The Way, The Truth, and the Life

I heard a great quote yesterday as I was listening to Chuck Swindoll. I want to share it with you. The quote is attributed to Merrill Tenney as he was referring to Jesus as the way, the truth and the life. "In the way there is the going, in the truth there is the knowing, and in the life there is the living."

Jesus is truly everything we need!

Pillar of God

There is an interesting scripture that states the reward to the over-comer. Jesus says in Revelation 3:12 "Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God." What a great and precious promise. But have you ever stopped to think about what that means? Let me share with you a few thoughts.

1. A pillar was placed to honor a very important person (a dignitary)

2. A pillar was meant to adorn the front of the entrance to a temple

3. A pillar is to reflect the glory of the one who built the temple.

What an honor to be given a place of importance, and to be given the opportunity to reflect the glory of the one who gave His life for us.

Open Door

The sight of an open door invites action or at least curiosity. How many times have you stood before an open door and peered just inside to see where it goes? The fact is that all of us have done that very thing. When should you go through an open door? Glad you asked.

1. When you know the one that holds the key to the open door

2. When you are certain that no harm will come to you.

3. When the key-holder will walk through the door with you.

In Revelation 3:8 Jesus tells the Church of Philadelphia that He holds the keys, and no one will shut the open door. He also promises to be with them.

What great assurance that the Lord can give to us as we stand before an open door. What open door is standing before you, fear not He holds the keys!

Who Approves of You?

The race for approval in our society is a never ending quest. This quest is characterized by outward modifications and image. But, can you really find approval and acceptance through this quest?

The answer is no.

Then where do we find approval?

I am glad you asked. We find approval from the Lord. Let me explain.

In 2 Corinthians 10:18 we read that the Lord commends the faithful and approves of their person. Aren't you glad you didn't have to try to earn it? It is simply doing what God has asked you to do, and doing it.

God loves His children and He approves of them, not because of who they are. But because of who He is.

From the Rising of the Sun

There have been many times that I have read a scripture and thought I knew what it meant. Then there were times that someone taught on that scripture and illuminated my mind.

In Psalm 113:3 we read "From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets the name of the Lord is to be praised." What does this mean?

This is what I think it means.

Wherever in the world we call home we have a responsibility to praise the Lord. Christianity is not just an American product or is it geographical specific. Just think about it, right now in some place on the globe the name of the Lord is being praised.

Don't miss your opportunity. As the sun touches your part of the world, open up your mouth and praise the Lord.

Sow What?

Have you ever wondered why it is that your neighbor has more tomatoes than you do? Could it be that you only planted a few tomato plants and your neighbor planted many plants on 10,000 acres of his farm? Sowing makes a big difference in what we reap. The Bible states a principle in 2 Corinthians 9:6 "... whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously." (N.I.V.)

What would you say is your situation? Do you never seem to have enough? Do your pockets seem to have holes in them? Maybe you should ask yourself, "am I sowing into the Kingdom of God?" If you are sowing into the Kingdom of God generously you will reap a bumper crop of blessings. One man said "God loves a cheerful giver, but He also receives from a grouch."

I challenge you today to sow into the Kingdom of God, the returns are out of this world.

Too Busy Not to Pray

About 4 years ago I read a book by Bill Hybels "Too Busy Not to Pray." I would recommend this book without reservation as Bill tackles a common topic with uncommon Hybels style. If you are unfamiliar with Bill Hybels, read this book. I was reminded of this book in my devotions this morning as I read Nehemiah chapter 1.

Let me share with you my thoughts about this chapter.

• His heart was broken by the report of what is going on in Jerusalem, (he was in modern day Iran)
  
• He set himself to pray for four months! After this time he had clear direction of what to do about the situation in Jerusalem.
• He asked the Lord for favor as he would make his request of the king. (Read chapter 2 for more details.

Could I challenge you to bear with a broken heart to the Throne of God the things that trouble you. Secondly, would set a time aside to pray about these situations? Finally will you ask the Lord for favor?

If we go before the Lord He will hear us and He will give us what we ask.