Replace

"From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water." John 7:38

When a cup overflows with running water, any dirty thing that was in the cup is replaced with the new. The new and fresh replaces the old and dirty. When we run the living water through our minds then the old, stagnant thoughts are replaced with the new, vibrant, living thoughts of God which lead us in holiness and righteousness. We need the fresh new water ever day—the living water of the Word of God and the living rivers of the Holy Spirit.

Drink freely today.

Romans 12:2, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, John 7:38, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Ephesians 5:25-27

October 19, 2013

The White Stone

"I will give him a white stone, and a new name..." Revelation 2:17

Jesus said He would give hidden manna and a white stone with a new name written on it to those who overcome. When we separate ourselves from those things that God hates and only receive the bread He has for us, trusting that He feeds us with exactly what we need, then our lives will reveal the holiness He's provided for us. The white stone will have a new name--your new name--on it that no one else will know except you. This name is given to you by the Lord Himself. It's a secret, intimate thing between Him and you. Jesus is the pearl of great price. He is worth more than anything we could ever possibly think we need. Discover the treasure that He is and He will reveal the treasure that you are to Him.


Isaiah 62:2; Revelation 19:12; Matthew 13:45-46
October 14, 2013

Stone that Stands

"Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone." Ephesians 2:20

God is building His Kingdom. It's not a building made with hands--not of brick and stone. But His people are the building. He's building a dwelling place for Himself. He is fitting us together into a "holy temple" and a "dwelling of God in the Spirit."

The most important thing about a building is the foundation. The foundation must be secure or the whole building will collapse. The foundation must be strong enough and designed to be able to handle the weight of the entire building. Jesus Christ is the corner stone of this foundation. He is the foundation itself. He is the only foundation that will carry the weight of the building. No one else can. All of us--those who believe in Jesus and allow Him to be the foundation of our lives--have a unique place in this building. Each one of us are designed to fit into a certain spot. To do that, we need to not only build upon Jesus Christ but connect to other believers as well. We all help each other stay on the foundation.

Wherever our place in the building, we must always fix our gaze upon Jesus--He is the author and finisher of our faith. As Paul said, be careful how you build on the foundation. Be sure to keep Jesus Christ as your foundation. Don't venture off on to any other ground--there is none other that will stand! He endured the cross for the joy that was set before Him. When we fulfill our purpose we will share in the same joy--joy unspeakable and full of glory!

2 Corinthians 5:1, Ephesians 2:18-22, 1 Corinthians 3:9-23, Hebrews 12:1-3, 1 Peter 1:8, Matthew 25, Acts 4:12

October 5, 2013

I saw a rose...

I saw a rose on a path

A single, pink-red rose
It had escaped from its clan
And to the earth it dove

It found its purpose on the trail

Short-lived as it might be
It said so much while lying there
In beauty and in peace

A note to me from those who've passed

So much to learn from them
It spoke of what will lie ahead
It’s not just a dead end

I know the way I’m heading now

Is the way that I should go
I’m thankful for the pink-red rose
A sign so I would know

8/27/2013

Be

“In Him we live and move and exist.” Acts 17:28 

How many times have we said at the end of the day, “Wow I've gotten so much done today?” And then we go through a mental list of all we've accomplished? Some things we feel good about and others we are just happy to be done with! The next day we work for the same feeling—-the same “high” that our accomplishments give us. But there is a greater joy. There is a joy that comes from just being who we are in Christ. Just being, not doing. Real satisfaction doesn't have anything to do with what we've accomplished, but in resting in what He’s done for us. This is a much greater feeling of peace than we could ever hope to achieve through our own efforts.

Jesus said for all who are weary and heavy –laden to come to Him and find rest for their souls. We cease from our own works, as even God did from His. This doesn't mean we don’t work, but our work is not toil—as it is when we work outside our Garden. The energy from our work comes from an anointing of the Spirit which manifests itself through the gifts He has breathed into us. Ultimately, the greatest joy comes from living, moving and simply existing in Him.—the “I Am.”

Matthew 12:28-30, Genesis 3:17-20, Genesis 3:14, John 8:58

September 21, 2013

The Softening Rain

You soften the earth with showers
Psalm 65:10 NLT

This summer in Michigan has been quite rainy. The spring rains carried farther into summer than normal. As a result, the soil is softer than usual. One thing I've found while gardening is that the softer the soil, the easier it is to pull out the smaller weed roots—those roots that are so fine that you don’t notice them easily and may not even realize they can still grow.

This is how it is with spiritual weed roots as well.  Roots of bitterness, sarcasm, criticism and selfishness can spring back up even after we think we've chopped those weeds down. We've got to get the roots—all of them—and the softer the soil of our heart is, the more of the root we’ll be able to remove.

When the rains of the Spirit come—the rain that seems to be too much at times—let it soften your heart even beyond what you think is “normal” so every trace of every selfish root may be removed. Take advantage of whatever tough times come your way, and the softened heart that comes of them, and take out every last trace of every evil root.

August 11, 2013

A Place Like This

"For behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst." Luke 17:21 NASB

I'm writing this in Michigan's upper peninsula where the scenery is beautiful and life is quite simple and pleasant. I'm thinking that everyone needs a place like this to come to and be refreshed. How I wish I could look at these views, hear the sound of the birds and waterfalls, and breathe the fresh, clean air every day. Although I can take pictures and record sounds, it's not quite the same as being here. When I leave this place the air leaves my lungs and what I now see and hear becomes a memory.

I decide to take this place with me. Yes, I believe I can capture this place and bring it home by carrying it in my heart. This place can come home with me to "my place" as long as I hold it in my heart. So it is with all of God's creation and with His Kingdom as well. We never need to leave the goodness and beauty of God, it remains within us as we remain in Him.

July 6, 2013