Tag: Jesus

SPIRITUAL WINDOW SHOPPING

On By glendarouseIn Uncategorized2 Comments

COUNT UP THE COST!

Window shopping or browsing is examining goods or services through the window and not intending to purchase anything.

Growing up in small-town Arkansas, during the Baby-Boomer Era, we received the Sears Robuck Catalog. One of my favorite things to do was perusing the catalog. We called it the “Wish Book”, The Christmas edition would get worn out by the end of December. This was our only form of wide-variety window shopping. My siblings and I would circle everything we wanted and hand it to my parents. We were too young to understand that the “Wish Book” was not a promise book.

Window shopping continues to be a favorite time for many. You may be thinking, “What does window shopping have to do with Access to the promises of God?” Check out the relevance.

Spiritual Window Shopping:

Many Christians spend time weekly, spiritual window shopping. However, the largest spiritual shopping day is Sunday morning when millions worship in the House of the Lord. The word of God is spoken and many in the seats, hear and see the word, but fail to access and experience the promises due to the obedience factor. They browse the Bible or the screen picking and choosing the word they like, or will follow, leaving on the podium or screen the cutting, life-changing word they will not follow.

Spiritual window shoppers only view the promises of God. Embracing God’s promises requires a “Tag/Marking”. Yes, there are tags on God’s promises, and the “Tag or Marking” identifies the cost and it’s not a dollar value. It is a “Faith value”.

Count up the Cost!

The Watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. (John 10:1) “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. ” (John 10:27)

How does it make you feel that Jesus knows and calls you by name?

“My sheep!” says Christ describing his people, those who have come to Him or those who will become His; Redeemed by His power, willingly and cheerfully surrendered themselves to Him! His own peculiar property.

Christ is the proprietor of the sheep. If that describes you, then you are positioned to access His promises.

When there are so many flocks of sheep, it is necessary to mark them. Our savior marks us. There are two tags or marks on Christ’s sheep, not found on any other sheep. (1) mark on the ear, “they hear my voice. (2) the mark on the foot, ” I know them, and they follow me.”

His sheep hear spiritually. They listen to or give heed, they obey His call. Their spiritual ear listens to God. They hear not just with the outward organ, but with the inward heart. They hear His voice, His counsel, His command.

Christ tagged or marked his sheep on their feet as well as ears. They follow Him. They are gently led, not harshly driven. The sheep of Christ follow Him as their example.

ACCESS TO THE PROMISES OF GOD:

Self Examination/ Introspection:

Do you have the earmark/tag? Do you have the footmark/tag? Are you His sheep or just a window shopper, browsing the things of God? Are you accessing the promises of God?

Obediently following Jesus opens the flow of God’s promises into the life of Christ-followers.

If you have not accepted Christ as Lord and Savior, invite Him into your heart, to govern your life. Salvation is much more than life after death. Embrace the earmark and the footmark God has given you that will take you through this earthly life.

No more browsing and window shopping through life. Access everything God has for you, now! Listen/obey His voice and follow Jesus!

Related Reading: John 101-18; Psalm 23; Isaiah 9:6; Ezekiel 34:25-31; Revelation 2:17.

Prayer:

Dear Lord,

You are my Savior and Lord. I am not perfect and I thank you that you don’t require perfection, but holiness. From this day forward I strive to be more and more like you, embracing all of your promises. You are my Shepherd and I am your sheep. Amen!

PRAYERS FOR THE NATIONS

On By glendarouseIn Monthly Prayer Focus, National Day of Prayer, Uncategorized1 Comment

“NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER“

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. (II Chron. 7:14)

Heavenly Father,

The Nations’ Trust:

I come in prayer for the nations. All nations need your help for we are living in a time of crisis, one after another. You said in your word that in the last days, perilous times shall come. Father, the times in which we live are perilous times, but you are still the same God yesterday, today, and forever more. Just as your hand of grace and mercy has protected and guarded this United States of America in past times, I confess that You are still the same God that is able to guard, protect, and bless our nation today.

As a nation, we look not unto the government, the military power, the intelligence community, National Security, nor to any other source for our help. We lift our eyes to you for help. We place our trust in the creator of heaven and earth.

Government:

Lord, we specifically ask for wisdom and insight to be given to the president of the nation., to his cabinet and assistants, the governors, mayors, and our federal, state, and local intelligence agencies, all authorities, civic leaders across the nation and military leaders at home and abroad. Give the president divine wisdom and insight in every adverse situation we face, as a nation. Direct the leaders of this nation by your Spirit. Guide them with your eyes, and lead them as they lead the nation. Override anything that is not your will.

Breath Godly inspired wisdom into their cities, municipalities, and other areas of authority and operations, both foreign and domestic. Unite America as a unified nation “One nation under God, that is indivisible, who trust in You, serve you and follow you.

Military:

Lord, watch over and protect our soldiers who are at home and abroad in other countries. Give them victory against every opposing force. May you keep them safe from all hurt, harm, and danger. Protect them from every terrorist, attack against them, by day and by night.

The People of the Nation:

Now, Father, I commit this nation and the safety of the people of this great nation into your hands. You said in your words that you are able to keep the things that we commit to you against any evil day. Therefore, I have prayed your word. I stand in faith in your ability, and I confess that you are able to sustain, guard, protect, and keep this nation and its people in all ways.

In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!

CALL TO ACTION! URGENT PRAYER!

Share this prayer along with your prayers for the nation with others. Continue to pray for each category daily. Our nation needs your prayer, as much as ever, and every prayer does matter! Prayer is always the first course of action for healing that which ails!

WHO TURNED ON THE LIGHT?

On By glendarouseIn Monday, UncategorizedLeave a comment

LIGHT AND DARKNESS

YOU ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD!

Only a few weeks ago on April 8, 2024, people were excited and planning for the 2024 Solar Eclipse. People were thrilled and stirred over the predictable appearance of the earth, moon, and sun alignment, better known as the eclipse. The 2024 eclipse inspired awe, created opportunities for Science, and compelled eclipse chasers generating upward of 1 billion dollars in revenue.

The thrill of the eclipse was watching the gradual procession of the moon, like an on-scheduled parade march toward alignment between earth-view and the sun. For a brief period, sunlight turned off in the areas of total eclipse. It was a convincing and amazing experience when the light turned off and darkness ushered in.

And God said, “Let there be light.” and there was light.” God said, The light was good, and God separated the light from the darkness. (Genesis 1:3)

The power of light in the beginning proved to be dominant and commanding, dispelling the darkness of the deep.

“I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” (Jn. 8:12)

This month was not only historical it was also a great teachable moment. Millions of people observed God at work in His life laboratory of natural and spiritual phenomena. Only God can cause a celestial body to move in alignment with another, obscuring the illumination of the source of light.

This world is in the dark. Many things are obscurring the light of Life these days. In a real sense, there is darkness within each of us, and definitely there is darkness all around us. But there is someone who is able to turn on the lights, for those who are engulfed in the darkness of sin, light is available even when darkness seems overwhelming. But you may be surprised about where Jesus says this rescue light is found. Matthew 5:14 says, “YOU are the light of the world.”

  • Light expels darkness.
  • Light exposes things that are hidden in darkness.
  • Light reveals that which is otherwise hidden by darkness.
  • Wherever you go the things done in darkness are exposed.
  • Light helps you stay on the path.

HOW TO BECOME EFFECTIVE LIGHT!

  1. Gird yourself with the word and let your lights burn.
  2. When you are girded with the Word, your light is bright.
  3. God’s Word will enlighten you to the wisdom of God, to the mind and direction of the Spirit of God. The Word is the fuel supply for the light.
  4. Are you a light among your family and acquaintances? Are you a light at work and at the gym? Are you a light in your culture and in your community?
  5. Are you clothed in Son Blocker or Son Light?

When you enter a dark room, you have no idea what might be lurking in that room. A Story was told of a group on mission staying in a condo in Hawaii and had been preparing their meals and sandwiches on the bread-board, but one dark evening when they went into the kitchen and turned on the light, it was like the sink was in motion as the cock roaches scurried to get back into their dark recesses.

Immediately, the group changed their food preparation process. and set traps all over the kitchen. The light revealed what was in the darkness, and all were quite uncomfortable with what was exposed.

TURN THE LIGHT ON!

Be the light God has chosen you to be! You are important to God. Though darkness is all around today, God has made provisions for you so you won’t have to walk in darkness.

The same God who commanded light to shine out of darkness in the beginning want to turn the light on inside you. First, He wants to enlighten your darkness within. Say yes Lord! Share this encouraging message with others as an immediate action toward turning your light in the darkness.

Reflective questions: Who or what is blocking your SonLight? It may be you or someone else! What is your Son Blocker?

Prayer: Father, I want your light to shine in and through me, dispelling all darkness in my path. May your wisdom and discernment be my light sensor and motion detector of darkness. Let your light shine in me so that all the world will know you better because of the Light of your Son shining in and through me. Amen!

Related Readings:

John 14:16-17; Job 18:56; Proverbs 13:9

KNOWING AND TRUSTING GOD

On By glendarouseIn Uncategorized1 Comment

Encouragement in Loss and Pain

Life can be very fickle or mercurial. One moment a bright and beautiful full of laughter day and the next moment filled with a sad, tearful, grievous dark sad day. Yes, all can change in seconds with just one phone call or text message.

This week, that sudden change happened to my family, and as mentioned, it was so quick when I received news of a loved one who died suddenly, at 54 years of age. A great husband and a Christian father. Known in the community as a good honest man.

Sorrow and grief hit me so deeply at that moment of hearing. No words or actions could penetrate my grief at that time.

We have all experienced the gut-wrenching sorrow that causes us to want to deny the pain and turn back the hands of time. Sometimes all we can do is utter the person’s name we lost.

(Job 1:20-21) Job stood up and tore his robe in grief. Then he shaved his head and fell to the ground to worship.  He said, “I came naked from my mother’s womb, and I will be naked when I leave. The Lord gave me what I had, and the Lord has taken it away. Praise the name of the Lord!”

Imagine that your neighbor calls you at work, telling you the terrible news that your house and vehicles have been destroyed by fire, and while that person is still speaking to you, you learn that you’ve been fired from your job. While words are still coming out of your employer’s mouth, your husband calls your kids and all their families have been killed while they were vacationing together.

These are the unimaginable circumstances Job encountered, devastating messages assaulted him again and again, each one coming while the messenger “was still speaking”. Who can even begin to comprehend his sheer horror?

Important Reflection:

What did Job do? What was his initial response upon hearing, of the loss of all he owned and of all he held dear?

  • First, he grieved. He tore his robe and shaved his head to display his deep sorrow. No outward sign of grief could capture the inward torture Job felt.
  • Next, he demonstrates faithfulness toward God. He fell to the ground and worshiped. (He didn’t ask why me? Why them? Instead, he acknowledged that everything comes from God, and he praised the name of the Lord. Wow, Job!!

Envision that scene. It will take your breath away. Picture this man, deep in the throes of grief, praising God. In light of the horrific blows dealt to him, how did he do that?

Only the following answer will suffice: Job knew God. I mean, really knew him, through out-of-the-ordinary intimacy. His close communion with God had taught him that God was the only one who could give him any kind of real comfort.

Job’s knowledge yielded a deep trust in an infallible Lord, a trust, which enabled Job’s heart to keep beating even in the face of overwhelming heartbreak. Trust enabled him to respond to horrible pain with worship and praise. His initial response reflected a heart that knew and trusted God.

This is where God met me in my grief over the loss of my loved one. I must say, “It took me more than a whole minute”, but when I turned inward to the only one who could give me real comfort, the Prince of Peace rested on my heart.

What about you? How have you responded to bad news in the past? With Praise? Anger? Despair? Confusion?

In Summary:

Job knew God well enough to turn to him in grief. How deep does your knowledge of God go? How close is your heart attuned to his? Who is ruling your heart today? The extent of the rulership in your heart is up to you.

Faith In Action Steps: (Practice backing up what you say with actions.)

  1. Really get to know God intimately. (Spend intentional time with God. Listening and talking.)
  2. Trust God completely! (Trust comes after the first step is initiated_
  3. Daily invite God to rest, rule, reign, and abide in your heart. Try personal worship.
  4. Read Job 1:1-22

Remember, God understands human emotions because of Jesus Christ. The above action steps have helped me tremendously this week to handle my grief. I pray that others will be encouraged and blessed by following the plan God has for handling loss.

Pray: Dear Lord, Prince of Peace, rule my life today. Sit on the throne of my life and rule in Peace. Rule over my every emotion. I worship and praise your name, no matter what!

Share this encouraging word with someone you know who may be having a tough time due to a loss or experiencing pain life change.

Related Readings: Deuteronomy 32:36-39; Psalms 42: 1-11; 86:1-17

This Post is Dedicated to Marcus Calaham

WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE?

On By glendarouseIn Uncategorized1 Comment

Have you noticed how easily we excuse ourselves today? However, making excuses has been a go-to for humankind since the beginning of time. We even change the name of things as a cover for the reasons behind our actions, especially when we know they are sinful and offensive to God.

Some of our excuses sound like, “That’s the way I was raised”, “This is just the way I am”, “He started it”, “I was tired and having a bad day”, “Everyone else is doing it”, “The woman you put here with me gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.” “It’s his fault.” “Maybe it’s even God’s fault but surely it’s not my fault!

This is a big one today, sometimes we change the name to cover our sins: It’s not gossip; it’s sharing; it’s not coveting, it’s admiring, it’s not lying; it’s explaining; it’s not homosexuality; it’s trans, LGBTQ alphabet; it’s not cheating; it’s swinging; it’s not man and woman; it’s gender based on how you feel on the inside. No matter the label you wear God love all people and welcome each one to his table of cleansing, restoration and renewal.

What excuses have you made recently to God, others, and yourself for sin? How have you renamed your sin to make it sound better?

“If we cover our sin, God will expose it. If we expose our sin, God will cover it.” The only sin that cannot be forgiven is the sin of not coming to God for forgiveness.” God doesn’t overlook or forgive excuses, but He does offer forgiveness for sin. He patiently waits for us to confront our wrongdoing and label it for what it is: sin.

Psalm 51: 1, “O God have Mercy on Me!, O God according to your unfailing love, according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.”

When we:
  • Confess our sins
  • Seek repentance,
  • God removes them as far as the east is from the west.

Envision a globe in your mind – no matter how far you travel, you will never encounter the west by heading east. This illustrates the extent to which God is willing to cleanse, forgive and make us new.

(Read the previous post “Never Forget Clean Hands”)

A. Repentance frees us.

B. Honesty renews us.

C. God’s mercy cleanses us.

When there is something in your life that isn’t right, you need to get it out. Your behavior changes when you repent because you’ve changed the way you think about your choices and behaviors.

Until we stop making excuses we are not ready to be forgiven. Whether we think we are above the law, (as David apparently thought when he chose to send for the married Bathsheba) or that our action is okay if others started it (as Adam thought in the Garden) Our excuses cover us as poorly as the Adam and Eve’s fig leaves in the Garden of Eden.

(Add Psalm 51: 1-19 to your daily prayer time.) Share this commitment with those you love. Because God loves them more.

Lord, give me the courage to be honest with myself and to be honest with you. Holy Spirit, I invite you to search my heart and point out anything that offends you. I’m not going to make excuses. I’m not going to try to defend myself. I invite you to bring anything else to light that I’m not aware of and I will confess it so that you can cleanse me anew. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen!