What's your foundation built on?

Dying with Jesus by Death reckoned mine,
Living with Jesus a new life Divine,
Looking to Jesus till glory doth shine-
Moment by Moment, O lord, I am Thine.

Moment by moment I'm kept in His love,
Moment by moment I've life from above;
Looking to Jesus till glory doth shine,
Moment by moment, O Lord, I am Thine.
------------------------------Daniel W. Whittle

The cross of Christ is and should be the foundation of our life.

God's plan was that through the cross our old selfish nature would be crucified.

It is through the Holy Spirit that the change comes to our heart and lives.

"And through peace made by that blood of the cross, to reconcile to Himself, through Him, through Him, I say, all things, both which are in earth and which are in heaven." Colossians 1:20 Geneva Bible of 1599

It is through people that have yielded to the Holy Spirit that enables them to face crises, and obstacles with a courage and by firm determination and with power they never dreamed they would have.

"Abide in Me, and I in you; as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine, no more can ye, except ye abide in Me. I am the vine; ye are the branches; he that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without Me can ye do nothing." John 15:4-5 Geneva Bible of 1599

Abiding is obedience.

Obedience to His will.

For without Him we can do nothing.

"For he that keepeth His commandments, dwelleth in Him, and He in him; hereby we know that He abideth in us, even by that Spirit which He hath given us." 1 John 3:24 Geneva Bible of 1599

Abiding is not striving for the top, the best, for what others have that you don't.

Abiding is not struggling, but a rest in Him!

Abiding is a life of surrender.

Surrendering to Christ.

A surrendered life is a life of abundance.

"Behold, God is my Salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid; for the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; He also is become my Salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of Salvation. And in that day shall ye say, Praise the Lord, call upon His name, declare His doings among the people. Make mention that His name is exalted. Sing unto the Lord; for He hath done excellent things; this is known in all the earth." Isaiah 12:2-5 King James Version

Who knows where He will lead?

Listen to His voice.

Have your heart open to what God will do through you.

"And when He hath sent forth His own sheep, He goes before them, and the sheep follow Him: for they know His voice and they will not follow a stranger, but they flee from him; for they know not the voice of strangers." John 10:4-5 Geneva Bible of 1599

Is there accountability in your life?

"Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful." 1 Corinthians 4:1-2 NKJV

Are you a leader?

Do you think of yourself as a leader?

Do you take advice from others?

Are you willing to be corrected when necessary?

Have you used your position or authority to beat down the opinions and objections of others?

Have you Just casually dropped the Scriptures or God's name into a conservation to intimidate others to get your way?

When our security depends on God, we can and will appreciate people for their strengths and weaknesses.

Different views and perspectives are a result of people in different stages of growth in faith.

When our faith grows to the level where there is respect and acceptance of others it will free us to serve God as we should.

"God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." 1 Peter 5:5 NIV

Let me be the first to encourage you that no one changes overnight, but gradually day by day.

We are forgiven, redeemed sinners adopted into God's family.

We are in the process of becoming like He is.

God holds His people to a higher standard.

God holds His people accountable, so that they can lead those chosen vessels back to Himself.

The church is a spiritual hospital so to speak.

A place where people are free to heal under the Great Physician.

In a hospital you will find sick and wounded people, so it is in the church.

Even as Christians we are going to have some problems.

God will use these problems to help grow our character.

As a Christian we will develop Christlike character, but that will take time, effort and faith.

So be expecting some struggles.

The worst thing that you can do is to pretend that you don't have any problems.

Don't be ashamed, for if you are ashamed then you really have not fully accepted that grace that God has provided for you.

Come as you are broken, bruised, ashamed, come to the healing hospital.

For no one has a faith that can be free from accountability from others.

For love covers a multitude of sins, and so does accountability.

Anyone who claims that he or she does not need other people to be accountable to is sure guaranteed to fail.

God never intended for anyone to be so focused on Him, that we would not need to stay connected with people.

Accountability is important!

Accountability is important to everyone, especially those who minister, those who are in leadership.

Faith is based on a personal relationship and on trust.

No one is just only accountable to God.

With lack of accountability should come a red flag - a warning.

For without accountability our faith is built on self assertion and ego.

EGO - Edging God Out

What sin are you trying to hide?

Why are you not accountable?

Are your ways unchecked, unchallenged, unbalanced, or out of control?

Are you an accountable only to God person?

Have you defined God in your own terms?

Have you created a religion around your needs and only your needs?

Do you think that no one other than you understands your current situation?

When there is no accountability, one will become detached and confused about God's Word and truth.

One cannot believe in God's Word and still believe that all religions are the same.

Those especially in leadership need to have a relationship with a trustworthy friend who will make them accountable.

A relationship where God's Word and the healing ointment of Christian love can help mend the spiritual aliments that can afflict us all.

Don't let that secret temptation or obsession gain power in your life.

For if you let it grow, it will start to control you.

Once it is in control, then you will begin to doubt God's love and your salvation.

This secret temptation or obsession will harden your heart.

All the while your heart is hardened, you will be looking for ways to hide this secret rather than connecting with God and others.

The enemy loves your secrets, because it affects many, just not you anymore.

Talk with someone that you can confide in and tell of your temptations, your obsessions, and your vulnerability.

Together you can develop a plan of accountability.

Just knowing that you even have to answer daily to your friend will help.

It will help motivate you from falling into sin, by taking you into responsibility.

Being accountable to someone will help break that temptation on your life.

Everyone of us needs a trusted friend to confide in.

If you don't have a trusted friend - call out to Jesus - He will answer you.

"I'm not saying that I have all this together, that I have made it. But I am well on the way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wonderously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert on this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward - to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back. So let's keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision - you'll see it yet! Now that we're on the right track, let's stay on it." Philippians 3:12-14 Message Bible

A Velentines Message

For God so loVed the world, that He gAvHis onLy begottEn SoN That whosoever believeth In Him should Not perish,but have Everlasting life." John 3:16

We were created to Love Him and be Loved by Him.

Happy Valentines Day!

Approach, Appreciate, and Apply

"Thy Word have I hid in mine heart that I might not sin against Thee." Psalm 119:11

No matter what our own distinctive weaknesses are God has called each one of us individually.

God walks and talks with each one of us on an individual basis.

Do you realize that as a believer in this life, one of our primary callings is to be in fellowship with God.

Are you committed to doing that which is right, just and fair?

Have you not noticed in your life, that the work of grace has touched your heart?

Is the Word of God empowered by the Spirit of God in your life, in your heart?

Is sin in your life allowing you to make all kinds of excuses so that you do not get into God's Word?

Did you know that when you approach and apply God's Word correctly, the grace of God will change you from the inside out.

How do you approach God's Word?

Do you revere it?

Do you ignore it?

Do you find that everything is relative?

For if you find it relative then one would have to assume that the Bible does not contain absolute truth.

"By the Word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth." Psalm 33:6

I pray that you do not approach the Holy Scriptures with selectiveness.

It does not matter at all how we feel at that moment.

God's Word is not to be dissected.

God's Word is a revelation of Himself.

God's Word is to be delighted in.

God's Word has an answer for every need, every question that comes our way.

So, open up His Word and enjoy Him.

Ask God to reveal from His Word what you need.

Ask God to reveal from His Word what He wants you to learn.

Make His Word a daily habit.

Watch how it affects you overall attitude.

The change will be gradual, but others will start seeing a different side of you that they had not because you are giving of yourself to be in God's Word.

Personally, I am going to make sure that I read it, learn it, digest it, and obey it.

When we read it, learn it, digest it, and obey it, we will live it and the Word will live in us!

The Bible is the best resource for the believers of God.

There are very basic principles to live by and apply to our daily lives.

There are many promises to claim as a believer in Christ.

God's Word helps comfort and heal our broken hearts.

God's Word is a rich resource which gives us guidance, direction, correction, and encouragement.

"Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the Words of knowledge." Proverbs 23:12

What is your attitude towards the Word of God?

The Word of God is His personal revelation of Himself.

Do you believe the Bible to be the inherent, infallible Word of God?

How much time do you spend it it?

Do you take His Word lightly?

A reverence of the Word of God is to believe it, obey it, and let it transform your life.

Take a moment and ask yourself how you approach God's Word?

Better yet, take a moment and ask God how you approach His Word for He shall reveal it to you if you truly want to know.

God will reveal all.

We need to let the grace of God touch our hearts.

Do you desire to live a life that glorifies Him?

"Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart; wait, I say on the Lord." Psalm 27:14

" But seek ye first thekingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6:33

The Scars of Life

This was passed on to me by a friend and I wanted to share, enjoy!

Some years ago, on a hot summer day in South Florida ,a little boy decided to go for a swim in the old swimming hole behind his house.

In a hurry to dive into the cool water,he ran out the back door, leaving behind shoes, socks,and shirt as he went.

He flew into the water, not realizing that as he swam toward the middle of the lake, an alligator was swimming toward the shore.

His father, working in the yard, saw the two as they got closer and closer together.

In utter fear, he ran toward the water, yelling to his son as loudly as he could. Hearing his voice, the little boy became alarmed and made a U-turn to swim to his father.

It was too late.

Just as he reached his father, the alligator reached him.

From the dock, the father grabbed his little boy by the arms just as the alligator snatched his legs.

That began an incredible tug-of-war between the two.

The alligator was much stronger than the father, but the father was much too passionate to let go.

A farmer happened to drive by, heard his screams, raced from his truck, took aim and shot the alligator.

Remarkably, after weeks and weeks in the hospital, the little boy survived. His legs were extremely scarred by the vicious attack of the animal, on his arms, were deep scratches where his father's fingernails dug into his flesh in his effort to hang on to the son he loved.

The newspaper reporter who interviewed the boy after the trauma, asked if he would show him his scars.

The boy lifted his pant legs;then, with obvious pride, he said to the reporter...look at my arms.

I have great scars on my arms, too; I have them because my Dad wouldn't let go!

We can identify with that little boy.

We have scars, too.

No, not from an alligator, but the scars of a painful past.

Some of those scars are unsightly and have caused us deep regret, some wounds, my friend, are because God has refused to let go!

In the midst of your struggle, He's been there holding on to you.

The Scripture teaches that God loves you.

You are a child of God .

He wants to protect you and provide for you in every way, sometimes we foolishly wade into dangerous situations, not knowing what lies ahead.

The swimming hole of life is filled with peril -and we forget that the enemy is waiting to attack.

That's when the tug-of-war begins - and if you have the scars of His love on your arms, be very, very grateful, He did not, and will not ever let you go.

God has blessed you, so that you can be a blessing to others..

You just never know where a person is in their life, what they are going

through.

Never judge another person's scars, because you don't know how they got them.

Right now, someone needs to know that God loves them, and you love them, too -enough to not let them go . . . Always Tell Your Family, Friends Just How Much You Love Them!!!

A God big enough to care about little me.

"Teach me. O Lord the way of Thy statues; and I shall keep it unto the end." Psalm 119:33 KJV

"Shew me Thy ways, O Lord; teach me Thy paths. Lead me in Thy truths, and teach me: for Thou art the God of my Salvation: on Thee do I wait all the day long." Psalm 25:45 KJV

Are you frustrated with life in general?

Many of us have longings and aspirations in our heart, but circumstances are such that they have not come to pass.

Why do we find so often that our longings are not met?

Why is it that the theme of our very existence is so often based upon those unfulfilled desires?

Could it be that you are a young couple, trying to have children only to confront infertility.

Could it be that you just got laid off at work without warning.

Could it be that you are single wanting that married life, but the relationships are few and far in between.

With all these situations and many more just like them, frustration builds up.

So, what are we to do with all those unfulfilled desires?
Well?

"Delight Thyself also in the Lord; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit Thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him: and He shall bring it to pass." Psalm 37:4-5 KJV

He will give you the desires of your heart.

The desires of your heart must be legitimate.

The desires of your heart must be right and pure.

The desires of your heart have to be in accordance with the eternal plan and purposes of God.

God wills what is best for you, not just what you want.

If you do not believe in a personal God, my friend, you are missing out that can make a relationship bearable and incredibly intriguing.

My friend, have you not heard that God cares for each one of us on an individual basis.

God will reveal Himself to us, if we would only allow Him to do so.

God will interrupt what we think is the natural way of doing things, just so He can build our faith.

God is not too big to care about each person individually, nor is He to small to take care of your individual needs.

My friend, if He knows all the stars and calls them by name how much more is He willing to help take care of you and your needs.

My friend, is it too much to believe that He knows and cares about each one of us?

"He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. he telleth the number of the stars; He calleth them all by their names. Great is our Lord, and of great power: His understanding is infinite." Psalm 147:3-5 KJV

"Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: He calleth them all by names by the greatness of His might, for that He is strong in power; not one faileth." Isaiah 40:26 KJV

In thousands of ways through good and bad, God has tried to make Himself known by meeting your own personal needs.

There is not one person who cannot point to instances where God's divine intervention has a logical explanation.

Society today encourages us to explain events in any way other than to give our Creator, glory.

My friend, when God steps in, there ain't no other explanation.

Why is it we seem to search the universe for God, when all along He is right here within us.

He is in love with each of us.

He cares for each of us on an individual level.

He sees your heart and reads the content of it, even while you are going through your present circumstances.

God will not forsake you.

Will you allow the frustrations of life govern your heart?

Although, it can be frustrating to wait, we shall receive what is best for us in the long run.

If God gave us everything that we desired, the results would be obviously harmful even damaging to us.

God gives us what he ordains knowing all along that His will, it will satisfy us.

What a comfort, What a joy to know that our heavenly Father is looking out the best things for us!

"I asked for strength that I might achieve.
I was made weak that I might obey.
I asked for health that I might do greater things.
I was given infirmity that I might do better things.
I asked for riches that I might be happy.
I was given poverty that I might be wise.
I asked for power that I might have the praise of men.
I was given weakness so that I might feel the need for God!
I asked for all things that I might enjoy life. I was given life that I might enjoy all things.
I have received nothing I asked for and all that I hoped for.
My prayer is answered." - written by a young soldier from the Civil War who was injured and crippled for the rest of his life.

There is something in that prayer that we can say pertains to our own natural way of thinking.

O God in Your great grace and mercy restore, renew, and revive me! Do a work of grace in my life that will make me the kind of person who exalts and praises You no matter what circumstances may come my way.

"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." Psalm 51:10 KJV

"O Lord, open my lips, my mouth will declare Your praise." Psalm 51:15 NIV

Is your heart stedfast?

"Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God.
Give me relief from my distress;be merciful to me and hear my prayer.

How long, O men, will you turn My glory into shame?
How long will you love delusions and seek false gods?

Know that the Lord has set apart the godly for Himself; the Lord will hear when I call to Him.

In you anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.
Offer right sacrifices and trust in the Lord.

Many are asking, who can show us any good?
Let the light of your face shine upon us, O Lord.

You have filled my heart with greater joy.
than when their grain and new wine abound.

I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone make me dwell in safety." Psalm 4

Is there a gap between what you know in your head and what you feel in your heart?

Is there a connection between your head and your heart?

Did you know that it is not what goes into you that defiles the person?

It is what comes out of you.

"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" Jeremiah 17:9

The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked, so we need to be concerned about our hearts, about what is going on inside us.

Do the habits of your heart make a difference in your actions?

The inner man is very significant, we need to guard our hearts.

What ultimately matters from God's perspective is what is going on inside our hearts.

We live in a society today where external image is highly valued.

We must needs be reminded that what ultimately matters to God, is what is going on in our hearts.

We also need to be concerned about our hearts, and what is going on the inside of our heart.

So, is the image you portray true or not?

Are you always explaining why you have done this or that?

It really matters to God the heart of man.

Man is interested in externals, but God is interested in internals.

The children of Israel insisted on having a king, an external leader.

God was/is much more into theocracy than monarchy.

God eventually told Samuel he could go ahead and find a king for the children of Israel.

Saul, was the first king Samuel anointed.

Eventually Saul was rejected by God.

God warned Samuel don't look on the outside, look at the inside.

"But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7

We tend to think of the heart as the center of our emotions and feelings.

The Bible talks about the heart as the center of the will, center of the mind, and center of the emotions.

The heart discerns the mind, it discerns with the emotions, and is decides with the will.

Because of our fallen nature our hearts are less than perfect.

We find ourselves confusing truth and error tainted by pride, and a desire for what is inappropriate.

We may want desperately to do something even though we know that God has advised against it.

We are affected by sin, so that at times we choose not to do what deep down we know we ought to do.

We have a problem with the heart.

"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." Proverbs 4:23

God alone knows the heart of man.

We need to learn how to deny our own desires to find out God's desire.

We need to learn how to deny our will to find out God's will.

We need to die to self will, take up our cross and follow after God.

We need not shout it out to those around us, for you will know a man/woman after God's heart by the very life they live, and what kind fruit they bear.

Is your heart steadfast?

Can you say in the midst of all calamity your heart will stay fixed on God?

Do you do the right thing cause you want God's name to be honored?

Doing the right thing even when know one is looking is called integrity.

Do you have integrity?

Do you second guess yourself or do you stick with the decision in which has been made?

When we cry out or say...

God we want you to be glorified in the midst of this calamity, in some incredible way, be glorified. Lord, do something that is only going to be attributed to divine intervention. Let those around me, even those critics, those that are cynical, can only say that God could have fixed this thing.

When you say that you are saying that you are going to stick with God through hell or high water.

God is the only one we can depend on.

In the midst of our distress, we can live a life of trust and praise.

So, I ask again, do you have a steadfast heart?

A heart that is firmly fixed in place, not subject to change, firm in belief, forever faithful.

"That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:17-19