Evening Scripture Reading - Philippians 3:20-21 American Standard Version

For our citizenship is in heaven; whence also we wait for a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: who shall fashion anew the body of our humiliation, that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, according to the working whereby he is able even to subject all things unto himself.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 68:28-35 American Standard Version

Thy God hath commanded thy strength:
Strengthen, O God, that which thou hast wrought for us.
Because of thy temple at Jerusalem
Kings shall bring presents unto thee.
Rebuke the wild beast of the reeds,
The multitude of the bulls, with the calves of the peoples,
Trampling under foot the pieces of silver:
He hath scattered the peoples that delight in war.
Princes shall come out of Egypt;
Ethiopia shall haste to stretch out her hands unto God.
Sing unto God, ye kingdoms of the earth;
Oh sing praises unto the Lord; Selah
To him that rideth upon the heaven of heavens, which are of old;
Lo, he uttereth his voice, a mighty voice.
Ascribe ye strength unto God:
His excellency is over Israel,
And his strength is in the skies.
O God, thou art terrible out of thy holy places:
The God of Israel, he giveth strength and power unto his people.
Blessed be God.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 3:27-35 American Standard Version

Withhold not good from them to whom it is due,
When it is in the power of thy hand to do it.
Say not unto thy neighbor, Go, and come again,
And to-morrow I will give;
When thou hast it by thee.
Devise not evil against thy neighbor,
Seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.
Strive not with a man without cause,
If he have done thee no harm.
Envy thou not the man of violence,
And choose none of his ways.
For the perverse is an abomination to Jehovah;
But his friendship is with the upright.
The curse of Jehovah is in the house of the wicked;
But he blesseth the habitation of the righteous.
Surely he scoffeth at the scoffers;
But he giveth grace unto the lowly.
The wise shall inherit glory;
But shame shall be the promotion of fools.

Morning Scripture Reading - Philippians 1:3-8 American Standard Version

I thank my God upon all my remembrance of you, always in every supplication of mine on behalf of you all making my supplication with joy, for your fellowship in furtherance of the gospel from the first day until now; being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ: even as it is right for me to be thus minded on behalf of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as, both in my bonds and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers with me of grace. For God is my witness, how I long after you all in the tender mercies of Christ Jesus.

Evening Scripture Reading - Galatians 5:16-24 American Standard Version

But I say, Walk by the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are contrary the one to the other; that ye may not do the things that ye would. But if ye are led by the Spirit, ye are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousies, wraths, factions, divisions, parties, envyings, drunkenness, revellings, and such like; of which I forewarn you, even as I did forewarn you, that they who practise such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, self-control; against such there is no law. And they that are of Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with the passions and the lusts thereof.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 68:19-27 American Standard Version

Blessed be the Lord, who daily beareth our burden,
Even the God who is our salvation. Selah
God is unto us a God of deliverances;
And unto Jehovah the Lord belongeth escape from death.
But God will smite through the head of his enemies,
The hairy scalp of such a one as goeth on still in his guiltiness.
The Lord said, I will bring again from Bashan,
I will bring them again from the depths of the sea;
That thou mayest crush them, dipping thy foot in blood,
That the tongue of thy dogs may have its portion from thine enemies.
They have seen thy goings, O God,
Even the goings of my God, my King, into the sanctuary.
The singers went before, the minstrels followed after,
In the midst of the damsels playing with timbrels.
Bless ye God in the congregations,
Even the Lord, ye that are of the fountain of Israel.
There is little Benjamin their ruler,
The princes of Judah and their council,
The princes of Zebulun, the princes of Naphtali.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 3:13-26 American Standard Version

Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,
And the man that getteth understanding.
For the gaining of it is better than the gaining of silver,
And the profit thereof than fine gold.
She is more precious than rubies:
And none of the things thou canst desire are to be compared unto her.
Length of days is in her right hand;
In her left hand are riches and honor.
Her ways are ways of pleasantness,
And all her paths are peace.
She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her:
And happy is every one that retaineth her.
Jehovah by wisdom founded the earth;
By understanding he established the heavens.
By his knowledge the depths were broken up,
And the skies drop down the dew.
My son, let them not depart from thine eyes;
Keep sound wisdom and discretion:
So shall they be life unto thy soul,
And grace to thy neck.
Then shalt thou walk in thy way securely,
And thy foot shall not stumble.
When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid:
Yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.
Be not afraid of sudden fear,
Neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh:
For Jehovah will be thy confidence,
And will keep thy foot from being taken.

Morning Scripture Reading - 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 American Standard Version

Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. There hath no temptation taken you but such as man can bear: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation make also the way of escape, that ye may be able to endure it.

Evening Scripture Reading - Philippians 2:25-30 American Standard Version

But I counted it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow-worker and fellow-soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need; since he longed after you all, and was sore troubled, because ye had heard that he was sick: for indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, that I might not have sorrow upon sorrow. I have sent him therefore the more diligently, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful. Receive him therefore in the Lord with all joy; and hold such in honor: because for the work of Christ he came nigh unto death, hazarding his life to supply that which was lacking in your service toward me.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 68:7-18 American Standard Version

O God, when thou wentest forth before thy people,
When thou didst march through the wilderness; Selah
The earth trembled,
The heavens also dropped rain at the presence of God:
Yon Sinai trembled at the presence of God, the God of Israel.
Thou, O God, didst send a plentiful rain,
Thou didst confirm thine inheritance, when it was weary.
Thy congregation dwelt therein:
Thou, O God, didst prepare of thy goodness for the poor.
The Lord giveth the word:
The women that publish the tidings are a great host.
Kings of armies flee, they flee;
And she that tarrieth at home divideth the spoil.
When ye lie among the sheepfolds,
It is as the wings of a dove covered with silver,
And her pinions with yellow gold.
When the Almighty scattered kings therein,
It was as when it snoweth in Zalmon.
A mountain of God is the mountain of Bashan;
A high mountain is the mountain of Bashan.
Why look ye askance, ye high mountains,
At the mountain which God hath desired for his abode?
Yea, Jehovah will dwell in it for ever.
The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands upon thousands:
The Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the sanctuary.
Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led away captives;
Thou hast received gifts among men,
Yea, among the rebellious also, that Jehovah God might dwell with them.

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - What We Learn from Our Pain

As I was growing up, I saw my father grow older and older. In time, it would take him longer and longer to stand up after being seated for a while. He would have to stretch and flex a bit before standing up. His joints would get stiff and sometimes he had to use muscle creams to temporarily relieve minor aches and pains of muscles and joints. In time, arthritis and bursitis made it difficult to move and each move would cause a twinge of pain. Even with all of this going on, he still would continue to do his chores and take care of his family. But, all of the hard work that he did took its toll on him.

In the movie, Raiders of the Lost Ark, the main character, Indiana Jones, talks with his ex-girlfriend, Marion. She looks at him and says that he’s not the man she knew ten years ago.

He responds, “It's not the years, honey, it's the mileage.”

My father put on a lot of miles and had to deal with a lot of pain especially on cold mornings. As I have grown older, I have begun to experience the same aches and pains. My joints stiffen up and I have a slight case of bursitis in my knees and shoulders. The mileage piles up very quickly on all of us and we all feel our bodies experience aches and pains that we didn’t think would come in our life. We all go through this including the Apostle Paul. If you are talking about mileage, the Apostle Paul put in his fair share and then some.

The Bible, specifically the New Testament, contains several references to an affliction that the Apostle Paul experienced. This affliction, often referred to as "a thorn in the flesh," caused Paul much distress and he repeatedly sought relief from it through prayer. Despite his efforts, the affliction remained and ultimately led Paul to a greater understanding of the power of God's grace.

Paul writes: "If I wanted to boast, I would be no fool in doing so, because I would be telling the truth. But I won’t do it, because I don’t want anyone to give me credit beyond what they can see in my life or hear in my message, even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:6-10 NLT)

In this passage, Paul reveals that his affliction was a "thorn in my flesh" sent by Satan to torment him. He also reveals that he prayed to God to remove it but was told that God's grace is sufficient for him and that God's power is made perfect in his weakness. This realization led Paul to boast in his weaknesses and find strength in Christ.

Paul also writes about his affliction, saying "Surely you remember that I was sick when I first brought you the Good News. But even though my condition tempted you to reject me, you did not despise me or turn me away. No, you took me in and cared for me as though I were an angel from God or even Christ Jesus himself." (Galatians 4:13-14 NLT) Here, Paul indicates that his affliction was a physical infirmity, and he also mentions that the Galatians received him with open arms despite his affliction.

Paul's affliction serves as a reminder to us that despite our struggles and weaknesses, God's grace is sufficient for us. Paul eloquently and simply writes, "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT) In other words, when we are weak, God's power shines through us the most.

Paul's affliction, often referred to as "a thorn in my flesh," was a physical infirmity that caused him much distress. Despite his repeated prayers for relief, the affliction remained, but through it, Paul came to understand the sufficiency of God's grace and found strength in his weakness. This is an important reminder for us to trust in God's strength even in our own weaknesses and afflictions.

So, when you stand up or get out of bed and feel that twinge or ache, just know that you are sharing in the afflictions of all the saints. As you continue to endure even more difficult maladies, you have the opportunity to be an inspiration to others and that makes your story a true testament to bring honor and glory to God. His grace will always be sufficient and will help you stand firm in His grace.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 3:1-12 American Standard Version

My son, forget not my law;
But let thy heart keep my commandments:
For length of days, and years of life,
And peace, will they add to thee.
Let not kindness and truth forsake thee:
Bind them about thy neck;
Write them upon the tablet of thy heart:
So shalt thou find favor and good understanding
In the sight of God and man.
Trust in Jehovah with all thy heart,
And lean not upon thine own understanding:
In all thy ways acknowledge him,
And he will direct thy paths.
Be not wise in thine own eyes;
Fear Jehovah, and depart from evil:
It will be health to thy navel,
And marrow to thy bones.
Honor Jehovah with thy substance,
And with the first-fruits of all thine increase:
So shall thy barns be filled with plenty,
And thy vats shall overflow with new wine.
My son, despise not the chastening of Jehovah;
Neither be weary of his reproof:
For whom Jehovah loveth he reproveth,
Even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.

Morning Scripture Reading - Colossians 3:12-17

Colossians 3:12-17 American Standard Version

Put on therefore, as God’s elect, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving each other, if any man have a complaint against any; even as the Lord forgave you, so also do ye: and above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to the which also ye were called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts unto God. And whatsoever ye do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Evening Scripture Reading - Galatians 3:21-22 American Standard Version

Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could make alive, verily righteousness would have been of the law. But the scripture shut up all things under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 68:1-6 American Standard Version

For the Chief Musician; A Psalm of David, a Song.

Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered;
Let them also that hate him flee before him.
As smoke is driven away, so drive them away:
As wax melteth before the fire,
So let the wicked perish at the presence of God.
But let the righteous be glad; let them exult before God:
Yea, let them rejoice with gladness.
Sing unto God, sing praises to his name:
Cast up a highway for him that rideth through the deserts;
His name is Jehovah; and exult ye before him.
A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows,
Is God in his holy habitation.
God setteth the solitary in families:
He bringeth out the prisoners into prosperity;
But the rebellious dwell in a parched land.

Thoughts from the Heart - Psalm 143:8

The psalmist writes, "Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life."

This verse expresses the speaker's trust and dependence on God's guidance and love. The speaker recognizes that they need direction and protection from God, and they ask for God's guidance to be revealed to them in the morning. The use of the word "unfailing" to describe God's love suggests that the speaker has experienced God's love in the past and knows it to be dependable and constant.

The idea of entrusting one's life to God is a common theme in the Psalms and in the Bible more generally. It reflects the belief that God is all-powerful and all-knowing, and that human beings are limited and fallible. By entrusting our lives to God, we are acknowledging that we need God's help to navigate the challenges of life and that we trust God to guide us through those challenges.

This verse also serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking God's guidance in our daily lives. It encourages us to start our day by seeking God's direction and to trust in God's love and protection throughout the day. It is a reminder that God is always with us and that we can rely on God's guidance and love no matter what challenges we may face.

In conclusion, Psalm 143:8 is a powerful reminder of the importance of seeking God's guidance and trusting in God's love. It encourages us to put our trust in God and to seek God's direction in our daily lives. It serves as a reminder that God is always with us and that we can rely on God's guidance and love no matter what challenges we may face.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 2 American Standard Version

My son, if thou wilt receive my words,
And lay up my commandments with thee;
So as to incline thine ear unto wisdom,
And apply thy heart to understanding;
Yea, if thou cry after discernment,
And lift up thy voice for understanding;
If thou seek her as silver,
And search for her as for hid treasures:
Then shalt thou understand the fear of Jehovah,
And find the knowledge of God.
For Jehovah giveth wisdom;
Out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding:
He layeth up sound wisdom for the upright;
He is a shield to them that walk in integrity;
That he may guard the paths of justice,
And preserve the way of his saints.
Then shalt thou understand righteousness and justice,
And equity, yea, every good path.
For wisdom shall enter into thy heart,
And knowledge shall be pleasant unto thy soul;
Discretion shall watch over thee;
Understanding shall keep thee:
To deliver thee from the way of evil,
From the men that speak perverse things;
Who forsake the paths of uprightness,
To walk in the ways of darkness;
Who rejoice to do evil,
And delight in the perverseness of evil;
Who are crooked in their ways,
And wayward in their paths:
To deliver thee from the strange woman,
Even from the foreigner that flattereth with her words;
That forsaketh the friend of her youth,
And forgetteth the covenant of her God:
For her house inclineth unto death,
And her paths unto the dead;
None that go unto her return again,
Neither do they attain unto the paths of life:
That thou mayest walk in the way of good men,
And keep the paths of the righteous.
For the upright shall dwell in the land,
And the perfect shall remain in it.
But the wicked shall be cut off from the land,
And the treacherous shall be rooted out of it.

Morning Scripture Reading - Acts 16:29-34

Acts 16:29-34 American Standard Version

And he called for lights and sprang in, and, trembling for fear, fell down before Paul and Silas, and brought them out and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus, and thou shalt be saved, thou and thy house. And they spake the word of the Lord unto him, with all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, immediately. And he brought them up into his house, and set food before them, and rejoiced greatly, with all his house, having believed in God.

Evening Scripture Reading - 1 Timothy 4:12-16 American Standard Version

Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an ensample to them that believe, in word, in manner of life, in love, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give heed to reading, to exhortation, to teaching. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Be diligent in these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy progress may be manifest unto all. Take heed to thyself, and to thy teaching. Continue in these things; for in doing this thou shalt save both thyself and them that hear thee.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 67 American Standard Version

For the Chief Musician; on stringed instruments. A Psalm, a Song.

God be merciful unto us, and bless us,
And cause his face to shine upon us; Selah
That thy way may be known upon earth,
Thy salvation among all nations.
Let the peoples praise thee, O God;
Let all the peoples praise thee.
Oh let the nations be glad and sing for joy;
For thou wilt judge the peoples with equity,
And govern the nations upon earth. Selah
Let the peoples praise thee, O God;
Let all the peoples praise thee.
The earth hath yielded its increase:
God, even our own God, will bless us.
God will bless us;
And all the ends of the earth shall fear him.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 1:20-33 American Standard Version

Wisdom crieth aloud in the street;
She uttereth her voice in the broad places;
She crieth in the chief place of concourse;
At the entrance of the gates,
In the city, she uttereth her words:
How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity?
And scoffers delight them in scoffing,
And fools hate knowledge?
Turn you at my reproof:
Behold, I will pour out my spirit upon you;
I will make known my words unto you.
Because I have called, and ye have refused;
I have stretched out my hand, and no man hath regarded;
But ye have set at nought all my counsel,
And would none of my reproof:
I also will laugh in the day of your calamity;
I will mock when your fear cometh;
When your fear cometh as a storm,
And your calamity cometh on as a whirlwind;
When distress and anguish come upon you.
Then will they call upon me, but I will not answer;
They will seek me diligently, but they shall not find me:
For that they hated knowledge,
And did not choose the fear of Jehovah,
They would none of my counsel,
They despised all my reproof.
Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way,
And be filled with their own devices.
For the backsliding of the simple shall slay them,
And the careless ease of fools shall destroy them.
But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell securely,
And shall be quiet without fear of evil.

Morning Scripture Reading - 1 John 5:13-15

1 John 5:13-15 American Standard Version

These things have I written unto you, that ye may know that ye have eternal life, even unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God. And this is the boldness which we have toward him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us: and if we know that he heareth us whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions which we have asked of him.

Evening Scripture Reading - 1 John 5:1-5 American Standard Version

Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is begotten of God: and whosoever loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. Hereby we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and do his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. For whatsoever is begotten of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that hath overcome the world, even our faith. And who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 66 American Standard Version

For the Chief Musician. A Song, a Psalm.

Make a joyful noise unto God, all the earth:
Sing forth the glory of his name:
Make his praise glorious.
Say unto God, How terrible are thy works!
Through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee.
All the earth shall worship thee,
And shall sing unto thee;
They shall sing to thy name. Selah
Come, and see the works of God;
He is terrible in his doing toward the children of men.
He turned the sea into dry land;
They went through the river on foot:
There did we rejoice in him.
He ruleth by his might for ever;
His eyes observe the nations:
Let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah
Oh bless our God, ye peoples,
And make the voice of his praise to be heard;
Who holdeth our soul in life,
And suffereth not our feet to be moved.
For thou, O God, hast proved us:
Thou hast tried us, as silver is tried.
Thou broughtest us into the net;
Thou layedst a sore burden upon our loins.
Thou didst cause men to ride over our heads;
We went through fire and through water;
But thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.
I will come into thy house with burnt-offerings;
I will pay thee my vows,
Which my lips uttered,
And my mouth spake, when I was in distress.
I will offer unto thee burnt-offerings of fatlings,
With the incense of rams;
I will offer bullocks with goats. Selah
Come, and hear, all ye that fear God,
And I will declare what he hath done for my soul.
I cried unto him with my mouth,
And he was extolled with my tongue.
If I regard iniquity in my heart,
The Lord will not hear:
But verily God hath heard;
He hath attended to the voice of my prayer.
Blessed be God,
Who hath not turned away my prayer,
Nor his lovingkindness from me.

When Success Becomes More than Just a Word

As the CEO of a successful tech company, Sarah had always been driven to achieve success. She had worked tirelessly to build her business from the ground up, and had finally reached the point where she was on the brink of taking her company public.

But as she sat in her office, staring out at the city skyline, Sarah couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing. She had always been driven by a desire to achieve, but she had never stopped to consider what she was working towards.

It was then that she remembered the words of 1 Chronicles 29:11: "Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all."

As Sarah reflected on these words, she realized that her drive to succeed had been rooted in a desire to prove her own greatness. But now, she saw that true greatness could only be found in giving back to others, and using her success to make a difference in the world.

With this newfound understanding, Sarah decided to use her company's resources to launch a major philanthropic initiative, focused on helping underprivileged communities and promoting education and technology access. She also began to volunteer her time and resources to local charities and organizations.

Through her efforts, Sarah found that her success was not only measured by her company's growth, but also by the impact she was able to make in the lives of others. And in the end, she knew that true greatness could only be found in serving others and giving back to the world.

From that day on, Sarah's company became not just a successful business, but also a leader in corporate social responsibility. She had finally found the balance between the drive to achieve and the need to give back to the world, and in doing so, she had truly become a great leader.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 1:7-19 American Standard Version

The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of knowledge;
But the foolish despise wisdom and instruction.
My son, hear the instruction of thy father,
And forsake not the law of thy mother:
For they shall be a chaplet of grace unto thy head,
And chains about thy neck.
My son, if sinners entice thee,
Consent thou not.
If they say, Come with us,
Let us lay wait for blood;
Let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause;
Let us swallow them up alive as Sheol,
And whole, as those that go down into the pit;
We shall find all precious substance;
We shall fill our houses with spoil;
Thou shalt cast thy lot among us;
We will all have one purse:
My son, walk not thou in the way with them;
Refrain thy foot from their path:
For their feet run to evil,
And they make haste to shed blood.
For in vain is the net spread
In the sight of any bird:
And these lay wait for their own blood;
They lurk privily for their own lives.
So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain;
It taketh away the life of the owners thereof.

Morning Scripture Reading - 2 Corinthians 6:11-16

2 Corinthians 6:11-16 American Standard Version

Our mouth is open unto you, O Corinthians, our heart is enlarged. Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own affections. Now for a recompense in like kind (I speak as unto my children), be ye also enlarged. Be not unequally yoked with unbelievers: for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? or what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what portion hath a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement hath a temple of God with idols? for we are a temple of the living God; even as God said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Evening Scripture Reading - Isaiah 42:10-13 American Standard Version

Sing unto Jehovah a new song, and his praise from the end of the earth; ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein, the isles, and the inhabitants thereof. Let the wilderness and the cities thereof lift up their voice, the villages that Kedar doth inhabit; let the inhabitants of Sela sing, let them shout from the top of the mountains. Let them give glory unto Jehovah, and declare his praise in the islands. Jehovah will go forth as a mighty man; he will stir up his zeal like a man of war: he will cry, yea, he will shout aloud; he will do mightily against his enemies.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 65 American Standard Version

For the Chief Musician. A Psalm. A Song of David.

Praise waiteth for thee, O God, in Zion;
And unto thee shall the vow be performed.
O thou that hearest prayer,
Unto thee shall all flesh come.
Iniquities prevail against me:
As for our transgressions, thou wilt forgive them.
Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee,
That he may dwell in thy courts:
We shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house,
Thy holy temple.
By terrible things thou wilt answer us in righteousness,
O God of our salvation,
Thou that art the confidence of all the ends of the earth,
And of them that are afar off upon the sea:
Who by his strength setteth fast the mountains,
Being girded about with might;
Who stilleth the roaring of the seas,
The roaring of their waves,
And the tumult of the peoples.
They also that dwell in the uttermost parts are afraid at thy tokens:
Thou makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice.
Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it,
Thou greatly enrichest it;
The river of God is full of water:
Thou providest them grain, when thou hast so prepared the earth.
Thou waterest its furrows abundantly;
Thou settlest the ridges thereof:
Thou makest it soft with showers;
Thou blessest the springing thereof.
Thou crownest the year with thy goodness;
And thy paths drop fatness.
They drop upon the pastures of the wilderness;
And the hills are girded with joy.
The pastures are clothed with flocks;
The valleys also are covered over with grain;
They shout for joy, they also sing.

Mid-Week Message - Everything is Possible

"Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible." Matthew 19:26 (NLT)

Several years ago, the students at the school where I was working had a "jog-a-fun".  This was a yearly fundraiser that brought in funds for items the school would not otherwise be able to afford, such as sports equipment.  Students obtained sponsors that would pay a chosen amount per lap that the student was able to run within a given time.  I will never forget one young boy.  He was not particularly athletically inclined but he wanted so much to run many laps and help his school.  As I watched him, I could tell that he was saying something.  As I moved closer I heard him repeat over and over, "With God, all things are possible."  

It seems that each day is a marathon that must be run.  We get out of bed and encounter the same issues and problems that we had the day before plus whatever new occurrences the day might bring.  If you're like me you find yourself wondering how much more you can humanly manage.  Maybe you have a grouchy boss who is never satisfied.  You may have financial worries that you feel you will never be able to surmount.  Health problems might plague you with bad reports that never seem to end.  Whatever your specific life brings can be overwhelming and lead you to a feeling of utter defeat.  

Just today I was speaking with a friend that felt she had ruined the potential for a job she really wanted because she had water marks on the front of her jacket and didn't notice.  She was horrified and worried that she would be judged by that rather than her skills and abilities.  Even though her interview had gone extremely well, she made up her mind that she had lost the possibility of being hired and sank into despair.  As I tried to console and encourage her these words from Zechariah came to mind, "Not by might nor by power but by my spirit says the Lord."  You see she had spent much time in prayer over this opportunity.  She had repeatedly asked for the Lord to be in control.  When she found the water marks though, she completely forgot about asking Him to orchestrate the day.  I asked her this, "Who was in charge of this day?  Were you or was the Lord?"  

When we ask the Father to take the reins of the situations in our lives, we need to trust that He hears and honors our request.  When we read scripture we see Him accomplish the impossible over and over again.  Seas parting, donkeys talking, people being raised from the dead, healings, and water turning into wine are just a few examples.  My question is this, if God sent His Son Jesus to save our souls, if He went to that extreme to show us how deeply He loves us, why would we ever think that He would be unable to take care of the big things in our lives?  He is Almighty God.  Our mountains are His anthills.  There is nothing too difficult, too complicated, too worrisome or impossible for Him to handle.  

Are you praying about something that is overpowering you?  Are you asking God to take control and to solve a problem?  Then I have a couple of suggestions.  Number one, once you ask Him to take control, lay the problem at His feet and walk away.  Number two, trust Him.  If you care about it, He cares about it and He will never abandon you.  Once He takes control, you can be assured that a solution is coming.  Keep your eyes and ears open because you don't want to miss anything that He might do and keep your heart and mind in the Word and believe.  He is able when we are not.  God bless you. 

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 1:1-6 American Standard Version

The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel:

To know wisdom and instruction;

To discern the words of understanding;

To receive instruction in wise dealing,

In righteousness and justice and equity;

To give prudence to the simple,

To the young man knowledge and discretion:

That the wise man may hear, and increase in learning;

And that the man of understanding may attain unto sound counsels:

To understand a proverb, and a figure,

The words of the wise, and their dark sayings.

Morning Scripture Reading - Ephesians 4:20-24

Ephesians 4:20-24 American Standard Version

But ye did not so learn Christ; if so be that ye heard him, and were taught in him, even as truth is in Jesus: that ye put away, as concerning your former manner of life, the old man, that waxeth corrupt after the lusts of deceit; and that ye be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new man, that after God hath been created in righteousness and holiness of truth.

Evening Scripture Reading - Isaiah 65:17-19 American Standard Version

For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former things shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create; for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy. And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people; and there shall be heard in her no more the voice of weeping and the voice of crying.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 64 American Standard Version

For the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.

Hear my voice, O God, in my complaint:
Preserve my life from fear of the enemy.
Hide me from the secret counsel of evil-doers,
From the tumult of the workers of iniquity;
Who have whet their tongue like a sword,
And have aimed their arrows, even bitter words,
That they may shoot in secret places at the perfect:
Suddenly do they shoot at him, and fear not.
They encourage themselves in an evil purpose;
They commune of laying snares privily;
They say, Who will see them?
They search out iniquities;
We have accomplished, say they, a diligent search:
And the inward thought and the heart of every one is deep.
But God will shoot at them;
With an arrow suddenly shall they be wounded.
So they shall be made to stumble, their own tongue being against them:
All that see them shall wag the head.
And all men shall fear;
And they shall declare the work of God,
And shall wisely consider of his doing.
The righteous shall be glad in Jehovah, and shall take refuge in him;
And all the upright in heart shall glory.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 31:10-31 American Standard Version

A worthy woman who can find?
For her price is far above rubies.
The heart of her husband trusteth in her,
And he shall have no lack of gain.
She doeth him good and not evil
All the days of her life.
She seeketh wool and flax,
And worketh willingly with her hands.
She is like the merchant-ships;
She bringeth her bread from afar.
She riseth also while it is yet night,
And giveth food to her household,
And their task to her maidens.
She considereth a field, and buyeth it;
With the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
She girdeth her loins with strength,
And maketh strong her arms.
She perceiveth that her merchandise is profitable;
Her lamp goeth not out by night.
She layeth her hands to the distaff,
And her hands hold the spindle.
She stretcheth out her hand to the poor;
Yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
She is not afraid of the snow for her household;
For all her household are clothed with scarlet.
She maketh for herself carpets of tapestry;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sitteth among the elders of the land.
She maketh linen garments and selleth them,
And delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
Strength and dignity are her clothing;
And she laugheth at the time to come.
She openeth her mouth with wisdom;
And the law of kindness is on her tongue.
She looketh well to the ways of her household,
And eateth not the bread of idleness.
Her children rise up, and call her blessed;
Her husband also, and he praiseth her, saying:
Many daughters have done worthily,
But thou excellest them all.
Grace is deceitful, and beauty is vain;
But a woman that feareth Jehovah, she shall be praised.
Give her of the fruit of her hands;
And let her works praise her in the gates.

Morning Scripture Reading - Isaiah 43:16-21

Isaiah 43:16-21 American Standard Version

Thus saith Jehovah, who maketh a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters; who bringeth forth the chariot and horse, the army and the mighty man (they lie down together, they shall not rise; they are extinct, they are quenched as a wick): Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now shall it spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. The beasts of the field shall honor me, the jackals and the ostriches; because I give waters in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen, the people which I formed for myself, that they might set forth my praise.

Evening Scripture Reading - Jeremiah 29:10-14 American Standard Version

For thus saith Jehovah, After seventy years are accomplished for Babylon, I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith Jehovah, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope in your latter end. And ye shall call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. And I will be found of you, saith Jehovah, and I will turn again your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith Jehovah; and I will bring you again unto the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 63 American Standard Version

A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah.

O God, thou art my God; earnestly will I seek thee:
My soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee,
In a dry and weary land, where no water is.
So have I looked upon thee in the sanctuary,
To see thy power and thy glory.
Because thy lovingkindness is better than life,
My lips shall praise thee.
So will I bless thee while I live:
I will lift up my hands in thy name.
My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness;
And my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips;
When I remember thee upon my bed,
And meditate on thee in the night-watches.
For thou hast been my help,
And in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.
My soul followeth hard after thee:
Thy right hand upholdeth me.
But those that seek my soul, to destroy it,
Shall go into the lower parts of the earth.
They shall be given over to the power of the sword:
They shall be a portion for foxes.
But the king shall rejoice in God:
Every one that sweareth by him shall glory;
For the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 31:1-9 American Standard Version

The words of king Lemuel; the oracle which his mother taught him.

What, my son? and what, O son of my womb?

And what, O son of my vows?

Give not thy strength unto women,

Nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.

It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine;

Nor for princes to say, Where is strong drink?

Lest they drink, and forget the law,

And pervert the justice due to any that is afflicted.

Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish,

And wine unto the bitter in soul:

Let him drink, and forget his poverty,

And remember his misery no more.

Open thy mouth for the dumb,

In the cause of all such as are left desolate.

Open thy mouth, judge righteously,

And minister justice to the poor and needy.

Morning Scripture Reading - Deuteronomy 32:3-4

Deuteronomy 32:3-4 American Standard Version

For I will proclaim the name of Jehovah:
Ascribe ye greatness unto our God.
The Rock, his work is perfect;
For all his ways are justice:
A God of faithfulness and without iniquity,
Just and right is he.

Evening Scripture Reading - John 8:31-32

John 8:31-32 American Standard Version

Jesus therefore said to those Jews that had believed him, If ye abide in my word, then are ye truly my disciples; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 62:1-12

Psalm 62 American Standard Version

For the Chief Musician; after the manner of Jeduthun. A Psalm of David.

My soul waiteth in silence for God only:

From him cometh my salvation.

He only is my rock and my salvation:

He is my high tower; I shall not be greatly moved.

How long will ye set upon a man,

That ye may slay him, all of you,

Like a leaning wall, like a tottering fence?

They only consult to thrust him down from his dignity;

They delight in lies;

They bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah

My soul, wait thou in silence for God only;

For my expectation is from him.

He only is my rock and my salvation:

He is my high tower; I shall not be moved.

With God is my salvation and my glory:

The rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.

Trust in him at all times, ye people;

Pour out your heart before him:

God is a refuge for us. Selah

Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie:

In the balances they will go up;

They are together lighter than vanity.

Trust not in oppression,

And become not vain in robbery:

If riches increase, set not your heart thereon.

God hath spoken once,

Twice have I heard this,

That power belongeth unto God.

Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth lovingkindness;

For thou renderest to every man according to his work.

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - Pride and Humility

When I accept a new position with a company, I spend the first thirty days learning the business and, more importantly, learning about the people. As a big proponent of Lean manufacturing principles (sometimes referred to as the “Toyota Way”), I make it a point to do what are called “Gemba walks”. These walks are key to understanding the people and the processes they use to create something. It’s not enough to just think you know what is going on; you must see for yourself what is really going on.

Gemba walks, also known as "go and see" walks, are a popular method used in Lean manufacturing and process improvement to observe and identify areas of improvement in a production process. The term "gemba" is a Japanese word that refers to the "real place" where the work is being done, such as the factory floor or the office.

The purpose of a Gemba walk is to observe and understand the current state of a process, including the flow of materials, the use of equipment, and the interactions between employees. By walking through the process and observing first-hand, leaders can identify areas of inefficiency, delays, or bottlenecks that may be causing problems. They can also identify opportunities for improvement and gather valuable input from employees who work on the process daily.

The mindset of a leader doing a Gemba walk is humility. Leaders who are genuinely interested in learning about a business humble themselves and ask questions that are not condescending. A leader is there to learn and understand what is really going on and to understand what problems individuals face.
After understanding the process, the leader works on improvements to help those individuals address their problems and help them overcome obstacles. This shows that the leader is truly respectful and wants to help.

Helping each other is one of the most important things we can do. By helping one another, we show just how much we love one another. It is not enough to say it, but better to show it. Just like the example of the Gemba walk, we go out among everyone with humility in our heart and the desire to make things better for others. That is putting love into action. But, it must be done out of humility and love.

I have worked for and with others who came into a company and started to “throw their weight around” and let others know who’s the boss. They start pointing out faults in processes without truly trying to understand why things are done the way they are done. They tend to show no respect for others and are happy to point out flaws. These leaders do not humble themselves or try to show respect for others. All they can do is point out faults and proceed to disrupt a business in a bad way. 

The author of Proverbs wrote, “Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” (Proverbs 11:2 NLT)

If you are driven by pride, then disgrace and downfall are on the horizon for you. Going back to my business example, prideful leaders who think they know everything and how to make things better without truly understanding the people and the processes will soon find themselves asked to leave the company.

Being a leader is more than just solving problems. It is all about understanding things and making connections with those around you and understanding what they face daily. It is working to promote their needs over your own and making sure they have everything necessary to feel fulfilled professionally and personally. Some leaders will profess that they are there to help, but most are just interested in getting promoted. They came in as senior managers and already have their sights on becoming a director or higher. 

But, when a leader truly comes in with humility and learns the business, that person gains the respect of his peers and other leaders in the company. Everyone looks to that individual for help. No matter how small or large the problem is, that person is the one who can help. By being humble and asking questions that are respectful, that leader will gain wisdom in order to help those who need help.

I know that this message sounds more like a Harvard Business School article, but it does drive home the point of humility and pride. If you act out of pride, it will lead to disgrace and destruction. If, on the other hand, you reach out to others in humility and love, you will achieve honor and wisdom. 
James wrote, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.” (James 4:10 NLT)
If we remain humble before the Lord and show His love to others, then God will lift us up in honor. By living a humble life and walking daily in righteousness, we can stand firm in His grace.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 30:29-33

Proverbs 30:29-33 American Standard Version

There are three things which are stately in their march,
Yea, four which are stately in going:
The lion, which is mightiest among beasts,
And turneth not away for any;
The greyhound; the he-goat also;
And the king against whom there is no rising up.
If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself,
Or if thou hast thought evil,
Lay thy hand upon thy mouth.
For the churning of milk bringeth forth butter,
And the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood;
So the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.

Morning Scripture Reading - Lamentations 3:22

Lamentations 3:22 American Standard Version

It is of Jehovah’s lovingkindnesses that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.

Evening Scripture Reading - 1 John 4:17-19

1 John 4:17-19 American Standard Version

Herein is love made perfect with us, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as he is, even so are we in this world. There is no fear in love: but perfect love casteth out fear, because fear hath punishment; and he that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love, because he first loved us.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 61:1-8

Psalm 61 American Standard Version

For the Chief Musician; on a stringed instrument. A Psalm of David.

Hear my cry, O God;

Attend unto my prayer.
From the end of the earth will I call unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed:
Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
For thou hast been a refuge for me,
A strong tower from the enemy.
I will dwell in thy tabernacle for ever:
I will take refuge in the covert of thy wings. Selah
For thou, O God, hast heard my vows:
Thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name.
Thou wilt prolong the king’s life;
His years shall be as many generations.
He shall abide before God for ever:
Oh prepare lovingkindness and truth, that they may preserve him.
So will I sing praise unto thy name for ever,
That I may daily perform my vows.

Thoughts from the Heart - Isaiah 43:18-19

In Isaiah 43:18-19, Isaiah writes, "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."

These verses speak to the idea of letting go of the past and looking forward to the future. The prophet Isaiah is encouraging the Israelites to forget their past mistakes and to focus on the new things that God is doing in their lives. The image of God making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland is a powerful metaphor for the transformative power of God. It suggests that even in the most desolate and inhospitable places, God is able to bring new life and create new opportunities.

The passage also encourages people to look for the new things God is doing in their lives. It encourages them to be open to change and to be ready to embrace new possibilities. The message is that even when things seem difficult and uncertain, God is still working and there is always hope for the future.

In a broader context, this passage can be seen as a message of hope and encouragement for people facing difficult circumstances. It reminds us that no matter what challenges we may be facing, God is still with us and is still working to bring new life and new opportunities. It encourages us to let go of the past and to look forward to the future with hope and optimism.

In conclusion, Isaiah 43:18-19 is a powerful reminder that God is always working to bring new life and new opportunities, even in the most difficult of circumstances. It encourages us to let go of the past, focus on the present and look forward to the future with hope and optimism. It is a message of hope and encouragement for people facing difficult circumstances, reminding us that no matter what challenges we may be facing, God is still with us and is still working to bring new life and new opportunities.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 30:24-28

Proverbs 30:24-28 American Standard Version

There are four things which are little upon the earth,
But they are exceeding wise:
The ants are a people not strong,
Yet they provide their food in the summer;
The conies are but a feeble folk,
Yet make they their houses in the rocks;
The locusts have no king,
Yet go they forth all of them by bands;
The lizard taketh hold with her hands,
Yet is she in kings’ palaces.

Morning Scripture Reading - Galatians 6:1-5

Galatians 6:1-5 American Standard Version

Brethren, even if a man be overtaken in any trespass, ye who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. For if a man thinketh himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. But let each man prove his own work, and then shall he have his glorying in regard of himself alone, and not of his neighbor. For each man shall bear his own burden.

Evening Scripture Reading - 2 Corinthians 5:16-21

2 Corinthians 5:16-19 American Standard Version

Wherefore we henceforth know no man after the flesh: even though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now we know him so no more. Wherefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature: the old things are passed away; behold, they are become new. But all things are of God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and gave unto us the ministry of reconciliation; to wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself, not reckoning unto them their trespasses, and having committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 60:5-12

Psalm 60:5-12 American Standard Version

That thy beloved may be delivered,
Save with thy right hand, and answer us.
God hath spoken in his holiness: I will exult;
I will divide Shechem, and mete out the valley of Succoth.
Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine;
Ephraim also is the defence of my head;
Judah is my sceptre.
Moab is my washpot;
Upon Edom will I cast my shoe:
Philistia, shout thou because of me.
Who will bring me into the strong city?
Who hath led me unto Edom?
Hast not thou, O God, cast us off?
And thou goest not forth, O God, with our hosts.
Give us help against the adversary;
For vain is the help of man.
Through God we shall do valiantly;
For he it is that will tread down our adversaries.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 30:21-23

Proverbs 30:21-23 American Standard Version

For three things the earth doth tremble,
And for four, which it cannot bear:
For a servant when he is king;
And a fool when he is filled with food;
For an odious woman when she is married;
And a handmaid that is heir to her mistress.

Morning Scripture Reading - Romans 8:28-30

Romans 8:28-30 American Standard Version

And we know that to them that love God all things work together for good, even to them that are called according to his purpose. For whom he foreknew, he also foreordained to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren: and whom he foreordained, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

Evening Scripture Reading - Galatians 3:26-29

Galatians 3:26-29 American Standard Version

For ye are all sons of God, through faith, in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ did put on Christ. There can be neither Jew nor Greek, there can be neither bond nor free, there can be no male and female; for ye all are one man in Christ Jesus. And if ye are Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, heirs according to promise.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 60:1-4

Psalm 60:1-4 American Standard Version

For the Chief Musician; set to Shushan Eduth. Michtam of David, to teach; when he strove with Aram-naharaim and with Aram-zobah, and Joab returned, and smote of Edom in the Valley of Salt twelve thousand.

O God thou hast cast us off, thou hast broken us down;
Thou hast been angry; oh restore us again.
Thou hast made the land to tremble; thou hast rent it:
Heal the breaches thereof; for it shaketh.
Thou hast showed thy people hard things:
Thou hast made us to drink the wine of staggering.
Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee,
That it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 30:18-20

Proverbs 30:18-20 American Standard Version

There are three things which are too wonderful for me,
Yea, four which I know not:
The way of an eagle in the air;
The way of a serpent upon a rock;
The way of a ship in the midst of the sea;
And the way of a man with a maiden.
So is the way of an adulterous woman;
She eateth, and wipeth her mouth,
And saith, I have done no wickedness.

Morning Scripture Reading - 1 John 4:4-6

1 John 4:4-6 American Standard Version

Ye are of God, my little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world. They are of the world: therefore speak they as of the world, and the world heareth them. We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he who is not of God heareth us not. By this we know the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

Evening Scripture Reading - Matthew 18:19-20

Matthew 18:19-20 American Standard Version

Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father who is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 59:17

Psalm 59:17 American Standard Version

Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing praises:
For God is my high tower, the God of my mercy.

Mid-Week Message - When Your World Shakes

 "For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.  He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.  On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God."  Psalm 62:5-7  (ESV)  

Our little dog, Jack, is terrified of storms.  When he hears the wind pick up, heavy rain begin to fall, the thunder clap, or when he sees lightning, he starts to shake and needs to be near one of us with our hands on him.  Still, even though he is beside us, he looks at us for reassurance that he will be okay.  

The other evening I was having a discussion with a friend about tornadoes and earthquakes.  Being a Texas girl, I am quite familiar with tornado watches and warnings.  I have never been in one, thank the Lord, but I have been near enough to feel some of their power.  As frightening as they can be, if given the choice, I would choose to live where there might be a tornado rather than where there might be an earthquake because the thought of the earth moving under my feet is more than I can handle. 

Life is full of events that can shake our world, isn't it?  When a loved one is diagnosed with a deadly disease or when we deal with the grief of a death, we wonder how we can possibly take the next step.  Many things may occur that can make the ground under our feet feel uncertain and most of us have been through plenty of them.  

I would love to deliver an encouraging message and say that those times are over.  But they aren't.  Yet.  As long as we live on this tiny orb in space we will face hardships and trials and many of them may take our breath away as we wonder how we can cope, how we can go on.  

Gratefully, the Bible reminds us that there is a place to run to for refuge.  There is only One who cannot be shaken and that is the Lord Himself.  In Him alone will we find hope.  Only by His side will we find the peace that will allow us to continue the journey set before us.  He is the only One that knows the future.  He has already walked the pathway we are on and will take us by the hand and be our guide. 

I know several who are walking through valleys right now.  To them I want to say that there is no place where God cannot go.  There is no situation that He is unaware of or that is too difficult for Him.  Though your world seems dark and unsure, He is the light and He is steadfast.  He will never leave you nor forsake you.  He knows where you have been and where you are going and He will remain by your side, not only during this difficult time, but forever.  Run to Him and allow Him to be your refuge, your fortress.  There you will find security.   

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 30:15-17

Proverbs 30:15-17 American Standard Version

The horseleach hath two daughters, crying, Give, give.
There are three things that are never satisfied,
Yea, four that say not, Enough:
Sheol; and the barren womb;
The earth that is not satisfied with water;
And the fire that saith not, Enough.
The eye that mocketh at his father,
And despiseth to obey his mother,
The ravens of the valley shall pick it out,
And the young eagles shall eat it.

Morning Scripture Reading - 1 Corinthians 2:6-10

1 Corinthians 2:6-10 American Standard Version

We speak wisdom, however, among them that are fullgrown: yet a wisdom not of this world, nor of the rulers of this world, who are coming to nought: but we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, even the wisdom that hath been hidden, which God foreordained before the worlds unto our glory: which none of the rulers of this world hath known: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory: but as it is written,

Things which eye saw not, and ear heard not,

And which entered not into the heart of man,

Whatsoever things God prepared for them that love him.

But unto us God revealed them through the Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

Evening Scripture Reading - Matthew 5:43-48

Matthew 5:43-48 American Standard Version

Ye have heard that it was said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy: but I say unto you, Love your enemies, and pray for them that persecute you; that ye may be sons of your Father who is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sendeth rain on the just and the unjust. For if ye love them that love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the Gentiles the same? Ye therefore shall be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 59:16

Psalm 59:16 American Standard Version

But I will sing of thy strength;
Yea, I will sing aloud of thy lovingkindness in the morning:
For thou hast been my high tower,
And a refuge in the day of my distress.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 30:11-14

Proverbs 30:11-14 American Standard Version

There is a generation that curse their father,
And bless not their mother.
There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes,
And yet are not washed from their filthiness.
There is a generation, oh how lofty are their eyes!
And their eyelids are lifted up.
There is a generation whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives,
To devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.

Morning Scripture Reading - Luke 16:10-12

Luke 16:10-12 American Standard Version

He that is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much: and he that is unrighteous in a very little is unrighteous also in much. If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own?

Evening Scripture Reading - Hebrews 5:5-10

Hebrews 5:5-10 American Standard Version

So Christ also glorified not himself to be made a high priest, but he that spake unto him,

Thou art my Son,

This day have I begotten thee:

as he saith also in another place,

Thou art a priest for ever

After the order of Melchizedek.

Who in the days of his flesh, having offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and having been heard for his godly fear, though he was a Son, yet learned obedience by the things which he suffered; and having been made perfect, he became unto all them that obey him the author of eternal salvation; named of God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 59:15

Psalm 59:15 American Standard Version

They shall wander up and down for food,
And tarry all night if they be not satisfied.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 30:10

Proverbs 30:10 American Standard Version

Slander not a servant unto his master,
Lest he curse thee, and thou be held guilty.