Where is Your Trust?

But when Rehoboam was firmly established and strong, he abandoned the Law of the LORD, and all Israel followed him in this sin. (‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬ NLT)

Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. (‭1 Timothy‬ ‭6‬:‭17‬ NLT)

Two significant warnings about where our peace and trust should come from this morning. The things of this life can and will fail us, but Jesus Christ the Son of the Living God never will!  

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. (‭Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭5-6‬ NLT)

Master Planner

We can make our own plans, but the LORD gives the right answer. People may be pure in their own eyes, but the LORD examines their motives. Commit your actions to the LORD, and your plans will succeed. (‭Proverbs‬ ‭16‬:‭1-3‬ NLT)

A reminder that everything we do should be committed and examined by Him.  It is the only way we can guarantee success!

This Woman

Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise. (‭Proverbs‬ ‭31‬:‭30-31‬ NLT)

If you have ever read the Proverbs 31 woman before you know it is a pretty lengthy list.  It is a pretty specific list.  It is pretty hard to attain.  There have been sermons, journals, and thoughts about the Proverbs 31 woman in the past.  I am sure my thoughts and opinions have been stated by others, but I have two thoughts today-

1. This is not something easily attained, nor is it something you just become.  This is someone who is intentional to be what God has called her to be.  You don’t have to be everything on this list the same way it is on the list.  Take the principles and not the specifics when evaluating.

2. The last two verses in my opinion are the most important-

She is a woman who fears the Lord.

She should be rewarded for that.

As a husband/father we should be publicly declare her praise because:

A. We are commanded to.

B. It is an encouragement for them.

Today I want to publicly declare that the women in my life are women who fear the Lord.  They love Jesus, and they point their families toward Him.  They will not let them waver or stray from their faith.  In fact as I am typing this my wife is asking my boys if God is first in their life or video games.  She is challenging them, and directing them to make God first and to be in their Word.

I want to thank my Mother-Adrienne who worked with us, and taught us the principles of scripture over the years we were in her home.  She loved us, and challenged us to be like Him still to this day.

I want to thank my Mother-in-law-Becki who did the same thing with my wife.

I want to say how proud I am of my sisters-Abby and Emma who are serving the Lord.  They are becoming mighty women of the Lord.

I want to say how proud I am of my daughter-Whitney who is learning to become all that God has called her to be.  She is learning what it means to fear the Lord.

There are many more women I could list here, but I will conclude with my wife and mother of my children.  We have been married for 18 1/2 years as I write this today-Crystal

She has grown in her worship of the Lord.  She has challenged me to be who God has called me to be.  She is teaching and training our children to fear the Lord.  She is an amazing woman, whom I am thankful for.  The lady Proverbs describes as a blessing through the entirety of the book is my wife, and I am blessed.  And oh by the way-Her beauty is lasting as well!

The Little Things Matter

When the queen of Sheba realized how very wise Solomon was, and when she saw the palace he had built, she was overwhelmed. She was also amazed at the food on his tables, the organization of his officials and their splendid clothing, the cup-bearers, and the burnt offerings Solomon made at the Temple of the LORD. She exclaimed to the king, “Everything I heard in my country about your achievements and wisdom is true! I didn’t believe what was said until I arrived here and saw it with my own eyes. In fact, I had not heard the half of it! Your wisdom and prosperity are far beyond what I was told. (‭1 Kings‬ ‭10‬:‭4-7‬ NLT)
In reading this today, I was reminded it is the little things that matter. Paying attention to detail is not an option. We represent the Lord in all we do, not just Sunday mornings, and Wednesday nights. The Queen of Sheba noticed, and so do the people you and I encounter. 
What will it be?  The choice is yours. I will choose to serve Him in all I do, not just part of what I do!

Prayer That Changes Things

Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. My eyes will be open and my ears attentive to every prayer made in this place. For I have chosen this Temple and set it apart to be holy—a place where my name will be honored forever. I will always watch over it, for it is dear to my heart. (‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭7‬:‭14-16‬ NLT)

As I read and re-read this very famous passage of scripture here is what I heard the Lord told me this morning.

He reminded me that you and I are now the temple of the Lord.  The temple is being dedicated.  Solomon has given an amazing sacrifice to the Lord, offered a very sincere and earnest prayer to the Lord, and led the people to place of repentance, prayer, and praise.  Then the Lord gives this instruction.

If we, who are called by His name.

That is anyone who is a servant of God in Heaven, and has made Jesus Christ their personal Savior.

Will humble themselves and pray.

Will seek His face.

Will turn from their wicked ways.

He will hear us in heaven.

He will forgive our sins.

He will restore our land.

His eyes will be open.

His ears will be attentive to every prayer.

For He has chosen us.

He has set us apart.

We are to honor Him.

And He will watch over us.

Because we are dear to His heart.

This great, mushy, and I love it.  What I am hearing is this.  I really acknowledge that our nation needs the Lord.  We need significant change in many areas.  Many are right now praying for our Supreme Court as they hear the arguments about the sanctity of marriage.  In reading this, I wonder if we are going about this all wrong.  Should we pray for them?  Yes, absolutely!  However, the prayer that causes change is the prayer of repentance by His people. His chosen vessels.  This is the prayer that does all the amazing things listed in this wonderful passage of scripture!

So, let me one of hopefully millions.  Who will fall on their face before the Lord, repent of sin, and ask for forgiveness.

Will I/Am I forgiven of my sin?  According to Grace- yes, absolutely! At the same time, I want to be obedient to the command of scripture, and I want to see our nation changed!

Will you join me?

He Never Ever Lies!

The people of Judah and Israel were as numerous as the sand on the seashore. They were very contented, with plenty to eat and drink. (‭1 Kings‬ ‭4‬:‭20‬ NLT)

Short and sweet today:

This passage of scripture is the fulfillment of the promise made to Abraham some 1,200 years earlier.  Why is this important?  Because God never lies!  He always fulfills His promises to us.  It may not always be when we see it, and it may not be in our life time, but He never fails.  As such, be encouraged if you are still waiting because He will come through.

Then the angel of the LORD called again to Abraham from heaven. “This is what the LORD says: Because you have obeyed me and have not withheld even your son, your only son, I swear by my own name that I will certainly bless you. I will multiply your descendants beyond number, like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will conquer the cities of their enemies. And through your descendants all the nations of the earth will be blessed—all because you have obeyed me.” (‭Genesis‬ ‭22‬:‭15-18‬ NLT)