God Cares For Us

"Humble yourself therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time; Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you." 1 Peter 5:6-7

Don't brag, boast, of exaggerate to make yourself look good and appear better than others. It is much better to humble yourself and let The Good Lord exalt you.

Humility is "low mindedness" when it comes to thinking of one's self. Thinking that one is not worthy and not good enough to serve The Lord. We are not important, He is. We are woefully inadequate and insignificant by comparison.

Rather than trying to lift ourselves up, we ought to lift up the name of Jesus.

God can lift you up out of whatever, place you above whatever, and He can keep you safe from whatever. He cares for you and He can take care of you.

Trial Of Our Faith

Just as our works will be judged in a trial by fire, so will our faith also be judged in a trial by fire.

"That the trial of your faith, being much more precious that of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ ..." 1 Peter 1:7

Whereas our works will undergo a trial by fire on that final day of judgement, 1 Corinthians 3:10-15, our faith will be tested frequently while we yet live. The question is, do we maintain our faith in Christ while we are going through various trials and troubles in this life.

"Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations..." 1 Peter 1:6

The tests (... temptations ...) of our faith shall be varied (... manifold ...), grievous (... heaviness ...), and temporary (... for a season ...), but not sufficient to cause us to loose our Christian joy (... greatly rejoice ...).

So, don't worry about whatever it is that you are going through, it's only a test.

Our Inheritance

"Blessed be The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." 1 Peter 1:3-5

We, who are saved by faith, by the power and mercy of God, through Jesus Christ, we have a treasure reserved for us in heaven.

We have our inheritance waiting for us in heaven. Earthly inheritances can be collected after some one on earth dies. Our heavenly inheritance will be collected when we die. The death, burial , and resurrection of Jesus has already set our inheritance aside for us in heaven. We just have to get there to claim it.

Walk The Walk

Many of us say that we love The Lord, but our inconsistent actions speak louder than our words.

"... We do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him."

"But whoso keepeth His word, in him verily is the love of God perfected; hereby we know that we are in Him. He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also to walk, even as He walked." 1 John 2:3-6

Talk is cheap without the walk to back it up. We need to walk the Christian walk and not just talk the talk.

When we believe God's word, and when we desire to keep God's word, and we make an effort to keep His word, then we know that we are children of God.

O Give Thanks Unto The Lord # 4

"O give thanks unto The Lord; for He is good and His mercy endureth for ever.

O give thanks unto The God of gods; for His mercy endureth for ever.

O give thanks unto The Lord of lords; for His mercy endureth for ever.

To Him who alone doeth great wonders; for His mercy endureth for ever...

O give thanks unto The God of heaven; for His mercy endureth for ever." Psalms 136:1-4 & 26

I hope and pray that all of you had a blessed Thanksgiving Day and that you will be blessed throughout the rest of this season of giving thanks.

O Give Thanks Unto The Lord # 3

"O give thanks unto The Lord; for He is good; because His mercy endureth for ever." Psalms 118:1

"This is the day which The Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalms 118:24

"O give thanks unto The Lord; for He is good; for His mercy endureth for ever." Psalms 118:29

"In every thing give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

May you all have a blessed Day of Giving Thanks.

O Give Thanks Unto The Lord # 2

"O give thanks unto The Lord, for He is good; for His mercy endureth for ever. Let the redeemed of The Lord say so ..." Psalms 107:1-2

We should be thankful and give thanks unto The Lord always, every day, and not just during this season of thanksgiving. "God is good, all the time; and all the time, God is good."

Why is it that we only call when we are in trouble? Just like the children of Israel, "Then they cried unto The Lord in their trouble ..." Psalms 107:6, 13, 19, & 28

Those of us that He has saved and blessed should say so and tell the world. David said, "I will bless The Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth." Psalms 34:1 "Bless The Lord, O my soul; and forget not all of His benefits ..." Psalms 103:2

When we think of all of the blessings that we have received from God throughout our lives, we ought to be saying 'Thank you Lord' all day, every day.

We all have so much to be thankful for; every good and perfect gift (James 1:17), the things and people that He kept us from (1 Samuel 25:39 & Psalms 17:4), and the things that the world or an individual meant to be bad for us that He turned into a blessing (Genesis 50:20).

"O give thanks unto The Lord ..." Psalms 105:1, 106:1, 107:1, 118:1, 136:1 Have a blessed Thanksgiving Day and season

O Give Thanks Unto The Lord

"O give thanks unto The Lord ..." Psalms 105:1

We are encouraged throughout the Bible to give thanks unto The Lord. Psalms 105, 106, 107, 118, and 136 all begin with the phrase, "O give thanks unto The Lord ..." and they each provide a reason for doing so.

However, Psalms 105 goes on to say, "... call upon His name; make known His deeds ... Sing unto Him ... talk ye of all His wondrous works ... Glory in His holy name ... rejoice ... Seek The Lord ... Remember His marvelous works ..." Psalms 105:1-5

During this holiday season and on into the future, we need to "Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto The Most High ..." Psalms 50:14 "In every thing give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Remember, "... all things work together for good to them that love God ..." Romans 8:28

So join with me and let's give thanks unto The Lord.

We Will Reap What We Sow

"Be not deceived; God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." Galatians 6:7

"And let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith." Galatians 6:9-10

We we get what we give out. As in the principal of planting, what you sow is what you reap at the harvest. It is also true that you will get back more than you put out. Planting a seed does not just yield another seed but a multitude of seeds. Sowing a kernel of corn produces a plant that yields multiple ears of corn, each having about 100 kernels of corn.

This principal applies to more that giving money or things. There is no discrimination with God, we will be rewarded based upon our works. We are to behave in a Christ -like manner with all men, especially with the people of God.

If you do not give much, you will not get much. But whatever you give, you will get back a ten to one hundred fold increase of the same.

The Fruit Of The Holy Spirit

"But the fruit of The Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance ... they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh ... If we live in The Spirit, let us also walk in The Spirit." Galatians 5:22-25

The English Standard version puts it this way, "... love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control ..."

Trees bear fruit based upon their nature. The fruit that we produce should be the same as the fruit of The Spirit, if The Spirit is within us. The previous verses, 19-21, list the things of the flesh that we should be dead to and no longer part of us.

If The Spirit of God is in us, then we should walk, talk, think, and behave in such a manner that the world can see the fruit of The Spirit in our lives. We should not have to tell people that we by are Christians, they should be able to detect that by observing us.

Give And Be A Blessing To Others

"... He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity; for God loveth a cheerful giver.



And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work ..." 2 Corinthians 9:6-8



Sharing what you have and giving to others pleases God when it is done in a pleasant way. This giving does not just apply to giving money, although it includes money. We are encouraged to give to others and to give generously. We will be rewarded according to amount that we give, the more that we give, the more that we will receive.



Even though you have all that you need, God will bless you with even more when you are a blessing to others.



God possess and infinite amount of goodness and grace which He shares with us. The more generous we are to others, the more lavishly He blesses us.



As we enter this season when the worldly folk start to focus on giving, let us remember to be a blessing to others, including those outside of our circle of family and friends.



"The liberal soul shall be made fat; and he that watereth shall be watered himself also." Proverbs 11:25 (King James version)



"The liberal person shall be enriched ..." (The Amplified version)

"The generous man will be prosperous ..." (New American Standard version)

"A generous man will prosper ..." (New International version)

"Whoever brings blessings will be enriched ..." (English Standard version)



"He that blesses others shall himself also be blessed."

Jesus Became Poor For Us

"For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich." 2 Corinthians 8:9

Jesus left the riches and splendor of heaven, put on flesh and humanity, lived and worked as a poor carpenter's son for thirty-three and a half years, so that through His earthly death, burial, and resurrection, we might have a chance to enjoy the riches and splendor of heaven.

Did you take advantage of what He has to offer for you? After what He did for you, what have you done for Him?

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you." John 15:13-14

God's Grace Is Sufficient

No matter what it is that we are going through, or dealing with, God's grace is sufficient to to get it us through it.

The Apostle Paul said, "... there was given to me a thorn in the flesh ... I besought The Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. Hand He said unto me, 'My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:7-9

The Lord can demonstrate His strength when we are weak and have faith and turn it over to Him, whatever it is.

The Lord does not have to remove the mountain that is in front of you, He can give you the strength to climb over it.

Paul also said that the thorn was placed in his flesh "... lest I should be exalted above measure." We can think too highly of ourselves and our abilities and not give God the proper credit for what He did through us. The "thorns in the flesh" can help to keep us grounded and focused upon The Lord. The "thorns" of life can humble us.

Become A New Creature

Once we accept Jesus Christ into our lives, we are changed. Our wants, wishes, and desires are also changed. We do not become perfect, but we are definitely different.

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold all things are become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17

Some of the sinful things that we used to do, we no longer do or enjoy. If we accept Christ into our live, we cannot be the same as we were before. Not only will there be a difference, but you will notice a difference and those around you will see a difference in you.

Our Bodies Are God's Temple

Once we accept Jesus as our personal savior, God dwells within us. We become a house of God.

"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him will God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are." 1 Corinthians 3:16-17

Most of us know that we should do more the keep the church house clean and in good repair. However, we generally do not give much thought to our bodies being a temple of God and how we treat that temple.

Think of all of the things that we do that damage our bodies. We smoke, drink alcohol to excess, we overeat, and we eat an inappropriate diet. We physically abuse our bodies in the name of fun, sport, and having a 'good time'.

Worshipping the body is also not a good thing. Some of us obsess over our physical appearance and our diet, but not for the glory of God. We mar and physically alter our bodies for our own personal vanity.

That is not to mention all of the junk and trash that we let enter our mind by what we choose to watch, listen to, read, and think.

As Christians, God lives within us and we should be very careful regarding how we treat God's house.

Trial By Fire

All that we think, say, and do will be judged on that final day. As Christians we will be judged to see what we did to give God glory.

Our works will be like a building upon the foundation of our belief in Jesus The Christ.

Paul taught them and us about Jesus and said, "... I have laid the foundation ..."

"... But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For no other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

"Now if any man build upon the foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble.

"Every man's work shall be made manifest; for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.

If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss; but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire." 1 Corinthians 3:10-15

All of our works will be either "gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or stubble". The gold, silver and precious stones will be things that give God glory and they will pass through the fire with us and result in a reward in heaven for us. However, all that is wood , hay and stubble will be lost, burnt up in the fire, and shall amount to nothing.

Will you have any rewards in heaven? Only what you do for Christ will last.

Meat Versus Milk

When it comes to The Word of God, are you ready for more meat, or are you still drinking milk?

Have you grown in your knowledge and understanding in Christ, or are you still a babe in Christ?

Just because you have been in church, or physically attending church services, for a number of years, does not mean that you are a mature Christian spiritually. It does not matter how old you are chronologically, you can still be a babe in Christ.

Paul makes it clear that sometimes preachers have to preach and teach the people in church like they are the lost folk of the world. "And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk and not with meat; hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able." 1 Corinthians 3:1-2

Paul was making reference to their spiritual immaturity. They had heard The Word of God but they had not grown in their understanding of it. That is why he called them 'babes in Christ'.

The same point is made in Hebrews. Some people had been exposed to The Word of God often enough that they should be able to teach it to some one else, but they were still babes in Christ themselves.

"For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness; for he is a babe." Hebrews 5:12-13

Are you still just listening to The Word of God every Sunday or are you growing spiritually? After all of your years in church, are you still a babe in Christ?

Are you ready for the meat of The Word, or are you still drinking milk?

Confess And Forgiveness

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us." 1 John 1:9-10

"For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God" Romans 3:23

The question is not did we sin, but did we confess our sins to God and sincerely ask Him for forgiveness.

Every sin is a sin against God. "Against Thee, and Thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Thy sight ..." Psalms 51:4

So, pray to God, confess your sins, ask for forgiveness, and He will cleanse you.

Who Are You Following

At one time or another in our lives most of us have looked up to someone that we admired and wanted to be like. That person could have been called our hero. Unfortunately, all too often we pick the wrong person to imitate and emulate because that person has faults and short-comings just like the rest of us.

Jesus told His disciples, "Follow me." Matthew 4:19 & John 1:43

"The steps of a good man are ordered by The Lord ..." Psalms 37:23
"Order my steps in Thy word ..." Psalms 119:133

Our direction and path should be determined by The Lord. Only He knows where we are going and only He knows the way there. Jesus is The Way! John 14:6

The old expression, "Lead, follow, or get out of the way" Author Unknown, was said to motivate procrastinators to do something. If you are not following Jesus and leading people to Jesus, then you are going the wrong way.

If you are not following Jesus, The Christ, then who are you following?

Direction And Protection

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. " Psalms 119:105

"I am afflicted very much; quicken me, O Lord, according unto Thy word." Psalms 119:107

"Thou art my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Thy word." Psalms 119:114

Not only does Thy word illuminate my path to show me the pitfalls and rocks so that I don't stumble, Thy word provides me with direction and protection.

The song says, "... Please order my steps in Your word ... I want to walk worthy, my calling to fulfill; If You order my steps, I'll do Your blessed will ... Please order my steps in Your word ..."

Even though I occasionally detour and get off Thy path, please order my steps in Your word.

We Need God's Help

"Teach me, O Lord, the way of Thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep Thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.

Make me to go in the path of Thy commandments; for therein do I delight. Incline my heart unto Thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.

Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; quicken Thou me in Thy way. Stablish Thy word unto Thy servant, who is devoted to Thy fear.

Turn away my reproach which I fear; for Thy judgments are good. Behold, I have longed after Thy precepts; quicken me in Thy righteousness." Psalms 119:33-40

While the author of this Psalm is unknown, the intent is quite clear. He, and we, need God's help to understand His word, law, statutes, & commandments, and we need His help to keep them. We need God's help to walk the right path, to desire the right things, and to turn away from the sinful things.

We need God's help to keep His word continuously in our mind and to keep us focused on His righteousness. We have to want His help and we have to ask for it if we are to receive it.

The Center of The Bible

Did you know that the longest chapter in the Bible is Psalms 119, and the shortest chapter is Psalms 117? Did you know that the chapter in the center of the Bible is Psalms 118? Isn't it interesting that the chapter in the middle of the Bible 118 is between the shortest 117 and the longest 119?

The verse that is in the center of the Bible is Psalms 118:8 which says, "It is better to trust in The Lord than to put confidence in man." This should be at the center of our lives.

We should not any man, and we should not even trust ourselves. "Trust in The Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5-6 Don't even trust yourself, trust in The Lord.

Psalms 188:8 could be the center of the best advise one can give or receive. God's plan for our lives will only be manifested to us if we put our trust in Him, and make Him the center of our lives.

What is the central theme of your life? If it is not God, then maybe it should be.

What We Can Give God

"I love The Lord, because He hath heard my voice and my supplications. Because He hath inclined His ear unto me, therefore will I call upon Him as long as I live." Psalms 116:1-2

"For Thou hast delivered my sol from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling." Psalms 116:8

"What shall I render unto The Lord for all His benefits towards me?" Psalms 116:12

"I will pay my vows unto The Lord now in the presence of all His people." Psalms 116:14

We say that we love The Lord, but our actions speak louder than our words. What shall we give God for all that He has give us? The suggestions here is that public praise and thanksgiving are what we should give Him.

In Remembrance of Him

"O give thanks unto The Lord; call upon His name; make known His deeds among the people."

"Sing unto Him, sing psalms unto Him; talk ye of all His wondrous works."

"Glory ye in His holy name; let the heart of them rejoice that seek The Lord."

"Seek The Lord, and His strength; seek His face evermore."

"Remember His marvellous works that He hath done; His wonders, and the judgements of His mouth ..." Psalms 105:1-5

We should be thankful to The Lord for all of the great things that He has done in our lives and in the world. Following Him should be a pleasure and not a chore. Given what He has done and is doing for us, we should want to seek His face and please Him.

And we should tell people about Him and what He has done for us. Share the good news with others. They should be able to see how grateful we are that He is within us and we are in Him.

Want To Be Rich And Have Your Children Blessed?

"The fear of The Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all they that do His commandments; His praise endureth forever." Psalms 111:10

"Praise ye The Lord. Blessed is the man that feareth The Lord, that delighteth greatly in His commandments. His seed shall be mighty upon the earth; the generation of the upright shall be blessed. Wealth and riches shall be in his house ..." Psalms 112:1-3

If you truly love The Lord and get joy out of keeping His commandments, not only will you be blessed but you children will also be blessed.

Love The Lord, keep His commandments, enjoy reading His word, do right and act Christ-like, and you and you children will be blessed.

The upright and righteous who love The Lord shall be wealthy and rich.

Bless The Lord

"Bless The Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless The Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits."

"Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with loving-kindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's." Psalms 103:1-5

"The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide; neither will He keep His anger forever. He hath not dealth with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities." Psalms 101:8-10

We ought to be extremely grateful that God does not give us what we deserve based upon our sinful nature. We ought to be continually thankful that He blesses us in spite of the fact that we really do not deserve to be blessed.

Praise The Lord And Be Thankful

"Make a joyful noise unto The Lord, all ye lands."

"Serve The Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing."

"Know ye that The Lord He is God; it is He that hath made us and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture."

"Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise; be thankful unto Him, and bless His name."

"For The Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations."
Psalms 100:1-5

The reason that we go the church is to worship The Lord, to praise Him, and to give thanks unto Him along with other believer in Christ. Go to church for the right reason and do the right thing when you get there. Participate, don't just spectate.

Make A Joyful Noise Unto The Lord

"O come, let us sing unto The Lord; let us make a joyful noise unto the rock of our salvation."

"Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto Him with psalms."

"For The Lord is a great God ..." Psalms 95:1-3

Do you sing the congregational songs/hymns at church? Do you sing along with the choir? The Bible encourages us to "... make a joyful noise ..." unto The Lord. Even if you sing off key, like me, make some noise in church.

The worship service at church is not a spectator sport, it requires your participation.

God Knows All

"The Lord knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity."

Blessed is the man whom Thou chastennest, O Lord, and teachest him out of Thy law."

"That Thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity ..." Psalms 94:11-13

The Lord sees all that we do, hears all that we say, and knows all that we think. Blessed be the name of The Lord.

Pray Daily And Have A Fruitful Long Life

"It is a good thing to give thanks unto The Lord, and to sing praises unto Thy name, O Most High; To shew forth thy loving-kindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night." Psalms 92 1-2

"The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree; he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those that be planted in the house of The Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing ..." Psalms 92:12-14

Give thanks unto The Lord in prayer first thing in the mourning and the last thing at night. Doing this daily will lead to a long, productive and fruitful life, even into one's old age.