Scripture:  James 1:22-25 - But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.

God used various metaphors to describe His Word.  In the book of James, He used a mirror to illustrate His point.  How often do you see your reflection of the real you in a mirror?  Why do we look in a mirror?  We look in a mirror most often to check our appearance and to see if there is something that is wrong with how we look.  If something is wrong, we want to fix it.  If we don’t fix what we see, we are like the man in James 1:23-24 who saw the problem but walked away.  The Word is like a mirror that shows us what is wrong in our sinful heart, ways, or behavior toward God.  The Word exposes us for who we really are.  From the Word of God we can see our sin as God sees it.  When we walk away without realizing we have a problem or without fixing our problems, we are deceiving ourselves.  (James 1:24)  James presented two kinds of images of a person. (1) A hearer/doer of the Word will be blessed by God. (James 1:25)  (2 ) The other image is a person that hears the word but doesn’t apply it to his life.  He walks away in disobedience to God’s Word.  He deceives himself, and he won’t be blessed by God according to James 1:23-24.  James emphasizes that a true believer wants to hear/do/obey God’s Word.  The true heart of a believer wants to also internalize God’s Word in his daily walk/decisions.  The challenge is – How do I hear the Word and walk in victory?  God has equipped us with His Word.  (Hebrews 4:12 - For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.) The Word judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.  Also, the Word convicts us of our sins.  It’s critical that we be honest with God as the Word shows us our sins.  Then we can repent of our sinful habits.  We won’t feel hopeless, fearful, angry, guilty, condemned/depressed.  If someone is a hearer but not a doer, he will fall into the enemy’s trap.  When we internalize God’s Word in our heart/life by obeying it, we are able to walk in power because of the Word and the Holy Spirit.  (Romans 8:1 - There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.)  We have to remember that God has equipped us with a divine nature.  (II Peter 1:3-4 -  As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, 4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.)  Also, we have Christ living in us. (Galatians 2:20 - I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.)  Now you will have to choose which image you want to be reflected on your life – (1) to be a hearer/doer of the Word or (2)  to hear and not obey the Word and deceive yourself and not receive God’s blessings.

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father:  You see us for who we are – our sins and shortcomings, but you also see what we can become through a personal relationship with Your Son Jesus Christ when we obey Your instructions from the Word.  Please help us to always abide in Your Word – even when it convicts/cuts us – that we may walk in victory.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.

(by Pastor Robert Williams)

Scripture:  Psalms 139:13-17 - For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb.14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. 15 My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. and in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them. 17 How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them!

I Samuel 16:7 -  But the Lord said to Samuel, Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.
Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Philippians 2:13 -  For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

II Corinthians12:9-10 -  And He said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

God has personally made us according to His love, wisdom and sovereignty.  He will finish His good work of conforming us to the character of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6) We have to accept by faith the way that the Lord has created us especially concerning our unchangeable features.  He will work all things together for  good.  (Romans 8:28-30 - And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.)
Some of the unchangeable features/traits we have to accept are:
•        Physical features – hair, face, size, health, complexion, and handicaps;
•        Mental capacity – mental limitations, talents and skills;
•        Aging and our death – thinning hair, poor hearing, wrinkles, poor health as we get older, and the way we die;
•        Birth order – responsibilities we have because of our birth order;
•        Parents – their economic level, their health problems, their successes and failures, and their spiritual condition;
•        Brothers and sisters – characteristics and attitude of each of our brothers and sisters
           (Institute For Basic Youth Conflict)

I struggled with so many different things when I was growing up.  After inviting Jesus Christ into my life, and reading the Bible on a daily basis,  I began to realize that my attitude about myself influenced my attitude toward God, my family, friends, and various situations.  Self acceptance for me is causing me to have freedom from comparison with others.  It is important to accept God’s sovereign purpose in the way He has fashioned us.
If you ever struggle with not accepting your traits/features or family members, confess it to the Lord (I John 1:9).  Then thank the Lord for the way He has created/designed you!  Ask the Lord to strengthen you and/or help you accept/deal with His sovereign will for you.  His grace is sufficient for you!  (II Corinthians 12:9-10 - And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.)  God is able!!  (Ephesians 3:20 - Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.)

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father:  Forgive me for not accepting how You have designed me.  Thank you for the unchangeable features/traits/family members, and situations in my life. They are marks of character for me.  You are sovereign, and I have been humbled by You.  I have joy because of You.  All this I pray in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

(by Marsha Williams)

Scripture:  II Timothy 2:21 – If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.

To be used by God, a personal relationship through Jesus Christ (Romans 10:9) must take place.  Once we are saved, it is so important to keep a short account of our sins (for fellowship purposes). I John 1:9 says “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”.   God can use an ordinary, small or broken vessel, but He doesn’t use a dirty vessel.  II Timothy 2:21 (NLT) says “If you keep yourself pure, you will be a utensil God can use for His purpose.  Your life will be clean, and you’ll be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.”  As we are reading/studying the Word of God daily, we have to ask the Lord to give us a sense of urgency about applying the Word to our lives.  We have to do something about our convictions.  God’s word is life changing if we purpose in our hearts to apply it.
 
God uses people who are grateful!  Paul said “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord “ (Romans 12:11 NIV).  I have to continually remind myself that it is a privilege/honor to serve the Lord.  Just think – He actually chose us before the foundation of the world to have a personal relationship with Him; and He wants to actually use us for His glory!!! We are here for God’s purpose – to please Him – to be a part of His family, created to be like Christ, and molded/shaped for His service/mission!!  Philippians 2:13-16 says “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.  Do all things without murmurings and disputings: that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; holding forth the word of life, that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain neither, labored in vain.”

God’s purposes for our lives are far greater than our trials.  Don’t give up when it gets difficult, tough, or challenging.  Keep your mind stayed on Jesus.  Isaiah 26:3-4 says “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee.
I am still amazed how the Lord continues to use Robert and I even as we are getting older. Several times within the last two months, Robert preached at New Frontiers of Faith Baptist Church (where we invited Jesus Christ into our lives in 1978) and I sang.  What a privilege and *joy bomb* that has been for us!! Being there reminded me of a song that Sis. Delores Smoot (who has gone on to Heaven) and I sang together entitled “To Be Used of God is My Desire”.  The words, which are very dear to my heart, are as follows:

Verse one:
I’ve a yearning in my heart that cannot be denied.
It’s a longing that has never yet been satisfied.
I want the world to know the One who loves them so;
Like a flame it’s burning deep inside.
Verse two:
When I think about the shortness of my earthly years.
I remember all the wasted days, the wasted tears.
I long to preach the Word to those who’ve never heard
Of the One who can dispel all fears.
Refrain:
To be used of God, to sing, to speak, to pray.
To be used of God to show someone the way.
I long so much to feel the touch of His consuming fire.
To be used of God is my desire.
We all have desires and goals, but is your ultimate desire to be used of God?  What a privilege!

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father:  Thank you for saving me, and for still using me for Your glory!  I count it a privilege!  Help me to be so in tune with You that I will be sensitive/obedient to however you lead me.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

(by Marsha Williams)

Scripture:  John 15:11 – These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.

Joy and happiness are so different.  Happiness is from happenings.  For example, you are happy when you purchase a car or house, when you get a promotion or when someone gives you a gift.  Joy is from the Holy Spirit as we sense His presence.  When good things happen to you, you will be happy, but you can be full of joy in the midst of good or bad circumstances or trials.  That’s so amazing to me!  The joy that Jesus had was from Him totally surrendering and sacrificing to His Father. He did what He was sent here to do.  The fruit of the Spirit is joy….!!  (Galatians 5:22)  Hebrews 12:2  says “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despised the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God”.  Jesus also has joy when we as Christians are bearing much fruit and/or abiding in Him – which brings Him glory.

From the book entitled “Fight Back With Joy” by Margaret Feinberg, she states that joy emanates out of the abiding sense of God’s fierce love for us, realizing that God is here, and when we continually believe that God is for us!!  She also states that joy involves a spectrum of emotions/actions and responses that include:  gladness, cheer, happiness, merriment, delighting, dancing, shouting, exulting, rejoicing, laughing…   I looked up all of the scriptures in the Bible that talked about joy to see how the word joy was used.  I thought there would be maybe 30  or 40 scriptures, but to my surprise there are 149 scriptures that have the word joy in them.
 
The Lord really wants us to be full of joy, and He wants His joy to remain in us.  Philippians 4:4 says “Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice”.  I Thessalonians 5:16 says “Rejoice evermore”.  We experienced joy at our conversion.  (Acts 8:39)  We can have joy when reading God’s word.  (Jeremiah 15:16 – Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord of hosts.)  We can also have joy when we pray.  (John 16:24 – Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and he shall receive, that your joy may be full.)  We can actually have joy in the midst of trials.  (James 1:2-3 – My brethren count it all joy when we fall into divers temptations, knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.) We can also have joy even while suffering. (Acts 5:41 – And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.)  Do you experience joy when serving the Lord?  (II Corinthians 1:2-4)

Is there anything hindering you from being full of joy?

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father:  Thank you for giving me joy!  Help me to always be full of joy no matter what I go through.  I’m trusting in You.  All this I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

(by Marsha Williams)

Scripture:  John 13:12-15 - So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? 13 You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.

As we read through the Bible, we realize that Jesus Christ was a true servant -- the greatest servant of all, who submitted to His Father’s will, who humbled Himself unto death – the death of the cross.  God in the flesh took the role of a slave to wash the dirt off His disciples’ feet, and He loved them all until the very end.  He even loved His enemy, Judas, who betrayed Him.  Jesus is our role model for serving (Matthew 20:28).  Jesus laid down His life as the ultimate sacrifice to pay for my sinful attitude, my selfishness, my pride, which causes me to fall flat on my face to confess my sins (I John 1:9).  Peter failed Jesus, but in his failure he turned to Jesus to be forgiven and cleansed.  Then Jesus turned Peter’s failure into success – when Peter preached one of the greatest sermons by the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:14-36).  What is important to remember in serving the Lord?  We should always make sure that we are serving with the right attitude and motive.  We must depend on Christ’ love – living in us to empower us to serve in difficult times (rather the task is big or small – in our home, church, job, or on a mission field).  We must serve the Lord with a one-another mindset – looking out for the needs of others.  Also, we should want to hear the Lord say well done thou good and faithful servant (Matthew 25:21).

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, help me to yield to the Lordship of Jesus Christ -- that I may serve You and others with a faithful heart.  In Jesus’ name. Amen.

(by Pastor Robert Williams)

Scripture:  Romans 5:1-5 – Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have  peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Eight years ago, Marsha and I experienced the passing of our son, Shaun.  It was very difficult going through that ordeal.  We had to forgive the person who murdered our son as Christ has forgiven us.  (Ephesians 4:32) In all of our struggles, suffering, pain, trials and tribulations, we know that our Lord Jesus Christ was right there with us and for us, and we had to totally depend on Him as our faith was being tested.  When we were weak, we found our strength to stand because of the Word of God in Romans the fifth chapter.  Also, when we had sleepless nights, our faith had to rest in the Lord Jesus Christ.  In all of our tears and grieving, God gave us enabling grace and peace to ease our troubled minds.  When negative thoughts tried to come into our minds, we had to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to see us through.  Hope from the Lord will never disappoint us.  The love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit.  Trials in our lives build godly character as we learn to persevere, rest, depend, rely, and wait on the Lord. Within ourselves we can never overcome adversity.   It’s all about allowing the Lord to transform our lives to be more like Him.  (John 16:33 – These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.)

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, I thank you that in all of my trials You are working them out for my good and for Your divine purpose and glory. In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

(by Pastor Robert Williams)

Scripture:  Psalms 42:1-2a - As the deer panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.  My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God.
Psalms 63:1 - O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water.
Matthew 6:19-21 - Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

We serve a risen Savior who loves us so much!  We weren’t searching for the Lord, but He drew us to Himself by the power of the Holy Spirit!  We have a personal relationship with the Lord that will last forever!  We are sealed unto the day of redemption, holden up til the last day, and no one can make us fall!  We have all we need to be victorious in Him (if we choose to cooperate with the Holy Spirit).  Because of that I want to share about treasuring our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and our devotional time with Him.  It’s a daily meeting time with the Lord that I’m talking about.  A time of singing, praising, worshipping, reading the Word of God, and confessing our sins. He is speaking to us through His Word (the Bible).  We are to draw near to the Lord.  It is a special time, which should be longed for, committed to – despite our busy schedule, distractions or interruptions or how we feel.  It’s a time that if we are consistent in meeting with the Lord, our lives will be transformed because we will begin to see things with a new perspective.  We will treasure the Lord more and more as we read about Him and His character:  After all, Jesus is God!  (I Timothy 3:16, John 1:1, 14)
 
As we learn about the meanings of His names, we will treasure Him even more:  El Roi means – the God who sees me (Genesis 16:3-14).  It is very comforting to know that God sees and knows everything we are going through.  Jehovah Rophe means – the Lord who heals us (Exodus 15:22-26).  The Lord heals us in different ways:  spiritually (by forgiving us of our sin), emotionally, mentally – (when we are discouraged or hurting inside), and many times He heals us physically. He is Jehovah Jireh – the Lord who provides (Genesis 22:13-14).  Elohim means – God, mighty creator (Genesis 1:1).  In our devotional time, we can pray God’s names back to Him!  I thank You for being El Elyon – God most high! I thank You for being Elohim – creator and possessor of Heaven and Earth!  I thank you for being ElShaddai – Almighty God!  You are Jehovah Rophe – my healer!  Thank you for being Jehovah Shalom – the Lord of peace!

As I am having my devotional time with the Lord, it is always a time of self-examination (Matthew 6:19-21). Psalms 42:1-2a says “As the deer panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.  My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God. Do you have a heart bent more toward heavenly or earthly treasures?  Are you more thirsty for the Lord or other things?
 
Hindrances to treasuring the Lord and our time with Him are:  anger, bitterness, disappointment, discouragement, depression, not accepting God’s sovereignty in our circumstances.  Is there any situation or trial that you are currently facing that you are allowing to hinder you from loving/treasuring the Lord or going forward in your walk with the Lord?

Let us continue to and more and more treasure our Savior and devotional time with Him.  We must make it a priority to lay up treasures in Heaven (which are lasting) versus earthly wealth and/or treasures on the earth (which are temporal) (Matthew 6:19-21).

For the Lord is our treasure:
T (trustworthy, triumphant)
R (righteous, rich in mercy/grace)
E (eternal)
A (advocate, awesome and able to keep us from falling)
S (sovereign, superior to all)
U (unchanging)
R (redeemer)
E (extraordinary)

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father:  Thank you for who You are!  Help me to always treasure my time with You.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.

(by Marsha Williams)

Scripture:  II Timothy 2:21 – If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.

To be used by God, a personal relationship through Jesus Christ (Romans 10:9) must take place.  Once we are saved, it is so important to keep a short account of our sins (for fellowship purposes). I John 1:9 says “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”.   God can use an ordinary, small or broken vessel, but He doesn’t use a dirty vessel.  II Timothy 2:21 (NLT) says “If you keep yourself pure, you will be a utensil God can use for His purpose.  Your life will be clean, and you’ll be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.”  As we are reading/studying the Word of God daily, we have to ask the Lord to give us a sense of urgency about applying the Word to our lives.  We have to do something about our convictions.  God’s word is life changing if we purpose in our hearts to apply it.
 
God uses people who are grateful!  Paul said “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord “ (Romans 12:11 NIV).  I have to continually remind myself that it is a privilege/honor to serve the Lord.  Just think – He actually chose us before the foundation of the world to have a personal relationship with Him; and He wants to actually use us for His glory!!! We are here for God’s purpose – to please Him – to be a part of His family, created to be like Christ, and molded/shaped for His service/mission!!  Philippians 2:13-16 says “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.  Do all things without murmurings and disputings: that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; holding forth the word of life, that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain neither, labored in vain.”

God’s purposes for our lives are far greater than our trials.  Don’t give up when it gets difficult, tough, or challenging.  Keep your mind stayed on Jesus.  Isaiah 26:3-4 says “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee.
I am still amazed how the Lord continues to use Robert and I even as we are getting older. Several times within the last two months, Robert preached at New Frontiers of Faith Baptist Church (where we invited Jesus Christ into our lives in 1978) and I sang.  What a privilege and *joy bomb* that has been for us!! Being there reminded me of a song that Sis. Delores Smoot (who has gone on to Heaven) and I sang together entitled “To Be Used of God is My Desire”.  The words, which are very dear to my heart, are as follows:

Verse one:
I’ve a yearning in my heart that cannot be denied.
It’s a longing that has never yet been satisfied.
I want the world to know the One who loves them so;
Like a flame it’s burning deep inside.
Verse two:
When I think about the shortness of my earthly years.
I remember all the wasted days, the wasted tears.
I long to preach the Word to those who’ve never heard
Of the One who can dispel all fears.
Refrain:
To be used of God, to sing, to speak, to pray.
To be used of God to show someone the way.
I long so much to feel the touch of His consuming fire.
To be used of God is my desire.
We all have desires and goals, but is your ultimate desire to be used of God?  What a privilege!

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father:  Thank you for saving me, and for still using me for Your glory!  I count it a privilege!  Help me to be so in tune with You that I will be sensitive/obedient to however you lead me.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

(by Marsha Williams)

Scripture:  Luke 19:10 - For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Jesus called us as born-again believers to follow His example in reaching out to lost souls/people.  Some Christians like the comfort zone of the four walls of their church.  While lost souls are dying all around us and going to hell without Jesus Christ in their lives, we need to  follow Jesus’ example.  He went out where the people were. In Luke 19 the people complained against Jesus for being a guest of a man who was a sinner.  Notice, Jesus did not let that stop or distract Him from reaching out to Zacchaeus.  The question we need to ask ourselves is --  Are we letting people or things or Satan distract us from reaching out to lost souls?  Zacchaeus was materially rich yet spiritually poor.  He knew about Jesus but did not know Jesus as His personal Lord and Savior.  A lot of people in the world and some in the church think they know Jesus, but they are still lost in their sins.  Why?  They reject Jesus and the teaching of His Word. Some of the Pharisees were religious but lost in their sins.  Zacchaeus was desperate to see who Jesus was, and he received Jesus joyfully!  Zacchaeus experienced joy in the presence of Jesus, and he also experienced an inward conviction of the wrong things he was doing in his life. Zacchaeus had a desire to make the necessary change in his life by giving back a portion of what he had stolen from the people. This is a true picture of repentance.  Also, what was missing in Zacchaeus’ life was fulfilled by Jesus Christ.  You can’t be found until you realize that you are lost.  Without a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, you are lost.  Then Jesus said to Zacchaeus, salvation has come to this house.  Jesus also said to him, the Son of man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.  Jesus’ mission was accomplished!

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, please help me to have a burning passion to reach out to lost souls like You did.  I want to always be about Your business.  (Luke 2:49)  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.

(by Pastor Robert Williams)

Scripture:  I Corinthians 1:18 -  For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

The message of the cross is more than just the speaking of impressive words or wearing a nice piece of jewelry around your neck.  The real message/power of the cross is that Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross -- where all of our sins were nailed to that cross.  (Colossians 2:13-14).  Our past, present and future sins were placed upon Him so we can be dead to sin, self and alive to God and His righteousness through Jesus Christ our Lord.  (Romans 6:11-13).  Now the question is—What does the cross mean to you?  I don’t know about you, but the cross means everything to me.  Why?  The power of the cross has saved me and delivered me from the power of sin, death, hell, the devil, and has changed my life! Now I can live a holy life, be set apart to serve Christ, love Him, and love others.  My life can be a witness for Christ.  God has equipped us to do this by the power of the message of the cross -- Jesus Christ’ death, burial, and resurrection power, which is living in us.  (Galatians 2:20)  Paul said to Jews the message of the cross it is a stumbling block and unto the Greek it is foolishness.  To those who are saved, it is the power of God.  (I Corinthians 1:18)  So now as born-again believers, we can proclaim the good news (the message of the power of the cross) to a dying world who needs a living Savior --  the Lord Jesus Christ.  Now we are to go and share the gospel of Jesus Christ with everyone!! (Mark 16:15)

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, thank you for dying on the cross for my sin.  Please help me to yield to the power of the cross that my life will make a difference in my home, community, church, job, and wherever I may go.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

(by Pastor Robert Williams)

Scriptures: 
Psalms 18:6 – In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears. 
Philippians 4:8 - Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
I John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

There are things that steal our intimacy with God.  People fall into deception of Satan’s LIES.  John 8:44 says “He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him.”  Since the devil attempted to lie/deceive Jesus, we should be on guard for when he lies to us too.  When we drift in our walk with the Lord, we will become more acquainted with the enemy’s lies about us than God’s truth about us.  Philippians 4:8 says “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
Our FEARS/INSECURITIES rob us of intimacy with God..  I John 4:18 says “There is no fear in love.  But perfect love casteth out fear; because fear hath torments.  He that feareth is not made perfect in love.”

Many people drag/carry around heavy loads of PAST HURTS.  The enemy wants us to be so weighed down with burdens that we can’t move forward. Psalms 18:6 – “In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.”

 LOSSES in our lives can be painful and even paralyzing.  The loss of a loved one, a job, or betrayal of a friend, are hard to deal with. We can become angry, bitter or feel hopeless, numb, or extremely discouraged – to the point that we lose focus on our fellowship with God and we drift away from serving God faithfully, consistently – intimately/closely.
In times of losses for me -- when I have gotten sidetracked in my intimacy with the Lord,  I have  had to cry out to Him and pray for forgiveness of sins (I John 1:9), comfort, deliverance, and strength.  I have to always remind myself that the Lord wants to help me see life’s circumstances according to His perspective. God is sovereign!  He wants me to take the low road, be humble and totally surrendered in how I react to whatever I am facing.  He wants me to trust Him no matter what.
 
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father:  Thank You for the personal relationship and fellowship that I have with You.  Help me not to get distracted or to lose the closeness/intimacy that I should always have with You.  I need You Lord.
(by Marsha Williams)

Scriptures: 
Psalms 18:6 – In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears. 
Philippians 4:8 - Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.


I John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
There are things that steal our intimacy with God.  People fall into deception of Satan’s LIES.  John 8:44 says “He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him.”  Since the devil attempted to lie/deceive Jesus, we should be on guard for when he lies to us too.  When we drift in our walk with the Lord, we will become more acquainted with the enemy’s lies about us than God’s truth about us.  Philippians 4:8 says “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

Our FEARS/INSECURITIES rob us of intimacy with God..  I John 4:18 says “There is no fear in love.  But perfect love casteth out fear; because fear hath torments.  He that feareth is not made perfect in love.”
Many people drag/carry around heavy loads of PAST HURTS.  The enemy wants us to be so weighed down with burdens that we can’t move forward. Psalms 18:6 – “In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.”

 LOSSES in our lives can be painful and even paralyzing.  The loss of a loved one, a job, or betrayal of a friend, are hard to deal with. We can become angry, bitter or feel hopeless, numb, or extremely discouraged – to the point that we lose focus on our fellowship with God and we drift away from serving God faithfully, consistently – intimately/closely.
In times of losses for me -- when I have gotten sidetracked in my intimacy with the Lord,  I have  had to cry out to Him and pray for forgiveness of sins (I John 1:9), comfort, deliverance, and strength.  I have to always remind myself that the Lord wants to help me see life’s circumstances according to His perspective. God is sovereign!  He wants me to take the low road, be humble and totally surrendered in how I react to whatever I am facing.  He wants me to trust Him no matter what.
 
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father:  Thank You for the personal relationship and fellowship that I have with You.  Help me not to get distracted or to lose the closeness/intimacy that I should always have with You.  I need You Lord.

(by Marsha Williams)

Scripture:  James 1:22-25 - But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.

God used various metaphors to describe His Word.  In the book of James, He used a mirror to illustrate His point.  How often do you see your reflection of the real you in a mirror?  Why do we look in a mirror?  We look in a mirror most often to check our appearance and to see if there is something that is wrong with how we look.  If something is wrong, we want to fix it.  If we don’t fix what we see, we are like the man in James 1:23-24 who saw the problem but walked away.  The Word is like a mirror that shows us what is wrong in our sinful heart, ways, or behavior toward God.  The Word exposes us for who we really are.  From the Word of God we can see our sin as God sees it.  When we walk away without realizing we have a problem or without fixing our problems, we are deceiving ourselves.  (James 1:24)  James presented two kinds of images of a person. (1) A hearer/doer of the Word will be blessed by God. (James 1:25)  (2 ) The other image is a person that hears the word but doesn’t apply it to his life.  He walks away in disobedience to God’s Word.  He deceives himself, and he won’t be blessed by God according to James 1:23-24.  James emphasizes that a true believer wants to hear/do/obey God’s Word.  The true heart of a believer wants to also internalize God’s Word in his daily walk/decisions.  The challenge is – How do I hear the Word and walk in victory?  God has equipped us with His Word.  (Hebrews 4:12 - For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.) The Word judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.  Also, the Word convicts us of our sins.  It’s critical that we be honest with God as the Word shows us our sins.  Then we can repent of our sinful habits.  We won’t feel hopeless, fearful, angry, guilty, condemned/depressed.  If someone is a hearer but not a doer, he will fall into the enemy’s trap.  When we internalize God’s Word in our heart/life by obeying it, we are able to walk in power because of the Word and the Holy Spirit.  (Romans 8:1 - There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.)  We have to remember that God has equipped us with a divine nature.  (II Peter 1:3-4 -  As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, 4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.)  Also, we have Christ living in us. (Galatians 2:20 - I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.)  Now you will have to choose which image you want to be reflected on your life – (1) to be a hearer/doer of the Word or (2)  to hear and not obey the Word and deceive yourself and not receive God’s blessings.

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father:  You see us for who we are – our sins and shortcomings, but you also see what we can become through a personal relationship with Your Son Jesus Christ when we obey Your instructions from the Word.  Please help us to always abide in Your Word – even when it convicts/cuts us – that we may walk in victory.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.

(by Pastor Robert Williams)

Scripture:  Luke 10:38-42 - Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. 40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. 41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: 42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

Martha gladly received Jesus into her house, whom she loved! She was so busy serving Jesus, but she neglected to think about what should have been the priority at that moment – to slow down and sit at Jesus’ feet (like her sister Mary did.  Martha was so concerned that everything was in order for Jesus. Then, Martha started feeling resentful toward her sister.  She asked Jesus to tell Mary to go back to serving the Lord instead of Martha having to serve the Lord by herself.  Jesus taught Martha that the number one priority was having fellowship with Him.

It is so important to serve the Lord in any way we can – at home, in at church in various ministries, but when we have so many projects/tasks to do that we don’t have time to develop our  intimacy with the Lord, we are  too busy.  My mother used to tell me that it is better to be on several ministries and carry out responsibilities well, than to be on a lot of ministries and half do what is required or to be unorganized and do everything half way or at the last minute.  Sometimes as Christians we can be so busy that we neglect spending quality time in the Word of God and prayer and don’t have time to be still and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to our hearts through God’s word.  It shows immaturity and lack of discernment to over-extend ourselves beyond what the Lord has called us to do.  Taking time to be in the presence of  God is so necessary.  Have you ever over-extended yourself with so many activities that you became worn out or frustrated?  Regretfully, I sure have.  I am learning that the more time I “sit at Jesus’ feet”(times of intimacy with the Lord), the more I will know exactly what He wants me to do.

Prayer:  Thank you Lord for my time of sweet fellowship with You.  Help me to do whatever You want me to do at this stage in my life.
 
(by Marsha Williams)

Scripture:  John 13:12-15 - So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? 13 You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.

As we read through the Bible, we realize that Jesus Christ was a true servant -- the greatest servant of all, who submitted to His Father’s will, who humbled Himself unto death – the death of the cross.  God in the flesh took the role of a slave to wash the dirt off His disciples’ feet, and He loved them all until the very end.  He even loved His enemy, Judas, who betrayed Him.  Jesus is our role model for serving (Matthew 20:28).  Jesus laid down His life as the ultimate sacrifice to pay for my sinful attitude, my selfishness, my pride, which causes me to fall flat on my face to confess my sins (I John 1:9).  Peter failed Jesus, but in his failure he turned to Jesus to be forgiven and cleansed.  Then Jesus turned Peter’s failure into success – when Peter preached one of the greatest sermons by the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:14-36).  What is important to remember in serving the Lord?  We should always make sure that we are serving with the right attitude and motive.  We must depend on Christ’ love – living in us to empower us to serve in difficult times (rather the task is big or small – in our home, church, job, or on a mission field).  We must serve the Lord with a one-another mindset – looking out for the needs of others.  Also, we should want to hear the Lord say well done thou good and faithful servant (Matthew 25:21).

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, help me to yield to the Lordship of Jesus Christ -- that I may serve You and others with a faithful heart.  In Jesus’ name. Amen.

(by Pastor Robert Williams)

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Scripture:  Romans 5:1-5 – Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have  peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

In 2009, Marsha and I experienced the passing of our son, Shaun.  It was very difficult going through that ordeal.  We had to forgive the person who murdered our son as Christ has forgiven us.  (Ephesians 4:32) In all of our struggles, suffering, pain, trials and tribulations, we know that our Lord Jesus Christ was right there with us and for us, and we had to totally depend on Him as our faith was being tested.  When we were weak, we found our strength to stand because of the Word of God in Romans the fifth chapter.  Also, when we had sleepless nights, our faith had to rest in the Lord Jesus Christ.  In all of our tears and grieving, God gave us enabling grace and peace to ease our troubled minds.  When negative thoughts tried to come into our minds, we had to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to see us through.  Hope from the Lord will never disappoint us.  The love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit.  Trials in our lives build godly character as we learn to persevere, rest, depend, rely, and wait on the Lord. Within ourselves we can never overcome adversity.   It’s all about allowing the Lord to transform our lives to be more like Him.  (John 16:33 – These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.)

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, I thank you that in all of my trials You are working them out for my good and for Your divine purpose and glory. In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

(by Pastor Robert Williams

Scripture:  John 14:26-27 - But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. 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.
Jesus said “Let not your heart be troubled.  He told them that a place was being prepared for them, and that He would come again and would receive them to Himself.  Can you imagine how His disciples felt? Jesus told His disciples that they could have peace in the midst of a storm/turmoil, and they would receive the peace He gives!

Some people think that the way to have peace is by changing your circumstance or environment – by going on a trip, or to go somewhere that is peaceful.  Jesus says that He gives peace in the midst of trials, trouble, distress, turmoil, heartache or pressure.  That is easy to say, but sometimes resting in the midst of trials can be extremely difficult.  We can rest as we realize that Jesus Christ is working His purpose in our lives. Isaiah 26:3-4 says “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee; because he trusteth in Thee.  Trust ye in the Lord forever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength.”  Do you really believe God’s Word?

The Bible teaches us that our sin separated us from God (Isaiah 59:2) and made us God’s enemies (Colossians 1:21).  Therefore, Jesus needed to come to earth as a mediator (I Timothy 2:5).  God’s terms of peace are total, unconditional surrender.  We have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.  Once we have peace with God through Jesus Christ, He wants us to experience the peace of God in our hearts.  Jesus was born to earth to give us a better way than worrying or being afraid.  Worrying causes anxiety to increase.  When we pray to God about our problems, this causes anxiety to dissipate/decrease.  Philippians 4:6-7 – says Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.  As we grow in the things of the Lord, we will have peace with others.
 
Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father,  I am so grateful that I have peace with You through Jesus Christ,   and I have peace of God, which passeth all understanding – even in the midst of turmoil.  Help me to continually, consistently yield, rest, depend, rely on You no matter what I am facing.  Thank you for making me a new creation in Christ (II Corinthians 5:17).  Amen.

(Marsha Williams)

Scripture:  Luke 19:10 - For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Jesus called us as born-again believers to follow His example in reaching out to lost souls/people.  Some Christians like the comfort zone of the four walls of their church.  While lost souls are dying all around us and going to hell without Jesus Christ in their lives, we need to  follow Jesus’ example.  He went out where the people were. In Luke 19 the people complained against Jesus for being a guest of a man who was a sinner.  Notice, Jesus did not let that stop or distract Him from reaching out to Zacchaeus.  The question we need to ask ourselves is --  Are we letting people or things or Satan distract us from reaching out to lost souls?  Zacchaeus was materially rich yet spiritually poor.  He knew about Jesus but did not know Jesus as His personal Lord and Savior.  A lot of people in the world and some in the church think they know Jesus, but they are still lost in their sins.  Why?  They reject Jesus and the teaching of His Word. Some of the Pharisees were religious but lost in their sins.  Zacchaeus was desperate to see who Jesus was, and he received Jesus joyfully!  Zacchaeus experienced joy in the presence of Jesus, and he also experienced an inward conviction of the wrong things he was doing in his life. Zacchaeus had a desire to make the necessary change in his life by giving back a portion of what he had stolen from the people. This is a true picture of repentance.  Also, what was missing in Zacchaeus’ life was fulfilled by Jesus Christ.  You can’t be found until you realize that you are lost.  Without a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, you are lost.  Then Jesus said to Zacchaeus, salvation has come to this house.  Jesus also said to him, the Son of man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.  Jesus’ mission was accomplished!

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, please help me to have a burning passion to reach out to lost souls like You did.  I want to always be about Your business.  (Luke 2:49)  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.

(by Pastor Robert Williams)

Scripture:  I Corinthians 2:12 – Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God, that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
When I was growing up, my mother used to read Bible stories to me; and my parents took me and my siblings to church every Sunday.  I thought the Bible was like any other book/novel.  I wondered if what was in the Bible was true/real.  I wasn’t a Christian then, and I didn’t realize that the Bible was the true/authentic word of God.  I didn’t realize that “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (II Timothy 3:16-17).  I didn’t know that “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (II Peter 1:21).   I invited Jesus Christ into my life in August of 1978 – when I was 23 years old.  Then, the Bible became so real in my life, because I had a personal relationship with the Lord – and the Holy Spirit was within in!

Paul knew that the Corinthian Christians had received God’s Holy Spirit, ecause they had genuine faith in Christ and they were saved (I Corinthians 1:4-9.  Every believer who trusts in Christ for salvation is indwelled with the Holy Spirit when they trust Christ. I Corinthians 12:13 says  “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.”  (Romans 8:9 and Ephesians 13-14)  Paul wrote that as Christians we have not received the spirit of the world.  When we came to faith in Christ, that worldly spirit was replaced with the Spirit of God.  through Him, we gain the ability to understand what can only be understood spiritually apart from our physical senses.  God has freely revealed these things to us about His Son and the opportunity to be included in His family.  He wants us to know them and trust them as being absolutely true.  I Corinthians 2:6-16 describes the difference between human wisdom and God’s wisdom,  Human wisdom is limited to what can be observed and worked out with human reasoning. Colossians 2:8 says “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.”  On the other hand, God’s wisdom includes His plan to offer salvation through Christ’s cruxifixion, must be received and believed spiritually through God’s Holy Spirit.  Without the help of the Spirit, people cannot believe what is spiritual, so they reject all spiritual truth as foolishness. The Holy Spirit illuminates to us God’s Word!
 
Prayer:  Thank you Lord for helping me to see things more clearly because of the Holy Spirit within me.  Thank You for the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross, and for forgiving me of my sin.

(by Marsha Williams)

Scripture:  I Corinthians 1:18 -  For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

The message of the cross is more than just the speaking of impressive words or wearing a nice piece of jewelry around your neck.  The real message/power of the cross is that Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross -- where all of our sins were nailed to that cross.  (Colossians 2:13-14).  Our past, present and future sins were placed upon Him so we can be dead to sin, self and alive to God and His righteousness through Jesus Christ our Lord.  (Romans 6:11-13).  Now the question is—What does the cross mean to you?  I don’t know about you, but the cross means everything to me.  Why?  The power of the cross has saved me and delivered me from the power of sin, death, hell, the devil, and has changed my life! Now I can live a holy life, be set apart to serve Christ, love Him, and love others.  My life can be a witness for Christ.  God has equipped us to do this by the power of the message of the cross -- Jesus Christ’ death, burial, and resurrection power, which is living in us.  (Galatians 2:20)  Paul said to Jews the message of the cross it is a stumbling block and unto the Greek it is foolishness.  To those who are saved, it is the power of God.  (I Corinthians 1:18)  So now as born-again believers, we can proclaim the good news (the message of the power of the cross) to a dying world who needs a living Savior --  the Lord Jesus Christ.  Now we are to go and share the gospel of Jesus Christ with everyone!! (Mark 16:15)
 
Prayer:  Heavenly Father, thank you for dying on the cross for my sin.  Please help me to yield to the power of the cross that my life will make a difference in my home, community, church, job, and wherever I may go.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

(by Pastor Robert Williams)

Scripture:  Psalms 91:2 - I will say of the LORD, [He is] my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust.
Words synonymous to refuge are fortress, hide-away, protection, resort, sanctuary, security, shelter, stronghold, cover, den, harbor, home, port, resource, shield, safe place, and way out!

It is amazing to me how I can be going through a trial or something can be heavy on my heart.  When I cry out to the Lord and read the Word of God, it seems as if the words are lifted off of the pages – and I can become so encouraged!!!  Psalms 62:8 says - in Him at all times; [ye] people, pour out your heart before him: God [is] a refuge for us. Selah.  I can’t go without reading the Bible on a daily basis.  When we read/study God’s Word, it’s an encounter with God our Savior Jesus Christ!!
 
Some of the scriptures that mention refuge and have been a comfort to me are as follows:
Samuel-2 22:3a - The God of my rock; in him will I trust: [He is] my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour;
Psalms 9:9 - The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.
Psalms 46:1 - To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth. God [is] our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Psalms 46:7 - The LORD of hosts [is] with us; the God of Jacob [is] our refuge. Selah.
Psalms 57:1 - To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave. Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until [these] calamities be overpast.
Psalms 59:16 - But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defense and refuge in the day of my trouble.

Psalms 62:7 - In God [is] my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, [and] my refuge, [is] in God.

Psalms 94:22 - But the LORD is my defence; and my God [is] the rock of my refuge.
Psalms 142:5 - I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou [art] my refuge [and] my portion in the land of the living.

Proverbs 14:26 - In the fear of the LORD [is] strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father:  Thank you for being my refuge! I am safe because of you! I can cry out to You at any time.  You are always there for me. My confidence is in You. All this I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

(by Marsha Williams)  

Scripture:  Luke 23:39-43 -  And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. 40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. 42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. 43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.
Seeing what we can learn from the thief on the cross – at the time of Jesus’ crucifixion, I I immediately think about how there were two thieves beside Him (Luke 23:33-43).  One thief responded in faith to the message of salvation and ent to paradise that same day.  The other thief did not respond in faith, and he is now eternally separated from Jesus. He is suffering from a deadly mistake – wrong choice.  It is amazing that while Jesus was in excruciating pain/torment and agony, He had a heart, mind, and will to pray for others.  One thief who suffered on the cross by the power of the Holy Spirit repented of his sin and asked for forgiveness of his sins.  He had a repentant heart.  While the disciples were abandoning the Lord, this man believed on Jesus and was forgiven of his sins.  The other thief rejected Jesus, and joined in with some of the crowd in insulting the Savior of the world (Matthew 27:44).  He saw the world get dark.  He heard the testimony of the Son of Man/God. Regardless, he refused to submit to the only one who could save/forgive him. 
We learn from the forgiven thief that we all are in need of A Savior.  We definitely are in need of salvation.  Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast”.  Acts 4:12 says        “ Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”   Those who are lost are still invited to come to Jesus.  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.”  Revelation 22:17 – “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”  John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father:  Thank You for redeeming us by the blood of the Lamb!  Now that we have been redeemed, please help us to make right choices daily.  We are so thankful for all that You have done for us.  In Jesus’ name. Amen.

(by Marsha Williams)

Scripture:  John 17:15 - I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.

This was a very trying time for the disciples.  Christ would be soon leaving them to return to the Father.  The world was so evil/treacherous toward Christ and the disciples, because they (Christ and the disciples) were in the world but not of the world. Many people hated Christ and, therefore, hated the disciples too.  The world hates true believers today.
Regardless of what Christ was going through, He loved the disciples and prayed to the Father for them. No matter what we are currently facing, it is so comforting to know that Christ Himself prays for us as true believers!! John 17:20a  says - Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word.

In this Christian walk/life, our trials/circumstances can be so overwhelming at times, but God’s grace is sufficient.   (II Corinthians 12:9-10 -  And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.)  The Lord is praying for us that we will be kept so that we will fulfill our duties, responsibilities, and purpose for our lives.  He is praying that we will be kept from evil in this world and be kept from evil from our own hearts.  The Lord wants us to adhere to the moral/ethical principles set forth in the Word of God.  We are to take serious our walk with the Lord -- how we treat/forgive others, and our responsibility to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.  There have been times in my life when I have felt so burdened down/discourages, but the Lord kept me.  He encouraged me, and He set me free!  There are times when you will have to encourage yourself in the Lord!  Hold on to God’s unchanging hands.  Don’t give up.  Continue to trust the Lord.  He won’t put more on you than you can bear!  (I Corinthians 10:13 - There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. ) Psalms 46:1 says God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  

Remember, He is continually praying for you. (Romans 8:34b - It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.) The Holy Spirit is interceding for you!!  Romans 8:26-27 says Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.  27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.   Continue to do what the Lord has called you to do.
 
Prayer: Thank you Lord for loving me, for forgiving me, and for praying for us.  Help me, no matter how busy I am, to take time to pray, read/study Your Word, and purpose in my heart to apply Your Word in my life.

(by Marsha Williams)

Scripture Acts 9:3-6 -  “And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 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. 6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.”

II Corinthians 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.”
Galatians 2:20 – “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”

In Acts 9:3-4, Paul’s life was changed by the power of Christ.  Before we were saved, we were slaves to our sinful nature.  When we invited Jesus Christ into our lives, Christ’s power (Holy Spirit) came to live in our hearts.  We were placed in the body of Christ.  I Corinthians 12:13 -  “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.”
The woman at the well in Samaria’s live was changed by the living water – the message of Jesus Christ.  John 4:5-14 - Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 6 Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour. 7 There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink. 8 (For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.) 9 Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. 10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. 11 The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water? 12 Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle? 13 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: 14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. Her life was transformed, and she told others about the Messiah – Jesus Christ!  Many others believed on Jesus, and their lives were changed because of the woman’s testimony!
Now that our lives are being changed, let’s continue to tell others about our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ wherever we go!  Mark 16:15 – “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”  Each day as I pray, I ask the Lord to show me who to witness to and what to say. Please lead me and guide me Lord.  Matthew 28:19-20 -  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. People need the Lord.  It is our responsibility to tell this dying world about Jesus the Christ before it is too late.  Time is running out.

Prayer:  Thank You Lord for saving me and changing my life.  Please give me what to say as I share the “good news”.  Thank You for leading/guiding me.  All this I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

(by Marsha Williams)