Psalm 124
A song of ascents. Of David.

1 If the LORD had not been on our side—
let Israel say—
2 if the LORD had not been on our side
when people attacked us,
3 they would have swallowed us alive
when their anger flared against us;
4 the flood would have engulfed us,
the torrent would have swept over us,
5 the raging waters
would have swept us away.
6 Praise be to the LORD,
who has not let us be torn by their teeth.
7 We have escaped like a bird
from the fowler’s snare;
the snare has been broken,
and we have escaped.
8 Our help is in the name of the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

Just replace US by ME and WE by I in this Psalm while your are reading this.

“But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”” - Luke 1:30-33

Have you ever found a favor with God? If yes; what did you do with it? Mary accepted the favor and run with it. Are you embracing your favor?

Give Thanks to God

For days after days, years after years, the LORD is protecting us and advising us to walk on the right path; the path that may lead us through everyday victory in life and to better tomorrow. So I say:
“Sing to the LORD with grateful praise; make music to our God on the harp.”
Psalm 147: 7
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Colossians 3:17

Something we should do

Not just some people but to all of us; [“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”- Colossians 3:15]

If God Said it, it would Happen

Most of us try to listen to the weatherman before leaving home in the morning. Base on the weatherman advises we dress appropriately. One day after took shower, I waited to the weatherman to come on so I would know how to dress going out. The weatherman came on and said: “Today will be sunny day with 65 degree high; get out and enjoy the beautiful weather.” I believed him because the temperature was already at 52 degree at 11 AM. I put on a short sleeves and left home. After reaching 55, the temperature dropped to 40s with win blowing. I can assure you that I was not the only one who got cut in the cold that day. Could you count how many times the weathermen were wrong with their forecasts?
Politicians make promises to you so they could get your vote but after elected those promises are forgotten.
How many times our parents, our friends have made promise to us and we came to realize that all were just lies?
Anybody remember the story about Y2k? The year 2000 suppose to be the end of the world. The study showed that they have predicted the end of the world more than 200 times already.
For example in the years 44, 80, 381, 500, 950, 1000, 1033, 1533, 1836, 1910, 1941, 1975, 1988, 1994, 1997 (1997=1331+666), 2000 (2000/3=666.66666). Now they are predicting 2012, 2016, 2034. They were wrong then and they will be wrong again because God did not gave them those dates.

Is there anybody who we could trust at his/her words? Yes! That person is God Almighty.
In 2 Corinthians 1: 20 the Bible said: “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ.”

“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”- Hebrews 4:12

Trust in Him

Yes we are living in the time of economic trouble. People are losing their jobs here and there. You are facing a tough time now and the future is not looking very good either. You are so disappointed, discouraged and emotionally down.
I do not want to blame you instead I would like to draw your attention on these Words from the Mighty Lord, your Creator.

“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 hope and a future.”- Jeremiah 29:11
As a believer, I encourage you to go on your knees an provoke God with his own words. Trust in Him and walk close to God then you will see what God will do for you. Your future is in the hands of God.

Trust in Him

Moses trusted in the Lord, He came and made a way for them so they escaped Pharaoh and his people. What kind of situation are you in right now my friends? Have confidence in the Lord He is so faithful to save you.
Deuteronomy 7: 9; “Therefore know that the Lord your God, He is God, the Faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His Commandments."
My friends in the Lord remember Job; a righteous man who struggled; but we knew that although Job was tried severely, at the end, God delivered him. For that reason Paul says, “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him”.
God is faithful but are we faithful? Do we trust in Him?

Grace is not a license to sin; grace is an opportunity for change in the right direction.

What are you doing

You say; people insult you, persecute you and falsely accuse you. Why? What did you do to them. Are you depressed because of all these? Let me tell you; "If you are doing something wrong you need to stop it so people will love you; but if they hate you because of the truth of the word of God you are proclaiming and living by, you should rejoice" Jesus said so.

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”- Matthew 5:11-12

Would you be able to restock your refrigerator and you food pantry with all that you need without going to the groceries store?
The same way you cannot get what you need if you do not turn to the One who has everything stored for you. Seek God and you will be satisfied.

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”- Matthew 6:33

Don't be Troubled

Where are you in your life journey now? What is happening in your life? Is anything weighing you down? Are you ready to throw away the towel and said: “I am finished. There is no way I could make it. I cannot do it on my own and I do not have anybody who could help me.”
Yes, you might be right. But let me tell you that you have somebody who could help you. You probably just did not know Him or you knew Him but now that you are so depressed you are unable to think about Him. He is calling you to reassure you but you are not paying any attention to hear his voice. He is telling you: “Don’t worry; I am here for you, I will not let you down.” Yes God is your creator and He wants you to make through any situation with victory. Turn to Him. Give all your burden to Him. He knows how to turn your situation around for good. In the book of Isaiah He is telling you:
“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”
Isaiah 46:4

Knowing what is Best for You.

We all want to know what is best for us. We believe that after the education, our higher degree will allow us to have the best. Some people are moving from state to state expecting to find the best job. Some are moving from Church to Church looking for the best fellowship. Others are looking for the best by going to clubs and parties, by drinking and/or smoking or changing partners or spouses…etc. Who could show us the way?

“This is what the LORD says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.”- Isaiah 48:17

Did you hear His voice?

“Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts…”- Psalm 95:6-7

Some times, trouble and lost of job or even the lost of love one are Hard for us to take but Easy for God to smile about it.

Keep your hands up

Exodus 17: 10-13

"10 So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. 11 As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. 12 When Moses' hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. 13 So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword."

When Moses held his hands up, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the enemies were winning.
My brothers and my sisters in the Lord, do not low your hands. Lift up your hands toward God and cry out to Him in faith; He will surely give you victory over all your situations.

Psalm 18: 28-29

“You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall.”

Yesterday you had zeal to serve God. Do you still have that zeal now? Is your lamp going off? For the lamp to continue burning you need fuel. Only God has the appropriated fuel to keep your lamp burning. Did you call Him? Has darkness caught up on you? God can turn your darkness into light, but you need to call Him. With God, you will be able to advance against your enemies and come out with victory. God Himself will remove obstacles before you if you trust in Him.

Something to think about

“For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; it is he who will save us.”- Isaiah 33:22

The Armor of God

The Desire of the Lord is that all His creatures come to know Him and live according to His will. It is a desire of God for everybody to prosper, but the enemy hates to see the people of God live in freedom.
Knowing that he has no future, Satan is looking for companions in his eternal suffering so he is in perpetual fight to keep us captive. Do you have what is takes to resist the devil attack?
God did make available for you the Armor to use against any devil attack. Make good use of them. Be alert and stay on the top of the enemy. Do not let him defeat you. Pray and have faith then you will prevail.

Ephesians 6:11-18
11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

‘You are good, and what you do is good; teach me your decrees.’ Ps 119: 68

Are you looking for someone to do good to you? There is only one master I know. His name is God Almighty.

Detour

Do you know the meaning of Detour?
Detour is also Deviation, Alternative route, and Long way around. Have you ever met one of those signs on your way to somewhere? That was on the public way; but have you ever met the Detour sign in the way of your own life?

Trust in Him

1 Sam 17: 37

The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.
Saul said to David, "Go, and the LORD be with you."

Do you remember what God has done for you in the past? Have you read about the wonderful things God has done for those who trusted in him in the past? He has never changed. He is still the same God of miracle. God can still fight for you the battle you are facing now. He will give you victory. Just trust in Him.

Count on God

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”-
Philippians 4:6-7

God is the Source of our provisions. Seek the Lord first and trust in Him then He will provide for all your needs.

A Christian

As a Christian you have to live in the midst of an ungodly world, and it is of little use for you to cry "Woe is me." Jesus did not pray that you should be taken out of the world, and what he did not pray for, you need not desire. Better far in the Lord’s strength to meet the difficulty, and glorify him in it. The enemy is ever on the watch to detect inconsistency in your conduct; be therefore very holy. Remember that the eyes of all are upon you, and that more is expected from you than from other men. Strive to give no occasion for blame. Let your goodness be the only fault they can discover in you.

Faith

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Heb 11: 6
Do you have faith? Do you want rewards from God? Seek him and trust in him.

Because of me

“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.”- Isaiah 53:5-6

Be Thankful

A man realized that his neighbor is having difficult time financially. He decided to assist this family with foods and/or money as much as he could do. This man always makes himself available to help others as he saw the need. One day he said: “Why should I continue helping people? I have helped so many people but only few of them were thankful. Should I stop helping them?”
For all that God has done for you, how much thankful are you? Don’t you know that God is pleased when we give Him thanks for all that He has done and is doing in our lives? Don’t be unappreciative but be thankful and give God praise for his goodness. Be grateful for anyone who is kind to you.

Luke 17:17-19
Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" Then he said to him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well."

He cares

1 Peter 5: 7 "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He CARES for you."

Are you worried about anything? Just turn it over to God and He will help you discover the way out. He has answer for all your problems, your questions and your wishes.

Prayer

2 Kings 19: 20 "Then Isaiah son of Amoz sent a message to Hezekiah; This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: I have heard your prayer concerning Sennacherib king of Assyria."

Dear friends in the Lord, did you pray already? God will not hear you if you don't pray. So get on your knees and address your prayer to God concerning your needs. Be Specific about what you want God to do for you. If you pray God will also hear your prayer as he heard Hezekiah's prayer. I assure you that He will not only hear you but He will also take action on your behalf.

Obey

John 2: 7-8; Jesus said to the servants, "Fill the jars with water"; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, "Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet." They did so;

Did Jesus ever ask you to do something? Did you hear his voice? If yes, did you also take action as these servants did it so promptly or are you still waiting? How many times did God ask you to do something and you refused or dragged your feet for so long before actually took action? Because these servants obeyed Jesus order, people have enjoyed the wedding celebration until the end. Don’t you think that your refusal or waiting could become a hindrance for the move of God blessing to someone? Dear friends in the Lord when you hear the voice of the Lord, don’t wait but take action.

This the Best Time

“Seek the LORD while he may be found…” – Isaiah 55: 6

Allow me to say it this way; “Seek the LORD while you are still alive”. After death you will not have a change to find Him for your salvation. You need to know the LORD as your personal SAVIOR before you die, so seek Him Now and He will make Himself available for you.

The Temple of God

John 2: 13--16
When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple courts he found men selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple area, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. To those who sold doves he said, "Get these out of here! How dare you turn my Father's house into a market!"

Dear sisters and brothers, Jesus went to visit his Father’s house. What he saw did not please Him. It was all mess. People have transformed the house to something else; market. They made the temple a place of their business. They filled the temple with abnormal things. Isn’t this place supposed to be kept clear and clean so the Spirit of God could move?
As I was thinking about these verses, another verse came to me from 2 Cor 6: 16.

2 Corinthians 6: 16
“…For we are the temple of the living God…”

Dear friends, do you know you are the temple of God each one of you? My questions to you are these: “In What Condition Is Your Body and Your Heart at this moment? What would Jesus see if He comes to visit you right now? What are the useless items would He see in your body and in your heart? Do you have any place in your heart so the Holy Spirit could live in you?…” I would like to encourage you to examine your life then go before the Lord and present yourself. Please do not say there is no junk in your life. Some of these junks are hidden in you. Only the Holy Spirit can reveal them to you. Be willing and ask God to help you keep your body and heart clean.

What do your sins do to you?

Here is the answer:
"Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor His ear too dull to hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear." Isaiah 59: 1-2

Confess your sins and give your life to God today. He will forgive you and your sins would no longer be a hindrance between you and your God.

Do You Need Rest?

If yes, let me tell you that I know Someone who can give you rest. That Someone is Jesus. Here is what Jesus said in Matthew 11:28"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."