Soothing Oil

Have you ever been told that you are a smooth talker? Or that you have a silver tongue? Not sure what to do or say? Good because the Bible has some advice for you.

Those with the most convincing way could also be the person that is hiding a heart of strife or violence. The book of Psalms chapter 55:20-21 describes such a person. Here is the description.

• They attack their friends

• They don't keep their word
• Their speech is as smooth as butter, yet war is in their heart
• Their words are more soothing than oil, yet they are drawn swords.

Our greatest desire should be people who season our words with grace, not people with persuasive words

Why You Should Fear God

I hope this title doesn't catch you off guard. I remember the first time I heard the above phrase "Fear God" that I was unsure of its meaning. It would help to know that to fear God is actually a good thing as long as you are His Son or His daughter. Why fear God? Because He is all powerful and is able to control everything that surrounds my existence. Because He is God and I'm not!

In Psalms 25:12-13 the writer gives several benefits to fearing God, they are as follows:

• God will instruct you as you follow His path
• God will cause you to spend your days in prosperity
• God will cause your descendants to inherit the land (they will be the winners)

You know when you look at the above mentioned list, fearing God sounds like the best thing you and I can do.

Fruit of the Kingdom

This morning I was reminded that God doesn't need me. That's right He doesn't need you either. That doesn't sit well does it? The truth is that God doesn't need me but He loves me!

God could have decided that angels would extend His kingdom or animals or whatever else He deemed right. The point being that we are replaceable. Is that a word? Well okay we can be replaced. God wants us and loves us but if we refuse to do it His way, then He will get someone else to do it. I am referring to Matthew 21:43 where we are told that is looking for a people that will produce the fruit of the Kingdom.

God has been so gracious that He would allow us to be a part of His plan, now all He is asking for is obedience. Are you ready to obey?

Future Rewards

In my Christian life I have heard and even witnessed great sacrifice by the people of God. I have seen people give up opportunities that would make them wealthy to serve the Lord. What about these people who are on a foreign field away from family and everything they know as familiar?

Peter asked the same question in Matthew 19:27 and Jesus responded in verse 29 by saying "And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life."

You might be someone who doesn't have a lot in this life when it comes to material goods, that's okay because God will take care of you. Maybe you have given all for the sake of the call of God on your life, God hasn't forgotten you!

The old story was told of a missionary and his wife who returned on a ship after faithful service for 35 years in a foreign country. It just so happened that the president of the United States was expected at the same time. The band began to play and the missionary couple felt sad. They began to believe that no one noticed their faithful service on foreign soil. The husband said "you might think someone would have celebrated our homecoming." Then the thought occurred to him from the Lord, "you are not home yet."

Do you feel forgotten, just remember one day we are in for a homecoming!

God Loves Us

In Psalm 106:44-45 God shares His love for His people. I find great comfort in this scripture for a number of reasons, but the one that stands out for me is that God keeps His promises. Even though I have turned my back on Him and done my own thing He is not going to leave me or forsake me.

Let me list my thoughts on these verses

• He knows what we are going through
• He has heard our cry
• He has kept His promises

Where are you right now? Do you need to know that God knows what you are going through? Do you need to be reminded that God has heard your cries from a broken heart? Maybe right now you need to be encouraged that things are going to change for the better.

God has never failed me yet, and I am so glad that He keeps His promises. How about you?

A Change of Seasons

Today, the wind is blowing and is about 60 degrees. The leaves are starting to fall (anybody know what makes them fall?) and we are wondering where the summer went.

I like fall weather and pumpkin pie and leaves rustling under my feet, I just don't like to rake the leaves in my yard! All of this change in the weather reminded me of a truth about life. We all go through different seasons of life.

Maybe right now you are experiencing sunshine and warmth, or you are dormant and you feel so cold. Whatever season you find yourself in, know that it is just for a little while. Seasons are not meant to be forever, unless you live in the frozen tundra of Minnesota or North Dakota. It may seem that things will always be like they are right now. Take heart there is coming a better day.

So go outside and rake some leaves or bake a pumpkin pie, better enjoy this season before it is gone.

One Day

My thoughts this morning were turned to all of the things that I have to get done today. Then a thought from the Lord came, someday all of this stuff I am striving for will be over. The only important thing will be to be in His presence forever and ever!

Then it came to me. I need to focus on His kingdom and get prepared for eternity. Don't get me wrong we all have things that we have to do, but don't lose sight of what God is preparing us for.