There is nothing like the blessing that Scripture provides.  This is because it is God's will for us to know His word.  Since the Bible is our authority for faith and living, it ought to bless us when we read it.  Scripture tells us the truth about God, provides assurance to us of things we've learned about God, and gives us hope.  This morning, in one of my devotions, I learned how the song "When We All Get to Heaven" was written.  It was written to help with evangelistic campaigns and work with children at the turn of the 19th century. Below the devotional text was a list of Scriptures.   It blessed me, and now I want to share them with you.  Heaven is a reality, and those who belong to Jesus will all gather together there one day.  Scripture gives us this grand assurance.
Psalm 16:11   You make known to me the path of life;  in your presence there is fullness of joy;  at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.  
Isaiah 35:10    And the ransomed of the Lord shall return  and come to Zion with singing;  everlasting joy shall be upon their heads;  they shall obtain gladness and joy,  and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.  
John 14:2  In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?
John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 
1 Corinthians 15:54–57  When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:   “Death is swallowed up in victory.”  55  “O death, where is your victory?  O death, where is your sting?”  56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, awho gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Praise God!  

Ezekiel is a hard book to read.  There is the wheel within the wheel, there is the object lesson of laying on his side for a year and making a clay model of Jerusalem and prophesying against it.  Like many of the prophetic books, one must understand where they were in the timeline of Israel to appreciate what was going on in their lives.

Ezekiel was before and during the exile.

The time period in which he lived was full of frustration and social upheaval.  The Northern Kingdom of Israel fell in 722, The Southern Kingdom of Judah fell in 586 and the Babylonian Kingdom led by Nebucahadnezzar deported the people of God to Babylon.

Ezekiel was among the deportees.  The Expositor's Bible Commentary puts it this way:
It was in this period of international turmoil and unrest, combined with the immorality and apostasy of Judah, that Ezekiel ministered. Having grown up during the reform of Josiah, and having been taken captive in the deportation of Jehoiachin in 597 b.c., Ezekiel, both a priest and a prophet, proclaimed to the exiled Jews in Babylonia the Lord’s judgment and ultimate blessing.[1] Frank E. Gaebelein, Geoffrey W. Grogan, Charles L. Feinberg et al., The Expositor's Bible Commentary, Volume 6: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1986), 739.

In chapter 34, Ezekiel is on a roll talking about the future of Israel, when God's promises will finally be fulfilled.

That's what caught my attention.  Here's the passage:
Ezekiel 34:25–31 (ESV)

25 “I will make with them a covenant of peace and banish wild beasts from the land, so that they may dwell securely in the wilderness and sleep in the woods. 26 And I will make them and the places all around my hill a blessing, and I will send down the showers in their season; they shall be showers of blessing... 

This reminds me of some great truths within our Christian life:

1. God sent His Son in Christ to redeem us from all sin.
2. Jesus rose from the dead, conquering death, hell and the grave
3. The disciples, following Jesus command, waited for the promise of the Holy Spirit.
4. Jesus instructed His disciples on the necessity of Spirit baptism in John 7:37-39
5. The Angel told the disciples on the Mt. of Olives that Jesus would return in the same manner that He wen into heaven.  Acts 1:9-11
6. Jesus declared to John 60 years later from the throne of God that He would return (Revelation 22:6-7)

Showers of Blessings!

129 Years ago, Major Daniel Whittle, and  James McGranahan collaborated on this song that has landed in almost every hymnal since.  It echoes the cry of the Church and the believer for blessings from God.  This hymn first appeared in Gospel Hymns No. 4, 1883.

“There shall be showers of blessing”—this is the promise of love; there shall be seasons refreshing, sent from the Savior above.
“There shall be showers of blessing”—precious reviving again; over the hills and the valleys sound of abundance of rain.
“There shall be showers of blessing”—send them upon us, O Lord; grant to us now a refreshing; come and now honor Thy Word.
“There shall be showers of blessing”—O that today they might fall, now as to God we’re confessing, now as on Jesus we call!
Chorus: Showers of blessing, showers of blessing we need; mercy drops round us are falling, but for the showers we plead.[1] Kenneth W. Osbeck, Amazing Grace : 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Kregel Publications, 1990), 94.

 Thankfully, He not only fulfilled His promise in Christ and the Power of the Spirit, but we have today the joy of His presence and the hope of eternal life.  It's time to look up and thank God for His mercy on all who believe, now and forevermore.  Showers of Blessing! Praise God! 

God has His attention on the Church!  In Revelation 1, while John was on the isle of Patmos, as he was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, heaven was opened and a revelation was provided to the saintly apostle.  John tells how he: who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. (Revelation 1:2).  This is wonderful because John did not just take the "revelation" down without processing it.  He compared what he was hearing to what Christ had revealed to him on earth, and what had been taught in the 60 years since the ascension of Christ!  John noticed that the content of the revelation:
1. bore witness to the word of God (the OT Scriptures and NT books he was aware of)
2. the testimony of Jesus Christ (what He knew of Jesus)......AND  all that he saw 

Thing about all that he saw.  Wow. The more I study the book of Revelation (the whole Bible for that matter) the more I discover how rich the revelation of God to man.  I'm writing to draw attention to the focus of Christ's revelation to John.  It was to the Church!

In Chapter one, the word churches or ecclesia in Greek is mentioned 4 times in 3 verses in chapter one of Revelation 1.

First, in Revelation 1:4, the letter is addressed to actual churches in Asia:
Second: Jesus tells John to write in a book what he sees and mentions the 7 churches BY NAME! Revelation 1:11
Third:  Jesus Reveals the mystery of the 7 stars and the (Fourth) 7 lamp stands!  in Revelation 1:20. 

Christ walks and dwells among His churches!  He is the Lord of His Church! Remember when Peter made His grand confession to Christ in Matthew 16:17-18.  He is building His Chruch, He loves His Church!  He's watching over His Church.
Around the world, across denominations....His attention is on His Church!  Praise God!
​(Map courtesy of the Holman Bible Atlas)

Jesus turned the world upside down with His teaching.  Matthew 5-7 records what's referred to as the Beatitudes.  A simple read through this great text will draw your attention to one thing.  Jesus has raised the standard!  Love your enemies.  Do good to those who hurt you.  Pray for those who despitefully use you.  Even here we must make the point that Jesus does NOT expect this behavior in order to achieve salvation or eternal life.  His audience is clearly those who already believe in Him.  I believe in Him and find that daily it's a decision to follow this high ethic.  Cecil Alexander wrote a great hymn entitled "Jesus Calls Us".  The second stanza of that hymn is a insightful reflection on how I think the Beatitudes can be integrated into our lives.  Here's the stanza:

Jesus calls us from the worship
Of the vain world’s golden store,
From each idol that would keep us,
Saying, “Christian, love Me more!”

The word of God is simple.  Three chapters after the Beatitudes (Matthew 9:13) Jesus was talking to the Pharisees.  He literally told them to "go and learn what this means", then quoted from Hosea 6:6 and Micah 6:6-8.  What's the quotation?

I desire mercy and not sacrifice
The call of Jesus is to believe in Him.  The response to Jesus is to live for Him!  Praise God! 

Here's a Sermon I preached once on Thanksgiving Sunday at a church.  May you have a blessed Thanksgiving! 

Psalm 105:1–3 (ESV)
 Oh give thanks to the Lord-The Decision

Thanksgiving is upon us and we should run to it with all we have.  Let’s bless His Name!  Thanksgiving is conveyed when we live out our thankful nature before others. Today we are reflecting on some phrases found not only in the passage we are looking at, but throughout the Bible.  Call it Stages of Thanksgiving........ First, as part of our introduction, is the decision to give Thanks
106 Praise the Lord!  Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,  for his steadfast love endures forever!  
Psalm 106:1
34  Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;  for his steadfast love endures forever!  
1 Chronicles 16:34
I will be glad and do something about it!

Call on His Name- Praying

Praying and calling to God started all the way back with the first family....
26 To Seth also a son was born, and he called his name Enosh. At that time people began to call upon the name of the Lord.  
Genesis 4:26
 Isa. 12:4;  see 1 Chr. 16:8–22 
King David used this same outline in 1 Chronicles 16!
David’s Song of Thanks  8  Oh give thanks to the Lord; gcall upon his name;  hmake known his deeds among the peoples!   9  Sing to him, sing praises to him;  tell of all his wondrous works!   10  Glory in his holy name;  let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!  ( 1 Chronicles 16:8–22 Ps. 99:6; 116:13, 17; [Gen. 4:26]) 
Psalm 99:6 retells of His faithfulness in the History of Israel....
6  Moses and Aaron were among his priests,  Samuel also was among those who called upon his name.  They called to the Lord, and he answered them.  
Psalm 99:6
13  I will lift up the cup of salvation  and call on the name of the Lord,  
Psalm 116:13
17  I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving  and call on the name of the Lord.  
Psalm 116:17
 Ps. 77:12 
12  I will ponder all your work,  and meditate on your mighty deeds.  
Psalm 77:12
And then Isaiah, looking through a glass darkly declared the future of the Church!
4 And you will say in that day:  “Give thanks to the Lord,  call upon his name,  make known his deeds among the peoples,  proclaim that his name is exalted.  
Isaiah 12:4
3. Make Known His Deeds Among the Peoples-Ministry
 Ps. 145:4, 5, 11, 12 
4  One generation shall commend your works to another,  and shall declare your mighty acts.  
Psalm 145:4
5  On the glorious splendor of your majesty,  and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.  
Psalm 145:5
11  They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom  and tell of your power,  
Psalm 145:11
12  to make known to the children of man your1 xmighty deeds,  and ythe glorious splendor of your kingdom.  
Psalm 145:12
The declaring, the telling, the sharing is born out of an encounter with Almighty God!!!!
On the day of Pentecost, when the disciples had followed the instructions of Jesus, the Holy Spirit fell on ALL who were there and they began to speak in tongues.....It wasn’t just the marvel of the tongues event, however, that drew their attention, it was the translation of what the onlookers heard when they said:
both Jews and 
proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.
42 Sing to him, sing praises to him-Praise
we understand that one.

Tell of all his Wondrous Works!-Evangelism 

Thank you Jesus, you came from heaven to earth to show the way...
Thank you for the healing, for walking with me in the trial and delivering me from it!
O Mighty Deliverer are YOU!!!!
Thank you....1, 2, 3, 4, 5.....How many blessings?  Too many to number....as the Psalmist said were I to number them they would outnumber the grains of sand...

He lifted me Out!!!! of the deep miry clay 
And planted my feet, on the King’s highway
And that is the reason!  I sing and I shout!!!!
For Jesus came down
And He lifted me out!!!!

Would you bow for prayer.....Jesus can lift you out of that situation you are in.  You don’t have to stay in the depression or the guilt.  Jesus said I stand at the door and knock, if any man or woman open the door I will come in 
He also said come unto me, all who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.
First....Do you know Christ?  Have you met the one who can turn your sorrow into Joy?
He’s holding out hope for you
Second...have you been laboring under a burden and its time to turn it over to Jesus?  The songwriter said “I must tell Jesus, all of my sorrows, He is a kind and compassionate friend...In my distress He quickly will help me, make of my troubles swiftly an end.

CONCLUSION-Benediction
Glory in his holy name; 
let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!

May the Lord help us to have an attitude of Thanksgiving and Rejoice!!! 

Happy Thanksgiving! Praise God! 

One verse wonders are simply that.  Psalm 107 is a great Psalm of praise.  It includes the phrase "Give Thanks unto the Lord because He is good, His love endures forever". That alone is enough to rejoice, but it's verse 2 that has my attention on this day.  Because we have a history with God, we KNOW that He has helped us.  We KNOW that He has answered our prayers. We KNOW that we can have confidence in Him for the future and the problems we will inevitably encounter because He will be with us.  We also KNOW that the fact of His resurrection 2000 years ago is the guarantee of our own personal and future resurrection.  Truly death is not the end!  In light of all that, the Psalmist encourages us to testify about it.  Go ahead and send that email, make that text. declare His goodness and grace.  The Psalmist says it so much better that me:

Psa. 107:2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;

Praise God! 

We live in a world that's trying to make things better, all the time.  That's admirable and good.  No one wants to go back to a world when our situation was less comfortable.  I readily admit I appreciate the improvements of society.  Air conditioning, technology, and medical technology are just some of the things that make the world better.  

The presence of evil in the world complicates things.  Sin is destructive. (Genesis 4:7).  Sometimes, in our world of improvements and innovations, the spirit of improvement can creep into the Church. This can be a problem for believers. We are encouraged to grow in Christ and we want to make improvements with our relationship with Jesus.  Here is the challenge: The Gospel is already the BEST NEWS in the WORLD!  We have to make the decision to understand we have received the One who made everything better!  The Acres of Diamonds are in our own back yard.

The book in the Bible that makes the case for us is Hebrews.  Let me encourage you to take a good look at this wonderful portion of God's word. Here is a simple introduction: 
They don't know who wrote Hebrews. A good guess is Apollos.  One might recall that Apollos is mentioned by Paul in 1 Corinthians and by Luke in Acts.  Apollos was a gifted teacher.  Here is what the IVP New Testament Background Commentary says about Apollos:
It is more commonly suggested that the writer is Apollos, whose Alexandrian rhetorical and possibly philosophical training would have suited him especially well to write such a letter; he was certainly respected as Paul’s peer in the Pauline churches. (He seems to have been moving from Rome toward the east or south a few years before Hebrews was written--Tit 3:13—but he could have returned.). 
Interesting.  I do know that the structure of the book is amazing.  I had to outline the whole book in Bible College and there discovered the wonderful detail of Hebrews.  Here is a sample outline from the CSB Study Bible  
OUTLINE
I.    The Superiority of the Son of God (1:1–2:18)
II.    The Superiority of the Son’s Faithfulness (3:1–4:16)
III.    The Superiority of the Son’s Work (5:1–6:20)
IV.    The Superiority of the Son’s Priesthood (7:1–10:39)
V.    The Superiority of the Christian Faith (11:1–12:2)
VI.    The Superiority of the Father’s Way (12:3–29)
VII.    The Superiority of the Christian Life in the Church (13:1–25)

For those of us raised in church.  Hebrews should be a treasure.   All of the redeemed are part of God's high redemptive plan.  The book of Hebrews makes the case. In the ESV the English word "better" is mentioned 11 times in 10 verses.  What's interesting to me is the scope.  From chapter 6 to chapter 12, the author keeps making the point. HINT: (hover your mouse over each reference and it will pop up., double click it and it will take you to the verse in context @ www.biblia.com) 
Hebrews 6:9 
Hebrews 7:19 
Hebrews 7:22 
Hebrews 8:6 
Hebrews 9:23 
Hebrews 10:34 
Hebrews 11:16 
Hebrews 11:35 
Hebrews 11:40 
Hebrews 12:24 

Be assured that the salvation that you have today....is BETTER than anything this world has to offer. Praise God! 

The act of giving thanks involves at least 3 things.  The first is observation.  In the season of 2020 it's the easy one.  It has been confusing, trying and difficult.  The levels of pain have been hard to process on multiple levels.  Observation done.  Reflection.  This requires a little effort.  How many ways has God's mercy been evident in the midst of heartache, sorrow, anxiety and loss?  His mercies have prevailed, but in what way?  Intention is an outright choice.  In light of what we have experienced, observation. Within the context of our reflection, We make the intentional choice to be thankful. Jeremiah was good at this. In his book where he laments the fall of Jerusalem, Jeremiah was intentional.  Yet this I call to mind 
        and therefore I have hope:
22     Because of the LORD’S great love we are not consumed,
        for his compassions never fail.
23     They are new every morning;
        great is your faithfulness.
24     I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion;
        therefore I will wait for him.”

​Let us in this Thanksgiving season declare with high intention.  The Lord is my portion! Therefore I will wait for Him!  Praise God! 

There is an old fashioned word that found its way from the KJV to Christian literature and hymns.  The word is Abides.  The author Andrew Murray wrote about 50 books about developing a relationship with Christ. The language in John 15:4-10 (KJV, ESV, NASB) has Jesus talking about "abiding".  The modern translations (CSB, NIV) use the term "remain". It's the same idea.  In 1922 Herbert Buffum (what a name!) Wrote some fantastic lyrics about Jesus "abiding". He titled it simply "He abides". A fun fact, the melody is very catchy.  Here is Eddie Nelf singing it with some of his friends.  

1. I’m rejoicing night and day
   As I walk the narrow way,
   For the hand of God in all my life I see;
   And the reason of my bliss,
   Yes, the secret all is this:
   That the Comforter abides with me.
   • Refrain:
     He abides, He abides;
     Hallelujah, He abides with me!
     I’m rejoicing night and day
     As I walk the narrow way,
     For the Comforter abides with me.
2. Once my heart was full of sin,
   Once I had no peace within,
   Till I heard how Jesus died upon the tree;
   Then I fell down at His feet,
   And there came a peace so sweet;
   Now the Comforter abides with me.
3. He is with me everywhere,
   And He knows my every care;
   I’m as happy as a bird and just as free;
   For the Spirit has control;
   Jesus satisfies my soul,
   Since the Comforter abides with me.
4. There’s no thirsting for the things
   Of the world—they’ve taken wings;
   Long ago I gave them up, and instantly
   All my night was turned to day,
   All my burdens rolled away;
   Now the Comforter abides with me.

He Abides!  Praise God! 

Many statements of Jesus are helpful truths to assist when we have anxiety.  Did you know that most of them are all in one setting?  It's part of His magnificent teaching around the Sea of Galilee.  Scholars refer to it as the beatitudes.  It's further down from the more famous statements about "Blessed are..." They are actually listed in chapter 6. Jesus mentions anxiety 6 times in 9 verses.  Here they are.

Matt. 6:25   “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
Matt. 6:27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin,
Matt. 6:31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’Matt. 6:34   “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Here's a bonus one from chapter 10! 
Matt. 10:19 When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour.

Jesus knows what to do with our anxiety!  Praise God! 

The magnificent teaching of Jesus was recorded by His disciples (in the case of Matthew, Mark and John) and carefully investigated by Luke.  As they list his teaching, for example in the Sermon on the Mount.  It can seem like a lot to take in.  The teaching is so good, that you want to carefully consider each truth at a time.  In the case of the "Jesus Invitation". (Matt 11:28-30) It's at the end of some high theology that Jesus throws down  in His prayer to the Father in chapter 11.  It's at the end of the prayer where He switches from addressing the Father to addressing those around Him.  Consider now the Jesus invitation:Matt. 11:28  “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take up my yoke and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
He invites us to what John referred to as LIFE and that more abundantly. (John 20:30-31) Today we can unload the burdens of this life and come to Him.  He's the wonderful counselor and the prince of peace!  Praise God! 

Prayer is a privilege for believers.  We are invited by the Lord to participate in His purpose.  Jesus taught His disciples how to pray (Matt 6:9-13). The New Testament encouraged believers to pray for miracles (Acts 4:31), pray for doors of opportunity (Col 4:2-6, Ro 15:6)  and pray for secular leaders (Ro 13).  The intentionality on the part of believers is the work part.  We have to decide to pray.  Long before the advent of the internet God has provided with every believer of every age the privilege of an immediate, strong and secure wireless connection.  The Holy Spirit comes alongside the believer to assist in this great adventure (Ro 8:26-27). We can. do much for God when we join with Him for His purposes in the world. Praise God! 

The B I B L E, that's the book for me!  I stand upon the word of God, the B I B L E!  As children we sang this song.  I'm curious how many generations of children sang that song.  There is something resident in that affirmation, namely:  That's the book for Me.  There appears to be a growing chasm between those who have a love for Scripture and those who do not.  Even though the Bible is more available than ever (online, software, e-books, phones, print, etc), there appears to be less reading, studying and thinking about the message of Scripture.  Although I think about this constantly, I'm not sure of the reasons why.  I suppose the abundance and availability of Scripture causes believers to take it for granted.  I also would guess that the message of the Gospel (Romans 10:9-10, Philippians 2:1-10) has been rehearsed and presented through so many different venues that there is a subtle familiarity that breeds contempt among the people of God. 

In contrast to this spiritual neuroses, the Scripture makes great claims about its usefulness. Hover your mouse of the references and see the depth and breadth with which the Bible references itself on the claims that it makes. 

Matt. 21:42; 22:29; 26:54, 56; Mark 12:10, 24; 14:49; 15:28; Luke 4:21; 24:27, 32, 45; John 2:22; 5:39; 7:38, 42; 10:35; 13:18; 17:12; 19:24, 28, 36–37; 20:9; Acts 1:16; 8:32, 35; 17:2, 11; 18:24, 28; Rom. 1:2; 4:3; 9:17; 10:11; 11:2; 15:4; 16:26; 1 Cor. 15:3–4; Gal. 3:8, 22; 4:30; 1 Tim. 4:13; 5:18; 2 Tim. 3:16; James 2:8, 23; 4:5; 1 Pet. 2:6; 2 Pet. 1:20; 3:16

Consider the passion in the statement of these translators to the New American Standard Bible (NASB) about their work
New American Standard Bible (1995 Update) - Scriptural Promise
The New American Standard Bible has been produced with the conviction that the words of Scripture as originally penned in the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek were inspired by God. Since they are the eternal Word of God, the Holy Scriptures speak with fresh power to each generation, to give wisdom that leads to salvation, that men may serve Christ to the glory of God.

Paul encouraged Timothy to "fan into flame the gift of God" (2 Timothy 1:6)   We have His word.  Let's do our part in setting the world on fire with His message. Praise God! 

Many today are in-between churches.  They can't seem to find the right fit. That's understandable in an age where everything is tailored to our liking.  Customer service and church membership do not always go hand in hand.  
I just think there's nothing better than Church.

1. Church is where children are taught that there are others who live for Jesus in every situation and station in life.
2. Church is where the people of God gather to worship and receive instruction in the word of God.
3. Church is the vehicle by which people hear the call of God for ministry and vocational service.
4. Church is a missionary sending agency.

Church is where the Gospel is preached, the saints are taught, and the mission is started.  Jesus did NOT say I will build my empire, my business, my retreat, or my culture.  Jesus said "I will build My Church"
I'm thankful for the church where I'm a member. But what constitutes a good church?  Scripture says Christ is returning and in doing so describes the kind of church He's coming for.

Ephesians 5:27 (KJV)
27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

Ephesians 4:11-16 talks about the gifts that God has provided for His Church.  Wherever you may be attending church, know this:  God will use you if you make yourself available. Great churches are built on great relationships with great people in relationship with God.  Hebrews says:  Hebrews 10:25 (NIV)
25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Praise God! 

The book of James talks about prayer.  In this book, the half-brother of Jesus says for instance, the prayer of the righteous avail much (James 5:16).  That's an encouragement to pray!  The praying that we do has an effect if it's in accordance with God's purposes. (James 5:15).  There are, however. some prayers that are not answered.  Earlier in the book of James, when he's instructing his readers to ask in faith, nothing wavering (James 1:6), he makes the point that the one who wavers, or doubts should not expect to receive anything from the Lord (James 1:7), an empty prayer that won't be answered. The writings of Charles Spurgeon remind us that we are in just as good of shape when God doesn't answer our prayers as when He does. Elijah prayed that God would take his life. (1 Kings 19:4).  God did not answer that prayer because it was prayed during a time of depression.  He hears our prayers!  But thank God He does not always answer them.  What is especially interesting about this passage is the point that Spurgeon makes.  Elijah did NOT die! (2 Kings 2).  Could it be that when we are in situations where thereseems to be no answer, God not only knows the answer, but has ordained that in our future (whether we realize it or not) the thing we are concerned about, or pray about may not happen at all?  God is in control!  In, through and around our prayers. 

William Cowper must have understood the power of God's Mysterious ways when he penned these words:

God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform; He plants His foot-steps in the sea and rides upon the storm.You fearful saints, fresh courage take: The clouds you so much dread are big with mercy, and shall break in blessings on your head.
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, but trust Him for His grace; behind a frowning providence faith sees a smiling face.
Blind unbelief is sure to err and scan His work in vain; God is His own interpreter, and He will make it plain.

Thank God for His protection!  Thank God for His provision!  Thank God for His mercy!, in answered as well as unanswered prayers! Praise God! 

There is nothing like 1 Corinthians 15.  It is a power packed instruction on the reality of the Resurrection.  Coupled with the end-times encouragement of the 1 Corinthians 15:50-58, it is a treasure to consider on the Christian walk.  There is, however a curious verse in this passage. It makes you stop and go, HUH?
Is that really true?  I'm glad it does because the Bible should make us think. Here is the verse.

If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. (1 Cor 15:19)

Wow, what a statement.  If there were no afterlife.  If death were the end.  What would be the use?  Some have argued that "It's been worth just having the Lord in my life." In the 70s, they even sang a song about it. The Bible declares that Christ's presence in our life is anchored to the reality of the Resurrection.  

The Christian life has no basis without the power of the Resurrection. It goes beyond mere theology.  Christ's resurrection is the guarantee of ours. The blessings of this life are predicated on the hope of eternal life.  Praise God! 

The Bible says a lot about FAITH. Tons.  The word of God is our diagnostic for our faith. Where is it? How is it? Can it process through life? Faith in God, Faith in each other, Faith for healing, and our Christian Faith are all described in Scripture. At its core, faith is about trust. Can we trust God? All the way back in the garden this was the inference of the enemy. God cannot be trusted. You shall not surely die. Eve and Adam began that day to question whether or not God could be trusted, and landed humanity into a sin-stained world. The Church endeavors to proclaim the reality that God can be trusted. Jesus made some amazing claims about faith. He said to the woman with the issue of blood: “your faith has healed you.” He also said that if you had faith as much as a mustard seed “you can say to the mountain be removed and be cast into the sea.” The writer of Hebrews is recorded as saying “without faith it is impossible to please Him for whoever comes to God must: 1. Believe that He is and 2, Believe that He is a rewarder of those that diligently seek him. (Hebrews 11:6) By faith we are saved, he also said, it is the gift of God not of works that no one could boast.

Hebrews says faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. I searched the Bible in the ESV about faith. (257x) Here are the results. (hover over the refs. to see the Scripture pop-up)

Ex. 21:8; Lev. 5:15; 6:2; Num. 5:6, 12, 27; Deut. 32:51; Josh. 7:1; 22:16, 20, 22, 31; Judg. 9:15–16, 19; 1 Chr. 2:7; 5:25; 9:1; 10:13; Ezra 10:2, 10; Job 39:12; Psa. 106:24; 146:6; Is. 7:9; 26:2; Hab. 2:4; Matt. 6:30; 8:10, 26; 9:2, 22, 29; 14:31; 15:28; 16:8; 17:20; 21:21–22; Mark 2:5; 4:40; 5:34; 10:52; 11:22; Luke 5:20; 7:9, 50; 8:25, 48; 12:28; 17:5–6, 19; 18:8, 42; 22:32; Acts 3:16; 6:5, 7; 11:24; 13:8; 14:9, 22, 27; 15:9; 16:5; 20:21; 24:24; 26:18; 27:25; Rom. 1:5, 8, 12, 17; 3:22, 25–28, 30–31; 4:5, 9, 11–14, 16, 19–20, 22; 5:1–2; 9:30, 32; 10:6, 8, 17; 11:20; 12:3, 6; 14:1, 22–23; 16:26; 1 Cor. 2:5; 12:9; 13:2, 13; 15:14, 17; 16:13; 2 Cor. 1:24; 4:13; 5:7; 8:7; 10:15; 13:5; Gal. 1:23; 2:16, 20; 3:2, 5, 7–9, 11–12, 14, 22–26; 5:5–6; 6:10; Eph. 1:15; 2:8; 3:12, 17; 4:5, 13; 6:16, 23; Phil. 1:25, 27; 2:17; 3:9; Col. 1:4, 23; 2:5, 7, 12; 1 Th. 1:3, 8; 3:2, 5–7, 10; 5:8; 2 Th. 1:3–4, 11; 3:2; 1 Tim. 1:2, 4–5, 14, 19; 2:7, 15; 3:9, 13; 4:1, 6, 12; 5:8, 12; 6:10–12, 21; 2 Tim. 1:5, 13; 2:18, 22; 3:8, 10, 15; 4:7; Titus 1:1, 4, 13; 2:2, 10; 3:15; Philem. 1:5–6; Heb. 4:2; 6:1, 12; 10:22, 38–11:1; 11:3–9, 11, 13, 17, 20–24, 27–31, 33, 39; 12:2; 13:7; James 1:3, 6; 2:1, 5, 14, 17–18, 20, 22, 24, 26; 5:15; 1 Pet. 1:5, 7, 9, 21; 5:9; 2 Pet. 1:1, 5; 1 John 5:4; Jude 1:3, 20; Rev. 2:13, 19; 13:10; 14:12

You’ll notice that some of them talk about trusting others. You will also notice that our faith in God is through CHRIST! We have access to the Father through Jesus. I hope you’ll also notice that faith puts our trust in One who can do ANYTHING, can always be TRUSTED, and is able to do MIRACLES. Praise God!

It's interesting how many people think they have to do good for God to love them.  I appreciate people who want to do right, but sometimes we get the whole thing backwards.  Biblically speaking, God loves us just as we are.  Paul addressed the problem of legalism with the Galatians.  There is one verse that clearly articulates the distinction between the God of grace and the false teaching of legalism.
It's in Galatians 5:1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. 

What about making good decisions and leading a godly life?  Our righteous decisions are IN RESPONSE to God's grace.  (Romans 8:1-2)

It's actually God's will that we walk in freedom and liberty of the grace that He has given. What the Psalmist understood is a reality in the New Testament.  His mercies are new every morning and His faithfulness endures forever!  Praise God! 

The Return of Christ in the Bible is an assurance for believers. At the close of his great discourse on the resurrection, the apostle Paul looks up and declares that "we will all be changed" as the "mortal puts on immortality." He even goes so far as to say that on that day, the Old Testament prophecy (Isaiah 65:18) will be true, "Death has been swallowed up in victory!" Here is a good place to pause and understand that the message of the New Testament is hope for our present and our future.  Today we can have forgiveness of sins and the assurance that God loves us just as we are.  Today we can also look up because the return of Christ is a victory moment for the believer as well as the Church!    The instruction of Jesus to be alert in Matthew 24 are so that believers will "watch."  This was not to frighten readers but to make them aware that the temporal life we live is not all there is.  In truth, the Gospel message is in two parts.  First, the forgiveness of sins and new life in Christ. Second, the assurance of eternal life.  Romans 5-6 talk about this "great exchange."  In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Paul gives a command of comfort so that believers can "encourage one another with these words" Jesus is coming back!  Praise God! 

The disciples learned a lot from Jesus. In fact John said: John 20:30 (ESV)
30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; The disciples were able to remember much of what Jesus said and taught because of help from the Holy Spirit. In the book of John, Jesus Himself referred to the person and work of the Holy Spirit after He would ascend back to heaven. (John 16:4-15) What I noticed as I was reading the book of Acts a few years ago intrigued me. Luke records in his book that Jesus gave specific instructions to His disciples, even though He said go and make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20), Jesus said to wait. Wait for what? Wait for power. Jesus knew that the disciples would not be able to reach the world without help. He promised to send help, and Help came. Help came in the Person of the Holy Spirit. Here are the words that Luke records concerning Jesus' instruction:

4 And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, "you heard from me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now."
If Jesus told His disciples, who had heard Him teach so much to wait….for the promise of the Father….which He had taught them about….then it brings the question forward to our time:  What are we waiting for?
Scripturally, if we are going to follow what the Lord said, we should WAIT until we are endued with power from on high. The power of the Holy Spirit is not optional equipment or an upgrade package. It is absolutely essential for ministry. Consider these Scriptures: Acts 2:1-4, 10:44-46, and then consider Matthew 28:19-20. The task of making disciples calls for the baptism in the Holy Spirit.  Jesus said "Greater works than these shall you do because I go to my Father"…it's now time. Praise God!​

John 4:7 and John 4:42 are the reference bookends for the story of Jesus and the woman at the well. Jesus deliberately went through Samaria and found this woman who was drawing water from the well. I notice several things in this story that I wanted to highlight to illustrate the truth concerning Isaiah 12:3. I want to describe here more of what I observe from this great interchange between Jesus and the woman at the well that basically says a lot about outreach, even the process of outreach.
First, Jesus went out of his way to go to Samaria. That is exactly what we should do if we want others to know the Good News. Second, he engaged her in conversation where she was. She was drawing water from a well, so He asked her to get him a drink of water. The resulting conversation led to her new life. For the believer to see genuine results from outreach, having gone out of his way, we must find a way to talk to people about where they are at right now. She was drawing water, so that's what Jesus spoke to her about. She asked him doctrinal questions. She even challenged him concerning His beliefs. We should likewise be prepared for that. The pluralism of this culture is so ingrained in the minds of people that I've even heard church members say they are not sure if truth is relative or absolute. Oh, it is absolute and the truth is found in Jesus. (John 14:6) ….back to the woman and Jesus. Having answered her questions He took it to another level (John 4:13-14) by letting her know that what He has to share was of eternal value, compared to regular water that had temporal value. This is another area where we can take instruction concerning evangelism, outreach, witnessing, or sharing the Gospel (whatever label you prefer). We have the best news in the world (Romans 5:1, Romans 8:1, Romans 10:9-10). When we talk to others about Christ, we have to find ways that help them understand the grand distinction between following what this world has to offer (which is temporal) and what Jesus has to offer (life everlasting, the abundant life today). What follows in this story is the woman who can't believe what Jesus told her (you are right in saying you don't have a husband, in fact you've had five husbands)! This is the crucial piece that I think we ignore…..The power of God. Unfortunately, too many people think that this was special because Jesus was Jesus and He could do miracles but we can't. Nothing could be further from the truth. It was Jesus who said "Greater works than these shall you do because I go to My Father" (John 14:12-14). In fact, Jesus told the disciples to wait for the promise of the Father before going out to the worldwide ministry He called for in Matthew 28:19-20. God can and will use us as we get the Gospel to those who have never heard and believe that He will provide all the equipment that we need.  Praise God!

 It's been 20 years since the turn of the century. Technology continues to advance, the Church is growing around the world, and wars and rumors of wars continue to be a part of everyday life. The Sermon on the Mt. is a magnificent set of Scriptures which have challenged the Church to live the high standard of Jesus. What is so striking about chapter 6,  is that Jesus asks us to do our religious tasks….with the right motives.  Upon reflection, I am being reminded by Scripture that Jesus's definition of prosperity is SO VERY DIFFERENT from ours. Ours is $$ based, there is no question. Jesus said it all in Matthew 6:21 (hint…hold your curser over the Scripture reference will pop up!).  The evangelical/Pentecostal wing of Christianity has suffered over the past 40 years concerning what it means to prosper. One time I saw a chapter title in a book advertisement on how to learn grammar (for students who are studying Hebrew and don't remember their English grammar) that was a play on words….the chapter title? Name it and Claim it! (I searched for the book and I think it's now out of print). If you search "name it and claim it" you will discover it is a phrase for the prosperity gospel. 
This confusion is due in part to the Church not paying attention to Jesus' definition of prosperity in Matthew 6:21. Prosperity has to do with joy and abundant life.
According to Jesus it means having your eyes on what has eternal value, not temporary value. 400 years before the birth of Jesus, there was someone else who was struggling with the definition of prosperity. Nehemiah had grown up in Persia, the descendent of Jewish parents who were deported from the southern kingdom of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar. Nehemiah 1 records the magnificent prayer that he prayed when God opened up a door of opportunity to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. (Nehemiah 1:1-11). In the next chapter however, Nehemiah chronicles the trouble that Sanballat, Geshem and Tobiah threw his direction in his lofty task of rebuilding Jerusalem. In the midst of this struggle, Nehemiah records a phrase that gets to our illusive definition. It's not a definition as much as a description. To the threats and accusing questions of his detractors, Nehemiah declares "The God of heaven will make us prosper" (Nehemiah 2:20).  
Here is the point. God wants prosperity for His people, as in freedom from guilt, anxiety and worry. Prospering means participating with God in His purposes and discovering the joy of the Lord. We prosper when we set our hearts in the right place and discover the joy of ministry. A lot has changed since 400 BC. One thing has not changed. The God of heaven will make us prosper….as we follow HIS purpose. Praise God!