1 Corinthians 12:20-31 – “But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. 21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. 23 And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, 24 but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, 25 that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. 27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. 28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.”  NKJV

Before I accepted Jesus as my savior, the girl I was dating and I were in riding with my parents and I told her, “I don’t know why but I have a feeling I’m supposed to be a preacher.”  She said, “Well, do it!”  My response was simple, “You have to be kidding who would listen?”  I and she knew how I was living, and no one would have ever thought of Roy and Preacher unless it was Roy needs a preacher. 

I grew up in a rural church, but did not know the LORD.  After I accepted the LORD as my Savior and begin to feel the tug to ministry I resisted and gave every argument I could think of as to why that was a bad idea and sought to dismiss it.  I told my pastor that I was going to pursue teaching and Christian counseling for that was a need that with the proper training I could see myself addressing.  He just smiled and said nothing.  It was as if he knew inside that I was simply kicking against the pricks and in time would come around to what God truly wanted.

I did not want to be in front, for I considered that too weighty a responsibility.  Most of my life, I have found myself been pressed into a leadership role.  However, I considered the call to preach incredibly frightening!  I resisted speaking publicly. In High School my English teacher continually pleaded with me to join in drama and speaking, but I resisted. 

Most don’t believe it, but I was shy, and standing in front of people was so uncomfortable I wanted no part of it.  In my early Christian experience, I sought to be in the shadows doing tasks that no one wanted to do and assuming roles that others considered beneath them.  God would have none of that and through a series of events that were undeniable to me, He impressed upon me that my call was to preach and when I opened my heart to that He opened the doors of opportunity.

Too many want to be the Body Part, in Christ, that is visible and praised as important.  Many want to be the apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, or teacher being seen.  We want to be the comely parts, but nobody wants to be the little toe.  The human body needs all its members to function in harmony and each part is important to the overall function of that body and the same is true in the Body of Christ. 

Every human body has a head, and every human body has armpits and while I am not calling any role in the Body of Christ “Arm Pit Ministry” I ask that you consider the truth of that imagery.  I have observed people self-label themselves as apostles, prophets, etc.  If you are something, you will function in that gift and calling and you will have to tell no one that you have a particular ministry gift, they will know it for God will make it known through your function. 

Therefore, rather than striving to be the part that is recognized and praised, desire to be what God wants you to be. Seek to fulfill your calling and although you may function in a little known, observed, or appreciated role for a time, in your faithfulness, God may promote you to a larger role.  Do not seek something because it appears more important or has greater visibility.  Seek to be who God called you to be and accept that responsibility.  If God does not open the door or has not ordained, you to function in that role you will fail and likely do more harm than good so be who He has called you to be and rejoice in that call.  Everybody cannot ride the horse some have to shovel the manure!

God bless you richly as you go through this day!

Isaiah 5:20-21 – “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!  21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, And prudent in their own sight!”  NKJV

I know, I know this is a devotional blog, and I’m not supposed to be political, but the overbearingness of political correctness has paralyzed much of today’s church, and that troubles this believer.  We live in a world today where many believe there is ‘No Universal Truth’.  We are engaged in cultural wars to the point that many have been placed in chains out of fear of offending anyone, losing members, support, finances, and/or position.  I believe Isaiah spoke to that quite plainly and perfectly.  I believe that the disciples when ordered by the Jewish leadership to speak no more in the name of Jesus understood when they responded, “Shall we obey God or man?” 

It seems that many today are asking the question of Pilate as Jesus stood before him, “What is truth?”  It would seem ,by the attack on free speech and religious convictions, that the modern view is “There is no definitive truth only relativism.”  If we, as the Body of Christ and the representatives of the Lord Jesus Christ in this world, do not reclaim our voice and holy boldness in standing for and speaking the truth we will see the fulfillment of the Lord’s question in Luke 18:8, “…when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”

In our modern world and much of Christendom we have evolved to the place that many believe:

• Truth is Subjective.  (No longer believing in ultimate or absolute truth)
• Morality is Subjective.  (If it feels good do it therefore whatever a person desires should not be condemned or judged by any definitive standard)
• Consciousness is Being Elevated.  (Belief that to hold moral and ethical standards based on the Bible reflects a narrow-mindedness and should be rejected.)
• A Prime Objective Must be Sensitivity.  (Imprisoning figuratively if not literally who declares Sin)
• In Victim-ism.  (If one is to be deemed a victim then they are exempt from personal responsibility and accountability.)
• In Multiculturalism.  (Ending the ‘melting pot’ ideal of America and separated us into a myriad of varying sects, groups, ideologies, and cultures.  No longer becoming one but remaining isolated and divided.)

In the Body of Christ, we are supposed to become one with Jesus and thereby one with each other.  We are instructed in 2 Corinthians 6:17 to “come out from among them and be separate…”  We are to be holy because He is holy.  The Bible is not silent on sin and lifestyles or actions that are considered abominable to God and we dare not be.  We are instructed to suppress our fear of man because all he can do is kill the body and develop a reverential and holy fear of God who controls our eternal destiny.

If the Bible calls something sin dare we call it anything but sin? Should we not seek to avoid it?  In fact, we read in Proverbs 17:15, “He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just, both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD.”  In Proverbs 24:24-25, we find, “He who says to the wicked, “You are righteous,” Him the people will curse; Nations will abhor him.  But those who rebuke the wicked will have delight, and a good blessing will come upon them.”

The simple question for each of us is will we adopt a mindset of Political Correctness or Biblical Correctness.  There are two paths before us and as Joshua addressed the nation, “Choose you this day whom you will serve…”   I choose to follow the LORD!

God bless you as you go through this day!

Romans 1:28-32 – “And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.”  NKJV

Each day as various newscasts, newspapers, blogs, articles, and websites detail the happenings within our society, cities, and various nations around the world I come to an arresting realization.  I realize that man is not getting better but the conditions in our world are growing darker by the day.  Here in Romans 1, the apostle Paul is addressing the unrighteousness of man and the wrath of God displayed toward it.  As I read this chapter I shudder thinking how like our present world this description is and if God’s wrath burned hot then how much more now?

In today’s Politically Correct world we are told, and it will soon become mandated, by federal law, that we must subject our core convictions to the will of various groups who discount the Bible and call good those things God calls an abomination.  If that transpires we will be told that if we speak against sin, we have engaged in hate speech.  If we refuse to accommodate the practices that violate our convictions, we face a swift and severe penalty of law.  There will soon come a time when we must decide whether we will incur the wrath of man or the judgment of God and choose which path we will follow.

There are those in today’s world that resent even the mention of the God of the Bible and whose minds have become so debased they are vile, corrupt, and engage in continual blasphemy.  Sadly, there are those within Christendom who condone, excuse and justify those who practice sexual immorality, all forms of evil as Paul’s list details.  Excusing sin and remaining silent when the core values of the Bible are trashed and trampled underfoot is, in my view, equal to those who do practice those lifestyles. 

There comes a time in any society when God will give people over to their evil passions and desires.  We have come to a time when many have had their consciences seared as with a hot iron and no longer feel any remorse.  We have entire segments who no longer value human life and have no respect for the Bible or God.  Our world has become an increasingly more dangerous place and I tremble for the generations yet to rise to adulthood.  What kind of world will they encounter should God allow this world to continue?

There is a remedy for the problems of our world and that is Jesus.  Someone said, “Come to Jesus and your problems are over.”  The truth is that when we come to Jesus, we just entered the battlefield of life, and as He declared we become hated by the world.  Jesus will not remove all problems from one’s life but will afford a peace that is unknown to the world.  Amid the perilousness of our day, we can walk in perfect peace and with supernatural power.  Man, as a whole, is not getting better but the Church of Jesus Christ is beginning to shake herself and is about to rise in power!

God bless you as you go through this day!

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – “Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”  NKJV

I have been concerned about the mindset of people, especially in America, for some time.  I read something recently that caused me to, once again, examine America as a Christian nation or as a nation that is truly thankful to God.  I still believe that the majority of Americans believe in God, the God of the Bible.  I do not know what percentage actually serve God with a whole heart, but I do believe that based on what people believe, America could still be called a Christian nation.

I love history and value books like they were gold mines from which I can glean priceless nuggets.  Reviewing our American history, I find that our first President, George Washington acknowledged his thankfulness and confidence in God unashamedly and without castigation by those demanding the mythical separation of church and state as a constitutional mandate.  In 1789 he proclaimed a “day of public thanksgiving and prayer” and implored the heavens to “pardon our national and other transgressions” while urging the citizenry to practice “true religion and virtue.”  He would probably be impeached and most assuredly censored today for such a proclamation and request.

In 1863 President Abraham Lincoln urged Americans to set aside the last Thursday of November as “a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.”  Imagine that proclamation today and consider what the outcry would be from the media, the leftist, and activists.  Lincoln would have been ridden out of town on a rail, but he was unabashed in his willingness to acknowledge God’s hand in the affairs of this nation and our need for His help.

President John F. Kennedy said, “More than three centuries ago, the Pilgrims, after a year of hardship and peril, humbly and reverently set aside a special day upon which to give thanks to God.  They paused in their labors to give thanks for the blessings that had been bestowed upon them by Divine Providence.”  He then quoted the Bible saying, “It is a good thing to give thanks to the Lord.”   That was America of old and the America of my youth and I long for a return to that attitude in this nation, in our churches, homes, businesses, and world.

I do not own, nor will I, this book, but it is used in schools to teach our children about Thanksgiving.  The title is “The Very First Thanksgiving” by Rhonda Greene.  One review of the book said, “This is a beautifully illustrated picture book for young children about the original Thanksgiving feast but there is one caveat, this book nowhere mentions God, who is after all the reason for the holiday.”  The author carefully avoids mention of God in the presentation which is perfect for the politically correct who want to dismiss God from society.

Today we are witnessing an assault on the Christian faith and in a few months, we will be celebrating Thanksgiving.  My question is to whom or what are people giving thanks?  Children today are told to be thankful, but God is not mentioned in the equation.  It is time that we return to the basic principles of our faith and teach those under our care whom we are to be thankful to!  Sadly, we are, by our actions or inactions, giving thanks to everything but God and that is tragic and disastrous.

God bless you as you go through this day!

Judges 3:31 – “After him came Shamgar the son of Anath, who struck down six hundred Philistines with an oxgoad; and he also saved Israel.” NASB

Some years back, I asked a group of young people what they could tell me about Shamgar and not one of them had a clue about him.  They had no idea he was a person mentioned in the Bible or the account of his exploits.  I read them this passage and then explained to them that an ‘ox goad’ according to what I understand from Middle-Eastern farming is a pointed 7’ long stick used for pushing cattle around.  Pretty impressive that with a ‘cattle prod’ this man slew 600 Philistine Warriors! 

We do not know much about Shamgar and he could possibly be the same person as referenced in the Books of Samuel as being one of the three, a distinct group of warriors of King David known as ‘Shammah, son of Agee.’  Many Bible scholars believe they are that they are the same, but since we do not have clear information on that I won’t make that leap but leave it as a somewhat obscure man who in the strength of the Spirit of God rose up and resisted an enemy invasion.  The last portion of the verse says, “…he also saved Israel.”  That is the important part.  He did what he had to do in the face of overwhelming odds to save his people.

Sometimes, the Bible makes it clear, you just have to ‘get your fight on’ and stand!  Oh, I’m not trying to make this physical because most of the time that would not be appropriate but in the spiritual, we must Do Battle and we need to realize that the weapons of our warfare and Mighty through God able to pull down strongholds of the enemy.

Yet, no weapon is of any value without the individual that uses the weapon.  It doesn’t matter how formidable the weaponry is, unless there is someone to use it, it is nothing more than just another implement lifeless and inanimate.  It requires a person!  That is what Shamgar provided when God stirred his heart to stand.  He provided the person and God provided the strength and ability.  He took what he had and defended his land and his nation against the enemy.  So, in the spiritual, if the enemy comes in like a flood then we need to anticipate that the Spirit of God is going to use us to stand against him.  He will take what we have and make us able to use it effectively. 

When the enemy attacks remember that the Whole Armor of God has no ‘backplate’ to cover the rear when running away.  All the armament is for the front as we are advancing toward the enemy not running in a frightened retreat.  Of course, the enemy can be frightening, after all, he is a supernatural being, but we are Mighty Through God!  We are More Than Conquerors through Jesus.  We do not have to cower in fear we are victors in Christ.

So, as you face the enemies and obstacles of this day go in the strength and power of the Spirit of God.  If all you have is your ‘ox goad’ take it and Stand!  God will give you the strength to overcome!

Blessings as you go through your day!

Matthew 6:1 – “Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.”  NASB

Most, if not all of us, know or have known of people who relished the spotlight and attention.  They did philanthropic deeds, put their best foot forward, and put on the dog (so to speak) when they knew they were being observed but when no one was looking they were quite different. 

I observed a professional athlete once, that when the cameras were on him, he was smiles and courteous even signed an autograph or two. Then when the camera crew went to another location, he was rude, arrogant, and dismissive of anyone trying to get near him.  Another athlete in the same event continued for a full hour talking to the spectators and fans signing autographs and learning something about the people.  One was all show but no substance the other was genuine on or off-camera.  I gained respect for the one and lost all respect for the other.  I won’t tell you who they were it is not important what they did is.

In Christianity, the Lord Jesus advised that if we practice our righteousness or ‘Faux Christianity’ to be seen and lauded by men we will be genuinely disappointed on that final day when we stand before God.  The words ‘well done my good and faithful servant’ will not be heard.  Jesus said that there will be no reward from the Father, the praise of men is all we will get in this life or the next.  You are what you are when no one is around!  It would be far better to be real, honest, and who you really are all the time.  That way you never have to be afraid that someone will see or hear you out of character or costume.

That is a philosophy that I adopted a long time ago for my life.  I am what I am at all times!  What you see is what you get.  I don’t change when in the pulpit, sitting in the pew, at a party, prayer meeting, or in the woods hunting.  I’m the same all the time.  That has not always been the case and I would put on a mask when I went to church because, after all, I was the preacher and could not have problems, be down, disappointed, or even battle depression. I was trying to be a spiritual superman! 

That became so tiring that one day the Holy Spirit arrested me and said, “You Phony, stop it!”  Of course, I protested and gave my well-rehearsed argument about why I had to be like I was only to hear the Spirit of God say, “PHONY! PHONY! PHONY You are not a Show Pony!” It took a few encounters like that for me to fess up and repent.  From that day to this, I am what I am.  You either like me or you don’t.  I never want to be rude or unkind.  One thing you will always find is that I am the same on a consistent basis.  I try never to wear a mask, hide behind some religious cliché, or perform.  It is too tiring and too hard to remember how you are supposed to be at different times and different occasions.  I just let the Holy Spirit reveal who I really am flaws and all.  I’ve been happier that way and frankly more effective than ever in my labors for the Kingdom. 

I am not and you are not a ‘Show Pony’ we are real human beings who have accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior and we have flaws and shortcomings.  We face problems like everyone else.  You fail at times and you make mistakes.  Be real!  Be who you are at the level you are spiritually.  You are a work in progress and never forget it.  Ultimately people will appreciate your honesty and while there may be some super religious people who will be turned off by the way you are living in the real world, but they did the same to Jesus so don’t worry about it.

May God be with you as you go through your day!

John 8:31-36 – “Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.  32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” 33 They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?” 34 Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.  35 And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever.  36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.”  NKJV

You can be in chains and not be a slave or be without bonds and be enslaved.  Chains do not determine Freedom the heart and mind do.  Unfortunately, nothing we do will eradicate human bondage and men will enslave other men against their wills in the natural.  I can only imagine the physical, mental, and even spiritual torture that being captive brings.  My heart breaks for anyone who has endured that condition either as a prisoner of war, a human slave against their will, a hostage, or anything of the like.            

I know two men who, although captives, were never enslaved in their hearts and minds.  One was a Japanese prisoner during WWII and escaped the other was held in Hanoi by the Vietnamese and endured years of horrific inhumane torture and abuse.  Both professed that their faith in God and believe in the Word of God kept them Free although in chains.  They were and are examples of True Freedom! 

The only True Freedom is through the shed blood of Jesus and the Grace of God.  If we receive the forgiveness of sin and are born again, we experience True Freedom.  A person that is thusly free can be imprisoned, chained, and otherwise enslaved physically but they will Never be a Slave in their heart or mind because the Son has set them free!

Today, in America, we celebrate our Independence, and yet multiplied thousands are still enslaved in some form.  Enslavement of the mind is possibly worse than being enslaved in the flesh for if a person’s mind is captive the attitude and actions will reflect that condition.  Breaking free and living life to the full is virtually impossible because the mind is in chains to wrong thinking, victimization, and false premises.  But if we receive the Freedom that Jesus came and brought, we Cannot be enslaved.  Remember, if God is for who can be against us or as a friend always says what difference does it make who is against us if God is for us.

God bless you and Be Free in Jesus. 

2 Samuel 22:29 – “For Thou art my lamp, O LORD; and the LORD illumines my darkness.”  NASB

This verse is part of the song that David wrote after he had been delivered from Saul and all his enemies.  He was filled with thanksgiving to God and wrote this song to express his gratitude and offer his praise to God.  There are so many powerful declarations in the song, but this revelation has captured my attention and brings great comfort to my heart.

We all go through difficult times in life.  We all encounter obstacles and even enemies that want to destroy us.  Those enemies may be human or may be the forces of darkness assigned to trouble us by the devil himself.  No matter the source we can take comfort in the promises of God to watch over us, keep us, protect us, and guide us.  That is the focus of David in this verse.           

A lamp has the purpose of giving light and in the giving of light illuminates the hidden things lurking in the darkness.  It reveals the beneficial as well as the detrimental and dangerous.  It reveals the right path to take and exposes the potholes and pitfalls that are unseen when things are dark. 

In Psalms 119:105, the Psalmist declared, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light to my path.”  The idea of a lamp is that it provides enough light for the immediate area.  A natural lamp only provides light enough to penetrate the immediate darkness, but David said that God was his lamp and that God illumines his darkness.  That is an expansion of the function of a lamp. 

God is a lamp providing illumination for the immediate dangers, pitfalls, and blessings we do not see but He is more.  He illuminates our darkness.  He is light and that light could be compared to the brilliance of the noonday sun.  We have both the Lamp and the Light so that we can see where to place our foot for the next step but illumination to plan for the future seeing into His purposes.

Lynda Randle sings a song that moves my heart every time I hear it, “God on the Mountain.”  The song identifies the ease of life when we are on the mountain and all is well.  On the mountain, we often experience peace of mind beyond anything we have ever known.  Then suddenly things change, problems arise, and the storm clouds roll in.  We find ourselves in a valley and it is difficult to see which way to go.  The song says that in those times we need to remember that, “The God on the mountain, is the same God as in the valley.  When things go wrong, He makes them right.  The God of the good times is also the God of the bad times.  The God of the day is the God of the night.”

When we are on the mountain faith is easy but when we are in the valley faith is tested and pressed to the limit.  It is easy to talk about faith and make bold confessions and declarations when all is well but when things go wrong it is sometimes difficult.  But, the God on the mountain is the God in the valley and if we will just come to Him, He will illuminate our path and guide us to the safe shore.

God is both a Lamp and a Light.  He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  He will never leave us nor forsake us.  He is the God on the Mountain and the God in the Valley.  He is God and always will be God!

God bless you as you enjoy this day in Him!

Psalms 90:12 – “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” KJV

Picking up where we left off yesterday discussing Perception, I want us to take another step in unfolding this.

PREPARATION – – You Must Prepare to Get Where You Are Going.

It is vital that we know the provision of God’s Word for our lives and calling. The Bible is, in reality, a tool, weapon, light, and resource.  It is vital that we know our spiritual inheritance and our preparation involves the mental, physical, and spiritual.  Our spiritual journey is one that is led by the Spirit of God or it will veer off course.  As we are anchored in God’s Truth. we are Free!

PROCEED – We must proceed on God’s Planned Path.

As you and I come to grips with our Potential we see the Possibilities and accept the Probabilities discovered and experienced through trusting God!  I do not know if God wants to use you in the mighty fashion of Moses, Elijah, Paul, John, Peter, Daniel, or some other biblical figure.  He may want to use you as the Church Janitor but whatever it is, He wants you to Perceive, Prepare, and Proceed!   If we do not move, He will not move!

I’ve heard Christians lament that they cannot be great overcomers and I have to ask WHY?  God declares in the Bible that we already are IN Christ!  Some have informed me that miracles are a thing of the past.  That causes me to ask, is God a thing of the past?  God is a miracle-working God and if He lives in us and is our source and resource then WHY NOT?

You are a Child of God if you are IN Christ!  He has a Purpose for your life which He is working to Prepare you for so that you can Proceed on the Planned Path!  Instead of lamenting and focusing on what you do not have or cannot do look to God and lift up your eyes and see that He Can and He is IN you, therefore you can!   

We need to be reminded of the words of James that ‘life is just a vapor, here a little time and then gone.’  Tomorrow, on earth, may never come for us so we need to redeem the time and take advantage of every opportunity.  I believe you are a dynamic and often untapped dynamo for the Kingdom and excitedly await the reports of what God is doing through and with you.

Therefore, as you go through your day go knowing Who you are and Whose you are!  As you do, Walls Will Fall! 

God bless you richly is my prayer!

Psalms 90:12 – “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” KJV

I was talking to someone recently and they said, “Everybody wants to live forever!”  The person meant in this life, not in eternity.  As we discussed that topic, I had to agree that many people, if not most people, seem to feel that they have enough tomorrows to take care of the things they didn’t do today.  Too often there is a complete absence of any urgency because there is plenty of time.  We used to call that Procrastination.  I’m not sure how it is termed today.

I have observed that there are a number of promises in God’s Word that are seldom claimed and stood on.  In that sense, people live beneath their privilege in God.  I’ve been accused of going overboard on God’s Promises, but it is my conviction that with each step we take in becoming more and more like Jesus there is more Power demonstrated in our lives, more Souls are impacted for the Kingdom, and more Victories are won in our lives.  That does not sound like a bad place or focus to me.

In this Psalm, attributed to Moses, he was interceding for God to remove the curse that every Israelite over twenty years of age would die before reaching Canaan, and in that he stated that most are dying at seventy although some reach eighty.  If we were to determine that eighty is our lifespan (I say that only for illustrative purposes) then we could divide our lives up into five-year segments and have sixteen of them to chart our journey through the maze called life.  Of course, we do not know what tomorrow holds so that would be fruitless but for illustrative purposes follow me.  How many have you used and how many do you have left?

What I want to stress is that Time is either a great asset or an enemy. Paul urged us to ‘redeem the time’.  Effective stewardship of time is vital to our fulfilling our purposes in life and being truly successful.  I believe that in order to fully tap into the resources, the ability, and power that you have, and God’s purposes three things must take place.

1. PERCEPTION – – You Must Perceive…

Who you are for the perspective of Scripture!  Initially, as Romans 3:23 identifies we were sinners in need of God.  In Genesis 1:26 we find that we were created in God’s image.  In John 1:12 we read that we are Sons of God based upon repentance.  In Romans 8:17 we are told we are heirs of God.  In Galatians 3:29 we find that we are heirs according to the Promise.  We are informed that the Blessings of Abraham are ours and if we read Deuteronomy 28, we find some incredible promises and then in Hebrews 8:6, we find that our Covenant is a better covenant established on better promises!

Therefore, in light of Scripture Who Are You?  If you have received Christ as your Savior, you are God’s Child.  Where are you?  What are your condition and your position in God?  I remember the illustration of the little boy that fell out of bed and when his father asked him what happened he said, “I guess I stayed too close to the edge.”  Move away from the edges and enjoy the blessings of God.

Where are you going spiritually?  If we know Who we are based on Whose we are we must realize the possibilities for our lives based on the promises of God.  We have great and precious promises for our Lord who has promised to never leave or forsake us.

I want to pause there and pick this up again tomorrow. 

As you go through your day God with God and He will go with you!   BLESSINGS!