Tremendous Trial

This is a word for someone who's going through a tremendous trial.  The winds and waves are causing you to sink.  You are afraid that you won't make it.

"I am here," says the Lord.  "Take My hand and I will cause you to walk upon the waters.  I love you my child.  I will heal.  I will save.  I will restore.  If you will just trust Me, I will bring you out of the storm.  I am your Deliverer.  So put your trust in Me.  Stand upon My word and know that I will bring you out.  I will save.  I will deliver because My love for you is great," says the Lord.

Stephen the Beggar

He wore a soiled white shirt and a pair of ripped slacks.  His matted hair flopped in the wind and he had heavy eyes. The beggar, Stephen, held out his cup, “Could you please give me a little money to live on.  I am without a job right now and I need some to buy food.”  He turned fifty five this day and he had been on the streets since his twenties.  He used to be a policeman till he lost his buddy in a shootout.  He never forgave himself believing his friend’s loss occurred due to his negligence.

There Stephen stood year after year, day after day until a young girl approached him.  “Excuse me sir.”

“Yes?”

“I just wanted to let you know that Jesus loves you very much.  Here is a pamphlet that talks about what He’s done for you and me and everyone else.  Also, here’s a sandwich for you to eat.  God Bless you!”

“Thank you.  I promise to read it.”

Stephen devoured his salami sandwich and opened the pamphlet.  Inside, he found a picture of Christ on the cross.  Tears welled up in his eyes when he began to read of God’s great love for him and how Jesus offers complete forgiveness for his sins.  After reading the tract, he prayed aloud the concluding words and asked Jesus to be the Lord of his life.  He felt the burden of his sins melt away like ice on  a summer day. 

After three weeks, a man approached his corner.  He asked, “I am developing a team of individuals to do yard work in this area.  I will train you, and I pay competitively. Would you like to work for me?

Stephen thought, all these years without a job.  I am frightened at the idea, but I have to believe that Jesus has something to do with this…

“Sir, I will work for you.”

That began his journey back into society.  Stephen joined a church and God began prospering him.  He was quick to give to the Lord’s work, and he learned to serve as an usher at the worship center he attended.

This story is fictional but it shows us the difference we can make when we sow seeds of love to others.  Let’s share God’s word with the spiritually needy.  Let’s feed the hungry and pray for the sick.  God can use us in many ways if we’ll just be faithful and available.  Our efforts do have an effect on those around us.  Remember Christ’s commission to go into all the world, and remember His great commandments to love Him and others.

God Bless,

Tom

Free at Last

You found me, when I could not find myself

You saved me, when I was drowning

You healed me, when sickness had the upper hand

You shined your light upon me, when darkness dulled my senses

Victory is mine before I shout

So I sing Your praises aloud

When burdens pressed my shoulders down

You inverted my frown

You caused joy in me to abound

Praise is the sound

Praise is the sound

You transform my life

As I give each piece  to You

Abiding in love, abiding in the truth

Because of You I am free at last

And all I had to do was ask

Because of You I am free at last

And all I had to do was ask

The Greatest Privilege of All

He (Jesus) replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightening from heaven.  I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.”  Luke 10:19 NIV parentheses mine.

Jesus appointed seventy-two believers and sent them two by two to preach the gospel and to heal the sick and cast out demons in his name.  These “sent-ones” enjoyed enormous success. They returned with joy and said to Jesus that even the demons submit us in Your name.  

Our Lord's response was intriguing.  On one hand he encouraged them; he affirmed them by declaring the authority that was given them over Satan.  But he also told them they were to rejoice that their names were written in heaven not because of the authority they possess through the name of Jesus.  Jesus was pointing out that their relationship with the Father was to be their number one concern. 

At this time, Jesus beamed with joy and said, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.  Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.” (Luke 10:21 NIV)  It takes someone with a childlike heart to believe that God has given us power to defeat the enemy; it takes someone who has a genuine relationship with the Lord, someone who is not wise in their own eyes to find victory in spiritual warfare.  Psalm 8:2 says, “From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.”  Here the Scripture refers to praise as one of the weapons we have against the Devil, but also notice that this victory is given to children and infants or to those with a childlike heart before God.

Let's embrace the authority that the Lord has granted us.  When we pray in faith, mountains move and demons flee in terror.  But let us not glory in the power that has been delegated to us; rather, let's glory in the intimate relationship we have with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  Because of Christ's sacrifice on the cross, we have been given the greatest privilege.  We now have free access into the throne room of God; for knowing Him is the greatest privilege of all!

Dear Father God,

I praise You and worship You.  I thank you for giving me victory over the enemy.  But Lord I am filled with praise and awe because You chose me to have an abiding relationship with You. Help me to know You more and more intimately as I walk with You.  In Jesus name, Amen.

My Peace

Here is a prophetic word I gave at church last Mother's Day.  I hope it is a blessing to you...

 

Peace to you - My peace.  My peace passes all understanding.  Where my peace is, you can rest. 
Where my peace is, wholeness dwells.  I want my peace to reign in your hearts.  Cast your cares on Me for I care for you.

I will envelop you in My love.  You are righteous before Me, because of the blood of My Son Jesus.  Know that you are right with Me.  Confess any sin to me and know that I forgive.

I have come to give you peace.  Receive My gift of peace to you this day for I am a good God, and I love you immensely and infinitely. 

The Power of God's Word

Here is a devotion of mine on the importance of God’s Word that was published today at christiandevotions.us.

The link is https://us8.campaign-archive.com/…

I hope you enjoy it.

He Causes Me to Triumph

I spent the night in the desert

Resting on thorns

I felt the heat of adversity

Burning my skin red

I saw the face of evil

Heard the voices of those with forked tongues

Yet You were with me

You guided me in the night

You brought me to a safe haven

You gave me victory

I rejoice in my triumph

The enemy, not man, desired to do me in

I was on his agenda

But the Holy Spirit comforted me

He gave me the words as a weapon

To annihilate my adversary

Praise be to God, who always causes me to triumph!