Faith (73)

A View from the Other Side

We’ve all done some moon-gazing—charmed by the beauty of this object reflecting light from the distant sun. At times we may have wondered what the “dark side” of the moon looks like. Now, thanks to a recently-released NASA animated video, we can get a glimpse of the other side. There are faith implications to consider. Read “A View from the Other Side” on my blog at http://GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com/

 

Johnny R. Almond

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Interim Pastor, Nomini Baptist Church; Montross, Virginia

Blog http://GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com/

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The World's Nervous Breakdown?

“As delegates get ready to assemble high up in the Swiss Alps, the world appears on the verge of a nervous breakdown.” (USA TODAY, January 19, 2015)

 

This week’s annual meeting of the World Economic Forum is drawing captains of industry and government from around the globe, to the alpine ski town of Davos, Switzerland—Europe’s highest town. Over 40 heads of state, 2,500 business leaders, cultural emissaries, and experts in many areas of human endeavor will participate in five days of workshops, listen to speeches, and network in an attempt to make the world a better place in which to live.

 

Their task of creating conditions to restore confidence and trust in the world’s future will not be easily achieved in light of intractable global problems. Economic uncertainty worries many. The Ebola crisis has claimed over 8,000 lives. Islamic extremists persistently threaten. Cybersecurity is a worrisome challenge. Greece’s upcoming elections are causing nervousness about the future of the Eurozone. China’s economic growth has slowed dramatically. Last year’s being the hottest on record has made climate change evident. Russia’s proxies in Ukraine continue to make the region volatile. The world is on edge.

 

Surveying the international situation, it feels like “everything nailed down is coming loose” (the angel Gabriel in the musical “Green Pastures”). What else could possibly go wrong? Where will the next act of terrorism occur? Is there an antidote to the poison of despair? How can we keep from going crazy when the world is falling apart?

 

As Jesus predicted future events, he said “You will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. Here on earth the nations will be in turmoil, perplexed by the roaring seas and strange tides. People will be terrified at what they see coming upon the earth. When all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!” (Matthew 24:6-7;  Luke 21:25-26 NLT) When the outlook is bad, we should try the up-look.   

 

The motto of the World Economic Forum—“Committed to improving the state of the world”—is certainly a noble endeavor. We wish them success in achieving their high goal. However, Christians are citizens of two worlds, and the one we currently live in is temporary. Our challenge as dual citizens is finding a reasonable balance between our heavenly and earthly citizenship—not becoming so heavenly-minded we’re of no earthly good, while simultaneously following the counsel of Scripture—“Let heaven fill your thoughts; don’t spend your time worrying about things down here” (Colossians 3:2 TLB).

 

Whatever happens in this uncertain world, those who are trusting the Lord Jesus Christ to return and solve problems the world’s experts have never been able to fix, can begin each day with a beautiful melody in their hearts—“Be still, my soul, your God does undertake to guide the future as he has the past. Your hope, your confidence, let nothing shake; All not mysterious shall be bright at last. Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know His voice who ruled them while he dwelt below.” (Katherine von Schlegel)

 

Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli will be singing at the forum’s opening ceremony—a beautiful beginning, whatever the outcome of the week’s meetings. It would be wonderful if he would sing a song he wrote –“I pray you'll be our eyes, And watch us where we go;  And help us to be wise, In times when we don't know. Let this be our prayer, When we lose our way, Lead us to a place, Guide us with your grace
To a place where we'll be safe.”

 

“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you. Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.” (Isaiah 26:3-4 NLT)

 

Johnny R. Almond

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Interim Pastor, Nomini Baptist Church; Montross, Virginia

Blog http://GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com/

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WHY PRAY? Part 2 - We Trust!

CLICK TO READ PART 1 HERE

Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him(James 5:14-15)

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The Lord promised that "in this world you will have tribulation (or trouble), but be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world" (John 16:33b). How does someone do that when the enemies of God are systematically destroying His people....when many are losing hope....when the numbers of "nones" (those who believe in nothing) grow exponentially....etc. etc..

These are the Biblical end times which are in view, primarily, to those who are saved and called by Christ into the Kingdom. We are seeing a plethora of incurable diseases, deadly viruses and inexplicable things all around us. Cancer is on the rise due to the many different things - lifestyle, quality of food and environment etc. In fact, if you act even the dearest Christian, there seems to be a sense of resignation and defeat.

This is both understandable and wrong at the same time. We see an exhortation from James here which is hardly called upon, in times of need, even by those who call themselves strong believers.....and that includes pastors. On average, you hear pastoral prayers about "Lord heal so and so, touch brother X, remember sister Y....etc.." But is there the strong biblical prayer system for healing, whether Body, Soul or Mind, which lines up with James 5:14, 15? Not really!  This sort of healing and restoration requires Faith and Trust in the Promise AND persistence in prayer.

Too many modern seminaries, and thus, the pastors they put out, have removed the spirit of this Scripture which says that such faith for healing, anointing with oil and restoration "is only for Bible times" and not now! I have heard that so many times, I don't even listen to it anymore. Because the Living Word who abides in the Christian testifies that the entire Word of God - all 66 books - are for now and for you and I. Therefore, even if the elders don't pray for the church and the sick as they should - YOU DO IT!

To drive home that point, the Lord gave us the account of the man of God - Elijah - who was sent to a place of famine and a poor woman in Zarephath. 
Read the full account here from the flowing narrative of God's Word Translation:  8 Then the Lord spoke his word to Elijah: 9 “Get up, go to Zarephath (which belongs to Sidon), and stay there. I’ve commanded a widow there to feed you.”

10 He got up and went to Zarephath. As he came to the town’s entrance, a widow was gathering wood. He called to her, “Please bring me a drink of water.”

CLICK HERE TO READ THE READ OF THIS MESSAGE

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The Danger of Violent Religion

“What is objectionable, what is dangerous about extremists is not that they are extreme, but that they are intolerant. The evil is not what they say about their cause, but what they say about their opponents.” (Robert F. Kennedy, The Pursuit of Justice, 1964)

 

The evil of violent religion was graphically illustrated again this morning when 47 people were killed and 79 wounded in a bombing outside a school in northern Nigeria. An attacker disguised as a student set off the explosion in a government boarding school, where students had gathered outside the principal’s office for a daily speech. Police suspect that Boko Haram is behind this terrorist act.

 

Boko Haram (“Western education is forbidden”) is a militant Islamic movement that has carried out several deadly attacks on schools teaching a Western curriculum. They have murdered more than 5,000 civilians since 2009. They have abducted more than 500 women and children, including the kidnapping of schoolgirls last April. They kill people who engage in practices they view as un-Islamic. They offer no breathing room to anyone not adhering to their strict religious code.

 

The group’s aim is to establish an Islamic state ruled by Sharia law. This law, which they see as deriving from the Koran, covers public behavior, private behavior, and private beliefs. Of all legal systems, it is the most intrusive and strict, especially against women. A woman can have one husband, but a man can have up to four wives; a man can unilaterally divorce his wife but a woman needs her husband's consent to divorce; a man can beat his wife for insubordination; a woman who has been raped cannot testify in court against her rapist(s); a woman's testimony in court, allowed only in property cases, carries half the weight of a man's; a female heir inherits half of what a male heir inherits; a woman cannot drive a car, as it leads to “upheaval”; a woman cannot speak alone to a man who is not her husband or relative. Theft is punishable by amputation of the right hand. Several infractions are punishable by death—criticizing any part of the Koran; denying Muhammad is a prophet; a Muslim becoming a non-Muslim; a non-Muslim leading a Muslim away from Islam; a non-Muslim man marrying a Muslim woman. The oppressive list goes on.

 

Pascal, in Thoughts, points out that the law which governed Jews is the most ancient law in the world, and that Greek and Roman legislators borrowed from it their principal laws. He also comments that this law was the severest and strictest of all, imposing on the Jews “a thousand peculiar and painful observances, on pain of death.” What is astonishing, he says, is that this law was preserved unchanged through many centuries, while other states changed their laws though they were far more lenient.

 

The apostle Paul, who faultlessly observed the Jewish law and harshly persecuted the church before he was converted to Christ, writes that “those who depend on the law to make them right with God are under his curse, for the Scriptures say, ‘Cursed is everyone who does not observe and obey all the commands that are written in God’s Book of the Law.’ So it is clear that no one can be made right with God by trying to keep the law. For the Scriptures say, ‘It is through faith that a righteous person has life.’ Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing.” (Galatians 3:10-13 NLT).

 

All Christians have not always practiced religious tolerance, as sadly demonstrated by the Inquisition. But though such historical atrocities and current religious fanatical acts are heinous, we should do some personal soul-searching to see how willing we are to admit we do not have all the answers and we are not holier than others.  

 

At heart we believe religious freedom is the God-given right of all people. At the same time, we place all our hope in the Son of God to save us from sin. We rest in Jesus Christ, who has answered the demand of law through His perfect life and vicarious death. He is our personal peace, and the ultimate hope for universal peace. The last word is not law—it is grace.

 

Johnny R. Almond

Christian preacher and writer

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Read blog http://GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized

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Envisioning the Invisible God

“Instead of complaining that God had hidden Himself, you will give Him thanks for having revealed so much of Himself.” (Pascal, Pensees, 1670)

 

Reverencing Christ, we begin to comprehend God’s gracious personality. Jesus perfectly represents His Father, personifying love in His life. Observing Christ, we see God’s likeness.

 

Submitting to our Sovereign, we experience God’s infinite goodness. Believing God engineers our lives with our best interests in mind, we rely on Him to take good care of us. Traveling rough roads teaches us lessons we’d never learn any other way. Yielding to our Master on sunny and stormy days, we find true joy transcending circumstances.

 

Confidently entering heaven’s inner sanctum—overshadowed by the cross—we behold Christ’s brilliant radiance.  Cleansed by His blood, we are privileged to enjoy guilt-free living and constant access to His throne in prayer.

 

Trusting the immortal, unseen King, we can relax. We cannot see Him with our eyes, but we can trust Him with our heart. And when we do, we find peace too wonderful for words.

 

Focusing the eyes of our heart on our invisible Friend, we can visualize the bright future He promises. The Victor over death, hell, and the grave offers us triumph over lesser enemies of tempting demons, current frustrations, and menacing worries.

 

Listening to voices of our family, we perceive God’s love. God places us in a family to counteract loneliness. He makes us part of a believing community to encourage and reinforce our faith.

 

Opening our dull eyes, we observe the grandeur of creation. God’s hand crafted the breathtaking cosmos. He whispered innumerable blazing galaxies into existence. He snapped His fingers and the big blue marble we call home appeared out of thin air.

 

Praying, we picture Gods heart. Heaven’s throne is made of mercy, not marble. His Presence guides us through life’s labyrinth and gives us a melody to cheer us on until we see His smile.

 

God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:6 NLT)

 

Johnny R. Almond

Christian preacher and writer

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

[This devotion based on Day 51 of Gentle Whispers from Eternity]

Read blog at http://GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com/

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A Third Option

 “You’re not free until you’ve been made captive by supreme belief.” (Marianne Moore, “Spenser’s Ireland,” 1951)

 

Between the Devil and the deep blue sea, we may feel we have no other choice than to run or engage in mortal combat. If we audaciously take on an evil army as a solo warrior, we set our self up for flat-on-our face defeat. If we deny the gravity of our situation, we do not alter reality. Feeling trapped with no way out, we may panic. There are many situations we cannot handle, but handling impossible situations is God’s everyday business.

 

When we’re apprehensive because of future concerns, we should not repeat the Israelites’ mistake of despairing. Recounting God’s faithfulness, we will stop shaking at bad prospects. Listening to a drumbeat outside the world’s hearing range, we have marched out of slavery under Higher Guidance. Listening to the cadence of the Holy Spirit, we stay in step. In threatening circumstances, we are serene in trusting inner-stances. In the fog of war, we rely on supernatural direction. In battlefield chaos, we follow heaven’s flag draped with battle streamers commemorating past wins. Standing still, we watch God do His work.

 

God enlightens pockets of fear and darkens arrogance. God illumines doubt daring to trust and muddles conceit presuming to oppose Truth. God tranquilizes scared believers and terrifies self-confident atheists. God focuses heaven’s light to defend us from hell’s marshaled fiends. God rescues believing souls from floods of judgment and drowns haughty souls in torrents of justice. God commands invisible troops with strategies defying human wisdom. God guarantees ultimate triumph even in the face of impending defeat. God walls surging currents right and left on exit ramps to joyful freedom.

 

Human instinct limits options to flight or fight. But relying on God’s front-line Presence teaches us a third option—FAITH.

 

“Don’t be afraid. Just stand where you are and watch the Lord rescue you. The Lord himself with fight for you. You won’t have to lift a finger in your defense!” (Exodus 14:13-14 NLT)

 

Johnny R. Almond

Christian preacher and writer

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

[This devotion based on Day 46 of Gentle Whispers from Eternity]

Read blog at http://GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized

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Living with Distinction

“To be individually righteous is the first of all duties, come what may to one’s self, to one’s country, to society, and to civilization itself.” (Joseph Krutch, 1964)

 

“If you don’t mind my saying so” people state before voicing their opinions. But the following thoughts are not merely my opinions—they are convictions based on the Scriptures.

 

Believers in Jesus Christ are different from infidels. Forgiven by heaven’s flawless Lamb, belonging to God in a personal way, they are compelled to live with moral excellence.The middle cross eternally separates repentance from derision, faith from skepticism, and paradise from perdition.

 

Believers in Jesus Christ are distinguished by humility. “Movers and shakers” have no time to listen to God’s Word and no inclination to live His way. But followers of Christ reverence Him and attempt to emulate His humble lifestyle.

 

Believers in Jesus Christ are characterized by integrity. Inspired by grace, they run from pleasures others run to. Taught by faith, they anticipate Christ’s coronation as Monarch of the universe. Charmed by holiness, they cry their heart out over wrongs committed. Humbled by God’s power, they lean on His everlasting arms. Instructed by experience, they seek to honor the Lord. Trained to think like Christ, they live in tension with society’s perverted values. Juxtaposed by darkness, they sparkle like a diamond on black velvet.

 

Believers in Jesus Christ sing a different melody. With Jesus topping their charts, they credit Him with strength to persevere and rehearse heaven’s theme song of victory.

 

Believers in Jesus Christ live with hope. In contrast to the despairing world, they detect the first gleam of a sunrise of hope. Hearing echoes of the New World Symphony, they feel the Spirit Wind unfurling new Jerusalem’s flag. Celebrating the future’s faint overture, they are beginning to learn how to dance for joy.

 

Everything about Christians is different because of Christ.

 

I am deeply concerned about the future of America and the world; but whatever happens to me, my country, or civilization, I want to always be true to Jesus Christ.

 

“Then you will know that the Lord makes a distinction between the Egyptians and the Israelites.” (Exodus 11:7 NLT)

 

Johnny R. Almond

Christian preacher and writer

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

[This devotion based on Day 44 of Gentle Whispers from Eternity]

Gentle Whispers From Eternity-Scripture Personalized available from Amazon.com

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I TAKE THIS TO YOU

One of the best things about the discipline of praying for organized lists of people is that God impresses me with difficult people to pray for. It strains my prayer life to pray for people I do not necessarily like. It stretches my faith to pray for people whom I can hardly imagine changing.

I pray daily for family members who have ruined their lives and the lives of others I love. And I find myself asking, "How could God straighten out the mess they have made?" I also pray for people with whom I fiercely disagree. I know I could not change their minds. Can God change their hearts or mine? I am often doubtful when I come to the names of some of these people. I have begun saying, "I am taking this person to You, Father. You can do anything."

This seems to be enough to ease the anxiety of my unbelief. The key to strengthening our faith is in recognizing the greatness and nearness of God. This prayer not only rests in His great power, but also on His ability to understand the complex problems people are facing. I do not necessarily believe this is strong faith, but focusing on God is certainly the step of faith I need in praying for difficult people and circumstances.

 

http://daveswatch.com/

 

 

 

 

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In the Big-Banging?

Scientists are still spending millions trying to discover the origin of the universe. Is the Bible too simple for sophisticated minds?

“No philosophical theory which I have yet come across is a radical improvement on the words of Genesis, that ‘in the beginning God made Heaven and Earth.’” (C. S. Lewis)

A recent sighting by BICEP2 [Background Imaging of Cosmic Extragalactic Polarization 2] detected a distortion in microwave radiation which seemingly pervades all the cosmos. Some scientists believe this single observation conclusively proves three theories— 1) a Big Bang and an inflationary universe produced a series of gravitational waves; 2) this happened in the first billionth of a trillionth of a quadrillionth of a second; 3) these faster-than-the-speed-of light events occurred 13.8 billion years ago.

It’s amazing what one observation at the South Pole has led scientists to believe! Anyone who challenges their conclusions is considered uneducated or ignorant. But are you and I so naïve we swallow such inferences deduced from “facts”? What proof exists for such fantastic theories hypothesized by the scientists? Who of these sophisticated scholars was there when the cosmos began?

All this reminds me of the atheist Ph.D. candidate who actually told me, “In the beginning” (that sounded familiar) “there was a total vacuum.” When asked, “then how did everything begin?”, he said “friction!” Faith in the First Cause trumps such empty-headed foolishness.

“By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen.”  (Hebrews 11:2 NLT)

Johnny R. Almond
Pastor, Colonial Beach Baptist Church, Virginia
Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity - Scripture Personalized
Read author’s blog at www.GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com

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God is in Control

“God is in control. This is no time for fear—it is a time for faith and determination.

There is a bottom line drawn across the ages. Culture can make its plan, but the line never changes.

No matter how deception may fly, there is one thing that has always been true and will be true forever.

He is still the Lord of all we see, He is still the loving Father watching over everything and you and me.”

(Twila Paris)

 

If we’re honest, we admit sometimes we find it hard to believe God is in control—

when we are flustered, scared, or confused, not knowing which way to turn;

when we consider the moral corruption rampant in American society;

when we hear predictions of a possible 30-year war against ISIS;

when we’re concerned about the Ebola virus spreading;

when we read about bloody international conflicts;

when we wonder if peace will ever prevail.

 

Pondering the sadness of the human situation, we wonder—

How did people believe in God during WWI, when 16 million died?

How did people trust God during the Black Death, when 200 million died?

How did people believe in God during the Holocaust, when 6 million Jews died?

 

“Hominum confusione et Dei providentia Helvetica reqitur”—

a Latin saying that originated in the political unrest of the 16th century,  

“Switzerland is governed by the confusion of men and the providence of God”,

was revived by theologian Karl Barth in the midst of the second World War.

Changing Switzerland to “world”, he stated poignantly the Christian credo of history.

 

The human race has turned God’s world upside down, but God is still in control.

We dare to believe that someday it will finally be clear to the entire universe.

 

“Be still, my soul, your God does undertake to guide the future as he has the past.

Your hope, your confidence, let nothing shake; All now mysterious shall be bright at last.”

(Katherine von Schlegel)

 

“This is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—

everything in heaven and on earth.” (Ephesians 1:10 NLT)

 

Johnny R. Almond

Christian preacher and writer

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Gentle Whispers From Eternity-Scripture Personalized available from Amazon.com

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A.W. Tozer wrote some important points to consider when we think about God's attribute of wisdom.  Some key takeaways include:
 
"Wisdom, among other things, is the ability to devise perfect ends and to achieve those ends by the most perfect means.  It sees the end from the beginning, so there can be no need to guess or conjecture.  Wisdom sees everything in focus, each in proper relation to all, and is thus able to work toward predestined goals with flawless precision."
 
"All God's acts are done in perfect wisdom, first for His own glory, and then for the highest good of the greatest number for the longest time.  And all His acts are as pure as they are wise, and as good as they are wise and pure.  Not only could His acts not be better done: a better way to do them could not be imagined.  An infinitely wise God must work in a manner not to be improved upon by finite creatures."
 
"Without the creation, the wisdom of God would have remained forever locked in the boundless abyss of the divine nature.  God brought His creatures into being that He might enjoy them and they rejoice in Him.  'And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good.'" (Genesis 1:31)
 
He later brings faith into the conversation:
 
"In spite of tears and pain and death we believe that the God who made us all is infinitely wise and good.  We rest in what God is.  I believe that this alone is true faith.  Any faith that must be supported by the evidence of the senses is not real faith.  "Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed." (John 20:29)
 
"The testimony of faith is that, no matter how things look in this fallen world, all God's acts are wrought (brought forth) in perfect wisdom."
 
"God constantly encourages us to trust Him in the dark.  'I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight:  I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron: and I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that though mayest know that I, the Lord, which call thee by thy name, am the God is Israel.'" (Isaiah 45:2-3)
 
"It is heartening to learn how many of God's mighty deeds were done in secret, away from the prying eyes of men or angels."
 
Tozer then describes creation (the Holy Spirit hovering over the waters in darkness), our Savior carried in the darkness of the sweet virgin's womb, our Savior's death in darkness, and His resurrection "very early in the morning"- while it was still dark outside.  No one saw Him rise.  Tozer concludes, "It is as if God were saying, 'What I am is all that need matter to you, for there lie your hope and your peace.  I will do what I will do, and it will all come to light at last, but how I do it is My secret.  Trust Me, and be not afraid.'"
 
 "With the goodness of God to desire our highest welfare, the wisdom of God to plan it, and the power of God to achieve it, what do we lack?  Surely we are the most favored of all creatures."
 
All quotes taken from A.W. Tozer's, Knowledge of the Holy, (pgs. 59-64).
 
We often turn to God for wisdom when our wisdom, knowledge, or experience runs short or runs out.  But as we consider Tozer's words, above, notice that he centers on God Himself; not just the outpouring of the gift of wisdom that we often seek from Him.
 
It brings home a vital point that I'm afraid we often miss in our day- and terribly miss when we pray.  When we pray, or even consider our circumstances, begin by first focusing on God- for who He is.  When we center our hearts (with the Holy Spirit's help) on God first, instead of what we think we want or need from Him, He grows us in wisdom, awe (fear), and understanding of Himself.  All other things take their rightful places beneath Him.  Proverbs 9:10 says,
 
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
    and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Proverbs 1:7 states it this way,

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
    but fools despise wisdom and instruction

 
It's stated 14 different times in Proverbs that we won't be wise until we seek and see God as wise.

Caution Against Worldly Wisdom
 
Do not be wise in your own eyes;
    fear the Lord and shun evil. - Proverbs 3:7

While God has given us minds, and the ability to figure out problems, situations, and circumstances, only He sees the beginning from the end and knows all things.  When we stop short of seeking His thoughts, wisdom, and opinions, we can come up with solutions that may  seem wise and work for a time, but lack eternal wisdom and perspective.  It's important to remember to pray for God's wisdom and perspective- whether the matter is large enough to affect a corporation or congregation, or seems small enough where it may only affect the route we take to the grocery store. 

God is involved in all the aspects of our lives and is pleased when we seek Him and His wisdom in each matter.
 
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. - James 3:13-18

Book of Wisdom- How You May Benefit From It
 
God, in His infinite wisdom, gave us a book of wisdom called Proverbs- within the ultimate book filled with His wisdom- the Bible.
 
There are 31 chapters in Proverbs- one for every day of the month (you may need to read two or more on months with 28, 29, or 30 days, respectively).  Some challenge themselves to read a chapter of Proverbs (the chapter number corresponding with the date on the calendar) each day for a year.  Many testify that God changes their thinking toward themselves, worldly things, and God Himself, as they do so.  This might be something you'd consider incorporating into your daily Scripture reading and prayer times!
 
Praying Proverbs
 
Beyond reading Proverbs to grow in knowledge and wisdom, praying proverbs also blesses God and helps us grow in these ways.

Before reading, ask the Holy Spirit to point out truths and insights to you from what you're about to read.  You might want to read the chapter more than once- as the Spirit might bring out different points during different readings (He'll most certainly do so if you read and re-read chapters over the course of a year!).  You might want to jot down Scriptures, and some of the impressions the Holy Spirit brings forth as you read (so that you'll remember them later when life gets cluttered, busy, or distracting- or if you forget).
 
Also, as you read, you may read a truth within Proverbs that strikes you as something that's lacking in your life at that time, or vice versa- something the Lord has worked in abundance in your life.  Stop in that moment and thank God for that abundance or lack.  Then you may want to ask God to further align your heart and mind with His Word, truth, and understanding accordingly.
 
Prayer can be taken in so many different directions.  But it's important that we begin by focusing on God, Himself, first.  We can always go on to thank Him for what He's done or is doing, ask for things, and more (and we should do all these things in prayer).  But begin by focusing on Him first.  Make God the center focus of our prayer; knowing Him in greater completeness.  We'll never be disappointed when we do so!  Let's seek Him now...


Father, in You, we find the fullness and completeness of wisdom.  You do not lack in any way.  You are pure, holy, righteous, gracious, all-powerful, merciful, loving, and much more through the ways You display your wisdom.  And as we consider some of your countless attributes; wisdom is found within each- perfectly so!  My mind can not fathom this, or You, fully.  I worship you.  You alone are God.  Neither I, anything, or anyone else, come anywhere close to your perfections.  You are awesome in this place, just as You are awesome in every place!  Help me to grow in deeper intimacy with You- that I may know You better and make You better known to those You bring around me or lead me toward.  What a privilege it is to personally know the God of all, and Your Son, Jesus Christ- through whom You made it possible to personally know and draw near to You.  The words, "thank you" do not suffice, but they're the best I have to offer in worship at this moment.  Continue to lead me, and all who You lead to read this, into deeper awe, fear, trust, understanding, knowledge, wisdom, and more in You.  For Your glory alone.  In Jesus' name, Amen.

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POOR IN SPIRIT

Our pastor is preaching through the Sermon on the Mount on Sunday mornings. A few weeks ago he preached on the first Beatitude, “Blessed are the poor in Spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.” He pointed out that the word translated “poor” here means to be destitute. It can be used for a beggar who is absolutely dependent upon help from others. Poverty of Spirit is the heart of prayer.

We come to God because our help, our strength, our hope of salvation, our very lives depend upon Him.

Spiritual poverty is the starting place for prayer. “God be merciful to me a sinner.”

Faith springs from spiritual poverty. “I come to You, Father because I know I cannot solve this problem. I cannot even understand the problems I face.”

The extent of my spiritual poverty is shown by the fact that I do not even know how to pray as I ought. I even depend on God’s Spirit to help me pray.

"Thank You, Lord, that You died for my spiritual poverty. Thank You, Father, for meeting my poverty with Your everlasting wealth."

 

 

 

http://daveswatch.com/

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Faith's Silhouette

We demonstrate our faith by the way we live. Conduct communicates more clearly than creed.

“Faith is kept alive in us, and gathers strength,

more from practice than from speculations.”

- Joseph Addison

 

Light from heaven beams down, profiling your life as a vital witness to eternal realities.

The outline of transforming faith boldly stands out against passive conformity.

Etched against a circumstantial backdrop, people watch as you worship.

Devotional contour preaches a clearer message than your words.

 

Totally reliant on your Creator, you are never disappointed.

Lean on the Everlasting Arms, and sing His praises.  

 

Radically disciplined, you are educated in timeless wisdom.

Listen to echoes from eternity, and find lasting truth.

 

Humbly appreciative, you’re never too busy to give thanks.

Learn to be content whatever happens, and be rich.

 

Unquestioningly obedient, you carry out Christ’s orders.

Live by His Word, and He will be real to you.

 

Hopefully devoted, you walk in Jesus’ steps every day.

Love Him sincerely, and be blessed eternally.

 

“Jacob bowed in worship as he leaned on his staff.”

(Genesis 47:31 NLT)

Johnny R. Almond

                                                         Pastor, Colonial Beach Baptist Church, Virginia

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity—Scripture Personalized

[This devotion based on/adapted from Day 33 of Gentle Whispers from Eternity]

GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized  (copy & paste to browser for blog & book info)

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The Other Side of Fear

What are you afraid of? Faith the future and find peace of mind.

“As a rule, what is out of sight disturbs men’s minds more seriously than what they see.”

- Julius Caesar

 

Scared of the dark? There is Light at the end of the alley.

Wringing your hands over tomorrow? Take hold of God’s hand.

Dragging your feet? Let God’s strong love put a spring in your step.

Trying to pray your way out of trouble? Pray God’s way through trouble.

                   Thunderstorms obscure stars. Clouds camouflage blue sky. Valleys threaten peace.

Believer, take heart—the Lord Jesus Christ walks beside you through the shadow lands.

There is a far better way to face forward than “perhaps”—faith language that says “will.”

From where you sit, it seems most everything is dark—heaven’s viewpoint sees the silver lining.

The other side of death is life. The other side of worry is worship. The other side of despair is solace.

The other side of the discord of earth is the symphony of paradise. The other side of fear is blessed relief.

 

"What a relief to see your friendly smile. It is like seeing the smile of God!"

Genesis 33:10 NLT

 

Johnny R. Almond

Pastor, Colonial Beach Baptist Church, Virginia

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity—Scripture Personalized

Book available through local bookseller or preferred on-line retailer.

Author’s blog www.GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com

[This devotion was based on/adapted from Day 23 of Gentle Whispers from Eternity]

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So help me, God

The person who says "I don't pray because I don't need anything" is naive.

Sooner or later, we all realize our desperate need for God. 

“Life for most of us is full of steep stairs to go puffing up and later, of shaky stairs to totter down;

and very early in the history of stairs must have come the invention of banisters.”

- Louis Kronenberger, The Cart and the Horse, 1964

 

Every human being is inherently a dependent creature.

At frequent intervals, we feel need of assistance.  

When we are born, we are totally helpless.

And when we die, we are there again.

So help me, God, we cry for help.

 

The Almighty made the universe—He can surely help us.

He holds earth up by invisible cables—He holds us together.

 

Relying on our Redeemer, we can soar gracefully on eagles’ wings,

endure without exhaustion, and survive “normal” days without fainting.

 

Counting on the reality of God’s Presence, we can learn to fly above worries,

run faith marathon fueled by His Spirit, and walk everyday paths with equanimity.

 

When we are out of breath in the midst of life’s arduous uphill climb, God climbs with us.

And when our weak knees tremble on difficult paths in mortality’s shadow, God walks with us.

 

Every person who trusts God can testify He is our Invisible Means of Support every step of life’s way.          

 

“God is with you in everything you do.”

Genesis 21:22 NIV

 

Johnny R. Almond

                Pastor, Colonial Beach Baptist Church, Virginia

Author, www.GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com

Book available through your local bookseller or preferred on-line retailer.

[Devotion adapted from Day 13 of Gentle Whispers from Eternity]

 

 

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Imagining life without God

Can you imagine life without God? With all the trouble in this old world - -including "wars and rumors of wars" -- how could we possibly find peace?

“I know not where His islands lift / Their fronded palms in air;

I only know I cannot drift / Beyond His love and care.”

John Greenleaf Whittier, “The Eternal Goodness”              

 

Can you imagine life – with all of its challenges, disappointments, pains, and problems – without God?

With all there is to be afraid of in this dangerous world, how could we possibly manage to stay calm?

Considering the trouble in this world – with “wars and rumors of wars” – how could we find peace?

 

Gladly, we do not have to stay in the subjunctive “what if” mood long to realize God is with us.

If our Creator and Savior did not accompany us every heartbeat, our life would be intolerable.

Gloriously, the Lord Jesus Christ is with us 24/7, so loneliness does not get the best of us

 

Because God Almighty is with us, we are guaranteed an unlimited liability clause—

Ferocious death, mysterious life, sinister demons, current fears, future worries,

hellish forces, precarious locations, and deep despair cannot overpower us.

 

We could not make it on our own—do-it-yourself does not work by itself.

It is a great blessing to trade the subjunctive mood for a praise song.

It is a good prayer, now and then, to thank God we are not alone.

 

If the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had not been with me…

Genesis 31:42 NIV

 

 

Johnny R. Almond

                Pastor, Colonial Beach Baptist Church, Virginia

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity—Scripture Personalized

Book available through local bookseller or preferred on-line retailer.

Author’s blog www.GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com

[This devotion was based on/adapted from Day 21 of Gentle Whispers from Eternity]

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PRAYER IS THE GRASP OF FAITH

A woman is struggling in the icy waters of the north Atlantic. She is on the last of her strength when she sees a lifeboat from the sunken ship headed her way. When the boat is near enough they throw her a life saver. In wild desperation she grabs it and is saved. That is a parable of faith.

A woman who has had an issue of blood for twelve years sees Jesus and says to herself, “If I can only touch Him, I will be healed.” She sneaks up behind and touches the hem of His garment, and is immediately healed. Jesus stops the crowd and draws her out. “Woman,” He tells her, “your faith has healed you. Go in peace.” But at that time Jesus was hurrying to the house of a man whose daughter was at the point of death. Now people arrive from the house of the man saying they are too late. His daughter is dead. Jesus turns to the man saying, “Do not fear. Only believe.” Jesus is not telling him to have a positive attitude. He is telling him to trust Him.

Faith is the grasp of prayer. It is clinging to Jesus. The drowning woman was not saved by grasping at the water or the air. She could not hold to the sinking ship and be saved. She had to grab hold of the life preserver to keep from drowning. Jesus is the only life saver. Take hold of Him in faith.

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A Thought for Today about faith

“Faith is the Pierless Bridge / Supporting what we see / Unto the scene that we do not.”

- Emily Dickinson

 

At times, it feels like we’re on the edge of a ravine with no way across.

It’s a long way to the bottom; it’s a long way to the other side;

with no visible means of support, God asks us to step out.

If we are honest, we must admit our fear and doubt.

 

Listening to God’s voice, we hear His gentle whisper—

“Do not be too hard on yourself when you waver in faith.

I know you sometimes tremble contemplating the unknown

and shudder at mystery that is too meaningful for you to take in.

In fear, keep faith in Me; in doubt, trust Me; in anxiety, rest assured;

in the dark, look for dawn; in terror, receive My comfort; in horror, hope.”

[paragraph adapted from Day 10, Gentle Whispers from Eternity]

 

If we are humble, our heart can see what our eyes cannot.

If we take that first step, the Bridge will get us home.

 

The Lord spoke to Abram in a vision and said to him,

“Do not be afraid, for I will protect you, and your reward will be great.”

Genesis 15:1 NLT

 

Johnny R. Almond

Pastor, Colonial Beach Baptist Church, Virginia

Author, www.GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com

Book available through your local bookseller or preferred on-line retailer.

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How Long Does a Breakthrough Take?

Your breakthrough is probably a lot closer than you think. Whether you need a miracle in your health, finances, relationships, or peace of mind, it’s possible that the answer is just a few steps away.

 

But I can understand if you are skeptical. You may have been waiting a long time already.

 

Abraham and Sarah had waited many years for a son, and you can understand why they would laugh upon hearing God’s prediction that their breakthrough was finally less than a year away (Genesis 17:15-17, Genesis 18:9-15). Yet their baby boy came just as the Lord promised, and they named him Isaac, which meant “Laughter” (Genesis 21:1-7).

 

If you laughed when I said your breakthrough was probably close at hand, you may want to call your eventual breakthrough Laughter, as Abraham and Sarah did. Of course, God always has the last laugh (Psalm 2:4), but I think Laughter is a wonderful name to call the breakthroughs He gives us.

 

Often it seems that our breakthrough is far away or simply impossible. The four lepers who sat glumly at the city gate certainly didn’t feel like they were on the brink of any breakthrough. The city was surrounded by an enemy army, and its inhabitants were gripped with famine, starvation, and hopelessness. But within a single day, the lives of these men were profoundly transformed (2 Kings 7:3-11).

 

Jesus’ disciples had fished all night and caught absolutely nothing, and their prospects looked anything but bright. Yet everything changed when they obeyed His surprising advice: “Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat!” (John 21:6)

 

Doesn’t this seem like a pointless instruction? If there were no fish on the left side of their small boat, why would it make any difference if they tried the right-hand side?

 

But the disciples were closer to a breakthrough than they could have imagined. They took Jesus’ advice, and that made all the difference. Within moments, they had caught 153 large fish.

 

How long will it take for YOUR breakthrough? Isaac was born within a year of God’s prediction to Abraham and Sarah. The lepers received their windfall of treasure within 24 hours of their step of faith. And the disciples received a miracle catch of fish within mere moments of obeying Jesus’ instruction. A breakthrough doesn’t have to take very long at all.

 

So here are two questions for you to ask: What do you need from the Lord? And what is He asking you to do?

 

After you have followed His instructions, your long-awaited answer can come with remarkable speed. Laugh if you want, but it’s true.

 

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Pray for Increase!

God woke me up early this morning with a very challenging, yet encouraging, message on my heart: “I’m looking for a return on My investment.”

 

If you’ve spent any time in the business world, you are familiar with this principle. Those who invest money in a business venture don’t do so just for altruistic reasons—they expect their investment to grow and give them a return. This “Return On Investment” is commonly abbreviated ROI.

 

God loves us. He wants to meet our needs. He’s a generous Heavenly Father who loves to bless His children. But make no mistake about it: God is an investor.

 

Take another look at the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30. The master was a businessman. He distributed his resources to his three servants in differing amounts, but he expected each of them to gain a ROI.

 

You see, the master was an investor, and he expected his servants to understand that fact. He wanted them to be investors too, gaining an increase on what they had been given.

 

Let’s understand this clearly: The master didn’t want his servants merely to be CONSUMERS or HOARDERS. He expected them to be profitable INVESTORS.

 

Two of the three servants in this story got it right. “The servant who received the five bags of silver began to invest the money and earned five more” (v. 16 NLT). According to The Message, this servant “doubled his master’s investment.” This was an impressive 100% ROI.

 

Sadly, the third servant was a hoarder. He wanted to play it safe, so he merely buried his allotted resources in the ground. When the master returned, this man proudly told him, “I found a good hiding place and secured your money. Here it is, safe and sound down to the last cent” (v. 25 MSG). At least this servant hadn’t consumed everything he had been given, as some of us might have done.

 

But instead of being impressed, “The master was furious” (v. 26). He had expected the servant to exercise some faith, take some initiative, and gain a ROI.

 

I saw this principle at work when I inherited some money several years ago. Wary of the fluctuations of the stock market, my first thought was to just put the money in a savings account at the bank, where my inheritance would be safe. But my banker called me one day and confronted me on this. He pointed out that the rate of inflation was higher than the interest rate on my savings account. So my “play it safe” strategy was actually losing money every month.

 

God has made a huge investment in His people. He gave us His Son and, with Him, everything else we could ever need (Romans 8:32). He promises to bless us, but in turn He expects us to BE a blessing, so that His name and fame are spread throughout the earth (Genesis 12:1-3).

 

Perhaps you don’t have a lot of money today, but that is not the point. The third servant may have tried to excuse his hoarding by the fact that he didn’t have as much to start with as the others.

 

The question isn’t what you don’t have, but rather this: What are you doing with the money, time, talents, relationships, and resources you do have? As God is challenging me, let me ask you today: What has the Lord put in your hands? Whatever it may be, He wants you to use it to bless others, thereby gaining a return on His investment.

 

What ideas has He given you that you’ve never yet acted upon? What teachings from His Word have remained dormant in your heart, never yet implemented? What God-given dreams have you merely buried in the ground?

It's time to ask God to give us His strategies for increase--and then obey what He tells us!

 

 

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