A NEW THING

“Do not remember the former things,
Nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing,
Now it shall spring forth;
Shall you not know it?
I will even make a road in the wilderness
And rivers in the desert.” (Isaiah 43:18-19; NKJV) 

          Tomorrow is the day we celebrate as New Years Day. The last digit in the year clicks forward by one and magically we are entering into a whole new 365 days to do with as we wish. Let us take heed to God’s words through the prophet Isaiah; forget the former things. History cannot be altered. What has happened has already taken place. Understand that as we live for God there will always be another chance to right wrongs and undo misdeeds. Consequences will play out; however, if we allow Him, God will do a new thing in our lives. There is nothing that is impossible for our Lord. He can literally do anything He deems necessary for the benefit of His children and the advancement of the Kingdom. In spite of those who choose not to believe, God will orchestrate that which He has preordained to take place and nothing this side of heaven can stop it. Look to the New Year as a blessing, a time when we can do marvelous things for others in Jesus name and your whole mindset will be uplifted. 

Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

FINDING TRUE PEACE

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

          In Jesus day the religious leaders (the Pharisees) placed additional requirements on the Jewish people that went far beyond the law given by God. These additions were based on the oral traditions of the scribes. It made the people weary and heavily burdened. Jesus, because of who He was, had the authority to overturn any man made requirements and did so once for all with His death. His offer was and still is to give rest to those who believe in Him. 

          With the buying frenzy of the holidays past we find ourselves feeling like those Jewish people; weary and burdened, however, it is our own doing. Any oppression we feel is due to overcommitments on our part. Jesus words still hold true regardless of the reason for our burdens. He offers rest. 

          The rest Jesus offers is not physical in nature, but rather is rest for the soul. When we find our soul at rest we find peace. Our mind and spirit are calm. We must learn to shed our burdens by finding rest in Christ. As a result we shall find true peace. 

Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

OUR MIGHTY GOD

“The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.” (Psalm 103:8) 

          The beginning of Psalm 103 mentions many of God’s character traits. We see action words like “forgives”, “heals”, “redeems” and “satisfies”. What a wondrous God we serve. 

          In verse 8 we see that He is “compassionate and gracious”. Compassionate in that He is sympathetic to our plight and has genuine concern for us. God’s grace is far more than simply being courteous, kind and pleasant; it is placing upon us His favor, undeserved though it may be. God doesn’t anger easily; we do, He does not. His patience with the creation He made is unparalleled. His love is genuine and everlasting. He is the one constant we can rely upon in a world of inconsistency. 

          God will never change. He will never abandon us. He will never turn His back on us. He will always be right where He has always been, even during the death of His own Son; on His throne in heaven. He shall love us forever no matter what we say or do and will only cast out those who reject Him and the loving act of forgiveness He freely offers. What a mighty God we serve. 

Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

JESUS: THE LIGHT

“A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of Your people Israel.” (Luke 2:32) 

          Simeon, “a just and devout man” (v. 25) had been promised by the Holy Spirit that he would see the Messiah before he died. Mary & Joseph had taken Jesus to the temple to “present him to the Lord” (v.22) as the Mosaic Law required. While there Simeon, led by the spirit, came and saw the Christ child. Here he speaks of Jesus being the “light of revelation to the Gentiles”. 

          God’s plan involved the redemption of all mankind, not just the Jews. Just as the Mosaic Law was to shine a light on the sinfulness of man, so Christ would shine a light; only His light would pierce the darkness in men’s souls. 

          We should praise God for the mercy and grace He bestowed upon all men. Without such undeserved favor we would be lost in our sins with no hope of having our debt removed from us. Without Christ we must bear the full weight of our own sins on the last day. Were it not for the mercy of God … . 

Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

"For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ONE AND ALL!

"Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers." (3 John 1:2)

WHAT IF CHRIST HAD NEVER COME

          Have you ever thought of what life would be like if Christ had never come? There would be no church steeples dotting our landscape. No hymns to sing. Oh, the Christmas holiday would still remain, for it originated from pagan ritual, but it would be quite different than it is for Christians today. There would be no nativity scenes on fireplace mantels. No hope to dispense to those who were despondent. No ministers to speak words of encouragement and peace. 

          The only thing worse would be if God Himself truly didn’t exist. Think about it. No God, only man made gods. No standard to live by. Do you realize the absolute chaos that would cause over time? Man living by his own constructed standards, ultimately caring for no one but himself. 

          The glorious truth that millions upon millions have come to believe by faith is that God does exist and Christ really did come to earth. Theologians differ on exactly when Christ’s birth occurred, but that should matter little to the believer. The fact remains that He came. What a wonderful truth! What a tremendous hope it provides to all mankind. Forgiveness came in the form of a baby, sent by God to free us all of our sins. What a blessed Savior! 

Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing! 

Merry Christmas!!

OUR SAVIOR & LORD

“For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11) 

          Jesus Christ, God’s Son, born of a virgin is the redeemer of all mankind. The word ‘savior’ means that by his death he paid the price required for the souls of men in what should be considered the greatest exchange in history. 

          He is the Christ child, the Messiah; the anointed one of God. He was Lord for he had all the power, authority and influence of God. With it he could have wiped out the Roman government and released the Jews from their oppressive rule, yet he chose to use it to minister healing, raise the dead and forgive sin instead. 

          It’s hard to look at an infant and imagine what type of life they will lead, but God knew the things Jesus was destined for and orchestrated everything according to his perfect will. Mankind would never be the same and it was all due to an infant born in a manger some 2000 years ago. Celebrate the birth of the Christ child and worship him for who is truly is – God incarnate. 

Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

PRINCE OF PEACE

“So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.’” (Luke 2:15) 

          Was it curiosity or compulsion that caused the shepherds to go see the baby the angel told them about? I submit to you that it was a compulsion. When people are introduced to Christ they are compelled, drawn to Him by the Holy Spirit of God. They can resist this compulsion or can surrender to it. 

          Even as an infant Jesus was a compelling figure. Both shepherds and Magi were drawn to Him, perhaps showing that there were no class distinctions for all were welcome. Messiah was expected, though not in this form. He was to bring peace, but not the kind that ebbs and flows with the whims of men. It would be a lasting peace, one that was both internal and eternal. 

          Do you have peace in your heart this Christmas season? Look upon the Christ child who sacrificed His own life to save you from yourself and know peace. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

ANGELS

“Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them …” (Luke 2:8-9a) 

          I believe we encounter angels in one form or another a lot more than we realize. Let me relate a personal event from my life … 

          Back in the mid-80’s my wife and I were driving in the snow on a wintry day in New Jersey. The roads were ever so slightly slick so special care was needed when driving. I gently took a curve on a country road and softly skidded into a snow covered grassy area. No harm done, however, we were definitely stuck. Before we could even think about what to do a tow truck came seemingly out of nowhere. The driver hopped out of his cab with a smile, rigged us up and pulled us effortlessly back onto the desolate, serpentine road. I wanted to pay him for his services, but his only reply was “That’s not necessary. You don’t know who I work for.” I thanked him, then turned to go back to my car. Once back behind the wheel I realized that the tow truck was gone. I mean to say it was as if it had vanished into thin air. My wife didn’t even notice him leaving. 

          I have always thought that God had sent an angel in the form of a tow truck driver that precise moment to meet our immediate need. I don’t remember anything else from that day, but I will never forget that event. I have chosen to believe and as a result praise God for His goodness to all His children. 

          Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

GOD’S TENDER MERCY

“And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven.” (Luke 1:76-78) 

          Here we see Zechariah’s prophesy regarding John the Baptist. God used John to pave the way to the Messiah whom he has preceded. For the purpose of this devotional I would like to focus on the phrase “the tender mercy of our God”. 

          Mercy is “compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one’s power to punish or harm.”(1) God holds the key to our future. God makes the ultimate decision regarding when we live and when we die. God has shown us great mercy and compassion by not only staying His hand against our willful disobedience, but by also providing forgiveness for us through His own Son. This is incredible! Think about it for a moment. Part of the Trinity, God, the Son, willingly left heaven to live among His own creation for 33 years. He knew them intimately, just as He knows us all. Still His compassion and mercy was such that over the course of time Christ allowed Himself to be murdered for crimes He didn’t commit. That is love. That is mercy. That is God’s tender mercy at work for the benefit of a selfish and self-centered people. Praise God for His incredible mercy and embrace the forgiveness that has been purchased for you. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing! (1) Definition from www.oxforddictionaries.com

OUR EVER PRESENT GOD

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27) 

          Christ promised His disciples peace. This peace was nothing like worldly peace that is fleeting and cannot be relied upon. This peace was from the Father. It was an inner peace; a peace that transcended all reason. It was a peace in the face of calamity. Although the disciples didn’t fully understand why Jesus had to leave them and didn’t want Him to go, it was necessary for Him to return to the Father. It wasn’t until He left that the Holy Spirit would be sent to dwell in them. 

          This is what dwells within us when we give our lives over to Christ. It’s God’s Spirit in us that guides and protects.  It’s that same Spirit who causes  us to be at peace  in the most  troubling situations. 

Therefore, the message for us today is this: no matter what situation you are in, don’t allow your hearts be troubled and don’t be afraid, for the Lord is with you (in the person of the Holy Spirit) wherever you go (Joshua 1:9). Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

GOD’S ENDURING LOVE

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his love endures forever.” (Psalm 107:1) 

          Psalm 107 speaks of the deliverance of God. Out of this verse I’d like to highlight two words: ‘endures’ and ‘forever’. ‘To endure’ can mean ‘to remain in existence’. There’s no known beginning to God’s love and there’s no end. ‘Forever’ can mean ‘for always’ or ‘for all future time’. Therefore, since no one knows when time will end, for all intents and purposes it is infinite in length. 

          We should give thanks to the Lord each and every day not just because He is good, but also because He is the only one who can save us and guide us through life. It’s not just His love that has no end, but His mercy and grace as well. His forgiveness is available to all, though many don’t realize their need of it. One day when time is no more there shall be many who will rue the day that they took a pass on God’s gracious offer. 

          Know this day and each day forward that God loves you. His love for you shall never waver or lessen. He will always love you. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

OUR SUSTAINING GOD

“As the deer pants for streams of water 
… My soul thirsts … for the living God.” (Psalm 42:1a & 2a)
   

          Here we find a vivid and descriptive statement by David as he fled from his own son Absalom. Absalom, David’s 3rd son, had designs on being king and engineered a conspiracy that caused his father to flee. Being on the run, David felt far from God so he wrote this poem of contemplation known as a Maschil (mas-keel’). 

          Have you ever felt overwhelmed? As a result, have you ever felt that God was far away from you? The fact is God is never far from us. If we are in relationship with Him His Holy Spirit dwells within us. When we are at our weakest He provides to us strength. When we feel all is lost He causes us to stand up in the midst of our circumstances and win the victory. 

          A cool drink to a thirsting soul is exactly what God is to those who are weary and needing rest. We may sit in His presence and replenish our souls with the sustenance He offers. There is nothing impossible for our God. No matter what circumstance you may find yourself in, one word from God can turn it all around. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

GOD’S GRACIOUS FAVOR

“Glory to God in the highest heaven and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:14)     

          A host of angels is as numerous as the stars in the sky. That is how many were visible to the shepherds in the field who heard of Messiah’s birth. The best marketing gurus have nothing on God who announced the birth of His Son with such a startling crescendo that it was impossible for the shepherds not to hear and be excited. I wonder what it sounded like. 

          The multitude of heavenly angels proclaimed glory to God and announced that those highly favored and under His care would find peace. God’s favor is the definition of ‘grace’. His grace is bestowed upon all who have sought and received His forgiveness for their transgressions. It’s quite simple really; God desires our praise, glory and honor in exchange for our sin debt being paid in full. We are to have a willing desire and voluntary allegiance to an unseen deity. We are also to allow the Lord to mold and make us into all He knows we can be. Christmas isn’t about gifts, but rather about THE gift, Jesus Christ. When you are opening your presents on Christmas morning, remember the Christ child from whom all blessings flow. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

JESUS, OUR SAVIOR

“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21) 

          Joshua is the Hebrew name that is transliterated as Jesus in the Bible. There is no exact translation that equates Joshua to Jesus because there are letters in the Hebrew language that have no equal in the Greek. Joshua means ‘God or Jehovah Saves’. Therefore, Jesus was quite deliberately given his name for He would be the salvation of all men. 

          If we ever needed a living example of love, this is it; that God would send His own Son to be born, live and die to save His own creation from spending eternity apart from Him. This is wondrous, incomprehensible love. There is nothing this side of heaven that compares to it. 

          Our propensity to sin is evident by the lives we live. When given a choice to do the right thing or the wrong thing, we have proven time after time that the wrong thing seems far more attractive to us. This is the reason Christ came, to forgive us of our transgressions and show us a better way to live. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

GOD’S INDESCRIBABLE GIFT

“But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.” (Galatians 4:4-5) 

          God set a time when His Son would come into the world to redeem it from itself. The sinful tendencies of men have been their constant undoing. God, who knows all things, was keenly aware that His creation would need redemption. He alone could pay the price of the sin man had committed. Until Christ came, man was bound to serve God under the Law of Moses. The arrival of God’s Son changed all that in that He fulfilled the Law with His own death. The sin debt we carry can be paid one way and that is with blood. Knowing that man could never pay this debt on his own, God in His infinite wisdom and immeasurable mercy and grace laid down His own life in the form of His Son. The blood shed by Jesus on the cross can cleanse the sinner of his sin once for all time. What glorious news! 

          When we receive this indescribable gift we are changed on the inside, at our core. The essence of God enters us in the form of His Holy Spirit. We are born again as sons and daughters of Almighty God. Hallelujah for His indescribable gift. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

GOD WITH US

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14) 

          ‘Immanuel’ was the name given to Jesus by God through the prophet Isaiah. It means “God with us”. Matthew’s gospel cites this verse in its telling of the birth of the Christ child. 

          While many Jews were looking for a warrior King to break the backs of the oppressive Roman government, there were those who saw this infant as the hope of Israel. 

          To us today who have received the precious gift God gave in the form of his son, the words ‘God with us’ give us hope. God is with us even now as we go through our daily routine. God has never left nor will he, for He declares it in His word (Deuteronomy 31:6; Hebrews 13:5). 

          The birth of Christ was a sign that God loved us enough to come down to earth and reveal his nature to a stubborn and willful generation. We are no less stubborn today. We rush about at this time of year fulfilling the traditions of the season. Take the time to celebrate Christ for who he truly is, our Savior and Redeemer.  

          Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

GOD’S REALM OF INFLUENCE

“For nothing is impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37; NIV*)
“For no word from God shall be void of power.” (Luke 1:37; ASV*)

          Two slightly different translations of the same Bible verse. The words may be different, but the message is the same. God is omnipotent (all-powerful). There is nothing that will ever be impossible for Him. Just when an unbelieving world declares that a situation is impossible, God shows them that nothing is beyond His realm of influence. 

          There are no coincidences in this life, only circumstances that God causes or allows. To not be so would diminish God for that would mean something would be beyond His control. God has His finger on the pulse of humanity and will never let anything take place that outside of His grand design. He sees all and foresees all; therefore nothing takes Him by surprise. 

          When man reaches the end of his rope he throws his hands up in the air and declares a situation hopeless. Even believers in their frustration will throw their hands up in despair. It is at that point in time we must allow the word ‘nothing’ to fully sink in to our minds and hearts. There is ‘no thing’ that God cannot and will not do for His children to fulfill His will for their lives. 

Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing! 

*NIV – New International Version; ASV – American Standard Version

THE VINE

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." (John 18:5)

          The vine sustains the branches, therefore without the sustenance provided the branch would wither and die. We see it all the time with trees and bushes that don't get enough water. Water contains natural nutrients to sustain life. So it is with the believer. Those who truly wish to be productive Christians in a lost and dying world will need to draw their spiritual nourishment from the Lord Himself if they want to bear fruit.

          The word "remain" is important in this verse of scripture. This isn't a hit or miss proposition. It's prolonged exposure to the only One who saves the soul. There is no other way to go which will enable us to life a godly life and make a difference in this world.

           It is my belief that when Jesus says we can "do nothing" He speaks of those things of eternal value. It should be obvious that there are many things we are able to do and in fact, are very normal things that are done each and every day in the course of living your life. I think Christ's meaning is clear. Draw from the vine of your soul and be spiritually nourished now and forevermore. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

THE RESURRECTION & THE LIFE

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?’” (John 11:25-26)              

          Jesus spoke these words to Martha just prior to raising her brother Lazarus from the dead. This miracle was evidence of the power He possessed. In verses 41 & 42 Jesus prayed aloud to the Father so that all within the sound of His voice would know that God sent him. 

          Jesus’ words speak out to us all in that when we place our faith in Him and believe we shall not die. Oh, we will pass from this world sure enough unless the Lord returns for us in the clouds prior to our passing, but our eternal destination will have been secured for us. Once our life is over we get to live with Him forever. What a blessing! Many of the sayings of Christ can seem mysterious and unclear in their meaning, but this meaning is clear; if we live in Him we shall never truly die. When our time on this earth passes away our spirit will live on in heaven with God forever. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

THE GOOD SHEPHERD

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.” (John 10:14-15) 

          The Reformation Study Bible refers to ‘knowing’ in these verses as “a personal understanding and a commitment of will”. In a scriptural sense, ‘knowing’ someone is referring to a very intimate relationship. If God knows me in an intimate sense, than He knows everything about me and is committed to performing His will in my life. An equal commitment is required of us. 

          A shepherd is ever watchful of his flock. They are his responsibility and he guards them with his life. Christ laid His life down for the sake of His flock so that they might be free of the bondage of sin and life eternally with Him. 

          Jesus is called the ‘good’ shepherd because there is nothing but good in Him. No falseness or evil intentions ever enter into His heart. He is pure and holy through and through. Like a good shepherd Christ is committed to us all and will never fail us. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

THE GATE

“I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:9-10) 

          In scripture, we have seen Jesus refer to Himself as ‘the bread of life’ and ‘the light of the world’. Here He calls Himself ‘the gate’. The gate used in shepherding separates ‘the fold’ from the pasture. The fold is the place of safety, where the shepherd is able to protect his flock from dangerous predators. Once the flock leaves the fold they are still under the shepherd’s ever watching eye. The pasture represents the blessings that are available to those who have committed their way to God. 

          The gate is the only way to salvation through the remission or removal of all sin. Jesus is that gate. There are not many ways to heaven, as some believe, but rather one-way. If it were not so why would Jesus have had to die in the first place. 

          Many come proclaiming to know the way to heaven, but if it doesn't involve our full and complete surrender to God, making Him Lord and Savior of our life, then something is amiss. The enemy of our soul would have us aimlessly wander off and become entangled in the underbrush; however, if we have submitted our lives to the shepherd’s loving care we shall be safe from all enemies. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” (John 8:12) 

          In this portion of the Gospel Jesus’ testimony is challenged by the Pharisees. They said that appearing as your own witness isn’t valid. In the world’s system that may be true; however, Jesus tells them in response that they have no idea who He is or where He came from, therefore, they cannot know what is true or false. On top of that Jesus tells the Pharisees they can’t possibly know God if they don’t know Him because they are one in the same. 

          When Jesus declares that He is the light of the world, He is also, in effect, saying that there is no darkness in Him. The Apostle John says this very thing in 1 John 1:5. It is clear from scripture, if you choose to believe it; Jesus represents a complete and fulfilled life this side of heaven. What a wonderful gift we’ve been given; to live in the light of His truth and be seen as righteous and holy in God’s sight. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

THE BREAD OF LIFE

“Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’” (John 6:35) 

          Bread is referred to as a staple of life. It has the basic elements to sustain someone should it be all they have to eat. Jesus refers to himself as the bread of life. We could take that to mean, and rightly so, that He is our sustenance, for without Him there is no life. If a person comes to Him hungry for truth and righteousness they shall go away satisfied. 

          It’s important that we understand exactly who Jesus was and is. He has the distinction of being wholly God and wholly man. He came to earth to be born of a virgin, hand picked by the Father. Jesus lived and died by design; there was a purpose to God’s plan. Part of that plan was to save us from ourselves. Another part was to give us life more abundantly (John 10:10). 

          For those of us who have embraced faith in God and trust in Him to provide for and sustain us, life is ours. Do we truly grasp the importance of this life we’ve been given? Live it for others, knowing that God will take care of you. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

ANGELS

“Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” (Hebrews 1:14) 

          Do you believe in angels? I do. I believe they are literally what scripture says they are, ministering spirits. They are God’s messengers who tend to the needs of His children. How cool is that?              

          I don’t see angels as little chubby childlike creatures with wings fluttering about doing good; oh no. I see them as mighty warrior angels in full armor doing battle in the spirit realm against the forces of evil. I see them being present when we find ourselves in difficulties. When temptations arise, they are there. When desperation finds it’s way into our hearts, they are there. We don’t pray to them, we pray to our Heavenly Father and He dispatches them to do His bidding on our behalf. So you see, we truly have nothing to fear. 

          It’s my belief that God can do anything He so chooses for His own good pleasure and He has chosen to use His angels to minister to our needs. Not our whims or our desires, but our needs. We are special, unique creations of God. He will protect us at any cost. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!