Pure Snow

"Come now and let us reason together," says the Lord, "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool." Isaiah 1:18

Many parts of the country may still be experiencing snow, in the higher elevations particularly. Those who love winter are not bothered by it at all. The freshness of a new snowfall is so very nice. I remember when living in Iowa in the mid 90's the winters would be harsh but yet after a winter storm things would be glistening and so beautiful. It was also very quiet outside as there was hardly any traffic.  Fresh snow is beautiful.

In God's word we are told our sins can be made as "white as snow."  Think of the picture of the snowfall so perfect and pure once it has just fallen and not disturbed by children building snowmen. It is so pretty.  That is how we can be once we confess our sins to Jesus. We let them go and do not keep bringing them back up. He promises to make us whiter than snow.

PRAYER: Thank you that you remember our sins no more and once we confess them to you you make us white as snow with a clean slate. In Jesus' name. Amen.

GOD'S EXTREME MAKEOVERS

Recently I had the awesome privilege of attending the Moms in Prayer Southeast Regional Retreat in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina at the Billy Graham Conference Center near Asheville. The event director in speaking one day said something to the effect that "God was a God of extreme makeovers" so I thought, "what an awesome title" for a devotion. God really is in the business of doing some miraculous jobs on some people who absolutely could not stand him or mocked Him.

Think of conversion experiences of drug addicts, alcoholics, prostitutes, Rap artists, Satan worshippers, Muslims and those who do not believe in Jesus like Christians do or may even hate us, thieves, homosexuals who turned their backs on God to try to justify their lifestyle, those living in sin with boyfriend or girlfriend, compulsive liars, and a host of all sorts of things. First let me point out that we are not to judge and assume just because someone looks a certain way or acts a certain way that they do not know Jesus. But think of in the Bible when evil Saul became Paul. Now that indeed was an extreme makeoever wouldn't you say?Read Acts Chapter 9 when you get a free moment.

During the Watergate scandal in 1973 several people went to jail to include the late Charles Colson who was a mastermind of this plot. .In 1974, he served seven months in the prison in as the first member of the Nixon administration to be incarcerated for Watergate-related charges. Even the worst possible person has hope of being redeemed and set free. After being in prison he turned his heart to God and later founded Prison Fellowship International. Pretty miraculous I would say.Even the serial killer and rapist Ted Bundy accepted Christ before being put to death in the electric chair in 1989.

Even the worst and most vile person has a chance for redemption and salvation. 2 Peter 3:9(NIV) reminds us 'The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.' We are not to hate others or wish them evil either, God loves and we need to love and forgive too.

Where are you at today? You may not have this story of being set free from things like pornography or drugs but have you asked Jesus to be Lord of your life. He is the great transformer of life.2 Corinthians 5:17(NIV) says 'Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!' Do you want to have that perfect peace of being forgiven and knowing that when you die you will be in heaven? Then say this simple prayer. "Lord Jesus I ask you to forgive me of ___________ and set me free. I would like you to come into my heart today and change it. I want to live for you and serve you. Thanks for letting me be your child.Amen."

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I know that I am not perfect. Keep me from wrongly judging others. Help me to show your love for all of mankind. I remember we are all sinners and it is only by the grace of God I am where I am. In Jesus name. Amen.

Click link and praise God in song.

http://youtu.be/FaUTv1pXRyU

GRADUATION DAY

This is the time of year that lots of graduations are occurring. High school, college, graduate school, medical school and even kindergarten and eighth grades often times have graduations. It is a special time families look forward to almost as much as the individual graduating! Receptions, open houses, and parties are held in honor of the graduate.

Another even more "special graduation" awaits the believer who has accepted Jesus Christ into their heart as Lord and savior and that is our "graduation" into the heavenly kingdom. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 2:9(NIV) that '

However, as it is written: "What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived" -- the things God has prepared for those who love him' or in other words as there is no way a human can possibly conceive of what awaits those who have asked Jesus into their hearts. In Isaiah 65:17(NIV) it says 'see I will create new heaven and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered nor will they come to mind.' In our mere human minds we often wonder if "papa or mama are looking down on us" but apparently they are overcome by the beauty and grandeur of the heavenly kingdom it sounds like by this verse. Are you ready for heaven? There have been stories told of believers who have died and miraculously been brought back to life after getting a glimpse of heaven and wished they could have stayed. We friends and family members want our loved ones to live, and rightfully so, but it sounds like by these stories that they are much better off in the splendor that awaits us with Jesus. Everything down here is so temporary. Heaven is forever. It is eternity. I did not ask if you were a church member or have been baptized. In Matthew 7:21-23(NIV) it says 'Not everyone who says to me "Lord, Lord" will enter the kingdom of heaven but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day "Lord Lord did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?" and I will tell them plainly "I never knew you. Away from me you evil doers."' I am not saying this to scare anyone but to truly search your heart. There is not one special denomination that has all the answers. Many people do lots of good "church things" but their heart really is not right with the Lord. James 1:12(NIV) says 'Blessed is the one who has persevered under trial for having stood the test that person will receive the crown of life that is promised to those who love him. ' Many denominations think their way is the only way to heaven. I have news for you. There will no doubt be many surprises in heaven. We human "judges" think we have all the answers and even wonder at someone's death if they "got in". It is not our job to do that. We simply pray. I remember many years ago hearing a friend relate to me how this elderly woman had said to her mom that she did not think it was "fair" for someone to have a "death bed conversion" when she had served Jesus almost all her life. Say what? Like I said, there will be surprises in heaven. Murderers, thieves, rapists, those who committed suicide, and all sorts of people we humans like to say "probably did not get in". If they asked God to forgive them and asked them into their heart they are redeemed and set free. We all have sinned. There is not a big chart classifying which is "the ultimate worst one". We humans do that, not God. 1 Corinthians 6:11(NIV) says 'And such were some of you but you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.' Have you asked Jesus into your heart? Are you ready for your "heavenly graduation day"? In Hebrews 3:15(ESV) 'As it is said "Today if you hear His voice harden not your hearts as you did in the rebellion."' Do you hear God's voice? Do you want to? If only you could stop and make time for Him today. If you are not sure you have asked Him into your heart it is a simple prayer. "Lord Jesus forgive me for doing my own thing. Forgive me Lord for shutting you out. I want you to come in and live in my heart today." Next find a growing dynamic church where you can grow in Christ and one that shows love and forgiveness. Finally get into your Bible each day and get to know Jesus better. You can not "know" friends without spending time with them. Same with Jesus. It is not just one hour on Sunday. Get ready to graduate!! PRAYER: Today Lord I thank you for being my Lord and savior. Forgive me if I have made judgments on where another person stood or whether or not they would go to heaven because of something they had done. I do not know their heart. I want to know you better and I know that Satan does not want me to. I choose this day to live for you. In Jesus' name.Amen. Click on link for an awesome praise song. http://youtu.be/9La_4svq8JI

BURY THE PAST

Do you have a habit of thinking or worrying about the past? The past can not nor should not be resurrected. It is gone. We move on in life and learn from mistakes. If you confessed your sin then why not let it go and keep it buried? God forgets and forgives mess ups and sins so why can't we? It is because Satan is the "accuser of the brethren" ( see Revelation12:10) and tries to put guilt on you. Guilt is not from God. If you confessed it then as The Bible says 'go and sin no more.' ( see John 8:11).

Isaiah 43:18(NIV) tells us 'remember not the former things', so are you able to let the past with all of its' mistakes go and look ahead and know God has redeemed you and set you free? You can learn from your past but you need not dwell on it. Just like in the "love chapter" 1 Corinthians 13 in verse 5 it says 'love does not keep a record of wrongs'. That is great news! Remember it is only Satan who condemns you. If you have those feelings tell Satan to get behind you in Jesus' name.

Psalm 103:12(NIV) says 'As far as the East is from the West so far has He removed our transgressions from us'.

PRAYER: Thank you for forgiving my sins. My desire is to focus on day to day things and let things in the past be "lessons learned". I know I do not need to keep asking you to forgive me because you have. Thank you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

DO LOVE JESUS AND DO HATE SIN

If you happen to have children, no matter what their age, there is a prayer that can be prayed for them. Pray that they love the things Jesus loves and hate the things He hates. Jesus loves the sinner but hates the sin. In this world we have many opportunities to fall into sin and the lusts of the flesh and the pride of life. That is why it is essential that if you claim to know the Lord to stay rooted and grounded in the word of God. Pray this same prayer for yourself saying "Lord help my heart be broken by what breaks yours. Convict me of my sin."

Lately many seem to be writing their own rules for sin. A certain part of the Bible rubs you the wrong way then simply ignore it. For instance in the Bible it clearly states marriage is between one man and one woman and yet many, some even in Christian circles, choose to believe otherwise, and do not seek to learn the truth or be set free if they are caught in Satan's deceptive trap.

Others who claim to love the Lord may see nothing wrong with killing innocent babies in the mother's wombs in the name of "choice". What about the babies choice? Isn't it God's creation you are snuffing out? Killing a baby is not health care or a choice. It is murder!

We are told to not lust yet how many regularly attend movies with half naked women which insight lust? We are to use pure speech but once again the type of entertainment you may regularly choose to attend may take the Lord's name in vain or spew forth cursing like you would never repeat or should not repeat.

The thing is, we can not lead a "double agent" life for the Lord. Is what you are doing Holy? Really truly ask yourself that. Do not be so deceived by the lies Satan throws out that you can not clearly see right from wrong and good from evil. Satan is a master at warping minds and deceiving the masses. Would you be ashamed if the Lord were to walk in on your activity? Think about that because guess what? He is with you all the time. Sin is sin, there is no compromise. But there is forgiveness and redemption. There is a saying 'the ground is level at the foot of the cross' meaning no matter how vile the sin God has not classified them into a "sin scale".

Luke 10:27(NIV) reminds us' Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.' When you love someone you seek to please them and bring joy to them? Does your life bring joy or sorrow to our Lord?

Today if you know you are caught in a trap of deception that Satan has laid out for you stop right now and call out to Jesus. He is there to set you free.

PRAYER: Lord God forgive me for secret sins and those not so secret. Help me to learn to run the race to win and casting off works of darkness. Help me to not think to myself, 'I am not so bad'. Father I choose this day to truly seek to lead a life that pleases you and to not judge others. That is our job. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on link below for a powerful song of redemption and freedom.
http://youtu.be/-08YZF87OBQ

LOOK AHEAD, NOT BACK

 The idea for this title came to me while driving about 5 p.m. one weekday. I realized just how important it was to not look behind me but to keep my eyes focused on the traffic particularly in the high traffic times of the start and end of the work day. If you live in a major city you have true rush hour but here where I am we have lots of cars on the road but nothing like a huge city rush hour. It is important when you drive in lots of heavy traffic that you keep plenty of distance between you and the vehicle in front of you and pay attention always looking ahead down the road for hazards. If you start being distracted by your rear view mirror the traffic could, in fact, suddenly stop and you will more than likely crash into the vehicle ahead of you.

In life too, we need to look ahead and not behind. The past is gone and can not be resurrected. You can learn from the mistakes you have made and confess sins you may have committed, but after that you are to move on and let it go and focus on the here and now and the future. Constantly clinging to the past is not going to bring it back. It is gone, period!

Let's say you can not forget some sin you committed in your life even though you confessed it and God forgave you but Satan keeps trying to torment you with it. Talk out loud to Satan and say 'Satan I will not believe your lies. God has redeemed me and set me free to lead a life pleasing to Him so in the name of Jesus be gone' then move on. After all there is a verse in Psalm 103:12(NIV) that reminds me 'as far as the East is from the West so far has He removed our transgressions from us.'
You might recall the story about Lot's wife in Genesis 19:18-26 where the family was fleeing the evils of the city of Sodom before God destroyed it. God had commanded them to not look back. Lot's wife looked back and turned into a pillar of salt. Not listening to and obeying God then sure had dire consequences. It is tempting to maybe turn around but forget it and keep looking ahead. Charge on!

The Army used to sing a Jody call for marching in formation and maybe it is still used and it went something like this: 'Ain't no use in looking down, there's no discharge on the ground. One two three four, one two give me some more.' Looking down and looking back indicate perhaps a lack of peace about the future or wanting to stay way you are.

Can you look straight ahead and keep your eye on the prize, that being living a life pleasing to the Lord Jesus Christ and throwing off the weights of sin along the way that cling to you and try to drag you down? Keep your eyes on the future. God has good things in store!

Philippians 3:14(NIV) says 'I press on toward the goal, to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Jesus Christ.'

PRAYER: I thank you so much that in Christ I have a future and a hope. I need not cling to the past and worry over things that can not be changed. Help me Lord as I press on for the prize of eternal life. In Jesus' name. Amen.

NO MORE

There is good news for the sinner. We first of all are all sinners. It says in 1 John 1:9 (NIV) ' if we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.' Isn't that nice to know? No more record. No more list. He has wiped our slate clean so to speak. It is only the enemy, Satan, who brings condemnation on us. Once you asked God for forgiveness then let it go. If constant thoughts come in your head then your mind needs to be renewed with a good dose of the word of God. Reading the word keeps the lies of Satan out. He said He remembers them NO MORE and He means NO MORE.

When you take a bath to wash dirt off your body the dirt is gone. You can take a spiritual "mind" bath as well and cleanse yourself from the filth of the world. Confessing sin is that "bath." When Jesus caught the woman in the act of adultery in John 8:11(KJV) he said 'Go and sin NO MORE.'

There you have it. Once you are forgiven you are to try to not fall back into sin but it says in Psalm 103:12 'As far as the East is from the West that is how far He has removed our sins from us!' Believe it my friend and go and 'Sin No More!'

PRAYER: Father sometimes it is easy to have things I did wrong to come back to my memory. I know you have forgiven me so I need to forgive myself. Help me Lord to do that and not dwell on faults and failures. I know Lord you are a righteous and forgiving God and full of compassion. Thank you for forgiving my sins. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on link below and worship the Lord in song.

http://youtu.be/xPonvq5SbrA

NOW GO AND SIN NO MORE

Lately I have been writing lots about sin. In these United States it seems laws are made  protecting and encouraging some sorts of sin. This is very disheartening and must break God's heart.  Some churches are afraid to even preach about sins and would rather stay neutral in this moral culture war we are in. Preachers, rabbi's, and priests who claim to be walking with the Lord need to have strength and courage to confront these issues and not cave in and brush them under the carpet. They need to speak the truth. And if a particular political party or leader is identifying with sinful activities a believer should ask themselves should they really identify themselves with them just because their family has always voted a certain way. Vote as if God were standing next to you at the polling place.

There are more sins other than just the obvious ones of abortion and same sex marriage which currently are in the political arena. There is no such thing as the 'worst sin'. Murder, lying, gossip, gluttony, adultery, sodomy, stealing,dishonesty,  sex outside marriage, divorce, lust, cursing,thinking wrong thoughts,  deception, and many more things separate you from God. The good news is God can forgive and forget your sins if you truly repent and go and sin no more.

In John 8:11 when speaking to the woman caught in adultery Jesus said "..Neither do I condemn you now Go and sin no more." If you are truly remorseful and come to Him and pray, He forgives you. Psalm 103:12 says " As far as the East is from the West, so far has he removed our transgressions from us." It is Satan who tries to condemn you and make you feel that what you have done could never be forgiven. Satan is a liar and will try to get you to dwell on past mistakes and not God's forgiveness and grace.

We all are sinners saved by grace. God loves you and he wants you to lead a life pleasing to Him. Today search your heart and ask yourself if anything in your life goes against the teachings in the Bible. Further ask yourself "If Jesus was here would I engage in this activity?" This might change allot of what you do.

PRAYER: Lord thank you that you are a God who listens, cares, and forgives. Thank you that you love me no matter what I have done. Father it is my desire to please you in all things. In Jesus name. Amen.

Disclaimer: Occasionally You Tube attachs ads to their songs and does not care that they are inappropriate for Christian songs. I apologize for any ads that may be on that are offensive. Simply click 'skip ad' and enjoy the worship song. Satan is trying to get into even these song attachments.

Click on link for another awesome praise song.
http://youtu.be/a7QQGPv1Ikc

'STRUGGLERS' AND SINNERS

 Look around you.  Are you visibly able to tell who has just had an abortion, or maybe gone through chemo, been in  jail, or perhaps stolen office supplies? Not really right? 'Sinners' and 'strugglers' are amongst us and we are some of them. Our job is to love people and not judge and condemn. That is how you win people to Christ by having the attitude such as Jesus did in John 8:11 when he told woman caught in act of adultery "Go and sin no more".

There are all sorts of problems going on in people's lives around us we are unaware of. I sit here in a coffee shop writing and look around me and have no idea what people have been through or are going through. Court battles raging, miscarriages, pregnant and unmarried, people being sued, those who have been incarcerated, betrayed and hurting people, lost jobs, death in the family, cheated on a test, addicted to porn, an alcoholic, lied, sick, lonely, hurting, worn out people beat down by the situations of life yet if you ask someone how they are doing the usual answer is "fine". Oh really? Why do we answer like that when you really might feel as if you could burst out in tears?

1 Peter 5:7 tells us to "Cast all your anxiety on Him for He cares for you." It is Satan who tries to get you feeling hopeless and discouraged. When that feeling comes on you think of all the good things there are about your life to be thankful for. Matthew 11:28 reminds us to "Come to me all you who are burdened and heavy laden and I will give you rest." Oh to rest with Christ and to truly give Him your load, how wonderful it would be!

The point is, there is hurt out there all around you so why not try to first of all not think of our own problems for a while and see what you can do to brighten someones day around you? That simple smile will work wonders.

 Just remember everyone has struggled and we all have been sinners. The good news is God can set us free to live a life of freedom in him. All of us have struggled at one time or another and all of us have sinned. It says this in Romans 3:23. Now remember we are not supposed to purposely sin if we know better but God will forgive.  Only blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is not forgiven. James 4:17 says "Anyone then who knows the good  he ought to do and does not do it sins."  Be on your guard about  trying to categorize sin, because there is no such thing. And careful telling others they are wrong as you have three fingers pointing back at yourself.

So as you go about your day today if you are down keep your thoughts on Jesus and also remember there are many around you going through tough times. Go out and be a light in a dark world.

PRAYER: Lord you came to set the captives free. All of us have been through hurt and pain Lord. Thank you for setting me free or how you are going to set me free. I will resist Satan and he has to leave me alone. In Jesus name. Amen.
Click on link to worship the Lord in song.
http://youtu.be/zASHA-9WhHY

PARADISE

When you hear the word 'paradise' what  comes to mind? Perhaps a beach or some other exotic location? Heaven is oftentimes is  referred to as 'paradise'.

In Luke 23:43 when Jesus was hanging on the cross between two common criminals he said "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."  Paradise. Just daydream on it for awhile. No more chaos, no more wars, no more confusion, no more misunderstandings, no more striving but just total beauty and peace! Revelation 2:7 says "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God." In Revelation 21:4 it says "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." Just imagine how wonderful.

For now he has an assignment for we Christians here on this earth before we go to that wonderful place. Are you working for the Lord's kingdom where he has placed you or do you just coast along in life doing your own thing? Say "Lord use me to fulfill your plan and purpose." 1 Corinthians 2:9 says "However, as it is written:“What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” the things God has prepared for those who love him." Just imagine. As much as people in Hollywood's movie industry can dream up the unthinkable in fantastic motion pictures sets they will NEVER be able to dream up anything close to what God has prepared for those who love Him! Do you love Him? I mean REALLY love HIM? Do you look forward to His paradise some day. No one knows when we will be called home. Some leave earth early and some at a very old age. The key is being ready? Are you ready? Do you know if you were to die right now you would be with Jesus in paradise?

2 Peter 3:9 says "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." When men and women reject God and His word they pay the consequences but it does not have to be that way. You can turn from evil and get on the path to walking with the Lord today. It is your choice. Why chance it? Does your life reflect the goodness of God? If you are in question why not get things right today. Revelation 3:16 sort of says it all "So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth." Are you a lukewarm believer or do not believe at all? Do you think what you are doing or how you are living is good enough? Lukewarm water is just so so  and so are lukewarm Christians. Are you one of them? 

Time to make sure today that you will be in that wonderful paradise someday. You can say this prayer "Father God I need you. I confess I have been living my own way and ignoring your words. Forgive me. I want you to come into my life and set me free and make me clean and whole. In Jesus Name."

A Christian life does not mean everything is easy and without challenges. You might have more challenges. But God is there to help you through.

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for being my saviour and Lord. Thank you for this beautiful world we experience now and the wonderful paradise to come once we die and enter our heavenly rest. Forgive me for the times I have not put you first place in my life. In Jesus Name. Amen. 

Click on link for worshipping the Lord in song.
http://youtu.be/pMNwgYWhwx8