Our Creator chose to envelop earth in an atmosphere we call “air.” Air surrounds and sustains us, refreshes us and protects us from harmful sun rays. Air makes life possible. Two gases comprise the bulk of our atmosphere: nitrogen, about 79% and oxygen, a little more than 20%. …
Your Other AtmosphereRead More »
Your Other Atmosphere Read More »
A beautiful full moon illuminated the night sky. I could plainly see my own shadow in the grass. As I looked up to admire Father’s glorious handiwork, I noticed some clouds backlit by the shining moon.
Astonishingly, these clouds formed an almost perfect letter “V”. There I was, awestruck by Father’s moon and stars. Then, he thoughtfully threw in a “V” for victory; he provided a reminder of the victories he generously lavishes upon us. …
My “V” in the Moonlit SkyRead More »
My “V” in the Moonlit Sky Read More »
The Lord promised, “I will send my angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I prepared,” Exodus 23:20. Just think of that! The Almighty Creator of heaven and earth directs your steps. He constantly works to lead you in ways that most benefit his purposes and your happiness. How measureless is God’s love for us!
Delores and I moved to Singapore in May of 1988. At that time almost three million people lived in that great city. Can you imagine house hunting in a mega city where customs and culture are unfamiliar? Well, let me tell you how God brought us to the place he prepared.
Just before moving to Singapore, a missionary friend of ours dined in a restaurant there. He struck up a conversation with a Canadian couple who planned on leaving Singapore soon. However, they needed someone to move into their apartment and assume the lease. After finishing the meal, both my missionary friend and the Canadian coupe went their separate ways.
A few days later the missionary again came across the Canadian couple. He mentioned to them that Dee and I would soon need an apartment in Singapore. They invited him to bring us over to their place when we arrived in their country.
Within a day or two of our landing in the city, we visited the apartment my friend had located. We loved it! It amply fit all our needs. So, we assumed the lease and soon moved into our new overseas home.
What are the chances for an American in downtown Singapore meeting a Canadian who had an apartment available? Not only one meeting, but two! Truly, God brings us to the place he prepared.
Dear friends be greatly encouraged; God leads you each and every moment. No event is unimportant; no circumstance is beyond his control. He’s always in the process of bringing you to the place he prepared.
Your God is the Director of decisions and Controller of circumstances.
Bringing You to the Place He Prepared Read More »
In six days the Lord made the heavens, the earth and everything in them. Why six days? Why not just wave his almighty hand and instantaneously bring everything into being?
God purposefully chose to spread creation out over six days, so he could introduce himself to us as the Unfolder. That’s right, he’s the Great Unfolder of his plans and purposes. …
The Apostle Paul began his preaching ministry by proclaiming Jesus to his people, the Jews. In return for Paul’s kindness, the Jews beat him, stoned him, rejected him, stirred up riots against him and labeled him an agitator, a villain, an impostor and a false prophet.
Things didn’t turn out the way Paul expected. He so ardently dreamed of bringing the gospel to his people, but his dreams evaporated. …
Catch Another DreamRead More »
Catch Another Dream Read More »
The Lord commanded Moses to enter Pharaoh’s palace and deliver a shocking order to the world’s most powerful ruler: “Let My people go so they may serve me!,” Exodus chapters five and eight. Reluctantly, Moses obeyed God. Undoubtedly, Moses expected life to move forward. He imagined Pharaoh conceding to God’s command, releasing the Israeli slaves and sending them on their way to the Promised land. However, life went backwards. …
When Your Life Goes BackwardsRead More »
When Your Life Goes Backwards Read More »
Love for humans motivated Jesus’ every action, all his behavior and each word. This love for humanity compelled Jesus to wear our crown of thorns so we can wear his crown of blessing. He accepted what He did not deserve so we can experience what we cannot earn. …
Why Jesus Wore Our Crown of ThornsRead More »
Why Jesus Wore Our Crown of Thorns Read More »
When starting something new, many uncertainties fill our future. So, humans prefer staying with the familiar and the comfortable. We feel secure when surrounded by our friend, “Certainty.”
But certainty isn’t always a good friend; nice, but not always healthy; pleasant, but not always pleasing to the Lord.
In early 1992, Delores and I faced a future filled with seemingly endless uncertainties. The focusing muscles behind my eyes refused to operate normally. Even though I wrote with tall letters and a felt tip pen, focusing exhausted me. Preaching weekends provided temporary ministry but we needed a permanent job. Without a secure income, uncertainty dominated my attention.
One day, during my private time with the Lord, he encouraged me to quit concentrating on uncertainties and begin considering my certainties. Immediately, I realized that the Word presents a multitude of promises he swears to keep. The Word predicts a “certainty-filled” future for the believer! God’s children don’t face an uncertain future at all. Just read the Bible. What does it say about your tomorrows?
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future!”
“There is no lack for those who fear the Lord.”
“He holds victory in store for the righteous.”
“Those who hope in him will not be disappointed.”
“He will never leave us nor forsake us.”
“Commit whatever you do to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.”
“He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed and miracles that cannot be numbered.”
On and on the promises spill from his Word. Friends, remember that “it is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for the least stroke of the pen to drop out of…” God’s Word.
Today, have you considered the “certainties” God pronounced?
Scriptures referred to: Jeremiah 29:11; Psalm 34:9,10; Proverbs 2:7; Isaiah 49:23; Deuteronomy 31:6; Proverbs 16:3; Job 9:10; Luke 16:17
Considering Your Certainties Read More »
Things looked really hopeless for Israel’s tiny army. Thousands of Philistines marched against King Saul, whose army numbered only about 3,000. Saul hesitated to attack his vastly superior adversary; day after day he talked himself out of trying to defeat the enemy. Because his defeatist attitude affected his men, many deserted. he ended up with a mere force of 600.
Are you talking yourself out of trying to witness? Have you convinced yourself that there’s no need to try for a job promotion? Has life convinced you that you’re unqualified to try anything worthwhile?
We want to become Christians who never talk themselves out of trying the impossible. We want to exercise faith in God, and faith in God talks us into trying.
As Saul continued talking himself out of trying to attack, his son Jonathan talked himself into striking the Philistine forces. In spite of his father’s cowardice, in spite of the army’s smallness, in spite of the lack of weapons, Jonathan talked himself into trying.
“Come, let’s go over to the Philistine outpost,” 1 Samuel 14:1. With all the odds against him, Jonathan refused to talk himself out of trying. Where did he acquire such faith?
He considered God his partner. “Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few,” 1 Samuel 14:6. Faith in God propelled Jonathan to take action.
What about you, dear friend? God is your partner on the job, in leading the family, in living the Christian life, in performing Christian service and in facing both pleasant and unpleasant times. Why not try achieving your dreams? Spend time talking yourself into trying!
Notice a word Jonathan used when he referred to the Lord. “Perhaps the Lord will act,” 1 Samuel 14:6. Jonathan knew God would act; he just didn’t know how God would act. Jonathan’s word perhaps merely indicates that he was willing to take a risk rather than talk himself out of attempting the impossible. We cannot remove the element of risk whenever we move ahead with our plans, our dreams or our ambitions. People who talk themselves into trying the impossible accept the risks attached to going on with life.
Jonathan chose to place uncertainty in God’s hands. His trust in God overcame his fear of risk-taking. He could not see the precise outcome of trying to succeed. He could see the Lord, who controls whatever happens when we are willing to try.
When Jonathan acted on his desire to attack the enemy, God moved in his behalf. The Lord brought about a tremendous victory over the enemies of Israel.
Talk yourself into trying to achieve your own desires. God stands ready to “fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith,” 2 Thessalonians 1:11.
Faith in God never permits ignorance of the future to impede forward progress. Faith focuses upon God’s complete knowledge of all upcoming events.
“O my Father, at the end of my earthly life, may your Son present me to your as one conformed to his image!”
Be greatly encouraged,
Pastor James Fields
Talking Yourself Into Trying Read More »
Mountainous waves crashed down upon the vessel carrying the Apostle Paul to Rome. Walls of green Mediterranean water swept the tiny craft from stem to stern. The little ship shuddered and vibrated as hurricane force wind and furious waves pounded its decks and sides.
Reasons for discouragement unrelentingly filled the thoughts of both passengers and crew. Everyone gave up hope of being saved. …
Unending Reasons for EncouragementRead More »
Unending Reasons for Encouragement Read More »