Each winter when the tree is dormant I take a saw and cut off some of the unnecessary lower branches.  Now you can mow under the tree without getting poked by one of the low-hanging branches.  And the shape of the tree is more attractive than ever.

Jesus explained in John 15:2 that he also prunes every fruitful Christian.  Ouch!  What does this mean?

The Lord will take from us what we don’t need.  But like the wise arborist, he won’t do it all at one time.  That would be too painful.  No, like the patient tree pruner, the Lord will gradually shape us into greater usefulness.  In every season of life, the Lord beautifies us and increases our fruitfulness by lovingly removing the superfluous.

I must admit, I don’t like the idea of pruning or being cut on.  It sounds painful.  And yet that’s one way the Lord helps us grow.  The Lord’s mind is wise, his heart is loving, and his hands are gentle.  So I’m glad the Lord is still carving on my character — if he didn’t I’d be a wild ugly man.

I’ve walked with the Lord many years now and I can look back and see numerous items God has removed from my life.  He has delicately circumcised various words, attitudes, and aspirations.  It has been a slow process, much like the tree pruner’s work.

I’ve come a long way, but I know there is much more sanctifying work still to be done in my life.  I wonder what darkness in my heart God will work on next.  And what about you?  What is God going to have to take away from you to make you a better person?  Sometimes the events that hurt actually help.

Is this militaristic language about spiritual warfare? Ephesians 6 does describe principalities and powers. But in Ephesians 6 Paul says nothing about fighting, but rather standing.  In other words, we are to stand still and allow God to fight this battle.  If this is so, then when Paul talks about war who do we fight?

Look at the context of two of these scriptures.  In I Timothy 1:18 Paul says,  ”wage the good warfare, holding faith.”  Here the battle is connected to faith.  And then in I Timothy 6:12 Paul clearly states, “Fight the good fight of faith.”

Therefore, our struggle is against the old enemies of fear, doubt, discouragement, and unbelief.  The constant battle is keep our faith up.  The real battle is within isn’t it?

“It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed” (Deut. 31:8).

Then just a few verses later God says it again.

“And the LORD commissioned Joshua the son of Nun and said, ‘Be strong and courageous, for you shall bring the people of Israel into the land that I swore to give them. I will be with you‘” (Deuteronomy 31:23).

Then as you turn a few pages forward to the Book of Joshua, you read how God yet again reassures Joshua.

“No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you“(Joshua 1:5).

Why the repetition?  Didn’t Joshua hear it the first time?

Some truths are so beautiful they bear repetition.  For example, I never get tired of hearing my wife or children tell me they love me.  I’m never bothered by those precious reminders.  In fact, I enjoy words of lovingkindness.  Don’t you?!

In much the same way, God the loving Heavenly Father reassures His children of His guiding presence.  We are not alone.  God has not abandoned us.  He will never leave us. Joshua needed this sort of comfort.  He was following in the steps of a legend and no doubt felt pressure and anxiety.  God repeatedly said in so many words, “I will be with you, I will help you.  It’s going to be alright.”

Oh by the way, this is not the last time we hear these words in scripture.

The writer of Hebrews reminds us of God’s promise.  “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”  

I guess the Lord wants us also to remember His abiding presence.  So whatever you face today . . . smile, trust, and know God is right there with you!

First, God reveals Himself, primarily through the scripture (Romans 10:17).

Second, a person hears the truth of God and believes in their mind it to be true (Ephesians 4:5).

Third, this “believer” (despite no visual proof) trusts in their heart the veracity of Christ’s claim and is convicted it shall come to pass (Hebrews 11:1).

Fourth, true faith is demonstrated through obedience.  Confidence in God is always expressed through actions (James 2:22).  And thus, the loop is complete as the believer lives out their faith in service and worship to God.

How’s your faith?

Do you need a second touch from the Lord?  Well you do, if you are not seeing other people clearly.

1. Are you seeing the victims of abortion?  the living and the dead?
2. Are you seeing those in prisons?
3. Do you see people in hospitals and nursing homes?
4. Are you seeing the widows and orphans?
5. Are you seeing soldiers? overseas and state-side
6. Do you see people in taverns?
7. Do you see victims in hell?  Luke 16

If you are like me, you need to pray, “God touch me again.  Help me to see  others more clearly.”  Do you need a second touch from the Lord?

You do if you don’t see the Lord Jesus clearly and accurately?

1. Do you see the Lord as suffering Messiah?
2. Do you see the Lord weeping for your city?
3. Do you see Christ as able to heal?
4. Do you see the Lord as sovereign and in complete control of everything?
5. Are you seeing Jesus as the only hope for the world?
6. Do you see Him as world conquering returning monarch?
7. Do you see the Lord Jesus as judge of all?

If you are like me, you need to pray, “God touch me again, help me to see Jesus more clearly and completely.”

Oh yes, I definitely need the Lord to touch me again!  How about you?

There is nothing better in this world than the abundant life found in Jesus Christ.  The blessings of God come to us in two general ways.

1. God gives us certain gifts, favors, and expressions of love.
2. God protects, guards,  and spares us from various sorrows.

One involves giving, the other involves withholding.  Below are some scriptures that show this double barrel love in action.

Psalm 84:11 says “For the Lord God is a sun and shield.”

Job 1:10 Satan replied to God about Job, “ Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. ”

And in the Model Prayer, the Lord instructed us to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread” and “deliver us from evil.”

Which is better?  The giving aspect of God’s love or the protecting aspect?  I’ll let you decide, but personally I kind of like both.  I like peace and mercy.

This past week I have driven up behind two automobile accidents.  Hopefully, everyone was okay.  But the point is, tragedy strikes quick and unexpectedly.  None of us know how much longer we have to live  upon this earth.  So what are we to do?

Be ready.  Make sure you live life fully.  Forgive those who wrong you.  Express love to those you care about.  Enjoy the simple pleasures of life.  Attempt important matters while you still can.  And above all, be sure you know Jesus Christ in a personal saving way, because eventually everyone will stand before Him and give an account.  Be ready.  You know your birthday, but you don’t know your death day.

This is a great verse to ponder this year!!! I have been asking GOD to give me the mind of CHRIST these past few hours.!

It has been cold in Tennessee but sunny- I still have a Christmas tree up till Saturday and well then the chore of getting it taken down and all decorations put in the attic. But I have had a great season of reflecting on Jesus Christ- I actually shopped early- however the giving spirit that I have- you bet I bought a few last minute gifts- I guess I will always enjoy last minute buying- but the sales are on at that time for sure!!

Since so many people from all over the world preview our blog I wanted go give you another great resource- the link is below- it is crosswalk.com- on this site you will find scripture and other resources like devotional and other helps that may help you help others along the way- So use the link below for encouragement- and enjoy-

http://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/dailyinchrist/daily-in-christ-12-or-27-544996.html

Yesterday I was in the grocery store and asked a question to the young man checking me out and my question to him was, “ready for a new year?” Without too much emotion he looked at me and said- well I don’t have that much hope that anything good will happen- then he asked me the same question! I replied, “oh I have great hope- hope in the work of God!”

The line was pressing his time- but every word of hope He needs is in knowing God-I will purposefully get back to the grocery store and locate him with a New Testament and info on know God so that He will have great hope in his life- It was very sad to see and hear such a young person with little hope of great things in life!

How about you? do you know God? do you have hope in God? Click the link below and listen to the message on knowing GOD!

http://www.allaboutgod.com/knowing-god-video.htm

“The LORD God has told us what is right and what he demands: “See that justice is done, let mercy be your first concern, and humbly obey your God.”Micah 6:8 CEV

http://www.biblegateway.com/

How is everyone? Love to hear about your New Year and what God is definitely showing you in life! Write us or post your response! Would love to hear what is going on in your lives.

Right now I am pretty tired from a whirlwind of travels and holidays- Today is the first day back into my somewhat normal routine and I am still just skimming the surface of what is ahead that I must accomplish. Below is today’s post on Face Book today-

After the hustle and bustle of Christmastime-
today…I can actually say- “All is calm-all is bright!!”
Thank you Lord Jesus–Who–Is The Savior of the World-
I keep visualizing the cross- and The Holy Spirit saying- “there is room at the cross for everyone.” Keep On Praying-Keep On telling about Jesus!

I encourage each of you to go beyond the faintest pursuit and pursue to do your very best- asking GOD to direct your path!

‎”My heart tells me to pray.
I am eager to see your face…”–Psalm 27:8 (CEV)