Wonderfully

People travel to see the wonders at the height of mountains, at the huge waves of the sea, at the long course of rivers, and they pass by themselves without wondering.

Psalms 139:14
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and
wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. The creator of the universe is telling each of us that we weren't just made, but we were "wonderfully made." We live in a fast pace life and the faster we move the more we miss. When is the last time you've seen a sunrise or a sunset? Or took the time to watch a full moon as it rises above the trees? Have we taken the time just to notice the flowers as they bloom or a smile on a friends face? We move at a supersonic pace just trying to keep up. I read this and it just helps me to see our creator and how well He made us. In just one year, a person's heart beats 40 million times. If we live to be 70 our heart will beat a bunch of times; your car will not last that long, nor your lawn mower or anything else you have either. I think if you haven't praised God lately now would be a good time to do so. 50,000 of the cells in your body will die and be replaced with new cells, before you finish reading this blog. If that's not enough what about your nerve impulses? Did you know that your nerve impulses from your brain travel as fast as 170 miles per hour? That's why you remove that hand so fast from the hot stove. It's amazing what a wonder we are! Not only do we pass by the wonders of ourselves but we pass by the wonder of those we are around. I talked with a lady yesterday, who is quickly approaching the day of her death and this is what she told me. "I am not so much afraid of dying but I hate to leave my family." Our family is a wonder, is it not? We have children and before we can look around good they are grown. We look around at the man or woman we have been married to and wonder where the time went! We wish we had spent more time together. The wonders of life are not those snow capped mountains, not the Grand Canyon, or any of the great wonders of this world but they are the great wonders just around you; open your eyes and see for God has made you and I wonderfully. I remember when I was a child I would almost be asleep and my Dad would come and just stand there and look at me. I didn't understand what he was doing then. As a child I wondered why he would do such a thing, but when I had children of my own I did the same thing. I then knew why he was doing that for then I had learned that one day those little boys and that daughter would one day be grown. I could no longer go to their rooms and check on them, kiss them on the cheek and just admire them for God had surely made them wonderful. So it is not the job, the money, the position, nor the prestige but it's the small things that will be remembered in the minds of those we come in contact with and touch. This weekend take the time to see the wonders around you and then take the time to thank the Lord our God and praise Him for His goodness to you. See you Monday!

Making a Claim

James W. Marshall, discovered gold at Sutter's creek in 1848 which started the gold rush of 1849. Thirty two years later in 1880 in an abandoned gold mining shaft the body of a gold miner was found; it was James W. Marshall the one who started the gold rush which led to the fortunes of many. He died penniless because he had never taken time to stake his own claim. What was he thinking you might ask, who knows! Maybe he was thinking he just didn't have time right then and he would do it later. Maybe he thought he had plenty of time or maybe the time just flew by so quickly; it does you know. Whatever the reason he died without having what he could have had. When I think about James Marshall I am reminded of just how fast time flies by. I'll spend time with my kids later or I'll get involved or take them later and before you know it they are grown. I have asked myself, did I get so involved with other things that I let the most important slip by? Was I all I could have been for my children? How did my actions affect their life? If I had it to do over would I do the same? Those are questions that I will never be able to answer and I will not have another chance to do it over. What about eternity? Will we die without making a spiritual claim? We may know about Jesus but do we know Jesus. You see I know about George Washington but I don't know George Washington. I know about George Bush but I don't know George Bush. I am glad for a man named Ken who one night in back of a 40 foot trailer at Old Dominion Freight Lines in Conley, GA who took the time to tell me about Jesus. I didn't ask the Lord to come into my heart that night but I did make Ken the promise that I would be in Church on Sunday Morning. That Sunday I went to Church as I had promised Ken and that Sunday I asked the Lord to come into my heart and forgive me of my sins; and the Lord did just that. That has been 37 years ago this month and I can honestly say I know who Jesus is and when this life is over I have made my claim and I can say with the Apostle Paul

2Corinthians 5:1
For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

2Corinthians 5:6
Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:

2Corinthians 5:8
We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

2Timothy 1:12
For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. I hope you can say the same thing if not don't be like James Marshall and die without a claim, you will be eternally regretful.

Making a Difference

On yesterday I wrote about being proud and an attitude of being the best. There is nothing wrong with wanting to be the best, we should all want that. The problem comes when we express ourselves as the best that's a wrong attitude. I think we would like to make a difference in the lives of others and I am sure we would all like to see changes. With that thought in mind, read this story of someone who was very good at what they did and how they made a big change in another life which in turn changed many others. During a lunch break one day, most of the 8th graders were gathered in groups, talking and playing. This one boy - a student who suffered from severe physical disabilities and was new to the school - was off by himself as usual. He was painfully shy. A teacher noticed another boy - one of the most popular kids in school, a great athlete - leave a group of the "in crowd" boys and walked over to this lone student. The teacher over heard the athlete ask the other boy if he'd like to play catch. That disabled boy said no one liked to play with him and that he was afraid he would mess up and the others would laugh at him. With his impaired vision and his thick glasses, he could barely see the ball. The athlete assured him, "Hey, it's OK to mess up. We all do." So they began to play catch. When some of the other students saw that Mr. Athlete had included the other boy, they came over to join and play. They made sure he could catch their passes; they made him part of the group all during the lunch break. The teacher said, "It was the kindest thing I've witnessed in 28 years as a school teacher." One small act of kindness changed another. Wonder how many times we think we are too good or we just will not lower ourselves to stoop to someone else's level or just said we don't have the time. You and I could make a major difference in another's life someone that needs a kind word or just a touch of kindness. Isn't that what Jesus did time after time, over and over again? There was a woman in John chapter 4 and because of her life style came to the well to draw water when she knew no one else would be there. On this day Jesus was there and what did He do? He showed kindness to her and asked questions and before long His kind words and touch changed her life eternally.

John 4:28
The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men,

John 4:29
Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? It didn't matter; He touched the blind, the deaf, dead and those who had the incurable disease, leprosy. Every time He changed their lives. Now you and I can't make the blind to see, the deaf to hear nor can we raise the dead or cure the incurable. But we can touch others not by complaining, criticizing or condemning but by a small word of complement and encouraging word a pat on the back by taking the time to notice others and helping them where we can. They are all around you and I every day, you may have met one today that may have said something like this "if I was any better I would be twins." If we stay focused on what we are doing and never see that one sitting all alone and out of touch. Every day they have lunch by themselves and no friends and most think they are strange. Sure we are in the in crowd or so we think; and who really cares if others are hurting? Just as long as I can keep from doing so myself!

Why not make a new friend do something different and step out of the box and see if you can make a difference in another man, woman, boy or girls life. I remember years ago I was picked to be a captain of a softball team. These kids had been playing for some time and this one team had managed to get all the good players. I said let's make new teams and they soon agreed. Their captain would pick a good player and I would pick a sorry player and when it was all done I had all the so called sorry players and the other team had all the so called good players. All I heard was we are going to get killed they have got all the good players. I said I don't think so! The other team had first bat; I always like to have last bat. All I heard was complaining and how bad they were going to lose; I don't like complaining and sure don't like to lose. I begin to encourage and point out the good things and patting them on the back and saying kind words to them and before long we were only behind by two runs. We were losing when we came in for our last bat; that is when you have the biggest advantage for there is no more chance for the other team to score. Well the so called sorry players won and on that day those boys and girls walked off the field with more than a game won they left that day with the impossible becoming I'm possible. Which reminds me what the Apostle Paul said

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. And David Psalms 121:2
My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. Where did you say your strength and help comes from?

 

Protection

The next to the last phrase in the prayer we call the Lord's Prayer is a petition for protection from the enemy.

Matthew 6:13 ……… but deliver us from evil: We have come to our Lord and identified Him as our Father.

The provision for today
Matthew 6:11
Give us this day our daily bread.

The pardon for yesterday Matthew 6:12
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

The protection for today Matthew 6:13
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:

When I think about evil I can't help but think about the devil for all we have to do is add the letter "D". When God pulled the curtains back on the devil what is the first thing we see?

Isaiah 14:12
How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!

Isaiah 14:13
For thou hast said in thine heart, I
will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:

Isaiah 14:14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. He is still self-centered which is no more than pride. Webster tells us what pride is. Pride
Inordinate self-esteem; an unreasonable conceit of one's own superiority in talents, beauty, wealth, accomplishments, rank or elevation in office, which manifests itself in lofty airs, distance, reserve, and often in contempt of others. Pride; it's the devils disease and we all have it even the meekest of us for we have a tendency to think too highly of ourselves. Yes, all was headed south until my team and I arrived and with my leadership and know how we turned that business back to where it was very profitable again. Oh yes we are the MPV, ____ of the month, _____ of the year on and on and if we are not careful it can become fuel for our pride. I'm not saying we shouldn't be those things but if those things become all we talk about and strive for then they can become very prideful. People say to me from time to time "that's a beautiful tie" I would say things like "thank you" or "I have good taste don't I." Until one day the Lord spoke to me and I realized that every time someone would tell me that it was always a tie my wife had picked out; never, not one time was it a tie I had picked out. So I came to two conclusions first my taste sinks and second I was being prideful of something my wife was doing for me. I have changed the way I respond, I now say "my wife has good taste and I'm glad the Lord has given her to me." Someone says to me 'thank you so much for you have really helped me.' My response is oh no the Lord only used me He's the one who has helped you; and He has, not I. One of our major problems is pride and God hates it, read this and see what you think. Proverbs 6:16
These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: Out of seven things the Lord hates what do you think is first? A lying tongue, Killing innocent people, wicked minds, dishonesty, those who spread conflict among their relatives, Pride? Proverbs 6:17
A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, #1 is pride could that be why we are asked to pray "deliver us from evil?"

Thanks

Thank you or just simply thanks are most powerful words but they may very well be the most underutilized. We are quick to complain and point out what's wrong if things aren't just right but slow to compliment. We are eager to find fault, but not so eager to praise and see the blessings. I took the time to look up the word "thanks" and how many times it is used in the Bible. I found it was mentioned 71 times and the first time it was used is in

2Samuel 22:50
Therefore I will give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and I will sing praises unto thy name. If you take the time to read a few verses before this one you will find that David is blessing God for his Salvation and his safety as the Lord delivered him from violence. The Next time we find the word "thanks" is in

1Chroniciles 16:34
O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever. There we find David giving thanks unto the Lord for His goodness and His enduring mercy. If you and I would learn to count our blessings then I believe that our whole life would turn around. We are taught in the gospel of Matthew to let God be first in our lives

Matthew 6:33
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Then in the book of John we are told that without Him we are nothing.

John 15:4
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

John 15:5
I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
I think we should say thank you Lord for you blessing on me, thank you Lord for using me; I mean after all He has done so much for us it's the least we could do .

Psalms 116:12
What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me? I think we need to take the time to praise Him, if you take the time you will find that the last five chapters in the book of Psalms deal with Praise. Each chapter starts off with these words "Praise ye the LORD" and if you will look they also end with the same words "Praise ye the LORD. " I think the Lord our God is looking for us His children to praise Him. So if you don't do anything else this weekend don't complain but instead compliment someone about something and encourage someone about something they have done or are doing. Then why don't you Praise God about something. Take the time to look at His many benefits toward you. Oh yes, and don't forget to go to Church this Sunday for God has something to say just to you. See you Monday and enjoy the weekend that the Lord has prepared just for you.

Resentment

Each and every one of us should practice forgiveness; in other words learn to let go of resentments. Holding onto resentment is like swallowing poison, and hoping the other person will die. Resentment doesn't hurt the person you've angry at it hurts you. It is impossible to feel resentment and gratitude at the same time for one will always drive the other. One must come to the point in their life that they ask this question which would I rather be angry or happy; Upset or serene? Merriam-Webster says the word "resentment" means a feeling of indignant displeasure or persistent ill will at something regarded as a wrong, insult, or injury. Have we not all had some insult or injury? We were not treated just right, someone said unkind things about us and we allowed it to built and built until every time we had an opportunity to talked about it, we were quick to share and let that poison flood out. But it never fixed anything the person that had insulted us may have never known or really cared. By doing that the resentment never went away it only became stronger and the ones we want to hurt; well let me just say we were the ones being hurt for we refused to let it go and forgiveness was out of the question. So the long time friendship comes to an end. Brothers refuse to talk with brothers, sister with sisters and if it ever gets into a marriage it can over a period of time destroy it. So how does one prevent that from happening? We need to learn to say I'm sorry and mean it, we need to learn to forgive and really forgive. Forgive doesn't mean we forget but it does mean that we chose not to bring it back up. Psalms 103:12
As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. God didn't say He forgot He just said He had removed our "transgressions" from us. That word transgressions means rebellion, sin. Is God saying that our rebellion and sin is removed and I will not being it up ever again? I believe that is just what He is saying. You see God at any given time if He wanted to could bring up our transgressions. But He is saying to each of us do like I do remove it and refuse to bring it back up. But do we do that? No we like to refresh our memory from time to time and hang on to that resentment. Now let me ask you another question would you give place to the devil? Give him a real foothold in your life? I am sure you would say of course not. Well let me ask you do you have a forgiving heart daily? I mean do you forgive quickly or do you just hang on to that resentment and hang on to it and on to it and allow that poison to continue hoping it will soon give you justice. What do you think God would have to say about that? I mean He has forgiven you and refuses to bring it back up and for sure He holds no resentment. He wants you and I to do the same; let me show you Ephesians 4:26
Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Get angry if you like but remember there is a time limit on being angry don't let the sun set on it. Anger is a part of life for we don't run around all day like a butterfly with smiles like Jimmy ……. But the problem comes when we keep the angry that will soon turn into resentment and that is when we allow the devil to have place with us. How do I know that? Right after Ephesians 4:26
comes Ephesians 4:27
which reads Neither give place to the devil.
Keep your anger and you my friend give place to the enemy who has three goals for your life Steal, Kill and Destroy. So learn not to hold resentment in your heart for you are the only one it will destroy. Learn to say words like I'm sorry, will you forgive me, for in doing that it show strength not weakness and you can remove the transgressions from your friend, brother, sister, wife, husband, employee, employer, business, cousin, aunt, uncle, God and anyone else for it is up to you. Just remember you can't have both Gratitude and Resentment for it's one or the other which do you choose? For it is totally up to you!

Clay

Yesterday morning as I left for work I asked the Lord to let me touch some ones clay. That is a phase I learned about four years ago from my teacher of a two year counseling class that me and my wife have taken. It simply means get below the surface to the heart and touch the heart of a person. Like a lot of mornings I was running late because of an unseen task that showed up as I was leaving. I was running so late that I called my appointment and told them I was going to be late to which they said take your time. When I got there I went right to work for it looked like it was getting ready to rain. It took me about an hour to do the job and as I was writing up the invoice he came outside and we began to talk; mostly about the Lord. Then he told me that for the last six years he had been going out and knocking on doors inviting families to Church on Saturdays. Then he began to tell me what Queen Esther said.

Esther 4:16
Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.
Mordecai told Esther that the Jews were about to be killed and as soon as the King finds out you are Jewish you too will be killed. At first Esther didn't want to go in front of the King because going in front of the King without an invitation from the King meant death. Then Mordecai said these famous words

Esther 4:14
For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?
God may have allowed Esther to be there at this time for this very reason. Esther's love was so great for her people she was willing to die. As he told me that this man who was huge in size began to weep and this is what he said "I love people and I can't stand to sit ideally by while they go to hell." Remember, I asked the Lord to let me touch some ones clay but that's not what happened. While I was sitting there with this huge man who had tears running down his face because people are going to hell, he touched my clay. God doesn't always answer our prayers the way we think or plan

Isaiah 55:8
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

Isaiah 55:9
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. It was my clay that needed to be touched I didn't know that but God did. He went on to say "it's not that we don't care for we do but until we care like Esther and our hearts are broken we will continue to keep our mouths shut and our hearts will become hardened." It was a wonderful morning the Lord had planned for me and yes I spent too much time there but sometimes you just have to stop and let the Lord have His way. For had I rushed off I would have missed out on a blessing; so what did I learn? Don't worry about later, tomorrow, next week, next month and miss out on today. Matthew 6:11
Give us this day our daily bread.
I needed that bread and then was the time; I can never go back and say ok I got the time Lord bless me now. No! We must eat when it's ready; for God knows when to feed His children.

Delivered

Temptation; we all have them! I wish we didn't but unfortunately we do the Lord has told us to pray daily that we won't be led into temptation. Then we are to ask to be delivered from evil; you see temptation will lead you and I to do evil things!

Matthew 6:13
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, James tell us this about Temptation James 1:12 Blessed
(happy) is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

James 1:14
But every man is tempted, (by his own desires) when he is drawn (lured) away of his own lust, and enticed.
(Trap him) If the enemy can get you to thinking you don't need others then he is setting you up for a fall. Have you ever heard the phrase "he is a self made man?" No such thing for that so called self made man or woman need help from others to get where they are and without those helping they would still be who knows where. When one starts to believe things like that it is only pride and what does the Bible say about pride? Proverbs 6:16
These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:

Proverbs 6:17
A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,

Proverbs 6:18
An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,

Proverbs 6:19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord (spreads conflict) among brethren.
Did you notice the first thing that the Lord said He hated had to do with Pride and there is more?

Psalms 10:4
The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts. Didn't say he didn't think about God some of the time just that God was not in all his thoughts.

Proverbs 8:13
The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

Proverbs 16:18
Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Proverbs 29:23
A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

1John 2:16
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. It's like the Potato saying I grew myself without the help of the farmer, the sun or the water that is impossible. Or the winning pitcher of the World Series saying without me this team would not have won. Baloney! And without Jesus we are doomed. But because of Jesus we all have life. So when you look on that person who gets under your skin just remember they are like you not complete and you don't have to live in the same house with them yet; so be nice and smile for they may not like you either. Yes endure the temptation to tell them what you are thinking and ask God to help you for then you have not given the enemy any ground and because you haven't blessed
(happy) is the man that endureth temptation: Don't let the enemy rob you of your smile and turn it into a frown.

 

Share

I read a story about two twins and like most twins they shared toys, a room, and a bike. They shared meals, stories, TV shows and the same birthday. Before they were born they shared the same womb and then the same nursery but they shared more than those things. For all twins share those things but what they shared that most twins don't is they shared the same heart for their bodies were fused together. They have separate nervous systems and personalities, but because of their heart neither could survive without the other. Since separation is not an option, cooperation becomes an obligation. Just like those twins who are joined together we are too; do you think we could do without each other? No more than a baseball team could without a pitcher or center fielder or a football team without a quarter back. Everyone has a talent that they can use for the Lord so we need to learn to work together. The minute you think you are somebody that is when you have made a mistake. We are no more than beggars in need of bread. "

Matthew 6:11
Give us this day our daily bread. You might say "I'm not a beggar for I earned the money to buy the bread that sits on my table." Did you? Let me ask who made the seed? What about the sun and don't forget the rain and the dirt for without all these things there would be no food for you to buy! By the way who gave you your strength and the abilities that you have? So I guess we are all BEGGARS after all. Don't know if you have ever noticed the wording of this prayer for it shows how much we have in common

Matthew 6:9
After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father

Matthew 6:11
Give us this day our daily bread.

Matthew 6:12
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

Matthew 6:13
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: Do you see the personal pronouns? We don't pray MY Father give ME this day MY daily bread and forgive MY debts as I forgive MY debtors and lead ME not into temptation but deliver ME from evil: Why not? For we have ALL sinned we have ALL come short

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

Romans 3:10
As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

Romans 3:11
There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.

Romans 3:12
They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. When God deals with our heart we come as beggars not as proud men and women for we have nothing to be proud of. God is not impressed with our accomplishments, manners, money, talents, abilities or our desires for we are nothing without Him.(Jesus)

John 15:5
I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

We are Sinners in need of Grace, Strugglers in need of Strength; Jesus teach us to pray "forgive us our debts….And lead us not into temptation." Each and every one of us has made some mistakes and you know what? We'll make some more before we leave this earth. The line that separates the best of us from the worst of us is a narrow one and we would be wise to take to heart what Paul said in

Romans 14:10
But why dost thou judge thy brother? Or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. There comes a time when we should all offer grace the way we have been given grace. There will come a time in our life that we will find ourselves next to people we don't like. Just remember that we are all here by grace and at some point all of us will have to share some grace. So this week share some grace as you have been given Grace.

Life Begins

A man called home to talk to his wife; and got a serenade.  It wasn't from her but from a canary they had gotten a couple of weeks before. Man, did he sing up a storm!  The whole time he was talking on the phone to his wife, the Yellow Bird Symphony was going on in the background.  It was hard to hear that canary sing and stay gloomy for long!  Every night they would put this cloth over the cage and all the singing stopped.  The next morning, when they went into the living room, there was not a sound coming from under that cloth.  Had something happened to him? No, as soon as that cover came off, the canary started jumping all over the cage and singing his wake-up song.
Each day in the life of that canary it is as if life begins when the cover comes off the cage.  In a way, it's like that for you and I.  Your cage might be your painful memories; a broken heart or a broken dream.  Maybe you're caged in by an addiction or a habit, or some anger that's eating you up on the inside.  For some of us, it's depression, maybe even suicidal thoughts. That's the stuff that's held us in.  There's a cover on that cage, whatever it is.  Even as you read this today, it's dark in there, and maybe there's nothing to sing about.
There's some good news for you from the Word of God,

Psalms 40:1
King David said, "I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God:" Now David's imagery is a little different, but in canary terms, the cover came off his dark cage and gave him a reason to sing!
The same Lord, who did that for King David years ago, wants to do that for you right now.  In fact, that is exactly why Jesus Christ came.  He said,

Luke 4:18
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, - Just like the little bird in the dark world that he cannot change - until someone bigger and more powerful comes along to remove the cover and release him from the darkness.
The Savior came to do that for you. He literally came to die for our darkness and our sin; to remove the death sentence that you and I have on our head because of our sin.  And when you tell Jesus you are trusting Him completely for a relationship with God, the cover comes off!  All the guilt; all the shame of the past is forgiven. So many people have told me right after they've trusted Christ, "I feel like a hundred pounds has just been lifted off my shoulders."  And the pain is suddenly lightened because God Himself has picked it up - the dark feelings and the power that may have kept you in the darkness are replaced by an unexplainable personal peace.
That canary had no choice about when the cover came off his cage - but you do.  The release from darkness comes when you open your heart to Jesus Christ; which could be this very day.  If you're tired of the darkness - if you're ready to let Jesus come into your heart, let me encourage you to tell Him that today. "Jesus, I will run my life no more; You will from now on. I was made by you. I was made for you. You gave your life for my sin. I am yours."
Oh bless the day you come to that conclusion and the cover comes off. See you in Church Somewhere this Sunday? I'm already looking forward to it. How about you? See you Monday!

Stopping Short

A while back I was told where an old covered bridge was and I planned to go see it. I let time slip by me and didn't go. One day I found myself in that area; I had forgotten most of the details of where it was but I thought I could find it so off I went. I drove down the road I thought it was on but after driving a little ways I thought I should have already come upon it so I turned around and forgot it for that day. I told myself again I would try it on another day after finding the directions. Not long after that someone set it on fire and burned it up so I will never see it. If I had only traveled about ½ mile farther I would have seen it that day for I was on the right road. That reminds me of many who may have been told about the right road spiritually; how to get to heaven, how that they must realize that they are a sinner and that Jesus came to seek sinners.

Luke 9:56
For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them....

Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. If we are not careful we can easily underestimate the great value of getting to know the Lord Jesus Christ as our personal savior. Jesus never came to destroy but to save by seeking those who need help and are willing to let Him come into their hearts and forgive them of their sin. The cries of today are no different than when our Lord Jesus walked the dusty roads of long ago. There was a man by the name of Bartimaeus who had two problems # 1 He was blind and #2 because of his blindness he was forced to beg.

Mark 10:46
And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging.
On this day he was in the right place at the right time for Jesus was coming right by him. What did Bartimaeus do, he asked for help!

Mark 10:47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me. He asked have mercy on me and many told him to keep his mouth shut, but he cried even more!

Mark 10:48 And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me. Here was a man blind and poor did Jesus really care about him? What could a blind beggar have and what could he do? Would Jesus stop?

Mark 10:49
And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee. Jesus stops and tells him to come. Now what will this blind man do? Will he go? You better believe he does!

Mark 10:50
And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus.
There it is in a nut shell Jesus came to where the blind man was. It didn't matter that he was blind and a beggar. Then Jesus calls for him. Now it's up the Blind man to come and that is where most people stop. They have no problem believing they are sinners. Most would even believe that Jesus would help them; they just refuse to go ask for help! Many who are on the right road just stop short. My friend don't stop short; it's not the Church, Preacher, Christian or Pastor; it's you stopping short. The blind man would have stayed blind had he not answered the call. My friend you have to be in the right place and around the right people to hear the call; so where did you say you were on Sunday? Just remember the enemy, thief, devil or whatever name you want to call him only wants to do three things to you

John 10:10
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: Make up your mind who you want to listen to! Just remember you may not hear an altar call where you've been hanging around! You may be letting the enemy steal, kill and destroy and not even realize it. That's why he is called the deceiver

Revelation 12:9
And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world:

Making a Difference

I don't think anyone wants to go through life and not make a difference. If we do what comes naturally we'll live the kind of life a lot of people do; self focused, self centered, self serving and you end up with only a life that as big as you are. A young man waited six months after writing Mother Teresa with this question "how can I make my life count as you have?" When the letter came it was only a post card with four words that read "fine your own Calcutta." Your life may be full but not fulfilling. I have always led a busy life; maybe too busy at times. But a little over five years ago I got involved with helping those with addictions and God has placed me right in the middle and I love it. I know the Lord has used me to encourage others. But far greater they have helped me more and encourage me more than I have ever encouraged them. God has broadened my heart and placed a vision in my heart that one day soon there will be a place that these men and women can come for help. I received a phone call on March 29 at 2:42 am a young man was in some kind of distress and needed help. He had gotten my phone number out of a case of beer; yes you read it right. If you are going to be a help you have to their attention, but here was a man who for whatever reason kept that card and called me. The only problem was I had no place to take him. But as we move into the near future that will all change the Scarlet Thread Ministries was born on February 12 of this year and is in the process of working in that direction with other Churches and individuals helping and it will soon become a reality. Jesus gave us a perfect example in Luke 10 it's a classic story of the Good Samaritan.

Luke 10:30
And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
A man went down from a Major city to a small town and fell in with the wrong crowd and got involved with alcohol and drugs and lost it all leaving him half dead.

Luke 10:31
And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

Luke 10:32
And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. By chance there came some good upstanding and religious people by and looked on him and just left him there for they thought what could I do? I really don't have time to get myself involved and anyway he should have known better. What is this I see a man who has much to get done and little time to do it and he sees this man in trouble what do you think he'll do? Let's see

Luke 10:33
But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, Do what? Had compassion on him: why does he know this man? No, he doesn't but how could he pass him by? What does he do? Luke 10:34
And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

Luke 10:35
And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.

He washes his wounds, takes care of him the best he can, puts him on his donkey and takes him to an inn. He then sits up with him and takes care of him. As he had to go on his journey the next day he paid their bill and told the inn keeper whatever you spend on him I will repay you on my return visit.

So which of these three men made a real difference in someone else's life? You know what, he didn't get a thank you. Compassion doesn't require a thank you! Like it was said about the Lone Ranger "who was that masked man." Do something today that will make a difference in someone's life without a thank you.

 

As we Forgive

As I said on yesterday that I would like to talk about forgive us….. as we forgive… and what is this prayer implying? Is this prayer implying that if we forgive our enemies God forgives us? And if we don't then God doesn't forgive us? We don't obtain forgiveness by forgiving others if that were so we would need no savior. That would be salvation by effort; but salvation is a free gift

Ephesian 2:8
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

So if we are forgiven then why are we taught to forgive our debts? What if one of your children broke one of the rules that you as parents had set up; what would you expect or do? Would we disown them, ask them to leave the house or even ask them to change their last name? Of course not; but you would expect them to be honest and apologize and until they did the relationship between you and them would suffer. You see confession doesn't create a relationship with God, it nourishes it. If you and I admit we've done wrong it nourishes, which means (to promote the growth of)

1John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
When we confess we quit arguing with God and agree with Him about our sin. If we don't, then unconfessed sin leads to a state of disagreement. We may be God's child and not really want to talk with Him. He still loves us, but until we admit what we have done, there is going to be tension.

Psalms 32:1
Blessed is he whose transgression (disobedience) is forgiven, whose sin is covered.

Psalms 32:2
Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth (compute) not iniquity, (sin) and in whose spirit there is no guile. (deceit)

Psalms 32:3
When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long.

Psalms 32:4
For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah. (Pause)...think about that!

Psalms 32:5
I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah. (Pause) think about that! David was saying that when he kept silence and you (Lord) were heavy upon him so that there was no moisture and it turned into the drought. In other words no growth and there was no relationship. But when he acknowledged his sin unto the Lord that the Lord forgave and growth and relationship were renewed.

What are we really saying when we say "forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors" is it not give me what I give them. Lord, grant me the same peace that I grant others. Let me enjoy the same tolerance that I offer others. God, will you treat me like I am treating others. Are we Contagious in our joy or are we Cranky in our faith. Are we Grateful or are we Grumpy. See you can be in the family of God on your way to heaven but what are you seeing The Rainbow or just the Rain?

I am reminded of the wife and husband who had a heated discussion one night before they went to bed. Neither slept well that night and as the sun arose in the east that morning the husband went to his wife and said he was sorry and asked for her forgiveness. She was still angry with him and thought to herself, "I'll make him suffer" and refused to forgive him. As he left the house that morning on his way to work he told her once again he was sorry and that he loved her; she spoke not a word. As he drove to work that morning he ran a stop sign and was hit by an oncoming car and was killed instantly. The wife who loved her husband kept saying over and over at the funeral home "my dear sweet husband whom I loved with all my heart is gone and he died without knowing he was forgiven." Is that grudge that you are holding on to really that important? How much suffering will satisfy you? I wonder if that wife could live that morning over again do you think she would have handled it different. I am sure she would have but we just don't ever know what a day may bring forth.

Proverbs 27:1
Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. Unless you are a member of the Mafia don't act like you are, ask for forgiveness and give the gift of forgiveness. You'll sleep better and you will have the joy of the Lord flowing out of your life.

 

Forgive Us

Has a member of the Mafia or maybe a gang member ever been after you? Has anyone ever had your phone number and their mission was to track you down and make you pay. Their job is to collect past due payments. They will threaten to ruin your credit, call the police or even tell your mother. You see a good day for them means a bad day for everyone they contact. Why would anyone want a job such as that? Collectors spend the day making people feel bad. No one wants to take their call. No one is happy to see them at the door. No one wants to read their letters. What does the wife say when their husband heads off to work? Maybe something of this nature "have a good day and make 'em squirm, honey."

Could you imagine spending your days like that? Maybe you can! Have you ever spent time demanding payment? Does someone owe you something? Do they owe you an apology, a second chance, a fresh start, an explanation, a thank you, a childhood or a marriage? Maybe your parents should have been more protective. Your children should have been more appreciative. Or yes your spouse; well they should have been more sensitive. Dealing with debt is at the heart of your happiness. It's also at the heart of the Lord's Prayer.

Matthew 6:12
And forgive us our debts,.

Matthew 6:14
For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:

Matthew 6:15
But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
You know what? The Lord doesn't question the reality of your wounds. He doesn't doubt that you have been sinned against. But the issue is not the existence of pain; the issue is the treatment of pain.
Remember the Amos and Andy show? Well one day Amos asked Andy what was the little bottle he was wearing around his neck. Andy said, "It's Nitroglycerine." Amos then said what are you wearing that around your neck for? Then Andy tells him about a certain fellow who has a bad habit of poking people in the chest while he is talking to them. The next time he pokes me in the chest I will blow his finger off. When we try to get even we always get hurt. Let's think for a moment and ask ourselves how much is enough? Would an apology suffice, or would an Explanation? How appreciative is enough? Picture that person that you think owes you; they are tied to a whipping post the question is how many lashes? Ok, you come up with a number; the whip cracks, the blood flows and the punishment is inflicted. Are you happy now? Do you feel better? Are you at peace? How long will it be before that memory surfaces again? You say that's it the memory won't return; sure it will and the reason being you wanted justice when you should have just forgiven! Is that the way we want God to treat us? Of course not and He doesn't want us to treat each other like that either. Tomorrow we will talk about forgive us….. as we forgive… and what is this prayer implying?

Impact

I was praying a while back and thanking God for the people who had a significant influence on me. These people had made a real difference in my life but they didn't know it. Then I had this thought; what if one day I was standing at the funeral home telling their families about the influence and difference their loved one had made in my life. When one of them would say I'm sure they were glad to hear how much they influenced you. Then I thought I never let them know how much they had impacted my life. That would be awful to let such a thing happen. On the next morning I called five men who had in one way or another made an impact in my life over the last 10 years; and I was right they didn't know. Is that not what the Apostle Paul was saying

1Thesslonians 2:8
So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. Is Paul not saying "we felt strongly about you that we not only shared the Good News of the Gospel with you but we shared our lives with you also?" That is just what those men had done in my life they share the Good News with me every time they told me what God had done in their life. They share things with me about themselves that made me stronger. They impacted my life by the Gospel, they impacted my life in the ministry, they impacted my life in Business, they impacted my life in how to deal with problems that arise, they impacted my life in dealing with others and they taught me how to forgive and how to have a real relationship with Jesus Christ. Had I not taken the time to tell them they would have never known? Just the other day one of them had a birthday I picked up the phone and gave them a called and this is what I said. "Today is a great day for on this day a man was born who would greatly impact my life and I am thankful to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for allowing our paths to cross, so I just wanted you to know how much you mean to me and tell you Happy Birthday." His reply was that was awful nice of you to say that; and all I said was you are a good friend who has helped more than you'll ever know this side of eternity.

Give it some thought; has God allowed someone to cross your path that has greatly impacted you? Is there anyone you can think of that has influenced you in the past five to ten years? If so why don't you let them know; just tell them what an impact and influence that they had on your life. I am sure they don't know and as I heard a person say long ago "give me roses by telling how much I mean to you now and you can forget sending then to a funeral home." Have a great weekend and don't miss what God wants to tell you at your Place of Worship. Pick up the phone send an email or get on FB and let someone know how you feel about them. See you Monday.

Sting Operation

These individuals came into this store, waving a piece of paper indicating that they had just won a free DVD player and they were coming to claim it. What they didn't know was that notice had been mailed by the police to their last known address. See, these people were wanted, but they had disappeared. When they checked their mail, they had news of having won that DVD player. The amusing part came when the police arrested them on the spot as some of them were actually laughing at what they thought was a joke or a "Candid Camera" stunt. It was no joke. They were going to jail. That's what the police call a "sting operation." It really worked to offer something good just to capture people. The police used that strategy to accomplish good things. Satan has been using that strategy for a long time to accomplish his destructive purposes in people's lives. He may be using his sting operation to capture you right now. The Bible describes his devious tactics in 2Timothy 2:26 And that they may recover (regain; to get or obtain that which was lost) themselves out of the snare (anything by which one is entangled and brought into trouble) of the devil, who are taken captive (A prisoner taken by force by an enemy ;) by him at his will. Paul talks about people for whom it is his desire "that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will." I don't know anybody who wants to end up doing the will of the devil, whose desire is to be Satan's captive. Many times we fall into his clever trap which is invariably baited with something good. It just looks like a small compromise. The lure may be the promise of sexual pleasure, or sexual conquest, or a chance to feel loved. The lure could be a chance to get ahead, to get out of a jam just by a little lie or a compromise of your integrity. Maybe the devil is tempting you with what looks like the advantages of leaving your marriage vows, the thrill or the relief from checking out a little pornography, the satisfaction of getting even, or the relief you'll get from abandoning a commitment. The devil's basic strategy is really pretty simple: get you obsessed with the prize you might get so you're blind to the trap you're walking into. He'll convince you that "it's just this once" ... "just a little" ... "it won't hurt." Lies. All lies. Jesus exposed the devil when he said he was "the father of lies" and "there is no truth in him." John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. He is the "thief" who comes "only to steal, kill and destroy." You will not ultimately get what he seems to be offering, the satisfaction, the love, the excitement, the relief. It is only Satan's bait to take you captive and ruin everything he can in your life. He'll promise you anything to get you to walk into his trap. Now, while you still can, run from that temptation you've been flirting with. Surrender yourself to Jesus and "be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power ... take your stand against the devil's schemes." Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. If you're being lured into a sting operation from hell, you cannot afford to go for the prize that you'll actually never get. But, of course, you won't know that until the handcuffs are on you and the cell door slams shut. Please don't go there!

Forgiven

It is great to go on vacation. Leave the room and when you return it's all clean. I remember going on a cruise and every time we would leave the room and return it was always clean. A person can get used to that real quick. Every door you walk through opened and closed all by itself; after a week of that I began to think all doors were like that. After we were back to the real life I walked up to a door and it didn't open! Would you believe I walked right into it and hit my head; it only happened once for I came back to earth real fast. Let's go back to the room that those kind people cleaned up. I could have asked them why they did this and they more than likely would have said "I have come, to put your things in order." Is that not what Jesus does? He comes to set our hearts in order. You and I can mess them up pretty good butHe comes to clean them.

Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
Did you see how that worked? He knocks and we open up. It didn't read "Behold I beat on the door until it is knocked down and I come in and you listen to me." No, it's not that way at all. He knocks and if you don't want to open the door you don't have to. But if you do open the door He will come in and give you peace

John 14: 27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Free peace "peace I give unto you." Peace is only a door opening away and we spend a life time looking for it. One day, Jesus Christ came to the door of my life and it was a mess. I had spent the last 22 years doing things my way and there was no peace.

Isaiah 59:2
But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. Imagine, cut off from the One who has the love, the meaning, and the eternal life that we're looking for. There are two deadly mistakes that keep people from heaven. Thinking you're too good to need Jesus or thinking you're too bad for Jesus to take you. I work with people that are addicted to things that are destroying their lives and they really want help and many times they feel that they are just too bad for Jesus to love them and forgive them. That is not so at all but then on the other hand there are those who are God's children and they think they are too good to even give the time of day to those who are too bad. That's why many who have a problem will not come to the Church for help and that's a shame. On one hand we claim peace and on the other we push those away who want peace. What did Jesus say?

Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

James 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. When you and I decide to HUMBLE ourselves then and only then will we find peace. I love working with those who are addicted because when they ask the Lord to forgive them they are golden and their face lights up like a bright light. Tears run down their face and their hands go into the air in praise and their lives are NEVER the SAME. Can you say amen to that or not!

First Impression

I was watching my grandson play baseball one night last week as I was reminded of something I already knew but had forgotten. The lesson was that first impressions aren't always correct. The ball game was won we were two runs ahead there were two outs; sure there were two base runners but what were the chances that this team would beat us for they were at the end of their batting order. Here comes this little guy to the plate as I thought to myself this boy can't hit any more than I can fly. I was already rejoicing in the soon victory. Then it happened, that little guy who I knew couldn't hit the ball just nailed it. It was a hard hit ground ball that went right through the infield out into right field; one run scores then another; that little guy who couldn't hit was headed for third base and where was the ball? Still in right field; as the ball began its way slooooowly back to the infield the little guy who couldn't hit was now almost home and yes he crossed the plate, the game is over and we lost. The little guy who couldn't hit; well he was hailed a hero and I was reminded you can't go on first impressions! Jesus was born in a manger and they said He was the Savior of mankind! First impression was how could this be He didn't look like a Savior just a baby and how in the world could a baby be a Savior? Then one day this baby who had grown got up from the dead and walked out of His tomb. Many would find this hard to believe. Then a man, a woman, a boy and a girl all claimed to have received Jesus into their hearts and He had forgiven them of their sins. How could this be? First impressions can fool you and those impressions can also be very wrong. Be careful this week when you make that first impression for that person may just be the one who will knock in the winning run.

 

Encounter

I have been thinking about this statement; everyone that has ever had an encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ has a story to tell. If you remember you read that yesterday; let's look at it some more. As I read my Bible those who have had an encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ were never the same. There was a woman that had a problem for 12 years; she had tried everything and she was getting no better. Then one day Jesus came to where she was and things changed

Matthew 9:20
And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment: what happen to her?

Matthew 9:22
But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman made whole from that hour.

Things changed and her life was never the same. There was a man who had been lame for 38 years and one day his life changed forever.

John 5:5
And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.

John 5:6When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? His life was change forever that day. There was a man by the name of Saul on his way to destroy others lives and he saw a bright shining light

Acts 9:3
And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:

Acts 9:4
And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

Acts 9:5
And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. He too was never the same his name later was change to the Apostle Paul and he wrote most of the New Testament. Then there was a young man by the name of Wayne who asked the Lord to come into his heart and forgive him of his sin 37 years ago this month and his life has never been the same either.

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

We are new people. We are not the old person reformed or improved; we are a "new creation." I love it, a new creation! Foolishness is replaced by wisdom. What makes this all possible? It happened long ago it's called Easter it's the day the Lord got up from the grave and LIFE has never been the same for those who have place their trust and faith in Him. This Sunday is Easter, the day we celebrate the Lord resurrection; and those who have trusted Him have a story to tell for they are not the same, the reason being they are a New Creation. Get to a Church near you this Sunday and you may leave there with a story to tell. God Bless each and everyone see you Monday.

The Fog

I went to Paraguay in 1993 with two other men to visit a missionary that our Church supported. When we arrived it was around 10 PM and we were all tired so we went to bed, the day had been long. As we awoke the next morning there was a fog floating across the floor. I had never experienced anything like that before and have not since then. The sun began to rise higher and higher in the sky and the fog began to lift. It was then that I saw it; a beautiful waterfall which had been hidden by the fog. As I think about that, it we reminds me of how the women must have felt as they went to the tomb of our Lord and Savior. They had been there a few hours earlier as they watched the Lord Jesus die on the cross and then taken to the tomb.

Luke 23:55
And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid.

Luke 23:56
And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.

John 20:1
The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre. Now they had come back to the tomb and discovered the stone leading into the tomb was taken away. Confused about what was going on she saw something that brought more confusion

John 20:2 Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him. The tomb was empty and the Lord was gone; they ran to tell Peter and John and those two rushed to the tomb. After these two disciples had confirmed what Mary had told them they retuned back to their home.

John 20:10
Then the disciples went away again unto their own home.
But Mary was not in a big hurry to return home she wanted to know what was really going on and it wasn't long before she did. John 20:11
But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,

John 20:12
And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.
What, two angels; had Peter not just been in that tomb? Why didn't he notice the two angels? Mary could see them from the outside.

John 20:6
Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie,
No angels were there and the longer Mary stayed the more that was revealed to her.

John 20:13
And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.

John 20:14
And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.

John 20:15
Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.

John 20:16
Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. Like the beautiful waterfall I saw that morning Mary saw something far more beautiful! She was the first to see the risen Lord and had a story to tell and she went and told it! Everyone that has ever had an encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ has a story to tell. What's yours? Are you still living in the Fog? You see the longer Mary kept hanging around the more the Lord Jesus revealed Himself. The more you and I spend in His word the more He reveals Himself. Are you like Peter in a hurry to get back home and missing what the Lord wants you to see or are you like Mary just keep hanging around!