep as God Himself. Now, it's time to ask you what is your prayer habit? What is your routine? What is your "personal rule?"

A "rule" or "discipline" was developed by religious and monastic communities that gave a rhythm and order to the day. At a certain time of day the members of those communities would pray together and often follow a liturgy, Scripture reading, and specific prayers. While this may seem "legalistic" or nothing but "tradition" it filled a need for order, consistency and personal discipline.

So what is your "personal discipline" or "personal rule" or "personal routine" when it comes to your devotional life? Do you have one or do you just take the day as it comes? Is our time for feeding ourselves spiritually as consistent as feeding ourselves physically? If not, how can we expect to grow spiritually if we do not have consistent disciplines that draw us closer to God? Many folks are on starvation rations, spiritually speaking - a verse here, a little prayer there, sometimes a huge meal when we have time, etc.

I want to challenge you to prayerfully consider what discipline God would have you to follow so that you can grow closer to Him. Would He have you get up at a certain time so you can pray and spend time in His Word? Would He have you pause during the middle of your day to meditate on a verse of Scripture or take a few minutes to quiet your heart in His presence? Would He have you commit to taking a few minutes to resolve the events of the day in His presence with Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving and Supplication?

A personal rule should stretch you and grow you and challenge you. But it needs to be realistic or the inability to achieve your goal will just end in frustration. Your personal discipline should answer When? and What?

For example:

-I am going to get up at 6:3o a.m.(or whenever) and spend time with God - that's When.

-I am going to read Psalms, meditatively, and pray God's word, and let it feed me - that's What.

-I am going to pray through A.C.T.S. or I am going to pray through the Lord's Prayer, spending time on each petition of that prayer and applying it to my life.

-Sometime during the middle of the day I am going to quiet my heart before the Lord and read a chapter from the Word, or pray. That is When and What.

-Before I go to bed I am going to resolve the day by taking the cares of the day before the Lord, and giving them to Him. That is When and What.

O.K. give it a try. Actually write down what your routine is going to be and stretch yourself to seek the the Lord. Don't come under condemnation if you miss a time, etc. It's not about that, it's about you being with Him. Are you ready to take the challenge? If you need some more ideas you can review the last couple of weeks of posts, that should help, but above all ask the Lord, "Father, what personal disciplines would you have me follow so that I can draw closer to you?"

Here is a way to help you stay on course: Take this journey together with a friend and hold each other accountable.

The Lord speak to you as you endeavor to draw closer to Him!

Presentation - Wednesday, 3/19/08

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Prayer of Presentation - This is part of my personal routine when I get up every day. I present myself to the Lord, giving my love, worship, duties and cares to Him as I start my day. I spend time in the Psalms, reading and letting God speak. I often pray a prayer of Confession. This is part of my normal routine as I follow this helpful acronym: A.C.T.S.. I shared this last week but for those who might have missed it this acronym stands for Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving and Supplication. I repeat the same at night, but the morning is a little different than the evening because Confession in the morning consists of confessing God's strength or a faith proclamation from God's word. In the evening Confession is the confession of sin, weakness and need.

From my reading today I used this as my confession-

Psalm 90:1-2

Lord, you have been our dwelling place

throughout all generations.

Before the mountains were born

or you brought forth the earth and the world,

from everlasting to everlasting

you are God!

or another-

Psalm 90:17

May the favor of the Lord our God

rest upon us;

establish the work of our hands

for us;

yes, establish the work

of our hands.

When you pray your confessions, or whatever God gives you from His word or your own heart, say them loud! (If you can do it without waking up your house.) Speak them to your soul, in agreement with the Holy Spirit, as a weapon of faith against the attack of the evil one!

I have often used St. Patrick's Breastplate (see yesterday's post) or one of the historic church creeds such as the Apostles Creed. These are not words to fill up time or complete a routine; make your confession faith stirring words!

Morning is the time of presentation. Enjoy this time before the Lord and allow Him to prepare you for the day ahead.

St. Patrick's Breastplate - Monday, 3/17/08

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Happy St. Patrick's Day! I would like to share a centuries old Confession and Prayer of protection. It is attributed to Patrick, who was the great evangelist and church planter of Ireland. Patrick's opposition were the fierce Celtic Kings and Chieftains and Druid priests. Yet, in spite of this, the fire of the gospel spread through Ireland. Though Patrick was not the first Christian in Ireland, he has historically been the most influential.

Patrick was not a Roman Catholic though they claim him as patron saint of Ireland. It wasn't until much later in history that Rome extended it's rule over the churches of Ireland.

You will notice in the 4th stanza references to creation itself. This is not a statement of God existing in created elements or a worship of those elements. Rather, it is an identification and acknowledgment of the reflection of God's character in the things He has created. There are great pains taken in this prayer against pagandom and idolatry. This prayer has as it's central focus the person of Christ, Himself. I hope it will inspire and encourage you.

St. Patrick's Breastplate

I arise today

Through a mighty strength,

the invocation of the Trinity,

Through the belief in the threeness,

Through confession of the oneness

Of the Creator of Creation.

I arise today

Through the strength of Christ's birth with his baptism,

Through the strength of his crucifixion with his burial,

Through the strength of his resurrection with his ascension,

Through the strength of his descent for the judgment of Doom.

I arise today

Through the strength of the love of Cherubim,

In obedience of angels,

In the service of archangels,

In hope of resurrection to meet with reward,

In prayers of patriarchs,

In predictions of prophets,

In preaching of apostles,

In faith of confessors,

In innocence of holy virgins,

In deeds of righteous men.

I arise today

Through the strength of heaven:

Light of sun,

Radiance of moon,

Splendor of fire,

Speed of lightning,

Swiftness of wind,

Depth of sea,

Stability of earth,

Firmness of rock.

I arise today

Through God's strength to pilot me:

God's might to uphold me,

God's wisdom to guide me,

God's eye to look before me,

God's ear to hear me,

God's word to speak for me,

God's hand to guard me,

God's way to lie before me,

God's shield to protect me,

God's host to save me

From snares of devils,

From temptations of vices,

From everyone who shall wish me ill,

Afar and anear,

Alone and in multitude.

I summon today all these powers between me and those evils,

Against every cruel merciless power that may oppose my body and soul,

Against incantations of false prophets,

Against black laws of pagandom

Against false laws of heretics,

Against craft of idolatry,

Against spells of witches and smiths and wizards,

Against every knowledge that corrupts man's body and soul.

Christ to shield me today

Against poison, against burning,

Against drowning, against wounding,

So that there may come to me abundance of reward.

Christ with me,

Christ before me,

Christ behind me,

Christ in me,

Christ beneath me,

Christ above me,

Christ on my right,

Christ on my left,

Christ when I lie down,

Christ when I sit down,

Christ when I arise,

Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,

Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,

Christ in every eye that sees me,

Christ in every ear that hears me.

I arise today

Through a mighty strength,

the invocation of the Trinity,

Through belief in the threeness,

Through confession of the oneness,

Of the Creator of Creation.
___________________________

Lectio Divina - Sunday, 3/16/08

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-from Psalm 80

"Awaken Your might;

Come and save us.

Restore us, O God;

Make Your face to shine upon us,

That we may be saved.

Revive us,

And we will call on Your name.

Restore us, O Lord God Almighty;

Make Your face shine upon us,

That we may be saved."

Today's The Day - Saturday, 3/15/08

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Dear Reader,

Today's the day. Take some time and pray in a way that stretches you. Focus completely on God. Quiet your heart and think on Jesus. Sit at His feet. You can review this last week's postings for some ideas if you need to.

Pray for the drawing and outpouring of God's Holy Spirit on your life, family, church and community. Pray that God's Holy Spirit will move mightily in your worship service tommorow.

Have a great weekend!

Jess

Your Prayer Journey - Friday, 3/14/08

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Dear Reader,

We all have our own journey with God. Though we are part of a family and though we are part of the family of God, still, we are individuals who God meets in a unique way. What I have been sharing with you are simply ways of prayer that have helped people over the centuries and they are tools, familiar and well tested, that can be employed in our walk if the tool fits. Our job is to find the prayer tool that fits. That will change over the seasons and years because we change, our circumstances change, the season of life we live in changes. God wants us to meet Him and walk with Him through every season of life. Even in eternity, on the other side of this life, believers cry out to God.

I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained. 10 They called out in a loud voice, "How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?" Revelation 6:9-10

Wow. What a picture into eternity and what an insight into prayer. Prayer never ends. Never! We will always be talking to the Lord. So now, believer, since in Christ our eternal journey has already begun, let's get to know Him better.

Next week I will be sharing some more prayer tools and disciplines. I hope you will join me.

If this has been encouraging to you please forward the link to someone else. May God strengthen your resolve to press through and know Him better!

http://findingthegate.blogspot.com/

Lectio Divina, A Forgotten Way To Pray - Thursday, 3/13/08

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Lectio Divina means "divine reading." It is the discipline of coming into God's presence through reading the Scriptures. It is allowing the Holy Spirit through the written word, the "logos," to speak a living, "rhema," word to us. It is contemplative listening to the still, small, voice of God, like Elijah. It means to listen with the ears of your heart.

You have probably done this many times without knowing there was a name for it. As you were reading the Scriptures a word or phrase spoke to you and you might have underlined it or even thought about it. Perhaps you looked up the cross reference and found another passage that spoke to the same thing. Perhaps you even prayed it back to God.

Lectio Divina, as it has been practiced over the centuries, has as it's purpose to come into God's presence through His word, to hear from Him through His word, and to speak back to Him by praying His word. The Scriptures become our prayer guide and we allow the Holy Spirit to guide our prayer through the word of God. We can read silently or quietly however we feel led. Here are a few lines from Psalm 119 that speak about this principle of seeing and listening with our heart.

Psalm 119

18 Open my eyes

that I may see wonderful things in your law.

48 I lift up my hands to your commands,

which I love,and I meditate on your decrees.

73 Your hands made me and formed me;

give me understanding to learn your commands.

97 Oh, how I love your law!

I meditate on it all day long.

130 The unfolding of your words gives light;

it gives understanding to the simple.

147 I rise before dawn and cry for help;

I have put my hope in your word.

148 My eyes stay open through the watches of the night,

that I may meditate on your promises.

Here is a quote from Dietrich Bonhoeffer who describes allowing God's word to be our prayer guide,

"The child learns to speak because his father speaks to him...So we learn to speak to God because God has spoken to us and speaks to us. By means of the speech of his Father in heaven his children learn to speak to him. Repeating God's words after him, we begin to pray to him."

Here is the challenge: Find a quiet time and open God's word. Quiet your heart and listen as you contemplatively read. Soon you will hear God's voice speaking to your heart. Listen to what He is saying, meditate on it, pray it back to Him. This is not prayer that is intended to "accomplish anything" or "make something happen." This is prayer of relationship and fellowship. It is the prayer spoken of in Ecclesiastes, "Draw near to listen rather than to speak."

This is sitting at the feet of Jesus.

May God meet you as you set your heart upon Him and His eternal, life giving Word!

The Hours of Prayer

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Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress,and he hears my voice. Psalm 55:17

Psalm 55 gives us the three hours of prayer, Evening, Morning and Noon. To a western mindset the order of the hours seems odd, "Why would evening come first?" We use the phrase, 'morning, noon and night." In the Old Testament the day started in the evening.
At the creation the Scripture says, "and there was evening and there was morning, the first day." Evening was seen as a time of preparation for the next day and this is really true. If you think of it, how you sleep affects your whole day. In a way, the start of your new day begins in the evening of the previous - at least your body thinks it does!

O.K. back to prayer. Notice there are 3 times to pray and the Jews and early Christians observed these 3 hours. The hours of prayer were 3 pm, 9a.m. and 12 noon.
One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer-at three in the afternoon. Acts 3:1
About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. Acts 10:9
These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It's only nine in the morning! Acts 2:15 This is on the day of Pentecost when the disciples were gathered together, praying and waiting for the Holy Spirit. We see here in the above Scriptures the three times of prayer. How does this affect us? Generally, we view our prayer time as once a day and then at meals and possibly at bedtime. Think about it. When do you pray?

Getting back to the length of your devotional time - is a half hour or an hour too long in the morning? Can you break up your prayer time into 3 times a day? Remember, in Christ we are not bound to specific hours of prayer. You are not sinning if you do not pray at 9, 12, or 3. But these times of prayer can serve as an example of setting aside time to meet with God more than just briefly once a day. In fact, by setting prayer times for your life you can create a rhythm and a priority. What I mean is, why not let your priorities determine your life instead of life determine your priorities. Meet with God in the morning and present your day to Him.
Meet with Him at noon, for 5 minutes during you lunch break and quiet your heart and worship Him. Meet with Him in the evening during family devotions or set aside time before you go to bed and reflect on your day, thanking Him for the successes, confessing your failures, lifting up your needs.

Prayer is not intended by God to be a dry list of prayer demands but an opportunity to know Him better. The Scripture does not stop with 3 hours of prayer. Psalm 119:164 says, "Seven times a day I have given praise to Thee" and Psalm 118:62 says, "I rose at midnight to give praise to Thee." Remember when Paul and Silas were in chains and praising God? Acts 16:25 says they were praying and singing hymns "about midnight."

For you, Believer, your prayer life is to help bring a flow, a rhythm and a continuity to an otherwise hectic and busy life. So get creative and ask God to help you set aside times of prayer throughout the day. It will change the way you live!

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonian 5:16-18

Tommorow - A forgotten way to pray.